Top 10 Tues- All Time Favorite Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where a new top ten list is posted every week. This week, the theme is: 

All Time Favorite Characters In Books

 1. Scarlett O'Hara (Gone With The Wind) - She's a self sufficient, strong willed, intelligent, knows what she wants kind of woman... reminds me of me! *smiles*

 2. Christian Grey (Fifty Shade Trilogy)- I will only refer you to my book boyfriend post from yesterday. http://bit.ly/JqS0lj

 3. Travis Maddox (Beautiful Disaster)- Hot, smart, alpha male... why shouldn't he be an all time favorite! :-D

 4. Jack Ryan (Tom Clancy novels)- He's an intelligent CIA analyst with an uncanny ability to always end up in the thick of things and gets himself out of it... kinda like MacGyver...

 5. Rhett Butler (Gone With The Wind)- I think Rhett is the first alpha male in American literature. Need I say more?! 

 6. Encyclopedia Brown (self titled series)- Am I the only one who wanted to start my own detective agency after reading him?! I mean, thwarting Bugs Meany would be the highlight of my day! lol

 7. Harry Potter (Do I really need to say it?!)- Might be a little cliche but he is "The Boy Who Lived." I can only hope that my children can learn something about determination, fortitude, and all around good character from him.

 8. Arwen (Lord of the Rings Trilogy)- She is an unbelievably strong woman who has chosen love over immortality. Ok... I just want to be an elf with pointy ears... so sue me! lol 

 9. Shea Adler (Taking Shots)- Ok... so this is more of a personal thing... I adore Shea. He's a pro hockey player... so... he's big and buff but he's also kind, sensitive and sensual. *sigh* He also brought some great people into my life. I love Toni Aleo, his creator. She has become a true friend and through her I've met some other amazing people and bloggers. (You can read about us meeting at a hockey game on the "My Assassin's Experience" post. To make it easy, here's a link~ http://bit.ly/Ieapgm)

10. Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games Trilogy)- I have to be honest, my 16 yr old daughter told me to put him down... I haven't even read the books but since it's her birthday today I thought I'd indulge her! Happy Birthday Jess!

Review- Pawn of Mine by Tabitha Vale

Pawn of Mine

by Tabitha Vale

The world never ended in fire and ice. The people were consumed by it and now control the elements. The Fires have harnessed the power down to an art while the Waters cower in fear of their abilities, remaining weak and hopeless. Seventeen-year-old Sage Sinclair hopes to dispel the weakness of her Water people because she knows that if she doesn’t do anything, no one will. When she discovers something special about herself, she seeks Humble Narcissist Ruler Agni in the great fire city, Saint Firefly. Once she gains his seal of approval, she’s admitted into Erra Academy where she secretly sparks a revolution among her ennui peers—a revolution to fight back against the Fires. She has every hope in her movement, just as long as her feelings for a handsome and frivolous Saffron Larkspur don’t get in the way—that, and Agni’s sudden fascination with her. (Published April 9, 2012)

I received a review from Tabitha for debut novel, Pawn of Mine. This isn't in a genre I would normally choose for myself but the premise sounded interesting so I thought "Why not?" I am glad I did. 

Sage Sinclair is a very strong and determined teenager. She gets herself admittance to the elite Erra Academy where she sets her plans of overthrowing the leadership of Agni. She meets some engaging characters along the way including Saffron, Zane, Hazel, and Analese. While at school, her family begins to suffer from dire circumstances that threatens to destroy everything Sage has worked so hard for. Pawn of Mine combines elements reminiscent of Harry Potter and Avatar: The Last Airbender into a magical creation all her own. 

My only true "gripe" about the book was the pacing. The book takes place over the course of a few weeks. Sage shows up to school and the next day she is trying to recruit members for her club to overthrow Agni. She also suddenly starts dating on of the most popular boys in school. Not necessarily a bad thing (I like romance and this was good) but it seemed to develop so quickly that it just felt rushed. There is wonderful character development but it seemed hasty. Personally, I would like to see things taken slightly slower. This does appear to be the first novel of a set and I will probably be reading the forth coming books. 

Overall, I found Pawn of Mine to be an entertaining and enjoyable read; therefore, I am rating it 4/5 Stars. 

Waiting on Wed- Easy by Tammara Webber

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill@ Breaking the Spine 

where you share an upcoming release that you're anticipating on reading.

I am looking forward to Easy by Tammara Webber, scheduled for release late May or early June... I will wait... patiently...  for as long as it takes... until Tammara gets it finished...now!! (I never said I was a patient person. *evil grin*)

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, stalked by her ex’s frat brother, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Her econ professor gives her an email address for Landon, the class tutor, who shows her that she’s still the same intelligent girl she’s always been. As Jacqueline becomes interested in more from her tutor than a better grade, his teasing responses make the feeling seem mutual. There’s just one problem—their only interactions are through email.

Meanwhile, a guy in her econ class proves his worth the first night she meets him. Nothing like her popular ex or her brainy tutor, Lucas sits on the back row, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. At a downtown club, he disappears after several dances that leave her on fire. When he asks if he can sketch her, alone in her room, she agrees—hoping for more.

Then Jacqueline discovers a withheld connection between her supportive tutor and her seductive classmate, her ex comes back into the picture, and her stalker escalates his attention by spreading rumors that they’ve hooked up. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

I whole heartedly enjoyed Tammara's Between the Lines series and am looking forward to many more novel fromher.

Top Ten Tuesday- Tips for New Bloggers

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where a new top ten list is posted every week. This week, the theme is: 

 Top Ten Tips For New Book Bloggers

Not sure how much I can really write on this... I just started Nose In A Book about two months ago and I don't even know what I don't know!!  lol  This is what I've figured out so far...

 1. Do look at other blogs for ideas on what you like and don't like.

 2. Don't be afraid to ask questions... of bloggers, readers, or authors.

 3. Do proofread your posts- nothing is more embarrassing than spelling and grammatical errors on a book blog post. (Trust me... I know... *cringe*)

 4. Don't over think things or make it too complicated.

 5. Do separate personal life from blog life, i.e blog Twitter, Facebook page, email, etc. Your co-workers might not want to read about your book boyfriend. lol 

 6. Don't have music auto play- I'm all for play lists but let the reader decide for themselves.   

 7. Do stay organized. Keep track of review requests &/or blog tours.

 8. Don't be afraid to try something new.

 9. Do take things with a grain of salt when stuff doesn't go right. It'll happen but don't let it get you down.

10. Most importantly~ Have fun!!  :)

Who Wants A Free Book?!?!

Toni Aleo has offered Nose In A Book a free ebook copy of her just released novel 

Trying to Score!!! 

To enter~ just tell me why you love books and/or hockey and you get entered.


All comments made before midnight Thu Apr 12 will be entered.
Be sure to leave an email so I can contact you!

Early Release- Trying to Score by Toni Aleo

GET YOUR COPY OF 

TRYING TO SCORE

BY TONI ALEO

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON

GOODREADS

I have had the pleasure of reading this already and I give it 5 of5!  :)

Review- Out of the Ashes by Lori Dillon

Theirs was a love destined to be -- torn apart by the wrath of Vesuvius.

David and Sera are soul mates meant to be together, if only their bumbling guardian angels could do their job right...


Pompeii, AD 79 

First united in Pompeii as a privileged merchant's daughter and a slave gladiator, their young love is cut short when Vesuvius unexpectedly erupts. After several botched attempts, their angels get one final chance to bring the couple together and personally escort them back to war-torn Italy, nearly two thousand years later.

WWII, 1943

Sera is now an archeologist excavating the ruins of Pompeii. David is an American soldier masquerading as an Italian, sent to spy on the Germans camped near the ruins. With the help of their earth-bound angels, they soon find each other again as they excavate the ruins.

But will deception, the horrors of war, and the forgotten tragedy of their past lives, prevent them from unearthing the love of a lifetime?






The concept of a soul mate is nothing new in literature. Lori Dillon has taken that concept one step further. What if you guardian angels were responsible for you finding your soul mate and living happily ever after? Piece of cake, right?! You haven't meet Marsha and Hershel yet...

Interview- Out of the Ashes author Lori Dillon

I am very exited to have Lori Dillon here with us today.  Here's just a little snippet about Lori:

In a previous life, Lori was a graphic designer for fourteen years. In her current existence, she's a stay at home mom with a desperate need for a creative outlet besides Crayola crayons, Play-Doh and finger-painting. Besides writing, she also does freelance web site design and portraits on commission. She's been told her artistic creativity often shows through in her stories. That, and the quirky side of her personality she tries to keep reined in when she's around grown-ups. In between mommy duties and freelancing, she's hard at work on a new time travel with a Jane Eyre twist.

Lori lives in Virginia with her engineering geek/hero husband, a precocious daughter who likes dragons more than dolls, and a dare devil son who wants to drive monster trucks when he grows up.

She loves to hear from her readers. Please stop by and visit her at http://www.loridillon.com.

Click below for the interview and giveaway entry.

Title & Cover Reveal for Abbi Glines

Abbi Glines is proud to present Ceaseless. 

The final installment of the Existence Trilogy.

Scheduled release date of Sept 18, 2012.

He defied Heaven to keep her, he defeated evil

 to save her, but if her soul wants another...

will he be able to let her go?

Waiting on Wed- Trying to Score by Toni Aleo

                        Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine 
                         where you share an upcoming release that you're anticipating on reading.





Trying to Score is the second in the Assassin's Series by Toni Aleo. Her debut novel is Taking Shots.



Scheduled Release- April 30, 2012


However, this is what Toni has said on her blog. "Taking Shots is 24 reviews (on amazon) from 100, when I reach 100, I will release Trying to Score on 4/23 which is 7 days early!!!!!!"

Fallon Parker’s dream was to have her family’s wine company at the top of all wine magazines and to have a cellar of her own. After graduating from college, she has worked hard to make that dream a reality, even if that meant having a nonexistent love life. She had her chance at love and that was a bust, so she put everything into the wine company. After becoming the official sponsor of the Nashville Assassins, Fallon finally feels like everything is falling in place, that is until Lucas Brooks comes back into her life. 

Lucas Brooks hates his life. He is lonely, he is sober, and he is angry. On the ice, when he’s not in the sin bin, he the leading scorer in the NHL but off the ice, he is a mess. He threw away the most important person in his life, and has regretted it ever since but when Lucas sees Fallon again after being traded to the Assassins; he is bound and determined to get her back. Even if she wants nothing to do with him. 

The sexual tension between Fallon and Lucas is electrifying as Lucas tries to convince Fallon that he is a changed man. Fallon tries to resist Lucas, but it is so hard when all her body wants is his. But when Lucas finds out that Fallon has been keeping a huge secret from him, the game he is playing stops and penalties are called. 

With new rules and new players on the ice, will Fallon and Lucas be able to work out their differences and work as a team or will they be left trying to score alone.

I had the pleasure of reading this already. Ladies, this is one hot series with ice cool hockey players. Do not miss out on these books or you will regret it. *swoon*

An early release for Trying to Score by Toni Aleo?!?!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Lots of things to look forward too!

Okay, so I saw that another author had done this and I thought it was a fantastic idea and decided to do it too!!

Taking Shots is 24 reviews (on amazon) from 100, when I reach 100, I will release Trying to Score on 4/23 which is 7 days early!!!!!!

Then, when Trying to Score is released, when I reach 100 reviews (on amazon) I will post the first chapter of Empty Net, and maybe the cover too! 

So what do y'all think? Think we can get Taking Shots and Trying to Score to a 100 reviews?!!??! 



Blatantly plagiarized from ToniAleo.com  <3 you Toni!!  :)

Review- The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Being the good girl isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ashton Gray has grown weary of playing the part to please her parents, and to be worthy of the town’s prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe That’s why she’s found herself spending time with Sawyer’s cousin, Beau, while he’s away for the summer camping with his family. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He’s the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, dangerous in ways she’s only day dreamed about, and the one guy she should stay away from. 
Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big nice home, or his position as quarterback. He loves him like a brother. Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer’s girlfriend. Even if he has loved her since the age of five, Ashton is Sawyer’s girl, so therefore she’s off limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, decides she wants to get into trouble. Stabbing the one person who’s always accepted him and stood by him in the back, is the cost of finally holding Ashton Gray in his arms. Is she worth losing his cousin over?.... Hell Yeah.






Even though the title is The Vincent Boys, this centers around Ashton trying to figure herself out. She grew up with Sawyer and Beau and the three were inseparable as youngsters. Now, as teens, Ashton is struggling with who she is viewed as versus who she really is. She knows that coming to terms with who she is and choosing a life of happiness for herself will undoubtedly cause pain for others. Will she choose to make herself happy or continue the act to keep those around her happy? Of course, there is some major reckoning coming for The Boys as well.

Review- Forgiving Trinity by Liz Reinhardt

At seventeen, Trinity McCabe has already made enough mistakes to fill a lifetime. Especially the one where she got high, drove a car, and almost killed a dog. And then let her friend Aidan take the blame.


She’s clean now and desperate to fix the messes she’s made, but first she’s going to have to get out of her pajamas. 


As Trinity struggles to stop sleepwalking through life, she faces the painful, tingling sensation of waking up. It’s sometimes embarrassing (she really didn’t want to have lunch with Aidan’s mom), sometimes terrifying (group therapy is beyond intimidating), and sometimes, amazingly enough, pretty romantic (who’d have though Aidan would be such a great kisser?)


Trin is lucky, though—luckier than she deserves, she’s sure—and she doesn’t travel this road alone. Her family, her therapist, and her new friends are all pulling for her. And it turns out, some of them have made pretty big mistakes, too. 


But before she can embrace her new life completely, Trinity has to be forgiven by the one person who is holding out the hardest: herself. It’s not easy changing everything, especially when you don’t think you deserve a second chance. Trinity might make an even bigger mess of things before she figures that out. 


When the smoke clears on her latest disaster, will anyone still be standing there?


This book is recommended for older/mature YA readers.


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This novel is not your typical YA good girl likes bad boy and yada, yada, yada. Forgiving Trinity is a hard hitting, deeply emotional look at a teen trying to piece her life back together after years of mistakes and bad choices.

Click on the ">>Read More>>" button to see entire review 

and to enter the Forgiving Trinity Blog Tour Contest!

Release- Predestined by Abbi Glines

You would think after helping save her boyfriend from an eternity in Hell that things would go back to normal. Well, as normal as life can be when you can see souls and your boyfriend is Death. But for Pagan Moore, things are just getting weirder.

The high school quarterback and reigning heartthrob, Leif Montgomery, is missing. While the town is in a frenzy of worry, Pagan is a nervous wreck for other reasons. Apparently good ‘ol Leif isn’t your average teenage boy. He isn’t even human. According to Death, Leif doesn’t have a soul. The quarterback may have skipped town but he’s still showing up in Pagan’s dreams... uninvited.

Dank has known from the beginning Leif wasn’t human. But he hadn’t worried about a simple soulless creature. Now, he realizes he made a grave mistake. Pagan’s soul has been marked since birth as a restitution, to a spirit so dark not even Death walks near it. Dank knows saving Pagan’s soul won’t be easy but Pagan is his. And he’s already proven he’ll defy Heaven to keep her. If Hell wants a piece of him too, then bring it on.

Available now!!