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Half-Blood by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (October 18th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 281 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Covenant #1
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.
Review: Half-Blood completely blew me away! I could not put it down and stayed up till 4am just to finish it. It's one of the rare books I've added to my"must read again" list! I've even went back to certain parts already because they were just that incredible! I already know Half-Blood will be making an appearance in my top 10 of 2011 list.

Where do I even start?! First, this book involves mythology, which some people either love or hate. I usually tried to avoid books with mythology but I have been lovin' some of the new releases! The mythology aspects of this book created the perfect background and really made me interested to see what happens next.

Alex is a half-blood and her and her mother escaped the Covenant (a training type school) in order to live a semi-normal life. But they learn that they can't escape for long and soon Alex ends up back at the Covenant. As a half-blood, she could easily be made into a servant but Alex wants to be a Sentinel and hunt Daimons. In order to have a shot at that, she must catch up to her peers by allowing Aiden (a Pure) to train her. Ahh, Aiden. *mind wonders* Aiden is beyond swoon-worthy. He's a tough fighter with a sensitive side that it seems only Alex gets to see. But a relationship with him would be forbidden. Pures and halfs can not be together, period.

Even with that complication, things get even crazier when a new person comes to the Covenant and Alex learns more about her own fate. I won't spoil what happens, or who shows up, but I will say that by the middle of this book I think I could have ignored a hurricane outside. I was that into this story! This new character was so captivating and alluring… and sexy. ahhh… love it!

What Janenifer was able to create with this story is one that you won't be able to forget. Alex is an amazingly strong heroine. Those can be rare to find in YA novels. But there is no doubt Alex could kick butt. She never lets someone take control of her life and she knows exactly what she wants. Aiden is complex. He's a little older than Alex and much more mature than other Pures his age. He has been through a lot and he doesn't see Alex as less than him just because she's a half-blood. He sees her strength and determination from the start.

Not only did Janenifer deliver some fabulous main characters, but she has woven in multiple minor characters that help build this world. One of my favorites is Caleb. He's Alex's best friend and he was just adorable. As I read this story I felt like I was there with the characters. Janenifer flawlessly described the setting, emotions, and atmosphere in the story. I always say it's rare if a writer is able to describe a romantic moment in a few words and it makes me swoon, but that happened… often! Any time Aiden brushed up against Alex or.well, spoke… I was blushing!

Half-Blood exceeded my expectations on every level. I'm not sure how I will make myself wait for the next book, Pure. Janenifer L. Armentrout created a world that will easily grab readers. If you are a fan of Vampire Academy, and books that will leave you breathless, pick up Half-Blood!

Find Janenifer L. Armentrout
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Book Trailer

I'm thrilled to be part of the Half-Blood tour. I just finished this book and it is incredible! One of my favorites of this year. My review can be found here.

You can follow the rest of the tour, hosted by The {Teen} Book Scene by clicking here.

A lot of people have asked what exactly is a Hematoi and how in the holy Underworld do you pronounce it. Good question. I, myself, have a hard time pronouncing it. So let’s break out the nifty pronunciation key.

Hematoi — HEM-a-toy
A Hematoi, also known as a pure-blood, is a descendent of two demigods. They are not the child of a god and a mortal, which is a demigod. And don’t let their comfy, elitist sort of life fool you. They do use half-bloods, a child of a Hematoi and a mortal protect and serve them, but they are not defenseless by any means. Most, but not all, just feel that fighting is kind of below them.

Being a child of a two demigods, they’re chalk full of aether—the essence of the gods. A Hematoi can wield control over one of the elements: air, water, fire or earth. They can be just as fast and as strong as a half-blood. Their compulsions pack a powerful punch. If a Hematoi suggested that you go play in a street? You’d happily go play in the street.

Why are the Hematoi in such a position of power? Well, it can be summed up pretty easily: their blood is pure. Relationships of any kind with a half-blood, besides a professional kind, are absolutely forbidden. There is no ands, ifs or buts there. The half-blood usually bears the brunt of punishment if they break the big no touchie policy. And we aren’t talking a smack on a wrist or shame. We’re talking indentured servitude.

So in the world of gods and their many offspring, Hematoi are at the top of the food chain. Well, there is one exception but that’s a story for a different day.

Half-Blood by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (October 18th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 281 pages
Series: Covenant #1
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Find Janenifer L. Armentrout
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Blog

Purchase Half-Blood
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Book Trailer

Pure by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (April 3rd, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 329 pages
Source: ARC from publisher
Series: Covenant #2
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is need. And then there is Fate…

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's"other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon… and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude… or killing her. When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

Review:

I will try to avoid spoilers. I will start by saying that Alex is one of the best, most kick-butt, amazingly genuine heroines of YA literature. Her courage, determination, and strength is beyond comprehension. She has been through so much but she remains herself through it all. She is what really makes this series shine. Although she may have a life and destiny we may not be able to imagine, there is so much about her we can relate to. In many ways, she is just a young girl trying to find her place. But, what makes it even better is that her feisty personality lets everyone know she is not to be messed with.

Then we have Aiden. Oh poor, sweet, hunk of a man Aiden. Aiden can be intense, but Alex is always able to get to his soft side — rather he likes it or not. Seeing his reactions to Alex is always entertaining.

Now, we have Seth. Much, much, more Seth in this book! Seth can be infuriating but he is one of those guys people may act like they hate, but they would miss him if he wasn't around. I think that's something Alex realizes as well. We get much more of a build-up in the relationship between Alex and Seth, which was super nice! I have been a Seth fan since the beginning so I was eager to see where Janenifer went with this relationship.

I gotta say, I cracked up so many times during this book. I seemed to either be laughing, blushing, crying, or gasping during most of it. Yes, there was lots of blushing! Janenifer knows how to write steamy scenes. The connections between Alex and Aiden, and Alex and Seth, were so surprisingly different but they each felt honest and real. That can be a hard task for writers to achieve but Janenifer did this to perfection.

Next, the plot. I won't go into too much detail but I will just say that we get a lot more action and information about the inner-workings of the council. There are a ton of twists and turns going on and unexplained daimon attacks. All of that is combined with the frictions among the Pures and half-bloods. So to summarize, we have more action, drama, suspense, and romance… could we even handle any more?!

Jennifer L. Armentrout is the new hero of young adult novels. She is able to flawlessly create a world that is visually appealing, with compelling characters and a action-packed plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Recommended: EVERYONE. You don't have to be a paranormal fan to love this series. If you want something that will rock your world, pick up Half-Blood and Pure.

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You can follow the tour by clic king here.- http://www.stuckinbooks.com/p/pure-blog-tour.html

There are two giveaways that will be going on through the remainder of the tour. You can sign up by going to Stuck in Books and A Cupcake and a Latte. You can get extra entries for both giveaways by commenting on the tour posts. But wait, there's more!

You guys are so lucky today because I have a highly coveted ARC of Pure for one lucky reader! If you haven't read Half-Blood yet, DO IT NOW! You won't regret it.

• Just leave a comment WITH your email address!
• Must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
• US mailing addresses only.
• Contest will close April 13th.

I received 2 books this week but they were awesome books (and purple!) so I had to share. Super thanks to HarperTeen and Spencer Hill Press for the goodies!

Review
Half Blood by Janenifer L. Armentrout (with booklets and a Half-Blood guitar pick!)
The Ivy: Secrets by Lauren Kunze

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Where Is YA going?
It’s been a long time since Harry Potter. Even though we’re all storming movie theaters to see the first half of Deathly Hallows, from the books that are coming out now you’d think the whole series was ancient history. Judging by what is hitting the shelves, you’d think a YA book can’t be good unless it has a love-triangle or a death within the first ten pages, and then it has to drag us over hot coals as it resolves its torturous, dark conflicts, finally ending with a dreary whimper. Do you know what I’m talking about? How did we leave behind the exciting and the innocent to get here in just a few short years?
For me, the young-adult genre’s latest revolution is losing that essence that made me fall in love with it in the first place. I hate to see it go, and I’m desperate to find a way to bring it back to its roots.
I remember I was a counselor at a sports camp the day Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released. The post office had to send two trucks to deliver all of the pre-orders, and we had to suspend activities because everyone wanted to read. I’ll tell you what, you’ve never been around a happier group of people in your life. Even the counselors were reading it, and everyone was just smiling ear-to-ear, delighted and enthralled. We all gasped at how dark the story had become, but now it still seems so innocent and playful. Even finishing Dealthy Hallows, most people felt charged, ready to jump for joy. Right toppled wrong! Something had been accomplished!
Let’s compare that to Mockingjay. When you see people reading Mockingjay, don’t you have to start looking at them like they’re about to invade the Capital? “Good luck! I’m praying for you!” Your eyebrows scrunch up with concern, and they nod as if to say they’re willing to make a sacrifice for the greater good by reading this book. No matter how much you loved it, I don’t think there’s anyone out there who can describe the ending as “happy.” Instead, Collins leaves us with an ambiguous message about what it was all for, that being left alone is the best we can hope for. Where’s the feeling of triumph, of joy? I understand that life can be hard, but is a happy ending really too much to ask for?
YA has long been the playground of authors, allowing them to delve into issues that are too sticky for adult fiction. But instead of using the swings or the slide, they’ve chosen to start releasing the worst demons they can devise, and now the books they’re publishing are filled with pent-up traumas and emotional horrors beyond what most of us could ever expect to live through.
A quick look at recent and upcoming releases tells us exactly what we’re in for. Matched is about an oppressive regime dictating who people love. Wither is about an abducted girl who is stripped of her freedom and forced to marry someone. Torment… well I think the name says it all. I’m not saying any of these are bad books, but yikes, makes me glad to be living in the real world!
For those of you who can sympathize with me here, people who miss some of the youthful exuberance and sense of exciting discovery that constitutes their vision of YA, let me pose an alternative. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, a little more innocent, you may find some refreshment in my Powerless series, which is just about to release its third book! The story is about a fifteen-year-old girl named Mira Ipswich who discovers she’s the only one in the world without a unique, magical power. Despite her limitation, she’s got to find a way to co-exist and make friends, and the larger arc of the series is her attempt to reunite her family. There are hardships, to be sure, but as long as they keep hope in their hearts, the possibility for a bright future remains.
I’d like to close with a heartfelt thank you to Jessica for graciously providing me with this space. I’m excited about holding a giveaway on “Confessions of a Bookaholic,” and I hope we all keep reading to our heart’s content!
Jason Letts is the author of the Powerless series. You can find out more at his website: www.powerlessbooks.com

Powerless: The Synthesis by Jason Letts Published: May 30th, 2010
Reading Level: Young Adult Series: Powerless, book #1 Mira Ipswich couldn't have ever known the startling difference that separates her from the rest of humanity. But when she discovers a strange anomaly in the midst of her seclusion, her parents are forced to reveal she exists in a world where everyone is imbued with a wondrous natural gift. Everyone except herself that is. Accompany Mira as her attempts to fit in among peers and understand her inconceivable condition embroil her with the dangerous forces threatening her homeland. Protected by nothing more than her imagination and ingenuity, you'll never find a superhero more like you.

The first book in the Powerless series is the tale of Mira’s turbulent and perilous entry into the world around her. And once she’s a part of it, nothing will ever be the same again.

The story is already raking in the awards. It's won the Webb Weaver 2010 Writer's Competition, the judges proclaiming they were"entranced by the writer's ability to bring together this unlikely group of kids," and that the book could"be a hit in the YA book world." The story is a roller coaster ride, filled with diverse characters, lots to discover in an ever-expanding world, and a story full of hopes and aspirations. If you like stories with plenty of dramatic twists and spirited intensity, it'll have you falling in love with a brand new series and begging for more!

Giveaway Prize:

• 3 winners will receive an ebook of Powerless: The Synthesis.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is International and ends December 5th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find Jason Letts Jason Letts / Twitter / Goodreads / Blog

Purchase Powerless: The Synthesis Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Ebook version is available through Amazon for $0.99! USE GOOGLE to read chapter one for free.
For an extra entry into the contest answer this question in the comments below.
If you could choose, what individual superpower would you want?

Today I have Leigh Evans here for a guest post. She's here to talk to us about mean writers and to highlight her upcoming release, The Thing About Weres.

Mean Writers—Why We Give our Heroines Such a Hard Time
A friend said to me recently that my heroine takes a heck of an emotional battering, and wondered how I could do it. It’s hard to be cruel to your darlings, but it’s a fair point and I wanted to explain just why it was so necessary.

Let me get it right out front—Yes. I am super-crazy-nasty-mean to my characters. I spend hours thinking of ways to torment them. Actually, that’s an understatement. I spend days, sometimes weeks, thinking of ways to put the screws to my main character, Hedi Peacock.

Why?

Because the Mystwalker books chart the coming of age story of one Hedi Peacock, Half Were, half Fae, which means that I (the evil happiness destroyer) must lead my would-be-heroine from where she was in the first book, THE TROUBLE WITH FATE, to where she must be in the fourth and final book of the series.

Talk about mileage. Talk about rough terrain.

Leaping lizards. I never anticipated having to be so cruel. The Mystwalker series was going to be such lighter fare…

That is, until the evening I was the luckless recipient of a gift from my ever-loving muse. It was around 9:40 on a weeknight. Let me state quite firmly that (a) there was absolutely no wine involved and (b) I was neither daydreaming or on the cusp of sleep. As a matter of fact, I was on the couch, fully engaged in one of those true-murder programs. We were finally—finally!—getting to the bad guy reveal.

Then, all of the sudden, my vision clouded and I ‘saw’ something. Like a video clip, except not. I hate to sound all airy-fairy but for want of a better descriptor, it was a vision. Vivid. Real. Impossible to forget.

I remember thinking, “Oh, shit. ”

This was not in the plan. Hedi wasn’t supposed to ‘walk’ in different realms. How could I write that? It was too complicated and dark. Maybe I could forget what I saw? (Go away muse. Go bother some other urban fantasist).

But, unfortunately, I’d witnessed a world-changing event through a tear in a curtain and I couldn’t erase what I’d seen. (No matter how hard I tried). In the three second snippet, Hedi’s hair was down. She was walking barefoot along a mist-shrouded avenue of ancient trees. There was something odd about her gait. I kept replaying it until I finally understood.

Ah. I was seeing Hedi all grown up. The way she was meant to be.

Harder. Tougher. Wiser.
And determined to be in control of her destiny.

How on earth would I be able to take my slacker girl to there? We’re talking some significant mileage. Everything she knew, everything she understood about herself and where she fit in life would have to be shook up. I’d have to take her on a ride that would toughen her hide and her heart.

Which brings us here, the second novel in the series—The THING ABOUT WERES. I took a chance here, crossing my fingers that my readers would follow me. Put bluntly, this book is the knee-capper. Every mistake, every seed not planted, will matter.

Because I believe heroes aren’t born; they’re made. And not all of us will pick up our bayonet and run willy-nilly through no man’s land, screaming a warrior’s cry—at least not at first prod. We might need to warm up to the idea. We might falter and make mistakes. Put bluntly, some of us need a damn good reason to scramble out of our foxhole.

Maybe a few of us need a hero’s quest tossed in our lap.

That being said, what’s some dark without some snark? There is comedy in this book and true love—sensual, demanding, provoking—that comes in the shape of a six-foot Were who is just too pretty for words. Also there is family—served two ways—in the form of a long lost brother and an entity trapped inside an amulet.

There is burgeoning hope. There is looming destiny. And ahead… yet another story still to come.

The Thing About Weres by Leigh Evans
Published: St. Martin's (July 30th, 2013)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 464 pages
Series: Mystwalker, #2
Summary:
THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER

In the never-ending saga that is my love-hate relationship with Robson Trowbridge, I, half-Were Hedi Peacock, have had a change of heart. Ever since I shoved Trowbridge through the Gates of Merenwyn, I’ve been the leader of the pack—hard to believe, right? The thing is: I’m half-Fae. So even though my Were side is ready to heed the call of the wild, the other part of me is desperate to take flight. And much as it pains me to admit it, life without Trowbridge is really starting to were me down…

I AM WERE, HEAR ME ROAR.

To make matters worse, the wolves of Creemore want my blood—and the North American Council of Weres wants me dead. So I’m just counting the days until Trowbridge returns from the other realm… and comes to my brave rescue… and becomes my alpha mate. Wishful thinking? Of course it is. But given all the mess I’ve been through already, what’s the harm in doing a little bit of daisy-plucking? Besides, Trowbridge owes me bigtime. A girl can dream.

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GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It is now time to vote on the story entries! Thanks to everyone who entered! We really appreciate you all for sharing your stories with us! We do hope that everyone takes time out to read each story before voting for their favorites! You have until this Friday, the 22nd to vote.
Voters:

• Lisa and I will both be posting the stories.

• The form is the same on both blogs so duplicates will be deleted.
• To vote, put your email address and the number of the story you like into the form.
• Email addresses are only used in order to check for duplicate votes.
• If you are participating in the comment contest, leave your email with the comment for it to be counted. Same as with the other Haunted Halloween posts.
• If you voted, say"I voted!" in the comment and you will get an extra entry into the comment contest.
• Vote for your favorite!

• Feel free to post about the voting starting. Please encourage people to vote for their favorite.
• You can cast a vote for your own story, but only once each round.

Rules:

• This is Round 1 of voting. It will end Friday, the 22nd.
• Round 2 will begin next Sunday, the 24th. It will end Friday, the 29th.
• 8 stories will continue onto Round 2!
• The winners will be announced on Halloween!

Story #1 — Found"Hello my love." Came a horribly familiar voice. I slowly turned around and there he was. My worst nightmare. The last time I saw him he was covered in my blood. My knees felt week and I didn't know if I had the strength to keep them study. He smiled that same dark smile that he had the day he tried to kill me. I thought I had escaped, I thought it was over. As he reached for my hand I knew it would be soon."How I have missed you." He said as our hands met. I felt a tingle run up my arm as he touched me. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, everything that I had worked for, to get past the memory of him was gone. All there was in the world was him and his hand upon mine. I couldn’t bring myself to run or to scream. I was lost in his murderous eyes. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #2 — Invisible Gotta find the exit. I just have to. I don't want to die I am too young. He told me that it wouldn't end like this that if I just give him what he needed then he would leave me and my family alone. I have been running for nearly three days and every time I think I am safe I see his shadow again. It all started back when I met the new kid in school. He was gorgeous nonetheless. Always seemed so perfect and mysterious. Apparently my judgment was correct except for the perfect part. As I grew closer to him the more I drew away from school, friends, and even worse my family. There seemed to be something pulling me deeper into his world, something that was turning me almost invisible to the world around me. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #3 — Sun and Moon The obsidian building towered high into the thunderous clouds, and was surrounded by a large iron-wrought fence. Erus, a grim and depressing boy for his age, stared at the bleak view before him: This was to be his new home: The Orphanage. Erus picked anxiously at his raggedy blue sweatshirt. His dark black hair obscured his vision, but gave him a sharper look. The pale skin of his face often made others think that he was dead, maybe a vampire. Maybe he was, no, he most definitely was. Due to the monumental hunger he felt building up inside him like carbon in a soda bottle. Every sense in his body became more acute, and human blood sang beneath luscious skin. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #4 — Ghost girl This was when I was around 17 years old. My parent move us in to our first house after living so long in an apartment. The house had 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. I was sharing a room with my sister, she was 16 year old. My two brother were sharing the room next to ours. my parents room was across the hallway. My room had the only window a/c unit. Our bedroom was the smallest bedroom and we only had a bunkbed an old tv, those old one that had the wooden box arround and with the big knobs. After a week I was watching tv late one night and the tv out of nowhere turn off. I thought the tv had a short and went to sleep. The next week weird things started to happen. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #5 — The Blood Spirit 1920
It was in the small town of Ashbury, New York that the rumor became.
“Oh, Mary, I’ve missed you so much!”
“Hahaha, well, I told you I’d return didn’t I, silly boy.” The girl’s sweet voice filled the room. It was like a drug to Everett and he wanted more. He had long awaited her return spending night after night staring longingly into the mirror on his dresser, until she had finally appeared that night.
“I thought… maybe you had moved on.” Everett’s voice tried to cover his emotions at the thought of losing his beautiful Mary. Mary, the one that had saved him from all the darkness in his life and now he could barely stand to look her in the eyes because of her beauty. They had shown with understanding, but that was all a mask to help cover up the thing she really was. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #6 — The Current-Day 1900's Spiderman: A Little Boy's Tale
A shaggy haired two year old boy with wide eyes watched the hall of his newly built home. Not only was his puppy barking at it but both pet cats were hissing as well. His mommy turned to the hall then back at the display in front of her calling their attention. The little boy dropped his multi-colored duplos and looked to his mommy, his eyes glistening with a look she never seen before, then pointed to the short hall between the living room and the playroom saying one word. “Man.”

The appearances of 'man' didn't stop that one quiet night. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #7 — Friendly Fire Fire. One word. One very short word. And yet, for Kaylee it was the most important word in the world. It was the last thing her mother ever said to her. As a child she had been hurt that her mother hadn’t spoken words of love and encouragement in the last moments of her life, it was only when she was older that she understood the true power behind that one word.

Fire. It brings warmth. It brings light. It brings destruction. And eventually it can bring life. But for Kaylee it brought wonder and mystery and a power so overwhelming that the mere sight of her would strike fear into complete strangers. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #8 — Stranger in the Night"We should dance," Brady smiled. Prom night.
I heard a voice."Excuse me," someone said from behind.

"Sorry, sorry" Brady muttered.

Me, I couldn't speak. It was his eyes; they smoldered. I had never seen a guy with black eyes before. Taking one look at his face --pale, chiseled, eerily handsome-- I was totally, totally lost.

"Stephanie," he grinned. I parted my lips, but couldn't speak.

"Stephanie?" I couldn't hear Brady. I couldn't even tell he was still there. Everything was a big, buzzing blur; his hand at my waist, it wasn't even there. I swear it wasn't. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #9 — The Good Mother Our lake is haunted.

Long ago there was a Mother who fell asleep by the water. While she slept her child crawled into the water and was lost.

The Mother, unwilling to accept her child’s death, dove beneath the waves and disappeared.

Supposedly, she searches for him still. Children roaming near the lake on the night her child disappeared will disappear too. She waits to wrap them in her watery embrace. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #10 — Blackbird Sing They say the beautiful song of the blackbird makes it a symbol of temptations. For the most part, I have been a fairly responsible adult during the course of my life. I live in control and in restraint; I have no weakness.

When I approach the enormous tree with the bare and scraggly branches, I see it is full of blackbirds. I should think something is not right. But with a sensible head resting atop my shoulders, omens never affected me. I could shatter a thousand mirrors and still live in good health and in good luck.

My phone shrills in my pocket. I do not want to pick it up. Instead, I gaze at the still blackbirds, with their graceful feathers and beady eyes. Nothing is wrong. Just a tree full of silly birds. I see them all the time. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #11 — The Mattress Kasey never liked hospitals. They just made her feel uncomfortable. Everything smelled like hand soap or old people, and everything was so… sterile. She especially hated it at night when her room's light was turned off. The hallway would still be brightly lighted — yes, even in the middle of the night — but even the small sliver of light that she could see under her door wasn't comfort enough. Being in the dark scared her, and being in the dark alone was even more frightening.

She had had three concussions in the past spring from playing rugby — three too much. She had spent week after week in hospitals attempting to recover, missing school, missing her friends, missing life. She hardly knew what sunshine felt like. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #12 — Lifeless Love Her breath raced as she ran down the hill. Sweat glistened on her face in the light of the half-moon. Her pursuer was not far behind, his long arms flapping limply at his sides. She turned right and hid behind a trash can and prayed he would pass her by.

“Chloe,” He croaked. “Come out. You know I won’t hurt you. How could I hurt you? I love you.”

Silent tears slid down her face. How she wanted to believe those words. But she knew now that he was lost to her.

Footsteps were heard receding into the distance; he was gone, for now. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #13 — Whisper Damien was filled with dread as he crossed the threshold of Milton Manor. Fear emanated from his every pore, clouded his vision, and burned its way through his lungs with each breath.

Then the whispers began…

Get out! You don’t belong here. This is our home!

With each whisper more and more voices joined in, bringing the words to a crescendo, reverberating around Damien’s head and bombarding his mind. The voices began screaming at Damien, commanding him to leave.

Leave now or we’ll kill them all! Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #14 — Howl at the Moon The sharp ululation had my head snap back. Shivers shot up my spine, the harsh wind causing my cheeks to sting. They were coming for me. I tried to cover my scent with the dirt and foliage around me, but it didnt work. They had super noses, and hearing.
I tripped over a root and landed on my knees and hands. I muffled a cry. I quickly got up, ignoring the globs of blood appearing on my knees. I could almost here them approaching me. My blood ran cold, my limbs grew stiff even as I stumbled my way through the forest. My breath thickened, blood tricked down my legs. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #15 — The Secret Ball Louisiana, 1862 I could hear the carriage roll on the damp stone path. The path where what had mattered most was silently taken from me. I saw men in white masks embellished with jewels and lined with intricate black lace. The men who took Dylan, my love.
Who were they? Why didn’t I panic?
“Olivia Preston,” I remembered hearing the husky voice say with invisible lips, “thank you. You’ve done well.”
Unfortunately, it’s simple to know who I am. I’m the daughter of James Preston, the wealthiest man in New Orleans.
Was Dylan taken because of this? Because of where I come from? Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #16 — Strange Things Are Happening Emily walked towards the sound of the music. Her friend, Mel, and she were on their way home from school when they first heard it, and they had followed it all the way until they came to the source: Shay Manor. Shay Manor had been abandoned for so long that no one could even remember when someone had lived in it last or why they left. The only people who went in the supposedly haunted mansion now were teenagers looking for a scare on the weekends. “Emily! What the—” Mel started, coming up behind Emily. “Shh!” Emily hissed. “Do you hear that?” Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

Story #17 — Under the Bed I folded my arms and did the infamous mom stare in front of my little sister.
“Jessie, I thought you were old enough not to believe in this stuff anymore,” I said, shaking my head. “I am a big girl,” my five-year-old sister whined. “But this time it’s different, something is under my bed!” “Look it’s one thing that I missed the biggest Halloween party ever to take you trick or treating, but it’s not fair I have to do this.” For a moment, just from the pleading in her tiny blue eyes, I believed her. I shook it off and let out a deep sigh. “Fine, Kylie, I’ll go look. But just one time. Ryan is coming over in ten minutes and we’re watching a movie.” She stood at the bottom of the stairs, biting her thumbnail nervously as I entered her room. Want to read more? USE GOOGLE

*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.

If you vote include"I VOTED" in your comment for an extra entry in the comment contest!

TOP 6(66) CHILDHOOD TERRORS
by
Elizabeth Richards

Here are the top 6 things that kept me up at night as a kid…

6: THE KANDY MAN – ‘HAPPINESS PATROL, DOCTOR WHO’

I don’t think any television show scares the heebie-jeebies out of kids more than Doctor Who. From Cybermen to the Weeping Angels, the writers certainly know how to create the perfect bogeyman to keep kids up at night. But it was the Kandy Man from the episode ‘Happiness Patrol’ that scared me the most as a kid. In this episode The Doctor and his companion Ace visit a colony on Terra Alpha, where all the citizens are forced to be happy all the bleeding time. If they’re caught being a ‘Killjoy’ by the secret police (known as the Happiness Patrol), they’re arrested and fed to the Kandy Man – a sweet-based robot who looks oddly like the Bassett’s Liquorice Allsorts man. As a little girl who loved her sweeties, the idea of a candy that bit back did not sit well with me. I still keep a wary distance from liquorice allsorts… you know, just in case.
5: ‘REMEMBER ME’ BY CHRISTOPHER PIKE

In my early tweens, I was a massive fan of horror authors like Christopher Pike, RL Stine, and James Herbert. One of my all-time best reads was Remember Me – a story about a girl named Shari Cooper, who is murdered and has to solve the mystery of her own death. It had ghosts, murder, cheating boyfriends, and a shocking revelation. But it was the Shadow that gave me chills, and makes this number 5 in my list.

4: GHOSTWATCH

On October 31,1992, the BBC ran a mockumentary called Ghostwatch, starring popular children’s TV presenter Sarah Greene. It was shot as if it were a live news broadcast, covering a ‘live, on-air investigation’ of a house in Northold, which was reputably haunted by a poltergeist called Pipes. Now at the time, I had NO idea this was a drama. I thought it was real, and sat down to watch it with my buddies, thinking we were about to witness a real-life ghost hunt. What larks! Erm… no. It turned out to be 90 minutes of the most TERRIFYING TELEVISION I HAVE EVER SEEN. If you can get your hands on a recording of it, I highly recommend you view it. Then show it to your kids and tell them it’s real, and sit back and watch the hilarity unfold.

3: ‘LITTLE MY’ FROM THE MOOMINS

Back in the 1980s, there was a very popular television show in the UK called the Moomins, which featured these unbelievably cute trolls which—for some random reason—looked like white hippopotamuses, with wide eyes, round snouts and pudgy tummies. I loved them. They were adorable. What I didn’t love was their side kick Little My. She was supposed to be brave and fearless. All I knew is she wanted to eat my soul.

2: SPIDERS

I absolutely and utterly refuse to believe that something with four eyes, eight legs, drains all the blood out of its victims, and can kill me with one bite is ‘more scared of me, than I am of it.’

1: PENNYWISE THE CLOWN

Black City by Elizabeth Richards
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons (November 13th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 384 pages
Series: Black City, #1
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive some SIGNED bookmarks!

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends November 6th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.

This year we wanted to add to the excitement of Top 10 lists by making it an event! Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun & Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and and I are hosting a top 10 week where everyone can join the fun! You can check out this post for more information. Each day you add your top 10 list to the linky (below), you get an extra entry into the giveaway for a $50 amazon gift card! Just remember, each day will have a linky for THAT Top 10 topic and your list has to be for that top 10.

Today is Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2011!

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Katherine Tegen Books (May 3rd, 2011)

Who: Four
Why: Four was absolutely incredible! He was so strong but you could really see his gentle side come out with Tris. He made her a better character, which is always a nice touch!
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle Patrice Michelle (June 27th, 2011)
Who: Ethan
Why: Ethan is not a typical character at all. He was always there for Nara without being too forceful playing games with her. She could depend on him and their connection was deep and powerful! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate… until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
Balzer & Bray (June 21st, 2011)

Who: Harlin
Why: I loved Harlin because he seemed so realistic. This was one of the rare books where a romance already existed before the story starts. I think that really made him stand out he was a very sweet character.
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads

Summary: We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten…

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace Accendo Press (August 26th, 2011)
Who: Mirko Why: Cause he's hot! He's strong, wise, and can kick major butt. He's also gentle and sweet when it comes to Brooke and her well-being. But yeah, he's hot! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it.

Cross My Heart by Katie Klein
Kindle Edition (March 14th, 2011)

Who: Parker
Why: Wow, Parker! He was just, wow.I'm not sure how to describe Parker. He was quiet, the bad-boy without really trying to be, but mostly he was sensitive, smart, and very sexy! I think it would be pretty impossible to read this book and not fall for him.
Review Coming Soon
Add it to Goodreads

Summary: True love can blossom in unexpected places. This is Jaden pretending not to notice..

Jaden McEntyre and Parker Whalen are a wrong fit from the start. Jaden is driven and focused, Harvard Med School within reach. Parker has a past-a reputation-and the rumors about his mysterious habits abound. So there's no reason why, when they're assigned to work together on a project in English, they should discover they have anything in common, or even like each other, and they definitely shouldn't be falling in love.

As they bond over Edith Wharton's tragic novella, Ethan Frome, the"bad boy" vibe Parker plays begins to dissipate. Soon, Jaden finds herself shedding her own"good girl" image: sneaking around to be with him, confiding in him, and ultimately falling hard for this leather-wearing, motorcycle-driving loner who plays into the rebel stereotype.

Still, Jaden can't shake the feeling that there's more to Parker than he's letting on. He's hiding something from her, and discovering the truth means reconciling the Parker she's grown to love with the person he really is. Because it's possible that his life inside the classroom-everything Jaden knows-is one, massive lie.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins Hyperion Books (March 22nd, 2011) Who: Cal Why: Cal is another quiet guy, but one with a ton of power hiding behind his exterior. He is a character I can't wait to read more about! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

Half-Blood by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Spencer Hill Press (October 18th, 2011)

Who: Aiden
Why: Does this even need an explanation?? Aiden is super-duper hot! He's a kick-butt instructor, he's hard on her but he also knows when to stop. He"gets" her more than anyone else. He's just flippin' perfect!
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Seers of Light by Janenifer DeLucy Omnific Publishing (February 10th, 2010)
Who: William Why: William and Lily had incredible chemistry! The romance was scorching hot and no one could deny their intense attraction. I think a lot of people would kill for that type of romance! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Lillian Hunt has never truly lived. Always sensing more to the world than is easily perceived, she fears that her instincts are stubborn flights of fancy, or worse, mental instability. But some things disappearing strangers, tangible dreams, and visits from malevolent creatures cannot be ignored. Before it's too late, Lillian is ripped from the only existence she s ever known and thrust into a reality that she always suspected, but could scarcely believe. She must learn the truth about who she is, the powerful beings that wish to destroy her, and the two men who would die to protect her.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
HarperTeen (January 4th, 2011)

Who: Tucker
Why: Goodness, I love me some Tucker! Who doesn't love a guy who starts off by picking on the girl? That love/hate vibe made their connection even more wonderful. Plus, he's a freakin' cowboy!
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees..

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski HarperTeen (June 7th, 2011)
Who: Hudson Why: I don't know if any male character has been as sweet as Hudson. He started out as a friend and his kindness towards April always made her feel better. I want to read this book again just for him! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: 2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have. If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe"opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1:"Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up"Skipping School" (#3),"Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8),"Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um,"Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.
Tomorrow's Topic — Top 10 Characters!
Don't forget to link each day! Signing up & then linking your Top 10 posts early you EXTRA entries into the $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The last day to share your posts is January 8th, 2012. The winner will be picked using Random.org and announced during the week of the 9th, 2012. Good Luck! NOTE: this is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL once. Thanks!

Over the last couple of weeks, you’ve heard us talking about the upcoming #daemoninvasion and we’re so excited to finally share with you what is going on.

Really excited.

The beautiful and uber cool models, Pepe Toth and Sztella Tziotziosz, who grace the Lux covers, will be joining us in the United States! You heard right. They are flying here, from Hungary to spend a few days as Daemon and Katy! While they are here, they will be working with Vania, from VLC Productions (the team behind Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, Melissa de La Cruz, Kimberly Derting, Moira Young, Kami Garcia and Margret Stohl, Hillary Duff, Lauren Destefano, and many, many more authors’ book trailers), to film book trailers for the Lux Series.

During the filming in Atlanta, they will be accompanying us on tour! What does that mean? You get to meet them. In the flesh. They will be participating in the signings and events. At those signings, we’ll be giving away signed posters, photos, and other swag. There will also be meet and greet events you can join in on.

At each signing, there will be advanced copies of Onyx given away!

And to top things off (as if this isn’t enough, but we don’t do anything small), there’s something very, very exciting in the works! It involves advanced copies of Opal, water, and a little destination known as the Bahamas.

I am not kidding.
This will be epic.

Are you excited? I am! This tour is going to be so, so much fun, and I’m so thrilled that Pepe and Sztella are a part of it. We owe them a huge thank you and a giant welcome making the 16 hour flight to meet the readers of the Lux Series. You!

Daemon Invasion Signing and Event Schedule

June 8th
FoxTale Book Shoppe
Woodstock, GA
3:00pm

June 10th
Barnes and Noble
St Johns Town Center
Jacksonville, FL
3:00pm

June 13th
Barnes and Noble
Waterford Lakes Town Center
Orlando, FL
3:00pm

June 14th
Barnes and Noble
The Palladium at City Place
West Palm Beach, FL
4:00pm

There are several #daemoninvasion street teamers out there and if you want to join a team to win exclusive prizes, search down the #daemoninvasion hashtag to join one of the teams!

Don’t forget to visit Janenifer L. Armentrout’s blog to win a signed set of Half-Blood and Pure (insert direct link: http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/2012/04/tempting-best-man-and-contest.html in celebration of her adult romance release, Tempting the Best Man, under pen name J. Lynn. It can be purchased here.

First, for those of you who follow my blog, or me on twitter, you have probably witnessed me raving about Janenifer L. Armentrout's book Half-Blood. It's one of my top 3 from this year so far. Hands down! Then I heard Janenifer had another book coming soon and I was flipping out! I just had to know more so I stalked her blog for a bit and now we officially have the cover and blurb from the book. EEK!

Obsidian by Janenifer L. Armentrout Release date: December 6th, 2011 Series: Lux #1 Add it to Goodreads
Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, outhouses, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring. Until I spotted my hot neighbor with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marked me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and the mark he left on me has me lit up like Las Vegas strip to the bad guys. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

How amazing does that sound?! And how HOT is that cover? I am from West Virginia but I sure as heck didn't have a neighbor who was that smokin' hot!

Find Janenifer L. Armentrout Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Blog

Well, I didn't get near what I wanted to get done on Friday. I blame Twitter. I loved talking to everyone and finding out what everyone else was doing. But this still didn't work because I completely neglected Google Reader! Ah!

Today will be my last FULL day of Bloggiesta as my special someone returns from Colorado tonight and tomorrow I have RA Training for most of the day. I hope to get a lot accomplished and I hope that this will keep me occupied while waiting for him to show up (I'm very exciting. It's been a long month).

I also spent a good time this evening trying to figure out if I can afford to go to BEA in May. I've found an awesome roomie (Thanks Sheila!) and can now afford it. So I spent pretty much all of HP and the Half Blood Prince looking up hotels, flights, and fun stuff like that! I'm so excited!

But now for what I want to do on Saturday:

• Finish answering/checking emails
• Read and comment on posts in Reader
• Add Bloggiesta participants to Blog Roll!:)
  
• Create a Cheat Sheet
• Get rid of "dead" links
• Continue to update "Bloggiesta Twitter List " with new participants
• Review Starred Items in OLD reader
• Organize Reader
• Create my Goals Post for tomorrow!
• Write and Schedule my Sunday Salon
• Write my Disclosure Statement
• Set up Author Interview
• "The Color Question"
• Post Guest Reviews
• Clean Up Sidebars
  
• Update "Series" (Suggestions on good series?)
  
• Review "New Moon"
• Review "The Christmas Carol"
• Manage Bookmarks (Hot mess! Woa!)
• Go through posts and get rid of anything not worth keeping
  

Books

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

This year we wanted to add to the excitement of Top 10 lists by making it an event! Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun & Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and and I are hosting a top 10 week where everyone can join the fun! You can check out this post for more information. Each day you add your top 10 list to the linky (below), you get an extra entry into the giveaway for a $50 amazon gift card! Just remember, each day will have a linky for THAT Top 10 topic and your list has to be for that top 10.
Today is Top 10 Book Characters of 2011!
I decided to go with favorite heroines because I really love when a book has a strong girl in the story.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Katherine Tegen Books (May 3rd, 2011)

Who: Beatrice Prior (Tris
Why: Tris was incredibly strong and determined. She went away from what she had known and picked a difficult path. But once she got there, she always gave 100% of herself.
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins Hyperion Books (March 22nd, 2011)

Who: Sophie Mercer Why: Sophie was an incredible character and not just for her strength. She was hilarious and always found a way to get out of hard situations. She really makes this series shine! Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

Obsidian by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Entangled Publishing (December 6th, 2011)

Who: Katy
Why: She's a flippin' book blogger!! How can I not love her?? She's a book version of ME and she gets THAT in her life *points to book cover*! It's like a dream come true!: ) Ha! But seriously, she was amazing because she never backed down or pretended to be anyone but herself.
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Stay by Deb Caletti Simon Pulse (April 5th, 2011)
Who: Clara Why: Clara was sweet, caring, and very mature for her age because of what she had been through. I liked that she had a great connection with her father and had the strength to leave a difficult situation. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary:Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay. Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough…

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
HarperCollins (November 15th, 2011)

Who: Juliette
Why: Juliette was just.wow! Even though she had a life no one could imagine, and felt she was a monster, she is able to push through her fears and turn into a very powerful young woman. She completely blew me away!
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: 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.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally Sourcebooks Fire (December 1st, 2011)
Who: Jordan
Why: Jordan was great because she went against the norm, and her father's wishes, in order to pursue her dreams. She never backed down from a challenge and really showed how girls can do absolutely anything. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though — she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team… and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

Half-Blood by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Spencer Hill Press (October 18th, 2011)

Who: Alex
Why: Because, yet again, Janenifer really knows how to create characters! Alex has had a difficult time dealing the various obstacles that arise but she keeps pushing through. She has a lot of qualities I think many people would love to possess.
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Forgotten by Cat Patrick Little, Brown (June 7th, 2011)
Who: London Why: London had to go through a lot and she never backed down. She's sweet and smart, and she deals with her memory problems in the best way she can. Read My Review Add it to Goodreads Summary: Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can"remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.
When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Amplified by Tara Kelly
Henry Holt (October 25th, 2011)

Who: Jasmine
Why: Jasmine left her comfortable life to go on her own personal journey. She could have easily ran away from the teasing and issues that came up, but she stuck it out and gained more courage each day.
Add it to Goodreads
Review Coming Soon
Summary: When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it..

Hourglass by Myra McEntire
Egmont (June 14th, 2011)
Who: Emerson
Why: Emerson was just a bundle of awesomeness. She's kind but so protective of the people she loves. She was so well developed and absolutely perfect for this story.
Read My Review
Add it to Goodreads
Summary: One hour to rewrite the past..
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
Tomorrow's Topic — Top 10 Coming in 2012!
Don't forget to link each day! Signing up & then linking your Top 10 posts early you EXTRA entries into the $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The last day to share your posts is January 8th, 2012. The winner will be picked using Random.org and announced during the week of the 9th, 2012. Good Luck!

NOTE: this is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL once. Thanks!

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER
By: Melinda Metz and Laura Burns

Several years ago, we decided to spend a Thursday evening with some friends attending a reading of the screenplay The Maltese Falcon. Pretty tame and boring, right? (Well, not the screenplay. The Maltese Falcon is a classic, filled with murder and betrayal.) But a reading? Tame. Or so we thought.
It turned out that the reading was going to be held at Hollywood Forever. That might sound like an exciting place, filled with movie star glamour. But here's what it really is: a graveyard. Literally.
The

Hollywood

Forever

Cemetery is located in the middle of the city, directly behind the

Paramount lot (where we worked when we were on the writing staff of the TV show

Roswell). A mile or two away, the famous hills rise up above

Los Angeles, and the

Hollywood sign looms. From the grounds of the graveyard, you can see the sign glowing above. Lots of old-time movie stars are buried there, along with well-known Tinseltown writers and directors-- Rudolph Valentino, Janet Gaynor, Victor Fleming, Peter Lorre (one of the stars of The Maltese Falcon), Tyrone Power, Cecil B. de Mille, and John Huston (director of the movie). So even though it's a cemetery, it is actually pretty glamorous.
It was a chilly autumn night, and we entered the cemetery just after dark. The fronds of the towering palm trees click-clacked overhead. Tiki torches led the way through the graveyard to a large rectangular reflecting pool filled with water lilies. This is part of Douglas Fairbanks's memorial. His marble tomb stands at one end of the pool.
We sat down on the lawn to one side of the still water, sharing the space with a few ducks and a crowd of fellow movie-lovers. We'd brought sandwiches for dinner, and lots of other people had wine and cheese. As we waited for the reading to start, we talked about how weird and even creepy it felt to be picnicking in a cemetery. Yet, we decided, somehow it also felt very right that the reading would take place there. We imagined the old

Hollywood stars buried all around us would take it as a tribute.
At least we hoped so. A few of those famous actors and directors had had notoriously bad tempers. If they were angry at us for snacking on top of their final resting places, we could be in serious trouble.
But everything seemed peaceful. The actors—Felicity Huffman and Evan Handler among them-- took their places on the stone patio on the opposite end of the pool from the tomb. The only electric lights that were on shone down on them.
The reading was going great. The actors were bringing the dialogue of the old film to life with their fast delivery and wit. (A taste. Joel Cairo : You always have a very smooth explanation…
Sam Spade: What do you want me to do, learn to stutter?) The tension was mounting as the mystery became more and more twisted.
And then it happened. Just when Sam Spade was about to find out who had killed his partner. The power went out, plunging the actors into darkness. Their microphones went silent.
In the dark, suddenly it didn't seem so pleasant to be lounging around on top of a bunch of dead people. From far above, the

Hollywood sign glowed, pale white and eerie, throwing a dim, strange pallor over the graveyard. The mood changed. We heard nervous whispering from the others in the crowd. We'd been thinking that movie stars would like the attention, even though they weren't living. But maybe they'd had enough attention during their lives. Maybe they wanted to be left in peace. Maybe we were surrounded by a bunch of beautiful, glamorous, seriously pissed-off ghosts.
It was only a few minutes until the lights came back on, but those minutes felt loooong.
When the power finally sputtered back to life, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Some people just got up and left without even waiting for the reading to be over. Everyone was on edge. On our way home later, we wondered if we'd angered the spirits of

Hollywood. No more picnics in the cemetery for us!
But like so many

Hollywood tales, it turned out that this ghost story had a happy ending. The very next day, it was all over the news that John Ritter had died. He'd passed away the night before… at exactly the time that the lights had gone out in

Hollywood

Forever

Cemetery.
It's spooky, sure. And it probably means that there were a lot of glamorous ghosts all around us in the graveyard. But at least we know that those

Hollywood stars who had gone before him had woken up just in time to give John Ritter their welcome.

Crave by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 21st, 2010)
Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 256 pages Shay has had a rare blood disorder since she was born. In fact, her mother married one of Shay’s doctors, Martin, who left his world-renowned leukem. Shay has had a rare blood disorder since she was born. In fact, her mother married one of Shay’s doctors, Martin, who left his world-renowned leukemia research to try and figure out exactly what the disorder is and how to cure it. When she turns seventeen, Martin begins to give her new blood transfusions that make her feel the strongest she has ever felt. But she also has odd visions where she sees through the eyes of a vampire. At first, she thinks she must be imagining the visions, but when she begins to see Martin’s office in them, she knows she has to check it out. That’s when she finds Gabriel, a sexy, teenaged vampire, imprisoned in Martin’s office. The connection she has built with Gabriel compels her to set him free. But when he kidnaps her in an attempt at revenge on Martin, their lives become deeply intertwined. She doesn’t know the half of it.

Prize:

• 2 winners will receive a copy of Crave.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends October 30th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

- Thanks Melinda and Laura for the amazing story and book donation!

Find Melinda Metz Melinda Metz / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
Find Laura J. Burns Laura J. Burns / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
Purchase Crave Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble
* Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post.

*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.

The post you are about to read is 100 % **Role Play

All the characters represented here (please see the list of all Role Players provided below ) with the exception of Lisa and myself are **Role Players from a group on twitter. They have agreed to role play with us to help celebrate not only our Halloween Event, but also to help share our love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward, as these Role Players are also huge fans of J.R. Ward's works.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO ONE with this site/blog, Lisa’s site/blog nor the role-playing group — which you can find with the list of twitter accounts provided — is in any way, shape or form connected to or affiliated with J.R. Ward. No one present or represented here is J.R. Ward, nor is the role playing intended for any purpose other than the personal enjoyment of the Role Players involved.

Warning: This story contains mature and adult themes.
J: @Rehvenge_BDB – seriously, I haven’t played this since college. Any tips on how to beat these boys? and you too *laughs* C’mon – help a girl out?

@Rehvenge_BDB: *enigmatic smile* Mind over matter, female. *leans forward* No… really… mind… *reaching out with the “fun” side of me to get a nice hold on your emotions… then looking over @Wrath_BDB and releasing my hold on you in an effort to play nice*… over matter.
@John_MatthewBDB: *Walking in with Xhex, smiling at the shellans, nodding at the brothers*
@Xhex_BDB: * Walking into room with John seeing everyone gathered together kicking back. Noticing @Rehvenge_BDB playing Monopoly with @Zsadist_BDB, @Wrath_BDB, and @Phury_BDB. I feel the smugness rolling off him, he must have Boardwalk and Park Ave again.* Gearing up to win @Rehvenge_BDB?
@Rehvenge_BDB: You know my tastes, Xhex. And how I play for keeps. *flicking amethyst eyes to @EhlenaA_BDB and thinking she’s overdue for one of our “special” phone calls*

L: *smiles* Hello, @John_MatthewBDB & @Xhex_BDB. It’s nice to see you both tonight. We were hoping you’d make it.

@John_MatthewBDB: *Looking to @Xhex_BDB, signing* Translate for me?
@Xhex_BDB: Of course. *smiling at @John_MatthewBDB*
@John_MatthewBDB: *signing* It's always good to be here, this is my family. No matter how crazy or strange, this is home. Thanks for your support of all of us.

L/J: *Sitting back, taking everything in and listening to the conversation that’s going around the room.*

@MarissaH_BDB: I’m new to some of these human traditions, but @Butch_BDB has explained the Halloween tradition to me. I’m curious to know what costume my hellren might wear if we all donned costumes? *looks towards @Butch_BDB*
@Butch_BDB: I’d put on a cop uniform. You wanna see my night stick, baby? waggles eyebrows and picks @MarissaH_BDB up, swinging her around, planting a kiss on her lips*
@CormiaC_BDB: Oh, costumes? That sounds like fun. I think I might like to dress up like an Explorer — I’ve been reading a lot of human history books lately. Perhaps Magellan or Columbus or Cortes… *looks to my hellren* What about you, @Phury_BDB? What costume would you wear?
@Phury_BDB: *looks at @Rhage_BDB and @Vishous_BDB* Before anyone suggests it, I am NOT dressing up as Pocahontas so @CormiaC_BDB can be John Smith.
@CormiaC_BDB: Pocahontas?
@Phury_BDB: Never mind. As for a costume? I don’t know, I’d probably go as something that would make my niece laugh.
@Vishous_BDB: Now that is a great idea, true?
@MaryL_BDB: I love Halloween. I’d love to know what costume @Rhage_BDB would have me wear. *blushes again* Scratch that, baby. I don’t think I want you to answer it in the interview.
@Rhage_BDB: *growls*
@BethR_BDB: I think @Wrath_BDB would make a good pirate & I could be the kitchen wench. *laughing at the mental image of my hellren dressed up as a pirate*
@Wrath_BDB: *shakes head* Great, I have to hand out candy to humans and dress up as Captain Jack Sparrow. Leelan, we need to discuss this pirate obsession of yours, preferably while I’m pillaging your village, wench. *low growl*
@EhlenaA_BDB: *smiles sweetly @Rehvenge_BDB* You’ve already seen my Halloween costume. What’s your favorite part?
@Rehvenge_BDB: Pantyhose. *FANGS*
@DocJaneW_BDB: *Laughing at the Halloween talk* I already have the perfect costume, I'm going as a ghost. Of course V has other ideas, don't you? *raises an eyebrow*
@Vishous_BDB: *growls, tempted to grab @DocJaneW_BDB and head for the pit*

@Lassiter_BDB: So I have a question for you two. Since I don’t have my own book yet, *rolls eyes* I want to know which book if your favorite? And what makes it your favorite? I know that when I get my own book that one will be everyone’s favorite. Also who’s your favorite brother? Favorite shellan? Favorite couple? It is okay to say I am your favorite, we all know it’s true.
@Vishous_BDB: *walks over and drags @Lassiter_BDB away from you* Leave them alone Lassy. He will do anything for an ego boost.

L: It’s okay @Vishous_BDB. I’ll try to answer @Lassiter_BDB’s question. I do have two books that are my favorites, which two, I’m not going to say. However, I will tell you this — I more then enjoyed, laughed even cried during each and every book for one reason or another. @Wrath_BDB & BethR_BDB’s story had me hooked and ready for more. Now, that’s how it is at the end of each book. Craving more. As for the other questions you asked. For a favorite brother – depends on who’s book I’m reading at the time. That brother will usually end up being my favorite. For shellan, I think the answers they gave for how they deal with the fighting just proves to me that they are all worthy of that title. And for Favorite couple? Well, each has been through so much *looks at @Tohrment* that shows that even a Vampire race and the couples within it have some normal, if not extremely hard things they have to deal with, that makes you seem somewhat human in how most of us humans can relate to you. So, each couple is my favorite if for that reason alone. As for your book @Lassiter_BDB I’m looking forward to it. *smiling at you* I can’t wait to see where your story will go and to learn more about you. *thinking I kinda rambled there*

L: What about you Jessica?

J: Well, I will admit that I am very much looking forward to your story @Lassiter_BDB *winks* but as for past stories I am a huge fan of @Zsadist_BDB and I think that him and @BellaR_BDB are a fabulous couple! I mean c'mon, @BellaR_BDB kicks butt! Gotta love when the lady takes charge. *smiles* I do have to say that one thing I loved in each book was that the shellans were there to help each of you see a different side of yourselves and with that I believe it helped to open each of you up a bit too.

@Lassiter_BDB: A long as you didn’t say that one is your favorite I am good: *points @Vishous_BDB*
@BellaR_BDB: *small smile* Thanks.

L: What about each of you? What do you think of your stories being out there? And were you surprised at anything you read after the fact?

@Wrath_BDB: Challa has been good to us. She’s told our stories and kept it accurate. I can’t ask for more than that.
@Butch_BDB: I’m ok with what she wrote about me. It was hard to read about my family back in Boston and how things ended with us, but *shrugs* I’ve found where I really belong and that’s what really matters, true?
@John_MatthewBDB: *Looking at @Xhex_BDB and signing* It's hard to have all of that exposed but at the same time I think it can help anyone realize that no matter how tough the path, eventually you end up exactly where you're supposed to be. * Squeezing @Xhex_BDB's hand and turning my head to look @Tohrment_BDB, remembering @Wellsie_BDB*
@Xhex_BDB: * Returning @John_MatthewBDB’s comforting gesture. * It is difficult as I am a private person normally, but it has brought me back to where I needed to be and to people I can work with, albeit hesitantly for me given my personality. *Smirks *
@Phury_BDB: I’m not proud of some of the decisions I made, so it was difficult to know that those decisions were in print. But I am proud of what I’ve done since then. So it makes sense to have the bad showcased with the good.
@CormiaC_BDB: *nodding* You have much to be proud of. *thinks how proud I am of you* And yes, it was difficult to know that what we went through was shared with others, but we take the good with the bad… together. *smiles at @Phury_BDB*
@DocJaneW_BDB: *Cutting in* I'd just like to say that I find the bond between mates absolutely compelling. Through reading the books, you are easily aware of when a male has found their mate *thinking of @Vishous_BDB's intoxicating bonding scent*. In each instance, the urge to claim their mate is nearly immediate whether the female is vampire, human or a half-blood, and in @Butch_BDB's case, he even knows before he's made aware of his lineage. I think that what may not be acknowledged as frequently, but can't be ignored, is that each of us was in turn magnetized to them. So is it all fate? Or is there something in our chemical make up that draws us to one another? I think there is plenty of room to explore this phenomenon. Anyway, I went off on a tangent there. About our story being out there? Personally, I think our book kicks ass. *winks at V*

J: Yeah.and what do you look forward to as more stories come out and your lives move forward?

@Wrath_BDB: A united vampire race. We need to recruit and work together to decimate the Lessing Society. With the Brotherhood strengthening daily anything is possible.
@John_MatthewBDB: *signing* I'd like to see my boys @Blaylock_BDB and @Qhuinn_BDB get smart and find what I did with @Xhex_BDB, no matter what that means, for both of them. As far as the two of us *smiling at @Xhex_BDB* well, I just look forward to kicking some ass side by side *John then signs something that Xhex doesn't translate*
@Xhex_BDB: * Rolling my eyes at my Hellren and signing back. * I can’t wait.
@Phury_BDB: I hope you’ll get to see our race strengthened…
@Vishous_BDB: Getting to know sister mine.
@Butch_BDB: I’m waiting to see what’s doing with @Payne_BDB. If she’s anything like her twin, holy hell we’re in for a ride *glances over at @Vishous_BDB grinning* You love me bro, and you know it. *glancing over at @MarissaH_BDB*
@Vishous_BDB: *claps @Butch_BDB’s back* True.

And with that, were going to get back to our visit and games here. We hope you enjoyed getting to peek in on our visit, we know we had a great time sharing it with you.
Goodnight!

If you would like to follow along with the all the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Players is part of this group, please USE GOOGLE to easily follow each character. And trust me, you don't know what your missing! So hurry and follow today!

@FritzDoggen_BDB Online: (updates, notes and information on the Twitter Role Playing Group)

Website | Twitter

Order All 8 books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Preorder book 9 Online here:

Amazon | Borders | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Thank you so much to all the characters from the Black Dagger Brotherhood Twitter Role Play group for all the time and effort they have been putting in to help us celebrate not only Halloween and our event, but also our love for all that is the Brotherhood and J.R. Ward.

ENTER TO WIN the first SIX books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood!! One lucky person will win a box set!!
NOTE: The winner for this contest will be chosen at Random with a little help from @Wrath_BDB! He will be helping us pick the winner LIVE ON TWITTER soon after Nov. 15th. Lisa and I will post details closer to when @Wrath_BDB is ready to pick the winner, so keep an eye out!
Here are the rules and how to enter:

• You MUST complete the form to enter. No entries in comments please they won't count. Comments are welcome, so share your love with Lisa and I for the Black Dagger Brotherhood World!!!
• You must be at least 17 years old to enter. (these are ADULT titles, so you MUST be at least 17 to enter)
• This contest is open to INTERNATIONAL! (Anywhere the Book Depository Ships to!)
• Contest ends: Nov. 15th, 2010

Check out Lisa's other Haunted Halloween post! NOTE: This post will be the same on both of our blogs.
REMINDER: *If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please ready full entry rules HERE.

The lovely Brenda Pandos has just released the cover of her next book, The Onyx Talisman, the third and final book in the Talisman trilogy.
Check out my reviews of The Emerald Talisman and The Sapphire Talisman. This is an amazing series and I highly recommend it!
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing Tentative Release Date: 11/16/2011
**WARNING SPOILERS** All was perfect in Julia’s life until Nicholas had his vampire blood-lust activated by his mother Alora, her immortal enemy, turning him evil and bent on revenge. Heartbroken and out of choices, Phil and Julia ran away in the middle of the night, with Scarlett on foot, to Orange County to warn and plead Nicholas’ Godfather for help. Once arriving at Harry’s though, the local coven accosted them and they narrowly escaped. After they returned home, there was a huge showdown between Phil, Nicholas, Scarlett, Alora, Katie and Julia. Alora almost got what she wanted—Julia’s vampire warding talisman—but Preston, Nicholas’ father, and Harry came to the rescue. They escorted Nicholas and Alora back to Beverly Hills, pledging to return Nicholas free from his blood-lust. But all Julia’s received in the past four months is a letter stating Nicholas missed her along with some song lyrics and promise of a quick return. That was a month ago. Now Julia awaits Nicholas’ return with the Fab Five Coven: Phil and Katie—the sober vampires, Scarlett—the half-vamp/shape-shifter, and Tyler and Julia—the inducted humans. She’s stuck in Scotts Valley with Phil as her self-appointed chaperon and no way to return to Los Angeles to check on Nicholas. Only Scarlett and Julia know her fate ultimately involves the demise of all vampires, possibly including the ones she loves. When the time comes, will she even have a choice? Find out in the final installment of the bestselling Talisman Series November 16, 2011!

Find Brenda Pandos Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads
Purchase The Emerald Talisman Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Purchase The Sapphire Talisman Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

The Emerald Talisman is available for the KINDLE or NOOK for just $0.99.

1. The Crescent involves Lacey who is brought into a world of werewolves. Where did your interest in werewolves originate?
Hey Jessica! Thank you so much for hosting the Crossroads Tour authors! We are so thankful to be with you!

I’ve had an obsession with all things paranormal since I was young. Ghosts especially, however, werewolves became part of my world because of my dog. When he hit two, he suddenly morphed into this obscenely huge beast that was more horse than dog. So, when he became seriously overprotective, the idea just continued to go and go and go until Bisquit (my german shepherd) became a werewolf. Go figure. Odd, I know. But that is how my mind works.
2. Are there any authors you would love to work with someday?
There are so many that I’d love to work with. I love to organize a compilation book with several authors. Shannon Delany, Janenifer Murgia, Judith Graves, Karen Kincy, Lisa McMann, and Alyson Noel.
3. What is your favorite paranormal creature? Are there any creatures you would never write about?
My favourite paranormal is by far shifters. They are so versatile. You can do so many things with them. I mean, look at the series True Blood. The different characters on there really bring different levels to the story.
I won’t say that I’ll never write anything. The one thing I never thought I’d write was zombies, however, I have a short story that is on option right now with a publisher. So, never say never!
4. Do you have any other books or projects you can tell us about? What can we expect from Benches?
There have been lots of people talking about Benches on this tour! Come on Agents! Sign me! I swear a publisher will pick it up! J Okay, Benches is unlike anything I’ve ever written or read. It is a two person point of view novel that follows Danny, a boy that is fighting his demons and anyone else that gets in his way. He drinks to try to forget everything he has done and everything he hasn’t. The other point of view, Lauren, is running from everything, just like Danny is. Her father might be a cheater and her mother might be an arsonist, and she is stuck in the middle—determined not to get sucked into the firestorm of a life that they’ve dragged her into.
The novel is about the two of them, Danny fighting to be everything Lauren wants, and Lauren not to see him as anything she wants. It’s such a strong, heartbreaking, life changing story. I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

5. Can you tell us a little about the next book in The Crescent series, Half Moon?

Brandon and failing miserably. Magic, mystery, and some unexpected twists will leave her confused, but stronger, than she ever thought she’d be.

The Crescent by Jordan Deen Publisher: Black Rose Writing Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 187 pages Series: The Crescent, book #1 Becoming a werewolf is not an option for seventeen-year-old Lacey Quinn, but death can be a strong motivator. Lacey is so focused on her future that everyday life has passed her by. Counting down the days to her eighteenth birthday, Lacey is almost home free. But when she falls for the mysterious Alex Morris, she lands in the middle of an ancient war between two enemy wolf packs. Tempting dreams, tantalizing lies and a dangerous love triangle ensues leaving Lacey heartbroken and confused. Lacey's fate rests in the hands of Alex and Brandon, but both are pulling her strings for their own agendas. Even as she slips further into the dark world of werewolves, Lacey struggles to find the truth and save the only family she's ever know.

Find Jordan Deen Jordan Deen / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase The Crescent Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong Publisher: Orbit (September 2nd, 2004) Reading Level: Adult Paperback: 528 pages Series: Women of the Otherworld, book #4 Meet the smart, sexy—supernatural—women of the otherworld. This is not your mother’s coven…
Kelley Armstrong returns with the eagerly awaited follow–up to Dime Store Magic. Paige Winterbourne, a headstrong young woman haunted by a dark legacy, is now put to the ultimate test as she fights to save innocents from the most insidious evil of all…
In the aftermath of her mother’s murder, Paige broke with the elite, ultraconservative American Coven of Witches. Now her goal is to start a new Coven for a new generation. But while Paige pitches her vision to uptight thirty–something witches in business suits, a more urgent matter commands her attention.
Someone is murdering the teenage offspring of the underworld’s most influential Cabals—a circle of families that makes the mob look like amateurs. And none is more powerful than the Cortez Cabal, a faction Paige is intimately acquainted with. Lucas Cortez, the rebel son and unwilling heir, is none other than her boyfriend. But love isn’t blind, and Paige has her eyes wide open as she is drawn into a hunt for an unnatural–born killer. Pitted against shamans, demons, and goons, it’s a battle chilling enough to make a wild young woman grow up in a hurry. If she gets the chance.

Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong Publisher: Spectra (March 25th, 2008) Reading Level: Adult Paperback: 523 pages Series: Women of the Otherworld, book #8 In her acclaimed Women of the Otherworld series, Kelley Armstrong has created a scintillating realm where the supernatural and the human coexist on the edge of darkness, romance, and eternity. Now Armstrong tells the captivating tale of a young woman with an insatiable lust for danger. She can’t help it. It’s in her blood. Tabloid reporter Hope Adams appears to live the life of an ordinary working girl. But in addition to possessing the beauty of a Bollywood princess, Hope has other unique traits. For she is a half demon—a human fathered by a demon. And she’s inherited not only a gift for seeing the past but a hunger for chaos—along with a talent for finding it wherever she can. Naturally, when she’s chosen by a very dangerous group for a very dangerous mission, she jumps at the chance…

The head of the powerful Cortez Cabal—a family that makes the mob look like amateurs—has a little problem in Miami: a gang of wealthy, bored offspring of supernaturals is getting out of hand, and Hope is needed to infiltrate. As spells, astral projections, and pheromones soar across South Beach, Hope weaves her way through its elite hot spots, posing as upscale eye candy and reading the auras of the clientele—and potential marks.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Industrial Magic and Personal Demon, and a signed bookplate.

• You must be at least 17 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends November 2nd.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find out more about Kelley Armstrong Kelley Armstrong / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook
Purchase books from her Women of the Otherworld series Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

* Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post.

*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.

By: Kristie Cook

I’m a city girl. I married a country boy. After 10 years of living in various cities and suburbs, my husband had enough. Along with my brother-in-law, we bought 90 acres south of Kansas City and split it. He got the half with the old homestead (and a cemetery!). We built a house. Brand new. No reason it should be haunted. Right?
Eerie things happened in that house. We’d hear strange noises in the basement and, armed with various “weapons,” would check them out to find nothing. The microwave would turn itself on… even after we bought a new one. Just little things. But we lived out in the country, where dark is really dark, so it was easy to freak ourselves out.
One Halloween, I was traveling for business. My husband took the kids into town for trick-or-treating while he hung out with friends, no doubt watching scary movies, and then they went home and he watched Ghost Hunters. He finally went to bed by himself around 1 o’clock. He called me the next morning with the following story.
He had barely fallen asleep when something woke him. Kneeling by his side of the bed, down toward his feet, was a woman with white hair. She seemed to be crying. When she looked at him, her mouth moved, as if talking to him, but no sound came. He closed his eyes and when he opened them again, she was gone.
A little while later, after staring at the moon for a while (it was the country – no need to close the blinds), he started to drift off when something woke him again. The woman had returned and this time it looked like she yelled at him. Her face looked angry or frustrated, as if she tried to tell him something important. But he heard nothing. This happened a few more times and each time, she became more agitated.
Too terrified to sleep, he watched the moon move across the sky. Around 3 o’clock, she was there again, but really angry now, throwing her hands at him and, again, soundlessly yelling at him. Then she moved around the corner of the bed, to where he couldn’t see her anymore. He lay, frozen, hoping she’d gone away for good. No such luck.
He lay on his side, still facing out, when he said it felt like it does when I crawl into bed. He felt someone getting into my side of the bed and sliding under the covers. He squeezed his eyes shut, barely able to breathe and shaking like a leaf – a big, 6’2”, 225-lb leaf. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling on it, trying to roll him over.
After a string of profanities, he prayed furtively, “Please, God, make it go away.”
And it did. As the moon moved out of sight, he was finally able to fall asleep, not to be awoken again.
The next morning, as they’re preparing to leave for school and work, my husband told my oldest son, “I swear I saw a ghost in my room last night.” No other details.
My son asked, matter-of-factly, “Was she blond?”
We moved to Florida not too long after that, but still hadn’t sold the acreage. When my husband had to go back to do some renovations before selling, he stayed at the nearest hotel, 30 miles away, refusing to spend the night in that house.

Purpose by Kristie Cook Publisher: Ang'dora Productions (December 15th, 2010) Reading Level: 17 and up Paperback: 377 pages Series: Soul Savers, book #2 Lost in despair, Alexis teeters on the edge of an abyss, her lifeline of hope fraying into a thin thread. If it snaps, she’ll plunge into complete darkness. With the help of her son and her writing, she’s been able to hold on. Until now. Erratic impulses, disturbing delusions and her own demonic blood threaten her sanity. When she’s forced to choose between hanging onto hope or letting go to serve her Amadis purposes, she faces a decision with inconceivable sacrifices.

Alexis runs to the one place she thinks will provide answers, only to find herself at the center of another battle of good versus evil, not only with the Daemoni, not only within herself… but also against the worst opponent imaginable. But even if she wins, what will she lose?

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Purpose and bookmarks.

• You must be at least 17 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends November 14th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

- *Hugs* Thanks Kristie for the spooky story and book donation of Purpose, which I can not WAIT to read!

USE GOOGLE to read my review of Promise.

Find Kristie Cook Kristie Cook / Promise / Purpose / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase Promise (Soul Savers, Book #1) Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

Pre-Order Purpose (Soul Savers, Book #2)
Pre-Orders now available HERE!

* Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post.

*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.