9 hours, 9 Persons, 9 doors

*Warning: The content below is for players over the age of 18 only.*

I started playing a new 3DS game lately called 999; 9 hours, 9 person, 9 doors - a visual novel video game.  This text adventure/visual novel 3DS video game is all about the story and puzzles.  Get all 9 people out alive, in 9 hours, by cracking all 9 doors.  I'm very intrigued by the story and can't wait to see how it plays out.

IGN gave the game a 9.0 (out of 10.0) rating.  Here's what they had to say about the game.

"999 is a text adventure game that follows the story of Junpei, a college student who finds himself involved in a deadly conspiracy. He and 9 others have been kidnapped and must play a series of deadly games to win their freedom...

In Nine Hours players only have hours before Junpei and 8 other kidnapped victims are drowned. Numerology, music composition and logic puzzles are just a few of the 32 + obstacles that stand in the way of their freedom. Then in 9 Persons Jumpei must uncover the mystery surrounding the lives of the captive characters and how their blurry pasts reveal a disturbing future. Finally in 9 Doors each hostage is cursed with a digital watch that displays their special number. These numbers are the keys to unlocking the 9 doors. Jumpei must explore his surroundings for clues to unlock the next door by picking up and examining objects in the different environments."

DIY....with book pages!

Decorating for the holidays can be expensive.  Especially if you don't save the decorations year to year, but there is a simple solution!  Turn your old books into decorations!  I'm in love with these gorgeous decorations all handmade from book pages.  I think my apartment is about to get a makeover and my torn book pages are about to get put to good use! yay!

Book Page Trees

They vary from simple Evergreens to "Christmas-y" but each one is amazing.   A little glue, a little paint, some DIY time and book pages and you have a beautiful table topper!  Tutorials for each of these types of trees can be found on Google.

Made by Anthology on Main

Made by Anthology on Main

Made by Anthology on Main
This one doesn't even look like book pages, but it is!

Cyber Monday eBook Deals and Freebies!

Today is Cyber Monday!  yay!!  Today is when all the sales online are the best, when the servers break down because too many people are shopping, when everyone starts freaking out because they haven't started shopping for the holidays yet...  It's another great day to catch more good deals on eBooks, eReaders and accessories.  If you are planning to purchase an eReader for someone on your list, today is a great day to do it!  Nook and Kindle are both having sales for Cyber Monday on accessories or devices.  Simply go to Amazon or Barnes&Noble to view their Cyber Monday deals.

Retailers aren't the only ones participating this year.  Here are some authors who are having a few Cyber Monday deals of their own:

• FREE promo of The Panama Girl by Bonita Mariano
• FREE today only - Becoming (Lynnie Russell Trilogy) by R.M. Gilmore
• Kindle eBook Deals for Cyber Monday only on Amazon
• FREE today only - Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy book 1) by S.M. Boyce

Let me know what other eBooks are free today in the comments.  Happy Cyber Monday!!

Quick Tip: Surviving Black Friday!

Today, is the craziest of shopping days ever.... it's Black Friday.  Black Friday is the shopping day in the US (do they have it in other countries?) on November 23 each year where the most ridiculous of sales occur.  You can potentially save hundreds of dollars or more depending on how, when and where you shop.  If you're going out shopping, I hope you have a wonderful time (although I doubt you're reading this)!  Try not to get into a fight or get trampled.  If you're not into the whole "Black Friday" shopping thing, shop online!  Some stores are offering Black Friday deals online.  Here are some amazing book deals from Amazon and Barnes & Noble for both Kindle and print books that are worth it!

• Kindle eBooks $3.99 or less
• Black Friday deals on Kindle eBooks (up to 70% off best selling titles!)
• Black Friday deals in print books on Amazon (100s of deals on here, new titles being added every day, search by price available, best sellers for kids and fiction, gold-box deals every few hours too!)
• Barnes & Noble Black Friday deals (Buy two, get third free on Little Golden books and puzzle books, 50% off kids and adult books, Nook Touch only $59, extra 30% off using coupon code: T9P3E3W at checkout)

So...stay home! Relax! Get some holiday shopping done from the comfort of your home and have fun!  Let me know what good stuff you find.  Happy Shopping!

Gift Ideas for eReader Lover

Hey guys!  I decided I shouldn't leave out the eReader lovers out there (like me!) who love to get gifts for their eReaders.  Here are some fun, unique gifts that revolve around eReaders.  I'll let you know which gifts are best for which devices too, don't worry... I've got you covered.

Photo from Oberon Design

Gift: Unique eReader Cases

Devices: Kindle(s), Nook(s), Mini eReaders (small touch screens), Nexus 7, Siena Tablet, iPad(s)

Unique cases are always fun for eReaders.  The Oberon Design team knows their leather and always has something incredible.  I've been eyeing this dragon case for soooo long.  A little more expensive at $50+, but they are amazing covers!  They have tons on their website.  There are also a ton, of unique cases on Etsy.com.

Gift Ideas for the Book Lover

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up this week, two of the biggest shopping days of the year, I thought I would give everyone some fun ideas for the book lover on their list - friends, co-workers, family, neighbors...whether you want to buy or DIY, I've got you covered. (I couldn't resist. heh.)

Best for: Anyone!

You can never go wrong with more books.  People who love books, always want more!  Try to find out their favorite author(s) or genre(s) and purchase something a little more thoughtful.  If you're unsure, the current top ten bestsellers are always a great way to go - whether they are ebook or print books you are sure to please your book lover.  If all else fails, a gift card to their fav book store will always be a good idea.

Carmen DeSousa - Two books in one stop!

WELCOME to the Carmen DeSousa blog tour! Today it is my privilage to introduce two of Carmen's novels to you and the lovely Carmen herself.  Enjoy!

Entagled Dreams Book Blurb:

When Alexandra's choices dissolve into Entangled Dreams, pushing her down a dark and dismal path, she must trust her instincts to escape danger, but be able to surrender all to find her happily ever after. Knowing how to decipher the difference, will be her toughest challenge.

The Pit Stop Book Blurb:

The Pit Stop (This Stop Could be Life or Death) is a FREE nine-thousand-word mini mystery with a paranormal edge by bestselling romantic-suspense author Carmen DeSousa. If you are looking for her full-length novels, please check out She Belongs to Me, Land of the Noonday Sun, and Entangled Dreams.

About Carmen:

While I do not write "Christian" books, I do share my characters' Christian beliefs. My characters are real people who come with real flaws; no perfect people allowed.

I characterize my stories as modern-day fairytales, as they are overflowing with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a fairytale be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.

Review Day: Of Gods & Goats

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay!! Here's the review!! No more delays!

Title: Of Gods & Goats

Author: V.L. Locey

Rating: 4 stars

Book Blurb:
Not Even The Old Farmer`s Almanac Could Have Predicted This!

I used to have a tranquil life in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. It was just me, my dog and cat (the ones with the wizarding monikers) a watch steer, three dairy goats and a flock of chickens. That was before that thunderstorm of all thunderstorms blew over my twelve acres of rural serenity and dropped one hell of a celestial body into my goat barn and my placid lifestyle

And to think, Libby Simons used to be known as ‘That goat-lady on the hill’ by her unique and very rural friends and neighbors. Now I`m known as the woman with that very odd ‘bison’ and a farm-hand who can lift a Hereford over his head and not break a sweat! Long gone are the quiet days and oh-so-lonely nights I used to know. 

I`m fighting to not only keep the knowledge that gods do exist from hitting the town paper, but I`m also squaring off against the very beings that reside up yonder (And I don`t mean Canadian`s) while trying to figure out if a farm girl like me and a war mongering god like Ares should act on the rather toasty impulses we both have.

Review Day: Treason

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!

Title: Treason (Grimoire Trilogy #2)
Author: S.M. Boyce
Rating: 5 stars!!

Book Blurb:

Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay--for now.

Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don't go as planned.

Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who--and what--he is. He has to face the facts. He's a prince. He's a murderer. He's a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he's out for blood.

To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate. (end)

Ramblings in Ireland

Welcome to the Ramblings in Ireland blog tour!  Get to know the author, Kerry Dwyer, and her novel with a bio and book blurb.

Book Blurb:

This is not a book about rambling in Ireland. It tells the tale of one particular walking trip and the memories and musings it inspired. Exploring the West of Ireland is a time for meditation, spiritual reflection and strengthening the bonds of life. More practically the ability to read a map might have proved helpful. The tourist office in Ireland has all their paths clearly marked. You can’t go wrong if you follow that little yellow man. Or can you? As British ex-patriate Kerry Dwyer leads Bertrand, her trusting French husband, astray once more, they reminisce and reflect upon accents and accidents, family and friends, love and what it means to be alive. Bertrand doesn’t mind getting lost - he loves Kerry all the more for going off the beaten track. This is a book about ramblings in Ireland. Walk with Kerry and Bertrand and follow where your thoughts lead you.

Watch the Book Trailer!

Cover Reveal: From Where I Stand (Poetry)

Hey guys! Today I have a cover reveal for you.  This cover and collection of poetry has been written/put together by one of my friends and blogging buddies Robert Zimmermann.

Book Blurb:

From Robert Zimmermann comes From Where I Stand, an emotional debut poetry collection.  Zimmermann explores strained parental relationships, loss of life, and the despair associated with grief.  Alongside these darker themes, he delves into the small areas of life that often go unnoticed but become the hope we are searching for.

Expected release November 2012

Example’s of Robert’s poetry can be found in the poetry section on his blog. He also has poems published by Albany Poets.

What everyone is saying...

"Rob writes with an incredible sense of observation and feeling made all the more poignant by his struggles. Every verse is genuine and every poem is a journey toward understanding the soul of a poet." – Ben Ditmars, author of Night Poems

“Zimmermann has achieved something rarely seen in modern poetry. Each poem is a personal and detailed story that will strike the heart of the reader with a torrent of emotion.  Zimmermann balances the dark and light beautifully and without a hint of hesitation.” – Jessica Fortunato, author of The Sin Collector Trilogy

"Rob's poetry has a very real tone to it and in some ways creates a tragic yet poetic story." – Paulina Ulrich, author of the Flightless Bird Series

"Honest, heartfelt and moving" – Amber Jerome~Norrgard, author of In The Gloaming

Gilded Wings Day!!

BOOK 2 IS OUT!  BOOK 2 IS OUT!  This is not a drill - Gilded Wings: The Angel Chronicles Book 2 has been released!  What's that? You haven't read book 1 yet!?  Click here to read more about it.

Amy Lignor (author of The Angel Chronicles) is here today with a guest post with some fun-facts about book 2!  After the guest post there is: a giveaway (yay!), a sneak peek of the novel (read-a-long excerpt) and Amy's bio.  Keep reading!

The Summer ‘Cottages’ of the ‘Four Hundred Club’

Miss June ignored his remarks and continued her ‘who’s who’ tour of American society. “Now, Mrs. Astor never liked the Vanderbilt family. She thinks they’re basically businessmen – a very common lot. But Alva Vanderbilt built a stunning cottage in Newport, Rhode Island that rivals Beechwood. It’s absolutely huge. I’ve never been inside, but from what little I could gather from Mitchell, the thing is massive. Supposedly every room is filled with crystal, bronze statues, and expensive works of art…”

In Gilded Wings, as the angel/warrior team find themselves taking a journey through one of the most famous times in American History. this is the first we hear of the stunning summer ‘cottages’ that the elite of the Gilded Age owned. Back then, the women focused on throwing parties that made them the most famous and beloved; whereas the men became captains of industry - sometimes by very underhanded means.

The Breakers

Newport, Rhode Island was the ‘summer’ scene for the elite and pompous. Here, they would build houses to rival one another, with each female of the family wanting to make sure theirs was the grandest, most opulent of them all. In fact, the two most famous heads of household at the time - Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt - kept their competition going for quite some time. Vanderbilt’s mansion - The Breakers - was built with only the best; marble imported from Italy and Africa, plus rare woods and mosaics from countries around the world filled the place. And what upset Mrs. Astor the most was that, “if the Gilded Age were to be summed up by a single house, that house would have to be The Breakers,” seeing as that it was the largest, most ‘gilded’ house at the time.

Beechwood

Beechwood was Astor’s mansion; the home that Emily and Matthew find themselves entering in order to mingle in the famous Beechwood ballroom. Not only does Emily have to deal with the fact that she’s walked into a world she doesn’t understand, but here she must also face the fact that two very important men - her warrior/partner and her first love - are standing beside her glittering far more brightly than the excessive gold that seems to line every wall and rest on every table.

Built in 1851, Beechwood was the ‘show place’ for many of Mrs. Astor’s dinner parties. From a library to a dining room to a music room with wallpaper that was imported from Paris - the house had it all. After her son, John’s, death on the Titanic, the house was passed on to his widow who turned the entire third floor into her walk-in closet. (Yup,that’s the rich!)

Review Day: The Pursuit of Cool

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!

Title: The Pursuit of Cool
Author: Robb Skidmore
Rating: 3.5 stars

Book Blurb:

The Pursuit of Cool is a humorous, intense, and heartbreaking story of a pop culture obsessed, tragically romantic young man, sure to appeal to fans of Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, John Hughes movies, and the 1980s...

A novel that uniquely captures the 1980s, The Pursuit of Cool tells the story of Lance Rally and his turbulent college years. He faces pressure to live up to his super-achieving family and is fueled by grandiose ambition. He wants to become a success but is easily distracted and obsessed with pop culture. He also has a deeply romantic nature and though inept he is sincere and falls in love quickly. He discovers emotional complexities as relationships with a beautiful psych major and a feisty goth girl change him. Friendships with a punk rock actor and a subversive scholar challenge his future plans. This journey is a funny and emotional ride through album covers, dance techniques, all-nighter revelations, and corporate internships gone bad. The story comes alive with music and movies which give Lance solace as he questions his beliefs and his heart gets crushed. He tries to capture that illusive quality, that magic of youth, the essence that is "cool."

Join Lance on his intense and amazing ride!

(end)

The Banker Spy - Blog Tour!

Welcome to The Banker Spy blog tour!  Today author William G Byrnes is here with a Q&A about his book, The Banker Spy, and we have a giveaway!

The Banker Spy Book Summary:

The Banker Spy weaves history into a contemporary thriller about ex-lovers who become entangled in a web of international intrigue. Investment banker Peter Armstrong believes he’s left his past in the States. He has an exciting new job in London and is managing the largest equity offering in European history. Behind him are an incident at his old employer and a broken engagement. He thinks his only problem is his client—an automobile company desperate for cash. Then he receives a phone call from his ex-fiancée, Dayna Caymus, a beautiful and unpredictable CIA agent. When Peter discovers that his client is secretly working for the German government the two ex-lovers enter into an uneasy alliance which their past sometimes helps and sometimes hurts, all the while sorting through their feelings for each other. Dayna puts her mission first, leading Peter into a labyrinth of deception and conspiracy. Peter loses his client, his job, and almost his life as they race to learn Germany’s secrets—secrets that could start a nuclear war.

Interview with William:

"The Banker Spy weaves history into a contemporary thriller about ex-lovers who become entangled in a web of international intrigue. Investment banker Peter Armstrong believes he’s left his past in the States. He has an exciting new job in London and is managing the largest equity offering in European history. Behind him are an incident at his old employer and a broken engagement. He thinks his only problem is his client—an automobile company desperate for cash. Then he receives a phone call from his ex-fiancée, Dayna Caymus, a beautiful and unpredictable CIA agent.

When Peter discovers that his client is secretly working for the German government the two ex-lovers enter into an uneasy alliance, which their past sometimes helps and sometimes hurts, all the while sorting through their feelings for each other. Dayna puts her mission first, leading Peter into a labyrinth secrets—secrets that could start a nuclear war.

Set against the backdrop of a national election, action takes place in and around Munich, and in Berlin, Washington and London."