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Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger.

In her mother's eyes, Sophronia is a failure. She's way too interested in mechanics, spying, and climbing and things just happen around her that tend to end with flying desserts landing on honored house guests. She's particularly dismayed when she discovers that a rather meddlesome honored houseguest has recommended her to attend Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Mademoiselle Geraldine's is not what one would expect-- first of all, it's a flying school, so it's harder to find. Second of all dance lessons also include lessons on how to pass messages back and forth without being noticed. Then there are the classes in fighting. And poisons. In the middle of this educational intrigue, there is real intrigue-- flying highway men are attacking the school, after something the school has, and hidden. What is it? And where? Secret late-night trips to the boiler room, mechanical dogs and more...

This is the first book in Carriger's new YA series, set in the same world as Parasol Protectorate. It's set several years earlier, but there is a bit of character overlap-- most noticeably one of Sophronia's classmates is Sidhaeg and the little boy running around helping Sophronia--you'll recognize that one, too.

This is a fun series, with fewer vampires and werewolves and more steampunk technology than Parasol Protectorate. There is no romance in this one, which on one hand-- YAY! A YA book with girls and no romance! On the other hand, BOO! Carriger writes romance so well!

I missed the paranormal politics of the first series, but enjoyed the quick adventure of this one and want to delve more into this part of this world and see how it develops.

Book Provided by... my wallet

Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.

Damsel Under Stress Shanna Swendson

This is the 3rd book in the Katie Chandler series. Obviously, there are some spoilers for earlier books

Wahoo! Katie and Owen finally got their act (and themselves) together. But, of course, in the world of corporate magic, it all goes to hell in a handbasket immediately.

Ari’s escaped from MSI’s holding cells and it quickly becomes apparent that Irdis is a puppet in a larger plot to bring down Merlin and the MSI team.

Plus, every time Katie and Owen do get a moment together, Katie’s fairy grandmother tries to “help” with disastrous consequences.

Poor Katie and Owen! Owen just gets more and more adorable and Katie’s determination to keep her magical and non-magical lives separate gets harder and harder. I also love how the Irdis plot continues to deepen and thicken, giving it more teeth. Owen also takes Katie home for Christmas, and finally meeting his foster parents explains a lot.

Not my favorite book in the series, but a good bridge novel for the later part of the series.

Book Provided by... my local library

Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.

Today, I'm taking part in the release party for A Privilege (The Angel Chronicles book #3) by Amy Lignor. I've got an excerpt and a giveaway for you!

Books 1 and 2 are now 99 cents on Kindle!
   




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Have you read any books in this series? If not, what do you think of the blurb and excerpt?

Summary:
Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

My thoughts:
Okay, my book The Monster Within stars a girl who is brought back from the dead, so naturally I had to read Cursed. Also, Ember is a lot like Jodi from Touch of Death because she can kill with a single touch. But Ember's curse is much stronger than Jodi's, so I really felt for her. She has to wear long sleeves, gloves, and pants all the time to avoid killing the people around her. And her own mother thinks Ember is dead and won't acknowledge her presence. In fact, after the accident, Ember's mother became a shell of her former self, which leaves Ember to take care of her little sister on her own. The same little sister who raised her from the dead.

When Hayden shows up to help Ember, she doesn't want to hear of it. But after Cromwell takes her sister and mother, Ember has no choice but to stay with the group of gifted people and find out more about who she really is. But can she find a way to manage her curse and be around others?

Ember is such a likable character. I felt for her. She's broken, yet strong for her sister's sake. I got very wrapped up in the story and flew through it. I definitely recommend it.

Just for fun: If you had Ember's sister's power and could bring anyone back from the dead, who would you choose?

Happy Monday! Here's my mishmash of thoughts:

1. Drafting  I'm between edits right now, which means I'm drafting like a mad woman. It feels amazing to be writing a new book. 
2. Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Winner  Congrats to Natasha for winning the giveaway. Natasha, I'm mailing your hard cover copy of The Last Little Blue Envelope this morning.
3. Easter  Anyone else feel like Easter crept up too quickly? I'm not ready.
4. Cleaning  After the past two weeks of crazy editing deadlines, my house is looking... Um, let's just say I'm hoping no one drops by for a few days while I get things in order again.
5. The Monster Within  The cover of my April 2014 YA paranormal The Monster Within (Spencer Hill Press) is currently being designed by the very talented Lisa Amowitz. I'm so excited to see it.

Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson

Katie Chandler is back! Just a small town Texan girl living in the city. Her friends all think she's normal to a fault, but at work, her normalness is what makes her special. She's Merlin's Assistant at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc. because she's completely immune to magic. She can see through illusions and glamors.

Phelan Idris may have been defeated, but he hasn't given up. In fact, he's now stalking Katie outside of work to try to get under her skin (it's working.) Plus, top secret plans have been stolen from Owen's lab, so no one at MSI is trusting, or talking to anyone else, let alone working as a team. Merlin puts Katie on the task of finding out who's the inside-man and finding a way to boost morale. Plus, she's dating Ethan and trying to have one date where magic doesn't turn it into a disaster. To top it all off, her parents are in town, and it turns out, her mother's also immune.

Katie's barely keeping her head above water, and that's when her immunity goes away. And doesn't come back.

So, Katie explained *why* it took her so long to tell anyone she lost her immunity, but I totally wanted to smack her the entire time about that-- such a stupid decision. I did like Katie's interactions with her parents and how she kept having to come up with new excuses to give her mother about what she was seeing. I also really liked the mystery at play. I was very surprised by who the culprit turned out to be and did NOT see it coming, even though, looking back, the clues were completely there.

I also just love this brand of urban fantasy. Despite the big bads, it's light and fluffy and very fun.

I want more Rod. He's a character that's growing on me and I'd like to delve into that a little more. I also really loved the hilarity of when Katie was no longer immune to him.

But overall, I just like Katie. She's full of plain common sense (except for the stupid decision above) and has a good head on her shoulders. She's a bit insecure around guys, but not in a "oh, I'm so boring and normal and plain but every guy in the world wants me" sort of way. I find her insecurity honest and it doesn't get in the way of everything else. Yes, guys are there, but she has bigger things on her plate, so they're not the major priority.

Overall, it remains a fun series that I'm excited about reading more of.

Book Provided by... my local library

Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.

Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales volumes 1 and 2 are now available in a bundle! Not only do you get both books together, you save 25% too!

Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales (Bundle Vol 1 & 2) 

by Jen Wylie and Sean Hayden

Anthology Bundle

Published March 17 2013

Price: 2.99 (save 25%)

Available at [Amazon]

IT’S THE BEST OF BOTH BOOKS!
Okay, technically it’s just BOTH BOOKS in ONE seriously funny and scary easy to read, purchase only once, compendium of the deranged! And you save almost a WHOLE DOLLAR! Do we rock or do we rock?

An anthology of the strange, bizarre, and just plain weird.

Zombies, vampires, ghosts, and …crickets? Try a taste of writing from two very different fantasy authors. Flash stories are super short and perfect for when you ‘just have a minute’. This anthology contains 15 stories from authors Sean Hayden and Jen Wylie. Run the rampart of emotions in this exciting mix of tales. From humor to twisted, there is something for everyone.

Unicorns, zombies, devils, dark whispers, teddy bears, and …fireflies? Try a taste of writing from two very different fantasy authors. Flash fiction stories are super short and perfect for when you ‘just have a minute’. This anthology contains 15 stories (both flash and longer short stories) from authors Sean Hayden and Jen Wylie. Run the rampart of emotions in this exciting mix of tales. From humor to horror, sweet to twisted, there is something for everyone.
~*~

Note: Some stories contain adult language.

Please welcome Tiffany Allee to the virtual offices today!  Tiffany is celebrating the release of Lycan Unleashed, the latest book in her From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency series. After the interview, enter for your chance to win a copy of Tiffany’s new book!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Tiffany Allee] Romance writer. Owned by cats. Secretly a super agent with a license to kill.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Lycan Unleashed?

[Tiffany Allee] Lycan Unleashed follows Astrid Holmes, a detective and sensitive from the Chicago Police department’s paranormal unit, as she tries to solve a homicide—and clear her name after evidence disappears while in her custody. In order to do that, she has to work with OWEA agent and lycan, Mason Sanderson. Sparks and bullets fly!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Tiffany Allee] This is the third installment in my From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency series, and while each can be read as a standalone book, many of the characters cross over between stories. Astrid is one of the characters who has been in all of the books thus far, and I’ve been eager to give her the spotlight. She’s quiet and small, and with no offensive powers (outside of her sidearm), she’s easy to dismiss as weak. I wanted to tell her story, show her strength, and give her a chance at her happily ever after.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Astrid?

[Tiffany Allee] Strong. Kind. Determined.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Mason had a theme song, what would it be?

[Tiffany Allee] Oh, gosh. I don’t know! Maybe, You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC. Haha!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Astrid is never without.

[Tiffany Allee] Her home base—wherever that may be—is never without her cat, Charlie.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Mason’s bedroom?

[Tiffany Allee] Porn. A clown. Cats.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Astrid’s greatest regret?

[Tiffany Allee] At the beginning of the book, she regrets letting Mason kiss her the year before. More seriously, her regrets revolve around things that she really had no control over, but she regrets them all the same. I don’t want to reveal too much, but most of her regrets revolve around her family.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Tiffany Allee] Gosh, lots of tough questions! I’m not really sure who has influenced me, but I love Margaret Atwood, Ilona Andrews, and Stacia Kane. I grew up reading lots of Mercedes Lackey, Stephen King, and Tamora Pierce. I’m sure these writers and plenty of others have influenced me and continue to do so, along with movies and television and my life.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Tiffany Allee] My laptop, background music courtesy of Pandora, and Scrivener.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Tiffany Allee] The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood. The woman is able to knock me out with her writing, and simultaneously scare me to death.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Tiffany Allee] Oh goodness, I’ve been a huge reader since I discovered Stephen Cosgrove and Robin James (I still vividly remember Leo the Lop). Little Women was another big one that I loved. During middle school and heading into high school Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, and Christopher Pike books cemented my obsession.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Tiffany Allee] I love to hang out with my husband, pester my cats, and travel to visit family. I also really enjoy hiking—but only in the winter since I live in Phoenix. I like to ski, but I don’t get around to it much anymore.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Tiffany Allee] Readers can connect with me on my blog and website, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Ready to enter for your chance to win a digital copy of Lycan Unleashed? Just fill out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following!

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Didn’t win? You can order Lycan Unleashed and the entire From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below

About the book:

Happy Monday! Here's my mishmash of thoughts:

1. Love All is only $1.99!  In honor of Valentine's Day, my publisher Swoon Romance lowered the price of Love All to $1.99. Grab your copy here before the price goes back up.
2. Advantage: Heartbreak and Perfect Match  Novellas two and three in the Game. Set. Match. Heartbreak series have been pushed back to May 7 and October 15. I'm relieved. Spacing them out will make them much easier for me to promote. I've extended the time on the Team Ash or Team Noah poll in my sidebar to span the entire series. Don't forget to cast your vote. :)
3. Touch of Death FB Quiz  The quiz is up and running! Now you can see how well you know Jodi and the other Ophi in Touch of Death. I've seen some of you have already taken it and posted your results on FB. Thank you! I hope you found it fun.
4. Plotting a New Novel  I've been researching for a new book and playing around with Scrivener to help me plot it. So much fun!
5. Into the Fire Cover Reveal  Month9Books made a video to reveal the covers of their new books and showcase those coming out soon. My YA paranormal Into the Fire is in it! I'm so excited. It's gorgeous! And it's the thumbnail for the video! Check it out!

Today’s special guest is Jade from Boone Brux’s Kiss of the Betrayer!  After the interview, check out how to enter for a chance to win a copy of Kiss of the Betrayer!

Character Interview with Jade

Manga Maniac Café: Today we have Jade Kendal with us, heroine of Boone Brux’s new release, Kiss of the Betrayer. Thank you for joining us, Jade.

Jade: I’m happy to be here.

Manga Maniac Café: So Jade, let’s cut to the quick. Why did you try to kill Luc?

Jade: Kill is such a strong word.

Manga Maniac Café: You stabbed him.

Jade: Yes, but it was just a misunderstanding.

Manga Maniac Café:  So, you didn’t mean to stab him?

Jade: No, I did, but that was before we worked out our differences. We’re fine now.

Manga Maniac Café: I’d say you’re fine. Tell me what went through your head when Luc stripped down to his naked goodness and entered the hot pools.

Jade: Nothing went through my head. Nor could I breathe, nor speak, nor look away. *Telling pause* He’s very—pleasing to look at.

Manga Maniac Café:  Agreed! Let’s talk about your sister. She used to date Luc, didn’t she?

Jade: He did court her when they were younger, but that was a long time ago.

Manga Maniac Café: No sisterly rivalry?

Jade: A bit, but only because Rell was angry that I wouldn’t kill Luc.

Manga Maniac Café: Yes, I can see where that would put a strain on your relationship with her. Can I be blunt?

Jade: *nods*

Manga Maniac Café: : Your sister has a few—emotional issues.

Jade: That is an understatement. But to be fair, she had gotten a raw deal for most of her adult life. You’ll have to read the book to find out exactly why, but once you do, you’ll see she’s had cause to be a little snippy.

Manga Maniac Café: I don’t want to give away any of the exciting points in the story, but your sister had her own agenda, didn’t she?

Jade: I guess so. Her whole existence has been geared toward killing Luc. I’m fairly certain she never thought beyond that goal. It really wasn’t healthy.

Manga Maniac Café:  Let’s talk about something more pleasant. Are there wedding bells in your future?

Jade: I can’t really say. We’ve got a lot going on right now—an epic battle with the Demon Bane—healing my sister—finding a very important person that could change the course of our struggle—rescuing all the frozen Bringers from the Shadow World. Getting married is at the bottom of our list. There’s no guarantee that either Luc or I will come out of this alive.

Manga Maniac Café:  You’re tough and wily, I’m fairly certain you’ll be just fine. One final question. What do you think of the author, Boone Brux?

Jade: *Silently contemplates the question* Well, I’m a little miffed about the whole torture incident in the Shadow World, but she made up for it in the end. I like her—but I don’t trust her.

Manga Maniac Café:  Words to live by. Thank you for joining us and Merry Christmas to you and the rest of the Bringers.

Jade: Merry Christmas to you too and all the wonderful readers out there.

Manga Maniac Café: Thank you!

Giveaway Time!!!

Ready to enter for your chance to win a copy of Kiss of the Betrayer? Just fill out the widget below to enter! Earn extra entries for following.

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Didn’t win? You can order a copy of Kiss of the Betrayer from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below:

About the book:

Find Kiss of the Betrayer on

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15103450-kiss-of-the-betrayer

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kiss-of-the-betrayer-boone-brux/1110688151?ean=9781620610350

Book Depository – http://www.bookdepository.com/Kiss-Betrayer-Boone-Brux/9781620610350

About Boone:

As a multi-published and an award-winning author, Boone’s writing drips with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it’s not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and every event is fodder for one of Boone’s novels.

Find Boone Brux on

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4420439.Boone_Brux

Website – http://boonebrux.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/boonebrux

Blog – http://boonebrux.com/blog.html

Nico Rosso is visiting the virtual offices today to chat about Ironheart, which is part of the Holding Out for a Hero. This superhero anthology is super fun, so if you haven’t read it yet, I recommend giving it a chance.  To make it easy for you to get a copy, Nico brought along a digital copy for one of you to win!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Nico Rosso] I’m a romance writer married to another romance writer (Zoë Archer), and I’m happy to talk writing or whiskey or whatever else inspires.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Ironheart?

[Nico Rosso] Ironheart is the story of two superheroes, Vince “The Anvil” and Kara “SnapDragon” in a desperate fight. Yes, there is a super villain, but Vince and Kara’s real battle is for a second chance at romance. They had a brief fling that she cut off. Now she’s back, but for the right reasons?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Nico Rosso] I knew I wanted to explore the difference between a bad-boy hero and a newer heroine starting to learn what it is to fight crime with super powers. Vince needed to be a little rough around the edges, so the idea of a man who is harder than iron seemed natural. Giving Kara her powers from cosmic energy took her literally and figuratively off the earth, so at first, she would be less grounded and searching for herself.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Vince?

[Nico Rosso] Tough. Principled. Rough.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Kara had a theme song, what would it be?

[Nico Rosso] Fire Woman by The Cult. It has some lilting melodies, like she flies on her power wings, and the song also rocks hard, the way she fights when it’s all on the line.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Vince is never without.

[Nico Rosso] The Red Line, a small earpiece phone that connects all the members of the Heroes Guild.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Kara’s bedroom?

[Nico Rosso] A nightlight. Her cosmic energy glows red, so she can easily light up a room.

-A handgun. Even without her powers she’s a formidable fighter. With her power scales around her and linked together in a lashing whip, she is a living weapon.

-Plane tickets. She can gather her energy scales into wings and fly wherever she wants to go.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Vince’s greatest regret?

[Nico Rosso] Even though it was from circumstances out of his control, I think he will always be haunted by the fact that his parents didn’t live to see him saving the world.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Nico Rosso] I like to pull ideas from all kinds of sources, from observing people out on a date, to ancient myths, to fine art and photography. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so I try to keep my eyes open as much as I can.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Nico Rosso] I need inspiration, a hook or some way in to the piece I’m writing. It could be emotional, a interesting plot twist, or just a unique way of describing the environment.

-I guess I don’t need quiet, but I like it. I’ll often listen to music on headphones in order to keep the noise of the outside world out of my head.

-I need to eat. Usually I’ll write until I get hungry, break to eat, then write again.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Nico Rosso] Honestly, the last book I read that really floored me was my wife’s second Nemesis, Unlimited book Dangerous Seduction. I’m really lucky that I get to read her work months before it hits the shelves.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Nico Rosso] Because I grew up deep in movie culture, I came to reading late (except for reading comic books). I remember nearing the end of my college years and really being taken by the novel Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Nico Rosso] Usually, when I’m not writing, I like to be doing something physical or with my hands. Cooking or woodworking or hiking or photography.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Nico Rosso] I can be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nico_Rosso

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nico-Rosso/113422452057013

-My Website: http://nicorosso.com

[Manga Maniac Café] Thank you!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Ready for your chance to win a digital copy of Holding Out For A Hero?  Just fill out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Didn’t win? You can order Holding Out For a Hero from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.

About the book:

May Contain Spoilers

From Amazon:

Review:

I’m a huge fan of Jack Frost stories, even though I hate the cold.  Go figure.  When I saw Frosted by Wendy Sparrow, I was intrigued enough to give it a read.  It’s a novella clocking in at just under 120 pages, which makes it a perfect choice if you’re pressed for time.  There were a few pacing issues, and Kate’s personality was a bit inconsistent, but overall, this is a cute read about second chances and learning to trust.

Kate fell through thin ice while skating seven years ago.  She was whisked away to Jack Frost’s wintery kingdom, and after a brief courtship, she agreed to marry him.  Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Wrong.  Kate only agreed to the wedding so she could go back to the mortal realm.  She has never learned to trust because her parents were both selfish and focused only on each other, and after their divorce, Kate became a pawn for them to battle over, but only until they each stated new families.  Then poor Kate was kicked to the curb and forgotten.  Being rejected by her parents scarred her and made her unable and unwilling to trust others emotionally.  When she’s swept off her feet by Jack, she just can’t believe that they can find happiness.  And this prophecy thing he keeps bringing up? Impossible.  There is no possible way that their union and their happiness could be written in the stars or whatever crazy thing he’s talking about.  When she’s returned to the mortal world to say her goodbyes, Kate takes the opportunity to flee instead, to sunny Florida, where she is certain he can’t follow her.

When a business opportunity forces her to Denver, she is terrified that Jack will find her.  When he does, she wants to run again.  He scares her, with his icy beauty and cool charm.  She is terrified of being hurt when he tires of her.  But a funny thing starts happening when she’s forced to spend time with Jack; she finds herself falling in love with him, and she wonders if maybe things can work out between them.  Should she give him a chance, and put herself and her emotions, at risk?  Can she learn to overcome the freezing cold she experiences, that constant state of discomfort, with Jack always at her side?

I loved Jack’s character.  He is maybe a little too focused on his goal of winning Kate back, without ever really having any doubts about her being with him.  Hey, their union has been foretold by the fae, right?  Which leaves him bewildered and hurt when she flees with half of his power.  He is willing to forgive her, with no regrets, if only she’ll give their relationship a chance.  Kate, on the other hand, felt very inconsistent to me.  First she can’t get away from Jack quickly enough, and then, halfway through the story, she has a major change of heart that didn’t convince me that her feelings had changed and that she was willing to work at a relationship with Jack.  It seemed that she was now driven by a sense of guilt, after discovering the damage she’d brought to Jack’s kingdom by abandoning her husband with half of his power.

Despite a these misgivings, I found Frosted to be a fast, enjoyable read, perfect for a wintery afternoon.

Grade:  B

Review copy provided by publisher

Title:  Something Strange and Deadly Author:  Susan Dennard

May Contain Spoilers

From Amazon:

Review:

I was disappointed with Something Strange and Deadly.  Honestly, I don’t know if anything could have lived up to the hype surrounding this title, and since I was waiting with such a sense of anticipation, it fell short for me.  The beginning was intriguing – Eleanor is searching for a sign from her brother that he’ll be returning home soon, and poof!  A stinky, reanimated corpse gives her a note from Elijah.  That’s so much better than using a carrier pigeon!  Just wrestle up a corpse when you need to pass a note to somebody!  It will terrify the recipient, but  who’s going to try to incept your missive? 

After it is apparent that Elijah has decided, yet again, to delay his homecoming, Eleanor’s mother decides to use the opportunity to hold a séance, instead of the already planned and paid for  welcoming party.  She has to marry Eleanor off, if they hope to retain their current lifestyle, since Elijah isn’t doing his job and providing for them.  With Elijah a constant no-show, Eleanor’s mother is getting desperate.  With her husband dead and her son failing to care for the family, desperate measures are called for.

I loved the séance.  It’s creepy, and her mother’s foolishness calls forth a very dangerous spirit.  Whoa!  Who would have thought that a parlor game would have such frightening results?  The evil spirit dogs Eleanor’s footsteps for the entire book, so, yeah, thanks, mom, for messing around with stuff you are obviously not capable of handling.

I am trying to put my finger on why this story didn’t work for me, and I think it was because there is so much going on.  And because Eleanor is constantly leaping into danger.  There are zombies lurching around the graveyard?  Let’s go check them out!  There are headless corpses wandering the streets?  Let’s go out without a chaperon and see what we can find out.  While all of the sneaking around showed that Eleanor was headstrong and wasn’t going to take a backseat to anyone, it also proved that she lacked the one thing necessary for living a long and zombie-death free life.  Yup, that common sense stuff.  Eleanor needed to display a little more of it.  A lot more, actually.

Another thing that drove me batty was how the characters snarled, shrieked, growled, and screamed at each other.  All of those noises!  Nobody just talked or held a quiet conversation.  Nope!  That’s just a pet peeve of mine, though, and your mileage may vary.

There is a dreaded love triangle, between handsome, wealthy Clarence and Daniel, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who is on the run from the law.  He’s a gifted inventor, though, and his devices help battle the zombies.  I never liked Daniel, which was another impediment to my enjoyment of the book.  I didn’t like the way either potential love interest treated Eleanor, but Daniel’s demeanor was particularly grating.  Nicknaming her Empress, he was constantly dismissive of her,  at least until the very end of the book when she saved his bacon.    I don’t know that  I would have thrown myself into the midst of a zombie horde to save anybody in this book, other than Jie. 

While Something Strange and Deadly failed to impress me, it will appeal to action lovers.  If the book hadn’t been so hyped for me, I think I would have enjoyed it more. 

Grade:  C/C-

Review copy obtained from my local library

Amazon.com Widgets

Beautiful Creatures is on sale today only!

Yes, you read that correctly. I made a recent discovery that I like to set scenes in bathrooms. Why? Weird things happen to me in bathrooms. Weird things happen to my family members in bathrooms. So, it only seems natural that weird things would happen to my characters in bathrooms.

To be different, I'm sharing a video I made of me reading one of my favorite bathroom scenes in Touch of Death. Enjoy!



Do you have any weird settings that pop up often in your books?

Today, Wendy Sparrow is visiting the virtual offices!  Wendy’s here to chat about Frosted, and then you can enter to win a beautiful sterling silver snowflake necklace with blue and white Swarovski crystals as well as a copy of Frosted!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Wendy Sparrow] Wife. Mother. Quirky. Obsessive and compulsive. Addicted to Mtn Dew. Professional Insomniac. Believer in happily-ever-afters. Easily amused.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Frosted?

[Wendy Sparrow] Frosted is Jack Frost’s love story. Seven years ago, as prophesied, Kate fell through the ice and into his world. Jack is the Peter Pan of winter at the time. He’s giddy that he’s found his queen and doesn’t see any obstacles. Kate, on the other hand, comes from a broken family and she’s never thought anything could last forever let alone have an immortal bond with a guy she’d thought was only part of a song. In return for marrying him, Jack lets Kate go back to the mortal world so she can say goodbye…and Kate runs off to Florida—out of his reach.

Seven years have passed—five years longer than Kate had agreed to—and Jack is done waiting. His kingdom and its king both need their queen back. Frosted is that story. The courtship of Kate by the king of winter.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Wendy Sparrow] I had this dream about a girl, Kate, walking on the sidewalk and avoiding stepping off with a serious determination—she was not going to step in the snow. She looked down into a frozen puddle and saw Jack Frost’s reflection and he’s irked because she’s his queen and she’s out of reach. I typed it down and tossed it in a folder and then a year later, I heard Kate say in my head, “You’re going to have to find yourself a new queen,” and it was time to write it.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Kate?

[Wendy Sparrow] Insecure. Independent. And even though it doesn’t seem like it at times…deep down…she’s hopeful.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Jack had a theme song, what would it be?

[Wendy Sparrow] Let it Snow. Actually, I guess it should maybe be the Christmas song where he’s been tagged as a nose-nipper…but he hates that. Don’t ever sing that around him.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Kate is never without.

[Wendy Sparrow] Seven layers of clothing.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Jack’s bedroom?

[Wendy Sparrow] A roaring fire. A book on dealing with death. A DVD with the stop motion animated TV special Jack Frost.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Kate’s greatest regret?

[Wendy Sparrow] Kate regrets the extra years she took to realize…uhh…I almost spoiled it. Phew. Close one. She regrets running away.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Wendy Sparrow] Does insomnia count? Insomnia and my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are usually what drive me to write. I can’t sleep if I’ve got a story stuck in my head—and I already don’t sleep much.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Wendy Sparrow] Mountain Dew. Quiet. My laptop. Everything else is negotiable.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Wendy Sparrow] I just read a suspense last month that had a haunted house filled with secret passages on a bayou and some elements of the paranormal. It was just about as much fun as you can have with a book without it getting kinky. The Secret of Cyprier Bayou by Jana DeLeon. Last year, though, I read a lot that were fantastic. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, the False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen, and I, Robot by Isaac Asimov just to name a few.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Wendy Sparrow] Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Wendy Sparrow] When I’m not writing, I’m either reading or on Twitter—I’m fairly addicted to both.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Wendy Sparrow] Twitter. @WendySparrow I will talk to anyone about anything and due to my insomnia…the hour usually isn’t a factor.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!!

[Wendy Sparrow] Thanks for having me on your blog!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

First, Wendy is giving away this beautiful necklace:

Fill out the widget to enter for a chance to win it.

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Ready for your chance to win Frosted? Just fill out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following.

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Didn’t win? You can order Frosted from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.

About Frosted:

About Wendy Sparrow:

At home in the Pacific Northwest, Wendy Sparrow writes for both an adult and young adult crowd. She has two wonderfully quirky kids, a supportive husband, and a perpetually messy house because writing is more fun than cleaning. She enjoys reading with a flashlight under a blanket—the way all the best books should be read—and believes in the Oxford comma, the pursuit of cupcakes, and that every story deserves a happily ever after. Most days she can be found on Twitter where she’ll talk to anyone who talks back, and occasionally just to herself.

Wendy can be reached at the following:

website:  http://wendysparrow.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Wendy-Sparrow/471652932872034

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WendySparrow

Blog:  http://ladybugsroar.blogspot.com/

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3346109.Wendy_Sparrow

Welcome to my Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Hop  hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and co – hosted by YA Between the Lines.  This hop runs from February 21st – 27th,  and you can win lots of new reads.   Click here for a complete list of blogs participating in the hop.

I am giving away a hardcover copy of NOBODY and a paperback copy of Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, thanks to Egmont USA.  Yup, you win TWO books with just one hop!

About Nobody:

About Every Other Day:

You can also check out this video to see Jennifer discuss Every Other Day:

Sound good?  Ready to enter for your chance to win both of these books?  Fill out the widget below for your chance to win!  Earn extra entries for following.  US shipping addresses only, please

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Didn’t win? You can order Nobody and Every Other Day from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below:

Summary:
Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on? And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?

My thoughts:
I've been dying to read this book, yet I put it off because I didn't want this series to end. Hush, Hush is hands down my favorite YA series. I fell in love with Patch and Nora in book one and their relationship just gets stronger as the series progresses.
In Finale, Nora and Patch find themselves on opposite sides of a war, but if you've followed the series, you know they can overcome anything. Nora has to lead the Nephilim army in a war against fallen angels or she'll die since she swore an oath. Over the course of the book, she comes to side with the Nephilim, understanding that they are victims in this battle, and she truly wants to help them. Only she's hiding a big secret—or two. She killed their former leader and she's dating a fallen angel.
The twists in this book are amazing! As they were revealed, I thought, "I should've seen that coming!" But I didn't, which I love. I did predict something major that happened at the end, but I was okay with it because if it hadn't happened, it would've felt unrealistic to me.
I got teary when I finished the book because I don't want to say goodbye to Patch and Nora. This is definitely a series I'll read again and again.

Just for fun:
What's your favorite book about angels?

Random House has another excerpt to share! This time, check out a sample from Lara Adrian’s Edge of Dawn.

Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian (Excerpt) by

If you enjoyed reading this excerpt, you can order Edge of Dawn from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below.

About the Book:

Lure of the Dead Joseph Delaney

In the 10th book of the Last Apprentice series, we take a break from dealing with the Fiend do deal with an issue closer to home. Apparently, a large number of Romanian dark creatures have settled just over the county border. With the destruction of the Spook's library, they're at more of a loss in how to deal with them, as the Spook's notes and research into these spirits is long gone.

Yes, finally, we have a vampire, but these aren't sparkly hot guys. These are horrible, disgusting creatures that provide some the biggest danger we've seen so far.

We also get some horrible information about what Tom has to do next.

In ways, it's a place holder book. I do like that we get non-English creatures and there's the interesting twist of not having to travel to get them. We also really see how much the Spook has aged, and how Tom's apprenticeship is starting to come to an end, how he will soon be a Spook in his own right.

I still love this series (even if I'm a book behind) and OMG YOU GUYS!!! Did you see the movie comes out next fall? With JEFF BRIDGES as the spook? I'm excited, but getting nervous. Mother Malkin's a bit too pretty. And WTF is with this: "Based on the young-adult novel The Spook's Apprentice by Joseph Delaney,Seventh Son casts Bridges as Master John Gregory, a "Spook" who imprisoned the evil witch Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore) centuries before." CENTURIES? Um, no. Spook's not THAT old! We'll see.

In the meantime, I'm going to curl up with the next book, Slither, which looks like an interesting departure. And, of course, counting down the days until September's release of I Am Alice.

Book Provided by... my local library

Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.

Welcome to my Happy New Year 2013 Giveaway Hop,  hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and  co-hosted by Babs Book Bistro.  This hop runs from January 1st – 7th 2013, and you can win lots of new reads.   Click here for a complete list of blogs participating in the hop.

I am giving away a finished copy of Tim Lebbon’s London Eye.

About the book:

Entering is easy! Just fill out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following! US addresses only, please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

• Consuela's husband has Parkinson's. Will the young pill help him?
• Ezekial suffers from E.D. Will the pill cure his curse?
• Police officer, Mike, has let himself go. His physical is coming up. Maybe the pill will help.
• Dee Dee wonders if her husband is cheating. Will the pill make her more attractive? 
• Sherri's washed out as a model. Can the pill re-ignite her career?

Morgan Mandel

Title:  Crash Author: Lisa McMann

May Contain Spoilers

From Amazon:

Review:

Crash arrived in my mailbox as an unsolicited review copy, and after reading it, I’m glad that I received it as  I never would have picked it up on my own.  Protagonist Jules Demarco keeps having the same horrifying vision.  She sees a snow plow smashing into a building, the building explode, and then seven body bags in the snow.  The crash stalks her relentlessly.  Every time she looks at billboards, the TV, or computer screens, it’s there, playing out in all of it’s fiery glory.  It’s almost like it’s taunting her.  She can’t even close her eyes because all she sees is the unrelenting vision of the crash.  When she sees one of the faces in one of the body bags, she is shocked.  It’s the face of the boy she’s loved since grade school.  On the outs with him because of a feud between their families, she’s determined to somehow stop the accident from happening, all the while doubting her own sanity.  Who would believe her, anyway, when mental illness runs in her family?

Jules’ is a junior in high school, and her life revolves around the family restaurant.  She works there after school and on the weekend, and since she doesn’t have any friends, that’s fine by her.  She and her brother are bullied at school because of the family feud between the Demarcos and the Angottis, a rival restaurant family.  Their families have been feuding for generations, and her grandfather  fell into a depression after the Angottis became more successful and killed himself.  Her father isn’t exactly stable either.  He’s a hoarder, and Jules hates being in their messy apartment.  There are days when her father can’t even find the energy to get out of bed in the morning, so when she starts seeing the visions, she thinks she’s succumbed to mental illness as well.

Wow.  I don’t think I would have coped as well as Jules if I started seeing scary visions of some weird accident that may or may not happen.  The visions terrify her, but she has no one to confide in.  She can’t tell her parents; her mother gets through each day through sheer force of will and a fake positive attitude, and her father can’t be depended on.  She doesn’t want to tell her older brother or her younger sister because she is afraid that they will think she’s nuts.  She is beginning to think she is nuts!  The only thing that keeps her from totally losing it is the urgency she feels about stopping the accident from happening.  She needs to save those seven lives, including the life of the boy she still hopelessly loves. 

I loved the relationships between the younger characters in this book.  Jules and her siblings have each other’s backs, and nothing is going to come between them.  They may bicker occasionally, but they are all in this weird restaurant rivalry thing together.  All of their former friends picked the Angottis when it was time to choose sides, and now the Demarcos are outcasts.  Jules concentrated on keeping her head down and making it through each day unnoticed.  The vision compels her to make a difference, to make waves, and she resists at first.  She is already mocked enough.  But when she finally embraces that there is something that she can do to change the future, she finds it empowering.  She finally confronts her feelings for Sawyer in an emotionally charged rant, and she finally stands up for herself. I loved the scene in the library where she finally fights back against the girls who have made her life miserable.  Jules is a fiercely intelligent young woman, and she shouldn’t have to take any crap from anyone. 

My biggest quibble with the book is the pacing.  Since Jules doesn’t have a life, the vision is everything.  It is everywhere.  It is constantly dissected and picked apart, and frankly, after 200+ pages of that, I grew weary of the vision.  That impatience with the crash being played out again and again and again diminished some of the suspense.  My other complaint? The entire time I was reading, I was craving a pizza.  And I don’t even like pizza!

Grade: B/B+

Review copy provided by publisher

Please welcome Elisabeth Staab to the virtual offices today.  Elisabeth is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Prince of Power.  Check out what she has to say about her new book, and after, enter for your chance to win a copy!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Elisabeth Staab] Well, I started hunting zombies back in the early 18…no wait…that’s my secret bio. Let’s see…

Aside from writing and vampires I am obsessed with music, caffeine, and documentaries, and I can turn almost anything into a dirty joke.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Prince of Power?

[Elisabeth Staab] Prince of Power is the sequel to my debut novel, King of Darkness. Anton is a wizard, an enemy of the vampires, who fell in love with the half-sister of the vampire king after he was sent to kidnap her. Tyra is a vampire-hybrid who spends her days helping the less fortunate and her nights killing Anton’s kind. From the start, it would seem like their relationship is doomed to fail. Their story is about whether or not their love can triumph and survive the war between their species.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Elisabeth Staab] I liked the idea of an enemy/outsider falling in love with one of the good guys, the challenges that would bring, and also the hero/heroine role-reversal. A more beta hero, a badass heroine with a little bit of a death wish. However, from the very beginning, Anton has driven this story. I “met” Anton early on when I was writing King of Darkness. He was in a dark room waiting to be tortured for defying his father on a mission. He kind of “told” me as I wrote that his mission had been about Tyra, that he’d effed up on purpose, and why. I had seen Tyra already with a fighter named Siddoh, but I realized that their relationship was in the past. Anton made it clear that he was the one for Tyra. So almost from the start of King of Darkness I knew where Prince of Power would go. That it would be Anton and Tyra’s story. And an enemy coming in from the outside, falling in love with a vampire? Talk about conflict!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Tyra?

[Elisabeth Staab] Fierce. Determined. Loyal.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Anton had a theme song, what would it be?

[Elisabeth Staab] Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” – There’s actually a really great scene near the end of Prince of Power where Anton and Tyra have a fight. A literal, physical fight while the snow is falling and she gets so mad at him that she tries to set him on fire. For me, the song fits both of them literally and symbolically. So it’s a little ballad-y for a hero, but for me this song was perfect for Anton and his overwhelm of emotion for Tyra. Not to mention her pyrokenisis. I made a whole playlist for Prince of Power, but this was “their” song.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Anton won’t leave the house without.

[Elisabeth Staab] Actually, I think the great thing about Anton is he pretty much can leave home with nothing. He was raised without much so his material needs are few. Even as weapons go, he has a supernatural ability, the power to heat things from the inside-out, and the power to heal, so he’d be okay in a pinch. If there were anything he wouldn’t want to leave home without, I think it would be Tyra.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Tyra’s pockets?

[Elisabeth Staab] Never. Hmm. Makeup or accessories. Aside from something to pull her hair out of the way when she’s fighting, it’s not really her bag. Keys. She can teleport so she doesn’t need them. Food. She’s awful about remembering to eat.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Tyra’s greatest regret?

[Elisabeth Staab] Not knowing her mother. Not making peace with her father before his death. Those are difficult burdens.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Elisabeth Staab] From reading alone, Suzanne Brockmann and JR Ward are the biggies. I discovered my love multi-POV multi-story arc novels thanks to them. Going all the way back to my teenager-hood though I read everything from Christopher Pike to Stephen King and I think you can see a tiny touch of those darker influences. I watch tons of comedy movies and stand-up, and even though I write dark I like to slide humor into my writing to breathe a little light into the darkness. Also, I’m incredibly lucky to have Damon Suede and Mary Calmes to trade beta reading with, and their suggestions have influenced my creative process heavily. I’m a far better writer thanks to them and I’m very grateful.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Elisabeth Staab] These days, my laptop and reliable childcare are the two things I absolutely must have. Anyone who has tried to write a love scene while two toddlers are doing battle in the background will understand! Music and coffee are extremely helpful pluses, and I used to be pickier about my writing space, but lately so long as my kids are safe in their beds or with someone I trust enough that I can relax and let the words flow, I’m good.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Elisabeth Staab] The last thing I read that really blew my mind was Broken by Megan Hart. I cried a good deal of the way through reading, and her books always leave me feeling conflicted. They’re intensely erotic and beautifully written, but emotionally they put me through the wringer.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Elisabeth Staab] Sati, by Christopher Pike, I think I read it way back in middle school or high school or something. I think it was probably the first thing I read that wasn’t required by my literature class. The “adult” ideas that it presented (about a woman who claimed to be God) in a both funny and philosophical way were very eye-opening.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Elisabeth Staab] Well I don’t get a whole lot of down time. What little I do have is spent with my kids, or reading, or watching a rare movie with my husband. When I can find a friend who’s game I actually like to go out and grab dinner, drinks, and dancing, but these days we’ve all got kids so that dicey, lol. Usually it’s reading. Which is fine, because then I can go anywhere.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Elisabeth Staab] Web: http://elisabethstaab.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/lajoT

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElisabethStaabRomance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElisabethStaab

Myspace: https://new.myspace.com/elisabethstaab/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElisabethStaab

G+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/115495970841282334338/posts/

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Ready for your chance to win a copy of Prince of Power?  Just fill out the widget below.  Earn extra entries for following. US and Canadian addresses only, please.

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Didn’t win? You can purchase Prince of Power from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below.

About the book: