Huge Willow Contest!

Lauren of Shooting Stars Mag is hosting an International contest (which I am super excited to be a part of) to celebrate the release of Willow by Julia Hoban!

The contest will begin on March 1 (that's tomorrow) and end on April 30.  

To be entered in the contest all you have to do is purchase a copy of Willow and send proof (receipt, picture of book, etc.) via email to Lauren at Lauren51990(AT)hotmail(DOT)com.  Since the book releases on April 2, March preorders will count, as do purchases made between April 2 and April 30.

And now the AMAZING list of prizes...

Khy of The Frenetic Reader is giving away a copy of Does This Book Make Me Look Fat?!

Kelsey of Just Blinded Book Reviews is giving away a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card, a cute felt penguin bag and some bookmarks!

Carrie of Carrie's YA Bookshelf is giving away a copy of Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby!

Kelsey of Reading Keeps You Sane is giving away an ARC of Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway!

Alea of Pop Culture Junkie is giving away a copy of Sherlock Holmes vol. 1!

Kristi of The Story Siren is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card!

Harmony of Harmony Book Reviews is making a soundtrack for the book!

Lenore of Presenting Lenore is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card!

Gabbi of Five Star Reading is giving away a copy of Chloe Doe by Suzanne Phillips!

Lauren of Shooting Stars Mag is giving away a paperback book of the winner's choice!

Chelsea of The Page Flipper is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card!

My Favorite Author is giving away a copy of Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson!

Vanessa of What Vanessa Reads is giving away a copy of Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin!

Carol of Bookluver Carol is giving away an ARC of Because I Am Furniture!

Tirzah of The Compulsive Reader is giving away a copy of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier!

Lauren of Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf is giving away a $15 gift card to Barnes and Noble!

Laura of Laura's Review Bookshelf is giving away a copy of Flygirl and a $10 Borders gift card!

Sarah of Sarah's Random Musings is giving away a copy of The Adoration of Jenna Fox!

Alyssa of The Shady Glade is giving away a copy of Wondrous Stange by Lesley Livingston!

And I am giving away a copy of Sherlock Holmes vol. 2!

If you want a chance to win ALL these wonderful prizes, show Julia some support by purchasing Willow.  Not only are you entered in this awesome contest, by you are in for an amazing experience with Willow!

Don't Miss Out

Right now, there are tons of great contests going on, and I don't want anyone to miss out!

First, I am giving away a brand new copy of GoldenGirl by Micol Ostow, which is an awesome book!  Enter here. (Ends February 28)

Next, Steph is hosting the amazing Dust of 100 Dogs giveaway, which I am so pumped to be a part of.  Prizes include $110 worth of gift cards and TONS of books (some of which are signed by the authors).  More info can be found here.  (Ends March 1)

Finally, Amanda Ashby is hosting a Zombie Party to celebrate the release of her latest novel, Zombie Queen of Newbury High!  There are tons of authors and Book Chic is stopping by, and of course, tons of prizes will be given away!  To find out more visit Amanda's blog.  (Ends March 4)

Deadly Little Secret (A Touch Novel)

Deadly Little Secret

Laurie Faria Stolarz

Hyperion

Released December 23, 2008

Summary (from Amazon):  Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

Review:  I LOVED this book.  From the first page, I was hooked, and until the "bad guy" was revealed, I considered everyone a suspect.  

The characters were so vividly painted.  Each had his/her own identity, and while Camelia and Ben were the two main characters, all the others played huge supporting roles.  This helped to conceal the identity of Camelia's stalker until the very end.  In fact, I kept second guessing myself and named a new suspect with almost every new chapter.

And of course, the whole idea of a mystery is to keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat trying to figure out the ending.  This book does just that!  

I find it so difficult to review a book that is fantastic.  I can never find the words to describe all the thrilling aspects of the book.  This book is no different, so I will just say, if you are looking for a mix of mystery, suspense, romance, and chills, look no further!  Deadly Little Secrets has it all and more!

This is the first Laurie Faria Stolarz book I've read, but trust me, I'll be reading more!  

So now it's your turn...If you've read DLS, did you like/dislike it?  Why?  If you've not read DLS, but have read some of Laurie's other books, which should I tackle next?

*By the way, sorry for my absence this weekend.  I just returned (late last night) from a trip to Chicago, which was fantabulous!

GoldenGirl Contest

I loved GoldenGirl so much that I thought I'd share it with someone else. I am giving away a brand new copy of GoldenGirl by Micol Ostow to one lucky winner.

What do you have to do to win the book with the pretty cover?  In order to be entered, visit this link. It contains ALL of the Bradford Novels websites.  Choose at least one website to visit, and come back and tell me what you loved about the site you chose.  Of course, you should visit ALL the websites, but regardless of how many sites you tell me about, you only get one entry (sorry).

To earn extra entries, leave a comment on my GoldenGirl review (if you've already done so, it counts, no need to comment again), interview with Micol, and/or Micol's video/book trailer post.  Each comment (1 per post) will count for 1 extra entry.

You will also get an extra entry if you post a link to this contest on your blog (sidebars are fine).  Please provide the link in the comments.

That means you can get a total of 5 entries for this fabulous book!  

*Contest ends on Saturday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. EST

The A-List: Hollywood Royalty

The A-List:  Hollywood Royalty

Zoey Dean 

Poppy

Released:  January 1, 2009

Summary: A whole new cast completes the new A-List. 

Included in the mix are Amelie, Myla, Ash, Jacob, and Jojo.

Amelie is the child actor who is desperately trying to break away from her innocent "good girl" image.  Myla is the daughter of Barbar, a fictional Brad and Angelina.  Her parents are constantly adopting new children and doing good around the world, but all Myla wants is to focus on her rocky relationship with Ash, the son of a record producer.  Jacob is the unnoticed geek who becomes a major hottie over the summer.  And Jojo lives a simple life with her two dads, until she gets the opportunity to meet her birth parents and is then determined to be included in the A-List.

My Review:  I hadn't read any of Zoey Dean's original A-List titles.  However, I am glad that I have them sitting on my shelf.  I have every intention on reading the original series and continuing to follow this new spin-off.  While I would consider this a fluff read, this book differs from the typical "rich kid scene" because the characters have issues that most teenagers can relate to.  However, it still includes plenty of drama and excitement that will satisfy readers of celebrity gossip magazines and other YA series, such as Gossip Girl!

This was a fast and juicy read that kept me intrigued.  I cannot wait to find out what becomes of each of the characters in the next A-List:  Hollywood Royalty novel!

More on Micol Ostow!

Continuing with my Q & A with Micol, I thought I would share the Micol's author video, which is also posted on the Bradford Novels Blog.  Enjoy!

Also, because I loved GoldenGirl so much, I wanted to share the trailer again with everyone, especially those of you who still haven't read it.  And if that is you, check out the trailer and you'll want to get the book NOW!!!

Spotlight on Micol Ostow

Micol Ostow is the fabulous author of many books, including 30 Guys in 30 Days, Popular Vote, and GoldenGirl:  A Bradford Novel.  In addition to being a wonderful author, she is incredibly sweet and I am so honored to put the spotlight on her in my very first author interview!!!  

How did you come up with the idea for the Bradford Novels?

MO:  My publishers and I really wanted to do something that made us of all of the various online resources that permeate teens' lives daily.  Bradford seemed like the perfect response to that.

GoldenGirl is full of drama, which is always fun.  Which of the characters from GoldenGirl was the most fun to write?

MO:  They are ALL fun in their own way, but I really enjoy writing Paige because she is so nasty and uncensored--she just says whatever she is thinking.  It's cathartic, in a way, since most of us are a little more guarded (and tactful!).

Are any of the characters modeled after people you knew in high school?

MO:  Thankfully, no.  My friends were much more low-key.  And we didn't have the Internet when I was in high school (!), so privacy had different implications.  Although Jeremy's whole emo-artsy vibe is probably taken from my idea of the perfect guy.

Any hints on what readers can expect from upcoming Bradford Novels?

MO:  Well, I won't spoil you, but there is always lots of drama brewing.  Stay tuned...

What do you think is the most difficult part of the writing process?

MO:  ALL OF IT.  

Seriously, it's a difficult process.  I find outlining to be stressful, but invaluable.  And revisions can be mind-boggling, as well.  And the whole PR-marketing thing is just a constant machine.

I suppose the more succinct way of saying it would be that the one aspect that I find somewhat pleasing and that seems to come naturally is getting that first draft down.  That's the part I like.

What is a typical day in the life of Micol Ostow like?

MO:  EXTREMELY BORING, I promise you that.  No one is ever going to make a competitive reality show about writers.  Here's an approximate:

7:30:  alarm goes off.  I ignore it.

8:30:  get up

8:35:  change clothes, feed dog, think about going to the gym

9-12:00: coffee, coffee, coffee, email, errands, dishes (maybe), coffee, coffee, coffee, email, Facebook, Twitter, Google Reader, Television Without Pity, Go Fug Yourself, coffee, email, think about going to the gym

12-6:00:  type, type, type, procrastinate on the internet, email, type, procrastinate, coffee coffee coffee. think about lunch; decide I am too lazy to go out and pick something up, drink more coffee instead.

6:00:  finally go to the gym, pick something up to eat

8-10:00:  dinner, TV, catch up with the fiance, play with the dog.  Sometimes we go out and have lives with friends and things like that.

10-12:00:  either pass out watching reruns of REAL HOUSEWIVES OF OC, or actually get myself washed up and into bed to read for a bit

lather, rinse, repeat

Other than reading or writing, what do you do for fun?

MO:  You saw my schedule:  not much!

I guess the good news is that I managed to parlay my hobby into a career.  And being in NYC, I get to go out and see lots of author friends read and things like that.  But as far as non-book stuff goes, I love movies, and I do usually need to get in some kind of physical activity daily or else I get crabby.  A perfect night is probably dinner and some drinks with my good friends.  I'm pretty low-maintenance that way.  But I spend so much time on my own and at home that I do like the occasional party, too.

I'm also a sucker for spa treatments--one of my favorite ways to unwind after a manuscript goes in is with a massage, facial, etc...

What are you currently reading?

MO:  I usually have a few books going at once.  Right now I'm flipping back and forth between WHEREVER NINA LIES by Lynn Weingarten and THE WHITE DARKNESS by Catherine 

McCaughrean, both of which are very very very good.  READ THEM!

A very special thanks goes to Micol!  It's not too late to join in the fun on her Bradford Blog Bash which ends on Friday with a special grand finale.  See ya there!

*The cute pic of Micol is courtesy of her website.  

I promised you reviews, but these probably aren't what you expected!

Yesterday, I explained that I have been not posted much lately, due to my being ill and extremely busy with wedding stuff.  Well, that's not all I've been doing...

My fiance and I love to watch movies.  We go to the theater, rent DVDs, watch old TV shows on DVD.  You name it, we love it!  The past 2 weeks, we've been to the movies 4 times, and I'd thought I'd share my thoughts on a few movies out at a theater near you!

Friday the 13th-We went to see this yesterday because I love horror films.  I've seen most original movies and try to see the remakes as well.  As a child, I loved Jason!  He was the ultimate scary guy.  Well in the 2009 version, he's still pretty scary, but the film falls flat.  Don't get me wrong, I jumped several times, but for the most part, it was just corny.  I understand it is a horror film, but come on, I didn't need to see that much female nudity.  More scares, less boobs is all I have to say.  My verdict:  Wait for the DVD

Notorious-This was picked by my fiance.  I am not a huge hip hop fan, but he loves it, so we've seen Hustle & Flow (which I loved), Get Rich or Die Trying, and other similar films.  Notorious was a pleasant surprise.  I really enjoyed it, and even teared up at the end.  Why?  I have no idea, I mean I knew he was going to die.  This biopic really allowed you to see inside the lives of Christopher Wallace and his mother, and I found myself entertained.  My verdict:  If you like biographies or are a fan of rap music, check it out.  If not, pass.

The Wrestler-I am not even wasting my time on this review, because I lost nearly 2 hours of my life watching this film.  It wasn't awful, but definitely disappointing and the end just left you hanging.  My verdict:  Unless you are a die hard wrestling fan, forget it!

Slumdog Millionaire-I've saved the best for last!  I cannot say enough about this movie.  Since leaving the theater, I've told everyone to see it, and so far they've all thought highly of it as well. This movie has everything--suspense, romance, adventure, humor, and the list goes on!  I must admit, I didn't want to see this film, but my fiance was determined to see all the Oscar nominees for Best Film.  I am so glad he convinced me to see it (I made him go to Benjamin Button alone), because it is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time--perhaps the best ever!  My verdict:  MUST SEE NOW!!!

So what about y'all?  Anyone have any movie recommendations for me?  I'm really curious about Taken, The Uninvited, Bride Wars and Confessions of a Shopaholic.  But of course, if you've seen anything recently (at the theater or on DVD) that you loved or hated, I want to know!

In My Mailbox (February 15)

Hello, my darlings!

This week has been a very slow week for me all around.  You probably have noticed that I haven't been posting much lately.  I have been sick.  On top of that, wedding planning (even though the wedding is still more than a year away) is stressing me out, and I have been trying to read more, so I can post some new reviews.

This week, the blog neglect ends.  I have promised Sharon and Alea that I will post something everyday this week through Thursday.  So look for some reviews (yes, plural) and other things.

This week, no YA books in my mailbox.  :(  But I did purchase a couple of books and checked out one new title from the library (I brought home others, but they were titles I never finished reading from before).

The books I purchased were:

Chloe Doe by Suzanne Collins

Immortal: Love Stories with Bite edited by P.C. Cast (It's a Borders exclusive, and Cynthia's page gives the best description of it)

From the library:

Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss

And my sweet college roommate, who is one of my bridesmaids sent me a gift:

Planning a Wedding to Remember by Beverly Clark

That's all for this week's In My Mailbox brought to you by Kristi "The Story Siren"!

If you would like to win a book of your choice, this post is for you!

Laura of Laura's Review Bookshelf is looking to expand her blog.  In order to do so, she is running a contest!

All you have to do is click here, follow her blog, and tell her that I recruited you.  Once you have done so, post about the contest on your blog to recruit more people to her blog.  She will randomly choose 3 winners who will receive a book of their choice!  Easy, right?

Laura's site really is awesome and I truly am a huge fan, so I recommend you check it out, even if you don't enter the contest!

Edit:  There will now be 4 winners!  Two will be recruiters and two will be new followers of Laura's blog!!!

In My Mailbox (February 8)

In My Mailbox is brought to you by the fabulous Kristi!

This week, I am so excited about the books I received via mail and library (I fought off temptation and saved my money this week!).

Books received via mail:

The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark (trade with a fellow blogger)

Lucky by Rachel Vail (trade with a fellow blogger)

Beautiful Americans by Lucy Silag (from Penguin)

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley (from Penguin)

I am so excited to have received each of these.  I've wanted to read The Alison Rules forever, but it's not sold in any of the nearby bookstores, so luckily I was able to swap with another blogger for that and Lucky.  I requested a copy of Lipstick Apology, and was so excited when it arrived!  I won't review it until closer to its release date, but that doesn't mean I'm going to wait to read it...Beautiful Americans was included in the package with Lipstick Apology, and so I am thankful to have received it as well.

Books received via library:

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

Fade by Lisa McMann

I am pumped to read The Earth, My Butt,... because it is The Page Flipper's book club pick for this month.  I am glad it was chosen because I've been dying to read it.  I am probably most excited about Fade this week.  I have been wanting to read it ever since I finished Wake.  I immediately put in a request for it at the library, but was super surprised when I received an email saying it was being held for me!  Books are never available at my library this early (although I usually don't wait too much longer than the actual release date), so this is going to be my next read!

That's it for this week!  What was in your mailbox?

GoldenGirl (Bradford Novel) by Micol Ostow

GoldenGirl (Bradford Novel)

Micol Ostow

Simon Pulse

Released January 27, 2009

Summary (from Amazon):  Paige, Spencer, and Madison have it all: the looks, the connections, the money, the boys. As the daughters of three of the most prestigious families on Philadelphia's Main Line (read: old money, and lots of it) and the ruling juniors at Bradford Prep, nothing can stand in their way....except, perhaps, their own dark secrets. When an old frenemy from Paige's hidden past shows up at Bradford and plays nice--too nice--Paige is desperate to smother the threat. How far will she go to silence the truth?

My Review:  I had very high expectations for GoldenGirl, though I thought it was going to be similar to Gossip Girl (which is one of my guilty pleasures).  I was pleasantly surprised!  Micol definitely exceeded my expectations with this one!   It was FAR better than any of the Gossip Girl novels, and really the only similarities are the wealth and the GG initials.

GoldenGirl kept me interested through it's blog posts (private and public) and outrageous scandals!   While reading, I couldn't decide who was to be trusted and was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out the truth.  

The Bradford Novels are sure to be instant hits!  GoldenGirl, the first in the series, is full of humor, fashion, and jaw-dropping drama!

While I would say this is a fairly light read, the characters face some deep issues, though they are not the entire focus of the book.  

I definitely recommend you read this if you are looking for some "oh-no-she-didn't" drama and the fast paced life of the wealthy.

Be sure to check out the Bradford Novels website for more information about this juicy new series.  And right now, Micol is hosting a month long blog bash (ends February 20).  There are author interviews, behind the scenes looks at the novel's photo shoots, and giveaways.  Be sure to check it out here!  It's so very!

Winner!!!

I couldn't wait until tomorrow (since the contest ended at midnight)...

The winner of my first contest is 

Erika Lynn!!!!!

In My Mailbox (February 1)

Okay, so I am feeling extra lazy today and won't be posting any pictures or summaries.  I will, however, provide links to Amazon, if you are interested in any of the books I received this week.

Via Mail:

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (courtesy of Free Book Friday Teens, and it's signed!)

The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor (I won this during Jillian's contest, and it's signed!)

Purchased at Barnes & Noble:

The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro

Kiss Me, Kill Me by Lauren Henderson

Adios to My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer (Only $1.00)

That's it for In My Mailbox (brought to you by Kristi)!  Don't forget to check back tomorrow to find out the winner of my first contest!!!

Memes Galore

I was tagged for a few memes, and I haven't had the time to get to them--until now!  I have been seeing them on several sites, so as not to repeat anyone, I won't tag anyone specifically, but if you want to participate, consider yourself tagged!

Kaylee & Sharon sent me the Happy Tag:

Hey everyone, I was tagged by Sharon & Kaylee.

Rules of the tag:

- Link to the person who tagged you *For some reason, I can't link today*

- List 6 things that make you happy

- Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did so

- Then tell the person who tagged you your entry is finished!

My List!

1. My fiance-He's the best!!!  And treats me like a queen!

2. My immediate family-Mom, Dad, and little sister, Kesha

3. The color yellow-It is just so bright and related to so many things cheery, I can't help but smile!

4. Music-I love to dance, even though I am terrible.  Throw on some 80s, 90s, or boy band music and I am pumped!

5. Teen movies & TV shows-One Tree Hill, 90210, Degrassi, Clueless, Mean Girls, Sixteen Candles; love them all!

6. Books, of course!  Going to the bookstore or library, or getting packages in the mail, just make my day so much better!

Alea tagged me for the Bookshelf Meme:

1. Tag 3-5 people, so the fun keeps going!

2. Leave a comment at the original post at A Striped Armchair, so that Eva can collect everyone’s answers.

3. If you leave a comment and link back to Eva as the meme’s creator, she will enter you in a book giveaway contest! She has a whole shelf devoted to giveaway books that you’ll be able to choose from, or a bookmooch point if you prefer.

4. Remember that this is all about enjoying books as physical objects, so feel free to describe the exact book you’re talking about, down to that warping from being dropped in the bath water…

1. The book that’s been on your shelves the longest:

I don't know which book I have owned the longest.  Most of the books from my childhood are still at my parents' house.  Are You My Mother was my favorite book as a child, but as far as the books on my bookshelf now, most I've only had for maybe 5, 6 years.  

2. A book that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time, etc.):

Silver by Norma Fox Mazer holds a special place in my heart.  I first read this book in middle school, where I worked as a library aide (imagine that).  Everyday during the elective period, I would sit at the check-out desk and read, read, read.  I can't even tell you how many times I read Silver, but I loved it.  When I found it at a used bookstore, I snatched it up and everytime I look at it, I think of my days as a West Hardin Middle School librarian!

3. A book you acquired in some interesting way (gift, serendipity in a used bookstore, prize, etc.):

One of the books I received as a gift was The Great Gatsby.  I read it in high school and LOVED it! Somehow I lost my copy, so one year for Christmas, my little sister bought it for me.  

4. The most recent addition to your shelves:

Today my fiance bought me some R.L. Stine books on Amazon because a couple of mine had gotten torn and I was all bummed out.  However, I actually had multiple copies of them, so the new ones won't be on the shelf for long--I'm exchanging them for Evermore and something else (haven't decided yet)!  

5. A book that’s been with you to the most places:

I always carry a book in my purse.  But I don't know which I carried the longest. And I don't know if I've reread any of the books on my shelf, so I'm going to have to pass.

6. A bonus book that you want to talk about but doesn’t fit into the other questions:

Ok, good story.  I have a signed copy of Looking for Alaska.  I was at a conference, and John Green had just won the Printz award, and I had no idea who he was.  I really just wanted to meet another author (I had already met Sharon Draper and Sarah Dessen and a couple of others).  There was no line so I just rushed toward the table, bought the book, and then stood in front of him like an idiot trying to decide who he should make the book out to (I didn't know if I was keeping it or giving it to my sister).  Even through my stupidity, he was so nice and told a story about his family's reaction to him winning the award.  I felt like such a moron the whole time, but felt like a bigger moron when I got home and realized how BIG John Green is and now see how GIGANTIC he has become.  So I now have this signed book, made out to no one (because I never did decide) and embarrassing memories!  

*For some reason, I cannot add links to today's post.  You can find links to Kaylee, Sharon, & Alea on my blogroll.

Old School Books in My Closet!

So in my last vlog, I showed you the books on my bookshelf.  Today I am going to share with you the old school books that have been hiding out in my closet.  Hopefully over the summer, I will get to take them out, and read through some of them. 

WARNING:  I am much older than most of you readers, so don't laugh at my oldies.  I am actually very proud of the collection in my closet, and once I have a house, they will be displayed somewhere.

In My Mailbox (January 25)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by Kristi.  Each Sunday, bloggers share what they received via mail, store, or library.  For more info click here.

1 Book received via mail

-Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols (Thanks so much, Jennifer!)

9 Books purchased (Thanks Mom!  You're the greatest!)

*The Waldenbooks in my hometown was closing, so everything was 40% off or more!  So sad to see the store close though because I bought all my books there before I went to college.

-Gossip Girl (not pictured) by Cecily Von Ziegesar (if you checked out my pics this week, you'll notice it was the only one missing from the series)

-Bleed by Laurie Faria Stolarz

-The Debs by Susan McBride

-The Au Pairs by Melissa de la Cruz

-A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

-Four Truths and a Lie by Lauren Barnholdt

-Leftovers by Laura Wiess

-Death By Bikini by Linda Gerber

-Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

10 Books checked out of the library (most were repeats that I never got around to reading, so I'll share with you the 5 new ones)

-3 Willows by Ann Brashares

-Zoe & Chloe on the Prowl by Sue Limb

-Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee

-Need by Carrie Jones

-Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz

That's all for this week!  What did you guys get?

My First Contest!!!

I am so excited to announce the prizes for my first contest!

In September, during Micol Ostow's Popular Vote Cyber Launch, I won my first contest online.  The prize?  A signed copy of The Boys Next Door and Major Crush, both by Jennifer Echols.  So imagine my excitement, when Jenn offered to generously donate signed copies of both to give away here!

Because I love romantic novels and Valentine's Day is coming up, I decided throw in a brand new, shiny copy of Perfect Chemistry as well!  (It is not signed, as I purchased it myself.)

So....how does one win these 3 wonderful prizes?  Very simple, comment below telling me about your Valentine's Day plans.  Your plans can include anything--spending it with a significant other or hanging out in your pjs watching scary movies.  

For an extra entry, you may link this contest to your blog.  Be sure to leave the link in a separate comment (sidebars are fine).

And finally, you will receive two extra entries, if you become a follower or already a follower. Again, to make things easier for me, please include this info in a separate comment.

Please be sure to leave an email address so I can contact the winner.  If your email address is already  listed in your profile, no need to leave your addy.

One more thing...right now, there will only be one winner.  However, if the winner already has one of the titles, I will replace it, and there will be a second winner, who will receive only one book.  

This contest is only open to those in the US (sorry) and ends at midnight on Sunday, February 1.

Pics of the Shelves

My Shelves!

I am following the lead of Alea and Sharon and finally showing off my messy bookshelves. Sharon has been asking me to post a vlog, so I decided this would be an appropriate time. Because the video is a bit shaky (next time, I'll use my camcorder), I will also post images of the shelves.

Enjoy!

And be sure to check back tomorrow for info on my first ever contest! Woohoo!!!