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Thursday, February 3, 2011

New Kindle Game - True Backgammon

True Backgammon ($1.99), is a new Kindle game from Compulab (their first entry into the field). I've played on match (and so far, I'm ahead!) and you can use the keyboard or 5-way to play, oriented in landscape or portrait mode (landscape is a bit tricky, if using the keyboard, but much easier to see).

Book Description
True Backgammon allows you to play the classic game wherever you take your Kindle.

Said to be 1000 years older than chess, Backgammon is one of the oldest board games known. Gameplay involves a combination of strategy, probability and luck, with you and Kindle taking turns rolling two dice, while moving your pieces in opposite directions and eventually off the board. Each move offers opportunities to hit opponent's checkers or block fields. Like all good games, the rules themselves are easy to learn and the game comes with full built-in instructions.

Suitable for beginners and advanced players, you can play matches against Kindle at three skill levels. You can also play in landscape or portrait orientation, adjust various options and suspend a game at any time to resume it later.

Free Kindle Game - Video Poker

Video Poker is a new, free game for your Kindle, from Amazon Digital Services.

Book Description
Play Vegas-style video poker on Kindle anytime, anywhere.

Video Poker accurately simulates the Vegas-style video poker machine known as Jacks or Better. After making a bet, you will be dealt five cards. You select which of these five cards to hold, and redraw the rest to try to make the best poker hand possible. A hand with a pair of Jacks or better wins.

The built-in Strategy feature, which you can turn on and off at any time, will provide recommendations for how to play given the hand you were dealt, and will give you hints on how to improve if you fail make the best move. This guidance will help you learn how to play the game, and how to maximize your payouts.

Video Poker tracks how much you win or lose and how often you play the best possible hand.

Get $20 B&N Giftcard for $10

Groupon, another site that specializes in localized coupons deals, is firing a salvo back at Amazon and LivingSocial. Today and thru the weekend, you can get a $20 coupon to use at B&N, including on NOOK books, from what I can tell, for $10. There is an expiration date (April 10) and if you haven't used it by then, the amount decreases by $10 (so, you should not lose the $10 you spend, but must use it by then to get the full benefit). You can use the gift card in a local store, their online store or (once registered to your account), from your nook. It says you must use it "in one visit", but that appears to apply only in the store, as you add it as a gift card to your online account, and the full terms online (on the deals page) talks about what happens if you only use part of the value and don't use it again before the expiration date.

If you are not a member yet, follow this link to sign up. Or, just click HERE to sign up for the deal and create your account at the same time. There is a "limited quantity" of the gift cards available, but it isn't selling at anywhere near the speed of the Amazon gift cards that I told you about last time. They are only up to about 23,800 and there are still four days left to get in on the deal. I've already received my notification (but you can't use your Groupon until the day after you buy it, just like with Living Social). I plan on applying it to my account tomorrow, then using to buy nook books this month and the next.

Bargain Book Roundup

One freebie update for the nook, then a bunch of new discounted books this month. Most of these are the same price at all the ebookstores (but may not be in countries other than the US), so if I skipped putting in a link, you can still check at Kobobooks.com or Barnes and Noble. Current Kobo coupon codes that work on non-Agency books are Feb1us1, Feb1ca1 (both $1, unlimited use), 35%offbook (one use), save25kobo (25% off, unlimited), FirstRead and fbreading (35% one use).

Dead Men Kill, by L. Ron Hubbard, was free for the Kindle last month. This month, those at B&N can get it free. (B&N link) Update: Now free on Kindle, once again!

On the iPad, you can get a cute looking interactive kid's title for 99 cents, Just Me And My Dad for iPad ($0.99), by Big Tuna New Media, LLC. The app is based on the books by Mercer Mayer and it looks like they'll be pursuing the app route, rather than introducing Kindle books.

App Description
"Just Me and My Dad" is an interactive picture book based on the popular children's book by Mercer Mayer, featuring Little Critter, one of the most beloved characters of all time. Follow along as Little Critter reads you the story of what happened when he went camping with his dad. Then play with each page of the story by touching the screen and discover hidden animations. Surprise animation scenes are hidden all over each page of the story. Touch each word of the story and Little Critter sounds it out, reading the word back to you. Little Critter will help you learn to read.

A special edition of The Body Finder, by Kimberly Derting, is available to pre-order for $1.99. This edition will have a teaser for the upcoming Desires of the Dead, which isn't included in the current edition of The Body Finder (which is selling for $9.99). You can get a sample from the regular edition, to decide if you want to order the special edition, just be sure you don't accidentally buy that $10 edition from the sample. As to how long the pre-order period will be? I've seen some disappear before the new book comes out and some that hang around, but I've learned not to wait too long to jump on a reduced price for a book I might want (after all, you can cancel any time up to delivery, then get a refund for 7 days after that).

Book Description
Sixteen-year-old Violet has the unusual ability to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. She locates them by the echoes they leave behind...and the imprints they leave on their killers. Violet has never considered her strange ability to be a gift—more like a very disturbing nuisance. But when a serial killer begins terrorizing her small town, and more and more local girls go missing and later turn up dead, Violet realizes she may be the only person who can stop him. Violet’s best friend since childhood, Jay, is reluctantly helping her—and Violet is beginning to realize that what she feels for Jay is much more than just friendship. But even as she and Jay fall in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering the killer…and becoming his prey herself.

Married with Zombies ($2.99 Kindle, B&N, Kobo, Sony), by Jesse Petersen, is this month's discount book from Orbit.

Book Description
A heartwarming tale of terror in the middle of the zombie apocalypse.

Meet Sarah and David.
Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they're on the verge of divorce and going to couples' counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things - the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client's throat.

Meet the Zombies.
Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn't mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don't eat their brains, they might just kill each other.


I have it on good authority that they make it thru, as the series continues with Flip this Zombie and Eat Slay Love (July '11).

Captive ($1.99), by Leda Swann

Book Description
She was a slave to her desire . . . and to his!

A proper British governess, Louisa Clemens knows her place—and it certainly is not with the wild and exotic stranger she meets in Naples. Still, this commanding, mesmerizing man inflames her imagination in a most improper manner. When the magnificent Khair Bey steals into her bedroom, Louisa is transported to a breathtaking realm of sensual pleasure she had only previously imagined. And now she must flee his kisses and hot, demanding touch or she will be lost forever.

But on her journey home, Louisa is captured by pirates and spirited away to be auctioned off to the highest bidder—a bitter fate that turns shockingly sweet when she is purchased by the very man who has awakened her slumbering desires. Now she belongs to Khair Bey, body and soul—his mistress, his concubine, the most favored beauty in his harem. But as he initiates her into the art of lovemaking, Khair is enchanted by the powerful erotic charms and indomitable will of his captive English rose. And soon it will be the prisoner who possesses the master, passionately and completely . . .


Alluring Tales--Awaken the Fantasy ($1.99), an anthology by Vivi Anna, Sylvia Day, Delilah Devlin, and Cathryn Fox

Book Description
What is your most wicked fantasy?

Pleasure beckons and satisfaction is guaranteed in seven titillating stories of love that know no boundaries. Surrender to the passion and follow your desires into unexplored realms of sensuous delights. Awaken the fantasy!

A man harbors impure thoughts about a voluptuous stripper—and sets out to make his erotic dreams come true . . .

A big-city cop discovers that once bitten is not twice shy after spending a tantalizing night with a beautiful vampire . . .

A sheltered young woman opens a mysterious locket—and is plunged into a legendary battle of good versus evil to set her imprisoned lover free . . .

A seductive warlock will not rest until the powerful temptress he lusts for is begging to be dominated . . .

A television executive lets loose when her favorite heartthrob strides into her office—and gives her the ride of her life . . .

This one-night stand may be too hot to handle for a newly single woman, but that won't stop her from enjoying every delicious second . . .

When a mysterious package opens to reveal an oh-so-sexy, nearly naked man, these two have no choice but to hide out . . . for a good, long time.


Bridge of Dreams ($3.99), by Chaz Brenchley

Book Description
The first major fantasy novel from the author of the popular Outremer series.

In the city known as Maras-Sund, an uneasy peace threatens to unravel between two cultures. And a young man and woman will find their own destinies: one determined to hold onto power and supremacy, the other struggling for survival-and freedom.


River of the World ($3.99), by Chaz Brenchley

Book Description
The compelling follow-up to Bridge of Dreams.

Born to be enemies, Issel of the Sund and Jendre of the Maras have joined forces to save both their peoples and lands from the tyranny of a regime. But Issel's magical power over water may consume him before he can save them all.


The Chronicles of the Unbinding: Hazard's Price ($3.99), by Robert Stone

Book Description
The first title in a new series introduces the countries of Chaldus and Yndor, where a brutal war left the mages with blood on their hands. To rid the world of the destructive magic, they performed the Binding. But someone is murdering former Chaldean ministers, and now, former spy Galatine Hazard attempts to catch this wily assassin who could bring the country to the brink of war.

Knight's Blood ($3.99), by Julianne Lee

Book Description
U.S. Navy Pilot Lt. Alex MacNeil and his wife Lindsay have returned from their adventure in fourteenth century Scotland-and given birth to a son. But the magic realm is not through with them yet...The MacNeils' child has been kidnapped-presumably by Nemed, the elfin king and the couple's sworn enemy-and brought back into the past. Feeling responsible, Lindsay ventures to medieval Scotland on her own, in pursuit of Nemed. Once again in the guise of Sir Lindsay Pawlowski, she joins a company of rogue knights, led by a man who calls himself "An Reubair"...It isn't long before her true identity is discovered, but Lindsay proves her worth among the bandits. As time passes, she finds herself drawn to their lifestyle-and to Reubair-and is torn between reuniting with her family and embracing her warrior's life.And soon she will confront Alex, who has also returned to Scotland and resumed his place as laird. And her son, now a fully grown man and resentful of his parents' abandonment...

Second Contact ($3.99), by J. Austin

Book Description
When Earth's advances toward an alien paradise are rebuffed with missile fire, it decides to give peace one more chance. Dispatching one more ship to the planet, its captain, Matt Wiener, is prepared to do what it takes to keep the universe in harmony--even if it kills them all.

One For Sorrow, Two For Joy ($3.99), by Clive Woodall, has a great looking cover, but may a bit to adult for some kids. Still, Publisher's Weekly says given the compelling plot of "One for Sorrow" in particular, one can understand why Disney has optioned the novel "in a million-dollar deal." There isn't a long synopsis on this one, but you can pop over to Amazon and read a couple of reviews that expand upon the plot.

Book Description
Darkness has fallen over the realm of Birddom as the evil magpies hunt countless species of birds into extinction. And only the courage of one lone Robin can save Birddom from certain doom.

Here be Monsters ($4.99), by Christopher Stasheff

Book Description
Love is in the air as the planet of Gramarye readies itself to celebrate three weddings all at once: those of Geoffrey, Cordelia, and Gregory Gallowglass. When Alouette, Gregory's fiance, has a horrible vision of monsters attacking the land, cold feet becomes the least of their worries.

Wyrmhole ($4.99), by Jay Caselberg

Book Description
Jack Stein lives and works in the crowded, semi-organic city known as the Locality. He's hired by the Outreach Mining Company to investigate the mysterious disappearance of one of its mining crews on an uncolonized planet. But his psychic dreams are full of strange mystical symbols and red herrings, making Jack wonder if Outreach truly wants the miners found. And the deeper he digs, the more people want to see him dead...

Because We Are Americans: What We Discovered on September 11, 2001 ($4.99), by Jesse Kornbluth and Jessica Papin

Book Description
The tragic events of September 11 will never be forgotten, not only for the horror they wrought, but for the acts of bravery, generosity, and extraordinary courage. Cynicism was replaced by compassion and strangers reached out to one another for comfort and support. This touching tribute to those who lost their lives includes poems, prayers, children's drawings, and heartfelt exchanges drawn from the material posted on America Online, where millions of people gathered during the first week for support and information and to express grief and love. Inspiring and uplifting, Because We Are Americans serves as a portrait of this country at its best and a powerful reminder of all that is good in America. All proceeds will go to the relief funds set up to help families of victims of the attacks. Will also include quotes from President George W. Bush and New York City mayor Rudolph Guiliani.

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Being a New Dad ($3.99), by Joe Kelly

Book Description
Congratulations... Now what?

This follow-up to The Pocket Idiot-s Guide to Being an Expectant Father guides new dads through all the emotional, financial, and physical changes and responsibilities they-ll face as they transition through their first year of fatherhood. This volume includes everything from using bottles and diapers, to babyproofing the home and finding the right pediatrician, to balancing work and family.

Offers a chronology of the changes dads can expect to see during the first year in their infants-and in themselves


The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Superfoods ($3.99), by Heidi McIndoo

Book Description
Move over, fad diets!

With the fading novelty-and declining popularity-of such fad diets as South Beach and Atkins, many people are turning to sensible, moderate eating habits. Along with this trend is an interest in superfoods, those foods that not only nourish the body, but also help fight disease. This pocket guide covers 30 disease-fighting, healthful superfoods and provides simple explanations of how they work.


The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Your Carbon Footprint ($3.99), by Nancy S. Grant

Book Description
Take the first step toward a better environment.

Awareness of global climate change has reached critical mass around the world, and people are looking to see how the choices they make affect the environment. This highly practical and easy-to-use reference helps readers understand how to do their part to combat global warming in simple but effective ways.

Clear explanations of the relationship between energy use and carbon emissions, and an individual’s carbon “footprint”


Queen's Own Fool ($3.99), by Robert Harris and Jane Yolen

Book Description
Nicola is a resourceful jester to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a most unlikely friend to the queen. As fate takes Mary from France to Scotland and into confrontations with rebellious lords and devious advisors, Nicola remains deep in the queen's circle, and later struggles to save her friend.

Penguin Publishing has a reduced price on their edition of Madame Bovary ($5.99), by Gustave Flaubert

Book Description
A literary event: one of the world's most celebrated novels, in a magnificent new translation

Seven years ago, Lydia Davis brought us an award-winning, rapturously reviewed new translation of Marcel Proust's Swann's Way that was hailed as "clear and true to the music of the original" (Los Angeles Times) and "a work of creation in its own right" (Claire Messud, Newsday). Now she turns her gifts to the book that redefined the novel as an art form.

Emma Bovary is the original desperate housewife. Beautiful but bored, she is married to the provincial doctor Charles Bovary yet harbors dreams of an elegant and passionate life. Escaping into sentimental novels, she finds her fantasies dashed by the tedium of her days. Motherhood proves to be a burden; religion is only a brief distraction. In an effort to make her life everything she believes it should be, she spends lavishly on clothes and on her home and embarks on two disappointing affairs. Soon heartbroken and crippled by debts, Emma takes drastic action with tragic consequences for her husband and daughter.

When published in 1857, Madame Bovary was deemed so lifelike that many women claimed they were the model for its heroine. Today the novel is considered the first masterpiece of realist fiction. Flaubert sought to tell the story objectively, without romanticizing or moralizing (hence the uproar surrounding its publication), but whereas he was famously fastidious about his literary style, many of the English versions seem to tell the story in their own style. In this landmark translation, Lydia Davis honors the nuances and particulars of a style that has long beguiled readers of French, giving new life in English to Flaubert's masterwork.


Georgette Heyer's Conqueror has been steadily dropping in price and is now down to $4.97. It might go lower yet (or bounce back up to $10), but you are taking your chances at this point.

Book Description
The true story of the bastard son who made himself a king and the woman who melted his heart.The stirring history of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who invaded England and became the King. His victory, concluded at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, is known as the Norman Conquest.Known for her exhaustive research and ability to bring past eras to life, bestselling author Georgette Heyer tells the story of William the Conqueror, who became King of England in 1066, and his queen Matilda, the high-born noblewoman who at first scornfully spurned him. William was an illegitimate child of a nobleman, who won his dukedom through force of will, and went on to bring European feudalism to England, along with a program of building and fortification that included the building of the Tower of London.The historical novel includes Heyer's brilliant period language and her perfect grasp of the details of the day - clothing, armor, weapons, and food - making for a fascinating and blood-stirring read.

Bonus reading group guide available inside.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Free Book (ADE/PDF) - Who Wrote the Book of Love?

Who Wrote the Book of Love? ($24.99 Hardcover), by Lee Siegel, is free from the University of Chicago this month.

Book Description
Who Wrote the Book of Love? is acclaimed novelist Lee Siegel's comedic chronicle of the sexual life of an American boy in Southern California in the 1950s. Starting at the beginning of the decade, in the year that Stalin announced that the Soviet Union had developed an atomic bomb, the book opens with a child's first memory of himself. Closing at the end of the decade, when Pat Boone's guide to dating, 'Twixt Twelve and Twenty, topped the bestseller list, the book culminates just moments before the boy experiences for the first time what he had learned from a book read to him by his mother was called "coitus or sexual intercourse or sometimes, less formally, just making love." Between the initial overwhelmingly erotic recollection and the final climactic moment, all is sex—beguiling and intractable, naughty and sweet. Who Wrote the Book of Love? is about the subversive sexual imaginations of children. And, as such, it is about the origins of love.

Vignettes from the author's childhood provide the material for the construction of what is at once comic fiction, imaginative historical reportage, and an ironically nostalgic confession. The book evokes the tone and tempo of a decade during which America was blatantly happy, wholesome, and confident, and yet, at the same time, deeply fearful of communism and nuclear holocaust. Siegel recounts both the cheer and the paranoia of the period and the ways in which those sentiments informed wondering about sex and falling in love.

"Part of my plan," Mark Twain wrote in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, "has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked." With the same motive, Lee Siegel has written what Twain might have composed had he been Jewish, raised in Beverly Hills in the 1950s, and joyously obsessed with sex and love.


Click HERE to sign up for the free book. You'll need to enter your email address, then check your email for the link to download the book. Mine arrived within seconds -- you get a .ACSM file, which, when opened, will load the PDF book inside of Adobe ADE. This is a DRM'd PDF that is not compatible with the Kindle.