$50 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway!

I was contacted last week by a lovely lady over at AO, an online appliance store based in the UK who told me she wanted to give me free books! I know what you're thinking - "Lisa you just got spammed" but this is no joke. There are people (and companies) in the world who believe RAK and making people happy! I got to pick a couple of books I've been wanting to read and they're on their way via Amazon to me! However AO's generosity doesn't stop there, they want to give YOU free books as well.

However since I have no idea what everyone wants to read, I mean the books I want to read might not be what you guys want to read RIGHT? So through AO, I am hosting a giveaway for a $50 Amazon Giftcard! With this giftcard you can books or anything else you want to (but hey, we all know it's going to be books). 

So all you have to do to enter yourself to win is fill out the Rafflecopter form below -

Open Internationally

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Goodluck! And thanks to AO for the opportunity!

Badass Bookie xx

GIVEAWAY: Notes from Ghost Town + The Butterfly Clues

Hey everybody! Today I have a cheeky giveaway for all of you! To celebrate the release of Notes from Ghost Town by Kate Ellison, Egmost USA is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a hardcover copy of Notes from Ghost Town as well as the new paperback copy of The Butterfly Clues (which also comes out today)!

(Goodreads) They say first love never dies...

From critically acclaimed author Kate Ellison comes a heartbreaking mystery of mental illness, unspoken love, and murder. When sixteen-year-old artist Olivia Tithe is visited by the ghost of her first love, Lucas Stern, it’s only through scattered images and notes left behind that she can unravel the mystery of his death.

There’s a catch: Olivia has gone colorblind, and there’s a good chance she’s losing her mind completely—just like her mother did. How else to explain seeing (and falling in love all over again with) someone who isn’t really there?

With the murder trial looming just nine days away, Olivia must follow her heart to the truth, no matter how painful. It’s the only way she can save herself.

Purchase - Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Indiebound 

Kate Ellison spent a lot of time as a child, in Baltimore, pretending to be things she wasn't: a twin, a telekinetic, a benevolent witch with a box full of magical stones, a spy, a soccer player. She trained as an actor in Chicago and has walked across the entire country of Spain. She is a painter and jewelry-maker, and has at least one artist friend who really does keep his true name a secret from the world. He told her, but don't ask her to tell you—she's not gonna do it. Kate lives in Brooklyn, New York. The Butterfly Clues is her first novel.

Check out Kate Ellison's Blog - HERE

~Giveaway~

Thanks to Egmont USA one lucky winner will receive (1) ONE hardcover copy of NOTES FROM GHOST TOWN and (1) ONE paperback copy of THE BUTTERFLY CLUES by Kate Ellison.

Rules -

- US/ CAN ONLY
- Ends 28th February 

- Optional Entries :

   * Follow Egmont USA on Facebook - HERE

   * Follow Kate Ellison on Facebook - HERE

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1 

   * Follow Egmont USA on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie via GFC/Linky or RSS +2

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Badass Bookie xx

Cold Fury + Flicker and Burn Cover Reveal + ARC Giveaway!

Do you know what today is guys? 

If you say 12/12/12, you are correct.

If you say the last time we'll see a repeating date. you are correct.

If you say COLD FURY COVER REDESIGN and FLICKER AND BUR COVER REVEAL. 

YOU ARE THE MOST RIGHT BECAUSE WHAT IS A REPEATING DATE COMPARED TO A COVER REVEAL AND AN ARC GIVEAWAY?

This is a super special, two-for-one cover reveal…Cold Fury, by T.M. Goeglein, has been redesigned, as well as the second installment in the Cold Fury trilogy…Flicker & Burn!

Cold Fury in paperback will be released in June 2012…and Flicker & Burn comes roaring onto the scene in August 2012!

Now I'm a HUGE fan of the original cover of Cold Fury and I *am* a little sad to see it go but this new cover is absolutely AMAZING so I'm not *too* sad. It seems that cover changes in the middle of a series is becoming quite a popular trend in YA fiction and while it's annoying when you've purchased the originals *shakes fist* AT LEAST IN THIS CASE THE COVERS ARE BEAUTIFUL. 

Am I teasing you? 

YOU MAD? 

Okay, without further ado I present you the new cover of Cold Fury and the cover Flicker and Burn!

Flicker and Burn:

The thrill ride that began in Cold Fury kicks into high gear in Flicker & Burn, as the threats to Sara Jane Rispoli come at her from all directions. She continues the desperate search for her missing family, but this time she’s on the run from creepy beings with red, pulsing eyes and ghostly white skin chasing her through the streets of Chicago in black ice cream trucks – they can only be described as Ice Cream Creatures. They're skeletal and ferocious, hell-bent on catching or killing her, but also a weird link to her family, a clue to where they might be and who has them.

While Sara Jane battles these new pursuers, she learns painful lessons about the phenomenon that possesses her, cold fury. At the same time, she’s uncovering buried secrets about the misdeeds of her family – old murders and blood vendettas – that might be connected to the disappearance of her mom, dad, and brother. The mysteries, violence, and constant state of chasing or being chased could be the undoing of her relationship with handsome Max Kissberg. Despite the love growing between them, Sara Jane can’t tell him the truth about her life, and fears for his safety.

Not only do the Ice Cream Creatures display the grisly amputated finger of her mom to prove their viciousness, and not only does Lucky, the Outfit Boss of Bosses, whistle in Sara Jane for a sit-down with deadly consequences, but her gorgeous cousin, Heather Richards, enters the scene, as well. All that matters to Sara Jane is saving her family and keeping everyone she loves alive and safe. But the forces she encounters, both external and the ones crackling inside of her, fight her every step of the way.

Contest:

Now’s your chance…win an ARC of Flicker and Burn as soon as it’s available! ( HOW EXCLUSIVE. YOU MUST BE SPECIAL) Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter! :)

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Badass Bookie xx

Happy Release Day Stealing Parker Giveaway! ( Int')

October 1st marks the release date for Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally! Stealing Parker is the companion novel to Catching Jordan which if you remember was one of the books that I featured in this year's debutante event! You can purchase your copies of Stealing Parker here at The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Fishpond.

(Goodreads) Red-hot author Miranda Kenneally hits one out of the park in this return to Catching Jordan's Hundred Oaks High.

After a scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back.

To celebrate the release of Stealing Parker, Miranda has put together this absolutely AMAZING tote bag full of goodies! Seriously, I'm extremely jealous of whoever wins this tote bag because it's probably the best bookish giveaway to EVER be HOSTED! And I'm so happy that I get to host it because this makes me super duper special. Yay.

Parker's After Practice Tote Bag!

- Parker carries her things in an orange and beige Converse bag. 

- Nail Polish: Parker loves painting her nails. 

- A copy of the movie "Never Been Kissed" - Parker and a guy character named Corndog (Will Whitfield) watch this movie together during the book.

- (Not pictured) A copy of RAVISHING THE HEIRESS by Sherry Thomas. Parker absolutely loves reading romance novels!

- A pair of snuggly, colorful socks.

- Pens and a journal. Like Jordan in CATCHING JORDAN, Parker loves writing down her thoughts. 

- A $15 iTunes giftcard.

- A LEVEL 2 magnet. This is an upcoming book by Lenore Appelhans and Parker can't wait to read it. ;-)

- Copies of STEALING PARKER, CATCHING JORDAN, and the DEAR TEEN ME anthology.

HOW AWESOME IS THIS TOTE BAG? DO YOU WANT TO WIN IT? 

How to Enter -  

To enter to win this simply amazing tote bag filled with goodies galore, simply just enter your details in the Rafflecopter form below!

Rules of Entry -

- INTERNATIONAL

- Ends 31st of October

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

   * Leaving comment on this post about what you would put in your after practice tote bag
   * Add Stealing Parker to Goodreads Shelves +2
   * Add Things I Can't Forget to Goodreads Shelves +2

   * Follow Me (@BadassBookie) on Twitter +1

   * Follow Miranda (@MirandaKennealy) on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie via GFC/Linky or RSS +2

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Badass Bookie xx

Sirenz Back in Fashion Blog Tour: Giveaway!

Welcome to Badass Bookie's Blog Stop on the Sirenz Back in Fashion Blog Tour! If you've been with me for long you would know that last year I read and reviewed Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman and that I LOVED IT. You can check out my review here - HERE.


You can also read my review of Sirenz Back in Fashion - 

(Blurb) In Sirenz, boarding school roomies Meg and Shar learned the hazards of making a deal with Hades, Lord of the Underworld. The wearing of a Tiffany's diamond ring in Sirenz Back In Fashion reactivates their contract, they find themselves back in his employ as sirens. And things are a little different this time; Shar is whisked off to the Underworld to play hostess as the dark god attempts to win her affections, while Meg is stuck topside, obligated to send spoiled rich girl Paulina Swanson to the Underworld. Hot gods, mere mortals and the Underworld have their secrets. Will Meg and Shar ever ditch Hades, and keep their wardrobes and souls intact?

 Purchase  Books - The Book Depository| Amazon| Fishpond

About the Authors -

Natalie Zaman -

When not playing with pointed objects, Natalie Zaman is usually writing. She lives in central New Jersey with her family and several fine looking chickens.



Find Out More About Natalie -

Website

Blog

Twitter

Charlotte Bennardo -

Lover of sparkly things, Char doesn't have as many shoes as she'd like, but wouldn't have time to wear them anyway with her three boys, husband, cat with issues, demented squirrels and insistent characters all demanding her time. She is represented by Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Literary Agency and is hoping to get all her characters into print just so they'll be quiet.

Find Out More About Charlotte -

Website 

Blog 

Twitter

Book 1 in Sirenz Series -

~ Giveaway ~ 

To celebrate the release of Sirenz Back in Fashion ( June 8th - Flux) Char and Nat are offering you lovely weirdos a chance to win an awesome Sirenz Back in Fashion PRIZE PACK! ( See below) This giveaway is open internationally!

Fill Out Rafflecopter Form Below to Enter -

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Badass Bookie xx

Interview with M.J. Hearle + Giveaway ( Int'l)

Does everyone remember M.J. Hearle? I featured him as my VERY FIRST Bachelor of the Month last year with the release of his paranormal YA Debut - Winter's Shadow! May marks the release date of the highly anticipated sequel - Winter's Light! You can check out my review - HERE. Today I have M on the blog here with me for an interview and an AWESOME giveaway! 

Interview with M. J. Hearle

Quickies - 

Skittles or M&Ms?  M&Ms all the way 

Black or white? Black. Stylish and slimming. 

Coffee or Tea? Coffee, the stronger the better.

Print copies or e-books? Print copies. I need to hear the rustle of the pages turn, feel the paper beneath my fingers. 

Dog-ear or Bookmark? Bookmark. Dog-earing is abusive. When I see a dog-earred book I feel sad and want to slap the owner on the wrist. 

Cats or Dogs? Dogs. Especially fat Labs or mischievous Pugs. ( I LOVE PUGS O_O)

Reading or Writing? Reading is more pleasurable; writing is necessary if I wish to keep my sanity.

Vampires or werewolves? Vampires. Werewolves leave hair on the carpet and constantly have to buy new pants. 

Have you watched Vampire Diaries? Yeah, I dig it. I've got a crush on Nina Dobrev. 

Favourite Harry Potter Novel? Goblet of Fire. When Cedric died, things got real for Harry and co. 

Book you most want to see turned into a Movie? Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. Hopefully, Henry Selick (Coraline) will take a stab at it. 

Favourite day of the week? Friday I'm in love. 

Your perfect breakfast consists of - A blueberry muffin, cappuccino, glass of orange juice, yogurt and muesli, and a Tim Tam. Maybe two Tim Tams. 
 
Five things that make a book "good"  - ( ie fight, strong heroine, good-looking boys, high speed car chase, happy endings)  

Only five things? Tricky. A sympathetic and/or fascinating lead character; a fresh twist or point of view; clear, stylish prose; crackling dialogue, chapters that leave you wanting more. 

and... 

Team Edward or Team Jacob? Edward's scarily controlling, and Jacob's whiny. I'm Team Alice. At least she has a sense of humour. And she's a babe. ( I give you my respect!)

Long Questions - 

1) Describe Winter's Light in three words?  

Thrilling, melancholy, surprising  

2) How did you come up with the storyline for Winter's story?

I start with a single scene and work from there. In the first book, the image of a girl taking a photograph of a mysterious stranger in a cemetery inspired the story. I started thinking about the girl and the boy – who were they? Why were they in the cemetery – and began to build up the story in my head. The characters come first and then I let the plot evolve around them rather than force a situation. Sometimes I have ideas about where the story is going; sometimes my characters surprise me by taking me some place completely unexpected. In Winter's Light, I pictured Winter on the beach with the lodestone and it beginning to glow. I didn't know what this meant, but felt like it was a way in. It turned out I was right. This event kickstarts Winter's journey, a journey I followed rather than created. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had as a writer because I was discovering the story as I went. It was more like archeology than writing. The story was already there; I just had to dig it up and clean it off. The supernatural aspects of the novel were inspired by boredom. I was so bored with reading about vampires and werewolves and angels and the same old creatures over and over again. I wanted something new; so I created it.   

3) Why did you choose to write YA Paranormal?  

I didn't really have a choice. The story that occurred to me was about a teenage girl who falls in love with a man who isn't human. I've always loved supernatural fiction; Stephen King is the man that inspired me to tell stories in the first place, so it makes sense that I would write something with a paranormal flavour. Also, I wanted to write about teenagers on the cusp of adulthood because it's an incredibly dramatic time in one's life. All emotions are heightened; everything's intense. However, I didn't really know I was writing a YA Paranormal until my publisher told me that's how they were going to market it. 

4) Character you feel you can relate best to? Why?  

Well, I spend the most time in Winter's head, however I probably identify with Jasmine more than anyone else. Despite being frequently terrified by the situations Winter leads her into, she sticks by her friend. That sense of loyalty is one I'd like to think I share.      

5) Is there a story behind the names of characters?  

Actually there is. Originally, Winter Adams was Elodie Winters (my homage to Buffy Summers) and the book wasn't called Winter's Shadow but, Shade. It wasn't until the final draft that my publisher told me I couldn't use the title Shade because another YA paranormal had already laid claim to it. So, I started racking my brains for an alternative title and struck upon Winter's Shadow. It was my publisher who suggested using Elodie's surname as her first name as it would make more sense with the new title. At first I was a little hesitant, but after some consideration decided I kind of liked 'Winter'. It reminded me of 'Scarlett O'Hara' and seemed to suit the melancholy tone of the story. Blake was always Blake – named after the poet William Blake.  

6) Ar you planning to write any other books outside the series? 

Absolutely. Once I wrap up the Winter stories, I'd like to write a children's fantasy novel and a straightforward adult horror novel set in Australia. The sort of career I'd like to emulate is Neil Gaiman's. He moves from adult material to children's books with impressive grace. 

7) Who would play the characters in a movie adaption?  

In a movie adaptation, I'd cast Saoirse Ronan as Winter. She's a talented actress and has a beautifully unique look. For Blake, I wish I could go back in time and cast a young Jeremy Sisto. Or if I have a time machine, maybe Montgomery Clift. If I'm stuck in this reality, then I'm not sure? Most actors currently on TV or in the movies are too blandly handsome. There's no fire or threat of danger about them. Maybe Jared Padalecki could do a good job. Continuing with the Supernatural-casting theme Jensen Ackles would make a great Sam. Ashley Greene would make a suitably beautiful and frightening Claudette. For Winter's Light, I'd cast Helen Mirren as Magdalene. She's extraordinary. in fact, she could probably play a convincing Winter as well. Olga Kurylenko could play Elena.   

8) Can you tell us anything about what to expect in Book #3? 

The scope of the story is epic – think the difference between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings for an indication. Most of the novel will take place in the Dead Lands. The Malfaerie will feature heavily. There will be a massive battle scene towards the end. Lives will be lost and saved. I can't promise a happy ending, but it will be satisfying to those who've taken the journey with Winter over the past two novels. 

~Giveaway~

Pan Macmillan has kindly donated (1) ONE Signed Copy of Winter's Light and Signed Poster for a giveaway! Since I'll be sending the prize to the winner I'm going to make the giveaway INTERNATIONAL because as Jay Kristoff kindly put it - "it's not like a couple of extra bucks postage is going to bankrupt anyone". So come one! Come all! If you live here or there or no where - enter away!

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Badass Bookie xx

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff US Cover Reveal + Giveaway (Int'l)

Along with eight other AWESOME blogs ( Seriously to be included in this wolf pack - I should be considered royalty I feel so HONOURED) I'm revealing the US cover for STORMDANCER by Jay Kristoff! A while back Kristi @ The Story Siren helped Jay reveal the UK cover of Stormdancer which looks like this -

It's great huh? You know the cherry blossom, the awesome font, the contrast between the dark colours of the badass chick ( who looks like me on a Saturday night when I'm doing n**ja stuff) and the light background. And those symbols down the side of the cover which mean nothing to me right now but still look great!

HOWEVER - this cover? Pfffffft sorry UK but you got the short straw for this cover because the US one is completely A M A Z I N G! Can we get a A M A Z I N G? And another A M A Z I N G!

When I saw it I was like - 

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO I PRESENT YOU WITH the most beautiful cover that you'll ever see because I'm on the cover - legit THE US COVER FOR STORMDANCER -

ARE YOU PLURGING RAINBOWS TOO? Isn't my tattoo sleeve totally badass?

What do you get when you combine Steampunk with Japanese Warrior Stuff? - Some pretty awesome cover art A BADASS NOVEL.

A DYING LAND

The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, land choked with toxic pollution, wildlife ravaged by mass extinctions.

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST

The hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger – a legendary beast, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows thunder tigers have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL

Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a hidden gift that would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

STORMDANCER is released September 18th through Thomas Dunne books/St Martin’s Press

About Jay Kristoff * - ( I wrote him a new bio because the other one was boring!)

Jay Kristoff is a Australian Martian who helps old ladies across the street by day and writes YA books by night. He also slays dragons, teaches Irish dancing and plays the ukulele. On a good day you'll find him at home and on a bad day you'll find him at home. He's hobbies include reading Manga, watching Glee, baking cookies in the shape of Dinosaurs. He has a beard.

You can find Jay -

Stormdancer on Goodreads

Jay’s Blog

Jay’s Twitter

*99% of that was made up MAYBE....

~ Giveaway~ 

Alright weirdos and dragon-slayers I know you're only here for the giveaway ( and the cover reveal but yeah the giveaway!). So I'm letting you know you there are 10 ARCS of STORMDANCER up for grabs! 

... But you can only win one of them through this blog! ( HAHAHAHAHAHAHA gotcha!)

For your chance to win the other NINE ARCS up for grabs - answer this question:

Badass Bookie's Stormdancer Uber-Quiz question:

Question 5: What clan does Yukiko belong to?

HINT HINT : It's in the Synopsis

and then continue on to Jay's blog - HERE for the chance to win an exclusive Giveaway Pack ( with uber awesome stuff!) and learn more about this legendary 2012 YA Debut!

Fill out the Rafflecopter Form Below to win Badass Bookie's Stormdancer ARC: 

OPEN Internationally.

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Badass Bookie xx

Touch of Power Giveaway ( International)

Badass Bookie has teamed up with Harlequin Teen to giveaway (2) Copies of Touch of Power by Maria V. Synder.

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. Yours truly is pitching some money for shipping so that my lovely international followers can enter as well!

To enter just fill out the form below - NO HOOPS! We just want to spread the bookish love :)

Ends 5th of March :)

*EDIT - Just to clear things up (1) ONE copy of Touch of Power will be won by an international follower ( sent by me!) and (1) ONE copy will be won by a AUS/NZ resident (sent by Harlequin Teen!)

(Goodreads) Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Read My Review - HERE