The Best Reader:
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Hey everyone! Today kicks off the Baby, It's Cold Outside blog tour! Aimee, Kate, Heidi and Amy have stopped by today to do a few fun"This or That" and Fill in the Blank questions. Be sure to check out the giveaway below for a $10 Gift Card! A new giveaway will be featured during each week of the tour.

FOLLOW THE TOUR

AIMEE CARSON
This or That List:

Hot or Cold: Cold! I grew up in Florida and I hate hot weather.
Hot Chocolate or Coffee: In answer to your question, I lugged my espresso maker all the way to last year’s Romance Writers of America conference in Anaheim. I’ll be taking it next year too.
Real Tree or Fake Tree: Real. You just can’t beat the wonderful scent of pine on Christmas morning.
Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow: I’m gonna be greedy here and say I want to play in the snow and then snuggle up in front of the fire afterward. The two kinda go together like peanut butter and chocolate.
Fill in the Blank:
My story is perfect for the holidays because_______ my feisty heroine has just suffered through the worst year of her life when she runs into the hero on New Year’s Day. ‘Tis the Season to be Tempted is all about new beginnings, and having the courage to start over.
My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.)_______ Hmm, this is a tough one. My hero is best friends with the heroine’s older brother. They grew up together, with the hero always being a little disapproving of the heroine’s questionable choices. She’s … ah, kind of a nonconformist. And there’s always been this lingering unspoken attraction. Of course, they were too different to consider a romantic relationship. So… friends? Sort of. Enemies? Sometimes. Strangers? In all the ways that really count. This book is about them revealing their true selves.
A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be_________ a gourmet set of kitchen utensils, but you’ll have to read the book to find out why! *insert evil laugh*
If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be_________ Conan O'Brien, because he makes me laugh!

KATE HARDY This or That List:

Hot or Cold Cold — I can't sleep if I'm too hot!

Hot Chocolate or Coffee — Coffee (especially if it's a skinny latte — though after my one proper coffee a day I tend to drink instant whole bean decaf)

Real Tree or Fake Tree — I would love a real one, like the one we had when I was a child, but we have a fake one which is narrow and doesn't take up quite so much room

Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow — as long as I don't have to drive in it, snow (otherwise, please let me stay by the fire with a good book!)

Fill in the blank

My story is perfect for the holidays because _________ it's all about second chances and learning the true meaning of Christmas

My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.) ___________ total strangers

A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be __________ exactly what they get — each other!

If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be _________ Antonio Banderas, because he's utterly gorgeous (as well as coming across in interviews as a really, really nice guy) and he dances the tango beautifully (see 'Take the Lead' for details): o) And as we're learning the tango in ballroom dance class next term, I would love to dance the tango with him. (Or the waltz. I bet he waltzes perfectly, too!)

HEIDI RICE
This or That

Hot or Cold: Cold (and snuggly)

Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Coffee with Skimmed milk when I'm being good, Hot Chocolate with cream when I'm being bad (I'm usually bad!)

Real Tree or Fake Tree: Real tree, gotta be, it's not Christmas if you can't smell the Norwegian spruce in our living room.

Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow: Time by the fire (after time in the snow!)

Fill in the blank
My story is perfect for the holidays because _______ it'll whisk you away to a luxury department store on Fifth Avenue where there are no queues, you can have anything you want without paying for it and there's a hunky guy on hand to rub your feet when you're done! And there's a really hot romance in there somewhere, too!

My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.) ______ strangers with misconceptions about each other.

A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be ________ Each other!
If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be _______ Pierce Brosnan who would take me to Mauii. Why? Because I've heard he looks super cute in a sarong!

AMY ANDREWS
This or That
Hot or Cold — Hot
Hot Chocolate or Coffee — Hot Chocolate
Real Tree or Fake Tree — Fake
Spending time by the fire or Spending time in the snow — By the Fire (whilst watching the snow out the window)

Fill in the blank
My story is perfect for the holidays because _it’s about two strangers in a snowed-in cabin, perfect for long, lazy days snuggled up in bed!______
My characters begin the story as (friends, enemies, strangers, etc.) ___strangers.
A perfect gift for the characters in my story would be ___a super-size box of condoms!
If I could spend Christmas with any celebrity it would be _George Clooney because I couldn’t think of any other celebrity I’d want to kiss under the mistletoe quite as much as George!

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Amy Andrews, Aimee Carson, Kate Hardy, and Heidi Rice
Published: Entangled Publishing (November 19th, 2012)
Reading Level: Adult

Four novellas from four of the biggest names in romantic fiction!

Kate Hardy's 'TIS THE SEASON TO KISS SANTA

With the help of a sprig of mistletoe and some snow angels, a recently single pastry chef teaches a highly successful and sexy Scrooge the true meaning of the holidays on a snowy Christmas Eve that quickly heats up.

Heidi Rice's 'TIS THE SEASON TO GO SHOPPING

When a Christmas Day blizzard strands an up-and-coming marketing manager and her boss's very off-limits, very hot playboy son in his department store, the two toe the line between naughty and nice as they unwrap their holiday presents—and each other!

Amy Andrews’s ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR KISSING

A down-on-her-romantic-luck kindergarten teacher plans to drown her New Year’s Eve sorrows in a gallon of spiked eggnog, but the arrival of her best friend's sexy brother threatens to melt the snow piling up outside the tiny Vermont cabin.

Aimee Carson’s ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE TEMPTED

After the worst year ever, a jilted music manager rings in the New Year alone, swearing off men forever. But things get complicated when her brother's best friend, the perfect man with the perfect body, tempts her to break her vow—if only for one hot night!

Follow Kate Hardy Website | Facebook | Twitter
Follow Heidi Rice Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Follow Amy Andrews Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Follow Aimee Carson Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Each week of the tour will feature a giveaway! Remember to enter each week for a new chance to win a gift card! Just sign up below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Just leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook copy of BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

I'm so happy to be part of the tour for The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. It's a brand new, super cool vampire dystopian book and it's so good! Be sure to check out the giveaway on the Harlequin blog for a Kindle and one-of-a-kind Immortal Rules case!

Sign up below for a chance to win a SIGNED COPY of The Immortal Rules!

Stop #13 – “The Inner City”

The secret goal of almost every Fringer is to someday make it into the Inner City, past the wall that separates the civilized world from the human trash, into the glittering city that looms over us with its great starry towers that had somehow resisted crumbling into dust. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who was taken into the city, a brilliant mind or a great beauty, someone too unique or special to be left here with us animals. There are rumors that the vampires “breed” the humans on the inside, raising the children to be their thralls, completely devoted to their masters. But since none who are taken into the city ever come out again—ex-cept the pets and their guards, and they aren’t talking—no one knows what it’s really like.

Of course, this only feeds the stories.

Please visit A Good Addiction for the next stop on The Immortal Rules blog tour. Previous stops can be found on the Harlequin blog.

Check out the Blood of Eden site.
Julie will be making appearances at these bookstores near her hometown. * Saturday, April 28th at 2pm — The Bookstore, Radcliff, KY
* Monday, May 7th at 5:30 pm — Lincoln's Loft, Hodgeville, KY

About New York Times Best-Selling Author Julie Kagawa: To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. So she turned to her other passion: training animals. She worked as a professional dog trainer for several years, dodging Chihuahua bites and overly enthusiastic Labradors, until her first book sold and she stopped training to write full-time. Her third novel, The Iron Queen, became a New York Times bestseller and her debut novel, The Iron King recently won the RITA award for best young-adult fiction novel of 2010. Julie now lives in La Grange, Kentucky, with her husband, two obnoxious cats, one Australian shepherd who is too smart for his own good and the latest addition, a hyperactive papillon.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa Publisher: Harlequin Teen (April 24th, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 485 pages Series: Blood of Eden #1 In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of THE IMMORTAL RULES.

• You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US/Canada only and ends May 11th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Harlequin | Indiebound

Today I am participating in the blog tour for VAIN by Fisher Amelie. She is stopping by to share with us the top 10 songs that inspire her. Check out the great giveaway below as well.
Top 10 Songs that Inspire You
First off, thank you so much for having me, Total Bookaholic!!! I’m honored!

My taste in music is fairly eclectic and constantly changing but right now these ten songs are writing my next book.

Change of Time by Josh Ritter
This song makes me a little sad but in a good way. For some reason it reminds me of every wrong that’s ever been wronged in this world. It makes me want to move, to fix them, to stand up and shout for those who can’t.

Breath of Life by Florence + The Machine
This song has written at least three heart pounding scenes that I know of.

Blackout by Muse
This song belongs to my husband and I. It’s ours, very, very ours.
All the Rowboats by Regina Spektor
Haunting and beautiful and so Regina Spektor.
High by Feeder
This reminds me of when I lived in England. Some of the best years of my life.

Somewhere Out There by Our Lady Peace
High school dances, friends, singing at the top of our lungs, falling over each other in laughter. It was such a magical time for me, full of silliness and seriousness. There wasn’t a day that would go by that I didn’t experience both.

Mustard Gas by The Dear Hunter
This song will always scream to me in ways no other song ever could because it reminds me of the first book I ever wrote. Full of angst and demands, it’s written many passionate scenes.

Sunburn by Muse
Every time I listen to this song, for some reason I imagine an incredibly distraught woman dancing on pointe’s.

Tuna in the Brine by Silverchair
Oh my word do I love Silverchair. I am so in love with their music it’s not even funny. Their Diorama album has some incredible compositions scored by Van Dyke Parks. I’ve just never heard an album more beautiful than that one and Tuna in the Brine is my favorite.

Inception Theme by Hans Zimmer
When I need a dramatic scene, this is the song I listen to.

VAIN PLAYLIST HERE.

(VAIN Trailer link: http://youtu.be/t5D9naNNSkI) VAIN Trailer

Find Fisher on her blog here! Find Fisher on Amazon! Find Fisher on Barnes & Noble! Find Fisher on Facebook! Find Fisher on Twitter! Find Fisher on Goodreads! Find Fisher on YouTube!

Add to Goodreads VAIN SUMMARY: If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah… then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price… And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ada Adams, author of the book ReVamped, is here today to tell us about the characters from her book. She has also been kind enough to offer up a signed copy of ReVamped to one lucky winner! Sign up below.

Thank you very much for having me on your wonderful blog today! I am honored to be here and excited to share some exclusive information about the main characters of my new novel, ReVamped!

Age: 19 in 2015 Birthday: July 5^th, 1996. Birthplace: Undisclosed, USA Eyes: Violet Hair: Brown, Long, Wavy Height: 5’6 Dawn is a special kind of vampire—a Born. In total, only about five vampires are born in the world in every generation. A Born vampire is stronger than any Made vampire, and ages and grows just like a human child until she gives birth to her own offspring. Dawn doesn’t know much about her mother (who died in childbirth) or her past, and throughout the novel, we find out that her father has guarded some very monumental secrets from her. Dawn had spent her entire life within the confines of the Scarlet House (her vampire father’s presidential headquarters). She had always dreamed of being allowed to venture out on her own mission, and is ecstatic when she’s finally tasked with revamping a group of four misfits into strong and powerful guardians of a little town called Angel Creek. Her father had ensured that she has had the best academic and combat training, but being sheltered from the outside world prevented Dawn from having much of a social life. She’s is very shy and guarded around guys, so when she ventures out into Angel Creek and meets Ethan and Sebastian, it’s not surprising that they turn her world upside down. Dawn is very caring when it comes to her friends—she constantly puts others ahead of herself. While the misfits drive her crazy on more occasion than one, she always comes to their aid whenever necessary.

Vampire – Made Age: 21 in 2015 Birthday: November 18^th, 1853. Turned: July 7th, 1875. Birthplace: Angel Creek, USA Eyes: Light Grey Hair: Black, Longish, Curly Height: 6’2 Before Dawn ever meets Sebastian, Hannah, the gossipy waitress from the Angel Creek Diner, has this to say about him: “Sebastian York is a twenty-one year-old Scorpio. He has gorgeous light gray eyes, the color of sparkling glaciers. His midnight-black hair is slightly curly, and just long enough to make you daydream about running your fingers through his locks. He’s super tall and really, really hot. Just try to peel your eyes away from all those lean muscles! Yum! He’s brooding, mysterious, strong, and self-deprecating (or at least, he seems like the type)—the perfect vampire!” However, upon meeting him, Dawn doesn’t receive the best first impression of Sebastian. He’s rude, moody, and clearly wants nothing to do with her or her mission in Angel Creek. Throughout the novel, we find out that there is much more to Sebastian than meets the eye. His ties to Angel Creek, and even Dawn herself are essential to Dawn discovering more about her past. Soon, she finds herself falling for him despite her desire to stay away, but Sebastian’s secrets may shatter her world.

Age: 23 in 2015 Birthday: July 24^th, 1992. Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, USA Eyes: Hazel Hair: Blond, Short Height: 5’11 The moment Dawn meets the cute, kind Angel Creek bartender, she’s completely smitten with him. So much so that she even forgets how to talk! Everything about Ethan is effortless, warm, and safe. However, as we learn more about the seemingly perfect Ethan, we discover that he’s harboring some very dark secrets that could be detrimental to both Dawn’s mission and her safety.

The Misfits

Vampire – Made Age: 17 in 2015 (Forever) Birthday: March 29th, 1942. Turned: May 10th, 1960. Birthplace: Sacramento, California, USA Eyes: Dark Blue Hair: Blonde, Shoulder-Length, Straight, Bangs Height: 5’5 Brooke has spent most of her vampire life travelling around the country, enrolling in countless high-schools, and vying for cheer captain spots and prom queen crowns. While at first glance, she seems like a shallow, boy-crazy girl (and one some extent she is), she’s also haunted by her past. Her father had abandoned her for his political career, so ever since then, Brooke has been trying to cling on to the only thing that brings her a sense of comfort and stability—the quest for popularity. Brooke is the type of character you will either love or love to hate, but as the series develops, we will see her grow and mature as she faces certain challenges. There is also a rumor that there may be an unexpected romantic interest in her future!

Vampire – Made Age: 18 in 2015 (Forever) Birthday: April 17th, 1900. Turned: August, 9th, 1918. Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, USA Eyes: Dark Brown Hair: Black, Bun Height: 5’0 Sophie is a sweet, shy girl. She has been a vampire since the 1920’s and currently works at the Angel Creek Library. She is very smart and loves to read, but she’s not the greatest vampire. In fact, she knows very little about her kind, so her transformation into one of Angel Creek’s guardians is a slow and laborious one. Sophie was turned by her best friend, Charlotte—a girl she considered to be her sister. However, due to the fact that Sophie was of lower status in society, Charlotte broke off their relationship when it came time to choose between inheriting her family’s wealth or her friendship with Sophie. Sophie still harbors a deep love for Charlotte, despite the fact that it has been almost a hundred years since she has last seen her.

Vampire – Made Age: 21 in 2015 (Forever) Birthday: October, 16th, 1961. Turned: June 23rd, 1983. Birthplace: Owensboro, Kentucky, USA Eyes: Green Hair: Brown (Blue and Green Streaks, Red Tips), Long, Ponytail Height: 6’1 Hunter’s motto in life is “the louder, the faster, the better”. He’s an ex-80’s rock star who, even after being turned by a vampire groupie, hasn’t abandoned his bad-boy ways. When Dawn first meets him, she finds out that Hunter has been drinking the blood of drunks and junkies and has no plans for being reformed. Dawn is not only tasked with running a homemade rehab program for him, but also has to find a way to get him on board as one of Angel Creek’s guardians.

Vampire – Made Age: 16 in 2015 (Forever) Birthday: March 3rd, 1999. Turned: June 25th, 2015. Birthplace: Angel Creek, USA Eyes: Dark Brown Hair: Black, Short Height: 5’8 Seth is the youngest member of the group—both in human and in vampire years. He had been turned only two weeks before Dawn arrives to Angel Creek for her mission, by none other than Brooke herself! While most people in society admire vampires, Seth’s family is against “the fad”. Therefore, Seth must hide his transformation from his parents, while training with Dawn and learning about his new abilities (which are few and far between—his five-year-old brother can still beat him up)!

Who is Aurora, you ask? You’ll have to read ReVamped to find out! I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into some of ReVamped’s characters! ReVamped is only the first book in the series—an introduction to the characters. In the upcoming books, we will learn much more about the characters’ pasts, as well as witness development in their personalities and love lives!; ) If you have read the book, I would love to know: “Who is your favorite member of the ReVamped gang?”

ReVamped by Ada Adams
Published: February 20th, 2012
Paperback: 300 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
Series: Angel Creek #1
A simple mission turned deadly.

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.

When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of ReVamped by Ada Adams.

• You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US only and ends May 2nd.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle)

The wonderful C.C. Hunter is here today to tell us 13 things we will learn from her newest book, Taken at Dusk.

Make sure to sign up below for a chance to win a copy!

Thirteen Things You’ll Learn From Taken at Dusk
1. The only thing worse than trying to help a woman with amnesia remember her name and life is trying to help a dead woman with amnesia remember hers.

2. Be careful what you wish for—you might just get it.. and the reality will probably not be anything like the fantasy.

3. The person you think is your enemy could just turn into a friend who'll do anything to save you.

4. The scariest thing in the world isn't ghosts or rogue vampires bent on murder—it's falling in love.

5. Explaining why you have a skunk curled up in your arms to your mom and your old best friend is as easy as eating a brownie while brushing your teeth.

6. We all make mistakes, which is why it's so important to practice forgiveness.

7. The only thing worse than a pissed-off shapeshifter is a pissed-off shapeshifter in love.

8. Sometimes the earth really does have to open up and swallow you whole before you can accept the truth that's right in front of you.

9. Vampires have no sense of humor.. especially when they get turned into a kangaroo.

10. Free will gives us choices, but even making the right choices can't change destiny.. and learning to accept that can be the most painful lesson of all.

11. People aren’t always who they say they are, even if you really want them to be.

12. Sometimes when you try to save someone, they end up saving you instead.

13. Never get between a dragon and a warlock on the war path.

Taken at Dusk by C.C. Hunter Publisher: St Martin's Press (April 10th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 400 pages
Series: Shadow Falls #3
Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all.

Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever… and not always for the better.

Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a copy of Taken at Dusk.

• You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US only and ends April 27th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Today Allie is here from the fabulous book Breaking Beautiful. Here is her THIS or THAT list.
(Interesting note: I think some of these answers would change based on where you were in the book, or where Allie was. I answered as if Allie were at a place in the middle of the story.)
Fantasy or Reality Fantasy. Everything is possible in fantasy and there’s always some epic battle where good wins out, in reality that doesn’t happen.

Books or Movies I’m going to have to go with movies. Reading is hard for me.

Funny or Smart Depends on whether you’re talking about whether that’s my preference in boyfriends or whether I would rather be funny or smart. My brother Andrew is super-smart, so I’ve spent most of my life wishing I was smarter. Being able to sit down and do homework without beating my head against the wall? Yeah, that would be great. But if you’re talking boyfriends I’m going to have to go with funny. A guy with a sense of humor makes life so much easier. Guys who take things too seriously aren’t for me, at least not anymore.

Art or Music That’s a hard one, I love music, but lately art has kind of stolen my heart.; )

Fight or Flight Um, flight. I’m not very big and so fighting back really isn’t much of an option. Besides, I’ve learned that fighting, especially in school, just get you in trouble. Better to just run away.

Breaking Beautiful by Janenifer Shaw Wolf
Publisher: Walker & Company (April 24th, 2012)
Hardcover: 368 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Janenifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Susan Kaye Quinn is here today to tell us about her book Open Minds and to offer up an ebook copy of it and the anthology In His Eyes, which includes several short love stories taken from the male POV.

Inventing the Future: Mindjacking
by Susan Kaye Quinn

When I first had the idea of writing a novel about a mindreading world ( Open Minds ), my first concern was whether it was even possible. What about dialogue? How can I write a novel that operates entirely in the minds of the characters?
Part of solving that problem came when I realized: everything operates entirely in our minds.
Without diving off the philosophical ramparts, it is a simple reality that our brains process all the sensory inputs from the world and create something we call a consciousness that allows us to live, love, and occasionally fight like tomcats.
When I realized that my story would involve not only mindreading but mindjacking —with some characters able to control the thoughts of others—I immediately wanted this to be a very sensory experience. After all the mindjacker’s consciousness was interacting directly with the brain function of a mindreader. How could that not have a feeling, a taste, a smell?
During the first draft of Open Minds, I was truly pantsing my way through Kira’s world, discovering along with her what it felt like to be a mindjacker. I was surprised to discover that each mind had its own scent. That emotions could flavor a mind field, and that mind barriers could be soft like Jell-O or as hard as a rock. During subsequent drafts, I developed a hidden history of mindjackers, just like there was an evolution of the mindreading world, where the mindjackers’ abilities allowed them to stay hidden in the world of mindreaders, and also provided the motivation to do so.
What if your neighbor knew you could control their thoughts? What if they only suspected it? Kira knows intuitively know that this is a secret that must be kept.
It was a tricky to puzzle out, at times, how a roomful of mindreaders or mindjackers or a mixture of both would interact. Even if we can read each other’s minds, or control someone’s thoughts and actions, we are still people, with human desires driving us and usually some kind of morality behind what we do.
The most interesting science fiction, I find, is always stories that explore what it means for us to be human—in spite of being surrounded by technology or radically changed environments. One look at Shakespeare’s plays or ancient mythology shows that human beings haven’t changed much over the millennia. The fundamental structure of our brains evolved over a million years, and that evolution certainly didn’t account for mindreading or mindjacking. Even though the characters in Open Minds have new powers, they are still using the same basic mental equipment from the time people were living in caves. In other words, the characters that populate Kira’s world are still human.
Exploring that thought continues to make for some interesting writing in Book Two, Closed Hearts, where technology increasingly becomes a part of the story of mindreaders vs. mindjackers, and who will come out on top.

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn Publisher: CreateSpace (November 1st, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 326 pages Series: Mindjack Trilogy #1 When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive an ebook of OPEN MINDS and the IN HIS EYES anthology.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is INTERNATIONAL and ends March 16th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

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Kate Klimo is here to talk about her novel Daughter of the Centaurs. She will be sharing with us the journey she took while creating the world inside the story.

Daughter of the Centaurs took an incredible amount of world-building. Can you tell us what that process was like, how you organized the material, and what you hoped to capture when describing Malora’s world?
The fact that there were so few centaurs in the literature inspired me to want to tackle centaurs. World building is an exhaustive and exhausting process. Who knew? I’m sure some writers start from inside their characters’ heads and work outward from there to build up an external reality that’s an extension of the characters’ consciousness. I felt I needed to start from the outside and work in.

The first order of business was to create a history leading up to the present action. In world building, context is everything and isn’t history the ultimate context? So I started by researching centaurs, in art and myth. Those results mystified and even slightly terrified me. Except for the wise centaur named Chiron who taught the healing arts to Hippocrates (father of modern medicine), most of the centaurs were pretty rough trade. They were rock-chucking, stick-wielding, meat-eating, booze-swilling lusty boors. Another mystery was that they were all dudes. There were no women and no children. These dudes were real pieces of work: wedding crashers who liked to run off, not only with the bride, but also with all the female guests. Real dream guests, right?

This depiction baffled me. Since the days of cavemen, humans have enjoyed a close bond with horses. So what made this human-horse hybrid so repulsive and savage? Was it digestive difficulties that made the centaurs so rowdy? Seriously! Horses have very sensitive stomachs. A creature that ate like a human and digested like a horse might be permanently dyspeptic and downright surly. Maybe a steady diet of red meat and brandy made them nuts. So that’s where I started. I wrote the centaurs a shady, tumultuous history as rock-chuckers and rapists. It was the centaurs’ raid of one of the last human settlements of Kamaria that resulted in nearly wiping out the human race. Then a wise centaur named Kheiron (homage to Chiron) came along and converted the centaurs from savagery to gentility. No booze, no tobacco, no stimulants, no red meat. The converted centaurs erected a monument to the humans they had murdered and took over their town, calling it Mount Kheiron in honor of the patron. This gave the centaurs not only a religion but also a code of ethics and conduct. In order to stay on the straight and narrow, centaurs adhered to the teachings of Kheiron. They eschew stimulants, spirits, and the eating of meat and revere the works of the hand. All their efforts are dedicated to overcoming the Beast Within. I liked the idea of high-stepping, refined, fastidious centaurs. In early drafts, my editor said I was making the centaurs too effete. “They can’t all be that sissified,” she said. That gave me the idea of creating social strata within Mount Kheiron, with a working class that was more earthy and practical, as compared to the more leisurely patricians. The present action begins when Malora shows up. Not only is she a freak, a biped in a virtually quadrapedal society, but she is also a living (and uncomfy) reminder to centaurs of their less than savory past.

Somewhere around the second draft, with the introduction of Honus the faun and the Leatherwings, it became clear to me that this was not a fantasy set in an alternative world inspired by our mythic past, as I had originally thought, but a far distant future world peopled by human-created hybrids who had turned upon and destroyed their creators, the humans. (Thank you, Mary Shelley!) I loved the variety of hibes that were possible. Like the Mos Eisley canteen scene in Star Wars, it offered a too-too tempting opportunity to play not just with human-horse combinations, but with other mythological hybrids as well, along with more freaky crosses, like bat-human, sheep-human, etc. As the second book opens up to the world outside of Mount Kheiron, these other hibes come more into play.

At the same time as I was figuring out the centaur society, I had to figure out what it must be like to actually be a centaur. If humans have a mind-body split, how much more radical must centaurs’ be? How did it feel to be half horse? How did they go to the bathroom? What was their furniture like? Stairs would have to be shallow, doorways generous, and furniture very sturdy. I think I gave them the Twani, the half-cat servant class, because I thought they would need tiny, spry helpers, given that even the most graceful of centaurs would suffer from a certain ungainliness. The end result of all this thinking, I hope, is a world that is fascinating and unique.

Thanks for having me on your blog!

Daughter of the Centaurs by Kate Klimo
Publisher: Random House (January 24th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 362 pages
Series: Centauriad #1
Malora knows what she was born to be: a horse wrangler and a hunter, just like her father. But when her people are massacred by batlike monsters called Leatherwings, Malora will need her horse skills just to survive. The last living human, Malora roams the wilderness at the head of a band of magnificent horses, relying only on her own wits, strength, and courage. When she is captured by a group of centaurs and taken to their city, Malora must decide whether the comforts of her new home and family are worth the parts of herself she must sacrifice to keep them.

Kate Klimo has masterfully created a new world, which at first seems to be an ancient one or perhaps another world altogether, but is in fact set on earth sometime far in the future.

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2/20 Tynga’s Reviews 2/21 Insatiable Readers 2/22 Taking it One Book at a Time 2/23 Literary Escapism 2/24 Total Bookaholic 2/25 Livin’ Life Through Books 2/27 The Children’s Book Review 2/27 LitFest Magazine 2/28 Bibliophile Support Group 2/29 The Compulsive Reader 3/1 Sea of Pages

Kim Purcell has stopped by today to share the scary statistics of human trafficking. Her novel, Trafficked, explores the life of a girl in one of these situations.

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When I first learned about the scope of modern-day slavery, I knew I had to write a novel about it. I couldn’t believe that someone could do that to another human being, especially in westernized countries. So, I wrote TRAFFICKED, about a girl who comes from Moldova to America to be a nanny and ends up a modern-day slave.

People often want to know what the stats are behind modern-day slavery and sadly, due to the nature of this crime, it seems nobody knows. The stats vary greatly, depending on who’s reporting them. The biggest reason is that it’s such a hidden crime. Modern-day slaves are disposable. If they manage to escape, they have a lot of incentives to stay hidden. They fear their captors. They fear the government. Often, they come into a country illegally and they fear imprisonment and deportation. Maybe their family members have been threatened. Sometimes they’re ashamed. So they never come forward. This is why it’s difficult to get exact numbers.

In any case, here are some stats, which most people agree upon, though they have all been disputed by different NGOs and government organizations.

This information can be found in more detail on two anti-trafficking organization websites: Stop Child Trafficking Now: sctnow.org and Free the Slaves: freetheslaves.net. If you’d like to learn how to help trafficked teens, go to my website: http://kimpurcell.com/Help-Trafficked-Teens

The Stats:

Child/Human Trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. Child/ human trafficking is the world’s second largest criminal enterprise, after drugs. U.S. State Department
The global market of child trafficking is over $12 billion a year with over 1.2 million child victims. UNICEF

The average age of entry for children victimized by the sex trade industry is 12 years. U.S. Department of Justice

Approximately 80% of human trafficking victims are women and girls and up to 50% are minors. U.S. State Department

Research conducted with Free the Slaves found documented cases of slavery in over 90 cities in the US.

Human Slaves are cheap. In 1850 the average slave cost $40,000 in today’s money, presently a slave costs an average of $90.

In its 400 years, the transatlantic slave trade is estimated to have shipped up to 12 million Africans to colonies in the West. Free the Slaves estimates that the number of people in slavery today is at least 27 million.
600,000 – 800,000 people are bought and sold across international borders each year; 50% are children, most are female. Most of these victims are forced into the commercial sex trade. U.S. Department of State, 2004, Trafficking in Persons Report, Washington, D.C.

14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States each year. The number of U.S. citizens trafficked within the country is even higher, with an estimated 200,000 American children at risk for trafficking into the sex industry. U.S. Department of Justice Report to Congress from Attorney General John Ashcroft on U.S. Government Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons

Based on hundreds of cases that filter through their agencies, advocates estimate that domestic workers account for about one-third of the total. In other words, about 5,000 migrant domestic servants take jobs each year in homes where they are highly vulnerable to abuse by their employers.

There have been only 100 prosecutions for involuntary servitude or labor trafficking since the passage of the 2000 anti-trafficking law. US Justice Dept.

Trafficked by Kim Purcell
Publisher: Viking Children's Books (February 16th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 352 pages
A 17-year-old Moldovan girl whose parents have been killed is brought to the United States to work as a slave for a family in Los Angeles.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a copy of TRAFFICKED.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends March 10th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

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I love Tiffany King. My love for her started when I stumbled upon Unlikely Allies on amazon one day and was blown away by the story. Since then I have stalked her, waiting for her ne west books to release. Jordyn was exactly the type of book I had been craving — kick-butt heroine, unique story-line, fabulous cast of characters — it really has it all!
Today Tiffany is here, as part of her blog tour, to share with us a n excerpt found in Jordyn. Be sure to check out the giveaway below!

Excerpt:"Finished," Anthony said several minutes later, shutting off the tattoo gun.
"Wow, you're quick," I said, sitting up."I've heard that before," Anthony said, laughing."I bet you have, old man," Emrys said, clapping him on the back."At least I'm not forgettable," Anthony retorted, making me laugh. Emrys mockingly glared at us as he threw a slow punch Anthony's way."You want to see your new beauty mark?" he asked, swatting Emrys's fist aside before it could reach his bicep."Absolutely," I said, hopping up off the chair."It's the prettiest succubus I've ever seen," Emrys teased, grinning at me. My fist shot out and hit him in his own bicep before he could even get the words fully out. The force of the blow made him stagger as he tried to keep his footing."Damn girl, you are a freaking beast," Anthony said, studying me with open admiration."Either that or your buddy E here is a lightweight pansy," I quipped, following Anthony out of the room.

Jordyn by Tiffany King
Published: February 10th, 2013
Reading Level: New Adult
Summary:
Hand to hand combat training: Check
Cardio and strength training: Check
Daemon hunting: Check
Anomaly: Check

Check, check, check, check… That's all my life is. There's nothing ordinary about me. I'm"special." I know this because I'm reminded of it every stinking day. I can kick a Daemon's ass with both hands tied behind my back. I can run up a mountain without breaking a sweat. Know what I can't do? Get guys to notice me, or hang out with friends like normal people do. I can't just be ordinary because I have an Arch Angel for a mentor who is always breathing down my neck, and a family of angelic Guides and Protectors who scrutinize every little thing I do. Just for a day I want a life where I'm no longer some anomaly, where I don't have to feel like a lab rat.

And then I met Emrys. Okay, so my mentor and family hate him, but probably for good reason. After-all, he is a Soul Trader, and they aren't the most trust worthy beings. But, he is sooo hot with his green eyes, leather jacket and the sexiest tattoo you've ever seen running down his back. And-he doesn't treat me like a project.

I've got myself in quite a little quandary here. Choosing between my responsibilities and the Trader that holds my heart is something I didn't sign up for. Torn between two different worlds, I must now decide who to trust and who to walk away from. What's a girl to do? See what I mean? I am an anomaly. I am Jordyn.

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When thinking of someone to have on my blog for Valentine's Day, the wonderful Lynn Weingarten came to mind. Why? Because she rocks! She obviously knows a lot about love (have you seen her book??) so I had to see what nuggets of romance and wisdom she could share with us today.
Plus, there's a rockin' giveaway below.

Once upon a time there was a man named Claudius who knocked out all of a horse’s teeth with a single punch. Have you seen a horse? Have you seen how big their mouths are and how many teeth they have? Okay, so that story might just be a legend, but here’s what you need to know: even if Claudius didn’t actuallydo this, he couldhave. That’s the kind of guy he was.

So jump ahead a bit and it was 268 AD and Claudius, who was a real guy by the way, was now Emperor Claudius II, the leader of Rome. As Emperor he was determined to have a very powerful army only the problem was not enough people were signing up to be a part of it. So ol’ horse-puncher Claudius did something that he must have thought was pretty clever – he outlawed marriage for young people. The underlying idea was that men would be more likely to sign up to go and fight and, well, possibly die if they didn’t have a wife and some kiddies waiting back at home. I suppose this might have been an effective strategy, but certainly not a very nice one.
Fortunately for those young people who still wished to married, there was a priest who would perform the ceremony even though it was now illegal. His name was Valentine. Unfortunately for Valentine, he got caught breaking the law and was put in jail and sentenced death by a combination of stoning, clubbing, and a good fashioned beheading. Before he died legend has it he sent a letter to the daughter of his jailor and signed it “from your Valentine”. His sentence was carried out on February 14^th in the year 269. (Much later he was declared the patron saint of engaged couples, happy marriages, love, lovers, travelers, young people, greetings, epilepsy, fainting, bee keepers and, um, the plague.)
Now on the 1743^rdanniversary of his death, we are still celebrating Valentine’s Day, only today it’s less about dramatic beheadings and secret marriages more about, well.. what actually?

It’s easy to be cynical about Valentine’s Day. People say it’s over commercialized, that it’s only popular now because it’s pushed by card companies and chocolate stores and whoever makes those roses with the underwear inside as a way to sell products. People say that Valentine’s Day makes single people feel bad for not being in a couple and people in couples feel bad if their relationship isn’t like the ones in the diamond ads. Besides if you really love someone, you shouldn’t need a day to remind you to tell them. And it’s hard to argue against any of that since it’s all, y’know, completely true. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
All of my favorite Valentine’s Day memories have nothing at all to do with suddenly starring in my own De Beers ad. I remember baking heart shaped cookies with my mom, of making silly cards for friends on Microsoft Paint, of being single and watching anti-Valentine’s Day movies with other single people and talking about how stupid Valentine’s Day is, even though secretly we were all loving it.
It’s easy to get roped into the idea that we’re supposed to be having a certain kind of day, and then feel disappointed if we don’t. But instead let’s just say screw it and make it a day about whoever or whatever we love, whether that’s a romantic partner, a platonic friend, a pet, or a heart shaped cake that you plan to eat all on your own. Let go of the supposed-to-s. Just like our buddy St. Valentine did when he wasn’t supposed to marry people, but said oh what the heck and did it anyway. Happy Valentine’s Day!!

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten
Publisher: HarperTeen (December 27th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 352 pages
When her boyfriend breaks up with her on the first day of sophomore year, Lucy has no idea how she’s going to make it through homeroom, let alone the rest of her life. Enter three stunning girls with a magical offer Lucy can’t refuse. All she has to do is get a guy to fall in love with her in the next seven days, and then… break his heart and collect one of his brokenhearted tears. As the girls teach Lucy how to hook a guy (with the help of a little magic), she quickly discovers how far she is willing to go—and who she is willing to cross—to get what she wants.

Fans of Lauren Myracle, Jodi Lynn Anderson, and Meg Cabot will love this tale of breakups, friendship, new crushes, and magic. Told with wit and charm, The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers is sure to be one of this winter’s most irresistible reads!

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers and swag.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends February 28th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

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Cheri Lasota is here today to share with us who she thinks would be perfect to play the characters in her book Artemis Rising.

Movie Casting for Artemis Rising

Who would I cast for my characters if Artemis Rising were made into a movie?

Nelly Furtado as Eva Maré
I always make electronic photo collages for my characters. It's just a part of my process. I had picked singer Nelly Furtado as my main character, because she had the blue eyes and olive skin I needed. When I learned that her family originates from the Azores Islands and she is full-blooded Azorean, just like my main character, I was thrilled! She has a beautiful face and stunning blue eyes. When I lived among the Azoreans for a time, one of the things that surprised me most was just how amazing their skin was. Smooth and glowing and naturally tan. Nelly's skin is like that, and she was a great model for my character.

Tyler Nordby as Tristan Vazante
Along with my Director Bill Thoma and several other of my filmmaker friends, I made a book trailer for Artemis Rising that looks very much like a movie trailer. We hired on local actors, so my two leading male characters are the two featured in my book trailer. I spent a lot of time poring through images and talking with actors. I wanted to get as close to the image I'd had in my mind through the years that I spent writing the novel. Tyler Nordby just had that sweet face and the kind eyes I was looking for. Tristan's blue eyes are a central element of my novel, so it was important that I choose an actor who had the right eye color. Tyler's personality was very similar to Tristan's, so that made it quite easy for me to see him in the role. Tyler
is an up and coming actor, who played a high schooler in Twilight and starred in a short film called Deviation.

Montetré as Diogo Cheia
Montetré is a theater actor, film actor and director. He probably wears more hats than that, but I'm losing count! He's intense, naturally talented, and riveting to watch. And I was privileged to have him in my book trailer as the driven and obsessed Diogo Cheia.

Elisha Cuthbert as Isabel Infante

Isabel is a selfish but attractive girl. Eva even calls her the most beautiful girl she'd ever seen. Elisha Cuthbert, while beautiful, can have that kind of haughty look to her when she's showing emotion. She'd probably nail this character in a film version of Artemis Rising.
Joaquim De Almeida as Conde Estrela

The first time I saw this actor, he was the villain in Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford. He had a mesmerizing voice and unusual but compelling eyes. He makes a good fit for Conde Fernando Estrela, Eva and Tristan's adoptive father. Conde Estrela is known in the story as a mysterious and melancholy man. Joaquim's facial expressions definitely play into that tone. The actor is also from Lisbon, Portugal.

Penelope Cruz as Maria Maré
Penelope Cruz has a sort of playful mouth and nose, but her eyes can be very serious. This combination fits Maria, Eva's mother, completely. She would have had a lighthearted personality if life and hard circumstances hadn't stolen her joy. She is a woman of many secrets.
Anthony Hopkins as Padre Salvador

Anthony is one of my favorite actors and Padre Salvador is one of my favorite characters, so he seems like the perfect fit for this character. One of the first films I saw him in was Legends of the Fall. Interestingly, my novel would not exist without this film. I first heard the name Tristan and learned about the Legend of Tristan and Isolde from this film. That led me to research it further and the rest is history. Anthony has a commanding presence and piercing eyes, and I imagine Conde Estrela to be blessed with both of those traits, despite his ill health.

Author Bio: Cheri Lasota’s first novel, Artemis Rising, is a YA historical fantasy based on mythology and set in the exotic Azores Islands. Currently, Cheri is writing and researching her second novel, a YA set on the Oregon Coast. Over the course of her sixteen-year career, she has edited fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, and short stories for publication. Cheri also has twenty-four years of experience writing poetry and fiction.
Learn more about the novel or contact Cheri at http://www.cherilasota.com
. The book is available in all digital formats and can be purchased at SpireHouseBooks.com, iTunes, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and KoboBooks.com.

Artemis Rising by Cheri Lasota Publisher: Spirehouse Books (September 13, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Format: ebook On the voy­age home to the Azores Islands, Eva accepts the pagan name of Arethusa but learns too late that her life will mir­ror the Greek nymph’s tragic end. Her mother reveals that her des­tiny lies with Diogo, the shipowner’s volatile son. But Eva has a vision of another…

When the ship founders in a storm off the coast, Tristan, a local boy, saves her life and steals her heart. Destined to be with Diogo yet aching for Tristan’s for­bid­den love, Eva must some­how choose between them, or fate will choose for her.

This is an engross­ing novel in which sev­eral strands of myth com­bine to cre­ate a com­plex yet beau­ti­fully simple romance. It is at its high­est level an explo­ration of fun­da­men­tal philo­soph­i­cal questions—the debate between fate and choice, the nature of love and desire, the tena­cious and often dangerous hold of belief on the human psyche. At bot­tom, and the rea­son why you will love it, this is a bil­dungsro­man about a girl find­ing her way to adult­hood and a story about two lovers both sep­a­rated and entwined by their beliefs.

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I have the lovely and fabulous author of Article 5 here today. Kristen Simmons is a debut author and Article 5 is just incredible! My review will be posted later today.
So who does she want to play her characters? Look below to find out and don't forget to enter the giveaway for a signed copy!

My Article 5 Casting List

Chase Janenings – Channing Tatum?
I have a hard time deciding between the ever beautiful Channing Tatum and Mark Salling. I think Channing could be a perfect brooding/conflicted Chase. Plus he’s tall, and exudes that protective vibe that makes me a little wobbly in the knees.

Chase Janenings – Mark Salling?
I do think that Puck might be a little closer physical match to Chase though. He would be perfect for Ember’s flashbacks of the sweet, fun bad boy she fell in love with. I can totally see him on a motorcycle. What do you think?

Bookaholic ETA:"CHANNING, CHANNING, CHANNING FTW!!": )

Ember Miller – Sophia Bush
I also had a hard time choosing an actress to play Ember, but then someone pointed me in the direction of Sophia Bush, and I think she might be perfect. Ember lives in a world where women are forbidden from wearing makeup and dressing up, but she has a natural beauty that attracts those around her. Sophia easily captures Ember’s beauty, and her innocence, but definitely has a strength about her as well.

Tucker Morris – Kellen Lutz
Tucker is handsome — blonde with an athletic build. He’s arrogant, but is also bound by his role as a solider. I think Kellan could play the perfect bad guy.

Rebecca – Dianna Agron
In my second Glee choice of the evening, I nominate Quinn Fabray to play the part of Rebecca, Ember’s reform school roommate. She looks exactly how I imagine Rebecca looking, and can totally be both manipulative and fierce.

Sean – Alex Pettyfer
Like Rebecca, Sean also has to play a dual role at reform school – he’s a guard, but he also has a secret life the FBR doesn’t know about. I think Alex has both a serious and a playful side, plus we already know he looks good with Dianna Agron!

Thanks for letting me stop by and play Jess! This was fun!

Thank you Kristen for sharing your cast (and hot pictures!). A movie with Channing, Kellen, and Alex?? I'm there!!

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons Publisher: Tor Teen (January 31st, 2012) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 368 pages Series: Article 5 #1 New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Janenings… the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Article 5.
• 4 winners will receive a bookmark.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US only and ends February 15th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

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This or That List for Claire
Claire is more or less a balance of each one of these extremes, which is why we love her.
Outgoing or Loner She’s somewhat of a loner, as she has only two close friends; but over the course, she gains confidence and becomes more outgoing.

Lover or Fighter Claire is both. She’s sensitive and affectionate, but she’ll stand up for herself and for anyone who matters to her.
Cautious or Adventurous Like any good protagonist, she is more cautious in the beginning and becomes more adventurous as she embraces the challenges in front of her.

Life Full of Excitement or Life Full of Routine Come on! Every great story begins with a character whose life is dull and routine, and escalates to a life full of excitement!

Dark and Mysterious or Funny and Outgoing Why isn’t there an option for funny and mysterious?
Quiet or Outspoken Outspoken, just like her authors.

Optimist or Pessimist Realist.

Realist or Dreamer See above. (Although there’s no rule that says pragmatists can’t also be dreamers—and she is both!)

Luck or Fate Bad luck. She’s trying to change her fate.

Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James
Publisher: HarperTeen (January 24th, 2012)
Paperback: 411 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
She should not exist.

He should not love her.

Claire Brennan has been attending Emerson Academy for two years now (the longest she and her mom have remained anywhere) and she’s desperate to stay put for the rest of high school. So there’s no way she’s going to tell her mom about the psychic visions she’s been having or the creepy warnings that she’s in danger.

Alec MacKenzie is fed up with his duties to watch and, when necessary, eliminate the descendants of his angelic forefathers. He chose Emerson as the ideal hiding place where he could be normal for once. He hadn’t factored Claire into his plans..

Their love is forbidden, going against everything Alec has been taught to believe. But when the reason behind Claire’s unusual powers is revealed and the threat to her life becomes clear, how far will Alec go to protect her?

Syrie (Website) | Ryan (Website) | Syrie (Goodreads) | Ryan (Goodreads)

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I have a special treat for you all today. First, if you haven't read, or added, Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe, do it! It is an outstanding book and one that was so different from anything I had read in the past. My review will be coming up later this week, but in the meantime, I would like to introduce you to a few of the characters from Destiny's Fire because today… they battle it out!

In this corner we have the loveable, best friend/ boy next door with a dangerously hot bod. But be careful ladies, he is fierce, and a bit naughty, behind those bright blue eyes. Let me hear the crowd cheer for JACE!

VS

And over here we have… "ouch", he's too hot to touch but you know you want to, red-eyed bad boy who is just simply scrumptious. Yeah, ladies, you know you want this. I give you, REESE!

Boys, lets have a clean battle here. We will be using words, not fists. And no fighting over me, seriously, I'll take you both. *wink* And now, the quote battle begins!
Round one
Jace: “I just knew you wanted to rip my clothes off.”
Reese: “You shouldn’t come out to play until you have the power to party like a big girl.”

Round Two
Jace: “You’re being the voice of reason?” He grabbed my hand. “Funny, coming from the girl who decked a Narco just last night.”
Reese: “Come on,” Reese continued. “We were so rudely interrupted last night. But I have to admit, I liked that love tap.”

Round Three
Jace: “So you like to dance, do you?” Jace snarled. “How about with me? Think you might find my love tap a little more convincing.”
Reese: “It's instinct. I honestly wasn't going to hurt her.” Then his eyes burned fire red as he stared into Jace's. “But you and I will be a different story if you don't take your hands off me… right now.”

Round Four

Jace: “—I‟m not a hot chick that has to worry about some guy trying to get into my pants.” He looked me up and down. “Or my bustle.”

Reese: He ducked his head close to my ear. “You look amazing, by the way.” Brushing his hand across my back, he spread warmth over my bare skin.

Round Five

Jace: “I want you to know,” Jace said, looking down as his hands gripped the brass steering bar. “No matter what, I'll always be there for you.”

Reese: He lifted my face and stared into my eyes. “I promise. I'll find a way to protect you.”

Geez, did it get hot in here or is it just these boys? So, who do YOU think won the quote battle? Answer in the comments section and you get an extra entry to WIN the ebook!

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe
Omnific Publishing (January 10th, 2012)
Paperback: 159 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive an ebook of Destiny's Fire.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is International and ends January 22nd.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

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Amazon | Barnes & Noble Be sure to check out the other tour stops in the linky below!

Today I have a character highlight for Willow from the new release, Ti dal by Emily Snow. Be sure to check out the giveaway below and follow the rest of the tour.

Character Highlight for Brittany"Willow" Avery

Name: Brittany “Willow” Avery
Birthday: July 15 Age: 20 Hair Color: Chocolate Brown Eye Color: Green Favorite Color: Yellow Favorite Food: Anything that’s NOT whole wheat waffles
Likes

• · Cooper Taylor
• · Ellie Goulding (Love, love, LOVE her music!)
• · Surfing (But only recently!)
• · Kill Bill
• · Adventure Time

• · The paparazzi and gossip magazines
• · Whole wheat waffles
• · Camera phones
• · Helicopter Parents
• · Flying over water (Yeah it’s inevitable, but still!)

Who would play her in a movie: Elizabeth Gillies or Jessica Lowndes (http://www.vettri.net/gallery/celeb/jessica_lowndes/Premiere-Of-Inglourious-Basterds/Jessica_Lowndes_Premiere-Of-Inglourious-Basterds_Vettri.Net-17.jpg)

Tidal by Emily Snow
Published: December 14th, 2012
Reading Level: New Adult
Paperback: 320 pages
Now that Willow Avery is out of rehab, she's got one chance left to prove herself before she’s officially on every producer’s shit list. At least, that's what her parents and agent are claiming. She doesn't really give a damn if she never makes another movie or not—she just wants to get on with her life, get back to her friends, and find her next escape. But Willow is broke. And whether she likes it or not, acting is the only job she knows how to do.

When she accepts the lead in a beach drama, Willow finds herself in Hawaii. And in Hawaii, she finds Cooper, the gorgeous surfer hired to train her for her new role. With the bluest eyes she’s ever seen and the sexiest Australian accent she’s ever heard, Cooper’s different from the men she’s used to. He doesn’t want to use her. And he refuses to let her fail. But when an old friend re-enters Willow’s life—a friend whose toxicity she’s been drawn to time and time before and whose presence brings about the painful memories she's tried so hard to suppress—Willow will have to choose between the girl she was and the person she’s becoming. The lifestyle that helps her forget the pain and the guy she’s falling hard for.

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^{Blog tour hosted by…}

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilySnowBks Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/emily.snow.397 Facebook Like page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emily-Snow/363370467075260?ref=hl GoodReads page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6519108.Emily_Snow Website: http://emilysnowbooks.blogspot.com/

GoodReads — http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101959-tidal Amazon — http://www.amazon.com/Tidal-Emily-Snow/dp/1480256765/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357226889&sr=1-1&keywords=9781480256767 B&N — http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tidal-emily-snow/1113961058?ean=2940015737806

Scary Pictures

I write for a living but I think in pictures. I’ve always been a visual learner. When I conceive of a story, I usually get a line or two accompanied by a whole slew of images. As I outline my books, I often build the pace around visual cues –and I block out my scenes as if they are on a big movie screen in my head. Readers and reviewers tell me that my novels play out like movies to them. I find that genuinely satisfying.

No doubt there’s a connection between my visual sense and my childhood. I’ve always wanted to write, but before I actually had a decent command of language I was telling stories using toys. After I discovered comic books, I began drawing my own. I was also addicted to TV and movies. I grew up in the sixties with shows like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, Dark Shadows, Outer Limits, Star Trek, and reruns of The Twilight Zone. I watched every movie they played on TV, from the sword-and-sandal Steve Reeve epics to old Universal monster flicks to John Wayne westerns. By the time I was nine I was bluffing my way into the movies to see films I should never have been allowed to see. Like Night of the Living Dead, which premiered when I was ten.

For a long time I thought that I would become an artist rather than a writer, and specifically a comic book artist. I wanted to be both Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. I wanted to be Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams. I have thick folders of old sketches. All sorts of stuff, from pictures of animals to character concepts to portraits. Some of it’s pretty good, a lot of it –sadly—isn’t.

The thing about my art is that it’s wildly inconsistent. I’ve done a few pieces that were good enough to have prints made. My Bruce Lee portrait, a study of a Crow, and my interpretation of Gandalf all sold out signed/numbered limited print runs of 500 each. Unfortunately my good days are like little islands in a sea of mediocre days.

That’s a hard thing –the point where you realize that you have a talent, but there just isn’t enough of it to open a doorway into a career.

Luckily, my first love was really storytelling, and I have made a very successful career as a novelist, short story writer, magazine feature writer and –yes—comic book writer. (But they don’t let me draw my own comics… and I can see their point).

I do enjoy drawing, though, and I wanted to share a few of the pieces I’ve done that I either really like, or that have interesting back-stories.

BRUCE LEE: This is the picture that is permanently set on Bruce Lee’s tombstone. I drew it right there, sitting cross-legged on the grass in Lakeview Cemetery in Seattle.

GANDALF THE GRAY: In eleventh grade I talked my AP English teacher into adding The Lord of the Rings to the official reading list. I had to make a real case for it, and somewhere I still have the paper I wrote. And I had to stand in front of the class and defend my choice. A number of years later I met an old friend for lunch who recalled that incident. Afterward I sat down and drew this.

CROW: A lot of people tell me that this looks more like a raven. We don’t have ravens in Philadelphia and I drew this while looking out the window at a bunch of crows. Maybe there was raven traveling incognito.

UNDEAD (for Ghost Road Blues): This is a concept sketch I did while plotting out my first novel, GHOST ROAD BLUES. I had an image in mind of a vampire pretending to be a scarecrow in order to play a very ugly prank on his victims. I think the visual quality of that novel helped it to become a success, and it won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and was a finalist for Novel of the Year. This is one of several drawings of this kind of monster. I may actual use this for a middle-grade novel in a year or so.

HUNTING FOR MONSTERS: This is another concept sketch, this time for BAD MOON RISING (third in the Pine Deep Trilogy, of which GHOST ROAD BLUES was the first. The middle book is DEAD MAN’S SONG). I had a scene set in a cellar and wanted to capture the spooky, claustrophobic feel of the scene. Even though the scene –as actually written—is a bit different, that scene started with this sketch.

AIRMEN OF LOTT: Another concept sketch. This one’s for a Steampunk story that I’ve had cooking in my head for a while. I’m developing a Young Adult story –or possibly a series—that’s a collision of alternate history, fantasy and Steampunk. It’s still in development, though.

Dead of Night by Jonathan Maberry
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (October 25th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
A prison doctor injects a condemned serial killer with a formula designed to keep his consciousness awake while his body rots in the grave. But all drugs have unforeseen side-effects. Before he could be buried, the killer wakes up. Hungry. Infected. Contagious. This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang… but a bite.

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Book Trailer

Today I am a tour stop for Janenifer L. Arme ntrout and her book Opal.

Be sure to check out the post and DO NOT miss the giv eaway. I have a copy of O pal SIGNED by J ennifer and cov er mo del Pepe Toth!

A List of what Katy bought the people in her life for Christmas. What did Katy buy:

Daemon — Besides me??? Season 5 of Ghost Hunters

Dee — Pink toe socks. Take that, Daemon

Dawson — Um, not sure. Will have to talk to Daemon about that.

Mom — Dummies Guide to Cooking and Not Killing Yourself

Ash/Andrew — New personalities. Can I get that on Amazon? You can order everything on Amazon.

Opal by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Publish ing (December 11th, 2012 )
Reading Level: Yo ung Adult
Paperback: 452 pages
Series: Lu x, # 3
No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger… and they know it.

Prize: 1 winner will get a paperback copy of OPAL signed by Janenifer L. Armentrout and cover model Pepe Toth.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends January 11th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

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For years, I was attracted to men with a bit of an “edge,” men who were nice enough but had that mysterious, almost dangerous element lurking right below the surface. To be involved with someone like this was very exciting to me — the thrill was a rush!
I think it is these same tendencies that make so many of us gravitate toward darker books, the kind that makes up most paranormal reading out today. We like to “be good” in our own lives, while getting a momentary rush from being in a darker, more mysterious, more exciting world.
And that is certainly ok! We should go wherever we resonate — “like attracts like” is not just a catchy line; it’s an actual physics concept that determines our entire reality! But, in my experience, the constant stream of “personal growth” that came about because of my inclinations made me first, recognize my inner light, and secondly, choose to honor it.
I asked myself some hard questions: Why do I need someone else to generate my excitement? If I’m not excited with my life, then that is something *I* need to change. Secondly, if I want to be truly happy, not just tanked-up off exhilaration, I need to find people who resonate with me and I need to find activities that resonate with me. We are constantly evolving, and I made a conscious choice to evolve to the light rather than to the dark.
I explain all this because, while my book, “Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date,” would be considered paranormal by many, it is different than what you’ve read before. It is about goodness; it is about sharing love; it is about understanding ourselves and fully developing our highest and greatest potential. This will be more and more obvious as the series progresses — we will see Faith, the main character, learn how to discover her true self and how to help the world!
Much of my book involves angels and, of course, the lightworker angle. What is a lightworker, you ask? Lightworkers are a type of individual whose purpose is to help humanity, and humanity, like all in the universe, is composed of energy. Lightworkers raise the vibration of the planet simply by being here and also by performing acts of love and kindness. When we think about all that is good within our reality and bring it down to one word, that word is love, and lightworkers are here to teach the world about love. This is where Faith develops. She learns she is a lightworker, but one who hasn’t been fulfilling her life purpose. And in the “real world,” this certainly can and does happen. Many lightworkers are not doing all they can to bring love and light to the world, and as a result, often feel a sensation in their solar plexus that doesn’t go away until they begin to do so. Compounding this is to be a lightworker, one doesn’t even have to be aware of the term!
Beyond this element, Faith is told she has one year to fulfill her lightworker “duties,” or she will be pulled from her assignment! This adds a level of intensity to the story because Faith has to figure out in one year (of book time) how she can help millions of people. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make an impact on the world, this will be your series to read!
Faith also has a special relationship with angels, and along the way, she is assisted by them. Studies consistently show the vast majority of people believe in angels, and one doesn’t have to look far to find examples of people who believe they have been helped in some way by an angel. Many will even say angels have saved their lives! I know that I have been helped by angels – many, many times – and you’ll see their influence in the story.
Whichever way you resonate, you are exactly where your soul needs to be in this moment! I honor you on your journey and bless your presence in reading this guest post. For those who choose to read “Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date,” it is available on Kindle (which can be downloaded to your computer if you don’t have a Kindle!) and paperback via Amazon and other sites. It is a fun and eye-opening mystery – I hope you love it!

Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date by Caroline A. Shearer Publisher: Absolute Love (December 9th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 244 pages
In a Stephanie Plum meets New Age-style,"Dead End Date" introduces readers to Faith, a young woman whose dating disasters and personal angst have separated her from the reason she's on Earth. When she receives the shocking news that she is a lightworker and has one year to fulfill her life purpose, Faith embarks on her mission with zeal, tackling problems big and small — including the death of her blind date. Working with angels and psychic abilities and even the murder victim himself, Faith dives headfirst into a personal journey that will transform all those around her and, eventually, all those around the world.

A fun, fast-paced metaphysical mystery!

"More and more people are reaching within for their innate spirituality, and, in that search, are beginning to bring harmony to their inner and outer worlds," says Shearer."However, as thought patterns and unconscious habits and negative actions crumble, life can feel like a tumultuous journey. The main character of Faith exemplifies this progression. She takes a step forward in one area, only to stumble backwards in another, but through her wit and charm and ability to laugh at herself, we discover how we, also, may be gentle with ourselves and learn to love the ride."

"Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date" is a mystery novel, as will be each book in the Lightworker series. The spiritual theme and Faith's life purpose as a lightworker are larger elements that come into play over the course of the series. Look for much growth in Faith's character — and have fun along with her as she stumbles to her highest and greatest good!

Find Caroline A. Shearer Absolute Love Publishing / Blog / Goodreads
Purchase Adventures of a Lightworker: Dead End Date Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Audio Intro. read by Caroline

Stephanie Thomas has stopped by today to tell us a little about the world we will see in her book Luminosity. Be sure to sign up for the giveaway below!

Can you describe the world we will read about in Luminosity?

Luminosity is set in a dystopian world. The first book of The Raven Chronicles mostly takes place in The City, which is… exactly what it sounds like: a city! This city was created after a war that destroyed most of what was formally known as America. The survivors rebuilt on the East Coast, in this city that is protected with a force field-like shield and an electric barrier fence.

The City is mostly a dark place. In my head, I pictured it kind of like Gothim City. The “normal” people who live inside The City are called Citizens. They are kept inside the barricades for their own safety from whatever lies outside the fences. They must abide by curfew and other rules, but they don’t think of themselves as being oppressed. In fact, they are quite happy to have a place that is deemed safe enough to thrive.

The Seers are those who have the ability to see into the future and have been tasked with protecting the Citizens to the best of their ability. They live in the Institution, which is the tallest and most central building of The City. You’ll have to read to find out more about this mysterious place!

The only other place mentioned in book one would be Aura, where the Dreamcatchers live. Little is known about Aura as it’s so far away and houses the enemy.

Technology also has a huge role to play in Luminosity, though it is staggered and a bit inconsistent at best. The Seers definitely have some advanced technology, but there are times where it might be thought the Dreamcatchers know a bit more about what they are working with in that regard. It’s an interesting element to explore, since science and technology can be used to help and to hurt depending on whose hands it falls into.

I hope you enjoy the world I’ve created! I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to give anything away, so if you are curious, you’ll have to take a peek for yourself and see! Happy Reading!

About Stephanie:
Stephanie Thomas has been writing ever since she could put letters together to form words. When she was a small child, she would present her mother and father with self-made newspapers filled up with make believe stories and pictures. Her love for writing followed her all throughout her schooling, where she entered and won writing contests of all sorts. Stephanie decided to become an English teacher and completed her B.A. at The Pennsylvania State University. While teaching, she later went on to get her Master’s in writing from The Johns Hopkins University. She completed her very first manuscript during her graduate studies, and by the end of the program, she had completed two more. Stephanie is quick to tell anyone that she’s a born and raised Philadelphian, and her heart will always belong there. She moved to Baltimore with her husband, and they’ve been living there for the last five years with their doggie, Sailor, and their rabbit, Buns (aka “T Sizzle).

Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas
Published: Entangled Publishing (November 13th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 296 pages
Series: Raven Chronicles #1
My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I’ve already helped them win.

Tour Wide Giveaway!
Prize: A Signed Copy of Luminosity, A Raven Pepsi Bottle Cap Necklace, and Swag.

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