Top 5 Sundays #168 - Favorite Re-Told Fairytales

 

This was such a hard topic for me!

I haven't really read a lot of retellings, so I had to go to TV and Movies as well hehe =D

This week’s results:

 

Paranormal Creatures You Want to See in a Story {Idea by Bibliognome} 29.41%  (5 votes) 

 

Favorite Re-Told Fairytales {Idea by Lieder Madchen} 70.59%  (12 votes) 

 

 

Total Votes: 17

 

 

 

The theme for today is:

Favorite Re-Told Fairytales 

{Idea by Lieder Madchen}

But first, a little bit about this feature and the rules to join in…

Every Sunday I will post a TOP 5 list on the blog. It can be about anything and every week I'll have a new theme {You can vote on next week’s theme on my RIGHT sidebar!} and I will ad the Mr.Linky bellow the post so you can do a list with the theme and add you link to it.

Rules:

1. Write a post listing your TOP 5 choices within the theme I chose (or was chosen on a poll) for the week.
2. Mention this Blog on the post and link back to it.
3. Fell free to use the Feature's image (there is a smaller size version of it bellow)
4. After you've finished your post, add you link (of the post, not your blog's main page) to the Mr.Linky at the end of that week's post.
5. If you don’t have a blog to post, just leave your list in the comments =)

*in no particular order

Once Upon a Time

on TV

 

 

I LOVE this show!!! The original AND the spin off! I love the twists in the fairy tales staples... =)

 

 

The Emperor's New Groove

Disney

 

It took me forever to watch this, but when I did it was love at first watch!

 

Beauty Tempts the Beast

by Leslie Dicken 

 

 

One of the few Fairytaily Books I have ever read, also one of two historicals I have ever read... I LOVE it!

October Daye Series

by Seanan McGuire

 

I'm cheating! This is not really a Fairytale story, but they do go to Faery LOL I LOVE this series and find it so underappreciated! =D

Alice in Wonderland

by Tim Burton

 Didn't think I was gonna like this one, but I did!!! Can't wait for the next one!

Attention 

Please HELP, Guys! 

If you have any theme ideas for the next Top 5 Sundays Posts, please leave them in the comments! NEED NEW IDEAS! Your input would be much appreciated!

Now I can’t wait to see who is in YOUR List of 

Favorite Re-Told Fairytales  

 Write you post and leave your link so i can check it out!

Hope you guys have fun with it!

 

Don’t Forget to Vote for the Theme for

My TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the RIGHT sidebar!

Read more...

Top 5 Sundays #24 – Books You Wish Were Part of a Series But Aren't!

Hey Guys!!! Sunday is here and it’s time for another Top 5! YAY!

This week’s results:

Books You Wish Were Part of a Series But Aren't! =   20 (71%)

Hottest Guys From TV! =  8 (28%)

 

The theme for today is:

Books You Wish Were Part of a Series But Aren't!

 

*Thanks to Mydnite Reader for coming up w/ this theme!

 

But first, a little bit about this feature and the rules to join in…

Every Sunday I will post a TOP 5 list on the blog. It can be about anything and every week I'll have a new theme {You can vote on next week’s theme on my left sidebar!} and I will ad the Mr.Linky bellow the post so you can do a list with the theme and add you link to it.

Rules:

1. Write a post listing your TOP 5 choices within the theme I chose (or was chosen on a poll) for the week.
2. Mention this Blog on the post and link back to it.
3. Fell free to use the Feature's image (there is a smaller size version of it bellow)
4. After you've finished your post, add you link (of the post, not your blog's main page) to the Mr.Linky at the end of that week's post.
5. If you don’t have a blog to post, just leave your list in the comments =)

This week’s theme is Books You Wish Were Part of a Series But Aren't!

This was an extremely hard list for me, I haven’t really read many standalone novels, I am a Series Wh*re LOL

But I was ale to come with 5 standalone novels I really want to become a series…

*in no particular order

*Click on the cover above for my review

One of the only few Historical Romances I’ve ever read and I loved it!

I wanted to read more about these characters!

 

*Click on the cover above for my review 

This was a great erotic Sci-fi surprise for me and I loved it!

The ending left a lot of open opportunities and I really wanted more!

 

*Click on the cover above for my review

This was a grea and HOT m/m Paranormal Romance!

I’d love to read more about the world and characters Vanessa created!

 

My girl Danielle, from ALPHA Reader, sent this to me and it was a great read!

I totally fell in love with characters and wish i could read more about them.

 

*Click on the cover above for my review

I LOVE Josh’s Books!

He has a couple series I really enjoy, I just wish this one had become a series as well =/

 

Attention!

If you have any theme ideas for the next Top 5 Sundays Posts, please leave them in the comments!

Your input would be much appreciated!

 

 

Now I can’t wait to see who is in YOUR List of Books You Wish Were Part of a Series But Aren't!

Write you post and leave your link so i can check it out!

Hope you guys have fun with it!

 

Don’t Forget to Vote for Next Week’s {Dec. 30th} Theme for

The TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the left sidebar!

Don’t Forget to check out My Giveaways:

Sign Up for…

 

Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!

xoxo,

Read more...

6th & Last Update! - 1027+ Followers & Bday Blow Out! {It’s My Birthday and I’ll Giveaway LOTS OF BOOKS If I Want To} – Extended to Oct. 18th!

 

This Giveaway is over!

Winners will be drawn when I’m back in Brazil, since a lot of the prizes are there =D

Thanks so much for participating!

 

*Please read ALL the info carefully before entering!

 

Hey Everyone! It’s my birthday tomorrow {August 11th} and I have been planning this HUGE blow out for a while now. I am so happy it’s finally the day to unveil the biggest giveaway i have ever hosted!

There are 11 Prize Packs and for starters there will be 4 Winners! The amount of winner can grow up to 11 Winners throughout the Giveaway =)

Oh, if you’re wondering why i chose the number 1027, it’s because I’m turning 27 today… YAY!

Before I unveil the AMAZING Packs I have for all of you, I need to thank all the people that have made this Contest Possible:

 

Authors:

Gini Koch	Stella Price	Aline Hunter	Elizabeth Isaacs
Laura Bickle	Gena Showalter	Vivian Arend	Jordan Deen
Alayna Williams	Dakota Cassidy	Carolyn Crane	Angie Frazier
Jocelynn Drake	Leslie Dicken	Joely Sue Burkhart	Larissa Ione
Kelly Gay	Sydney Somers	Cynthia Eden	Cari Quinn

 

Blogger / Twitter Buddies:

Ivy {Book Reader Times}

Paperback Dolls

Insane Hussein

 

Publishers:

Angela from Penguin Group

 

You have all been so freaking amazing and this

Giveaway could never happen without you!

Thank you for making my Birthday so much sweeter!

 

Now for the Giveaway =)

 

Since I have just passed 2100 twitter followers…

There will be 11 winners! Each winner will Choose one of

the prize packs from the list bellow…

 

The Prize Packs:

 

Urban Fantasy Prize Pack #1:

• Embers by Laura Bickle {Signed}
• Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams {Signed}
• Dead In The Family by Charlaine Harris {Signed}
• & Eric Northman Inspired Jewelry!

 

Urban Fantasy Prize Pack #2:

• Embers by Laura Bickle {Signed}
• Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams {Signed}
• The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay {Signed}

 

Urban Fantasy Prize Pack #3:

• Pray For Dawn by Jocelynn Drake {Signed}
• Wait For Dusk by Jocelynn Drake {Signed}
• Mind Games by Carolyn Crane {Signed}

 

Historical Romance Prize Pack #1:

• Beauty Tempts The Beast by Leslie Dicken {eBook}
• To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt {Signed}

 

Historical Romance Prize Pack #2:

• The Duke and I by Julia Quinn {Signed}
• To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt {Signed}

 

Young Adult Prize Pack #1:

• Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey {Signed}
• Morganville Vampires Inspired Jewelry
• & Swag!

 

Young Adult Prize Pack #2:

• Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey {Signed}
• & Swag!

 

U.S. Only Prize Pack:

• Changes by Jim Butcher {Signed}
• The Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter {Signed}

 

Funny Ladies Prize Pack:

• Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch {Signed}
• My Way To Hell by Dakota Cassidy

 

Naughty Prize Pack:

• Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden {Signed}
• The Rose of Shanhasson by Joely Sue Burkhart {Signed}
• Dear Sir, I’m Yours by Joely Sue Burkhart {Signed}
• The Bloodgate Guardian by Joely Sue Burkhart {eBook}
• Tidal Wave by Vivian Arend {eBook}
• Ex Appeal by Cari Quinn {eBook}
• Eternity and A Day by Aline Hunter {eBook}
• & Swag!

 

Paranormal Romance Prize Pack:

• Masquerade by Stella and Audra Price {Signed}
• Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione {Signed}
• I’ll Be Slaving You by Cynthia Eden {Signed}
• The Chosen Sin by Anya Bast
• Stripped Away by Sydney Somers {eBook}
• Unbreakable by Sydney Somers {eBook}
• Demonica Series Bag & Book Light!

 

Phew! Those were a lot of prizes! I so wish I could enter this giveaway, damn!

Well, I bet you are all wondering how you can enter the contest…

All you have to do is answer the following question in the comments and fill out one of the forms bellow:

*All Extra Entries are listed in the forms!

Question:

What is your fondest Birthday Memory???

~~~

U.S. Residents Please

Fill Out THIS FORM!

International Residents

Please Fill Out THIS FORM!

 Disclaimer: I have two forms, one for U.S. residents Only and one for International readers. I will pick a winner for all the Prize Packs from both of them, except for the U.S. Only Pack and will pick a winner for the U.S. Only pack from that specific form.

Attention:

1 - Answering the Question without filling out the form

will NOT enter you in the contest!

2 - Filling out the form without answering the contest

will NOT enter you in the contest!

3- Listing entries in the comments

will NOT enter you in the contest!

4- You are NOT  required to do any of the extra things to enter,

you can just mark NO to all of them. It’s your choice!

5 - You are required to follow the blog, fill out a form

and answer the question above. That’s All!

 

BONUS:

Top Commenter Extra Entries!!!

Ok so, by the end of the contest, if you are part of the

TOP 5 commenters of the blog, you will get +1 extra entry

for EVERY COMMENT listed next to your name!

1 comment per post please!

*You can respond to comments, but please don’t post 10 comments in one post just to get the points!

 

Giveaway Button:

 

<a href="http://www.larissaslife.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="1027 Followers Giveaway" src="http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu95/lalabristow/1027followersandbdaygiveawayBUTTON.png" /></a>

 *Worth +10 Extra Entries!

 

Any Problems or Questions please email me @

 larissa@larissaslife.com

 

 

Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,

Read more...

Lala’s Book Corner Presents: Author Interview & Giveaway w/ Leslie Dicken

 

Hey guys! Welcome to another Tuesday here at My Bookish Life =)

Today I have the pleasure to welcome the author of Beauty Tempts The Beast, Leslie Dicken. I Loved that book, and it was such a surprise for me, since its a Historical and that’s usually not my kind of thing.

Ypu can check out my review of Beauty Tempts The Beast HERE!

Giveaway deets at the end of the post! Enjoy the interview =)

-         When did you first start writing?

Wow, well, I suppose in high school. I wrote poetry and then when I was sixteen I started writing a book by hand. Wrote on it every day before dinner. Finished it too.

-         Have you always been interested in Romance?

Yes, I suppose it's because that's what my mother had around the house. Or maybe I am just drawn to reading about people falling in love.

-         Why writing a Historical Romance?

They are an escape to a world in the past, where society and morals were real yet so unlike today. It's about glittering balls and long gowns and wealthy lords. Yum!

-         Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?

My biggest inspiration was Wuthering Heights. Something about that desolate area, sweeping moors, and forlorn love just captured my attention. Except I didn't like how it ended. I wanted Heathcliffe to have his love!

-         The sex scenes in your books are amazingly hot. Where do you get your inspiration?

Ha! Honestly from reading other romance books. Not that I plagiarize, but they give me ideas and set the mood for me. I love creating the sexual tension mostly.

-         Do you find it hard to write them?

Actually yes. Mainly because there are only so many words for certain body parts (lips, mouth, tongue, etc) and I don't want to keep repeating myself.

Favorites:

-         Favorite Movie?

The Phantom of the Opera (movie with Gerard Butler as the Phantom)

-         Favorite TV Show?

House or Bones

-         Favorite Book?

Wow, hard to choose! Outside of romance: The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jane Auel

-         Favorite Author?

Can't pick just one, but I love reading newer debut authors with fresh voices

-         Favorite Romance Author?

See above

-         Favorite one of your Books?

My own book?  That would be BEAUTY. I just love the gothic aspects of it.

-         Who is your favorite of your own characters?

That's like picking my favorite child. No fair! But I think it would be the heroine of the book I'm currently writing. She's stubborn but has a huge heart.

-         Which was the hardest to write?

Probably Ashworth of BEAUTY because he was so scarred (literally and figuratively). And yet I wanted to still make him Alpha enough for the reader to fall in love.

-         What would you be if not a writer?

Something else artistic! I create jewelry in my "spare" time. I do have a full time job but it's just to pay the bills!

Quickies!

-         Coffee or Tea?

Neither, but coffee if I had to choose.

-         Up or Down?

Up, who wants to go back down?

-         Virtual or Real? 

Virtual. An alternate reality rocks (in fact, I started a book using this theme).

-         Right or Left?

Left, although I am right-handed

-         Day or Night?

Both. I love the daylight and the sun, but I'm a night person and tend to stay up late rather than wake early.

-         Reading or Writing?

Writing. I started out as a reader, but I spend most of my time writing now.

-      What is your favorite part of the writing process?

When a scene just flows, fingers flying and word count accumulating... I wish all of the book would go that way!

-         What is your least favorite part?

Plotting it out. I so wish I knew the story before I started, but it never works out that way. I start, then brainstorm and regroup.  Then write some more and then stop, brainstorm, and regroup. It's frustrating, but it seems to be my process.

-        "Beauty Tempts the Beast" in your own words?

A woman who is on the run from true evil is the only one who can heal a man who believes himself a beast.

-         What is coming up next for you?

My first historical, A TARNISHED HEART, is being re-released by Samhain in July as an ebook. I just got the cover for it and it's beautiful.

-         What are you working on right now?

I'm writing a Victorian steampunk where a killer stalks the city and my main characters each have a unique stake in capturing him.

-         Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?

Be persistent, don't ever give up, learn all you can, take some advice but not all, be willing to take chances, look at the long-term goal, don't put all of your energy into one book, only you know your story the best.  Is that enough advice? LOL!

-         Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?

It would mean the WORLD to me if you sent me emails, posted on my FB, or found me on Twitter. As an author, my ego is still fragile *g* and hearing how much you enjoyed my stories can really make my day!!

-         Thanks so much for being here!

Thank you for having me! :-)

Now, the part I KNOW you guys are dying for…

The Giveaway is over! Thanks so much

 

for participating!

 

Result coming soon!

The Giveaway!

You can win an eBook Copy of Beauty Tempts The Beast!

To Enter:

- Leave a comment about anything on this post.
- Leave an EMAIL for contact! (if you don’t feel comfortable leaving it here, email me at larissa@larissaslife.com)

Extra Entries:

+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Leslie Dicken on Twitter (@LeslieDicken)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)

International!

Ends July 12th!

Good Luck!

Don’t Forget to vote on my Poll on the Top-Right Sidebar!

and

Don’t Forget to enter my Creative Writing Contest:

Doing It Write!

Re-Write the end of your favorite Book or Series for a chance to win somegreat prizes!

Top 5 will be picked by Authors:

Larissa Ione

Dakota Cassidy

Angie Frazier

&

Stella Price

Click HERE or on the image bellow for more info!

Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,

Read more...

Lala’s Book Corner: Beauty Tempts the Beast by Leslie Dicken

 

 

 

 

“Is the enemy of her enemy a friend-or a beast?

Lord Ashworth is scarred by a night of terror years ago that left his face in ruins and his life in shreds. He hides in Silverstone Manor, using rumors that paint him as a horrible, murdering monster to keep visitors at bay. Yet he can-t shake the feeling that the rumors might be true. He tells himself it-s better this way. If his memories ever resurface, at least he will be the only one hurt by them.

The woman on his doorstep, however, simply refuses to fear him. That-s not only an oddity, it-s a threat to his secret-and his heart.

Vivian Suttley has seen the face of evil more than once in her young life. She-s on the run from the latest, a cruel man determined to force her to marry him. Whatever the whispers about the reclusive Ashworth, surely it-s nothing compared to the bleak, violent future she leaves behind.

Ashworth saved her once before, and he-s her last hope for refuge. Yet she wonders if she-s truly safer at Silverstone-or if she has just made the biggest mistake of her life.

Warning: This book contains a lot of sexual tension and a several sexual scenes, have a fan ready!”

From Goodreads.

• Publisher: Samhain
• Release Date: July 7th, 2009
• My Copy: eBook given to me by the author.
• Author's Website
• Buy the Book:

Beauty Tempts the Beast

To be very honest, I thought at first glance that this was a paranormal romance, only to find out it is a Historical Romance. It was only my second read in this genre and I absolutely loved this book.

I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Beauty Tempts the Beast. I read it last night in one sitting and I just wanted more in the end. A story of trauma, heroism, tragedy, hate, envy and love.

Vivian Suttley is on the run, trying to escape the fate her father chose for her, She does not want to marry Marvin, a vicious man who treats women as things. Vivian than runs to Silverstone Manor, where Lord Ashworth lives and since she hears he is in need of a wife, she decides that it might be best for her.

Ashworth is a scarred and recluse man, but as a child Vivian had been graced with his gentleness and had been saved from a very complicated situation. Besides, the man who is hunting her, hates him with all his might, so Silverstone Manor might be the safest place for her to hide.

Lord Ashworth is conformed to live in his house away from the world where his secrets can be kept in the dark. But, his life changes when Vivian shows up in his house and life and for the first time a woman doesn’t seem to be afraid of the way he looks after his scar marked his face.

When his old betrothed shows up with her sights on his fortune and he realizes that Vivian might be the real deal, Ashworth finds himself scared of more than just the supposed the Beast that roams the hall of his manor, he finds himself scared of living and letting his heart beat for real, for the first time.

Beauty Tempts the Beast is about action, it is about human drama, taking charge of your own life and not letting the past rot your insides. This novel is such a beautiful story of two scarred people discovering that there is nothing wrong with falling in love. I loved the mystery surrounding Lord Ashworth’s Manor and I loved how perfect Vivian and Ashworth were for each other.

The only thing that bothered me a bit, was Ashworth self deprecation, though I do understand the whys and was very happy with how things worked out.

Leslie Dicken has found a new fan in me with this novel. Such a lovely book that I flew through with ease and pleasure. I can’t wait for what else she has in store. If you are a romantic at heart and is need of reading a beautiful romance with a touch of mystery, I totally recommend this book.

Smut Meter:

Don’t Forget to enter my giveaways:

My Powerful Chicks Theme Prize Pack HERE!

My Paranormal YA Giveaway HERE!

My Heinous Villains Giveaway HERE!

For more info on the giveaway and links for each theme Click on the Image bellow!

All smaller giveaways end on May 16th!

International!

You can win an eBook copy of Captured or The Beauty and The Feast by Julia Rachel Barrett!

Your Choice!

International!

Ends April 26th!

 

Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!

xoxo,

Read more...