Leah Cypess Interview

What inspired you to become a writer?
Hard to say, since I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I don't remember deciding - it feels like I always knew.

How long have you been writing for?
I have a copy of my first short story, which I wrote when I was in first grade (it was told from the point of view of an ice cream cone). I began writing what I thought of as my first "book" when I was in third grade. And when I was 15, I finished the first book that I thought was publishable (I was wrong).

As an author who is your favorite to read from?
I can't possibly pick a favorite! But of the books I read this past month (yes, that's about as far as I can take it) my favorites were WHISPER by Phoebe Kitanidis and MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins.

What is your favorite genre?
Fantasy. (See, *that* one was easy.)

What do you like to do in your spare time? Writing isn't an answer! :)
Is "I don't have spare time" an answer? ;) Reading, obviously; but I also really love biking, and I don't get to do it as often as I like. I live near some great biking/walking trails in Boston, one of which takes me along a creek, past two lakes, and to the Arboretum. With occasional scatterings of wild geese along the way.

Have you ever collaborated with another author? Or plan too?
My cousin and I used to try and write joint books when we were in high school. None of them ever came to anything. However, we once wrote down 100 "first lines" for stories, and tried to each write a story starting from the same first line. The story I wrote for that exercise ended up being the first story I got professionally published. (It was called Temple of Stone, and you can read it for free on my website!)

Do you have any pen name(s)? If so, why do you choose to use a pen name?
I don't.

Any words of wisdom for your fans and readers?
Don't give up on your dream, but at the same time be flexible about it. For writers specifically, this translates into not letting rejection get you down - but also being ready to move on to another manuscript if the first one isn't going anywhere.

Thanks!

The Mage In Black by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane doesn't have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. But when Sabina meets her mage relatives in New York, at least they put the fun in dysfunctional. Though, bizarrely, everyone seems to think she's some kind of Chosen who'll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn't care who chose her, she's not into destiny.

But the mages aren't Sabina's only problem. In New York's Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic flame. Sabina thought she'd take a bite out of the Big Apple, but it looks like it wants to bite back.

This is the second book in the Sabina Kane series that Jaye had sent me upon request. Immediately I could tell that Jaye's sense of humor still dominated the story. I was frustrated that there was no talk of Lavinia's predicament from the ending of book one to her locality in book two. There was also talk of Lavinia...but she never appeared. I expected some conflict or even a resolution with her and Sabina in some way or another.

The layout of chapters in this book were a bit longer than book one's, but still filled with excitement, yet not overly lengthy to a feel boredom. (Basically still a sense of easy reading and flowing.)It did feel like at one part the story became a mix of Fight Club meets Pokemon of Demons. I did think eventually this Demon Fight Club took away from Sabina's actual story. I also felt that Damara's character was predictable from her entrance in the story.

Again, I did find a handful or more of errors as I did in book one. I don't blame the author. I just think that the publishing department needs to seriously consider their employees who do these things. If I were an author, which eventually I hope will happen one day, I would be embarrassed to be told about many mistakes in a final copy of my work.

Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

In a world where being of mixed blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn't really fit in. And being an assassin-the only profession fit for an outcast-doesn't help matters. But she's never brought her work home. Until now.

Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she's on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family, and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life changing, but together they could be fatal...

Sabina Kane:
She's down, but she's not out.

This is an ARC that I had requested from the author awhile ago. Jaye actually sent me book one and two with an autographed note. Ok so moving on to this much overdue review....

Red-Headed Stepchild has such an intense introduction that you are able to see immediately that Sabina has some psychological issues that she needs to overcome. The entire story is very descriptive. I am typically a non-political person. However the political situations, even though fictional, did capture my attention and had an opening with a great mystery.

I think that Sabina Kane comes in a close tie with Gin Blanco, (Jennifer Estep's fictional Elemental assassin, who are two main characters as the top paranormal heroines of 2010 that I immersed myself with. I loved the way that Jaye incorporated her sarcasism and humor and even ironical references such as Adam Lazarious in this novel.

I also sometimes run into novels that have a great storyline but still are unclear or confusing. This book simply spells everything out and doesn't leave the reader sitting on the curb contemplating. In Chapter 21 I was confused with a contradictory statement when Sabina states about being embarassed in front of her friends, but then in the end of the chapter she talks of not being/having friends? Either I was having a blonde moment, or maybe Sabina is simply bi-polar. LOL!

This was a final printed edition and not an ARC. I did find a few grammatical errors. I would suggest the editorial department should do a few extra editing runs before a final submission.

Favorite quotes:
"Never had a loss cut so deep. I worried I might bleed from the pain."

"Pain was my friend. It meant I was still alive."

Spring Update

Hey everyone! I know it's been awhile. I've been so busy with many things involved on campus as the school year is coming to a close and a new one begins. I will be posting some more reviews soon.

I have since been contacted by my good friend Amanda Ashley to review her upcoming novel Bound By Night. This book will be in stores sometime in September. I was also contacted by a publisher to review Before Versailles by Karleen Koen. This is a new author for me and what appears to be a new genre of reviews as well. You will find this novel in stores June 28, 2011.

So stay tuned and I'm so sorry once again for the lack of my posts. Best wishes and happy reading!

xoxo

Renee Rearden Interview

In what seems like forever ago Renee somehow found me and inquired that I review her upcoming novel, Moonlight Bleu (which is now in stores). Due to unforeseen events it took me longer than expected to finish it. As you can see the review has been posted and now I am posting the interview. I really do like the book and the author is just as great!

How did you come up with the eccentric character names in your novel?
That’s a loaded question! I’m an official court reporter by day. So during jury trials (and other kinds of hearings) I often hear interesting names through testimony offered in court. I also love finding new ways to spell the names I hear. It’s kind of a game I play when building a character’s personality.

The subtle use of homo-erotica was appealing for me, even though it was lesbian based. What involved your decision to include that as a part of your story?
Well, honestly, it wasn’t a scene I’d consciously planned. As a writer, I’m kind of a pantser. So even though I have a general story direction, the characters always surprise me when I sit down at the keyboard and write. For conflict or interest, I often take situations and turn them on their head. That may explain why this part of the storyline developed as it did.

The title is called Moonlight Bleu, not Moonlight Blue. What's the significance instead of using one than the other?
I’m chuckling. Sorry, can’t help it. Look at each title above. Which one looks more interesting? Different? Moonlight Bleu, of course. And there’s your answer. =D

The Tueri are a new paranormal life form I haven't heard of. Well that sounded a bit redundant! Anyways, were the Tueri something you-yourself made up? Or have they already been established before?
The Tueri are a paranormal form of human evolution I created. The word tueri is Latin for defend. I thought the definition appropriate for this new world. With preternatural creatures roaming the planet, somebody needs to defend the human race, right?

With such intensity between the Trigonal Pair, was it hard to not incorporate sex into the story? Or was the underlying sexuality enough?
No, it wasn’t hard to not incorporate sex in the story per se. I’m just an old-fashioned girl. I love the idea of meeting someone, getting to know them, and discovering the fire that burns toward love. That kind of lasting bond didn’t happen overnight for me, but all kinds of intense magnetism was there. That’s what I wanted for my characters. Now in book two, be ready for some serious smexin’!

Maurika is an interesting character. What quality does she possess that you find in yourself? What quality does she have that you would like to have?
Maurika possesses a strong sense of loyalty. Her leadership abilities, combined with an absolute devotion to protecting her pack, makes her a formidable woman. I think we’re most alike in that sense. My family means everything to me, and I would do whatever it takes to keep them safe. As for a quality she has that I would like to have…gotta be the enhanced senses from her lunate side. Can you imagine being able to see, hear, and smell on such an amazing level? Wow.

Would you ever consider a novel featuring Maurika?
Well, the main characters in my Tueri books will always be my Trigonal protagonists and an antagonist. However, just for you, I’ll tell you a secret. I’ve started book three in this series, and Maurika plays a large part of this storyline. So, she’ll definitely be back!

Is Dhelis' career a reflection of your own?
Hmm, that’s a yes and no answer. As I mentioned before, I’m an official court reporter, and I work in the legal field. I do, however, have a lot of contact with law enforcement through my career.

Will there be a continuation to Saari's story? (You already answered this but I think it will be a good question for my readers to see. My original question you already answered i.e. Josie, Trigonal Pair, etc.)
Saari’s story will absolutely continue. The second book has already been written and is in editing stages right now. Saari, Dhelis, and Brogan are working on their Trigonal match, and Josie has definite plans to interfere with their burgeoning relationship.


Thanks again to Renee for the opportunity to review and interview her. Most importantly I want to thank her for her patience and graciousness. We're looking forward to book two, three, four........
xoxo

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but she's in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she's had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl- she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.
Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she'll never have a chance with...until she does. Caught between the two worlds, Dana isn't sure where she'll ever fit in or who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again.

This was another of my 2010 Debut Author Challenges. I thought there would be a hesitation but it jumped straight into the faery realm. The story managed to weave reality (modern day issues i.e. alcoholism, teenage rebellion) with myth. I actually learned of some new fae mythology because of this book- glimmerglass and spriggans. Reading wise, the story had a very subdued, laidback flow.

Originally I made a note that the first 100ish pages revolved around nothing more than a very tiny bit of everything else, but mostly filled with Dana's moving around from one safe place to another. It bugged me because it felt like THAT was the story when the story should have been more focused on other events. I also wanted an explanation of Dana's cameo. There was a brief glimpse at it, but basically you had to figure it out on your own.

This has been the first book this year that I have been stumped on. Typically I know right away if I reallyyyyyyyyyy love a book or I reallyyyyyyyyyy hate it. This novel, however, has me hesitant. I want to give the upcoming sequel a shot and hopefully that will give me an insight to whether or not I will pursue this new series any further.

Here are a few quotes I enjoyed:

"If lightning had shot from the heavens and struck me dead at that moment, I might have welcomed it."

"...it hurt so much more to leave if you let yourself care too much."
xoxo

Predestined by R Garland Gray

IN AN ANCIENT REALM OF MAGIC,
LOVE HAS A DESTINY OF ITS OWN...

Abandoned at birth on the shores of a sacred loch, Bryna never knew her family or true heritage. She exists as a slave in the fortress of a Roman invader, her only friend an ancient, blind Druidess, Derina. Her life is bleak and without hope. And then Derina tells her she must rescue the prisoner in the dungeon.

Tynan lies naked, chained to a cold, stone slab, both body and mind tortured by the Sorcerer, evil ally of the Roman lord. The Sorcerer's purpose? To discover if this one, at last, might be the Dark Chieftain, the fulfiller of prophecy.

Even deeper in the dungeon, trapped by magical enchantment are the faeries. They await their liberator, the one who has been prophesied.

And the Dark Chieftain awaits a destiny of his own...mating with the territorial goddess...a union that will set the land, and many lives, aright.

First, however, he must gain his freedom and find her.

And Bryna is on her way to the dungeon...

This is another review from the great people at Medallion Press. I contacted Ms. Gray and she has since sent me Predestined & Darkscape: The Rebel Lord along with doing an interview. I wanted to review this book because of its large faery and fantasy background. I felt like I was warped into an alternate reality as I read. The cool thing about this book is that she writes with an ancient language that includes a dictionary reference guide in the back. Another thing I would like to note is that the author did a lot of research before she began writing it. So I guess you could say it is also a historical romance novel as well!

The sex scenes were more than sex, lust, passion, love. It is hard to explain, you just need to read it to understand what I am saying. I guess the simplest way is it is a form of enlightenment, and even that doesn't really come close to what it is. Most of the character "developments" were predictable, yet not disapointing.  The book, to me, is a reminder at how people (men, women & children) all matured at much earlier ages in life back in that era. So many things have been lost over those centuries passed.

I really and truly did love reading this book. I can't wait to read books two and three and continue in this magical journey. Thanks again to R. Garland Gray for her willingness to allow me in doing these reviews and interviews with her. Also another thanks to the wonderful people at Medallion Press, for being such a corteous and always eager group of people in assistance with my reviews.
xoxo

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Their eyes, human eyes in wolf skulls, remind me of water: the clear blue of water reflecting in the spring sky, the brown of a brook churning with rainfall, the green of the lake in summer as the algae begins to bloom, the gray of a snow-choked river. It used to be only Sam's yellow eyes that watched me from between the rain-soaked birches, but now I feel the weight of the entire pack's gaze. The weight of things unknown, things unsaid.

Again I want to express my gratitude towards both Maggie and her people from Scholastic Press for allowing me to do the reviews for both Shiver and now for Linger. The first thought on this stpry was the continuation of "The Wolves of Mercy Falls." I anticipated learning of the mysterious Cole. You had so much to ponder on with this ellusive character. Sexy. Mysterious. Rebellious. Another great thing I enjoyed was the fact one of my favorite characters from Shiver returns as a lead character in Linger, Isabel. She is quite bitchy, pretentious, and yet with all of the hardships dealt to her- she learns to grow up and become more of a mature and responsible person.

In Shiver, I was preturbed by the temperature settings at the beginning of each chapters. I was thankful in Linger that they weren't there. I was a little disheartened to find that Olivia was not featured almost at all in Linger. With such a strong ending with her character in Shiver, I expected more to her story in Linger. I also felt that there was a vagueness to a character's details of being a wolf or not being a wolf? Maybe that is due to the author's story plan for the third edition in this series? Some parts I also felt like they could have been left out, almost like they were a "filler." Such as the talk of one character clipping their toe-nails? ....

The last 100-ish pages for me was frustrating to read for fear at which way the story would turn. Overall I really did enjoy this story. This is going to be a new series that I feel Twilight fans such as myself can indulge in and not feel betrayed. Maggie creates such interesting characters, with a whole new purpose to werewolves. I am quite impatient for the third installment and see myself reading these books over again throughout the year.

There were quite a few quotes I loved from this book. However only one really popped out at me.

"But love isn't quantifiable on paper..."
xoxo

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

When modern technology clashes with ancient monsters, seventeen-year-old Kay and her unlikely dragon friend, Artegal, are caught in the middle. Can their friendship stop a war?

While Carrie is not a debute author, her novel is a 2010 Debute Author Challenge novel. This is her first young adult novel. I was intrigued from the beginning. It makes you want to read further to learn about the border between the Dragons and Silver River. The story has the same type of excitement I felt as a kid with the Everlasting Story. If you're an Eragon follower this book will appeal to you as well. There was a cliffhanger type ending that leaves you wondering...Is there more to the story?

I only have one complaint with this book. I feel that there should have been more details regarding the dragon side. It seemed to be more human based. That may have been the author's goal, I don't know. As a reader, I just wished to have read more on the dragon lifestyle. Congratulations to Carrie on the success of her novel. Thank you to both Carrie for her interview, and the opportunity to be able to do this review.
xoxo

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed-wolf-her wolf- watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until noe.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human-and Grace must fight to keep him-even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the futute.

Shiver is a book that just called to me much like the Twilight saga, I read the synopsis on a website and was compelled to read it. I contacted Maggie about doing a review and interview. She emailed me back and had her publisher send me an ARC. One critic mentions a comparison to Twilight that surpasses the wolves in (Stephenie) Meyer's novels. I love the cover art bubble (raised) typing/graphics. Shiver is soon to be a movie made by Unique Films, a movie I am most looking forward too.

The story is a multi-view storytelling from the main characters named Sam and Grace. Both lead characters pull the readers into their gravity. One thing I disliked about the way the book was written is the chapters "temperatures." It was so confusing to me. The premise of this author's were-curse is that when it is too cold they turn into wolves; when it is too warm they turn into humans. However sometimes the weather was warm and they still turned into wolves. It just didn't seem to have a cohesiveness to it in that aspect.

Although the novel is a young adult oriented novel, it reads as if it were an adult oriented work of fiction. More than that tho, this book is able to appear to vast age groups, ethnicities, and cultures. The way Mrs. Stiefvater writes beautiful descriptions poetic-like. The thing with reading saga's like this one is that since Stephenie Meyer's saga it is hard to set aside your pre-existing thoughts on a new series like this one. Mrs. Meyer set the pace for sure in that regard, but Mrs. Stiefvater is definitely a "Leader of the Pack," as well! (Pun fully intended.) I admit that even as I tried to set aside my thoughts, I still found myself finding similarities. I don't believe that the story is read as "intensley- obsessive" as the Twilight books, but it was still quite attention grabbing. I apologize for all the Twilight talk.

I think I fell more into the story as the book was ending its final pages. At the time I was writting this review I was highly anticipating the continuation of Grace & Sam's story. I have since finished Linger, book 2. Here is a quote I enjoyed from Shiver.

"Hope hurt more than cold." - Sam

I think for me this was the most powerful quote in the entire book. When people are used to hurting for so longer they become numb to it. Hope is the only thing to look forward to which sometimes can be unattainable. The hope can hurt more than the pain because of that. That is my interpretation.

Special thanks again so much to Maggie and M. Marshall from Scholastic Inc. Publishers for sending me a copy of Shiver and allowing me to do this review.

xoxo

Author R. Garland Gray Interview

I was doing a review last month for a Medallion Press author. (Who happens to be one of my new favorite publishing companies!) In the back there were quite a few ad's for other MP authors. Two immediately caught my attention: "Darkscape: The Rebel Lord" and "Faery Faith: Predestined." On my typical whim I googled Ms. Gray's website and emailed her inquiring about ARC's and a possible interview. She immediately wanted to do an interview but with her current schedule wasn't sure when she could get back with me. The author not only contacted Medallion on my behalf, but also had a break from her current editing and was able to do this interview. Of course I was extatic. I want to thank you R. Garland Gray for taking time out of your hectic editing schedule and personal time to do this interview for us. Good luck on your upcoming novel! As well, thank you again Medallion Press for being a very hospitable and generous company.

What do you think compels readers to your novels?

Before I start, I would like to thank you for inviting me. In answer to your question, I think readers enjoy escaping from their everyday lives to the new places that author’s create, places that stimulate imaginations. I think that my books give readers that option to retreat into their imaginations.


The pictures from Medallion Press's "Faery Ball" looked like so much fun! Can you tell us about your experience?
I should clarify that the Faery Ball was at Romantic Times Booklover (RT) convention and Medallion Press was among many of the publishers that attended. The booklover’s convention is a celebration of books, especially romances. RT hosts workshops and panels where books are discussed, lunches and dinners with famous authors are given, and reader parties and book signings happen. One of their evening extravaganzas is called the Faery Ball where authors and readers mingle and dress up in the faerie garb. In the picture below, an escort shows me across the stage of the Faery Court where costumes are being judged. I had great fun in my pink dress and tower of hair. Here is the link to Romantic Times Booklovers convention: http://www.romantictimes.com/

When you go to the website, scroll down to see information about the next convention.

 The other convention that I would like to share is Faeriecon, a celebration of all things faerie. My publisher had invited me to the East Coast Faeriecon when they decided to exhibit. Faeriecon is a two day festival with a large gathering of faerie artists, authors, performers, storytellers. There are handmade crafts, beautiful jewelry and faerie costumes. They also have panels and workshops were you can learn more about the life of faeries. In the evenings, the festival hosts a masquerade ball, one for the good faeries and one for the bad faeries and people dress accordingly. It is an amazing festival.


My days were spent behind my publisher’s booth, signing autograph copies of Predestined, Fey Born and White Fells, my Faery Faith trilogy. In the picture below, you can see the panels of the cover art of the books. I was so excited to be there that I did not sleep for two days.

 I think anyone who enjoys faery lore should go to one of the Faeriecon festivals at least once in their lifetime. It is an experience worth having. Here is the link to Faeriecon: http://www.faeriecon.com/

"Darkscape" and "Faery Faith" are two series you have written. Can you tell us a little about both?
The Darkscape trilogy is a scifi romance mystery that takes place during a time of war. Earth has been destroyed and the people have formed a feudal system of government throughout the solar system. My storyline follows the heirs of Clan Douglas and what they must sacrifice in order to survive and clear their family name.


One reviewer described the books as a preCulloden space opera. Another described one of the books as a kind of science fiction Gone With The Wind. I think of the Darkscape trilogy as a combination of Star Wars, Romeo and Juliet, and Metropolis (1927 film) with a few twists on the side. I recommend that these books be read in this order: Darkscape: The Rebel Lord, Darkscape: Redemption and Darkscape: First Heir.


The Faery Faith books delve into mythic history of ancient Ireland. I have always been curious about the origin of the Irish faeries and decided to do some research into the matter. Predestined, Fey Born and White Fells are the result. Each book takes the reader on a journey with a warrior hero from the faerie tribe of the Tuatha de Dannan. I should warn readers that these books contain dark elements and are not the traditional faery lore. Faeries are not necessarily nice creatures.


Do you plan on continuing both series after books three? Why?
No, not at this time. My muse tends to be fickle and I must follow where she leads.


I have recently fallen under the "paranormal romance" spell. It has a strong fan base. What are your thoughts on one of fiction's newest genres?
I think the paranormal genre is a wonderful escape and entertainment vehicle for those who enjoy these types of books. Stores are presented in ways that contain both the familiar and the unfamiliar, and I think that mixture provides the lure of attraction.


Most fae stories are located in Ireland, Scotland and England. Is there a reasoning why the stories are located to such few continents?
Ireland, Scotland and England have a rich mythic tradition and many authors are attracted to that wealth. However, if you take the time to delve deeper into the research, you will find that faeries exist in other cultures as well.


My friend Anne Elizabeth (http://www.anneelizabeth.org ), a wonderful author in her own right, presented me with “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Fairies” by Anna Franklin. In this book, you can read about faeries from other places. If I open a page in the book, I can read about Meerfraun, female German faeries; Mazapegolo, the Italian faery from the region of Forh. There is Pukis, a Lithuanian faery who we know as Puck. Rarog is a Russain dwarf who turns himself into a whirlwind. And I could go on. These are just a few who are listed in the book.


I noticed you do quite a lot of research when working on a novel. So there's some truth to your fiction?
Yes, there are many truths within in my books. I enjoy weaving threads of history within my storytelling. This is especially true with my Faery Faith books where I delve into the origins of the faeries of Ancient Ireland.


What are your thoughts on the Cottingley Faery Hoax?
I remember reading about Elisie Wright and Frances Griffiths many years ago. The year was 1917 and the girls were playing in the garden of Elisie’s home. It was there that the famous five faery photos were taken. I think if Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes, believed in these photos then who am I to say nay.


If your readers would like to see the famous five photo, here is a link that I found: http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/photodatabase/image/thecottingleyfairies/

I hope these links work.


What's in the future for R. Garland Gray and her loyal fans?
For the future, I wait for my muse to decide.

Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt

"When a flawlessly dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and wants to know, like, now if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you:
a) run
b) faint
c) say yes!

For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for a bit of glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite c)--- that is, once she can't stop pinching herself. As her new agent, Meredith, explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula "Royal Rouge," she can transform temporarily into the exact look-alike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?

Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras. Like, what do you do when a bullying older sister puts you on a heinous crash diet? Or when the tribal villagers gather to watch you perform a ceremonial dance you don't know? Or when a princess's conflicted sweetheart shows up to break things off- and you're sure she would want you to change his mind?

In this hilarious, winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into something bigger; the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time."

Hey readers! This was a book featured on the 2010 Debute Author Challenge I joined last month. I contacted Lindsey who forwarded me on to Hallie Patterson at Disney-Hyperion books- who sent me my copy. Everyone knows I despise the color pink. However....for the age group this novel is geared to suits it just fine. The cover art will definitely appeal to the tween and teen audience. Hell it even appealed to me.

Hallie so graciously sent me a final copy, hardback and all. So I want to thank Hallie and Lindsey both for making this review possible. This was a funny hilarious and refreshing novel. I have to give Lindsey uber points for featuring Gladys the Groundhog, my bday is Groundhog's Day. Also extra points for using Hayden as a boys name. Although this is a fiction based novel, Lindsey does weave in life lessons for the readers. Such as "Princess Simmy's" story where you learn how to stand up for yourself and have self-respect. Even as an adult, I truly loved the story. It was very well written, featured all of the items a teen struggles with, and includes plenty of comedic relief. I anticipate the second book in this new series. I think any one who is a fan of the Princess Diaries will love this. It has the same sense of comedy to it with a different twist to the princess tales. If this were to ever be a movie, and since it's a Disney novel I am sure it will be, I can totally picture Kristin Chenoweth as Meredith.
xoxo

Another Annoying Update. :)

Hey readers! Another annoying update I am sure...Today I have been attempting to get author links converted to images and banners. The links just seemed to go on forever and I think if I was a viewer on someones site like that it would be overwhelming. So I think the switch to images is a more eye appealing approach. I only have a handful up but I am hoping to have the full conversion done in a week...or less!!

Tomorrow I will be spending the majority of the day in a book coma. I will be finishing "Blonde With A Wand" by Vicki Lewis Thompson. You all can look forward to a double dose of reviews tomorrow first with "Princess for Hire" by Lindsey Leavitt (part of my 2010 Debute Author Challenge) and followed by "Blonde With A Wand" by Vicki Lewis Thompson. I will also be working on sending author Jennifer Estep her interview.

As you may have noticed I am getting a large amount of ARC's/Reviews piling up. I currently have 19 total on hand, with another 16-20 coming. Give or take a few. Beginning Monday I hope to knock out a few more reviews next week. I am setting a goal of four FINISHED reviews. *crosses fingers* I am off to read some before bed...you should be doing the same. Goodnight everyone!
xoxo

Opening Day

I recently aquired a book titled "Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story" by Carolyn Turgeon. Before this book I had no remote clue there was such a thing as ACR's (Advanced Copy Reviews) also called Galley's. So I began doing some research and found out that anyone can request such a copy as long as they provide a review of sorts.

This is what caused me to join Blogger. Along with my various social networking sites, Blogger will help keep readers up to date with upcoming releases. I review and you get the heads up! :) Well my time is up and Godmother is calling my name. I wonder if she can help me with my Prince Charming?

xo xo