Archive for 2013

Bloopers - 2013 Compilation

It's blooper time! I know that this is the time of year that so many of you look forward to-- A time when I get to make an ass out of myself lol. I hope you enjoy :)

---- MORE BLOOPERS---
2012 Compilation: http://bit.ly/1ltZXEG
2011 Compilation: http://bit.ly/1chNXk4

Watch video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/JFFmkl
---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
The Unpurchased: http://bit.ly/1c6inKq
The Jungle Cure: http://bit.ly/SdeM

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music & Kevin MacLeod

Human Beat by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

My Year In Books

We're getting even closer to the end of 2013. On Monday I reviewed my year as a whole and now I'm reviewing my 2013 in books. I'm quite proud of my reading list this year. Lots of goodies and I can't wait to see what stories come in 2014.

---- BOOK LISTS---
Full List Of 2013 Books: http://bit.ly/1acekIn
Best Of Best: http://bit.ly/1jOnVPf
Honorable Mention: http://bit.ly/18NYh8x


To watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjrzuC0V0I
---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
The Unpurchased: http://bit.ly/1c6inKq
The Jungle Cure: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

My 2013 In Review

So 2013 is coming to a close. Which means that it's time to look back on how the year went. Frankly, it sucked. Good news, 2014 is around the corner and things are looking up. Later this week I'll be uploading 'My 2013 In Books'.

BTW: yaseriesinsiders.com is hosting a massive giveaway where ou can WIN OVER $1000 in SIGNED YA SERIES BESTSELLERS PLUS JEWELRY & MORE!

Watch the video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1cirfg3

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
The Unpurchased: http://bit.ly/1c6inKq
The Jungle Cure: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

I'm Back With A BOOK HAUL!

I'M BACK! I intend to stay for some time too. To kick off my return, I have a book haul for you! My book hauls consist of books that I have purchased, were gifted to me, or sent to me for review. I mostly read Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal, but will read other genres. The ARCs will eventually be given away, so please subscribe to enter those!
List of my Book Hauls: http://bit.ly/Qxm9PX

----TOPICS MENTIONED---
K.C. Hilton's Channel: http://bit.ly/19X2PFm
My Name Is Rapunzel: http://amzn.to/1bUYlhq

Link to video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1c82vqN

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
The Unpurchased: http://bit.ly/1c6inKq

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

An Open Letter To Bunny Cates

It needs to be said. I'm sorry to be airing this dirty business in public. However, I know I'm not the only who feels this way about her and it's time we just put it all out there. I encourage you to go to Bunny's channel and tell her just how you feel.
Bunny Cates: http://bit.ly/kjCMTe

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
The Jungle Of Blood & Tears: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

If you're seeing this via Goodreads, click here to watch the video.

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

My New Haircut!

I finally cut my hair. It went from below my waist to just around my shoulders. I hope you guys like it. No Word Counts today, but the #YTBookClub is coming back. More Info Below:

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
Sky: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

If you're seeing this via Goodreads, click here to watch the video.

The Raven Boys: http://amzn.to/GQ7v77
Our book club meets on the FIRST SATURDAY of every month.
For more #YTBookClub info: http://bit.ly/OLTiv4
Our hosts are:
Lindsay Mead: http://youtube.com/thebookvlogger
Brad (BookYAReview): http://bit.ly/ZMu1Ak
Bunny Cates: http://youtube.com/BunnyCates

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

September Wrap-Up + Word Counts (2013)

This is my first ever Wrap-Up video. In it I've give a brief summary of the last 6 books that I read WITHOUT spoilers. I primarily focus on Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal, but sometimes read Adult Fantasy/Sci-fi/Paranormal/Romance. If you would like to see my Yes/No Checklist, Star Categories, Protagonist Meter, or the descriptions for these books follow the links below.

List of my video book reviews: http://bit.ly/Rja3ym


---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/14r6jSy
The Jungle Of Blood & Tears: http://bit.ly/17L6Trb
Goodreads - The Beast: http://bit.ly/17WVJ6t


---- BOOKS FEATURED ---
Outpost by Ann Aguirre: http://amzn.to/19RhNeB
- Review - http://bit.ly/1fDQnRW
World War Z by Max Brooks: http://amzn.to/19RK06l
- Review - http://bit.ly/16DE7x3
Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder: http://amzn.to/19j5o2d
- Review - http://bit.ly/17kZ0ef
Dead Reckoning by Mercedes Lackey: http://amzn.to/19RKJ7j
- Review - http://bit.ly/1bnadLO
Of Silver & Beasts by Trisha Wolfe: http://amzn.to/GzuALt
- Review - http://bit.ly/1bXYMgp
Divine by Choice by P.C. Cast: http://amzn.to/15Fpzfz
- Review - http://bit.ly/GzxQqo

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
Some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

Lindsay Mead, Master Exorcist

I had the weirdest dream last night and I'm going to tell you about it. Consider it my small way of making up for not posting a video for two weeks. I'm also going to post two videos next week. So please, accept my gifts and my apology XD Now, onto the dream!
     This dream begins where I've discovered that I have special exorcist powers. This in itself is a weird route for my dreams to take cuz I'm terrified of ghosts and anything demonic-- Even though I don't believe in such things. Some of you may remember my terror episode that I detailed in my Scared Shirtless post.
      So you would think that this is a topic my mind would avoid since it scares me so much, but no. And I actually wasn't scared. Not once. I felt confident with my powers and safe in the presence of these dangerous beings. At one point in the dream, I travel with my group (I do not know who is in my group exactly. They're just part of the entourage, I guess) to the Mead family's cemetery.
      This is a real cemetery based on the outskirts of a very small town. Seriously, this town has one stoplight. That's how small it is. The majority of the Meads are buried there. Enough of us that when I walk through the graveyard after a service, I recognize some family members and others I don't because they were before my time.
      In the dream I arrive at night. I'm there to specifically exorcise my family. I guess a lot of us didn't end up on the right side of the afterlife... if you take my meaning. Kinda funny actually.
      Again, I wasn't afraid despite being in a graveyard at night. I knew exactly what family members needed to be saved because the letters on their tombstones glowed a vibrant red. It was quite the eerie sight seeing scarlet lights etched in the darkness, scattered throughout the graveyard. Then the cool thing happened.
      I walked up to one of the glowing stones and a ghostly form appeared before me. It stood, or possibly hovered, there glaring at me. Like I'd done it a thousand times, I raised my hand and formed a cross in the air before them. A brilliant beam trailed where my fingers went. "In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit," I said. Again I formed the cross, retracing my lines, and said the same words in Latin, "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti."
      That's right, I was speaking Latin in my dreams. How badass is that?! I was so cool making symbols with my hands and speaking in a dead language. In real life I probably would have been terrified and so uncool. Not in my dream though. I was a BAMF Master Exorcist. I wish all of my dreams were that awesome.
      Well, that's it lol. I don't remember anything else from the dream. I don't normally have dreams like that, so I wanted to share it. In the real world I don't have so much to report. I've been writing a lot. The Beast is coming along very well. I'll talk more about that on my Monday video. Till then, I want you all to have a great weekend filled with super badass dreams :)

Harry Potter Days + Word Counts

In this video I talk about the good old Harry Potter Days (Plus Word Counts!). Have you read Harry Potter? Were you apart of the Harry Potter Era/Fandom? Did you participate in any of the parties for the books or movies? Do you think there will ever be anything like it again? If you loved Harry Potter, has any other book series come close for you?

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
The Jungle Of Blood & Tears: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

----TOPICS MENTIONED---
New Harry Potter Movie: http://bbc.in/17ZmUKa
Harry Potter 15th Anniversary Edition: http://amzn.to/15m1cBH
Harry Potter Mass Market Edition: http://amzn.to/18e3bud

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

Book Haul (15) + Word Counts

My book hauls consist of books that I have purchased, were gifted to me, or sent to me for review. I mostly read Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal, but will sometimes read other genres. I often give away many of my books, so please subscribe to enter those! Next BIG giveaway is at 1,500 subbies!

----TOPICS MENTIONED---
Book Hauls List: http://bit.ly/Qxm9PX
The Darkest Part by Trisha Wolfe: http://amzn.to/1apatNm

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/14r6jSy
The Jungle of Blood & Tears: http://bit.ly/17L6Trb

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music


---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

Book Haul (14)

My book hauls consist of books that I have purchased, were gifted to me, or sent to me for review. I mostly read Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal, but will read other genres. The ARCs will eventually be given away, so please subscribe to enter those!
List of my Book Hauls: http://bit.ly/Qxm9PX


Music provided by Royalty Free Music

----TOPICS MENTIONED---
Book Haul Pressure Video: http://bit.ly/15PCPvE
Rhiannon Frater Signed Books: http://bit.ly/17Wy1H0
Kaleb Nation's YouTube: http://bit.ly/2gOYTy
Epic Reads Tea Time Live Stream: http://bit.ly/1dyuqTi

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
Sky: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

---- FTC DISCLAIMER ---
As mentioned in this video, some of these books were sent to me for review and some were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review or mention them. Receiving review copies does not influence my review, all opinions in my reviews are my own.

Big Giveaways VS Small Giveaways

So do you guys want weekly giveaways or the occasional massive giveaway when I reach an important milestone?

I'm also sorry that I haven't been around. My life has been changing like crazy. I haven't yet found complete balance between the new changes and youtube/writing, but I'm getting there. Please stick with me :)


---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

BOOK HAUL Pressure + Word Counts


Do you ever feel pressure to buy books just for Book Hauls? Is there more to BookTube than just Book Hauls? This is our discussion today. PLUS I talk about author competitions, new covers, and titles in Word Counts!

----TOPICS MENTIONED---
List of my Book Hauls: http://bit.ly/Qxm9PX
Trisha Wolfe Links: http://www.trishawolfe.com/
https://twitter.com/TrishWolfe
#AuthorWars -- #BeatTrisha -- #BeatLindsay

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
The Jungle Of Blood & Tears (Sky): http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

The Cutting Room Floor: The Beast - Prologue

One of my favorite blogs to read is Kelly Barnhill's blog (Author of Iron Hearted Violet). Her posts are amazingly well written and I think she makes me cry at least every other piece lol. I highly recommend that you follow her and read her stuff, because I look forward to those awesome notification emails to arrive.
     Her latest blog post, On cutting, and revising, and hanging on, and letting go, was all about those bits of our books that we resign ourselves to cutting-- even if it breaks our hearts. I recently went through this with my prologue. I fought with it, beat it, and thrust it on all of my critique partners. But in the end, it was decided that the story was stronger without it. For me, it was so painful to let go of that I simply removed it and placed it in a different folder lol.
     Kelly asked everyone to share something from our own WIPs in a way of honoring those words that we lost. I can't, of course, share my entire prologue. It's too long and it is a bit too soon to be sharing so much of The Beast this early. Maybe when I release the book, I'll share the lost prologue. For now, you'll just have to be happy with this delicious snippet. Happy reading :)

     Belle hurried passed the two guards and slowed once she entered the over-packed room. Chandeliers, lit with hundreds of candles, hung from the high reaching ceilings. The church was a mixture of shadows and flickering lights, giving it an ominous feel.
     Everyone huddled together, pushing to get a better look at the front of the standing room. Anxiety and fear was thick in the air. Those at the back kept glancing behind, as if they expected something sinister to sneak up on them. Wanting to see what caused the commotion, Belle improperly began pushing her way through the crowd.
     “Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh! Philippians 3:2,” shouted a voice as Belle made it to the front.
     She froze, her eyes stuck to the ornate tiles before her. Covering the floor, as massive as a pony, lay a creature. A dog, but not a dog. Its fur was brown, shaggy, and wet. Belle’s eyes fell to its paws—so large one swipe could kill her.
     A friar dared to lean close to its mouth. Silence fell. Belle feared it would slay him with the quick snap of its jaws. The man sat backward onto his heels, a solemn expression upon his face. “The beast is dead.”

READERS Should Be Seen And Not Heard + Word Counts

Here I discuss how a reader's behavior can affect authors and their work, as well as other readers. Then I share my word counts. Links for more info below.

This Week's Giveaway: http://bit.ly/N1vSua
----TOPICS MENTIONED---
Authors Should Be Seen And Not Heard: http://bit.ly/124K3wW
Charlaine Harris Threatened By Fans: http://bit.ly/11XSnsU

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
Sky: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

---- MY LINKS ---
Main YouTube Review Channel: http://bit.ly/1ag5dGm
Personal YouTube Vlog Channel: http://bit.ly/14IH76t
Website & Blog: http://lindsaymead.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lindsay_Mead
Google+: http://bit.ly/qmtx7P
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/lU0rlI
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/gtIx9a
Business Inquiries & Review Requests email: exaulta@hotmail.com
---- DISCLAIMER ---
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use

Currently Reading & Just Finished: Inside Out & The Doomsday Vault

Boy, haven't done one of these in a long while. Wasn't this suppose to be weekly or something? lol. Well, I finished a book this morning and started a new one. I'm not posting a giveaway video this week because I worked morning shifts all weekend and, frankly, I'm tired. So I thought I would post about what I'm reading.
     Ok, I just finished THE DOOMSDAY VAULT by Steven Harper. I would certainly recommend this book. I love the steampunk, the action,
and the romance. This easily could have been pushed as a romance novel, but there isn't sex. There is kissing and some heart fluttering moments. It doesn't outweigh the plot or the action. I found it to be a great blend. My only real complaint is that the paragraphs are sometimes long. Long paragraphs often slow the pacing of a novel and are generally filled with stuff that could be cut out. So, some skimming aside, I had fun with this. I plan to read book 2 very soon. In fact, I already bought it :) Make sure you watch for my video review, which will be posted here: http://bit.ly/RN2j5n

*This book is Recommended. Below are my various ratings. They are hidden for space. ONLY THE 'SPOILERY THOUGHTS' CONTAINS SPOILERS. The other categories are safe to select.
My Spoilery Thoughts:
I loved Gavin. I loved that he could play the violin and that he loved to fly. I also liked that he didn't treat Alice as though she were delicate glass doll. I have no problem with a protective instinct in the male love interest. However, I think today it is taken way too far. A lot of male leads go from protective to controlling and downright degrading. Gavin never had these issues. I feel wholeheartedly that he would protect Alice, but he doesn't stand in her way either. If she says that she can handle something, he doesn't question it. In fact at the end he completely risks his and her life on faith in her mechanical genius. It's not very often that you see a male lead who has that much faith in the female lead. It was refreshing.

I'm totally saddened that Gavin is a clockworker. I'm holding out hope that they find a cure or that he somehow survives. Cuz that would be really depressing. Poor Alice.
Yes/No Checklist:
Sex: No
Gore: Some
Rape: Attempted
Magic: Steampunk and Zombie Plague
Drugs: Alcohol *Not much
Star Categories:
Romance: 4.5 Stars
Action: 4 Stars
Pacing: 4 Stars
Writing: 3.5 Stars *Knock it half a point for the long paragraphs.
Plot: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars
Protagonist Meter:
Damsel-------*---Badass
Both Alice and Gavin can handle themselves. They aren't badasses in hand-to-hand but they aren't "damsels" either.

    After finishing The Doomsday Vault, I picked up INSIDE OUT by Maria V. Snyder. My version is the INSIDE Omnibus (bind-up) version. I highly recommend getting the bind-up, because you get two books for only about $9. Which is a big reason I bought this series in the first place. I loved the cover on the bind-up, heard great things about the author, and it was super cheap. I just reached chapter 3 and I like it so far. The story is moving. I didn't intend to read 3 chapters this morning, but I just couldn't walk away. I had to know what was going to happen next. I really hope the rest of the book is this way.
     So that's what I'm currently reading and just finished. I read 25 books last year and, as of the last book, I'm at 19. According to Goodreads, I'm 6 books ahead of my goal of 30. Unless I hit a massive reading slump, I think I'm going to blow right past my goal.
     For those of you awesome peeps out there who read this whole post, I'd love to know what your reading and just finished. If you've read any of the books I mentioned or are fans of the authors, speak up! Give me your thoughts in the comments below!

Authors Should Be Seen And Not Heard + Word Counts

Here I discuss how an author's behavior can affect the perception of their work. Then I share my word counts. Links for more info below.

Still time to enter this week's giveaway: http://bit.ly/N1vSua


----TOPICS MENTIONED---
Ender's Game Controversy: http://bit.ly/11iZNLf
I Am Number Four/James Frey Controversy: http://nym.ag/cIQDl0
When Authors Attack: http://bit.ly/ZiUCuC

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
Exaulta: http://bit.ly/YKYVfQ
Sky: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ
Illusion: http://bit.ly/YvjZ9T

Book Haul & Word Counts

Sorry this is going up a lil late in the evening today. The internet went out last night and only just came back up. I hope you guys enjoy the book haul and the word count update at the end. Don't miss the ending bloopers!

My book hauls consist of books that I have purchased, were gifted to me, or sent to me for review. I mostly read Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal, but will read other genres. The ARCs will eventually be given away, so please subscribe to enter those!
List of my Book Hauls: http://bit.ly/Qxm9PX

---- MY BOOKS ---
The Beast: http://bit.ly/17B6J90
Exaulta: http://bit.ly/YKYVfQ
Sky: http://bit.ly/SdeMwJ
Illusion: http://bit.ly/YvjZ9T

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

Tried Something New

Yesterday I tried something I had never tried before. A live giveaway. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into it. When I first came up with the idea, I was excited. I thought it was wonderful and that everyone would love it. Then I started posting about it the night before and didn't get much of a response, which lead to some nervousness. What if no one came? 
     Interestingly, the outcome was neither. It wasn't a runaway success nor was it a complete failure. We gave away all of the copies and I think everyone had a good time. I also learned a lot that I think will help me in the future.
     I think the biggest thing that I learned was that the live giveaway really should be limited to an hour and a half or less. This one went on longer, which was fine, but I think everyone was wearing down near the end. So unless the turn out is so amazing that we're having a blast, the giveaway should be kept within a set time limit.
     I'm really grateful to Bunny Cates (@BunnyCates) for joining me in the chat. Having her there was a last minute decision, but I'm so glad she was. I think Bunny and I bounce off each other in a way that is entertaining for viewers and just cracks me up. Without her, I'm not sure the chat would have gone so smoothly or been as much fun. 
     Of course, I've gotta thank everyone who came. You guys rock. You truly make YouTube awesome. Without you, it would just be me talking to a camera. lol Truly. If you want to learn more about Prince of Earth by Steven J. Carrol, click here. Make sure you tune in next Monday for the next giveaway. As well as Thursday for a book haul-- Whoot! If you missed today's live chat and you want to catch up on the laughs, here it is:


Change Of Plans: Giveaway Party?!

I've been planning on relaunching my weekly giveaways. I was going to do this weeks ago, but something always kept it from happening. Like my computer breaking. BUT I'm glad I did put it off because I came up with a great idea today on how to relaunch my weekly giveaways in a fun and new way.
     A live show! Sometime tomorrow (Monday 13th), around 2pm or later, I'll host a live show on my channel and giveaway one signed copy of Steven J. Carroll's PRINCE OF EARTH every 15 minutes...or something like that. We'll chat and hangout. During the minutes between giveaways you guys can go to my giveaway page and do a few things in order to gain extra entries. Unlike my usual giveaways, you only have 4 basic ways to get entries. BUT after I announce one winner, I'll refresh the form and you guys can do it all over again until all 10 copies have been given out. I might even give away a few $5 gift cards to B&N. No promises, but I'm thinking about it. 
     Obviously, we'll have to play this all by ear because I have never done this before and I don't know anyone who has. So what do you think? Wanna try it? If so, tell me around what time you want me to do this chat-- keep in mind that my timezone is EST. 2pm? 4pm? 6pm? and so on. Also, if I give away one copy of PRINCE OF EARTH every 10 minutes and a few gift cards, the chat will end up being about 2 hours. So give me your thoughts ASAP! Time's a wastin!

Scared Shitless

Have you ever been literally terrified? Have you ever seen someone terrified? I bet you think that you have, but you probably haven't. I experienced true terror for the first time in my life last night. Don't worry, this isn't going to be a depressing blog post. No one was hurt and I wasn't afraid for anyone's life...Well aside from my own.
     Before I tell you what happened, I should probably explain my greatest fear. We all have one. Maybe you're afraid of heights or small spaces. Some of us I'd imagine go our whole lives without really ever knowing our greatest fear. To be clear, when I say "greatest fear" I don't mean things like losing a child or dying alone. Yes, those are things to be afraid of, but those are not things that would bring about the type of fear that I'm speaking of. Fear that can only be categorized as terror.
     My greatest fear is ghosts or anything like it (demons, ghouls, ect...). I know this is true for me because it denies all logic. Logically, I do not believe in ghosts or the like. Spiritually, they have no place with me. However, there is a part of me, the more primitive or perhaps the scared child in me, that still believes in their existence. This manifests in my everyday life. At night I feel vulnerable. When I'm sitting or sleeping, my back has to be at a wall-- ya know, so anything ghoulish can't sneak up on me. Shit you not, I made sure to set up my writing desk just this way. When I'm walking in the dark from my car to the house after work, I have to keep my eyes on the ground before me. Otherwise, I'm searching for things and convincing myself that I'm seeing what's not really there. 
     It's a fear that I have under control. I try not to think about it mostly. Just push it aside. Logically and spiritually, I don't believe in ghosts so my fear is pointless. Not to mention, I have NEVER SEEN A GHOST. Never. Not once. Sure I have some spooky stories to share and I've heard plenty of them ("Well, my cousin's best friend's brother saw one once."), but I've never actually seen a transparent person walking through my yard or that woman with her hair in her face (Ya know, that chick in every ghost horror movie. *shivers*) standing in my room. All of that being said, I realized last night just how strong my fear truly is.
     I've felt edgy for days now. I don't know why, but nighttime in the summer is scarier to me than nighttime in the winter. So I've had to try a little harder not to think about ghoulish-beings. Last night though, it didn't matter. It was 4 am. I was brushing my teeth.
     I normally shut the bathroom door when I'm readying for bed. Yes, because I feel vulnerable to ghostie attacks with it open. A strong imagination. A blessing and curse. I can dream up the most amazing things that leave me in awe, but It's just as easy for me to imagine something jumping around the open door frame at me.
     So I'm brushing my teeth. I generally shut the bathroom door, but I choose not to because some mosquitoes have followed me in and I'm hoping that they'll find their way out. I believe I was focusing on my teeth. Not thinking about anything in particular, just making sure to get my circular motions just right. Then I get the impression that something is next to me. 
     This happens to me all of the time. 10 out of 10 times I'll turn and see nothing or maybe the dog. This time ... there was a head. Two pairs of eyes leaning around the door frame and staring wide at me. Now, before you freak out or insist that I call one of those ghost shows that I'm too afraid to watch, let me just tell you that it was my dad. He had seen the bathroom light on and was coming to turn it off and popped his head around to see me. 
      What I saw was not my dad. I saw my greatest fear realized and I lost complete control of my actions. There was a person standing there that shouldn't have been there and it was too close for me to get away. There was no thought, just fear.... No, terror. 
     I screamed or more liked shouted in fear. It wasn't the high pitched scream that women always make in movies, but it was long and drawn out. I don't consider myself the screaming type, but my shout might have been affected by the toothbrush and gobs of foam filling my mouth. I quickly moved away as I screamed and half hunched over. I don't know if I was hunching over because the fear was incapacitating me or if I was aware of the paste falling out of my mouth and I didn't want it getting all over me. Both are very possible. 
     About halfway through the process of me moving away and hunching over, my mind became aware that it was my dad looking in and not a ghost. I also realized that I didn't have control over myself. My body was moving on its own. The scream coming from my throat didn't feel or sound like my own. It was the strangest sensation ever.
     As quickly as it all happened, it was over. I gained control of myself and my dad was immediately retreating back to his room, apologizing the whole way for scaring me. Truly he felt really bad about it. I was mystified, hunched over the running facet and shaking from head-to-toe. I had never experienced fear like that before. Even my dad said this morning that it was true terror on my face... and I was staring at him.
     I've been in a lot of scary situations and I've always acted with a fight instinct, but this time it was all flight. I suppose that makes sense. I mean, how do you defend yourself from a demon attack? Pretty certain that you don't, you just die. 
      I wonder if I would have reacted differently to this realized fear, if the perceived ghost-demon had been further away and not right on top of me, cornering me in a small bathroom. I think....maybe. I only have one experience to draw on. It was a similar situation. 4 am, getting reading for bed, but this time I was exiting the bathroom. Once again, it was my dad that I actually saw. He had just stepped out of the kitchen and was about to return to his bedroom when he turned and saw me as well. But, like last night, I didn't see him. I saw  a ghost. I instantly froze. Literally like a statue. And I felt this painful, cold, fear run from my head to my feet. Before it hit my feet, I realized it was my dad and I unfroze. I just clutched my heart and sighed with relief. So that time, I was able to fully assess the situation before I was taken by full-on panic. But, if it had been a ghost, I have no idea if I would have reacted or just remained frozen in fear. 
     I can easily say that the fear last night was the worst. It continued to affect me the remainder of the night. I kept waking up every 15-or-so minutes in a panic and completely confused. Around 6:45 am I actually had to remind myself that I was safe and that nothing that I was afraid of was real. I watched a bit of a documentary on Cleopatra to get my mind off it, but even then I only slept a few more hours. 
     I'm fine now though. Exhausted, but fine. I will surely sleep well tonight and when I get ready for bed, I am SO closing the bathroom door. I never want to experience that again. It's bad enough that my family will probably harass me about this for the next few years.    

If anyone has read this full post, I'd love to know if you've ever experienced a fear like this. OR if not, than what realized-fear would cause this sort of reaction for you? Thanks for reading!

#YTBookClub Meeting Rescheduled

Hey all! I just wanted to pop in and let you all know that we've rescheduled the next #YTBookClub meeting. Now instead of this Saturday we are moving the Falling Kingdoms discussion to the first Saturday in June. The only reason we're rescheduling is because life has just been so crazy for most of us. Hopefully in another month life will have slowed down and we'll all have read the book. So if you haven't yet read Falling Kingdoms, no worries you've got time yet.
     I also want to let you guys in on my coming giveaway relaunch. This next Monday I'll be giving away 10 signed copies of Steven J. Carroll's Prince Of Earth. I read Steven's first book, In The Window Room, and really enjoyed it. So make sure you tune in to my YouTube channel on Monday and lets see if we can give some books away. 


Moving Box Book Tour - Boxes 15 & 16

MBBT Blog

Oh I missed posting videos! I need to get back in the rhythm of it. This series is also coming to an end, which makes me sad. I believe there might be only one left.

I just moved into a new apartment and I'm inviting you to sit with me as I unpack all of my books. Each video in this series will feature 1-2 boxes and I will be spreading out the uploads over the coming weeks. If you missed a box, check out my Moving Box Book Tour Playlist: http://bit.ly/Pm7rMi

Our book club meets on the FIRST SATURDAY of every month. This month we're reading Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe: http://amzn.to/14Y2Kh9
For more #YTBookClub info: http://bit.ly/OLTiv4

Music provided by Royalty Free Music

Check out my YouTube channel, if you aren’t already a subscriber! http://bit.ly/YbEm8E

Another Amazing Cover!

Wow

I have to say that I just love this cover. The colors all sit so well together. They aren’t what I would consider “pretty” colors, but somehow they’re still very pleasing to the eyes. Not to mention, I am a sucker for anything Ancient Egyptian. I highly recommend you guys add this book to your Goodreads Shelf and scroll down for the awesome cover.

                  Check out the first book in the series,
                 Destiny’s Fire by Trisha Wolfe

ASTARTE’S WRATH

Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt grow deeper. Not only is Caesarian her duty, he’s the son of Cleopatra, and he’s human. All of which makes their love forbidden.
But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar creeps its way into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythan free themselves of their servitude, and protecting her charge—the last pharaoh—while Egypt burns around her.

YA-Mature: sexual content, drinking, drugs, violence, death, and other mature content intended for readers 17 and older.

Cover design: Stephanie Mooney

Publication: March

Author website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

AW-medium