Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sweet Evil Read-Along: Week 4 - Halloween


I am cutting it a little bit close, but week number four in the Sweet Evil Read-Along isn't quite over yet. This awesome event is being hosted by the amazing Mindy of Magical Urban Fantasy Reads and this week we were reading chapters twenty-six all the way through to thirty-one.

Our topic for the fourth and final week is:

HALLOWEEN!!!

I'm originally from Germany and we didn't have/celebrate Halloween when I was growing up. I still remember watching kids dress up and go trick-or-treating in movies, and being a teeny tiny bit jealous of them. The only thing I can remember, is a Halloween party at my school when I was 13 or 14 or something like that.

Nowadays, it has become more popular, especially in the bigger cities, but the little town I grew up in still doesn't seem to be big on it. My mom told me she had three kids coming to her door last year which made her incredibly happy.

Well, but since I'm not living in Germany anymore and am now the proud mommy of a four-year-old boy, I do get to experience the whole thing with and through him. He was one the first time we went trick-or-treating and it was so cute because he had just started walking. We only went to three houses but he had so much fun. The last two years we went with his cousins which made it even better for him. I remember when he was two and we started going up the stairs of the first house, he got so nervous and shy - and yes, a little bit scared, funny enough though, not of the decorations, just of the people. Well, but as soon as he found out that he got candy at the doors, he couldn't get from house to house fast enough.

Needless to say, he's already super excited for Halloween this year, though he hasn't quite made up his mind about a costume yet. Last year, he went as Curious George and right now, he wants to go as Spider-Man, but we shall see. A lot can happen in four days... ;)


Mini Review

Again, I love this book and the characters so much. If anything, I would have only one slightly negative comment. I felt, at times, it was too much about Anna and Kaidan and their relationship issues, where I would have rather had more Nephillim stuff going on. There was some action at the end and I am really, really hoping there will be more of that in book two, SWEET PERIL.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

This might be an odd rating. I had initially intended to give it a 4.5 because of what I just said above, but I am missing those characters too much already and just couldn't do it.

*****

Thank you so much to Mindy for hosting this awesome event! I loved every minute of it!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Sweet Evil Read-Along: Week 3 - Truth or Dare



We are now into the third week of the Sweet Evil Read-Along which is being hosted by the always amazing Mindy of Magical Urban Fantasy Reads.

Like the last two weeks, there is also a topic for week three, and it is:

Truth or Dare

Where I grew up, we called it "Wahrheit oder Pflicht" which translate to "Truth or Obligation." I thought I remembered playing it once with my older brother and his friends, but as I was writing down the story, I realized it was only, what you would call, "Ding Dong Ditch" or "Ring and Run." My memory really isn't what it used to be.

So, now I have decided to tell you a few of my truths, since I can't really dare myself. They are just random.

1. I have moved seven times within the last seven years. At one point, I moved three times within ten months. During those seven moves, I changed countries twice and continents once.

*****

2. This next one is kind of embarrassing and I can't believe, I'm actually going to share it with you. I might be the slightest bit obsessed - though that's probably too strong of a word to use - with the number six. When I set my alarm clock, the time has to work out so I can divide it by six. Even sometimes when I'm eating or drinking, I make sure I chew or take a sip a certain number of times. Yes, yes, I do realize that does make me sound extremely weird. I've been doing it for years, and just can't seem to shake this odd habit of mine.

 *****

3. Yes, I need to take a break now because I'm exhausted and my brain doesn't seem to be functioning properly which results in me not being able to remember anything else. *sigh*

 *****

4. I bought two pears the other day and it was all Kaidan and Anna's fault! Seriously, I walked into the grocery store and when I saw the pears, I immediately had to think of the two of them. How could I not grab a couple?

 *****

5. I wish I could read faster. I envy all the people who read a book in four or less hours. Years and years ago I thought I was a pretty fast reader, but now I seem to take at least triple the time I needed before to finish a book...

 *****

6. Do you want to read a sad truth? It took me not one, not two, not three, no FOUR days to get to my number six. Yes, I have been sitting on this post for the past four days and the really sad part is, I don't have a whole lot to show for it, but well. *sigh*

*****

I think I will stop at number six, though. It's not because it's six, but because week three is nearing its end. Of course, I will not leave before giving you a


Mini Review
(more like Mini Thoughts)


For this week we were supposed to read chapters seventeen through twenty-five and I have to say one of my favorite parts of these chapters was the introduction of several new characters, but one in particular. No, I am not talking about Kopane, though he is...WOW... Intense!

No, I am talking about the always refreshing Ginger! I just love how very protective of and loyal to her sister, Marna, she is. Her comments are witty, smart, and yes, snarky. You can definitely tell she is masking hurt and betrayal behind those comments, and I love her all the more for it. She is one of my favorites, for sure, and I am hoping to read much, much more about her.

As a matter of fact, I picked one of Ginger's quotes to share with you this week:


"Ooh! We can have a slumber party with Anna, Gin!" Marna cut me off.

"Oooh, yes, goody," Ginger said in a deadpan tone. "The two of you can tell stories while I gag and puke."


I really, really enjoyed these chapters - so much so that I have finished the book already. Since I don't want to give anything away, in case you haven't read ahead yet, I won't say anymore right now.


Happy Reading!!!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Character Interview - Drew Armstrong of Scott Tracey's Witch Eyes series

Today I have the utmost pleasure in welcoming one of my favorite fictional characters ever, and since the latest book he is starring in just got released on Monday, October, 8th, what better time could there possibly be than now. The book I'm talking about is, of course, Demon Eyes by Scott Tracey, and visiting my blog today is none other than the incredible  

Drew Armstrong!

Before we get started with the interview, here is a little bit more information about the author.

About the Author
 
Scott Tracey lived on a Greyhound for a month, wrote his illustrated autobiography at the age of six, and barely survived Catholic school (and definitely not for the reasons you might think).

His career highlights include: accidentally tripping a panic alarm and nearly being shot by the police, being attacked in a drive-thru window by a woman wielding a baked potato, and sending the health department after his (very brief) place of employment.

His gifts can be used for good or evil, but rather than picking a side, he strives for BOTH (in alternating capacity) for his own amusement.

Where to find him:

Blog      Facebook      Witch Eyes Facebook Fanpage      Twitter      Goodreads      Tumblr

*****

Demon Eyes is the sequel to Witch Eyes which was released on September 8th, 2011 by Flux. You can find my review for it right here. I should also mention that you can get Witch Eyes FREE for both Kindle and Nook for a limited time only! You can find the links on where to get both books after the interview.

Now, without further ado, I give you Drew Armstrong!

 


1. Hello Drew, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog today. On the off chance there are still clueless people out there who don't know who you are, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself and the story you're a part of?

Ugh, seriously?  Fine, whatever.  Drew Armstrong, 6’1”, dark hair, athletic build, Scorpio.  I like hiking in the woods and the systematic annoyance of my enemies.  I come from a town called Belle Dam, population: who the hell cares because everyone’s brainwashed anyway. 
The basic gist is this: I come from a town where witches are real, and they’ve been fighting since this side of forever.  You’ve got the Lansing side of town, and the Thorpe side of town, but they’re both sociopaths, so it doesn’t matter which side you join up with.
Before my mom had her breakdown, she used to say that the feud had been really bad once upon a time: tidal waves attacking the town, earthquakes, the whole nine yards.  So after a summer spent on the road after a few misunderstandings back home, I come back to town just as everything goes all insane once again.  Only this time, there’s this kid caught up in the middle, and he’s basically an idiot.  

[smiling_ina: Best introduction ever! :)] 


2. What were your thoughts when you first found out about your heritage? What did it feel like the very first time you shape-shifted?

Oh right. That.  For those who don’t know, I’m a shapeshifter.  Do you have any idea what it’s like to be seven years old and on the first day of school you can’t hold a shape for more than a few minutes?  It sucks, and then you get home schooled for the next three years because your mother doesn’t trust you, and you have to get rid of your dog because he suddenly hates you. 
I hated it for a long time.  When things get stressful, or I get really pissed, the animal part of my brain starts taking over, and it sucks.  But it comes with some other perks.  I’ve learned how to make other animals do what I want, which is always nice any time I need a flock of birds to leave a deposit on Gentry’s new car.

[smiling_ina: Haha, I can just imagine what Gentry's face must look like when he sees that. I'm sorry you had to give away your dog. That must have been so hard. :(]

 

3. Do you prefer one form over the other? I'm sure both human and wolf form have their perks.

You’ve been talking to Braden, haven’t you?  I told you, that kid’s an idiot.  You want to be a real predator, you become an elephant and just sit on whatever’s coming at you.  The problem with Belle Dam is that you’ve got to learn to adapt.  Every form has its perks, and you have to adapt quickly.  Otherwise the demons win.

[smiling_ina: Yes, I admit I just pictured you as an elephant. Don't blame me, you're the one who said it! LOL]


4. So, what do you think of Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe? How does it affect your opinion about Braden?

Nothing Jason and Catherine do in this town is for anyone’s benefit other than their own.  Braden’s a bit of an idiot, but he’s caught up in a bad way.  Both sides are pushing to claim him, and either way he’s screwed.  It’s all a chess game to them, and what do they care if they lose a pawn or two?  So someone needs to watch out for him, because he’s clearly not doing a good enough job of that on his own.

[smiling_ina: I sense you have taken it upon yourself to do that job for him - watching out for him, I mean. It's not an easy job to do.]


5. Do you think Braden is in over his head, that he doesn't know what he has gotten himself into? Do you trust him at all? Also, do you think it's a good or bad thing he has come to Belle Dame?

Just because I think Braden is a bit of an idiot doesn’t mean I think he’s stupid.  He knows what he’s getting himself into, at least he thinks he does.  That’s the problem with this town.  You always think you know what you’re up against, and then at the last minute things change.  They did for me.  They will for Braden.
Do I think it’s a good thing that he’s come to Belle Dam?  I guess that would depend on the part of the question you forgot to mention.  ‘For who?’  I know Braden must have eaten all his spinach growing up, big and strong in all the ways that Catherine and Jason would like.  But it’s not like there’s a lot of people who are really looking out for him.  They want the weapon, no one really cares about the kid.  I get that.

[smiling_ina: You keep calling him an idiot, but deep down I think you really care for him, don't you?! You can tell me. I can keep a secret, I promise! ;)]


6. Speaking of coming to Belle Dame, was it a very difficult decision for you to come back? How did you cope with what happened to your parents?

My mom always used to say “there must always be an Armstrong in Belle Dam,” like it was some kind of magic spell that could ward away evil.  Maybe she was just crazy, or maybe there was something to it.  All I know is that ever since I left, all I could think about was how I was going to come back and make them pay.  It was like this tug in my chest, a feeling that didn’t go away until the bus pulled into the station outside of town.
How do I cope with what happened to my parents?  How does anyone?  It taught me to be strong, to be independent.  I don’t like owing anyone anything.  I’d rather they owe me something.

[smiling_ina: I completely understand. I definitely think it's a very good thing you came back.]


7. There is one question I've been dying to ask you. I know she is your friend and all, but what is the deal with Riley? I am getting a weird vibe of off her, and am wondering if we can really trust her. Do you trust her or do you also believe she has her own agenda of some sort?

Riley’s a good kid, but she’s kind of an idiot, too.  Too smart and too curious for her own good.  She’s one of the few people who knows about me, and I wish she didn’t.  Because that led her down the path to investigating all sorts of things in Belle Dam’s history, and why the town has grown the way it has.  She mistakes tenacity for invulnerability  - one day soon she’s going to ask the wrong person the wrong question, and she’s not going to be able to defend herself.  So I try to keep her out of it as much as possible.  

[smiling_ina: Idiot really seems to be one your favorite words, isn't it?! So, but you're saying she is just being too curious and nosy. I have to say I'm a little bit relieved now, because I really wasn't sure what to make of her.]


8. I don't know if Scott will allow you to talk about this, but whatever did happen with Jade? (I'm not nosy at all!)

I was a perfect young gentleman who happened to turn into a were-lemur at an inopportune time, there were pitchforks and torches, and I was politely asked to leave and never come back.

[smiling_ina: I see...speak about bad timing, huh?]


9. If you could ask Scott to write in a scene with you in it, what kind of scene would it be? Who else would be in it?

It would be a napping scene.  I would be alone, taking a nap, in a quiet room with no doors or windows. 
Seriously, are you insane?  Do you not know what happens to people in these novels?  The less I have to participate, the better.  

[smiling_ina: LOL After the interview I just read with Scott over on fiktshun, I truly believe where you're coming from. You wouldn't want to mess with him. :D] 

 

10. If the books were to be made into movies, who do you think should be cast to portray your character? I do realize it would be a tough job for anyone to live up to your awesomeness, but who do you think would have the best shot at it?

Oh please, like anyone could live up to my hotness.  It’s just depressing how much uglier they’d have to make me in the movie.  I’d probably ending up looking like Trey or something.
I’ve been told that Michael Trevino from the Vampire Diaries is a less hot version of me, but I’m partial to Tyler Hoechlin from Teen Wolf.  He looks like he could beat the crap out of a Lansing. 

[smiling_ina: LOL I had a feeling you'd have a hard time accepting the fact nobody could ever properly betray your hotness and uniqueness.]


11. OK, one final question, just for fun. If you were to get caught in a Zombie Apocalypse, how would you fight them? Who would you like as your allies?

Can I use my abs as a weapon?  Because they’re  effective  at distracting Braden all the time…

[smiling_ina: Oh, I don't doubt their effect for one second! LOL]



Lastly, some quickie "Favorite" questions:

Favorite food:
You probably expect me to say something like “bunnies” don’t you?  But I’m going to do you one better.  Those onion blossom things, the fried ones with the dressing.  Amazing.
[smiling_ina: I am so glad you didn't go for the bunnies!]

Favorite movie:
Anything James Bond.

Favorite book:
Maxim magazine….what?

Favorite band:
Linkin Park. Their older stuff, at least.
[smiling_ina: I LOVE their older stuff!!!]

Favorite song:
You’re assuming I’m going to pick something like “Hungry Like the Wolf” don’t you?  But I’d much rather go with “I’m Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO.
[smiling_ina: Actually, I was thinking of "I'm Sexy and I know It" for you myself. It's just too fitting, isn't it?!]

Favorite past-time:
Annoying the Lansing family.

Favorite thing about Belle Dame:
Annoying the Lansing family. 

Least favorite thing about Belle Dame:
Gentry Lansing.  The fact that everyone kisses his ass.   The smug look on his face.
[smiling_ina: Oh dear, unresolved issues, anyone? ;)]


Thank you again so, so much for answering all my questions, Drew! You can come back anytime! You are always welcome here! I cannot wait to read about what you and "the gang" are up to in Demon Eyes.

*****

About the books


Goodreads description:

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. [...]

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.



Witch Eyes is FREE for Kindle and Nook right now, so don't wait another second, go get it!!!

Amazon                              Barnes & Noble

*****
Demon Eyes description is spoiler-y for Witch Eyes!!!

Goodreads description:

Demons don't die without a fight...

After destroying the demon Lucien, Braden—son of Belle Dam’s most powerful warlock, Jason Thorpe—doesn’t need the power of his witch eyes to see that everything in his life is turning against him: friends, family, and even his visions. When disturbing nightmares of Lucien’s return haunt him, Braden discovers that the simmering feud between the city’s two witch dynasties is fast approaching its explosive boiling point.

While struggling to come to terms with his attraction to Trey, Catherine Lansing’s son who should be his mortal enemy, a diabolical plan starts to unveil before Braden’s eyes. Young women are disappearing from Belle Dam, and as he investigates, Braden is forced to explore the dangerous unknown power within himself. But when the truth about his family is revealed, Braden must pay a terrible price.


Amazon                              Barnes & Noble


Official Deity Book Trailer + Apollyon Cover Reveal

This is my very first time taking part in a Book Trailer and Cover Reveal and I couldn't be more excited about the author and her books. She is one of my absolute favorites.



Deity (The third book in the Covenant Series)
Available in both print and digital version on Nov. 6, 2012

*****

Official Deity Book Trailer



Did you read an ARC of Deity and been dying to get your hands on Elixir, the novella told in Aiden’s POV and picks up right after the end of Deity? Well, you don’t have to wait any longer. The free novella is available now. DO NOT read Elixir if you have not read Deity. It will spoil Deity for you and not to mention, you will have no idea what is going on. 
 
Elixir will be available in print. Kindle, and Nook formats on November 27, 2012.
Click HERE to read Elixir. 


 *****
 
And we’re super excited to share the cover for the 4th book in the Covenant Series, Apollyon, which is due out April 2013. 

 
Can I just say how much I LOVE the cover for Apollyon! It is absolutely stunning! I love, love, love the colors and the motive.
It's breathtaking. Definite cover love going on here!


*****

The amazing author


Check out Jennifer L. Armentrout on the following sites:

 Facebook
Twitter
Official Website

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Sweet Evil Read-Along: Week 2 - Citrus or Pear Recipe


We are in week two of the amazing Sweet Evil Read-Along which is being hosted by the wonderful Mindy of

This week's topic is:

Citrus or Pear Recipe


Now, I have to admit I don't know any citrus or pear recipes myself. I'm actually not a citrus fan whatsoever, and my favorite way of eating a pear, is fresh from the tree when it's still green and pretty hard. That's how I like my pears.

Since I don't have a recipe of my own, I went and hunted one down that I think I will have to try very soon. Credit for it goes to Kraftcanada.com.

Apple-Pear Crumble Pie



Prep time:   20 min
Total time:  1 hr 5 min
Makes:        10 servings, 1 piece (100 g) each

What You Need

24 cup Nilla Vanilla Wafers, finely crushed (about 2/3 cup)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
125 g (1/2 of 250-g pkg.) Philadelphia Brick Cream Cheese, softened
1 frozen deep-dish pie shell (1/2 of 350-g pkg.), thawed
2 large baking apples, peeled, sliced
1 large fresh pear, peeled, sliced
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1-1/4 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping

Make It

HEAT oven to 375ºF.
MIX wafer crumbs, brown sugar and butter until well blended.
SPREAD cream cheese carefully onto bottom of pie shell; sprinkle with half the crumb mixture. Combine fruit in large bowl. Add granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon; toss to coat. Spoon over crumb layer in pie shell; sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.
BAKE 45 min. or until fruit is tender and pie shell is lightly browned. Cool completely. Serve topped with Cool Whip.
 
Head over here to see the whole recipe with a picture. YUMMY!!! Now, I don't know about you, but my mouth is all watery.

*****

Last week I got a little bit hasty with my Sweet Evil post, because I forgot to include a mini review of the first nine chapters. Don't worry, I will be talking about them today.

Mini Review

Oh dear, you have no idea how happy I am I signed up for this read-along. Who knows how much longer I would have deprived myself of getting to know these amazing characters in this incredible world.

I love Anna. She is so sweet, innocent, and just absolutely pure. Then you have Kaidan, who is the complete opposite of everything that makes Anna who she is. I do not usually say this about any fictional character, but boy, he is hot and sexy and oh so dangerous.
I adore both Patti and Jay. Patti is such an amazing, caring person, and Jay just seems like a great, great friend to have.
On a side not, I am utterly terrified of Kaidan's dad. There, I said it.

So far, I am enjoying every second of this story. I felt a connection to Anna right from the start and the way the author Wendy Higgins writes, you live every little scene through Anna. Every time she fights with her own emotions, you can feel the tugging and pulling in your own body. It's fantastic.

I have always found stories about angels and demons to be very fascinating and intriguing, so this is the perfect kind of book for me. I cannot wait to read what happens next.

*****
 
I picked a favorite line to share with you guys, and I chose this particular one because it almost had me falling off the couch laughing so hard.

Anna and Kaidan:


"Kaidan...do you think you could try to be a gentleman, at least while we're traveling together, and maybe wear shorts to bed?"

"Ahh...I see." He sat back. "The sight of my arse gave you quite a fright, did it?"


Oh, have I mentioned how much I love Kaidan's British accent?!?! Because I do!!!