Got Vlog?

So we were thinkin'...

We love doing our VLOGS!! It gives us an excuse to get together, talk for hours and just have fun while we tell you all about the new goodies we've received. Plus you get a feel for what we're like as people...which let's face it, is probably kinda scary! LOL

One of the joys of Vlogging [and blogging] is being able to share our thoughts, ideas, new books and antics with others while getting feedback from you guys, our readers & followers!

However, we've come to realize that since vlogging is relatively new, there is no real way to network our videos...so we basically sit back and hope you guys find it on your dashboard!

We decided to take matters into our own hands and come up with two easy-peasy ways for you to share your VLOG with others.

1- We created a group on BookBlogs.Ning where others can post links to their vlogs. We know that BookBlogs.Ning may be short-lived, but we figured we'd use the time that's left to our advantage.
You can join [HERE].

2- In the spirit of the Blog Hop hosted by Crazy-For-Books, we have included a Mister Linky below where you guys can share the link to your VLOG right here on Book ♥ Soulmates.

Our goal is to give you guys an opportunity to get your VLOGS out there. We know it's not always easy finding the time to record the video, upload it to YouTube (which takes hours) and then still have to create the post. Your hard work is appreciated!

So go ahead and enter you link below!
Besides, maybe you'll discover some great new blogs in the process :)

Vlog Time :)

Hi guys!!

Our favorite day of the week is back so sit down, hit play, and laugh your ass off with us while we [attempt to] tell you about our books 'n stuff :)

♥ Vlog ♥



♥ Books We Received In The Mail ♥
The Cradle by Patrick Somerville
The Host by Stephenie Meyer

♥ Books We Purchased ♥
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger
Burned (HON #7) by P.C. Cast
The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

♥ Books We Borrowed ♥
Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran

♥ Books We've Read ♥
Isalys Read:
Captured by Desire by Kira Morgan
Ravished by A Highlander by Paula Quinn

*Current Read*
Soulless by Gail Carriger

Vanessa is Reading:
Interview With A Vampire by Anne Rice {it's a read in progress}

*Current Read*
Burned (HON #7) by P.C. Cast

Have a GLORIOUS weekend!!

What Do You Look For?

As an avid reader and now a book reviewer, I've realized that there are certain things I've come to expect from books. I find that there are key elements that must be present in order for me to truly enjoy a book and give it a stellar rating. That's not to say that a book that doesn't meet my "criteria" can't or won't be enjoyed...but I might find it incomplete or lacking.

Now I don't want to sound stuck up by any means! I have nothing but respect for authors because they're doing something that I think I could. However, as a reader, I've realized that I have gotten into the habit of scrutinizing books more thoroughly than I used to!

Here are the things that I look for in what I consider a good book:

1. Well-developed and multi-dimensional characters. People are complicated...characters should be too!
   
   
2. A complex and thorough plot with some element of mystery. Something's gotta keep you intrigued, right? Otherwise, what's to stop the pages from turning.
   
   
3. If it's a romance, then I like there to be some sort of tension between the hero and heroine. I don't want them to just immediately fall in love & live HEA. Where's the fun in that?
   
   
4. The language must fit the setting & characters in the book. I've read books where the dialogue doesn't match the character's age or personality and it throws me off.
   
   
5. If an author mentions a historically significant event, PLEASE be accurate in the details of that event! I cannot tell you how much it IRKS me that an author would 're-write history' to suit their storyline. The story should fit the history, not the other way around! This is why I could never get into Phillipa Gregory!
   
   
6. Please make sure that all loose ends are tied by the finale. If there is a mystery, solve it! If there is a conflict, resolve it! I don't like to be left hanging. Cliffhangers are strictly reserved for books that have a sequel.
   
   {I think that's it for me...unless I think of something else later! LOL}

What do you guys look for in the books you read?
I really wanna know...so spill it!

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway {Part 2}

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway {Part 2}
Apr 28 - May 12

Current Giveaways:
Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis {Ends 5.5}
Forbidden Passion by Rita Herron {Ends 5.5}

Synopsis:
Louise Watkins has her hands full. Her mother had been the town midwife, but after her daughter Alice died under her care, she refused to assist in a childbirth ever again. Since then Louise has assumed the work. She also takes care of Alice's six-year old, Charlotte, because the child's father was lost in World War I. But Louise's principal job is running the boardinghouse that is the family's main source of income. One day, Charlotte befriends a stranger ill with influenza, a man who has taken refuge in an old cabin in the woods nearby. Although badly scarred by wounds suffered in the War, he is strong and slowly recovers. When he gradually takes on odd jobs around the house, Louise accepts his help. She is drawn to him despite his disfigurement, and his voice is comforting, vaguely familiar...

{5 Copies Available}

FILL OUT FORM TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY
{IMPORTANT: Please leave a comment on this post stating you filled out the form. Thank you!}

Rules:
• To enter the giveaway you must complete the form (linked above) and leave a comment indicating that you've completed the form.
• Books will be delivered directly from the publishers so the giveaways are only available for U.S. and Canada residents. No P.O. boxes please.
Note: It may take several weeks to receive your prize so please be patient!
• Winners will be drawn soon after the contest ends and posted thereafter.
• Winners will be chosen using random.org!

Ways to earn extra entries:
+1 for being a follower
+1 for following us on Twitter
+1 for following us on Blogged
+1 for being a Facebook Friend
+1 for subscribing via email or RSS reader
+1 for comments on other posts throughout the week
(Please reference which other posts you've commented on)
+1 for twittering or posting about this giveaway on your blog/site
(Please include a link to the post)

♥ Feel free to contact us via email at booksoulmates[at]gmail[dot]com if you have any questions ♥

Good luck!

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway {Part 1}

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway {Part 2}
April 28 - May 12

Current Giveaways:
Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis {Ends 5.5}
Forbidden Passion by Rita Herron {Ends 5.5}

By Stephenie Meyer

Synopsis:
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature,THE HOSTis a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

{3 Paperback Copies Available}

FILL OUT FORM TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY
{IMPORTANT: Please leave a comment on this post stating you filled out the form. Thank You!}

Rules:
• To enter the giveaway you must complete the form (linked above) and leave a comment indicating that you've completed the form.
• Books will be delivered directly from the publishers so the giveaways are only available for U.S. and Canada residents. No P.O. boxes please.
Note: It may take several weeks to receive your prize so please be patient!
• Winners will be drawn soon after the contest ends and posted thereafter.
• Winners will be chosen using random.org!

Ways to earn extra entries:
+1 for being a follower
+1 for following us on Twitter
+1 for following us on Blogged
+1 for being a Facebook Friend
+1 for subscribing via email or RSS reader
+1 for comments on other posts throughout the week
(Please reference which other posts you've commented on)
+1 for twittering or posting about this giveaway on your blog/site
(Please include a link to the post)

♥ Feel free to contact us via email at booksoulmates[at]gmail[dot]com if you have any questions ♥

Good luck!

Teaser Tuesday 4.27.10

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share a couple of “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Isalys's Teaser:
"Most of all, he couldn't bear to reveal that he, Rane, the one man in whom she'd placed her faith, was cursed with the duty of guarding against her escape, a duty he was growing to despise more and more with each passing moment."

~ p. 131 from "Captured by Desire" by Kira Morgan

♥ I finished this book last night, but I still wanted to share my teaser with you guys!

New Releases 4.27.10

♥ Thriller/Mystery ♥

The God of the Hive (Mary Russell, #10) by Laurie R. King
Sparrow Rock by Nate Kenyon

♥ Contemporary Romance ♥

Nothing But Trouble by Rachel Gibson
Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber
Savor the Moment (Bride Quartet, #3) by Nora Roberts

♥ Historical Romance ♥

Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran
{So excited about this book...love this author!!}

♥ Paranormal Romance ♥


Wild Fire (Leopard People, #4) by Christine Feehan
Stealing Kathryn (The Gatherers, #2) by Jacquelyn Frank
Into the Dark (Lords of the Underworld, #.5, #3.5) by Gena Showalter
{Gena really knows how to pick her boys!}
Out of Sight (Court of Angels #3) by Stella Cameron

And the long awaited, highly anticipated piece du resistance!

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward
{Oh yes, John Matthew...come to me!!! Even the cover is scorching hott!}

♥ YA ♥



Kiss of Death (Morganville Vamps #8) by Rachel Caine
WEREling by Steve Feasey
Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
The Necromancer (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #4) by Michael Scott
Party by Tom Leveen
The Karma Club by Jessica Brody
Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

{Last, but certainly not least..}

Burned (House of Night #7) by P.C. Cast

US vs. UK (Round 2)

Welcome back to US vs. UK - Round 2

Since these days, Vanessa is all about "The Forest of Hands and Teeth" by Carrie Ryan AND it is our current book club selection, we thought that this week we'd face-off the US paperback cover against its UK counterpart.

*ding ding ding*

.

Who will it be folks: The almost creepy American girl staring at you through the branches OR the plainer UK version with some thing on the cover? (What is that - a flower? *shrug*)

I'm sort of on the fence on this one. They're both unique.... but I actually prefer the US HARDCOVER version of it though because the girl on the cover is actually in a forest and she looks like she's depressed (which I would be too if I lived in a village surrounded by Zombies!)

I'm still undecided on who to go with for this round! I like the simplicity of the UK version. However, the one drawback as far (as I'm concerned) is I don't see what the cover has to do with a forest, hands, teeth or zombies *lol* unless I'm missing something!

I think we might have to allow the US hardcover version be a contender in this round. The somber mood of the cover seems to be the most fitting with the feel of the book.

Other blogs participating in this meme are: The Book Shopaholic, The Bloody Bookaholic, and Wondrous Reads. Check out their blogs and vote on their selections for the week =)

The Vlog Is Back 4.23.10

Hey gang!!

We are glad to say that the VLOG is back :)

We have so many books to tell you about that we've actually saved some for next week. Otherwise, we would have a 20 minute long video, ha!

But without further ado...here is this week's

♥ Vlog ♥



Notes:

1. Isalys rambles...a lot! {Sorry about that guys! I don't realize how much I talk until after the fact. }
2. Vanessa's hair seemed to have plans of its own last night. {It was doing some funny thing there but she reined it in after a few minutes! lol}
   

♥ Books We Received In The Mail ♥
Forbidden Passion by Rita Herron
Dark Deception by Dee Davis
Libertine's Kiss by Judith James
Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Greek: Double Date by Marsha Warner
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith *Audio*

♥ Books We Purchased ♥
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
The Bride by Julie Garwood
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice



♥ Books We've Read ♥
Isalys Read:
Numbers by Rachel Ward
Promise Me by Sara Lindsey
Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

*Current Read*
Ravished by a Highlander (Children Of The Mist, #1) by Paula Quinn

Vanessa Read:
Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

*Current Read*
Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice

♥ Pictures ♥

And these are just for *shits & giggles* =)
Because really - who doesn't love the classic bathroom pics?! LMAO

Have a GREAT weekend guys!!

It Just Has To Feel 'Write'

This week, MizB of Should Be Reading did a post that hit close to home because it's about a topic that is very important to us...about something that few of us could truly appreciate and that is...PENS!

Yes, we said pens! Now most of you are probably rolling your eyes and thinking that we're nuts, but that's OK! A pen may be just a pen to some, but to a few of us, as MizB put it, "it's a tool"...or maybe even a collectible.

Think about it though. Take a trip to your local Office Depot, Staples or Office Max and just look at the variety and prices of pens these days. If we're going to be asked to spend $20 bucks on a pack of 1 to 4 pens, you better believe that we expect to happy with our purchase.

We're perfectly fine with being at Office Depot for an hour if it means testing pens until we find the "write" one! We like pens that are smooth and don't skip, that don't smudge or run, and that are comfortable to hold.

We've also noticed that certain pens make your handwriting appear differently. If we're writing with a really good, quality pen that is smooth, then our handwriting just appears better! Weird, but true...

♥ Isalys's Fave Pen(s) ♥

Paper Mate LiquidExpresso Pens with Porous Tip in Medium Point. They come in a bunch of colors and are AWESOME!! My handwriting is so sexy with these pens, LOL!!


♥ Vanessa's Fave Pen(s) ♥

Uni.Ball Vision Elite :) These are a bit on the pricey side, but they are so smooth and so worth it!!

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway 4.21 - 5.5 {Part 2}

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway {Part 2}
April 21 - May 5

by Bree Davis

Synopsis:
A-Tac is an elite CIA unit masquerading as faculty at an Ivy League college. Brilliant, badass, and seemingly bulletproof, the members of A-Tac are assigned to the riskiest missions and the most elusive targets.

TORN BETWEEN DUTY AND DESIRE
Covert operations expert Nash Brennon has spent the last eight years trying to forget Annie Gallagher, his former field partner and the only woman he ever loved. Annie betrayed him when he needed her most, then vanished without a trace. Now suddenly she's back in the game - this time as a suspected traitor and threat to national security.
Annie's son has been kidnapped by political terrorists. The price for his life? Assassinate a UN ambassador. When Nash and his group find her, the smoldering passion between Annie and the man she swore she'd never contact again blazes out of control. But can Nash trust her? The stakes couldn?t be higher: Their enemy's endgame is personal, and one false move could cost them their lives.

FILL OUT FORM TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY
{Important: Please leave a comment on this post stating you filled out the form. Thank you!}

{5 Copies Available}

Rules:
• To enter the giveaway you must complete the form (linked above) and leave a comment indicating that you've completed the form.
• Books will be delivered directly from the publishers so the giveaways are only available for U.S. and Canada residents. No P.O. boxes please.
Note: It may take several weeks to receive your prize so please be patient!
• Winners will be drawn soon after the contest ends and posted thereafter.
• Winners will be chosen using random.org!

Ways to earn extra entries:
+1 for being a follower
+1 for following us on Twitter
+1 for following us on Blogged
+1 for being a Facebook Friend
+1 for subscribing via email or RSS reader
+1 for comments on other posts throughout the week
(Please reference which other posts you've commented on)
+1 for twittering or posting about this giveaway on your blog/site
(Please include a link to the post)

♥ Feel free to contact us via email at booksoulmates[at]gmail[dot]com if you have any questions ♥

Good luck!

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway 4.21 - 5.5 {Part 1}

Wicked Wednesday Giveaway {Part 1}
April 21 - May 5

by Rita Herron

Synopsis:
SHE SEES HIM IN HER DREAMS...

Fueled by her family's murder years ago, Dr. Marlena Bender has devoted her life to understanding violent criminals. But when a serial killer in this small Southern town starts taking the lives of women in diabolical ways--leaving trophies of his kills on Marlena's doorstep--it all hits too close to home. Terrified, Marlena turns to the only man she can trust...the man who saved her life.

BUT HIS SECRET IS HER WORST NIGHTMARE.

Sheriff Dante Valtrez would move heaven and earth to keep Marlena safe, but he's not the savior she thinks he is. A dark legacy runs through his blood and a dangerous secret lies within him. Now a fierce, hot, ruthless desire draws Dante and Marlena together--as a demonic force from his past threatens to rip them apart, destroying everything they hold dear.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

FILL OUT FORM TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY

{Important: Please leave a comment on this post stating you filled out the form. Thank you!}

{5 Copies Available}

Rules:
• To enter the giveaway you must complete the form (linked above) and leave a comment indicating that you've completed the form.
• Books will be delivered directly from the publishers so the giveaways are only available for U.S. and Canada residents. No P.O. boxes please.
Note: It may take several weeks to receive your prize so please be patient!
• Winners will be drawn soon after the contest ends and posted thereafter.
• Winners will be chosen using random.org!

Ways to earn extra entries:
+1 for being a follower
+1 for following us on Twitter
+1 for following us on Blogged
+1 for being a Facebook Friend
+1 for subscribing via email or RSS reader
+1 for comments on other posts throughout the week
(Please reference which other posts you've commented on)
+1 for twittering or posting about this giveaway on your blog/site
(Please include a link to the post)

♥ Feel free to contact us via email at booksoulmates[at]gmail[dot]com if you have any questions ♥

Good luck!

Ning's Bubble Burst: No More Freebies!

**News Alert**

So it seems the new owner of Ning has decided to be a turd {yes, we said it, a turd!} by forcing its networks creators to pay up or ship out!

What does this mean?
It means that creators will no longer be able to host a free network by relying on the income earned from ads. They must now decide on whether to upgrade to a Premium service (at a cost designated by the level of service they choose) or move their network to another service provider which can be very daunting based on the amount of data that needs to be transferred.

In addition to this bit 'o news, the new CEO of Ning has decided to scale back the number of employees by over 40%. {Right, because jobs are soooo easy to find these days!}

One month after long-time Ning CEO Gina Bianchini was replaced by COO Jason Rosenthal, the company is making some major changes: It has just announced that it is killing off its free product, forcing existing free networks to either make the change to premium accounts or migrate their networks elsewhere. Rosenthal has also just announced that the company has cut nearly 70 people — over 40% of its staff.

As book bloggers, many of us rely on BookBlogs.Ning for our book news, to network our own blogs as well as to see what our fellow bloggers have going on. Tricia, creator of BookBlogs.Ning, has advised us that by May 4th, she'll learn more about how these changes will affect our beloved group. Depending on what options are available to her, we may all have to cough up some dough or we'll be rolling over to another service.

As you can tell by the tone of our post, we are NOT happy about this! We find it selfish that after having "raised around $120 million, getting valuations of a half-billion dollars in April 2008 and a reported $750 million last summer" it's still not enough and leaving quite a number of people unemployed makes it all that much worse!

Please click [HERE] to read the original article.

Teaser Tuesday 4.20.10

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share a couple of “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Isalys's Teaser:
"The Nightlash slammed a thick club down on Shade's skull. The sharp crack echoed through the cell like a gunshot. Shade grunted and settled down, but his eyes glowed, and he still watched her... Watched her with the single-minded intensity of an aroused male who wanted one thing. And wanted it now!"

~ p. 34 from "Desire Unchained (Demonica #2) by Larissa Ione

*Phew* Is it warm in here or is it just me?! ♥Isalys

Vanessa's Teaser:
"Killing is no ordinary act," said the vampire. "One doesn't simply glut oneself on blood." He shook his head. "It is the experience of another's life for certain, and often the experience of the loss of that life through the blood, slowly. It is again and again the experience of that loss of my own life, which I experienced when I sucked the blood from Lestat's wrist and felt his heart pound with my heart. It is again and again a celebration of that experience; because for vampires that is the ultimate experience."

~p. 29 from Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

♥ {Counts towards our iVamp Challenge} ♥