Enticed *Spoiler Free*

Review Time! This is the second book in the Violet Eden Chapters written by Jessica Shirvington who is an Australian Author! The first book is Embrace ( Review Here ) I'm having Jessica on the blog tomorrow for an interview AND we're giving away 10 sets of both Enticed and Embrace! TEN WINNERS! Thanks to Hachette for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels.

Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

The Short Story? - The plot keeps getting better and better! Picking up from where the story finished in Embrace, Enticed is a fantastic sequel to an exciting new series about our favourite mythical creatures! Angels ( and angel/human hybrids - Grigori!) !!! Action-packed, great characters and a refreshing new take on Angel Mythology. Get ready for Violet Eden, she's the next big thing!

The Long Story ? -  Quite frankly, I went thought this complete faze where I was obsessed with YA paranormal romance, I still adore PNR, it my genre of choice but I'm also reaching out to other genre now! The thing about The Violet Eden Chapters is that even though it's a PNR, it's quite normal. Violet has daddy issues, she still attends school, she's into art, she still takes exams and goes shopping even among all the chaos! I love how Jessica has combines essence of "human" even among all the action! Which brings me to my next point...

The action! I liked Embrace but I loved this one! Fast-paced, action packed and educational. Lots of research must have gone into this novel, mostly religious history but it's all so interesting! Jessica has weaved history with fiction, creating a whole new take on on "this" particular historical event! She's expanded on what was already fiction about "religion" and taken it to a whole new level. Apparently Lilith wasn't just the first vampire but the mother of the first angel/human hybrid! Twist and turns and a killer- ending! I don't think I can wait for the next one!

Jessica has also further developed the characters during Enticed. We see Violet growing up and becoming more mature. We see her question her actions and take care of the people she loves most. Lots of emotion developed with Lincoln ( main love interest ) as well. Jessica has also introduced new characters!!! Readers are introduced to a trio of Grigori from New York ( cute boys) and their mentors, the characters are the highlight of the novel for me!They make everything, so much more interesting!

I strongly encourage all you Aussie readers to pick up the Violet Eden Chapters and for all you international readers to keep an eye out for it! A heated love-triangle, action-packed storyline and a heroine you're sure to like, The Violet Eden Chapters are amazing! Looking for something unique? Pick Violet Eden!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Breakfast with the Bookie - Bloggers : Where Are Your Manners? Revisiting Blogging Etiquette

Breakfast with the Bookie is a weekly feature hosted here at Badass Bookie. Every Wednesday morning (or afternoon depending on where you are) I post a discussion post for everyone to read along with morning up of coffee ;)

Today's Topic - Where Are Your Manners? Revisiting Blogging Etiquette.

I've actually already done a post about blogging etiquette but I think it's something we all need to revisit, you can read my first post - HERE. The blogging community is fairly friendly, we're all people who have come together to share a common interest - books, whether we are authors, publishers, agents or book bloggers.

We help each other when others are in need, giving advice, donating prizes, giving away books or just sharing the love of reading. Recently, I had my first blogoversary and being the poor, broke, unemployed teenager I am, I couldn't afford to giveaway lot, Lisa @ A Life Bound By Books kindly offered to donate a prize as well as CSN. This is the blogging spirit I'm talking about. We're happy to help each other out. We want to make others happy ( RAK is a wonderful feature where bloggers are happy just to give books radomly to make people happy).

Unfortunately among all that kindness I have noticed some nasty stuff going along as well. Mostly on Twitter and not towards me ( although I have frowned upon some rude comments made by a blogger about my blog) but still it saddens me to see this. Nasty names being called, rude comments, opinions that should be kept to oneself being stated. It's all pretty saddening. I'm a pretty laidback person, I'm an Aussie but even I know the difference between a joke and being rude.

I realise that different people have diffeent opinions about different things but really where are your manners? It's not up to you to decided how someone else should blog, when they post their giveaways, how they write their reviews. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all. Calling someone a Bitch, Dyke, Loser etc. etc. isn't going to make your blog better or make you happier. Also it's not only bloggers who do this but authors too which really is a disappointment :/

Bottom line, remember your manners! If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it.Be polite, just because you don't meet someone in person doesn't mean you can be rude! You never know when you might need someone's help! Today's discussion - Your thoughts on Blogging Etiquette? When is it taken too far?

Badass Bookie xx

ARC of Forgotten by Cat Patrick Winner!

Thank-you to everyone who helped promote this giveaway and 'liked' The Forgotten Facebook Page! This is truly a beautiful book and if you don't win - bad luck ut you can always pre-order it HERE ( Hardcover) and HERE ( Paperback )!

The Winner of the ARC of Forgotten by Cat Patrick is ....

#223 Adrianga

Please check your twitter account within 48 hrs or I will need to choose a new winner!

Badass Bookie xx

The Espressologist

Review Time! I know everyone has probably already read this book but it's only just been released in Australia and so that makes me one of the last people to read this book with such a snazzy title :P Thanks to C. at Pan Macmillan for sending me a review copy!

( Goodreads) What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie. Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?

The Short Story ? - Screw Internet Dating, the Espressologist is in! Matchmaking with coffee is the next big thing! A cute and funny read with comfortable writing and a fantastic plot, Kristina's debut is one novel not to be missed! Looking for something light and frothy to go with your morning cuppa coffee? Pick up the Espressologist!

The Long Story ? - If Jane is the Espressologist then that makes me the Bookologist right? Since I match books with people :) Lots of mixed review on this one, it's one of those books that you either love or hate. I really liked this book - it's right down my street, cute, light contemporary, but I do get where all these bad review are coming from, let me justify -

The novel was rather short, only about about 180 pages which is shorter than what YA books usually are. For some people that may seem like a short time to be able to develop characters and build a good plot, I assure you, it's a short read but it's definitely fantastic. I loved the characters and the plot was super cute ;) I loved every moment of it and quite frankly the one-sitting read was a bonus for me!

I have to praise Kristina on her knowledge of coffee, I never knew there was so many different types of coffee, I don't drink alot of it and what I do drink is limited to instant coffee :P Even better the concept of using coffee, a common love of 90% of the world's population for matchmaking is really clever! Loved the plot, Jane our Espressologist plays cupid but what about her own Prince Charming? Great start to the novel, cutest ending ever and lots of romance in between!

The writing was fantastic! Kristina has a very distinct and strong YA voice and reading the Espressologist was relaxing. The style of writing was comfortable and humorous. Each character had an individual voice and it almost felt as if Jane was the narrator instead of me!

Bottom line, The Espressologist is a novel not to be missed. Romantic, light, frothy and fun. The characters are great, the writing is refreshing and the plot is original and I going to have to use the word again - cute :)
Looking  for a quick one-sitting read? Want something that you will enjoy every minute? Worth your money? Cute, relaxing and perfect match for your cup of coffee? You're in for a treat with The Espressologist!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #26 + Blogoversary Winners!

Happy Easter Everyone! Hoping everyone is having a fantastic long weekend, I know I am! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over @ The Story Siren, one of the best blogs ever! She just reached One Million Visitors and is hosting a fabulous giveaway of Six ARCs, head over an enter now! I do IMM every second week ( usually)

In My Mailbox #26

For Review  -

Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Bought -

Hardcover Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Paperback The Amanda Project : #1 by Melissa Kantor

( Both for $2.40 each! With free shipping!)

R.A.K -

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
White Cat by Holly Black
Firespell by Chloe Neill

( Thanks to Shannon @ Stalking the Bookshelf, Lillie @ Read My Mind and Monique @ The Book Mystress)

Winners of Blogoversary -

Giveaway # 1 - Emily
Giveaway #2 - Chloe
Giveaway #3 - aveelachild@ ... ( I forgot the name, Sorry!!!)

Badass Bookie xx

Monster High

Review Time! Before I start reviewing, did you know they had Monster High Merchandise? Saw dolls and everything at Target the other day...I would like to thank Hachette for sending me a copy, you guys are amazing!!!

(Goodreads ) They prefer to call themselves RAD (Regular Attribute Dodgers), but some call them monsters. So far, the "monster" community has kept a low profile in Salem, but this year two new girls enroll at Master High School, and the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and cheerleading. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters who might be stalking the halls, Frankie finds that life in the "normi" world can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver--but can a normi be trusted with her big secret?

The Short Story ? - With a protagonist called Frankie Stein, you know you're in for one hell of a book! Loved it, it's wacky, SO cliched that it's awesome and who doesn't love Monster going to High school? Cute plot, fantastic characters and perfect for anyone looking for a fun read ( or if you're mentally twelve forever like me)!

The Long Story ? - I'm was going to say this one is more MG then YA but then there are parts that are too YA to be MG so it's confusing and hard to place an age on it. If I had to break it down - the writing is MG but the plot is YA. I'm not sure whether the writing style is Lisi's signature style since this is the first of her books that I have read but it's definitely original, funny, comfortable and a little childish ( hey, that sounds like me)

My favourite part of the whole novel would be the characters! This novel is actually told from alternating perspectives of two girls - one normie ( Melody Carver and one monster ( Frankie Stein). It's actually really clever how Lisi has entwined the lives of these two girls but I don't giving it away! The characters in this novel are so so so cute! They're all modern, teenager takes on classic monster, we have vampires , Cleopatra ( ???? I think she's a mummy), werewolves, fish creatures, Medusa and wait for it...Jekel and Hyde!!! I know right? AND he is the main love interest! The characters are truly fantastic, each have a personality that reflects on what we stereotype as that kind of monster!

The plot is predictable but I did mention that the book is meant to be cliched! At the start of the novel we're given a little background check about why the RADs ended up in hiding and Salem so we as readers are clued in! The story then picks up from there where new girls on the block Frankie and Melody stir up trouble, there's monsters, social hierarchy, prom and cheerleaders, it's the plot to every readers dream!

The book lacked a little in the romance department, which is one of the reasons why I think it's MGish, seriously it's like PG- 13 romance, which is not exactly a bad thing but I am a romance junkie so that's probably the only thing that would have made this book better! The writing is really comfortable and funny! The dialogue is witty and the language isn't too complex!

All in all, Monster High is the first book to a fantastic series! It's cute, it's cliched and it's GOT MONSTERS IN IT!!!! Witty writing, fantastic characters, a twist to our classic monsters! What could be better? Bookie recommends to anyone who loves the name Frankie Stein, is mentally twelve ( like her) or just want to read something cute, light and completely monstrous!

Rating - 4/5 ( the cover is really cute too!)

Badass Bookie xx

Defiance ( Spoiler -Free!)

Review Time! For those who haven't read the Strange Angels series yet, please please do! It's absolutely fanta-bulous! Defiance is the fourth book in the series but this is spoiler-free review so you can still you know read it *wink wink* Anyway...

(Goodreads) The heart-stopping fourth novel in New York Times bestselling author Lili St. Crow's Strange Angels series. 

Now that sixteen-year-old Dru's worst fears have come true and Sergej has kidnapped her best friend Graves, she'll have to go on a suicidal rescue mission to bring him back in one piece. That is, if she can put all of Christophe's training to good use, defeat her mother's traitor, Anna, once and for all, and manage to survive another day . . .



The Short Story ? - Fantastic addition to this action-packed, kick-ass series! Definitely my favourite book so far! My only complaint is that I have to wait to November for the next one! Heated romance, badass heroine and fast-paced story, step over Rose Hathaway, Dru's taking the spotlight!

The Long Story ? - I don't even know where to begin, all I want to do is gush about how good this book is! Defiance is a little shorter than the other books in the series, much to my disappointment, I want more, more, more but it definitely made up for it with how awesomely awesome it was! One of the best action novels I have read EVER, no exaggeration! Anyway, I can't keep gushing and have to actually review it so let's start with my favourite part of the novel ... the romance.

I'm one of those readers, who put no more love triangles on my reading resolution this year but I guess I'm going back on my word because let's face it, they make novels so much more interesting. Even if I get frustrated most of the time because the "chick" doesn't end up with the guy of MY dreams, the suspense is still pretty good. My favourite love triangle ever however would be the one between Graves, Dru and Christopher. It's so heated and passionate, I skip ahead just to read the romantic tidbit before back tracking! The romance in Defiance was ...perfection. Very little Graves and ALOT of Christoper ( who BTW is the ONLY you should be on!). Christopher and Dru definitely have chemistry and I hope to see them TOGETHER in the next book! I don't want to give anything away but the romance really is to die for!

Moving onto the plot! Lili St. Crow you are a genius, how do you come up with a plot that's so romantic yet so action-packed? I love my paranormals with adventure and Defiance gave it to me! Addictive and engrossing, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Defiance kept me on the edge of my seat and left my hear beating double time long after the final page! War between Vampires and Dhampirs? A World Where Women are boss? Hotties Galore and Backstabbing Friends? Explosions, Knives and Guns? Ladies and Gentlemen, there's action for all in Defiance!

I lied when I said my only complaint was the wait til November to the next ( and final) book but that's mainly it. My other complaint would be Dru! I love the girl, she's so badass she could be my twin, she's tough and confident but she's so gullible! I understand that a good character has to be believable meaning they have both strengths and weaknesses but some of the stuff that she believes, if only! However, I ca understand that it's her ignorance that keeps the series going, it's the catalyst to all the action and even if sometimes I want to shake Dru...the show must go on! Other than that the characterisation is fantastic, Christopher is perfect, beyond perfect and well Graves...he's alright but Christopher is better!

Bottom line, you don't know what you're missing if you haven't read the series! And if you haven't read Defiance already, well quickly go get yourself a copy! Think the first three was amazing? You're in for a ride with Defiance! Kick-ass action, passionate romance, the perfect guy, my badass twin and beautiful writing! Looking for a YA Paranormal? You found one!

Rating - 6/5 ( This is not a typo)

Badass Bookie xx

Abandon

Review Time! So two weeks ago Pan Macmillian contacted me about reviewing Abandon by Meg Cabot and well, being a huge fan of her writing, I said yes! Anyway, I was very excited to read this book and now I'm very excited to review it....

(Goodreads ) Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid. Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most. But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

The Short Story ? - Abandon is to be praised for it's fantastic originality! A brand new novel from one of our favourite authors, it's fast-paced, suspenseful and beautifully written. Fantastic characterisation and brilliant plot, you can't go wrong with Meg Cabot!

The Long Story ? - When I think Meg Cabot I think teen contemporary and love stories, so I was a little surprised to read that Abandon was a dark, paranormal and "serious". Honestly, I wasn't sure I was going to like, I'm always hesitant about reading novels written in genres that aren't what the author usually writes and quite frankly I don't enjoy them very much. However, like I said you can't go wrong with Meg Cabot and well Abandon was fantastic!

The characters in this novel was really well portrayed, Pierce is a protagonist that everyone could relate to on some level, a little bit of a wall flower, been through everything the world has thrown at her, a little bit of an outsider and not really knowing what she's capable of. One of the best things about Meg's writing is that she's fantastic at describing characters, Pierce is just so real to me! John on the other hand was too good to be real! He was just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, I can't tell you how many books where the love interested the "cliched" good-looking, blond hair, blue eyes etc etc but John....*sigh* he's not classically handsome but handsome in his own non-cliched way ;) Plus, he's personality is really cute!

The writing was fantastic too! It's comfortable to read and the language used is simple! It was easy to follow and along and get sucked into the novel, it was so addictive! I couldn't put the book down, the writing lured me in and I just had to finish the book! Meg Cabot is one of my favourite authors and the very reason for that is because she's a brilliant writer! Maybe it's just me but some books I have read are just too awkwardly written or the language is too complex to really relax and just enjoy it, I found that with Abandon even if we're talking death and underworld it was still a pretty relaxing read!

However for me the highlight would be the plot! Totally original and exciting! Full of twists and turns, secrets and dark pasts that are slowly revealed along the duration of the novel! Abandon takes suspense to a whole new level! Not to mention the cliff hanger ending! Dark, romantic and addictive, Abandon is one of my favourite paranormals of the year! Looking for a new book to love? Bookie recommends Abandon!

Rating 5/5 ( Beautiful cover too!)

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Enclave + Giveaway

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Book Profile

New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.

Name - Enclave ( Goodreads )

Author - Ann Aguirre ( Profile )

Genre - Dystopian

Release Date -

Available - The Book Depository / The Nile

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Character Profile by Julie

Fade’s Face Book Page

Name: Fade

Age: Teenager

Job: Finds food for the Enclave ( Hunter)

Thinking Right Now: Outcast within the Enclave

Mood: Silent

Hobbies: training to fight freaks, topside knowledge ,surviving

Interests: Deuce, Surviving the Freaks

Lives : in the Enclave

Breeders: Dead

Friends: Deuce , Banner

About Me: I’ve had a tough life topside, and also in the Enclave. I’m the strong and silent type, and I can read books. I do remember my parents. I’m a survivor.

~~~~Giveaway~~~~

OH EM GEE, I can't even tell you how jealous I am of you guys! I want to read Enclave so so so so so so so badly and while I HAVEN'T GOT A COPY ( something do with being broke and living is Australia) YOU guys get TWO chances to win the book! That's right, Ann, is being super duper nice and giving away TWO  (2) SIGNED copies of Enclave ( sjhdskjhejwhkjhf *cries*)

Rule of Entry -

- Open Internationally
- MUST leave a comment on this post or Ann's first post ( HERE )
- Must fill out this FORM 
- Must be over 13 to enter
- Extra Entries are not required
- Ends May 7th 2011

Badass Bookie

Debut of the Month - All About Ann Aguirre

Second Debutante of April! Author of Enclave ( which I'm dying to read) is Ann Aguirre!

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Debutante Profile

Ann Aguirre is a national bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, two cats, and one very lazy dog. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, video games, action movies and Dr. Who. She writes urban fantasy, romantic science fiction, apocalyptic paranormal romance, paranormal romantic suspense, and young adult fiction.

Name - Ann Aguirre

Debut - Enclave

Genre - Dystopian

Website - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Dream Debutante Dress - I've attached the actual dress I just bought for the RITA awards at RWA. (I'm a finalist this year.)

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Notes from a YA Debutante

10 Reasons Why Writing is the Only Job for Me

10. I'm mentally twelve. If you say "duty", I will laugh every time. Every. Time.

9. I've wanted to be a writer since I was eight years old, and I won a chance to hear Shel Silverstein read from WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS by virtue of my self-illustrated seminal work, THE MYSTERY OF THE GOLDEN DOUBLOON. It was an epic tale of two best friends, who went to Florida on vacation together and uncovered a ring of illegal treasure hunters. They also met two cute boys. I suspect the value of this work is now immeasurable.


8. I am an inveterate daydreamer. Ironically, I also have issues with authority. When following my own path, I work super hard and am ambitious and self-motivated, but I've told more than one boss to f**k off in my day because I can't stand being managed.


7. I use fiction as therapy for things that terrify me. Like clowns, cannibals, demon-possessed monkeys, and creepy dolls. But not all in the same book. Except for the one I'm writing with the cannibal clowns. But you don't have to read it. (You know you want to.) Clearly I have realistic fears. *g*


6. So now that we're on the subject of jobs... I used to be a clown. I'm sorry. If it helps any, I have moderate coulophobia myself, which means I was traumatized every time I looked in the mirror. If you can suggest anything less cool than a college student driving in a bright orange Plymouth Horizon to a gas station grand opening in full clown regalia, including red nose and frizzy yellow wig, I'd love to hear about it. Worst college job ever, and I say that, having worked in a nursing home, changing bed pans. That was better than being a clown. Seriously.


5. I am the kind of woman who can get run over by her own car. With no one driving it. Do you really want me answering your phones?


4. I guess I should explain number five, huh? When I was in college, I was on my way to work (pre-clown) and I stopped for gas. The station was slightly on a rise. I got out of the car, filled up, but didn't set the emergency brake. I had to go inside to pay. When I came out of the station, my car was rolling slowly backward down the rise toward the busy street. I decided it would be a wise idea to sprint and get behind it, because, like Wonder Woman, I would stop a moving vehicle with my bare hands. Instead, the infernal Horizon knocked me down and ran over my thigh. However, my body changed its trajectory enough that it didn't roll into the street. Instead it ran into a pole. I got up, limped over to the car, and went to work 8 hours at the convenience store where I had the night shift.


3. And said job at the convenience store? It wasn't very convenient. (Which is why I eventually became a clown.) A few weeks after my car ran me over, the store was robbed. Yep, I was manning the till. I did not wet my pants. Other than, I don't remember much about it, but that was when I decided that maybe being a clown would be safer.


2. In college, I had many jobs. Many, many jobs. I really wanted to write. I mean I mentioned that in article 9, but sadly, my teachers told me that writing wasn't a real job. So sadly, I decided to teach. Which isn't a sad job. It's an awesome one. But not if you want to do something else. But during my student teaching I had two epic catastrophes: 1) a student pulled a knife on me and 2) I was hospitalized with blood poisoning. I missed a week, and Ball State said it was too much, and I'd have to do the whole semester over. Which I couldn't afford. So no teaching degree. Instead I graduated with a degree in English Lit, and no master plan. Eventually, after marriage and babies and much private wailing about how nobody understood my genius, the publishing world decided I was suited for nothing else...


1. And I sold the 9th novel I wrote. Before that happy day, I wrote sooo many... I could tell you about them. *beam* They were AWESOME. (Not really. They were terrible, but I was only 15 when I wrote my first.) I got better! *Monty Python voice* Since 2007, I've sold 22 novels. Which is awesome. The End. (Or is it...? I hope not. I want to write more.)

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Ann, you are the only person I know who has the ability to run themselves over WITHOUT even driving the car, it takes talent :P And I do think you were destined to be an author, I can't picture you as a clown and blood poisoning and having a knife pulled on you doesn't sound too good either. It's good to think you're young, age is just a number! It's all about the mind...Anyway, guys Enclave sounds like a brillian book, if you haven't heard of it you live under a rock  ( it was called Razorland?) and make sure you come back tomorrow for a giveaway and more about Enclave ( I'm so so so so so so excited about it it's not even funny)

PS- Ann, you crack me up and I'm a pretty serious person (...)

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About The Year We Were Famous + Giveaway

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Book Profile

On May 6, 1896, seventeen-year-old Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, pack satchels with compass and maps, ponchos, first-aid supplies, journals, a pistol and a curling iron. They head east along the railroad tracks, planning to walk twenty-five miles a day for the next seven months. Their goals: to reach New York City in time to win a $10,000 wager which would save their family’s farm from foreclosure—and to prove women could do it.

Based on the true story of my great-aunt and great-grandmother, this historical fiction adventure that sets the drama of Around the World in 80 Days against an American backdrop of the suffragist movement, the 1896 presidential campaign, and the changing perception of “a woman’s place” in society.

Name- The Year We Were Famous ( Goodreads )

Author – Carole Estby Dagg ( Profile )

Genre - Historical

Release Date – 4th of April 2011

Available - The Book Depository / The Nile 

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The Insider's Scoop

Ever since I heard that all of Clara and Helga Estby’s own journals were destroyed, I have wanted to recreate the story those journals would have told. I became so obsessed with the story that I quit my job at the library to write.



The book was rejected 29 times before it was finally accepted.


The adventures are all based on one-sentence references in newspaper articles. Clara and Helga actually demonstrated their curling iron to Native Americans they met, they met President-elect McKinley and his wife in their home, they were lost in the Snake River Lava Fields, had to shoot an assailant in Oregon, and were nearly drowned in a flash flood. I expanded each one-sentence reference to a whole chapter, and made up Miss Waterson, Charles Doré, and Erick Iverson to help connect the dots between known facts.




Trying to get the mind-set of a young woman of the late Victorian era, I gave up reading contemporary fiction for a whole year and read only books and magazines Clara might have read—everything from the classics she for school to dime novels I found reproduced on the Internet.

Some chapter details were inspired by period postcards I bought on e-bay.


I had to cut nearly 200 pages, including chapters where they met the Amish, a coal miner’s widow, a Basque sheepherder, and where their schedule would have brought them into contact with Molly Brown and Annie Oakley. Each chapter took weeks of research and revision, but leaving them out resulted in a more focused book.

The chapters about the flash flood and demonstrating their curling Iron to Ute Indians have changed very little over the last 10-15 years, but I’ve completely re-written the beginning more than a dozen times, starting at different points of time, with different voice, different narrator…the beginning was by fart the hardest part of the book.


Each time I found a newspaper article about Clara and Helga on microfilm I got goosebumps. Here are the pictures that appeared in the New York World back in 1896:

~~~~Giveaway~~~~

Carole has kindly offered me (1) ONE Hardcover Copy of The Year We Were Famous to giveaway so aren't you guys lucky? I'm in Love with this book already and I haven't even read it!!! I simply adore historical fiction and this one is just up my street! Feminism FTW!

Rule of Entry -

- Open to US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand  

- MUST leave a comment on this post or Carole's first post ( HERE )
- Must fill out this FORM
- Must be over 13 to enter
- Extra Entries are not required
- Ends May 5th

The Year We Were Famous  ~
Would you walk over four thousand miles to save your family's home?


Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Carole Estby Dagg

Hey Guys, just to explain how April is going to work, I'm featuring TWO debutantes because I couldn't pick one so for the 15th-16th I'll be featuring Carole Estby Dagg and then on the 17th- 18th I'll be featuring Ann Aguirre ( Enclave).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debutante Profile

Name - Carole Estby Dagg

Debut - The Year We Were Famous

Genre - Historical

Website - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Trailer - HERE

My grandmother predicted I would grow up to be a writer. Sixty-seven years later—after careers as a CPA, children’s librarian, and assistant library director—I’m finally fulfilling my grandmother’s prophecy with my first novel. Although I spend most of my time writing and reading, I’ve had some real-life adventures too. I have tip-toed through King Tut’s tomb, sand-boarded the dunes of Western Australia, and ridden a donkey up the cliffs of Santorini. I was born in Missouri, but after sixteen moves in my first sixteen years, I settled in Washington State. I am married with two children, two grandsons, and a bossy cat. I write at my home in Everett and a converted woodshed on San Juan Island.

Dream Debutante Dress - "This dress is similar to the one I made to attend the Jane Austen Society’s ball. I used this picture instead of one with me inside the dress because the mannequin looks better in it than I did. "

 

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Notes from a YA Debutante ...

I keep my sanity with post-its and lists, so here’s a list of random facts:

 - I saw Great-aunt Clara, the narrator for The Year We Were Famous, for the last time in 1950 when a nun broke the hospital rule about no children on patient floors.

- My cat, Billiken (named for the goo- luck symbol of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon Exposition), keeps me on a rigorous schedule, including getting his breakfast at 6 a.m. and my settling down to work by 8 a.m.

- Until I had braces I could spit watermelon seeds between my two front teeth.

- I attended four high schools—one of them twice—in two years.

- My hand-woven plaid blanket won a Best of Show in the Snohomish County Fair.

- I am a lacto-ovo-fishisOK-quasi-vegetarian.

- My husband does not read books by women authors, so he has never read mine.

- My first rejection on The Year We Were Famous (then titled Clara Estby, Pedestrian) was in 1995. My ultimate publisher, Clarion, had rejected it twice before it was accepted in 2007.

- I am working on a sequel to The Year We Were Famous and a book set in Alaska; I also have drawers full of notes for three other historical fiction projects.

- I am a pretty boring person so that’s all I can think of to say about myself

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carole, you are SO not boring! I enjoyed this post ALOT! For all those aspiring authors out there, you can see just how long it takes to get into the business, 16 years is a long time and it's great Carole, that you didn't give up! I don't want to spoil the postfor tomorrow but you guys don't want to miss it, the insider's scoop is really fantatsic, so so interesting, I love the book already! PS- Carole IS giving away a copy ;)

Badass Bookie xx

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Review Time! I recently checked out a copy of this book from the library so I checking this on off my bucket list! I haven't read anything else written by David Levithan or Rachel Cohn but according to everyone else, they write fantastic books so I decided to see for myself. I currently in a contemporary/romance binge so this fits right in...

( Goodreads ) “I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

The Short Story ? - A cute love story told from alternating perspectives of our main characters, Dash and Lily. Fantastic writing, clever plot and a romance that gives ' love at not first sight' a whole new meaning! Funny, witty and perfect for a weekend read! Bookie Approves!

The Long Story ? - This book made me laugh out loud, it was hilarious. I can't even remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book! It wasn't that kind of book that made you giggle because the character is doing something extremely embarrassing but the kind of book makes you laugh because the characters are portrayed so well that even their sense of humour is carried through the pages.

If I was going to host a dinner party with my favourite fictional characters, Dash and Lily are definitely on the list. They were so real to me, portrayed so well, it still leaves me doubtful when I think that they're only fiction. Their personalities hold both strengths and weaknesses, flaws and perfections giving them realistic touch! Plus, brownie points for characterisation since both Dash and Lily likes to read!

The plot was another highlight for me, it was very clever... and cute. Based around this red notebook that  Dash find in the Strand ( yes I'm talking reader terms for the BIG bookstore), which contain dares that Lily's has written. It's the start of a big adventure for both characters as they travel all around New York. Honestly, I'm simply blown away by how cleverly written this books is, these dares are written like riddles and how the authors come up with them still puzzles me.

More than anything though, I think I liked the romance the best. A love story about a girl and a boy who falls in love with each other through this red notebook. A love story about internal battles where you can't decided whether you like them or the idea of them. A love story about whether that special someone who understands you on every level really exists. Bottom line, it's a fantastic love story!

Overall, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is a quirky, cute and funny love story with a great sense of adventure. It's a book about finding yourself, your values and that special someone. It's a book about being bought together by fat. Beautiful writing, clever plot, fantastic characters and a whole lot of adventure. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is a book every romance and contemporary lover should read!

Rating - 4/5

Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #25 + Winner of Between Shades of Grey

Hello Everybody! In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren, it's a weekly meme where we share the bookish contents of our mailboxes! I haven' done an IMM in three weeks so this is basically three weeks of stuff ;) Anyway, In My Mailbox...

For Review -

Defiance ( Strange Angels #4) by Lili St. Crow ( unsolicited)

The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards ( unsolicitied)

The Ghoul Next Door ( Monster High #2) by Lisi Harrison ( unsolicitied)

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes ( unsolicited)

Abandon by Meg Cabot ( accepted)

ARC Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini ( accepted)

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison ( accepted)

( Thanks to Penguin, Pan Macmillian, Hachette and Paige Harbison)

Won -

ARC Stork by Wendy Densol

( Thanks to Cass @ Words on Paper )

From Swap ( or advanced swap :P) -

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Chasing Boys by Karen Tayleur

Sea by Heidi R. Kling

( Thanks to the super awesome Nic @ Irresistible Reads <--- AUSSIE Blogger!)

Winner of Between Shades of Grey March Debutante Pack is ...

#291 - Diana ( already contacted)

These books, I had already owned but I went to a Writer's Festival where I got signed by the Authors!

 

Badass Bookie xx

Forgotten + Giveaway ( Int'l - I promised didn't I ? )

Review Time! AND a giveaway at the end! A few weeks ago Hardi Grant Australia contacted me about reviewing an upcoming debut called 'Forgotten' by Cat Patrick, I was super excited since I only just read about the Paramount Movie Deal the day before! Plus, I'm a huge Debut Author supporter :D Anyway onto my review...

(Goodreads) Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future. Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies


The Short Story ? - A touching debut centred around a girl whose memory reset everyday at 4:33am. Beautiful writing, moving plot and fantastic characterisation. Forgotten is a novel that shows the depth of the meaning ' The Future is Yours'. A perfect balance between reality and fiction, this is one debut I wouldn't want to miss. Start saving your change and counting down people because this novel comes with a big fat tick of approval from the Bookie!

The Long Story ? - When I first read the blurb, I was a little weirded out, it sounded like a contemporary but then there's the fact that London's memory reset itself everyday and that she had memories of the future. I could accept the fact that her memory resets itself but the fact that she has memories of the future in a YA contemporary? It sounded better fit in a paranormal. So when I turned the first page my thoughts ran along the lines of - 'okay, don't know how this is going to work but I'll deal.' 10 pages into the book and my thoughts changed to - 'Ohhh interesting, who cares, this is good stuff.'

My original thoughts about the girl with the whacked up memory and visions of the future turned to admiration of the author's ability write such an original story! I loved the plot, one of the highlights of the novel for me. It was the perfect balance between real teen problems mixed with a little 'super-human' element. I would still be a little skeptical if London's 'futuristic' memories were about things like ' the next president' or 'when the world is going to end'. Thankfully, her memories are of little everyday things, things that aren't far-fetched because it's so normal. I could accept the fact this was a contemporary because her memories were so normal, it could have been any one's memories from the past instead of London Lane's memories from the future. The novel also had a nice flow to it, keeping things interesting the entire length of the novel!

Another highlight for me was the fantastic characterisation! I could connect to London on a emotional level. I understand how hard it is when you forget something so it must be horrible to forget everything, everyday including who your boyfriend is or what you wore yesterday. Nevertheless, London's doesn't give up, she writes notes that she reads everyday to remember, she smiles and thinks about other people instead of just herself, she works her way around the fear of the unknown everyday. I respect her ability to cram the morning before a test! London is a fantastic protagonist that everyone can connect to, she's strong yet she's not afraid to ask for help.

Moving on to our love interest, Luke Henry. Luke, if I ever meet the perfect guy, he would be exactly like you. You're supportive, impressively good-looking, kind and totally in love with London. Your utter devotion to her, even when you know her secret is moving. You are the perfect boyfriend and I envy London. PS- I cried a little when you cried a little,I love a man who's not afraid to cry.

Lastly, oh what beautiful writing! Cat, we as YA readers are very lucky to have you join the community. You have a strong teen voice and a unique writing style. Your writing is comfortable and easy to read, the style is easy to follow and I appreciate and admire your ability to write in first person, present tense, which is something very rare in not only YA but literature in general!

Overall, Forgotten would have stolen my heart if Luke hadn't already! A touching story, moving words, a strong heroine and a hard-not-love boyfriend is the perfect combination to a book that you wouldn't want to miss. One of the best debuts I have read this year and one of the best contemporary I have read ever, Forgotten is one book you'll regret not reading - please add to your bucket list.

Rating 5/5

~Giveaway~

Hardi Grant Australia has kindly offered me another ARC of the novel to give to one of you lovely readers! So ONE (1) of you won't have to wait til June 7th to read this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G novel!

Instructions - Please Read CAREFULLY

- International

- Must be 13 to enter

- MUST "Like" Forgotten Facebook Page ( HERE )

- +1 for comment on review

- +1 for everytime you spread the word

- Fill Out This FORM

- Ends April 25th

Don't have facebook? Not to worry! Please just spread the word and put ONE link in the FB username space!

Twitter this - "Like" Forgotten by Cat Clarke Fb Page - http://tiny.cc/7n0og and enter @BadassBookie ARC Giveaway http://tiny.cc/a8ls0

Badass Bookie xx

In Which I Cast My Own Peeta and Gale

Well, today is one sad day, woke up this morning to find that it's been confirmed that Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth will be playing our Peeta and Gale.

This is how it goes -

*wakes up*
*turns twitter on*
*find cast for Peeta and Gale*
*Jumps up and down*
*Page loads*
*stares at page*
*throw self on ground and throw tantrum*
*turn off computer because it's too depressing*

THAT'S RIGHT PEOPLE!!! THESE TWO ARE GOING TO BE OUR PEETA AND GALE!!!!!

Personally, neither of them are suited for either roles. BUT at least they could cast Liam Hemsworth ( with the blond hair and blur eyes as Peeta) and Josh Hutcherson as Gale ( with dark hair and the similarities stop there) HOWEVER, noooo they cast Josh as Peeta and Liam as Gale.

Well, I've put together a list of bachelors who would have been SO.MUCH.BETTER.

MY Picks for Peeta -

1) Max Irons - Red Riding Hood as Henry

2) Alex Pettyfer - I Am Number Four as Number Four

3) Zach Roerig - Vampire Diaries as Matt

MY Picks for Gale -

1) Taylor Lautner - Twilight Saga as Jacob

2) Adam Gregory - 17 Again as Dom

3) Gaspard Ulliel - WHO CARES?

All of these actors could have been better, really I'm so sad and disappointed, I was looking forward to the castings...the least they could is DYE THEIR HAIR ( Josh and Liam I mean)

Badass Bookie xx