Welcome to Blog Fest 2013

I'm a little late in putting my post up. Things have been a little hectic lately, but it's up now. =)

Welcome to BlogFest, a massive carnival of giveaways with a great collection of participating blogs hosted by A Journey of Books.  Each blog has a giveaway and the idea is to hop from blog to blog, entering all the giveaways your little heart desires. Hopefully you might even come across a few blogs you might want to bookmark and continue visiting.

Oh, and it's Cinnamon's birthday, so be sure to stop by A Journey of Books to wish her a happy birthday!

For my stop I'm giving away an eCopy of either Embrace or Hold Tight -- winners choice.

Good luck!

      

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's the next five stops in the hop...

Wordshaping

Books of Love

Illustrious Illusions

Kiru Taye Writes

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Feature Friday: Joana Arteaga of Always Jo Art

Hi every and welcome to Feature Friday. Joana Arteaga from AlwaysJo Art is with us today. Her blog is filled with great reviews and giveaways that you don't want to miss.

Please help me welcome Joana.

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?

Joana: When I started my blog I wanted it to be like a diary for me but that wasn't working out because I never made time for my blog. I started wanting to write reviews and since I love to read I decided to review books.  And I love letting other book lovers like me know about any books I think they might like.

Cherie: How did you come up with the name for your blog? 

Joana: It was easy because I use alwaysjoart for everything. Jo Art is my name but it's shortened so I'm always Jo Art!

Cherie: What’s your favorite part about blogging? 

Joana: It makes me feel like I'm doing something important (even if it's not)

Cherie: You’re helping readers find books. It’s important! Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?

Cherie: Not really, I don't think I have ever read a book that I hated. Every single book I have read so far I would give it at least 3 stars. I'm not sure if it's because I love books, or I have been lucky, or maybe I just know how to pick good books to read.

Cherie: Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?

Joana: No I don't, I actually love retellings. I don't think there's anything wrong with getting ideas from other author's or books as long as it's not exactly the same.

Cherie: What type of books do you enjoy?

Joana: I love all types of books.

Cherie: Teeheehee, I love that answer. Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why? 

Joana: Yes because I get to actually see the characters and the story instead of just seeing it in my head. I also like to compare the book to the movie because I know they are never ever ever exactly the same.

Cherie: Okay, for the rest of the questions, try to answer them in five words or less: 

Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Yes!

Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself?

Yes I have.

Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy? 

Both!

What’s the first thing you notice about a guy?

His looks

If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be?

Hawaii

Are you a morning person or an evening person? 

Morning (now)

Favorite author?
Nicholas Sparks 

Favorite place to read?
My bed

Favorite classic?
Jane Eyre

What book are you the most excited to read?

Any romance book

Are there any types of books you don’t read?

Nope, I read any type.

Do you have any hobbies?

reading, scrapbooking and jewelry making

What book would make a great movie?

The Iron King  by Julie Kagawa

It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from?

Jacob from the Twilight books

Thanks, Joana, for being here today!

You can follow Joana’s reviews by clicking on the links below.

Connect with Joana

Always Jo Art | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Goodreads

A blitz, a giveaway, and hooking 'em quick

Hi everyone!

Before I get down to business, I have to show off the lovely bookmarks I received from Gina S. I really like the quote she chose from the books and the design. So cool!

There are a couple things happening this week. YABound is hosting an Embrace Series Book Blitz. Be sure to check it out and enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $20 gift card.




And I'm over at Charity's Writing Journey chatting about hooking your audience quickly. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Since there's a blitz going on this week, I thought I'd share a couple of my favorite quotes from the series...

Thanks for stopping by!

Feature Friday: Veronica Rundell of V's Reads

Welcome to Feature Friday. Today I have Veronica Rundell of V’sReads with me. Veronica is a good friend of mine, an amazing critique partner, a talented writer, and an avid reader. As if that wasn’t enough, she has a wonderful book blog. 

Be sure to check it Veronica's blog, after you find out a little more about her, of course.  

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?

Veronica: I’ve always been an avid reader. I started writing my own work back in 2009 and posting reviews on Amazon or Barnes & Noble in 2010. This past year something really clicked for me, reviewing-wise, and I decided I wanted to do it for myself.

Cherie: Well you have a great blog. How did you come up with the name for it?

Veronica: I love the assonance of V’s and Reads. I go by “V” a lot, at least professionally, so

Cherie: What’s your favorite part about blogging?

Veronica: Besides the free books? No, seriously, I love to connect with readers and writers, alike. It’s awesome when a writer tweets out a link to my blog saying he or she loved my review.

Cherie: The books has to be a huge plus. Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?

Veronica: I rarely stop reading a book. Poor writing technique will do it, however. I’m a busy gal. If I feel the author didn’t take the time to properly edit the book--either because the content is inaccurate or the book has a lot of grammatical mistakes--it’s not worth my time, either.

Cherie: What type of books do you enjoy?

Veronica: I love stories I can learn from or  characters I connect with. Mostly, I read a lot of YA, all subtypes from paranormal to contemporary to dystopian, New Adult, and contemporary romance.

Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why?

Veronica: I always love fearless girls. Ones who achieve great things despite difficult circumstances. My earliest identification with such characters was Nancy Drew or Anne Shirley (of Green Gables). So, either of those…

Cherie: Fun choices. Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?

Veronica: I love an original story more, but a quality retelling with a fresh twist is still original. 

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why?

Veronica: Yes, and no. If the movie is good and captures the book’s essence, then yes. Otherwise, no.

Cherie: Try to answer the following questions in five words or less.

If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down? Two chapters.

Who’s your favorite book mom? Mrs. Danziger, Judy Blume’s Forever.

Who’s your favorite book dad? Jamie Fraser—later Outlander novels.

Secret crush? (It can be anyone real or fictional.) Without question: Colin Firth.

Do you believe in love at first sight? It happened to me…Godiva.

Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself? Yes, and I chickened out!

Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy? Good guys who exude danger.

What’s the first thing you notice about a guy? Smile.

If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be? Yacht tour of the world.

Are you a morning person or an evening person? I wake the birds.

Favorite author? Too many. Start with Gabaldon.

Favorite place to read? Where ever I can.

Favorite classic? Nancy Drew mysteries/Caddie Woodlawn

Are there any types of books you don’t read? Non-fiction. Heavy Sci-Fi.

Do you have any hobbies? Bowling, swimming, touring amusement parks.

What movie would make a great book? Bridesmaids.

What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved? I’m more a title gal.

It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from? Peeta Mellark, Hunger Games (if he was an adult!)

Thanks, Veronica, for being with me today.

To learn more about Veronica and her blog, follow the links below.

Connect with Veronica

V's Reads | Twitter | Goodreads 

It's here! Cassa Storm by Alex Cavanaugh

Congratulation to Alex J. Cavanaugh on the release of the latest book in his best selling series. And to celebrate, Alex is giving away a Cassa mug, mousepad, magnet, and swag! Entering is easy. Just leave a comment on Alex’s blog this week for your chance to win!

CassaStorm
By Alex J Cavanaugh

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” - Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…” - Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews

“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken

Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Goodreads  

About the author: Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Find Alex

Website | Twitter | Goodreads 

Feature Friday: Toni from My Book Addiction

Welcome to Feature Friday. Today, I have Toni from My Book Addiction with me. I love her blog. Who wouldn't like the bright pink and cool zombie girl? Plus Toni has great content, from detailed reviews to cover reveals to excerpts and more, I know that whenever I visit her blog I’m going to be there awhile. It’s been a pleasure to get to know her a little more.

Please welcome Toni J

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books?

Toni: I was looking for something new to blog about, something I’m passionate about.

Cherie: I can tell from your blog that you are passionate about books. How did you come up with the name for your blog?

Toni: It’s simple and to the point; I’m addicted to books!

Cherie: What’s your favorite part about blogging?

Toni: There are so many things I love about blogging, especially book blogging. Mainly I love helping authors, meeting new people, and feeding other readers addictions! 

Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?

Toni: Not specifically. I always try to finish a book, but there are certain things that force me to quit; lack of cohesion, information overload, or too verbose. Those I find hard to enjoy.

Cherie: Information overload is a big one for me too. What type of books do you enjoy?

Toni: I enjoy paranormal, post-apocalyptic, dystopian, contemporary romance, fantasy and contemporary. I like to mix it up because I find if I read too many of one genre in a row I get burned out.

Cherie: If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down? 

Toni: 100 pages, unless it’s really bad.

Cherie: Who’s your favorite book mom? 

Toni: Ashley from The Midnight Spell

Cherie: Who’s your favorite book dad? 

Toni: I don’t think I have a favorite book dad

Cherie: Secret crush? (It can be anyone real or fictional.) 

Toni: Josh Duhamel

Cherie: Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Toni: No, but I do believe in drooling at first sight. ;)

Cherie: Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself? 

Toni: Absolutely!

Cherie: Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy? 

Toni: Both. It depends on my mood.

Cherie: What’s the first thing you notice about a guy? 

Toni: His smile

Cherie: If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be? 

Toni: Italy or France, they both have really awesome food (I’m a foodie) and beautiful landscape and culture.

Cherie: Are you a morning person or an evening person? 

Toni: Evening

Cherie: Favorite author? 

Toni: That would be like asking which of my children is my favorite. Ha!

Cherie: Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? 

Toni: Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings? No, I don’t mind as long as there is some originality to the story. I read a lot of post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels, which can seem similar, but if the author delivers unique quality and engaging characters then I’m a happy reader.

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why? 

Toni: There are times when I find myself reading a book and wishing for it to be made into a movie, but so many times the movies are disappointing.

Cherie: Favorite place to read? 

Toni: Curled up on my couch with a blanket and a hot cup of coffee flavored with a delicious creamer.

Favorite classic? 

Toni: Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Cherie: What book are you the most excited to read? 

Toni: Well, I have over 1,000 books on my Kindle that still need to be read and I’m excited about most of them, but I guess at the moment I’m most excited about Not a Drop to Drink because I haven’t been able to get my hands on it yet.

Cherie: My Kindle is sadly underfed compared to yours. Yeah, I'm totally jealous. Are there any types of books you don’t read? 

Toni: Non-fiction and erotica

Cherie: Do you have any hobbies? 

Toni: Not as much as reading and blogging, but yes, I love to cook and bake, and I am also a gamer. PS3, baby!

Cherie: What movie would make a great book? 

Toni: Mud with Matthew McConaughey. It was full of engaging characters and an emotional plot with a hint of mystery and a dash of action.

Cherie: What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved? 

Toni: I have to admit, I’m a bit of a cover snob so most of the books I read have stunning covers, but I loved the book ‘I, Zombie’ by Hugh Howey and that was not a pretty cover. Haha.

Cherie: I had to find it. You're right, not pretty at all. It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from?  

Toni: from ReAwakened by Ada Adams. You’ll understand why if you see my review. ;)

Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why? 

Toni: I would be Layla from ‘The Harvesting’ by Melanie Karsak. She is one badass zombie slayer, and I’m all about taking down the zombies!

Thanks, Toni, for being here today! It’s been a lot of fun!

Click on the links below to follow Toni and to read her reviews.

Connect with Toni

My Book Addiction | Twitter

Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Miscellaneous Ramblings: Why I Love to Read

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One of the beautiful things about literature is that as a reader we get to experience so much more of the world than what is right in front of us. A reader doesn’t have to travel halfway around the world to visit China, explore the Louvre in Paris, or sail the seven seas. We can become wizards, journey to the center of the earth or travel back in time. We can walk in the shoes of someone we feel has it all or someone who is troubled. For the length of the book, we see life through someone else’s eyes. We might discover that money doesn’t necessarily equal happiness or that the quiet girl—the one everyone has labeled a freak—is really so much more than meets the eye. Books that tackle difficult subject such as substance abuse, depression, or illness provide awareness, even if the readers aren’t aware of the hidden message in the book they are enjoying. Literature in general makes it possible to realize that we don’t have to be limited by what’s right in front of us. And I love that.

I write paranormal stories because the unknown interests me. I find the possibility of what might be fascinating so I enjoy learning about different myths and legends. I like to watch documentaries on things like the great pyramids and the Lost City of Atlantis. My mind starts to form questions and stories forcing me to dig deeper into different theories and beliefs. I then take what I’ve learned and bend and twist the myths to create my own characters, often with supernatural abilities. I set their world in a modern day setting and create unique stories that I share through my writing. After all, one of the perks of being a writer is that we get to make things up for a living and in doing so we get to be the ones introducing others to new experiences.

What are some of the reasons you love to read?

Feature Friday: Jessica Porter from Crossroad Reviews

Welcome to my first ever Feature Friday, a feature dedicated to amazing and wonderful book bloggers. I've found many great reads that have kept me up late at night (my favorite kind) by following my favorite reviewers. I got to thinking that it would be fun to meet the ladies and gentlemen behind the blogs, and I was right. I really enjoyed learning more about my first guest, Jessica Porter from Crossroad Reviews. Not only does she have great reviews, but she offers a lot of other services to help connect readers and authors, so be sure to check out her blog after you read the interview.

So without further ado, please help me welcome Jessica here today. 

Cherie: How did you get started in blogging about books? 

Jessica: I had always loved books and when I married my current husband back in the beginning of 2010. I got pregnant and needed something to do. So I started a site and off it went.  (Pregnancy about kills me and I end up being on bed rest. So I had a lot of time on my hands) 

Cherie: Sounds like you had a rough pregnancy. I'm glad you're okay. How did you come up with the name for your blog?

Jessica: Well I have been pagan for over 20 years so my site name started out being called The Guardian of the Crossroads. As my patron goddess is Hekate the Greek/Roman goddess of the crossroads. Well after a few months of typing all of that in. I shortened it to Crossroad Reviews. 

Cherie: That's so interesting, and I can see why you shortened it. :)  What’s your favorite part about blogging?

Jessica: Is it bad to say free books?  NA. The best thing about being a book reviewer/blogger. Is that I get to read things months in advance. Which is great as with series I about die for the next one! 

Cherie: Do you have any pet peeves that make you want to put down the book your reading?

Jessica: Plot! I just did a read along with the 5th wave and before that I had never known what a bad romance scene was until that book. It had so many run on plots that didnt finish I just had to put it down. 

Cherie: What type of books do you enjoy?

Jessica: I love teen ya but have an addiction to all things paranormal! 

Cherie: We like the same time of books. Do you mind books with similar ideas to other books? Similar concepts, backgrounds, or retellings?

Jessica: Ok retelling I LOVE!!!!  As for similar book plots ugh. Ok example. I read the entire delirium series and then out comes the program and wow that felt like a prequel!  I think the publishers really need to be careful about publishing books with similar plots. Cause it just gets old after a while! Like love triangles and vampires. 

Cherie: Do you like when your favorite books are made into movies, and why? 

Jessica: Yes and no. I was a big believer to read the books before seeing the movies. But now it doesn't really matter anymore. Because they change so much they never follow the book anyway. So I guess this is a love hate relationship. I love the books and the movies. But sometimes one or the other wins out. Like Beautiful Creatures I loved the movie and hated the book. Twilight, the Hunger Games, City of Bones, etc the books are so much better. And the Host I loved both. 

Cherie: If you could choose to be any character from a book, who would it be and why?

Jessica: Ok prob a cliche but I would totally want to be a vamp from Twilight. I could read so much more if I didn't have to sleep!!!

Cherie: Try to answer the following questions in five words or less. If you start a book that isn’t grabbing your attention, how far into the book will you read before you put it down?

Jessica: I try to go 50%

Cherie: Who’s your favorite book mom?

Jessica: Esme from Twilight 

Cherie: Who’s your favorite  book dad?

Jessica: Charlie from Twilight 

(I couldn't pass up the opportunity
to include Sam Winchester's pic.
Yep, I like him too.)

Cherie: Secret crush? (It can be anyone real or fictional.)

Jessica: Lol Sam from Supernatural 

Cherie: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Jessica: Yes. 

Cherie: Have you ever experienced that head-over-heels, tingly, have-to-get-to-know-someone feeling yourself?

Jessica: Yes. 

Cherie: Are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?

Jessica: Both. 

Cherie: What’s the first thing you notice about a guy?

Jessica: Smile 

Cherie: If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be?

Jessica: My giant library! 

Cherie: Oh! Can I come visit? Sorry, back to the questions. Are you a morning person or an evening person?

Jessica: Normally Either right now neither 

Cherie: Favorite author?

Jessica: To many to mention 

Cherie: Favorite place to read?

Jessica: Bed! 

Cherie: Favorite classic?

Jessica: I don't read classics :( 

Cherie: What book are you the most excited to read?

Jessica: The One from Keira Cass and Panic by Lauren Oliver (I have this one!!) 

Cherie: Are there any types of books you don’t read?

Jessica: Erotica. I will NEVER read 50 shades of grey. 

Cherie: Do you have any hobbies?

Jessica: I collect crystals, I sing, I do crafts, and I'm addicted to Vera Bradley 

Cherie: What movie would make a great book?

Jessica: Renegade by J.A. Souders 

Cherie: What’s the worst cover to a book that you loved?

Jessica: OMG Ashes by Ilsa Bick. I hated the old covers but then they changed them and I read it and now I'm hooked. Such a great series! 

Cherie: I had to pause to check it out, but I'm back. It’s your birthday, and your friends got you a giant cake. What character do you hope pops out of your cake and what book is he/her from?

Jessica: The Medusa Girls from the Medusa Girl series by Tera Lynn Childs (reading these now) 

Thanks, Jessica, for being here today!

Connect with Jessica

Crossroad Reviews | Twitter 

Facebook  | Pinterest | Google+ 

Instagram ID: Crossroadreview

How do you promote your books? An IWSG Post

Happy two year anniversary to IWSG! If you're not familiar with this meme, it was started by Alex Cavanaugh and is a group of writers who share their insecurities, encouraging words, and support. Click here to join us. 
Rumor has it Alex has a big announcement to share today, so be sure to stop by his blog.


My insecurity stems from the release last month of my second book. It's getting great reviews, which makes me very happy. I have a special place in my heart for these characters, and I'm thrilled that readers like them too. But the eBook market is fierce and it seems like only a handful of books reach the broader market. A lot of these books are from big publisher and were part of a large marketing plan, making it so that readers know about them. That's not to say there aren't books out from smaller publishers that are doing well. Same with some self published books. So how did these books get seen by the masses? What did the authors or publishers do to get them in front of even more readers?

Hold Tight was on tour last week. This fall I will be participating in several blog hops. I'm hoping to do a few guest posts, a book blast, maybe team up with other authors who have YA supernatural books out to do a group blog tour. I'm always on the look out for local events that will allow me to meet readers. I know I'm missing something. I'd love to hear what you and/or your friends do to promote your books.

Happy writing everyone!

Click here to visit other blogs participate in IWSG.