September 2014 – Page 4 – Cindy's Love Of Books

Cover Reveal/ Chasing Daybreak

Posted on September 9, 2014September 11, 2014 by Cindy

OFFICIAL COVER REVEAL FOR:

CHASING DAYBREAK by Ranae Glass

Release Date: March 3, 2015

Publisher: Crimson Tree Publishing

Genre: Paranormal Fiction

Series: Dark of Night Novels (Book #1)

Isabel Stone wanted a normal life. But when the unexpected death of her father leaves her at the helm of the family business, things quickly go from weird to worse. Vampires are on the loose and out of the coffin, and only Isabel can walk the fine line between the world of the living and the world of the undead.

Torn between letting go of her past and embracing her future, Isabel will have to decide who she can trust, and be willing to use all the weapons at her disposal, to get to the bottom of a terrifying string of deaths that lead right to her doorstep—before she becomes the next victim. In a city where nothing is what it seems, ending up the target of a deranged killer might actually be the high point of her week. Because in this town, the things that go bump in the night… just might kill you.

DON’T FORGET TO ADD CHASING DAYBREAK TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR LIST!

ABOUT RANAE GLASS:

Ranae Glass writes New Adult Paranormal Romance. A southern girl at heart, Ranae loves feeding people, gardening, and sweet tea. She hails from Oklahoma and lives with her family out West where she spins tales of vampires, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. You won’t find any ‘vegetarian’ monsters here, her books are best served bloody and are not for the faint of heart. Ranae is the author of the Dark of Night novels from Crimson Tree Publishing.

Ranae Glass is the pen name for a popular YA author. She uses this name for her NA and adult novels.

More Dark of Night Novels Coming Soon:

Chasing Daybreak (2015)

Chasing Midnight (2015)

Chasing Dawn (2016)…

Chasing Nightfall (2017)

RANAE GLASS LOVES FANGS FANS:

CHECK OUT MORE FROM CRIMSON TREE PUBLISHING:

Release Blitz/ Defining Moments

Posted on September 7, 2014September 11, 2014 by Cindy

~About The Book~

Title and Author: Defining Moments by Dori Lavelle
No. of Pages: 148 Pages
Series: Moments in Time
Publication Date: 29th August 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Secrets. Lies. Betrayal.

How much heartbreak can one heart take?

Melisa Dane has made it through the worst. Her heart was broken, but Florian Dane, better known as “Heat”—and the man of her dreams—returned to mend it. Now, with her family almost complete, Melisa is ready to sit back and enjoy life.

But fate isn’t done with her yet. The perpetual smile on her face freezes when the second man to steal her heart shows up in her life once again. Scott Bergfeld, the husband she buried and grieved for years ago, is not dead, and he comes back bearing secrets.

Heartbroken and confused, Melisa tries to find answers to questions she never thought she’d ask, but what she learns throws her life into turmoil. Soon, cracks start to form in her marriage with Heat. As her heart is torn into two halves—between the man she loved first and the man she married first—she comes dangerously close to having her whole life destroyed again. How many people will end up getting hurt? This time, does she have the strength to make it through?

*Although this novel is a sequel to Bittersweet Moments, it can be read as a standalone.*

~Buying Links~

Amazon | Amazon IN | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

a
Rafflecopter giveaway

~Meet Dori Lavelle~

Dori Lavelle is a mother, wife, and a sucker for happy-ever-afters and mint chocolate. Give her a great romance novel and a mug of hot chocolate and she’d be one happy woman.

Growing up, Dori read a lot, and when she wasn’t happy with a particular ending, she wrote a different one, just for herself. Before long, she was writing stories when she should have been doing homework. The time has come for her to share the stories she cooks up in her head.

~Follow Dori~

~Tour Organizer~

Review/ Courtney Crumrin The Night Things Vol 1

Posted on September 5, 2014August 19, 2014 by Cindy

Courtney Crumrin And the Night Things Series: Courtney Crumrin #1

by Ted Naifeh
Published by Demco Media on 2005-04-01
Pages: 120
Goodreads
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, General

Presenting the initial Courtney Crumrin miniseries in a new digest-sized format. Courtney's parents have dragged her out to a high-to-do suburb to live with her creepy Great Uncle Aloysius in his spooky old house. She's not only the new kid in school, but she also discovers strange things lurking under her bed.

One of the best things about going to the library is being able to spend time and just looking around. I tend to do this when Michael is at the library doing an activity. I just walk up and down all the isles to see what is there.

It seems like this summer was the summer of discovering comics (for Michael) and manga’s/graphic novels for me. I spend almost an hour and a half just going through the adult and young adult graphic novels/manga’s. I managed to find some really good ones that I will be reviewing this month.

Every Friday this month I will be reviewing the Courtney Crumrin series.

Flipping through the book I have to say the illustrations are really nice. You can tell this isn’t a cute little book but a bit darker then a kids manga. According the the retail sites they say its good for kids 7 and up but it was labelled in the young adult section at our library. I don’t think I would let Michael read it because it is a bit dark and not really age appropriate in my opinion. Plus there is some language (I am sure he knows the words anyway from school) and some sexual content. Nothing graphic but still he is only 11.

This is a special edition bound up book of the first four comics. The other graphic novels that I will be reviewing are in this same format. What a great way to read a comic isn’t it?

The graphic novels are about a girl named Courtney. She hates people, has no friends, is a loner and is being forced to move and live with her uncle Aloysius because her parents are living beyond their means and want to live the life of their wealthy friends and climb the social ladder and they feel this will do it for them.

Courtney is not impressed and she knows something is up with the house and her uncle when she starts seeing mysterious things out of the corner of her eye. Not quite sure what to make of it she begins to investigate and stumbles into her uncle’s study and discovers a book. This book isn’t like any other book and it explains what goblins are and so much more.

With this knowledge she decides to trap this goblin, Butterworth (who by the way also narrators the story). Courtney also realizes this book can change her life drastically and could make living there much more enjoyable. She decides to cast a spell that will help her out at school. What Courtney doesn’t realize is that some times something so little can turn into something more. All of a sudden Courtney is Ms. Popular. Courtney doesn’t like this and has no idea what to do because she will be in trouble if her uncle finds out about this.

As the story progresses her parents realize that they will do anything and everything to be on that social path even if it means having Courtney babysit a baby so that the parents can hang out. Sure sounds simple enough right well its not all peachy keen when the baby is swapped for a changeling. The baby was taken to be sold in an auction and now Courtney is a race to safe that baby before its too late. Can she do it?

Finally the last comic in the book was a bit heart breaking. Courtney has gotten sick and she is becoming weaker and weaker. Courtney decides that perhaps if she got out she would get better but quickly realizes that things aren’t what they seem. What will Courtney do when she finds out what has happened since she has been sick?

This made for a fun and quick read. I am curious to see what happens in the next book and the ones after that.

CD Review/ Bulletproof Picasso by Train

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Cindy

Band: Train
Title: Bulletproof Picasso
Date: September 16, 2014
Label: Columbia Records

Bulletproof Picasso is Train’s seventh studio album.

I love the band Train so imagine my surprise when I got the opportunity to review to review this album. I have listened to it for a few days now and I have to say I love this album. I can listen to Pat sing all day and all night. There is something about his voice that I just love.

The album’s first single, “Angel In Blue Jeans,” has soared to the Top 15 of Triple A and Adult Top 40 radio in only a month. I have include the video below so that you can listen to it. I really like this song.

Bulletproof Picasso was produced by previous Train collaborator Butch Walker, and reflects frontman-singer/songwriter Pat Monahan’s penchant for distinctive musical stylings on this one. I think this is one of the reasons I really like Train. They have a distinct sound and style and for me that sets the band out from all the rest.

This will be an album that I will purchase when it comes out later this month. I loved all the songs and I have to say everyone is a favorite for me. They all have a distinct sound and vibe to them. I honestly have to say that Train is the kind of band who can do no wrong to me.

If your looking for something new to listen to then I highly recommend this. You won’t be disappointed. If you are a fan of train then run don’t walk and pick up your copy when it comes out.

Michael has even told me that he likes listening to this cd and was asking when we were going to get it.

Are you a fan of Train?
Tracklisting for Bulletproof Picasso:
1. Cadillac, Cadillac
2. Bulletproof Picasso
3. Angel In Blue Jeans
4. Give It All
5. Wonder What You’re Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
6. Son Of A Prison Guard
7. Just A Memory
8. I’m Drinkin’ Tonight
9. I Will Remember
10. The Bridge
11. Baby, Happy Birthday
12. Don’t Grow Up So Fast

Ways you can connect with Train:
* Official Train Website – http://savemesanfrancisco.com
* Twitter – http://twitter.com/train
* YouTube – http://youtube.com/train
* Facebook – http://facebook.com/train

I participated in the Train Bulletproof
Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free
album to review but all opinions are my own.

Train On Tour:

8/28 Gilford, NH Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook
8/29 Lenox, MA Tanglewood
8/30 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel and Casino

Record Release Shows:

9/5 5pm ET Live 1-hour performance on QVC
9/17 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre
9/18 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre
9/21 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
9/22 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
9/25 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

The Liebster Award

Posted on September 4, 2014September 3, 2014 by Cindy

I have been nominated/tagged by Kaitlin from the blog Vivacious Hobo for the Liebster Award. Thanks so much for this.

Rules

Thank the blogger who nominated you and link the blog !
List 11 random facts about yourself.
Answer their 11 questions.
Nominate 11 bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
Ask them 11 questions.
Let them know you have nominated them.

I have seen this in the past but I was never nominated for this so thanks again for giving this to me Kaitlin.

Here is my list of 11 random facts about me:

I have always wanted a tattoo but I am afraid of needles
I would love to visit London.
I would love to have a cottage in the USA.
I love freebies.
I am a stationary hoarder. Tons of pens, note pads, stickers etc
I have a secret stash of chocolate.
I love making lists.
I am addicted to Bath & Body Works
I love buying back to school supplies
I am a picky shopper when it comes to clothes
I love to travel

I am going to answer the questions Kaitlin posted on her blog.

1. Who are you?
-My name is Cindy
2. Where are you from?
– I am from Montreal, Quebec
3. How did you come up with your blog name?
-It wasn’t a big complicated procedure I just picked my name and I have a love of books. Cindy’s Love of Books.
4. Why did you start blogging?
-I started blogging August 26th, 2008 when my son was going off to kindergarten.
5. Have you met any of your favorite authors?
-I have meet a few of my favorite authors and they were Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Scott Westefield, Jay Asher, Lesley Livingston, Sherry Ficklin and so many others.
6. Have you ever preferred the movie over the book?
-Hmm I don’t think so.
7. What is your favorite author?
-If I had to pick one it would be Terry Spear because she writes the best paranormal romance books. They are the only ones I read.
8. Are there any super popular books out there, that you know you will never read?
-Hmm another great question. nothing comes to mind.
8. What is your favorite genre of young adult books?
-I would have to say paranormal
9. Do you read the books before you see the movies?
-Yes usually I will read before seeing the movie
10. What is your all time favorite book?
-My all time favorite book is Wuthering Heights.
11. What are 5 things you can’t leave home without?

car/house keys
purse
cell phone
digital camera
book

This is a hard one because I need to nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 subscribers. I can’t think of anyone at the moment so what I am going to do is tell you my readers, if you are a blogger and have under 200 subbies then I tag you do this challenge and if you do I will post your links in this post. So please leave me a comment if you decide to do this.

My questions to you are:

What is your favorite thing to eat when reading?
What is the one book you recommend alot?
Do you take advantage of your local library?
If you could only take 5 books what would they be?
If I was to look around your desk what would be the first thing I spotted?
Favorite drink to have when blogging?
If I could offer one piece of advise to a new blogger I would tell them…
What is your favorite time of the day?
Favorite tv show
My go to snack when reading/blogging
The one thing that would surprise you about me is

Review/ Star Crossed

Posted on September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 by Cindy

Star Crossed Series: Star Gazer #1

by Jennifer Echols
Format: Paperback
Published by Simon and Schuster on 2013-02-26
Pages: 384
Goodreads
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, General, Romance

He said . . . She said. Publicist Wendy Mann has always competed hotly with her rival Daniel Blackstone, but this time they’re headed for a collision. Wendy’s job is on the line if she doesn’t save the image of a spoiled young starlet who’s posting provocative pictures of herself all over the Internet in a snarky attempt at revenge on her former boyfriend. Daniel is representing the ex, a onetime teen heartthrob who never grew up. With the feuding Hollywood pair scheduled to appear on the same Las Vegas awards show, Daniel and Wendy are determined to do whatever it takes to defend their own clients. Unfortunately, the chemistry between Wendy and Daniel is even more explosive than that of their Hollywood stars. L-O-V-E was always a four-letter word for these two ultra-competitors; they never counted on the scorching heat that erupts between them. But Wendy’s high-gloss exterior hides a dark past—one that’s lurking behind the bright Vegas lights. Their careers are on the line, and so is Wendy’s life. . . .

Jennifer Echols is another author that I have been meaning to read and just never did. I am pretty sure I have quite a few of her books sitting in my TBR pile.

After reading Star Crossed I must admit that I think I need to push some of those books up on my tbr list.

Star Crossed is written in points of view of the two main characters Wendy and Daniel.

Wendy is a very blunt person and tells it like it is. She is very vocal and is no holds barred when it comes to her. Wendy has that dream job that I am sure a few people would love to have. She is a publicist to the stars and she is good at her job. For over six years she has taken on each client head on and saves them from public disasters. She manages to safe their careers and keep their image in tact. Finally one client is about to be the death of her and manages to almost get herself fired, with some quick thinking Wendy manages to save herself. With this save comes the consequence of having to save another client or risk losing her job. Her client is none other then Lorelei.

Lorelei is a young Hollywood starlette that is basically ruining her own career with posting inappopriate pictures of herself and body parts online and publicly trashing her ex. I have to say that Lorelei reminded me of Lindsey and Brittney in so many ways. I wonder if thats who inspired Jennifer?

Wendy has to fly out to Las Vegas to meet up with her client. Its there that she bumps into Daniel. Daniel is someone from Wendy’s past and to this day she still dislikes him because he took away an award she was set to get. You can instantly feel the connection that is there. To make matters worse Daniel is representing Lorelei’s ex, Colton. He is hoping to bring Colton down and get him to act his age.

The difference between the two of them is that Wendy loves her job and Daniel doesn’t. The only reason he is doing this is because his father owns the company and he is hoping to get control of it.

I really enjoyed the book and I thought there was enough drama and suspense (a stalker is after Wendy but why?) that kept me reading to find out what would happen. I like books like this.

Can Wendy possibly save Lorelei’s career before she destorys it? Will Daniel be able to safe Colton and help him to act is age? Will Wendy and Daniel put thier differences aside and realize they were meant to be together?

I really enjoyed reading Star Crossed so I am excited to see where this story line will go in Playing Dirty. Have you read the book? What did you think?

Review/ Every You, Every Me

Posted on September 2, 2014September 3, 2014 by Cindy

Every You, Every Me by David Levithan
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 2011
Pages: 248
Goodreads
Genres: Dating & Sex, Love & Romance, Mysteries & Detective Stories, School & Education, Social Issues, Young Adult

In this high school-set psychological tale, a tormented teen named Evan starts to discover a series of unnerving photographs—some of which feature him. Someone is stalking him . . . messing with him . . . threatening him. Worse, ever since his best friend Ariel has been gone, he's been unable to sleep, spending night after night torturing himself for his role in her absence. And as crazy as it sounds, Evan's starting to believe it's Ariel that's behind all of this, punishing him. But the more Evan starts to unravel the mystery, the more his paranoia and insomnia amplify, and the more he starts to unravel himself. Creatively told with black-and-white photos interspersed between the text so the reader can see the photos that are so unnerving to Evan, Every You, Every Me is a one-of-a-kind departure from a one-of-a-kind author.

As you may or may not know September is National Library Card Signup Month. This fun event is being hosted by Felicia from Geeky Bloggers Book Blog and Jennifer from The Book Nympho . Be sure to stop by their blogs this month to see all their fun and exciting posts.

I mentioned in my post yesterday we are big fans of the library and we all have library cards that we use quite frequently but I have to admit that the cards are used the most June, July and August because that is when the summer reading program begins at our library. Over the course of the three months we borrow alot of books.

Michael picks out things he would like to read and for me I tend to pick out books that are on my wishlist to read or books that I have been meaning to buy and just never did. So this month I am posting reviews of books I have borrowed from the library.

Every You, Every Me was one of those books I had wanted to read when it came out and I admit every time I went to the book store I would pick it up and walk around the store with it and then would put it back. Needless to say it never came home with me.

Image my surprise when I was walking around the library and spotted this book just sitting on top of the trolley, I picked it up and decided okay this time I need to bring it home and read. I quickly checked it out and decided to sit and read while Michael was doing an activity.

I am not going to get into a big review of this book just because I am sure every one has probably read this already.

I feel bad for saying this but I have never read anything by David Levithan before this and after reading Every You, Every Me that this was probably not the best book to start off with. It was a quick read which was nice but I didn’t really enjoy the book. I am probably in the minority on this one right?

I liked the concept that Jonathan Farmer had sent photos to David with no idea on how the book would play out and that was a unique concept and David wrote the book based on that. I don’t think this has been done before, correct me if I am wrong please.

I never fully understood the ~~strikethrough~~ that was happening through out the book. At times I found it very confusing and that might have been one of the reasons I didn’t really like the book. Did this bother anyone else?

When I started to read the book I was interested because you had no idea who anyone was right away and then slowly we find out who people are and you begin to wonder what could have happened to Ariel and who was sending those photos. I think I would have liked to have a little idea of what could have happened in the beginning and not the end. I was thinking that she perhaps ran away/ disappeared or she killed herself and its not revealed until the end.

I was wondering who was leaving the photos and why and I guess I was expecting more of a bang at the end over this and it just felt like that never happened.

Will this stop me from picking up another book by David to read? Nope I am still curious about this writing and books and I do believe I might possibly have one of his books in a box that I will have to dig out once I am done renovating the basement to read.

What is the next book I should pick up by David Levithan to read?