2011 New Year's Resolutions

2011 is almost here and as tradition goes I am rounding up a list of New Year's Resolutions or Goals that's really looking like a To Do List.  All of these I want to accomplish this year!

Blogging Goals:

1. Reviews:  I recently made it a goal to write my reviews within 24 hours of reading.  I've been doing really well but it's a habit I want to make second nature.  Grr, there is nothing worse then trying to write a review days, weeks, and *eeeks* months later.

2. Book Jackets: I will be hosting a consecutive series of Book Jackets Giveaways.  I;m striving for weekly to increase followership but a few a month minimum!  I am also looking into the best venue and pay options to possible sell some along the way as well. My goal here is to 1.) Post giveaway timely and 2.) Gather the selling info asap.  I am trying to convince my hubby that he's much better at researching so he should do it for me *hoping* bc I hate research.

3. Support Hawaii Library Giveaway.  I want to get this up and going.  What is it?

Books I find and I buy from my public libraries 'for sale' racks- books which were donated then sold to raise money for the libraries.  These racks are like treasure hunts.  Some hits some misses but when I find the hits I will grab them and share with you all.  The books are mostly gently used.  Take a look at a few I have categorize on my blog's flickr: 

There's more but I'm no where near organized and dread shuffling books around.

4.  I have a fun idea for blogger interaction but I have yet to get the ball rolling.

5. Comments.  I want to make my rounds to all the wonderful blogs I love and comment more.

6. Interviews/ Guests Page: Has anyone seen that this page is practically blank.  I would like to page to be a compilation of Guest posts and Interviews.  It's really not hard to do but every time I jump on the computer I find something more pressing to tend to.

7.  Buttons/ Images: I want to get images made for my blog.  Images for Winners, On My Hit List, New Releases, Book Jackets, and a few others.


Wow.... this is starting to look like my to do list!=)


8.  I want to start publishing posts on different bookie topics.  I've recently decided to remain more or less anonymous on here.... meaning I don't want to bombard everyone with my everyday happenings.  Most of my posts are reviews but that's mostly because I prefer to read and not write.  Though I have a few bookie topics that I'd love to post up and read everyone's thoughts.

9.  Read More!!! Read Read Read.  I want to dive more into the genres I love and not waste time on books with blurbs that don't knock my socks off.  Not to say those books are not awesome just not my cup of tea.   I need to be more selective and make every book count especially since life is awfully busy and leisure is few and far between at times. Also, want to read more Steampunk Romance.

Personal Goals:

Hmmm, besides the ever popular NY Resolution of loosing weight and eating healthy which ought to be written in permanent ink because it never seems to get crossed off the list.  I have a few other goals I would like to reach this New Year of 2011.

1. Suck a blow pop to the core- no biting.  I lack patience and always bite after a few licks.  Hahaha, it's a reflection of my reading preference too. 

2. Whistle with two fingers.

3. Make money leis and bouquets.  Click Here for a Google Image search.

4. Clean my book shelves and get rid of books that's been sitting too long.  Then organize my books. 

5. Learn a couple of designs to cut Tshirts.

6. Complete a few craft projects.  Work with my tools more often.

7.  Hike several trials I have been wanting to.

8. Add a few more recipes to my Go To line-up.

9. Find new employment or finish my degree.  Not sure which one I will be doing but I'd like to make my mind up soon.  

My personal goals are quite simple except the former in permanent ink and the latter.  If you've made a post of sorts leave a link in the comments I would love to check out yours too and perhaps add a few more to mine as I read around!!!

Enjoy your New Year's everyone.  I plan to do just that!  Hawaii locals get pretty crazy on New Year's Eve and this one will probably be more so since fireworks will be banned.  I'm not happy with that so I will have to start writing and calling my Representatives in office.  Anywho, Enjoy your festivities and be safe.  I don;t know about you all but I am ready to embrace 2011 and see what will come of it!

ARC Review: Trickster's Girl (The Raven Duet, #1) by Hilari Bell

A century after 9/11, in a high-tech, high-security world, magic is the last thing on anyone’s mind.

Something bad is happening.  Trees are dying.  People are getting sick.  Fifteen-year-old Kelsa’s father died from cancer—a particularly aggressive case, the doctors said.  Science has no answers.

Then Kelsa meets a boy.  He’s the most beautiful boy Kelsa’s ever seen, but he’s also very strange.  He claims to be Raven, the mythological creature.  He keeps going on about magic, and an impending ecological disaster and that Kelsa must help him save the world.

Maybe he’s crazy.

Or maybe he’s telling her truths people have forgotten.  And maybe she should help him, even if doing so means risking her own life.

Trickster's Girl is an easy read but I'm afraid it's more simple then I prefer but suitable for the age demographic.

The plot is carefully put together.  The conflict with the main character, Kelsa, was easily felt and written to reach its reader.  Most notable, Kelsa's character possesses admirable qualities.  Her determination to complete what she's started is my most favorite attribute.  A plight to save humankind with just a few hundred dollars to her name and a lying shapeshifter as a partner is a brilliant premise but overall I there was something missing.  

The journey Kelsa and Raven set out on from her home in Utah to Alaska is quite the excitement for a teenage girl but she holds her own well.  The world in which this plot takes place is interesting.  There are Levcars that hoover above ground, cameras that survey public areas, com boards, plastic guns, DNA locks, DNA coded guns but it's not total sci-fi just advanced.   The year is 2093/94.  There is magic and there is technology.  After all the waste that has occurred in the human world both it and the magic world (co-existing with Earth) is in trouble.  Raven sets out to find a human who can help heal the magic leys that enables life on Earth and in the Magic world.  That is when Raven finds Kelsa.

Mostly, Trickster's Girl is a fair read.  My curiosity had me reading on wondering what's going to happen next but I think it was the ending that had me stumped.  It was a bit abrupt.  The epilogue was even more confusing.  I don't wish to give anything away but it doesn't feel like the plot is complete.  Only now, I am looking up information on the Author's site.  It seems that this book is a duet.  There will be two in the series or better worded a duet.  So now I am thinking the ending must be like a "to be continued..." which would explained but I felt the ending was abrupt.   It's just a guess upon my opinion from the ending though.

Since I am on the website now here is some information:

"The Trickster’s Girl is coming out in early January of 2011!  It's YA fantasy in a near future SF setting, and it's not quite like anything I've done before.  The tone is a bit more edgy, urban fantasy style, but it's got a sexy lying shapeshifter instead of sexy vampires.  And I'm just about to start my first pass revisions of The Traitor’s Son, the second in this two-book series.  (Can you call it a series if it's only two books?)  My best guess is that it will be out early in 2012."

All in all, this book would be great for the intended audience of 12+.  Will I read book 2 in this duet?  Yes, I am thinking I will.  There is enough to the plot to have me curious despite its abrupt ending.  Plus, the idea of a duet is new to me and that in itself is interesting. 

For more information visit:
Website / Twitter / MySpace / Goodreads

Have you made a spotlighting post for this novel? posted a teaser? read and reviewed? If so, please leave a direct link and then a commenting saying you linked up.  Linky Tools will remain active til the end of 2011.

Review: The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton

Available in eBook format: Smashwords  / Amazon / B&N

When Ashley Hunter inherits the Inn where her father mysteriously vanished years ago, she jumps at the chance to finally uncover the truth about his disappearance. But soon after taking ownership of the decrepit building, Ashley realizes she’s in for far more than she bargained. Not only has she inherited answers to many sought-after questions, she’s also inherited spirits, demons and even fallen angels! Then Cristian arrives, a gorgeous man who insists he merely needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing...

As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can’t accomplish this daunting task alone. He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don’t work together, they won’t have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, considering Cristian is the very man responsible for her father’s disappearance.

Ghosts are not my top of the list reads but if Lori writes it I will read it.  Lori Brighton is the newest author on the block and I look forward to more from her.

The setting and storyline is perfect for The Ghost Hunter.  This town they live in is filled with not-quite normal people but those who wish to be.  The mystery of the plot can be found in various spots.  For one, the town folk.  Who are they and what can they do? Why are they trying to blend in as human?  The mystery goes on as the plot unravels.

Of course, the main characters Ashley and Cristian had me at full alert.  My curiosity is not a lovely trait.  I can sit still for hours trying to douse that wonder. Their hot and cold relationship had me anticipating and hoping for more and then annoyed when the characters held back.  I really enjoyed how Cristian was taken with Ashley and it was a treat getting to know her through his eyes.  Ashley had me puzzled with her sudden attachment with her ghosts but mostly I enjoyed her feisty nature and her loyalty.

The secondary characters are certainly note worthy.  Lori Brighton has done a fantastic job adding secondary characters that I enjoyed as much.  Devon, Maggie, and Camile were well written and among my favorite characters.  Most impressive was my ability to connect with them and see their significance in the plot.

The romance was not smooth sailing but their chemistry was palpable.  Ashley and her hot/cold routine had my brows furrowing.  Her feelings for Devon were unclear to the very end.  Cristian taunted Ashley with childish digs but you and I know the playground "kick him if you love him or push her if you love her" deal.  The love triangle needs to be refined but the raw emotions were spot on.  With that said, I enjoyed what I read- the romance beast in me is satisfied. 


All in all, Lori has done a fine job with The Ghost Hunter.  I would think that other PNR readers like myself would enjoy this one.

For more information visit:
Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / My Interview with Lori

Have you read and reviewed this novel? If so, please leave a direct link so that other who may be interested can visit.

Review: Hunting Memories (Vampire Memories, #2) by Barb Hendee

Eleisha Clevon has begun a correspondence with fellow vampire Rose de Spenser. Both reluctant predators, they venture outside only when the hunger becomes unbearable, trying not to draw attention to themselves-and feel guilty when ending human lives.

But Eleisha has learned a way to draw blood from her victims without killing them. She wants to share this knowledge with like-minded vampires and create a haven where they can exist together-and forge a united front against Julian Ashton, a vampire who has been hunting down and destroying his own kind...

How shall I begin?

Welcome Rose, Seamus, Robert, Mary and Jasper to the scene.  If you read my review of Blood Memories then you will know that this series has a strong focus on telepathic abilities and its various usage to aid the survival of Vampires.  

Hunting Memories is quite reminiscent of Blood Memories in the fact that we dive into the memories of Rose and Robert.  I learned of these new characters through their own accord as it occurred so many long years prior.  This telepathic ability still remains my most favorite aspect of the novel.  The telepathy and the narration allows for diverse POVs.  Readers are taken where ever the action is happening as oppose to being tied down to one character's account.

The romance is close to non existent.  I believe these novels are categorize as UF so the lack of romance is really not a surprise but always a plus in UF novels for me.  In Book one Wade is a potential love interest but in this novel it seems that there may be new direction or really maybe none at all in way of romance.
Moving on, I am enjoying the close relationship between the characters.  It's like a big family *break out the marshmallows and let's kumbayah*  Phillip and his quick attachment to Eleisha is cute and weird at the same time.  I think his character is the one I am confused with in this round.  He seems to be sweet and a great protector but at the same time he festers dark secrets and his past told through Robert sheds a light on things.


Is something still missing?  I believe I am up to pace.  The Vampire world is still unraveling.  I am learning as the characters learn.  But there is something new that I am left to wonder on.  I read and reread the snippet between Robert and Jessenia but still I have no clue.  Sex, can it happen or not?  There is other occasions where it seems the author flowed right on by so here I am trying to figure this out.  Anyone read any thing on the matter?  

Who would enjoy this best?  It's not quite gritty enough for hardcore UF fans and not enough romance for PNR so if you fall in between this one is for you. 

To learn more about this series:

Website / Blog

Other books in the series:

Blood Memories (Vampire Memories #1)
October 7th 2008 by Roc Trade (first published 1998)   

Memories of Envy (Vampire Memories, #3)

October 5th 2010 by Roc Trade

In Memories We Fear (Vampire Memories, #4)-October 2011

Ghosts of Memories (Vampire Memories, #5)- October 2012 

My review above was first posted here as apart of a Halloween 2010 event.  I am reposting to my blog and listing on my REVIEWS Page.

Review: Glass Houses (The Morganville Vampires, #1) by Rachel Caine

"From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood."

Morganville, Texas is the last place I want to live much less never be able to leave.  Unfortunately, for the characters of Glass Houses never leaving is their predicament.

The para-world set in Glass Houses makes for a stimulating read.  Poor Claire is none the wiser about this town called Morganville. She sees that it's different but doesn't know until later that Vampires run the show. Sixteen year old Claire gets thrown into the thick of things quite early on.  Being singled out by control-obsessed-pink-mafia girls is just the start of Claire's troubles.  Throughout Glass Houses, a string of events will lead her to making decisions that will ultimately cement her life.

I enjoyed the dialog in Glass Houses so much that I would love to spend a night in and hang out. LOL!  Michael, Eve and Shane look out for one another and now with the addition of Claire she too is protected.  They have their own family amongst one another and it's easy to feel like the fifth roommate.  Rachel Caine does a fabulous job with the characters.    

What will happen in sequels?  I am very curious and seeing as how Book 9: Ghost Town hits shelves Oct 26th I will not have to wait.  It is the perk of starting a series late but you know the saying: "It's never too late."  So don't miss out on this read.

To learn more about this series:

Website / Twitter / FaceBook / Myspace / Blog

Other books in the series:

There are 9 total out on the shelves and up to 12 books to be published. See the Goodreads page for all the books.  The newest book to hit shelves soon will be Bite Club (The Morganville Vampires,#10) coming May 2011.

My review above was first posted here as apart of a Halloween 2010 event.  I am reposting to my blog and listing on my REVIEWS Page.

All The Days Of, Interviews Me!!

The lovely Chrizette @ All The Days Of, a fellow book blogger, asked if she could interview me.

Mwah? But, of course *fluttering in delight* !!!

So, yes, I happily accepted.  I love chatting with other bloggers especially bookie bloggers.  You are all such a blast to hang out with even if it's just in cyberspace!

Today.... Head over to read an interview where I am the interviewee.  She has an awesome feature where she interviews other bloggers.  Check it out if you're interested in being featured.  Anyhow, head over whenever you have time and show her some LovLivLife LOVIN'!!!!

In My Mailbox 40

In My Mailbox - hosted by The Story Siren is a weekly meme to showcase our book-related adventures and encourage interaction/communication between blogs.  To participate as well Click Here. 

Gosh, I'm beat.  Work, kids and Xmas Shopping is kicking my butt.  I have a love/hate relationship wuith the Holidays! *sigh* Is there an end in sight?

Hey, while you're here I have a load of giveaways going.  I email winners so easy peasy!  Plus, check out my sneak peek for an upcoming giveaway event.


More Books purchased to gift for Xmas:
Those who I am buying for mostly read YA only but I love my Adult novels so I included a few that i loved this year.  Also, added Blood & Chocolates.  It's an old title but I've yet seen a similar plot line again like that one.  My motives is to get more ppl to talk about this oldie with me.  There is another with the same purpose in mind: Girl in the Arena.    Previous IMM Post: In My Mailbox 39 with the other gifted books.

 

 

Seeing as how I've set aside 50$ per person to spend and then I only buy when I have a coupon I'm getting a pretty damn good deal.  I've been known to go back to Border's several times so that i can use the coupon more then once.  =D Crazy, I know.
For the most part, I am done.  There are a few strangling books still getting shipped then it'll all be separated and boxed.  Best part is I can borrow the ones I don't own.  hehehehe =D!!


Bought for me:
There are a few titles that I bought from Borders.  They are still getting shopped but I'm excited but *shhhhhhhh* I was only suppose to buy for others as gift but I snuck in a few for me.  Heck, I am tempted to keep some of the gifted books I bought. LOL!

Glorious 50% off coupon!



Books picked up at the Library sale:
I have something in the works planned to support the Hawaii Libraries.  More to come later. 

Previous IMM Post: In My Mailbox 39

Sneak Peek: Books With Love Hop Event (Giveaway)

Next year, Valentine's 2011, I will be participating in a Giveaway Event named Books With Love Hop.  Click on the button for more info especially if you want to enter your blog or just note the dates to enter!!!
 

Here is a sneak peek into what you will see on my blog to be given away at that time.  Be sure you follow me GFC so that you can be considered Old Follower for the giveaway!!  Btw, this giveaway will be open World wide as long as USPS (US Postal Service) ships to your area.

**If you an author or publicist and would love to contribute  send me an email chasity[at]lovlivlifereviews[dot]com**

I will be giving away books (not sure on the titles yet) and Book Jackets.  Here are some of the prints that you will see for the Book Jackets (BJs): Click to enlarge image

They all have something to do with Love some where on the design.  Let me know which ones your favorite.  I have my eyes open for other designs to add!

If you are not familiar with my blog or my Book Jackets here is what they look like: Click image to enlarge

 

ARC Giveaway & Another Giveaway: Book of Days by James L. Rubart

I will say that this book sounds fantastic.  What would you do if your memories were slipping?  Honestly, if I were aware of it occurring I would be devastated.  Frantically, I would be moving mountains to fix it all.  Book of Days releases on January 1st so be sure to enter for your chance to win.

 About the book:

"… in Your book all my days were recorded, even those which were purposed before they had come into being." —Psalm 139:16 Young Cameron Vaux’s mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his dad predicted they would. Memories he knows he has to remember. His father tells Cameron that to save his mind he must find "the book with all days in it" —the past and future record of every soul on earth. When an obscure clue leads Cameron to a small central Oregon town, he meets enigmatic Taylor Stone, a possible guide to finding the book who seems to carry secrets far deeper than anyone imagines. Local hotshot TV personality Ann Bannister thinks the legend of the book is a farce, but she has her reasons to join Cameron’s search anyway. Finally, there is fanatical New Age guru Jason Judah, who will stop at nothing to find the book of days before Cameron does."

There will be 2 giveaways:

1st- ARC ending on Jan 1st and shipped out asap Monday Jan 3rd.

2nd- One copy of Book of Days or your choice of a Book Depository book under $10.  Ending Feb 27th. 

***All comments by Jan 1st will be entered to win the ARC.  All comments entered by Feb 27th will be enter in the remaining 2nd giveaway***  All comments, including the ARC winner, will remain in the running for the 2nd giveaway.  Think of it as an ongoing giveaway.

Any questions or clarification needed- email me by clicking on the contact tab located left side of my blog or directly at lllinthe808 AT gmail DOT com.

Btw, I am entering a separate contest with this post.  My entry is your comments.  I need to have the most comments to win so enter away!  With that said thoughtful comments are appreciated but you can reply to the post or to any of the previous comments that provoke a thought.  No limit on how many comments (equalling to one entry each) you can post!

ANYONE can enter. 
Winner will be emailed.

Marissa is an amazing publicist and she sent along a Q&A sheet with James L. Rubart.  Thank you Marissa.

Tell us about your new novel, Book of Days. It's personal for you. What do you think your father would say if he could read it?

Answer: It’s the story of young man who is losing his mind, and his only hope is to find God’s Book of Days—which has recorded the past, present and future of every soul on earth. The idea came out of my dad’s battle with Alzheimer’s. As the disease progressed, I started to wonder where my dad's memories were going. Were they mist? Or could God somehow, someday restore them? Was there a book that recorded them? Then I imagined that book existing on earth, someone searching for it, and BOOK OF DAYS was born.

What would my dad say if he could read it? Who knows, maybe he is reading it!

 

You became a best-selling author with your debut novel, Rooms. Did that motivate you to keep sharing stories with your fans?

Answer: What motivates me is the need to get these stories bouncing around my brain out and on paper. Remember that movie, Chariots of Fire about Olympic sprinter Eric Liddell? He tells his sister, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." When I write I feel His pleasure.

You're a Christian writer but your books have cross-over appeal to readers of any faith. How do you do it?

Answer: Great question. Yeah, it's been fun to hear from people that aren't followers of Jesus tell me how much they loved ROOMS. I think it's because I'm touching on universal themes in my novels. Forgiveness, finding a life of freedom, stepping into your destiny … and those themes resonate with people whether they follow God or not.

I am not a religious person; will you preach to me in Book of Days?

Answer: No, some readers said I preached a bit in ROOMS so I think I got it out of my system. I’m only half joking. In ROOMS there is an overt faith element—that’s simply the way the story took me. In BOOK OF DAYS there are certainly Christian elements, but they're not as pronounced. I think readers will get drawn into the story whether they're a person of faith or not. Who wouldn't be curious to find a book that's recorded their past, present and future?

Why did you decide to set this book in the northwest, particularly in Oregon?

Answer: Hmmm, there seems to be a trend here don't you think? ROOMS is set on the Oregon coast, BOOK OF DAYS is set in central Oregon … I do love the state. I chose central Oregon because I wanted a setting I knew and had been to. So I set the novel in Sisters, OR, called it Three Peaks and took liberty with a few things to make the town fit my novel.

Rock-climbing is a big part of this book. Are you an out-doorsman?

Answer: I grew up camping with my family up and down the Oregon coast and fell in love with the outdoors. I backpack with my sons and am planning on climbing a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado with them this summer. 

What can we expect in your third novel from B&H Publishing Group, The Chair, releasing in October 2011?

Answer: It's the story of a young antiques storeowner who is given an ancient chair by an elderly lady who claims it was made by Jesus Christ.
At first Corin Roscoe is scoffs but when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair he stops laughing and starts wondering.
Corin’s life shatters as he searches for the truth about the artifact, and the unexplained phenomena that seems to come from it. And he's not the only one who will do almost anything to possess the power that appears to surround the chair.