Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Teaser Tuesday (5/30/2011) Insight (Insight #1)

Insight (Insight #1)
Author: Jamie Magee
Teaser from page:  146


"The most amazing thing that you'll find here is that each person does what they're meant to do. Everyone has a gift. "




Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences. (today I did stick to the rule)
I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Neurotic Thoughts on The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3)

The Iron Queen
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: January 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 358
Target Age: Young Adult
Source: Received by Harlequin through NetGalley
Summary from Goodreads:
My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.

My favorite of the series so far!!! I felt like Meghan really grew up in this book. She was strong and determined and stood by her decisions even when they weren't the easiest for her.  Ash finally made me like him, it was so nice that he wasn't threatening to kill Meghan constantly.  Puck made me cry, and not just a little, he made me bawl. Grimalkin was, well... he was SO Grimalkin!  This was one of those books that I couldn't put down. I was thrown for loop after loop and spent the entire book being shocked at where the story went.  Never one to spoil a story I'll just say, if you haven't read this series then what the heck are you waiting for? Go! Go right now and grab you very own copy, you're gonna thank me for this advice one day.


Sunday, May 29, 2011

Bryan Cohen Blog Tour and Giveaway

Food and Writing
By Bryan Cohen

I’ve always had an interesting relationship with food. When I was a kid, it was one of my best friends, inducing comfort and always being around when I needed it. While I never indulged too much, a slow metabolism turned that love of food into chubbiness. Later in high school, when I dieted for wrestling to get into a lower weight class, it became an enemy. It was the temptation of food that tried to keep me from my varsity spot at 119 lbs. In college, it became a buddy again with all-you-can-eat dining halls and its use in my poetry (I once won over a girl with a poem comparing myself and another guy to an unknown chocolate cake and a delectable but familiar crème


Through a few more dieting periods and feasting periods, I’ve come to a sort of peace with food. Starting this year I’ve taken up cooking, which is most fun for me when I’m entertaining a large group of people. At a recent dinner, I cooked up a batch of gruyere, prosciutto and arugula stuffed chicken breasts with a caramelized shallot sauce (thank you Cooking Light) and it went over spectacularly. Chicago is one of those cities with a ridiculous amount of dining choices wherever you turn. To save money and your creative energy, however, it’s best to do your own cooking and use as many fresh ingredients as possible.


When I was younger, it was much easier to find stores of creativity no matter what I ate. Nowadays, the best way to get myself going is with high energy meals, not too high in calories that keep my brain working. When you eat a large meal or you down a huge amount of booze, your body goes into major digestion mode. It starts diverting blood, oxygen, and energy from all over your body to the stomach area. If you have a hard time being creative when you’re in a normal state, imagine how tough it would be when your body is concentrating all its efforts away from your brain.

In addition, if you are eating foods that are high in sugar or caffeine, after a little burst of alertness, your body and brain will drop like a ton of bricks. Training yourself off of sugar or caffeine sucks (it’s strangely like getting over a drug addiction, hmm) it’s the best way to keep your mind clear and focused. Foods that naturally improve your alertness like apples and whole grains are much healthier in the long term.

Now I know it seems a little silly for a writer to be talking about food in connection with creativity, but since I’ve reformed my diet to include more fruits and veggies and fewer heavy meals or sources of caffeine, I’ve felt like a creative machine. I believe that creativity is tough enough that there’s no reason to put anything in your own way. Setting up the best diet possible for yourself is obviously great for your health and weight but it also gets your mind ready to churn out that novel you’ve been putting off.

Saving money, thinking more effectively, having a healthier body and weight, and showing off to all of your friends sound like good enough benefits to me to invest in a cook book and an apron that says: kiss the published writer. Maybe I should copyright that...

"Author Bryan Cohen gets excited about a legitimate Mediterranean meal in a Bedouin tent."

Bryan Cohen is giving away 100 personalized writing prompts to one giveaway entrant chosen at random during the blog tour. Personalized prompts are story starters that cater specifically to a writer’s subject matter, strengths/weaknesses, etc. Cohen will create the prompts to cater exclusively to the winner. He is giving away free digital copies of his book The Writing Sampler to everybody who enters, which includes excerpts from each of his four books on writing. The book contains essays, writing prompts and tips and tricks to enhance your writing skills. In addition, for each of Cohen’s books that reach the Top 500 on Amazon during his blog tour, he will add a $50 Amazon gift card to the drawing (up to six $50 cards in total)!

To enter, simply post a comment to this blog post with your e-mail address. Entries will be counted through June 2nd, 2011.

Bryan Cohen is a writer, actor and comedian from Dresher, Pennsylvania. Since graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill he has written four books (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044DEL7C">1,000 Creative Writing Prompts: Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SOYV4K">500 Writing Prompts for Kids: First Grade through Fifth Grade, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LDLD8A">Sharpening the Pencil: Essays on Writing, Motivation, and Enjoying your Life, and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VWPONQ">Writer on the Side: How to Write Your Book Around Your 9 to 5 Job), several plays (Something from Nothing and http://www.amazon.com/Chekhov-Kegstand-ebook/dp/B004X2IHP6">Chekhov Kegstand: A Dorm Room Dramedy in Two Acts) and he was the head writer for an un-produced Web series (http://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Coffee-Unproduced-Pilot-ebook/dp/B004XMWKYU">Covenant Coffee). His writing and motivation website http://www.build-creative-writing-ideas.com">Build Creative Writing Ideas has had over 100,000 visitors since it was founded in December 2008. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Follow Bryan on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/buildcwideas">@buildcwideasa>.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

On My Wishlist (10) Winter's Shadow and But I Love Him

Winter's Shadow
Author: M.J Hearle
Release Date: June 1, 2011
Summary from Goodreads

Blake Duchamp...

He's all that Winter Adams can think of. Ever since their fateful meeting at Pilgrim's Lament. Ever since he looked at her with those emerald eyes. Ever since he saved her life.

But Blake isn't all that he seems. There is a strangeness about him, something dark and otherworldly. Something dangerous. In his attic is a secret he would kill to defend, but Winter seems to have a special ability to make him forget his duty. And he is her only protection against the gathering darkness.

The only problem is, to protect Winter, Blake must risk exposing her to an even greater danger. Himself.


WHY I WANT IT? Did you read that summary? It sounds romantic and suspenseful and it gives so little away that I want to read it just to find out what it's about! 

 But I Love Him
Author: Amanda Grace
Released: May 8, 2011
Summary from Goodreads



Tonight was so much worse than anything before it. Tonight he didn't stop after the first slap.
At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight-A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved — and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything — and everyone — in its path.
This evocative slideshow of flashbacks reveals a heartbreaking story of love gone terribly wrong.

WHY I WANT IT? This book sounds so heartbreaking, if done right I think this could be an incredible book.


 On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post(found at Book Chick City). If you want to know more click here.

So what's on your wishlist?

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Neurotic Thoughts onThe Day Before

The Day Before
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Released: June 28, 2011
Published by: Simon Pulse
Pages: 307
Target Age: Young Adult
Source: from NetGalley and Simon Pulse
Summary from Goodreads:
Sometimes there's no turning back.

Amber's life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of her family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell that he's also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she's drawn to him. And the more she's troubled by his darkness. Because Cade's not just living in the now--he's living each moment like it's his last.

I found The Day Before to be a beautiful, heartbreaking and captivating story. I loved and was amazed that Lisa Schroeder was able to convey such imagery and emotion using so few words. Amber's desire to have a quiet day at the beach where she can escape everything instantly drew me in, as that is my first place to go when I'm in emotional turmoil as well. In the beginning of the story I was confused as to why both characters were so full of anxiety and why they were both so  secretive. The more Amber and Cade get to know each other the more the readers get to know them and their situations as well.  I usually am not a huge fan of instant attraction or love at first sight, however in this story the emotions of both characters are so huge, new and raw that I can see how their feelings were able to develop so quickly. For a story using so few words it's crazy how connected I felt to both Amber and Cade. My heart broke for both characters for completely different reasons. If you have a few hours to invest in a story of love, tragedy and hope you won't go wrong reading The Day Before. 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (5/25/2011) Caged In Darkness (Caged Book 1)

Caged In Darkness (Caged Book 1)
Author: J.D. Stroube
Expected Release Date: August 1, 2011
Summary from Goodreads

A witch raised in a cage of darkness...

Savannah Cross was born into a life of isolation and abuse. As a child, she witnessed her parents perform acts of malevolent evil, and now feels permanently tainted by their dark deeds.

When a coven discovers a tear stricken child, wounded on their elders lawn, they offer her a sanctuary she has never known. Savannah spends the next several years shattered, continuously looking over her shoulder, waiting for the darkness to claim her.

On her 16th birthday, Savannah’s life takes a drastic turn.She is consumed by overwhelming power that forever alters her emotionally and physically.

She must choose between two loves; the one who taught her to smile or the darkly seductive stranger who tempts her towards another path. Savannah must decide between the coven that was her haven and another one vying for her initiation. Just as Savannah begins to grasp what fate has in store for her, an evil looms over her loved ones; coming to claim an unbreakable debt.

How will she choose and survive the greatest evil she has ever witnessed... long enough to have a choice to make. 

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Teaser Tuesday (5/24/2011) Darwin's Children

Darwin's Children
Author: Natasha Larry
Teaser from page:  40


Once her conscious mind admitted how she felt about him, she started having dreams about him that literally shook her bed across the room at night.

Now those are some hot dreams!!


Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences. (today I did stick to the rule)
I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

In My Mailbox (5/22/2011)

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week.

For Review
Marked by Kim Richardson

Insight by Jamie Magee

Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

What a great week! 

Saturday, May 21, 2011

On My Wish List (9) Bitter Frost and Crossroads

 Bitter Frost
Author: Kailin Gow
Released: June 10, 2010
Summary from Goodreads
All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them...beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland. In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creatures mortals don't see. Her best friend Logan suddenly acts very protective. Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That's fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.

Based on the Dutch folklore about the Snow Queen and Jack Frost.


WHY I WANT IT? I haven't loved all of the fairy books that I've read however many times when I find another one, I want to read it. Plus that cover is awesome! 

Crossroads
Author: Mary Ting
Released: April 6, 2011
Summary from Goodreads
On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

WHY I WANT IT? Fallen Angels, Guardian Angels, Supernatural powers, why wouldn't I want to read this book?

 On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post(found at Book Chick City). If you want to know more click here.

So what's on your wishlist?

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (3/18/2011) Fighting To Escape

 Fighting To Escape
Author: Jennifer L. Brown
Release Date: May 25, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:

"Trapped in the small town of Ridgeford, New Hampshire, Desiree Finnley fears she will never fit in to a town where everyone knows everything about everyone. That is until she meets Carl, the most popular boy in school who immediately becomes obsessed with her. Everything seems normal until Desiree is struck by lightning and her whole world is twisted inside out. What she once believed to be reality is now nothing but a confusing mess. As Desiree struggles to break through the walls before her and put the pieces back together she becomes inexplicably drawn to Jason; who is mysteriously breathtaking and sparks every emotion within her. If that weren't enough, Desiree discovers a strange gift has invaded her sub consciousness and struggles to secretly navigate through its power. Will Desiree be able to break through all these obstacles and choose the right course that will ultimately define her existence?"

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Sunday, May 15, 2011

In My Mailbox and Weekly Update (5/15/2011)

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week.
For Review
Raven's Kiss by Toni LoTempio


44 by Jools Sinclair


Blessed by Ann Mayburn


Darwin's Children by Natasha Larry
If you would like to know more about any of these books, you can click on the picture to go to their goodreads page. 


This week on My Neurotic Book Affair


Have a wonderful week everyone!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

On My Wishlist (8) Silver Moon, Girl Parts

Silver Moon
Author: Rebecca A. Rogers
Released: April 25, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:
For seventeen-year-old Candra Lowell, senior year is supposed to be the time of her life. It’s not supposed to include being shipped off to her aunt and uncle’s house for 'her own good'. Whatever that means. There’s only bad news from this experience—when she learns she’ll go from human to werewolf in a few months. Complete with an inherited unique power.

At her aunt and uncle's house, Candra is plagued with nightmares of a whispering forest and glowing eyes, and a shadowy figure, who issues a warning—she needs to leave town. Candra tries to dismiss the haunting images, but when the shadowy figure appears outside of her home, Candra realizes she should've obeyed.

Candra learns the meaning of the stalker’s warnings when she discovers she’s the new favorite target of a rival pack. She isn't just a werewolf—she's a werewolf in the middle of a feud that makes the Montagues and Capulets look like best friends. She’s also made a mess of things by falling for her sworn enemy. Worse, the rival pack wants the power Candra will receive on her eighteenth birthday. To protect her family and friends, Candra can’t run or hide; she must face her foes, even if it means death.


WHY I WANT IT?  Because it sounds like a werewolf version of Romeo and Juliet! That means it has to be good, right?

 Girl Parts
Author: John M. Cusick
Release Date: August 10, 2010
Summary from Goodreads:

What happens when a robot designed to be a boy’s ideal “companion” develops a will of her own? A compulsively readable novel from a new talent.
David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend. In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uberconnected world.

WHY I WANT IT? Something about this book screams Weird Science to me! I know it's not exactly the same premiss but I'm looking forward to it anyway.

 
 On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post(found at Book Chick City). If you want to know more click here.

So what's on your wishlist?

Friday, May 13, 2011

Friday Firsts: Feast of Fools (The Morganville Vampires #4)

Feast of Fools (The Morganville Vampires #4)
Rachel Caine
Goodreads link

It was hard to imagine how Claire's day--even by Morganville standards--could get any worse . . . and then the vampires holding her hostage wanted breakfast.


The first sentence could have been "It was a dark and stormy night" and I would still be dying to read this book, because I've loved the first three books. If you're like me and late getting to the The Morganville Vampires, then let me just say these books rock so far!

The first sentence of a book can really set the mood so to speak.  When I'm shopping for books I always read the first sentence.  A lot of times that first one can be my deciding factor. I found this meme over at Well-Read Reviews you can find all of the rules and particulars there.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Neurotic Thoughts on To Kill A Warlock (Dulcie O'Neil #1)


To Kill A Warlock (Dulcie O'Neil #1)
Author: H.P. Mallory
Release Date: July 2010
Publisher: Independently published
Pages: 134
Target Age: Adult
Source: Given to me by the author for an honest review
Summary from Shelfari:
The murder of a dark arts warlock. A shape-shifting, ravenous creature on the loose. A devilishly handsome stranger sent to investigate. Sometimes working law enforcement for the Netherworld is a real bitch. Dulcie O’Neil is a fairy. And not the type to frolic in gardens. She’s a Regulator—a law-enforcement agent who monitors the creatures of the Netherworld to keep them from wreaking havoc in the mortal world. When a warlock is murdered and Dulcie was the last person to see him alive, she must uncover the truth before she’s either deported back to the Netherworld, or she becomes the next victim. Enter Knight Vander, a sinfully attractive investigator sent from the Netherworld to work the case with Dulcie. Between battling her attraction to her self-appointed partner, keeping a sadomasochistic demon in check, and fending off the advances of a sexy and powerful vampire, Dulcie’s got her hands full. As the body count increases, Dulcie finds herself battling dark magic, reconnoitering in S&M clubs and suffering the greatest of all betrayals.
H.P. Mallory has become one of my favorite authors.  Her books are funny, suspenseful, and sexy without being graphic (at least not yet.) The characters in To Kill A Warlock are simply fabulous.  Dulcie is a tough, sometimes sarcastic, fun main character. The new guy in town, Knight is sexy and mysterious.  Put the two together and you've got some rockin' hot chemistry.  Another character that I was very intrigued by was Bram, yeah, he's a vampire and of course, he's a hottie.  He is also the owner of a night club called No Regrets and a source of information for all things paranormal in town.  The mystery in To Kill A Warlock was very twisty and turny and kept me guessing for most of the book.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Dulcie series, A Tale of Two Goblins.  In fact I just downloaded it to my nook and I'm hoping to get started next week while on vacation. A great start to what looks like a fantastic series.