The Best Reader [Search results for tour] 

Tomorrow the 16th, through the 31st, these 16 amazing authors will be featured on 16 blogs. I am honored to be one of them! A new interview will be posted each day and we have lots of wonderful swag to give away. Along with this, we each get a book from one of the authors to give away. Mine is Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton.

But that's not all! Over at the Crossroads Tour page, you can read the details of the big giveaway! Here is what she says about the tour and giveaway.
HOW THE TOUR WORKS:
Each day of The Crossroads Tour, a new research question will be revealed here on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page (http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/), and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the 16 different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all 16 answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween.
Send your answers to judithgraves at ymail dot com by midnight on October 31^st to win a fab grand prize consisting of:

• signed copy of Under My Skin by Judith Graves
• copy of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
• copy of Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
• gothic stickers
• funky Halloween decorations
• a DVD featuring Classic Horror Films
• a $10 gift certificate for Leap Books
• a Leap Books T-shirt

I have had a wonderful time with the Crossroads tour. I can't believe it ends Sunday! It feels like we just got started: ) But now it's time for the CONTEST!! The authors were kind enough to donate some swag and a book for the tour and the book I have to give away is Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton. In order to sign up to win this prize pack just fill out the form below. This is a quick contest! It will end at midnight (ET) on Halloween!

Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton Publisher: Flux (October 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Series: The Seer, book #6 The Final Book in Linda Joy Singleton's Popular Paranormal Series, The Seer

A whisper, too soft to swirl wispy candle smoke, carried across time, beyond life and death—and was heard."Our bargain is sealed. My secrets will be yours-when the girl dies."

In the thrilling climax to The Seer series, Sabine's psychic abilities, sleuthing skills, and courage are pushed to a dangerous edge as she deals with the mysterious disappearance of her ex-boyfriend Josh, a new threat against her boyfriend Dominic, evil magicians (both living and dead)—and a coldblooded murder.

Giveaway Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton and swag from the Crossroads tour participants!

• 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/CANADA and ends Sunday night, October 31st.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Also, for the huge prize pack giveaway, each day of The Crossroads Tour, a new research question will be revealed here on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page (http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/), and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the 16 different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all 16 answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween.

YOU MUST send your answers to judithgraves at ymail dot com by midnight on October 31^st

1. Which character from The Faerie Ring series has been the most fun to write about?

Larkin is the most to fun to write because she’s wicked and unpredictable and mercurial and has secrets. I never know for sure what’s she’s going to do next.

2. Can you tell us one of your favorite lines from The Torn Wing?

His words were soft. “Maybe it’s because I’ve placed my life in your hands.” He took her hand, turning her palm up and ran his fingertips gently over her skin. “Have you kept my secret?”

3. What do you like to listen to while writing?

When I write fantasy I write in silence. When I wrote my contemporary story I had a playlist that was a combination of Maroon 5, John Mayer, Sara Bareilles and others.

4. Tell us 5 little-known facts about you.

1. I believe in ghosts.
2. I believe in reincarnation.
3. I had a motorcycle when I was 19.
4. I love plants. I have an amazing green thumb and my house is like a jungle including several trees!
5. My koi let me pet them.

Thank you so much for participating in the Crossroads Tour and supporting our books! xo Kiki

The Torn Wing by Kiki Hamilton
Publisher: Fair Wind Books (October 2nd, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 318 pages
Series: The Faerie Ring, #2
London 1872 -

A bloody escape, a deadly threat, a shocking revelation…

As an orphan who stole the Queen's ring — only to find the ring was a reservoir that held a truce between the world of Faerie and the British Court — Tiki’s greatest fear suddenly becomes all too real: the fey have returned to London seeking revenge. As war escalates in the Otherworld, Queen Victoria’s youngest son, Prince Leopold, is attacked. In order to protect her family and those she loves, Tiki needs to know the meaning of an fáinne sí, the birthmark that winds around her wrist. But will she be brave enough to face the truth?

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. What can you tell us about Killer’s Instinct?

Killer’s Instinct is the first book in the Most-Wanted Monsters series Judith Graves and I are co-writing and Leap Books is publishing. We’re excited that Leap is testing an innovative, new format by releasing Killer’s Instinct in 6 cliffhanger e-episodes throughout 2013, and then publishing the print book in its entirety in 2014.

Here’s the official blurb for Killer’s Instinct. It’s creeptastic!

Where there is NO life – there’s Hope.
Hope has always been a bit of a freak. But when her mother crawls from her grave and her undead corpse goes MIA, Hope's last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster slayers seems the only course of action. And the best bet at tracking her mother down.
But does Hope have a true killer's instinct? If she finds her mother, will she have the guts to do what must be done?

If you’re into monsters, why not check out the Most-Wanted Monsters blog at www.mostwantedmonsters.blogspot.com, where Judith and I wax poetic about some of the world’s most sought after beasties. Hey, it might even save your life.

2. What do you like to listen to while writing?

It really depends on what project I’m working on. Every character kind of has his/her own soundtrack. Lately, I’ve been leaning towards the heavier stuff, like Marilyn Manson and Linkin Park, but I’ve been known to write to pop and classical, as well. My family knows to walk away when the headphones are in, or the iPod is cranked.

3. What is your writing process like?

Chaos. I’ve always got a lot of projects on the go, and I’m not much of a plotter, except when I have to (or when I’m working with Judith Graves on something – she’s the plot master and she wields a mighty whip!) I try to write at least 1,000 words a day on any given project, but I’m more apt to binge write and then take a few days of break. I have several writing places throughout the house – my husband even built me a small writing “cabin” in the back yard – but more often I’m sitting at the kitchen table.

4. Is it more difficult to develop a book or a story for an anthology?

I’ve never considered myself a strong short story writer. Even though I think I write “tight” I can never figure out how to get all of the elements of the story into something that isn’t a novel. But I love reading shorts stories, and I had a lot of fun writing THREAD OF THE PAST for the SPIRITED anthology, so it’s certainly something I’ll keep working on.

Fun questions, Jessica. Thank you!

Spirited: 13 Haunting Tales (anthology)
Published: Leap Books (February 13th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 332 pages
Leap Books has summoned some big names in fiction to help put together 13 ghostly stories to support a good cause. Spirited drops this October, with all proceeds to be donated to 826 National. 826 offers free after-school tutoring, workshops, and in-school programs because they believe that"strong writing skills are fundamental to future success." The authors featured in the anthology, from best-sellers to wickedly talented debuts, will participate in a chilling blog tour that's guaranteed to raise your goosebumps.

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Amazon

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. How do you know when someone is a zombie?

Well now hold up! If we’re talking about THE UNDERTAKERS, then don’t call ‘em zombies! Zombies are slow and stupid, while Corpses – the villainous invaders who animate the dead and wear them like suits of clothing – are fast, smart and well organized. They project an illusion of normalcy around themselves, so that 99.999% of the world see ordinary men and women. Only kids, and only a few kids, are “lucky” enough to be able to penetrate these masks, and spot the rotting cadavers underneath.

So, to answer the question: you don’t.

Not unless you’re an Undertaker.

2. Can you give us a teaser from Queen of the Dead?

Thirteen-year-old Will Ritter and the rest of the Undertakers have won their first victory, but the celebration is cut short when a new threat emerges through the Void between worlds. Lilith Cavanugh, the Queen of the Dead, is even more ruthless and dangerous than her predecessor, and her ambitions are even more sinister.

To defeat her, the Undertakers will need to prevent an assassination, rescue Will’s family, and somehow convince a skeptical F.B.I. agent that their cause is just. But how to you convince a grown-up that monsters are real?

3. Are you addicted to any TV shows? What do you watch in your spare time?

I am a crazed Doctor Who fan and have been since I was a teenager. When it’s on, it’s my favorite show. When it’s not, I mourn it and wait for my other favorite shows: Fringe, The Walking Dead, How I Met Your Mother and NCIS!

4. What are some of your favorite Young Adult novels?

I enjoyed the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series. I loved Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Trilogy. But my favorites in YA have to Jackie Kessler, A. S. King and Heather Brewer! YA has come a long way since I was a kid, when Nancy Drew the Hardy Boys were about the only games in town. It’s edgier now, more challenging, and I think that’s being reflected in the number of young readers we’re picking up out there.

The Undertakers: Queen of the Dead by Ty Drago
Publisher: Sourcebooks (October 1st, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult/Middle Grade
Paperback: 432 pages
Series: The Undertakers, #2
Twelve -year old Will Ritter and his rag-tag army of teenage resistance fighters may have triumphed over the Zombies last time, but that's the thing about the dead: they keep coming back.

A new Corpse leader has crossed the rift and taken command of the invasion: The Queen of the Dead is even more brilliant and ruthless than her predecessor, and her ambitions are even deadlier. Will and the crew must somehow rescue his mother, prevent an assassination, and show FBI Agent Ramirez the truth about the Corpses-and the danger the world faces.

But how do a bunch of kids prove to a grown-up that monsters are real?

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. You write YA and MG titles. Which do you find to be more difficult?

Oh, great question! I find MG books a lot harder to write, which was a real surprise since I wasn’t expecting it! I love writing YA books and I never have to force them but with MG I felt really restricted. It was a lot harder for me to get my heroine out of the house and away from the protection of her family. Plus, it probably doesn’t help that my daughter is almost 12 and I keep freaking out at the idea that she might get up to the same things my heroine does!!!

2. What can you tell us about Demonosity?

Cassidy Carter-Lewis inadvertently becomes the guardian to an ancient alchemist treasure called the black rose and is forced to fight a horde of medieval demon knights. Along the way she also meets two demon brothers and learns that while not all demons are bad, not all of them are good either and soon the battle is a lot more personal than she ever expected.

There are so many things that I love about this book, not only my tortured demon knights but also Cassidy’s best friend Nash who is a total hottie! I also love Cassidy herself and she is going through a lot of personal struggles that I could really relate it. It’s definitely my favorite book so far!

3. What are your writing habits? Have you developed any new ones over the years?

My writing habits were actually a lot more structured before I sold a book. It was because my children were babies and so I only had specific times when I could sit down and write. However, now that they are in school I tend to flit around a lot more and then write in bursts (normally about ten minutes before they are due home!)

4. Do you have any special Halloween traditions?

We don’t really celebrate Halloween in Australia, though my kids always try and convince us to take them out Trick-or-Treating, which can be embarrassing since most doors they knock on are answered by grumpy people who don’t have any candy!

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby Publisher: Speak (June 9th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 336 pages
While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy — and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodread

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. Can you tell us one of your favorite lines from Bad Hair Day?

I’ll give you a couple of lines, because I think it’s funnier that way and I’ve never been able to follow directions well.: )

“A guy prepped a body in a closed autopsy suite to my right; I could see him through the oversized viewing window. He wore one of those super cool protective suits that make you look like a blueberry flavored astronaut.
I wondered if they’d let me wear it. If so, I was definitely staying.”

2. Give us 3 words you would use to describe Kate.

Mega science geek. And I have to admit that it took every bit of self control I have not to hyphenate. Because it counts as one word if it’s hyphenated, right?

3. Since people have been talking about the recent “zombie” attacks, are you starting to think that maybe zombies could be real?!

There are actually some real life “zombies” that helped to inspire BAD TASTE IN BOYS. I’m not just talking about the bath salts. There are also zombie ants and zombie mice, and you can read about them in National Geographic! But human brains are pretty complex, so I do think we’re not quite to the point where an honest-to-god human zombie is possible. Although is it a bad thing if I say I’m kind of thinking that would be awesome? In theory, anyway.

4. Do you have any special Halloween traditions?

Oh yeah! It’s my son’s birthday on Halloween, so we really go all out at my house. We do up the house (this year, I think it’s going to be a neon spider den, because the best kinds of spiders are NEON), and we do birthday gifts and cake and then go out for trick-or-treating because we haven’t had quite enough sugar yet. And ALL of us dress up. Last year, I was a sparkly vampire. I wrapped myself in twinkle lights. We don’t have special Halloween traditions as much as we have ALL OF THEM.

Thanks so much for having me to visit and letting me ramble on about monsters! YOU ROCK.

Bad Hair Day by Carrie Harris
Publisher: Delacorte Press (November 19th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 240 pages
Series: Kate Grable, #2
S enior year is positively hair-raising.

Kate Grable is geeked out to shadow the county medical examiner as part of her school’s pre-med program. Except when he’s arrested for murder, she’s left with the bodies. And when Kate’s brother Jonah stumbles upon a dead gamer girl, she realizes that the zombie epidemic she cured last fall was only the beginning of the weirdness taking over her town. Someone’s murdering kids—something really hairy. And strong. Possibly with claws.

Is it werewolf awesomeness like Jonah and his dorktastic friends think? Kate’s supposed to be a butt-kicking zombie killing genius… but if she can’t figure out who’s behind the freakish attacks, the victims—or what’s left of them—are going to keep piling up.

It’s scary. It’s twisted. It’s sick. It’s high school.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. Can you tell us one of your favorite lines from Anastasia Forever?

My Sourcebooks editor, Leah Hultenschmidt share the same favorite Tess line which comes near the end of the book. “I think Anne just told destiny to suck it.” Makes me laugh every time I read it.

2. What can you share with us about Sweet Dead Life?

Oh how I love this book! I love it so hard! I think the blurb on Amazon gives you the gist:

Fourteen-year-old Janena Samuels is having a very bad 8th grade year. Her single mother spends all day in bed. Dad vanished when she was eight. Her 16-year-old brother, Casey, tries to hold what's left of the family together by working two jobs--difficult, as he's stoned all the time. To make matters worse, Janena is sick. When she collapses one day, Casey tries to race her to the hospital in their beat-up Prius and crashes instead. Janena wakes up in the ER to find Casey beside her. Beatified. Literally. The flab and zits? Gone. Weirder, he makes her feel better. Before long, Janena figures out that Casey didn't survive the accident at all. He's an"A-word." (She can't bring herself to utter the truth.) Soon they both discover that Janena isn't just dying: she's being poisoned. And Casey has been sent back to help solve the mystery that not only holds the key to her survival, but also to their mother's mysterious depression and father's disappearance.

Also, when Casey returns as Janena’s guardian angel, he comes back with all his bad habits firmly intact. Which I also love.

3. Can you describe your writing process? What steps do you take before writing?

I make a huge mug of green tea with honey or Agave. I sit down. I open a new document. I type.

Beyond that, I also do some basic outlining and character brainstorming. And often there’s a number of hours of research involved – like for the book I’m working on right now, I ‘ve extensively researched film noir, both reading it and watching the movies.

4. Do you have plans for any other series or stand-alone books?

Well, as I’m typing this, we have just announced that there will be a follow up book to next year’s THE SWEET DEAD LIFE, It will be out in spring of 2014 and will be the rest of Casey and Janena’s story. I am thrilled! Beyond that, you’ll just have to wait and see.

Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble
Publisher: Sourcebooks (August 1st, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Series: Dreaming Anastasia, #3
Stories within stories. Secrets within secrets. In accepting powers from the legendary witch Baba Yaga, Anne must tackle a complex set of missions: Discover the secret of their enemy's newfound immortality; decide whether she can kill him to free her family from a vicious curse; come to terms with the magic that now resides inside her; and finally find true love with Ethan. The riveting conclusion to the trilogy that began with Dreaming Anastasia.

Website | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. What has been the most surprising thing to happen in your writing career over the past year?

I’m surprised and so thrilled every time I get fan mail. The fact that someone would take the time to write and let me know how much they’ve enjoyed the books means I’ve made a connection, and that’s a priceless thing.

2. When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was around eleven. I’m pretty sure I used every cliché in the world, but at least I got them out of my system! My teacher was tremendously encouraging, and I blame, er… credit… him for the fact that I have voices in my head to this day <g>.

3. What is one of your favorite lines from Fangtabulous?

Hmm, I don’t know whether I can pick a favorite, but here’s a small taste:

Second note to self: never buzz someone into an apartment building without knowing exactly who they are. They might be some fearsome, fanged creatures of the night up to no good. Not in our case, of course, but you never knew when someone might bust into your place to feng shui your furniture or rearrange your internal organs. Caution was just common sense.

4. If you were going out for Halloween this year, what would you go as?

I was toying with Black Widow e from The Avengers. I’ve always wanted to rock a catsuit. Plus, you just don’t get much cooler. I mean, she’s smart, gorgeous and deadly. My kind of gal!

Even though I don’t get to trick-or-treat this year, I do get to dress up for my cousin’s Halloween-themed wedding. I’m going to be a pirate queen Win Some. I’ve tried to convince my husband to go as my pirate king Lose Some, but for some reason he’s balking.

Fangtabulous by Lucienne Diver
Publisher: Flux (January 8th, 2013)
Reading Level: Yo ung A dult
Paperback: 288 pages
S eries: Vamped, #4
Can a fanged fashionista take out a deadly Salem spirit?

Being on the lam from the Feds and the vampire council with no money is not as glamorous as it sounds, especially when I, Gina Covello, fashion queen of the undead, am forced to abandon my wardrobe. Salem, Massachusetts, seems like a great place to hide our supernatural gang. But who knew the city would be crawling with ghosts? The nasty spirit of George Corwin, infamous sheriff from the witch trial days, is on a killing spree. It's up to us to take down the breath-stealing phantom-without blowing our cover.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. Can you tell us anything about book 4 in the Riders of the Apocalypse series, BREATH?

JK: This is the final book in the series. It’s Death’s book. It answers the big unanswered questions raised in the earlier books, and then some. All of the Riders and their steeds are in it. BREATH hits the shelves mid-April 2013 (and for those of us in the US – of course it does, because the only two constants are death and taxes, right?), and I’ll be signing copies at the RT Booklovers Convention in May 2013. Hope to see you there!

2. What are some of your writing habits? Have you picked up any new ones over the years?

JK: One of my more annoying habits is I must have an opening sentence before I can start working on a story. I blame my tenth grade English teacher, who insisted that the most important part of any book was its first sentence.

3. If you were going out for Halloween this year, what would you go as?

JK: Actually, we’re going to Disney World for Halloween. We’re thinking of dressing up from Shrek. Maybe. Still have to figure it out!

4. Can you tell us 5 things people may not know about you?

JK: I’m just under five feet tall; I’m working toward my black belt in tae kwon do; I married the boy I’d been crushing on since I was 15; I firmly believe that chocolate should be its own food group; I am a new fan of Supernatural.

Breath by Jackie Morse Kessler
Published: April 16th, 2013
Reading Level: Young Adult
Series: Riders of the Apocalypse, #4
Contrary to popular belief, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse aren’t just harbingers of doom—they actually keep life in balance. But what happens when their leader and creator, Death, becomes suicidal?

Before the first living thing drew its first gasping breath, he was there. He has watched humanity for millennia. And he has finally decided that humanity is not worth the price he has paid time and again. When Death himself gives up on life, a teenager named Xander Atwood is the world’s only hope. But Xander bears a secret, one that may bring about the end of everything.

This heart-pounding final installment of the Riders of the Apocalypse series looks at the value of life, the strength of love, and how a small voice can change everything.. forever.

Website | Blog | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. Can you give us a tweet-length description of Darker Still?

LRH: A spooky tale of dark magic and demons, nightmares and adventures, passions and haunted paintings in 1880 New York City.

2. With The Twisted Tragedy, Magic Most Foul #2, coming soon, can you share a little teaser with us?

LRH: For Natalie Stewart, a normal life has never seemed so far away. Her only solace, Lord Jonathan Denbury, is wanted for murder. To clear his name, Denbury must return to England and assume the role of his demon doppelganger. But Natalie begins to doubt his true motives, especially as a new gentleman begins whispering in her ear. Natalie and Denbury may be able to visit each other in their dreams, but they can't escape the darkening shadows. Amid spontaneous explosions, friends turned enemies and dangerous secrets revealed, there's still a demon who has Natalie's scent, and someone is trying to resurrect the ultimate evil.

3. Tell us 3 words you would use to describe Natalie.

LRH: Brave. Opinionated. Feisty.

4. Do you read a lot of Young Adult novels? What are a few of your favorites?

LRH: I try, but my TBR pile is really large and I’m very behind. I’m obsessed with Harry Potter and read Hunger Games at a break-neck clip. I’m currently enjoying The Clockwork Scarab an upcoming Steampunk YA by Colleen Gleason, a book that I’m blurbing.

The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart by Leanna Renee Hieber
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (November 1st, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Series: Magic Most Foul, #2
For Natalie Stewart, a normal life has never seemed so far away. Her only solace, Lord Jonathan Denbury, is wanted for murder. To clear his name, Denbury must return to England and assume the role of his demon doppelganger. But Natalie begins to doubt his true motives, especially as a new gentleman begins whispering in her ear. Natalie and Denbury may be able to visit each other in their dreams, but they can't escape the darkening shadows. Amid spontaneous explosions, friends turned enemies and dangerous secrets revealed, there's still a demon who has Natalie's scent, and someone is trying to resurrect the ultimate evil.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. Can you describe Transcend to us in your own words?

Transcend is the “unofficial” prequel to Phantom of the Opera that follows one young mans struggle against his family expectations. It takes the reader on an emotional ride in which up is down, right is wrong, and nothing is as it seems. Ien Montgomery risks everything, including his sanity, to follow his heart and pursue his loves for music and his muse Kiera. The cost for his actions are more than anyone could have foreseen.

2. What is one of your favorite lines from the book?

“There is a terror on the edge of silence, a terror fed by my burning flesh and the stench of death.”

3. Can you tell us a little about Aydan and Zane from the Requiem series?

Ah yes, Aydan and Zane. I truly LOVE both of this characters so much that I can never decide which “team” I am on.

Aydan is the quintessential bad boy. Born an angel, fallen from grace in order to avenge the murder of his one true love, cast as Azzaziel’s apprentice, he is forced to live a life of evil. That is, until fate intervenes, bring his love back into his life. And he decides to reject his evil Master. But, can you really reject what you’ve become? Can you ever make amends for murder? Aydan is dark, mysterious, deeply emotional and will sacrifice everything for his love, even his soul.

Zane is Aydan’s opposite. An angel of the Order of Mediators, Zane is the epitome of a future Council member. Loyal, strong, steady—he follows the rules of his existence, no matter the cost. But, he has a secret. He is in love with a fellow angel. For her, he sacrifices more than his life. But, will she reciprocate his love in the end? Or is her heart already taken.

4. Do you have any Halloween traditions?

I am pretty into traditions. For Halloween, I have traditionally made my children’s costumes. It is something my mother did for me, and I have carried on that tradition. On the “big” night, I go trick-or-treating with them. And yes, I’ve been known to dress up as well. This year is all about Phantom!

Libera Me by Christine Fonseca
Published: Compess Press (October 30th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback
Series: Requiem, #2
What happens when everything you’ve sacrificed for is lost?
Aydan thought Nesy’s death would be the end of him, until he meets Nessa and his hope is restored. Could she be Nesy reborn? He is certain she must be. That is, until her lack of memories and incessant nightmares begin to erode his faith.

Zane is used to trusting his mind, his wisdom and his angelic senses. But these attributes are no help with Nessa. He has no way to be certain of her identity, no way to know the truth. That is, unless he listens to the one thing he has refused to acknowledge throughout his existence — he feelings for Nesy.

Blind to both angel and demon, Aydan and Zane must figure out the truth behind Nesy's identity before all is lost, Azza discovers the truth and the Beast is again unleashed.

The lines between good and evil have never been so blurred.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. What is one of your favorite lines from Body & Soul?

I can tell you that when I started the book, I had one line in my head that I was writing to.

“That bitch is haunting me, and I can’t get rid of her.” Misty, talking about being haunted by Alona’s ghost. (Or so she thinks).

It just tickled me, the idea that Misty would think she was being haunted by Alona and Alona being right THERE and not able to correct her misconception.

2. What can you tell us about The Rules?

The Rules is the first book in a new series called Project Paper Doll. It’s about a girl, Ariane, who was created in a lab as a genetic experiment, an alien/human hybrid. She escapes when she’s little and now lives, hiding in plain sight, among the humans in her small town in Wisconsin. But there’s always the danger that the corporation that created her will find her and try to take her back.

So, in addition to dealing with all the normal high school stuff (mean girls, pranks, homework, etc.), Ariane also has to be very careful about letting people get to know her. She can’t afford to get close to someone.

That’s why she has The Rules:
1. Never trust anyone.
2. Remember they are always searching.
3. Don’t get involved.
4. Keep your head down.
5. Don’t fall in love.

Which is all well and good until she’s tempted to break those rules for someone.

You can check out the official (and more detailed) description as well as the cover on my site: http://www.staceykade.com/books/

3. Can you give us 3 words that would best describe Ariane and Zane?

Ariane: quiet, fierce, torn
Zane: broken, loyal, lost

4. Do you have any fun Halloween traditions?

I usually man the door on Halloween night to hand out candy. I love seeing all the costumes!

Body & Soul by Stacey Kade
Publisher: Hyperion (May 1st, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 316 pages
Series: The Ghost and the Goth, #3
The final book in The Ghost and the Goth Trilogy!

The Ghost
I’ve been trapped in the body of Lily “Ally” Turner for a month now. Talk about a fashion crisis on an epic scale. What worries me more, though, is sometimes I catch Will looking at me like he thinks I’m Lily… or that he wishes I were. Without the good looks of my former self, I don’t know who I am, or if who that is is good enough. I need out of this mess. Now.

Will and I have been looking for a solution, one that would separate me from Lily without killing her. But it’s not going well. Then, when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, we run into Misty, my former best friend and boyfriend-stealer extraordinaire, who claims she’s being haunted… by me. Seriously?

I’m determined to get to the bottom of who’s pretending to be the spirit of Alona Dare (while I’m pretending to be someone else) and then get the heck out of this body. Or die trying…

The Goth
I’ll admit it. It’s really weird to look at Alona but see Lily. I do know the difference, though, contrary to what Alona might be saying. And Alona is more than a pretty face to me, not that she would believe that.

Our one lead for some help in this messed up situation might be a page torn from the yellow pages-—the “Psychics” section-—I found in my dad’s stuff. One of the “fakes” seems a bit more real-—and odd-—than the others. Before I can investigate further, though, Alona is off and chasing a ghost that’s probably nothing more than a figment of Misty’s guilty imagination. Now Lily’s family is freaking out because she didn’t come home, my mom is ordering me to stay out of it, and something is definitely wrong with the person formerly known as Lily “Ally” Turner…

Website | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. What is one if your favorite lines from Sirens?

I have to give you two lines, two sentences, just because they go together (kind of like my two voices, Josephine and Louise): “We were mirrors, reflections, like in a Coney Island funhouse. One of us would levitate, and one of us would disappear, if you get my drift, and the twist was which of us would do what.”

2. What is the hardest part of writing a historical novel?

The hardest part of writing any novel for me is the first draft. That’s because I’m a “seat of the pants” writer. I don’t outline or plan – I just get it out on paper the best way I can. Now, historical novels require a lot of research, and that actually helps, because I feel the time period and the voice so clearly as I research.

But if I had to say what is the hardest thing about writing historicals? It would have to be making sure that I get it right. I hope I never have to apologize for making an historical mistake – getting a fact wrong.

3. Do you ever have certain “playlists” you listen to while writing?

Actually, not while writing. I need pretty much complete silence while I write. That’s not to say I need to close my doors and windows or anything; but I can’t listen even to music while I’m at the computer. Otherwise I just end up sitting back and singing along. Or standing up and dancing.

However, I often have songs in my head and listen to stuff between stints of writing. Sometimes it’s music of the period and sometimes it’s contemporary stuff that just fits the mood. And I love making up playlists to go with the story as I’m puzzling out pieces while I’m walking.

4. Do you have any strange writing habits?

I alluded to the walking thing – I take a walk every day. If I’m trying to sort out a part of a novel that’s giving me fits I take it with me on the walk. And I find that at about the same place on the walk, each and every day, the answer comes to me, or at least I have a new clue. It’s quite rewarding.

Plus, I get my exercise.

Forgiven by Janet Fox
Published: Speak (June 2nd, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Series: Faithful, #2
Kula Baker never expected to find herself on the streets of San Francisco, alone but for a letter of introduction. Though she has come to the city to save her father from a cruel fate, Kula soon finds herself swept up in a world of art and elegance — a world she hardly dared dream of back in Montana, where she was no more than the daughter of an outlaw. And then there is the handsome David Wong, whose smiling eyes and soft-spoken manner have an uncanny way of breaking through Kula's carefully crafted reserve. Yet when disaster strikes and the wreckage threatens all she holds dear, Kula realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself.

Siren s by Janet Fox Published: Speak (November 8th) Reading Level: Young Adult Series: Faithful, #3 When Jo Winter’s parents send her off to live with her rich cousin on the glittering island of Manhattan, it’s to find a husband and forget about her brother Teddy’s death. But all that glitters is not gold,. Caught up in the swirl of her cousin’s bobbed-hair set—and the men that court them—Jo soon realizes that the talk of marriage never stops, and behind the seemingly boundless gains are illicit business endeavors, gangsters, and their molls. Jo would much rather spend time the handsome but quiet Charles, a waiter at the Algonquin Hotel, than drape herself
over a bootlegger. But when she befriends a moll to one of the most powerful men in town, Jo begins to uncover secrets—secrets that threaten an empire and could secure Jo’s freedom from her family. Can her newfound power buy her love? Or will it to ruin Jo, and everyone around her?

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

1. What book are you currently working on?

I’m working on a few books at the moment – putting the final bits of the third book in my SKINNED series, Skin of My Teeth together, as well as fleshing out the first in my steampunk ghosthunter series, STRANGEWAYS. And, well, yeah, there are other projects too, short stories, other manuscripts, and my screenwriting projects.

Seems like a lot to balance, right? It is, but I thrive on the challenge and find it helpful to have multiple projects to juggle. There’s never a dull moment. I’ve started to divide up days of the week by project in order to devote a few full days on each story.

2. What can you share with us about Killer’s Instinct?

Ah, there’s another one! Killer’s Instinct is a killer monster-hunter tale that I’m co-writing with Dawn Dalton and it is contracted with Leap Books (www.leapbks.com) for a late 2013 or early 2014 launch. I’m keen about this project as the book will be released in six, e-serial episodes, released every two months for one year – the episodes will be compiled into a paperback at that time. Kind of an interesting experiment in publishing.

The book revolves around four main characters, young recruits at a secret monster-hunting academy who have to get over their mutual antagonism and personal demons if they want to survive basic training. Emphasis is on one particular character, Hope, the only girl in the newly formed unit.

Discover the characters by visiting our blog: http://mwmnovels.blogspot.ca/

Here’s the blurb:

Where there is NO life – there’s Hope.

Hope has always been a bit of a freak. But when her mother crawls from her grave and her undead corpse goes MIA, Hope's last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster slayers seems the only course of action. And the best bet at tracking her mother down.

But does Hope have a true killer's instinct? If she finds her mother, will she have the guts to do what must be done?

3. Is it more difficult to write a book or write a story for an anthology?

While books take longer to physically write – more words, more depth – short stories are an art form unto themselves. I got my start in fiction by writing flash fiction, or short, short stories – complete tales with a beginning, middle, and end, but under 1000 words, so I’ve been enamored with the format for ages.

Still not sure I’m any damn good though. With a novel, you have time to play, to take the reader on asides (though they have to drive the story forward!) – in short stories you have to lay it all out there. Now. And make every word count.

Hmmm… I’m not sure I’m answering the question… lol… I guess I’d have to say they are both difficult, but that’s part of the fun of writing – challenging yourself to improve with every turn of phrase.
4. If you were going out for Halloween this year, what would be your costume?

My standby costume when I was a kid was a nurse. Easy peasy, since I’d just borrow one of my mom’s old nursing uniforms – you know, the kind from the sixties with the hat, and cape, and everything. Now I’d probably update it with a bit of zombie makeup. Yeah, a sixties zombie nurse. That’s it!

Second Skin by Judith Graves Publisher: Leap Books (October 31st, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback Series: Skinned #2
With FIENDS like Eryn…

Monsters. Bloodsuckers. The evil. The damned. Eryn McCain knows they exist— she’s been hunting them since she was a child. At sixteen, she’s ready to take on all comers. Being a shapeshifter gives her an advantage when it comes to her unusual part-time job. The hours suck and the pay is, well, non-existent, but bonuses like inhuman strength and night vision make tracking scary beasties a dream come true. Especially in a town like Redgrave.

When an ancient demon targets Redgrave High, Eryn and her crew of hunters must face their innermost fears to prevent the Harvest Moon Dance from becoming one serious Monster Mash. Loyalties are tested and temptations abound. With questions ever brewing, can Eryn share a future with the brooding, noble, human Alec—the hunter after her heart? Or will she succumb to her enemy’s son, Wade, a seductive predator as bloodthirsty as she is?

What happens when you’re both the beauty and the beast?

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

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HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

For the third year in a row I am participating in the Crossroads blog tour! This tour will feature 13 outstanding authors and people who follow along with the tour will have a chance to win a KINDLE. The kindle will be preloaded with a title from each author!

To be entered, your readers MUST complete all the research questions (a new one will be posted each day) and email their answers to judithgraveswrites@gmail.com by midnight on October 30th — correct entries will go into a draw for the grand prize.

You can find more details here.

Twitter chat will be: Monday the 29th from 8-9 CST / 9-10 EST. Hosted by Mundie Moms
PARTICIPATING AUTHORS
Judith Graves – Leap Books – Under My Skin, Second Skin, Skin of My Teeth, Killer’s Instinct

Joy Preble – Sourcebooks – Dreaming Anastasia, Haunted, Anastasia Forever. Soho Press (forthcoming May 2013) – The Sweet Dead Life

Stacey Kade – Hyperion – The Ghost and the Goth, Queen of the Dead, Body & Soul

Amanda Ashby – Speak – You Had Me at Halo, Zombie Queen of Newbury High, Fairy Bad Day, Demonosity

Lucienne Diver – Flux – Vamped, Revamped, Fangtasic, Fangtabulous

Kiki Hamilton – Teen / Macmillian – The Faerie Ring, The Torn Wing

Jackie Morse Kessler – Harcourt Graphia – Hunger, Rage, Loss

Christine Fonseca – Compass Press – Transcend, Libera Me

Carrie Harris – Delacorte Books for Young Readers -Taste In Boys, Bad Hair Day

Dawn Dalton – Leap Books — SPIRITED Anthology, Killer’s Instinct

Leanna Renee Hieber — Sourcebooks – Darker Still (Magic Most Foul, #1), The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart (Magic Most Foul, #2)

Ty Drago — Sourcebooks – The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses, The Undertakers: Queen of the Dead

Janet Fox – Speak – Faithful, Forgiven, Sirens
______

PARTICIPATING BOOK BLOGGERS: Late Bloomer Online
A Simple Love of Reading
Scribing Shadows
For What It’s Worth
Confessions of a Bookaholic
Mundie Moms Book Reviews
Most-Wanted Monsters
A Life Bound by Books

The tour Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337?ref=hl And Twitter account: @TheCrossroadsBT

Pure by Janenifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (April 3rd, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 329 pages
Source: ARC from publisher
Series: Covenant #2
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is need. And then there is Fate…

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's"other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon… and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude… or killing her. When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

Review:

I will try to avoid spoilers. I will start by saying that Alex is one of the best, most kick-butt, amazingly genuine heroines of YA literature. Her courage, determination, and strength is beyond comprehension. She has been through so much but she remains herself through it all. She is what really makes this series shine. Although she may have a life and destiny we may not be able to imagine, there is so much about her we can relate to. In many ways, she is just a young girl trying to find her place. But, what makes it even better is that her feisty personality lets everyone know she is not to be messed with.

Then we have Aiden. Oh poor, sweet, hunk of a man Aiden. Aiden can be intense, but Alex is always able to get to his soft side — rather he likes it or not. Seeing his reactions to Alex is always entertaining.

Now, we have Seth. Much, much, more Seth in this book! Seth can be infuriating but he is one of those guys people may act like they hate, but they would miss him if he wasn't around. I think that's something Alex realizes as well. We get much more of a build-up in the relationship between Alex and Seth, which was super nice! I have been a Seth fan since the beginning so I was eager to see where Janenifer went with this relationship.

I gotta say, I cracked up so many times during this book. I seemed to either be laughing, blushing, crying, or gasping during most of it. Yes, there was lots of blushing! Janenifer knows how to write steamy scenes. The connections between Alex and Aiden, and Alex and Seth, were so surprisingly different but they each felt honest and real. That can be a hard task for writers to achieve but Janenifer did this to perfection.

Next, the plot. I won't go into too much detail but I will just say that we get a lot more action and information about the inner-workings of the council. There are a ton of twists and turns going on and unexplained daimon attacks. All of that is combined with the frictions among the Pures and half-bloods. So to summarize, we have more action, drama, suspense, and romance… could we even handle any more?!

Jennifer L. Armentrout is the new hero of young adult novels. She is able to flawlessly create a world that is visually appealing, with compelling characters and a action-packed plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Recommended: EVERYONE. You don't have to be a paranormal fan to love this series. If you want something that will rock your world, pick up Half-Blood and Pure.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

You can follow the tour by clic king here.- http://www.stuckinbooks.com/p/pure-blog-tour.html

There are two giveaways that will be going on through the remainder of the tour. You can sign up by going to Stuck in Books and A Cupcake and a Latte. You can get extra entries for both giveaways by commenting on the tour posts. But wait, there's more!

You guys are so lucky today because I have a highly coveted ARC of Pure for one lucky reader! If you haven't read Half-Blood yet, DO IT NOW! You won't regret it.

• Just leave a comment WITH your email address!
• Must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
• US mailing addresses only.
• Contest will close April 13th.

I'm the second stop on the White Flame tour for Jordan Deen's upcoming book Half Moon. If you'd like to visit the first stop it was with Reading Teen.
First I have an interview with Jordan and later today my review of Half Moon will be up. This series ROCKS by the way: ) I highly suggest it.
There are 12 stops on this tour and it all ends at Jordan's blog on Half Moon's release day, 1-13-11. All of the blogs on the tour are listed below.
There is also a giveaway and you could win… 'Half Moon' swag
Signed ARC of 'Half Moon'
$25 Barnes and Noble gift card
Leather Bound Bracelet

1. What did you learn between writing The Crescent and then Half Moon? What were the biggest differences in how you tackled this project?

When I started working on 'The Crescent' I was so green in the world of writing. The difference between the two novels is night and day. I think readers will notice the difference in my writing style between the two novels. The story is deeper, more detailed and the plot is richer. I hope readers appreciate the transformation the characters (and I've) gone through in the past year.

2. Can you give us a teaser as to what is in store for Lacey in Half Moon?

Lacey will learn more about her parents and her history. She'll get to meet some new people, including a few that she never thought possible.

3. Are there any scenes you had to take out of the story that you wish could have stayed in?
Yes. There was one scene that I had to remove, but not because of publisher demands. I removed it myself. I know that sounds crazy, however, I had to take out a scene between Lacey's new best friend (Brea) and her mate, (Catch), that didn't make since to put in at this point of the overall story. But don't fear, that scene is going to be in 'Full Moon'. I've already got it planned out.: )

4. You have recently had book signings and that has to be exciting! Can you tell us a little about that experience and if you have any more events coming up soon?
My first signing was nerveracking. The store was not ready for me and several people walked right past me, asked me where the restrooms were, picked up the book and said werewolves suck… yup- true story. However, you take the good with the bad. I had one girl come back after buying the book and told me the book was amazing. It was a great feeling. Plus, I've met some amazing people. Currently, my signings are on hold in preperation for 'Half Moon's release. I'll be starting signings again in March (fingers crossed).

5. Full Moon is the third book in this series. Does the writing seem easier or more difficult as you go?
This story has gotten easier and more difficult in many ways. Easier because I'm growing into each of the characters skin and harder because I know that this great story is coming to an end and I want the readers to be comfortable in the ending of the story. The struggle is to write to that point-- write to the ending, knowing that it's coming.

6. If you could use 3 words to describe the relationship between Lacey and Brandon, what would they be? And, what words do you think Lacey would use?
Only three word?! I'm a writer! What are you trying to do to me? Only 3? Okay-- in my opinion: heartbreaking, fated and natural. From Lacey's opinion… I think her idea of her relationship changes throughout 'Half Moon', so, I'll give you three words from the beginning Lacey: crushing, convoluted, and stressful

Thank you so very much for participating in the 'White Flame Tour' for 'Half Moon's release. I'm looking forward to sharing this story and 'Full Moon' with all your followers!

Half Moon by Jordan Deen Publisher: Black Rose Writing (January 13th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback Series: The Crescent, book #2"I’d been a fool for coming here with them, and now… no one would come to save me. The world that hid in the shadows of humanity was full of enemies."

Faced with death, Lacey Quinn ran away from the only family she’d ever known.

That… was just the beginning.

As the decision she’s made sinks in, Lacey struggles to fit in with the pack and find the key to bonding with her werewolf soul mate, Brandon. But, lies can only be concealed for so long.

Adjusting to a powerful new best friend, a twelve-year-old roommate with a nauseating Barbie fetish, and a lost love that won’t stop haunting her dreams, she knows she has no hope of having a normal future—ever again.

After a long talk with the dead mother she never knew, and an almost deal-breaking night out with Brandon, Lacey starts spiraling into the underworld—a place where all things are possible and everyone is out to kill her.

With mysterious legends of witches and sorcery marring her past and clouding her future, she quickly learns—werewolves aren’t the only ones lurking in the woods… waiting to claim her powers for their own.

The Mares? Well, they are the least of her worries.

Tour Schedule
Reading Teen -12/10 Confessions of a Bookaholic -12/13 <-- You are here The Leo's Den -12/16 Bibliophilicbookblog -12/19 A Simple Love of Reading -12/22 Narratively Speaking -12/27 The Bookshelf Sophisticate -12/30 A Great Read -1/2 A Tale of Many Reviews -1/5 Murphy's Library -1/8 Mundie Mom's -1/11 Jordan Deen -1/13

Find out more about Jordan Deen Jordan Deen / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase The Crescent Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

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!

TODAY KICKS OFF THE CROSSROADS TOUR!

This year we have 23 authors that I'll be featuring over 7 days and each day you'll have a chance to enter to win! There's also a scavenger hunt going on, so be sure to check out The Crossroads Tour Post to see what questions will be asked, what blog you'll be able to find the answer on and enter to win!
Today I am featuring P.J. Hoover, Lucienne Diver, Carrie Harris, and Patrice Lyle. Be sure to check out the rafflecopter giveaway, too!

1. Solstice is your first YA novel. What is the biggest thing you learned by writing YA and what was the hardest part of the journey?

The list of things I learned while writing YA could fill an entire blog post, but I’ll stick with this one. Make your characters relatable. The characters in your story should be people that your reader can relate to. It’s as simple as that. The more the reader can relate to the characters, the more they will be able to see bits and pieces of themselves in those same characters. And the more they see of themselves in those characters, the more real the story will feel.
Hardest part of the journey? Developing patience because everything takes so long. When I finally develop it, I’ll let you know.

2. For those who don’t know, can you tell us a little about the world we jump into in Solstice?

Sure! Solstice is a mash-up of dystopia and mythology, two of my favorite genres. It’s set in Austin, TX in the future when global warming is destroying the earth. For the main character, Piper, this is her world until, on her 18th birthday, she opens a mysterious present and all of a sudden this parallel world of mythology starts to explode around her. Her best friend almost dies. Piper has to travel to the Underworld to save her. And there are lots of Greek gods.

1. Of all the characters you have written, which one has been the most challenging for you to

write?

Challenging, hmm. The main character in the super secret project I’ve just sent off to my agent. It’s dark, angsty and suspenseful, not paranormal at all… a departure for me. The main character is going through some really serious stuff. If you’ve read my Vamped and Latter-Day Olympians series, you’ll know that I write very tongue-in-cheek. There’s a lot of suspense, but it’s tempered with humor. But this novel called for a serious approach, and getting that voice down, writing a character who doesn’t take things in stride but is buffeted by the deep darkness of what’s going on around her, was very challenging.

2. You have contributed to a few anthologies. Do you find those easier, or harder, to write than a full length novel?

Infinitely harder! All of my short stories want to be novels, so to condense a storyline into a smaller space and still make it rich and satisfying… that’s a talent all its own. My Vamped series actually started as a short story called “Unlife Style,” but it didn’t stay that way. The first short story I ever had published, “The Problem with Piskies,” didn’t become a novel series, but it did get a sequel, “Imaginary Fiend” in the Strip-Mauled anthology published by Baen Books.

1. In Demon Derby, Casey is into Roller Derby. Have you ever tried that?

I WISH! I do own roller skates, and I have secret (or not so much now that I told you publicly) aspirations to skate at some point. But a few years ago, I was taking a wilderness rescue course and learning to save people who fall off cliffs, and I fell off the cliff. Rolled, mostly, but the end result is the same. I just finished a second round of physical therapy on my knee and hip, and I’m slowly but surely trying to build up my endurance. I have a few friends who skate, and they’re good at motivating me. If by “motivating,” you mean constantly giving me friendly crap about it. Which I find really funny. I think the best friends are the ones who can give you a hard time and make it hilarious. Is it just me?

2. What are 5 words you would use to describe Michael?
Inhuman, awkward, lovable, determined, and HOT.

1. Can you give us a little teaser from your upcoming book?

The Case of the Invisible Witch is the first book in the Poison Ivy Charm School Series, about a young teen witch who runs a private investigation business. It’s like a paranormal Nancy Drew!

Tulip Bonnaire has only 72 hours to figure out her latest case, or her classmate, Missy, will never be seen again. Literally. When Missy shows up in Tulip’s dorm room around midnight, she’s invisible. As in not even x-ray vision could spot her. The mean triplets who call themselves The Belles have cast an invisibility spell on poor Missy. But if Tulip can’t break the spell in 72 hours, Missy will remain invisible forever.It’s a case Tulip can’t resist — between her mom’s annoying new boyfriend and her own secret crush at school, Tulip understands how much it stinks to feel invisible. Luckily for Tulip, her two best friends and her cute, techy guy friend help dig up clues on a case that turns out to be her freakiest one ever.

2. Tell us 5 words you’d use to describe your main characters in the book?

Tulip Bonaire, the main character in The Case of the Invisible Witch, can be described as:
1) Witch PI – Tulip has to be an awesome Witch PI to keep earning her $20 retainer fee, or her discounted retainer of a cup of hot chocolate with tons of whipped cream.
2) Loyal – Tulip is loyal to her best witch friends, Soili and Alexandria, as well as her best warlock friend, Dexter. She throws pizza and root beer float parties after every case they solve.
3) Bug-lover – Tulip loves Monk the Third, her pet praying mantis. She always keeps fruit flies on hand for him.
4) Inquisitive – Tulip loves a good mystery, and the freakier the better!
5) Polite – Tulip goes to a school for polite witches and warlocks, and has to abide by “Queen Withania’s Rules of Refinement.” Tulip thinks the rules are stodgy and lame, but she does her best to follow them.

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