Silver-White Book Blast: Win $100 Amazon or Paypal!

Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost

*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …

Big time.

On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.


Praise
 "Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan

Purchase ~ just .99 cents

Amazon Kindle

Author Shawn Underhill

Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.

Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 2/13/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem (#NSNation #spon)- Week 10

Welcome to Week 10 of Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem! As a Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program member, I am on the Women's Diabetes Select Program!

I lost another pound this week!!! I still wish it were more, but I can't complain as long as it is still going down and not up. Woohoo!

Exercise:
As part of the Nutrisystem plan, it is recommended I do at least three exercise activities a day. To be honest, this has been hard for me. With the medication making me sick, I did my best to get as much exercise as possible while I was feeling good. It wasn't always as much as I should have done, but I did my best. I am happy to report though that last week I stopped taking that medication and I feel AMAZING. I no longer wake up sick in the mornings and I have gotten my energy back. I'm also no longer moody, which the husband quite appreciates :) 
So since I have been feeling better, I have been getting more exercise. I've even shoveled snow! I've decided that since now I can do more, I'm going to look further into Nutrisystem's list of recommended exercises and create a new workout plan. I'm excited!
Exercise is also extremely important for my diabetes. The combination of the Nutrisystem plan and the right amount of exercise is just what I need to help tackle this disease. I've tried just regular diet and exercise but it wasn't enough. I am so thankful to Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to try their plan and give this disease a big kick in the butt!
So what's my goal for next week?
I haven't received my next order of Nutrisystem food yet, so I have nothing new and exciting to report there. I'm setting a goal for next week to lose another pound. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm hoping that as my energy fully returns that I will be able to do at least five daily exercise activities. Cross your fingers!

Remember to stop by next week for Week 11's results!


Huge thanks to Meredith Bandy and Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to take part in their program!


Want to join me on my journey through weight loss with Nutrisystem? Head on over to their website here or call 1-888-853-4689 to join now! Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get healthy!

*Disclaimer: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with their food and services for free in exchange of my honest review of their program. This does not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Waiting On Wednesday (69)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: In The After

Author: Demitria Lunetta

Expected Publication Date: June 25, 2013

Synopsis:

They hear the most silent of footsteps.
They are faster than anything you've ever seen.
And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.

Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.

After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.

I know what you are thinking, another one? It seems apocalyptic books are popping out everywhere these days. But this one has something that I have yet to come across: a baby. I have yet to come across another book where the main character is not only trying to survive, but to save a small child as well. I need to read this. Like, now. My greatest fear in life is that something is going to happen and I will be forced to take my kids into hiding. Who knows what it would be, war, aliens... who knows. But my greatest fear is not being able to keep them safe. Perhaps I never should have watched War of the Worlds a few years ago, I was traumatized. Either way, I'm desperate to see how this extra burden plays out. I've heard some great things about this book so far and wish I didn't have to wait until June to read it for myself!
What about you? What are you desperately anxious for? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!

Interview with Lisa April Smith, author of Exceeding Expectations!

Please help me welcome Lisa April Smith, author of Exceeding Expectations! 

~Interview~

Tiffany: Welcome, Lisa. Thank you for agreeing to be today’s guest author. 
LAS: It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for inviting me. 
Tiffany: First question: how did you become a writer and when did you start?
LAS: I always knew that I could write because I never received less than “A’s” on essays and term papers. But I assumed  that anyone could write good clean prose if they tried. I do remember, in elementary school, daydreaming about characters and inventing elaborate plots, but at twelve hungry curiosity and fiction for escape and solace. Reading has always been an integral part of my life. My parents read voraciously. But it wasn’t until my children were grown that the need to write responsibilities forced me to focus on the practical. Fortunately, I loved to read – non-fiction to feed my fiction resurfaced, abruptly, and with the impact of a tsunami. Once started, I was hooked.  
Tiffany: What can you tell us about Exceeding Expectations?

                                                                LAS: I intended the book to be a page-turner suspense, primarily written for women, so naturally I included romance. The crime that inspired it took place in Palm Beach, playground of the mega-rich, which permitted me to incorporate additional lush settings, like an expansive estate in Virginia, an entire 5 story Manhattan townhouse. Romantic pre-WWII Paris was a bonus. But frankly, I adore the characters: There’s Jack Morgan – lackluster artist, gifted lover, irresistible rascal and utterly devoted father. His daughter Charlotte (Charlie), a funny self-deprecating 23 year old who is aware that she’s pampered, over-protected and unprepared to do anything besides marrying a member of her elite social class. Raul Francesco, the flirtatious young lawyer, Cuban expatriate, who enjoys teasing Charlie, when he’s not helping her deal with the fallout of her father’s devastating suicide. Supporting characters also have their own unique and memorable personalities. Bu6t I don’t want to ruin the surprises that I’ve worked to hard to incorporate. Readers will discover them for themselves.   
Tiffany: What inspired Exceeding Expectations? 
LAS: All three of my published books were generally inspired by media coverage of people that I found intriguing. In 1998, Florida television and newspapers were reporting a story of a local Palm Beach socialite (ironically named Fagan) arrested for kidnapping his daughters eighteen years earlier, when they were 2 and 5 years old. The primary reason that it had taken eighteen years to find Fagan was that he had successfully reinvented himself. As William S. Martin, a handsome widower with two young daughters and no apparent means of support, Fagan had met and married a wealthy Palm Beach widow. After their divorce, another affluent woman agreed to wed and maintain his family’s plush lifestyle. 
Neighbors, friends and the teachers at the girls’ tony private school all described him as “likeable,” “charming” and “devoted father.” Throughout his arrest and subsequent proceedings, his loyal third wife steadfastly stood by him, as did both daughters. Perhaps what most surprised people who followed the case was that the girls’ mother, a research scientist teaching at the University of Virginia, through the media and her attorney, repeatedly begged her daughters to meet with her and they refused. To my knowledge, that continues to this day.  As I was following the case I found myself thinking that there was an even juicier story behind this headline-grabber and set out to create one. I began with a few core facts. A man with an invented name and history, twice married to wealthy widows, living in Palm Beach, playground of the mega-rich and famous, and involved in a crime. Two adoring daughters unaware of their true identities. Given time, my imagination happily supplied the rest. A townhouse off Fifth Avenue. A sprawling estate in Virginia. Romantic Paris in the years prior to WWII. A riveting past for Jack Morgan: skilled lover, lack-luster artist and irresistible rascal. A full-blown range of challenges and hard-wrought triumphs for his traumatized daughter Charlotte (Charlie).      
Tiffany: Which is more important in your books – the characters or the plot?  
LAS: As hard as I work developing a plot that holds readers from the first to the last page, I start with one intriguing character. For example, in Exceeding Expectations, I saw Jack Morgan as a living, breathing, complex person with both weaknesses and strengths – devoted father and likable conman who prefers the company of sophisticated beautiful women older than himself.  To accomplish that, I fabricated a difficult childhood that could produce those traits. The son of a hard-drinking widower, the youngest of four touch brothers, all reluctantly raised by the sole female in the household, their overworked sister. A man who missed the physical affection, compassion and tenderness of a mother, Jacks wants to be pampered. Yet when he sees a newborn he relates to its vulnerability and can’t abandon it.     
Tiffany: If Exceeding Expectations is made into movie, have you given any thought as to casting?
LAS: That’s a question often put to me at book events. Deborah Previte, the Bookish Dame, thinks Raul is Andy Garcia’s clone. I can absolutely see George Clooney as Jack Morgan at fifty. He has the talent to play serious and comedic roles, and the looks and sex appeal to play Jack. The problem is, what actor could convince viewers that he’s George Clooney at twenty-five? Maybe the addition of false eyelashes would help. I’d love to hear suggestions from readers. As for my heroine Charlie, I see a young Gwyneth Paltrow playing her. Sadly, I don’t know how to turn back time. Any suggestions?
Tiffany: I also think a young Gwyneth would make a fantastic Charlie. I could also see Amanda Seyfried playing her too. Here’s a fun question for you. Tell us 10 things about yourself that fans might find interesting or surprising? 
LAS: 1. Interesting or surprising. Well, I make jewelry, but refuse to sell it. I like what I make too much to part with it. (Occasionally, I give a piece to a very good friend.) 
LAS: 2. I enjoy watching television documentaries on an impossibly wide variety of subjects.   
LAS: 3. I don’t need a time machine, black hole or a crack in the universe to step back in time. A visit to any museum, historic mansion, or dig site that has art or artifacts from the past will transport me. When I can’t get to one of the above, and I desperately need a break from the frantic age of instant access, an antique store will do.       
LAS: 4. I’m impossibly impatient. For example, besides the news, I record all TV programs I want to see so that I can condense a 60 minute episode into 30. (Which does not upset my husband whose tastes differ dramatically from mine, and who does his viewing in another room. Having things in common in marriage is highly overrated.) 
LAS: 5. I’m fascinated by all facets of crime, criminals and deviant behavior. 
LAS: 6. I’m a volunteer tutor at an after school program for disadvantaged kids. 
LAS: 7. I love watching lightning and listening to thunder but only when I’m safe and dry. 
LAS: 8. I’m equally parts left and right brained, a condition I share with the late Oliva Goldsmith, author of First Wives Club. When I worked at IBM it troubled me not to be primarily left brained, like most of my geek colleagues. Goldsmith’s must-read primer for novelists, The Bestseller, assured me that the condition was ideal for writing fiction. The creative right side provides the original characters and plot, while the practical left side organizes, evaluates and bullies the right side into endless editing.   
LAS: 9. I grow orchids in front of my house and cactus inside. 
LAS: 10. As a kid, I was so impressed that my mother could whistle through her fingers that I practiced and practiced for days until I could do it. My daughter is the 3rd generation of women in our family that accomplish this awesome feat. When I explained the quirky family tradition to my son’s eight year old, in an hour she nailed it. I’m so proud.    
Tiffany: Last question: what particularly pleases you about writing?  
LAS: The creative experience. Before I began writing, I envied painters, sculptors, composers. Imagine applying oil to canvas and fashioning a masterpiece. Imagine hearing wonderful music in your head that hasn’t been heard before. Imagine turning a shapeless lump of clay, or block of stone, into an object that produces emotions in viewers. I stopped envying other creative people after publishing my first book, Dangerous Lies. Writing is as creative as any branch of art. With words as my tool, I weave stories by placing invented people into invented problematic situations. If I’m truly skillful, I not only entertain, I touch, transport and meaningfully move readers. Now that’s a powerful and addicting drug.  
For more about Lisa, her books, upcoming projects, and free first chapters of her books visit her website: http://www.LisaAprilSmith.com. 
And if don’t want to wait to get your copy of Exceeding Expectations, it’s s available in both paperback ($12.99) and as an e-book ($2.99). For your iPad, Tablet, Kindle, Android device, etc. go to Buy Exceeding Expectations on Amazon.com. For Nooks go to Buy Exceeding Expectations on BarnesandNoble.com.


~About Lisa April Smith~

Author Lisa April Smith lives with her husband, He-Who-Wishes-to-Remain-Anonymous, in  Eternal Playland, Florida, a delightful spot just off I-95. Ms. Smith describes Eternal Playland as "a little piece of level heaven with occasional dampness, where the bugs are plentiful but respectful, and even the smallest strip mall contains at least one pizza place and a nail salon." 
Before discovering a passion for writing, Ms. Smith sold plumbing and heating, antiques, taught ballroom dancing, tutored, modeled, designed software and managed projects for IBM. She returned to college multiple times to study anthropology, sociology and computer science, in which she holds degrees, as well as psychology, archeology, literature, history and art. Combine those widely diverse interests with a love of travel and a gift for writing page-turners and it’s easy to understand one reviewer’s unbridled praise for Exceeding Expectations, “She (Ms. Smith) has a brilliance for conveying characters, and the intellectual capacity to place them in historical settings that sparkle with glamorous detail . . . that make it fun to read . . . ” 

Big thanks again to Lisa April Smith for stopping by the blog today and answering some fun questions!

Teaser Tuesday (69)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

The Good Daughter by Jane Porter

"He's come back. Kit felt a quivery spike of fear followed by a rush of adrenaline as the bike turned around at San Jose Avenue and slowly cruised back to their house, a corner house hugging Lawn Way and Esplande."

-page 68

Young Adult Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Young Adult Giveaway Hop, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Book Love 101! This hop runs from January 29th to February 4th. 

For this giveaway, one winner will be able to choose one Young Adult book of their choice from The Book Depository, up to $10(USD). Open INT, you are eligible to win as long as The Book Depository ships free to your country (check HERE). So what are you waiting for? Just fill out the handy dandy Rafflecopter and make your way down the linky!

*Please only one entry per person. I do check entries and it is very obvious when you have the same IP address and you've entered twice under two very similar names (same name, just a middle name added). Please no cheating, it will get you disqualified from not only this giveaway but all others hosted by me as well. And nobody wants that! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Exceeding Expectations by Lisa April Smith

Title: Exceeding Expectations Author: Lisa April Smith Publication Date: December 1, 2011
Synopsis:
It’s 1961 and Palm Beach socialite, irresistible rascal and devoted father Jack Morgan encounters genuine danger while staging his suicide to shield his beloved daughters from disgrace. Next, meet his daughter Charlotte (Charlie), an over-indulged 23 year-old struggling to cope with the traumatizing loss of her beloved father, her sister’s resulting mental breakdown and the discovery that she’s suddenly penniless. Fortunately Raul, an admiring young attorney, appears to offer assistance. As terrified as she is about daily survival, Charlie soon realizes that she has to learn what drove her father to kill himself. With Raul’s much needed ego-bolstering, the drive of necessity and unforeseen determination, Charlie finds a practical use for her annoyingly lean 5’ 11” frame. In time, this career finances her hard-wrought independence, her sister’s costly treatment and an emotional eye-opening journey to Paris.

Jumping back in time to romantic pre-WWII Paris readers meet young Alan Fitzpatrick – aka Jack Morgan – lack-luster artist, expert lover, irresistible rascal, and the bewitching girl who will become the mother of his children. Not even Charlie’s relentless detective work will uncover all Jack’s secrets, but in a fireworks of surprise endings, she discovers all that she needs to know and more: disturbing truths about her father, hew own unique talent, crimes great and small and a diabolical villain.
~My Thoughts~

Exceeding Expectations is told in alternating view points, Jack's and Charlotte's. While all of Charlotte's chapters happen in the present, all but one of Jack's take place in the past. The book starts out with Jack's "death", although we aren't told exactly why he is on the run. From there we meet Charlotte, having just learned the news that her stepmother will only be supporting her and her sister, Amelia, who has been living in a hospital after having a mental breakdown, for a few more months.
Charlotte is desperate to find work and a way to support herself and her sister. She is also desperate to learn why her father felt he needed to kill himself in order to protect the family. Charlotte is a mostly likable character: smart, funny and a little of a disaster when it comes to her feelings. Although she has a few flaws, and who doesn't, I think they were mostly attributed to the time period in which she lived, the 1960's. Times were much different then, and things like racism and sexism were still a common thing. 
Not having anyone else to turn to, Charlotte reluctantly accepts the help of a young attorney, Raul, in finding out about her father's past. Of course, a little romance starts to blossom between the two. But Raul is from Cuba and it is highly unacceptable for Charlotte to date, never mind marry, Raul. Naturally, their romance is a rather rocky one and this results in some serious page turning. 
Aside from Charlotte's life, we also learn about Jack's. His is one full of secrets and to put it lightly, quite a few woman. He is quite the ladies man, and even though you would think this would make him less of a likable character, it actually didn't. His story was perhaps my favorite of the book. I couldn't wait for more of his past to come up so I could learn more. He loved his children dearly and made many unfortunate sacrifices for them, including walking away from them forever to keep them safe. 
The only issue I had while reading this story was all the sexual encounters. While I don't mind a little sex in books, I prefer the quick "then they had sex" way of telling you what happened. Exceeding Expectations is a little more graphic and you are well aware of who is doing what. However, this is just my personal taste and shouldn't deter you from giving this a read, especially if you don't mind juicier details. I just thought I would give you a heads up. 
Overall, this was a sensational read. The author keeps this story going at a perfect pace, giving us just enough of one story before switching to the other. There is a little bit of everything you could possible want in this story: mystery, romance, intrigue and a whole lot more. This kept me flying through the pages and desperate to pick up each story where it left of. I'm looking forward to picking up the sequel and reading it as soon as possible. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who loves a good read!
Stop by tomorrow for an interview Lisa April Smith!
About the author:

Author Lisa April Smith lives with her husband, He-Who-Wishes-to-Remain-Anonymous, in Eternal Playland, Florida, a delightful spot just off I-95. Ms. Smith describes Eternal Playland as "a little piece of level heaven with occasional dampness, where the bugs are plentiful but respectful, and even the smallest strip mall contains at least one pizza place and a nail salon." 
Before discovering a passion for writing, Ms. Smith sold plumbing and heating, antiques, taught ballroom dancing, tutored, modeled, designed software and managed projects for IBM. She returned to college multiple times to study anthropology, sociology and computer science, in which she holds degrees, as well as psychology, archaeology  literature, history and art. Combine those widely diverse interests with a love of travel and a gift for writing page-turners and it’s easy to understand one reviewer’s unbridled praise for Exceeding Expectations, “She (Ms. Smith) has a brilliance for conveying characters, and the intellectual capacity to place them in historical settings that sparkle with glamorous detail . . . that make it fun to read . . . ” 

~Where to find Lisa~
Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter

~Purchase~
Amazon B&N







*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter - Book Blast! Win $50 Amazon or Paypal

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

Author Jeff Gunhus

Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Kirkus Reviews

"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set--sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy...Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. "

Amazon Reviews

Watch out Percy Jackson here comes Jack Templar
Move over Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there's a new kid in town - Jack Templar, and he will take you on a wonderful adventure of good vs evil, with friends and enemies at every turn. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling and Rick Riordan. ~ Penny Brein

Fast paced adventure through and through
Written for middle school aged students, this book is action-packed from the beginning and will hold the attention of young readers. Not only that, as an adult reader, it was hard to put down, so parents will enjoy it as an easy read. ~ bluejellybean

Kids will love it!
Not only will kids love it, adults will too! I don't want to give the plot away but this is a book worth reading. This book is creatively written drawing in the reader to be a participant in the story. There is lots of action with enough blood and guts to be interesting without being gross. Girls will like it too with the strong female role models and the hint of romance. Even though this is a children's book, I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be adding this to my classroom library. I am looking forward to reading the book in this series and sharing it with my students. Awesome book! ~ pixiep

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer

WARNING

Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.
     But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.
     First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.
     You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.
     I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.
     This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.
     But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.
     Make sure you understand what I’m saying.
     If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.
     And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.
     So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.
     Ever.
     Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.
     See you on the other side.
     If you’re brave enough.

Tour Schedule

Book Blast $50 Giveaway
Ends 2/15/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Showcase Sunday (40)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

Won:

The Woman From Paris by Santa Montefiore - Thank you, Mom In Love With Fiction!

In The Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters - Thank you, Me, My Shelf and I!

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo - Thank you, My Devotional Thoughts!

The New Normal by Ashley Little - Thanks, LibraryThing!

This week I received some crazy-awesome books, woohoo! I'm still behind on my review books, no matter how much I seem to read it doesn't make a difference, but hopefully I will catch up soon so I can get started on the books that have been accumulating on my shelves. These all look amazing and I wish I could read them all now!

What about you? What did you get for goodies this week? Leave me a link so I can check them out!

So my Twitter has been hacked....

I woke up this morning to find an email saying that someone changed the email address and password on my Twitter account. It wasn't me. I have sent Twitter an email about it and hopefully they will be able to do something but it doesn't look good. It says in their auto-response email that they are unable to change passwords or email addresses. So basically because I don't know the email address associated with my account, I can't use my account anymore. There goes all the hard work I've done over the last two years. I had 4000+ followers that I will probably never get back. My question to you is: has this happened to you before? Did Twitter help? I'm seriously freaking out here!

On My Wist List (68)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Workaday Reads and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: The Dead and Buried Author: Kim Harrington Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Synopsis: 
Jade loves the house she's just moved into with her family. She doesn't even mind being the new girl at the high school: It's a fresh start, and there's that one guy with the dreamy blue eyes. . . . But then things begin happening. Strange, otherworldly things. Jade's little brother claims to see a glimmering girl in his room. Jade's jewelry gets moved around, as if by an invisible hand. Kids at school whisper behind her back like they know something she doesn't.

Soon, Jade must face an impossible fact: that her perfect house is haunted. Haunted by a ghost who's seeking not just vengeance, but the truth. The ghost of a girl who ruled Jade's school — until her untimely death last year. It's up to Jade to put the pieces together before her own life is at stake. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets. But is one of them a murderer?
I don't think I really need to explain why this is on my wish list. Haunted house? Awesome. Murder? Awesome. The cover? Also awesome. I need to win myself a copy of this one ASAP!!!

What about you? What are you wishing for this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!

Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem (#NSNation #spon)- Week 9

Welcome to Week 9 of Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem! As a Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program member, I am on the Women's Diabetes Select Program!

Exercise:
Guess what.... I lost another pound!!! I know, it's only a pound. But hey, that's twice as much as last week and another step in the right direction! I'm actually a little surprised that it wasn't more because I did a LOT of moving around this week. I shoveled for a good fifteen minutes thanks to the lovely snow storm we had, and I did some serious house cleaning. When I say serious, I mean serious. My  house is usually a disaster, ask anyone who comes over (which isn't a lot of people because honestly, who wants people to see their messy house?). Over the weekend I washed and folded about 20 loads of laundry (not exaggerating!), washed all the cupboards, fridge and stove in the kitchen, the walls in the dining room, the bathroom and then washed two carpets. I was on super-serious cleaning mode. My back is paying for it now, but that one pound was so worth it (as is the clean house)!

New Foods!
I am so excited because this week was time to order my next month's food and guess what? Nutrisystem has new food choices! I have been eyeing their new menu and have been counting down the days to my next Nutrisystem order. Here are some of the new foods I am most excited to try:

Cinnamon Streusel Muffin

Cinnamon? Muffin? Oh yes, sign me up!

Spicy Kung Pao Noodles

These noodles look so delicious! 

Chicken Pot Pie

Seriously, who doesn't love chicken pot pie? I sure do!

Milk Chocolate Flavored Pretzels

I don't think I really need to explain why I'm excited about these, do I?

As excited as I am for the new Nutrisystem foods, I have to tell you about a new favorite snack I tried: the Zesty Snack Mix. This is like Chex Mix, but zesty flavored. I don't know exactly what that means, but I do know that it is sooooo good. I wish I had ordered more than the two days worth. What I love about Nutrisystem is that even though they are a weight loss program, they still have such great food! Being diabetic, I'm not allowed to eat most of the foods I love. Like chocolate. But Nutrisystem has some amazing snacks for me to munch on and they aren't dangerous to my health. With Nutrisystem, I can eat the same yummy foods all while losing weight and lowering my sugar levels. Awesome! 

I've also made a big decision this week. Back when I started Nutrisystem, I also started a new medication. Unfortunately, this medication has not done the job it was supposed to do and all it has done is make me very ill. I wake up sick every morning and find myself sleeping all day to feel better. I've decided that the cons definitely out weigh the pros and it is time to give up on this particular medicine. I have a very good feeling that once it is out of my system, I will start to feel much better and will have more energy to get more exercise in. I think this will be the right decision and will help me on my Nutrisystem journey.

So what's my goal for next week?

This week I am aiming for another pound! I think my system should be clear of the medication within a week or two and then I will start setting higher goals. I know I can do it!

Remember to stop by next week for Week 10's results!


Huge thanks to Meredith Bandy and Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to take part in their program!


Want to join me on my journey through weight loss with Nutrisystem? Head on over to their website here or call 1-888-853-4689 to join now! Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get healthy!

*Disclaimer: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with their food and services for free in exchange of my honest review of their program. This does not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Waiting On Wednesday (68)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Love Water Memory

Author: Jennie Shortridge

Expected Publication Date: April 2, 2013

Synopsis:

Waking up knee-deep in the San Francisco Bay with no understanding of how she got there, thirty-nine-year-old Lucie Walker discovers she has no memories of her past or her loving fiancé, Grady. After being diagnosed with a rare form of amnesia, Lucie returns to her previous life with Grady in Seattle only to find evidence of the “old” Lucie—an insecure and shallow personality she no longer recognizes, or wants to. Like a detective, the new Lucie attempts to find the path from past to present, only to remember shocking pieces of a dark childhood that tempt her to run away from everything all over again. To complicate matters more, she finds herself falling in love with her fiancé and his big close-knit clan of a family just as he seems to be falling out of love with her. But as Lucie begins to open up to the world around her, she realizes that she can build a future as the woman she wants to be, rather than the one her past dictated.

I love amnesia stories! This one kind of reminds me of The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch where the main character suffers from amnesia after being in a plane crash. Same husband drama. But I loved that book and hey, if this is anything like it then I will love this one too. I'm also crushing on the cover quite a bit, I love it. I'm super bummed that we have to wait until April to read it, but I guess that just gives me a little more time to get caught up on some of my other reads :)

What about you? What are you waiting on? Leave me a link and I'll come check it out!