Author: Cindy

(contest) Win a Kindle Fire + more Day 2 (#epickindlegiveaway)

Posted on by Cindy

Want to win a Kindle Fire? Authors Aiden James, Scott Nicholson, J. R. Rain, and H.T. Night are teaming up Jan. 11-13 to give away $1,000 in prizes, including four Kindle Fires, $200 in Amazon gift cards, and 45 free Kindle books.

There are several ways to enter during Jan. 12-13:

  • Share this blog link according to the blogger’s directions. Please leave me a comment and an url link to where you shared this.
  • Share our free books and event from http://epickindlegiveaway.blogspot.com
  • Spread the news about our contest on your favorite Internet hangouts and the Kindle Fairy is searching and putting names in her Magic Hat. If sharing this on in your favorite hangouts please use @cindyloveofbook so I know. Leave a comment letting me know where you did this.

TODAY’S FREE KINDLE BOOKS valid from Thursday January 12 at 12:01am till 11:59pm only

Scott Nicholson

The Red Church (supernatural thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; As I Die Lying (psychological thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Creative Spirit (haunted house thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Disintegration (suspense thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Zombie Bits (zombie stories) Amazon US Amazon UK; Duncan the Punkin (children’s book) Amazon US Amazon UK; Speed Dating with the Dead Amazon US Amazon UK; The Skull Ring (suspense thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Scott Nicholson Library, Vol. 4 Amazon US; Amazon UK; GHOST COLLEGE – A supernatural mystery Amazon US Amazon UK; CURSED urban fantasy Amazon US Amazon UK; BAD BLOOD – A Vampire Thriller Amazon US Amazon UK Transparent Lovers (paranormal mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK; Head Cases (psych thriller stories) Amazon US Amazon UK Solom Amazon UK

Aiden James

Aiden James Vampires (Vampire adventure) Amazon US Amazon UK; Cursed Immortals (Supernatural Thriller/Vampires) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Vampires’ Birthright (Vampire adventure) Amazon US Amazon UK; Cades Cove (Horror/Mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK; Vampire Twist (Vampire adventure/Mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Raven Mocker (Horror/Mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK; Deadly Night (Murder mystery/Supernatural) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Forgotten Eden (Supernatural Thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Twice Bitten (Vampire adventure) Amazon US Amazon UK

J.R. Rain

ARTHUR – A modern-day spiritual adventure Amazon US Amazon UK; BAD BLOOD – A Vampire Thriller Amazon US Amazon UK; BLACK RAIN: 15 Short Stories Amazon US Amazon UK; CURSED – Supernatural horror thriller Amazon US Amazon UK; DARK QUESTS: Two Adventure Screenplays Amazon US Amazon UK; ELVIS HAS NOT LEFT THE BUILDING – A murder mystery Amazon US Amazon UK; GHOST COLLEGE – A supernatural mystery Amazon US Amazon UK; JUDAS SILVER – An adventure screenplay

Amazon US Amazon UK; LOST EDEN – An adventure screenplay Amazon US Amazon UK; THE LOST ARK – An adventure novel Amazon US; THE BODY DEPARTED – A ghost story Amazon US Amazon UK; THE VAMPIRE CLUB – supernatural fantasy comedy

Amazon US Amazon UK; THE VAMPIRE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO -mystery novella Amazon US Amazon UK

H.T. Night

A Boy’s Life (Young Adult) Amazon US Amazon UK; Boy Meets Girl (Young Adult) Amazon US Amazon UK; Everlasting Love (Poetry) Amazon US Amazon UK; Getting Yours (Romantic Comedy) Amazon US Amazon UK; Paranormal Love Stories (Vampire/Werewolf Love Story) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Werewolf Whisperer (Vampire Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Vampire Love Story (Vampire Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Winning Sarah’s Heart: Back to School (YA Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Winning Sarah’s Heart: Boys Being boys (YA Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK

If one of the four authors hits #1 on the Kindle Free list, they will give away another Kindle Fire. If at any time during the event, the four authors hold all the Top 10 slots on the Kindle Free list, they will give away a sixth kindle. Winners will be selected after the contest by the Watauga County (NC) Public Library using random.org.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Contest) Win a Kindle Fire + more (#epickindlegiveaway) Day 1

Posted on by Cindy

I was recently asked if I wanted to be a part of the Epic Kindle Fire give away and I thought about it and I decided that sure why not. Cindy’s Love of Books is one of many blogs taking part in this epic give away. I will be posting something over the next three days some info and some free kindle books.

Please note that I am personally responsible for providing this but authors Aiden James, Scott Nicholson, J. R. Rain, and H.T. Night have teamed up and from Jan. 11 to 13 to give away $1,000 in prizes, including four Kindle Fires, $200 in Amazon gift cards, and 45 free Kindle books.

But wait there is more, if one of the four authors hits #1 on the Kindle Free list, they will give away another Kindle Fire. If at any time during the event, the four authors hold all the Top 10 slots on the Kindle Free list, they will give away a sixth kindle. The bonus Kindle winners will be selected using the #epickindlegiveaway hashtags on Facebook and Twitter.

The Facebook and Twitter hashtags must accompany a link to one of the free books, a participating book blog (such as mine), or the contest home page at http://epickindlegiveway.blogspot.com or it won’t count as a valid entry. Thanks, good luck, and enjoy the free books!

Want to win a Kindle Fire? Authors Aiden James, Scott Nicholson, J. R. Rain, and H.T. Night are teaming up Jan. 11-13 to give away $1,000 in prizes, including four Kindle Fires, $200 in Amazon gift cards, and 45 free Kindle books.

There are four ways to enter during Jan. 11-13:

  • Share this blog link on social media according to blogger’s directions . Please leave a comment and a url link to where you did this.

TODAY’S FREE KINDLE BOOKS valid only today, Wednesday January 11th from 12:01am until 11:59pm

Scott Nicholson

The Red Church (supernatural thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; As I Die Lying (psychological thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Creative Spirit (haunted house thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Disintegration (suspense thriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Harvest (technothriller) Amazon US Amazon UK; Zombie Bits (zombie stories) Amazon US Amazon UK; Transparent Lovers (paranormal mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK

H.T. Night
A Boy’s Life (Young Adult) Amazon US Amazon UK; Boy Meets Girl (Young Adult) Amazon US Amazon UK; Everlasting Love (Poetry) Amazon US Amazon UK; Getting Yours (Romantic Comedy) Amazon US Amazon UK; Paranormal Love Stories (Vampire/Werewolf Love Story) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Werewolf Whisperer (Vampire Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Vampire Love Story (Vampire Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Winning Sarah’s Heart: Back to School (YA Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Winning Sarah’s Heart: Boys Being boys (YA Romance) Amazon US Amazon UK; Vampires and Werewolves Beginnings (Vampire Romance) Amazon US

J.R. Rain
ARTHUR – A modern-day spiritual adventure Amazon US Amazon UK; BLACK RAIN: 15 Short Stories Amazon US Amazon UK; CURSED – Supernatural horror thriller Amazon US Amazon UK; DARK QUESTS: Two Adventure Screenplays Amazon US Amazon UK; ELVIS HAS NOT LEFT THE BUILDING – A murder mystery Amazon US Amazon UK; GHOST COLLEGE – A supernatural mystery Amazon US Amazon UK; THE LOST ARK – An adventure novel Amazon US; THE VAMPIRE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO -mystery novella Amazon US Amazon UK

Aiden James
Aiden James Vampires (Vampire adventure) Amazon US Amazon UK; Cursed Immortals (Supernatural Thriller/Vampires) Amazon US Amazon UK; The Vampires’ Birthright (Vampire adventure) Amazon US Amazon UK; Cades Cove (Horror/Mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK; Vampire Twist (Vampire adventure/Mystery) Amazon US Amazon UK

If one of the four authors hits #1 on the Kindle Free list, they will give away another Kindle Fire. If at any time during the event, the four authors hold all the Top 10 slots on the Kindle Free list, they will give away a sixth kindle. The bonus Kindle winners will be selected using the #epickindlegiveaway hashtags on Facebook and Twitter.

The Facebook and Twitter hashtags must accompany a link to one of the free books, a participating book blog, or the contest home page at http://epickindlegiveaway.blogspot.com or it won’t count as a valid entry. Thanks, good luck, and enjoy the free books!
###

If one of the four authors hits #1 on the Kindle Free list, they will give away another Kindle Fire. If at any time during the event, the four authors hold all the Top 10 slots on the Kindle Free list, they will give away a sixth kindle. The bonus Kindle winners will be selected using the #epickindlegiveaway hashtags on Facebook and Twitter.

The Facebook and Twitter hashtags must accompany a link to one of the free books, a participating book blog, or the contest home page at http://epickindlegiveaway.blogspot.com or it won’t count as a valid entry. Thanks, good luck, and enjoy the free books.

Please note that the entry rules have changed and I fixed the form to reflect that so all that entered today will still have those entries so not to worry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Review) Shatter Me

Posted on by Cindy

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 338
Pub Date: November 2011

Source: I received a finished copy from the publisher for my honest review.

About the book:
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.
-from Goodreads

Shatter Me was one of the most anticipated books on 2011 and it actually peaked my interest so much so that I was anxiously waiting for it to come out. So I was pretty excited when it showed up for review but yet a little apprehensive because so much hype was on this book. What would I think of this book?

I believe Shatter Me is going to be part of a trilogy.

I have to say that I don’t read alot of dystopian books and that is my choice. The book has to be something that interests me and this one did. This wasn’t a fast read for me.

I know so many people dislike the cover because they feel as though it doesn’t go with the book and yes that is true but I have to admit that I really love the cover.

As for the book itself I have read both negative reviews and positive reviews so I was excited to read the book to find out what I would think of it. I am usually one of those who reads a book and feel as though I am a fish swimming up river wondering why they loved it and when I didn’t or why didn’t they love it when I did. As for me I am on the fence with this I didn’t love it or hate it.

I enjoyed that the book wasn’t just a romance book or just an action packed book and that it actually left me wanting to find out what would happen next. I didn’t find it to be predictable at all and it played out very good. I enjoyed the writing and the only thing I had to get use to was when the author would write and scratch things through and then say it again but once I understood the purpose it all made sense.

Juliette is a young girl who was taken away because of something that happened that freaked people out and she is basically locked up in a cell for 264 without seeing a single person. She hasn’t seen or touched anyone. Not much is revealed in the first part of the book that would indicate why she was taken away without a fight and locked up. You actually think that she might be crazy because to make it through her time being locked up she counts things. Its only about half way through when you get to see the reasons why and can’t help but feel sorry for Juliette.

As for Adam, I was a little unsure of him at first but grew to love him because no matter what Juliette was or had done he was making it a mission to protect her no matter what. That is one of my all time favorite qualities in a guy one who can love a person for who they are and not what they are or did.

Would I read the next book? Of course I would because I am curious to see where this could go.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

It’s Monday! What are you reading? (meme) #2

Posted on by Cindy

One of my favorite bloggers Sheila from Book Journey is the host of this weekly meme. If you haven’t checked out Sheila’s blog yet then what are you waiting for. I love reading Sheila’s blog because she covers it all and I always end up walking away like I get to know Sheila a little more from her post. Hopefully this year I might actually get to meet her if she goes to NYC (HINT HINT Sheila).

I also just discovered recently that Sheila has partnered with Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and they come up with  a fun meme with a kidlit focus – anyone reading and reviewing books in children’s literature – it can be picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, you name it in the world of kidlit and it’s in!

So in case you are wondering what It’s Monday! What are you reading? is about well its a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It’s also a great chance to see what others are reading right now…who knows, you might discover that next “must read” book!

Well we are beginning the second week of January and Michael is back at school and I am back to volunteering in the school library again. I missed working in the library. It will be nice to see the Monday ladies again.

This weekend we found out that Michael’s hockey team is number one in the novice C division and we are undefeated to date. The only thing that bothers me is how certain parents feel as though there are only two kids who score for the team and that they are working the hardest. Gee they are only 7-8 and 9 years old. They aren’t professionals. I noticed this weekend that those two kids never pass the puck so of course they are the ones getting the goals. I just think that perhaps parents need to watch what they say around other parents because there is no I in TEAM.

I was really pleased with my reading last week. I managed to get two books read and a weeks worth of blog posts up on the blog. So anyways lets get on to my reading expectations.

What I read this past week:

I was pleasantly surprised that I actually read two books last week. Go me! HEHE

So my current read this week is:

When I finish with that I am hoping to pick up:

This is what I read and whats on my agenda. I hope everyone has a good reading week.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

January Julep Box

Posted on by Cindy

Today I got my very first Julep box and I have to say WOW! I was really impressed.

What is Julep you asked? Well as a Julep Maven, you will have access to the hottest trends in nail color and the latest Mani Care and Pedi Care products – delivered right to your doorstep, just like the beauty editors do. And you’ll have access to these trends and products before anyone else.

Its $19.99 US per month subscription but you get well over $40 in products. You can cancel at anytime risk free.

So please enjoy my vlog and just a little note to those who don’t want to watch I have photos afterwards.

In the January box I got:
-Julep nail vernis in the shade of Gayle (I think this might no be available as I couldn’t find it on their site.) This was a free gift/product and it cost $14 for 8ml.
-Julep nail vernis in the shade of Maria. Its a shimmering platinum rose. I love the color and I will be using this alot I think. It cost $14 for 8ml.
-Julep nail vernis in the shade of Anne. Its a ultra-saturated tropical violet creme color. I think this would be perfect for the summer. It cost $14 for 8ml
-Julep Pomegranate body scrub. It exfoliates and moisturize in one simple step. I have no idea how much this would sell for. I got a 4g container.

So looking at the price of the nail polishes its $42 alone so the box paid for itself and they are all full sized products. I guess each month I have the option of changing my boxes contents so I will be curious to see what the next box will be. Not sure I will continue this since its basically nail polishes and I have quite a few already but I think I will check the next box to be sure first.

Now to the pictures. Enjoy 🙂

This is how the box looked once I opened it. Nothing fancy just a black box with Julep maven on the sides and black & silver crinkle cut paper strips inside. As you can see all the products are wrapped in bubble wrap and plastic. My box is from the American Beauty collection.

This is the shot where I took after I removed the intro card. Very curious to see what I got. Aren’t you?

This is the contents of the box and I am really impressed with the picture because it really shows the true colors of the nail polishes. My favorites so far by shades alone is the first and last one.

A close up of the shades and here is a description on the second and third ones. I can’t find anything on the first one (top one).

Shimmering platinum rose. Feminine and sophisticated. Professional quality “4-free” nail polish formulation, developed without carcinogens such as formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP. (this is the bottom one)

Ultra-saturated violet. A tribute to one of our beautiful celebrity guests! Eye-catching on a pedicure and head-turning on a manicure–especially if your wardrobe is heavy on blacks and neutrals. Professional quality “4-free” nail polish formulation, developed without carcinogens such as formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP. (this is the middle shade)

This is the body scrub. I am excited to use this product and it actually looks really nice and pleasantly looking.

So as of right now I am really impressed with the box and the contents. I am super excited to try all the nail polishes and I heard that this nail polish actually lasts quite awhile so I am curious to see this.

Anyways I hope you enjoyed seeing what I got in my box and stayed tuned throughout the month when I do product reviews on them.

If you are interested in Julep I would appreciate it if you used my referral link.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Review) Never Eighteen

Posted on by Cindy
Title: Never Eighteen

Author: Megan Bostic
Paperback (Trade paperback):204 pages
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Thomas Allen & Son Ltd
Pub Date: January 4th, 2012

Source: I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.



Description of the book:

Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go.

But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits every person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he’s loved and those he’s never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin’s life.

This is a debut novel for 2012 and I am super excited that I am being the new year with a review from a brand new author and I am excited to read her upcoming books. I thought Megan did a fantastic job with this one.

I knew going into this book that it wouldn’t be a light or fun read. I admit that I even cried at the end. This is a fantastic book about friendship (Austin & Kaylee), love (Austin’s really cares about Kaylee)  and loss. (Austin is dying from his leukemia)

I loved Austin from the beginning and as I read the story I knew it wouldn’t end good. Austin has discovered that his leukemia is progressing and he has been told that he doesn’t have that much longer to live even with treatment. So he takes it upon himself to make sort of an amends over the course of a weekend. He wants to know that he did all the he could before dying.

He recruites his friend, Kaylee (and his one true love) to help me out even if it means just driving him to places. He is enjoying the time they are spending together. I loved Kaylee as well. I thought she was the perfect person for Austin. As you read you can’t help but feel something for these two and that hopefully they will be able to share their true feelings with each other before its too late.

Will Austin reveal his true feelings before its too late?

Thank you Thomas Allen & son for sending me this book to review.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Product Review

Posted on by Cindy

Eden Cafe
I have once again been given the chance to do another product review for EdenFantasys. Since the last time I did one (you can click HERE to see that review) you can see that have branched out with adding a whole bunch of new products. Yes its still an adult shop but you can also find so much more.

One of my  New Year’s Resolution was to actually put me in my priority list. As a mom its so easy to lose ourselves in the shuffle of every day life. We are busy carpooling kids to one activity to the next, doing errands, doing chores etc as I am sure you all know what I mean.

I have decided that me as a person needs to take care of me and that means not feeling guilty about buying things such as lip gloss, make up, or clothes because as moms we admit that our children come first and I agree that is true but sometimes I think us moms need to put us at the top for just once.

So as I was looking around I spotted a few things that caught my interest. This one is one of my favorites:

12-days-of-Christmas-lip-set includes two of each of the following:
Brown sugar exfoliating lip scrub
Day and light lip conditioning treatment
Super shiny clear gloss
Matte gloss
Hazelnut cocoa butter lip balm
Breath mint lip balm

Get mistletoe ready and say Merry Kiss-mas with our holiday collection of spa treats for lips! The perfect stocking stuffer, Secret Santa gift, and on and on… This fab collection includes two of each of the following: brown sugar exfoliating lip scrub, day and light lip conditioning treatment, super shiny clear gloss, matte gloss, hazelnut cocoa butter lip balm, breath mint lip balm. All cozy in a plastic zip, FAA approved travel bag. You’re good to go.

This 5 piece kit comes with a variety of smells to help you relax during those long trips. Soak in a hot bath full of bubbles or rub some lotion on to smell like whipped vanilla frosting. Either way, this will leave your nose happy and your bag dry (no leaking). Yummy bath & shower gels.

The Bella in Bloom Shadow Palette is a lovely collection of eye shadow palette. It’s perfect for travel and easy to carry around. The eight shades complement each other very well and are perfect for both day and night. This one eye palette can be used for fun and flirty looks as well as dark and sexy. It’s the perfect addition to any romantics makeup bag!

Then finally the last product that caught my eye was the happy-Hanukkah-lip-set. This is similar to the one mentioned above with I believe are different shades and flavors.

Thanks again EdenFantasys for the opportunity to post for you again. Not sure what I will order first but I am really aiming to purchase the lip sets or the lip glosses.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.