BBA Post: Carolyn Crane Interview

Thanks so much for being here today with us Carolyn! It's been a lot of fun having Mind Games as our July Book Bloggers Anonymous book!

Carolyn: Hey, thanks so much for having me! I’ve been so excited that you chose Mind Games. It’s a real honor.

Can you tell us about yourself?

Carolyn: Well, I live in the middle of Minneapolis. I’m married with two cats, and I live a pretty sedate life. I love writing and reading. In addition to writing novels, my freelance/day job is writing websites and brochures for businesses, which is cool because I have to learn about a whole lot of different things, from how windows are made to the shapes of tiny lenses on reflective vests. You never know when that will come in handy in a novel! Right now, I am struggling a lot with trying to be less of a messy person.

Where did you get the idea for Mind Games?

Carolyn: Well, the way I got the idea is that I had just read this horribly depressing quasi philosophical book (Straw Dogs by John Grey) that takes a super dismal view of humans. It made me feel really awful, and I thought, if I had an enemy, I would give them this book as a gift, so that they could feel as disillusioned as I did. In fact, I actually recommended it to somebody I was mad at. (Snort. I’m not really a bad person! But I did do that.) Then I thought, what if there were people who disillusioned other people for money? Hey, that would make a great book!

Who have been your greatest inspirations?

Carolyn: For Urban Fantasy, it would definitely be Kelley Armstrong. I think she’s amazing. Her writing is so tight and good, her characters are rich and real. Uh! I could go on! Also, Kresley Cole. She’s an inspiration in a different way - I feel like she has this bold, fearless, playful creativity. She does really big, wild things in creating her characters and plots. Also, Laurel K. Hamilton. She has been such a teacher to me.

Who are your favorite authors or what are your favorite books?

Carolyn: In addition to Armstrong, Cole, and Hamilton, I love books by Meredith Duran and Megan Hart. I’m endlessly impressed with the intricate, convincing way they portray emotional struggles and romantic interaction. I think Jeri-Smith Ready (WVMP series) and Meljean Brook (Guardians) and Nicole Peeler (Tempest) are doing smart, strong fresh things right now.

What books had you heard amazing things about but were very disappointed with when you read them?

Carolyn: Gah! I plead the fizzith!

Is there a character in fiction that you've always identified with more than others?

Carolyn: Yes! Georgina Kincaid from Richelle Mead’s Succubus series. I don’t identify with the succubus part, LOL, but I’ve always felt like I would enjoy being her friend, and I feel as though I “get” her. I also identify a lot with Anita Brookner’s loner heroines.

There is a somewhat comic book type feel to Mind Games, was that what you were going for? Have you read many comic books?

Carolyn: What’s funny is that I didn’t grow up on comic books, but I absorbed enormous amounts of 1970’s TV reruns, like Get Smart, Batman, Wonder Woman, Six Million Dollar Man, graduated to James Bond and other action adventure movies. And I was the biggest Nancy Drew junkie ever. So, I feel like I’m coming out of more of an adventure tradition. Though, I went through a big Judge Dredd comic book phase, and I know that’s there.

Can you tell us a bit about Mind Games?

Carolyn: I wanted to write a book where I could pack in some of my favorite fictional elements. I love tortured heroes. I love messed-up underdogs finding each other when the whole world has rejected them. I enjoy books where things aren’t black and white, where there aren’t easy answers, because that sort of thing makes me think. (Though, much as I like questions and ambiguity, I like conclusions, too. FYI.) I love being surprised when things aren’t what they seem. And of course, I love a bit of smutty action. LOL. I think a writer has to be really engaged in the stuff she’s writing about.

Who was your favorite character to write?

Carolyn: For sure that would be Shelby. I loved coming up with the stuff she’d say. She is so extreme, but there’s a weird way where she sometimes makes sense. Also, I enjoy her fashion sense. I love coming up with her outfits.

Is there a scene that was particularly difficult for you to write?

Carolyn: The scene where Justine comes home to Cubby and finds him with the Silver Widow was hard. And she has to make that sacrifice, letting him go to protect him, and bear his loathing. Justine is somebody who has always wanted people to like her, especially Cubby, and I felt for her there, in the details, like the Silver Widow wearing the robe instead of her, and Cubby having put her clothes by the door. Looking at Cubby’s favorite glass later in her apartment. Those details had a lot of sad impact for me.

What I'm sure many people want to know is, where did the idea for a hypochondriac hero come from?

Carolyn: Fear is almost always a liability, so I liked the idea of turning it into a strength. And the hypochondriac thing is something I know, because a few people in my family are hypochondriacs (and I’ve gone through phases of it, though nothing near Justine, but enough to get how it works). I have acquaintances are the serious kind of hypochondriacs, and I got a lot of details through the years about what they deal with. So it seemed like an interesting challenge, I guess!

I know you just got back from RomCon. Are you going to be at any other events, conventions, or signings anytime soon?

Carolyn: Nicole Peeler and I are working up a fun little Midwest mini-tour for early October (Chicago, Milwaukee, etc) Which is perfect, because Double Cross, Book #2, comes out at the end of September. And I might visit the San Francisco Bay area this winter, and arrange signings for then. Other than that, I hope to attend RWA in 2011. I’ll put anything that happens on my website and in my newsletter.

Thanks so much for joining us!

Carolyn: Thanks so much for having me! Seriously, you are my first book club, and it’s just such an honor!!

 

Carolyn’s website I Twitter I Facebook I Blog I Goodreads

 

You can still win a signed copy of Mind Games HERE and a signed ARC of the upcoming sequel Double Cross HERE!

Stop by tomorrow where the questions you all have been asking will finally be answered! I’ll also be having one last Mind Games/Double Cross Giveaway!

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Possible Reading & Day 1

Today through Wednesday, July 14th, is Once Upon a Read-a-Thon hosted by Pure Imagination, Reading Angel, and Candace’s Book Blog. To find out more info, you can go HERE and to sign-up go HERE! Some amazing prizes are going to be given away as well! You can check those out HERE.

I was lucky enough to be asked to host a mini challenge for the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon, so make sure if you’re participating, you stop by on Wednesday and check that out!

Now this is a 3 day read-a-thon, so sleeping will be needed at some point no matter what. You can read as little or as much as you like, and take part in as many of the challenges as you wish (especially mine ;)), but I will make one recommendation for this. If you’re going to try to stay up and read as long as possible, you might want to chill on the coffee and processed sugar. I’d go with tea and maybe fruit for snacks w/ natural sugar. Those seem to keep me going longer than about anything else when I need to stay up.

On to my reading choices. I’ve got a nice pile of books sitting here waiting for me ranging from young adult to adult, urban fantasy to paranormal romance, romance to steampunk, and whatever else my heart desires. I’m sticking to shorter books so that I feel like I’m accomplishing something during this read-a-thon. I also have a few ebooks and audiobooks ready in case the mood strikes. So hopefully I’m prepared.

Here’s my list of books I’ll probably choose from:

• Hunger by Barbara J. Hancock
• Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey
• The Society of S by Susan Hubbard
• Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Wiengarten
• Blue Bloods by Melissa de le Cruz
• Take Me If You Dare by Candace Havens
• Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe by James M. Ward
• A Season of Eden by J.M. Warwick
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
• Blood Vice by Keith Melton
• The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman
• Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine (audiobook)
• Superstition’s Desire by Lisa M. Campbell (ebook)

I’ll update this post later today as I read! Wish me luck!

Oh, and those of you that have participated in read-a-thon’s before and who want to share tips for others, please do so!!

Vanessa Vaughn Blog Tour: Interview

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Shop on Saturday (18)

Here are some of my finds around Etsy this week!

I love this black lace and velour dress by TRASHGLAM!

Any gothic loving guys in need of a jacket? This Zemeck Full Length Jacket by Zentity is pretty awesome!

It’s art & a bookshelf all in one! I love this Sun Bookshelf from Brianna Kufa Metal Designs.

I think this Hellebore Embers necklace/choker by December Mourning Dark Arts is lovely and unique!

This beautiful handmade leather journal by La Paperie & Cozy has a quote from “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe in the first page with an image of a raven in a tree.

 

So, what do you all think of my finds this week?

BBA Post: Heather @ Darkly Reading Guest Blog

Today, I asked Heather to come by and talk about Mind Games by Carolyn Crane, since I know it’s one of her favorite books. You should all go check out Heather’s awesome blog Darkly Reading. You can also follow her on Twitter! Here’s Heather!

Top 5 reasons to read and love Mind Games:

1. A flawed heroine I can relate too. Let’s face it – most urban fantasy heroines are flawed but in such extraordinary ways it’s hard to relate too – daddy’s the big bad destroyer of worlds and damaged your childhood, if you fall in love with someone you might suck away their life, your bad breath could destroy humanity (ok so that is not really an affliction from a book but some mornings I think I might have this superpower). But if you ever think to yourself maybe this potato salad at the family reunion will be your last or you forgot to wash your hands at a public restroom and are therefore destined to get a flesh eating bacteria then I have the perfect heroine for you - Justine. She uses her powers of hypochondria for good to break down the bad guys and man would I like to believe my own personal idiosyncrasies could lead to super powers.

2. Picking a team (and a man for Justine) is like picking a food group. So by the end of Mind Games there are clearly two men going for the leading hero slot in Justine’s life – Otto and Packard who have been dubbed Team Cucumber and Team Kebab, respectively. They both have a lot going for them – Otto wears a beret and capes and is the hero of Midcity while Packard is a little dangerous and has that whole living in a Mediterranean restaurant while running a vigilante group thing going for him. I see Sanchez as Benjamin Bratt while Kevin McKidd makes a great Packard.

3. Superpowers through environmental pollution. Let’s face it – the way the environment has been abused lately it would be nice if someone could say..”hey I destroyed this pristine coastline but all the children born in this area will have the ability to destroy me with their mental powers.”

4. There has never been a supernatural called a disillusionist or highcap before. After all the vampires and werewolf books you’ve read lately isn’t it nice to add a new supernatural group to the family.

5. I wouldn’t call Justine a slut but she does see a lot of “action” in the book. I can’t help it – I love the smutty parts too ;)

Well that’s my quick top 5 – I would love to hear who ends up on Team Kebab or Team Cucumber and who is your favorite disillusionist?

BBA Post: Double Cross ARC by Carolyn Crane Giveaway!

As I’ve mentioned before July’s book for BBA is Mind Games by Carolyn Crane. I’m going to take a detour to explain what BBA is again, because I’ve had some questions. BBA stands for Book Bloggers Anonymous. It is the brainchild of Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews. We wanted a place where we could all get together and discuss a book in detail with other book lovers and not worry about having spoilers out there or anything that you worry about on your blog.  So a few of us kept discussing it and throwing names out and more ideas, and BBA was born. A book gets voted on once a month for the next months book and that is the book discussed on Goodreads.  One blog is the host blog every month, and it rotates. It’s up to them what they want to post pertaining to the book. It can be anything from contests, to interviews, to their reasons for loving the book/series. Another note: it’s called Book Bloggers Anonymous, but it is a public group on Goodreads so anyone that would like is welcome to join. You don’t necessarily have to be a blogger, you just have to love to read and discuss books! End detour.

So, have you read Mind Games and are now anxiously awaiting the next Justine Jones book, Double Cross, like I am? Would you like to be one of the first people to get your hands on a copy of Double Cross. Here’s your chance!

 

SOME SECRETS COME BACK TO HAUNT. OTHERS COME TO KILL...

Justine Jones has lived her life as a fearful hypochondriac until she's lured into the web of a mysterious mastermind named Packard. He gifts her with extraordinary mental powers-dooming her to fight Midcity's shadowy war on paranormal crime in order to find the peace she so desperately craves.

But now, serial killers with unheard-of skills are terrorizing the most powerful beings in Midcity, including mastermind Packard - and his oldest friend and worst enemy, Midcity's new mayor, who has the ability to bend matter itself to his will.

As the body count grows, Justine faces a crisis of conscience as she tests the limits of her new powers and faces an impossible choice between two flawed but brilliant men . . . one on a journey of redemption, and the other descending into a pit of moral depravity.

Available September 28, 2010

 

Carolyn is being wonderful as always and up for grabs to you fellow readers is a signed ARC of Double Cross! (Picture me being very jealous of you at this time, because I am!)

Now I want to make sure this lovely prize will go to someone who has read Mind Games. So pay attention to the rules for entry below!

• To enter leave a comment below with you email address. (If you’re not comfortable leaving it in the comment, send it to me, but you must still leave the comment w/ links)
• You get one entry per review of Mind Games you post. Post reviews on your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, etc. You must leave a link for each review, otherwise I can’t count it.
• You do not have to be a follower to enter, though it is appreciated.
• This contest is for US & Canada addresses only. Sorry. (I’ll give you International readers a chance for a pre-order in a few days!)
• The ARC will not be ready until closer to the September 28th release. So the winner will not get the prize straight away.
• Contest will end at 11:59 CST July 31, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

Win on Wednesday: Contests Around the Blogosphere (24)

Started by Abigail @ All Things Urban Fantasy

Alright everybody some major changes have been made to my Win on Wednesday post! I’ve been thinking of changing it for awhile. It has been getting longer and longer, which was making it harder to navigate the way it was. I’ve asked around and most of the responses I got seemed to agree with me that I needed to change it. So the format is now much more like Abigail had it on All Things Urban Fantasy. So do you like it this way or do you prefer the old way?

Anyway, feel free to email, tweet (DM or @-reply) or fill out the form at the bottom whenever you have a contest if you want to make sure it gets added to the list!

Be aware that what’s listed here is not necessarily accurate or as detailed as the page will be, it’s just a guide so read the rules before you enter the contests. :)

1. NEW The Neverending Shelf- a signed copy of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit by Susan Kaye Quinn. Contest ends July 8, 2010. (US residents)
2. I Heart Monster- Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. Contest ends July 8, 2010. (International)
3. The Bibliophile’s Lounge- $15 to spend at the Book Depository! Enter by July 8, 2010. (International where the Book Depository ships)
4. Bite Club- a signed book and swag from Chloe Neill. Contest ends July 8, 2010. (US/Canada only)
5. Pop Culture Junkie- an Aimee Friedman Prize Pack. Books include Sea Change, French Kiss, Hollywood Hills, South Beach, and The Year My Sister Got Lucky. Contest ends July 8, 2010. (US only)
6. Enchanted by Books- Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker by Marla Martenson. Enter by July 8, 2010. (US residents)
7. The Eclectic Reader- a signed UK copy of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner. Contest ends July 9, 2010. (International)
8. NEW Reading Angel- a copy of Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong. Enter by July 9, 2010. (US residents)
9. NEW Book Junkie- The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain. Enter by July 9, 2010. (US/Canada only)
10. NEW Smexy Books- A Devil In the Details by K.A. Stewart. Contest ends July 9, 2010. (US/Canada only)
11. NEW Tales of Whimsy…- Forbidden Sea ARC by Sheila A. Nielson. Enter by July 9, 2010. (US/Canada only)
12. NEW Smokinhotbooks- Linger by Maggie Stiefvater. Contest ends July 9, 2010.
13. NEW The Neverending Shelf- $15 for books from the Book Depository. Contest ends July 9, 2010. (International wherever the Book Depository delivers)
14. NEW The Neverending Shelf- $50 CSNstores.com GC. Contest ends July 9, 2010. (US only)
15. NEW The Neverending Shelf- 10 bookmarks from Erin Blakemoore. Contest ends July 9, 2010. (US residents)
16. The First Novels Club- a signed copy of A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler. Enter by July 9, 2010. (US residents)
17. Shooting Stars Mag- your choice of mix from Coffee Cup Creations. Enter by July 9, 2010. (US addresses only)
18. What Book Is That?- a Chloe Neill swag pack with bookmarks, a pen, and a wristband! Enter by July 9, 2010. (US/Canada residents only)
19. Mundie Moms- 3 bookmarks by Hebel Designs. Enter by July 9, 2010. (International?)
20. Fire and Ice- a Yellow Vespa photo print. Enter by July 9, 2010. (International)
21. Dark Faerie Tales- Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams. Contest ends July 9, 2010. (US/Canada only)
22. Steph Su Reads- Prada & Prejudice and an ARC of You Wish by Mandy Hubbard. Enter by July 9, 2010. (US only, international-if willing to pay for shipping)
23. Steph Su Reads- an ARC of Sapphique by Catherine Fisher. Enter by July 9, 2010. (US only, international-if willing to pay for shipping)
24. The Smarty Owl- is having a 50 Followers/Blogovesary/Birthday Bonanza Giveaway! Contest ends July 9, 2010. (US only,International- w/ limited prizes if the Book Depository ships to you)
25. NEW Book of Secrets- a signed copy of Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield and an “I <3 Vampires” lanyard. Contest ends July 9, 2010. (US-signed book, International-unsigned book)
26. NEW Etsy It Up!- an assortment of goodies from Carolina Pad! Contest ends July 10, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
27. NEW Blog with Bite- Siren by Tricia Rayburn. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US/Canada only)
28. NEW Book Lovers Inc.- a signed copy of Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler. Enter by July 10, 2010. (International)
29. NEW Paperback Dolls- a signed copy of Mind Games by Carolyn Crane. Contest ends July 10, 2010. (US/Canada only)
30. NEW Paperback Dolls- Rock & Bone Cuff inspired by Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series by cadsawan.com. Contest ends July 10, 2010. (International)
31. NEW My world… in word and pages- Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler. Contest ends July 10, 2010. (US/Canada only)
32. NEW Seductive Musings- One Season of Sunshine by Julia London. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US addresses)
33. NEW Seductive Musings- 5 copies of Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)
34. LA FEMME READERS- 3 copies of Lost For Words by Alice Kuipers. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US residents)
35. Luxury Reading- Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
36. Fire and Ice- your choice of Sea inspired items. Enter by July 10, 2010. (International)
37. A Good Addiction- And Then Everything Unraveled and And Then I Found Out the Truth by Jennifer Sturman. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)
38. What Book Is That?- a L.O.S.T. mug from Karin Harlow. Enter by July 10, 2010. (International)
39. Book Lovers Inc.- a signed copy of I’ll Be Slaying You by Cynthia Eden. Contest ends July 10, 2010. (International)
40. From the Shadows- Choice of Crazy School by Cornelia Read or Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. Contest ends July 10, 2010. (US mailing addresses)
41. Luxury Reading- 3 copies of The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Enter by July 10, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
42. blkosiner- a signed copy of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles or $5 Amazon e-GC. Contest ends July 11, 2010. (US only, unless willing to pay for shipping or where GC is usable)
43. I Heart Monster- a signed copy of Firespell by Chloe Neill. Contest ends July 11, 2010. (International)
44. Tales of Whimsy…- an ARC and a copy of Deception by Lee Nichols. Enter by July 11, 2010. (US/Canada)
45. Fire and Ice- a set of laminated bookmarks by The Forks Forest. Enter by July 11, 2010. (International)
46. NEW Reading With Tequila- $10 GC to BetterWorldBooks.com. Enter by July 12, 2010. (Wherever BetterWorldBooks.com will deliver)
47. NEW The Qwillery- Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler. Contest ends July 12, 2010. (International)
48. NEW Welcome to Larissa’s Life- ebook of Beauty Tempts the Beast by Leslie Dicken.  Contest ends July 12, 2010. (International)
49. NEW Paperback Dolls- Fever series & Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning. Contest ends July 12, 2010. (International)
50. A Journey of Books- 5 copies of To Surrender to a Rogue by Cara Elliott. Enter by July 12, 2010. (US/Canada mailing addresses)
51. A Journey of Books- 5 copies of Desire Me by Robyn DeHart. Contest ends July 12, 2010. (US/Canada mailing addresses)
52. Bites- Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare to a book blogger for review. Enter by July 12, 2010. (International)
53. Parajunkee’s View- signed copies of Shiver and Linger by Maggie Stiefvater. Contest ends July 12, 2010. (US/Canada, international if willing to pay for shipping)
54. Luxury Reading- Sand in My Eyes by Christine Lemmon. Enter by July 12, 2010. (US residents)
55. NEW Enchanted by Books- ebook of Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee, signed postcard, and a vampire bite tattoo. Enter by July 13, 2010. (International)
56. NEW Fang-tastic Books- 3 ebooks of The Devlin Fae by Jess C. Scott. Enter by July 13, 2010. (International)
57. NEW The Cozy Reader- Chloe Neill swag pack. Contest ends July 13, 2010. (US/Canada mailing addresses)
58. NEW Fang-tastic Books- Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook by Deborah Blake. Contest ends July 13, 2010. (US shipping)
59. Geeky Blogger’s Book Blog- a $25 Amazon or B&N GC. Contest ends July 13, 2010. (International wherever either of those can be used)
60. The Eclectic Book Lover- One Scream Away by Kate Brady, For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper, To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory, My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel, annd Kill for Me by Celia Johnson. Enter by July 13, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
61. Lovin’ & Livin’ Life in the 808- Stupid on the Road by Leland Gregory. Enter by July 13, 2010. (US only)
62. Dark Faerie Tales- Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin. Contest ends July 13, 2010. (International)
63. Rex Robot Reviews- 3 copies of Desire Me by Robyn DeHart. Enter by July 13, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
64. Reading with Tequila- choose books from Paranormal Fantasies, Cozy Mysteries,and Apocalyptic & Dystopians. Contest ends July 13, 2010. (International)
65. NEW The Qwillery- Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison and Flyaway necklace by Cemetery Cat Jewelry. Enter by July 14, 2010. (International)
66. NEW Welcome to My World!- stained glass, wind chimes, and soap. Contest ends July 14, 2010. (International)
67. NEW Bree Despain- a book bag full of amazing prizes! What prizes it holds will depend on how many people we can get to view her book trailer located here. Contest ends July 14, 2010. (International?)
68. Fire and Ice- an ARC of Manifest by Artist Arthur. Contest ends July 14, 2010. (International)
69. Book Faery- 3 Prize Packs including books by Anne Bishop, Kresley Cole, and Patricia Briggs. Contest ends July 14, 2010. (International)
70. Dark Faerie Tales- The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis. Contest ends July 14, 2010. (International)
71. Teens Read and Write- 3 signed copies of Bella Should Have Dumped Edward by Michelle Pam. Enter by July 14, 2010.
72. Luxury Reading- 2 copies of Strange Neighbors by Ashlyn Chase. Contest ends July 14, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
73. NEW The Cajun Book Lady- $20 GC to CSNstores.com. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
74. NEW The Story Siren- 3 signed copies of Life, After by Sarah Darer Littman and posters. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US residents)
75. The Book Muncher- South Beach, French Kiss, and Hollywood Hills by Aimee Friedman. Contest ends July 15, 2010. (US mailing addresses)
76. Rex Robot Reviews- 4 copies of To Surrender to a Rogue by Cara Elliott. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
77. Mundie Moms- signed author swag including a poster, postcard, and bookmarks! Enter by July 15, 2010. (International)
78. The Bibliophilic Book Blog- an eReader or $100 Amazon.com GC! Contest ends July 15, 2010. (International)
79. The Bookish Type- Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US- 2 books, international-1 book)
80. Strange Candy Reviews- Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton. Contest ends July 15, 2010. (International)
81. About Happy Books- 3 people will win a book of choice (up to 12 Euros) from the Book Depository. Contest ends July 15, 2010. (International where the Book Depository ships)
82. The Undercover Book Lover- ARCs of Nightshade, Paranormalcy, Halo, Pegasus, and The Eternal Ones and 5 packs of 5 Gum. Contest ends July 15, 2010. (International)
83. Dark Faerie Tales- a signed copy of Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
84. The Introverted Reader- a Gail Carriger prize pack or a Historical Fiction Favorites prize pack.Contest ends July 15, 2010. (International where the Book Depository delivers)
85. The Cajun Book Lady- Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US addresses)
86. The Cajun Book Lady- a make your own Glee Gum Kit. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US residents)
87. The Cajun Book Lady- 3 signed copies of Cyber Writers and the Zebra of Life by Karen Kostlivey, 2 signed posters, and swag. Enter by July 15, 2010. (US residents)
88. NEW Jennifer Laurens- 20 signed Heavenly t-shirts and signed copies of Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens. Enter by July 16, 2010. (International)
89. NEW The Story Siren- Prophecy of the Sisters Prize Pack! Enter by July 16, 2010. (US residents)
90. NEW The Neverending Shelf- 3 copies of Dear Teacher by Amy Husband. Contest ends July 16, 2010. (US only)
91. The Story Siren- 2 BEA Prize Packs full of swag and books. Contest ends July 16, 2010. (International)
92. Steph Su Reads- Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. Enter by July 16, 2010. (International)
93. Steph Su Reads Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert. Enter by July 16, 2010. (US only, International if willing to pay for shipping)
94. A Journey of Books Masked by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon. Enter by July 17, 2010. (US mailing addresses)
95. Fire and Ice- a silver spool necklace from JustJaynes. Contest ends July 17, 2010. (International)
96. NEW Book Lovers Inc.- an Amazon GC. Enter by July 17, 2010. (International)
97. NEW Intense Whisper- 1 copy of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame Smith, 2 copies of Lover Mine by J.R. Ward, and a book of choice(up to $10 in value). Contest ends July 18, 2010. (US- 3 books, International- book of choice where the Book Depository ships)
98. NEW The Book Vixen- Dawn of the Shadow by Peter Kelly. Enter by July 18, 2010. (International)
99. NEW All Things Urban Fantasy- an Urban Fantasy prize pack from CSNstores.com. Enter by July 18, 2010. (US only)
100. NEW Book Lovers Inc.- a book of choice from Richelle Mead. Enter by July 18, 2010. (International where the Book Depository delivers)
101. LA FEMME READERS and A Good Addiction are having a Summer Bash Giveaway! Winners get a choice of a pre-order from Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Nightshade by Andrea Cremer, and Paranormalcy by Kiersten White. Contest ends July 18, 2010. (International where the Book Depository Delivers)
102. NEW The Book Vixen- Shiloh Walker swag. Enter by July 19, 2010. (International)
103. NEW The Book Vixen- signed copies of Shiver and Linger by Maggie Stiefvater. Enter by July 19, 2010. (US only)
104. Dark Faerie Tales- Nightwalker, Dayhunter, and Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake. Contest ends July 19, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
105. NEW The Cajun Book Lady- 3 audiobooks of The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker. Contest ends July 20, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
106. NEW The Story Siren- a signed copy of The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells. Enter by July 20, 2010. (US residents)
107. NEW Luxury Reading- Adam by Ted Dekker, The Island by Elin Hilderbrand, The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal, Rich Boy by Sharon Pomerantz, and Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson. Contest ends July 20, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
108. NEW The Book Muncher- The Society of S, The Year of Disappearances, and The Season of Risks ARC by Susan Hubbard. Contest ends July 20, 2010. (US/Canada mailing addresses)
109. A Lush Budget Production- a signed set of either the Wolves of Mercy Falls or Faeries by Maggie Stiefvater. Enter by July 20, 2010. (US residents only)
110. NEW Lovin’ and Livin’ Life in the 808- Carnal Sin by Allison Brennan. Enter by July 21, 2010. (US addresses)
111. NEW That’s What I’m Talking About…- Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh and Demon Blood by Meljean Brook. Enter by July 21, 2010. (International where the Book Depository delivers)
112. NEW Pop Culture Junkie- 3 paperback copies of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Contest ends July 21, 2010. (US only)
113. Meghan’s Book Blog- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Contest ends July 21, 2010. (US/Canada only)
114. NEW Dark Faerie Tales- Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey. Contest ends July 22, 2010. (International)
115. NEW Fiction Vixen Book Reviews- 3 winners will get One Scream Away by Kate Brady, For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper, To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory, My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel, and Kill for Me by Karen Rose. Contest ends July 23, 2010. (US/Canada mailing addresses)
116. NEW Steph Su Reads- And Then Everything Unraveled and And Then I Found Out the Truth by Jennifer Sturman. Enter by July 23, 2010. (US only)
117. NEW Steph Su Reads- The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney. Enter by July 23, 2010. (US only)
118. NEW Dark Faerie Tales- Red Hot Fury by Kasey MacKenzie. Enter by July 23, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
119. NEW Luxury Reading- Hidden Wives by Claire Avery. Enter by July 24, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
120. NEW Luxury Reading- 3 copies of War by Sebastian Junger. Enter by July 24, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
121. NEW Luxury Reading- Unfinished Business by Lee Kravitz. Enter by July 24, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
122. Fire and Ice- a pendant made out of a vintage flower pin by VeyCourtCottage. Enter by July 24, 2010. (International)
123. Rex Robot Reviews- 4 copies of Dangerous Desire by Dee Davis. Contest ends July 25, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
124. NEW At Home With Books- choose from Shadow of the Swords by Kamran Pasha, The Four Corners of the Sky by Michael Malone, Irretrievably Broken by Irma Fritz, and The Vera Wright Trilogy by Elizabeth Jolley. Enter by July 25, 2010. (US only)
125. NEW Library Girl Reads- choice of 9 books. Enter by July 26, 2010. (US only)
126. NEW Rex Robot Reviews- Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer. Enter by July 26, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
127. NEW From the Shadows- pre-order of Tyger, Tyger by Kersten Hamilton. Contest ends July 27, 2010. (International where the Book Depository delivers)
128. NEW Candace’s Book Blog- a piece of jewelry from Hazelaid. Contest ends July 27, 2010. (International)
129. NEW The Cajun Book Lady- 3 winners will get One Scream Away by Kate Brady, For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper, To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory, My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel, and Kill for Me by Karen Rose. Contest ends July 28, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
130. Fire and Ice- the Movements of Water photography print by Nicole Gelinas. Enter by July 28, 2010. (International)
131.  NEW Books, Books Everywhere- a black and red bracelet. Contest ends July 29, 2010.
132. Fire and Ice- 2 fairy matte prints and bookmarks by Samantha Nowak. Enter by July 29, 2010. (International)
133. NEW Seductive Musings- 3 winners will get One Scream Away by Kate Brady, For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper, To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory, My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel, and Kill for Me by Karen Rose. Contest ends July 30, 2010. (US/Canada mailing addresses)
134. NEW Lisa Desrochers- choose from a signed Personal Demons ARC by Lisa Desrochers, Other by Karen Kincy, The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade, Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber, or Shadow Hill by Anastasia Hopcus. Contest ends July 30, 2010.
135. Extreme Reader Book Review- a signed ARC of The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong and 4 pins, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, and Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman. Contest ends July 30, 2010. (International)
136. NEW Reading with Tequila- choice of up to 4 books: The Replacement ARC by Brenna Yovanoff, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown, Out of Eden by Beth Ciotta, Shiver and Linger ARC by Maggie Stiefvater, or Thin Rich Pretty ARC by Beth Harbison. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (US residents)
137. NEW Storywings- Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward. Enter by July 31, 2010. (International where the Book Depository delivers)
138. NEW Paranormal Haven- 450 Follower Giveaway! Choice of 2 books from Lion's Heat by Lora Leigh, Naked Dragon by Annette Blair, Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole, The Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks, Love In The Time Of Dragons by Katie MacAlister, Risk No Secrets by Cindy Gerard, Undead and Unwelcome by MaryJanice Davidson, Blood of the Demon by Diana Rowland, Shift by Rachel Vincent,  and Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
139. NEW A Lush Budget Productions- a Create Your Own Cover Contest for Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Prizes include an ARC of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, White Cat by Holly Black, and Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
140. NEW By Pen or By Sword- signed copies of The Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink and The Hollow by Jessica Verday. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
141. NEW Book Lovers Inc.- a book (up to $10 in value) of choice for those that leave comments on non-contest posts. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International where the Book Depository delivers)
142. NEW Cherry Mischievous- £10 Amazon GC to a follower. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International where Amazon online GC can be used)
143. Alaine-Queen of Happy Endings- choose from The Dark Rose by Cynthia Harrod Eagles, Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, and Time’s Legacy by Barbara Erskin. Enter by July 31, 2010. (International)
144. vvb32 reads- Mansfield Park and Mummies by Jane Austen and Vera Nazarian and a mummy doll. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
145. vvb32 reads- Edmund Betram’s Diary by Amanda Grange. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
146. vvb32 reads- 2 copies of The Crimes of Dr. Watson by John H. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
147. vvb32 reads- Sherlock Holmes, comic book #4 by Leah Moore and John Reppion. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
148. vvb32 reads- Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories by Agatha Christie. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
149. vvb32 reads- Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
150. vvb32 reads- Who Killed Mr. Boddy? by A.E. Parker. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
151. vvb32 reads- The Jane Austen Handbook by Margaret C. Sullivan. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
152. vvb32 reads- 3 copies of The Sherlock Holmes Handbook by Ransom Riggs. Contest ends July 31, 2010. (International)
153. NEW Rex Robot Reviews- Lucy Springer Gets Even by Lisa Heidke. Enter by August 1, 2010. (US/Canada residents)
154. NEW I Heart Monster-3 audiobooks of Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. Contest ends August 1, 2010. (US/Canada physical addresses)
155. NEW I Heart Monster- And Then Everything Unraveled and And Then I Found Out the Truth by Jennifer Sturman. Contest ends August 1, 2010. (US only)
156. NEW A Good Addiction- 2 copies of The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller. Enter by August 1, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)
157. NEW A Journey of Books- 5 copies of Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer. Contest ends August 1, 2010. (US/Canada addresses)
158. The Bibliophilic Book Blog- Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory. Enter by August 1, 2010. (US/Canada only)
159. LA FEMME READERS- The DUFF by Kody Keplinger. Contest ends August 1, 2010. (International)
160. NEW Fire and Ice- Pietersite ring from Epic Loot Guild. Enter by August 2, 2010. (International)
161. NEW Fire and Ice- a plushie Matryoshka doll from Micasita House. Enter by August 3, 2010. (International)
162. NEW Lovin’ & Livin’ Life in the 808- Mind Games by Carolyn Crane, Mind Games/Double Cross bookmark, and box of chocolates. Contest ends August 3, 2010. (US addresses for delivery, but anyone can enter)
163. NEW Maybe Tomorrow?- Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong signed/unsigned books and swag to multiple winners. Contest ends August 3, 2010. (US/Canada prizes, International prizes)
164. NEW Fire and Ice- 3 Dungeons and Dragons books. Contest ends August 6, 2010. (International)
165. NEW Leilani Loves Books- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. Contest ends August 13, 2010. (US only)
166. NEW Bitten by Paranormal Romance- 2 books, an autographed book cover, a bookmark, and pen. Enter by August 16, 2010. (US only)

 

Weekly Contests:

~Fang-tastic Books has giveaways weekly, with winners announced on Wednesdays.

~Bitten by Books has new contests daily, ranging from interviews to daily book chats.

Heads Up:

Check out Book Faery’s Contest Finds- A place to enter in your contests to help spread the word about them.

 

Like I said, feel free to email me anytime at notreallysouthernvampchick(at)gmail(dot)com with any contests you want me to put in my next Win on Wednesday post, or fill out my pretty new form below! Also, if I missed a contest of yours, leave a link in the comments if you want to get the word out about it. Or if I got something wrong in the list, please let me know. :)

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? (18)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila @ One Persons Journey Through a World of Books!

 

Reviews Posted Last Week:

• The Missing by Shiloh Walker

Books Completed Last Week:

• Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
• Wake by Lisa McMann

Books I am Currently Reading/Listening To:

• Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine
• Pack of Lies by Vanessa Vaughn

What’s Up Next:

• Superstition’s Desire by Lisa M. Campbell
• The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith

In My Mailbox (17)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren & inspired by Pop Culture Junkie

Here’s what I’ve received in the last 2 weeks. Sorry I’m a day late posting it, but here it is!

For Review:

From Seth at CSNstores.com

• Atlantic Canoe Wood Cabinet (DVD/CD/VHS storage)
• Atlantic Framework 120 CD/ 60 DVD Stand

From Colette at Heetr Promotions and Publicity

• Superstitions Desire by Lisa M. Campbell

Sent/Given To Me:

From Aria’s Dark Musings

• I <3 Vampires lollipop (It’s purple and sparkly too! She knows me so well! :D)
• Twilight Trading Cards (I got a Jasper card. I <3 Jasper)
• The necklace doesn’t show up well in this picture, but Aria made it for our Steampunk Surprise Giveaway winner! So woo hoo! It’ll be on it’s way soon!

Bought By Me:

At Borders

• Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

From Amazon.com

• Yoga Zone: Evening Stress Release
• Yoga Zone: Meditation

Borrowed from the Library:

R.E.A.D.S. (Regional eBook & Audio Download System) – Online Library for TN

• Wake by Lisa McMann
• Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine

Shop on Saturday (17)

What all have I found this week? See for yourself!

I’ve been loving the World Cup this year and let out a big squeee when I saw this World Cup Full-Size Scentsy Warmer from Lanae Tatman on twitter!

I love this original artwork Heartache and Poetry by Jaime Best at Best Art Studios 2. You can get prints and bookmarks there too!

This Sophia in Black Necklace by EzCrane Jewelry Designs is absolutely stunning! I need something like this!

This Ferociously Purple Vampiric dress is a custom order design by Curiously Alice. I love it!

Ok, so saying I’ve been obsessed with parasols since I read Soulless could be a bit of an understatement. That obsession has just gone up several notches. Behold my perfect parasol! *cue heavenly music from above*

 

This Elegant Purple and Black Chandelier Crystal from Parasols by Tamie is one of several gorgeous creations!

What do you think of this week’s choices? What is your favorite?

BBA July Book ~ Mind Games by Carolyn Crane & Giveaway!

If you haven’t noticed it before, there’s a group on Goodreads called Book Bloggers Anonymous. It was started by Steph @ Paper Cut Reviews and last month was our first month with A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix hosted by Paranormal Haven. It was a whole lot of fun, and this month I was lucky enough to be selected as the host!

This month our book is Mind Games by Carolyn Crane! From July 1st-15th there will be Mind Games fun sprinkled around my blog. You never know when it might pop up, so be on the lookout!

We’re going to start things off right now with a giveaway! First here’s a synopsis of Mind Games for any of you not familiar with it.

 

JUSTINE KNOWS SHE’S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW.
Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem.

Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.

 

Carolyn’s website I TwitterI Facebook I Blog I Goodreads

 

Want to win a signed copy of Mind Games? Leave a comment below, answering one of these questions. Are you taking part in our BBA discussions of the book? Is there anything you’d like to ask Carolyn if you got the chance?

*Leave your email w/ your comment. Open to all.

Contest closes July 15th, 2010, 11:59 CST. Winner will be announced July 16th.