Something Wicked Comes!

Rainy Day Ramblings created this month-long celebration for Halloween! When I first read about it, I decided instantly I needed to participate. This killer spooktoberfest features an insane amount of book bloggers who go GA GA for paranormal books.  Take your spooky pick from witches, ghouls, zombies, vampires, Gods or werewolves, this Halloween giveaway has something for you! Their calling it the ultimate Blog Trick or Treating Event so get your pillow cases ready, minions and let's go treating!

Today is my day to participate in the hop and I'm celebrating one of my favorite authors, Kresley Cole.  From the giddyup, I've adored Cole's addicting style and smoke'n hot Immortals After Dark series.  The adult paranormal series rocks, minions and if you need more to persuade you then check out two of my reviews.

- A Hunger Like No Other - my review
- Wicked Deeds on a Winters Night. - my review

Cole is pretty amazing so when she recently released her first YA series which her website states is a "Supernatural Adventure for Young Adults" called Poison Princess, I nearly knocked over a few teenagers myself to get a copy when it released Oct. 2nd.  And now that copy is up for grabs for this month long Halloween extravaganza.  So what this series about?

The characters on Tarot cards are real.

The Huntress, the Fool, Death, the Lovers . . . and eighteen other Major Arcana all exist. These warriors, femme fatales, magicians, and devils each have uniquely lethal powers.

And they’re coming for me.

To survive, I’ll have to embrace my own terrifying abilities—and team up with dangerously handsome Jack Deveaux, one of the few people I know that also survived the Flash. But if Jack ever beholds what I truly am, will he abandon me to my fate . . . ?

What to read more?  Here's an excerpt.

Sounds pretty wicked huh?  I can't wait to read Poison Princess too.  Well, thanks to this Halloween fest, you get your chance at win a copy of Cole's Poison Princess.  Enter below for your chance and winning one (1) copy of Kresley Cole's new YA novel, Poison Princess.  The contest starts today, October 10th and ends EOD on October 24th.  That's a whopping two weeks so...get on it!  

To enter see below!

You MUST be a GFC follower of my blog & MUST fill the form.

Extra entries
+1 Subscribe via email to my blog
+1 Like me on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+1 Retweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

Again, the giveaway starts at Wed, Oct. 10th and runs October 24th midnight. Contest is open to International participants.

Want to see who else is participating? See the list below and visit these awesome book bloggers and check out their killer giveaways!  

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October 1st:
Jenny@Supernatural Snark: Kirsty Eagar: Night Beach
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Wendy Higgins: Sweet Evil

Lila@Babbling About Books
Laurie@ Reader Girls: Thomas Winship: Vaempires: Revolution

October 2nd:
Carly@Fiction Fascination Dianna Hardy: The Witching Pen
Rummanah@Books in the Spotlight: Freak by E.K. Henry
Blu@ Not Now...Mommy's Reading:The Fallen Boys by Aaron Dries
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Scorch by Gina Damico

October 3rd:
Jess@The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow: Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci,
David Catrow (Illustrator)
Roxy@RoxyKade: Born in Flames by Candace Knoebel
Michelle@Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books: Book of Ember by Jessica Sorensen
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Amanda Stevens The Prophet

October 4th:
Cassie@Gathering Leaves Brett Talley: That Which Should Not Be Named
Blu@ Not Now...Mommy's Reading: Nightwhere by John Everson
Heather@Buried in Books: Ann Aguirre Outpost Audiobook
Janiera@Books and Beauty: Derek the Ghost Scary School
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: J.L. Bryan: Jenny Pox

October 5th:
Ari@Reading After Midnight: Mira Grant
Maghon@Happy Tails and Tales Blog: Cambria Hebert Betwitched
Kristin@ My Parahangover: Foretold Anthology
Aditi@Highly Readioactive: Kalayna Price: Alex Craft Grave Witch
Jess@The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow: Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci,
David Catrow (Illustrator)

October 6th:
Veronica@Mostly Reviews Rachel Hartman: Seraphina
Rummanah@Books in the Spotlight: Holly Barrington
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Jennifer Martin:Don't Break the Glass: Fear Anthology

October 7th:
Lila@Babbling About Books
Catie@Forbidden Passions Reviews Richelle Mead: The Golden Lily
Aditi@Highly Readioactive: Richelle Mead: Bloodlines
Jessica@Jessabella Reads: Maggie Stiefvater:Raven Boys

October 8th:
Jaspirit@The Readers Den Courtney Summers: This is Not a Test
Rummanah@Books in the Spotlight: B.C. Johnson
Jenn@JennRenee Reads Kate Locke: God Save the Queen
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings Rhiannon Frater: Pretty When She Dies

October 9th:
Katertot@A Belle's Tales R.L. Stine Goosebumps
Candace@Candace's Book Blog: Marrisa Marr: Carnival of Souls
Jennifer@ Passionate Book Divas: Joe by HD Gordon
Michelle@ Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books: Abbi Glines Existence and Predestined
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Darynda Jones: Death and the Girl Next Door

October 10th
Cambria@CambriaHebert
Nora@Noracast Nora Weston: Twelfth Paladin
Karla@ Book Addict J.T. Geissinger: Edge of Oblivion
Mina@Mina Burrows Blogspot: Kresley Cole: Poison Princess
Corina@Pink Fluffy Heart: The Den of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings:Heather Hildenbrand:Dirty Blood

October 11th
Jennifer@Some Like It Paranormal: Lia Habel Dearly Beloved
Tricia@ Tricia Kristufek: Patricia Briggs
Atmika @I Talk Books!: Blackbrooke: Emma Silver
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Fiona Paul:Venom

October 12th:
Diana@Offbeat Vagabond: Alan Goldsher: My Favorite Fangs
Natausha@Dreamland: A Teenage Fantasy
Danielle@Book Whore: Terri Bruce: Hereafter

October 13th:
Nikki@Close Encounters of the Night Kind
Blu@ Not Now...Mommy's Reading:Intricate Entanglement by Su Halfwerk
Aditi@Highly Readioactive:Maggie Shayne: Mark of the Witch
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Sean Beaudoin: The Infects

October 14th:
Prangon@The Nerd in Heels: Elizabeth Hunter Building from Ashes
Patricia@Lady with Books: Michelle Sagara: Silence
Jessica@Jessabella Reads: Adreinne Stolz and Ron Bass: Lucid

October 15th:
Andra@Unabridged Andra
Maria@A Night's Dream of Books: Stroke of Midnight Anthology: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Heidi@ Rainy Day Ramblings: Cambria Hebert: Charade

October 16th:
Christy@Love of Books: Jeyn Roberts
Melissa@Writer Grrl Reads: Michelle Hodkin: The Unbecoming of Myra Dyer
Ana@Bookspark:Inger Iversen:Few Are Angels
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Rob DeBorde: Portlandtown

October 17th:
Nikki@Nicsquared The Scent of Shdaows (Sign of The Zodiac #1) by Vicki Pettersson
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Ingrid Paulson: Valkyrie Rising

October 18th:
Jenn@Indie Supporter: Addison Moore
Suzanne@Paranormal Book Fan: Shannon Dermott Cambion Series
Barbara@Basia's Bookshelf: Velveteen by Daniel Marks
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Sanctum by Sarah Fine

October 19th:
Kimmie@Kimmie's Bookshelf: Rachel Hawkins Hex Hall
Rebecca@Kindle Fever
Kimba@The Caffeinated Book Reviewer: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
Ana@Bookspark: KC Neal: Alight

October 20th:
Natalie@Mindful Musings: Simon Holt: The Devouring
Jenifer@Under A Gray Sky: H.P. Mallory: Fire Cauldron Burn
Preet@ A Written Rhapsody: The Evolution of Mara Dyer
Leanne@The Reclusive Reader:Sarah Rees Brennan:Unspoken

October 21st:
Jeanette@Walking on Bookshelves: LM Pruitt
Jenn@JennRenee Reads
Blu@ Not Now...Mommy's Reading: Mind Games by Polly Iyer
Benji@The Non Reluctant Reader: Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

October 22nd:
Pooja@On Books! :Rebecca Hamilton
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Jess Rothenberg: The Catastrophic History of You and Me
Ali@My Guilty Obsession: J.A. Templeton: Mackinnon Curse
Heather@Buried in Books

October 23rd:
Michelle@Book Briefs: Karina Halle: Dark House
Candace@Novels, Notes and News from your Northwest Neighbors: Kimberly Derting: Body Finder Series
Ali@My Guilty Obsession: J.A. Redmerski: Mayfair Moon Series
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Undead: Kirsty McKay

October 24th
Maja@The Nocturnal Library: Anne Aguirre: Outpost
Jenn@Indie Supporter: Cambria Hebert
Ali@My Guilty Obsession: E.J. Stevens: Spirit Guide Series
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: A & E Kirk: Hex Boys
Kimmie@Kimmie's Bookshelf: Laura Elliot: Shadow Slayer


October 25th:
Nick@Nick's Book Blog: Tara Fullmer: Inbetween
Jenn@Indie Supporter: Lizzy Ford
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Melissa West: Gravity

October 26th:
Maghon@Happy Tails and Tales
Shirley@Shiirleyy's Bookshelf
Kai@Fiction State of Mind: Johnathon Mayberry
Angela@Chaotic Book Corner: Cambria Hebert: Betwitched

October 27th:
Claire@Claire Reads Katie Alender: Bad Girls Don't Die
Jude@ In Between: Gena Showalter: Intertwined
Margaret@JBridger Writing: Annette Curtis Klause: Blood and Chocolate
Aditi@Highly Readioactive:Kendare Blake: Anna Dressed in Blood
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Jody Gehrman: Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft

October 28th:
Rachel@Unforgettable Books: Katie Alender: Bad Girls Don't Die Triology
Kapri@Book Fanatics: Anna Jarzab: All Unquiet Things

October 29th:
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Rhiannon Frater
Jen@Starry Eyed Revue: Kendare Blake: Girl of Nightmares
Mandee@Vegan YA Nerds
Veronica@Mostly Reviews Christopher Pike
Melissa@Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf: Born Wicked Jessica Spotswood
Blu@ Not Now...Mommy's Reading: JT Baroni: The Legend of Rachel Petersen

October 30th:
Michele@A Belle's Tales Ann Aguirre Razorland
Elise@EC Writes: Halloween Anthology
Erin@Erin Danzer, YA Author: M. Leighton:Gravity
Katertot@A Belle's Tales R.L. Stine Goosebumps
Laurie@Reader Girls: Kimberly Sabatini: Touching the Surface
Michelle@ Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books: Vlkolak King by Rebekah Armusik
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Derek the Ghost Scary School #2 Monsters on the March


October 31st:
Cambria@Cambria Hebert: Bewitched Novella Release
Krista@Breathe in Books: Libba Bray: The Diviners
Blu@ Not Now...Mommy's Reading: Brody Sommers
Monique@Monique Morgan:Rise of the Infected Release Day!

Movie Buzz: Oconomowoc (the film)

Are you a fan of quirky comedy movies like I am?  If so, then I have a film for you.  Oconomowoc is a "feature-length comedy" about a confused adult who "moves back in with his mother and reluctantly signs on with his friend's mishandled t-shirt business hoping to find a little direction."

The comedic film is the brainchild of  Andy Gillies, an up-and-coming Writer/Director, who is quickly making his mark in the movie-riddled world of Hollywood.  Andy grew up in South Florida so you can imagine how excited us Floridians are about Oconomowoc.  Stop if you will and contemplate the commitment it takes to not only write an intelligent script--let alone hysterical story--but also coordinate all the finite details, including finding a producer (Joe Haas Media (JHM) & What Productions), actors, edit the darn film and all the other crap that comes with it. Good Lord and we think just writing a novel is tough.

The movie stars some incredibly talented actors too including Brendan Marshall-Rashid, Cindy Pinzon, Andy Gillies, Andrew Rozanski, Michael Kennedy, Emily E. Harpe, Ben Harpe, Kruz Karstedt, Deborah Clifton, John Kishline, Jatsiry Neuberg.  I'd appreciate it if you could watch the trailer, let me know what you think and then share, reblog, Facebook or Tweet it with as many friends as possible.

  

The idi film was recently accepted into the American Independent Film Festival and is scheduled for its debut in Los Angeles this November. This is pretty big news so once again, please share. For the most current and up-to-date information about Oconomowoc, like them on Facebook here.  Also, check out their IMDb Profile. If you're interested in donating money to support Oconomowoc, you can do so via Paypal,  See details under their FB page.

Mina B.

IWSG: Writing vs. Blogging

Insecure Writers Support Group is finally here, and it feels like 2012 is flying by at warp speed, doesn't it?  Before I forget, special thanks and #shoutout to Alex for creating IWSG.  It's tremendously helpful to vent about my writing frustrations.  

For this month's IWSG, I've been struggling the last few months with balancing my life, and ultimately, it is coming down to writing vs. blogging.  I find myself overwhelmed with not only writing, but managing everything else.  Lately, my days are so packed, I ask myself, "Am I going to post today or am I going to write?"
Sadly, for my minions and blogger buddies, I've been choosing to write or edit.  

Between work, kids, home and husband, I feel like I only have a mere hour or two to write and usually at night.  During the day, I edit here and there--usually when I take breaks from work.  Most of the time, I write my posts at night.  But sometimes, I become engrossed in my WIP that I stop and say,"Oh sh**...I have to blog."  Damn. 

Does that ever happen to you?  Do you ever ask yourself if you're blogging too much and writing too little?    Or vice versus?  Is this a ridiculous question?

Mina B.

2nd Annual Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop hosted by  I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and co-hosted by Jen @ I Read Banned Books.  Oh and Happy Banned Book week too, minions.  This is one of my favorite hops because it's hard to believe some of the new and classic books that make the list year after year.  Have you check out the list recently?  You should.  In fact, here are the ALA's "Frequently challenged books of the 21st century."

#113

I did so much research to determine a giveaway, but then decided to let the winner choose.  My Free Sh** Fairy hooked me up with a free $10 Amazon Gift Card for one (1) lucky winner.  Thanks, Free Sh** Fairy!  And with that loot, our winner can choose their preferred banned or challenged book.  Cool, huh?

Let me clarify: One (1) lucky winner can win a $10 Gift Card from Amazon! Check out the details on how to enter.  See below and tell your friends!

To enter

You MUST be a GFC follower of my blog & MUST fill the form.

Extra entries
+1 Subscribe via email to my blog
+1 Like me on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+1 Retweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

Again, the giveaway starts at 12:01 AM EST on Friday, September 28th and runs October 6th midnight. Contest is open to International participants.

Want to see who else is participating? Click here and hop on by.


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Tagged Twice! The Next Big Thing

I've been tagged twice recently.  WOW!  Isn't that nice?  One was by one of my fav and talented author friends, Donna Galanti.  The other was from dear author friend who has a great blog and name, Mina Lobo.    Thanks you guys!  If you get a chance, minions, please stop by and check out these fantabulous authors!  

In The Next Big Thing, I'll be featuring one of my works in progress, Mystic Deeds.  Below are the questions so...


What is the working title of your book?
Mystic Deeds, but I'll probably end up changing it.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
It started with this idea of two siblings (brother and sister) that were incredibly close--but not weird-close, who were powerful/magical, immortal beings.  I wanted a different take on magical paranormal romance.  I get so tired of the books like feature magic or sorcery one way only. Anyway, here's a synopsis:


     The City of Vard on the planet Merth was a place where Svenians lived immortal lives, able to freely practice sorcery. It was a city of peace and prosperity until the Black Barons unleashed a plot to bind all Svenian powers, forcing innocent lives into a world of servitude. Only five escaped, finding their way to Earth to bide their time until the Oracle’s predicted “day of reckoning.”

     Arriving in the 1920’s in Long Beach, California, Vincent Webb, an efficient sorcerer and expert traveler, led the escapees to safety. Under Vincent’s guidance, the five lived covertly idle, hiding strategically around the globe. Using magic can be deadly and the five can do nothing but wait a lifetime.

     Living present day, Abigail Scott is a young, beautiful and successful partner with a prestigious New York commercial real estate law firm. However successful her career, Abigail’s brilliant mind and incredible work ethic has led her down a lonely, loveless path. As an only child, her life is altered drastically when her mother, Elaina dies, bequeathing her house and all its contents to Abigail. Devastated by grief, Abigail soon discovers her mother befriended a young man and real estate developer, Vince Webb. He’s handsome and cocky and according to her mother’s will, he’s managed to nudge his way into the Scott’s home and life.

     Both Abigail and Vincent want something from each other. Abigail wants Vince gone and Vince wants her house. Once their true motives collide, they’ll have to learn to trust one another, forcing them into unwanted intimacy. When things heat up between these two, the sparks fly and then the real magic begins.

What genre does your book fall under?
Paranormal Romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I haven't the faintest. Sorry...

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Good Lord...one sentence? Okay, here goes...

Of the five powerful Svenian beings living on Earth, only Vince has what it takes to claim Abigail's heart and gain a critical ally to fight for his enslaved race.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I'm not sure. Nowadays the burden is on the author to do everything, write, self-edit, market etc... and repeat. At the end of the day, what matters most is that I connect with readers. For now, I'm readying myself to go into any direction I choose. To be continued...

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?I've been working off and on since 2009. And I'm still not done. Almost there, but then I'm sure I'll be forever editing it. Damn my OCD tendencies!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?I have no idea. I read waaay too much. It's embarrassing to admit really. I honestly haven't read anything like this. I have no doubt there are elements that are similar with other authors works, but beyond that, I have no one to compare.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I used to live on an old house in Long Beach, CA when I was a kid. I loved that spooky house and the memories of it still haunts me. The house was a huge inspiration for this book.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? Mystic Deeds explores the scenario of what if we all had our own special powers. I mean I believe in one's ability to manifest things, but what if it was simpler than that, like breathing or the blood pumping through your veins? If you could manifest your own power, what would it be invisibility? Perhaps the Midas touch? Or what about time or dimension travel?

Rules of The Next Big Thing
***Use this format for your post
***Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress)
***Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them.
Include the link of who tagged you and this explanation for the people you have tagged.

Danielle B.
Geek Banter
Melanie Schulz YA Writer
Judy Ann Davis
Cynthia/Read is the New Black

Have a great day!

Mina B.

Book Review: Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

Are you a Lisa Kleypas fan?  If not, you should be.  I initially found out about her when she did a Q&A on GoodReads.  Since I have an uncontrollable need to read historical romance novels, I immediately picked up one of Lisa's novels and have been a fan since.  I believe I've read almost all of her historical romance books.  I probably should seek therapy, but the truth is, they are ridiculously good.  Anyway, fast-forward to the summer and I found Rainshadow Road—Lisa Kleypas Friday Harbor series—while trolling on Amazon.  Here's the back cover:  

 

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy's own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life--even after being broken--can be made into something new and beautiful.

My thoughts:

I read this over the summer and instantly adored the series.  It's a modern-day romance spiced with the perfect amount of family drama and to my surprise, elemental magic.  The book opened up to Luci getting crushed by her ex-boyfriend and sister.  Wow, Kleypas cut straight to the heart with that one.  What I loved best about Luci was her resilience.  Yes, her life sucked, but that didn't stop her from moving on.  I loved the way Luci stood up for herself, despite be railroaded by her conniving sister, her worthless ex and her annoying parents.  Thankfully, she met Sam, the unlikely love interest, Sam.  Their relationship began slowly at first which I thought made it more believable.  Sam owned a vineyard and struggled over the years to cultivate it into his life-long dream.  He obviously couldn't predict the whimsical touch that local glass artist like Luci would wield.  Rainshadow Road is more of a contemporary romance than paranormal, so if you're in the mood to little your paranormal reading, give this one a try.   

Have you read Lisa Kleypas’ steamy historical romance novels?  Suddenly You is one of my all-time favorites.  What about the Friday Harbor series?

Mina B.

Ninja Captain Alex's Genre Favorites Blogfest

It's time for Ninja Captain Alex's Genre Favorites Blogfest.  Thanks Alex for creating such a cool blogfest.  It's hard to narrow down our favorites, huh?  I'll do my best, minions. 

One blogfest, four favorites!  List your favorite genre of:

Movies
Music
Books
A Guilty Pleasure.






Movie:  Video Game Movies /Fantasy

Although this isn't a clear-cut genre category, it sure as hell should be.  These are games I've played, of course, and when the movies released, I couldn't get enough of them.  And today they still have to be some of my favorites.

Resident Evil: Retribution - Go Alice!

Tomb Raider

 

 

Music:  Alternative

 

I like all types of music, but presently, I'm dig'n alternative bands like No Doubt, Black Keys and GroupLove.
 

No Doubt: Settle Down
 

                                 

 

GroupLove: Tongue Tied
 

 

 

Books: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Um...duh.  Isn't that obvious?  If you want to know which books, check out my reviews section on my blog or visit me on GoodReads . 


Guilty Pleasure Genre:  Historical Romance Novels, especially men in kilts.

I never had a true appreciation for men in kilts until I read Jennifer Ashley's Mackenzie series.  These best-selling historical romance novels involve dangerous Scottish brothers, dressed scantily in traditional family garb and not giving a damn what the ton thinks about it.  Oooh Jennifer Ashley is a godsend when it comes to historical/regency romance novels.  And there's no way I feel guilty about that.

Those are my favorites.  What about yours? Have you seen Resident Evil: Retribution?  What's your favorite music genre?  What about books?  What novel are you reading?  And by all means, tell me your guilty pleasure.

Mina B.