For What It's Worth

Better Know A Blogger: Krystal - Live to Read

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:24:00 +0000

Better Know A Blogger is a very popular feature during the month of The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge. It's a great way to meet the blogger behind the blog!

Name: Krystal Larson
Blog: Live to Read
Blogging since: April 2011

How did you choose the name for your blog? It was suggested to me by my mother...I *sometimes/mostly* take her advice =) It should be noted that Krystal is my blogging name though.

How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging? They really haven't. I still have a long commute that allows me to finish anywhere from 2-4 books per day. I rarely give up on a book and tend to go to the bitter end. I suppose now that I have a blog I am more aware of new authors and more readily order their books.

Karen: I thought I was a fast reader!! I can read 1-2 per day when I'm in the mood but FOUR??? I'm impressed.

What are the books you are most looking forward to reading in 2012? I am dying for Insurgent by Veronica Roth, Until I Die by Amy Plum, Thumped by Megan McCafferty, and Dreamless by Josephine Angelini. I adore those authors and love when the main character is a strong female rather than the "need-to-be-rescued" type.

How do you choose which book from the enormous TBR pile to read next? I just grab a few when I am walking out the door for school, completely random unless I know a review due date is coming up.

What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books?? Receiving advanced reader copies is always amazing and has had the positive effect of getting more than a few of my cousins and friends more involved in reading as well-after I finish an ARC I will sometimes pass it on close to the due date if the reader promises to give it a review on Amazon/Barnes and Noble. I've also noticed that I pay more attention to English Electives in school rather than strictly focusing on the math/science major I chose.

Find Krystal on Twitter | Facebook

**Enter Kyrstal's giveaway on Live to Read for a SIGNED copy of Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles.

Thanks for stopping by today Krystal. It was great to find out more about you and I've discovered yet another new blog!

Authors After Dark Spotlight: Jade Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Author Jade Lee is here today with a beautiful guest post as part of my Authors After Dark author spotlight series. Read all about AAD and all the featured author guest posts/interviews here.

Since February is the month of love, I asked Jade to write about romance and she surprised me with this post about love & real life. The kind of love that endures even though it's not always pretty and perfect.

Jade Lee:

FEELING ROMANTIC? HAHAHAHAHA!

Well, it’s FEBRUARY! Now to most people in my world, it means that we are still a month away from anything resembling spring. Another month of bitter winds, icy roads, and white crap that quickly turns to dirty crap all over my lawn and driveway.

However, because of Valentine’s Day, February has become a month of what I call: I want to feel FEEL romantic. I want that first rush of anxiety, terror, and absolute thrill that came with my first kiss. I want to experience again realizing that this guy–this goofy, funny, great guy–is THE ONE for me. Forget how it eventually turned out, I remember the awe of thinking, OMG, is he it? Is he the one I’m going to build a life with? Then there are other romantic moments throughout our last 25 years. My husband was so thrilled when I told him I was pregnant with our first child that he picked me up and swung me around in the air. He’s not a demonstrative guy, so this was huge. Then there was a moment a few years ago when I realized, even despite the kids, the drama, the sometimes horror of living together, I still loved him! I wanted to empty nest with him. I wanted to sit next to him watching tv, movies, our grandchildren, whatever, for the rest of my life. Wow, was that a romantic moment!

So here I am, trying to talk about February romance, and I’m thinking: Did he empty the dishwasher? He’s about to go grocery shopping, did I give him the list? And wow, do his farts smell BAD! Where is the room for romance in that?

Well, its in the little moments, of course. In the fact that he IS going grocery shopping because I can’t face it at the moment. Because he WILL empty the dishwasher. And because we will share some movie tonight and it’ll be terrible or fabulous or something in the middle, but we’ll share it together. And sometimes, the watching the bad together is more fun than watching the good. (We saw The Hulk last night and had a great deal of discussion about it!)

So what’s my point? I don’t really have a great one. Just that I love my husband. I don’t need a month to remember that. I just need to stop and think what my life would be without him. LONELY, that’s what. Plus, I’d have to do my own taxes, and that sucks!

But what about all that FEELING of romance? Well, honestly, if I want to relive the joys of that first kiss, of the first moment we made love, and that first time I thought, is this it? I’ll turn to a romance novel. Maybe you’ll turn to the first book in my new series: Wedded in Scandal. It’s about four women in the regency period who run a bridal salon. You can get the prequel novella for FREE just by clicking here.

But forget that. Tell me what makes you feel romantic? And are you still in love with your SO even if he doesn’t risk life and limb to save you from an evil villain? Maybe he just takes out the garbage and does the taxes.

Karen: Thank you for stopping by today Jade. I love this post as a woman married for 25 years this March. It really is the small gestures throughout the year rather than the slaying of dragons that makes me feel romantic.

A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. And as a Taurus, she lives to pit a headstrong woman against a tortured hero just to watch them butt heads on the way to true love. Flesh wounds are rare, but the healing and laughter are real.
Now an author of more than 30 romance novels, she finally gets to set these couples in the best girl-heaven of all: a Bridal Salon! This way she gets to live out all her wedding fantasies, one by one. (Let’s be honest, what girl has only one idea for her dream wedding?) For more on the Bridal Favors series, visit Jade on the web, Facebook, Twitter
And don’t forget Jade’s other name, KATHY LYONS. That’s Jade’s lighter, contemporary side. She writes for Harlequin Blaze merging hawt sex and funny relationships into really great reads. Visit her on the web at Kathy Lyons.

Better Know A Blogger: Elena & Kendra - Novel Sounds

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:23:00 +0000

Better Know A Blogger is a very popular feature during the month of The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge. It's a great way to meet the blogger behind the blog!

Name: Elena and Kendra
Blog: Novel Sounds
Blogging since: Dec 2011

How did you choose the name for your blog? We made a list of names with words involving lit and music and liked novelsounds the best! We also like the dual meanings of novel, how it means "different" in one context and novels as in you know, books!

How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging?
Kendra: I've gotten less start and stop with books. I try to finish them all the way even if they don't hold my interest right away.
Elena: Usually, when I read a book I didn't really think much about them after I read them. Before blogging, my reaction was typically "Oh, I liked it!" or "I didn't like it" and that's about it. Now, I try to think more critically and why or why not I enjoyed a book.

What are the books you are most looking forward to reading in 2012? Like everyone else, we're pretty excited for Insurgent by Veronica Roth and Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins! In non-sequels though, we think Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig looks delightful and really fun.

How do you choose which book from the enormous TBR pile to read next? It really depends on what we're in the mood for! If a book comes with a great recommendation or interesting reviews, we're more likely to move that on the top of our TBR.

Elena: I have a lot of books, scattered everywhere (literally! in three houses) but here is a very small portion I have with me right now.

What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books?? Writing the reviews/picking songs to go along with the books has been a lot of fun and interacting with fellow bloggers! We love talking about YA books since we rarely get to do it with our own friends and adding our love for music on top of that has been really enjoyable.

Find Novel Sounds on: Twitter | Kendra's personal Twitter @sincethewreck where "I spit hot fire, and whine about my job"

Karen: Thank you Elena and Kendra for stopping by today. I discovered Novel Sounds after the girls contacted me for this feature. I adore this blog. It's so serene and visually pleasing. Another great thing is for each review they write they add a "sound" for the book. Very cool for a music lover like myself.
Go check them out!

Tune in Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:12:00 +0000

Tune in Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by Ginger over at GReads! to share the music we're listening to and maybe discover someone new.

I found this Kimbra song/video last year and bookmarked it but for some reason forgot to do a Tune in Tuesday for it. My friend saw Kimbra recently so that was the reminder I needed!

Kimbra - "Settle Down"

I bet that song gets stuck in your head. It's awesome on so many levels. Creeptastic - Stepford Wife video vibe bonus!

Gotye - " Somebody That I Used To Know" featuring Kimbra

Love the lyrics to this song.

Very cool cover of "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Walk off the Earth.

Website: Kimbra | Gotye | Walk Off the Earth

What are you listening to this week?

Feel free to leave a link to songs/videos in the comments even if you don't participate in this feature.

Book Blogger Confessions #4

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:05:00 +0000

Welcome back to another Book Blogger Confessions!

Basically we're here to "confess" and vent about topics that are unique to bloggers. Feel free to share, vent and offer solutions. Just keep it respectful - no bashing authors or other bloggers!

Check out the introductory post for more information.

If you want to participate just grab our button and include it in your post with a link to either Tiger's All Consuming Media or For What It's Worth. Once your post is up add your link to the linky list below.

This week's question -

Social networking with authors: Do you interact on Twitter/Facebook/etc with authors? Does it affect how you review their work or do you look at their books differently because you're on friendly terms with them?
(Question suggested by Andrea The Bookish Babes)

I do - mostly on Twitter and it does muddy the waters doesn't it?

I mean it's great when you love a book and can say to author X…..OMG I LOVE you! You are the most amazing writer ever!! But when you don't love the book and they know you're reading it……awkward! There's a face associated with the book now. A friendship of sorts (not really - but it can feel like that).

One lesson I have learned is to shut my mouth until I'm at least 50 pages into a book. I used to tweet as soon as I started a book and I noticed authors would start following or tweeting me as I was reading. I love the interaction but I always feel really horrible when the reading experience starts going downhill because I know their watching me…lol

I don't mind giving my honest opinion at all but I don't enjoy striking up a conversation that starts with: Me at page 10 - "this book is so much fun!" Author "Oh thank you so much. I'm so glad you love it. This book is putting my daughter through college. - You have a great blog - Can't wait to read your review….etc" Me at page 54 - , "um….this book sucks now - sorry."

I find that most authors feel just as awkward about this situation and aren't sure where to draw the lines either. They have to interact and "meet" readers (& most enjoy it and are awesome!) but not make readers feel pressured or like they can't say what they feel, which is why most won't read reviews. Completely understandable.

I have also met a few authors socially and had the incredible opportunity to beta read a few books. These experiences have really changed how I read books. Seeing the process and struggles that authors go through opened my eyes a bit to just how much work it takes to get a book from the germ of an idea to publication. The changes a book goes through from first to final draft are amazing.

It's not that I all of a sudden won't be critical anymore. I can be friends with an author but still not enjoy their book, it happens. Hopefully not often but I think once you feel that you can't be fair & honest in writing your review, you should opt out of reviewing that author's books or at the very least disclose your relationship as part of your review.

I have to say though, the authors that I have interacted with have always understood when I had something negative to say. They get what blogging and reviews are about and as long as you keep your review on a professional/non personal/ objective level most understand and keep the friendship separate.

Upcoming BBC topics:

March 5th: Let's talk about a positive aspect of blogging! How has blogging influenced your real life in a positive way? (not related to books or reading) Have you learned to be organized or are you more social now for example?

March 19th: Everyone LOVES that book! Why don't I? How do you handle being the one reviewer who doesn't like a book that's taking the blogosphere by storm? Do you write a review? Pretend you didn't read the book?

Link your post!

In My Maibox / Sunday Ramblings....

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:41:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to spotlight what books we've received for the week.

I'm very proud of myself this week. One book in - two boxes of books out.

For Review:

Shadow & Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Goodreads | Author website (lots of cool book related news and goodies here)

Thank you to Macmillan / Henry Holt Books for Young Readers.

From the letter I received with this book, it looks like this is one that the publisher is very excited about. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Outgoing!

It was time to clean out those overflowing bookshelves. These are all headed to my local library. The rest (not pictured) will probably be given out during Twitter giveaways that I usually have on weekends. (@teamsheltie)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm squeezing in my weekly wrap-up into this post just for this week. Ignore if you're just here for the IMM :-)

Reviews:
Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Guest Post & Giveaway!
AAD Author Spotlight: Jess Haines - Top 10 Romantic Movies Giveaway ENDS 2/19!

Better Know A Blogger:
Julianna - The Reviews News
Celine - Nyx Book Reviews

BLOGGERS!

Book Blogger Confessions Topic Reminder for Monday 2/20!!

Don't forget to link your reviews during the month of February to The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge for the chance to win some pretty awesome ARC's....like Bitterblue....Pandemonium....Fever and more!
Three hosts - 6 prizes!

Follow me!

Twitter
Google+
Goodreads
FeedBurner
Facebook
tumblr.

GFC - on the sidebar --->

That's it!

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Reminder: Book Blogger Confessions Monday 2/20

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:55:00 +0000

In case the Book Blogger Confessions meme is new to you - a link to the introductory post.

On the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month we'll be discussing a topic that effects book bloggers and give you a chance to vent, share your opinion or offer a solution.

If you want to participate just grab our button and include it in your post with a link to either Tiger's All Consuming Media or For What It's Worth. We will be providing a linky at the end of our posts so people can "hop" to see all the participants answers.

If you can't post you can still comment!! All opinions are welcome.

Guidelines: Do not criticize other bloggers or authors in your post or in the comments! This meme is to help each other not knock each other down. It's your blog. Blog however you want to!

Question for Monday, February 20th:

(Question suggested by Andrea The Bookish Babes)

**Because of all the author/blogger drama as of late & the topic above I feel compelled to point out that this meme is not about bashing each other or authors.

The question is about how you interact with authors and if it changes how you read/review their books if you are on friendly terms - not an opportunity to vent about bad behavior.

The linky will be up both here and at Tiger's blog Monday - can't wait to hear your answers for this one.

Better Know A Blogger: Celine - Nyx Book Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Better Know A Blogger is a very popular feature during the month of The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge. It's a great way to meet the blogger behind the blog!

Name: Celine
Blog: Nyx Book Reviews
Blogging since: April 2010

How did you choose the name for your blog?
When I first started blogging, it was just another way to share the reviews I was writing on Goodreads. I called my blog Celine’s Random Updates. When I started to get more serious about blogging, I realized that it was kind of a horrible name for a book blog. There were already so many book blog names taken, that I powered up Wikipedia and started looking for a nice name in mythology. When I came across the goddess of the night, Nyx, I thought it fit perfectly. I mostly read paranormal books, featuring creatures of the night. Nyx Book Reviews was born.

Karen: That's a great "how I got my blog name" story!

How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging?
I read a lot more since I started blogging. I used to read about a book or two a month. After reading all the awesome other blogs out there I found out so many great books that I wanted to read that my actual reading speed picked up like crazy. I also got a Kindle, to make it easier to read books for review. Reading off a computer screen is not really comfortable.

What are the books you are most looking forward to reading in 2012?
One book I was really looking forward to was “For Darkness Shows the Stars” by Diana Peterfreund. Fortunately, I won a ARC from Diana’s blog *happy dance*. Another read I can’t wait to read is “Born Wicked” by Jessica Spotswood. I fell in love with the cover, and I read a few very good early reviews of it.

Karen: Lucky you for winning the ARC!

Look how neat those shelves are!!
How do you choose which book from the enormous TBR pile to read next?
Oh man, I just pick what I feel like at that moment. I’m notorious for reading multiple books at the same time, and there is no system in the madness that I call my TBR pile. I try to read the books for review as fast as possible, but other books on my TBR will sometimes feel very lonely for a year.

What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books?
The best thing is finding people from all over the world that love to talk books. In real life no one is as passionate about books as I am, and when I start talking about that awesome book I read they just kind of space out. I met some very cool people online. And it feels very good if your reviews are appreciated by other people.

Karen: It seems none of us have book loving friends in real life....how sad for us. At least we all found each other lol

Thank you for stopping my today Celine! Stop by and check out her awesome blog and honest, well written reviews.

You can find Celine on Twitter | Goodreads | blog

Sneak peek review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire (Hourglass #2)

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:51:00 +0000

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devestating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts. (June 12th, 2012 - Egmont USA)

My thoughts:

Timepiece won't be released until June 2012 so it seems way to early to write a full review but since I did manage to snag an ARC copy at ALA (or I should say my hubby snagged me a copy - xoxo!) I feel like I have to at least let you know how amazing it is and how much it lives up to the the first book in the series - Hourglass.

First thing, there is a change in narration. This is Kaleb's book all the way. When I first heard this I was thrilled. I love male POV's and Kaleb definitely has some baggage to explore. However, I loved Emerson too and the series seems to hinge so completely on her that I was a little nervous. No worries! While I did miss Emerson's POV, Kaleb more than makes up for it.

Yes….yes….ladies for the swoon factor but he really is a very complex character with more involvement in the whole Hourglass mythology than previously thought.

Myra delves further into the world of of time travel, villains and romance and sets up a conclusion for book 3 that has me pondering at least several different potential outcomes. I had mentioned in my Hourglass review & it holds true for TImepiece, Myra never uses time travel as an excuse to move her characters into certain situations. It is integral to the plot.

The biggest twist is something that I don't dare spoil but it had me squealing with delight. It was *something* that I personally saw clearly in Hourglass but didn't dare to hope for but Myra went for it!

You'll just have to wait to see what I'm talking about……..put Timepiece on your pre-order list pronto!

More detailed review to come closer to the Timepiece's release date.

Myra McEntire's Website | Twitter
Buy the Book!

Hourglass
Timepiece: An Hourglass Novel

Authors After Dark Spotlight: Jess Haines

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:01:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Please join me in welcoming author Jess Haines to kick off the first of For What It's Worth's Authors After Dark author spotlights.

I present to you the perfect Valentine's Day post! Go buy some chocolate (if your sweetie didn't already get you some today...BAD sweetie! BAD) & curl up for a romantic movie marathon with these great picks.

My Top Ten Romantic Movies

By Jess Haines

Hello there! Jess Haines here. I’m the author of the urban fantasy H&W Investigations series: HUNTED BY THE OTHERS , TAKEN BY THE OTHERS, and DECEIVED BY THE OTHERS. Karen was kind enough to invite me to come share my (at times, admittedly god-awful) taste in romantic movies with you in honor of Valentine’s Day. Most of them are romantic comedies, and far from considered the cinema “greats,” but―hey―I love ‘em anyway!

So, without further ado, here is my list of my top ten favorite romantic movies!

_____________________________________________________________

10. Dangerous Beauty

A peasant girl in Venice falls in love with a nobleman who is obliged to wed another more to his station. He turns her down, letting her know that, despite ruining her reputation by spending so much time with her, he can never marry her. Her revenge? To become a courtesan and taunt him with her cleverness and sensual nature, and how desired she has become by the elite of Venice society. This is a wicked, sexy movie based on a real story (The Honest Courtesan).

9. Bed of Roses

Despite the stalker-y, Edward Cullen vibe given off by Christian Slater’s character in this movie, it’s really very sweet. Being given so many roses that you could literally fill a house with them is one of the most romantic gestures I’ve ever seen on film. It’s got drama, angst (angst-angst-angst), and is one of my favorite Slater films. You know, from before he went to jail and was caught with all those drugs. (Christian Slater Talks Addiction)

8. Just Friends

This romantic comedy stars Ryan Reynolds. I’m just going to admire the pretty for a moment.

Okay, I’m back. I love this movie. It’s silly, funny, and even though at times it has some cringe-worthy Something About Mary-vibes to it, it never fails to make me laugh. Plus, the friends-to-lovers trope has always given me warm fuzzies.

7. Win a Date With Tad Hamilton

Speaking of friends to lovers, I love―LOVE―this movie. That scene with Tad (Josh Duhamel) taking off his shirt and chopping firewood? *fans self* Also, this is the least annoying role I’ve ever seen Topher Grace in. I never would have thought of him as romantic lead material until I saw this movie. He plays the perfect geek suffering from unrequited love. It does a great job of balancing the serious stuff with the ridiculous in a great, heartfelt way.

Plus, the chopping firewood scene. RAWR. (Link to wood splitting scene)

Karen: I know I was supposed to drool over Josh in that scene - but I fell a little bit in love with Topher's character instead. What can I say, I like the geeks lol)

6. Roxanne

Like Topher Grace, you wouldn’t think actor/comedian Steve Martin―particularly wearing a huge, prosthetic nose―could be considered romance material, but he does a spectacular job of pulling it off here. This movie is funny, silly, and does a fantastic job at proving that looks aren’t everything.

5. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Okay. I know what it looks like―a raunchy horror, right? That’s what I thought when I first saw the cover and description, but it turns out this is actually a romance disguised as raunchy horror-comedy! It’s terrifically cheesy and funny. Best of all, it co-stars Alan Tudyk (aka, Wash from Firefly/Serenity). Not for the faint of heart, but if you’ve got a weird sense of humor and appreciation for silly cinema like I do, this is a great, must-see movie.

4. The Princess Bride

C’mon. You knew it was coming.

Karen: I believe I have watched this movie at least four times just in the past month. One of my all time favorites.

3. Don Juan De Marco

This is a romantic comedy starring Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando. Depp’s character believes he is the famous lover, Don Juan De Marco, and spends his time trying to prove it to his psychiatrist, Marlon Brando. Don Juan proves he is the world’s greatest lover by telling about his adventures, both in and out of the bedroom. Wackiness (and a ripple effect of sexiness) ensues.

2. Ever After

This movie gets me, every time, without fail. It’s interesting to see the Cinderella fairytale given a new twist, where you can see how this story might actually have happened and had a basis in actual historical events. Plus, it’s just plain awesome to witness Danielle (Drew Barrymore) get sick of her stepmother’s crap and grow an epic backbone.

1. While You Were Sleeping

Without a doubt, this is my favorite romantic movie. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve watched it. Lucy (Sandra Bullock) thinks she’s in love with Peter (Peter Gallagher). She sees him every day when he goes to work since she works the turnstiles at the train station. When he gets knocked unconscious, someone at the hospital calls her Peter’s fiancé, and it sticks―which is how she meets Peter’s brother, Jack (Bill Pullman) and actually falls in love.

It’s the most heartwarming and adorable movie I’ve ever seen, and I can’t recommend it highly enough to my friends of the feminine persuasion (dudes may want to give this one a pass).

____________________

So that’s it! What do you think, ladies? What are some of your favorite romantic movies?

Visit me on the web:

www.JessHaines.com
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Fan Forum

Thanks again for having me, Karen! And a very Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

Karen: Thanks Jess! I had SO much fun with this post. It made me nostalgic for some of my favorite movies (Don Juan De Marco, Ever After, The Princess Bride, Roxanne, While You Were Sleeping) and added a few new movies to my must see list ( Dangerous Beauty, Bed of Roses, Just Friends, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton and I must be weird but the one I'm most interested in is Tucker & Dale vs Evil)

~~Giveaway! Because it's Valentine's Day and I love you all - I'm giving giving away a copy of any one of Jess's books: Hunted by the Others, Taken by the Others or Deceived by the Others.~~

~~Leave your name and email or twitter handle so I can contact you in comments along with answering Jess's question: What are some of your favorite romantic movies?~~

~~International entries ok if your country is listed here~~

~~ENDS 2/20/2012 at 12:01am - winner announced 2/20~~

This giveaway has ended - winner is Missie B!

Better Know A Blogger: Julianna - The Reviews News

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:59:00 +0000

Better Know A Blogger is a very popular feature during the month of The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge. It's a great way to meet the blogger behind the blog!

Name: Julianna Helms
Blog: The Reviews News
Blogging since: July 13^th, 2011

How did you choose the name for your blog? I’ve been wanting to start a book blog for a long time, and when I came across Fictitious Delicious’s blog, I thought, perfect, I should have a rhyming blog name! I went with the obvious one—reviews, and went on rhymezone.com to search for rhymes. I saw news, and then the two collided together and, boom, jackpot! I got The Reviews News. :)

How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging? I actually did a blog post on this for your awesome new meme, Book Blogger Confessions, Karen! But basically, I’m more selective in what I read now. My TBR pile is so large that if I read every book I wanted to read, I’ll probably have to reincarnate quite the number of lifetimes, and hopefully not take over someone else’s soul in the process (Incarnate, anyone? :) ) I suppose that I am more analytical while reading now, and my standards are definitely higher now that I know what I’m looking for, and I'm harder to impress.

Karen: There really isn't enough time to read all these books is there? And yet we buy more.....

What are the books you are most looking forward to reading in 2012? Are you serious? Too many! To name a few, Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready (Duh, #TeamKilt FTW!), Insurgent by Veronica Roth (another duh), and I’m so excited for quite the number of debuts this year! (for a full list of what books I’m most—keyword most—looking forward to, check out this Goodreads shelf.)

How do you choose which book from the enormous TBR pile to read next? Great question. It depends on my mood and what I’ve been reading lately. If I read piles of dark contemporary books at the same time, I’ll most likely not enjoy them as much as I would’ve at another given time. So I choose what I feel like reading, basically.

My TBR pile on Goodreads is here.

What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books?? Knowing that someone else besides my family have to deal with my endless ramblings, ha! (Seriously, I don’t know why anyone would even want to deal with me.) In all seriousness, though (not that I wasn’t serious before) (hmm, I just realized that I’m a very parentheses-type of person), I’m going to say the old and true cliché: meeting such wonderful new friends, including you, Karen! :) I’m so blessed and honored to be part of this wonderful community. Book Bloggers FTW!

Karen: My husband is pretty happy that I spend the majority of my time talking to other people about my books since I started blogging instead of him lol
And meeting other people has been the best part for me too.

You can find Julianna on Twitter as @JustJuliHelms & Facebook.

** Enter The Reviews News "The Epitome of Epicness Giveaway!" to celebrate her reaching over 100 followers! Ends 2/29

Karen: Thanks for stopping by today Julianna. I "know" you from all the Team Kilt festivities, Twitter and from your adorable blog but it was great to find out more about you.

Sunday Ramblings....

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:58:00 +0000

So last weeks ramble had me whining about allergies. This week I whine about the cold. 25 last night and an expected 21 tonight. Brrrrrr. This Florida girl is a wimp! I wonder what I will whine about next week......lol

On to the wrap up!

Reviews:
The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logstead

Memes & Features:
Book Blogger Confessions - Deadlines
Tune in Tuesday - My hubby takes over with his picks
Better Know A Blogger - Sarah from Smitten Over Books
Authors After Dark 2012 - I can't wait to go to this author convention in August! My AAD author spotlight kicks off Tuesday, Valentines Day with author Jess Haines talking about her top 10 favorite romantic movies!
In My Mailbox

Giveaway:
Follower Love Giveaway Hop - Win a book of your choice. Ends 2/14

The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge Bloggers - Keep linking those reviews for a chance to win an incredible box of books. Don't forget to link on my co-hosts blogs too if you are a US blogger.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

In My Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:10:00 +0000

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to spotlight what books we've received for the week.

Small IMM this week.

Bought:

Bennett & Camilla: The Playboy Prince\Cordina's Crown Jewel (Royals of Cordina) by Nora Roberts

A total, unnecessary impulse purchase...lol I'm in the mood for a light, sexy fun romance and I'm hoping the two stories in this book are it.

Living Violet (The Cambion Chronicles) by Jaime Reed

Author Ann Aguirre gave this book high praise on Twitter (@MsAnnAguirre) and I have enjoyed all of Ann's recommendations so far. I'm hoping to read Living Violet this week.

Well that's it for me! What did you get this week?

Authors After Dark 2012 - NOLA

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:56:00 +0000

I'm so excited to be attending Authors After Dark this year in New Orleans August 8th - August 12th 2012 with a welcome event Wednesday night.

What is Authors After Dark?

"Join us for a convention experience you will not soon forget!

The Authors After Dark event has YOU, the reader in mind, from the authors right down to the price. In these hard economic times, you don’t have to break the bank to attend an amazing event!

Authors After Dark is a for readers by authors event, focused on the reader author relationship. No other convention lets you get this much quality time with authors in such a unique setting. Readers and authors alike are encouraged to let their hair down and get to know each other and talk about the one thing that really brings us all together: BOOKS!" (from the official Authors After Dark website)

What makes this event unique is the author to attendee ratio - capped at 80 featured authors to 320 attendees - allowing for a lot of reader-author interaction. Click here for the full list of featured authors, including Jeaniene Frost, Carolyn Crane, Kristen Painter, Lia Habel, and many many more....

Not to mention AAD booked an entire hotel.....everything and everyone is right there! I appreciate not having to walk several miles after a long day.

And of course there are a lot of fun events including the Echoes of New Orleans Masquerade Ball, Steampunk tea, Author pub crawl, gift Basket auction just to name a few.

I'm so excited to meet all the authors, attend a few panels, meet up with my blogger friends including Tori - Book Faery AKA: my BEA buddy, Pam - Midnyte Reader, Missie - The Unread Reader who I haven't met yet but I know I will love her.
And I get to meet up with my Team Kilt/Twitter pal @Kimberdee who lives there!

However I pretty much have a one track mind when it comes to traveling and the thing I'm looking forward to most of all is the FOOD!

It's New Orleans! I MUST try beignets in my lifetime! MUST!!

Can't go :-( - no problem!

A few of the bloggers attending, including myself, will be posting "AAD Author Spotlights" until July so you can get to know the featured authors better. Follow the Authors After Dark Convention on Twitter | Facebook to get links to all the posts. There are a lot of fun posts and giveaways.

Midnyte Reader is hosting the Authors After Dark Reading Challenge. Convention attendance not required. The authors and books on this list are amazing so join in even if you can't go this year.

I hope to see you all there but if not enjoy all the fun posts & giveaways leading up to the convention!

Featured author guest posts & interviews:

2/14 - Jess Haines - Top 10 romantic movies
2/23 - Guest post by Jade Lee

Better Know A Blogger: Sarah - Smitten Over Books

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

Better Know A Blogger is a very popular feature during the month of The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge. It's a great way to meet the blogger behind the blog!

Name: Sarah
Blog: Smitten over Books
Blogging since: November 2011

How did you choose the name for your blog?

Oh, I love this question! Having a blog was far from my mind. I was fairly happy to read, have a Goodreads account for an occasional review of some of the books I really liked and visit the blogs I love. But then out of the blue, the "smitten" word just jumped into my head. Then the rest is history. I've never made a better decision in my life, I think.

How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging?
My reading habits have changed a lot not only because of blogging but also because of college. I read lesser books now than before. We have a hectic schedule and the blogging stint was right on top of it. Not that I'm complaining, blogging changed everything for me as a reader and I'm happy to say it's for the better.

What are the books you are most looking forward to reading in 2012?
Every time I am asked this question I can't help but gush and squeal. I think 2012 is a really great year for books. I am most looking forward to Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore, Blackout by Mira Grant, Of Poseidon by Anna Banks among many others.

How do you choose which book from the enormous TBR pile to read next?
I am a mood reader so I picked the next book to read according to my preference of the moment. But I tend to shuffle the genres a bit so the comparison will somehow not be a problem when the reviewing time comes.

What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books?
Meeting fellow bookworms and discovering books I would never have known by myself! The blogging community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I longed to be surrounded with people who'd understand my obsession with books so it's like a heavenly place for someone like me. I felt like I really belong here.

Thank you Karen, for this opportunity! Happy Reading everyone!

You can find Sarah on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

** Join Smitten Over Books & Breathing Books for The Hunger Games Read-A-Thon starting February 23rd - March 23rd when the movie releases!

Karen: Thanks so much for joining us today Sarah!

Review: The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logstead

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Women have been known to lament, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." For Johnny Smith, the problem is, "Always a Best Man, never a groom." At age 33, housepainter Johnny has been Best Man eight times. The ultimate man's man, Johnny loves the Mets, the Jets, his weekly poker game, and the hula girl lamp that hangs over his basement pool table. Johnny has the instant affection of nearly every man he meets, but one thing he doesn't have is a woman to share his life with, and he wants that desperately. When Johnny meets District Attorney Helen Troy, he decides to renounce his bro-magnet ways in order to impress her. With the aid and advice of his friends and family, soon he's transforming his wardrobe, buying throw pillows, ditching the hula girl lamp, getting a cat and even changing his name to the more mature-sounding John. And through it all, he's pretending to have no interest in sports, which Helen claims to abhor. As things heat up with Helen, the questions arise: Will Johnny finally get the girl? And, if he's successful in that pursuit, who will he be now that he's no longer really himself? THE BRO-MAGNET is a rollicking comedic novel about what one man is willing to give up for the sake of love. (Adult contmeporary)

Review:

The Bro-Magnet is hilarious. Shoot your drink through your nose while you're reading funny.

The book opens with this little gem….

"Right from the start I've been a disappointment to women"

When he was born, his mom held him for a few minutes. She thought he'd be a girl, then she died -
"If you'd been a girl," Aunt Alfresca says, taking me from my dead mother's arms..." This never would have happened."

I know all this, not because I was born with some kind of precocious baby-genius capability to instantly understand language, but rather because Aunt Alfresca has spent the last thirty-three years reminding me, at fairly regular intervals."

"As I said right from the start, I've been a disappointment to women"

Poor Johnny Smith goes on to lament a life filled with experiences of disappointing the women in his life. His guy friends love him though and as they get married one by one, Johnny finds himself always the best man (at least 8 times!) but never a groom.

Some of this has to do with his addiction to sports. No woman wants to take a backseat to a man with a sports addiction but he's also just pretty much clueless about how to act around women. I wouldn't call him insensitive, in fact I thought he would make a good boyfriend but he doesn't notice those little details that make most women happy.

When he meets Helen Troy at a sporting event he decides this is his last chance and goes all out to win her over. She's a lawyer and Johnny is just a lowly (in his opinion anyway) painter. Nevertheless, she seems attracted to him and tolerant of his sometimes misguided efforts at dating.

Johnny changes everything about his life to impress Helen. Taking the advice of friends, he buys new throw pillows, adds shell bath soaps by the bathroom sink, starts watching General Hospital and feigns disinterest in sports.

I adore male POV stories and The Bro-Magnet was one of the first I've read that really immerses you into the guys perspective when it comes to dating and meeting women. Johnny is self deprecating and very funny but after a while I felt like I was reading a long stream of consciousness. This guy over thinks everything! I also didn't feel like I got to know Helen as a character very well.

Both Helen and Johnny are trying so hard to present themselves as the perfect partner to each other that they lose all sense of self - to the point that I had a hard time understanding what they saw in each other at all. I definitely understand why you might hide a rabid sports habit but isn't it ok to casually watch a game with friends? It was nice to see Johnny learn a few things about himself through his changes though and on balance I enjoyed The Bro-Magnet.

Rating: 3 out of 4 The second half seemed to meander and loose focus for me a bit but I liked the male POV and the humor. Quick delightful read that doesn't take itself too seriously. I could definitely see The Bro-Magnet as a movie.

Lauren Baratz-Logstead: website | Twitter
Source: Netgalley
Buy the book! The Bro-Magnet

Tune in Tuesday - Kevin takes over....

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:32:00 +0000

Tune in Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by Ginger over at GReads! to share the music we're listening to and maybe discover someone new.

My husband Kevin has been wanting to do a Tune in Tuesday post for awhile so I'm turning this week over to him.......Take it away Kevin!

I have pretty eclectic taste in music. I like anything from classical to hard rock but here are a few songs that I found recently. I'll save my Garbage obsession for another Tuesday.

The Grates: Turn Me On

Massive Attack: Splitting the Atom

And because Valentine's Day is coming up.....

The Weepies: Be My Thrill

The Weepies: Be My Honeypie

Romantic no?

I now turn the blog back over to Karen.....

Follower Love Giveaway Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:38:00 +0000

The Follower Love Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer

& Rachael Renee Anderson

This hop runs from February 7th - February 14th.

Winner will be announced February 15th.

The prize!

Your choice of any ONE book up to $10 value from Amazon.com or The Book Depository, as long as your country is on this list.

To enter: Fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Do NOT leave your email in the comments section as an entry - fill out the form!

Extra entries:

+2 if you follow this blog
+1 if you follow me - @teamsheltie on Twitter

With over 300 blogs linked - you better get hopping!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blogger Confessions: Deadlines. How do you deal with them?

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:48:00 +0000

We're back for another Book Blogger Confessions, a meme co-hosted with Tiger from All-Consuming Media on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, to discuss some of the challenges that are unique to book bloggers.

You can read the introductory post here.

If you want to participate just grab our button and include it in your post with a link to either Tiger's All Consuming Books or For What It's Worth. We will be providing a linky at the end of our posts so people can "hop" to see all the participants answers.

If you don't want to post you can still comment!! All opinions are welcome. Or suggest a topic.

Guidelines: Do not criticize other bloggers or authors in your post or in the comments! This meme is to help each other not knock each other down.

This week's question:

Deadlines for reviewing and blogging. Do you set them? How do you keep them? What do you do if you can't meet a deadline?
I hate deadlines and for the most part avoid them so I don't have to deal with them. I want blogging to be a fun hobby.

Deadlines tend to freak me out and then I shut down and can't think of anything to say so I guess I'm more of a fly by the seat of my pants blogger.

I have a loose schedule floating around in my head. Two reviews per week, 1-2 memes and I just try to fill those spots - usually one or two days before. In fact I'm writing this post late Sunday and this is my own (and Tiger's) meme!

I do have a planner for the blog and I jot down scheduled posts in there or things I would like to talk about at some point. Maybe an idea for a future Tune in Tuesday pick but overall it's very flexible and interchangeable.

This month I'm co-hosting the Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge and we have a Better Know A Blogger feature so I scheduled those bloggers. I'm also a blogger for Authors After Dark this year and need to schedule 20 author guest post/interviews by July. It stresses me out a bit because like I said I'm not a fan of scheduling but in this case it's a must. To avoid missing any deadlines for that I believe I have my author posting schedule written in approximately 100 places….lol OK maybe more like 5 but still - I have it in my planner, a separate guest post notebook and several post-it notes stationed throughout the house.

I don't miss many deadlines because I don't really have any. When I first started accepting reviews that was more of an issue but I rarely take any requests now but even if I do, I leave the time frame open, not guaranteeing a review by a certain date. I'm a mood reader and I find if I schedule reading like that I'm less inclined to like the book which isn't good for anyone.

This topic always fascinates me because I know so many bloggers have google docs for reading, posting etc and I'm in awe of people who can do that. I wish I could. I'm not unorganized at all but I balk at that type of planning and I wish I could embrace it more but I guess my way works for me so it shouldn't matter.

The next Book Blogger Confessions is Monday, February 20th: Social networking with authors: Do you interact on Twitter/Facebook/etc with authors? Does it affect how you review their work or do you look at their books differently because you're on friendly terms with them?

**Because of all the drama lately & the topic above I feel compelled to point out that this meme is not about bashing each other or authors.
The question above is about how you interact with authors and if it changes how you review their books if you are on friendly terms - not an opportunity to vent about bad behavior.

Can't wait to read everyones confession!

Sunday Ramblings...

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:16:00 +0000

Precariously perched - Willie

It's been a crazy busy week for me but I did manage to actually blog this week. Next week might be another story since I didn't get to read at all. After I finish this post, I hope to curl up with a good book finally!

Random question....is anyone having winter this year?? I'm in FL but it's been unusually warm for us and it seems to be that way for my friends in NY too.

Any-hoo....on to the wrap up!

Reviews:
Eat Slay Love by Jesse Petersen - Kevin (my hubby) reviewed this series and loves the snarky humor/zombies
The Bride and the Buccaneer by Darlene Marshall - I'm not a huge historical romance fan but pirates and intelligent characters made this one stand out.

Tune in Tuesday - muppets and non musical Jedi kittens

The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge is BACK! - Bloggers - link your reviews during the month of February for a chance to win a great Prize Pack!!

Better Know a Blogger is back for the challenge as well: meet Teri from Dreaming Dreams no mortal ever dreamed

Coming up: Monday - Book Blogger Confessions, click here if you want to join in!, a mini review of Timepiece by Myra McEntire. It doesn't come out until later this year so I think it's too early for a full review but I'll give you my overall impressions of the ARC.

That's all folks! I leave you with this public service announcement/giveaway of a lifetime...

Better Know A Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Better Know A Blogger is a very popular feature during the month of The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge. It's a great way to meet the blogger behind the blog!

First up is Dreaming Dreams no mortal ever dared!

Name: Teri
Blog: Dreaming Dreams no mortal ever dared
Blogging since: May 2011

How did you choose the name for your blog?

My father use to read me the most bizarre bedtimes stories as I grew up. I got Macbeth, Remus and Romulus and alot of Edgar Allan Poe. I never lost my love for EAP. His tales of mystery is probably one of the first "adult" books I remember buying. So naturally when I went to name a book related blog I turned to him. I took the line from The Raven, which is one of my favorite poems by him. Not my favorite tho, that would be Anabelle Lee, but I couldn't come up with a good blog title from there..trust me I tried.

How have your reading habits changed since you started blogging?

I have always been a big reader, but I do find myself reading more since I started blogging. I follow some amazing blogs out there and they are always reviewing books that I think I must have, therefore I buy and have to read, plus since I review I want to make sure I have enough stuff to post on the blog . I also broke down and allowed my husband to buy me a Nook Tablet for Christmas, something I said I would never own ( I like the smell and feel of books) But I love it, and it makes it nice for him that I don't roam in the bed room late at night and turn on the light so I can read. Because I have no problems at all doing that..I need my reading time!

Karen: I never thought I would like e-readers either until my husband got me a kindle. I still prefer to hold a "real" book but what a space saver!

What are the books you are most looking forward to reading in 2012?

Oh there are so many, where do I start. I know of 4 books that I will have in hand the day they come out..City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clair..I'm a huge Jace fan. The finale of the Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick , whatever Stephanie Perkins has in store for us later in the year and Shine, the last book about Logan and Zach from Jeri Smith Ready.

How do you choose which book from the enormous TBR pile to read next?I flounder..honestly..I don't know. its kinda of like eenny meeny miney mo ( is that how you would spell that?) I need to come up with a way to manage, but I haven't. I do however, list books that have to do with challenges I am attempting this year each month knowing I need to read those. After that..its all up in the air. A little view of two shelves of my TBR pile..its a five shelf bookcase.....its full....

What has been the best thing about blogging and reviewing books??

My readers! I have met so many fantastic bloggers it isn't even funny. They not only are friends, they teach me things, inspire me, and give me a heck of a TBR pile to work on. Reviewing books is hard for me tho, I never really know what to say. I post the Goodreads Summary on my reviews, so I try not to give another run down its usually my feelings on the book. Its a bit more personal for me.

You can find Teri on Twitter: @dirtybrit

*Enter Dreaming Dreams no mortal ever dreamed giveaway for a personalized signed copy Swati Avashti's SPLIT. I loved this book so much & it's just been released in paperback.

Karen: Thanks for kicking off our Better Know A Blogger feature! I recently discovered Teri's blog through GReads! Tune in Tuesday feature. She has great taste in music!

Reminder: Book Blogger Confessions!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:20:00 +0000

Since this is still a fairly new meme, I thought I would post a reminder about the next topic so everyone can get their posts ready to go for Monday - February 6th.

In case Book Blogger Confessions is new to you, here's a link to the introductory post.

On the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month we'll be discussing a topic that effects book bloggers and give you a chance to vent, share your opinion or offer a solution.

If you don't want to post you can still comment!! All opinions are welcome.

Guidelines: Do not criticize other bloggers or authors in your post or in the comments! This meme is to help each other not knock each other down. It's your blog. Blog however you want to!

The topic for Monday February 6th is: Deadlines for reviewing and blogging. Do you set them? How do you keep them? What do you do if you can't meet a deadline?

Review: The Bride and the Buccaneer by Darlene Marshall

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:20:00 +0000

'Lucky Jack' Burrell's quest for revenge against Sophia Deford will have to wait until he discharges a debt. He has to help her find the fabled pirate treasure Garvey's Gold, then he can wring her dainty neck. Sophia has no intention of sharing anything with anyone. She will have all of Garvey's Gold, no matter how much Jack's lean-muscled body makes her want to get to know him just a little bit better before she gets rid of him. As the two adversaries squabble their way across Territorial Florida following the clues on their treasure map, they know that before they're through they're either going to kiss each other, kill each other, or both... (Historical Romance)

Review:

While traveling, Sophia Deford is kidnapped by a highwayman in an attempt to get to her guardian's money that he feels is owed him. Sophia feigns the damsel in distress but outwits her captor leaving him naked and tied up in a cave. Most embarrassing, and an experience the highwayman will never forget it.

Fast forward to five years later when circumstances throw these two crazy kids together again. Fulfilling the last wishes of a good friend, Sophia must travel by ship to deliver a letter to an American captain named Jack Burrell. Her goal is to deliver the letter and convince the captain to take her along to find a hidden treasure mentioned in the letter.

During the journey, Sophia's ship is boarded by pirates led by none other than the former highwayman, now known as dun….dun….dun…Captain Jack Burrell! When Jack realizes who Sophia is he can't wait to get even with her to teach her a lesson. Unfortunately if either of them wants the hidden treasure they need to combine their skills and work together.

I'm not often a fan of historical romances and I can't remember ever reading a pirate historical romance but The Bride and the Buccaneer was a lot of fun. Sophia is completely self reliant and isn't left a quivering mass every time Jack throws a rude comment her way. After he kidnaps her for a second time and Sophia is held prisoner aboard his ship she does agree to mend the crews clothing. However, she carries out quiet acts of rebellion like sewing flowers on Jack's underwear. Jack is all alpha male but to his credit he likes and respects Sophia's feisty nature. Once he gets to know her, he sees that she hasn't always been treated well by the men in her life and gives her the space she needs to learn to trust again. Sure he's hot and all "piratey" (my very own made up word) but he's also an upstanding guy.

They have a sexy, fun relationship but it is also mature and about so much more than attraction. The setting is early 1800's FL so the issue of slavery is addressed and I particularly liked how Sophia and Jack set aside their greed to work together to help others.

There is also a great deal of witty banter between the two:

Sophia: “What if you were blinded and I had to take care of you for the rest of my days?”

Jack: “Sophia, I have no doubt if I were blinded you would direct me to the edge of the nearest cliff and then encourage me to take just a few steps forward, rather than care for me all your days.”

Rating: 3.5 out of 4 If you're looking for a fun story with adventure, strong characters and a slow brewing but sexy romance give The Bride and the Buccaneer a try.

Darlene Marshall: website | Twitter
Publisher: December 15th 2009 by Amber Quill Press
Source: Copy provided by the author for my honest review
Buy the book!

The Bride And The Buccaneer

The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Starting today and lasting throughout the month of February - Tiger at All Consuming Media, Lena at Addicted 2 Novels, and I are back co-hosting The Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge.

It's simple! FIRST - Sign up HERE! Then write your review and link it to the Linky list below! Each review linked counts as an entry. But first, a few rules...

Rules:
*Sign up HERE first!

*Enter the link to your review post- not your blog homepage and please enter what book you reviewed.
(Example - For What It's Worth - Lola and the Boy Next Door) So people can find your reviews easily.

*These must be real reviews, meaning more than just a couple of sentences describing the book. We'll be checking to make sure you're posting legitimate reviews!

*No one review can be linked more than once on the same blog. You may link the same review on each one of our blogs, just not the same review more than once on each blog.

*The review must be posted on your blog during the month of February. You cannot link your old reviews!

*You must be a book blogger or post reviews on Goodreads to participate.

*There will be 6 Ultimate Prize Pack winners! Two people will be picked using randomizer from each of the hosting blogs at the end of the event.

*Contest ends February 29th at midnight, CST.

*The challenge is open to International bloggers on For What It's Worth - US only on All Consuming Books & Addicted 2 Novels.

*Rules and regulations are subject to change. Don't worry, you'll be informed.

*Feel free to email me at fwiwDOTkeaATgmailDOTcom if you have any questions.

The Prizes!! At the end of the challenge, two lucky reviewers from each blog will receive an Ultimate Prize Pack. The prize packs are different, depending on the host. So be sure to link your reviews on all three blogs!

On For What It's Worth -

Prize Pack #1:
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore - ARC
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver - ARC
Halflings by Heather Burch - Finished copy
Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr - ARC
Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer - ARC

Prize Pack #2:
Cinder by Marrisa Meyer - Finished copy
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi - ARC
Fever by Lauren DeStefano - ARC

Tune in Tuesday!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Tune in Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by Ginger over at GReads! to share the music we're listening to and maybe discover someone new.

This weeks pick is LCD Soundsystem: "Dance Yrself Clean"

While I was searching for the video I came across this unofficial muppets version. Seriously - you can't go wrong with a muppets music video.

On a COMPLETELY unrelated note "Jedi Kittens Strike Back"

It was on the sidebar and I felt compelled to click on it. LOL Sorry....