Release Day Blitz: Oceanborn by Amalie Howard

Item: The Kiss of Deception
Rating: 5
Author: Meredith

Jul29

Check out the blog tour HERE

HAPPY RELEASE DAY OCEANBORN!

Author Amalie Howard has a message for you…

ABOUT THE BOOK

The coronation is over.

But the battle has just begun.

Nerissa Marin has won her crown. But can she keep it? Already, her ties to the human realm are driving a wedge between Nerissa and her people. When word arrives that her part-human prince consort, Lo, has been poisoned, she makes the difficult choice to leave Waterfell and return landside. As the royal courts debate her decision, even more disturbing rumors surface: a plot is rising against her, led by someone she least expects.

On land, Nerissa learns another shocking truth: Lo does not remember who she is. As her choice to try to save him threatens her hold on her crown, changing loyalties and uncertainty test her courage in ways she could never have imagined. Nerissa will have one last chance to prove herself as a queen …and save the undersea kingdom she loves.

Add to GoodReads

Order your copy of book one, WATERFELL

Amazon † B&N † iBooks † Kobo

Get your copy of OCEANBORN TODAY!

Amazon † B&N † iBooks † Kobo

SEAMONSTER by Amalie Howard (Aquarathi #1.5)
Available on AMAZON for only $.99

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AMALIE HOWARD grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 22 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts.

She is the author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, PW, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was an Amazon bestseller and a Seventeen Magazine Summer Read. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in New York with her husband and three children. Visit her at www.amaliehoward.com.

Website † Twitter † Facebook † GoodReads

Author Interview + Giveaway: At Your Service by Jen Malone

Jul26

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to have Jen Malone, author of At Your Service (August 26, 2014, Simon & Schuster/Aladdin M!X) here for an interview today! Here’s the official Goodreads excerpt for the book:

Thirteen-year-old Chloe Turner wants nothing more than to follow in Dad’s footsteps as a respected concierge in a posh NYC hotel. After all, living at a hotel is heaven, and perks like free concert tickets and all-access passes to boutiques, restaurants, and attractions aren’t too shabby either.

When the spoiled brat child of an important guest is only placated by some quick thinking on Chloe’s part, Chloe is awarded the role of Junior Concierge. But she might be in over her head when tasked with tending to the every whim of three royal guests: a twelve-year-old princess who can’t stand Chloe, a cute fourteen year-old prince(!), and their ten-year-old sister, who has a nasty knack for getting herself lost. After the youngest princess slips Chloe’s care, Chloe and the remaining royals must embark on an event-filled hunt for her through NYC’s best tourist spots.

Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Hope you guys enjoy the interview!

Question: Describe your book in ten words or less. Go!
Answer: Romp through NYC sites when tween concierge loses visiting princess.

Question: Where did you get the idea for At Your Service?
Answer: I have to give my editor, Annie Berger, most of the credit here because the overall concept of “girl lives and works alongside her concierge dad at a fancy NYC hotel and one day she loses a young royal visitor in the middle of the city” was hers and the publisher requested fifty-page submissions from a handful of authors. I was lucky enough to be picked to write the rest and from that point I had complete freedom in where to take the story. In fact, I remember on my first call with my editor, I said, “Okay, what comes next” and she said,” How should I know?!” with a smile in her voice, which was perfect. It was like a souped-up version of a really great writing prompt exercise!

Question: What scene do you most regret having to cut?
Answer: The scene is still in there but it got tweaked a lot! And I can’t even say I regret the changes because it works much better with the overall tone of the book now, but I did have a lot of fun writing the first version. Anyway, I had this very over-the-top subway rescue scene where Chloe, my main character, gets her foot caught in the gap between the subway and the subway platform as the train is about to pull away. The missing princess’ brother, who happens to be a super-cute fourteen-year-old prince, rushes in to save the day and, when it turns out her ankle is hurt, carries her in his arms up the steps and out of the station. Swoon! First, my Brooklyn-based beta reader weighed in to say the gaps between train and platform are way too tiny for even a kid’s foot to get stuck, so I had to switch it to her purse strap getting stuck in the closing doors. Next, my editor was concerned the carrying-in-the-arms thing might be a bit much, so that got changed to a piggyback ride. The scene has a lot more humor than drama now, and works better for the story, but I liked the image of her being carried off by the prince into the…well, swap out “sunset” for “bowels of a city”!

Question: On the flip side, what was your favorite scene that got added during edits?
Answer: I really wanted to capitalize on the fantasy of living in a high-end hotel as a tween (room service at your sleepovers!) but I wrestled with getting to the crux of the story where the princess goes missing quickly and, as she’s at large in NYC, none of the search that followed would take place in the hotel. I was psyched when my editor felt we could add in more at the hotel without slowing the pace too much. Chloe has free reign there and is “adopted” by a lot of the staffers. One of my favorite scenes is when she, in her own unique fashion, helps her favorite housekeeping employee take all the Pepsi cans out of the hotel minibars and replace them with Coke cans all because they have Coke executives staying at the hotel. It’s representative of the type of insider dish on hotel life (and NYC) that I sprinkle throughout and I had SO much fun writing those tidbits!

Question: Craziest thing you’ve had to Google for a work in progress?
Answer: Wow. So, so many weird ones. The strangest recently was “images of death certificates issued by US Embassy for individuals traveling abroad.” Yesterday I Googled “Camping out to see Five Seconds of Summer perform” because I’m looking for someone to interview for my WIP.

Question: At Your Service is your debut Middle Grade novel. How does it feel knowing your book will be in the hands of readers in just under a month?
Answer: Very, very strange and also exhilarating! I’ve had some tweens read advance copies and their little notes to me are beyond awesome. There is no filter on middle schoolers and I love that. When they’re enthusiastic about something, they are drawing rainbows and unicorns everywhere! When they don’t like something, they’re more like, “Nope. Just nope.” Fortunately, feedback has been positive so far!

Question: You have three middle grade novels coming out with Simon & Schuster/Aladdin M!X between now and Fall 2015, plus two young adult novels coming out from HarperTeen in 2016 and 2017. How are you juggling five novels all at once? Are they all at different stages in the publishing process?
Answer: The short answer is, “Oh god, I do not know how I’ll do it!!” But the saving grace is that my next MG series is co-written with the very talented Gail Nall, who has her MG debut, BREAKING THE ICE early next year, and we’ve been able to pick up the slack for each other when our other deadlines or promo stuff intrudes on writing time. I also tend to be, um, obsessive, about my passions so I really don’t mind “working” all the time! Yes, they’re all at different stages. At Your Service is done, obviously; we just turned in revisions on book #1 of RSVP so that will get line edits and head to copyedits soon; and we’re plotting book #2 now with plans to write it this fall. My first YA is awaiting an edit letter and the second is scheduled for 2017 and that’s so far in the future that I’m just pretending it doesn’t exist, even though I know it will creep up on me fast!

Question: What’s it like writing both MG and YA? How is writing for the MG age group different than writing for the YA age group?
Answer: I think middle grade is more about kids figuring out where they fit into their groups (at school, within circles of friends) whereas young adult is more about teens finding out where they fit into the world. There’s a broadening of horizons as life after school becomes more of a tangible than a far-away thought. You didn’t ask how the two are similar, but I’m going to answer that anyway because I think, no matter the age, that no one wants to be preached to or talked down to. Often, the tendency is to see kids as a group that needs that guidance from an adult/author. Kids are savvy enough to call BS on this every single time. I read an interview recently with a lit agent who said, “MG writers can’t write to kids, they need to write AS kids,” and it really resonated!

Question: What are three must-have items when you sit down to write?
Answer: Just one. Have laptop, will write!

Question: Which book was your favorite read of 2014 (so far)? Are you looking forward to any new releases in particular between now and 2015
Answer: Of my most recent reads, I really loved Rebecca Behran’s WHEN AUDREY MET ALICE, and Rainbow Rowell’s LANDLINE. Can’t wait for Alison Cherry’s FOR REAL (which comes out later this year). For 2015, I have to say my co-writer Gail Nall’s BREAKING THE ICE is adorable and I really enjoyed Lori Goldstein’s BECOMING JINN.

Question: Of the five novels you have coming out, which one are you currently working the most on? Can you give us any hints or details on any of your upcoming novels?
Answer: This is going to sound crazy weird, but… none. At the moment I’m waiting on an edit letter for my YA and also waiting for my co-writer to come back from vacation to start drafting book 2 of RSVP, so I’m filling the down time by researching/plotting a “side project”, which is a MG about two teens who meet while camping out to see their favorite boy band perform on a morning show and after they return home, form an endearing long-distance friendship through exchanging fangirl vlogs about the band. Boy band crushes are such a huge part of many tweens lives and I haven’t seen a ton of books focusing on them. So far, the research has been a bit scary, a lot loud, and mostly incredibly fun!

About Jen Malone:
Jen Malone is a middle grade and young adult author. Her debut AT YOUR SERVICE publishes with Simon & Schuster/Aladdin MIX in August 2014 and her new series, RSVP (Simon & Schuster), co-written with Gail Nall, launches with Book #1 in 2015. Her YA debut WANDERLOST publishes with HarperCollins in 2016. Jen lives north of Boston with her husband and three children and teaches at Boston University.

Website
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

~*~*~*~*~*~

Thanks to Jen, we have ONE eBook of At Your Service for giveaway!

-Giveaway is INT

-Winner has 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be selected.

-You must be 13 or older to enter OR have your parents’ permission.

-I am not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

-I reserve the right to change any rules as I see fit for each individual giveaway

*The above giveaway rules were borrowed and modified from Jessica @ Just a Book Lover.

With that being said, I wish you luck! May the odds be ever in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Meredith’s Mind #5: Harry Potter Confessions

Jul25

Hey guys! I haven’t done an OMM since before BEA. But last weekend, ABC Family had a Harry Potter movie marathon – with all eight movies! They’ve never done this before. Now, every time I watch a Harry Potter movie, it gets me in a Harry Potter mood and I end up desperate to re-read the series – something I haven’t done since 2009! This need to re-read all seven HP books got me thinking. Though I’m a huge Potterhead, I don’t really talk about HP a lot unless someone brings it up on Twitter or I’m watching the movies. But I don’t think I’ve ever really mentioned HP on my blog, except maybe in passing.

So, today I’m going to share with you some of my biggest Harry Potter Confessions – things that, though I’ve thought about a lot, I’ve never voiced out loud to anyone, as far as I know. Some of these confessions have to do with the books only, some with the movies only. The rest are general observations.

And, obviously, this contains Harry Potter spoilers! So if you, for whatever crazy reason, have not read the books or seen the movies, STOP NOW! You have been warned.

So, without further adieu – and in NO particular order – enjoy!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

1 – I didn’t like Harry Potter when it first came out. Seriously. I know it’s hard to believe, but I just didn’t. When I was younger, I hated things that were over-hyped. If a ton of people loved something and went crazy over it, I scoffed at it (Harry Potter, the fact that almost every 90’s girl had a crush on Brad Pitt, etc). So it wasn’t until 6th grade when my teacher decided to read the books (only the first four had been released at that point) to our class during snack time that I really started to get into them. At first, I would sit at my own desk, reading whatever book I had brought with me that day. But over time, I started listening to my teacher reading more and more. Before I knew it, I was hooked. In the end, I was the first person over to the reading carpet each day, eagerly awaiting the start of snack time. I even bought my own copies of the books and read along with – and sometimes ahead of – the teacher. So really, I have my 6th grade teacher to thank for my being a Potterhead now!

2- I pronounced most of the names wrong until I saw the movies (or until someone corrected me!). Hermione’s name, specifically, but a bunch of others, as well.

3 – The Half-Blood Prince book AND movie are my least favorite. And no, it’s not because of Dumbledore. As interesting as it was to finally learn more about Voldemort’s background and his life as Tom Riddle, I just found some of those passages to be incredibly boring. And Slughorn wasn’t one of my favorite teachers, either. Plus, Ron playing Quidditch was just kinda odd to me. In the movie, Lavender Brown was especially annoying. Not to mention that Daniel Radcliffe was reportedly drunk or hung over for the majority of filming and it shows in his acting. It’s supposed to be a very dark movie and it’s almost comical. Of all the books in the series, I think I’ve read the Half-Blood Prince the least!

4 – Dumbledore’s death was tragic. Snape’s was crazy. And Fred’s was just down-right cruel. But the deaths that upset me the most were Sirius and Lupin. Harry needed a father-figure in his life and both Lupin and Sirius were like fathers to Harry. They were adults that he could go to for help, people he could trust. And they both died. To this day, I still question what REALLY happened to Sirius. Especially the way it’s shown in the movie version of Order of the Phoenix. It just seems so odd and abrupt.

5 – I love the beginning of The Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s so awesome seeing Harry finally stand up to the Dursley’s. I love seeing him on his own in the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley. It’s one of my favorite parts in any Harry Potter book! But the ending (With Harry and Hermione going back in time) gets so repetitive and boring! Honestly, I’ve read it so many times that at this point, I just skip the going back in time part and read ahead to the the actual ending. (Though, if I were to do a re-read right now, I’d read each book cover to cover since it’s been so long since I’ve done a re-read!).

6 – I’m constantly going back and fourth on which book is my favorite – Chamber of Secrets or Order of the Phoenix

7 – I’ve read Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets so many times, I lost count around 36 – and no, I’m not exaggerating. I actually had to buy new hardcover copies because the spines broke from being read so many times.

8 – My last re-read was Summer 2009. So you know I’m due for re-read very, very soon. Just need to find the time!

9 – I’ve been obsessed with the Phoenix and what it represents ever since we met Fawkes in Chamber of Secrets. To a point where, if I were ever to get a tattoo, it would be a Phoenix. And for me, getting a tattoo would be a major deal, so I don’t take that lightly. Also, for my 8th grade yearbook, I wrote a whole introduction based on the Phoenix, what it represents and how it was relevant to us leaving middle school behind and heading on up to high school. Yeah, I’m a nerd! And proud of it :)

10 – I HATED how the Prisoner of Azkaban movie took them out of their Hogwarts uniforms/robes. It’s one of my biggest issues with the movies. At Hogwarts (and in the books), they’re ALWAYS supposed to be in their uniforms and robes. It bugs me so much, I didn’t enjoy the third movie as much. I know, that’s a bit much, huh? But it seriously annoyed me!

11 – I never went to any of the midnight showings of the movies (I hate crowded movie theaters and usually wait at least a week to see something in the theater), though I went to midnight book release parties for books 5-7.

12 – So many people are going to hate me for this one… But I did NOT like Harry and Ginny together. I mean, your best friend’s sister? It was just too awkward, especialy after Ginny’s obsession/idolization of Harry in the Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. it was just… weird! Now I’m not saying I wanted him to end up with Hermione, because I didn’t. Honestly, I have no clue who I would have wanted him to end up with. I just know I don’t like him with Ginny – in the books OR the movies.

13 – Richard Harris WAS Dumbledore. He embodied the Dumbledore from the books. Michael Gambon was NOT Dumbledore at all. He was mean and harsh and he yelled too much. I despised him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Okay! I’m sure I forgot a number of things. Re-reading the books and re-watching the movies will probably make me realize that I’ve forgotten at least five more confessions! But for now, there you have it! Thirteen Harry Potter Confessions that I don’t think I’ve ever shared with anyone before.

So, tell me: What are YOUR Harry Potter Confessions? What did you like and dislike about the books and/or movies? Do you agree or disagree with any of my confessions! Tell me in the comments below!

Cover Reveal: Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton

Jul25

M9B-Friday-Reveal

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

FireInTheWoods.v6-Book1-Final

When a plane crashes in the woods near Jess’s home, the boy of her dreams falls out of the sky—literally. But David’s not here to find a girlfriend. He’s from another planet, and if Jess can’t help him get back to his ship, he’ll be stuck on Earth with nothing to look forward to but the pointy end of a dissection scalpel.

But her father runs their house like an army barracks, and with an alien on the loose, Major Dad isn’t too keen on the idea of Jess going anywhere. Ever. So how the heck is she supposed to help the sweetest, strangest, and cutest guy she’s ever met?

Hiding him in her room probably isn’t the best idea. Especially since her Dad is in charge of the squadron searching for David. That doesn’t mean she won’t do it. It just means she can’t get caught.

Helping David get home while protecting her heart—that’s gonna be the hard part. After all, she can’t really fall for a guy who’s not exactly from here.

As they race through the woods with Major Dad and most of the U.S. military one breath behind them, Jess and David grow closer than either of them anticipated. But all is not what it seems. David has a genocide-sized secret, and one betrayal later, they are both in handcuffs as alien warships are positioning themselves around the globe. Time is ticking down to Armageddon, and Jess must think fast if she’s to save the boy she cares about without sacrificing Earth—and everyone on it.

Title: Fire in the Woods
Publication date: September 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Jennifer M. Eaton

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author

Jennifer M. Eaton

Corporate Team Leader by day, and Ranting Writer by night. Jennifer M. Eaton calls the East Coast of the USA home, where she lives with her husband, three energetic boys, and a pepped up poodle.

Jennifer hosts an informational blog “A Reference of Writing Rants for Writers (or Learn from My Mistakes)” aimed at helping all writers be the best they can be.

Beyond writing and motivating others, she also enjoys teaching her dog to jump through hoops—literally.

Jennifer’s perfect day includes long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but her greatest joy is using her over-active imagination constructively… creating new worlds for everyone to enjoy.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

(Winners will receive their book on release day)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Jul24

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Series: The Remnant Chronicles #1
Published by Henry Holt and Co. on July 8, 2014
Pages: 492
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

In this timeless new trilogy about love and sacrifice, a princess must find her place in a reborn world.

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.

The Kiss of Deception had everything I love reading about, all in one book. I love books that take place in the past – specifically, in 1800s England. I love books that take place in similar time periods, as well. I also love books set in the distant future, in which all technology has disappeared and it seems as though the plot takes place in 1800s England or a similar time period. That was a lot of babbling, but hopefully you guys understand what I’m trying to say! Basically, I LOVE the time period this book is set in. I love the characters, the plot – Pretty much everything about this book pulled me in and kept me reading (I read it in two sitting and in the second sitting, I read 375 pages without stopping!).

Barely 60 pages in and I was already in love with the world, as well as Lia’s character and voice. There’s a fine line between her wanting to live her own life in her own way, and her being kind of selfish for running away and abandoning her duties as Princess. But I understand why she ran and, if I were in her position, I would have run, too. I knew it was too good to last, but I enjoyed the life she made for herself and the people she met. I admired her, though, for knowing when it was time to go home. In that particular moment, I could really see the character growth, that moment when she finally acknowledged her duties and responsibilities and realized she couldn’t run from them. It took a lot of maturity to come to that conclusion.

It’s really difficult to talk about the prince and assassin without giving anything away. This was the biggest mystery in the book and one of the very few things that annoyed me a little bit. Trying to guess who was who was a fun mystery at first, but after awhile, it started to distract me from the story and it became very confusing. I focused so much of my attention on trying to figure it out that I’m pretty sure I missed some key plot points and revelations. It was also a lot of back and fourth, thinking “Well, I love the assassin/prince… But I love _______. I hope they’re the same person! But what if ________ is the assassin/prince? I don’t like him as much!” (Sorry for the confusion! Leaving out the male character names to avoid spoilers or even a hint of a spoiler!)

After a LOT of going back and fourth, I finally just tried to enjoy the story as it was told to me. I tried to stay in the moment and avoid thinking about it, though several hints are dropped and some are hard to ignore. But, thankfully, the “name” that I loved turned out to be the “title” that I loved so it all worked out in the end!

I adored Pauline. She was a faithful servant and friend to Lia. She didn’t have to do what she did and she didn’t have to abandon everything she knew and everyone she loved. But she stuck by Lia through everything. I also loved Gwyneth. She was that person who can be your best friend or worst enemy and she tells it like it is, whether you want to hear it or not. Sometimes, Lia needed Gwyneth’s brutal honesty in order to see things clearly. Another great character was Berdi. She was the much-needed mother figure for Lia, Pauline and Gwyneth. She was strict when she had to be, but caring when she needed to be.

The “journey” at the end was interesting at first, though it began to drag and I grew bored with it. I just wanted it to end or something to happen. There were some epic character and plot revelations sprinkled into the journey, though, so it was still worth-while in the end. It also showed that Lia was tougher than she gave herself credit for. She endured a lot throughout the journey. She also suffered terrible heartbreak, but she still pushed on. She didn’t bow down to her enemy, not once.

Overall, despite two things that bothered me (the annoying back-and-fourth of who was who and the too-long “journey” that dragged), I loved The Kiss of Deception so, so much! It had all the elements of a perfect book (in my mind, at least) and it was everything I love to read about, all in one book. The ending was incredible and a complete cliffhanger! I can’t wait to get my hands on book two! Mary E. Pearson is an amazing writer and a masterful story-teller. She created an incredible, believable world filled with wonderful, complex characters. I highly recommend this book!

Review: Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris

Jul23

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris

Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris
Series: Love and Games #3
Published by Entangled: Bliss on July 14th 2014
Pages: 266
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

One ring plus one wild night equals one crazy love.

Sherry Robicheaux loves men. She loves love. And she loves an adventure. So when she meets a mysterious man while working backstage at a country music concert in Vegas, she’s all about what’s happened in Vegas staying there.

Country music superstar Tyler Blue just wants a weekend of anonymity…though there’s something about the spunky waitress with the streaks of purple hair that tempts him like no other. Until the next morning, when they both wake up with fuzzy memories…and rings on their fingers.

Convincing Sherry to maintain the ruse for his public image isn’t the hardest part—it’s reminding himself that their time spent playing husband and wife in her small town of Magnolia Springs can’t last. Tyler’s first love will always be music—and the road is no place for a sweet downhome girl.

Rachel Harris has done it again! Accidentally Married on Purpose was adorable, fun, hilarious, sob-inducing (at times) and filled with incredible characters and sexy, swoony guys. The lovable characters alone made me unable to put this book down (I read it in about two sittings!), but the epic plot made it my favorite in this series!

I’ve always been a Sherry fan, ever since we met her in Taste the Heat. In fact, my original notes from when I read Taste the Heat say that Sherry is “a great character. Funny and insightful with the perfect blend of annoying little sister and friend.” And my review of Seven Day Fiance said, “There’s going to be a third book in this series, and I’m DYING to know which hunky guy and girl-next-door are going to be front and center in that one! (Fingers crossed for Sherry!)”

So, obviously, I was beyond thrilled when Sherry was the female lead in Accidentally Married on Purpose. She’s an intriguing character, both tough and vulnerable all at the same time. She acts like she doesn’t have a care in the world, but she’s been hurt before and it’s hard for her to trust. She absolutely has the biggest character growth from the beginning of the book to the end – Even from the first book in the series to the end of this one! She really changed – and definitely for the better.

Also, I loved how much of an animal lover Sherry was. She said she would adopt all the animals if she could, and I can definitely relate! Plus, I loved her sense of humor. It had me laughing out loud!

Tyler was soooo yummy. He was kind, sweet and swoon-worthy! *Fans self!!!* Plus, he was ADORABLE with Elvis. So beyond adorable that every time he interacted with Elvis, I was a puddle of mushy awwwwww’s! A man who loves dogs as much as Tyler seemed to, is a man after my own heart! He had a heart-breaking back-story that nearly brought me to tears a few times.

I absolutely loved the plot and the situation Sherry and Tyler were in. It reminded me a lot of Open Road Summer by Emery Lord and Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler (though those are young adult books). I love the whole “famous singer falls for regular person” thing. I love seeing the behind the scenes of the music and movie world. It completely intrigues me! On the one hand, it almost never happens, but on the other, it holds just enough reality that you can completely picture yourself in Sherry’s shoes. With the right place, right time, why couldn’t a famous singer/song-writer fall for a non-Hollywood person?

It’s always intriguing when one character doesn’t realize the other is famous. It adds a more wholesome, honest feel to the plot. The character that’s famous can open up more and they become more vulnerable by sharing their secrets. Also, Sherry not recognizing who Tyler was kind of reminded me of Jason not recognizing Colby right away, so it felt like things came full circle. Plus, the chemistry between Sherry and Tyler was undeniable!

Of course, I loved seeing Colby, Jason, Cane and Angelle in Accidentally Married on Purpose! I think that’s the best part of Rachel Harris’ books – getting to see all the characters you know and love from the previous books. It just brings all the plots together and you can see how the different characters have grown and see how they interact together. It’s very heart-warming. Personally, I really wasn’t an Angelle fan in the beginning – for reasons obvious to those of you who read Taste the Heat. But I adored her in her book, Seven Day Fiance, and I loved what a great friend she was to Sherry!

And that ending! That ending!! That ending was amazing and wonderful and perfect and I LOVED IT! I can’t say anymore without spoiling it, so I’ll stop now.. But I LOVED it!

Overall, Accidentally Married on Purpose was my absolute favorite book in the series. I loved Sherry, I swooned over Tyler and I adored the plot. The ending was one of my absolute favorite HEA’s ever! And as always, if you haven’t read any of Rachel Harris’ books yet… Well, what are you waiting for?!?!?!? No, seriously. Stop reading this and GO READ HER BOOKS! ALL OF THEM! NOW! You’ll thank me later, promise!

Blog Tour: Transcender Trilogy by Vicky Savage (Guest Post + Giveaway)

Jul22

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be a part of Vicky Savage’s blog tour for her Transcender Trilogy (Out now)! For my blog tour stop, I have a guest post from Vicky with her Dream Movie Cast. First, here’s some more information about the Transcender Trilogy:

TRANSCENDER: First-Timer (Book one)

Suddenly plucked from her quiet Connecticut life and dropped into a post-disaster parallel world where most of the earth’s population resides in enormous domes, eighteen year old Jaden Beckett lands in the middle of a kidnapping—her own!

Undercover Agent Ralston of the Inter-Universal Guidance Agency helps Jaden escape from her captors and promises to return her home as soon as he can arrange it. But he conceals from her the fact that she is really a Transcender, capable of traveling among alternate worlds at will. While waiting for passage home, Jaden assumes her parallel identity as a princess in the nation of Domerica. She discovers her mother is alive in this world—a miracle she never dreamed possible. But perhaps even more compelling is her blossoming, breathtaking romance with Ryder Blackthorn, her once and future soul mate.

When it comes time for Jaden to leave, she flatly refuses. IUGA claims the welfare of the entire galaxy depends upon her timely return. Jaden contends that, in this case, eternal love trumps destiny. Who will prevail?

Goodreads | Amazon

STREAMING STARS (Book Two)

Jaden Beckett makes the journey once again from her home in Connecticut to the nation of Domerica on an alternate earth. The Inter-Universal Guidance Agency has granted her thirty days within which to choose her ultimate destiny. She may remain in Domerica, return to Connecticut, or join the other Transcenders in Arumel.

On her arrival, Jaden finds that all is not perfect in paradise. Her mother, Queen Eleanor, is ill and grows frailer with each passing day. Her scheming uncle has moved into the palace and assumed the role of Lord High Steward of the land. But even more troubling are events that took place in Jaden’s absence which have caused her to question the depth of her fiancé’s love.

All the while, Jaden’s friendship with a handsome, young Transcender from Arumel deepens. He teaches her how to use her astonishing gift to travel to exotic parallel worlds and introduces her to others in the Transcender community.

When the time draws near for Jaden’s final decision, her choice is anything but simple.

Goodreads | Amazon

ILLUMINOSITY (Book three)

Jaden Beckett has a secret unknown to those in her adopted homeland of Domerica: she is a Transcender, capable of traveling among parallel worlds at will. When the powerful Inter-Universal Guidance Agency’s sophisticated computer models predict that Jaden will eventually cause the downfall of that agency, IUGA decides to destroy her first. In order to save herself, her family, and the man she loves, Jaden must fake her own death and leave Domerica for good. The plan seems sound, but on the day of IUGA’s attack, things go terribly wrong.

Heartsick and alone, Jaden ventures to Arumel, a progressive nation on an alternate earth, where Transcenders conduct valuable inter-universal research. Just when she thinks she’s found a safe, new life, IUGA makes its presence known. This time, Jaden is determined not to be driven away. She will fight to discover her place in the multiverse, the true meaning of destiny, and the keys to the mystery of eternal love.

Goodreads | Amazon

And now here’s Vicky’s Dream Movie Cast for the Transcender Trilogy! Hope you guys enjoy!

TRANSCENDER DREAM MOVIE CAST

It’s so fun to think about what it would be like to have your books made into movies. Of course, I believe the Transcender Trilogy would make an exciting action-packed movie series ( I may be biased), and I’ve come up with my dream cast of actors to play the major and some minor roles:

JADEN BECKETT, played by Spencer Locke:

Regal enough to be a princess, but gutsy enough to carry the martial arts and fencing scenes, Spencer Locke definitely has what it takes to be a convincing Jaden! Plus check out the green eyes.

RYDER BLACKTHORN, played by Diego Boneta:

Ryder was unquestionably the most difficult actor to settle on because I had a very strong notion of what he looked like. Although his hair is lighter and the eyes darker, Diego Boneta seems to embody the gorgeous, strong, and sensitive character of Ryder Blackthorn.

AGENT CONSTANTINE RALSTON, played by Bill Nighy:

Bill Nighy has Ralston’s professorial manner, glasses, and thinning, sandy hair. I love everything I’ve ever seen this guy in. He’s a wonderful actor and would make a perfect Ralston.

ASHER STEELE, played by Alex Pettyfer:

I loved Alex Pettyfer in I Am Number Four, and actually had him in mind when I wrote the Asher character. Who could be better, or more swoon-worthy?

ELEANOR BECKETT/QUEEN ELEANOR, played by Sela Ward:

Elegant and beautiful, Sela Ward is certainly queen-material. As Jaden’s mother, this lovely lady would be a home run.

JOHN BECKETT/GOVERNOR BECKETT, played by Hugh Jackman:

Looks great with or without the beard. Handsome Hugh Jackman would make an ideal dad/father for Jaden—strong, sensitive, and wise. Love to see him riding a horse and fighting off the bad guys!

And for the Minor Roles:

ERICA HORNSBY, played by Chloe Bridges:

Dark and exotic enough.

LIV WALLACE, played by Ashley Benson:

Looks exactly how I pictured her!

EVE, played by Chloe Moretz:

Who else but Hit Girl?

URICK, played by Chris Hemsworth:

I can dream, can’t I? Yum.

Do you have picks or your own? Did I leave out one of your favorite characters? If so, let me know and I’ll fill in the blanks!

~*~*~*~*~*~*

About Vicky:
Vicky Savage grew up gazing upon the beauty of the Wasatch Mountain Range right outside her family’s kitchen window. She thought the Rocky Mountains would always own her heart, until she moved to sunny Florida for law school and instantly fell in love with the ocean. Her passion for new adventures and exotic locales led her on a circuitous path to writing science fiction/fantasy about strange new worlds and parallel universes. Although she has lived in seven different states and London, England, the siren call of the ocean always brings her back to her beloved Florida, where she currently lives with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Contact Vicky through her website, follow her on Twitter, and visit her Facebook page.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

And now for the giveaway! Fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Lucas Mackenzie and the London Midnight Ghost Show by Steve Bryant

Jul18

M9B-Friday-Reveal

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Lucas Mackenzie and the London Midnight Ghost Show
by Steve Bryant

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Lucas MacKenzie eBook Final

Lucas Mackenzie has got the best job of any 10 year old boy. He travels from city-to-city as part of the London Midnight Ghost Show, scaring unsuspecting show-goers year round. Performing comes naturally to Lucas and the rest of the troupe, who’ve been doing it for as long as Lucas can remember.

But there’s something Lucas doesn’t know.

Like the rest of Luca’s friends, he’s dead. And for some reason, Lucas can’t remember his former life, his parents or friends. Did he go to school? Have a dog? Brothers and sisters?
If only he could recall his former life, maybe even reach out to his parents, haunt them.

When a ghost hunter determines to shut the show down, Lucas realizes the life he has might soon be over. And without a connection to his family, he will have nothing. There’s little time and Lucas has much to do. Can he win the love of Columbine, the show’s enchanting fifteen-year-old mystic? Can he outwit the forces of life and death that thwart his efforts to find his family?

Keep the lights on! Lucas Mackenzie’s coming to town.

Title: Lucas Mackenzie and the London Midnight Ghost Show
Publication date: November 18, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Steve Bryant

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author

Steve Bryant is a new novelist, but a veteran author of books of card tricks. He founded a 40+ page monthly internet magazine for magicians containing news, reviews, magic tricks, humor, and fiction; and he frequently contributes biographical cover articles to the country’s two leading magic journals (his most recent article was about the séance at Hollywood’s Magic Castle).

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

(Winners will receive their book on release day)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Grunge Gods and Graveyards by Kimberly G. Giarratano (Author Interview)

Jul16

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be a part of Kimberly G. Giarratano’s blog tour for her novel, Grunge Gods and Graveyards (May 2014, Red Adept Publishing, LLC)! For my blog tour stop, I have an interview with Kimberly. First, here’s some more information about Grunge Gods and Graveyards:

Parted by death. Tethered by love.

Lainey Bloom’s high school senior year is a complete disaster. The popular clique, led by mean girl Wynter Woods, bullies her constantly. The principal threatens not to let her graduate with the class of 1997 unless she completes a major research project. And everyone blames her for the death of Wynter’s boyfriend, Danny Obregon.

Danny, a gorgeous musician, stole Lainey’s heart when he stole a kiss at a concert. But a week later, he was run down on a dangerous stretch of road. When he dies in her arms, she fears she’ll never know if he really would have broken up with Wynter to be with her.

Then his ghost shows up, begging her to solve his murder. Horrified by the dismal fate that awaits him if he never crosses over, Lainey seeks the dark truth amidst small town secrets, family strife, and divided loyalties. But every step she takes toward discovering what really happened the night Danny died pulls her further away from the beautiful boy she can never touch again.

Goodreads | Amazon
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

And now here’s the interview! Hope you guys enjoy it!

Question: Describe your book, using no more than three adjectives. Go!
Answer: Suspenseful, haunting, angsty

Question: Why the 90s? In what ways does the time period aid the story?
Answer: I picked the 90s for two main reasons: 1) I was a teenager in the 90s. Technically, I’m the same age as Lainey, my protagonist. I was in the mood to relive my youth a bit and 2) I really wanted to have my characters talk about 90s alternative music – Readiohead, Bjork, Tori Amos – when the bands were most relevant. Setting a novel in the 90s also means I can move away from modern technological conventions that, in my opinion, weaken plot. Why doesn’t the friend just text Lainey to warn her about the bad guy? That doesn’t make for much suspense.

Question: GRUNGE GODS AND GRAVEYARDS is a very unique, catchy title. Who thought of it? How accurately does it describe the plot of the book?
Answer: I’m gonna pat myself on the back because I thought up the title. I might’ve thought up the title before I created the plot. I do that sometimes. I think it describes the plot fairly accurately, although historically Grunge music was on its way out in 1996. But Alterna-Gods and Graveyards doesn’t quite sound as good. In addition, the word ‘grunge’ has a double meaning as well. It’s the nickname of the old roadhouse that’s also the scene of the crime.

Question: Did you hear a lot of ghost stories growing up? Do you have a favorite?
Answer: I did not hear a lot of ghost stories as a kid, although my dad was the first to tell me the ‘hook’ story everyone knows so well. I love ghost stories told to me by friends and acquaintances. When someone tells you they saw a ghost, it’s impossible not to believe them. It gives me chills. My favorite touristy activity is to visit old cities and go on their haunted ghost tours. I did this in Rome and Key West. In fact, my work-in-progress has a subplot where the main character works for one of those haunted tour companies. There is just something so haunting about taking a walk at night, gazing up at historic homes and hearing about the dead.

Question: What other supernatural/paranormal creatures do you love? Of those, which would you consider writing a story about?
Answer: I love witches. One of my favorite 80s movies is Teen Witch. I always wanted to have magical powers. Of course, now I just wish I could magically clean my house with the swoop of a magic wand. Piles of laundry? No more! Dirty toilets? Clean within seconds! My whole life would open up. To fully answer your question, I would totally write a story about witches. But I’d make them bad ass. Like rock chick witches. Oh, I guess like in the movie, The Craft.

Question: Would you ever consider writing other genres, such as contemporary? Or are you sticking with YA Paranormal romance/mystery?
Answer: I have two WIPs right now. One is a YA historical mystery and the other is a ghost story/mystery. If I decide to write a contemporary, a mystery will have to be its core.

Question: Craziest thing you’ve had to Google for a work in progress?
Answer: Hmm… I googled Fantasy Fest for my Key West mystery. Lots of naked people. That ended that subplot quickly.

Question: What books would you recommend to a reader who loved yours, and wants to read something similar?
Answer: Excellent question. Since I’m also a YA librarian, I find recommending books is the next best thing to writing them. If you love Grunge Gods, I suggest you read In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. It’s a historical paranormal mystery set during the outbreak of the Spanish Influenza in 1918. It’s haunting and romantic and amazing. It has a mystery at its core too. If you want a straight up YA historical mystery, read The Caged Graves by Dianne K. Salerni. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, this book is an awesome who-dunnit with a little early forensic science. If you just love the 90s, then I suggest The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler.

Question: What are three must-have items when you sit down to write?
Answer: Ideally: strawberry shoestring licorice, iced coffee and monastery-like silence (meaning my kids are somewhere else)

Question: Are you working on anything new?
Answer: I am! I get so excited talking about new projects. I’m working on the first draft of a YA ghost story/mystery titled Dead and Breakfast. Set in present day Key West, it’s the story of two 17-year-olds who discover that the ghost haunting the old hotel is out for revenge against the boy she thinks murdered her 50 years ago. And my second project is a YA historical mystery set in 1955. An Argentine immigrant discovers the dead body of her soon-to-be stepfather. When everyone she loves is accused of the murder, she sets out to find the killer only to discover her stepfather was not who she thought he was.

About Kim:

Kimberly G. Giarratano, a forever Jersey girl, now lives in the woods of northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and small children. A former teacher and YA librarian, Kimberly adores Etsy, Jon Stewart, The Afghan Whigs, ’90s nostalgia, and (of course) everything YA. She also speaks Spanish, but is woefully out of practice.

Kimberly always dreamed of being a published author. Her other dream is to live in Key West, Florida where she can write in a small studio, just like Hemingway.

Website
Goodreads | Red Adept Publishing Profile

And now for the epic giveaway! Fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Launch: Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris & Her Secret, His Surprise by Paula Altenburg

Jul14

The summer is warming up with two new releases from Bliss this month. One is our latest Red-Hot Bliss, Her Secret, His Surprise by Paula Altenburg, which throws the bedroom door open. The second is a traditional Bliss, Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris, which while it’s a behind closed doors story it’s definitely not lacking in sizzle. Plus, Seven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris is on sale! See below for more details.

About Accidentally Married on Purpose:

One ring plus one wild night equals one crazy love

Sherry Robicheaux loves men. She loves love. And she loves an adventure. So when she meets a mysterious man while working backstage at a country music concert in Vegas, she’s all about what happens in Vegas staying there.

Country music superstar Tyler Blue just wants a weekend of anonymity…though there’s something about the spunky waitress with the streaks of purple hair that tempts him like no other. Until the next morning, when they both wake up with fuzzy memories…and rings on their fingers.

Convincing Sherry to maintain the ruse for his public image isn’t the hardest part—it’s reminding himself that their time spent playing husband and wife in her small town of Magnolia Springs can’t last. Tyler’s first love will always be music—and the road is no place for a sweet downhome girl.

On sale for $.99 for One Week Only!

Add it to Goodreads

Follow the Accidentally Married on Purpose Blog Tour

Enter Rachel’s giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~*~*~*~*~**~

About Her Secret, His Surprise:

Conflict of interest is an understatement…

Since being disowned by her strict father, Cass Stone has spent her adulthood trying to prove him wrong. Her drive has led to more success than her family ever thought she’d achieve, and life is looking great. Not even an incredible and mysterious one night stand that leaves her a single mom can trip her up…until the father of her baby stumbles back into her life, as sexy and unreliable as ever.

Logan Alexander hasn’t forgotten the night he spent with Cass two years ago, but he never expects to end up undercover as her assistant. His job saves lives—like it should have saved his brother—and he can’t afford complications. It’s difficult enough to maintain his cover as a carefree wanderer when he realizes his attraction to Cass hasn’t faded…and then he meets Cass’s daughter.

On Sale for just $.99 for One Week Only!

Add it to Goodreads

Follow the Her Secret, His Surprise Blog Tour

Enter Paula’s giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~*~*~*~

PLUS…

Pick up a copy of Seven Day Fiance this week only for just $.99!

About Seven Day Fiance:

One bad boy. One good girl. One unforgettable week.

Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning him at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little fiancé game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

Pick up your copy of Seven Day Fiance before it goes back to full price!

Add it to Goodreads