Waiting On Wednesday: Vamplayers

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week my Waiting on Wednesday is

Title: Vamplayers

Author: Rusty Fischer

Expected Publication: February 1, 2012

At the Afterlife Academy of Exceptionally Dark Arts, Lily Fielding is a measly trainee who dreams of one day becoming a Saviorthose who visit vampire-infested high schools and put down the undead with their deadly crossbows. When Lily and her classmates Alice and Cara begin their latest assignment, it seems like just another run-of-the-mill gig: they’re to simply spot the Vamplayer—part vampire, part player—identify the popular girl he’s set his sights on, and befriend her before the Vamplayer can turn her to do his bidding. Before long, however, the Vamplayer sets his sights on Lily's friends, and she is left to face the threat alone while protecting her friends from the dark forces she has sworn to resist. (copied from Goodreads)

I have not had the pleasure of reading any of books by Rusty Fischer, but I have heard great things and have them on my wishlist! I have seen this popping up around a few blogs, and it sounds like it is going to be an awesome read!

What do you think?
What book are you waiting on?

Leave me a link so I can check out your Waiting on Wednesday!

Teaser Tuesday: Practice Cake

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their to be read piles.

This weeks teasers comes from:

Title: Practice Cake

Author: Dalya Moon

Publication Date: October 20, 2011

There’s one thing Maddie finds more tempting than red velvet cake: her coworker, Drew. All it takes is one of his sly winks or a playful hip-check by the cooler, and she’s incinerating the cookies. Her boyfriend would not approve.
When a reality TV crew descends upon the bakery, her simple summer job gets even more complicated. Maddie could become the Bakery Network’s next breakout star, if she can handle the heat of being cast as a show villain. Drew has an alternate idea: run away from everything, with him and his sexy tousled hair. She decides to take the leap, but when she finds out Drew’s been hiding a shocking secret, Maddie looks down at her packed suitcase and takes a moment to think. Should she fly off to Australia with a guy she hardly knows, or should she pick up her suitcase and hit him with it?(copied from Goodreads)

Melanie gave him a searing look. “My baby sister was practically assaulted, and you think this is funny?”

Practice Cake (Kindle Location 2506)


Out of all the mythical creatures I could have thought about, the phoenix popped into my head. Wasn't it a bird that exploded in flames, then was reborn? Unicorns, think about unicorns, I told myself. Or those winged horses.

Practice Cake (Kindle Locations 1681-1683)


What do you think?
Make sure to leave me a link, so I can check out your Teaser Tuesday

Support Four Debut Authors and Enter To Win Up To $125

Support Four Debut Authors and Snag $125!

Four books | Two Days | Great Prizes|

With this contest, there is something for everyone and it’s SO simple to be in on the winning!

On November 28 and/or 29, purchase 1 or all 4 of the debut author’s books listed here. Then forward proof of purchase (the receipt Amazon sends you will do just fine) to : motionsrider@yahoo.ca and get up to 4 entries into a draw for a $100 Amazon gift card!

It’s that easy, no reviews, no hoops to jump through. Just a great .99 book or two. Or three or four. AND, if the person who wins the $100 Amazon Gift Card has purchased all 4 books, an additional $25 Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to the winner!

On top of that, 2 random commenter’s picked from 2 of our participating blogs will receive $5 gift Amazon gift cards . So, be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think of the promo, the books, or the authors.

Winners will be chosen randomly, one entry per person, per book.

All winners will be announced on December 7^th on Wringing Out Words

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. 

When darkness falls, whose side will you be on?
For the past six years, Zoë has been anything but “normal.” Struggling to accept her immortality and thrown into a war that’s been waging in the shadows for over a thousand years, Zoë must now become who she was meant to be, joining the other Chosen to save what’s left of humanity. When the endless night falls over the Earth, will she be able to save the one man who reminds her of what it is to be human, or will it be too late?
Until Dawn: Last Light is a story of death and despair, love and longing, hope and hopelessness, and the ability to survive and keep going even when it seems impossible – when you want nothing more than to give up.

A stranger enters a dying town and makes a desperate plea…
The Kayson Cycle introduces the Kayson Brothers, a pair of faith healers who once wowed crowds in a traveling show but went their separate ways after a night in which a healing took a dark turn. Jeffrey Kayson disappeared into the wilderness and William Kayson, wracked by guilt, moved to the failing mining town of Calico Hills to build a nice, quiet life – one that has lasted for over ten years.

His quiet, predictable life crumbles when a mysterious stranger walks into his tavern bearing a proposal to find his long-lost brother and do the one thing that William has sworn to never do again - have his brother heal a woman. William soon learns that he can’t escape his family – or his destiny.

Includes an exclusive sample chapter of The Corridors of the Dead. Please note that this is a Kindle Single, and around 6,000 words in length.

A miracle drug, Nevermore, spreads like wildfire throughout the world allowing people to eat what they want, and still lose weight. It is everything the human population has ever dreamed of and Mara is no different. Only a simple twist of fate stops her from taking Nevermore.
As the weeks roll by, it becomes apparent that Nevermore is not the miracle it claimed. A true to life nightmare, the drug steals the very essence that makes up humanity and unleashes a new and deadly species on the world that is bent on filling its belly. Locked down within their small farm home, Mara and her husband Sebastian struggle against increasingly bad odds, fighting off marauders and monsters alike.
But Sebastian carries a dark secret, one that more than threatens to tear them apart, it threatens to destroy them both and the love they have for each other.

Now Mara must make the ultimate choice. Will she live for love, or will she live to survive?

Remember to comment on this post to be entered in the $5.00 Gift card giveaway! Remember to include a valid email address so the winner can be contacted. 

Thanks for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

In My Mailbox (Nov 27)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren

It gives readers the chance to share the books they received over the past week.

This includes books purchased, borrowed, won, or gifted.

For Review
 
I received Switched by Amanda Hocking by surprise from St. Martin's Press, and I received Tooth and Nail by Jennifer Safrey from Night Shade Books and NetGalley

Borrowed



Won 
I had a very lucky week for my mailbox!




I won The House of Night Series 1-8 from the amazingly awesome Andrea at The Bookish Babes, if you have not checked out her blog before do it now!



I won 1-8 of the Morganville Vampire Series by Rachel Caine from Penguin USA and Project Paranormal through a Twitter Contest! I love this series and I already owned individual paperback copies, but I love these editions. It also opens up space on my bookshelves.



I entered a giveaway to received copies all of Holly Hook's current releases and any future ones, and I was lucky enough to win!



I won this SIGNED copy from Trini at A Book-lovers' Review during her Trick or Treat Spooktacular Giveaway!



I won an ARC of In the Forests of the Night from Stephanie at Misfit Salon!

-

I won a SIGNED copy of Concealed for the author Sang Kromah through a twitter contest!

I had a AWESOME week, I could not be happier! I am excited to read all my new books!!
I hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What did you get in your mailbox, leave me a link so I can check it out!

Review: Ashes (Ashes Trilogy #1) by Ilsa J. Bick

Title: Ashes
Author: Ilsa Black
Series: Ashes Trilogy #1
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: September 6, 2011

It could happen tomorrow . . .
An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.
Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.
For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.
Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.(copied from Goodreads) 

My Review

First off, I have to say, Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick is one of the most unique “zombie” novels I have read to date. Alex is a young girl who takes off into the woods to say goodbye to her parents, and most likely her life. She is dying from a brain tumor, and she wants to hike up the mountain to say goodbye. On the way up, she comes across a grandfather, and his granddaughter Ellie. As this happens, an electromagnetic pulse is set off, causing the grandfather’s pacemaker to stop working. The animals in the area also go a little crazy, with crows fighting each other, and deer jumping off cliffs. After a few minutes, everything seems to go back to normal. Alex and Ellie decide to hike to the nearest ranger station. On the way to the ranger station, they come across their first zombies.

While the zombies of Ashes eat humans like a typical zombie, they are far different from the traditional rotting corpses who hunger for brains. These zombies look normal, and can even operate weapons of sorts. They also have their primate instincts intact, so they are like a cross between a zombie and a cannibal. I actually find this type of zombie far more terrifying than the traditional type, especially if you meet more than one of them.

Along their journey, Tom, who has great survival training thanks to his military background, joins Alex and Ellie. They even become like a little pseudo family, and I love that dynamic. Well, as with anything, nothing says perfect, and they must venture out into the world to find out what happened, and what is going on. This is where trouble hits, but I will not go into details, because I do not want to spoil it for anyone. Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, and knows how to play with her reader’s emotions throughout Ashes.

I have to say, I really loved the uniqueness that is Ashes. With all the zombie books out there, the key to being successful is doing something that readers have not seen. With Ashes, even with elements featured in other books, Ilsa J. Bick makes them complete unique, and all her own. I have to say I loved this book, and the way it ended had me wanting more. This is why I am glad it is just the beginning of a trilogy! If you like zombies, you have to read this book!

**Unabridged Bookshelf borrowed Ashes from the local public library**

Waiting on Wednesday: Article 5

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week my Waiting on Wednesday is

Title: Article 5

Author: Kristen Simmons

Expected Publication: February 14, 2012

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.
The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.
Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.
That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.(copied from Goodreads)

I have had my eye on this one for a few weeks, and every time I read the description I want to read it more!

It sounds so good!

What are you waiting for the Wednesday? 

Be sure to leave me a link so I can check out your Waiting on Wednesday.

Teaser Tuesday: Ashes

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their to be read piles.

This weeks teasers comes from:

It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.

 "I got you," she said as the puppy waggled all over and kisses her finger. "I got you. Don't you wor--"

That was when she smelled the wolves.

Kindle Location 4028

I just started this book, but I am hoping to finish it up later today! Yes, it is that good! I will try to post a review today or tomorrow morning.

What do you think of my Teaser?

Leave me a link to check out your Teaser Tuesdays!

Review: The Name of The Star (Shades of London #1) by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Name of the Star
Author: Maureen Johnson
Series: Shades of London
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: September 29, 2011

Buy The Name of The Star

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, THE BOOK DEPOSITORY

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.
Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities. (copied for Goodreads)

My Review

 In Name of the Star, Aurora “Rory” Deveaux transfers from Louisiana to a boarding school in the old Whitechapel district of London. After Rory arrives, a series of murders mimicking the original Ripper murders start. It is not until the second murder, that the police and media start to realize the connection. Once everyone knows that there is a copycat “Ripper” on the loose, everyone knows exactly when he will strike. While this adds tension, Rory is more concerned about adjusting to not only a new school, but also a new country. She has the help of her roommate Jazza. Jazza introduces her to her friends, and explains the way the school works, and quickly becomes Rory's best friend.

At first, Name of the Star is just a story about a girl transferring schools and move to a new country, with some “Jack the Ripper” in the background. It is not until Rory sees a man, which is later to believe maybe involved with the Ripper murders that Jack the Ripper starts to take a solid place in the story. The biggest problem is no one else the man, not even Jazza who should have looked right at him. This also causes the Ripper to target Rory. This is where the story gets interesting, but I do not want to spoil it for anyone.  

When I read the description for The Name of The Star, I knew I had to read this book. I have always been interested in the “Jack the Ripper” case, probably because it is a gruesome set of murders, and no one knows who did it. I loved the way Maureen Johnson worked in the elements and details of the original Ripper case into the story. It added a creepy but realistic feeling to the story. The anticipation is also heighten, because everyone knows exactly the date and time of the next murder.

I love Rory, and all her fascinating stories, and the way she understands things. I love the way Maureen describes the boarding school in The Name of the Star, because it makes me want to move there. I also like Jerome, not just, because he is Rory’s love interest, but because he is also extremely knowledgeable about the original “Ripper” murders. This helps anyone not familiar with the original murders to know what is going on. I like that Maureen obviously did hours of research to come up with the right details. I would recommend this book to any supernatural fan, or murder mystery fans, because it is the perfect mixture of both. I loved this book, and I am excited for the sequel, because I want to know what happens to Rory. If you have not read this one yet, you have to try it!

**Unabridged Bookshelf borrowed this book from the local library**

In My Mailbox (Nov 20)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren

It gives readers the chance to share the books they received over the past week.

This includes books purchased, borrowed, won, or gifted.

For Review
 
I received both of these from NetGalley for review

Won

I received these two books as part of a prize pack from A Life Bound By Books and Confession of a Bookaholic from their Haunted Halloween Story Contest. The other books should arrive soon, and I am excited! When I get them, I will show them on IMM.

I won this as part of Goodreads First Reads Giveaway

I won a book of my choice from Mel's Random Reviews as part of the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop and I choose Half-Blood

I won Forever from a Twitter giveaway from Em of Sash & Em

Borrowed


My mailbox has had an amazing week! I have been super lucky lately with the giveaways, and next week is probably going to be even better.
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
Be sure to leave me a link so I can check it out!

Review: Remembrance (Transcends Time Saga #1) by Michelle Madow

Title: Remembrance

Author: Michelle Madow

Series: Transcend Time Saga #1

Paperback: 314 pages

• Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
• Publication Date: August 5, 2011
• Language: English

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy. (copied from Goodreads)

My Review

Lizzie is happy with her life and her boyfriend Jeremy, even though Jeremy is having trouble finding time to spend with Lizzie. That is until Drew walks into the same class as her, and she feels an undeniable connection. Lizzie is still with Jeremy, and now her best friend Chelsea is dating Drew. Drew’s presence awakens something it her, and it is hard to be around him. Then she starts having flashes of another time, at first she thinks they maybe a fantasy or a dream, but it is too real. Soon, Lizzie discovers she is reincarnated, and she believes that in that past life Drew and she were in love. Remembrance is the first book in the Transcends Time Sage by Michelle Madow.

While being away from Drew is painful, Lizzie knows it is not right to hurt both Jeremy and Chelsea. The internal conflict within Lizzie is heartbreaking, because she is torn between her feelings for Drew, and her love for her best friend. Most of the book, Lizzie is reading Pride and the Prejudice by Jane Austen and begins to make connections with her past life. I love how Pride and the Prejudice is slightly tied to Lizzie’s story in Remembrance.

While Remembrance features the element of forbidden romance, it also has the unique twist of reincarnation. The common theme is second chances, which reincarnation serves as a second chance. I loved the flashes back to England in the early 1800s, and the epic love tale woven throughout. This book is a very entertaining, and magical read. I could not put it down, even though I was in desperate need of sleep. I am also excited that the story does not end here, and that it is just the beginning to a series.

I love the story of Lizzie and Drew in Remembrance, especially because it is not simple. While it is great when soul mates meet, but I do not stories where it is uncomplicated. I like how realistic the story, and decisions were, especially that they did not just dump everyone and run off to be together. This story is a great read, and I absolutely loved it. I highly recommended it to anyone who loves a good love story, it is a must read.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

The Remembrance Tour Stop

Today The Remembrance Book Blog Tour stops by! I am excited to participate in my first blog tour! I want to thank Michelle Madow and Amanda at Stuck in YA Books for putting all of this together.  I hope you enjoy it!

About The Book

Title: Remembrance

Author: Michelle Madow

Series: Transcend Time Saga #1

Paperback: 314 pages

• Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
• Publication Date: August 5, 2011
• Language: English

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy. (copied from Goodreads)

Add to your Goodreads List

CLICK HERE FOR MY REVIEW OF REMEMBRANCE

BUY REMEMBRANCE:

AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, THE BOOK DEPOSITORY

Q & A with The Author

This or That Style

1. Vanilla or Chocolate

It matters what kind of food we’re talking about! But when it comes to milk shakes or ice cream, I usually get chocolate.

2. Light or Dark

I love the sunshine, so I’m going to go with light.

3. Shaken or Stirred

Since I love milkshakes—shaken!

4. Cake or Ice Cream

Ice cream! Love it. Especially those fro-yo places where you can put all the toppings you want on it.

5. Summer or Winter

SUMMER!! Just like Lizzie from Remembrance, I hate the cold.

6. Spring or Fall

Spring, because it means it’s almost summer :)

7. White or Black

I prefer wearing black.

8. Hot Dog or Hamburger

Hamburgers! With cheese!

9. Mac or PC

MAC all the way!! I love Apple products.

10. Pen or Pencil

Pen.

Thank you so much for having me on Unabridged Bookshelf!

 Visit Michelle Madow's Website

GIVEAWAYS

Michelle is having Two giveaways

There is a Cover Design and Trailer Contest

each with their own price pack

Details and information on how to enter is HERE

There is also a Giveaway for the Book Blog Tour

This giveaway is a special Remembrance prize pack. The winner will receive:

One signed copy of Remembrance;

One gold mask that resembles the one on the cover of Remembrance;

Three signed Remembrance bookmarks;

Two Remembrance stickers.

Information is HERE

I also added the Rafflecopter for the Giveaway below for easy entry