Lisa Marie Pottgen's Blog, page 15

Rabid Reader Ramblings: Um, Isn’t That Why We Have The First Amendment?

I am going to sit here and assume that most of my readers do not live under a rock.  I am going to assume that at least some of you have heard about the Ellora’s Cave insanity.  I had stumbled across this post on Dear Author just last night on Facebook, of all places.  Then to learn that this particular book blogger is being SUED for providing information and taking a stand, encouraging others to do the same.  That just sets my short hairs on the back of my neck on edge, my friends.  It just makes me angry.

As a book blogger, I have gone back and forth on issues like this.  I have worried endlessly about people getting angry with me for posting a negative review, and having them come and attack me in some manner for it.  I have seen it happen.  And it has happened with some big, well known authors, so don’t tell me it can’t happen.

But my ultimate decision was this:  I am protected by the US Constitution which grants me freedom of speech.  As long as I am not proliferating false information, I am okay.  Now, blog posts are opinions.  I have never once stated that what I write here is fact.  No one can choose or formulate my opinion for me.  It’s mine.  If you don’t like it, read someone else.  We have that freedom.

The lawsuit also involves their requesting that all persons that commented on Dear Author’s post be identified.  Um…what?  How does that differ from journalists and the right to protect their sources?  It seems to me that EC is going after people’s civil rights, in addition to being a greedy monster who doesn’t pay all of their authors and employees fairly.  Sure, there have been several authors who have come out and said that this can’t be true, they are being paid.  Well, that doesn’t really prove anything.  Just because you are being paid, that does not mean that everyone is.  It also does not mean that you are being paid everything you are owed.  It could just mean that you don’t know that you aren’t.  There are plenty of ways to hide sales and make it look like your numbers are lower than they really are.  It would not be the first time someone skimmed the till and put the blame off on someone else, now would it?  I mean, this is not new territory for some of us.

What also is appalling to me is that I am also an author.  This would be why I intend to go solely self-published, at least for the foreseeable future.  A publisher would have to offer me something pretty enticing to get me to give up the control of my work.  EC has stated that it will proceed to edit and publish some authors’ works anyway, with or without their permission.  From my understanding, this came about after several authors requested reversion of the rights to their works.  That, my friend, is total bull.

I will readily admit that I have not really purchased much of anything from this particular publisher or their authors.  I do not really read erotica, nor do I write in that genre.  But that does not mean that I do not support the people who have been wronged.

I wrote this post largely because I do not want to be silenced and I will not stand by while the wolves try to silence others.  This is not about who said what or who did this or that.  This is about standing up for ourselves and having the testicular fortitude to not let our voices go unheard.  I wanted to go on record and state that I will not be cowed in the face of struggle.  I have every right to state my opinion, and I will not allow fear mongerers to keep me from doing so.

Rabid Reader Ramblings: Um, Isn’t That Why We Have The First Amendment? is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

ARC Review: My Life From Hell #MyNetGalley

Title:  My Life From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy Book Three)

Author:  Tellulah Darling

Publisher: Te Da Media

Publication Date: March 16, 2014

Page Count:  416

Where I got it:  Netgalley

Where you can get it: Amazon

How much: List Price 13.99

Format I read it in:  eARC

Description/Blurb:

 To say that Sophie Bloom is at the top of her game with one only week until spring equinox and the final showdown with Zeus and Hades would be, well, lying. The Goddess of Spring feels more like the Goddess of Bzz Thanks For Playing than the savior of humanity. And could her relationships be any more messed up?

Good times.

Sophie is convinced that things can’t get any worse than crawling back to her mother Demeter and begging for help. But she’s about to find out how very wrong she is.

It’s a race against time for Sophie to implement the big battle strategy in the YA romantic comedy, Greek mythology finale My Life From Hell. Love meets comedy with a whole lot of sass in book three of this teen fantasy romance series. Save herself; save the world. Humanity may be screwed.

My Thoughts:

My Life From Hell by Tellulah Darling

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Be warned. Writing a review on the final book in a series is nearly impossible to do without spoilers for the earlier books. So, if you have not read them, you may want to turn away. Go see my reviews of My Ex From Hell and My Date From Hell. That might be safer. Go now. I will wait.

Okay, so everyone left, you guys have read the first two books, right? Right? Okay, good. Moving on.

So, you guys thought books 1 and 2 were tense? Hah! Nothing, NOTHING compared to this one. I rather literally had to pry the ereader out of my hands. I mean, seriously. I have scars. .

Just when Sophie finally gets a handle on the game she has to play, someone (I dislike Felicia, like, with a passion) goes ahead and changes all of the rules so that the game is completely changed. And curveballs and cliffhanger chapter endings? Yep, this was totally filled with them.

I am so overwhelmed I am finding it hard to find the correct words to convey the emotions I feel right now. There were quite a few times reading this one that I was angry and wanted to pummel some of the characters. Kai was a big one. Then Theo, Felicia. Hannah even got a glower from me at one pivotal point in the story. But, I digress.

This is a book that will have your brain moving in so many different directions, you will make yourself dizzy trying to keep up with the ping-pong like sets of scenarios that play out within the pages. You really just have to go get it, like right now. And Read it.

Comment below if you have read this story. Let me know if I am the only one who felt dizzy by the time the series was done!

View all my reviews

**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. 

ARC Review: My Life From Hell #MyNetGalley is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Rabid Reader Ramblings: Just a Quick Update. And No, I Don’t Pirate Ebooks.

First off, let me let you know that I know that the blog has been eerily quiet.  Life happened and things have been crazy with the Ninja Turtle having lots of appointments and school starting and just general life happens kind of stuff.  I have a fair number of reviews drafted and I am working on getting those all scheduled out this week so that there is not another period where the blog goes dark.

To the second point in my title.  I have been accused of pirating a certain author’s ebooks and she claims I also told her I get paid by publishers for reviews.  I never said this.  I have never pirated her books, nor had I ever even heard of this author prior to the drama.  I am not going to call her out by name because I prefer to avoid any more added drama.  But I felt I needed to post something so you all know that my integrity is still intact.

I am an author myself.  I am an editor.  I occasionally do PR work for authors.  I have relationships with publishers that allows me to request their books for review.  I would never do anything to jeopardize that.  Despite quite a bit of proof to the contrary, this author insists on proliferating her ill-conceived “facts” while providing no proof whatsoever.  You know what, that is okay.  I know who I am.  The people who matter know that this is not true.

I am not going to let this bring me down.  I have been approached in recent weeks by a couple small press publishers who were looking for editors.  I have taken these opportunities and look forward to what the future holds.  I am well under way on a couple of interesting writing projects of my own.  And my blog is alive and well.  I look forward to blogging and reading and reviewing and writing and editing and I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon!  Love to all of my faithful readers.

 

Rabid Reader Ramblings: Just a Quick Update. And No, I Don’t Pirate Ebooks. is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

ARC Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Title:  Heir of Fire

Author:  Sarah J. Maas

Publisher:  Bloomsbury USA Children’s

Publication Date: September 11, 2014

Page Count:  576

Where I got it:  Publisher

Where you can get it:  Amazon

How much: List Price 17.99

Format I read it in: Print ARC

 

 

 

 

 

Description/Blurb:

 Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Times best-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.

My Thoughts:

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an HONEST Review. Regardless of the book source, my integrity will never be compromised.

I find myself … almost at a loss for words in attempting to write this review, but I am going to do the best I can to get it down and get it right.

I love this series. I adore it with an unrivaled passion that I have felt for very few other book series’. I was absolutely ecstatic when the copy arrived in my mail box, especially after having been declined for it on Netgalley. I am a latecomer to this series, having only read the first book in the last few months, just prior to requesting this one. But I find myself wondering why, why, oh why had I waited so long to read this?

This author has a true gift. She can spin a world and a set of characters and unimagined fantastical creatures from the fibers of our deepest desires, and does so beautifully.

The interpretation of the Fae in this series is one of my favorites to date.

But when I came to the last pages, I found myself … at a loss. This cannot be the end, is it? Is there to be no more of these characters who have come to feel as a part of my very soul? Please, Ms. Maas, tell me that at some point you plan to revisit these characters and tell us what is to come. I am sure I am not alone in wishing there were more.

If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for? This is definitely one of this year’s must reads.

View all my reviews

**DISCLAIMER** In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was in no way compensated for this opinion, and the thoughts are my own. Links above will take you to a site where you can PURCHASE a copy. Using those links will take you through an affiliate link and I will receive a small percentage of the purchase cost. You are in no way obligated to use affiliate links and there is no additional cost to do so. Clicking HERE will take you to more information about the book on Goodreads. Clicking HERE will take you to the authors website.

ARC Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Bout of Books 11 Updates

Monday
Number of books I’ve read today: One
Total number of books I’ve read:  One
Books:  Immortals by Ednah Walters - 
Page Count:  320
First Impressions:

I really enjoyed book one and overlooked editing in the first because it was an ARC, but the editing was bad in this one too, and this was a finished copy.  I hope the author gets the editing bit together because I really want to love this series.

Social:

I was able to attend about half of the Twitter party before I fell ill again and had to retreat to my bed.  I missed out on both challenges because I just was not feeling well but I got to chat with some cool people on Twitter for a few minutes and read pretty much a whole book while I convalesced.  Today will be a better day, For Sure!

Tuesday
Number of Books I’ve Read Today:  Two
Total Number of Books I’ve Read:  Two
Books:  


Immortals by Ednah Walters (24)
Grimnir by Ednah Walters (47)


Today’s Page Count: 71
Total Page Count:  391
First Impressions:  Immortals was really good, except for the editing issues.  See the Monday update for the details of that.  I hope in the next book, the author improves her editing skills so that the book can be less distracting.  
Grimnir is shaping up to be kind of interesting, but I have huge holes in the story from the end of Immortals.  Hopefully that will clear up soon.
Social:
I was largely antisocial again today, but I am finally starting to feel a little bit better, so hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Bout of Books 11 Updates is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Bout of Books Starting Line: My Goals for the Week!

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Well, and away we go.  Officially Bout of books started nearly 10 hours for me.

I am really sick this week, and have been for about 3 weeks now, so I was going to sit it out, but I decided, what the hell.  I will just keep it kind of laid back this time around and see what I can accomplish.  I am not going to set any hard and fast goals, just going to participate as best I am able and see what I can get done.  We will see how that goes.  I am going to make every effort to do as many challenges as possible, read as much as I can, and make the Twitter chats.

How about you?  What are your Bout of Books goals?

Bout of Books Starting Line: My Goals for the Week! is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Bout of Books 11 is almost here! #Boutofbooks

It’s that time again! Bout of Books 11 starts midnight tonight!!!!  I have been sick and hopefully I will be well enough to participate fully.

Taken from the Bout of Books website:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 18th and runs through Sunday, August 24th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 11 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Who else is with me?

Bout of Books 11 is almost here! #Boutofbooks is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

ARC August Week 1 Update:

Well, I am off to a fairly slow start.  I did finish The Archived by Victoria Schwab, which I LOVED! I mean, so good, you have no idea.  It got off to a really slow start and that almost turned me off, but when the book picked up, it really picked up.  The review is to come, so be on the lookout.

I have started Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Mass and it is a bit different from the other books in the series.

I am about 28% of the way into The Unbound by Victoria Schwab and so far, it is really good.

 

So, I have a long way to go still, since I have only finished one book.  Time to pick up the pace.  I am off from work tomorrow, so I will be putting in some solid reading hours.  How are you all doing?

ARC August Week 1 Update: is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Oh My Gosh! I Almost Missed ARC AUGUST!!!!

I participated in this event last year and had so much fun, I am so mad at myself for almost missing a chance to sign up since it starts TOMORROW!!!!

 

Anyway, so yeah, I am participating this year.  We will not discuss my Netgalley percentage.  It’s better than it was before the wellness challenge, but I havent read a danged thing for like, 2 months, basically, since the wellness challenge ended.  So I have to get this under control!

My goal is to try to get through 8 ARCs this month.  I have a ton, and this is barely a dent, but I need to start somewhere, right?

 

Who else is reading along?

Oh My Gosh! I Almost Missed ARC AUGUST!!!! is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader

Blog Tour Guest Post and Giveaway: Peiri Ann, Author of Burdened, Gives us a Recipe Based on her Character

Burdened:   A Burdened Novel  Book 1 by  Peiri Ann

Genre: Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 9780991381104

ASIN: B00JYOLZA2

Number of pages: ebook (381), paperback (423)  Word Count: 142K

 

Book Description:

Tracey Warren has everything an eighteen year old girl should. She lives a life of expectancies; go to school, please her parents, party with friends, and revel in life as a young adult.

 

That is until she experiences an unexpected life changing accident caused by Nathan Newcomb; an illegally attractive yet perplexed guy who has her fumbling over her words and cracking her head on the concrete. In being enthralled by his overwhelming existence, Tracey neglects his promise of death (which never falls short of Nathan) and in ignoring his guarantee, she chooses to give into love over sanity and risks her life for the opportunity of being with him.

 

Nathan, knowing the risks gives into this want to have Tracey presuming it may be better to jeopardize their possible ending, than to allow her to endure the pain of his devoid. Nonetheless, with him being a burdened Sephlem, not only are they burdened by their adversaries who will risk everything but the exposure of their existence to see Nathan fall. But Nathan and Tracey come to find that their most sinister enemies lie under their same roof and regrettably share the same bloodline.

 

Book Trailers: http://youtu.be/8MEiI_O0j5A  and http://youtu.be/xUnMHHqvGfo

Available at Amazon and BN

Now, for the Guest Post:

A recipe for a cocktail based on the main character in Burdened: Tracey Warren.

BROTHERS IN ARMS

WITH DON JULIO® BLANCO TEQUILA

 

1.5 oz.Don Julio® Blanco Tequila – Because Tracey is smooth but min blowing.

1.5 oz.fresh lime sour – Because Tracey can be tart yet add a refreshing after taste.

0.5 oz.watermelon juice – Because Tracey’s hard on the outside but when squeezed the right way, she can be aweet as watermelon juice.

1 slice(s)jalapeno chile(s) – Tracey is hot (Sexy) whole or sliced.

1 slice(s)orange(s) It accommodates her scent.

 

Here is image of Tracey  However Tracey’s eyes are light brown.

Images is of actress / model Adriana Lima

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

A love for reading transpired into an admiration for writing at a young age for Peiri Ann. Starting off in writing poetry and short stories she indulged in the possibilities of creating new worlds and lives to live within them opening a window of unanticipated possibilities. In high school a pin and notebook never left her grasps and in college the pin was replaced by a keyboard and the notebook replaced by a computer screen. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and certified in business management.

 

When Peiri Ann is not writing, reading, doing homework, or working in the downtown of Chicago she enjoys spending time with her little girl, watching action flicks, and spooning peanut butter from the jar as a midnight snack.

Where to find Peiri Ann

Web | Blog |Twitter – @peiriann  | Facebook | Goodreads

Tour giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Guest Post and Giveaway: Peiri Ann, Author of Burdened, Gives us a Recipe Based on her Character is a post from: Just Another Rabid Reader