Archive for the 'Bookworm Wednesdays' Category

October 17, 2007 | Book Stuff, Bookworm Wednesdays, Calendar of Events, Draven Atreides, Voracious Reader

Thanks for joining me for Day Four of Teen Read Week. Today is normally Bookworm Wednesday and how fitting that we have another book review: A NOVEL IDEA by Aimee Friedman. Enter to win a free copy of this book by answering a question at the end.
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BLURB:

Required reading has never been so hot.

Once upon a time there was a Brooklyn hipster named Norah. Unlucky in love, and short on extracurriculars for her college apps, Norah decided to start a book group. She knew the perfect locale — a local indie bookstore with a crush-worthy cutie manning the soy latte counter.

When the first meeting arrives, Norah gets a page-turning surprise. The attendees may be bookish, but there are also a few hotties! Most noteworthy: sweet, literary James. He’s like a modern Jane Austen hero…. Only, how to snag him?

Ever the romantic heroine, Norah devises a secret plan. And if it works, Norah may just find her “Happily Ever After” love story. The End.

If Park Slope, Brooklyn really exists, I want to live there! Even though I said I want to retire to Catalina Island, I’ve changed my mind. Totally. Park Slope is the place for me. I want to get my read on in Prospect Park. I want to haunt a cozy place like the Book Nook (wait, a place like that already exists here), although, if I remember right, no guys as hot as Griffin work there. And I totally want to have a reclusive yet famous author like Philippa Askance (love that last name!) living in my neighborhood.

I loved everything about this book. I connected with Norah right away because I too am a voracious reader; though not much of an equal opportunity one. I tend to stick to adult romance books even as I’m trying to fit more fiber (read: YA books) into my reading diet. Norah’s best friends remind me of Draven’s best friends (except Poe is less about fashion sense and more about layering); and the idea of a book club as an extracurricular activity never would’ve occurred to me when I was in high school (adult romance books had me in their grip even then). You can bet I never in a million years would have the nerve to do what Norah did to get her crush to notice her. There’s a reason why fiction is called fiction.

I laughed, winced, and finally cheered when Norah finally got her man. I’m looking forward to reading Aimee’s other books.

A Novel Idea Review: 5 Bookmarks

Be sure to Friend Aimee on her MySpace page
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WIN A FREE COPY OF A NOVEL IDEA BY ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

If you started a book group, what book would you suggest everyone read?

THE RULES:

~ ONE ENTRY PERSON
~ Post your answer in the Comments Section
~ Names will be drawn and posted on the Fun Stuff page of my website on Sunday, Oct 21st. Be sure to check back.
~ If no one enters today, the prize rolls over to tomorrow

Technorati Tags: Teen Read Week, A NOVEL IDEA, Aimee Friedman

October 10, 2007 | Book Stuff, Bookworm Wednesdays, Voracious Reader

Sexiest Man Alive by Diana Holquist
Available at Amazon.com

Blurb: Jasmine Burns’s One True Love as destined by Fate is named Josh Toby. Of course, he might not be THE Josh Toby, the biggest movie star of the decade. After all, a shy girl like her could never be loved by a movie star like him? Could she?

Jasmine’s sister, Amy, is a gypsy psychic (well, all three sisters are of gypsy blood, but Amy’s the special one). In the way that she can predict your One True Love, that is. Unfortunately, Jas’s true love happens to be gorgeous (better than Brad Pitt gorgeous) action star, Josh Toby. When Josh decides to try being a “serious” actor (he’s the main star of the B-rate action movies “Mitch Tank: Tank Command”) off-Broadway, Jasmine is chosen as his clothing designer. But Jas has just one teensy-tiny, itty-bitty problem.

She’s shy.

Not the just-getting-to-know-you type of shyness.

Oh no.

It’s more like the I’m-going-to-go-into-convulsions-and-pass-out-but-not-before-I-hurl-all-over-your-shoes type of shyness. And this kind of shyness doesn’t happen with just anyone.

Oh no.

Gorgeous men. H-O-T men. 10 on the Richter Scale of Hotness men. So beautiful and unattainable it hurts to look at them men. So smokin’ you’d burn your finger if…well, you get the message.

From the word go, you empathize with Jasmine. Her shyness is so debilitating that it not only affects her social skills with the opposite sex, it invades her professional life as well. Jasmine aspires to be a clothing designer, but can’t get up the nerve to show her portfolio. She hides behind her alteration business–and making clothes for her Ken doll (yes, you read that right).

Until her sister Amy shows up and turns her hermit-like existence upside down.

Sexiest Man Alive is Book Two in the One True Love series, and is a funny and heartwarming story. I found myself wanting to slap Amy upside the head for all the trouble she causes, rooting for Jasmine and wishing I was there to give her a hug (she needed so many!), and drooling over a well, droolworthy character like Josh Toby. Here’s to hoping that gorgeous actors like him really do exist in real life.

You can read older sister Cecilia’s story in Book One, Make Me a Match. Amy’s story, Hungry for More, will be out in Fall 2008 and you can get a sneak peek at the end of Sexiest Man Alive. I’m looking forward to reading Amy’s story…and hoping there will be more gypsy stories in the future.

Visit Diana’s website HERE

And check out Amy’s blog, The Life of a Gypsy Psychic

Sexiest Man Alive Review: 5 bookmarks

Technorati Tags: Sexiest Man Alive, Diana Holquist, Make Me a Match, Hungry for More

October 3, 2007 | Book Stuff, Bookworm Wednesdays, Voracious Reader, contests

In the brand new get-it-while-its-hot book, 16-yr-old Penelope Lennox gives you the low-down on how she scores with Costa Rica’s surf champ and saves a few turtles while hangin’ out on tropical beaches.

Today is a special day on Bookworm Wednesday. YA author, Marina Kuperman, is joining me to talk up her debut YA novel, TURTLE FEET, SUFER’S BEAT (November 2007, Publisher Name Here). I’ll also be giving away an autographed ARC, so be sure to check out the GIVEAWAY QUESTION at the end of the interview.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with me, Marina. When did you catch the writing bug?

Ever since I could remember I’ve been writing journals. They were the most important part of my life. I wrote for hours a day. However, I didn’t start writing fiction until 3 years ago when I went to the leatherback turtle biological station, and became so moved to help this turtle, that I decided to write a young adult novel about it.

Have you always wanted to write for Young Adults?

Yes, I’ve always found that age group to be the most impressionable. It’s easy to take practically any subject and make it fun when you’re dealing with the adolescents. It’s all about having fun for them, so even the most serious topics have to be written lightly, but impactfully.

Your debut novel, TURTLE FEET, SURFER’S BEAT (November 2007) covers a very important topic: marine preservation. Tell us more about the book, how you came up with the idea, and what we can expect from your characters.

When I first visited the Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park a few years back, I never thought I would be so moved by this creature. They have been around for over 65 million years, and in the past 15 years the numbers of turtles nesting on this particular beach fell from 1600 to 50. This is all due to the overdevelopement of beach front properties, fishing, and other human related incidents. Scientists are saying that if something drastic doesn’t happen, there will literally be no more leatherbacks in the next 10 years. For some reason I was way too impacted by this news. Also, my son is 3 and I truly want him to see this animal in its natural habitat when he grows up. The book covers these issues but not in a directly, in-your-face kind of way.

For one, the main character is a 16 yr old suburban teen from the States. The neighboring beach to the turtles is one of the most famous surf community, not only in Costa Rica, but internationally. So I combined the surf theme with a regular teen girl and pointed them in the direction of helping out the turtle.

What made you decide to self-publish instead of going traditional? Any regrets?

I have more control with self-publishing, however the only real regret is financial. Publishers at least cover the cost of the actual publishing.

Readers and writers like to get a behind-the-scenes peek of an author’s writing routine. Can you share your typical writing day schedule?

My best writing comes in the mornings. Even though I have a tiny little son, I was getting up before him and putting in an hour of two. I just wrote and wrote. After I got the day started and was able to return to my writing, that’s when I edited the work I spilled out in the early hours. This system worked really well for me.

What’s up next? Do you have another project in the works? If so, please tell us about it.

I’m writing a book about a handicapped girl who is an incredible skateboarder and her trials and tribulations of making it in the male world of skating. It’s more of overcoming hardships and pushing forth no matter the obstacles.

Sounds cool! Can’t wait to read it. Thanks again for sharing, Marina. Any final words?

My goal is much more than just to sell this book. I’ve also started an online community, www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com, for teens and their parents to join forces with surfers, musicians, artists, specialists, and other people already working hard to save marine life and our oceans. I’m hoping to take a different route by engaging kids into making a difference but in fun, entertaining way. Thank you for having me here and I hope to see you all have fun with our community and helping out marine life! TURTLE FEET, SURFER´S BEAT. Take the ultimate ride!!!

Go check out Marina’s website and Friend her on MySpace.

GIVEAWAY QUESTION: If you had the opportunity to start your own foundation, what it would be called and what would it be for?

RULES:

~ Post your answer in Comments
~ One post per person
~ Winner will be chosen and posted on Sunday, Oct 7th

Technorati Tags: Marina Kuperman, Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park, TURTLE FEET, SURFER´S BEAT.

September 12, 2007 | Book Stuff, Bookworm Wednesdays, Voracious Reader

The Royal Mess - MaryJanice Davidson

Available now!

Back Blurb:

Jeffrey Rodinov is descended from one of the oldest families in Alaska, and a Rodinov has been protecting a Baranov for generations. It’s a job Jeffrey takes VERY seriously. Six feet four inches, 220 fatless lbs., black hair, and blue eyes; weapon of choice: the 9 mm Beretta. In a pinch? His fists. IQ: 157. (Yes, crossword puzzle, in ink, just after taking out the guy behind you. No thanks necessary.) No one ever sees Jeffrey Rodinov coming, and no one -not even a mouthy, illegitimate princess - is going to keep him from playing bodyguard when his decrees it.

Right. But no Rodinov ever had to protect Princess Nicole Krenski. Her credentials? Hunting guide in the Alaskan wilderness. Smart. Stubborn bordering on exasperating. Five-seven. Blue eyes. Very kissable mouth. Very kissable neck, back, legs, wrists, earlobes. The lady says she doesn’t need a bodyguard, but that’s where she’s wrong. Someone needs to watch her and show her the royal ropes (and cuffs…and scarves…). Someone who can make her feel like a queen - in and out of bed. And that’s a job Jeffrey Rodinov takes very seriously as well…

In this deliciously sexy, wickedly funny companion to The Royal Treatment and The Royal Pain, a reluctant princess and a determined royal bodyguard are about to discover that when it comes to powerful love, there are no defenses…

LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! Read on to find out why (more…)

Technorati Tags: The Royal Mess, MaryJanice Davidson

August 29, 2007 | Bookworm Wednesdays

Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair

Back Blurb: The buyer for her family’s vintage clothing and curio shop, triplet witch Harmony Cartwright—who brings peace to everyone in her sphere—has the ability to read ancient objects and their owners, even their deepest darkest secrets. Now, a Celtic ring depicting a man’s empty embrace becomes a psychic mandate that leads her to Paxton castle on an island off the Salem, Massachusetts coast.

King Paxton has inherited a haunted money-pit of a castle he must sell before he’s cursed with more of the bad luck that plagued his family for generations, but out of nowhere, a leggy blonde walks in and quiets his disgruntled construction crew and wailing ghost. When King throws her out, chaos returns, so he brings her back.

Harmony could be the answer to his problems . . . or a very big distraction. He’s never been as attracted to anyone, but he’s made enough mistakes for one lifetime. He vows to be strong and offers her a job at the castle. She can search for vintage clothes while he peacefully gets the castle restored and sold.

King is Harmony’s psychic pot of gold. Because the ancient castle is his–heck, he was born there–she can read him. She knows he feels the same dizzying attraction for her that she does for him. She knows exactly what he wants to do to her—which is titillating—but he’s fighting his inclinations. Bummer.

Despite triplet tricks, Celtic myths, spells and rituals, unexpected family ties, and a psycho cat and her kittens, Harmony attempts to uncover the castle’s secrets while she acts out King’s unspoken fantasies until they’re acting them out together and fighting a powerful and angry ghost . . . in and out of bed.

In the final magical battle, will Harmony and King reclaim the castle, or is Gussie the ghost-witch stronger even than the power of love?

I’ve got four words to describe this book: L.M.A.O. Laughed my ass off, for those of you who don’t know what that stands for. I honestly don’t have one negative thing to say about this book. So let me tell you what I loved (more…)

Technorati Tags: Sex and the Psychic Witch, Annette Blair