The Epic Giving Thanks Scavenger Hunt!

Hi everyone! It's my turn to give you your next set of words in the 'scavenger hunt'

that Megan of Book Brats is hosting!!!

http://www.book-brats.com/thankful/

Everyone gives thanks for many, many things...  

In our home, we try to give thanks every day for what we have been blessed with - but every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, we celebrate Thanksgiving and celebrate the ultimate thank you for everything that has happened to us throughout the whole year. We start our day by watching one of the most famous parades, the Macy's Day Parade while preparing our home with delicious foods (turkey! stuffing! and mashed potatoes!) to share with our extended family. 

While we can't celebrate with everyone in person, we wanted to still celebrate with you by thanking you and sharing our united love of books!

We've put together a lineup of some amazing bloggers who are super exicted about books and are ready to share with you why they are so thankful for books. 

Nov. 12 - Book Brats
Nov. 13 - Making The Grade 
Nov. 14 - Writing My Own Fairytale
Nov. 15 - Book Addicts Guide
Nov. 16 - Bumbles and Fairy-Tales 
Nov. 17 - Beauty and the Bookshelf AND JC Emery 
Nov. 18 - Dizneeee's World of Books 
Nov. 19 - Book Babes AND Gypsy Book Reviews 
Nov. 20 - Starting the Next Chapter 
Nov. 21 - I Love Books Club 
Nov. 22 - WRAP UP!
Nov. 23 - Contest ends, TWITTER PARTY!

Today is day FIVE of our epic event!

And I bet you would like to know how to find the 'code words' on everyone's blogs, right?! Every blog is using some unique way of making it stand out for you, easy-peasy! I think I'll be using something pink-ish ;) 

As soon as you find your code, be sure to enter it into the Rafflecopter below to be entered to win some amazing EPIC giveaways!!!

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I am SO very thankful for...

sooo many things! My family and friends and so much more!
But for everyone's benefit, I'll just stick with the book-related ones for today and keep it short and sweet too ;) 

- I am so thankful to the book-blogging and book-tuber communities! Without all of your help, encouragement and guidance, I would not be here today! 

- I am so thankful to the authors! For putting their hearts and souls into their books and than doing what they have to to get them out into the world! Without your perseverance I would not have worlds to dream about and escape in, an over-active imagination and something to talk about and relate to with other people. You make my world complete :)

- And of course, I can not forget... I am so thankful to the people behind the scenes! The publishers, editors, publicists, agents, etc. Without all of you, so many books would be lost and would never be read. I thank you for all the time you put into supporting, helping and publicizing all of these wonderful authors and their pages. 

And a big thank you to all of you, dear readers and commenters!
You make blogging and sharing so much more sweeter :)


Oh! and I am also grateful for book quotes!
I like to keep a "Quote Book" of all my favorites and I keep it open on my desk all the time - there are so many inspiring ones to keep me going... and of course, there are some really good humorous ones to give me the giggle I need too! 

Here are a few of my favorite quotes...

"Always." 
~ Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows by J.K. Rowling

"Impossible."
"That is a human word," she said. "And a very ugly one at that."
~ The Spindlers, by Lauren Oliver

"Sometimes I think that maybe we are just stories.
Like we may as well just be words on a page, 
because we've only what we've done 
and what we are going to do."
~ Tiger Lily, by Jodi Lynn Anderson

"My insides had melted when Noah produced his wicked grin 
and gazed at me like I was naked.
Luke used to give me butterflies.
Noah spawned mutant Pterodactyls."
~ Pushing The Limits, by Katie McGarry 

"But even if we don't have the power to choose where we came from
we can still choose where we go from here.
We can still do things."
~ The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky


Hope you found your 'code', now, go enter below!
Good luck! and thanks again!!! xo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting On Wednesday #34: Hysteria by Megan Miranda

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting on... 

Hysteria

by Megan Miranda 

Expected release date: February 5th, 2013

SUMMARY

After stabbing and killing her boyfriend, sixteen-year-old Mallory, who has no memory of the event, is sent away to a boarding school to escape the gossip and threats, but someone or something is following her.

Why I'm waiting on HYSTERIA...

Because, it's Megan Miranda!

Did you read Fracture?!?!

SO good!

And, look at this cover!!! 

Yes, I know that the summary doesn't say much...

but I think that the one sentence says enough!

SO, what are you waiting on this week too?!?!

Blog Tour: A Royal Pain by Megan Mulry (Adult) - Guest Post, Review and Giveaway

Good morning everyone!
I am so very excited to have the author of A ROYAL PAIN stop by and guest post on my blog today!
Here's Megan Mulry :)


"Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog! In order to gain a little perspective and inspiration, I re-watched the video blog that you recorded just before Hurricane Sandy hit, and I noticed we have something in common: we both juggle. 

I am a married mother of two. I write full-time, love my sweet rescue dog Daphne, and I am obsessed with thrift shopping. You get the picture. It's like it is for most women I know, this feeling of standing in a batting cage with fastballs careening at frequent, unpredictable intervals. I used to fret about all the balls that flew past me or knocked me in the head, but I've kind of gotten used to the action and much more accepting of what I can and cannot do. I like to write about women who are similarly engaged. Occupied. Sometime struggling, but always in the game. 

All of my heroines - I guess technically they are protagonists because my books are Women's Fiction, but they feel heroic to me - are trying to figure out how to keep is all together... or at least keep it all from exploding in all directions simultaneously, while still loving life. A few days ago I was talking to a new friend who's about ten years younger than I am; we are just starting to get to know each other better. We talked about how exciting things were happening for both of us - my first book coming out, her successful career in journalism - and then she mentioned she was single and hoped to start a family one day, but for now she was really loving her job. I talked about having two children and being married, and she said, "See! You have it all! My mom keeps saying I can't have it all." Um. I didn't have the heart to tell her that when I looked down to inspect this all-having self of mine, I was in a pair of pajama pants and a torn t-shirt that I had put on after dinner Sunday. It was Tuesday afternoon. 

All of that is to say, the whole having-it-all-thing is kind of a crock or a ruse or whatever, but it's also kind of true, depending on how you look at it. When I saw your video, I thought, "How does she read all those books and blog and get the kids ready for that Halloween party and remain calm about the approaching storm all at the same time! And why is it so quiet in her house?! Why aren't there screaming kids in the background like at my house?!"

Just goes to show that, one way or another, we are all on the outside looking in. And that's what I really loved about Bronte Talbott's character in A Royal Pain. Yes, she peers into the world of the British aristocracy, but it is so much more about Bronte's distance and isolation and view of herself than it is about the royalty. That was why I had Bronte meet Max in a bookstore, because I think people really can build a relationship on a shared love of books (*raises hand*: 18 years and counting...) With books... aaah, inside we go... so engaged, so connected. I don't know if it's with the author exactly, or with parts of ourselves, or just some magical middle place in the universe where we are connecting, but it's out there somewhere." 

Do books give you a feeling of being connected? If so, how?

_________________________________________________________

Thank you SO very much, Megan, for stopping by today and "chatting" with me :)

I most certainly feel like 'my books' give me a connection to everyone who loves them too! It's like a type of "bookhood" (you know, like sisterhood) - it's something you have in common!
It's another way of knowing that you're not alone in this world - it's okay to get all dorky and geeky over books. But more importantly, the subject matter of what you're reading can also bring you into contact with wonderful and understanding people too. Most are non-judgmental; and that feeling that you get that you can share just about anything with them is priceless. Many people have found their best friends, "book-mates", through books.
Who wouldn't want some sort of connection with someone who loves something just as much as you do! Right?!
_________________________________________________________

A Royal Pain

by Megan Mulry

Release date: November 1st, 2012

Published by: Sourcebooks Landmark

Genre: Adult Contemporary, Romance 

Format read: ARC

SUMMARY

Bronte Talbott follows all of the exploits of the British royals. After all, they're the world's most preeminent dysfunctional family. And who is she to judge? Bronte's own search for love isn't going all that well, especially after her smooth-talking Texan boyfriend abruptly leaves her in the dust. 

Bronte keeps a lookout for a rebound to help mend her broken heart, and when she meets Max Heyworth, she's certain he's the perfect transition man. But when she discovers he's a duke, she has to decide if she wants to stay with him for the long haul and deal with the opportunities - and challenges - of becoming a royal. 

MY REVIEW

This book is an awesome combination of laugh-out-loud and endearing moments. I loved every moment with all of the characters...

Bronte Talbott is a New Yorker at heart - stubborn, independent, hard-working women with a hilarious trash-talking mouth - she's living a good, happy and successful life in New York. Until she's swept off her feet by a country boy and begins a long distance relationship. Thinking that things are moving along and that this is IT, she makes the decision to move to Chicago to be closer to him. What?! It's not like she's moving in with him and expecting more... she couldn't have been more wrong! Now stranded in Chicago all alone she fills her nights and weekends with books. Yes her job is doing well and everything else seems to be good. But her heart feels like its beyond repair and so she decides that what she's needs is a 'rebound guy' to get her over the heartache. In the meantime, she looks forward to her weekly trek to the local bookstore every Saturday morning in hopes of drowning her sorrows in a chic lit.
And then she sees him. 

Max Hayworth is every girls dream - he's charming, smart and British! Oh my, his accent alone had her in a puddle. Max is only in town for the next weeks - perfect! She found her 'rebound-er'... or did she?
After learning the truth about Max the book turns into an even more delightful page-turner!
How will the royals react to Bronte? Will she fit in? Can she handle being with a duke? And more importantly will she be able to not only love him, but let him give her the love and attention that she deserves too...

It was interesting and nice to see Bronte let her guard down and be vulnerable. Every tough girl has a romantic side where she wishes to be a princess. And in between all the sarcasm and tough-girl antics, Bronte is very sweet, loving and even though she knows she doesn't need a man, she wants one - could that possibly be Max? Can she be what he needs her to be plus meet all of her own expectations?


I adore this book and will definitely be re-reading it again!
I highly recommend adding A Royal Pain to your shelf :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Megan Mulry

" I was born at French Hospital in New York in 1967.
Then I went to grade school on Long Island. 
My favorite teacher smelled of mint chewing gum and Halston perfume and wore a navy blue Vacarro turtleneck.
I lost the Third Grade Spelling Bee when I misspelled minute: m-i-n-u-t. Especially galling since I had just spelt San Francisco without incident. 
Then I went to boarding school. Four years of excellent educational opportunity foolishly taken for granted. Oh, what I would give today to read Austen, Twain, Dickens, Chaucer, Eliot, Conrad, Steinbeck, and Shakespeare while moping around in a faux-sheepskin collared jean jacket. 
Then I went to university. 
Four more years of excellent educational opportunity, not wasted exactly, but certainly not plumbed; highlights included Garry Wills telling me my final project was "jejune"... and then having to go look it up. 

Then I waited tables in Nantucket and traveled to Thailand, India, Nepal, China, UK and Greece. 
My husband says I always have to throw in that I went "backpacking in Nepal" and I say he always has to throw in that he "grew up on a farm."

Then I worked in a variety of interesting and not-so-interesting places and moved around a lot, and got married, and moved around some more. Eventually, we moved to London (for nearly four years) and then back to Chicago and now Florida for lo these many years. 

Details about employers, emotional entanglements, and life's little trials may or may not be forthcoming. 

In any case, all of the above led to the fiction writing. 
Which is what this IS all about. 

I write novels. I think about writing novels. I plot novels. I read (way too many) novels. This is relatively late-in-life development especially when I read about authors who wrote their first book in college. 
I did not do that. I am not saying I'm Grandma Moses or anything, but I wrote my first manuscipt from 2004-2006, then let it stew for a while (that's code for 'had another baby').
In 2010, I started writing in earnest. I aim to write three full-length novels per year. 

So far so good.

Official Website, Blog, Goodreads, Twitter  

*Watch for Megan Mulry's next to-be-released adult fiction, EARL MEETS GIRL, May 2013!

__________________________________________________

Enter to win a finished copy of A ROYAL PAIN from Sourcebooks now!!!

Giveaway rules: 
- U.S. and Canada only, so sorry!
- Must be 18 years and/or older. 
- Fill in your info in the rafflecopter below.

Good luck :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


And a special thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for hosting this blog tour!

Jen Calonita's WINTER WHITE (Belles #2) Signing!

I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Jen Calonita's WINTER WHITE signing at the Barnes and Noble in Carle Place, NY. My sister came along with me, well, she drove, so I actually went with her, lol!
Jen is one of the sweetest people I have ever met! She is so down-to-earth and caring. We even got to briefly some of her family members and close friends. It was so wonderful to see such a close-knit community.

Here are some pics from the signing... 

These were cupcakes iced as a sheet of cake! Isn't it gorgeous?!
I love how they were able to put the cover to Winter White on it! SO delish!

Introducing... Jen Calonita!!!

Jen telling us about Winter White...

Here's a video of what she had to say and she also read her favorite excerpt to us :)


 (so sorry, it got cut off at the end!)

Jen revealing THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER's cover!!!

Jen is hosting a WINTER WHITE COTILLION, just like in the book, at her local library!
The cotillion was scheduled for tonight (Wednesday, 11/7th) but unfortunately, due to Sandy's havoc, it has been rescheduled for next Wednesday. I am looking forward to dressing up and getting a few etiquette pointers and dance lessons ;)

Here is my sister, Sarabeth (of Chroncles of Sarita) getting her book signed!

My turn! See me fan-girling it up!

Here are Jen's other books/series!
Sleepaways Girls is getting a spin-off!!!
The characters have grown-up a bit, and now they're the camp counselors and new characters are being introduced! Sounds like a super cute sequel!

And did you see?! BELLES is now available in paperback!!!

My sister and I had such a great time at the signing!
And also a much needed girls/sisters night out :)

A huge thank you to Jen!
Can't wait to see you at the cotillion!!!

And a big thank you to my little sis for hanging out with her ol' sister :)

By the way!!!
You can read my review of BELLES here!!!
AND...
my review of WINTER WHITE here!!!


Thanks so much for stopping by today, 
happy reading :)

A "Buzz-Worthy" Review for Winter White (Belles #2) by Jen Calonita

Winter White

(Belles #2) 

by Jen Calonita

Release date: October 9th, 2012

Published by: Poppy

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format read: Hardback

SUMMARY

Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story and the girls are caught up in a flurry of talk-show appearances and newspaper interviews. They've put on a happy public face, but someone is leaking their true feelings to the press, and while it seems like the world is watching their every move, at least they have each other. 

But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever - now, if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove and it's seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? As if sophomore year wasn't hard enough!

It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off.

MY REVIEW

The secrets are out... or are they???

Who would have thought that Izzie and Mira would finally have something in common - and not only with what has been revealed, but also sharing the same feelings towards the same person. The media is all over it, but the girls know how to handle themselves in front of the cameras. Or at least, they thought they did.

In Winter White, Izzie and Mira are trying to get along. They are trying to lead as normal a life that they can in Emerald Cover and get ready for their cotillion. Mira has dreamed of cotillion since as long as she can remember. And is so excited to be able to share everything, even the initiations, alongside Izzie. Izzie has no intentions in doing cotillion, but seeing how much this means to Mira and her aunt, she decides to go along with it. And soon discovers that their is more to cotillion than just a pretty white dress.

In between the drama, twists and turns, Izzie and Mira are learning from one another, becoming friends and also discovering themselves. And there is never a dull moment in Emerald Cover - new characters to add some extra spice to the story-line, I could not put this book down.
Jen Calonita's writing is so spot on and captivating. Everyone is so relatable and enticing - I cannot wait to see what they'll be doing next.
AND, Winter White has one of the best cliff-hangers I have read in a long time! Seriously! I don't like being left like this, but it was one that was totally unexpected and exciting - it is going to be another wonderful installment to this series! I cannot wait to read THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER!

OH, and take a peek at the Winter White signing we went to on Long Island :)

The next book to the Belle's series...

The Grass is Always Greener
Expected release date: April 16th, 2013

How many secrets can one family keep?

Amid preparations for Emerald Cove's extravagant Founders Day celebration and their own shared sweet sixteen, Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are longing to break free from the tight constraints that come with being the daughters of a prominent public figure. When Izzie's estranged aunt, Zoe, breezes into town, the already uneasy family dynamic is turned on its head. 

Izzie's finally found her footing in Emerald Cove by leading the Social Butterflies, her school's prestigious club, and she has no interest in getting to know yet another long-lost family member. But Mira, who's on a mission to try new things and make new friends, is drawn to Izzie's artsy aunt. And when Mira meets a handsome, brooding painter, her entire perspective on life begins to shift. 

As tensions mount in Emerald Cove, Zoe's laid-back attitude appeals to both girls. But when she offers Izzie the chance of a lifetime, it's time to make a tough decision. 
What's more important: family or freedom?  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Jen Calonita 

"I'm Jen Calonita, a YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).

I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!

I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls and Reality Check.

But I'm most excited for you to read my new series Belles. It follows two polar opposite Southern girls who share the same roof and one life-changing secret. I'll be blogging more about the girls soon, but for now, you can follow the book and what inspires the details on Pinterest where I have a board dedicated to Belles."

Waiting On Wednesday #33: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I am waiting on...

Let the Sky Fall
by Shannon Messenger 
Release date: March 2013


SUMMARY

"Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who's swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is. 

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She's also a guardian - Vane's guardian - and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life. 

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra's forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim - the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them - but the forbidden romance that's grown between them."

Why I'm waiting on LET THE SKY FALL...

A sylph???
A guardian???
Secrets???
Forbidden romance???

Do I need anymore convincing on how good this book is going to be!? Nope :)

What are you waiting on this week???

The Undertakers Takeover Blog Tour: How "The Undertakers" Came to Life by Ty Drago

Today, I have the pleasure of welcoming author, Ty Drago, to the blog!

He is going to share with us how he came up with his middle grade 

"rag-tag teen army vs. zombies" series, 

THE UNDERTAKERS.

How "The Undertakers" came to life.

by Ty Drago

"When I was a kid, I drew a lot of poorly drawn comic books, most of which centered around an army of child superheroes called "The Kid Kidets". I was eight, you see, and didn't yet know how to spell "cadets". Sue me.

The Kid Kidets were captained by a brother and sister team Tom and Sharyn Jefferson. This army possessed a broad variety of superpowers, from flight to telekinesis to weather control, and their secret headquarters was an installation below the Antartic ice. Whenever trouble brewed somewhere in the world, this installation would rise up from the ice and the Kid Kidets would sally forth into the world to right all wrongs. 

Their adventures continued for a long time until, at last, my superheroes faced an enemy they couldn't defeat. I grew up. And I forgot about them. 

For thirty years. 

Then, when my son was twelve, he asked me to consider writing a novel for his age group. And, while thinking about it, I suddenly remembered the Kid Kidets. A child's army. An interesting notion, but still only half of a story. I needed a villain. 

Comic book bad guys have never appealed to me. Take, for example, the Joker. He never wins, yet he's always so sure he's going to! I feel like taking him aside and saying, "Dude! It's Batman: 672, Joker: 0. Where's the confidence coming from?" So those guys were out.

Then I turned to the classics. Vampires. Did we really need another vampire novel? I didn't think so. How about werewolves? Thing is: I'd always seen werewolves as good guys. As a kid, I wanted to be a werewolf. I used to stand under the full moon, straining up at the sky, all the while thinking, "Come ON!" Of course, it never happened. I did get hairier as I got older, but I'm pretty sure that's something else. 

Finally, I considered zombies. Zombies are cool. They're scary. They've got parts falling off of them and have bugs and worms crawling under their skin. Good gross appeal. But an army of children fighting a zombie invasion that no one knows about? Really? True, grown-ups are thick, but I couldn't help thinking that if waves of the walking dead were attacking, even the adults might pick up on it after a while. 

All of which demonstrated the big problem with zombies as villains: zombies are really, really stupid. They are. If anyone reading this is a zombie and I've offended you, I'm sorry. But zombies are moaning, shuffling morons. 

But what if they weren't? What if they were smart, and fast, and organized? What if they had the means to disguise what they were, to project an illusion to the world that they're just normal men and women? And what if the only people who could penetrate this illusion were kids, rare kids, "lucky" kids? 

And so the Undertakers were born. They don't have superpowers. They can't fly worth a darn. And they certainly don't live in a secret base in Antartica. 

But they are still captained by a brother and sister team named Tom and Sharyn Jefferson." 

"Just goes to show you: you're never too old to have a happy childhood!" 

__________________________________________

ABOUT THE SERIES - The Undertakers

Rise of the Corpses (The Undertakers #1)

Release date: April 1st, 2011

"On a sunny Wednesday morning in October, a day that would mark the end of one life and the beginning of another, I found out my grouchy next door neighbor was the walking dead. When you turn around expecting to see something familiar, and instead see something else altogether, it takes a little while for your brain to catch up with your eyes. I call it the 'Holy Crap Factor."

Forced to flee his home and family, twelve-year-old Will Ritter falls in with the Undertakers - a rag-tag army of teenage resistance fighters who've banded together to battle the Corpses. 

Queen of the Dead (The Undertakers #2)

Release date: October 1st, 2012

"Twelve-year-old Will Ritter and his rag-tag army of teenage resistance fighters may have triumphed over the Zombies last time, but that's the thing about the dead: they keep coming back.

A new Corpse leader has crossed the rift and taken command on the invasion: The Queen of the Dead is even more brilliant and ruthless than her predecessor, and her ambitions are even deadlier. Will and the crew must somehow rescue his mother, prevent an assassination, and show FBI Agent Ramirez the truth about the Corpses - and the danger the world faces. 

But how do a bunch of kids prove to a grown-up that monsters are real?"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Ty Drago

"I'm a twice (soon to be THRICE) published novelist who makes his home in Southern New Jersey with my beloved wife and son. I also have a beautiful daughter, but she makes her home elsewhere these days (sniff!).

My short fiction has appeared in SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, HAUNTS, AFTER HOURS, PANDORA, MIDNIGHT ZOO, PLANET MAGAZINE and AMAZON SHORTS. Another story snapped up the Grand Masters spot in Fortress Publishing anthology titled "Yesterday, I will." I've also published articles on the craft and business of writing, in such venues as WRITERS DIGEST. 

Sounds halfway impressive, doesn't it? Well, I wish I could tell you that I write for a living. Sadly, I don't; at least - not yet. I'm actually a business analyst for a large pharmaceutical company. What's a business analyst you ask? Sorry. Not a clue. 

Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I've authored no less than a dozen novels and scores of short stories. Most of these have found homes as bound manuscripts on my office bookshelf, waiting for their moment in the sun. That's the way it is for most authors, I'm afraid." 

Ty Drago's Website, Goodreads, Facebook 

A huge thank you to Ty Drago for stopping by my blog today! 

And a thank you to Sourcebooks for making it happen :) 

The Bumble Girl's November Giveaway: Signed ARC of Prodigy by Marie Lu

Happy November :)

I've decided to do a monthly giveaway for all my sweet followers, and why not start with the most thankful month of the year!
I have a lot to be thankful for this year and I am going to try to give back as much as I can, not only through my community but also through my love of books...

Enter to win a SIGNED ARC COPY 
of

PRODIGY (Legend #2) 

by Marie Lu!!!

SUMMARY

June and Day make their way to Las Vegas where they join the rebel Patriot group and become involved in an assassination plot against the Elector in hopes of saving the Republic.

Giveaway rules: 

- Fill out the Rafflecopter.

- Must be 13 years old or older.

- U.S. and Canada only, please. Sorry!

Good luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grown-Up Sunday (is back!!!) #6: Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett

Happy Sunday :) 

Welcome to another "Grown-Up Sunday!"

This is my bi-weekly meme where I get to feature my favorite 'adult' reads (and reviews) with you!

This week's featured book is... 

Sultry with a Twist

(Sultry Springs #1)

by Macy Beckett

Release date: October 1st, 2012

Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Adult Comtemporary, Romance

Format read: ARC

SUMMARY

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: 

where first loves find second chances...

Nine years after June Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs with her heart in pieces, one thing stands between her and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a bogus warrant from her tiny Texas hometown. Now she's stuck in the sticks for a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend.

If Texas in july wasn't already hot enough, working side-by-side with June would make any man melt. Luke wants nothing more than to strip her down and throw her in the lake - the same lake where they were found buck naked and guilty as sin all those years ago. 

In their heads, they're older and wiser. But their hearts tell a different story... 


You can read the first chapter to SULTRY WITH A TWIST 
on Macy Beckett's site!

FAVORITE QUOTES

"Giiiirl." 
He shook his head. 
"You're finer than a frog's hair split three ways."

"Huh?"

~ Sultry with a Twist (ARC), page 40

"I was in love once." Trey leaned back and heaved a sigh. "Mindy Roberts. Couldn't stop thinking about her for five minutes. Damn near drove me insane. But that's not how I knew it was love - just thinking about a woman could mean anything."

"How'd you know?"

"She was the only girl I'd ever pictured having a family with. I could almost see our kids running around in the backyard. And the sex wasn't just sex; it was more. Like I lost part of myself every time. It's hard to explain. And scary as the devil on steroids." 

~ Sultry with a Twist (ARC), page 216


MY REVIEW

Macy Beckett's debut romance novel, Sultry with a Twist, is the perfect blend of heartache, drama, love and southern charm. Where fate has a funny way of bringing you back to where you belong... or to who you belong to.

Mae-June July Augustine couldn't wait to get out of Sultry Springs, TX and put all her memories behind her to start a fresh and control-free life. Away from her overbearing grandmother, the memories of her hippie parents and long-lost love, June is just moments away from finally owning her own business and living the life she's always wanted. Six weeks away from opening day, a surprise puts a wrench in her plans - before she can get the rest of her licenses and permits she has to go settle a warrant for her arrest in her hometown, Sultry Springs. As much as she didn't ever want to back there, she is so confident that this will be a one day trip and will be taken care of in two-shakes, considering that the judge has always been like an uncle to her...
Well, imagine her surprise while waiting to see the judge she bumps into her childhood best friend and secret love, Lucas. And seeing Lucas, not only brings back all those good old memories, the boy has definitely gotten yummier with time. She feels things that she hasn't felt since the last time she's seen him. But that was then, and everyone's moved on. And she's determined to not stay in town for another minute longer... at least, that is until the judge orders her to stay in town for 30 days to complete community service. And more specifically, stay and make amends with her grandmother.
And little does June know, Grandma Pru has things up her sleeve too.

Lucas, his story is such a tragic and sad one. I couldn't help falling for him too. He is overly caring and protective of everyone he loves - but he won't use that l-o-v-e word. He never did and is determine to never use it too. Sounds harsh, but once I learned his story, my heart melted and all I wanted to do was hug him and make things all better - it does help that he rarely wears a shirt while working on his charity houses.

Will June be able to show Lucas that he deserves love?
Will Lucas finally let his guard down and live the life he's always dreamed of?
Is Grandma Pru ever wrong? (Of course not!)

So many laugh-out-loud moments - especially with Lucas' work crew and best friend Trey. June is spirited and full of trouble keeping everyone on their toes!
Definitely a fun-filled romantic read! I highly recommend it!

Look for Sultry Springs #2, A SHOT OF SULTRY, in March 2013!!!

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: wher home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a quick trip to her hometown might get her the footage she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can't let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can't handle filming a few rowdy Texans. 

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He's strong and confident and - much to her delight - usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend's baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him. 

AND, Sultry Springs #3, SURRENDER TO SULTRY, in September 2013!!!
Aaaand, her YA debut, ALIENATED, under her pen name, Melissa Landers - 
expected to be released in February 2014.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Macy Beckett 

"Instead of a compulsive overeater, I call myself a compulsive over-reader, because my appetite for books is insatiable. While I enjoy all genres of fiction, I'm always drawn to romantic plots. There's no substitute for a happy ending, and let's face it: I'm in love with love!

A former military brat, I like to say I grew up everywhere. I graduated from high school in Munich (Go Mustangs!) and went on to earn a BA in English from Texas State University and a teaching license from East Carolina University. I taught middle school for nine years before "retiring" to write romance, and after residing in eleven different states, I finally abandoned my nomadic lifestyle. 

Now I live in the heart of Ohio with my very patient husband - who kindle tolerates my neglect while I'm penning a new book - and our three spirited children, who aren't so easily placated."

Official Website, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter 

Feel free to share your "Grown-Up" read here too!
Just add in your review's direst link, thanks!!!

The Beehive Book Update #25: The Very Grateful Edition

I want to thank all of you that sent us happy thoughts, well wishes and prayers while we went through Hurricane Sandy. My little family and I have been extremely blessed! Being right in the middle of Long Island had its benefits, we didn't even lose power. It was so odd to see everything unfold on TV  all of the mess and destruction that surrounds us. We still cannot believe how very lucky we are when people within an arms length away have lost so much. We are currently experiencing a gas shortage, which is unbelievable to me. I see the lines and everyone's panic, but it seems unreal...
We are truly thankful and have been continuously counting our blessings. We are staying home until it is completely safe to get gas and venture out. Having all of these books to help us, especially my boys, get through our days have been wonderful... 

What I received for review...
- The Game Changer (eBook) by Marie Landry (Adult) 

- Hooked (eBook ARC) by Liz Fichera (YA)

- Splintered (NetGalley) by A.G. Howard (YA)

What I purchased, traded, won, etc...
- Forgotten Lyrics, A Watersong Story (eBook) by Amanda Hocking (YA) 
- Dante's Girl (eBook) by Courtney Cole (YA)
- The Peculiars by Stefan Bachmann (MG)
- The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler (YA) 

- Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick (YA)  

- Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay (YA)

- So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti (YA)

What I got and borrowed from my lil' sister, Sarabeth of Chronicle of Sarita :)
- The Sea Monsters (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #2) by Rick Riordan (MG)
- L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad (YA)

- A Werewolf in Manhattan (A Wild About You Novel #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Adult)

- Moon Called (Mercedes Thompson Series #1) by Patricia Briggs (Adult) 

Mentions and Thank You's too...

- Elisa Ludwig, author of Pretty Crooked and Pretty Sly :) 

- Megan Miranda, author of Fracture and Hysteria :)

- Tara of Hobbitsies and HarperCollins :)
- Traci of The Reading Geek :) 

- Sarabeth of Chronicles of Sarita :)

*Current giveaways...
- The Girls' Ghost Hunting Guide by Stacey Graham 
- WIN Hocus Pocus Hotel AND Troll Hunters by Michael Dahl 
- Spooktacular FOUR Book Giveaway from Sourcebooks 
- Mystic City (ARC) by Theo Lawrence 

I'm also joining in Tynga's "Stacking the Shelves" this week!

Thank you so very much for stopping by!

Please leave your links in the comments so I can stop by your blog too :)

Happy reading!!!