1 September Contest/Giveaways from Around the Blogging World

Check out these great contests. If you have a contest you want listed email me @ loves2read54(at)yahoo(dot)com and I'll add it to the list.

The Story Snoops gives away a book every Friday http://storysnoops.com/

Whatt....more books is giving away Linger and the Sky is Everywhere
 http://whatmorebooks.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-giveaway-ends-august-31-2010.html ends Aug 31

Sarah's Scribbles has ten prizes up for grabs ends Aug 31
http://sarahnfisk.blogspot.com/2010/08/end-of-summer-book-giveaway.html

Beck's Book Picks are giving away 20 signed copies of  Moon Rising by Laurie Bowler  ends Sept. 3, 2010
http://becksbookpicks.blogspot.com/2010/08/author-interview-giveaway.html

Good Coice Reading is giving away signed copies of the first three books in Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series ends Sept. 3, 2010
http://goodchoicereading.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-boston-trip-giveaway.html

Kidsmomo is holding a Birthday Bash Book Giveaway open to kids under 18. They are giving away two prize packs of books. Ends Sept. 15, 2010
http://www.kidsmomo.com/2010/birthday-bash-book-giveaway/

50 followers contest Vamps, Weres, and Cassey Oh My ends Sept. 21 at midnight (mst) http://vampsweresandcassay.blogspot.com/2010/08/50-follower-contest.html
 Prize: Choose your own book. It's International

Lu's Bloody Big Book Blog is giving away Mockingjay and Radiance. And potentially Spy Glass if I reach 200 followers within the contest time. Contest ends Sept. 7, 2010
http://lusbookblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/100-follower-giveaway.html

Just Bookin Around is having a Blogoversary Extravaganza where she is giving away Mockingjay, She's So Dead to Us, and Charlie St. Cloud for starters. Contest ends Sept. 30, 2010
http://justbookinaround.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogoversary-extravaganza.html

2 Dracula, My Love by Syrie James

Title: Dracula, My Love
Author: Syrie James
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: July 20, 2010
Paperback, 427 pages
ISBN:  978-0-06-192303-6

Many have read and loved Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But questions remain. What is the true story of Dracula’s origin? What if Mina could not bring herself to record the true story of their scandalous affair—until now?


In Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker, Syrie James explores these questions and more. A vibrant dramatization, told from Mina’s point of view, brings to life the crucial parts of Stoker’s story while showcasing Mina’s sexual awakening and evolution as a woman, and revealing a secret that could destroy her life. Torn between two men—a loving husband and a dangerous lover—Mina struggles to hang on to the deep love she’s found within her marriage, even as she is inexorably drawn to Dracula himself—the vampire that everyone she knows is determined to destroy.

I picked this book because I love Dracula. It's true. Before there was Eric Northman and Edward Cullen there was Dracula. I read Dracula many years ago after watching the movie. I loved the book but it didn't have the romantic element that the movie had. I always wished that Dracula would have had a little more romance. Syrie James granted my wish with Dracula, My Love.  The story is told from Mina's point of view but she stays true to the original story line. One of the things I liked most about the story is Mina's inner struggle with her feelings towards Dracula and her husband, Jonathan. Mina knows she should stay away from Dracula but can't seem to help herself.  Her feelings are very relateable and believeable. The chemistry that Syrie writes between Dracula and Mina is very sensual. Syrie James writes an intriguing story. It was definitly a page turner. There is a mysterious element to this story that keeps you wanting more.  I found myself picking up this book when ever I had a spare moment. Would I recommend this book? Definitly. I know all the romantics out there, like me, will love it.

*I  recieved this copy from HarperCollins and Syrie James for review purposes only.
**summary and picture from goodreads

11 Sunday Confession for August 29, 2010

Sunday Confessions is a weekly meme. It's a way to share a little bit about myself and to get to know my followers. This is all in good fun. So please feel free to comment. I look forward to your responses!!!!

I have not read Harry Potter. I can hear your gasps from here! LOL. It's true. I have all the Harry Potter books but I have not read them. Why? Because I love the movies.  I have a problem:   I am not a big fan of books that have been made into movies.  The books are always better and the movies, most of the time, are lacking.  I know once I read the Harry Potter books I will feel differently about the movies. Whenever I watch a movie based on a book, I can't help but compare the two. I go into the movie with certain expectations. I try to keep an open mind too, but sometimes I wonder if the directors/screen writers have even read the book they are making a movie of.  I could rant for hours on this subject, however this Sunday Confession is on books that made a good transition to the big screen.  I have given this a lot of thought and I came up with:

I really liked the book and was pleasantly surprised by the movie. It's not often that I come away from a movie thinking that the movie did the book justice.  Now it's your turn!  What's your favorite book turned movie?

5 Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Over the past few weeks I have been given a couple of awards. I think it's so double rainbow that you like my blog enough to give it an award.  I feel honored to have you all as followers and to follow you as well.  If you get a chance please visit these blogs:

 

Thank you to:

Amanda from Another Book Junkie       
Yara Santos from Once Upon A Twilight

Stephany from Stuck Between the Pages     
Jackie from Housewife Blues & Chicuahua Stories

Baily from IB Book Blogging

The awards come with some rules:

1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pay it forward to 15 other bloggers that you have newly discovered.

3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen.

I pass both awards to these blogs:

1. The Zen Leaf
2. The Michelle Show
3. My Jane Austen Book Club
4. A Girl Reads A Book
5. Book Faery
6. I Heart Monster
7. The Naughty Book Kitties
8. The Smarty Owl
9. The Book Buff
10.  Roof Beam Reader
11. Reading Vacation
12. Novel Thoughts
13. From My Nightstand
14. Escapism Through Books
15. Anna's Book Blog

0 Can you believe Sept. is almost here?

Where did the time go?  Since Sept. is right around the corner, it's time to get ready for my contest/giveaways around the blogging world post.  If you have a giveaway/contest  going on in Sept. let me know and I will help spread the word. Email me your giveaway details. Include prize, end date and a link to your giveaway. Please put Sept. Contest in the subject line.
My post will be up the first week of Sept. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. My email address is loves2read54(at)yahoo(dot)com.

5 Bleak House Readalong Ch 1-7

As you might have read, I have had Bleak House sitting on my bookshelf for some time. I found this readalong and thought "What a great idea!" so I signed up for it. Then a couple day ago I thought "What have I done? How am I going to find time to read this?" Well, I finally found some quiet time time and I am glad I did! How did my first seven chapters of Bleak House go? Well I am glad you asked! 

I really liked the characters of Bleak House.  Esther is my favorite. My heart broke for her in the beginning. I look forward to seeing her character grow and develop more.  Mr. Skimpole is my least favorite. He drove me up the wall! Maybe it's because I know people like him in my life. People who don't take responsibility for their lives and expect other people to clean up the messes they made. GRRRRR  Anyway, Charles Dickens described London in such a way that I feel like I have been there.  In my mind I could see the streets, the fog, people walking on the sidewalk.  I enjoyed the first seven chapters and I can't wait to read more.

4 A Season of Eden by J.M. Warwick

Title: A Season of Eden
Author: J.M. Warwick
Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing
Publication Date: October 20, 2008
Paperback, 248 pages
ISBN: 978-1-933963-90-7

He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said.

I have to admit when I first read the blurb on the back cover I was a little creeped out about the student-teacher relationship. So before I go on I want to ease your mind a little, Eden is eighteen and Mr. Christian is twenty-two. Feel better? Me too. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the story. This book is about so much more than just a student-teacher affair. It's more of a coming of age story about all kinds of relationships between friends, father/daughter and of course student/teacher. The story focuses on Eden. She’s a beautiful, smart, and popular girl who seems to have it all. However, Eden’s life is a facade. I liked the way the J.M. wrote Eden. She is a dynamically complicated character trying to figure out where she fits in. Anyone who is in high school or has ever been to high school can remember how that feels. Eden goes along day after day playing the same role until she meets her new music teacher, Mr. Christian. I have to say, if Mr. Christian had taught in my high school I would have had a crush on him too. Eden and Mr. Christian have great chemistry together. J.M. does a great job with this forbidden relationship. I thought this book was a great read. The plot is interesting, the story line flows easily and the characters are believable.

*picture and summary taken from Goodreads
* This book was provided to me by The awesome Jennifer Laurens and Grove Creek Publishing for the purpose of an honest review.

2 Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide by Laura Hile

Title: Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide
Author: Laura Hile
Publisher: Wytherngate Press
Publication Date: June 4, 2010
paperback, 208 pages
ISBN-10: 0-97288529-9-9, -13:978-0-9728529-9-9

As the news of Elizabeth Elliot's broken engagement becomes known, the storm of social disapproval descends and Elizabeth is left to wonder how she, with every claim to birth and beauty, has made such a muddle of her life. Even worse, why has dear Mr Gill suddenly become so distant? Patrick Gill has dropped many a hint that he is not the lowly clerk he has pretended to be, but Elizabeth Elliot will have none of it. His playful jest has gone too far, for him as well as for her. But her father has fled from his creditors, leaving her in disgrace. Now "Mr Gill" must force a meeting between Elizabeth and the man he truly is--Admiral McGillvary, a man she claims to despise.
Have I mentioned how much I have enjoyed this series?  This is third book in Laura Hiles's Mercy's Embrace Trilogy. In case you missed the first two books, they are: Book One: So Rough A Course (click here for my review)  and Book Two: So Lively A Chase (click here for my review) .  I liked the way this novel is presented in three parts.  It's reminiscent of how some books were printed in the regency era. This book, The Lady Must Decide, picks up where book two left off, in Patrick McGillvary's office. I was very anxious about this moment.  It's true!  I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what Elizabeth's reaction was going to be. Don't worry, I am not going to spoil it for you. I want you to enjoy it as much as I did. Elizabeth has been given many unpleasant and unflattering offers and must decide the best course of action to take.  So many of Elizabeth's decisions are influenced by what society dictates. She want a comfortable home so she has to marry and marry well. She can't make a living for herself and does not wish to be a burden on her family. I have to say I am glad to be living in a time where I can make my own choices.  I also liked the side stories that are going on with the other characters. They are as entertaining as Elizabeth's story and these books would not be complete without them.  Laura Hile has given a wonderful voice to Elizabeth Elliot. I really think Jane Austen would be pleased with this series. I am so glad that I read these books. I no longer dislike Elizabeth Elliot thanks to Laura Hile.

*picture and summary taken from goodreads
*The Mercy's Embrace Trilogy was provided to me by Wytherngate Press for review purposes. My thanks to Pamela Morgan and Laura Hile for my copy.

This is a follow up post to my Sunday Confessions.  Thank you to all the people who commented and voiced your opinions on this subject. I have lost a few followers but I've gained some as well. I am okay with that. I would rather you follow me because you like my blog and not for any other reason. Thanks for sticking with me! I promise I will not get too preachy. However I wanted to let you know about some cool book blog sites that are bringing attention to the censorship of books.

Adam from Roof Beam Reader has a Saturday Uncensored post.

 "This weekly post is meant to bring renewed attention to the still prevalently present practice (alliteration!) of challenging and censoring books - in our libraries, our schools, and elsewhere." - quote taken from Adam's blog

and

Donna from Bites is hosting Ban This!
Click on the button below to find out more info.

"As you may or may not be aware, the American Library Association's Banned Books Week is from September 25th to October 2nd this year. The short of the long of Banned Books Week is basically a national, week-long celebration of those books that have been challenged and/or successfully banned across the country." - quote taken from Donna' site

8 Sunday Confessions August 22, 2010

I was all set to do my Sunday Confessions post on another subject. However I came across some things this week that really ruffled my feathers: A YA author was uninvited to a book event because of the contents in her book and bloggers ragging on other bloggers about their book subject choices and/or genre choices.

It’s your purgative what you read. You should read what makes you happy. But do you have the right to make that decision for someone else? My answer is a big, fat NO. Take a second to think about this: A world where everyone reads the exact same thing and has the exact same opinions. Are you bored? I am. One thing I love about the book blogging world is visiting different blogs and seeing what they are reading. I have found some excellent books of all genres that way. Books I might not have known about otherwise. I also love reading the different opinions everyone has. You can agree or disagree on my reviews. It’s cool. We all have different opinions. It’s what makes the world go round. But I don’t appreciate someone telling me what books I should not be reading or ragging on my genre choice.
I am an eclectic book blogger. I have many different interests. I am not going to start to limit myself because someone thinks I shouldn’t read a certain genre or subject. I read a bloggers rant this week on not liking adults blogging about YA books. My question is why? Just because I am an adult doesn’t mean I have to put on granny panties, starting eating bran flakes, drinking prune juice and only reading ‘sophisticated literature’. Please! Stop being such a literary snob. If a book is good it should be read regardless of its classification. There are some phenomenal books out there that you are going to miss out on if you can’t get past the book’s classification or subject matter. Not every book is for everyone, but don’t come down on someone because they like something that you don’t! Especially if you haven’t even read the book in question.
Judging a book by its genre is a form of prejudice. Telling people not to read a book because of its contents is censorship. I repeat what I said earlier: Read what makes YOU happy!

Thanks for reading my rant. This subject is important to me.  I would love to know what you think on this subject.

0 Mercy's Embrace So Lively A Chase by Laura Hile

Title: Mercy’s Embrace: So Lively A Chase.
Author: Laura Hile
Publisher: Wytherngate Press
Publication Date: November 25, 2009
Paperback, 214 pages
ISBN-10: 0-9728529-8-0


Twelve-thousand a year and an extensive estate can gild a sow's ear, or so Elizabeth Elliot has always supposed. But now that she's fallen for the dashing Patrick Gill, Elizabeth is almost ready to give up Mr. Rushworth's fortune. Painfully aware of her bruised pride and vulnerable heart, Elizabeth can only despise herself for loving so common a man. But it has never occurred to her that darling Mr. Gill guards a secret of his own--and that he might be responsible for her father's disappearance. So Lively a Chase is book 2 of Laura Hile's delightful series Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's story base on Jane Austen's Persuasion

This is the second part of a three part novel. Incase you missed my review of Book One So Rough A Course check it out here. I really enjoyed the second book. The story keeps getting better and better. Elizabeth Elliot has grown on me. Her character is growing and changing into a likeable heroine despite her world falling apart around her. Patrick Gill reminds me of a cross between Mr. Darcy and George Wickham or Col. Brandon and Willoughby. He’s the perfect mix of gentleman with a hint of wickedness to him. I really like the chemistry Elizabeth and Mr. Gill share. I can’t express enough what a wonderful job Laura Hile did with this story. If you like Jane Austen inspired stories I recommend you give this a try. You will not be disappointed.

* I received the Mercy's Embrace trilogy form Wytherngate Press for review purposes. This is no way influenced my review.
**picture and summary taken from Goodreads

1 Bleak House Readalong Aug. 25- Oct 27

A couple years ago I watched Bleak House on PBS and LOVED it.  I bought the book with every intention of reading it for the past few years, but alas it just sat upon my shelf.  Early this week I came across The Zen Leaf blog and discovered that Amanda is doing a Bleak House readalong. I thought this would be a fun way to finally read this book. You can participate too, just sign up at the The Zen Leaf.  Here is the reading schedule:

Bleak House was originally published over the course of 19 months, in 20 installments (the last month being a double installment). Instead of spreading this out for 19 weeks, though, as that would take until Christmas, I think two installments per week would work. We would post on the following schedule:

Aug 25 - Chapters 1-7

Sept 1 - Chapters 8-13

Sept 8 - Chapters 14-19

Sept 15 - Chapters 20-25

Sept 22 - Chapters 26-32

Sept 29 - Chapters 33-38

Oct 6 - Chapters 39-46

Oct 13 - Chapters 47-53

Oct 20 - Chapters 54-59

Oct 27 - Chapters 60-67

2 Love Sucks with Lauren Hammond

I am so excited to have Lauren Hammond stopping by today on her blog tour. She is here promoting her latest novel Love Sucks.  Check out what Lauren has to say about her new novel:

The sun rises on the last day of your life just like any other, but nightfall lasts forever unless you are awake to it.

Love Sucks isn’t your typical vampire-romance novel. When I began writing Love Sucks, I wanted to create a character that not only I could relate to but, my readers could relate to as well. So from there, Cara Jones was born. I remember sitting down to write this and thinking from the very first paragraph, okay Lauren, You’re trapped in box, buried under the earth. How would you react? What would you do? I honestly think by putting myself in Cara shoes and feeling everything she feels, I was able to create a great, loveable character.

I wanted my readers to the same thing I did when they read Love Sucks. I wanted them to really put themselves in Cara’s shoes. I wanted them to feel everything she felt. So the novel is completely written from Cara’s point of view. This way you can feel what it’s like to no longer crave human food, see how you’d react to your changing body, and simply understand what it’s like to be Cara Jones.

This novel began as a screenplay and has evolved into so much more. Due to all of the positive attention, a sequel is in the works. A Sucker For Love will be released in the Summer of 2011. Allow Love Sucks to take you on the journey of a lifetime, literally. Now I only have one thing left to say….. Are you ready to be sucked in?

So where can you buy this book you ask? Head over to Pumkin Books or Amazon to purchuse your book.
 
You can also find Lauren on her blog, Facebook, and twitter @NovelistLauren
 
Also check out these great interviews and reviews:
 
Interviews


http://www.vampires.com/exclusive-interview-with-lauren-hammond/

http://lovesromances.blogspot.com/2010/08/feature-chatting-with-buckeyes-lauren.html

http://www.writersnewsweekly.com/interviews.php

http://nymfaux.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-with-vampire-author.html


Reviews

http://2muchtestosterone.blogspot.com/2010/07/love-sucks-by-lauren-hammond.html

http://www.novelthoughtsblog.com/2010/07/love-sucks-by-lauren-hammond.html

http://lovesromances.blogspot.com/2010/08/blog-tour-love-sucks-by-lauren-hammond.html

4 Contest winners for Cleaned Off Bookshelf

First I want to say thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway! An extra thank you to everyone who spread the word about this contest. You all ROCK!

In my contest post I said there would be FOUR winners, but I changed my mind. Instead of FOUR winners there will be EIGHT. That's right, you read that correctly there are EIGHT winners.

1. Lesley(confirmed)

2. Brittany(confirmed)

3. Elise(confirmed)

4. Lora1967 (confirmed)

5. Reena Jacobs (confirmed)

6. Amanda (confirmed)

7. Dee(Good Choice Reading) (confirmed)

8. Kelsey (confirmed)

I will be contacting you be email shortly with instructions on how to claim your prize. If you didn't win this contest, check out Contest Around the Blogging World for other great giveaways.

* Don't forget to check your spam

2 Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

Title: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
Author: Jessica Day George
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Publication Date: January 8, 2008
Harcover 328 pages
ISBN-10: 1-59990-109-9

Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servents. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess.
This is the second book I have read by Jessica Day George. I have to say that I am a fan. I love her writing style. Her books are so easy to read and very entertaining. This book is a fairy tale based on Norwegian folk tales. It reminded my of Beauty and the Beast meets Cupid and Psyche meets some other fairy tale I have long forgotten. It’s full of trolls, a white reindeer, a magical white bear, and a nameless girl called lass. The story is full of adventure, hardships, love and loss. If you haven’t read any book by Jessica Day George, I recommend them to you. The ones I have read have been fantastic.

*picture and summary taken from goodreads

7 Sunday Confessions

I recently decided to add a new weekly feature to my blog called Sunday Confessions. I wanted to find a way to share a little about myself and learn more about my followers. Some of my topics will be book related, others not so much. This is all in good fun so please feel free to comment.

So without further ado, my first question is:

Who was your first supernatural/paranormal crush?
My first supernatural crush was Dracula played by Gary Oldman.



I was just a teenager when I first watched the movie Dracula and Gary Oldman rocked my world. I wanted to be Mina so bad. After I saw the movie I read the book. In the book Dracula is cold, cruel, and calculating. Although Gary Oldman did portray the character with some of these qualities, he was a lot more sensual. To this day my heart flutters a little every time I see him.

So now it's your turn. Who is your first supernatural/paranormal crush?

*pictures from photobucket

0 Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course by Laura Hile

Title: Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course
Author: Laura Hile
Publisher: Wytherngate Press
Publication Date: March 21, 2009
Paperback 219 pages
ISBN: 10:0-9728529-7-2

Twenty-nine winters' revolving frosts have brought no change to Miss Elliot's matrimonial state.
Elizabeth Elliot is as beautiful as ever, yet no gentleman of proper stature has requested her hand. Lady Russell claims she is too particular, but Elizabeth begs to differ. She is not about to settle for a gentleman of no distinction like her sister Mary. Nor will she follow her heart and marry a commoner with no title but Captain--that was Anne's mistake. As for romance and the tender stirrings of the heart, why, only a simpleton would fall prey to such foolishness! But when the proud Miss Elliot encounters a pair of smiling Irish eyes in a most unsuitable man of vulgar connections, she is tempted to change her opinion. Almost. Jane Austen's beloved Persuasion provides the backdrop for this delightful romp set in Regency England.

If you have read any of my past reviews you know that I love Jane Austen. I am also a fan of sequels, what if , and variation stories that her fans have written. My favorite book by Jane Austen is Persuasion.
I gush every time I read the letter Captain Wentworth writes to Anne. Mercy's Embrace is a sequel to Persuasion. However this book is not about Anne but her older sister Elizabeth. I have to admit in Persuasion, Elizabeth was not one of my favorite characters. She is vain, rude, obnoxious and snarky. So why did I read this story you ask? I read it because I remembered the saying "Everyone has a story". I wanted to find out about Elizabeth Elliot's story.
Laura Hile picks up the story right after Captain Wentworth and Anne's engagement. She brings back all the beloved characters and introduces us to some new ones. Laura sticks to the characters original personalities. I think Jane Austen would be proud. The story line is good. Elizabeth is forced to make sacrifices due to her financial situation. She has the Elliot pride and is on the look out for a wealthy husband. Elizabeth finds a suitor but does not like him, much less love him. She forms an unlikely friendship with the charming Mr. Gill who is not at all wealthy or so she believes. Elizabeth starts to learn lessons in humility, prudence, patience and love. In this story you can start to see the evolution of Elizabeth's character. There are also some delightful surprises along the way. Elizabeth is friends with none other than Caroline Bingley. I have to say I was tickled to see the crossover. Laura Hile has done a wonderful job in this sequel to Persuasion. It has made me like and understand Elizabeth Elliot a little more.

Mercy's Embrace is a three part book series: So Rough A Course, So Lively A Chase and The Lady Must Decide. Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks when I review the next two in the series.

*My thanks to Laura Hile, Pamela Mogen and Wytherngate Press for providing me a copy of the Mercy's Embrace Trilogy to review.
This in no way influenced my review.

7 Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Schoolastic
Publication Date: Sept. 1, 2009
Hardcover 391 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0-439-02349-8

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

This is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. If you read my thoughts on The Hunger Games you know that the book took me by surprise. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but instead I loved it. I was eager to read Catching Fire, but it sat on my bookshelf for a few weeks. At last the time came and I read it. Let me tell you I was not disappointed. I was a little worried that Catching Fire would lose some of the "fire" that The Hunger Games had. I have read trilogies or series where the first book was great, but after that they lost momentum. Suzanne Collins has written another fantastic book. It was as exciting as the first book. It took 2 days to read it. I wanted to neglect everything just to finish it. The world Suzanne creates is harsh but the characters are fantastic. The story line keeps you interested from beginning to end.
If you haven't read these books yet, you should put them on your TBR list. Now all I have to do is wait for Mockingjay. All I can say to that is Bring It On!

Just for my nosy nature: Who do want Katniss to end up with Peeta or Gale? Leave a comment and let me know.

*Picture and summary taken from goodreads

1 Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George

Title: Dragon Slippers
Author: Jessica Day George
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Publication Date: March 20, 2007
paperback 352 pages
ISBN: 13:978-1-59990-275-3

Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel's enormous talent at embroidery, and you can't help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it's up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom. Creel's feisty spirit breathes fiery new life into this epic world at every turn.

I found this book by accident. I was looking up another book in my library's card catalog when the message "O results found, Did you mean ...." . Well no, I didn't mean this book, but it didn't stop me from checking it out anyway. I liked this book from the beginning. It didn't take me long to warm up to the characters. I really liked the main character Creel. She was a take charge sort of heroine taking fate into her own hands. She doesn't sit around waiting to get rescued. Creel is brave, resourceful, and clever. She comes across many obstacles and handles them accordingly. The dragons are fierce with quirky personalities . They all have a different fetish for collecting things. I liked them a lot too. Jessica Day George has created a wonderful fantasy world. The story was very entertaining. It didn't take me long to finish this book. I would recommend this book to anyone 9 years old and up. Dragon Slippers is the first book in a trilogy. I can't wait to read the next two but sadly my library only had this one.


*picture and summary taken from Goodreads

8 10 Reasons Why You Should Read Werelove:Dusk Connspiracy

Title: Werelove: Dusk Conspiracy
Author: By Lakisha Spletzer
Publisher: Createaspace
paperback 370 pages
ISBN: 1449900879


Seventeen-year-old Laylah Le Croix has a rich father, mansion, and servants. Yet she is lonely and neglected. Her father would rather work than speak to her. At the academy she is bullied and mistreated.When Weres attempt to kidnap Laylah, she is saved by the mysterious Donil Silentshadow. Donil rouses feelings in Laylah that make her question her life and her father's animosity toward her handsome rescuer. Confused by these emotions, she seeks answers from those closest to her and is rebuffed.She must make a choice. Obey her father's edicts or follow her heart to learn the truth about her past.

In the spirit of trying something new I am going to list the top ten reasons I think you should read this book:

1. Lots of action – Lots of drama. I didn’t want to put the book down
2. Britta- everyone should have a BFF like her.
3. Lions and tigers and bears- oh my! Lots of different Were Animals
4. Star crossed lovers.
5. It takes place in the future.
6. Donil Silentshadow. He can walk into my dreams anytime!
7. Zina- A evil, crazy *$#@! You are going to love to hate.
8. Laylah finding her inner strength.
9. She quoted Yoda (yes, I am a nerd)
10. There is going to be a sequel!!!!!

I really liked this book. Lakisha Spletzer has created a fascinating world. I can’t wait to read more by her. I think I might have to cyber stalk her to find out when the next book is coming out. Just Kidding (no, I’m not).

Question: What type of were animal would you like to be?

*summary and picture taken from Goodreads
*received book from author for review purpose. This in no way influenced my review

0 August Contests Around the Blogging World

This is a list of contest that are going on right now. If you have a contest you would like to list, please email me @ loves2read54(at)yahoo(dot)com with the contest details.


Win a Paranormal Pre Order @ Book Obsession ends Aug 18 @ http://booksobsession.blogspot.com/

A Sizzlin Summer Book Giveaway @ The Prarie Library ends Aug 21 http://theprairielibrary.blogspot.com/2010/07/things-are-hoppin.html

The Story Snoops gives away a book every Friday http://storysnoops.com/

Whatt....more books is giving away Linger and the Sky is Everywhere http://whatmorebooks.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-giveaway-ends-august-31-2010.html ends Aug 31

A Sizzlin Summer Book Giveaway @ Simply Ali ends Aug 30
http://simplyali.blogspot.com/2010/08/sizzling-summer-nights-giveaway.html

50 followers contest Vamps, Weres, and Cassey Oh My ends Sept. 21 at midnight (mst) http://vampsweresandcassay.blogspot.com/2010/08/50-follower-contest.html Prize: Choose your own book. It's International

I have cleaned off my overstuffed bookshelves!

Closed- Will Post Winners Soon

Here is a list of books up for grab:

Ironside by Holly Black

Tithe by Holly Black

Valiant by Holly Black

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

*Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins

The Smoke Theif by Shana Abe

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

Jane Eyre's Daughter by Elizabeth Newark

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

*Sex and The City by Candace Bushnell

Untamed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Betrayed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Kept by D.J. Taylor

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange

*Lover Unbound J.R. Ward

*Lover Awakened J.R. Ward

*Lover Revealed J.R. Ward

*Lover Enshrined J.R. Ward

*Dead After Dark by Sherrily Kenyon, J.R. Ward, Susan Squires, Diana Love

*Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian

*Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian

*Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian

*Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

*Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon

*Dance with the Devil Sherrily Kenyon

*Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon

**All books have be gently read

* must be 17+ to win these

There will be FOUR winners. Each winner will get to pick three books. The First place winner will get the first pick of books, the second winner gets the second pick, the third place winner gets third pick and the fourth winner picks last. I might add more to the pile later. Please visit my contest rules page before entering. You don't have to be a follower to enter but it would be great if you did. This contest is for US addresses only. To Enter: Leave a comment with your email address. If you are not comfortable leaving your email address in the comments please email it to me @ loves2read54 at yahoo dot com Contest ends August 16, 2010

I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered the Radiant Shadows contest.

Ladytink_534

I will be contacting you be email. You have 48 hours to respond.