Wednesday, December 14, 2011

$100 Amazon Twitter Blast Giveaway


It's time for the $100 Amazon Twitter Blast!  Who doesn't want $100 after Christmas to get something you didn't get or something special for someone close to you.  Well this is your chance, enter below - the prize is not offered by me personally but by the sponsor, which is Jen at Makobi Scribe.  Enter through the Rafflecopter below :)  Good luck!



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A Darcy for Everyone, Sourcebooks Celebrates Jane Austen's Birthday!

Jane Austen's Birthday is Friday, December 16th and in honor of it, Sourcebooks is launching a major ebook promotion!
From Tuesday December 13th – Friday December 30th the following eBooks will be priced at $1.99 at all online e-tailers. Whether you like Darcy as a tortured vampire, a modern day rock star, a Texas rancher or anything and everything in between! There truly is a Darcy for everyone!

A Darcy Christmas – Carolyn Eberhart, Sharon Lathan and Amanda Grange

Darcys & the Bingleys – Marsha Altman

Darcy’s Voyage – Kara Louise

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star – Heather Lynn Rigaud

The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice – Abigail Reynolds

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One – Sharon Lathan

Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard – Belinda Roberts

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife – Linda Berdoll

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre – Amanda Grange

Pemberley Chronicles – Rebecca Ann Collins

Pemberley Ranch – Jack Caldwell

Searching for Pemberley – Mary Lydon Simonsen

Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy – Sara Angelini

Darcy and Fitzwilliam – Karen V. Wasylowski

You can find all of the titles and information here:



Book Review: Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publish Date: October 25, 2011
Hardcover, 325 pages 
Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal
 ISBN: 978-0312650254
House of Night #9





buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery
My Review:
I have read the House of Night books from the beginning and while they don't have the strength that they did in those first few books, they still draw me in and entertain me.

A lot goes on in this one and honestly most of it I figured out from the beginning.  That's not to say it wasn't worth reading because to me it was.  It definitely kept me turning pages to see if I was right and to see what would happen next.  I am fully invested in these characters having been with them for nine books now.  What's funny is I listened to the last book as an audiobook so I now have that reader's accent and voices in my head for each character - I actually think it made the book a little more fun.  To hear Stevie Rae say some of her favorite sayings in her accent and I could easily hear Aphrodite say "for sh#!% sake!" in her way, it was quite amusing, so if you get a chance I highly recommend listening to one of these on audio.

Lots of action, new bad guys, love, healing and things that start to get back to a new normal for the kids at the Oklahoma House of Night.  And of course things are tied up to a point, but we are left hanging some waiting for the next book, which is Neferet's Curse in January 2012.  As a side note, Lenobia's Vow comes out in January 2012 as well and since she was a minor player in this book (more than she's been in the past).  I'm interested in this book to learn about her past and hope she has a more major part in the next book as I really like her.

So if you enjoy the series, this is another interesting installment.  Not the best, not the worst, but an entertaining romp and hey that's why I read so I have no problem with it.

Another side note that has no effect on how I rated this book I do feel I should add.  I saw the tweet last week from The Book Latern blog about the quote from this book and I remembered the quote well because I thought it was rather inappropriate.  I'm not one for political correctness, but I don't believe in using the word retard, it is a hurtful, shameful word and Aphrodite uses it rather liberally through the books.  The author has been called on this in the past and may or may not have used this quote in the book as a way to get back at the people who called her out.  To really understand what is going on, read this blog post, I think it highlights the situation best. 

My Rating: 3.5/5.0

Parental guidance: Sexual references occur in the book, most of it is off-screen, but you know the characters are having sex.  There is also bad language and while it does not go overboard, it is in the book.  Definitely a book for the 15+ age range because of content in my opinion, for what that's worth.

About the Book:
Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet -- which would be a whole lot easier if the High Council saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together -- if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more -- or possibly less -- than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him . . .

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds at extinguishing Light? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect them all? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.


About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
P.C. Cast
P.C. Cast was born in Watseka, Illinois, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. Since her tour in the USAF, she has been speaking and teaching professionally.

Ms. Cast is a New York Times Best Selling author. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath.

Ms. Cast writes the popular Goddess Summoning Series for Berkley Publishing. The sixth book
in the series, WARRIOR RISING, was released in May 2008. Cast also writes an epic fantasy series
for LUNA set in Partholon, the unique, award-winning world she created.

Ms. Cast coauthors a paranormal young adult series with her daughter, Kristin. CHOSEN,
the third book in their House of Night series (St. Martin’s Press) debuted at #2 on the
New York Times Best Seller List. HUNTED, the 5th book in this blockbuster series, will be
released on March 10th, 2009. Please check out the series website, www.houseofnightseries.com.

P.C. Cast is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. If your organization is interested in information about her workshops or presentations, please contact phyl@pccast.net, or if the request is specific to her young adult series, you may contact her St. Martin’s publicist, Katy Hershberger, at Katy.Hershberger@stmartins.com.

Ms. Cast lives in Oklahoma with her fabulous daughter, her spoiled cat, and her adorable Scotties!


Kristin Cast
At 19-years-old, Kristin is thrilled to be coauthoring the YA series, THE HOUSE OF NIGHT, with her mother. The first book in the series will be her first published novel. She has won awards for her poetry, as well as served as journalist for her intermediate high school newspaper, Tiger Tales, and as editor for her high school magazine, Tiger Eye. Kristin attends Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is working hard to fulfill her goal of becoming a veterinarian without bankrupting her mother. One of the Scottinators belong to her, although we’re not telling either of the dogs that she’s going to someday be their veterinarian. Kristin would love to hear from her fans, and can also be reached through her mother’s website.


P.C. Cast's Website
House of Night Website

Facebook



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FTC Information: I checked this book out from my local library for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository and B&N.com, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.




Author This or That: Brian Rowe (Happy Birthday to Me)




Please welcome author Brian Rowe today, his guest post today is answering various this or that questions.  Thanks Brian for your good-natured responses to a couple of ones I sent that were more geared to a woman author!


Pop tarts or cereal? 
Cereal. I used to love pop tarts when I was a kid, but there's just way too much sugar in them to enjoy them these days. I prefer the organic cereal brands from Trader Joe's. Yum!

Vampires or Werewolves? 
Vampires. Not only are vampires the subject of the new novel I'm writing, I just find vampires more fascinating paranormal creatures. My favorite show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and many of the great horror films, from Nosferatu to last year's Let Me In, feature vampires. I love them! 

Flats or Heels? 
Flats. No heels for me. Except on Halloween.

Skirts or Jeans? 
Jeans. Again, I only wear skirts on Halloween.

Shopping or Reading? 
Reading! Are you kidding me? Many find shopping a lot of fun and relaxing. I find it work. Plus you're spending your hard-earned money, usually on things you don't really need. Instead, you can go to the library and for free take home five books that will keep you occupied for days. I love to read. And always will.

Crystal:  I'm with you - a good book from the library beats shopping any day!

English or Math? 
English. While math can be easier due to there always being an answer, English was always my favorite subject in school, and still is to this day. I've always been obsessed with language; it's one of the reasons why I write.

Dogs or Cats? 
Cats. Two years ago, and for most of my life, I would have said dogs. And I still love dogs. But I just got my first cat a year ago, and she brightens my life every day. She's my precious little Cleo!

Tragedies or Comedies? 
Tragedies. I've always been drawn to darker stories, so, while comedies are great and downright necessary sometimes, I prefer a really good tragedy. 

Twitter or Facebook? 
Facebook. This is a tough one, because Facebook has become more cluttered these last couple of years, and I've finally warmed up to Twitter in the last year. But I still love Facebook for keeping in touch with friends all over the world, and for easily sharing photos.

Paperback/Hardback or Ebook? 
Paperback. While eBooks have been on the rise for the last few years, I still have yet to read one. I prefer paperbacks and hardcopy books, but maybe I'll try a Kindle one day down the line.

Bracelets or Necklaces? 
Necklace. If I really, really had to choose. 

Middle School teacher or High School teacher? 
High School Teacher. Although I hope to become a college professor in the next few years. 

Movie in theater or in your own home? 
Movie in theatre. While I love the easy access of movies at home, there's still no better way to watch a movie than in a theatre.

Sports Car or Sedan? 
Sedan. I'm more of a classy fella.

Book Giveaway: A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I recently won a contest and several books from Suzanne Woods Fisher, one of which I have already read and reviewed here at My Reading Room. So one of my readers gets to be the lucky recipient of this book simply by filling out the Rafflecopter below.  I'm doing a short giveaway in hopes of getting this to your house before Christmas :)

A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Publish Date: September 1, 2011
Hardcover, 208 pages 
Fiction, Amish Romance, Christian
 ISBN: 978-0800719951








About the book:
Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.




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Waiting on Wednesday (10)

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

I haven't read a Robin Cook book in awhile because they were the series that involved Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery and I had gotten behind in my reading of the series.  But this looks like a stand alone and I have really missed reading his books.


Death Benefit by Robin Cook
Publish Date: 12/27/2011
Pia Grazdani is an exceptional yet aloof medical student working closely with Columbia University Medical Center's premier scientist on cutting edge research that could revolutionize health care by creating replacement organs for critically-ill patients. Thorough her work with the brilliant molecular geneticist Dr. Tobias Rothman, Pia knows she will be given the chance to fulfill her ambition to participate in medical discoveries that can help millions while bringing her a measure of personal peace that might once and for all push aside memories of her difficult and abusive childhood.

But when tragedy strikes in the lab, Pia, with the help of infatuated classmate George Wilson, launches an investigation into the unforeseen calamity in the hospital's supposedly secure biosafety lab.
Meanwhile, two ex-Wall Street whiz-kids think they have found another loadstone in the nation's multi-trillion dollar life insurance industry, and race to find ways to control actuarial data and securitize the policies of the aged and infirm to make another killing.
As Pia and George dig deeper into the events at the lab one question remains unanswered: is someone attempting to manipulate private insurance information to allow investors to benefit from the deaths of others?

So what are you waiting on this week?