Whirl by Emma Raveling

Title: Whirl
Series: The Ondine Quartet
Author: Emma Raveling
Independently Published
September 15, 2011

Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

 Seventeen-year-old Kendra Irisavie is an ondine, a water elemental caught in the middle of an ancient war with the Aquidae, immortal dark demons who will stop at nothing to destroy the fragile balance of the Elemental world.

Fierce and independent, Kendra has always played by her own rules. Gifted with the powerful magic of Virtue and trained to be a deadly fighter, she has spent her life breaking hearts and getting into trouble.

When her life explodes one violent night in a northern California city, a dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past. Alone and with no one to trust, she must now navigate through a dangerous new world, face the temptations of a forbidden romance, and remain true to her duty and destiny.

All while the Aquidae continue to hunt her down, in the hopes of eliminating her forever…

An edgy YA urban fantasy/paranormal romance, Whirl is recommended for older teens and mature readers due to strong language and mild sexual situations.

Every book I have read about elementals has been phenominal; Whirl is no exception. While this wasn't a unique story line, I loved the fierceness in the characters. Kendra is independent and broken. Her mother raised her in the mortal world and taught her to fight for her life; sadly, Ondines are not meant to fight. They are meant to wield magic and sometimes that just isn't enough. Kendra's mom dies tragically, leaving Kendra alone in the mortal world...until...

Tristan, powerful and skilled, arrives in the nick of time, escorting Kendra back to a home her mother had removed her from long ago. Kendra is from a royal line of Ondines and holds the power to change the world...just not as soon as she would like. Her mom kept numerous secrets from Kendra, leaving her angry and weary of those around her. Returning home is no easy task. Kendra knows little of the magic she possesses and will be forced to learn how to use it...and the quicker the better; however, all Kendra really wants is to be allowed to fight the Aquidae, the demon equivalent.

I sincerely enjoyed Whirl, written in first person, you get up close and personal with Kendra's feelings. Feelings of hate, frustration, and love. The book is filled with angst, deception, and intensity. For those of you who enjoy some romance, never fear, there is plenty of that too. A fast paced read that keeps the pages turning. The characters are complex and lovable, giving you every reason to become invested in their well-being. Kendra is quick-witted and snarky, making her just my kind of heroin. The world building of Lumiere Academy and it's surroundings pulls you into another world. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 Stars is it's lack of uniqueness in storyline.

Whirl is definitely worth a read (or two). Emma Raveling wrote a wonderful and intriguing debut. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this series holds for us.

*I was provided a free e-copy of  Whirl by Emma Raveling in return for my honest review.

IMM #3 12/11/11

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to show off all the awesomeness that is books. This week has been particularly great in my mailbox. Let me show you just how great!

For Review:

 

New Girl by Paige Harbison via NetGalley and Harlequin

Delivered by Clifford EvansDarkride by Laura Bradley RedeThe KURE by Jaye Frances



Because I really needed these books: 

 

 

Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Earth Blend and Human Blend by Lori Pescatore (For Review)

In case you didn't notice, this is going to be my Jennifer L. Armentrout Month!

TBR Intervention Challenge - 12/10/11

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by
Dani@RefractedLight , Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray, and April@Books4Juliet

The goal of this challenge is to help each other (fellow readers and bloggers) manage our enormous and constantly growing TBR (To-Be-Read) List. The rules are simple and everyone is encouraged to participate. It does not force you to commit to more than what you can manage to read in a week or so, but participants are encouraged to read at least one book within a week. You are free to choose the book you want to read and commit to this challenge. You may post your entry every Saturday, at the frequency of your choice--EVERY WEEK or EVERY TWO WEEKS.

Here are the rules:
1. Post the book(s) you committed to read in your last TBR Intervention post and tell us something about it. Did you finish it? Did you enjoy it or not? Post the link to your review (if you have one).
2. Post a book that you want to read and already own. Pick something that has been sitting on your shelf for too long now (6 months or longer). Commit to read the book in the next couple of days or week.
3. Grab the TBR Intervention Button and post it on your blog sidebar so you will be constantly reminded of the challenge, making it easier for you to commit. This will also encourage other readers/bloggers/visitors to join the challenge.
4. Add the link to your post in the Linky below and make sure to visit the other blogs. Comment, encourage, and spread the love to our fellow readers.


So, last week I committed to The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and I loved it. I warn that it is flowery and wordy, but oh so magical. You can read my review HERE!


This week I am committing to a book I have from NetGalley that is releasing in the next couple of weeks. I started reading it yesterday but then Clockwork Prince arrived at my door and I put everything down and read it in one night. Oh, so good!

Synopsis: 


I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.

Follow Friday - 12/9/11

Welcome to Feature & Follow Friday (err Thursday) on Parajunkee.com

If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Rachel of Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does the work? You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

This weeks features:

Anonymous Reads 
Keeping up with Roxy's Books

Question: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

 

 

I think these two books are amazing. They are filled with heart-ache and tragedy, but they also include an important message to all readers. I cannot wait until Shine!

Check out their reviews:
Shade
Shift

Be sure to stop by my giveaways:   

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James  

The Elemental Mysteries by Elizabeth Hunter

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Doubleday
Release Day: September 13, 2011

Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

I have never been to a circus in my entire life; I know...sad, but after reading The Night Circus I feel like I fell right in the middle of the greatest circus on Earth. I think any circus I might attend would be an utter disappointment in comparison to the magic that unfolds in The Night Circus. The only way to describe Erin Morgenstern's world building is simply magical. Her descriptions are breathtaking and her characters are enigmatic and mysterious. Every piece of the circus comes alive: characters, food, exhibits, clothing, props, even the tents that house the circus. Ms. Morgenstern engages every sense in her prose, transporting you deep into another world.

"The circus arrives without warning." - opening line.

These five words describe le Cirque des Reves better than any other grouping of words I can imagine. From that single sentence, you literally feel the mystery, danger, and intrigue that surrounds a marvel so odd that it simply roles into town unnoticed and suddenly appears in a glory unknown to any other event of this magnitude. I could go on and on about the writing, but perhaps I should tell you a little about the story.

Marco and Celia have been pitted against each other since the age of six. Each of them go into this competition completely unaware of what is expected of them; only knowing that they are to use their "abilities" to best their opponent. Their creations are simply magnificent. The circus travels through the world during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Each year, the competition increases as does the romance. Every person, place, or thing is a machination of this unreal pairing. Winning this contest is not a simple as it would seem.

Gosh, this book is so hard to explain. I think I will tell you about 5 of my favorite descriptions...

*Midnight Dinners at la maison Lefevre - these dinner parties take place throughout the book, always including the most interesting characters and activities. Dinner is a series of courses, with the first being served precisely at midnight. Pre-dinner activities vary with every meeting; although, they always include some type of performance. Some of the dinners are more memorable than others.

*The bonfire is essentially the heart of the circus, or at least half of it. I could see the bonfire being lit in its most ceremonious state, every arrow that flew, sparking the fire...enabling and protecting this awe-inspiring festival. 

*The clock made by Herr Friedrick Thiessen is magnificent. Ms. Morgenstern's description of this masterpiece enraptured me. I want one...literally. From its "dreamlike" existence, to the monochromatic coloring, to each action that is precisely synchronized with the ticking of time...it is magnanimous.

*The Ice Garden. I think I could live here. All the beauty of nature perfectly preserved in ice without losing any of its essence, ever-existing, never melting...never dying. Sparkling and white, crystallized for eternity.

*All Hallow's Eve at le Cirque des Reves. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks and partake in the revelry in some semblance of anonymity, observing each of the attractions in an entire different atmosphere. As you might imagine...All Hallow's Eve has a lore revolving around death and tragedy, bringing with it unfortunate circumstances.

In all reality, I highly suggest you read this book. When you do...try to do it with as little outside stimulus as possible so you can fall head-over-heals into this mystical and dreamy book. My review does this book no justice...so here's one little teaser.

At the center, where a cuckoo bird would live in a more traditional timepiece, is the juggler. Dressed in harlequin style with a grey mask, he juggles shiny silver balls that correspond to each hour. As the clock chimes, another ball joins the rest until at midnight he juggles twelve balls in a complex pattern...After midnight the clock begins once more to fold in upon itself. The face lightens and the clouds return. The number of juggled balls decreases until the juggler himself vanishes. - Page 69

Winners and More Giveaways!!!

In the midst of Christmas, it's hard not to participate in a ton of giveaways. I suppose I am a bit of a sap because I think I may have joined every holiday hop out there this season. I have two winners to announce today. Both have been contacted and have responded.

 The Insight Series by Jamie Magee

Darcus @ Starcrossed Reviews

Book Lover's Holiday Hop

Becca

Congrats to both of you!

Be sure to check out these other contests I have running. I will be participating in The 12 Days of Christmas Hop starting on December 12!

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James - Ends December 10

A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth by Elizabeth Hunter - Ends December 11

(Author Interview) Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning

 

An Interview with Taryn Browning!

Surprise - We are revealing the cover to the second Dark Seeker Book during this tour. You will find the third piece of the puzzle somewhere in my post.

Be sure to follow the tour so you can find all six pieces. Tomorrow's stop is at my good friend Giselle's blog, Xpresso Reads.

  

Kristin: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

       I live in Virginia with my husband, two young boys and dog. I love reading, writing and spending

       time with my friends and family.

Kristin: What is the name of the book you are currently promoting?

        Dark Seeker

Kristin: Where did you come up for the idea for your book?

     I guess you could say it was inspired by my love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Both Buffy and

     Janie are strong female characters who do what it takes to get the job done. Plus, they both

     hunt the undead.

Kristin: How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

     Actually, Dark Seeker is my second book. When I wrote my third book I landed my phenomenal

     agent. So I’d say it was about two years between the time I first wrote it, edited it, sent it to beta-

     readers and my critique partner, and edited it some more, lol. I was also querying and writing

     my third book at the same time. To write the first draft of Dark Seeker it took about two months.

Kristin: Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

     As much as I love Janie, Kai is probably my favorite. He’s mysterious and flawed, with a

     complicated past, which makes him a very interesting character. The book switches to his point

     of view later in the story, giving the reader a look into Kai’s inner thoughts.

Kristin: Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

     Definitely. Janie is very dedicated and hard working, which I believe I am too. But she is

     also stubborn and at times reckless. I’m more of a perfectionist. I love Janie’s strong-willed,

     independent personality. I wish I was as confident at seventeen.

Kristin: Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

     I’m currently working on book 2 in the Seeker series. I’m also designing the cover, which has

     been really fun.

Kristin: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

     I draw my inspiration from the amazing writers in the YA genre. I love reading young adult

     paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I am so grateful for the talent and craft they’ve shared

     with their readers. They were my inspiration to start writing my own stories and for this I am so

     thankful.

Kristin: Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

     Yes. I always create a playlist before I start writing a story. Most of the playlists consist of rock

     and alternative music because I write paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I like to wear

     headphones. In a way, it’s like they cut me off from the rest of the world and allow me to delve

     into the world I’m creating.

Kristin: If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

    Hmm, that’s a tough question. Reading and writing has become such and important part of

    my life. I actually can’t imagine not writing. I’m a former teacher, so I guess I would use my

    education in reading to become a reading specialist.

Kristin: Independently published or commercially published?

     Independently.

Kristin: If independent…did you attempt to get commercially published?

     My agent has manuscripts for submission to editors so I’m working toward traditional

     publication, but I also love being able to independently publish a series that is dear to my heart.

     I love the characters in Dark Seeker and couldn’t wait to share their stories. So I’m very happy

     for the opportunity to be able to put a novel out on my own.

Kristin: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

     Never give up and continue writing. Writing is something we do because we love it. It’s a

     passion and an outlet that helps us stay true to ourselves. It is an amazing feeling to be able

     to share my stories with others and it is my hope that they provide the escape that my favorite

     books have given me. Keep writing, learning and improving your craft, and it will happen.

Kristin: What is the most useful advice you received while writing any book?

     Oprah said something that has stuck with me for years. I try to remember it every day. It helps

     me to not over think and analyze things. “There is a vision for my life that is greater than I could

     ever imagine.”

Kristin: When did reading and writing become important to you?

     I have always loved reading and writing. English was my favorite subject in school.

Fun Stuff

Kristin: The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

     Find Alex Pettyfer & hide out! (Haha, did I really just say that? Yes, I admit he’s my Hollywood

     crush.) Unless of course it was a zombie apocalypse. Then we’d need to put up an electric

     fence to keep them out. *Hiding with Alex Pettyfer sounds like the perfect idea to me.

Kristin: If you were stranded on an island, name the 5 things you could not live without?

     wine, books, my computer (do I get Internet on this island), my children & my husband

     *Internet is a must.

 

Kristin: What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

     glass of water, my planner, Milky Way wrapper, “I heart vampires” notepad, purple pen

Kristin: Favorite book ever?

     Wow, this is hard. If I have to name one I’d say the Hunger Games.

Kristin: Ultimate bad boy crush? (TV, Movies, or Books)

     Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. *I love David Boreanaz!!!

Kristin: Ultimate good guy crush? (TV, Movies, or Books)

     Ryan Gosling (Noah) from The Notebook. *Excellent choice...although I cried.

Kristin: Favorite food?

     Bagels or cereal

Kristin: Favorite Movie?

     Pretty in Pink

Kristin: Favorite TV show?

     Vampire Diaries *Me too. Ian Somerhalder...yummy!

Kristin: Favorite Song?

     Set Fire to the Rain by Adele

Kristin: Favorite singer or band?

     Lifehouse

Kristin: One food you would never try?

     Escargot

Kristin: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

     Sushi

Kristin: Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

     Day on the beach.

Kristin: Campfire with smores or curled up in front of the fireplace?

     Curled up in front of the fireplace (with a book).

Kristin: If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

     Somewhere tropical with a white sandy beach.

Kristin: Health nut or junk food junkie?

     I try to eat healthy by prefer junk food.

Kristin: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

     Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead & Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning.

Kristin: Are there any blogs or websites you frequent?

     I have many friends in the blogging community so I frequent many blogs. I absolutely love

     reading their reviews and posts. They help me decide what to read next. I’m always in awe of

     how fantastic they are at writing reviews.

Kristin: Places my readers can stalk you?

     Facebook – “Taryn Browning” and “Dark Seeker”

     Twitter – @TarynBrowning and @DarkSeekerFans

     Website – tarynbrowning.com

     Blog – yafictionauthor.blogspot.com

     E-mail – tarynbrowning@hotmail.com

 

A special thanks to Taryn for taking the time to answer a few questions for my readers. Be sure to come back on December 21 for my review and an e-book giveaway! 

Interview (and Giveaway) with Giovanni Vecchio from This Same Earth

 A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth by Elizabeth Hunter

The Elemental Mysteries, Books 1 & 2

Today is a very exciting day here at Better Read Than Dead. I have the pleasure of welcoming the sexy fire-vampire, Giovanni Vecchio, to my little home on the web. We are going to see if we can find out what drives the enigma that is Gio. Hopefully, he will let us in on a few of his secrets. In case you haven't met Gio before...check out my reviews of A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth. This series is intriguing, mysterious, and sensuous.

Kristin: Welcome to Better Read Than Dead Dr. Vecchio. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and tell us a little about yourself and possibly give us some insight into the enigma that is Giovanni Vecchio.

Giovanni: Thank you for having me, Kristin. It's a pleasure to be here. I've heard a few of your readers may be considered...fans. I'm very flattered that they have read Beatrice's and my first book. (My assistant, Ms. Hunter, is also quite pleased.)

Kristin: I want to talk a little about Beatrice’s journals she wrote you in Chile. How did you feel when you read the things she wrote – especially the parts about her love life or her deep hatred for you that seeped out at times?

Giovanni: I respect Beatrice enough to know she is entitled to her own life and her own opinions, and I expected her to be angry with me. Whatever romantic interests she had in the time we were separated are inconsequential. I am more interested in her future.

Kristin: I know you believed you were doing Beatrice a favor by leaving her for all that time. Do you still believe it was the right thing to do or do you regret not having that time with her?

Giovanni: I regretted every day we spent apart. But it is often necessary to think of the future instead of...indulging in immediate pleasures.

Kristin: Tell us the truth…how often did you spy on her?

Giovanni: I'm not sure I know what you are talking about. Whatever security I hired to guard Beatrice in the time we were apart was for her protection. She is, after all, under my aegis. It will always be my responsibility to protect her.

**Hmmm…I wonder if you’re not a tad bit in denial. I believe there is more to this than you aegis.

Kristin: Was there ever a point that you thought you had lost her for good? That she wouldn’t forgive you?

Giovanni: I'm a confident man. And I've been told I can be very...persuasive. (Incidentally, my assistant just rolled her eyes at me. She pretends she is immune to my charms, but I know better.)

Kristin: Some horrific things happen to Carwyn and his family. Do you believe he will ever be the fun-loving jokester we all love or has this trauma been too much?

Giovanni: I have known Carwyn for hundreds of years. He may be fun-loving, but he's also extremely wise, resilient, and far tougher than many people realize. I'm very confident he and his family will recover from their loss. On a lighter note, I've ordered the Best of Wrestlemania DVDs for him as a Christmas present this year. That and needling me about my love life are sure to cheer him up eventually.

***You two and your Wrestelmania. I feel for Beatrice and Ben. Of course, Ben is a boy so he will probably join in all the hoopla. Poor Bea.

Kristin: So you scoured the world, looking for Beatrice’s father. You adopted Ben. Obviously you missed Beatrice greatly. What else can you tell us about your adventures?

Giovanni: Hmm, I don't believe in “showing my hand,” but let's just say that I plan for the future. Especially when those I care about may be at risk. I take the protection of those I love very seriously.

Kristin: Lorenzo is a sore subject, I know. However, I wonder if there would ever be a way you could forgive him? Is there a chance he could change for the better?

Giovanni: Carwyn would say that there is always a chance for redemption. I, however, believe that the past best predicts the future. Judge a man, or a vampire, by his actions. That's all I'll say about Lorenzo.

Kristin: I would like to know a bit more about Gemma. Did you believe Beatrice when she revealed Gemma’s true feelings for you? Did it change anything for you, knowing?

Giovanni: I trust Beatrice’s judgment implicitly. She's very perceptive about human nature. Gemma has been a friend for hundreds of years; I still consider her one. Whatever...other feelings she may have do not affect me. (Kristin, my assistant just muttered something about “oblivious men.”)

***I’m thinking your assistant may be on to something. Just saying…

Kristin: Can you sum up your feelings for Beatrice in three words?

            Giovanni: I'm a man of few words; I can tell you in two. Tesoro mio. She is my treasure.

Kristin: Being a vampire, I’m not sure of your traditions; but, is there a chance you would ever marry Beatrice? If so, what would your ideal wedding be?

Giovanni: There is as much variety of tradition in the vampire world as there is in the human one. I may be a vampire, but my best friend is a priest. What do you think? As for ceremonies, I have no opinion on them. It is the act, not the ceremony surrounding it that is important.

Kristin: I know you are a very busy man. You have monsters to hunt, a nephew to take care of, and a beautiful woman craving your attention. One last question…can you tell us anything of what we should expect in The Force of Wind which is expected to make an appearance in March 2012?

Giovanni: I think you should expect the unexpected for our next adventure. We'll travel somewhere you might not have predicted. Also, a very old friend of mine might be playing a much larger part in our mystery. Incidentally, I've heard the next book has been called quite “steamy” by some of Ms. Hunter's readers. That, of course, is their opinion.

***Ah, steamy. That is definitely something to look forward to.

Gio, thank you so much for stopping by my home on the web. Also, please send a great big thank you to your assistant for typing these answers so you didn’t fry her computer. I have a feeling she is very fond of it…if I know anything about authors. (Gio and electricity don't play well together.)

Synopsis:

"No secret stays hidden forever."

A phone call from an old friend sets Dr. Giovanni Vecchio back on the path of a mystery he’d abandoned years before.  He never expected a young librarian could hold the key to the search, nor could he have expected the danger she would attract.  Now he and Beatrice De Novo will follow a twisted maze that leads from the archives of a university library, through the fires of Renaissance Florence, and toward a confrontation they never could have predicted.

A Hidden Fire is a paranormal mystery/romance for adult readers.  It is the first book in the Elemental Mysteries Series.

Synopsis:

Beatrice De Novo thought she had left the supernatural world behind…for the most part. But when the past becomes the present, will she leave her quiet life in Los Angeles to follow a mystery she thought had abandoned her? Where has Giovanni Vecchio been, and why has he returned? Giovanni has his own questions, and he’s looking to her for answers.

The sequel to A Hidden Fire will reunite Beatrice and Giovanni to continue their search through the past while both wrestle with the future. When the world as you knew it has changed forever, is there any way you can turn back?

This Same Earth is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries series. It is a paranormal romance/mystery for adult readers.

*Just fill out the Rafflecopter to enter to win.  To make sure it's the right Rafflecopter...click HERE!

Teaser Tuesday - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

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!

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Doubleday
September 13, 2011
Goodreads

Synopsis:
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

 My Teaser:

They stand entwined but not touching, their heads tilted toward each other. Lips frozen in the moment before (or after) the kiss. - Page 225 

Shattered Dreams Giveaway by Ellie James

Title: Shattered Dreams
Series: Midnight Dragonfly #1
Author: Ellie James
Teen Shiver
Facebook
St. Martin's Griffin
December 6, 2011
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt's doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she's seen.

But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica's disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica's ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.

Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, I have not read this book yet, but it looks amazing. I know I want to read it and you do too, right? Well, I am holding a contest in which I will personally buy you a copy of Shattered Dreams and St. Martin's Griffin is providing a signed bookmark as part of this giveaway. This giveaway is United States Only.

What to do...simple, leave a comment with your name and email address. Contest ends December 10 at 11:59 PM CST.

Don't forget to stop by the The Elemental Mysteries Giveaway!


The winner has been notified by email and has 48 hours to respond. After that time I will choose another winner!

Winner verified.

This Same Earth by Elizabeth Hunter

Title: This Same Earth
Series: Elemental Mysteries #2
Author: Elizabeth Hunter
Independently Published
December 7, 2011
 

Website ǀ Facebook ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

Beatrice De Novo thought she had left the supernatural world behind…for the most part. But when the past becomes the present, will she leave her quiet life in Los Angeles to follow a mystery she thought had abandoned her? Where has Giovanni Vecchio been, and why has he returned? Giovanni has his own questions, and he’s looking to her for answers.

The sequel to A Hidden Fire will reunite Beatrice and Giovanni to continue their search through the past while both wrestle with the future. When the world as you knew it has changed forever, is there any way you can turn back?

This Same Earth is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries series. It is a paranormal romance/mystery for adult readers.

This Same Earth is exactly what I have come to expect from the brilliant Elizabeth Hunter - fierce, sexy, and mysterious. This is the second book in the Elemental Mysteries Series, a series delving into a complete new world of vampires. The mystical creatures are able to call on one of the elements: earth, air, water, or fire to aid with anything from lighting a fire to battling their enemies. Their abilities coincide with their element, obviously. The lovely Beatrice stumbled into this world in A Hidden Fire, only to find herself deserted by the one she loved. In this installment, she will be forced to face her past and make decisions that will change her life forever.

Beatrice has grown into a beautiful young woman and has attempted to put the past behind her. She has a great job, owns a quaint little home, and has normal friends - including a boyfriend she loves. Gio disappeared from her life the day she moved to California and she despises him because of it. She suspects he has had a behind-the-scenes role in her life over the years; what she doesn't know is how great that role has been. She has no idea the extents he has taken to assure that she is safe. The people Beatrice has surrounded herself with all these years may not be what they seem.

When the past waltzes back into her life as nothing has changed, Bea finds herself buried in turmoil over her feelings for Gio. She is determined that he will earn her trust again, that he will not just up and disappear again, leaving her broken once again. The romantic tension between these two lurches up a few notches as Bea is determined to remain friends and avoid all romantic feelings for the fire vampire while Gio is determined to have Beatrice back in his life as much more than friends. Who will win, I wonder?

Just as the two are making their way to becoming friends, Lorenzo strikes again...killing someone dear to Gio. Beatrice is determined to be a part of this journey in every way. We tag along with Gio and Bea as they tromp through Europe, seeking justice and freedom, meeting an eclectic group of characters who provide both stability and chaos throughout the adventure. Some you will love and others you will hate. And have no fear...many of the old characters make appearances as time moves forward.

Ms. Hunter's phenomenal world building skills drop you deep into a world fraught with fantastical creatures, frightening circumstances, and unyielding love. This is an unique and addicting series.

The Force of Wind makes it's debut in March of 2012. I am not sure I can wait that long.

Check out my review of the first book, A Hidden Fire.

TBR Intervention Challenge - Week 2 (After a restart)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by
Dani@RefractedLight , Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray, and April@Books4Juliet

The goal of this challenge is to help each other (fellow readers and bloggers) manage our enormous and constantly growing TBR (To-Be-Read) List. The rules are simple and everyone is encouraged to participate. It does not force you to commit to more than what you can manage to read in a week or so, but participants are encouraged to read at least one book within a week. You are free to choose the book you want to read and commit to this challenge. You may post your entry every Saturday, at the frequency of your choice--EVERY WEEK or EVERY TWO WEEKS.

Here are the rules:
1. Post the book(s) you committed to read in your last TBR Intervention post and tell us something about it. Did you finish it? Did you enjoy it or not? Post the link to your review (if you have one).
2. Post a book that you want to read and already own. Pick something that has been sitting on your shelf for too long now (6 months or longer). Commit to read the book in the next couple of days or week.
3. Grab the TBR Intervention Button and post it on your blog sidebar so you will be constantly reminded of the challenge, making it easier for you to commit. This will also encourage other readers/bloggers/visitors to join the challenge.
4. Add the link to your post in the Linky below and make sure to visit the other blogs. Comment, encourage, and spread the love to our fellow readers.

So last week, I committed to Hushed by Kelley York. If you haven't read my review...you should. Especially April, who is squeamish about this book. You can find it HERE.

I have been reading non-stop for reviews, tours, and other obligations this past week...so this TBR is of my own choosing because, well...I deserve it.

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Goodreads

Synopsis: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

Yes, Yes, I know. I just won this book recently but it has been on my TBR shelf a while...so it still counts. So...now that I have revamped every book review on my blog, made a book review archive, and finished my posts for tomorrow and Monday...I'm gonna read. Have a great weekend everyone!

Stay Tuned Blog Tour

Stay Tuned – Excerpt

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Stay Tuned eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.

What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including lots of Amazon gift cards (up to $100 in amount) and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 2nd, so you don’t miss out.

To Win the Prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of Stay Tuned for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble (You’ll need it for the big contest on Friday)
2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!

…And I can win too!
Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.

The Featured Events include:

Monday, Radio Interview with Novel Publicity! We’re kicking-off on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog. We interviewed Lauren on our radio show Sunday night and have embedded the full podcast and blogged about its highlights. Give it a listen and then leave a comment on the blog post. This is a great chance to get to know more about this fun and bubbly author. One commenter will win an autographed copy of Stay Tuned. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there!

Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. The winners will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet:  Take a break from the holiday frenzy, and read Stay Tuned. It’s fast, fun, and reduced to just 99 cents! http://ow.ly/7zA1e #whirlwind


Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the Stay Tuned book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. Two chances to win with just one click! How about that?

Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the Stay Tuned book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs.

Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Are you ready for some more fun? Take a picture of yourself with your copy of Stay Tuned either in paperback or on an eReading device, tag Lauren Clark’s Facebook page, and you can enter to win one of three Amazon gift cards! A $100 prize will go to the most creative photo, $50 to the best BFF photo, and $50 to the photo with the most people in it. An autographed copy of Stay Tuned is also up for grabs. If you need help learning how to tag a photo, you can visit Lauren’s Facebook page for detailed instructions.

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About Stay Tuned: What happens when a #1 news team becomes the top story instead of reporting it? For TV producer Melissa Moore, crisis management comes with the job. From employee disputes to her high-maintenance boss, there’s not much she hasn’t seen or can’t handle. But no one—including Melissa—expects a fistfight during the ten o’clock news. When sexy-but-crazy Alyssa Andrews lands a punch on her co-anchor’s face, Melissa jumps on set to help. She’s determined that WSGA’s reputation won’t be destroyed on her watch. Both anchors are fired and Melissa agrees to fill in—but not before polishing her look from haircut to heels. While the new Melissa wows WSGA viewers, her personal life starts fraying at the edges. Melissa’s husband is away more than he’s home, leaving cryptic Post-it notes in his wake. Her mother’s antics spiral out of control at the nursing home and a stalker decides Melissa is her next target. What happens next? Stay Tuned to find out… Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author: Lauren Clark has been a voracious reader since the age of four and would rather be stranded at the library than on a desert island. In her former life, she worked as an anchor and producer for CBS affiliates in Upstate New York and Alabama. Lauren adores her family, yoga, her new Electra bike, and flavored coffee. She lives near the Florida Gulf Coast. Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Now please enjoy this sneak peek of Stay Tuned…

Chapter 1

Alyssa Andrews was missing.

Gone, vanished, MIA with just minutes to airtime.

“Melissa, where is she?” Our news director, Joe, shot a harried look in my direction. After dealing with a broken studio camera, spotty satellite reception, and last-minute script changes, his nerves were fried to a crisp.

“She’ll be here,” I promised, knowing my confidence was a front. Alyssa, one of WSGA-TV’s main news anchors, was a constant source of angst in my already-stressful job.

She was young, talented, gorgeous…and chronically late.

This lack of punctuality was a problem, especially when WSGA ran a show at exactly six and ten o’clock every night. Not a moment later.

WSGA was Macon, Georgia’s number one news station and had been for two years running. If we wanted to keep it that way, timing was everything. Every second mattered.

I produced both evening shows, which meant—among a dozen other tasks—organizing the day’s stories, writing copy, and checking video. Each segment had to run seamlessly between three-minute commercial breaks.

Deep breath, Melissa. Send up a little prayer. She’ll show up. 

The red numbers on the clock continued to march forward.


Another deep breath. Everything’s in place. Alyssa just needs to walk in and get on set…
“Tighten up on camera one.” Joe peppered the room with demands. “Mic check, now, not yesterday.”
Tim Donaldson, Alyssa’s co-anchor, obliged, counting backwards from the number five.

Joe’s thick fingers punched buttons on the massive keyboard in front of him. “Bring up the live shot.”
Still, no Alyssa.

Joe raked a huge hand through his long gray hair. “Five minutes!” he growled, with a glare into his empty coffee cup.

At this point, it was Joe’s show to run. He was in charge. I shuffled my scripts. “How about I call her?”

“She’s an adult,” he grumbled. “You shouldn’t have to.”

Joe expected nothing less than perfection. He was experienced, hard working, and a stickler for detail. Alyssa’s nonchalance made him crazy.

Which, at 9:55:36 on a Friday night, gave him the patience of a gnat. On crack.

This was particularly dangerous for an unsuspecting new employee, all of twenty years old and pimple-faced, who crept up behind us.

Joe ignored him at first, barking an order to me instead. “Fine, fine. Melissa, tell Princess A. she’s needed in the studio.”

On autopilot, I punched her extension, eyes focused on the row of monitors above my head in case she decided to appear.

While the phone rang, the new kid rocked on his heels nervously. I flashed a smile and shook my head gently in his direction, hoping he’d get the hint.

Not now. 

Nope. The kid stood there, coughed lightly, and waited for one of us to turn around.

“What?” Joe finally snapped.


The force of the word made the kid’s body jerk back. Jaw open, unable to speak, his face turned crimson.
Joe waited about a second for the kid to talk, and then leaned back over the control panel. He pressed at switches, clearly annoyed. The kid looked sick. Joe rolled his eyes. My anxiety level cranked up ten notches.

9:58:09. Less than two minutes.

Wait…a flash of an ivory suit and blond hair.

“There she is,” I interrupted the tension with a cool nod toward the monitors.

Front and center, Alyssa sauntered into the studio, lips puckered, blowing her shell-pink nail polish dry. She slid into her seat next to Tim, and gave him a playful pat on the shoulder.

Joe muttered something I couldn’t repeat.

I stifled a loud sigh of relief and glanced around the room. The new guy was the only one in the building unimpressed with Alyssa’s arrival. With a shaking hand, he reached out and tapped Joe’s burly shoulder.

“Mr. Joe, there’s a problem with one of the machines—”

Joe’s back stiffened. He turned a millimeter in the kid’s direction and exploded. “Get your butt back there. Get one of the engineers. Fix it. Call someone.”

I caught the now-completely mortified kid’s eye, and motioned for him to come toward me. Grabbing the nearest piece of paper, I jotted down the engineer’s extension and held it at arm’s length with a kind smile.

Poor guy. Lots to learn.

With a grateful look, the new kid plucked the scrap from my fingers and darted away.

Time to get started.

I settled in, gripped my pen hard, and looked up.

Okay. Alyssa’s collar was turned under. Minor detail, but sure to garner at least five viewer complaints. You wouldn’t believe what people called in about.

I leaned toward the microphone to let Alyssa know.

“Dare you not to tell her,” Joe muttered. It wasn’t a secret that the guys would willingly let Alyssa go on air with underwear on her head. She hadn’t made friends. Or tried to.

Tim, her co-anchor and current boyfriend, didn’t count.

“Just part of those darn producer duties, Joe. You know that.” I flashed him a smile and pressed the button to talk. “Alyssa, fix your collar.”

Her mouth parted into an O. Alyssa frowned, glanced down, and straightened the pale edge. Just in time.
Like a well-directed movie, the WSGA-TV opening video flashed across monitor one. Macon, Georgia’s skyline filled the screen.

My body tingled with a familiar rush of excitement. It happened every time we went on air. The cameras and lights, the beat of the music, the thrill of live television.

Here we go. 

Seconds later, Alyssa and Tim appeared under the lights, their bright anchor smiles pasted on.
“Good evening, I’m Alyssa Andrews.

“And I’m Tim Donaldson.”

And on it went, without a blip, for the first ten minutes. I started breathing again after the third break.
Stanley and Sunshine, the weather cat, were ready for the five-day forecast, check.

Commercial break, check.

Sports, check. I didn’t worry about that three-minute slot. Plenty to talk about, visual stories; the anchors could get away with jokes and ad-libbing. Viewers loved it.

We rounded out the show with an inspirational kicker about a local scholarship winner, a kid first in his family to go to college. He’d won forty thousand dollars and was going to Georgia Tech to study astrophysics.

The show wrapped with a standard goodnight, credits, and a wide shot of the WSGA set.

The second the master control operator switched to break, Alyssa flounced off the set in silicone fashion.

She barked into her jewel-encrusted cell phone about her min-pin puppy’s cancelled spa appointment and stomped out of the studio, teetering precariously in four-inch heels.

Yikes! 

I climbed the flight of stairs back to the newsroom, relieved the night was almost over.

The phones started to ring five seconds later.

Follow Friday - 12/2/11

If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Rachel of Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

This weeks features are:
Lauren Gets Literal
Fic Book Reviews

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books? Maybe you don’t like love triangles or thin plots? Tell us about it!

My biggest pet peeve? Hmmm. The one thing I cannot stand is when the characters are completely unbelievable. I don't need a huge back-story but I do need enough to believe they are what the author claims them to be. Pulling magic tricks from the air without any reference to witches or anything magical...not buying it. Normal person turns into a were____ and there is never a mention of why, how, or any other mystical being...nope.

I very seldom read a book I dislike enough to go on a rampage, but when I do...it's always because the characters or the settings aren't fleshed out. I love being swept away into another world...take me there. That's truly all I need.

Love Triangles - Love Them
Love at First Sight - Heck Yeah
Soul Mates - Why Not
Murder and Mayhem - Love It
Paranormal - You Bet


Be sure to stop by and check out my giveaways while you're here:

• Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop
• Insight Series Giveaway
• Christmas Bloggerthon
  

Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop

I love Giveaway Hops. Especially this time of year. What says "Holidays" better than free book? I want to thank I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Kid Lit Frenzy for hosting this faboulous giveaway.

*If you don't see "15 Dollars to Book Depository" at the top of Rafflecopter, click HERE to make sure you get the correct Rafflecopter.

For the complete list of participating blogs, hit Read More.