GUEST POST: Author Jus Accardo talks about writing quirks!

Hello readers! Please welcome author Jus Accardo, who joins us to chat about her writing quirks. Be sure to check out her website, and check out her new release (coming out November 2011), "Touch"!

Without further ado... Jus!
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5 Quirks About My Writing Process…

Quirks. Strange little rituals. We all have em. Some people have to check
the stove before bed—even if they haven’t used it. Others need to tie
their shoes in a specific order. A friend of mine will only drink soda on
weekends.

Like everyone else, I have my quirks. Little things I need to do or have
while working. Here are a few of them…

1.      I need to be barefoot. Yes. I’m serious. I cannot work with shoes
on. Socks—yes. In the cooler temps, nice fluffy socks are a must
(preferably dry and untouched by doggie drool). Why? I have no clue. It’s
just one of those things. Like leftover pizza being eaten cold for
breakfast (Ick, by the way).

2.      I must have music and doggie snores. I know, I know. Odd combo.
But I can’t concentrate without the right tunes blasting and the subtle
duet of soft snores from the Narcoleptic Akita and the Duck beneath my
feet. The GSD doesn’t snore. It’s beneath her.

3.      Lights out. Yes, this is probably not the best thing for my eyes,
but I can’t write with the light on. Day light is okay, but once the sun
goes down, I need the light off. It’s distracting—which is funny because
during the holidays, I can’t write without the xmas lights on.

4.      CHEESE! It’s my snack of choice. I need fresh, (none of that
processed crap) salted Mozzarella while I write. Who among you can dispute
the awesomeness that is cheese? I dare you!

5.      I cannot plot. TOUCH was born without planning. It started with a
picture in my head and two characters whose voices would not be silenced
(which is pretty much how my brain works). I began writing and the story
unfolded as I went. All those funky twists and turns were unplanned. When
I started writing, I had no idea what was going to happen. Don’t get me
wrong. I envy the plotters. I ever tried to be one. I can sometimes get
away with a very rough outline, but anything more screws me up.

So what about you? Do you have any special rituals or funky quirks in your
daily routine?

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Thanks so much for sharing, Jus! Personally, I find that sort of thing fascinating. We all have our little quirks and "must dos," and it's so cool to learn about other peoples'. Again, make sure to visit Jus at her website (link above), and learn more about her new book "Touch"!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "The Queen of Attolia" by Megan Whalen Turner

"The Queen of Attolia" by Megan Whalen Turner
Why this book?: I really enjoyed "The Thief" by Megan Whalen Turner, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book and see how Gen's life continues.

Type: Series, Young Adult/Juvenile fiction, Fantasy (sorta!), Historical (sorta!), Thieves, Queens, War, I love it when a plan comes together

Recommendation: At my library/work, this book was classified as Juvenile (up to age 12), but I would more likely place this book in the Young Adult section. In book 1 ("The Thief"), Gen is a teenager, and he grows up fast in book two. Nothing too "adult" happens, but the subject matter is probably easier on older readers.

Disclaimer: This book was borrowed from my local library. I am not being compensated in any way for this review.

About the book: When Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis, stole Hamiathes's Gift, the Queen of Attolia lost more than a mythical relic. She lost face. Everyone knew that Eudenides had outwitted and escaped her. To restore her reputation and reassert her power, the Queen of Attolia will go to any length and accept any help that is offered...she will risk her country to execute the perfect revenge.

Eugenides can steal anything. And he taunts the Queen of Attolia, moving through her strongholds seemingly at will. So Attolia waits, secure in the knowledge that the Thief will slip, that he will haunt her palace one too many times.

When Eugenides finds his small mountain country at war with Attolia, he must steal a man, he must steal a queen, he must steal peace. But his greatest triumph--and his greatest loss--comes in capturing something that the Queen of Attolia thought she had sacrificed long ago...

My Review: I loved book one, and this one was even better, I think. As mentioned in my "recommendation" section, I think I would definitely give this book to teens rather than juveniles, due to the amount of war planning, and just.. Gen is older. He acts more grown up, and I think it would just suit young adults/teens better than juveniles.

Gen was so amusing in the first book, "The Thief," and I figured I would see more of that. But Turner shows us a different side to Gen. After a tragedy that strikes early on in the book (It was shocking and a big plot point, so I won't give it away), we see Gen in a different light. He's morose, he barely cracks a smile, he honestly believes his life is over. It was heartbreaking so see a character so full of spunk in the first book so reduced to depression in the sequel. I will say this - there is hope for Gen.. indeed, there is a third book in the series.

I think people could get a lot out of this book. Not only is Eugenides (Gen) incredibly clever, but he's one of those heroes that overcomes adversity - that really rises above what happens to him early on in the novel. Turner is excellent at making you really feel for Gen, for making this characters real. I couldn't put the book down because I so needed to know what would happen, and how Eugenides would manage to get out of yet another sticky situation. If you love books where a complicated plan or con comes together.. definitely check out "The Queen's Thief" series by Megan Whalen Turner!

Cover Loving: The cover of the copy I read was different than the one above, but both are incredibly powerful - and make much more sense once you've read the book.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). Another excellent book. I really loved book one, and this one was equally as good. Gen's story just keeps getting better, and throwing me for a loop with every page.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner. Use the link above to go directly to "The Queen of Attolia"'s Amazon.com page!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "Much Ado About Vampires" Katie MacAlister

Amazon - "Much Ado About Vampires" by Katie MacAlister
Why this book?: I'm a big fan of Katie MacAlister, and her Dark Ones series is truly superb.

Type: Vampires, Series, Soulmate/Beloved, zombies, past lives, paranormal romance, humor

Recommendation: Definitely for older readers! Cora and Alec have their share of steamy scenes, 18+

Disclaimer: This book was purchased by me for my own entertainment. I am reviewing it here because I wanna!

About the book: Corazon Ferreira is a jaded woman. Turns out she was a vampire's mate in a past life. And no matter how distractingly gorgeous he is, she just can't get the image of him killing someone out of her head. But when her life depends on him, Corazon's going to have to stop overthinking things-and start trusting her heart...

My review: I really, really enjoy this author. And as with any prolific author, die hard fans will start to notice some similarities in each book, especially if the author has several different series running at once. And, well.. I really started to notice it in some of Katie's books. I still laughed out loud while reading them, and enjoyed the stories, but.. I was losing a little of the magic. And then "Much Ado About Vampires" came strolling onto the scene. Yes, Katie's signatures are still there, but she's thrown some interesting new things in as well - such as scenes from the hero, Alec's perspective. Katie MacAlister has done this before, but usually when the heroine was not there - for the most part, the heroine is the main character, and it's all from her point of view. I thought it was incredibly refreshing to hear how Alec was feeling about the whole situation, and not just from his thoughts that the heroine picks up now and again (Beloveds, if you don't know, can sometimes hear their Dark One's thoughts). I hope Katie keeps up the different points of view. Her heroes are just too amazing for us never to get their side of things!

I'm a big sucker for soul mates, especially the kind that find each other in later reincarnations - and that's (sorta) what we get here. Corazon is Alec's Beloved reincarnated, complete with some (read: about two minutes of it.. and she was dead at the time) knowledge about their former life together. They really are adorable together, and Corazon's change from vampire hater/being afraid of Alec to not able to keep her hands off him, well.. it's an amusing journey.

I can't wait for the next Dark One book, and I especially can't wait for Katie MacAlister's next release, "It's All Greek To Me," a contemporary releasing within the next few months. If you think Katie's paranormals are good, be sure to check out her contemporaries! "Men in Kilts" is still one of my favorite romances of all time.

Cover Loving: Definitely a good one. Not quite sure that's how I picture Alec, but.. well, the man is quite hunky.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). I chuckled out loud, I smiled like a big goof, and I loved loved loved the scenes from Alec's perspective - a great read that is (of course) going on the Keeper Shelf/Bookcase.

If you haven't already, get your copy of "Much Ado About Vampires" by Katie MacAlister from Amazon.com asap! And use the handy dandy link at the top.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

REVIEW: "Up A Dry Creek" by Avery Flynn

 Why this book?: I've had this in my review queue for some time, and I thought it was a perfect vacation book, so I took it with me to FL.

Disclaimer: I was given this book in exchange for a review.

Type: Romantic Suspense, Dry Creek series book one

About the book: Claire Layton expects the usual busy Saturday night at Harvest Bistro to be killer on her stilletto shod feet. She never imagines there’d be an actual murderer on the loose at her restaurant in rural Dry Creek, Nebraska. But when she discovers a customer dead in a dumpster, the killer demands she find the victim’s phone and flash drive or face fatal consequenses. 

Jake Warrick, a cocky and mind-numbingly hot private investigator, becomes Claire’s unlikely ally in the search. Jake just wants to solve the case and get out of this hick town, but the diminutive and curvaceous Claire turns his plan upside down as they uncover a more complex crime than they ever imagined. The two bicker and banter like Tracy and Hepburn caught in a whirlwind of intense sexual attraction as they try to find the killer before it’s too late.

Review: This isn't a particularly long book, but man does "Up a Dry Creek" pack quite the punch. So much happens to poor Jake and Claire, and it was certainly a joy watching these two argue with each other, battle their attraction, and yet band together to defeat the killer that is targeting Claire.

Long time readers of my blog will know how much I love an alpha hero, and Jake is a great example of one. And what makes this book even better, is that Claire has quite a bit of alpha in her as well, and when these two clash, sparks fly. Claire did have a moment or two where I feared she would succumb to the Too Stupid To Live Heroine syndrome, but she pulled out of it just in time.

Avery Flynn has a way with words, and her imagery is something that will stick with me for some time. I cannot wait to see more from this author, and the little teaser at the end of "Up a Dry Creek" left me salivating for the next story in the Dry Creek series.

Cover Lovin': I really like this cover. I think this suits Claire and Jake's story.

Recommendation: Great, quick read for fans of romantic suspense. Definitely for older readers (18+) and those that don't mind the steamier scenes.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Excellent story, and it kept me glued to my kindle from page one.

Have you read "Up a Dry Creek" by Avery Flynn? What were your thoughts - share them in the comments! Want to read it? Pick up a copy from Amazon.com today via the link at the top!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Novel Addiction was featured on Avery Flynn's blog!

Hello everyone! I've been busy working 10 hour days because I get to leave for Florida on Saturday! That's right, I'm going to Disney World and Universal Studios - oh yeah, I'm going to the Harry Potter park!!

But I did take some time out to answer some interview questions - go check out my answers to Avery's questions on her blog. And then go play around on her site, she has some great content, and I know I'm eager to check out her book, "Up a Dry Creek"!

I'll be posting pictures as soon as possible when I return from vacation (or maybe even during!), and I'll probably do a trip wrap-up post, since Disney and Universal are some of my favorite vacay spots.

Don't forget to visit me at Avery's blog. Learn a little bit more about me (if you dare!). =)

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Reviewing: When the review doesn't write itself..

Anyone who has reviewed a product or a book will know that sometimes the review just writes itself. Maybe this was one of the best books you've ever read, and all the great things about it just organize themselves into a beautiful review. Or maybe it was a book you absolutely hated, and again, all those bad things come forward into a cohesive and constructive review.

But then there are books that just leave you going "Well..." - it's not that the book was bad, good, or in between, but it just doesn't leave you with that "gotta talk about this now!" feeling. I've run into this type of book more often than not in the past few months, and sometimes it takes all I have just to write up a description of the book.  I've started taking steps to avoid this - usually by making notes while reading the book. You should see the pile of books I have with a sheet of paper tucked in it, with more than a few scribbles.

And then what? Just because I have notes, sometimes quite detailed notes, doesn't mean I can make that into a constructive and beneficial review. Writers talk about writers block, but what about the reviewer? I guess that means we have reviewers block. We all know what to say about DNF (did not finish) books.. but what about ones that are just incredibly difficult to review? CNR [Can Not Review]? Maybe WRLWICAWI [Will Review Later When I Can Actually Write It]?

Or am I the only one that has this problem.

If not, reviewers - please feel free to leave your help tips and tricks in the comment section! If I get some good ones, I'll write a part 2 post, mentioning your helpful hints, so other reviewers can benefit from your knowledge.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

What I got this week

This was a really good week for me! I got some excellent books that I'm very excited to read and review.

These books are a mix of pleasure, reviewing in general, and reviewing for Romance Reviews Today. I think I'm going to start posting links to my Romance Reviews Today reviews, along with a short commentary on my thoughts, so you guys can see what I've been reading and loved! Or didn't love, as the case may be...

FOR GENERAL REVIEW:
 : "The Six Crowns : Fair Wind to Widdershins" by Allan Jones and Gary Chalk. Juvenile. October release.
 : "The Secret Zoo : Riddles and Danger" by Bryan Chick. Juvenile. October release.

FOR REVIEW ON ROMANCE REVIEWS TODAY:
 : "Darkness Rising" by Keri Arthur. Urban Fantasy. October release.
 : "Drink Deep" by Chloe Neill. Urban Fantasy. November release. - I'm holding off on reading this until closer to its due date. And it's *killing* me! I HAVE to know what happens. Fans of this series will know what I'm talking about. Eeeeek!

FOR PLEASURE:
 : "Envy" by J.R. Ward. Urban Fantasy. - I still didn't read the second in this series, but I had a giftcard that was burning a hole in my pocket...
 : "The Bride and the Beast" by Teresa Medeiros. Historical Romance. - I originally picked this up as something to read during lunch when I forgot to bring a book (shocker).. and ended up loving it.
 : "Soul Thief" by Jana Oliver. Young Adult Fantasy.
 : "The Fallen 3 : End of Days" by Thomas Sniegoski. Young Adult. THANK YOU THANK YOU Mr. Sniegoski for continuing this series!!! I have been a huge fan of The Fallen series since I was a teen. I love your Remy Chandler series too.. but Aaron's journey has a special place in my heart. I cannot wait to dive into this. Also.. I totally re-bought the Fallen books (in their new omnibus form!) so they would match this one!

Ahem. Sorry for Fangirl-ing out there. I'm just.. well, I'm just so darned excited.

What I just finished reading:
"Blood Ties" by Mari Mancusi - another quick, fun, action packed book in the Blood Coven series.
"Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel" by Sue-Ellen Welfonder - good, cute historical romance with the teensiest hint of paranormal.
"Queen of Kings" by Maria Dahvana Headley - Still... working on this one. Hit a snag a third of the way through. It was for the Positively Paranormal Book Club that I and a few coworkers run for our library patrons.

That's it for me this week. I can't wait to see what everyone else got!
Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~