Young Adult Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Young Adult Giveaway Hop! I'm super excited for this hop because I've recently revealed my new cover for my upcoming YA novel, A CHRISTMAS KERRIL, and as part of this giveaway hop, I'm giving away an early digital copy of this book!

Here's a little about the book:

In this modern take on a holiday classic, high school junior, Kerril, faces her past, present, and future to be reminded of the good in others, and in herself.

Haunted by the memory of the worst of her divorced parents’ public Christmas blowouts, Kerril, will do almost anything to avoid the upcoming tinsel-filled season. Unfortunately, a teacher with a grudge casts Kerril as the lead in the school’s holiday production. To add to the misery, she will star alongside ultra-awkward Adam as her love interest. Wanting to ditch the play, Adam, her parents, and Christmas altogether, Kerril accepts an invitation to take off to a cabin with her ultimate dream crush, Perry – only Perry may not be the guy she hoped he was, and it’s not until she’s left Adam behind to fend for himself onstage that she realizes he might just be the guy of her dreams.

"Denise Jaden’s talent for creating believable and compelling characters shines in A CHRISTMAS KERRIL. I stayed up way too late reading this contemporary YA take on the classic Christmas story, completely caught up in the characters’ challenges, secrets, friendships, and romances. Highly recommended!" - Shari Green, author of Following Chelsea 

Coming to online retailers everywhere October 13, 2015.


Enter the Rafflecopter below to enter to win an early copy of this novel!
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And don't forget to follow the Linky to the next blog:

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Cover Reveal! FALLING FOR ALICE Anthology!

We have an awesome group of bloggers helping us celebrate our unbirthday, while celebrating our publisher's actual birthday by helping us reveal the beautifully striking new cover of FALLING FOR ALICE, the anthology where you'll find my story, WHITE RABBIT Rx, plus some other awesome and engaging stories by Dawn Dalton, Shari Green, Kitty Keswick, and Cady Vance!

Because I want to give our blogger friends a chance to reveal the cover first (plus, if you look carefully, you may find our new book trailer on some of their reveal posts!) I've decided to only share a little glimpse of the cover here on my blog.


To see the rest, and to find out more about this anthology, releasing April 24th... please visit one (or all!) of the following blogs:

Emilie- www.emiliebookworld.com

Joli - http://actinupwithbooks.blogspot.ca/

Olivia - https://candidcover.wordpress.com

Kristie - http://lostineverafter.blogspot.ca/

Hazel - http://staybookish.net/

Kelly - https://kellyvision.wordpress.com/

Jaaron - wornpagesandink.wordpress.com

Maryam - leodinzlyandra.blogspot.com

Ciara - http://lostatmidnightreviews.blogspot.ca/

Kim - http://www.pingwings.ca/

Christy - www.thereaderbee.com

Alyssa - http://sweptawaybybooks.com/

Siobhan - http://conversationsofareadingaddict.blogspot.ca/

Kathy - http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.ca/

Girls in the Stacks - www.girlsinthestacks.com 

And a very happy unbirthday to all of you!

(P.S. Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter below to win a copy of FALLING FOR ALICE!)
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Introducing LUCKY ME by Cindy Callaghan!

I wanted to wish a happy release day to my friend and fellow writer Cindy Callaghan's.  Her newest tween book LUCKY ME is now available everywhere.  It already got a stellar early review from School Library Journal.

You can check out all the cool 411 from Cindy Callaghan on her website  www.cindycallaghan.com.


From School Library Journal
Gr 4–8—Middle-schooler Meghan McGlinchey, third daughter in a large, Irish-American family is extremely superstitious. Upon receiving a chain letter in the mail from an Irish relative, she plans to respond quickly so as not to break the chain. In the interest of getting the letter's promised good luck to begin for her even faster, Meghan emails it to the next recipients rather than the mandated way. After a day filled with one calamity after another, she realizes the error of her ways and, with the help of her friend Carissa, she discovers a way to neutralize her bad luck. A family trip to Ireland ensues, complete with a stay at a genuine, if decaying, castle, plenty of unlucky mishaps, and a host of adventures populated with quirky characters. By novel's end, Meghan is able to see that events first thought of as unlucky may have had a silver lining after all. This humorous novel has elements of mystery, sibling drama, Irish history and geography, and a bit of light tween romance. Readers will want to stick around to see if Meghan's luck takes a turn for the better.—Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY

Out Now: Year of Mistaken Discoveries by Eileen Cook!

I'm always so excited when my good friend Eileen Cook comes out with a new book. I can always count on her books for strong engaging plot lines and characters I care about. If you haven't yet read anything by Eileen, why not try this brand new release...

Year of Mistaken Discoveries by Eileen Cook is now available!

About the book:
Friendship is a bond stronger than secrets in this novel from the author of The Almost Truth and Unraveling Isobel. As first graders, Avery and Nora bonded over a special trait they shared—they were both adopted. Years later, Avery is smart, popular, and on the cheerleading squad, while Nora spends her time on the fringes of school society, wearing black, reading esoteric poetry, and listening to obscure music. They never interact...until the night Nora approaches Avery at a party, saying it’s urgent. She tells Avery that she thought she found her birth mom—but it turned out to be a cruel lie. Avery feels for Nora, but returns to her friends at the party. Then Avery learns that Nora overdosed on pills. Left to cope with Nora’s loss and questioning her own actions, Avery decides to honor her friend by launching a search for her own birth mother. Aided by Brody, a friend of Nora’s who is also looking for a way to respect Nora’s legacy, Avery embarks on an emotional quest. But what she’s really seeking might go far deeper than just genetics…

You can buy the book here: Indie Bound Amazon Barnes and Noble Chapters/Indigo

What Others Are Saying:
“Cook combines friendship drama, boy troubles, romance, family conflict, and college application stress with a protagonist trying to understand who she really is in the wake of tragedy.” - Publisher’s Weekly

“Cook delves into some interesting questions about what is really important in life as well as the challenges associated with self-discovery and determining how far you’ll go to get what you want.” Booklist “An insightful, entertaining exploration of the impact of a suicide” - Kirkus

“Eileen Cook returns with Year of Mistaken Discoveries, a romantic tragi-comedy from the perspective of the most popular–often most hated–girl in high school: the cheerleader… Year of Mistaken Discoveries is provoking, fast-paced entertainment, and Cook successfully tackles some tough issues with a very light touch.” -  Readerly- The National Reading Campaign.

 “Given the choice between contemporary and paranormal YA, I will almost always pick contemporary and Eileen Cook is the perfect example of why.” - Nerdy Book Club- Kelly’s Top 15 Books for 2014

 "This book is amazing! Everyone should buy at least five copies." - Eileen's mom.

GCC Presents KICKING IT, Including a Story by Lucienne Diver!

 Another member of our Girlfriends' Cyber Circuit is celebrating the release of an anthology. I'm excited to share with you: KICKING IT...

Featuring stories by SHANNON K. BUTCHER * RACHEL CAINE * LUCIENNE DIVER * CHRIS MARIE GREEN * CHRISTINA HENRY * FAITH HUNTER * CHLOE NEILL * KALAYNA PRICE * ROB THURMAN

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine has modern-day potions witches Holly and Andrew facing off against a firebrand politician who wears literally killer boots in a Texas-sized rodeo of trouble.

Boot-loving Cadogan vampire Lindsey must team up with off-again, on-again vampire partner Luc when a woman from her past is targeted by supernaturals in New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill’s all-new adventure.

And New York Times bestselling author Rob Thurman features Trixa Iktomi from her Trickster series dealing with magical vengeance and magical footwear.

Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Today bestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground.

Lucienne Diver's story – “The Parlor” (set in the world of the Latter-Day Olympians series)

Tori Karacis, P.I. and part gorgon, goes undercover in a gambling den to get the lowdown on a client’s delinquent husband.  What she finds are disappearances tracing back to The Parlor going back years and a sinister proprietess who makes sure that even when you win, you lose.

Excerpt:

Boss lady.  It was what my assistant Jesus (pronounced Hey-Zeus) called me.  Times like these I missed the hell out of him.  I could only imagine his scathing commentary on the place.  "Tinfoil bikinis, really?  It's like The Wizard of Oz meets the deli counter. If I only had a style..." 

Quotes:

Taking kick-ass urban fantasy literally, USA Today bestselling authors Kalayna Price and Faith Hunter bring together the best of the genre to once again prove when you’re fighting supernatural forces, it helps to keep your feet on the ground.” — All Things Urban Fantasy

“The writing in this anthology is excellent and the stories are a mix of fun, edge of your seat kick ass action, and great characters… Kalayna and Faith did a great job of bringing together some of the best writers of urban fantasy!” —Kings River Life

“If you need a break and want to read some short and sweet, yet plenty kick-ass, urban fantasy gems featuring plenty of girl power, you’re in for a treat! There’s something here for just about every UF fan, and I only covered the tip of the spiked heel!” —My Bookish Ways

Author Bio:

Lucienne Diver writes the Latter-Day Olympians urban fantasy series for Samhain, featuring a heroine who can, quite literally, stop men in their tracks.  Long and Short Reviews gave the first in the series her favorite pull-quote of all times, "Bad Blood is a delightful urban fantasy, a clever mix of Janet Evanovich and Rick Riordan.”  Sequels: Crazy in the Blood and Rise of the Blood.  She also writes the popular Vamped young adult series (think Clueless meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Her short stories have been featured in the Strip-Mauled and Fangs for the Mammaries anthologies edited by Esther Friesner and, of course, the Kicking It anthology new from Roc Books.  Her essay on abuse is included in the Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories anthology from HarperTeen. 

Links:

Excerpt (at Bitten by Books): http://bittenbybooks.com/66257/kicking-it-exclusive-excerpt-from-author-lucienne-diver/

Author’s website: http://www.luciennediver.com/

Blog: http://luciennediver.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luciennediver

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucienne-Diver/162714330443458

Girlfriends Cyber Circuit Presents DEMONOSITY by Amanda Ashby

I'm excited to welcome another GCC author today, Amanda Ashby, with her latest release:

The Black Rose–a powerful ancient force–has been let loose and has taken up residence in Celeste Gibson, popular girl at Cassidy Carter-Lewis’ high school. Thomas Delacroix is the spirit of a fourteenth-century knight who is devoted to protecting the Black Rose, but he needs a contemporary living being to take on the challenge. That’s where Cassidy comes in.

She’s a quirky high school junior who just wants to dress in her vintage clothes, hang out with her best friend, and take care of her father, who is recovering from surgery. She’s the last person who would ever volunteer for such a task, but no one actually asked her.  Now, like it or not, she finds herself training before dawn and battling demons at parties, the mall, and even at school. But hey, no one ever said high school was going to be easy.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“With interesting characters and a fresh plot, this absorbing read addresses everything from peer pressure to intelligent guy pals to self-reliance, with just enough paranormal activity to maintain an edge. The message never overwhelms the fun in this frothy paranormal romp.” Kirkus Reviews

“Ashby’s frothy romp percolates with lighthearted humor and droll dialogue, while an involving plot and themes exploring friendship and self-reliance add satisfying substance.” School Library Journal

THE INTERVIEW

Amanda stopped by for a short interview to talk about her new book:

Welcome, Amanda! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less.

Fun bundle of action, romance and adventure.

Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why? 

I love Nash. He’s my heroine’s best friend and not only is he an asexual genius with striking good looks (that are of course wasted on anyone else) but he also walks around in big highwaymen coats and an attitude. I also might have listened to a lot of Adam Ant while I was writing him!

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Do as I say not as I do – hahahaha! Actually, I’m not even joking because I’m a terrible writer. I lack discipline and I break the rules all the time (usually without even knowing they were a rule in the first place!) But in all seriousness, despite my flaws I was always determined to get published, so I guess my only advice is that if this is what you want then you have to find a way to fight for it.

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I avoided writing altogether. I was always really good at English and read anything I could get my hands on but it never occurred to me to write in my spare time. I was probably too busy planning my wedding to Shaun Cassidy!

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

I’ve just finished The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling and I really adored it. I also really loved The Casual Vacancy as well, which was dark, depressing and kind of fantastic! The thing that’s always appealed to me about her writing is that she reminds me of all the English authors that my dad used to read like Jerome K Jerome and PG Wodehouse so it’s a cozy, comforting reminder of my childhood all at the same time!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia and after spending the last sixteen years dividing her time between England and New Zealand, she’s finally returned home for some sunshine. When she’s not moving country, she likes to write books (okay, she also likes to eat chocolate, watch television and sit around doing not much, but let’s just keep that amongst ourselves, shall we?)

She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book, You Had Me at Halo was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. Zombie Queen of Newbury High was listed by the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age 2010. Fairy Bad Day was selected by Voya as one of their Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2012 and was a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award finalist for the Australia/NZ region.

FIND HER

http://www.amandaashby.com

https://twitter.com/amandaashby

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Ashby

Author Interview: Jessica Brody and UNREMEMBERED!

Jessica Brody has a new book out! This one looks awesome, and it's the start of a series, so I'm really excited about that. Read on, because Jessica stopped by to talk a little about UNREMEMBERED, and left a link so you can read the first five chapters!

SUMMARY: The only thing worse than forgetting her past...is remembering it.
 When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find a single survivor; which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating amid the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe. She has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories…period. As she struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is, every clue raises more questions. Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?
 Set in a world where science knows no boundaries and memories are manipulated UNREMEMBERED by Jessica Brody is the first novel in a compelling, romantic, and suspenseful new sci-fi trilogy for teens.

 INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA:

Welcome, Jessica! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?

Some memories are better left...unremembered.

Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your novel and why?

I have to say Cody, Seraphina’s 13-year-old foster brother.

 This genre was brand new for me. My first time venturing into the world of sci-fi. And as all my contemporaries were comedies, it was oftentimes a challenge for me to write something darker and more serious (see evidence above.) Cody, however, is the comic relief of the novel. So writing him was like a little link back to my comfort zone. I always felt like I was “home” when I wrote him. And it gave me the opportunity to make fun of myself a little. While Sera’s storyline is rather dark and mysterious and all these harrowing things are happening around her, Cody can always be counted on to lighten the mood with a comedic crack on her situation. 

What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Regardless if you’re a bestselling author with twenty books under your belt or you’re just starting out, writing is a craft that needs to be constantly honed.  Try to write every day. Even if the stuff that’s coming out reads like a third grade book report. Sometimes you have to get the crap out in order to get to the good stuff. And sometimes, writing just to write is the only way to get a book done. Even if it means having to go back later and delete it all!

What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?

I wrote really bad poetry. No one will ever see it again. Even me.

What's the last book you read that you really loved?

I’m currently reading GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn and it is beyond brilliant. I have gasped aloud more than once. Now that’s how you know when you have a good book in your hands. 

REVIEWS:

“Unremembered is a story brimming with mystery and suspense, star-crossed love and mad scientists. I felt like a detective putting together the pieces of Seraphina’s forgotten past right along with her, and the masterful way the puzzle was finally revealed left me speechless.”—Marissa Meyer, New York Times bestselling author of Cinder

“Unremembered is an awesome book! I was pulling for Seraphina from the opening chapters, and couldn’t wait to read what happened next—and I LOVED the twist at the end.” —P.C. Cast, New York Times Bestselling author of the House of Night series.

“Gripping story…harrowing action…The first in Brody’s new science-fiction series should snare enough attention to have folks tapping their feet for the sequel.”
- Booklist

"Unremembered" is the first in a young adult sci-fi trilogy that is a page-turning adventure of self-discovery.” – Deseret News

“Fast-paced and sure to satisfy romance-oriented readers”
- Kirkus

AUTHOR BIO:

JESSICA BRODY knew from a young age that she wanted to be a writer. She started self “publishing” her own books when she was seven years old, binding the pages together with cardboard, wallpaper samples and electrical tape. She is the author of 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, My Life Undecided, The Karma Club, and now, Unremembered. Her books have been translated and published in over 15 countries. She currently splits her time between California and Colorado. www.jessicabrody.com

Readers can download thefirst five chapters FREE!

Like the Unremembered Trilogy on Facebook:

Meet Jessica on tour this month!

#Giveaway of an Advance Copy of LIVE THROUGH THIS by @Mindi_Scott

I don't enter a lot of book contests, mostly because I want to support authors in some way--either by purchasing their book or suggesting their book to my library. But I admit, when I see a contest for a book that's not available yet, a book I REALLY want to read, I turn into a bit of a determined freak about winning it.

This recently happened when Mindi Scott was holding a contest for her one extra advance copy of LIVE THROUGH THIS. I blogged, I tweeted, I told my friends and my cat about it. But--sigh--I did not win. However...my good friend and avid-fast-reader Angelina Hansen did. I attempted to act composed when she said to me last week, "Oh, did you want to read this?" Not only that, but she didn't need her copy back! That's what has brought me here today.

If you haven't seen this gorgeous cover yet...

And if you haven't read up on what it's about...

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

Mindi Scott offers an absorbing, layered glimpse into the life of an everygirl living a nightmare that no one would suspect in this unforgettable powerhouse of a novel.

 In my own words, this is a fantastic book--it's an issue book that's not all about the issue, and it's edgy, but it's edgy with good reason, to deeply show the complications. It brings you into the heart and confusion of Coley's life. It made my heart ache for these very real characters about very real situations that are rarely talked about. One other thing I especially loved was Mindi's treatment and exploration of a large but complicated family. I loved this book, and so I just can't keep it to myself. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

The Contest: Mindi Scott is not only a brilliant author, she's also a friend of mine. I want to spread the word as much as possible about LIVE THROUGH THIS. In the comments, please tell me how you are, or how you will, spread the word about this great book (review on your blog? reviews on Amazon/Barnes & Noble, Suggest to your library, tweet tweet tweet, tell all your friends to pre-order it, etc!)

This is a subjective contest - I won't add up numbers, or pick a winner from a hat, or worry about how many blog followers you have. It is purely based on how much I believe you want to spread the word about this book. So tell me all about it in the comments, and good luck!!

Note--I hate saying this, but I have to make this open to US only for the book, as overseas shipping is just too expensive. If you're international, though, please still spread the word and I'd be happy to send you a swag pack if you win.

Win an ARC of Live Through This by @Mindi_Scott

My  good friend Mindi Scott is giving away her one extra ARC of Live Through This! I have yet to read this one, but I will read anything by Mindi. She's awesome, as are her books!





PLUS...Mindi's giving away a plush giraffe that has to do with the book (oooh, secrets!) and also a mystery gift (MORE secrets!)

I personally want to win this pack, so I'd rather NOT tell you how to enter. But, sigh, because I love Mindi, I will. Click on this link to find out all the details of how you can win!