Verb Vixen

Just One Day - Gayle Forman There is something unique and...

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:00:18 -0400

Just One Day - Gayle Forman

There is something unique and wonderful about travel. It forces you to take risks, to appreciate the “accidents.” When traveling, you cannot help but be the best version of yourself. And so it is unsurprising that travel is a perfect setting for a story like Just One Day. In Just One Day, we follow the blossoming of Allyson from childhood to adulthood over the course of a year proceeding from what might as well be called “dronehood” to self-actualization. To say I enjoyed the backdrop of Paris is an understatement. Unlike other contemporaries this book is much more about Allyson than it is about the boy, Willem, and I appreciated that. This standalone continues to build Forman’s reputation for analyzing the growth, struggles and depth of her characters in a way that reflects the unique problems of modern life while addressing age old questions. But beware, Just One Day is sure to leave you with a case of wanderlust. Trip to Paris anyone?

Overall: A-

Just One Day is out now. Get your copy here.

ARC given to me by Erica of The Book Cellar! Thanks E!

"It’s a most distressing affliction to have a sentimental heart and a skeptical mind."

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:00:18 -0400

“It’s a most distressing affliction to have a sentimental heart and a skeptical mind.”

- Naguib Mahfouz (via oofpoetry)

Antigoddess (Goddess War #1)- Kendare Blake Kendare Blake must...

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:00:10 -0400

Antigoddess (Goddess War #1)- Kendare Blake

Kendare Blake must have some sort of dark muse because Antigoddess is twisted, disturbing and a damn good read. Building off Greek mythology and in particular the story of Troy and epics of Homer, what awaits in Antigoddess is a modern story full of age old ideas—angry, vengeful, spiteful gods warring with each other and the humans, sometimes gifted, who are stuck in the crossfire. I loved the new modern interpretation of each of the gods and the Dante-esque horrors they must endure. If you’re looking for a happy ending, look elsewhere, because this ending is fitting for the genre of myths and the consequences are no less severe than in the ancient stories. Honestly, what do you say about a book that gives all your favorite characters/gods new life and new adventures? I just finished Angelini’s Starcrossed series which takes the same story and characters and interprets them quite differently than Blake does. I love them both for being so different, imaginative, and enthralling. I’m glad I have more in the Goddess War series to look forward to, because I’m not about to get over my love of mythology any time soon. So Kendare Blake, “sing me O [Dark] Muse.”

Overall: A+

Antigoddess is due out September 10th. Pre-order your copy of this must read here.

ARC provided gratis by Tor Teen

lickypickystickyme: If grandmothers around the world had a...

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:00:12 -0400

lickypickystickyme:

If grandmothers around the world had a rallying cry, it would probably sound something like “You need to eat!”

Photographer Gabriele Galimberti’s grandmother said something similar to him before one of his many globetrotting work trips. To ensure he had at least one good meal, she prepared for him a dish of ravioli before he departed on one of his adventures.

“In that occasion I said to my grandma ‘You know, Grandma, there are many other grandmas around the world and most of them are really good cooks,” Galimberti wrote via email. “I’m going to meet them and ask them to cook for me so I can show you that you don’t have to be worried for me and the food that I will eat!’ This is the way my project was born!”

The project, “Delicatessen With Love”, took Galimberti to 58 countries where he photographed grandmothers with both the ingredients and finished signature dishes.

Galimberti said many of the subjects for the project were selected serendipitously, picked while he was working on a project about couch surfing that explored the global phenomenon of staying in other people’s houses. Since Galimberti never slept in hotels while working on the project, he was able to come into contact with people who introduced him to grandmothers in the area.

Galimberti acted as photographer and stylist during each shoot with the grandmothers, taking a portrait of both the women and the food they made for him.

From top to bottom:

Inara Runtule, 68, Kekava, Latvia. Silke (herring with potatoes and cottage cheese).

Grace Estibero, 82, Mumbai, India. Chicken vindaloo.

Susann Soresen, 81, Homer, Alaska. Moose steak.

Serette Charles, 63, Saint-Jean du Sud, Haiti. Lambi in creole sauce.

The photographer’s grandmother Marisa Batini, 80, Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy. Swiss chard and ricotta Ravioli with meat sauce.

Normita Sambu Arap, 65, Oltepessi (Masaai Mara), Kenya. Mboga and orgali (white corn polenta with vegetables and goat).

Julia Enaigua, 71, La Paz, Bolivia. Queso Humacha (vegetables and fresh cheese soup).

Fifi Makhmer, 62, Cairo, Egypt. Kuoshry (pasta, rice and legumes pie).

Isolina Perez De Vargas, 83, Mendoza, Argentina. Asado criollo (mixed meats barbecue).

Bisrat Melake, 60, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Enjera with curry and vegetables.

This is brilliant and I love it. The world is full of stories and I would love to read these (with recipes of course)!

I’m so excited to take part in the cover reveal for...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:06:17 -0400

I’m so excited to take part in the cover reveal for Nichole Chase’s The Accidental Assassin (see above)! I love the cover—it’s a bit Breakfast at Tiffany’s with guns and it reminds a lot of her Suddenly Royal cover which I also loved. I’m a huge fan of Nichole’s and I seriously CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on this book. I’ll kill for it. (Okay, that was a terrible play on the assassin thing). Anyway check out the synopsis and the exciting news Nichole has to share with us below about her Suddenly Royal series (YES SERIES!!! SQUEEEE!).

xoxo

V.V.

ABOUT THE ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN:

Ava McKenzie is a creature of habit. Life is passing her by and she has nothing to show for it. She’s had the same job since she started college, she orders the same dish every time she goes to her favorite restaurant, and she only reads books from authors she knows. There is nothing new or surprising in her life… until her best friend marries a man from London. When her newlywed friend asks her to house-sit in England while she honeymoons, Ava jumps at the chance. This could be the very thing she needs to shake up her life. Ava throws herself headfirst into her new lifestyle; she wants to try everything, go everywhere, and never get stuck in a rut again. Of course, offing a man in a car garage hadn’t been one of the things on her list to try.

Owen Walker spends every day in a new place with a new mission. As one of the most renowned assassins in the world, he has his choice of marks—and he’s never failed to complete a task. When a new hit takes him back to his hometown, he looks forward to spending time somewhere familiar. What he isn’t expecting is to help an attractive, confused American woman find out how she’s ended up on a hit man’s list.

As Ava and Owen dodge bullets, will they be able to escape their undeniable attraction to each other? Or will all that chemistry blow up in a shower of hot and dangerous sparks?

BIG News about SUDDENLY ROYAL from Nichole Chase:

For those of you that have been following me for the last two months, you know that life has gotten a bit crazy. Crazy good! And I have even more good news. I’ve accepted a three book publishing deal with Avon Publishing of HarperCollins. With their help we will be bringing Suddenly Royal, The Royal Agenda, and the untitled third book to stores and bookstores near you! I’m very excited about working with Tessa Woodward and the people of Avon. I can’t wait to see what we do together.

What does this mean for the readers? Well, it means more accessible books! You’ll be able to find Suddenly Royal in bookstores, Walmart, and Target in just a few months! AND! And! There will be some added content to the new paperback. Don’t worry—it’s nothing that changes the story, so you won’t be missing anything important—but it does give you a little more Sam and Alex (and I know how much you guys love Alex). We’re also working to have fast turn-around on the next two books so you guys don’t have super long wait times. I will be letting you know those dates as soon as I can.

I’m very excited and am so grateful that everyone loves Sam and Alex as much as I do. Thank you to everyone that has made this possible. It’s a dream come true.

ABOUT NICHOLE CHASE:

Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule.
For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs.

Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Ms. Chase is the author of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy, Flukes, and Suddenly Royal (including several short stories).

Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, dog, tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

Be sure to follow Nichole on your platform of choice:

Website: www.nicholechase.com

Blog: http://www.nicholechase.BlogSpot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/NicholeChase

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.nicholechase

Goodreads Author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5074162.Nichole_Chase

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nicholechase/

Goddess (Starcrossed #3)- Josephine Angelini What do you say...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:31 -0400

Goddess (Starcrossed #3)- Josephine Angelini

What do you say when a series you love comes to an end? Are there words for it that I just don’t know? Perhaps in Greek or another foreign tongue, there’s a word that can say what it means to be overjoyed and bereft, fulfilled and hollowed all at once. Whatever that word is, that’s how I feel now that Starcrossed series has ended. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Helen and her band of demigod heroes blueprinted by the heroes of Troy. But if I do have to say goodbye I’m glad it’s with a book like Goddess.

Angelini culminates her brilliant series with smart twists and turns, emotional turmoil that rivals ancient Greek tragedies, and with stunning starcrossed lovers. I am particularly fond of how she addresses the battles both among the scions and with the gods—clever tricksy author that she is. Any day you get to yell “RELEASE THE KRAKEN” is fundamentally a good day in my book. The lovers plot line has expanded even more with nearly every character finding their counterpoint. Each of those loves are different and wonderful and reflect the characters personalities while exploring the various forms that true love can take; I was fascinated by the Cassandra experience in particular book as well—her disturbing coldness as Oracle allowing for a different kind of love.

For me this series has been a bright star in the night, an oasis in the desert, an ever-fixed island in a sea of change; So thank you, Josephine, for this series, for giving me this world to revel in and enjoy. The best thing about loving books, you don’t ever need to say goodbye, so I’ll just say, “till we read again old friend.”

Overall: A+

Goddess is out now from Harper Teen. Get your copy here!

"I am a product of long corridors, empty sunlit rooms, upstairs indoor silences, attics explored in..."

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:00:23 -0400

“I am a product of long corridors, empty sunlit rooms, upstairs indoor silences, attics explored in solitude, distant noises of gurgling cisterns and pipes, and the noise of wind under the tiles. Also, of endless books.”

- C. S. Lewis (via f-oremmaforeverago)

Georgetown Academy Book 4- Alyssa Embree Schwartz and Jessica...

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:00:14 -0400

Georgetown Academy Book 4- Alyssa Embree Schwartz and Jessica Koosed Etting

At this point, I think we all know that Georgetown Academy is my favorite guilty pleasure. I don’t read gossip columns or tabloids but GTA fills that need for me in a fictional world. Book 4 takes things to entirely new heights with the role of Vice President on the line. This plot is full of brand new scandals and an intricate web of entangling alliances. I love how different each of the girls are and yet how they are all experiencing the same issues—the pressures of the political world where one false step means a barrage of bad press, the critical juncture of growing up where you decide who you are and who you want to be, and of course the cosmic pull of first loves—and yet each of them reacts differently and changes subtlely. Over the course of four books, they have all grown so much and I think that is fascinating to watch. Etting and Schwartz keep GTA fresh and current with superb plot twists, thrilling ethical dilemmas, clothes to die for, and a fast paced writing that wills you to keep you reading. I cannot get enough!

Overall: A

Georgetown Academy Book 4 is out TODAY! Get your copy now!

e-Arc provided gratis by Coliloquy.

bookshelfporn: ‘tsundoku’ - the Japanese word for buying books...

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:00:08 -0400

bookshelfporn:

‘tsundoku’ - the Japanese word for buying books & not reading them, leaving them to pile up.

Ten Reasons I Love Georgetown Academy

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 12:01:58 -0400

No secret here, I love the Georgetown Academy series and now Coliloquy is releasing Season One (the first four books as a single collection). If 1000 people Mark it as Want to Read on Goodreads (CLICK HERE) by Tuesday, 6/11 then the authors will release a “lost” scene. If 2000 people do it, then we get a scene from one of the boys’ perspectives. I NEED THESE SCENES PEOPLE! So please please please add it to your shelf. Not sure if Georgetown is for you? Well here’s ten reasons I love it!

MY TOP TEN REASONS TO READ AND LOVE GEORGETOWN ACADEMY:

1. The clothes. I DIE to wear some of these outfits. No seriously, I’m writing this from the grave because I’ve died of clothes envy.

2. Four completely unique and authentic young women’s voices who are dealing with public pressure and scrutiny with the most amount of grace and no small amount of ambition.

3. The writing. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s accurate and it flows so well that it actually energizes your reading experience.

4. Well the hot boys aren’t hurting things either.

5. Politics. GTA makes politics not only interesting but relevant to a generation that is just coming of age in a world where politics is more polarized than ever.

6. Voyeurism. I don’t like to support tabloids or gossip rags or the paparazzi in real life but HOT DAMN if I’m not totally into it when it’s a fictional world.

7. Scandal. I guess this is really 6.5 but who doesn’t love a good scandal. It’s impossible to tear your eyes away from the train wrecks.

8. Parents. This is a big deal to me, but finally and thankfully we don’t have completely absentee parents, or bad parents, or evil parents. These parents genuinely care about their kids and while they may make mistakes it’s a welcome change in the YA world for me.

9. D.C. Setting can make or break a book but D.C. with its history and monuments and power is an ideal location. I don’t ever get tired of exploring more of our nation’s capitol in GTA.

10. The Authors. They are so sweet and it’s crazy to me that they can write four young women so perfectly and seamlessly. Honestly, they have a single author voice and yet there is two of them. What witchcraft is this?

Are you convinced yet? If you need more reasons check out the Top 30 Reasons list from Coliloquy where they list a new reason every day for a month. (I hope you’ll add GTA Season 1 to your goodreads. For your sake or mine.

xoxo,

V.V.

Getting Dumped Part 2- Tawna Fenske Getting Dumped Part 2 picks...

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:11 -0400

Getting Dumped Part 2- Tawna Fenske

Getting Dumped Part 2 picks up right where Part 1 left off and BOY was that a cliffhanger. I have to say I’m quite pleased with the plot arc of the book and here we solve not one but 2 mysteries. There’s something absurdly delightful about characters who fancy themselves detectives and throw themselves headfirst into danger and mayhem to solve a crime. It’s indulgent and escapist and totally unlike reality (where at least I’d run screaming in the other direction). It’s wonderful! The relationship between the sisters is particularly enjoyable and I find the constant food references hilarious if not hunger inducing. I was slightly miffed at the end that she hasn’t chosen at man yet, but that’s mostly for a reader’s benefit so we can choose who she pursues in the course of the future books in the series. And given the ending of part 2, we can be fairly certain there are more adventures in our future. I know I’ll be choosing a certain sexy Brit at all the active fiction choice points. AHEM. But in short, Getting Dumped (pt 1 and 2) is a perfect read for an easy sunny beach day.

Overall A-

Getting Dumped Parts 1 and 2 are out now from Coliloquy! Get your copies here.

Code (Virals #3)- Kathy Reichs Kathy Reichs does mystery and...

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:00:32 -0400

Code (Virals #3)- Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs does mystery and suspense unlike any other really and her third book in the Virals series, Code, is no exception. If you’re looking for a good old Nancy Drew style sleuthing story with an emphasis on friendship and family, then look no further. I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series including Code. It continues to be set in Charleston, which must lend it some Southern charm because these books go down like sweet tea for me. Reichs incorporates both science and history without batting an eye. Our newest adventure brings a serial killer, serious danger and a debutante ball. Who can ask for more?

Overall: A-

Code is out now, get your copy here.

ARC given to me by Erica of The Book Cellar! Thanks E!

So bookish friends, are you in NY for Book Expo America? Stop by...

Mon, 27 May 2013 08:00:07 -0400

So bookish friends, are you in NY for Book Expo America? Stop by Jefferson Market Library on Wednesday, May 29th at 6:30 for the Teen Author Carnival! There’s some great authors participating in two panels. Plus, I’m moderating!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

xoxo,

V.V.

"At one magical instant in your early childhood, the page of a book—that string of confused, alien..."

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:20 -0400

““At one magical instant in your early childhood, the page of a book—that string of confused, alien ciphers—shivered into meaning. Words spoke to you, gave up their secrets; at that moment, whole universes opened. You became, irrevocably, a reader.””

- Alberto Manguel (via thelifeofabookjunky)

Officially out August 21st!! warriorsoftheangel: Welcome to...

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:31 -0400

Officially out August 21st!!

warriorsoftheangel:

Welcome to the City of Bones

WIth summer at our door it’s the perfect time to read...

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:18 -0400

WIth summer at our door it’s the perfect time to read about skinny dipping right? I’m so happy to be taking part in The Hazards of Skinny Dipping blog tour! Below we have a great Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Reed post from Alyssa herself. Be sure to click the link and enter the rafflecopter to win your own copy too!

xoxo,

V.V.

10 Things You Don’t Know About Reed

1) His room is a total mess, but he tries to keep his truck clean. Juliet gets on his back about that difference.

2) He’s only been skinny dipping once, and it didn’t last long. What happened afterward was much more enjoyable then the dip in the pool.

3) He’s from the north, but never wants to leave the south. When he first moved to Charleston, he wouldn’t have believed it.

4) He really likes to cook. He probably got the interest from his Uncle Al, and he still doesn’t understand why Al doesn’t open a place that serves decent food.

5) He can function well on very little sleep. He’s the opposite of Juliet who gets cranky if she doesn’t get enough.

6) His favorite movies are action flicks, but he still wants to keep the Halloween horror movie tradition alive.

7) He’s a history major and kind of wants to become a professor. He just isn’t sure yet.

8) His favorite part about Juliet is her smile. He swears she has a special one that she only uses for him.

9) He has a newfound love of pizza sauce. It brings back good memories.

10) He’s going to convince Juliet to become a regular on his paintball team.

Synopsis:

This isn’t a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I’d be happy to recommend one, but I don’t have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It’s the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it’s also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

Author Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand. Follow Alyssa on Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest and her website.

Enter to win the Hazards Beach Bag giveaway including a tote bag, shot glass, drink koozies and of course the book!

You can get your copy of The Hazards of Skinny Dipping on Amazon or Barnes and Nobles now!

e-ARC provided gratis by InkSlinger PR

With only two weeks until The Testing’s release, we want...

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:14 -0400

With only two weeks until The Testing’s release, we want to make sure everyone knows about it! Read all about The Testingand also be sure to enter to win one of two copies of the book!

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same? The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career. Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies – trust no one. But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

The Official Website for The Testing Add on Goodreads Preorder the Book: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository Also, don’t forget to download the FREE prequel story. All the details can be found here There are more goodies on The Testingwebsite as well, such as a quiz to see if YOU would be selected for the Testing.

About Joelle Charbonneau :

Joelle Charbonneau began telling stories as an opera singer, but these days she finds her voice through writing. In addition to The Testing trilogy, she is the author of the Rebecca Robbins Mysteries and the Glee Club series. She lives near Chicago with her husband and son. When she is writing, she works as an acting and vocal coach. Visit Joelle on the Web at her Website, Facebook, and Twitter

Praise for The Testing:

“The Testing is a chilling and devious dystopian thriller that all fans of The Hunger Games will simply devour. Joelle Charbonneau writes with guts and nerve but also great compassion and heart. Highly recommended.” – Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author of Rot & Ruin and Flesh & Bone “Trained to rely on her wits, Cia must survive on her courage and trust her instincts, even when it means following her heart ever deeper into danger. A surefire favorite for dystopian fans, The Testing crackles with suspense, passion and betrayal set against a scarred and brutal world.” –Sophie Littlefield, author of Unforsaken and Hanging By A Thread. See the stunning trailer! If you are interested, signed copies can be ordered through Anderson’s Bookshop before June 4. Joelle Charbonneau will be having her launch party here. See Anderson’s website to order! AND even cooler, for all books pre-ordered or bought for her launch party, a donation will be made to Autism Speaks. TWO people will win a copy of The Testing - Open to wherever The Book Depository ships!

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway here!

hedwig-is-flying-with-me: The Battle Map

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:17:45 -0400

hedwig-is-flying-with-me:

The Battle Map

Georgetown Academy Book Four Cover Reveal! When the vice...

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:00:00 -0400

Georgetown Academy Book Four Cover Reveal!

When the vice president resigns and Ellie and Taryn’s parents emerge as the frontrunners, the girls find themselves back in the spotlight.

Ellie could not care less about becoming the Second Daughter, but she knows how much the opportunity to make history means to her mother – and women everywhere. With her family taking center stage, Ellie must decide whether she can put her feelings for Gabe on hold - again.

Taryn, so used to captivating the hearts and minds of everyone she meets, is unbothered by the increased media scrutiny. But an inopportune screw-up has her beholden to an unlikely – and unfriendly – source for help.

Overnight, Evan has skyrocketed from social pariah to Miss Popular. As she and her reluctant parents adjust to her new lifestyle, the last thing she needs is a front-page scandal.

Brinley can’t stop thinking about her Stowe-bound hook-up…until her father’s intern, Patrick, starts flirting. Is it time to abandon her fling now that she has a more appropriate suitor?

With the second highest office in the land up for grabs, everyone is picking sides. But where does the heart lie when duty, truth, and love collide?

Enter to Win Some SWEET Prizes from Coliloquy HERE including:

(1) $50 Amazon gift card,

(2) $25 Amazon gift cards and

(4) bundle sets of Georgetown Academy Ebooks 1, 2, 3 & 4.

The winners will be selected on June 11th (which is the official release day!!)

Photo

Sun, 12 May 2013 22:50:54 -0400