Monday, June 30, 2014

BOOK BLAST~Excerpt + Giveaway: Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark

Uncover Cobbogoth

Uncovering Cobbogoth 
by Hannah L. Clark 

 Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister. When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late to share her own.


  Praise for Uncovering Cobbogoth 
 "With a fascinating protagonist in Norah Lukens, a fully realized, never before seen fantasy world, and a fast paced, compelling story, Uncovering Cobbogoth establishes Hannah L. Clark as a major new voice in American fiction. The richness of the story and the scope of the world she's created screams for a film adaptation. This is a fantasy novel for everyone, even readers not usually drawn to the genre. Highly, highly recommended!" -Bryce Clark, author of Red Shirt Kids 

 "This book takes you on a wonderful ride, bringing myth and legend to life. The characters are full and flawed, with a sweet romance woven through the adventure." - Annette K. Larsen, author of Just Ella

 "Uncovering Cobbogoth is an Icelandic tale that will appeal to many Harry Potter series fans […] For those who’ve missed the Harry Potter world, here’s a pretty good alternative!" - Sharon Haddock, For the Deseret News 

"This isn't a typical YA fantasy/scifi/para story like the multitude of vampire or witch or werewolf or mermaid themes that fill bookshelves in stores currently. When after a couple of chapters it became apparent that this wasn't yet another entry into the aforementioned themes, I was downright giddy. And then to find out there wasn't a standard issue love triangle? I wanted to find the author and buy her dinner." -Radar626, Amazon reviewer

 "A friend of mine recommended this book […] I checked it out and I was so pleased! I love this book. I can't wait to read the next one [...] and I am encouraging my daughter to read it as well. If you like fantasy with a little mix of science this book is perfect. I had such a hard time putting this book down just so I could deal with real life and working on promoting my own book. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book." -Pamela Hall, author   

  Excerpt 
The Legend of the Cobbogothians is really where Uncovering Cobbogoth begins. For as long as Norah can remember, her Uncle Jack has been obsessed with the mythical people. He became an archeologist and world famous Myth-chaser because of the Cobbogothian legends he heard while visiting his Granddad Aegissida’s farm in Iceland. 

The Legend of the Cobbogothians 
 Long ago, at the beginning of time, a peculiar race ruled the earth. They found favor in the eyes of the gods and received great gifts of knowledge and power at their hands. These gifts made them elementalists—masters of earth, wind, fire, water, metal, wood and space. The elementalists thenceforth became rulers of the earth and sky. With this power came corruption, and the elementalists soon forgot their patron gods. Instead, they turned to worshipping themselves and their own creations. This angered the gods, and in their wrath, the vowed to bring an icy end to the prideful race. Rumors of the looming destruction were heralded throughout the land, and a final invitation was issued to the elementalists to renounce their fallen ways. Yet only a few heard and heeded. Among them was a man named Cobbogoth. Being a wise and humble servant of the gods, he believed the warnings and led all who would listen deep into the bowels of the earth to wait out the approaching storm. When the day of destruction was come and the wrath of the gods rained down, the race of elementalists was wiped away, and then came the dawning of a violent and frigid ide age. It is said that Cobbogoth’s posterity still lives beneath our feet, waiting to rise and rule the earth and sky once more. Sigurd Jorgensson Icelandic Bard, 1045 AD   *Translated from the original Old Norse by Dr. Jack A. Lukens of Harvard University, April 1975 


    
hannah

Author Hannah L. Clark 

 Hannah L. Clark lives with her husband and their son in the Rocky Mountains. She has always known she would be a storyteller. In 2006 she graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in English and immediately began writing Uncovering Cobbogoth, the first book in a seven book series based on Clark's mythological brain-child, the Icelandic Legend of the Cobbogothians. Clark loves her family, running, mythology, laughing, soulful bluegrass music, road-trips, studying alternative medicine, retro hairdos, and growing things. Like her heroine Norah, she also kind of believes trees have souls, but must clarify (for her parents' sakes) that she was not raised by hippies. ;-)  

 
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      Blast Giveaway 
 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/31/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

EXCERPT + Giveaway: Dangerous Reflections by Shay West



Dangerous Reflections
Adventures of Alexis Davenport Series
Book One
by Shay West

Genre:  Young Adult/Teen Fantasy

Publisher:  Booktrope
Date of Publication:  June 23, 2014

Cover Artist:  Shari Ryan

Book Description:

Alexis Davenport wants to go home. She hates her new school, her mother for moving her away from her friends, and her father for walking out.

To make matters worse, Alex is haunted by images of strange girls reflected in her mirror. It’s bad enough juggling homework, a relentless bully, boys, and a deadbeat dad; now, she must save the world from an evil presence hell-bent on changing the past – and our futures. Who knew her A+ in history was going to be this important?



EXCERPT

Alex finished quickly and hurried to wash her hands. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. A blue scrunchy encircled her brownish-blond hair. Small tendrils had come free and framed her square face. Her hazel eyes were bloodshot. She had foregone make-up that morning and her face looked pale. Her father had always teased her about her plain features as well as her lack of a womanly figure. 
When Alex would retreat to her room in tears after yet another of Gary’s remarks about her looks, her mother would smooth her hair and say that her father had been kidding, that he really didn’t mean anything by the teasing. She would promise to talk to him and try to get him to stop.
Alex closed her eyes, hating that her mind was dredging up these awful memories. 
She finished washing her hands and looked back up at her reflection. Suddenly, the image in the mirror shifted. Alex was no longer looking at her own face.
The strange girl had dark hair in disarray around a very dirty face. Instead of hazel eyes, the girl in the mirror had bright blue eyes and they were as wide as they could possibly go.
The reflection looked strange. It wavered and moved. Like water.
Alex jumped as the door to the restroom opened. A little old lady entered and gave her a suspicious side-ways glance. Alex turned back to the mirror and found her own face in the reflection, her eyes wide and her face as white as a sheet.
I did not just see that other face in the mirror. 



About the Author:

Shay West was born in Longmont, CO and earned a doctorate degree in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical. Dr. West currently lives in Grand Junction, CO with her two cats. When not writing novels, she plays with plushie microbes and teaches biology classes at Colorado Mesa University.

She is the author of the Portals of Destiny series and the Adventures of Alexis Davenport series. She has also been published in several anthologies: Battlespace (military scifi), Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior (fundraiser), and Ancient New (steampunk/fantasy).

You can find Dr. West and more of her work at Shay-West.com.


**Giveaway**

1 - $25 Amazon Giftcard

1 – Paperback copy of Dangerous Reflections (US Only)

5 – Ebook copies of Dangerous Reflections

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Sunday, June 29, 2014

REVIEW & WOULD YOU RATHER...?: Death Warmed Over (Lily Drake Book Three) by T. Michelle Nelson



Death Warmed Over  
Lily Drake Book Three
by T. Michelle Nelson


Synopsis:

In the conclusion of the Lily Drake series, Lily must choose not only what is best for herself and her son, but for her people.  Her sword will be stained with blood through her efforts to preserve the lives of the people she loves, but she won’t be able to save them all.  

When a devastating loss crushes her will to live, can Lily go on and be the leader she has to be?  What is she willing to sacrifice to save others?

Death comes to everyone...even the Queen’s house...

What doesn't kill you will make you wish it did...


REVIEW
If I sit and think about authors and books that I have at the top of my lists, the ones I just can not wait for the sequels, there are only a few that I'm on the edge of my seat for and the Lily Drake Series is one of my absolute favorites. So when I hear that there is another book in the series, yes I'm one of those bloggers that messages the author for an ARC because no, I cannot wait until it comes out. :) And there are a few authors that are so very gracious that have become my "author friends" that will happily send me one on over. T. Michelle knows that I will bug her to death to get the next one EVEN if it's not finished yet. But FINALLY I will receive one and devour it in a couple if days and Death Warmed Over was no different.

It picked up with Lily's struggle after being shot and the family going to war with another states vampire family. Trying to get the family to a safe place, Lily alludes her family in hopes of keeping her son safe,  away from the danger. I could not love any characters more than Lily's family. And having to choose between cousins Val and Mathis...well let's just say I'm glad I don't have too. I so enjoy T. Michelle's writing. Not one moment am I left to be bored. I enjoy the suspense building up to that one moment that you can not believe that just happened. And there were some moments that all I could think was, "Oh my gosh that did not just happen!" and I would have to go back and read it again. I love books like that. Even though some things happen in this book that I am still grieving over, I loved it! T. Michelle has made me come to love every member of Lily's family and losing even one makes me sad. I can only hope that T. Michelle will continue this series so I can continue follow along with the family.

If you haven't read the first book in the series The Life And Death Of Lily Drake my review is HERE and also the second book 'Til Death Do Us Part review HERE. You won't be disappointed and I'm sure you will fall in love with Lily and her family like I have.

5 HOOTS for DEATH WARMED OVER!!!

WOULD YOU RATHER...?
WITH T. Michelle Nelson

1. Would you rather always take a cold shower or sleep an hour less than you need to be fully rested?
I have raging insomnia.  I’m used to working with little or no sleep, but with massive amounts of coffee.  I’ll definitely take the sleep one, ONE hour less would be an improvement!

2. Would you rather always get first dibs or the last laugh?
The last laugh.  I’m one of those…  I know, terrible.  At least I’m honest!

3. Would you rather always have to say everything on your mind or never speak again?
I’m a blurter.  I think I’d literally die if I couldn’t speak!  I’ll have to go with saying everything I think, which is another question that again I think I already almost do!

4. Would you rather always lose or never play?
You’re killing me!  I’m a really crappy loser.  As much as I hate to admit this, if I constantly lost and knew I’d never win, I’d probably not play, but knowing me, I’d probably convince myself there was a chance and do it anyway!

5. Would you rather be able to hear any conversation or take back anything you say? 
Hear any conversation!  I’m so nosy like that!

6. Would you rather be able to read everyone’s mind all the time or always know their future?
Read minds.  I don’t think I would ever want to know the future.  Too depressing and it’d take all the fun out of life.

7. Would you rather be able to stop time or fly?
Good one!  I’d have said stop time up until last Sunday, but I went flying with a friend in a single engine plane and I was totally hooked.  Flying would be too cool.

8. Would you rather be forgotten or hatefully remembered?
Hatefully remembered, unless we’re talking like really bad for horrible horrendous things, then forgotten for sure.

9. Would you rather be hairy all over or completely bald? 
Completely bald.  I hate doing my hair, I’d just buy a wig and shaving doesn’t last long, and waxing hurts!

10. Would you rather be happy for 8hrs/day and poor or sad for 8hr/day and rich?
Sad and rich.  I’d sleep those 8 hours and be happy the other two-thirds!

11. Would you rather be invisible or be able to read minds?
Invisible.  It’s my son’s worst nightmare.  I’d be EVERYWHERE and he’d never know it.  Can you imagine your mom in the backseat of your car while you’re out on a date?  Yeahhhhh… Work on that, Michelle, and make that technology happen!

12. Would you rather be rich and ugly, or poor and good looking?
Well, let’s see here.  If you’re rich you could have plastic surgery or if you were poor you could marry a rich man that loved you for your looks.  In that case, I’m going to go rich and ugly.  I don’t think I could marry someone for money.

13. Would you rather be stranded on an island alone or with someone you hate?
I know this is cliché, but I don’t think I truly HATE anyone.  If I royally disliked someone, I would prefer their company over none, however, if that person is really annoying, then alone.  Do I disagree with them politically?  Did they steal my boyfriend in high school?  Yeah, I could get over that.  Do they chew with their mouths open, interrupt me every time I speak and eat the last coconut without asking, send them packing.

14. Would you rather be the most popular or the smartest person you know?
Smartest.  I was never all that popular.  I think I might have actually been the nerdy, weird girl.  I think I actually still am.  So I’m totally used to that, but if I were Stephen Hawking super-smart – oh, that’d be really nice.

15. Would you rather live without music or live without T.V.?
Is Daryl Dixon running around with a crossbow? I could live without all of it, if so.  If this isn’t a zombie apocalypse, then I’m going to go T.V.  I do love me some Walking Dead and Good Wife, but I can’t live without music.





T. Michelle Nelson

T. Michelle Nelson became enamored with vampires at an early age when she watched George Hamilton in “Love at First Bite.” As she got older, her tastes leaned more toward the dark and morose, but her love of all things vampire never wavered.  Little has changed over the years, except now T.  makes up her own macabre stories of the undead… mixed with a splash of romance, tough heroines and tons of dark humor.

T. Michelle Nelson is a native of Benton, Kentucky and a graduate of Murray State University.  Currently she resides in a small town in Ohio, which is also the setting of her Lily Drake series.  The first two books in the series, Life and Death of Lily Drake and 'Til Death Do Us Part, are currently available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon or any of your other favorite online bookstores. A short story prequel The First Time is also available. Death Warmed Over, the third and final book of the series will release in late June.

When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her spending time with her son, singing out of key, watching B-Horror movies or discussing world problems with her little dog, Toadie.




Friday, June 27, 2014

INTERVIEW + Giveaway: DEFECTOR (A Variants Novel) by Susanne Winnacker





DEFECTOR (A Variants Novel)
by Susanne Winnacker
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: June 26, 2014
Pages: 288
Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Tessa has finally made peace with her life as a Variant. She and long-time love Alec are officially a couple, and for the first time, she has everything she wants.

But the air is tense at FEA headquarters. An agent has disappeared, and rogue variant organization Abel’s Army is likely the culprit.

When Tessa is summoned for her second mission, she is unexpectedly launched into a massive conspiracy. Her best friend Holly is kidnapped and Tessa knows it was meant to be her. But who is after her? And more importantly, why?

When the FEA’s efforts to rescue Holly don’t yield any results, Tessa takes matters into her own hands. Desperate to save her friend and uncover the mystery behind Abel’s Army, Tessa launches her own investigation—but nothing could prepare her for what she finds. Everyone in her life is harboring secrets: Alec, her estranged mother, even the father she never knew.

The truth will take her out on the road and out of her comfort zone, with danger lurking everywhere. Summoning all of her courage and strength, Tessa must decide who can be trusted and what is worth fighting for—even if it means going against the life she thought she wanted. Her final decision will leave readers breathless.



What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Cookie Dough

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Overnight oats or yogurt with fruit and homemade granola

Night owl or early bird?
I used to be a night owl, but now I always get up quite early (thanks to the new puppy) and seldom go to bed after midnight.

One food you would never eat?
Well, I don’t eat meat.

Skittles or M&Ms?
I’ve never tried Skittles. I love peanut M&Ms.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
A vet. I love animals, but I don’t think I could see them suffer, so vet probably isn’t the best choice.

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
A house.

Print or Ebook?
Print. I don’t even own an e-reader.

What movie are you looking forward to this year?
Mockingjay. Hobbit 3.

Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is....
Harry Potter.

What is next on your to read list?
Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Any other books in the works? 
Yes, I’m working on a YA historical and a YA sci-fi, as well as a middle grade.



About Susanne:
Susanne Winnacker studied law before she became a full-time writer. She lives with her husband, a dog that looks like a sheep and three bunnies that have destroyed every piece of furniture she's ever owned in Germany. She loves coffee (in every shape and form), traveling and animals. When she isn't writing, you can usually find her in the kitchen, experimenting with new vegan dishes.
She blogs for The League of Extraordinary Writers.

You can find her on Twitter and on facebook.



Giveaway Details:
 2 hardcovers of DEFECTOR and 1 Impostor audiobook. Giveaway international. 3 winners.


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VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR [Spotlight + Giveaway!] Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman



Boneseeker
by Brynn Chapman
Genre: YA Historical Romance/ Mystery 
Publisher: Month 9
Date of Publication: June 18 2014


Book Description:

Arabella Holmes was born different and raised different. After it became apparent she wouldn't fit the role of a proper 1900's lady, her father, Sherlock, called in some lingering favors, and landed her a position at the Mutter Museum. The museum was Arabella's dream; she was to become a purveyor of abnormal science. What her father called a BoneSeeker.

Henry Watson arrives at the Mutter Museum with a double assignment--to become a finder of abnormal antiquities and to watch over and keep Arabella Holmes. An easy task, if he could only get her to speak to him instead of throwing knives in his general direction.

But this is no time for child's play. The two teens are assigned to a most secret exploration, when the hand of a Nephilim is unearthed in upstate New York. Soon, Arabella and Henry are caught in a fight for their lives as scientific debate swirls around them. Are the bones from a Neanderthal ... or are they living proof of fallen angels, who supposedly mated with humans according to ancient scrolls?

Sent to recover the skeleton, they discover they are the second team to have been deployed and the entire first team is dead. And now they must trust their instincts and rely on one another in order to survive and uncover the truth.

Add it to your Goodreads list


About the Author: 

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. 

Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.

Connect with the Author:  




 Tour giveaway 

$10 Amazon Gift Card

1 print copy of Boneseeker open to US Shipping


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Thursday, June 26, 2014

EXCERPT & Little Facts + Giveaway: One, Two, Three… by Elodie Nowodazkij




One, Two, Three… 
by Elodie Nowodazkij 
Publication date: June 26th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.

Last year, Natalya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.

But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.

At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present, and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell.

But when upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?



EXCERPT

The shortcut to the lake from our home is a dirt road that isn’t well lit, but I know the way by heart. I hurry down the path, tuning my iPod to Chopin’s happier music. But I can’t drown out Mama’s voice. It resonates in my head. It’s my fault! I know she’s wrong because she’s not the one who killed him. I did. If only I didn’t get into an argument with him in the car. If only I had warned him about the truck. I bite back a sob and rip off my knee brace to walk even faster. At first, my knee is stiff, but at least I can extend my leg much better now. 
Seeing the lake calms me down, soothes me. This place is always crowded in the summer, but on this crisp September night, there’s no one. The lights surrounding the area flicker, the tall trees leave interesting shadows on the ground, and a discarded pink umbrella stands next to the bench by the grilling area. I turn up the volume of my iPod even more, settle on the bench, and search through my backpack. My pointes show the wear and tear of the last years, and no matter how much I scrub, there’s one smudge that doesn’t want to go away. 
Memories flash back when I slip them on: my father handing me a bouquet of lilies after each of my recitals, the crew from the School of Performing Arts sneaking out to get ice cream, the summers I spent on the raft at the lake with Becca and my babushka, the hours at the barre. 
Everything’s gone.
Dancing’s always been my escape from reality: from the fights my parents had more and more often, from my babushka passing away all alone at the hospital because no one told me she was sick, from my fears of letting anyone get really close. 
Dancing’s always been my future. 
Dancing’s always been who I am. So even if I can’t dance like I used to, even if I can’t put too much pressure on my knee, I’m convinced I’ll train my way back to the top, that I’ll show Dr. Gibson and the rest of them that they got it wrong, when they said it was very unlikely I would ever go back on stage. Juilliard postponed my audition and the director of the School of Performing Arts said he was holding a spot for me if I wanted to come back. If I could come back. 
I use the bench as my own personal barre, slowly bend my knees, keeping them over my toes. Grounding my heels on the ground, I stretch down as much as I can, but I don’t make it past a demi-plié. I warm up for ten minutes, losing myself in the familiar movements. The stars reflect on the water; it could be the perfect backdrop for a production of Swan Lake. I wish I could position myself for a grand jeté, feel the wind surround me as I fly into the air, but I know better than to jeopardize the progress I’ve made. The last time I tried, my kneecap almost snapped again. Both my knees were smashed in the car crash, but my pivot leg suffered the most. 
I angle my feet for some small pas de bourrée. I go faster and faster, until I bump into a rock. Fear steals my breath away. I avoid landing on my leg and instead fall on my ass.



Little facts about One, Two, Three & Elodie Nowodazkij

1. Little fact: I wrote this book (mostly in the train) in 6 months back in 2012. And it has gone through several revisions since.
2. Little fact: Like Natalya, I love pelmeni - but my favorite Russian dish is stuffed blinchiki (mostly with mushroom and mashed potatoes) yum!
3. Little fact: I got the inspiration of my main character's name - Natalya - from my mother-in-law
4. Little fact: Like Natalya’s father, my favorite composer is Chopin.
5. Little fact: My book is officially coming out on June 26th 2014 because it's my parents' 40th wedding anniversary


AUTHOR BIO
Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she'd never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master's degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives in Germany with her husband and their cat (who doesn't seem to realize he's not human), and uses her commuting time to write the stories swirling in her head. She's also a serial smiley user.

Author links:

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BLOOMSBURY 6 MONTH SPARKIVERSARY!! Chat with the Authors + Giveaway



Bloomsbury Spark’s Six Month Sparkiversary Chat with the Authors

What has been your best experience since the release of your book?

Ashley Poston: Definitely all the support on Twitter and Facebook! I never thought I’d have so many people out of the blue just tweeting me to tell me how much they loved my story! It means a lot to me. I think every author has one story that’s their “baby” and mine is The Sound of Us. While it’s a very funny, very light-hearted YA/NA crossover (think Fangirl), its tackles some heavy-hitting stuff that’s pretty personal to me. And it’s surreal and wonderful and thrilling to read how much other people enjoyed it!

Caroline Dunford: I loved seeing the face of my heroine Sharra on the beautiful cover. She is just as I imagined her.

Cat Kalen: I am thrilled with reader response. I heard from students who were using my book for their school reports and it thrilled me.

Christine Duval: Really it is more than one moment. It is all the times women have come up to me, written to me, tweeted to me about how Positively Mine reminded them of their own situations. Many are women who were teen moms or who found themselves unexpectedly pregnant in college. I am so moved that something I created has had meaning in another person’s life.

Frankie Brown: Meeting so many wonderful people! The Sparkies are a wonderfully sweet, vivacious group, and the online YA book community is a ton of fun.

Jen McConnel: Listening to the amazing audiobook for the first time! My narrator, Carolyn Bonnyman, has the perfect voice for the story, and I could listen to her all day long. It’s funny, too; when I was revising the sequel, I heard it in her voice. She’s become an integral part of my story, and I’m so glad!

Jenny Kaczorowski: The moment my book popped up in my local library’s eMedia collection! More than any other publishing dream, I’ve always wanted to have something I wrote in libraries. I stumbled across it by accident and nearly screamed.

Jenny Morris: Reading people’s reviews and knowing they totally got our story. It’s still crazy to me that a total stranger is reading something that I wrote and relating to it. 

Judith Tewes: My title isn’t out in the world yet (releases in July), but I’ve had a blast supporting my fellow Bloomsbury Spark authors as each new title has launched. 

Kate Jarvik Birch: It might sound a little sadistic, but hearing that my book has brought someone to tears is one of the best feelings EVER—it’s also pretty awesome to hear that I’ve made them yell and cheer, but for some reason the tears feel like the biggest payoff.

Kelley Lynn: Fans (Eep! I still can’t believe I have fans…haha) contacting me wanting to talk about the book. I actually had one twelve-year-old girl somehow get a hold of my phone number. She called me and in this really sweet, shaky voice, asked how she could get a signed copy of my book. It was just so flattering and is totally the reason I do this.

Marie Langager: It’s an awesome feeling when you connect with readers. Especially when they’re in a country you’ve never been to!

Theresa DaLayne: Since my book doesn’t release until mid-August of this 2014, I probably haven’t had it yet. THE EDGE OF YOU is my new adult debut, and although Ron and Lilly’s story isn’t full of rainbows and gumdrops, it’s real. I think my favorite part about writing the story was reliving my years spent in Kodiak Island, Alaska, where I grew up. A few characters, like Lori for example, play a small but beautiful role, and are depictions of real people. It was an honor to incorporate part of my life into the story that will be shared with so many others. 

What is the best thing about being part of Bloomsbury Spark?

Ashley Poston: Definitely the authors. We’re like one big family. I’m thankful and so very glad to have met every single one of them. They’re all so talented, and they’ve enriched my life more than they know!

Caroline Dunford: Everyone has been so warm and welcoming.

Cat Kalen: The support from Meredith and all the authors. Everyone is so giving, helpful and wonderful, not to mention talented!

Christine Duval: The enthusiasm of everyone involved with it! It has been so amazing watching Spark grow under Meredith’s guidance and I feel I’ve made a bunch of new friends on this journey. I love hearing about everyone’s successes and learning what’s coming next while watching our readership grow.

Frankie Brown: Again: the people. Meredith is incredible, and everyone at Bloomsbury--from the social media team to the cover designers--is passionate about what they do. It's infectious. 

Jen McConnel: It’s so hard to pick one thing, but I’d have to say that the sense of community is amazing. The authors, the team at Bloomsbury, and our fearless leader, editor Meredith Rich, all come together to create a wonderful, enthusiastic literary family.

Jenny Kaczorowski: The support! Meredith is an amazing editor, the cover artist for FALLING is amazing, and the other Spark authors are fantastic! Not only are we publishing siblings, but friends. I love having so many people with me on this journey!

Jenny Morris: The Sparkie Family. Meredith connected all of us together and the other authors really are amazingly supportive, and the best cheerleaders. 

Judith Tewes: Bloomsbury Spark is in good hands with our editor, Meredith, and I love how she’s willing to take risks in her selections for this new YA / NA line. Spark titles (and authors) are ones to watch!

Kate Jarvik Birch: Being part of the Spark family has introduced me to a tight knit group of fantastic writers, all of whom support and buoy one another. Plus, it’s given me a chance to read some pretty stellar books by my fellow authors.

Kelley Lynn: Can I say everything? Everyone on the Bloomsbury Spark team is so wonderful. Meredith, and her supporting cast are the best. And the other authors in this family are so talented and nice. It’s just such a wonderful community to be a part of.

Marie Langager: I feel so lucky to be a part of this group of fantastic authors. So much support and so much fun. You really get to be a part of something special and make friends along the way!

Theresa DaLayne: My publishing career has had its peaks and valleys, but being a part of Bloomsbury Spark is most definitely a peak. My editor, Meredith, and the talented cover art department have worked hard to ensure I love the cover to my book. That’s something invaluable. And my fellow Sparkies are just about the best group of young adult and new adult authors I’ve had the honor of working with. With only six months under Spark’s belt, the future of our growing family is bright!

What are you working on now?

Ashley Poston: The sequels to THE SOUND OF US, actually! WE OWN THE NIGHT follows Ingrid, who hosts a late-night radio show to escape the reality of her small-town life, and finds herself drawn to a regular caller who is trying to escape his own life, too. It’s like Sleepless in Seattle if the main character was Rebel Wilson. YOU BURY ME is about two ex-best friends who find themselves on a road trip to complete a bucket list their late friend left behind. I’m really excited for both of them, and I hope you are, too! While they’re not direct sequels to Junie and Roman’s adventures in love, JuRo definitely make appearances (and maybe some other lovely secondary characters, too?)

Caroline Dunford: I have stories I'm working on, but I don't tend to reveal anything until the time is right!

Cat Kalen: I’m working on Pride Unleashed and Pride’s Pursuit the follow up books to Pride’s Run.  

Christine Duval: The sequel to POSITIVELY MINE! The first draft is done, I am happy to say, and I am getting ready to send the detailed synopsis off to Bloomsbury! 

Frankie Brown: A lot of different things! Stay tuned...

Jen McConnel: I’m shifting gears out of NA mode for awhile, and focusing on revising the second book in my YA fantasy series from Month9Books. It’s fun to flip flop between contemporary with a touch of paranormal and full-on fantasy, with witches and gods and goddesses popping up like whack-a-mole. GODS OF CHAOS, the sequel to DAUGHTER OF CHAOS, is due out next March...squee! There’s always another story to be told, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Jenny Kaczorowski: I am working on two follow-ups to THE ART OF FALLING, set in the same high school but following different characters. THE TRICK TO LANDING is about Summer, a semi-pro skateboarder trying to build a new life after a DUI. After moving to Oceanside, she meets Bastian, a brilliant photographer fighting for a future beyond the bleeding disorder that defines his life. Their romance is messy and painful, but very sweet. THE RHYTHM OF BREATHING follows Abby, Bria’s best friend in FALLING. When she kisses Jackie, the drummer in a metal band, on New Year’s Eve, she expects it to be a one-time fling. Instead, she finds herself head over heals for a boy with a dark past, deep scars and exactly what she needs to confront her own issues.

Jenny Morris: I am working on a story outline for a follow-up to ROAD TO SOMEWHERE. It follows Charlie to college and Lucy in her last few months of high school. Kelly Lynn and I are excited about the possibility of continuing the sisters’ story. I’m also working on another collaboration called REMEMBER. It’s Romeo and Juliette meets Total Recall. 

Judith Tewes: I’m gearing up for the release of MY SOON-TO-BE SEX LIFE, can’t wait for the blog tour madness to begin.

Kate Jarvik Birch: What am I NOT working on now? I’m just finishing up co-writing a middle grade novel about unlikely friends navigating middle school while trying to discover whether magic is real. I’ve got another YA novel, PERFECTED, coming out July 1st from Entangled Teen and I’m busy writing the sequel, which is due out next year. I’ve got some picture book projects in the works and still need to find the time to write the screenplay I’ve been marinating for years. Phew, I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

Kelley Lynn: Jenny S. Morris and I are working on the sequel to ROAD TO SOMEWHERE. We just love being back in Charlie and Lucy’s world! I’m working on the final edits for another edition to the Bloomsbury Spark family, ONE WISH AWAY, which is a science fiction twist on the ‘when you wish upon a star’ theme. I’m also negotiating a contract for another YA Contemporary and my super duper agent, Jamie Bodnar Drowley, and I are putting the finishing touches on a YA Thriller so we can start submitting that soon. Busy, busy, busy 

Marie Langager: I’m finishing up a project that has been a long time in the making. Imagine a protagonist who’s a little bit like Jo March but hears voices and is very, very angry. She’s viewed by many as odd and unfixable. In this character’s world the Archbishop teaches her to stay away from the lying peddlers of magic. This book is madness, magic, darkness, and lots of cool new magical weapons!

Theresa DaLayne: I’m working on a few projects at the moment. One is a new adult story about a nineteen-year-old California socialite with a kleptomaniac habit that gets her in big trouble. It started out as a fun, rich-girl-gets-forced-into-being-a-maid kind of story, but when my main character meets a kind-hearted guy with a humanitarian streak, her eyes are opened to a whole new world. That’s where the real life change happens, and I can’t wait to see where my agent puts it! I’m also working on the first of a new adult thriller series, tentatively titled, GLACIER PEAK. It’s totally different than anything I’ve ever written in the sense that most times, my heroine grows into her role as a leader. In this story, my main character struts into the story with a snarky attitude, the mouth of a sailor and a hair trigger temper. When her father goes missing, she sets out on an epic five-day hike through the wilderness to find him. And when she meets a guy covered in tats with a hidden agenda, the temperature in the tent goes from zero to smoldering. It’s all set in the rural mountains of Washington State, where the weather is unpredictable, the wild animals are hungry, and the romance is ice-melting.



DELIVER ME
Nook
Kobo

The Sound of Us
Amazon
Nook
Kobo
iTunes

The Art of Falling
Nook
Kobo
iTunes

Positively Mine
Nook
Kobo
iTunes

Until We End
Nook
Kobo
iTunes

Pride’s Run
Nook
Kobo

Secret of Isobel Key
Nook
Kobo
iTunes

Her Secret Inheritance
Nook
Kobo
iTunes

Road to Somewhere
Nook
Kobo

Beyond Our Stars
Nook
Kobo

My Soon-To-Be-Sex Life
Nook -

MapMaker’s Daughter
Nook
Kobo
iTunes


GIVEAWAYs
Blitz-wide giveaway
Open to US/CAN

A Kindle Paperwhite loaded with all of these titles (also please use image attached with all the covers included):

1) The Sound of Us by Ashley Poston
2) The Art of Falling by Jenny Kaczorowski
3) The Secret of Isobel Key by Jen McConnel PLUS its sequel
4) Her Secret Inheritance
5) Positively Mine by Christine Duval
6) Deliver Me by Kate Jarvik Birch
7) Pride’s Run by Cat Kalen
8) Road to Somewhere by Jenny S. Morris and Kelley Lynn
9) Beyond Our Stars by Marie Langager
10) The Mapmaker’s Daughter by Caroline Dunford
11) Until We End by Frankie Brown
12) An ARC of My Soon-To-Be Sex Life by Judith Tewes



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BOOK BLAST [Excerpt & Trailer + Giveaway!] True Colors Krysten Lindsay Hager

True Colors Cover

True Colors 

 Landry Albright enters a modeling competition with her two best friends, but runs into jealousy when she advances to the next level without them. Enter the gorgeous Devon, who also makes the first cut of the modeling contest. Devon seems like the perfect new best friend, but can their friendship survive the competition? Throw in a new boy, jealousy and loyalty issues, and insults from hair stylists. How’s a girl to deal?


Excerpt 

The competition was for girls between the ages of thirteen and seventeen, but it felt like Ericka, Tori, and I were the youngest ones there. I only saw a couple of girls from school, and the lineup looked more like something you’d see on a music video set. All the girls were gorgeous, and they had these curvy womanly bodies. I looked like a skinny little kid next to them. The first girl walked out, and I heard the judges say she “owned the runway,” and, “walked like a gazelle.” I was starting to feel ill. I wasn’t sure which way it was going to come, but I knew I had to find a bathroom — fast. I started to get out of line when Ericka grabbed my wrist. “It’s almost time,” she said. A tiny bit of spit flew out of her mouth and hit my cheek. I wasn’t sure why she was so intent on me going through with it, but she had a death grip on my arm, so I didn’t have much of a choice. Her number was called and she walked out to the stage. One of the other girls said she walked like a kid with sand bucket stilts on her feet, but she came back with a smirk on her face like she knew she’d get chosen. “They said they had never seen such long legs,” she said. Tori was next. “She walks like a gorilla at feeding time,” said the girl behind me. I went next, and I tried to focus on not tripping over my feet. My mom’s pumps had a rubber sole on the bottom, which probably wasn’t the brightest idea seeing as my shoes were making squeaking noises as I walked. I was so nervous I couldn’t stop smiling as I walked. I looked like the plastic clown who blows up balloons with its mouth at the Pizza Palace. When I got to the end of the runway, I tried to cross my feet to turn like the other girls had, but I over rotated and ended up doing a full spin which made my kilt fan out and gave the mall walkers a view of my blue underpants. I tried to act like it was intentional and did an extra turn. One of the judges put her hand up to stop me, and I held my breath as she started to speak.

 



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   Krysten L

Author Biography 

 Krysten Lindsay Hager is an author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and also writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. Her debut novel, TRUE COLORS, will be out June 17th from Astraea Press. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows.


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Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/8/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL: Ruined by Marian Cheatham


Ruined 
by Marian Cheatham 
Publication date: Summer 2014
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
     When your life has been ruined by lies, do you seek justice … or revenge?

Blythe Messina spends her senior year focused on her studies and college, and not on her ex, Stratford High's lacrosse star, DB Whitmore. At least, that's what Blythe keeps telling herself. But her younger cousin, Bonni, knows otherwise. Same goes for DB, who professes to be over Blythe and their breakup, but his teammates aren’t fooled. 

When scandalous photos of Bonni and the lacrosse captain are texted around Stratford, Bonni's virtuous reputation is ruined. She pleads innocence, but no one believes her. No one, except Blythe and DB, who come together to uncover the truth. But, will they stay together?   

Ruined is a modern twist on a classic Shakespearean romance.  

"Deceit, loyalty, honor, and romance--Ruined has it all! A teen version of Much Ado 

About Nothing that Shakespeare aficionados are sure to savor!”

Kym Brunner, Author of Wanted: Dead or in Love & One Smart Cookie 






AUTHOR BIO
A native Chicagoan and a graduate of Northern Illinois University, Marian Cheatham taught special education for several years before becoming a full-time writer. She would rather be writing than doing almost anything else, but of course, that isn’t always possible. So when she’s not writing, she enjoys time with her family, gardening, reading, walking the dog, travelling with her husband, and researching new projects. Not necessarily in that order.  

Her first novel, Eastland, came out in 2013. Based on the real-life story of the 1915 Eastland boat disaster in Chicago, Marian lectures about the Eastland to schools, libraries, and book clubs. She writes a weekly post on the subject on her Facebook page. July 2014, she will be co-hosting a haunted Chicago tour of Eastland disaster sites.

She also loves anything Shakespeare. An avid reader of Shakespeare’s biographies, she has travelled the world to see his plays, visiting Stratford, Canada as well as Stratford-Upon-the-Avon, GB, and the new Globe Theater in London. Her young adult novel, Ruined, is the first in a series of contemporary re-tellings of those plays. Book Two, inspired by the Merchant of Venice, is due out fall 2014.

She loves to hear from readers, so please visit her at: