Review: Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

Okay, I guess I should let the world know one fact about me first...I have a huge thing for bad boys. Now, for fact number two, my love of bad boys is eclipsed only by my soft spot for the mysterious good guy who had no idea he is good. This story had both and I was in delicious heaven I tell!

The story was pure brilliant, the setting brilliant (made me text my sister and ask her to move to NOLA with me), Pitre (bad boy I am sure I wasn't supposed to puddle over) and Dylan (can I just say O my frakkin Gawd, right now) those 2 lovely boys made my heart all a flutter. Those were the good points that made me race to read this story at a break neck pace and read much too late into the night. Trinity, our heroine, was interesting enough and she had some awesome traits I like in my YA girl. Angst, the angst, I love the angst! She also had some inner turmoil going on that made her hop off the pages but boy was that chic so flip floppy, I was often annoyed and Chase is so bland and wishy washy I can't figure what anyone would see in him. I think it was because the story started at a good point but their connection was already established and they had already started falling for each other so I didn't get to nosey in on it.



This book left me anxious waiting for the next installment and praying for more Pitre and Yes, oh yes...more Dylan.

Forever and Mockingjay

Two different series...Two different books...Same feeling. 

They both left me clutching the first two books, sobbing "WHY?  Why did they do these to two perfectly good 1st and 2nd books?!"  Both final trilogy books made me feel stabby.  They were both well written books but left the series unsatisfying.  Mockingjay had too many dangling wonders...like well, Gale.  And although Maggie Stiefvater can say its not a cliffhanger...you can roll a duck in mud and call it a pig but if it don't squeal but quacks, the dirty thing is still a duck. 



My Mailbox

I have gotten a lot of books since the last time I did this.  I have read a lot of them so there is no need to post those ones but here are a few that I have gotten recently.

I received Evermore by Allyson Noel from a contest on Goodreads.com

Blue Moon also by Allyson Noel from Shannon Delany author of 13 to Life (June) I won a contest

Mark of Demon by Diana Rowland bought from BookDepository.com

13 to Life Swag from Shannon Delany (have I mentioned I love her? Well, I doez!)

Um these series covers speak for themselves bought at Albertsons Grocery Store

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater bought at Kroger

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs bought from Amazon.com

If I stay by Gayle Forman bought from ALbertsons

Something About You by Julie James bought from Amazon.com

Chick with a Charm Vicki Lewis Thompson bought from Amazon.com

Oh-So-Sensible Secretary by Jessica Hart bought from Kroger

Saving Rachel by John Locke sent to me from John Locke with 10 bucks for a bookmark! lol

Keep Reading, cause I will.

Casse!

A little differently this week

Okay, since I am having minor well okay major internet problems. The problem being my u-verse internet connection isn't working I am stuck updating my blog with my cellphone. It's a drag. I can't upload pictures for my reviews, mail call (and I got awesome books too), I can't do about me or Zoey's pick (She picked a good one too!) Ice by Sarah Beth Durst. Sadly I can't even link to her page. But she is fabulous and I know yall will love her! The cover of her book looks so frosty. I love the book too. Hopefully I get this internet problem fixed by the weekend. Oo one more thing- I forgot to tell yall I joined Textnovel.com and I am posting my novel Death Knows My Name there. It's under my pen name Casse NaRome, the first 3 chapters are up. I am also looking for help naming the chapters so you can go join the site as a reader or a writer. Cheers! Casse.

Skin Game by Ava Gray

SKIN GAME

Berkley Sensation (November 3, 2009)

A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.

Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.

A hit man who never misses the mark.

Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.

Read an Excerpt from SKIN GAME  and as always click the picture to pre-order and/or order this book.  Click here for author's site.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare Review

If you follow me on twitter, you probably saw me do a huge gigantic face palm earlier in the week while reading this book.


Clary, the City of Bones' protag was totally annoying me to the point of burning the book! I was so annoyed By Cassandra Clare's book I considered demanding she change her name this instant from Cassandra. I found this book very hard to get into despite all the good things I have been hearing for years.  I found Clary Fray an annoying twit, Simon came off ass gay, Jace was arrogant but likeable and Alec was just my type lol. Clary's mom was just as unlikable as Her daughter and I wished they both got sucked into an inescapable portal to hell!

I mean really I was not sure what all the hype was over Immortal Instruments series. Clary was the kind of heroine I hate. Hard-headed, annoying, never listened, with people claiming she was smart but really she borders on too stupid to live and doesn't know how beautiful she really is blah blah. *shakes head* I was going to quit but fellow twitter-ers as, @darkartist (http://aworldofmakebelieve.blogspot.com/) said it got better, I doubted it. But, I am always willing to admit when I am wrong. SO I was wrong She was Right. Boooy did it get better! I read this book everywhere even at work. I do customer service at a grocery store so do you think I was attentive to my customers that day? I’m guessing no.

Jace is what every girl dreams of taming. He is hott and bad ass. He has a deep rooted seed of loyalty, honor and training almost rooted as deeply as his pain. I think I heard a collective YUM. He is tall, blond and sarcastic and here enters Clary, a mundane who can see him and his friends, bro and sis: Alec and Isabel (both equally hot).

Of course they buttheads with Clary. Adventure, jealousy and lurve ensue. Along with a plot twist that will have you going oh UH-UH EWL. Even though I saw the twist come a mile away I am not buying it. I know it is supposed to be the drive to make you keep reading the series but since I am not believing thus not buying what she is selling I am finding it hard to start the next book.

I guess I could read it to see how Ms Clare plans to un-do what she has done. I say read this book only if you are into twisty plots that keep on going.





Cheers,
Casse

Mail Call! Books I received...

These are the books I bought in the past week: 

Those girls by Sara Lawrence

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (review coming!)

Renagade Hunter by Lynsay Sands

I won this Galley book of The Primitive by Mark Nykanen during BBAW from Bell Bridge Books.

I also won an ebook copy of Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger also from Bell Bridge Cooks.

These are the books I received from Swaptree.com

Unholy Empire by Brian Shafer

City of Ash by Cassandra Clare

The Undead Nest Door by Kerreyln Sparks (cover dude is HOT! In fact the hottest I've seen! lol)

The Immortal Hunter by Lynsay Sands (again hot cover dude!)

Witch Fire by Anya Bast

Dark Lover, Lover Awakened, Lover Unbound by J.R Ward

Dream Chaser, Dream Warrior by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Zoey's Pick...

My new feature which is going to be weekly. My niece with her favorite (hehe) book. This week its Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick Okay so it's my pick.  But I won't review it since EVERY BOOK BLOG already has, what more is there to say?  Yeah right! I will so review this book a little later.  xoxo.

Cheers!
Casse

My wish list-YA version...

Awesome books I can't wait to read...once I buy them lol.

Once a Witch- Carolyn MacCullough
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search--and the stranger--will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant. [Book Depository]

Give up the Ghost- Megan Crewe

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over "breathers." Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody...and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school. But when the vice president of the student council discovers "her" secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees. As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad--and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it's time to give the living another chance....[Book Depository]

Time of the Witches- Anna Myers

An orphan named Drucilla has finally has a place to call home with the Putnam family in Salem. Although her adopted mother is strange--haunted by a troubled past--Dru feels drawn to her as the mother she never had. When a new reverend and his family move into town with their servant Tituba, life takes a strange turn as young girls begin to fall ill and accusations of witchcraft begin to swirl. Reluctant to turn her back on the Putnams or her peers and overwhelmed by the power of groupthink among the other girls in town, Dru becomes one of the accusers herself. But when her best friend Gabe is accused, she must find a way to end the hysteria, or risk losing him forever. [Book Depository]

Devoured- Amanda Marrone

Inspired by the tale of Snow White, the author of "Uninvited" and "Revealers" pens a sexy, paranormal teen novel about a love triangle that's positively possessed. [Book Depository]

Sphinx's Princess- Esther Friesner

"Nefertiti was far more than just a pretty face." Nefertiti may be the dutiful daughter of a commoner, but her inquisitive mind often gets her into situations that are far from ordinary, like receiving secret lessons from a scribe. And she's the kind of girl who acts first, and apologizes later whenever she witnesses injustice or cruelty. But she is also extraordinarily beautiful. And news of her striking beauty and impulsive behavior attracts the attention of her aunt, the manipulative Queen Tiye, who sees Nefertiti as an ideal pawn in her desire for power. Even though Nefertiti is taken from her beloved family and forced into a life filled with courtly intrigue and danger, her spirit and mind will not rest. She continues to challenge herself and the boundaries of ancient Egyptian society. Esther Friesner offers readers another fresh new look at an iconic figure--blending historical fiction and mythology in a thrilling concoction. [Book Depository]

Click on the picture to go to AMAZON or click on the link after summary for Book Depository.

Amazon has great used book variety while BD has free shipping world wide, HELLO that is AWESOME!!!

This will also be a weekly feature on my blog. YA version and Rated R version.

Cheers,

Casse

Mail Call! Books I received...

These are the books I am currently in the process of reading. (L to R; T to B)

Nights Edge (HQN) Anthology Charlaine Harris, Maggie Shayne, Barbara Hambly

Dark and Deadly Jeanne Adams

Beyond Heaving Bosoms The Smart Bitches  Candy Tan and Sarah Wendell

Those Girls Sara Lawrence

The PostMistress Sarah Blake (ARC)

Intimacy with the Almighty Charles R. Swindoll

(Ignore the similac and Tea in the background lol)

This is my book loot for the week!

Stange Angel Lili St Crow

The Rogue Hunter Lynsay Sands

Hunting Ground Patricia Briggs

Storm of Vision Christina Dodd

Covet J.R Ward

Mark Your Calenders 13 to Life by Shannon Reinbold-Gee

  Ok YA lovers, this summer, June 2010 a book that has me soooo psyched is coming out and I cannot wait! 13 to Life by Shannon Reinbold-Gee 
  I truly cannot say enough about this.  I read a sneak peak over at Jeri Smith-Ready's Blogtoberfest Day 2
I have never been so thankful for insomnia in my life.  I have been in sort of a book rut and bad mood reading.  (ie. previous review of Impetuous by Lori Foster)  But this perked me right up, well this and my writer's block going away.  But anyway, go to Shannon's page, and Jeri's blogtoberfest and read all the cool YA books.  There are giveaways and all of that.  Jeri @jsmithready and Shannon @SReinboldGee are both on twitter so you can also follow them. (you can follow me if you want to as well.  I tweet a lot.  There is your only warning lol @catholickittie)

  I also added a 13 to Life trailer to my "My Oh-Em-Gee cannot WAIT books..." section at the bottom of my page so you can check it out.

Cheers!
Casse

My weekend plans- include Lori Foster

This weekend I plan to live on starbucks coffee and NOT work on my book like there is not a deadline that is looming over me.  To do this I will be reading a book I have been seeing everywhere and decided to read.  Impetuous by Lori Foster. 

Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush Contest

So if you read my blogs or tweets you have noticed I am drooling over getting my hands on a copy of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. So imagine my delight when I saw this contest. Today is the last day so hurry (september 26th! Either way its a cool Book Blog so check it out.

The contest is at I was a teenage book geek. Click Here
And to get a copy of Hush, Hush click the picture.
Casse

*Cross fingers*

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

Who knew blood could be so sexy?


The one thing I can say about Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson's books are the covers are gorgeous. And very HOTT regardless if the tatts are not consistent.


Mercy and her gang of fantasy creatures are back. Fresh from their adventures of stopping a mad-wolf from distributing a drug that can effect werewolves, Mercy has found herself in a new danger. She owes her vampire friend, Stefan a favor. So she accompanies him to give a rogue vampire a message. But what they find is not what they expected. It's 10 times more terrifying. Seriously just thinking about it gives me the creeps.

Stefan, who I find oddly, damn sexy, is a powerful vampire one of the most powerful in his Seethe. A seethe are to Vamps as what wolf packs are to well duh, werewolves.  He isn't the typical brooding vamp. Stefan is humorous, he has a scooby doo obsession (which is totally adorable) and likes to laugh as well as, smells like popcorn. Yum!
Samuel, her first love has moved himself in as her roommate and it pisses her almost-but not really boyfriend, Adam off. As a rule, I hate love triangles. They are messy and you get the readers pulling for one side and the other guy eventually gets the girl and well, whatever the decision that the heroine via the writer makes, its gonna piss someone off, and usually it me. But Briggs does messy so good. Adam or Sam or...Stefan? Hmmm it is so delicious and don't even think its gonna get resolved easily or in this book for that matter. B, (What I have taken to callin Briggs; because we are that close. Chea right!) has Mercy drag this baby ouuuut. Romance is always a good sub-plot.

The pack plays a bigger roll in this book or well their existing role from last book is just expanded on. Warren, Mercy's best friend becomes even more lovable. I mean even coyote girls loves their gays right?

This installment of the series is darker and creepier than the first. But that is because there is more vampires and vamps looove blood and blood equals cree-py! Mercy has to venture into The Seethe that Stefan belongs too. And of course runs into trouble as well. She also gets Stefan into major doo doo for a secret he is keeping for Mercy. A secret Mercy has no idea he was keeping until she ventures into see the Seethe's Mistress. A sociopath crazy bi-otch who is hot for Samuel's bod and blood.

There are a few stand-out parts in this book. Warren and his boy toy comes to mind. As well as a creepy, confusing but hott blood/finger sucking exchange between Stefan and Mercy. Have a cold glass of water handy. Its a sqweee-yuck/oh-my-gawd that is so dang hot moment.

This book also brilliantly displays the differences between wolf and vamps. Where the wolves are more noble and loyal in their pack bonds and politics and the men are virile exudeing masculinity from their pores (even Warren), the vampires are just the opposite. They are sneaky, vicious and down right backstabbers and they (male and female) have this slinky, suave sexuality to them.
The entire book turns into a game of cat and mouse that never gets old or boring. Where neither sides, wolves and vamps, are strictly one or the other. They have a common enemy though but what the sides plan on doing with this enemy is not in agreement.

Warren is hurt and some of the pack is missing. Will Mercy be able to find her guys alive and in time? Well duh of course she will. She is one bad ass chick! But along the way she will discover some of what a walker can really do, forge new ties, rack up new debts that she will have to payback and make one Biiiitch of an enemy.

For more info click here for Blood Bound's page and read a the first chapter.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

I first came across this book while looking for a new series to read. One that would keep me entertained. And boy did I get the corrected book. Though normally I am always hesitant about starting werewolf and animal shape shifter books I decided to give it a try.

Mercedes Thompson is my favorite Heroine of all times. She is just the right amount of ballsy and even though sometimes she makes stupid mistakes they are some what believable.

Mercy is a shape-shifter what they call a Walker in a world were witches, fae, vampires are known creatures. She can turn into a coyote. Her neighbor is the alpha of the local werewolves pack and has claimed her as a mate among the pack for her protection. So that the wolf guys will not harm her. They aren't foolish enough to upset their alpha, the drop dead sexy Adam Hauptman. Adam and Mercy have this love-annoy relationship. He threatens to eat her cat, while she annoys him to no end by keeping an old and dilapidated VW Rabbit in her back yard in his house's view.

Mercy meets a young wolf at her car shop and the adventures starts from there. Someone is attacking humans and turning them into werewolves. Mercy wants to find out who, exactly is doing this.

I loved the way Mercy's long-term relationship with werewolves unfold. I was so enthralled with this book from pretty much the first sentence. "I didn't realize he was a werewolf at first." Maybe it was just me but I could not put this book down.

Mercy and Adam have a complex relationship more than neighbors, but no where near the mates that Adam claimed her as. Adam has a hilarious, punk rockish but lovable daughter, Jesse, that Mercy just adores, as do I as well. And when ex-lover Samuel, son of Bran, enters the picture after Mercy has to make an unexpected and un-wanted return home to Montana, you will think Adam and Mercy's complex relationship is a walk in the park.

Moon Called is a great book. I give kudos to Briggs for the world she created while not getting caught up in petty descriptions and background filler information. Briggs finds an entertaining way to tell us all we need to know as we need to know it.

The characters are very well written and believable. And boy there are a lot of characters to know. Luckily they are easy to remember. The tri-city, where Mercy resides, wolf pack are characters who's importance that ranger from major to minor but you will remember every single one. And Bran's Montana pack (Bran is the Alpha of the entire North American wolves) will introduce themselves as they show what relevance they have to Mercy's past.

All in all I have nothing but great things to say about the opening book for the series and you won't regret reading this book. I love the huge Native American culture that is infused in this book and the magical beings that this world has, both openly and hidden in among the public.

I think every book lover should read this book.

Moon Called page

To read first chapter of Moon Called by Patricia Briggs click here

Book by it's cover

Why do people always say not to judge a book by it's cover? Then what exactly is the cover for. It's no secret most people are visual. The cover is the first thing we see. It determines rather we are going to pick up the book or pick up the one next to it and flip it over and read the synopsis, am I right? A good book cover will make you stop in your tracks JUST to look at it. It will make you ask yourself, "hmm I wonder what that's about?"
Telling people to not judge a book by it's cover is like saying looks don't matter. puh-leaze. They may not be the only thing but like look a book is the FIRST thing. If the packaging is lame what else will make you pick it up?

Wicked Liaison Review for BBAW

For weeks at work I have been passing by this book. The cover grabbed my attention but it is not the usual type of book I usually read. (i.e. no vampire, werewolves...ect) I am a paranormal/urban fantasy girl. I am the first to admit, Hello I am Casse, and I love creepy books. So I was reluctant to pick this book up and read. Even if the cover was drawing me like a magnet. Hot guy looking down at a pretty girl with sexy adoration doing the behind "I want you so bad but can't and shouldn't have you” grab/clutch. Freaking awesome! But I was still reluctant do to my reading snobbery. Again, Um hello I am Casse and I love creepy books.
Then doing my routine bitchery reading Smart Bitches Trashy Books. I read not one but TWO reviews on Wicked Liaison and since it has already haunting me and the cover was willing me to buy it. I said Why the heck not and I am glad I did.
I fell head over hills in love from reading the first page. Tony Smythe is dang endearing. And it was at the end of the first chapter that I realized one thing, fictional thieves are sexy. Maybe its the danger or the devil may care attitude. Taking what they want regardless of the risk. But this particular thief was pining away for a woman. Awwwe. He takes what he wants for a living yet he would not dare take her? Ooooh he is a thief with a heart. Did yall hear my heart just go pitter pat?
Constance was known for her undisputed beauty. But she was more than that. More than a pretty face and a hot bod to be used for a man's wanton carnal pleasures. She was a respectable lady! So why all these mistress offers? Would no one make an honest woman out of this widow. Beneath her beauty and naïveté is a hot blooded woman. A woman whom craves the touch of a hot blooded man.
Enters Tony Smythe, a thief, that she caught red handed in the dark of night in her room and she allowed him to steal a kiss. That singular kiss changed both of there lives.

Okay enough of that. I loved this book. The characters were well written the plot was okay enough. Not spectacular but not bunk either. I will admit I hated to be interrupted while reading this book. Especially when Tony was involved. I commend Ms Merrill for writing a hero whom was in fact a hero. That is always the point in a book that gives me pause. I’m always like how is this guy a hero?. I also commend her for writing a hero that had me wishing I could be in this book and give Ms Constance a run for her money. He is so dang charming. I don't see why he has to result to theft? He could charm anything he’d like from me and everyone else I am sure. When tell Constance he is conquered. Oh boy *swoon* He said "I surrender. You have won....I am conquered. Vanquished..." I do believe if a guy said that to me I shalt be had. (That was my historical phrasing lol.) Later he says to her, after she mistook and misunderstands something he said. "Oh, do not give me that melodramatic look. We are in a ballroom, not Drury Lane." I love that!
The villains were well done. Her nephew, Freddy, wasn't a bad guy just a spoiled moron. The real villain was creepy stalker rapist in the making Barton. I couldn’t figure out if Connie was the only woman with lady parts that he wouldn’t take no for an answer? What I like about Constance, though sometimes she acts like a wilting flower and makes a complete fool of herself at other times, she stands up for herself when Mr. wont take no for an answer BARTON implies that women are like dogs! My reaction was dude that’s totally the way to make a woman keep her bid-ness locked tight and kept to herself; what was he thinking? I was so proud of Constance. First she tells him "I doubt I can eat in your presence, since the thought of you sickens me." YEAH YOU GO, Connie! Later in the same conversation she tells him she is no damn dog. "You will find, Lord Barton, that I am not some lapdog to be easily brought to heel. You have won in this. But that is all. Now, if you will excuse me..." If that’s not a dismissal I don't know what is. But then she wilted right after. WOMP WOMP. I guess win some- lose some. I was still proud.
Barton is a pompous jerk. I was waiting for Tony to sock him. Or Constance needed to give Lord Would be Rapist a good junk punch! Nephew Freddy needs a spanking. But since He seems to want to do Aunt Constance rather than treat her as a mere female relative; I’m just sayin maybe he would truly like aunty to give him a spanking. If you get what I am saying.

If not, I am just saying get the book, read it and fall in love with the smoothest thief I have ever heard of. And tell me he doesn't make you want him to climb up your drain pipe and come through your window.
Now if there were say angels and vampires in this book it would be perrrrfection.
Here are the reviews that convinced me to give this historical romance a try. Corrina's review ; Phyllis' review And here is where you can order the book online. Buy Wicked Liaison by Christine Merrill

Cheers!
--Casse--

A book is a book except when its not???

IREX Technologies BBAW e-reader giveaway

Okay I love books. The holding and the turning the pages. Seriously, there is nothing and I mean absolutely nothing like opening a book. Its very...calming. I am a typical reader except I am not. I also looove e-readers. I love shopping for a book in my house in pj's, pressing a button and bam! Its right there before me. I don't have to wait for it to be shipped, or go check the mail daily HOPING it is there so I can read it finally. I don't need to go to book stores (which I do love) but who always has the time. With E-readers and ebooks it is all so accessible.

Sometimes books aren't convenient for travel, having to stuff them in purses or like with me I like romance novels and the covers can sometimes be...embarrassing. With the fawning woman and the man titties. I mean I looove man titty as much as the next woman but come on, at work? On the bus? You get those "oh poor simple minded-woman" looks. But, I can read the SAME book on an e-reader and I get the "oh she is very tech-minded. This girl must be smart" looks. It's crazy.

What I tell first time e-reader/e-book buyers and shoppers the first thing to choosing is convenience, the second is availability. I want a book were the format of the book is widely available from more than one retailer. I like to shop around. I want the lowest price on a book, regardless if its am e-book or a "real" one, it's my money and I don't want to pay a penny more than I have to. The most important quality I look for in an e-reader is if I can shop in multiple places. My current e-reader I am able to use Microsoft reader, PDF and mobipocket. So I can really look around for the lowest price.

You also want it to be user friendly. I don't EVER want to buy something that is going to make me feel stupid. Some e-readers you have to be like a rocket scientist to use and figure out.

That's my e-reader must have trifecta. Convenience, availability and user friendly.

Whatever your reading material choice is, Happy reading.


Cheers!
--Casse--

Casse and Read em and Eat. Sounds like a perfect fit! The BBAW Swap!

When I signed up for BBAW interview swap, I was a bit nervous. I am new to this book blog world and so you never know how a person is going to be. I think I may have lucked out. I was paired with Christie, over at the blog site Read 'em and Eat. Immediately I knew it was a perfect match. Books and food ding ding ding. Those are a few of my favorite things. I decided to write this kindred right away. Our interview went smoothly. We chatted back and forth through emails. I am sure everybody says this but I totally see myself keeping in contact with Ms. Christie and adding her blog to my read list. I am chatty especially about books and book lovers and I really enjoy getting to know them. So here is our very chatty interview below. Enjoy and then scoot over there and read her blog.

Casse: Okay first and foremost, Why do you love books?

Christie: You know what- I don't think I can answer this question. I've been in love with books and reading for my entire life. Both my parents were readers and we always had books in our house. My mom read to my brothers and I as kids and I think it probably started then. I remember that every year for my birthday and other special occasions my uncle would give me two hard-covered Bobbsey Twins books (yes, I know, I'm dating myself!) and I always knew I was getting them and I was always SO excited! I love books because you can disappear into them. Unlike television, which is relatively mindless, books require active participation and investment. Reading is an experience for your senses: you have to hold a book and turn its pages, you need to concentrate and you need to use your imagination.

Casse: What was the first book you totally fell for?

Christie: Again, this would be a long list! I have wonderful memories of all my childhood reading: Bobbsey Twins, Trixe Beldon, Enid Blyton. I also loved individual books: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte; The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier.

Casse: Okay name your top 5 books that you feel everyone has to read?

Christie: SavidgeReads suggested everyone do a Reader's Table...that is a table where you put piles of your favourite books to give away to people as they came to visit your house. It's not as easy as you'd think - choosing only 20 titles - but you can find my Reader's Table here: Christie's Reader's Table
This list constitutes my favourite books...well, some of them at least!

Casse: How do decide which book you want to buy and read when you shop for books?

Christie: I actually have a book where I keep an alphabetical list of all the books I want to read. I write down anything I read about that sounds interesting. The book is small enough that I can carry it around with me in case I need it....but, honestly, there are over 1000 titles on the list so I don't really think I need anymore random books. I buy two books a month out of necessity: both for book clubs I'm in and then, generally, speaking I buy what appeals to me. (When I am not looking specifically for books from my list.) I also have a tbr shelf: that is, books I have purchased and not yet read. There are over 200 books on that shelf!
One of Christie's bookshelves. FYI: I have an obsessesion with Bookshelves. lol

Casse: After you are done with a book what do you do with it? (ex: Sale, Trade, lend them out.)

Christie: I admit it, I have a HARD time parting with books. But I don't have limitless space, so I do purge every now and then- charity book sales generally benefit and I only give up stuff I know I won't read again or didn't like at all or mysteries, which - let's face it - once you've read them don't hold any further surprises! So, I might give away 20 books a year or so.

Casse: What do you do with your day when not reading? (Job, Stay at home mommy.)

Christie: There's nothing I like better than curling up on a rainy Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a book...but I don't get too many days like that! I am high school English teacher...but I have had a million other jobs: aerobics studio manager, television producer, freelance writer, book seller. I do have kids, a daughter, 12, and a son, 10, and I am happy to say they are both avid readers! (So is my husband which makes it a family thing, I guess!)


Casse: What authors do you “can't help but recommend” whenever the topic comes up?

Christie: I think I tend to recommend individual books rather than authors. It's true that when I love an author I tend to read several books, but it's rare that I love everything that they've written. (Carolyn Slaughter might be the exception to that rule.)

Casse: Why do you book blog?

Christie: I've been a blogger for several years now. I started over on Live Journal where I started to blog so I could hang out with fellow Buffy/Angel fans. I did have a book blog there and then decided that I'd really like to keep the two things separate. I like to talk about books, but really blogging is a terrific way to keep track of what I'm reading...sort of a running record. If other people drop by and want to talk...bonus!

Casse: Ok, you said you are a fellow writer which excites me because I love talking to other writers. What type of writing do you do? Is it genre exclusive? Do you find yourself gravitating towards reading books that fit into your writing style and type?

Christie: I've been a writer my entire life. I used to type out my stories on a little portable typewriter. I don't have any of them anymore, sadly. I do, however, have scads of stuff I wrote in high school - poems and short stories, all of it overwrought. I started writing in earnest again when I discovered fandom and fanfiction. And I have been plugging away at a novel for-freakin-ever! As a freelance writer I've published lots of articles...and I was the editor of my university paper...a million years ago! My taste in reading doesn't really have much to do with my writing. I generally read literary fiction, but I have been known to stray off the beaten track on occasion.


Casse: E-books are the new "thing" do you think you'll join the craze? The e-reader Companies are really trying to reach us women buyers, what can they do to actually reach us better in your opinion? They seem to think, make it pink and women will buy it lol which sadly works for me!

Christie: I know I should never say never, but NO! No part of me wants to join the e-Book craze. Part of my love of books has to do with their aesthetic. I like the way they feel in my hand and the way they look on my shelf when I'm done with them. I like covers and pages and an e-Reader (not that I've even actually held one) just doesn't do it for me.

Casse: As an English teacher doesn't it frustrate you when a student just doesn't get the point of literature? Do you find yourself trying to prove how great books are to them?

Christie: Nope. I think the worst thing you can do is try to force your opinion on someone else- especially a teenager who has dug their heels in. A love of reading, as I know you already know, starts very early. Some kids have no exposure to books at all and that's hardly their fault. So the worst thing I can do is wave 'literature' in their face and tell them to jump on the bandwagon. There's a whole school of thought out there now that students should be allowed to choose their own reading material...that we shouldn't force them to read To Kill a Mockingbird en masse. I think it would be a shame for them to miss out on that book, but I also think it's actually better for them to come to reading on their own terms. So, if they want to read drek (imho) like Twilight, let them. As long as they're reading, their taste will change and develop over time- just like mine did.

Casse: Is there a favorite book that you get your students to read every year just so you can keep talking about it?

Christie: Nope. First of all, there are certain prescribed books which are part of the curriculum. So, for example, Grade Nine students could be reading The Pearl or Cue for Treason. I taught The Pearl during summer school this year- it was the first time I'd ever read it. Simple story, but ugh...what 14 year old is going to actually relate to it?

Casse: A student comes to you and says ''I hate reading and I hate books. What's the point?'' What do you say? What one book do you suggest to try and change that opinion?

Christie: I think kids say they hate reading if the only reading they've ever done is what they've been forced to do in school. So, I would suggest that they try to find a book that appeals to them. Classroom libraries are great for that because generally you've had a hand in choosing the books. If you can help them find that *one* book that speaks to them...then maybe you've set them on the path. S.E. Hinton books are great for reluctant readers. Not only are they topical and easy to read, when you tell students that she wrote The Outsiders when she was just 16- their interest in usually piqued. The other consideration is that kids hate to read when they struggle with it- and there are more kids with low literacy skills than there should be. So, of course you'd hate reading if you can't. Those kids need extra help....and a lot of patience and understanding.

Casse: Ok about your book taste are you a genre snob? I mean do you find yourself strictly reading the same type of books or is it a free for all? Whatever looks and sounds good you'll give it a try?

Christie: Well, hopefully I'm not a genre snob! I know I said I read literary fiction...but that's because that's what I mainly read. I also love horror and mystery and erotica and suspense thrillers. I would consider those types of books my palate cleansers...so I read two or three lit fic and then a mystery or something. I have read some speculative fic, but it's not really my thing. I don't generally read non-fiction, but I do enjoy memoirs. I like poetry and plays, too.

Casse: How do you feel about Author blogs do you find it helps their book sales? Does it influence you to pick up their books or do you rely on fellow readers reviews more?

Christie: I don't follow any author's blogs...although if my favourite authors kept one, I'd probably tune in.

Casse: If a blogger you read trashes a book are you more reluctant to buy it than you normally would be without the review or do you just say okay noted, and then take the risk on buying it?

Christie: First of all, I'd have to really trust the blogger. Some random blogger's opinion isn't likely to sway me if it's a book I *really* want to read. However, if it's a blog by someone whose opinion I've come to trust I might consider dropping the book from my tbr list.

Casse: How do you feel about book blogger contest, is it a good way to get readers or just a way to spread the love of books and share a good books?

Christie: I've never participated in a contest like this. I think they're neat, I guess. I think they probably accomplish both of the things you've mentioned: spreading book love, and getting people reading your blog- which is what you want.

Casse: When you have a friendly relationship with an author would you sort of feel obligated to not do a bad review of the books?

Christie: I don't have a friendly relationship with any writer. I've had one author thank me for a review. I've exchanged an e-mail with one author, whose first book I loved, but whose second I didn't love...even a little. I think my job is to be as honest as I can...but it's like anything else...balance is important.

Casse: Where do you buy books at the most? Bookstores, online ect?


Christie: I buy books from all sorts of different sources. I don't live in a very big city and until a year ago we didn't even have a big book store, just little chain stores with ridiculously small selections. I love going to our new Indigo and going through their bargain book section. A little used book store opened in town a few months ago. It sells fiction only and I try to visit every couple of weeks and buy something- just as a show of support. I do buy a lot of books online. I LOVE Bookcloseouts.com...and that brings me to this question: Do you feel awkward buying used books like half priced books or second hand book stores? I always do its like the writer worked so hard and I'm not paying them for the job I'm paying a random stranger for their job. Is it just me?
and the answer would have to be, no. I don't feel awkward. By the time the books have already reached a company like bookcloseouts, the author has already made his or her money. These books are generally overstock. I'm still supporting the author. As for second hand books...it's just like recycling, isn't it?


Casse: Okay totally out the blue. But you mentioned Buffy and Angel and those were my shows!! Did you like Angel once the gang started working for Wolfram and Hart? I think it was done hill from there. The last show was...I didn't like it did you?

Christie: I am a huge Buffy/Angel geek. I loved both shows from start to finish and could still spend an entire day rewatching episodes. I didn't love all of Angel season 5...but I don't think the show went down hill. The series finale was, to me, perfect. How else could it end? It's a fanfiction writer's dream ending, really, because we don't know how it all played out in the alley.


Casse: Ok back to blogging. When do you blog? Do you dedicate a certain time of day to blogging? How much time, on average, per day do you spend working on your blog?

Christie: Sadly life is too busy for me to be a regular blogger. I post whenever I finish reading a book and whenever I have something book-related to say or ask.


Casse: If you could meet one author, who would you meet and why?

Christie: Wow- I have no idea, really. I think it would be cool to have a chat with Stephen King. Honestly, I don't know. There are just so many writers I admire, I wouldn't be able to narrow it down to just one.


Casse: How do you determine which book from your TBR pile you’ll read and in what order?

Christie: Depending on what I've just finished, I try to figure out what I feel like reading. The books on my tbr shelf (it's actually an entire bookcase) are all in alphabetical order. I stand in front of it and see what appeals. Do I want a quick read? A mystery? Horror? Chick lit? What I *have* to read for my book clubs also has to be factored in.


Casse: Okay what do you find the hardest, starting a new book or reading the last page of an amazing book? Why?

Christie: I don't find either of these things particularly difficult. I'm always excited to start a new book. And as long as I feel satisfied, I don't mind coming to the end of a book. A book I really like ends up being reread anyway.


Casse: If you could pick one book and swap places with the heroine, which book would you pick and why?

Christie: Yikes. I've read tons of erotica where I've thought, "whew, I'd like a night with this guy." Does that count? Casse: Oh yeah, that definitely counts!


Casse: Where is your favorite place to read? What is your favorite snack food while reading? With a Blog names Read 'em and Eat I had to ask.

Christie: I read in bed every night before I go to sleep. It's the perfect end to what is normally a hectic day. Reading calms my brain down. Since I eat in bed, I don't snack. My blog is called Read 'Em and Eat because sometimes I include reading questions and recipes...just in case you're looking for book club inspiration. *g*


Casse: Do you review every book you read? How do you decide which ones will be reviewed?

Christie: I have something to say about every book I read, although not everything I have to say is necessarily positive.


Thanks to Christie from Read Em and Eat for the interview and the time. My friend Amy from BBAW, Thank you for all of this. Happy blogging!

Cheers,
--Casse--

Book Loot

Dark and Deadly - Jeanne Adams, Wicked Liaison - Christine Merrill, Cast in Silence -Michelle Sagara, Charmed - Jayne Ann Krentz and friend lol, The Historian - Elizabeth Kostava, Lion Heart - Doranna Durgin, The seeker - Lindsay McKenna, Wild wolf - Karen Whiddon, Back to life - Linda O. Johnston, Wolf Creek - Rebecca Brandewine, Highway man - Michele Hauf, Damien - Jacquelyn Frank, Fantasy the best of the year 2008, Fortune's Fool - Mercedes Lackey, Ecstacy - Jacquelyn Frank, Winter Kissed - Michele Hauf and Vivi Anna, and Aftershock - Sharon Sala, Janis Reams Hudson, Debra Cowan.