Antara by Marilena Mexi (Review)

Antara by Marilena Mexi
(ANTARA SAGA)

Age Warning: Teen Appropriate- Though there are innuendos.

Published By: Lulu

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Date Released: March 22, 2011

Provided By: Author

Synopsis:

Peace and tranquility on the island of Aster, home to both humans and 'merfolk', has long been broken by a devastating phenomenon, recurring every five years. A storm including gusting winds and huge waves mysteriously appeared and eradicated much of the population. The misunderstandings, suspicion and hate born of this disaster have torn the two races apart, and the peace loving merfolk are now in a never-ending struggle to prove their innocence and restore peace to the island. On the human side, things are even worse; under the tyranny of cruel king Orestis, the people suffer and all their king cares for is vengeance against the "fish", as he spitefully calls them, executing merfolk after merfolk for just being near his lands. Secrets, intense emotions and strange phenomena will upset their lives forever.

My Review:

First off I want to comment on the cover: It's amazing! I love how Marilena is both an author and an illustrator, who also gives you pictures through out the novel to see what her characters look like. The cover is really pretty and detailed; and until now I didn't actual notice two people in the waves. Loving illustrations myself some of Marilena's other illustrations have me wanting to buy copies! But onto the review!

Antara in Greek means "disturbance, turbulence, foggy and impeding weather", and that is exactly what is occurring every five years on the island of Aster. These storms first start with heavy fog, then tornado type winds and finally waves that wash away everything. Shared by both mermaids and the tyrant humans, the island used to be peaceful until the first wave of the storms hit, taking away the Queen of the humans with its massive waves.

Determined to save her people and bring peace, Asteria queen of the mermaids takes on a mission to try and change the tyrant King Orestis' mind. She becomes his servant and begins to see the that corruption has courses through the castle. Asteria is a strong, carrying, stubborn and observant queen trying to fix the wrong that has happened so long ago. While Orestis, a strong angelic character, is being corrupted by false lies about the mermaids.

In Antara there are secrets that you might figure out on the first page or so that you wouldn't realize until the last page, but when you pick up Antara  I doubt you'll put it down. Fast paced and an adventure romance at the least you see from step one that Asteria is determined to help her people. And it keeps you reading to make sure she prevails in the end. I highly suggest Antara if your looking for a good mermaid romance read and just a wonderfully illustrated on too! And I'm really looking forward to some time in the future reading the second novel in the saga Ninemia.

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Twitter

The Tough Truth

Okay so this is hard to say but I've got to put this out there. I'm starting a new chapter in my life and I have no clue what and where it will take me. Friday Morning I'll be leaving the place I've grown up in for my whole life for a bigger city (well suburb) to live on a beautiful college campus! I'll be taking with me only one small crate of books (it's seriously killing me and there is also DVDs in this crate) and my trusty nookie, plus my laptop and new HP Touch pad. Having Nookie helps since a lot of my newer books are on her but, still I'm leaving behind over 300 books (I kid you not). Luckily my very awesome roommate also likes to read (and has just about all the same favorites as me) so were both in the same boat.

Now here's what I'm getting at. I have no clue what is going to happen to Loud Words and Sounds in the next month. With 7 really intense classes (3 being honors, and one well being Performance Ensemble), I'm going to be working my butt off. And I'm probably going to attempt to get a part time job. But I promise I won't let go of LWS. I want it to be a "place" were I can relieve my stress, to talk to the book blogging community about my love of books that some just won't understand. So this is why: I solemnly swear that I am up to no good or should I say that I will keep blogging ^_^.

This week since I am mostly already packed as of today, I will be attempting to write up as many posts as I can while: A) finishing my honors class assignments B) hanging out with my friends and family and C) this is random but- move my want list of books over to Goodreads.

So if I do disappear its because our mascot the Griffin ate me or something, because I don't want to leaving blogging!

Also something odd... and that gets on my nerves if I Google my college Boston College comes up! I'm not going there btw. And the fact is I can't find any really good campus pictures...

Back to the Stacks: WINNERS

So it is time to announce the winners forBack to the Stacks !
Before that though I would like to thank all of you who participated and all that helped out with the event! We hope to host another Back the the Stacks next year so maybe you'll see it again. :)

First up the winner of my prize package of The Bar Code Tattoo and The Bar Code Rebellion is...Meredith Miller
The winner of the Poison and Dread Locks Giveaway is...Martha Lawson
There are three winners for Antara by Marilena Maxi...michelle (CompGeek)DinkyAik
The winner of The Geek Job by Eve Langlais is...blue Shedevil
And the winner of Bunny and the Bear is...Victoria Zumbrum
Winning Crossroads by Mary Ting is...Evie
And last but not least the winner of Cut and Bound a prize pack from me is...Ricki @ Reading Challenged
Please respond by Tuesday Morning (aka Noon EST) by the latest. There will be an email sent out to all you lucky winners asking for the specific information needed from each of you.
Thanks again for entering everyone!
And Congratulations! 

Back to the Stacks: Finished

Well it's finished I hope you enjoyed the event!

GIVEAWAYS WILL STAY OPEN UNTIL NOON (CST) SUNDAY AUGUST 21st.

Thanks again too all the wonderful bloggers and authors that helped out!

Check them out and follow them if you could please!

Autumn & Kari @ From the TBR Pile

Danya @ A Tapestry of Words
Kyleigh @ Can't Find a Bookmark

Leilani @ Leilani Loves Books

Mike @ The Subtle Chronicler

Morgan @ Smitten With Books

Cyndi Tefft (Author of Between)

Eve Langlais (Author of The Geek Job & The Bunny and the Bear)

Marliena Maxi (Author of Antara)

Mary Ting (Author of Crossroads)

Megg Jensen (Author of Anathema & Oubilette)

Shelley Workinger (Author of Solid)

Thanks for participating!

Back to the Stacks: GIVEAWAY PACKS #3

The last Back to the stacks giveaway here at LWS is a for another prize pack.

The Package Goodies!

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
&

Cut by Patricia McCormick

There will be One Winner of both Bound and Cut!

RULES:

• It is USA ONLY.
• Entries must be through the form below.
• There will be one winner.
• You are not required to be a follower, but it is appreciated and you can gain multiple entries!
• Gain more entries by following me on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads! (Links on the sidebar.)
• You needed to be of the age 13 or older to enter.
• Giveaway Ends: Sunday August 21st, 2011 @ NOON.

Check out the other giveaway of this hour at Kyleigh's Blog!

Back to the Stacks: Mary Ting GIVEAWAY

So Back to the stacks the last author hosted giveaway here is through Mary Ting the author of Crossroads.


Here's a little more about Crossroads:

Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Where, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should? The answer awaits you! Follow the exciting path to Crossroads!

Check out Mary Here:

Author's Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


Win an e-book version of Crossroads!

RULES:

• It is International.
• Entries must be through the form below.
• You are not required to be a follower, but it is appreciated and you can gain multiple entries!
• Gain more entries by following Mary on Twitter! (http://twitter.com/#!/maryting)
• You needed to be of the age 13 or older to enter.
• Giveaway Ends: Sunday August 21st, 2011 @ NOON.

Check out the next giveaway at Cyndi Tefft's Blog author of Between! A book I recently reviewed.

Back to the Stacks: Eve Langlais GIVEAWAY

The next Back to the stacks giveaway is from the lovely Adult Romance author Eve Langlais!


Here's a little more about The Geek Job:

Protect the geek, that’s the job she’s been hired for, but little did this shewolf expect to fall for a man of science.

As a werewolf who hires out as a bodyguard, Lexie is paid well to perform dangerous jobs that sometimes involve taking off her clothes. When she takes on the protection of a science geek for a vampire clan, she doesn’t expect her temporary girlfriend status to come with lots of pleasure. But a geeky human who pushes all her right buttons—and plays her body oh so right—isn’t reason enough for her to break the rules and fall in love.

Everything changes after an incident in the lab, but before she can decide if it’s safe to give him her heart, she has to help him survive.

And a little more about Bunny and The Bear:

What’s a poor bear to do when all he wants is some sweet, bunny pie?

Bears and bunnies aren’t supposed to mix, or that’s what Chase keeps telling himself when his bouncy new neighbor won’t stay out of his business—and his mind. However, the more he gets to know his overly perky neighbor, the more he craves her—naked in his grasp—a desire worse than his addiction to honey and pie.

Miranda’s on a mission for the Furry United Coalition, and it involves secretly guarding one grumpy ol’ bear. Staying focused on the job isn’t easy when all she can think about is turning his frown upside down, a task made harder when she gets a glimpse of his passion. When she hears about his theory on woodland creatures and predators not mixing, she thinks all is lost, but she didn’t count on a bear’s curious nature—and possessive need.

When an evil force abducts Chase, Miranda unleashes her bunny in order to save him, but the revelation of her shifter side puts her in danger. Is one ornery bear enough to save her from a mad scientist? And if he does, can a bear forget her woodland creature status long enough to love her and make her his mate?

Warning: Pies were harmed in the making of this story and naughty references made about honey that might offend some readers.

Check out Eve Here:

Author's Site | Facebook | Goodreads


Win an e-book version of The Geek Job Or Bunny and the Bear!

RULES:

• It is International.
• Entries must be through the form below.
• There will be two winners one of The Geek Job and another Bunny and the Bear.
• You are not required to be a follower, but it is appreciated and you can gain multiple entries!
• Gain more entries by following Eve on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000219053191)
• You needed to be of the age 18 or older to enter. (ADULT ROMANCE)
• Giveaway Ends: Sunday August 21st, 2011 @ NOON.

Check out the next giveaway is at Kyleigh's blog she's hosting Megg Jensen! She's the author of Anathema and Oubliette.

Back to the Stacks: Marilena Maxi GIVEAWAY

(*** JUst a quick Note this was posted without my knowledge early. BLogger decided to jump the giveaway up three hours!***)


Back to the stacks has started were now on our 5th giveaway! Our NOON giveaway is sponsored by the lovely author and Illustrator Marilena Maxi of the book Antara!


Here's a little more about Antara:

Peace and tranquility on the island of Aster, home to both humans and merfolk’, has long been broken by a devastating phenomenon, recurring every five years. A storm including gusting winds and huge waves mysteriously appeared and eradicated much of the population. The misunderstandings, suspicion and hate born of this disaster have torn the two races apart, and the peace loving merfolk are now in a never-ending struggle to prove their innocence and restore peace to the island. On the human side, things are even worse; under the tyranny of cruel king Orestis, the people suffer and all their king cares for is vengeance against the “fish”, as he spitefully calls them, executing merfolk after merfolk for just being near his lands. Secrets, intense emotions and strange phenomena will upset their lives forever.

Check out Marilena Here:

Author's Site | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


Three will Win an e-book version of Antara!

RULES:

• It is International.
• Entries must be through the form below.
• You are not required to be a follower, but it is appreciated and you can gain multiple entries!
• Gain more entries by following Marilena on Twitter! (http://twitter.com/#!/marilenamexi)
• You needed to be of the age 13 or older to enter.
• Giveaway Ends: Sunday August 21st, 2011 @ NOON.

Check out the next giveaway at one of my best friends blog Leilani Loves Books!

Back to the Stacks: GIVEAWAY PACKS #1 & 2

The first Back to the stacks giveaway here at LWS is a for a prize pack of either of these two options:

Package one:

The Bar Code Tattoo & The Bar Code Rebllion by Suzanne Weyn

Package Two:

Poison by Chris Wooding & Dread Locks by Neal Shusterman

There will be two winners, one for each package!

RULES:

• It is USA ONLY.
• Entries must be through the form below.
• There will be two winners one of prize pack 1 and prize pack 2.
• You are not required to be a follower, but it is appreciated and you can gain multiple entries!
• Gain more entries by following me on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads! (Links on the sidebar.)
• You needed to be of the age 13 or older to enter.
• Giveaway Ends: Sunday August 21st, 2011 @ NOON.

Check out the other giveaway of this hour at Kyleigh's Blog! And for the 9am giveaway check out Shelley Workinger's blog she is the author of Solid, which I am currently reading.

Welcome to Back to the Stacks!

So it has started or will be in a minute! We have some wonderful authors and bloggers joining us today for a 12 hour giveaway-a-thon! Including....

Autumn & Kari @ From the TBR Pile

Danya @ A Tapestry of Words

Leilani @ Leilani Loves Books

Mike @ The Subtle Chronicler

Morgan @ Smitten With Books

Cyndi Tefft (Author of Between)

Eve Langlais (Author of The Geek Job & The Bunny and the Bear)

Marliena Maxi (Author of Antara)

Mary Ting (Author of Crossroads)

Megg Jensen (Author of Anathema & Oubilette)

Shelley Workinger (Author of Solid)

So stay tune! My first giveaway should be popping up just about now and Kyleigh's giveaway at (Can't Find a Bookmark) will be too.

So check them out!

Check this out Saturday!

I just wanted to post a little reminder that you should defiantly check out back to the stacks this Saturday! We have some great giveaways going to occur!


Its all going to start here at LWS and at Kyleigh's blog Can't Find a Bookmark.

I've been quoted!

So I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've ever been quoted! It happens to be from my review of Date with Death by Eve Langlais, and it was A Late Night Review last week. Eve approached me and asked if she could post some of my review on her site and I said "SURE!". So check it out HERE! (You'll have to scroll down...)

Date with Death by Eve Langlais (Review)

Date with Death by Eve Langlais

Age Warning: 18+

Published By: Liquid Silver Books

Genre: Adult Romance

Date Released: March 28, 2011

Provided By: Author through Giveaway

Synopsis:

Marigold has a date with Death, but when she foils his plan to take her soul back to Hell, she invites him to dinner instead.

Mictain, an Aztec god who now collects the dead for Satan, is baffled at his interest in the plump human who can see him. Intrigued--and in lust--he can’t help pursuing her. But things are never simple when gods are involved.

Lucifer, Lord of Hell tries to warn him away and even Marigold’s long lost father decides to butt in. But, despite the opposition, things heat up between them, and Marigold learns, when Death comes calling, it’s best to get naked and invite him into bed—and her heart.

My Review:

A funny sexy adult romance, this novellette is a short enjoyable read. Eve makes her characters very straight forward in Date with Death and because of that allows the story to flow and the reader to put themselves inside of the characters' heads easily.

Marigold is a normal girl except for the fact that she's a witch (or she thinks she is just that). When she sees death coming for her literally after trying to make a potion to rid her of the freckles she hates so much on her face, she stops him in the tracks and asks him to dinner. You heard me right, dinner; Mictain is just as surprised. The hot god from when the Azetc's roamed the world is now working for Lucifer collecting the dead  for their final decisions, and when he finds that Marigold can see him his game is thrown off. Wanting to investigate this further for both himself and his boss, Mick (as Marigold likes to call him) accepts the dinner date. And that is were things get hot.

The romance blooms quickly in this novellette and that is what makes it what it is. I really liked this short story and if you want a short hot adult romance to read then I suggest Date with Death by Eve Langlais. Check it out!

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Goodreads

Back to the Stacks

Find all things back to the stacks here!


Blogs & Authors Participating!
Andrea @ Loud Words & Sounds (Organizer)Autumn & Kari @ From the TBR PileDanya @ A Tapestry of WordsKyleigh @ Can't Find a Bookmark (Organizer)Leilani @ Leilani Loves BooksMike @ The Subtle ChroniclerMorgan @ Smitten With Books
Cyndi Tefft (Author of Between)Eve Langlais (Author of The Geek Job & The Bunny and the Bear)Marliena Maxi (Author of Antara)Mary Ting (Author of Crossroads)Megg Jensen (Author of Anathema & Oubilette)Shelley Workinger (Author of Solid)


The giveaways will occur from 8am to 8pm!Follow the giveaways!


The first giveaways will occur here at Loud Words and Sounds & at Can't Find a Bookmark as an opening event!
Giveaway rules depend on the blogs participating, though over half of the giveaways will be international!
So check it out and spread the news!



Get the button! <center><a href="http://loud-words-and-sounds.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-stack.html" target="_blank"><img width= "150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYBRkicJHSvwLuss4yW1YJGrp4Kb3uBqKYMXnTlhvoondFKQPZEV92Uafg0GQ8_gK3ikjEv5OHWjUP_fHweTEVlerJwm-eDrsyUpTrSWJIWGJXBtxVRvcyCQdy1MYmaQXZ_WeZExMsb8/s1600/Back+to+the+Stacks.JPG" /></a></center>

Back to the Stacks Giveaway-a-Thon

Hi Everyone,

So I just wanted to inform you of a very awesome event Kyleigh at Can't Find a Bookmark and I are organizing, called Back to the Stacks! 

It's to celebrate the return to college, high school and even middle school for many of us in the blogging universe.

The event will be 12 hours of giveaways on Saturday, August 20th from 8am to 8pm (CST)!

So mark it on your calendars!

Were also looking for bloggers and authors who are willing to host giveaways on their blogs or sites. So if you want to help out contact either Kyleigh at cantfindabookmark@gmail.com or I at loud.words.and.sounds@gmail.com.


Grab the Button!





<center><a href="http://loud-words-and-sounds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img width= "150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYBRkicJHSvwLuss4yW1YJGrp4Kb3uBqKYMXnTlhvoondFKQPZEV92Uafg0GQ8_gK3ikjEv5OHWjUP_fHweTEVlerJwm-eDrsyUpTrSWJIWGJXBtxVRvcyCQdy1MYmaQXZ_WeZExMsb8/s1600/Back+to+the+Stacks.JPG" /></a></center>

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (Review)

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (Perfect Chemistry)

Age Warning: 15+

Published By: Walker & Company

Genre: YA Romance

Date Released: April 13, 2010

Provided By: A Friend

***SPOILER WARNING if you haven't read Perfect Chemistry***

Synopsis:

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now

My Review:

Rules of  Attraction is hot! I mean its not just the boys involved but the fact that the way Simone writes is so interactive and catching that you needed to read the whole thing in one sitting. Carlos Fuentes is the focus of this second novel in the Perfect Chemistry series, and just not only does he get in trouble like his big brother Alex but just brings everyone with him into the trouble. Between getting sent to counselling and trying to stay out of drugs and away from the Mexican gangs he was involved in Carlos also systematically gets involved with a great girl.

Carlos of course is one of the hot Fuentes brothers, but I'd like to say unlike Alex I think Carlos has gotten himself into more trouble then imaginable. In fact Alex moves him to Colorado to try to get him away from all the trouble he's caused for his Mama and Luis in Mexico. So when he moves in with Alex's College Professor, he doesn't expect to met Kiara the professors daughter. Kiara is a girl of smarts, hiking boots and baggy shirts, she's an outcast but she could be just as pretty as the popular girls if she wanted. The total opposite of Carlos, but when opposites attract they attract. And just like his big brother Carlos falls hard.

Simone's characters are always ease to relate too, especially Kiara for myself. But anyone that picks up this book series is bound to finish the book, if they don't I'm not sure how they can't. I love this series, its so addicting and I can't wait till Luis's book is out in two weeks! If you haven't read Perfect Chemistry or Rules of Attraction then you needed to go out and get them now!

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Twitter

Forgive My Fins: Giveaway Winners

So these lucky individuals have won some very cool Forgive My Fins swag from Tera Lynn Childs!

1. Morgan M.
2. Kandee K.
3. Vivien
4. Victoria Z.
5. Ariel @ The Librarian's Bookshelf

I've sent out an email, so please respond as soon as possible.

(If a response is not received within 3 days I will choose another winner.)

Between by Cyndi Tefft (Review)

Between by Cyndi Tefft

Age Warning: Mature Teen, My Suggestion 17+

Published By: Author

Genre: Romance

Date Released: 4/5/2011

Provided By: Author

Synopsis:

It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile and Scottish accent.

After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates.

Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries.

My Review:

In books you always look for one thing or another, and for me I look for romance, action, fantasy and cute guy leads. Between had all of that and more, plus a really beautiful cover to boot in my opinion. Cyndi Tefft has an imaginative world produced from current day Seattle, a beautiful lake house, and Scotland 300 years ago, which the two main characters Lindsey and Aiden bring to life beautifully.

After everything in Lindsey Water's life has gone wrong between her parents divorcing and her college friend putting the moves on her, she then has to go and die. But death has its perks and for Lindsey these perks included Aiden MacRae (LOVE the name ^_~). He's a transporter for the dead souls met for the gates of the afterlife, who also had his life cut short. Oh and to mention he is a hunky Scottish male. So no wonder that Lindsey starts to see him as a potential love interest. But when their time is cut short by the constant calls from heaven's siren and the real world, they have to fight to stay together. And hope for their happily ever after.

This story in ways is bitter sweet, I love the characters and the way Cyndi flash's back to the past so easily in Between. And I can't wait to see the continuation of Aiden and Lindsey's story in the sequel, Hell Transporter. So check out this really awesome read! It'll draw you in and keep you in the world easily as one, two, three.

Links:

Author's Site | Facebook | Twitter

Tunes Thursdays (10)

So I'm resurrecting this feature, because a.) I love music and b.) people needed to experience different types of music!

So today I'd like to show you a dark video from The Active Set, the song title is It Multiplies.

This song is really completely different from the other songs I've heard from the band. I really enjoy listening to The Active Set, especially when I needed a pick me up! So if you needed one check out some of their other song titles or just check them out period! To find them see the links below or some of my other reviews.

Links:
Band Camp | Facebook | Myspace

Fins are Forever Swag (Giveaway)!

So in celebration of me returning to blogging and the fact I should have done this before, I would like to give away some Fins are Forever swag from Tera Lynn Childs!!!


Once again I'm a Splash Team member which means five individuals that enter will be able to win a Bookmark & Temporary Tattoo.


Such as these...

To enter just leave your information below in the form.
This giveaway will end on August 1st.
Please follow all giveaway guidelines.
Winners will be notified after the giveaway ends anyone that doesn't respond within three days will be replaced with another winner.


NOW CLOSED.