Review: The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davis

The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I say this a lot but this was not at all what I expected. I have adopted the habit of not reading blurbs and synopsis which leaves me surprised a lot.

Wow, the emotion was great. My heart was in my throat most the novel. Audrey was really freaking brave and realistic. I was looking for a book that would scare me for a Halloween post and give me nightmares, this book did just that but not the way I expected.

During the story Audrey has to deal with so much icky stuff. She has to learn to forgive and move on in order to heal and it seems so impossible. Her parents aren't any help because they have too much guilt. Her Aunt and the neighbor boys were a Godsend. I found the sheer coincidence of Caleb and Justin with their background along with Audrey's being next door neighbors to Aunt Kate a little much. Not nearly enough to ruin the story but I may have rolled my eyes once.

I am so glad I read this story and I think it was executed very well for such a heavy issue. I think this is a one time read for me since it is emotionally draining. I think everyone should read it, because it is very poignant and just emotionally breathtaking.

Cover Whore:
The cover is what drew me. The wide-eyed despair is perfect and intune with the books topic.

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Review: Freshman Fangs by Heather Anne Richards

Freshman Fangs by Heather Anne Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first heard the name and then saw the cover I kind of expected something campy like Buffy the movie. I was pleasantly surprised. Fast paced, full of action and draws you in from the beginning. Never a dull moment. It is short and has none of the lag that most books have. Every chapter had a twist that blew my mind. And just remember to read last 20% during the day. Really creepy. I can't wait until book 2 is released and some loose ends are tied.


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Cover Reveal of Skin Deep by Megan D. Martin

Title:  Skin Deep
Author:  Megan D. Martin

Series:  #1 of The Eternal Forces

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher:  Dragonfairy Press
Expected Release Date:   Fall 2013

What would you do to have the body of your dreams?

Kiera hates being overweight and hides behind thick layers of clothing. One night, her friends present an opportunity that seems impossible to believe. With a single spell, she can have the thin physique she's always coveted.

But all magic comes with a price: no sex or she'll revert back to her old body. Kiera accepts the cost. It's not like she has men lined up at her door. Obeying this one tiny rule isn't difficult at all—until the night she meets Cain, a were-tiger and a soldier with the Eternal Forces.

When a slew of unexplained murders forces Kiera and Cain together, they'll have to face the horrors of their pasts. Will Kiera realize she is worth more than her outward appearance? Or will she make the wrong the choice and lose everything —including her life?

About the Author

Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, mother, student and editor. In her spare time she enjoys decorating her house with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks.

You can find Megan on pretty much every social networking site that exists.

Blog: http://www.MeganDMartin.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormegandmartin

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Megan_D_Martin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6656963.Megan_D_Martin

Google+: https://plus.google.com/115096823539939478098/posts

Instagram: http://instagram.com/meeegann

Vine: Meeegann

Giveaway Info

$15 Amazon GC

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Girls Heart Books Tour: Intangible and Imaginable by J Meyers Reviews

Intangible

Series- Intangible # 1

J. Meyers

Publication Date-January 31, 2012

Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.

Review:
I am not sure what I was expecting when I started this book but I was surprised at how much I liked it. It was one of the few times I didn't read the synopsis so I went in blind.

The brother and sister dynamic was pure perfection. I liked most the characters instantly, especially Jonas. Actually I enjoyed all the characters except Fey. I just did not like her.

I liked the romance. It wasn't all syrup sweet like a lot of YA stories. I was not fond of Marc but Sera and his connection was pretty wow!

If you like YA and you like paranormal stories, you have to read this book. All the supernaturals in one story? Yes please. A story you will get lost in and zombify your brain by keeping you up late making you useless at work or school. This book will do that. When I read the last page I kid you not, I hugged my kindle. I hugged it so hard.

Read this book. Read it.

Cover Whore:
I love the cover. It is simple yet attention grabbing.

Links-

Goodreads

Amazon Kindle

Barnes and Noble

 Imaginable

Series- Intangible # 2

J. Meyers

Publication Date- April 16, 2013

Twins Sera and Luke Raine’s unusual abilities are growing. Sera is healing vampires now, making them human again. And, at times, Luke can actually change the future he Sees.

But Sera’s healing has dangerous consequences, and though Luke is altering the outcome of more visions, he can’t control them yet.

Now Sera is in danger as the dark creatures of the Realm seek to use her.

As Luke struggles to master his gift in order to save his sister, he discovers even more about his powers. And what he learns just may put him in greater danger than Sera has ever been.

Review:
This book started off faster than Intangible and I loved it a little more. Jonas was full of awesome and the twins came to grip with their powers more. We really got to see who Luke was more than last book.

Sera is actually put in a tough situation involving her gifts. I also love her ability with vampires. I love it. I love the book. I had an issue with Sera's lack of follow through when she was trying to imprint on people she was healing but then she just stopped trying. What? I couldn't hurt to try, right?

I still love the super natural creatures. I love the story and I love the chemistry between Luke and Fey even though I hate Fey. I love the chemistry between Sera and Jonas! Hell I just love Jonas. Love Love. Love so hard I ran out (Okay I actually just say on my ass and clicked the screen of my kindle) and bought Indomitable. I had to know more about this great character. I admit, he is my current book boyfriend.

This book has insured  J. Meyers place on my auto buy list. What ever she is selling, I am buying.

Cover Whore:
Another great cover though this one is also simple and keeps with the series but I was hoping for a little more.

Links-

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

They're not like us...

Starting over sucks.


When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.


The Review:
Pure delicious awesome sauce. Okay this book will make anyone obsessed with finding aliens. If they are as insanely hot as Daemon, then I will take 2. (oh Dawson, duh.)


The writing was flawless, easy to follow and flowed like water. The characters were likeable when they were supposed to be and loathsome when it was appropriate. Either way, they were realistic.

Daemon was an asshole for like 90% of the book with mini flashes of a guy who's passion burned hot and bright. It was enough to keep hope that he was worth the work. I would hate to think that his hotness made me stick with him with false hope. There is a back story and you pretty much get why he is an ass. There is a novella all about what makes Daemon how he is. Shadows is a must read too.
Katy was super awesome (most the time.) She do a lot of dumb things but nothing out of the relm of teenage girl. She is a book blogger that gets geeked over new releases, books and swag. So I thought she was awesome. She has a smart mouth, she is funny and she cusses mildly...so I LOVE her.
There was a treasure trove of other awesome characters the only character I had real issue with was Katy's mother. My issue is that she was supposed to be likeable but I found her annoying and stupid. Like, pimp your daughter out to a strange boy because he was hott. Which is another issue. Her drooling over a kid her own daughters age was just...Wtf EWWW.

I have been on pins and needles waiting for August 14 when Onyx comes out for my Daemon-Katy goodness.

 

Cover Whore:

I have seen two covers for this book the one I posted is the awesome version. Pepe and Sztella are supre gorgeous people and I think of them as Daemon and Katy. Now, when I see them on other covers (which is often) I can't see them as anyone else. The cover is great. The other version has cheesy, weirdish bubble hive lettering for the title but either way this series so far has covers full of win...and yes Pepe's hottness doesn't hurt.

Review: Branded by Keary Taylor

Jessica's got a secret...she becomes dead people.

Jessica's had the nightmares for as long as she can remember. Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels. Her friends and family think she's a crazy because of it all. Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.


But when two men she can't ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares. The two of them couldn't be more different. She will do anything to be with one of them. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck. But one of the two has set events into motion what will pull her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear.
The Review:
I adore Cole.


This was a good Indy book. I make that distinction because there is a difference between mainstream and indie, and it's not hard to tell them apart. But that's not the point the point is, it is a good book.

The story took a little too long to get to the meat and potatoes. the filling part wasn't until a little after half way almost to the 3/4ths mark. As this book was about sleep I kept finding myself in need or wanting to take a nap.

The the slow pace had me putting down the book, often times yawning the characters had me picking the book back up. Alex was a perfect YA boy and I enjoyed the Insta-love. Yes, the book has insta-love. It doesn't bother me and I rather enjoy the trope if you do have an issue with insta-love and you push through the slow build of the story once you get to about the 85% mark of the book, you won't be able to put it down. And if you do, the characters and story will stick in your mind. The plot is a very unique twist and addition to the angel theme. I liked it.

Like all great YA novels the boys carry it. Cole and Alex are perfectly awesome. Jessica was almost not memorable, I even had to go back to the book to find her name for this review. I am hoping she comes into her own in the next book or I may start to wonder what Alex or Cole sees in her.

Cover whore: The cover has been redone. I like old cover, which is why I bought book. I am glad my book marks are of the old cover or I'd burn them. New cover? I hate. If it had this cover when I found it, I wouldn't even look twice at it. It actually makes me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit.

Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Some would say, CatholicKittie is biased. But me being in love with Gwen Hayes has nothing to do with my love of Falling Under…I love her because I love Falling Under as well as the rest of her stories. This woman is Midas. And to prove my unbiased love I will post my comments I made as I read Falling Under as well as my review. They were not all me drooling over her...okay some were but NOT all.


3/6: "Dear Gwen Hayes, when you write an English person, I imagine you are writing in an English accent, thus I read in an English accent and for hours afterwards, I think in an English accent."


"Yes, yay...the Gwen Hayes humor I love so much. I just laughed so hard bf must think I am insane."


"I hate when YA boys pay attention to other girls romantically besides the heroine even if it is just flirting. It takes the romance of it all from me. Is she not enough?!"


"Instead of bye I use to say cheerios back in the da da day, but not because I really thought the English said it. Gabe makes me LOL!"


"Still not in love with Haden. Gabe, yes. Haden, no. He is too hot and cold."

3/7: "That, that scene, is probably my favorite scene! All dark para romance needs a lite hearted scene with just fun being had!"


"Girly laughter and frustrated groan 2 seconds apart...he must think I'm bipolar. LOL It's not my fault! Blame this cracktastic book!"


"*gulp* If Haden said all those yummy things to me, I'd attack him in the best way. No way he'd walk out that door without some! Like a black hole eats stars huh? That just gave me a nerd-on!"


"Oh shit, that is effin the absolute hottest thing anybody ever said in history. Ho'boy! Page 171 people...you'll know...about her heart...*fans self.*"

**Got epically sick** **Tibit…I always seem to get the plague while reading Gwen Hayes’ books…I blame how effin romantic it is!**

3/10: "Shit just got real!"


"And that, is how you end a book! Dear Gwen Hayes, I heart you!"

Okay, as you can see, I HATED Haden…he was everything I hate in paranormal. He made the heroine question her hotness when we all know he is supposed to make her feel like the best thing on earth. He flirted, kissed and touched other girls…I was steaming. I was won over by page 171 and it only got better from there. The secondary characters were a little added awesomeness my favorite was Gabe and Vernie but as much as I loved Theia, I did not like her friends Donny most of all. She is something like Bipolar but they were much needed characters to add dimension to the story and the group.

Review: The Catastrophic History of You And Me by Jess Rothenberg

Admittedly, I have been a very absent blogger.  I have been neglectful, but ever looking for a book to pull me from my book funk.  I had grown weary of Paranormal…so weary of the genre.  The gggggrowly alphas, the bumbling heroines, I even got sick of the YA variety.  But I was still hopeful.  That hope was rewarded.

My daily browsing of the Walmart book section paid off big this weekend.  I often buy books from there (it’s the only story we have in my city.) but rarely do I buy the book, rush home, crack it open and never stop until the end.  It has been a while that I fell in love so fast and so completely.

I guess it is time to tell you the title of the book that ‘woke me up inside.’  The Catastrophic History of You And Me by Jess Rothenberg.  The book is amazing, beautiful, funny, heart breaking (heehee) and romantic.

 Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - literally. But now that she's in heaven, Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend knows a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul who's been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she… and who just might hold the key to her forever after. With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on… but how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

The book is full of music references that just made the book completely fun to read.  I looked forward to see how the lyrical chapter titles tied into what was going to happen next.  Brie was very likable, relatable and understandable.  It was easy to be swept into her emotions and feel them like they were your own…because we all have felt this way before or easily can.  There was only one time that seemed a little off to me.  Brie was in the middle of her dark moment with Patrick and she realized see was acting insane and regretted it but then went further and KEPT DOING IT!  It felt like it was done to push the two into the next plot but really didn’t make a lot of sense with what she was thinking, her realizing what she was saying, the regret and wanting to take it back but then the next second say more stupid crap. It was the only real wtf moment and though it was enough to piss me off, it wasn’t enough to ruin the story.

Die For Me by Amy Plum

I stumbled across this book browsing emusic and decided to download a few sample chapters from Amazon. I can say I am hooked right away. I instantly told my book buddy about the book before I even reached chapter 3.

I downloaded the full version and the audio for when I can't sit and read. I find myself wishing I had more time to just devour this book. I also find myself wish I wrote this book! It is amazing!

The cover is breath-taking.  The hero, Vincent, is so damn wonderful.  Kate is one of the less annoying YA heroine but she has her moments or it wouldn't be YA.  Its like an unwritten rule, that YA girls must make you want to strangle her.  But so far I can't stop reading.

GET IT NOW! READ IT! You will thank me forever.



Synopsis

“In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.”

“When Kate Mercier’s parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life—and memories—behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate’s guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he’s a revenant—an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes (Review)

Demon Hunts by C.E Murphy (Review)

I count this series as one of my favorites…for numerous reasons but one of the highest was Coyote and of course the men. I have to be one of the only people who does not want Joanne with Captain Morrison. I like “Thor”. I like him…I really like him.


Alas, I have to admit though I loved this book it is not as good as the others in the series. It took me an insane amount of time to get into it and eventually it came down to me having to convince myself to read it. Don’t get me wrong once I did the convincing I’d enjoy reading but there was no excitement about it. I am not even sure why. The story was solid as where the characters but it seems to me that Joanne is not “growing” mentally. She is growing in her power and ability but she is staying the same “personality-wise” I can’t explain it. While I loved her at the beginning of the series her lack of growth is making her a bit unlikable. Does that make this book bad? Not at all, C.E Murphy has a talent of never writing a bad book. It’s not even disappointing I just expect a lot more from a protag at this point in the series. Coyote mentions her “growing up” I was asking myself where, when? I didn’t see it. I love you Coyote but nah babe, you are wrong.

But on to the story itself, I always get spooked reading these books. I am a chicken and the zombies, and evil always give me the chills now a serial killer that um eats people…eeks! I LOVE IT! I am biased towards the ending because I really can’t stand Morrison, I just don’t like him.

CatholicKittie

Iron Daughter-Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa (review)

Okay, I will admit it I am a person who talks, screams and curses at characters while I read and thanks to twitter I now also tweet what I think as well. It makes reading fun for me, when the book causes me to do this rather I am calling them idiots or cheering them on. The Iron Fey series does a little of both. Meghan got the most rants. I just find her on the too stupid to live side at times.


But that just tells you how good the series and the book are because it is one of the series I can’t live without.

In this installment Ash is a jerk. Even more so and Meghan runs after him like a weak little puppy. I just don’t get why YA series do this. Why have the heroine chase after a guy who treats them like crap…for whatever reason. I hate that, more than anything because I hate weak females and these books breed them. Ugh. Meghan is weak weak weak, but the story is good good good in spite of it.

I can’t say too much about the high point of the book because it is so spoiler-y…but yeah Puck is the awesome and I can’t say that I am Team Puck because I wouldn’t wish Meghan on anyone no matter how badly he thinks he wants her. Ash and Meghan deserve each other…both annoying and dumb but Puck, Puck is a classic character.

I hate Ash for reasons, not just oh my gawd I hate him so much. The reason, I hate more than life when a guy decides that he is going to stay away, push away and blah blah blah away from a girl because he loves her so much he wants to protect her. Screw that and screw you dude! That is her choice. Who do you think you are that you can make a decision for a woman and who are you to think SHE can’t protect herself?!

I know this sounds a bit I am woman, hear me roar but….*sigh* fine RAAAAWR!

I am a Iron Fey fan and I will say this story lacked Machina and I needs my Machina! But what it lacked in Machina it made up for in surprise bombshells, Meghan’s family history and the members being one. I hope that isn’t too much a spoiler.

I enjoyed reading this book because I was yelling and tweeting away and the book really pulls you in and involved and you feel invested.

Thank you NetGalley for the eGalley,
CatholicKittie

The Sleeping Beauty by Mercedes Lackey (review)

I am a huge fan of retellings and of Mercedes Lackey. Lackey’s style makes the tales that we have heard thousand times over unique and a page turner. Sleeping Beauty was no different. I love the way Lackey sets a scene and I could actually picture the world. I love the traditions and how it drives the story in the most unexpected ways. The fact that you know that the tradition will happen is a given but the “how” will it affect the characters is the surprise.


Rosamund, is the king’s daughter and I liked her straight away. I have to admit sleeping beauty is my least favorite fairytale but this version has completely changed my mind all due to Rosamund.

Though at times the story is a bit predictable, but it’s like that with a lot of retellings; Sleeping Beauty is worth the read because the ending is perfect!

eGalley provided by NetGalley Thank you!

CatholicKittie

Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl (Review)

For excerpt click on the picture!

Victoria Dahl is a true Contemporary Romance genius. Her Hero’s are lust worthy and sweet while her Heroines are hilariously realistic and likeable and in this novel there are double the heroes and double the heroines so it’s double the Hottness!
Crazy for Love is the story of Max and Chloe. Max is a control freak who worries about everything and everyone her meets and Chloe is the latest tabloid fodder who is portrayed in the media as a raving bridezilla from hell when her would be husband fakes his death to not marry her. Max and Chloe are a match made in hilarious sexiness. These two are so dang hott you will wish they would get to it already…or was that just me? For me they could have dropped pants on the first page and it wouldn’t be soon enough; that is how hott they were!
Chloe’s best friend is the beautiful yet shy and socially awkward Jenn who’s idea it is to take Chloe on a much needed vacation as an escape from the paparazzi. Jenn just wants Chloe to have a good time, to unwind and have a little wild sex maybe too but Jenn also might find a little of those things in store for her with Max’s little brother, Elliot the workaholic hottie. They both don’t think they have much to offer anyone else but damn Elliot is super sexy scientist and damn if that ain’t hott!
You might think that the characters would be a repeat of Dahl’s previous contemporaries but you will be pleasantly surprised that these characters are fresh and new…almost shiny even. If you are a fan of Dahl’s you feel a new justification for it and if you aren’t one yet after this book you will be.


Ebook provided by Publisher

So Over You by Gwen Hayes (mini review)

I am so NOT over this book!

I love snarky heroines and heros, smart characters, memorable secondary ones and hot guys. A lot of short romances are superficial but So Over You has layer beneath layer of depth that you will keep reading late into the night just so you can reach the sweet end. And sweet it is. It is amazing and perfect and will leave you breathless and clutching at your bosom squealing "Ohmaaaagaaawd" that would do a southern bell proud. Like with all Gwen Hayes books, I bet you can't read just one!

Keep reading,
Catholic Kittie

Blogiversary interview with my favorite author, Shannon Delany!

For my celebration of my blogiversary I am doing my very first author interview. I am so excited because its with Shannon Delany. Yes, THE Shannon Delany. I also consider her a friend and idol in writing which makes her the perfect person I want to interview. By that I mean I stalk- erm follow her on twitter, her blogs amd pretty much anywhere (online even I draw a line somewhere) she appears...Tah-dah I am right there too. Okay sounds creepy but 1.) Maybe it is lol and 2.) She totally loves me so she likes it. I totally crack myself up.  But enough with MY silliness on to the interview.

When did you write your very first story and why?

Shannon:  The first story I remember writing was in 4th grade as part of an assignment. My teacher believed all f us should try writing a book at some point so she had us write a story then she would type it up, we would illustrate it and then we "bound" it using cardboard and scraps of wallpaper the local hardware store donated. I remember even then being amazed at how it felt to hold my words instead of just say them.

What was the story about?

Shannon:  I don't remember what the first one was about. The only one I do remember was the one I wrote about how I found one of our kittens run over on the street in front of my house. I guess I've always used writing to cope with things. [Awwe so sad, :'( that has to suck!]

Did you ever have that writer's aha moment and think "hey I want to do this writing for real" or was it just naturally the next step?

Shannon:  I always sort of messed around with it. It wasn't until I got serious interest from publishers that I thought, Hey, this is crazy enough it might just work! see, if you're too serious and get rejected, it hurts. But if you tell yourself often enough that you're just messing around, rejections not tough to deal with--I think I had a safety default setting on my attitude before last year.

Do you ever get terrified when thinking about your book being out there for the world to read?

Shannon:  Holy. Heck. Yes.

So I know 13 to Life is a 3 book series (duh I mean trilogy) is it possible *fingers crossed* that there can be more books a la Rachel Caine's YA series going from 6 bk series plus stand alone segments of a series for as long as it works?

Shannon:  Eh, anything's possible. I have plots for at least a few other books in the series, but I also have totally different stories I'd like to pursue. Unfortunately there's only so much time in each day, so, perhaps at some point I'll need to make an interesting choice on what gets pursued and what sits obediently by.

Totally not book related...I know that you have done Hand Cut Paper Art and very well, do you still do this and do you even have the time with all your book stuff?

Shannon:  I haven't had time to pick up a blade since late 2008, I think (which was when my pirate designs were used in a film created by UWSP students). I've developed a mild Lotte Reiniger obsession. I would love to get back into creating scherenschnitte and messenschnitte--it totally transforms the way you perceive things and simplifies things into an iconic existence in some ways--I actually have several children's books in mind I'd love to illustrate with my cuttings. And to animate them... Muahaha! A friend wants me to design wolfy bookmarks to mass-cut for fans...I just need time, you know?

I have noticed that your Art and writing have a lot of Mythos- legends and history so when you research does it start out as a for fun thing and later find its way into your work or do you set out for certain things and just find it fun as a coincidence?

Shannon:  The more intense art pieces I've done did require a lot of thought and planning because of the techniques I'm using. With papercraft and scratchboard you can't really fix mistakes so you have to plan. Same with the writing, it's in there, but whereas the art must be ploted in advance mainly, the story tends to grow much more organically and the mythos works its way in there (sometimes surprising me).

Have you considered doing an entire scene from your book out of hand cut art? That would be so awesome.

Shannon:  I'd love to have time to do that, Casse--but I'd also love to do an animated booktrailer for the next novels using silhouettes like Reiniger did--it would give a truly unique feel.

One last question what do teen werewolves eat when they are vegging out?

Shannon:  LOL! Well, Max eats anything and everything so he wouldn't be picky. Pietr woud probably veg out with eggplant and summer squash since it can be grilled (and eggplant can be made into a parmesan) and sort of "fake" meatiness. ;-) 

Thanks for your time Shannon!
Does anyone else remember that movie Teen Wolf with Michael J Fox or am I showing my age? lol
Huge thanks to Shannon Delany for the interview. I know she is very busy working on more awesome books for us to read. If you haven’t bought 13 to Life yet, well what is wrong with you?! lol Kidding but seriously you are missing out. Also book 2, Secrets and Shadows comes out February 2011. It seems so far away…

Winner Winner WOLFIE Dinner!

I hate contest. Well, I love them because I love to share awesome books with yall but I have a hard time picking just ONE winner. I even contemplated getting more copies of 13 to Life so we all can have one but alas…I was told a resounding NO. The best I can do is…have another contest on July 18 which is the day I am having Shannon Delany here for an interview and those who entered this contest will carry over to that one so yall have a leg up on entries.  (Get it? Wolves leg up-- ah forget it lol)


That contest will not only have a copy of 13 to Life by Shannon Delany (wolves) up for grabs but Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (Ghost), Glass House by Rachel Caine (Vampires) My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent (Banshees) and what’s left? Oh my favorite…ANGELS I have the entire Kissed by an Angel trilogy by Elizabeth Chandler.

Are yall excited yet? I am! See ya back here on July 18th to see if I have added anymore books to the contest…I probably am.  And my non YA readers come back for a LUNA books contest July 5th where I am giving away my tifecta authors, 1st in the series: Urban Shaman by C.E Murphy, Cast in Secret by Michelle Sagara, Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready and as a bonus... if I can find a original cover copy- Divine by Mistake by PC Cast.

  Thanks for entering this contest!

The winner is….

              Okapi

Runner up is

                     Katie

Surpriiiise 2 winners. Both get a copy of 13 to life and Okapi gets a surprise book.  I will email you ladies sometime today. Congrats!

And since I am not a complete meanie…If you didn’t win and still would like a Jeri Smith Ready swag pack email me and I can send one out to you…Which includes a signed Shade bookmark and 3 of her WVMP book cards for WVMP radio series

Casse

When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton is Empty by Jackie M Johnson (Review)

JACKIE M. JOHNSON (Trinity International University) is an author and freelance writer. Her first book, Power Prayers for Women has sold nearly 100,000 copies. She has also written articles, poetry, and hundreds of devotionals for Focus on the Family’s Renewing the Heart website, and was a contributor to A Cup of Comfort, co-authored by James Stuart Bell and Carol McLean Wilde. A native of Milwaukee, Jackie lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit her encouragement blog, A New Day Café, at http://anewdaycafe.blogspot.com/ or her website, http://www.w3schools.com/htmL/%20http://www.jackiejohnsoncreative.com.

Losing a hope-filled dating relationship is a stressful and painful event. And when it seems to occur again, again, and again, is Ben & Jerry the only refuge for a Christian single?

As one who has walked this road before, author Jackie Johnson says an emphatic "no!"

While most books for singles tell readers how to get the next guy, When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton is Empty encourages a healthy healing process. Practical and biblically based, each chapter guides the reader through a metaphorical day of restoration. Twilight recognizes and deals with endings, night validates and grieves the loss, dawn awakens hope, and day is the new beginning based on the solid assurance of Christ.

Chapters conclude with discussions questions for individual or group study, helpful Bible verses, and a prayer.
via NetGalley.com




I am a bit cynical when it comes to romance and self help books. I hate books that claim to have all the answers and honestly I thought this book would be like that as well, but I was wrong. This book was a breath of fresh air.







I did read this book with ice cream though because it’s how I read all self help books. But Jackie Johnson seems to really have lived it which I think helps give the book that voice of “look I am not saying this is the only way but here, if it helps you then take my advice into consideration.” I also love that it’s biblical and I will recommend it to the people at my singles group at church proudly.






Casse

Happy Book B-day to Shannon Delany- 13 to Life

Yesterday June 22nd was the day I have been waiting for.  if you ask me why you haven't been paying attention to me much so I will tell you again, 13 to Life (a werewolf tale) I know that was dropped from the title *shrugs* I still love it, was released. Yay! In celebration I will post some of the links Shannon shared on twitter.
Seven questions with Shannon Delany
Original 13 to Life prequel (MacMillan)
13 to Life Blog
Not so spring-break prequel

I was lucky enough to pre-order and next day deliver it and it shipped early so I got it today AND Shannon's awesome publisher St Martin's Griffin sent me a complete copy to review just BEFORE a 20 hr road trip. *cackles* The universe (sometimes) loves me so since I have 2 copies...I will return the love to the universe and give one copy away.

I was going to wait until July when I will have Shannon on my blog for an interview during my MONTH long blogiversary celebration but, we have waited long enough also I don't mind getting another copy for that. 

+1 So here is what you do to enter:
1. Follow Shannon on twitter @Shannon_Delany
2. Follow this blog
3. Answer these questions.
                   A:) What animated movie does Shannon quote in one of her interviews?
                   B:) What hair colors does Jess say her hair isn't, in one of the prequels?
                   C:) What website did Shannon first start 13 to Life on?
                   D:) Besides poetry what else does Jess admit may not be her forte as well?
That is it and if you go to the Shannon Delany/13 to Life related posts I posted the answers are easy to find. I am such a nice blogger I even posted the sites in order of the questions...aren't I just super sweet! And even though the book won't be signed like I planned maybe you can convince Shannon Delany to send you a bookplate? If you are really good I mean. Here is a picture of the book & swag you are trying to win!

Okay what you see here, besides my coffee and fruit obsession is:

13 to Life

Morganville Vampire TPU brochure and Rachel Caine card

Signed Shade (another awesome book) bookmark and 3 other Jeri Smith-Ready adult WVMP series cards

And since all authors will tell you how important music is to their writing a special 2 pk cd set from a friend of mine.

Email me LitterBoxBlog and let me know your answers to the questions and if you win I will ask for your information to verify that you did all that was required.  After you email me your answers, add your points and leave them in the comments, please. Contest ends Friday June 25th  Good Luck!

For TWO extra entries:
+1 Follow me on twitter @CatholicKittie
+1 Follow my writer blog From Here to There...A Writer's Journey

Good Luck!
Casse!

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Review)

What kind of YA book is this? That is what I found my inner snark saying when Sam entered the picture. He was never mean to Grace, never cruel never withheld his emotions or self…what the hell? This is not the YA I know and love-hate! What message will it leave young ladies with? That they deserve to be treated with respect? NO NO NO! Unhealthy stalking yes, that is good but they admit to each other it is an obsession. Maggie Maggie Maggie. NO you aren’t doing it riiight.


All that to say, I love Sam and Grace’s relationship. I love how the connection is shown. The way they fall in love. I love the emotion in this book. It made me feel smarter, when I read this book. I have read Rilke poetry and a lot of it. I have read it to a guy I was seeing as he fell asleep at night—. *face palm* wait, did I REALLLY just admit that out loud? Sheesh. Anyway embarrassing moment erased. Yeah I read a lot of poetry. Some of it complicated and complex but most of it emotional and beautiful and Shiver reads like one smart, beautiful and lyrical poem. It is brilliant! THIS, this right here is a prime example of why I love YA and why I don’t ever give up on it!



I found myself hating grace's dad. At one of the most painful parts in the book he probably assumes its some silly girl thing and it pisses me off how clueless they are! They have no idea what is really going and they don’t even care to want to find out. I love this theme in YA because…most teens feel like the parents are the enemy or the villain or the completely wrong all the time so of course they love to read books where the parents really are jerks.

Shiver took my breath away.