One Scream Away Winners

Sorry it took so long to post the One Scream Away winners, but I wanted to wait until everyone had been notified . Well, I have heard from everyone and have sent their addresses to Anna Balasi at Hatchette Books. You should receive your books soon. The 5 winners were:

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Razlover(at)hotmail(dot)com

bjwaldron AT gmail.com

chey127 at hotmail dot com

lahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com

I've been Interviewed!!!

Jo @ Ink and Paper has posted an interview with me. This is my first interview so please show her some love because she does an awesome job on her blog and I am very excited to have been interviewed by her. This is part of Jo's wednesday blogger's interview .

Jo also has another blog called Ink and Paper Specials , where right now she is promoting Sex in Teen Literature Month .

Follow her on Twitter

Review of Coraline ( animated movie)

R

In this breathtaking stop-motion animation based on Neil Gaiman's novel, curious young Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) unlocks a door in her family's home and is transported to a universe that strangely resembles her own -- only better. But when her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) doesn't want Coraline to return to reality, our heroine must summon an amazing amount of courage to go home and save her family.

My thoughts:

I rate this movie 4 Stars-----

Why?:

1. It had animation reminiscent of The Nightmare Before Christmas

2.It kept my 7 year old entertained the entire time.

3. I wish more of the aspects of the book were present in the movie.

4. While the movie was very good, I still prefer his book.

Review: Cold Moon Rising by C.T Adams and Cathy Clamp

Cold Moon Rising Book 7, Tales of the Sazi

Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Pub. Date: August 04, 2009
ISBN-13: 9780765359643


Back Cover Blurb:

He's Baaaaaack.

Hired killer Tony Giodone is back in action -- this time, believe it or not, working for the 'good guys. Or should that be the 'not quite as bad guys?' He isn't sure. One thing is for certain, serving as a newly minted member of Wolven, the Sazi law enforcement agency, certainly does keep a guy busy. AND he gets to do what he does best. Kill things. Of course, Carmine doesn't plan to let Tony off the hook, particularly when he's attacked and nearly killed by the boys from the east coast.

Paired up with Ahmad al Narmer Tony's in danger up to his baby blues, which wouldn't bother him a bit, if his wife, Sue wasn't bound and determined to be a part of the action.

My Thoughts:

I was so excited to get a new Sazi book and it was so worth the wait. This was such an action packed, engrossing read. There are so many twists, turns and wonderful unexpected moments. I learned things about old characters and met new characters. I have come to depend on the writing team of C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp for exciting and enjoyable reads. I have absolutely no doubt when picking up a book from this pair, I know I will love it. Great characters, action, a little romance and strong paranormal elements work so well together to create a story that will stay on my keeper shelf for many years. I will definitely read this story again and again.

I rate Cold Moon Rising by C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp the Super Star!





Read Chapters 1, 2, 3

Check out their Blog here

Buy Now

Review: Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu

Darkness Calls
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Ace (June 30, 2009)
Language: English ISBN-10: 0441017304
ISBN-13: 978-0441017300

Back cover Blurb:


They are the obsidian shadows of my flesh - tattoos with minds, hearts, and dreams. By day, they protect me. But when night calls to them, they leave my body, dissolving into their true form - as demons…

Nomad born and bred, demon hunter Maxine Kiss has always relied upon herself to fight the darkness that surrounds her, the predators-human, zombie, and otherwise - who threaten the earth. But one man has penetrated her lonely life: Grant, the last of his kind. With music he is able to control any living creature…including demons. And now his life is in danger.

Haunted by the past, determined to change the future, Maxine soon understands that to save Grant, she has only one choice-to lose control, and release her own powers of darkness…



My Thoughts:


This story was a fast paced, thrill ride that I didn't want to get off. I am thoroughly enjoying Maxine's expanding relationship with Grant. I was equally happy with the back story that we received for Grant as well as Maxine's grandfather, Jack Meddle. Along the way we spend some time with Byron and even meet someone new, a lady named Killy. This story was descriptive and flowed very well. Liu has a spectacular imagination that makes her one to watch. I hope to see many more Hunter Kiss novels.




I rate this novel 5 stars



Author's website here

Read an excerpt

Order from your favorite book seller now! • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Borders • Independent Bookstores • Penguin • Powell’s

Book Bloggers Appreciation Week Sept. 14-18

I heard about this last year but didn't have a blog, now I do and I am so gonna participate. Won't you join us?


Announcing the Second Annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week Sept. 14-18, 2009

WHO Anyone who blogs about books is invited to participate. In fact, we want everyone who blogs about books and reading to be a part of this week!

WHAT A week where we come together, celebrate the contribution and hard work of book bloggers in promoting a culture of literacy, connecting readers to books and authors, and recogonizing the best among us with the Second Annual BBAW Awards. There will be special guest posts, daily blogging themes, and giveaways.

WHEN September 14-18, 2009

WHERE Here at the new Book Blogger Appreciation Week Blog! (Please note that this year there are three separate blogs and feeds—one for the main event, one for giveaways, and one for awards.)

WHY Because books matter. In a world full of options, the people talking about books pour hard work, time, energy, and money into creating a community around the written word. I, Amy, the founder of Book Blogger Appreciation Week love this community of bloggers and want to shower my appreciation on you!

WANT TO PARTICIPATE?Please help us spread the word about Book Blogger Appreciation Week by posting about it on your blog, stumbling this post, twittering about it, and telling everyone you know that it’s time to have a party and celebrate book bloggers!


Please register by filling out the registration form! Registering ensures your inclusion in the BBAW 09 Database of Book Bloggers and enters you into the drawing for the BBAW 09 Grand Prize!


Come back often as there will be many updates! And follow us on Twitter!
AWARDS - BBAW Award Nominations will open July 15 on the BBAW Awards Blog.

Movie Review For July 15, 2009

The Haunting in Connecticut



In this supernatural thriller, the Campbell family's move to Connecticut takes a mysteriously dark turn when a series of shocking paranormal events reveals that their inviting new home is a former mortuary with a sordid past. Based on a true story, this terrifying tale stars Virginia Madsen and Martin Donovan as the well-meaning Campbell parents, Kyle Gallner as their cancer-stricken son and Elias Koteas as the enigmatic Rev. Nicholas Popescu.

I give this movie 3 stars. Why?---

1. Nice storyline

2.Scary dead people

3. Nice voice over by Virginia Madsen- favorite line from this is " I don't care if you believe me. I know what happened, My family knows what happened, The doctors and emergency people know what happened." (not an exact quote as I am going from memory here and we all know your mind is the first thing to go)

What could have made this better :

1.Finding more back story about Jonah and the mortuary owner (I forget his name, see above about mind going)

2.Finding out what happened after Matt set the house on fire (I mean seriously if I owned that house I would have been standing on the lawn during the fire screaming that someone was gonna pay for this mess)

3. Also, if they made Elias Koteas look better (I know he was dying but come on even people who are dying want to look good and he's HAWT---at least I think so)

Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun Li

Undercover agent Chun Li (Kristin Kreuk) seeks justice and peace in this action-packed adaptation of the megahit video game franchise Street Fighter. Employing her signature high-kicking style, Chun Li is a force to be reckoned with. The cast includes Neal McDonough as M. Bison, Chris Klein as Nash, Michael Clarke Duncan as Balrog and Black Eyed Peas singer Taboo as Vega. Chun Li is known in gamer circles as "the First Lady of Fighting Games."

I rate this movie a 1 star. Why?---

1. Now I know that this movie being rated a one, going by my scale , means that I couldn't finish it. Well I vetoed my husband's veto right and finished it (although halfway through he did get up and leave saying he'd rather see whats on tv)

2. The action was decent, what little there was.

3.I expected more from Neal McDonough. I mean he was a better bad guy in Walking Tall than he was in this movie.

4. I liked Street Fighter better than I liked this movie.

5. Robin Shou should have done more in the action department . I mean ,hello Mortal Kombat had tons for him and I wanted to see the movie give him more to do as Gen.

6. Next, in the movie after Chun Li's mother dies she looks for someone to read a scroll that she had gotten before at a piano recital (yes Chun Li was a pianist before fighting crime) She speaks the language (although I don't know if it was Mandarin or Cantonese being as I don't speak either) but she can't read it. So she goes and finds someone who does read it and takes their word for it that the scroll says: She should leave immediately, leave all that she was in this life behind and when she is farthest from the life she used to lead some man who she has never met before (although she does see him several times before she actually sees him) will find her and train her.

7.Last, Subpar acting and dialogue. Kristen Kreuk was a better actress on Smallville than she was in this movie. Taboo as Vega, ehhh NO. The only thing he had going for him is that he looked similar to how Vega should look. Michael Clarke Duncan was an ok Balrog. Chris Klein was BAAAAAD. Bad acting, made worse by bad facial expressions, made worse by his character being a very bad Interpol agent.

Overall this was as most people have said A very bad movie. I am so glad I didn't see this in the theaters and I feel sorry for those people who did.

Upcoming Reviews Week of 7/13- 7/19

The Haunting in Connecticut

In this supernatural thriller, the Campbell family's move to Connecticut takes a mysteriously dark turn when a series of shocking paranormal events reveals that their inviting new home is a former mortuary with a sordid past. Based on a true story, this terrifying tale stars Virginia Madsen and Martin Donovan as the well-meaning Campbell parents, Kyle Gallner as their cancer-stricken son and Elias Koteas as the enigmatic Rev. Nicholas Popescu.

------------------------------------------------------------

Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun Li

Undercover agent Chun Li (Kristin Kreuk) seeks justice and peace in this action-packed adaptation of the megahit video game franchise Street Fighter. Employing her signature high-kicking style, Chun Li is a force to be reckoned with. The cast includes Neal McDonough as M. Bison, Chris Klein as Nash, Michael Clarke Duncan as Balrog and Black Eyed Peas singer Taboo as Vega. Chun Li is known in gamer circles as "the First Lady of Fighting Games."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Cold Moon Rising Book 7, Tales of the Sazi
Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Pub. Date: August 04, 2009
ISBN-13: 9780765359643

He's Baaaaaack.

Hired killer Tony Giodone is back in action -- this time, believe it or not, working for the 'good guys.' Or should that be the 'not quite as bad guys?' He isn't sure. One thing is for certain, serving as a newly minted member of Wolven, the Sazi law enforcement agency, certainly does keep a guy busy. AND he gets to do what he does best. Kill things. Of course, Carmine doesn't plan to let Tony off the hook, particularly when he's attacked and nearly killed by the boys from the east coast.



Paired up with Ahmad al Narmer Tony's in danger up to his baby blues, which wouldn't bother him a bit, if his wife, Sue wasn't bound and determined to be a part of the action.


Read Chapters 1, 2, 3
Check out their Blog here
Buy Now

------------------------------------------------------------

Darkness Calls

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Ace (June 30, 2009)

Language: English ISBN-10: 0441017304

ISBN-13: 978-0441017300




They are the obsidian shadows of my flesh - tattoos with minds, hearts, and dreams. By day, they protect me. But when night calls to them, they leave my body, dissolving into their true form - as demons…



Nomad born and bred, demon hunter Maxine Kiss has always relied upon herself to fight the darkness that surrounds her, the predators-human, zombie, and otherwise - who threaten the earth. But one man has penetrated her lonely life: Grant, the last of his kind. With music he is able to control any living creature…including demons. And now his life is in danger.



Haunted by the past, determined to change the future, Maxine soon understands that to save Grant, she has only one choice-to lose control, and release her own powers of darkness…





Author's website here
Read an excerpt
Order from your favorite book seller now! • Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Borders • Independent Bookstores • Penguin • Powell’s

Updated Review Policy and Ratings System

This blog is a voluntary effort and I review them alone so you must be patient when you send me a book to review.

As of today, July 12, 2009 , there may be a slight delay because I now have a job and have started college classes again.

Book Ratings:

SuperStar- Must Read/Keeper Shelf/Can't Recommend enough
5 STARS- Highly Recommended
4 STARS- Liked it a lot
3 STARS- It was okay
2 STARS- I have time to kill so why not give it a try
1 STAR- Couldn't finish even if I wanted to


Review Policy:

Books sent to me from Author, Publisher, Publicist- If you need it reviewed in a certain time frame, let me know and I will try to accommodate you. If you want me to review a book that is in a series I would prefer to read all of the books up to the one you originally wanted me to review.

Books that don't have a specific date will be added to my TBR pile as they come. First come, First reviewed( unless of course I am not in the mood for a particular book, which happens sometimes. )I read several books at a time normally so it shouldn't be too long.

I prefer the following genres, in no particular order ( except paranormal which I love dearly and am always happy to review)
Paranormal, Romance, Horror, Graphic Novels, YA Fiction-especially paranormal,
Fantasy, Science Fiction, Erotica( as long as its not too hardcore) and Christian Romantic fiction (as long as its not too preachy).

I am glad to accept ARCs, bound copies, as well as print copies that have already been released. I would prefer print if you have it but can accept PDF copies if you don't. Sometimes sitting at the computer is not comfortable so it may take a little longer for those to get reviewed. .

I am happy to have guest bloggers and contests, but if you have a time frame please let me know up front. I do not sell any of the books I receive and autographed copies are greatly appreciated to add to my collection. I may however sometimes give a copy away as gift or in a future contest. I am an avid reader who likes to keep most of the books she reads, but if they have to go somewhere else I like to know they are going to a good home.

Edited to add on 7-13-09: I don't diffrentiate between books that I buy and books that are sent to me for the purpose of review. I simply give you my honest opinion on every book that I review.

I do not promise anyone who sends me books a 5 star review, I promise to give an honest representation of how I felt about your book.



Movie Ratings:

Since I belong to Netflix I will start to review movies as well. Feel free to recommend movies to me if you like. I like comedy, romance, action, foreign( especially asian horror), horror, Scifi and sometimes kid movies.

Movie Ratings:
Scale of 1-5

5 stars- awesome movie, highly recommend, would definitely watch again
4 stars- great movie, might watch a second time
3 stars- ok movie,not the best but not the worst
2 stars- ehh, maybe they could have put a little more thought into the plot
1 star- my husband invoked the 30 min. veto rights* because his eyes were bleeding

* 30 min. veto rights- means that the move was so bad we immediately took it out.There was no redeeming value to this whatsoever, not even humor over how dumb the movie was.

Examples of movies that qualify
The Matrix, SecondHand Lions, The Usual Suspects, Miyazaki movies( japanese anime) - 5 stars

Underworld Trilogy,Yes Man, He's Just Not That Into You - 4 stars

My Bloody Valentine ( Only watched this because of Jenson Ackles and Kerr Smith), Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog( Love NPH, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day)Defiance( Danial Craig is HAWT!)- 3 Stars

The Spirit, Autopsy , Dying Breed, Flight of the Living Dead-2 stars

6 Angels( so bad I don't even remember what it was about), Shortbus( weird self love scene= eww) - 1 star




I am not sure if anyone sends out movies for review but if you do see above list of what I like. I am always open to new things book, movie, even product wise so if you think you'd like to send me something please contact me at
LiteraturelySpeaking @yahoo.com

Review copies of books should be sent to
LiteraturelySpeaking
C/O B. Brickey
PO Box 61
Brasstown, NC 28902

If you need my actual street address to mail something to me drop me an email at
LiteraturelySpeaking@yahoo.com


When in doubt send me an email first.

Review: The Redeeming By Shiloh Walker

Buy from MBaM!

Read An Excerpt Online

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 978-1-60504-616-7

Length: Novella Price: 3.50

Publication Date: July 2, 2009

Cover art by Scott Carpenter

Bred for destruction but longing for redemption, this second chance is all they have.

Faced with the choice of torment or redemption, Jonah accepts the bargain laid out by his guardian angel as he lies dying in the street alone. Change…or die. Not a hard choice, it seems. But then he meets Lily and has to wonder just what he’s agreed to by accepting this new life.

Even the angels call Lily unique—and she is. Born of a demon, but longing to be more, her one wish is granted—temporarily. But now her time is running out and she has an impossible task set before her. It doesn’t help that she can’t stop thinking of Jonah…or the very real demons that will come hunting her once they realize where she is.

With demons and angels tracking their every move, Jonah and Lily have a life to save before they can save themselves.

This novel was published previously, but has been revised and expanded for this release.

Warning: This title contains some hot loving, a desperate struggle between wrong and right, some angels, some demons and a race against time.

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this story although I think it would be so much better as a novel. There was so much more that could have gone on if this was a longer story, but it was very well put together. As a fan of Shiloh Walker's work I was hooked from the beginning. People who have never read her work would enjoy this book, a little taste of Shiloh Walker , if you will. I think this story would do for new readers what her other books have done for me, keep me hooked on a good thing.I became very attached to the characters and was sad to see the story end. Overall I would say that this is not her best work but it gives readers of her work what they are looking for, a wonderful story.

I would give this story 4 of 5 Stars.

New Contest: One Scream Away by Kate Brady

ONE SCREAM AWAY By Kate Brady

Killer Chevy Bankes is a master of disguise, and just paroled, he's coming after the woman who sent him to jail, the beautiful antiques expert Beth Denison. A set of antique dolls brings Beth into his sight, and inspire Chevy's disturbing crimes as he draws closer to Beth and her young daughter. Chevy sends the dolls to Beth one-by-one and she soon realizes that these antiques carry the same marks as his victims, signaling that the final piece in his collection will be for her.Neil Sheridan gave up his FBI shield five years ago, but his best friend Rick, a cop, pulls him in as a consultant on a case involving a serial killer who is eerily similar to a murderer Neil encountered in the past. The investigation leads Neil to Beth's doorstep, and he is certain she isn't telling him the truth. Neil is the only one who can get through Beth's defenses and, as they grow closer, discover the secrets that Beth is hiding about her fateful night with Chevy.




Visit Kate's website at http://www.katebrady.net/



Read 5 Fun Facts about this book

Thanks again to Anna over at Hatchette Books for allowing us to have this awesome giveaway.

Same rules apply:

Edited- 7-17-09 If you follow me for the express purpose of getting an extra entry in the contest then unfollow me I will know about it and will disqualify you from the contest. That is cheating and a slap in the face of people who follow the rules.

Edited: 7-14-09 If you're already a follower you get 2 extra entries

If you become a follower you get one extra entry.

-No PO Boxes

- MUST leave an email address

- US and Canada residents only

- 5 copies are up for grabs

- Contest ends on July 21 @ 6pm

- After I announce winners you have 4 days to contact me or I will choose new winners.

Winners of My First Contests!

Winners of My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel




Mandi, Rob, Book Junkie, Jake and Afshan send me an email at bbricke AT yahoo Dot com with your mailng address and I will pass them on so you'll get your books.

___________________________________________________________


Winners of A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore




Joye, Rob, Book Junkie, Andrea and Lilibeth send me an email at bbricke AT yahoo Dot com with your mailng address and I will pass them on so you'll get your books.



Thanks so much to Anna at Hatchette Books for these awesome contests!

You have until Monday at 12 noon to contact me with your address or I will pick a new winner!

Edit:
If you're a winner and you didn't put an email address in your post, it is your responsibility to contact me!


Edited to pick new winner 7-7-09: I never heard from Andrea so I picked another winner. That winner was Danni. Danni has 1 more day to contact me ( I sent her an email yesterday) . As soon as I get her address I will be sending them to Anna so you all can get your books.
Thanks again for participating in my contest. I might have another one soon.

Setting up a ratings system...

I have decided that its about time that I set up a ratings system for my reviews. I have seen how others set up their system and I wanted some input if you please. If you have any ideas on how I should set up my ratings just leave me a comment and a link if you have one. Any input from you is greatly appreciated . I know that I won't like every book and setting up a ratings system will help me keep all of my reviews straight.

As a reward for any help you give me I will leave you with a cute pet pic. This is our boy Peanut- he's a 1yo boxer pup napping on the porch with his teddy.

Review: Prey by Rachel Vincent

Back Cover Blurb:
　

　
Sometimes playing cat and mouse is no game…
　
　

Play? Right. My Pride is under fire from all sides, my father's authority is in question and my lover is in exile. Which means I haven't laid eyes on Marc's gorgeous face in months. And with a new mother and an I-know-everything teenager under my protection, I don't exactly have time to fantasize about ever seeing him again.
　

　
Then our long-awaited reunion is ruined by a vicious ambush by strays. Now our group is under attack, Marc is missing and I will need every bit of skill and smarts to keep my family from being torn apart. Forever.
　

　
First, I must say that this is her best Shifter book to date. Action, suspense, blood, sweat and tears, this book has it all. Rachel Vincent has proven herself again with her wonderful characters and enthralling storyline. With every story Faythe grows up a little more. With Prey, she was thrust full force into being an Alpha. Other experiences were just rehearsals for this book. She proves in this book that she has what it takes to run the Pride after her father. I laughed, cried and was angry right along with Faythe. I enjoyed this book immensly. Intriguing stories like this are exactly why Rachel Vincent is a New York Times Bestselling Author.