Tuesday, February 19, 2013

New Interview and Question re: Contest Prizes

Rebecca Besser has interviewed me on her blog today - I would love for you to stop by and leave a comment!

Also, I'm still working on my contest to gain more honest reviews. I'm curious - what incentives would you like to possible win?

Monday, February 18, 2013

Book Blast - The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson 

Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.

But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?

Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.

Purchase

Praise

“My top pick of 2012 YA… This book is just. plain. fun.”
~Jordan McCollum, author of Saints & Spies and I, Spy

“Sariah Wilson's new book, The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back, is hilarious…What follows is a story of fun and romance with some good non-preachy life lessons thrown in.  The voice in the main character, Mattie, makes the whole thing.  I thought it was definitely a book I'd recommend to anyone with teenagers or who just want to read a good teen romance.”
~Julie Coulter Bellon, author of All Fall Down and All’s Fair

“Sariah [Wilson] has written one of the funniest stories I've read in such a long, long time. I literally couldn't put it down. Yes, my poor Kindle's battery died and I was attached to a short power cord, contorted in a very uncomfortable position while I read to the end…. Sariah Wilson captured the back-biting, insecure, hormone-driven, clique-riddled high school atmosphere so perfectly you'd think she never grew up. I dare you not to laugh as you read this witty and oh, so, romantic story.”
~Debra Erfert of Windows into Writing

“Sariah Wilson writes like the best of/most popular YA teen fiction/teen romance authors - Sarah Dessen, Jennifer Echols, Susanne Collins, Cassandra Clare.  She sucks you in and never lets you go.  I finished the ~194 novel in one night because I just couldn't go to sleep without knowing the ending!  I hope that Sariah comes out with more novels, I know I'll be re-reading this one all the time!  She's extremely talented and needs to be talked about.  I highly recommend The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back! to anyone (over the age of 12) who wants a YA novel that's a real modern-day fairy tale.”
~Hilary at Novel d’Tales

“This was such an entertaining story! I shouldn't have started reading it so late in the evening, because I didn't want to put it down to go to sleep…This is a book I can see myself reading several times. It's a fast, clean read with great characters, and I highly recommend it.”
~Andrea of Literary Time Out

The book is wonderful.  It’s quirky and fun.  The story makes you laugh and you fall in love with the characters right from the beginning…This is a well-written book.  It is one that will make you smile and sigh as you remember your first love.  And it has a moral…be yourself, believe in yourself and maybe, just maybe, your fairytale will come true.  Pick up this book.”
~Ana of The Book Hookup


Author Sariah Wilson

Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance. The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is her fourth happily ever after novel. She grew up in southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster that is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers).


Tour Schedule



Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/5/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day Sale at DBP!

Today through the 17th, all Romance books can be purchased with a 25% discount using the promo code BeMyValentine during checkout at the DBP site. The site recently got a new facelift and it looks great. If you haven't checked out my Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy  why not check out the first one - Woman of Honor? It would make a great last minute Valentine's Day gift!

Psst... if you've already read my books, could you leave reviews on Amazon, goodreads, etc? I'm putting together a contest to get more honest reviews. More details coming soon!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! What are your plans for today? Do they involve chocolate? :)

Me? I'm spending the day with my little boys and tonight will enjoy some time with hubby. Tomorrow all of us are going out to dinner - always an adventure with three young boys!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Kindle Fire HD G*veaway!


Kindle Fire HD Giveaway!

The winner will have the option of receiving a Kindle Fire HD (US Only)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)




This giveaway is sponsored by these Authors:

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson


Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (Internaitonal).
Ends 2/28/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 8, 2013

Crewel by Gennifer Albin is on sale

Crewel is on sale for just $2.99! Go out and snag a copy - I know I am!


Enter a tangled world of secrets and intrigue where a girl is in charge of other’s destinies, but not her own.
 
Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.
 
Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls.  Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power.  Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it.


Crewel for $2.99:

Thursday, February 7, 2013

What to Look for in a Publisher Guest Blog by Charity Bradford, Author of The Magic Wakes

Banner 3

What to Look for in a Publisher

The publishing world has changed since I began my writing journey. In the beginning traditional publishing was still the most accepted and most validating choice. But now days it’s just as acceptable to self publish or go with a small to mid-sized publisher.

I won’t go into the many reasons why this might have changed, but suffice it to say, an author has many choices when it comes to getting published. Before looking at publishers, I suggest you do the following.

1. Decide why you write. Is it because you want to be the next J.K. Rowling and make millions from books, merchandise, and movie sales? If so, self publishing and smaller publishers are not going to do this for you (yes there are exceptions, but generally this is true). Or do you write because the story burning within you just has to be told? Do you care about the money, or just sharing the story with others?

2. Decide who your target audience is. (Hopefully you did this before writing the book) Some publishers specialize in specific genres. They’ll know how to market your book so the people you’re writing for can find it. It’s always better to have a team of like minded people helping you through the process. When they “get” you, your progress will run smoother and be more enjoyable for everyone.

3. Decide how much control you want in the process. If doing everything terrifies you, then self publishing is NOT for you. If you’re a control freak that must make all the decisions then going with an agent and Big Six Publisher may be traumatic for you. In the middle are all kinds of publishers with varying degrees of control. A little research will help you find the right fit for your personality and needs.

Once you know these things about yourself, you’ll be able to make better choices as you look at publishers. Now, where do you start looking for a publisher? For simplification purposes we are going to assume that if you want to publish with a Big 6 (Simon and Schuster, HarperCollins, Random House, Macmillan, The Penguin Group, Hachette—and all the smaller imprints they own: Little Brown, Knopf, Viking, NAL, Pocket, Scribner, St. Martins, Dutton, Avon, William Morrow, Crown, Tor, Zondervan, Grand Central, Dell, etc.) that you are looking for an agent—which is a different post. ;)

But if you’ve decided that a smaller publisher is the choice for you, where do you look?

1. The blogosphere is full of authors testing the publishing waters. Talk to them about their experience and check out submissions pages for the genres they publish. This is by far the best and safest place to start. If you don’t know someone who has published with a company you are looking at, find one of their authors and email them. (I’ve already had someone contact me with questions about WiDo) Most people are more than willing to share their experience and thoughts with you.

2. You can also do a Google search and all kind of publishers will come up. This is a bit scary to me, but sometimes that’s where you have to start. Here are some websites that can help you decide if they are legit or not:

Cover

Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.
Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She’s kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.
Talia’s work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton isn’t looking for a friend. He’s looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected and they can communicate telepathically. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.
Author photoTalia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.
Author Bio

Charity Bradford has been a voracious reader ever since her 5th grade teacher introduced her to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. She’s the mother of four kids that keep her on her toes, constantly reminding her that imagination still makes the world go round. She lives in Arkansas with her hubby and children, and firmly believes that a smile can solve most problems. The Magic Wakes is her first novel.

Trailer—http://charitybradford.com/books-2/the-magic-wakes-book-trailer/
1st Chapter—http://charitybradford.com/books-2/original-first-chapter/
Goodreads—http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16052411-the-magic-wakes
Amazon—http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Wakes-Charity-Bradford/dp/1937178307/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354744124&sr=1-1&keywords=the+magic+wakes
Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/CharityBradford.SendekSaga
Twitter—https://twitter.com/charitybradford
Blog—http://charitywrites.blogspot.com
Website—http://charitybradford.com

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Character Guest Blog from He Came For Mine by C.M. Brown

Well thanks for having me Nicole.  I believe my dear friend Sebastian and the love of his life Jazz, who is also a new friend of mine, have already shared a little of themselves during this Blog Tour for Carolyn’s second book in The Protectors Series, He Came For Mine.

I have been friends with Sebastian as long as I can remember, we have known each other for a very long time.  Of course when Seb was given the opportunity to protect the Chosen One on Earth, I was a likely candidate for his team.  His generosity allowed me to bring my partner Xavier along with us.  Had I known Seb would also ask his cow of a sister, Melinda along I may have made a different choice.

But, how things turned out, I was glad I was around to offer my support to Seb when his decision was made to become involved with Jazz.  If it was up to his sister, their relationship would never have stood a chance.

Sebastian gave me the task to watch over Jazz while she went about her daily routine at Tafe, which I was more than happy to oblige in.  This time gave me the opportunity to become good friends with Jazz and to get to know her and I believe Sebastian made the right choice to become involved in this relationship.

I myself and I also speak on behalf of my sexy partner, Xavier would stand and fight with them in any battle brought against them.  I am proficient in various martial arts and am a competent swordswoman.

My hope for the future of my world is that the conflict between the ruling families subsides and that a union between Seb and Jazz will bring peace and prosperity to my world.

Although I have heard some gossip that Seb’s half-brother is hanging around with his devilish sister, Melinda.  If this is the case only trouble will be found.

Ryan had been exiled to Earth over 200 years ago for an attempt at a violent take over from Seb’s father, but his plan was foiled by the King’s Guardians and Aidensdein’s Protectors.  Many vampire lives were lost in that battle and we have been waiting for one of the Chosen to be born and to come of age for our world to be repopulated and Jazz happens to be the Chosen One destined for this.  This will not be brought about in the traditional ways of our people now because of Seb and Jazz’s love, but I have faith and believe good things are going to happen from their union.

There is also talk of Ryan being seen hanging around Melinda, but this information has not been confirmed.  I just hope now that Jazz has been left on Earth to fend for herself, as Seb rebuilds Aidensdein after Brennan’s destructive attack, that she does not fall vulnerable to his charm.

We can only wait and see where the story leads and what lies waiting for us as the story continues in He Came For Mine.

Thanks for having me here today, Nicole, it has been a great opportunity to tell my hopes for Jazz and Seb’s relationship and to express my dreams for a better life for my fellow brethren living on Aidensdein.

Bliss

Desperate to save the life of a child he never knew he had, Sebastian returns to Earth to find Jazz in the arms of another man.  A man he knows all too well.  One who cannot be trusted!  Sebastian worries if Jazz’s feelings for him have fleeted in his absence and he vows to win her back.

Jazz struggles to find ground between Sebastian and her new life, unsure who to trust and still holding resentment for Seb’s abandonment.  She seeks solace through someone who was there for her when she needed to pick up the pieces.

After coming to terms with her new life, Jazz is struck down with confusion and longing when Sebastian suddenly returns.

However, a dark battle is forthcoming, one that is bound to bring bloodshed.

LINKS TO HE CAME FOR MINE:

SMASHWORDS            BARNES AND NOBLE

SONY              KOBO              AMAZON        

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDE4MTZhODhlZGY5MGIwMDZkMzZjZDRkODNiMjBkOjEy/

About the Author:

A long-time lover of Fantasy Novels I have decided to put pen to paper and create my own. Many years spent helping high school students write their assignments from years 8 to 12, has given me the experience to forge ahead with this dream! I live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia and have shared some of the wonders of this area with you in this book. I am married with two teenage children, one studying at University the other in the senior years of High School. I enjoy reading and writing and spending time relaxing on the beautiful beaches I live near, walking my dog and swimming.

You can contact Carolyn here:

Carolyn
http://booksbycmbrown.blogspot.com.au/


Friday, February 1, 2013

Cover Reveal - The Other Tree by DK Mok


It’s been four years since Chris Arlin graduated with a degree that most people think she made up, and she’s still no closer to scraping up funding for her research into rare plants. Instead, she’s stacking shelves at the campus library, until a suspiciously well-dressed man offers her a lucrative position on a scientific expedition.

For Chris, the problem isn’t the fact that they’re searching for the Biblical Tree of Life. Nor is it the fact that most of the individuals on the expedition seem to be fashionably lethal mercenaries. The problem is that the mission is being backed by SinaCorp, the corporation responsible for a similar, failed expedition on which her mother died eleven years ago.

However, when Chris’s father is unexpectedly diagnosed with inoperable cancer, Chris sees only one solution. Vowing to find the Tree of Life before SinaCorp’s mercenaries, Chris recruits Luke, an antisocial campus priest undergoing a crisis of faith. Together, they embark on a desperate race to find Eden. However, as the hunt intensifies, Chris discovers growing evidence of her mother’s strange behaviour before her death, and she begins to realise that SinaCorp isn’t the only one with secrets they want to stay buried.

The Other Tree will be available in print and ebook form December 2013.