Valentine's Day Contest from Gennifer Albin

Want to give your loved one a pretty incredible gift for Valentine's Day? Well Gennifer Albin, author of Crewel (which is amazing by the way) is offering up something pretty unique as a giveaway.

Here are the details straight from Gennifer herself -

The Contest 

Tell me who you want to immortalize in fiction this Valentine's Day. It can be a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, sibling, grandparent, parent, that cute guy at school, your favorite barista—whoever you want to wow this Valentine's Day. 

The Prize

The nominated name will appear as a character in Crewel #3. I won't know who this person is until I see the name. They could be a passing reference or the most important person in the world! As a bonus, I will send you a special signed copy of the page in which the character's name appears for posterity!

The Rules

Contest is opened internationally and will run from February 13, 2013 from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM. The winner will be announced at noon (CST) on Valentine's Day! See rafflecopter entry form for additional legal stuff.

A pretty fantastic way to impress your bookish sweetheart on the most romantic of days if you ask me. So be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter link below. You can find out more details by visiting Gennifer's twitter, and her blog as well.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Favourite Literary Couples!

Happy Valentine's Day! On this day of romance and love I thought I would share my favourite literary couples. Those couples that seemed destined to be together and made us all swoon. There are tons of couples I adore but since their story is just beginning they will get an honourable mention at the bottom.

1. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth (Pride and Prejudice)

A classic choice that never ceases to make me happy. I love how the relationship grows and they each learn about themselves and each other along the way.

2. Hermoine and Ron (Harry Potter series)

My favourite part of this couple is the fact that they were such good friends first. They grew into the young adults they would become together. They saw each other through some terrifying and amazing times.

3. Anna and Etienne (Anna and the French Kiss)

The pace in which this relationship evolves is perfect. It's neither too fast nor too slow. I like that they are there for each other, and really had a strong friendship first.

4. Lola and Cricket (Lola and the Boy Next Door)

Nothing like the boy next door and romance. Cricket and Lola were friends prior to getting together which is what great relationships start out as. I really like they are willing to forgive each other, and allow the other person to be exactly who they are.

5. Clare  and Henry (The Time Traveler’s Wife)

Their relationship is complicated, tragic and filled with passion. It's the kind of relationship that you would be willing to wait for. It's clear how much they love each other, even against incredible circumstances.

6. Katniss and Peeta (The Hunger Games series)

Right from the moment I heard the story of the burnt bread and Peeta's love for Katniss I knew I wanted them to be together. He balances Katniss in ways that make them stronger together as a couple. Everything they go through together strengthens their bond.

7. Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare's play)

There is something timeless about this love. They have managed to become linked with star-crossed lovers for all of history. I admit it's less than romantic that they die for their love, however the whole "love at first sight" thing is pretty romantic.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS -

These couples have lots of spark, passion and are just getting started. Will they last for the long haul? Who knows (except the author of course), but it'll be delicious and fun reading about them.

1 Mara and Noah (The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer)
2. Finn and Cate (Born Wicked)
3 Tris and Four (Divergent)
4 Will and Tessa (Infernal Devices series)
5 Alec and Magnus (Mortal Instruments series)

So there you have it, some of my favourite couples. Who would make your list? Let me know in the comments.

This is the end of the Valentine's event. Don't forget to enter the giveaway to win any novel mentioned in this event.

My Top Five Romantic Cities

What cities make you think of love and romance? Here are my top 5 choices of cities that can provide you with endless opportunity for special memories with your significant other.

1. Paris

Paris is synonymous with love. It is quite romantic. I've been there and you can't help but fall in love with the city. Strolling near the Seine, picnicking near the Eiffel Tower, and visiting some amazing works of art is one of my perfect afternoons.

2. Venice

Venice brings to mind romantic gonadal rides, kisses on bridges, and amazing views. It seems like a very romantic city that anyone can fall in love with it.  


3. Verona

In fair Verona where we lay our scene..... Verona is known for the tale of Romeo and Juliet. They even have a Juliet's balcony that you can stop by and call down to your Romeo. You can leave a Letter for Juliet on her wall (she'll even write back). It seems like a quaint little town where you can relax with good food, and wine.

4 Bora Bora

I picture lazy afternoons lounging on a beach, romantic dinners, and an over the water bungalow. The tropical vibe, and the gorgeous scenery help with the romance factor.

5 New York City

Read Dash and Lily's Book of Dares or Where She Went and you will see strolling around New York can be romantic (and sexy). Strolling though Central Park, a romantic wagon ride, theatre and some amazing restaurants make for an exciting city to explore together.

My Favourite Romantic movies

This Valentine's Day may mean curling up with your significant other to watch a romantic movie. Here are my top picks for movies that make me swoon!

1. Pride and Prejudice

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett always come to mind when you think of literary couples. This remake staring Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen is one of my all time favourites. I get goosebumps when Mr Darcy proclaims "'You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you".



2. Romeo and Juliet

I quite love this remake. How insanely good looking is Leonardo DiCapriro in this movie?! Totally swoon worthy. He looks exactly like what I think a hot angel would look like. My favourite scene? The squeal inducing scene where Juliet (Claire Danes) and Romeo (Leonardo) first meet. Look at the way they look at each other? And the little nose thing? TOO CUTE!



3. The Notebook

Ali and Noah (Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling) were so easy to fall in love with. It didn't hurt that the two actors ended up falling for each other off screen as well and were one of the cutest couples EVER. This movie is romantic, and shows the power of love. My favourite scene is, of course, the one where he tells her "it still isn't over". Prepare to SWOON! Rain makes everything hotter, no?



4 Before Sunrise

Before Sunrise (and it's sequel Before Sunset) is one of those movies that you WISH would happen to you. Simple premise - a guy and a girl meet on a train and decide to take a chance, get off the train and explore a city together while waiting for the next one. It's romantic, cute, and realistic. Jesse and Celine are sweet. Celine happens to be one of my favourite female characters in a movie...ever. My favourite scene - where Jesse convinces her to take the chance and explore Vienna with him. He's so cute, how could you say no?!



5. The Crow

Ok, so probably not the first movie that comes to mind when you think romantic movies. However, the relationship between Eric and Shelly is certainly romantic. You can tell how much he loves her. It's heartbreaking and sweet at the same time. My favourite scene? A newly returned from the dead Eric remembers Shelly and the love they shared, prompting him to avenge what happened to them. I love when she says "I love you" and he replies "Say that again" with a little smile.



*Bonus Choice*

The Cure

My last choice isn't what you'd call a love story, but I wanted to showcase that love can mean many things. This love is the love of friendship. A friendship between two young boys that develops and betters each. This is one of my favourite movies, and (fair warning) you will need tissues if you intend to watch it!

Valentine's Event Giveaway!

It's time for a Valentine's Giveaway!

The prize? ANY book mentioned during this Valentine's event. It could be one I reviewed, one that shows up on a list. Pre orders are fine (if you wanted Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock for instance).

The only rules are that it has to be available on Book Depository and it has to be able to shipped via them to you.

I also have a bunch of awesome swag to include for the winner including this awesome necklace for Sarah Tregay's Love and Leftovers

So just fill out the Rafflecopter entry below and good luck!

Valentine's themed interview with Sarah Tregay

Another author interview...Valentine's style. The awesome Sarah Tregay, whose novel Love and Leftovers can be found in stores now, agreed to answer my questions.

Sadly, I was to review this as well, however, I haven't been successful in locating it and my ordered copy has not arrived. A review will eventually be posted...just not in time for this event. Enjoy the interview, and check out the book!

1 Top 5 Couples from Literature

Jim and Della (Gift of the Magi)
Noah and Allie (The Notebook)
Penelope and Odysseus
Beatrice and Benedick (Much Ado About Nothing)
Lancelot and Guinevere

2. Top 5 Couples from other media (TV, movies, etc).

Westley and Buttercup (The Princess Bride)
Joey and Pacey (Dawson’s Creek)
Edward and Kim (Edward Scissorhands)
Delilah and The Plain White T’s (Hey There Delilah)
Popeye and Olive Oyl

3. Top 5 romantic movies

Sleepless in Seattle
Titanic
A Walk to Remember
P.S. I Love you
Moulin Rouge

4 Top 5 romantic cities

Prague
Paris
Mont St. Michel
Sydney
San Diego

Valentine's themed interview with Kathleen Peacock

I have asked some authors to answer my Valentine's themed questionnaire. The lovely Kathleen Peacock, whose novel Hemlock will be released May 8, was kind enough to answer.

She's told me some of her selections are not appropriate for younger audiences, so please use your discretion if you chose to look them up!

You can learn more about her and her book by visiting her website. Her novel Hemlock can be added on Goodreads and it sounds amazing!

1 Top 5 Couples from Literature

Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, Anne of Green Gables
Westley and Buttercup, The Princess Bride
Cameron and Dulcie, Going Bovine
Cordelia and Pocket, Fool

2. Top 5 Couples from other media (TV, movies, etc)

Alice and Hatter, Alice(SyFy miniseries)
Keith and Watts, Some Kind of Wonderful(movie)
Jim and Selena, 28 Days Later(movie)
The Doctor (9 or 10) and Rose, Doctor Who(television series)
Han and Leia, Star Wars(movie)

3. Top 5 romantic movies

When Harry Met Sally
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind(well, I find it romantic)
Say Anything
The Goodbye Girl(1977 original)
The Holiday

4 Top 5 love triangles (literature/movies/TV/other media)

Victor, Elizabeth, and Konrad, This Dark Endeavour (book)
Peta, Katniss, Gale, The Hunger Games (book)
Keith, Amanda, Watts, Some Kind of Wonderful (movie)
Yuki, Tohru, Kyo, Fruits Basket (anime, not manga)
Mark, Bridget, Daniel, Bridget Jones (first movie only)

6 Top 5 romantic cities

I haven’t travelled farther than Maine, so will take a pass on this one.

7 Top 5 romantic book

The Princess Bride
Stardust
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
The Fault in Our Stars (THOUGH IT WILL CRUSH YOUR SOUL!)
Incarnate

Valentine's Day Blog Event

This year, together with Evie from Bookish, we are hosting a Valentine's Day Book Blog Event! It will run February 7th-14th and there will be reviews, guest posts, interviews, as well as many exciting giveaways!

My blog event kicks off tomorrow with a review of Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate!

Here is the full schedule for what is coming up on my blog 

Feb 7 - Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate review
Feb 8 - Valentine's Day themed interview with Kathleen Peacock
Feb 9 - Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin review
Feb 10 - Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay review and interview
Feb 11- My Favourite Romantic Movies
Feb 12 - My Favourite Romantic Cities
Feb 13- Moonglass by Jessi Kirby review
Feb 14 - My Favourite Couples in Literature.

And Evie's insanely awesome schedule as well

Feb 7th: Where it Began by Ann Redisch Stampler (Review)
Guest Post by Ann Redisch Stampler
Giveaway of signed copy of Where it Began (US/Canada)

Feb 8th: Barking Mad by Jamieson Ridenhour (Review)
Shift by MR Merrick (Review)
Giveaway of Shift

Feb 9th: The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler (Review)
Interview with Sara Flower, author of By The Sword

Feb 10th: Promising Light (Review) by Emily Ann Ward
Interview with Emily Ann Ward

Feb 11th: Guest Post and interview with Krista Holle, author of The Lure of Shapinsay
Book and T-Shirt giveaway with Krista Holle

Feb 12th: Born Wicked (Review)
Guest Post and Giveaway with Rusty Fischer, author of Vamplayers

Feb 13th: Guest Post with Harper Jayne, author of Knave

Feb 14th: Author's TOP 5 Romantic Reads
Interview with Karen A. Wyle, author of Twin-Bred

Stop by and comment, enter the giveaways and find some new books to make you swoon.

Book Boyfriends....

Ever hear the expression "Boys in Books Are Better"? In honour of Valentine's Day I thought I would do a fun post on some of the amazing fictional hotties that make me swoon.

Romeo

Where you can find him - William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Why he is swoon worthy - He and Juliet have become synonymous with star crossed love. He was so in love with his Juliet that he was willing to defy his family to marry her. Also, that whole love at first sight thing is pretty romantic. *It doesn't hurt when it's Leonardo DiCaprio playing him either*


Fitzwilliam Darcy

Where you can find him - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Why he is swoon worthy - My first book crush. When he helps Elizabeth's sister out of the mess she is in, you simply can't help falling for him (Elizabeth Bennett does the same!)


Jason Stackhouse

Where you can find him - The Southern Vampire Mysteries

Why he is swoon worthy - My appreciation of Ryan Kwanten is no secret. This choice is based on that. Plus, Jason is described as being completely adorable (that fairy blood sure helps).


Finnick Odair

Where you can find him - The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

Why he is swoon worthy - I bet most girls would have chosen either Peeta or Gale. I loved Finnick immediately. He is described as off the charts sexy and his adoration (and loyalty) to Annie is pretty sigh inducing. *I couldn't find anyone that I though fit Finnick..Ian Somerhalder maybe?*

Jace Wayland

Where you can find him - The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

Why he is swoon worthy - The face (and body) of an angel but he sure doesn't act like it. I can't help by fall for the bad boy. He's sarcastic, arrogant, and we love it. Ok, maybe it has something to do with the blond curls. *I know Alex Pettyfer hasn't been cast but he's my choice.*

Damon Salvatore

Where you can find him - The Vampire Diaries series by LJ Smith

Why he is swoon worthy - Not only is he good looking, but Damon has that whole bad boy thing down. I can't help but swoon when he asks Elena to be his Queen of Darkness. It doesn't hurt that I kind of have a thing for vampires..oh, and Ian Somerhalder.

Just a few of my favourite book hotties. Now it's your turn..who would you like to spend Valentine's Day with? Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.