[RAK] Random Acts of Kindness - JUNE

It's JUNE! Which means another month for Random Acts of Kindness - started by the awesome bloggers at Book Soulmates. RAK is an awesome concept - bloggers and readers post a wishlist, and they just might get something special in their mailbox a few weeks later. And don't forget, it's not just about receiving, but giving as well! And don't forget our international friends - Book Depository has free shipping!

MY WISHLIST:
- "Fourth Comings" by Megan McCafferty
- "A Hundred Words for Hate" by Thomas Sniegoski
- "The Demon Trapper's Daughter" by Jana Oliver
- "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf" by Molly Harper
- "Ascension" by Sable Grace
- "Awakened" by Ednah Walters
- "The Throne of Fire" by Rick Riordan
- "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter
- "Abandon" by Meg Cabot
- "Unearthly" by Cynthia Hand
- "Angel Burn" by L.A. Weatherly

Ha, not much right? I can't help it! There's just so much out there that I want to read!
Here's hoping someone is randomly kind to you!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Reminder - I'll be at the Reader and Author Get Together this weekend!

Hey all! Just a reminder that I will be away this weekend for the Reader and Author Get Together held here in Ohio! I'll be attending workshops and meeting with authors such as Virna DePaul, Lori Foster, Leanna Renee Hieber, Donna Grant, Kate Douglas, and more!

I will still be able to check my mail, so I'll be around, just even more silent than usual! I'm hoping to do an update post on Monday or Tuesday about the convention fun.

If you're also going to the Get Together, be sure to drop me a line ( at glowsnoveladdiction AT gmail DOT com ) and we'll try to meet up. I'm also hoping to actually make use of my twitter account and update all twitter followers with the goings on, so if you're interested, follow me! @Novel_Addiction

Since I won't be around much, I decided not to participate in the blog hops this week.. But I will be back with force next week! Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

WINNER of the Raven's Kiss giveaway!!

My contest for two copies of "Raven's Kiss" by Toni LoTempio ended last night, so it's time to announce the lucky winners.

First off, a huge thanks to Toni for donating two copies to giveaway!

Now, congratulations to...

********************** SQUIGGLES87 ******************************

and

********************** JESSICA CROSS ****************************

Yay! Congrats you two! I'll email Toni with your contact information, and you should get your book within the next few days.

Didn't win?
Purchase the book at Smashwords: Raven's Kiss

Have a great weekend!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Mrrowr. Or rather, Rawr? REVIEW: The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Why This Book?: I loved the first book, "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf," and despite not originally liking Maggie, I went ahead and picked up the second book. Also... it was due back to the library so I had to hurry up and read it. ;)

Disclaimer: Library book! I do not own this book, and I did not receive it in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own, etc.

Type: Romance, Series, Werewolves, Paranormal Romance, Hot Nerds, Pack Trouble, Crazy Men, Humor, Quippy remarks.

About the book:  Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave and even worse, she can’t convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous...

My Review: First off, I would like to mention that I am a huge fan of this author's writing style. "How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf" was the first book I have ever read by her, but it definitely caught my attention. Molly Harper blends steamy romance and side splitting humor into one deliciously wonderful book. I really, really disliked Maggie's character in the first book, but Harper still managed to make me fall in love with her, just as much as her hero. And I was overjoyed to see the characters I loved in book one return as side characters in this novel - and stay true to how they acted in book one.

As for the plot of "The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf," I was entertained the whole way through. I'll say it, I kind of saw the ending coming, but the journey was well worth it. I may have correctly guessed who was behind the attacks, but all the other subplots were still a completely mystery to me, and there were a few times I was thrown for a loop by something that happened.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf," and I know it will find a home on my keeper shelf. Maggie was a unique heroine, and Nick was just the type of nerd I love and would fall for. Maybe I did a little, :). Be sure to check out both this book, and the first in the series, "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf," featuring the ever-lovely Mo and Cooper.

Cover Loving: Very good. Fits in with the first book of the series. And I think the art looks just like the characters - except for the clawed feet... maybe.

Recommendation: Readers that want some chuckles with their romance should definitely check out both "The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf" and the other novel "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf." And if you love a true alpha female character, definitely read Maggie's book.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Good, fun book. Maggie is a tough chick, and pitting her against Nick was an excellent show. Definitely a series to check out!

Have you read "The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf" or "How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf?" Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to pick up a copy? Head on over to Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday! #30 and some fun/excellent news!

Welcome to another edition of Whatcha Got Wednesday! WGW is my own little weekly meme where I talk about what I bought or received in the past week. I don't do this to brag, but to spotlight books that I might not get to for a while, or might not review at all - Such is the case with my Romance Review Today books, since I don't review those here.

Well, let's get to the books!

Half Price Books was having a Memorial Day sale all weekend, so I went to finally buy some of the books I've been holding off on, mostly because two of them are re-prints.

BOUGHT:

"Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend" by Katie MacAlister/Katie Maxwell. - I already own the older, smaller Goth Faire books, but Ben and Fran are my favorite Dark One couple - I couldn't help but buy this version!

"Fallen 2 (Aerie and Reckoning)" by Thomas Sniegoski. - I already own these too! But it's been stated that Sniegoski will write another book for this series (YAY), and that it will match the covers and sizes of the re-releases. Plus, I love these books so much, it's totally worth it.

"When I Fall In Love" by Lynn Kurland. - I had the opportunity to read and review another book in this series, and loved it. I'm a sucker for a series that follows a family, as well as TIME TRAVEL! Especially the time travel. ;) So when I found this, I dove on it.

I feel like I forgot something, and I probably did *Sigh*. Well, if I did I'll include it in next week's batch!

This weekend is the Reader and Author Get Together, and I'm getting super excited! I've started working on some business cards for my blog, and I have my stack of books all ready to pack up for autographs. If anyone else is going, comment or drop me a line (my email is in the "Want Novel Addiction to review your book?" section) and we'll see about coordinating a meetup!

I'm starting to plan a big blog extravaganza to celebrate over 200 followers, my blogoversary, AND my birthday! My plan is to get a line up of authors to interview, have a giveaway every day, as well as a grand prize giveaway at the end. I'll include more details as things start falling into place.

And don't forget! Only two days left to enter to win "Raven's Kiss" by Toni LoTempio! Go HERE to fill out the form!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

*Rabbit Nose Twitch* REVIEW: "Rabbits in the Garden" by Jessica McHugh

Why this book?: After reviewing a second book by Jessica McHugh ( Song of Eidolons, click title for review), she asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing "Rabbits in the Garden." Considering I love Jessica's work - heck yes!

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a review.

Type: Speculative Fiction, Stand alone, Fiction, Darker Fiction, Author I love

About the book: At twelve years old, Avery Norton had everything: a boyfriend who was also her best friend, the entirety of Martha's Vineyard as her playground, and her very own garden to tend. By thirteen, it was all over: The discovery of a secret crypt in the basement starts the Norton family down many unexpected avenues, including one that leads to Avery's arrest for murder and her subsequent imprisonment in Taunton State Lunatic Asylum.

Set in 1950s Massachusetts, Rabbits in the Garden follows Avery Norton's struggle to prove her innocence and escape Taunton with her mind intact.

My Review: I always find it a little tough to review the books I really, really love. I don't want to gush, and what I love about it is always so hard to put into words. I've had that problem with the other books I have reviewed by Jessica McHugh. Her writing style is unique and so incredibly powerful - there were times while reading this book that I was physically shaking - from fear, anger, and plenty of other emotions. Jessica McHugh has a way with words, of crafting the text into something that will make you really feel it.

I absolutely loved Avery Norton. My heart ached for her, and for what she lost out on because of her mother. And on that note, I cannot properly express how much I hated the mother, Faye Norton. These two characters, for good or bad, will stick with me for a long time. And their ending (which I won't give away) was as truly epic as they deserve. The entire cast of characters were brilliant, and to watch Avery's transformation from an innocent young girl to someone so.. well, indescribable, it truly was amazing to watch.

Maybe this sort of novel isn't your idea of a good time, and I can't really blame you for thinking that, I've done the same thing in the past. But I have yet to read a book by this author that hasn't left me going "Whoa." at the end. Every reader gets into a reading rut now and again, feeling like you're reading the same thing over and over - maybe it's time to try something new. So give "Rabbits in the Garden" a shot - and then come back here and tell me about your experience with it because I can't deal with this alone, people!

Cover Loving: I'll admit it, this cover confused the heck out of me until I read the book. However, now it makes total sense.. creepy, creepy sense. But this cover is limited edition! According to the author, "Rabbits in the Garden" is going to get a facelift (or a new face) so go get your limited edition copy now!

Recommendation: Fans of Speculative Fiction, or maybe darker fiction in general will definitely want to pick up "Rabbits in the Garden" by Jessica McHugh. With a flowing, unique writing style, the author will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). Once again, Jessica McHugh blew me away. An excellent story that had me practically shaking with emotion. Be sure to pick yourself up a copy asap - and rush to get the limited edition Rabbit cover!

Have you read "Rabbits in the Garden" by Jessica McHugh? Or maybe one of her other titles? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Would you like to pick up a copy? Get it from Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Test me next! REVIEW: "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter

Why This Book: Mythology! Not only mythology, but Hades and Persephone (which is totally my favorite myth). Also.. my netgalley request was about to expire, so I needed to review it NOW.

Disclaimer: This ecopy was given to me by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Young Adult, Mythology, Hades and Persephone, Olympians, Greek mythos, Paranormal Romance, Teen Romance, Parental loss

About the book: It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.



Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.


Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.
My Review: I found "The Goddess Test" to be an interesting take on the Hades and Persephone myth. However, this book isn't so much a retelling as a continuation - a sort of "what happen's way down the line," or maybe a sequel. And the idea of someone taking Persephone's place so Henry isn't so alone any more is a nice one - even better when it's not just a case of taking the position, but having to be tested first. I liked the idea of the tests, and even more so after I learned more about them in the end.

I did find parts of the story to be a little predictable. I guessed the villain early on, and kept hoping to be surprised or thrown for a loop near the end. While I did correctly guess the villain, I didn't know the how or why, so there was some mystery to be had in the story. The other issue I found was - again with the idea of immortals going to high school. Personally, I couldn't wait to get out of highschool, but it seems ancient beings are lined up out the door to get back in. The exception seems to be Henry (which was a nice change from many YA books), who steered clear of the school.

I did enjoy the main characters. Kate's feelings seemed genuine, and really felt like that cute, adorable first love that teenage girls fall into. And Henry - I can really get behind Henry. I just wanted to hug him and make it all better. Alas, Kate beat me to it, but I did enjoy seeing the two play off each other throughout the course of the story. I will say I'd love for Henry to be a little more stuck in his ways, and seeing Kate pull him in a different direction. Here's hoping we'll get some more interesting interactions between the two in the next book!

Cover Loving: I'm torn between liking it and not. I love that the text is in semi-greek lettering, and I think the layout and placement of the text is well done. But I'm not sure about the girl - the outfit and background are good, but I think the model is a little too old looking for Kate.

Recommendation: Fans of mythology and young adult novels will enjoy "The Goddess Test." I would probably recommend this for older teens, as sex and sexuality is mentioned and dealt with (though dealt with extremely well) on a few occasions.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Definitely some good points - likeable characters, very interesting sequel to one of my favorite myths, and I liked it enough that I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Have you read "The Goddess Test" by Aimee Carter? Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to pick up a copy? Get it from Amazon.com! The second book has a title - "Goddess Interrupted" - and is currently scheduled for release near the end of January in 2012.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~