Review Policy

coming soon

Book Review Archive

A

Acosta, Marta-Happy Hour at Casa Dracula
Acosta, Marta-Haunted Honeymoon
Aguirre, Ann-Grimspace

B

Blake, Kendare-Anna Dressed in Blood
Brook, Meljean-The Iron Duke
Brooks, Cheryl-Slave

C

Cabot, Meg-Insatiable
Cann, Kate-Possessed
Carman, Patrick-Skeleton Creek
Carman, Patrick-Ghost in the Machine
Carriger, Gail-Soulless
Carriger, Gail-Changeless
Carter, Aimee-The Goddess Test
Childs, Tera Lynn-Sweet Venom
Clare, Cassandra-Clockwork Angel
Cole, Kresley-Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Collins, Suzanne-The Hunger Games
Collins, Suzanne-Catching Fire
Crane, Carolyn-Mind Games
Cready, Gwyn-Aching for Always
Crouch, Katie-The Magnolia League

D

Dahl, Victoria-Good Girls Don't
Dahl, Victoria-Bad Boys Do
de la Cruz, Melissa-Witches of East End
Despain, Bree-The Dark Divine
Desrochers, Lisa-Personal Demons
Desrochers, Lisa-Original Sin
Dreyer, Eileen-Barely a Lady

E

Easer, Katherine-Vicious Little Darlings
Elliott, Cara-To Tempt a Rake

F

Fallon, Leigh-Carrier of the Mark
Fitzpatrick, Becca-Crescendo
Fox, Addison-Warrior Ascended
Frost, Kimberly-Halfway Hexed

G

Gay, Kelly-The Hour of Dust and Ashes
Gibson, Rachel-See Jane Score
Gibson, Rachel-Any Man of Mine
Gray, Claudia-Stargazer
Gray, Claudia-Hourglass

H

Hawes, Jason-Ghost Files
Hawkins, Karen-One Night in Scotland
Hawkins, Rachel-Hex Hall
Hawkins, Rachel-Demonglass
Henry, Mark-Happy Hour of the Damned
Hines, Jim C.-The Mermaid's Madness
Hoyt, Elizabeth-Notorious Pleasures

I

J

Jeffries, Sabrina-To Pleasure a Prince
Jeffries, Sabrina-How to Woo a Reluctant Lady
Johnson, Elana-Possession

K

Kade, Stacey-The Ghost and the Goth
Kagawa, Julie-The Iron King
Kenyon, Sherrilyn-Acheron
Kenyon, Sherrilyn and Dianna Love-Blood Trinity
Kenyon, Sherrilyn and Dianna Love-Alterant
Keplinger, Kody-The DUFF
Klein, Lisa-Cate of the Lost Colony
Knight, Karsten-Wildefire
Kunze, Lauren-The Ivy
Kunze, Lauren-Secrets

L

Lindner, April-Jane
LoTempio, Toni-No Rest for the Wicca

M

MacAlister, Katie-Steamed
Mallory, H.P.-Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble
Mallory, H.P.-To Kill a Warlock
Mallory, H.P.-Toil and Trouble
Mantchev, Lisa-Eyes Like Stars
Mantchev, Lisa-Perchance to Dream
Mayhue, Melissa-Healing the Highlander
Mead, Richelle-Succubus Dreams
Mead, Richelle-Succubus Revealed
Meaney, Flynn-Bloodthirsty
Moning, Karen Marie-Beyond the Highland Mist
Moning, Karen Marie-To Tame a Highland Warrior
Morgan, Kira-Seduced by Destiny
Mull, Brandon-Keys to the Demon Prison
Myles, Jill-Gentlemen Prefer Succubi
Myles, Jill-Succubi Like it Hot
Myles, Jill-My Fair Succubi

N

Noel, Alyson-Evermore

O

O'Dea, Stephanie-More Make it Fast, Cook it Slow (cookbook)
Osmond, Claudia-Smudge's Mark

P

Pagliassotti, Dru-Clockwork Heart
Peeler, Nicole-Tempest Rising
Peeler, Nicole-Tracking the Tempest
Peterfreund, Diana-Ascendant
Pike, Aprilynne-Wings
Pike, Aprilynne-Spells
Pike, Aprilynne-Illusions

Q

R

Revis, Beth-Across the Universe
Rickloff, Alix-Earl of Darkness
Riordan, Rick-The Lost Hero
Roth, Veronica-Divergent
Ryan, Carrie-The Dead-Tossed Waves

S

Sampson, Jeff-Vesper
Shepard, Sara-Pretty Little Liars
Shepard, Sara-Flawless
Shepard, Sara-Unbelievable
Shepard, Sara-Perfect
Shepard, Sara-Wicked
Shepard, Sara-Killer
Shepard, Sara-Heartless
Shepard, Sara-Wanted
Shepard, Sara-Twisted
Shepard, Sara-The Lying Game
Showalter, Gena-Oh My Goth
Showalter, Gena-The Darkest Passion
Showalter, Gena-The Darkest Lie
Showalter, Gena-Ecstasy in Darkness
Showalter-Dark Taste of Rapture
Showalter, Gena-Lord of the Vampires
Showalter, Gena-The Darkest Surrender
Smith, Alexander Gordon-Lockdown
Smith, Alexander Gordon-Solitary
Smith, Alexander Gordon-Death Sentence
Smith-Ready, Jeri-Wicked Game
Sparks, Kerrelyn-Sexiest Vampire Alive
Stiefvater, Maggie-Linger
Stiefvater, Maggie-The Scorpio Races

T

U

V

W

Ward, J.R.-Lover Unleashed
Webber, Heather-Truly, Madly
Wells, Melinda-Killer Mousse
Westerfeld, Scott-Behemoth
White, Amy Brecount-Forget-Her-Nots
White, Kiersten-Paranormalcy

X

Y

Z

Anthologies:

Bitten by Cupid-Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer, and Jaime Rush
Burning Up-Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra, and Meljean Brook

Book Review: Earl of Darkness by Alix Rickloff

Earl of Darkness (Heirs of Kilronan, Book 1) by Alix Rickloff

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket; Original edition (December 28, 2010)

Goodreads Description:

The magic she tries to hide . . .

Born a lady, but reduced to surviving in the slums of Dublin, Catriona O’Connell has been hired to steal a mysterious book from Aidan Douglas, Earl of Kilronan. But Cat is secretly Other, an age-old mixture of Fey and human—something Aidan recognizes immediately when he surprises the lovely young burglar in his library, about to steal a magical diary.

. . . is the magic he desperately wants.

From the moment Aidan sees her, Cat’s spirited beauty enchants him, but her uncanny abilities are what he truly needs, for Cat can understand the mystical language in the diary he inherited from his murdered father. So Aidan makes an offer: translate the book or be thrown in prison as a thief. And as Cat slowly deciphers each page, she and Aidan are drawn together by passion . . . and into the violence of the Other world that is the Kilronan legacy. Can they defeat those who seek the book, or are their lives in even greater danger than their hearts?

***********************

Cat tried to steal from Aidan but got caught. It appeared to him that she was actually able to translate what was written in the book she tried to steal so he gives her the choice of either translating the book for him or getting thrown in jail. Of course she chooses to translate. The person who wanted the book sends Lazarus to retrieve it and gives orders for him to kill anyone that gets in it's way. Their lives in danger, Cat and Aidan go on the run and continue to translate. They find out some horrible things about Aidan's family, the Kilronan's and Aidan has a difficult time accepting what he has found out. It has made him question everything.

Based on the synopsis of the book I thought I would really enjoy this book, but it turns out it just was not for me. I was never able to connect with the characters which is very important to me. I did not like Aidan at all. He seemed selfish, reckless, and I was mystified at why Cat developed feelings for him. I didn't dislike Cat but I never became invested in what or how she was doing. The only character that intrigued me was Lazarus (I am almost positive I know his real identity). The plot was actually pretty good, but I just wasn't able to get past my lack of interest in the characters to enjoy it. Although I didn't particularly like this book I do think that many others will. It is a historical romance involving Fey and magic and there is also some talk about King Arthur. As far as to where the story is heading in this series I think it has a lot of potential. A lot of interesting things were going on in Earl of Darkness and I am sure those things will be explored more fully in the next book.

2.5/5

I was provided a copy of this book for review from the publisher. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Winners...

The winner of the Crazy Dog Tshirt giveaway is....

Sablexi

The winner of the NachoMama Tee giveaway is....

Vampires and Tofu

Congratulations! I will be sending you both emails and you have 48 hours to respond. Thank you to everyone who entered.

Waiting on Wednesday #24

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Trust (Secret Society, Book 2) by Tom Dolby

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (February 1, 2011)

Goodreads Description:

Once you get in, you can never get out....

It’s a new semester at the Chadwick School, and even with the ankh tattoos that brand them, Phoebe, Nick, Lauren, and Patch are hoping for a fresh start. Each day, however, they are reminded of their obligations as new Conscripts in the Society. The secret group that promised they would achieve their every dream has instead turned their lives into a nightmare. The teens try boycotting, skipping the gatherings, and avoiding other members and plan to go to the police with details of Alejandro's and Jared’s deaths, but the Society finds sinister ways to keep them in line. While they search for the elusive truth about the Society, they will have to work against it from within.

The Trust is an alluring glimpse behind the facade of a life of entitlement, where secrets aren’t merely fun—they’re deadly.

Product Review: Warmly Yours Under Desk Heater

The Under Desk Heater from Warmly Yours is the perfect product for anyone looking for a way to keep warm during the cold months. This product would also be great for someone who has poor circulation in their feet since that usually results in really chilly feet. I spend probably 90% of the time I am home at my computer desk. Not only do I sit there to use the computer but I read books and watch t.v. there as well. It's the most comfortable place for me to sit, but it is right next to my window and gets kind of chilly. I can't stand to have cold feet so I was very excited to try the Under Desk Heater.

It is very easy to use. You just have to make sure that the area you are laying the rug on is clear of debris and there needs to be a place to plug it in nearby. Almost immediately after turning it on you can feel it start to heat up. The manual the product comes with says it will reach the perfect temperature after about 30 minutes but it really doesn't take that long. I would say that by 10 minutes it is fully heated, which I think is pretty quick.

The cord for the rug turned out to be the perfect length to reach the plug but not too long that there is a bunch of excess cord laying around. The Under Desk Heater comes in two sizes, small and large. I received the small and it was plenty big enough for me. The Under Desk Heater is a burgundy color that I think actually looks pretty nice but it would be really cool if it was offered in some other colors like black or brown.

This product uses just 120 watts per hours whereas a space heater typically uses up to 1500 watts per hour, so you could potentially save money by using the Under Desk Heater instead. Not only is this for home use, it would be great for if you work in an office too!

Warmly Yours also has area rug warmers and towel warmers among other things. Overall this product is wonderful and at $89 for the 18"x24" for the small Under Desk Heater, it is well worth the money to keep warm and comfy this winter.


I received this product to review from the company. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: My Fair Succubi by Jill Myles

My Fair Succubi (Succubus Diaries, Book 3) by Jill Myles

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star; Original edition (December 28, 2010)

Amazon Description:

IT SUCKS TO BE HER.

Living as a succubus has a bit of a learning curve, but with sexy fallen angel Noah to scratch her sensual Itch, Jackie Brighton is finally starting to feel ahead of the game. She almost doesn’t miss her gorgeous vampire master Zane—or his sinful, teasing mouth. She’s trying to convince herself of that, anyway.

But Jackie’s past mistakes catch up with her, spinning her life out of control once more. Just as her friend Remy’s inner demon comes out to play, Noah and Jackie are arrested by the angelic Serim Council. When Jackie seizes the chance to escape, she falls right into Zane’s waiting arms. As she’s pulled into a game of cat and mouse between vampires and angels, she finds she must also choose between the two men in her life. Can she decide between Noah and Zane, or will she lose everything she’s ever wanted? Because there’s more at stake than just her heart. . . .

****************************************

Noah and Jackie are on an archaeological dig when they are arrested by the Serim council. Meanwhile Joachim has taken control of Remy and is wreaking havoc and gaining power. It is up to Jackie to save her friend and get rid of Joachim once and for all. Of course Jackie is still in a tug of war between Noah and Zane (her two boyfriends) but their motivations for their initial attraction to her is revealed and it puts the two men in a not so attractive light. A new character introduced in this book is Ethan who is a Nephalim (and a virgin!). He is a bit overprotective and his sensibilities are easily offended but it turns out he is now one of my favorite characters. There are some great fight scenes in this book as well as plenty of *ahem* "intimate" moments. All very well written. So far in this series book 2 is still my favorite but this book doesn't disappoint. If you've liked the series so far then you will enjoy continuing to read about Jackie and her dealings with angels, vampires, and her boyfriend problems. Lots of comedy and drama!

4/5

I was sent a copy of this book for review from the publisher. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Succubi Like It Hot by Jill Myles

Succubi Like It Hot (Succubus Diaries, Book 2) by Jill Myles

• Mass Market Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (January 19, 2010)

Amazon Description:

NOBODY SAID SUCKING WAS EASY.

With a hot new figure, her dream job as an archaeologist, and two gorgeous boyfriends to scratch her seductive Itch -- an angel and a vampire -- Jackie Brighton is totally getting the hang of life as a succubus. Then she accidentally knocks the pizza guy unconscious with her touch. Great -- she's cursed. After striking a deal to get the curse lifted by a crafty demon, Jackie and her best friend Remy take a road trip to deliver a cryptic message to the nation's oldest succubus. Unfortunately, neither of her jealous lovers is talking to Jackie right now, and due to the curse, she's desperate to get her Itch scratched very soon. Their journey gets weirder with every mile -- demonic possession, a charming stalker, a cryptic warning -- and when they get to New Orleans, Jackie discovers a dangerous catch to her supernatural bargain. Someone wants her dead -- again. Can a brainy vixen in a miniskirt outsmart the forces of evil?

******************************

I love road trip hi-jinks so I was really excited to read this book since Remy and Jackie end up going on a road trip to New Orleans. Jackie is cursed and is desperate to get rid of it before it kills her. As a succubus she must have sex at least once every 2 days, but with the curse that time frame keeps getting smaller and smaller. They hit a lot of snags on their way to New Orleans, not to mention that they are being followed. Both of Jackie's boyfriends seem to be keeping a lot of secrets from her which causes some problems. With a little communication a lot of these issues could be cleared up...but that would just be too easy wouldn't it. Although there is drama, action, and some extremely sexy men, there is actually a lot of humor. Jackie is a pretty witty character and when Remy isn't being possessed by a former angel turned vampire she is kind of hilarious too. If you read and enjoyed the first in the series you won't be disappointed in this book. As a matter of fact I enjoyed this one a little bit more...like I said, road trip hi-jinks are the best.

4/5

Waiting on Wednesday #23

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (March 1, 2011)

Goodreads Description:

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted…by magic. When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever known or considered important will be challenged. What lies ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.

Winners

The winner of the EyeBuyDirect.com Prescription Glasses is...

Norberto and Julie

and the winner of the Electric Scalp Massager is...

Tina Reynolds

all winners have been contacted and responded already. Thank you!

I did have some issues with the glasses giveaway. A lot of people did not follow instructions whether it was following publicly (I will be making a post soon with details on how to make sure you ARE publicly following), leaving links/appropriate usernames, not leaving separate entries, entering the contest more than once, and someone even tried to get extra entries for something that was not even an option. I understand that some of these could just be mistakes but I do know a lot can be contributed to people just not reading the instructions.

I'm sorry but if you left no way at all for me to verify your entry I had to disqualify that entry as well as the second set of entries from anyone who entered more than once.

Giveaway and Review: NachoMama Tees

NachoMama Tees is a great shirt site owned by Crazy Dog Tshirts. You will find that they offer some of the same stock. I ended up choosing the Overlook Hotel shirt. I think it is actually a pretty funny t shirt. It looks like one you would pick up on vacation, but then you do a double take because it is the hotel from the movie The Shining. Not everyone will get it, but the people who do get a kick out of it. The shirt comes in two colors and I received it in blue. It is a nice, vibrant color. After washing the color stayed bright and it did not bleed color onto the other clothes in the wash. The quality of the shirt is nice and it is pretty comfy. There are new shirts posted on the site all the time. Right now they have some great Griswald Christmas Family Vacation shirts which would be great for the holidays. Shipping is very fast so if you order now you could wear one on Christmas!

**********GIVEAWAY**********
NachoMama Tees is offering one of my readers the chance to win either:

A Free Mystery Tee (in Men's size) OR a Free $15 Gift Card


MANDATORY:

+1 Leave a comment with your favorite item from NachoMama Tees

EXTRAS (optional):

+2 Follow my blog (publicly) on Google Friend Connect
(If I click on your name to look at your blogger profile, my blog MUST be listed under Blogs You Follow. If not, then you are not a public follower)

+2 tweet this giveaway and leave the direct link (ONCE only)

+1 "Like" Crazy Dog Tshirts on Facebook (NachoMama is owned by them) (leave your Facebook name in comment)

+1 Post a comment on their Facebook page telling them what your favorite tee is or asking them a question about the shirts (leaveyour Facebook name in comment)

+1 "Like" or "Share" one of the products on their website. The buttons for these are on all product detail pages, above the main image

Giveaway ends Wednesday December 22 at 11:59 pm EST.
I will notify the winner by email and announce it on my blog as well.

*open to US only
*Winners cannot have won a shirt from Crazy Dog Shirts, Nacho Mama Tees, or Costume Squad or have been sent a shirt for promotional purposes in the last 90 days or own a blog of their own

I received a shirt for review. Any opinions expressed are my own

Book Review: Solitary by Alexander Gordon Smith

Solitary (Escape from Furnace, Book 2) by Alexander Gordon Smith

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (December 21, 2010)

Amazon Description:

Alex Sawyer and his mates should have known there was no way out of Furnace Penitentiary. Their escape attempt only lands them deeper in the guts of this prison for young offenders, and then into solitary confinement. And that's where a whole new struggle begins—a struggle not to let the hellish conditions overwhelm them. Because before another escape attempt is even possible, they must first survive the nightmare that now haunts their endless nights.
******************************

Almost from the get go my heart was in my throat when reading this book. The first in the series, Lockdown, left off in a very tense situation and that continues on in Solitary. The story picks up after the explosion and the fall into the river. Alex and his friends venture into unknown territory in an attempt to escape the horrors of Furnace, but as the title of the book suggests, they fail and are put in solitary...a place meant to break their will and their minds. Darkness, Black Suits, twisted monsters and more. It is a struggle to keep sane, but Alex is given hope and the possibility of escape.

The opening line of the book is "I have a confession. I am not a good person." Alex starts things off by reminding us that he is a criminal and feels he deserves to be where he is. It is easy to forget that he isn't some innocent kid locked away to face the hellish Furnace. He is the "hero" of the book and you root for him. You want him to escape. Yes the crime that got him put in Furnace was not committed by him (he was framed by the Black Suits), but he definitely was a criminal. I have to disagree with his opinion that he deserves to be in a place like Furnace though. No one deserves the nightmares of that place.

Aside from the characters, the prison itself is intriguing. A little more is revealed about the workings of Furnace and we learn things CAN get worse than we thought. The depravities being committed by the wheezers is enough to make your heart beat out of your chest. The close calls Alex and his friends have in the halls and caves of the prison is terrifying. Solitary is like a roller coaster ride where you are looming at the top about to take a steep drop. The anticipation of what will happen next is almost overwhelming.

This is one of my favorite young adult series. If you have never read the first book, Lockdown, you can read my mini review HERE.

Be sure to check back in January because the author, Alexander Gordon Smith, will be doing a guest post here on my blog and there will be a chance to win a copy of Lockdown.

5/5

I received a copy of this book for review. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory

Toil and Trouble (Jolie Wilkins, Book 2) by H.P. Mallory

Amazon Description:

The Underworld in civil war.
The cause? A witch who can reanimate the dead.
A sexy as sin vampire determined to claim her.
An infuriatingly handsome warlock torn between duty and love.
Who says blonds have more fun?

After defending herself against fairy magic, Jolie Wilkins wakes to find her world turned upside down—the creatures of the Underworld on the precipice of war.

The Underworld is polarized in a battle of witch against witch, creature against creature, led by the villainous Bella, who would be Queen.

While Jolie has one goal in mind, to stake the vampire, Ryder, who nearly killed her, she also must choose between the affections of her warlock employer, Rand, and the mysteriously sexy vampire, Sinjin.

And as if that weren’t enough to ruin a girl’s day, everything Jolie knows will be turned inside out when she’s thrust into the shock of a lifetime.

Toil and Trouble is the second book in the Jolie Wilkins series, the follow up to Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble
***********************************

First I have to say, if you have not read the first book in this series you are definitely missing out on an awesome series. Currently on Amazon Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble (Jolie Wilkins, Book 1) by H.P. Mallory is only .99 in e-book format. Seriously, you should get it. If you like urban fantasy or paranormal romance you will probably love it! Also, I wouldn't recommend reading Toil and Trouble if you have not read the first book yet. It would be too confusing and you wouldn't be able to fully enjoy the book.

Okay, on to the review. As much as I loved the first book in the series, I think that Toil and Trouble managed to be even better! I'm really liking the direction Jolie's relationships with Rand and Sinjin is going. I love that one minute I think she should be with one guy, and the next minute I have changed my mind. It definitely keeps things interesting. Honestly, I am kind of in love with both men myself. Jolie is an amazing character. She is smart, funny, and likes her independence...but for me, the men really make this series. They bring mystery and sex appeal to the story in abundance.

At one point something very major happens (I know that doesn't really tell you much, but I don't want to give it away), and once it does things start to fall into place and let's just say, the plot thickens. There is some pretty good action (of the fighting kind), some very hot situations with each of the men, and lots of magic. In my reader this book is 273 pages. I was so engrossed in reading this book that I finished it quickly. When I reached the end I couldn't believe it. It was left on a cliffhanger and I was so ready to read more. H.P. Mallory has become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!

5/5

you can buy this book on:
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble

I was provided an e-book copy of this book to review from the author. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Giveaway and Review: Crazy Dog Tshirts

Crazy Dog Tshirts has a wide variety of funny t shirts, Vintage t shirts, and 80 tshirts. It was difficult for me to pick a shirt to review because there are so many great ones to choose from! I finally picked this Super Mario Brothers Boo Tshirt. When I got it and tried it on the shirt fit great (true to size) and the material isn't cheap and likely to tear. On this particular shirt the fabric feels slightly stiff where the graphic is. I do think that once it is washed it will start to soften up a little bit though. Overall I am very happy with the shirt.

**********GIVEAWAY**********
Crazy Dog Tshirts is offering one of my readers the chance to win either:

A Free Mystery Tee (in Men's size) OR a Free $15 Gift Card


MANDATORY:

+1 Leave a comment with your favorite item from Crazy Dog Tshirts

EXTRAS (optional):

+2 Follow my blog (publicly) on Google Friend Connect
(If I click on your name to look at your blogger profile, my blog MUST be listed under Blogs You Follow. If not, then you are not a public follower)

+2 tweet this giveaway and leave the direct link (ONCE only)

+1 "Like" Crazy Dog Tshirts on Facebook (leave your Facebook name in comment)

+1 Post a comment on their Facebook page telling Crazy Dog Tshirts what your favorite tee is or asking them a question about the shirts (leaveyour Facebook name in comment)

+1 "Like" or "Share" one of the products on their website. The buttons for these are on all product detail pages, above the main image

Giveaway ends Wednesday December 22 at 11:59 pm EST.
I will notify the winner by email and announce it on my blog as well.

*open to US only
*Winners cannot have won a shirt from Crazy Dog Shirts, Nacho Mama Tees, or Costume Squad or have been sent a shirt for promotional purposes in the last 90 days or own a blog of their own

I received a shirt for review. Any opinions expressed are my own

Waiting on Wednesday #22

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Vicious Little Darlings by Katherine Easer

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (June 21, 2011)

Amazon Description:

Sarah Weaver wasn't looking forward to starting at an all-girls school. But that was before she met Maddy. Maddy and her best friend, Agnes, are fun and rich and interesting—and for some reason, they seem to really like Sarah. Before long, Maddy and Agnes have moved Sarah into a big house off campus, where they cook together, buy each other presents, and share each other's secrets. So why does Sarah feel like something's bizarrely wrong? As more and more cracks start to show in Maddy's and Agnes's perfect veneers, Sarah notices some strange and disturbing things: Maddy's compulsive lying, Agnes's obsession with Maddy, and the deterioration of their friendship. And just when Sarah begins to question her own sanity, things turns deadly. Fans of Pretty Little Liars will devour this juicy debut novel.

Mama's Holiday Wish List Giveaway @ Today's MamaMama’s Holiday Wish List Meme TodaysMama

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

Today's Mama and Gamestop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?

Health and happiness.

2. What is your Christmas morning / Hanukkah Nightly tradition?

Christmas morning we all get up, brush our teeth, etc. We usually have cinnamon buns for breakfast and then when everyone is ready we open presents.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?

I would say pay off all my credit card bills but I don't know if that really qualifies as decadence...that's more like being responsible. A purely frivolous thing I would ask for is a closet full of new clothes.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?

Baking, playing games, watching movies together, and just spending time together as a family.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?

Clue, Outburst, Scattergories, Boggle, Sorry, Candyland...lots and lots of board games.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?

The only real tradition we had is decorating the tree together, which we still do. Oh and we watch A Christmas Story every year.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas/Hanukkah-away-from-home trip?

I would love to go to England.

8. Check out Gamestop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?

Xbox 360 with Kinect bundle

Donkey Kong Country Returns for Wii

Disney Epic Mickey for Wii

Giveaway at the League of Extraordinary Writers

About The League:

"The League of Extraordinary Writers is a group of debut YA authors who write science fiction and dystopian works. The five of us have works that run the gamut of near-future mind control to far-future space travel, but they do have one thing in common: a future where the Earth we know now is twisted, gone."

Every day this week the League of Extraordinary Writers is featuring a prize related their book. That's 5 prizes announced this week!
There will also be a grand prize:

Pre-Ordered copies of all 5 of their books!

XVI

Across the Universe

Memento Nora

Possession

The Eleventh Plague

For more information about how to enter the giveaways, head over to there site: HERE

Book Review: The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (December 7, 2010)

Amazon Description:

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

******************************

If you enjoyed Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series then you will probably like The Lying Game. It is basically a whodunnit where the readers are kept guessing who the culprit is. Threats, paranoia, conspiracy, twins...it kind of made me feel like I was reading the next book in the Pretty Little Liars series.

The story is told mostly through Emma's point of view as she is stuck pretending to be her long lost sister, Sutton. Sutton is stuck following Emma around in a ghostly form unable to interact with anyone. The story is also interjected with her point of view. I often found it a little confusing because I sometimes wouldn't realize the speaker changed.

Both girls were orphans and never knew each other. Emma was raised in foster care for most of her life so it seemed like she had some street smarts which makes it difficult to swallow the way she reacted when she was "forced" to pretend to be Sutton. I can think of a number of ways she could have gotten away...pretty obvious ways. All the characters are interesting and of course, suspicious. Sara Shepard is a master at keeping readers on the edge of their seat. One minute you think it is this person and the next minute the suspicion has fallen on someone else. I wasn't all that crazy about this book but with the way it ended I am anxious to know who did it. My curiosity needs to be satisfied so I think I will continue to read this series as it comes out. Hopefully I will enjoy the next one a little more though.

3/5

I received an e-copy of this book to review through Netgalley. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Product Review: Bed of Nails

Bed of Nails is a mat covered with tiny spikes (as the name implies). There are 6000 acupressure points on the mat! Acupressure is similar to acupuncture except instead of using needles it uses pressure to heal and relieve tension. Bed of Nails is actually scientifically proven to relieve pain.

I always feel exhausted, achy, and like I have zero energy. It is frustrating to feel this way all the time, but since I received the Bed of Nails my energy level has practically skyrocketed. The way I feel after using the mat is similar to the feeling you get from a great workout. It is like a rush. When you lay on the mat you begin to feel heat spread through your back (in a good way) as endorphins are released, which is the body's natural pain reliever. To me it felt like I was being charged up. When you first start using the mat you may want to wear a thin shirt or tank top until you get used to the feeling...it can be a little intense for some people. Although I have a high tolerance for pain I have sensitive skin so I decided to try it with a shirt first. I didn't like it with the shirt on so I took the shirt off and laid on it directly. It felt a tiny bit uncomfortable for about a minute until I started to feel the heat spread. I got used to the feeling very quickly and actually enjoyed it. After using it your back will be a little red. On my pale skin it resembles a light sunburn and the mat also leaves behind some indentation marks, but don't worry because it fades relatively quickly. You just might not want to go out in a tank top immediately after. It is recommended that Bed of Nails be used every day for 10-30 minutes for maximum effect. I use it in 10 minute intervals throughout the day when I feel I need a pick me up.

Other than relieving pain and increasing energy levels, Bed of Nails can also help with:

• reducing anxiety and stress
• improving sleep and relieving insomnia
• improving circulation
• improving skin complexion
• relieving constipation
• cellulite

That is a pretty wide variety of benefits! You can also buy a Bed of Nails pillow which could help with lower back pain or neck pain. Now, the mat IS sharp so it is definitely not for children under 5 and you should also keep it away from pets. The mat can be hand washed which I think is a pretty useful feature. Bed of Nails is an exciting product. Everyone who has seen it at my house was immediately drawn to it and asked what it is. Just about everyone wanted to try it out! I thought long and hard about if there were any drawbacks to this product and my conclusion is there aren't any. This product has already helped me so much in the short time I have had it that it makes me want to cry from gratefulness that this product exists (I know, a little dramatic but it's true)...and it is affordable!

To learn more about Bed of Nails and/or to buy one, just head over to the Bed of Nails website.

I received this product from Bed of Nails to review. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #21

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Warlock (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, Book 5)
by Michael Scott

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (May 24, 2011)

Goodreads Description:

In the fifth installment of this bestselling series, the twins of prophesy have been divided, and the end is finally beginning.
With Scatty, Joan of Arc, Saint Germain, Palamedes, and Shakespeare all in Danu Talis, Sophie is on her own with the ever-weakening Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. She must depend on Niten to help her find an immortal to teach her Earth Magic. The surprise is that she will find her teacher in the most ordinary of places.