We are chatting this evening with Killian McRae author of 12.21.12

We are so excited to announce that the last leg of the tour will be with a live chat with Killian McRae. So glad you could have joined us tonight and the whole month during the Book Tour. The chat will begin at 9 PM CST (7 PM PST). The chat will be for a full hour. 

12.21.12

Author: Killian McRae

• To join in the chat, just click join and enter a screen name.
• We will only be discussing Killian McRae's book
• No personal questions will be posted
• Please no rude or disrespectful comments allowed
• We will publish as many questions as we can in a timely manner
• This chat is private and may not be used in any way with out our permission

Thank you for joining us tonight!

Book Tour: 12.21.12 Review and Giveaway

Today bring us to the last day in the month long tour of Killian McRae's book blog tour for 12.21.12. It has been a fun tour to be a hostess and part of. We will end today with 3 things here on the blog. Now you will get a review and giveaway for a hard copy of 12.21.12. Then later on tonight we will host a live chat with Killian at 9PM CST (7PM PST) for a full hour. Exciting right? so make sure to come back tonight. 

12.21.12

Author: Killian McRae

Pages: 238 pgs

Reading Level: Adult

Published: December 19th 2010

Review Source: Omnific Publishing

Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Omnific

Summary: (from publisher's page) Archaeologist Sheppard Smyth has staked his career as well as the memory of his deceased wife and partner on proving his widely-panned theory: Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of Ancient Egypt, was murdered.  When a statue of the doomed Queen is discovered in an Olmec excavation site, Smyth is drawn to Mexico to investigate and, hopefully, find the proof that has evaded him for so long.  Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between the sexy, bewitching international thief, Victoria Kent, and commanding, ruthless Russian mobster, Dmitri Kronastia. 

Both Dmitri and Victoria hold pieces to the puzzle that will finally shed light on Cleopatra’s death.  As Shep is drawn further into their world of ancient gods, supernatural powers, and alternative history, little does he know that the fate of all—even humanity itself—may hinge on his ability to discover the truth among their fragmented claims. Working to decode the true past while attempting to save the future, Shep becomes a pawn in the hands of forces working out a quest older than the pyramids—a quest that may lead to the end of everything when it all comes together on 12.21.12.

What a powerhouse of a book. When a book can give you so many different elements and balance them all together, then it deserve high remarks. Killian created her own special world infused with mythology we know about today. You won't be reading about what you have probably heard about as far as end of the world prophecies. The characters are each very interesting and addicting to read about. Its just all around Compelling! 

You meet Shep and his story starts pretty sad, he looses his wife on a archeology trip on Egypt. That causes Shep to separate and you can say quit life. All Shep has ever wanted to prove is that Cleopatra was murdered and no one has has really taken interest in believing his theory. Then one day drunk Shep gets contacted by a old friend who has found a statue while digging in Mexico, but what can a statue of Cleopatra be doing in a Olmec excavation site. SO this of course peaks Shep curiosity and he sets off to Mexico. Well when he lands that is the last time everything seems normal to Shep, and he is now going to be involved in something much larger than finding a statue of Cleopatra in Mexico. Shep could never have imagine in a million years that he would be now in the middle of a long time battle between ancient gods and even super naturals not from our planet. You will want to read this book, it contains so much of everything. You get action, romance, mystery and conspiracy all in one book. I am now a big fan of Killian's writing and can't wait to read new material by her. 

To Enter Giveaway:

• Fill out the FORM
• You will be entering to win a hard copy
• US only
• Ends April 14th at Midnight
• Love to hear your comments

A real big Thank you to all the blogs that participated in the tour, without you it would not have been a success.  Thank you to Killian for trusting in us to host the tour for her, it was a lot of work but we enjoyed every minute of it. 

Look for the next post today with the window where the chat will be held tonight at 9PM CST (7PM PST). We are excited that we will have the chance to speak to Killian about 12.21.12. 

Trailer Thursday: Red Glove

Red Glove

Curse Workers #2

Author: Holly Black

Summary: (from Simon & Schuster) Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he's the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

I just finished reading and reviewing this installment in the Curse Workers and Love it. Make sure you pick up your copy when it releases April 5th.

Booking Through Thursday: 3/31/11

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly event hosted HERE. A Weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading.

If you’re like me, you grew up reading everything under the sun, like the cereal boxes while you ate your breakfast, the newspapers held by strangers on the subway, the tabloid headlines at the grocery store.

What’s the oddest thing you’ve ever read? (You know, something NOT a book, magazine, short story, poem or article.)

Yara's Answer: I think the weirdest thing I have stop to read are prescription bottles or the pamphlets they come with. I just read them randomly, not because I have to. 

Ana's Answer: Bumper Stickers- Because most of them are really funny, and I'm not talking about the "My Child is an Honor Student at blah blah blah."  Those just annoy me. LOL

Book Review: Kraft Philadelphia: A Taste of Heaven

Kraft Philadelphia: A Taste of Heaven
Author: Publications International Limited
Pages: 96 pgs
Reading Level: All (Cookbook)
Published: February 1st 2008
Review Source: Purchased (School Fundraiser)

Summary: (from Amazon) Whether it s a fantastic dip for casual get-togethers, an array of party appetizers, or a sensational cheesecake recipe, Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the brand most trusted for quality results. Philadelphia s A Taste of Heaven cookbook brings you more than 40 mouth-watering, family-pleasing favorites to enjoy year-round: No-Bake recipes, easy 3-Step ideas, and more.

This cookbook presents timeless dishes featuring every flavor and taste. Try time-honored classic desserts like the New York Style Cheesecake and innovative new favorites like Baked Crab Rangoon. We also have advice, hints, and tips for making the perfect cheesecake, including our recipe for Graham Cracker Crust made with Honey Maid grahams.

When I saw this book listed in my son's fundraiser book, I had to have it. Instead of collecting the boxes from the cream cheese to keep the yummy recipes, I finally have them all in one book. All the recipes listed in the book, are easy to read and understand. So even the least experience person in a kitchen to bake something up. You have different types of cheesecakes that they are known for. Then you also get recipes for party appetizers and dips. For example there is a recipe for Savory Bruschetta or BLT Dip. Also every recipe has a picture on the following page of what it should look like. The pictures make your mouth water how delicious everything looks. Again don't forget your getting more than 20 types of cheesecakes to make. They also give you ways to substitute certain ingredients if you like to. It's definitely a good book to have in the kitchen.

Book Review: Insight

Insight
Author: Jamie Magee 
Pages: 314 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Published: July 20th 2010
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

Summary: (by Author) Some say that dreams are the doorway to the soul. Willow Haywood is no stranger to that doorway. Each night she shares a blissful, silent dream with a stunning blue-eyed boy. With each new moon she is haunted by a painful nightmare shared with a different boy, who’s always hidden by the shadows.

In her waking hours she must battle her sixth sense. The one that allows her to feel others emotions as if they were her own. This insight is exhausting and frustrating causing her to draw inward, only trusting her family and few close friends. Oddly, this sense also attracts ghostly images that seem to appear out of nowhere.  With a touch, they take her to wherever they may be, allowing her to change their emotion. This alone would cause most to go insane, but Willow filters her aggression by painting, capturing the emotion she changed.

One August night a nightmare came days after the new moon. In this dream the shadowed boy marked her wrist with star, leaving her father no choice but to share a family secret that would tie all of the odd attributes of Willow’s life together. Now, she has no choice but to outrun the fate that is closing in around her.

 In an attempt to lure her, the shadowed figure captures her closest friends.  In order to save them, she must weave through broken myths, half truths, and the undeniable power of the Zodiac. With each step she takes Willow comes to realize that she has lived before, her path is one that she chose, and this trial is simply the beginning.

To categorize this book, I would call it a mystic love story adventure. Willow, a teenager, thought she was normal but with a special gift, the insight of emotion.  After one of her nightmares, she realizes that there is a new mark on her wrist, a star, and this makes her family go in a frenzy to get to safety. During this, she learns that her family has a secret life and that they are from a different dimension.  They embark on this new adventure, where  she meets her soul mate, Landen who has been the boy in her dreams for quite a long time.  But, she finds out  that the other boy that has plagued her nightmares and marked her with the  star, is Drake the one that  appeared in her life before they left and that he is after her.  Once they travel to her home  dimension and she meets her soul mate in person, they start to fulfill an old prophesy, where they have to face the demons in her nightmare and help friends and family.

This creative fantasy takes you in a world where the power of family, trust and true love is what makes it run. The author gives a compelling view of each character and their gift and  transport you inside the story. You are treated to danger, mystery, adventure and true love all in one. The final outcome doesn’t lack surprises and unexpected twist and turns that leaves you anticipating the additional installments that are sure to come. The only flaw to the book is that there were some errors throughout, but not enough to be disrupting.

Once Upon a Signing: Rachel from Bookshelf Lust

Once Upon a Book Signing

Today we bring you Rachel from Bookshelf Lust blog and also she has a photography blog as well called The Greyest Ghost. Rachel has a great signing to share with us today. This author is one of my favorites. 

My story: Living in NYC, I'm able to attend a lot of amazing book signings. My very first signing here was a Stephanie Meyer appearance celebrating the release of New Moon, at a tiny local library back in 2006. While I'll never forget that day, my favorite "vampire author" book signing ever has got to be Charlaine Harris. 

About two years ago, I was lucky enough to see the original pilot episode of True Blood. Even though the show was only a shadow of what it would become, I fell in love with it. I immediately went out and purchased every Sookie Stackhouse book I could get my hands on, and devoured them in a matter of days. Fast forward a year, and I was over the moon to find out Charlaine was coming to New York on release day, to read and sign book #10, "Dead In the Family".

I knew Charlaine would be a huge draw, so I arrived two hours early. Under normal circumstances, one might get bored, but I met and socialized with some amazing fellow fans. People went all out for the occasion, wearing Merlotte's work shirts, shirts promoting their favorite character's "team", and even in some cases, fangs.

The wait soon passed, and Charlaine appeared on stage to read. Charlaine is like the sweet, Southern aunt you've always dreamed of having. But an aunt that also happens to make a few dirty jokes here and there. She's truly hilarious in person, and definitely an author not to be missed. When I spoke to her as she was signing my book, she was incredibly nice.  She told me she planned on writing at least thirteen Sookie books, something I'd been dying to know.

It's always fun to discover the people you admire are just amazing and entertaining in real life as the words that they put down on a page. I can't wait to find out what's next for both Charlaine, and Sookie! And I'm counting the days until Charlaine comes back for book #11 this May.

What a great signing, here at the blog we are real big fans of Charlaine and her series. Great pictures also, i can see your talent. Now everyone make sure to stop on by Rachel's blog, if you check out her photography blog, you will be treated with her celebrities pictures she has in her portfolio. 

If you would like for your book signing to be featured on the blog, then send me a EMAIL with 1-3 pictures and a blurb.  

Movie Review: Due Date

Due Date
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Juliette Lewis, Jamie Foxx
Runtime: 95 mins
Rating: R
Released: November 5th 2010

Plot: (from IMDB) High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay on a road trip in order to make it to his child's birth on time.

This is definitely a comedy with a dry, dark sense of humor to it. The plot is a bit overwhelming with all the things that go wrong for this future Dad to get to his pregnant wife, some you can say are unrealistic. The chemistry between Peter (Robert) and Ethan (Zach) work for me. I will tell you some of the scenes its a laugh so hard you cry but then some missed the funny factor. This movie is great for both Men and Women to see, just don't let the kids. I'm glad I waited for DVD release.

Book Review: Red Glove (ARC)

Red Glove (ARC)
Curse Workers #2
Author: Holly Black
Pages: 320 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Release Date: April 5th 2011
Review Source: Simon and Schuster

Summary: (from goodreads) Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else. 

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does. 

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself? 

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

So if you read my review for White Cat, you know I gave it 3 trees for Good. Well Red Glove kicked White Cat's butt out of the park. This installment was marvelous, Cassel and me we finally connected. Holly continues to take us deep in the world of curse workers and what a world it is. You have Mafioso curse workers, that you want to run far away from. They bear Keloid necklaces to show their place in the world. Red Gloves comes out on the 5th so I will give you enough to wet your appetite and make you want to go out and buy the book on release day. What will Cassel do, he was able to bring back a certain person at the end of White Cat that he thought was dead and now her Father wants him and well so do the Feds. Who will Cassel end of working for or will he just deceive both sides. While all this is happening he is dealing with the death of one of his family members and he can't really say he is sorry about it. What will Cassel do regarding what his mother has done to his love interest. All this while still trying to finish school and graduate his senior year. 

So make sur eyou go out and pick up this roller coaster of a book, that has that story telling we all know Holly Black for. Just the world she wrote about is worth reading the series alone. You won't be disappointed.

Stephenie Meyer to be featured in USA Today tomorrow

(courtesy of USA Today)

We were given a sneak peak at tomorrow exclusive interview that USA Today's Carol Memmott will feature. Stephenie will be talking about Kristin Stewart and how impressed she is with Vampire Bella. She will also talk about the wedding dress that Bella wears. Also we will read about Stephenie future writing plans, sounds exciting. I know I will be picking up my copy.

Click here for HERE for sneak peak

Book Review: River Cast: Part Two in the Tale of Lunarmorte

River Cast: Part Two in the Tale of Lunarmorte
The Tale of Lunarmorte #2
Author: Samantha Young
Pages: 267 pgs
Reading Level: Adult
Published: March 9th 2011
Review Source: Purchased

Summary: (from goodreads) Enter a world of fierce wolves, stunning magic and romance... 

The war is escalating. 
Caia is caught between her loyalty to the Daylights and her new insight into the hearts of the Midnights. 
Invited to train at the Centre under the tutelage of the Daylights, Caia and Lucien immerse themselves in the world of the Head of the Coven, Marita. With an upcoming battle hanging over their heads, Caia and her Alpha struggle to understand Marita’s vision for the future of the Coven, and withstand her manipulation and plans for them. Plans that are sure to separate Caia from Pack Errante; plans that inadvertently push Caia not only further away from Lucien, but from all Daylights. 

Conflicted… Caia must choose a side in the war. And her choice may mean sacrificing all those she has come to love.

River Cast picks up right where Moon Spell left off.  Just like Moon Spell, the book never skips a beat.  There is always something that makes you wonder what’s going to happen next. 

After Jaeden’s rescue in Moon Spell, Jaeden decides that she can no longer stay with her family and the pack.  She packs her stuff and leaves.  While on the bus, she meets Reuben, who is a Vampire Rogue Hunter.  She joins him and his little group.  The only problem is that Jaeden is a Lyken and she will be killing Rogue Vampires a law that is not to be broken.  Caia, through her tracking skills, discovers that another Lyken pack are being targeted for an attack by the Midnights.  She goes with Lucien to the Daylight Coven to “get better trained” and also because Marita wants to finally meet “the one” (Caia) and see what her abilities are.  While there Caia discovers that Marita has “other plans” than the ones she is letting on.  Caia finally realizes that she has to trust her instincts and when she does, she sees what’s really going on and the war isn’t really what it seems.

River Cast is a really good book and once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.  I was disappointed that there is a cliffhanger in the end.  So when I finished it, I felt like I was cheated out on the story.  That is why I am giving it a 4 instead of a 5.  But I will tell you this, as soon as the next book comes out, I will be reading it.  Great series!  I totally recommend this series, but you have to read “Moon Spell” first, or else you will be lost. Enjoy! 

Book Review: Moon Spell: Part One in the Tale of Lunarmorte

Moon Spell: Part One in the Tale of Lunarmorte
The Tale of Lunarmorte #1
Author: Samantha Young
Pages: 296 pgs
Reading Level: Adult
Published: February 17th 2011
Review Source: Author

Summary: (From Author's book blurb) Existing in the shadows of our world are supernatural races; children blessed by the ancient Greek gods, and at present they are fighting a two thousand year old war with one another.

The Midnight Coven, an alliance of dark magiks, faeries and daemons born of black magik believe in that vampyres and lykans are lesser supernaturals and a threat to mankind. The Daylight Coven, a confederate of light magiks, faeries, vampyres and lykans, believe in the equality of the races.

Into this war, seventeen year old Caia Ribeiro is born, a lykan with a heritage unlike any other, a heritage that, whether she wants it to or not, will put her into the very heart of battle.

I totally loved this book! The story pulled me from the very beginning needless to say, I couldn’t put it down and I already bought the next book in the series!

Caia Ribeiro, a lykan was sent into hiding since she was 7 years old because both her parents were killed by “The Hunter” during the war between the Midnight Coven and Daylight Coven and the elders believed that her life was in danger too. Now 17, she is brought back to the pack and its Alpha male, Lucien. Lucien is hot!! Well at least in my head he is. He’s over 6 feet tall with dark hair and built. What else can a woman want? When Caia arrives at her new home, she is greeted by the entire pack, but soon realizes that she is sort of the outcast. Some of the members of the pack treat her different and she doesn’t know why. She thinks it’s because she was away for so long, she acts more like a human than a lykan. Then she starts noticing things are happening to her and she can’t explain them. She decides not to tell anyone since they already think she is a little off. Soon she discovers why and who she really is and she is mad because no one ever told her nor did anyone explain to her what was going to happen to her. The only thing that bothers me a little about the story is that Caia is 17 and Lucien is a grown man – although she soon turns 18, but still. I don’t want to say too much more because I don’t want to give the story away. If you like lykans, vampires, Greek mythology and witches, then you MUST read this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series “River Cast.” 

Waiting on Wednesday: 3/30/11

Waiting on Wednesday

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

Yara's Pick:

Moonglass

Author: Jessi Kirby

Pages: 224 pgs

Reading Level: YA

Release Date: May 3rd 2011

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Summary: (from goodreads) From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead. 

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both. 

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface. 

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

This book I have listed to read for Debut Author Challenge, but after reading the summary I wished I had it already to read. Sounds very promising and no paranormal elements involved so it seems.

 

In My Mailbox: 3/30/11

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren

Our Latest Goodies:

Review:

• (ARC) Blood Drive by Traci Houston
• Somber Island by T. Lynne Tolles
• The Survivors by Amanda Havard
• A Question of Belief by Donna Leon
• (ARC) Department Nineteen by Will Hill

Purchased:

• (Signed) Haven by Christi Cook - Yara
• (Signed) Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delaney - Yara
• (Signed) Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith - Yara 
• (Signed) Across the Universe by Beth Revis - Yara
• (Signed) Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward - Yara 
• Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward (eBook) - Yara, Ana and Jenny

Top Ten Tuesday: 3/29/11 Top Ten Authors That Deserve More Recognition

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment

Top Ten Authors That Deserve More Recognition

Click here to see the future Top Ten Tuesday schedule. Next week Capillya from That Cover Girl is tackling top ten book covers you wish you could redesign (doesn't even have to be because you don't like it...just maybe if you have a cool idea for it!)

Once Upon a Twilight's List (in no particular order):

1. Laura Kreitzer -  Her Timeless Series is so great and well written.
2. Brenda Pandos - Her take on Vampires is fresh and different. 
3. Lani Woodland - I love, love her, one of my favorite ghostly series.
4. Jennifer DeLucy - You have to read her books, you will just fall in love with them.
5. Meagan Hatfield - You want to read about her Dragons and Vampires. 
6. Anastasia Hopcus - Her 1st book was so great and I really hope she can write more.
7. Nicky Charles - She pulls you in with her writing and so steamy good.
8. Elizabeth J. Kolodziej - SHe writes her witches, vampires and shape-shifter that you can't put the book down
9. Christy Trujillo - Simply put she gives you the right amount of what you like in her series.

Thats what we could come up with real quickly for this post, we know there are more Authors out there that also are great and deserve to be recognized more. All these Authors mentioned in the list can be found in the blog under their names and you will see all their book shave Great reviews from us.