Erin Richards's Blog, page 6

New Release & Giveaway: BIG FAT DISASTER

Click tour graphic to go to tour page at Book Nerd ToursToday is the official release of Big Fat Disaster, and I’m excited to share my fellow Merit Press author’s awesome book which earned her a starred review from Kirkus! Congrats, Beth!
"Colby's life...is difficult enough, but it gets worse very quickly once she discovers a photo of her politician father kissing another woman. The fast pace, lively...dialogue, and timely topic make it a quick and enjoyable read." --Kirkus Reviews (Starred)
Scroll down and watch the book trailer and enter Beth’s giveaway!

Title:  Big Fat Disaster Author:  Beth Fehlbaum
Genre:  YA ContemporaryPublisher:  Merit Press/F+W MediaRelease Date:  April 18, 2014Format:  Hardcover and eBook
Buy Links: AmazonB&N
Back Cover Blurb:
Insecure, shy, and way overweight, Colby hates the limelight as much as her pageant-pretty mom and sisters love it. It's her life: Dad's a superstar, running for office on a family values platform. Then suddenly, he ditches his marriage for a younger woman and gets caught stealing money from the campaign. Everyone hates Colby for finding out and blowing the whistle on him. From a mansion, they end up in a poor relative's trailer, where her mom's contempt swells right along with Colby's supersized jeans. Then, a cruel video of Colby half-dressed, made by her cousin Ryan, finds its way onto the internet. Colby plans her own death. A tragic family accident intervenes, and Colby's role in it seems to paint her as a hero, but she's only a fraud. Finally, threatened with exposure, Colby must face facts about her selfish mother and her own shame. Harrowing and hopeful, proof that the truth that saves us can come with a fierce and terrible price, Big Fat Disaster is that rare thing, a story that is authentically new.



About the Author:
In addition to writing Young Adult Contemporary Fiction, Beth Fehlbaum is an experienced English teacher who frequently draws on her experience as an educator to write her books. She has a B.A. in English, Minor in Secondary Education, and an M.Ed. in Reading. She is currently a Library Science student at Sam Houston State University.

Beth is the author of Big Fat Disaster (Merit Press/F+W Media, March 2014); Courage in Patience (Kunati Books, 2008); and Hope in Patience(WestSide Books, 2010). Hope in Patience was named a 2011 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Truth in Patience, which rounds outThe Patience Trilogy, is as yet unpublished. The Patience Trilogy has been revised and is available for acquisition!
Beth has a following in the young adult literature world and also among survivors of sexual abuse because of her work with victims’ advocacy groups. She has been the keynote speaker at the National Crime Victims’ Week Commemoration Ceremony at the Hall of State in Dallas, Texas and a presenter for Greater Texas Community Partners, where she addressed a group of social workers and foster children on the subject of “Hope.”
Beth is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, like Ashley in The Patience Trilogy, and the day-to-day manager of an eating disorder much like Colby’s in Big Fat Disaster. These life experiences give her a unique perspective, and she writes her characters’ stories in a way meant to inspire hope.
Beth lives with her family in the woods of East Texas.
You can find Beth online at:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | UnCommonYA

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Path to Publication - Vigilante Nights

For years, I’d heard that boy point of view (POV) books were a hard sell. Statistically proven, females are the majority readers and they read a lot of books from the female point of view. I’m not saying that females don’t read books written in a male POV or that they don’t sell. Look at John Green, Chris Crutcher, or Merit’s own Steven Parlato, among many other authors who write young adult novels in a male POV. They exist and they appeal to both male and female readers. I kept hearing that editors wanted “boy” books, yet there were so few slots for them on a publisher’s list. None of this stopped me from writing Vigilante Nights, because it needed to be written! I just figured I’d have a harder time landing a publisher.

I queried a lot of agents, and came close to an offer of representation a couple of times, but they already had a client with a boy book they were trying to sell. Just as I was ready to start querying publishers on my own, I read about F+W Media’s new imprint Merit Press and how they wanted to publish contemporary novels and no paranormal creatures or SF&F. My editor at another F+W Media imprint was able to get me an early copy of the submission guidelines. As soon as I read them, my stomach did somersaults, literally. I thought Vigilante Nights was perfect for Merit Press, and Merit seemed okay with books that had a light supernatural element. Even though it appeared Merit primarily wanted books written from a girl’s POV, they were open to books from a boy’s POV, too! My second thought was….I’m going to submit ASAP before there were no more slots for a “boy” book. Paranoid much? Yes!

Merit’s editor, Jackie Mitchard, fell in love with Vigilante Nights, and I had an offer in hand within three months.

I can’t help but think timing had a little to do with selling Vigilante Nights. :) But what really sold it was finding an editor and publishing house that loved it as much as I did. This is what Jackie had to say when she offered to publish Vigilante Nights: “Everyone is excited about VIGILANTE NIGHTS, and about the comparisons it offers with classics such as ‘The Outsiders.’ We love this book. It's just exactly the book that Merit Press was founded to publish -- with a great deal of heart, pure, strong characters, and even a hint of magical realism.”

People in the publishing business say it only takes one editor to love your book. I’m happy it was Jackie and Merit Press, and they took a chance on me and Vigilante Nights.

Read more about Merit Press books and authors at:Merit Press Facebook Merit Press WebsiteUncommonYA Website & Blog (unofficial author site)

Book Release: Intimate Strangers

Today’s release day for INTIMATE STRANGERS by Tara Mills! Congrats, Tara! You’ll love any contemporary romance story by Tara Mills! Without further ado, here’s a sneak peak at Tara’s exciting new release.

Title:  Intimate StrangersAuthor:  Tara Mills
Genre:  Contemporary Romance (novella)Publisher:  Crimson Frost BooksRelease Date:  February 21, 2014Format:  eBook 

Buy LinksAmazonCrimson Frost Books
Back Cover Blurb:

Can she ever forgive herself. Will she ever forget him?
When newly engaged couple Mac and Kate, take a celebratory fishing trip off the island of Pelican Cay, they never dream their romantic bliss is in jeopardy.

What happens will test Kate in ways she never saw coming, make her question what she understands about her own heart, and lead her into the arms of another man.

This exciting short story has it all; romance, terror, passion, betrayal, and a happy ending, of course, but perhaps not the one you'd expect.

Sneak Peek

There was a spring in Kate and Mac’s steps when they hustled down the dock, clasped hands swinging between them on this bright and early morning. In truth, it could have been simply the give of the walkway under their feet, but she chose to attribute it to their blissful mood. Her skin still tingled from making love with him back at the hotel. Both wore smiles that wouldn’t quit.
Kate turned her wrist, and his, to admire her beautiful new ring. The breathtaking diamond caught the light and shimmered back at her, utterly captivating her all over again.

Mac shot her a quick glance and chuckled as he gently tugged her along. “Come on. You’ll have all kinds of time to stare at that rock once we’re on the boat.”

“I can’t help it.” She laughed, still thrown by his unexpected proposal. “I love it!”

He turned her hand so he could admire the ring himself then winked at her. “It looks good on you.” Mac craned his neck and spotted their chartered boat. “I see ‘em.” He shared a nod with a man watching them from a fly bridge just ahead.

The man chuckled as he made his way down a chrome ladder to the deck to meet them. “You beat my other crewman.” Turning, he reached for Kate’s hand, hauling her into the boat as Mac boosted her by the hips from behind. Her fiancé leaped gracefully onto the boat after her and they both faced the captain.

“Welcome aboard the Sea Sprite. I’m Brady Finn.” Still holding her hand, he gave it a hearty pump.

He didn’t look any older than they were, but his sharp features were weathered from the wind and sun. The lines framing his smile gave his tan even more warmth. Her eyes strayed to his sandy hair. Generally, she preferred men who were more clean-cut, like Mac, but the way Brady’s shaggy hair fluttered and feathered in the breeze, with the sun glinting off his natural bleached highlights, was undeniably appealing. As if saving the best for last, only now did she meet his unusual blue-green eyes. Set off by fine lines radiating out from the corner of each, they were beautiful, so striking she was thrown for moment.

No question—most women would find Brady Finn attractive. Trying very hard not to think about it, she blushed at her delayed response to his introduction. “Kate.”

As always, Mac saved the day. Offering his hand to their skipper next, he grinned. “And I’m Mac Schafer.” He looked around, taking it all in. “Wow, this is some boat.”

“Thank you.” The captain was noticeably pleased at the compliment. “Ah … here’s Rome. He’s going to help you haul in your monster fish today.”

“Rome?” Kate raised her eyebrows as she shook the Latino’s hand.

His lips tightened. “I prefer it to Romeo.”

Brady gave him a good-natured cuff on the arm and told the passengers, “He’s not as big a fan of Shakespeare as his mom.”

Chuckling, Mac clasped hands with him and brought back the man’s easy smile. “Good to meet you, Rome.”

A sigh of contentment escaped Kate as she gazed at her fiancé. Mac had a way with people, a gift for diffusing tense situations. It’s what attracted her to him in the first place.

Stepping back she was startled to catch the captain watching her, studying her. She had an uneasy suspicion he was very aware of how carefully she’d examined him minutes ago. Looking evasively away, she reached for Mac. Pressed against his side while he chatted, Kate rubbed her hand up and down his spine, in dire need of a little of his calming mojo herself all of a sudden.

Oblivious to her tension, Mac smiled at Brady. “You said there’s a bathroom on board?”

The captain pointed to his left. “Through the salon and down the stairs.”

Mac gave Kate’s waist an affectionate squeeze. “See. Told you. You’ll be fine.”

“You can’t miss it.” Brady’s eyes landed on her again. To her relief, they didn’t linger this time. “We’ll head out as soon as Manuel gets here. Excuse me. I’ll see what’s keeping him.”

Rome waved the couple into the cockpit. “How about a quick tour?”


About the Author
I'm a lifelong wordaholic, contemporary romance writer, pampered wife, and proud mom.

Escape with me into books. If you like fun and flirty, saucy and sexy, exciting thrills and suspense, or simply a good chuckle, I've got a story for you.

Please visit my website, Tara Mills Romance, for more information on my titles, sneak peeks, and my quirky blog.

Author LinksFacebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Google+

Book Review: DRAGON DAWN

Title:  Dragon DawnAuthor:  Deborah O’Neill Cordes
Series:  Book One of the Dinosaurian Time Travel SeriesGenre:  Science FictionRelease Date:  January 15, 2014Format:  eBook; print
Buy Links Amazon
**DRAGON DAWN is on sale at Amazon for $.99 thru 2/20/14 (Kindle version). Don’t miss out on this limited sale opportunity!”
Book Description
Time snakes between alternate universes.  Ever watchful, an alien intelligence survives on Mars, waiting to be found by spacefarers from Earth.  The alien’s ultimate goal is to send human astronauts back in time, where they will alter the past and thwart the extinction of the dinosaurs.  A race of intelligent dinosaurs, resembling the alien’s extinct species, subsequently evolves to rule the world.  But a human female astronaut, through a strange twist of fate, survives the change in the space-time continuum.  After finding herself in a dinosaurian body, she must race against time – and the formidable alien – to restore the universe to its rightful course.
Review  Being a fan of time-travel and light science fiction, I was instantly drawn into the exciting and imaginative worlds Deborah O’Neill Cordes created in DRAGON DAWN. From Moozrab (Mars) to a slice of modern Arizona to the Cretaceous period of Earth, the author enthralls the reader.
Interweaved in the unfolding story between pre-historic Earth and Moozrab are two impeccably drawn species: humans and dinosaurians. My favorite character was Dawann-dracon. I loved her fierce innocence and curiosity as she discovers surprising and mysterious things about herself and her world…thoughts and emotions that belong to someone else. Underlying the time-traveling mystery is an enticing and malevolent being called The Keeper, who moves the beings around these worlds and time periods like pawns on a chessboard.
DRAGON DAWN is a multifaceted and fascinating mix of science fiction, history, and fantasy. It was obvious that Ms. Cordes spent a great deal of time researching planet Earth and its various time periods, pre-historic dinosaurs, the solar system, Mars, even DNA! Her expert research, awe-inspiring details, and lush descriptions (whether real or fictional) brought the story to vivid life from manufactured life on Mars, to the dinosaurs and verdant Cretacean period and even on a dig site in present-day Arizona. I can’t wait to read what happens next with Dawann-dracon, Dawn, Gus and the crew of the Destiny. First-rate plotting, research, characterization, and writing will make DRAGON DAWN a story for your keeper shelf!
Enter the Goodreads giveaway for your chance to win an autographed copy of DRAGON DAWN. Click to enter.
Please visit Deborah O’Neill Cordes at:  http://deborahoneillcordes.com/

All Loved Up + Awesome Giveaway

We all love a good book. Read on to see which ones the Uncommon YA authors love!
(Rafflecopter giveaway below)



One of my favorite books is Perfect Chemistry by Simon Elkeles. I love the way she hits real topics head on with characters that are strong and tenacious. As a bonus: this author can write a seriously hot hook up scene *fans face* ;)　 Julie Anne Lindsey  

I love The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons and have my fingers crossed the movie producers accept the script she is working on to turn it into a movie. I also love Where is the green sheep by Mem Fox because my kids and I have read it a billion times together and we know it off by heart.
Melissa Wray  

One of my favorite stories is Pale Horse, Pale Rider by Katherine Anne Porter. First published in 1939, the short novel portrays a　young couple falling in love during the end of World War I and the onset of the Spanish Influenza. The main character falls ill with the deadly flu, and her new boyfriend,　a recently enlisted soldier, finds her medical help　right before he must leave for training. It's a beautifully written snapshot of life during those uncertain times. Yvonne Ventresca
 
My favorite, most life-impacting book with respect to becoming an author is Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher. I was in the early days of recovery from childhood sexual abuse, and I was looking for something to read while working out on the treadmill. I went into my daughter's room and found Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on her bookshelf. I had no idea what it was about or who Chris Crutcher was-- but as I walked on the treadmill, it was as if walls inside of me fell away and I realized that I had stories inside of me that might touch others as this book was impacting me. I was thrilled last year to get to meet Chris and talk with him. Beth Fehlbaum  

I book I really love right now is Jeff Vandermeer's Wonderbook. It's given me some really great insights on revision--and it's pretty to look at too :) Natalie Zaman  

Here's a book I love: Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson for it's themes of friendship and dreaming big. It's a lovely, simple　little book that says powerful things. Lisa Cresswell  
Divergent by Veronica Roth: Beautiful writing made for a fast-paced read in a fascinating dystopian setting with a strong female lead. It’s one of those rare books for me where I loved the story as much as the writing and it stayed with me long after I read the last word. Erin Richards

 For a short time Uncommon YA is offering YOU the chance to choose your prize. Click on the titles below to learn more about each one. You can add it to your Goodreads shelf while you're there!WARNING. It will be a tough choice choosing just one to win!

             

ENTER NOW!

5 people will win their choice of selected titles. Book to be determined on win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: THE GOOD ENOUGH HUSBAND

Today, I'm excited to present to you the cover of THE GOOD ENOUGH HUSBAND, by Sylvie Fox. Sylvie is also one of the awesome authors of The Keeper Shelf. If case some of you didn't know, Sylvie held a poll to pick one of two covers for THE GOOD ENOUGH HUSBAND. I'm happy to say the one I picked is the one she went with to represent her fantastic sounding story!

Title: The Good Enough Husband 
Author: Sylvie Fox 
Genre: Women’s Fiction / Romance 18+ 
Publication Date: March 9, 2014 
Publisher: Penner Media 
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design 
Event Organized By: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis
What would you do if you met your soul mate, but you were already married?

In The Good Enough Husband, Sylvie Fox delivers a riveting story about a woman who refuses to let her past define her future.

For years, Hannah Morrison Keesling’s marriage to Michael was good enough. Then she wakes up one morning and it isn’t. Taking her puppy Cody along, Hannah drives north to put distance between herself and her past. Planning to go as far as her SUV will take her, she hast to stop on the Lost Coast when her dog gets sick. There she meets small town veterinarian Ben Cooper.

Ben is the man Hannah wishes she had met first. He’s perfect for her, but gun shy because he’s been lied to before and vows not to be betrayed again. Hannah leaves Michael and moves to Ben’s rural town to pursue a future with the man she knows is her soul mate. But Michael won’t let go so easily. Forced to make a decision between the man she chose and the man she loves, Hannah soon realizes that her choices will define everyone else’s consequences.

Add to Goodreads
About the Author
I write the kinds of books I love to read. The quirky characters in my romance novels experience passion, angst, and conflict, but always get their "happily ever after." I live in Los Angeles with my husband, son, and a handful of rescued pets. When I'm not hanging out in Hollywood, I'm eating my way through Budapest.

Connect with the Author: Website | Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads | Tumblr

Giveaway Time!!

The Keeper Shelf Authors are often giving away books, e-readers, and reading accessories among other things.  Check out the The Keeper Shelf blog and learn about our new releases and read what the authors are up to.

This week, I'm giving away an autographed copy of Wicked Paradise or eBook copy (for international winner) and a $10 gift card to iTunes, Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaways.

 Praise for WICKED PARADISE: 
"Full of adventure, romance and two wonderfully heroic characters. The descriptions of the island are beautiful and the passion between Morgan and Ryan leaves you turning the pages to see if they can finally come together. The interaction with the Demon at times leaves you breathless. A great book." ~ 5-Stars, Paranormal Romance Guild 

"Ms. Richards has woven a lush tale of desire, betrayal, and mystery in Wicked Paradise. The story is a novel mix of fantasy and dystopian, with enough to satisfy readers who love either genre. Wicked Paradise was a wonderful story and I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Richards in the future." ~Writing on the Wall blog 

Enter at the The Keeper Shelf Giveaway Page

New Release: DRAGON DAWN

I'm happy to bring a new science fiction (with a little romance and time-travel twist) novel to your eyes today! Congratulations to Deborah O'Neill Cordes on her release of DRAGON DAWN. If this is anything like her other time travel series (writing as a co-author of Morgan O'Neill), I'm sure it will be a winner! Check back in a few weeks for my review.

Don't you just love this cover?


Title:  Dragon Dawn Author:  Deborah O’Neill Cordes
Series:  Book One of the Dinosaurian Time Travel SeriesGenre:  Science FictionRelease Date:  January 15, 2014Format:  eBook; print
Buy Links Amazon
Book Description
Time snakes between alternate universes.  Ever watchful, an alien intelligence survives on Mars, waiting to be found by spacefarers from Earth.  The alien’s ultimate goal is to send human astronauts back in time, where they will alter the past and thwart the extinction of the dinosaurs.  A race of intelligent dinosaurs, resembling the alien’s extinct species, subsequently evolves to rule the world.  But a human female astronaut, through a strange twist of fate, survives the change in the space-time continuum.  After finding herself in a dinosaurian body, she must race against time – and the formidable alien – to restore the universe to its rightful course.
About the Author
Deborah O’Neill Cordes is a screenwriter and novelist of historical and speculative fiction. She is the Dragon Dawn, Book One of the Dinosaurian Time Travel Series. She is also the co-author of the Morgan O’Neill time travel novels, which she writes with Cary Morgan Frates. Three of Deborah’s works have been optioned by Hollywood, while many others are award winners, garnering finalist placements in the Pacific Northwest Writers’ Conference Literary Contest, semi-finalist wins in the William Faulkner – William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, and the Metro Goldwyn Mayer Finalist award in the Seattle International Film Festival’s Perfect Pitch Forum. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two West Highland White Terriers, who, alas, are precocious terriers and therefore never white.author of the sci-fi time travel novel,

Please visit Deborah at:  http://deborahoneillcordes.com/

Great Deals & Giveaways!

There's so much going on right now that I wanted to pull it all together in one blog post.
The Lucky13s New Year's Bash massive giveaway is still going on. You can win books, autographed swag, critiques and more! Easy entry, just *like* our Facebook pages! Today and the next couple days, you can enter to win an autographed copy of VIGILANTE NIGHTS (US only or eBook for international winner). Lots more prizes to win too. 

Enter here:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/NewYearsBash/
Learn more about the Lucky13s at:  http://thelucky13s.blogspot.com/


All Merit Press titles are on sale for $1.99 Kindle version, including VIGILANTE NIGHTS! If you've been waiting to buy some YA realistic fiction, now's your chance to get one or all of Merit Press's books at 80% off the original Kindle price. 

Amazon link to all Merit Press books 
Amazon link to VIGILANTE NIGHTS 
Learn more about Merit Press at:  https://www.facebook.com/MeritPressYA...
Merit Press authors hang out at UnCommon YA


Finally, my adult/new adult novel, WICKED PARADISE, is still on sale for $.99. Get it before the price increases at end of January! I'm also thrilled to say that WICKED PARADISE is an ARe and Amazon category bestseller!

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
All Romance eBooksiTunes
If you purchase the print edition of WICKED PARADISE at Amazon,
you get the Kindle edition for FREE.

Happy New Year!

I hope 2014 will be your best year ever!