Ending November

I can't believe tomorrow's the last day of November! This month seriously just came and went and it's been busy, busy, busy but good, good, good. Of course, there were cray moments and sad moments and sad days and bad days but oh well, that's how life goes. This month was full of writing, reading, CATCHING FIRE, more writing, blog tours, mall trips, celebrations, food, good music (Hunger Games Soundtrack + Lorde  + Perfume), pets who left, pets who were found, pets who have stayed, surprises and what-nots.

I'd have to say though that this week, I feel like I have spread myself a little too thinly. But thank God I was still able to do what needs to be done. Crazy hectic week though and my lazybones (for some reasons I feel like I've been slacking although that can't possibly be true since for today I've written like 5,000+ words, and other days, even more then that, but you know, sometimes you feel like there's so much more you can give and you do not seem at your best and it sucks...)

Anyway. This week also brought some crazy good news:

I've made it to #BuqoSteamyReads, an online creative writing class spearheaded by the awesome Miss Mina V. Esguerra. Classes will start in January but I'm already excited.

So yes, amidst the cray cray things, November was a good month. Let's leave it at that. :)

Filipino Friday: What are you most excited about for this year’s ReaderCon?

The 3rdFilipino Reader Con is happening next week already and I'm uber excited!

So, what am I actually excited for? Well, aside from the fact that it's a bookish event which is a dead giveaway, I'm really excited to hear what the panelists have to say because it's always nice to learn something new, especially about the things you love. Mainly excited for the "Authors as Readers" panel because Mina Esguerra and Ramon Bautista, amongst others :D and, also, The Digital Filipino Reader because Chris Mariano and I also am a big fan of ebooks so there you go.

Also looking forwards to the Filipino Reader's Choice Awards coz two of my favorite Filipino authors (Mina Esguerra and Marla Miniano) are nominated. Woot!

And, also looking forward to meet fellow bookworms and maybe buy some new books and also get my prizes from the #Filreadercon chat. Looking forward to next week, yes :)

Ngumiti si Andoy--Author Interview

Yesterday, you got to see some excerpts from the upcoming book "Ngumiti Si Andoy". And today, I had the chance to interview Xi Zuq, the author of the said book. Read the interview here:

1) Ano sa tingin mo ang pinakamalaking impluwensiya o 'legacy" na naiwan ni Andres Bonifacio sa mga Pilipino? (What do you think is the biggest influence of Andres Bonifacio on Filipinos?)

Marami ngunit ang isang mahalaga, sa tingin ko, ay ang pagpapakita sa atin na kaya nating magkaisa at lumaban para sa anong nararapat sa atin.  (There are a lot, but mainly, I think he showed us that we should be united and we should fight for what's right for us)

2) Sa pagsulat ng librong ito, ano ang iyong natutuhan? (What did you learn while writing this book?)

Marami talaga, lalo na ang mga hindi ko alam na bagay tungkol kay Andres B. Halimbawa, wala masyado akong alam sa kaniyang kabataan - hindi katulad kay Jose R. na maraming saliksik at kuwento tungkol sa kaniyang pagkabata. Higit sa lahat, natutuhan ko kung gaano kalabis magmahal si Andres B. sa kaniyang bayan, sa kaniyang pamilya, sa kaniyang asawa at iba pa. Sobrang naantig ako sa mga pinagdaan niya sa kaniyang buhay. (There were a lot, really, especially about things that I did not really know about him. I did not know a lot about his childhood since there were not that many books written about him, unlike with Jose Rizal. I guess the biggest thing I learned about him is that when he loves, he loves wholeheartedly--his love for his country and for his wife is a love that's really remarkable. I'm really inspired by everything he's gone through in his life)

3) Kung nabubuhay pa ngayon si Andres Bonifacio, ano sa tingin mo ang kaniyang masasabi sa mga kabataang Pilipino? (If Andres Bonifacio is still living today, what do you think will he say to the Filipino youth?)

Nakakatuwang tanong. Siguro, ipaalala niya sa atin na patuloy na mahalin ang bayan at mga taong pinili/pinipili nating mahalin.  (Interesting Question. I think he would want us to remember that we should love our country, and love the people we choose to love)

4) Isang mensahe sa mga mambabasa. (A message to readers)

Sa mga batang mambabasa, sana ay makilala ninyo sa pamamagitan ng librong ito ang pagiging tao ni Andres B. at kung paano magagamit ang inyong kakayahan para sa kabutihan ng kapuwa. Sa mga medyo hindi na bata, muli nating kilalanin si Andres B. sa pagbabasa ng librong ito at paghahalungkat pa sa kaniyang buhay. (Kids, I hope that with the help of this book, you get to see that Andres Bonifacio is not just a hero, but he is a person, too. I hope you learn how to use your skills to help others and for the betterment of everyone. To kids at heart, let's get to know more about Andres Bonifacio through this book, and get to know more about his life, too.)

Mabibili na ang "Ngumiti Si Andoy" simula sa Nov 30! Happy Reading! 

Ngumiti Si Andoy--Excerpt Reveal

Since this year marks the 150th death anniversary of one of the Philippine's heroes, Gat Andres Bonifacio, it is but fitting that a book is released in his honor. So, I want to present to you "NGUMITI SI ANDOY" (ANDOY SMILED), a children's book based on the life of Andres Bonifacio, written by Xi Zuq and illustrated by Dominic Agsaway. This book won at the 2013 PBBY Salanga and Alcala Prize for best story and illustrations.

Title: Ngumiti si Andoy (Andoy Smiled)
Author: Xi Zuq
Illustrator: Dominic Agsaway

Ngumiti si Andoy. Ito ang simula ng kuwento ni Andrew na nagsimula sa kanilang Heroes Park. Gusto lamang niya na iguhit ang estatwa ni Andres Bonifacio nang matuklasan niya ang ilang lihim sa buhay ng bayani.

Sa pagdiriwang ng ika-150 kaarawan ni Andres Bonifacio, inihahandog ng Adarna House ang Ngumiti si Andoy, isang aklat tungkol sa buhay ng bayani. Batay ang kuwento at guhit ng aklat sa mga nagwagi sa 2013 Philippine Board on Books for Young People-Salanga at Alcala Prize [pbby.org.ph]. Hanapin ang Ngumiti si Andoy sa Adarna House showroom at sa pinakamalapit ng book store sa inyo.

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Here are some excerpts from the book:

Check this blog again tomorrow to catch my interview with the author, Xi Zuq! 

Don't Forget the Soap--Author Interview + Giveaway

I had the chance to ask Marie Claire Lim Moore, the author of Don't Forget the Soap some questions. Check it out.

1) What’s your inspiration for Don’t Forget the Soap
My parents and my children. I’ve always thought about writing a book but I was only inspired to actually do it once I had my kids and started thinking about what kind of people I hope they will grow up to be. It made me reflect on my own past, my own childhood and everything I learned from my parents.

2) How’s your relationship with your mother?
Close would be an understatement. My son, Carlos, saw an old picture the other day and said, “Is that you and Lola?” After I nodded he smiled and said, “I think she’s your best friend.” And it’s true. As adults we can disagree and get a impatient with one another at times but those instances are few and far between. I say “as adults” because as a child I could never disagree and get impatient with my mother

3) The best thing about being a Filipina is________?
Being surrounded by good company. There are so many impressive Filipina women out there to admire. People often say the Philippines is a nation of strong women who directly or indirectly run the family unit, businesses and government. At the same time, Filipina women are often described as beautiful and feminine. I love that all these qualities are associated with being a Filipina.

4) Message to your readers: 
Don’t take anything for granted. Not all the experiences you’re blessed with. Not your ability to make a difference in a small way. Not each person who helped you along the way. These are the underlying themes in the book and this is the message I would like to leave with readers.

***

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't Forget the Soap--Review

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Don't Forget the Soap's stop on my blog!

Title: Don't Forget the Soap
Author: Marie Claire Lim Moore

Goodreads Buy it as an Ebook Buy it on Paperback

At the center of many good stories – inspiring, entertaining, admittedly corny – is Marie Claire Lim Moore. Ask her about the time she and her family sat down with former Philippine President Corazon Aquino. Or the time she built houses in Mexico alongside former American President Jimmy Carter. Equally engaging are her every day experiences and perspective on life. You will be interested to hear what she thinks is a relationship “deal breaker” or why Christmas should be regulated or why kids shouldn’t say, “I’m bored.”

Don’t Forget the Soap is a collection of anecdotes from different points in Claire’s life: stories from the tight-knit Filipino community in Vancouver mix with memories of her move to New York, experiences at Yale and travels as a young executive. Underlying this narrative is the story of a global citizen who does not want to forget the fundamental values that come along with the “immigrant experience” as she and her husband raise their children in the increasingly glitzy expat bubble of Singapore. Her parents continue to remain a big influence in her life and her mother’s reminders a grounding force. These stories will warm the heart and resonate with people of any culture.

***

Here's what I have to say about this book: It is downright beautiful. First, the cover. It's so pretty, you'd love looking at it over and over--and I could say the same for the pages.

Now about the contents. What I really appreciated about this book is the fact that it's fun and easy to read and would NEVER get you bored. Peppered with photos from the life of Marie Claire Lim Moore, it is a collection of thoughts and memories, but even though it is about her life, you will definitely be able to relate.

I also liked the fact that though the author grew up in the states, she never forgot about being Filipina. In fact, she's proud of being Filipina and that's one thing that's really admirable. That despite her success, she knows how to come back to her roots and knows how to stay humble.

You'll also learn a whole lot from her mother. Her mother's teachings and beliefs are very Filipino, and may be too traditional for you, but sometimes, it's good to remember what used to be good and it's good to have something to look back on. What's good about this book is that you'll learn so much, you'll enjoy, and you'll reflect on your life, at the same time. 

A light read that will surely warm your heart, this book is one that shall stand the tests of time. Two thumbs up.

***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marie Claire Lim Moore is a Filipina-Canadian-American working mother and author of Don't Forget the Soap. After spending the early part of her childhood in Vancouver, Claire moved to New York City and attended the United Nations International School. She went on to study at Yale, climb the corporate ladder at Citi and travel around the world. She met her husband, Alex, while working in Sao Paulo, Brazil and they married in Manila, Philippines shortly before moving to Singapore. Now Mom to Carlos and Isabel, Claire also manages the Global Client business for Citi in Asia. She enjoys juggling career and family and likes to throw in community and politics for fun by campaigning for US political candidates, fundraising for organizations that advance the role of women in business and promoting foreign direct investment in the Philippines. She is also a guest contributor at Sassy Mama Singapore.

Azure by Chrystalla Thoma--Review + an interview with the Author and GIVEAWAY!

Hello you guys! Welcome to Chrystalla Thoma's Azure's stop on my blog!

                                                          

Title: Azure (Drowning in You)
Author: Chrystalla Thoma

A terrible mistake haunts college student Olivia Spencer. To escape the past, she travels to the Mediterranean island of Crete, hoping for the courage to start anew.

By the sea, she meets sexy and enigmatic Kai. But there’s more to Kai than meets the eye — and nobody wants to talk about it. The locals shun him, accusing him of magic. Kai, apparently, belongs to the sea, no matter how crazy that sounds. 

Kai isn’t free to be with her or live his own life, and this is how he will stay, unless Olivia can break his curse and save him — in doing so atoning for those she failed in the past.

NEW ADULT ROMANCE. Contains mature content. Ages 17+

AZURE (Drowning In You) is a stand-alone novel. No cliffhanger.

***

At first, I was not really sure about this since I'm too critical of Fantasy/Romance related stuff sometimes, but, boy oh boy, after a couple of pages, I literally just couldn't put this down.

Azure is about Olivia, who is trying to escape her past and her broken heart by traveling to Crete, a beautiful, almost unreal Mediterranean Island. There she meets Kai. Strong, mysterious Kai who seems to have a crazy secret. Olivia and Kai are drawn to each other but forces of nature seem to want to tear them down. How will their love survive? 

What I really enjoyed about this book was the beautiful imagery. I'm in love with all things Mythology and all things Greece so having to read beautiful stuff about the said place, reading about the sea and certain myths was just...amazing. How the author incorporated those in a modern-day story was also a good, beautiful surprise. She was able to create something great.

The characters here are nicely done. You can really imagine their feelings and frustrations and this book will really make you think--it's super good. I also like the way the author wrote. It's magical, without being overbearing, and it's poignant, without being boring.

If you are looking for a good New Adult/Fantasy/Romantic read, try Azure. You surely won't regret it. Let's have those Watermelon Jellies at the ready...

Read my interview with the author below:

1) what's your inspiration for Azure?

I think the inspiration came to me as I was sorting through my photos of Crete – I’d been there in May of this year, visiting with family. I was looking at the Venetian harbor of the town I’d visited (Chania) and the beaches, and the mountains, and it all clicked when I thought: what if some people here had dealings with sea magic?

I grew up by the sea and I’ve always felt like I belonged in the waves. The Mediterranean Sea is quite safe – but it can have sudden storms that wreck boats, and violent currents that cause people to drown. I knew from past research that sea deities were widely worshipped on Crete, goddesses brought from the near east with each immigration wave in ancient times.

So I said to myself, what if there was a young man, from Crete, whose family has been cursed to be tied to the sea, unable to escape? What if the people of the area believe it, and he believes it, and this belief doesn’t let him break free?

And what if a girl arrives, not believing in magic, who tries to save him?

Thus was the story of Kai and Olivia born.

2) ever been to a Mediterranean island yourself?

I come from a Mediterranean island. I come from Cyprus which is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, below Turkey and above Egypt. I have also visited several Greek islands. They are all beautiful.

3) have you always been a fan of magic and do you believe in magic?

I believe in love. I want to believe in magic, and I think somewhere deep inside I do. I want it to exist. And I want all the magical creatures to exist as well – elves, mermaids, goblins... That would be so cool.

4) a message to your fans

Thank you for reading my books and asking for more. Thank you for talking about the characters in my books as if they are real. They *are* real. I swear. :)

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greek Cypriot with a penchant for dark myths and good food. Chrystalla Thoma has proven her tendency to settle down anywhere but at home by having lived and studied in France, England, Germany and Costa Rica, before returning to Cyprus two years ago.

Chrystalla likes to write about fantastical creatures, crazy adventures, and family bonds. She lives in Cyprus with her husband and her vast herds of books. She's currently working on a few novels, including a vampire novel set in Cyprus, an epic fantasy trilogy, and a YA science fiction series.

chrystallathoma.wordpress.com | twitter.com/chrystallathoma | facebook

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GIVEAWAY TIME!

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chasing Flames--Review, Author Interview + Giveaway

Hello and Welcome to Chasing Flames' stop on my blog!

Title: Chasing Flames
Author: Emily Fogle

Aydah Bell was happy in her normalcy; she was never the class clown or the sports hero, never the beauty queen or little Ms. Honor Student. One day, after a pointless family mini-vacation, Aydah returns to school and finds that her sheltered little world has turned upside-down. Besides the fact that she is beginning to crave raw meat, people are also disappearing.

Suddenly, an alarming disappearance in the quiet and serene city she calls home puts the whole town into high-alert. One of Aydah’s schoolmates vanishes during the weekend and is conveniently replaced by a newcomer. To Aydah’s surprise, the new boy is the completely beautiful and oh-so mysterious Liam Bailey.

Aydah finds herself drawn to Liam. He consumes her thoughts and she aches to be with him. In the mix of passion, jealousy, and hatred that follows, Aydah is too distracted to see the horrible fate headed straight for her.

***

I have a confession to make: I find it hard to like new fantasy novels mainly because I grew up reading Harry Potter and I'm a devoted Potterhead. So when I figured out that this was a fantasy novel, I couldn't help but have qualms.

Anyway, as I read this novel, I realized that it's actually pretty likeable. The good kind of characterization and imagery is there and though it kinda reminded me of the Twilight series, I'd say what sets is apart is the fact that it's not all about sex and it has the feel of an old-time, classic YA fantasy read.

I also really liked the fact that this book can make you imagine what's going on in the world of this story and how things pan out for the characters. The ending was kind of a cliffhanger, though, but that's good because it will make you look forward to the next installment.

P.S. I also, really, really like this cover! 

***

AN INTERVIEW WITH EMILY FOGLE, the AUTHOR

1.       1. Why "Chasing Flames" as a title? Actually, this book started out as a longer novel called Dawning Moon. When I split it in two, I decided to name the second book Dawning Moon and needed a new title for the first half. I played with a few different titles. However, Chasing Flames seemed to fit the best for the feel of the book and what my main character, Aydah, is experiencing. She is torn between two aspects of her life.

2. What's the most tempting thing you ever found yourself entangled in? We all remember our first loves and the excitement that we felt, the rush of adrenaline and the pounding in our hearts. When I met my husband I knew he was someone I could get lost with and give in to.

3. The best thing about writing adult romance is ______________?  I don’t have to hold back as much. When writing children’s stories or Middle Grade, I find myself thinking about my son’s and putting on my ‘mom hat’. With YA, I didn’t have to worry about the violence or romance levels.

4. Any message to your readers? With any author, I just hope that I gain a few fans and rope them into a world they like being a part of. Putting work out there is like exposing a part of your heart and a fraction of the inner, bizarre workings of your mind. In doing so, I hope that I touch and amuse some readers! 

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Fogle was born and raised in Southern California. Her dream and ultimate goal was to get her Masters degree in English and become a teacher with enough time to write, as well. However, she soon found out that the best dreams often come true when they aren’t planned. Instead of fulfilling her teaching goal, real life took over and she married the man of her dreams. She now has an amazing 7 year old son and a beautiful newborn son.
She dedicates the majority of her time taking care of her family, volunteering at her son’s school, and being a Cub Scout Den leader. And though she loves every minute of it, the thought of being a writer still tugs at her heart. So, after the busy days are done and everyone is finally sleeping quietly, she squeezes in time for all the other loves in her life: the characters running wild inside her head.

Now, incredibly, her writing dream is also coming true. Her first novel, Dragon Wars, is being published by Anchor Group. Emily feels sincerely blessed to have been given so much in life and can’t wait to start the next chapter.

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GIVEAWAY TIME

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some things that the first half of November taught me

1. It indeed is proving to be a very busy, busy month. But I like it. I like being productive.

2. Down times make me think too much.

3. I can eat Sampaloc everyday.

4. I like giving gifts...and yeah, being cheesy, too.

5. Sometimes, you really do grow apart from your friends.

6. I doodle too much. And I still love drawing.

7.  Losing pets is never, ever, ever easy.

8. But sometimes, miracles happen.

Meet...er, our unnamed cat. haha. Found him a day after one of our cats died. And you know what the ironic, but good part is? He looks exactly like our cat who died! He's such a blessing.

9. I can develop a love for hardbound books, but only if the jacket says something interesting about the book and the book itself is soooo pretty.

9. I can develop a love for hardbound books, but only if the jacket says something interesting about the book and the book itself is soooo pretty.

10. Books are not just my luxury, but my necessity, too.

11. I want Lorde's voice! Or Ellie Goulding's! or Ariana Grande's! (hahaha)

12. Can't wait for Catching Fire!

13. Some changes are for the better. 

14. Jolibee's Buttered Corn is awesome.

15. Still addicted to dresses.

16. There's still so much more to learn. 

Ngumti si Anody

Watch out for the NGUMITI SI ANDOY blog tour from Nov 25-30.

Excerpt reveal will be live on this blog on Nov 25th. 

Plus, watch out for my interview with the author, Xi Zuq, on Nov 26th.


A story about one of the Philippines' heroes, Andres Bonifacio. Written in a simple, entertaining way which will surely get your attention. Since 2013 marks the 150th death anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, it is but fitting that a book is released in his honor. This book made me smile, because it showed that kids can be interested in learning about our own history--which is a good thing. It will also teach you more about Andres Bonifacio's life and make you want to learn more about him. Great illustrations, too.

Effectuation--Review + Playlist + GIVEAWAY

Hello and Welcome to Effectuation's stop on my blog!

Title: Effectuation

Author: Carlyn Greenwald

On an earth where the spirit world and human world not only comingle but know each other’s deepest secrets, Ewan Trace is an ordinary college senior at a prestigious film school: obsessed with old movies, secretly in love with his best friend Sophie, and looking to forge a career as a writer. Oh—and he also can never go out because his über-agent father and mother are always away and he has to stay home and care for his little sister. But it’s all normal to him…until he finally meets his spirit protector, Zac, and that Terra, the girl he just spent the night with, might be someone far more sinister than she appears.

Now Ewan and Zac are on the trail of a mystery that takes a left turn along the way, diving deep into a conflict between humans and spirits that just may be worse than what they thought was their worst nightmare. And as hearts are broken and people die, the two find themselves strapped to a rocket-propelled adventure far more unbelievable than anything Hollywood could ever imagine.

Contains moments of sexual situations and violence, with strong language throughout. Recommended for mature readers.

***

This book is full of surprises. My main concern at first is that the plot is way too different from others and there were too many things going on and too many characters introduced at once that it may confuse the reader. But if you concentrate on it, you'd really be interested and would want to read more.

Effectuation deals with spirit guides and a really imaginative fantasy world that will surely captivate the reader. Sure, it's not as common as your usual YA thing, but it is something good. It is blunt, humorous and tastefully written. 

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PLAYLIST

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GIVEAWAY TIME!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlyn Greenwald is a writer, student, and decently sized superhero, mystery, and animation nerd. She definitely writes for the YA/NA markets, but her genres of choice include contemporary, urban fantasy, science fiction, crime, romance and mystery. Anything that has at least one murder, a nice-looking guy, and some witty banter will do. She lives in Los Angeles with her dogs, cat, and family.

REPLICA by Jenna Black (Book Review)

Title: Replica
Author: Jenna Black
Breathtaking new YA SF from the author of the Faeriewalker series

Sixteen-year-old Nadia Lake comes from a high-class Executive family in the Corporate States. Her marriage has been arranged with the most powerful family in her state, which means she lives a life of privilege but also of public scrutiny, followed everywhere by photographers, every detail of her private life tabloid fodder. But her future is assured, as long as she can maintain her flawless public image — no easy feat when your betrothed is a notorious playboy.

Nathan Hayes is the heir of Paxco — controller of the former state of New York, and creator of human replication technology, science that every state and every country in the world would kill to have. Though Nadia and Nate aren’t in love, they’ve grown up close, and they (and the world) are happy enough with their match.

Until Nate turns up dead, and as far as everyone knows, Nadia was the last person to see him alive.

When the new Nate wakes up in the replication tanks, he knows he must have died, but with a memory that only reaches to his last memory backup, he doesn’t know what killed him. Together, Nadia and Nate must discover what really happened without revealing the secrets that those who run their world would kill to protect.

***

REVIEW

Set in a dystopian New York where everyone can be immortal, this is a novel of epic proportions that you'll certainly love.

Replica is the story about the mystery of hotshot young playboy Nathaniel Hayes' murder and how the woman he's supposed to marry, Nadia Lake finds out the truth about what happened.
This book is a combination of many things: Dystopia, mystery, some romance here and there and all the good elements that make up one great YA read. It reminded me of Meg Cabot's "Airhead" in a way because they both deal with crazy advancements in the world of science and technology. In a way, it also had elements of Gossip Girl since it's set in New York--although it's a modern day New York but the whole scandalous part is there. 

Story-wise, I think that the plot was orchestrated well and even just in the first chapter, you'd already find yourself face to face with a shocker--one you probably wouldn't have expected. As the story goes on, you'd feel more and more inclined and would have a hard time putting it down. And by the end, you couldn't help but wish that there'd be a book 2 (And confirmed, there is! It's coming in early 2014 :)) because there's just so much that you'd want to know. But, the good thing is, it could stand on its own, too.

Replica is something that's definitely worth reading. Two thumbs up for this one.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Black is your typical writer. Which means she's an "experience junkie." She got her BA in physical anthropology and French from Duke University.

Once upon a time, she dreamed she would be the next Jane Goodall, camping in the bush making fabulous discoveries about primate behavior. Then, during her senior year at Duke, she did some actual research in the field and made this shocking discovery: primates spend something like 80% of their time doing such exciting things as sleeping and eating.

Concluding that this discovery was her life's work in the field of primatology, she then moved on to such varied pastimes as grooming dogs and writing technical documentation. She writes paranormal romance for Tor and urban fantasy for Bantam Dell.

The Unknown Review + Playlist

Hello and Welcome to Lara Henley's "The Unknown" stop on my blog.

Title-The Unknown

By-Lara Henley

Genre- Romance

Expected Publication Date- November 7, 2013

Misty found out early in life that things just don't come easy. She has learned to trust no one, and that you can't depend on anyone but yourself when the chips fall. Finally free of the states clutches she sets out on a whirlwind adventure called LIFE....

But she never expected Drake....

Drake... is use to being in the limelight just graduated from college. Wondering what's next? Misty is a welcome surprise. So different from his everyday mundane experiences..

Can two completely different people share a journey that could change both of their lives forever? Or will they end up destroying each other in the process?

Escape to The UnKnown

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18368349-the-unknown?from_search=true

Trailer- http://youtu.be/7GNm_5J9x60

Review:

Drake and Misty met in the most unconventional of circumstances.

Drake has known of comfort and privilege but Misty lives in a completely different world: She grew up in a halfway home, she lost her parents when she was still a kid and there are a couple of things that she still does not know about her life.

But being thrust in each other's worlds did not prevent them from falling in love. The question is, is their love strong enough to survive?

There's so much more to this story than meets the eye. Generally, there are some glitches and minimal typos but otherwise, it's a good story. The idea is good, the characterization was tastefully done and the plot, though a bit similar to other contemporary romances was good, all the same. This book is a diamond in the rough, but surely, you'd appreciate it.

LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST BELOW:

Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan -- Book Review

Hello and Welcome to Impossibly Love's stop on my blog!

Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan

So. Here's what I think: I really enjoyed this book. It's fresh, well-written and has all the elements of a good, romantic, sexy story.

It's the tale of Branden--the guy who screams "bad boy", and Moya, the girl who does not believe in love. Their paths cross and soon, they find out that they really couldn't get out of each other's ways and the only thing they have to do is accept the fact that people can fall for each other and that sometimes, you really just couldn't fight fate.

What I like about this book is the fact that the characters are easy to relate to and that the descriptions and characterizations used are soooo cute! loved it. These days, life gets too tough that sometimes we need a book that will make us forget about everything even for a little while and this book simply does that. Written in a light-hearted, womanly approach, this book is something that's so worthwhile you really would have a hard time putting it down.  Plus, if you really enjoyed the book then you'll be glad to know that there's another installment coming up sometime in January for you to know what happens next to Branden and Moya.

Another thing. I love the fact that none of this felt put-on or over-bearing. Every thing in the story seemed to jive with each other and that's what made it beautiful and so natural. I hate books that seem too put-on but this one is not like that at all. 

It's an easy, light read that you'd surely enjoy.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shane Morgan is a lover of "interesting" books. Her imagination is always running wild so it's best to collect and organize them into separate stories.

Shane's love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, delving into a variety of genres: from comedy and drama, to horror and contemporary romance. Shane's quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed "impossible." Well, in her opinion, people never really grow up, do they?

visit her website at: shanemorganwrites.wordpress.com

The Harvester by Katy Glemser--Review

Title: The Harvester

Author: Katy Glemser

THE HARVESTER is the first book in a new trilogy simmering with conspiracy, insanity, and illicit romance - and a broken girl's struggle to break free.

Unbeknownst to modern America, a wealthy family is recycling their Southern plantation for the growth and harvesting of drugs. Eighteen-year-old Eden is one of their harvesters. From the moment she awakes to blazing sun and a Nixed mind in the middle of Master Uriah's poppy field, she begins her new life of harvesting opium. Uriah calls this - his growing, refining, and delivery of medicines to aid an elusive underground fight - his "holy work."

Eden calls it her hell.

But when Uriah's son, Todd, returns home to conduct the tests of an exclusive new drug with unparalleled abilities, Eden is chosen to be the testing subject. By meeting with Todd again and again inside the estate's mansion, she becomes entangled in his family's world of bloodlines and agendas. It is then that her own fight begins - a fight against the effects of the drug, her growing attraction to Todd, and the screams in her head that beg for the truth.

Welcome to McAvoy Manor.

***

I've read so many books this year but this one is on a league of its own and I'll let you know why.

First, it's not your usual YA/Contemporary novel. It's a mix of great characterization + a great plot + a really unique way of story-telling. Who'd ever think that "drugs" could work in a YA and somewhat Dystopian/Mystery novel? Glemser really did take a risk on writing something as bold and daring as this but I think, the risk paid off because the book was truly something good.

This book is something that I recommend you read when you're not thinking of too many things at once and when you know that you can really focus. It's not your usual, everyday, light book and I think that's what's good about it: Its depth, its fragility and how Glemser was able to work on Eden's story and how she told it in a way that's both refreshing and mysterious.

Eden is a kick-ass protagonist. She's smart, and even though she's thrust in a situation that is both unbearable and crazy, she's still able to be her own person and is someone worth emulating because she's strong, she's not your usual damsel in distress and she sure knows how to fight for what she believes is right.

Glemser was also able to write in a very professional way. Never sounding amateurish or like a newbie, this novel is a testament of how great of a writer she is and make you want to read more from her.

This is a novel that will certainly get you hooked. It's fresh, it's something deep--which is good because most novels these days are in the same side of the spectrum and sometimes, won't allow you to use your mind, but this one is truly something that will capture your attention and make you itch for the next installment right away.

The Harvester is a good book. It's next installment, I think, will be even better.