Emma Michaels's Blog, page 15
April 4, 2014
The Only Boy Blitz!
The Only Boy by Jordan Locke
Publication date: December 17th 2013
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult
Mary is stuck in Section One, living with three hundred women in a crumbling hospital. She wonders what life was like two centuries ago, before the Cleansing wiped out all the men. But the rules—the Matriarch’s senseless rules—prevent her from exploring the vacant city to find out.
Taylor’s got a dangerous secret: he’s a boy. His compound’s been destroyed, and he’s been relocated to Section One. Living under the Matriarch means giving up possessions, eating canned food and avoiding all physical contact. Baggy clothes hide his flat chest and skinny legs, but if anyone discovers what lies beneath, he’ll be exiled. Maybe even executed.
Mary’s never seen a boy—the Matriarch cut the pictures of men from the textbooks—and she doesn’t suspect Taylor’s secret. If she knew, she might understand the need to stop the girls from teasing him. If she knew, she might realize why she breaks the rules, just to be near him. Then again, she might be frightened to death of him.
Taylor should go. The Matriarch is watching his every move. But running means leaving Mary—and braving the land beyond the compound’s boundaries.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20339413-the-only-boy?ac=1
Purchase:
–Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494415593
–B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-only-boy-jordan-locke/1117893836
Jordan Locke lives in Connecticut with his wife, two lively daughters and a well-behaved whippet. A graphic designer by trade, his creativity spilled over into the literary world. After years of writing, reading and learning the craft, his fifth novel, The Only Boy, brought him offers of representation from two well-known agents. Now, after the dog is fed and the kids are in bed, you will find him tapping away at the keyboard.
Author links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494415593
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20339413-the-only-boy
Website: http://www.jordanlocke.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jordan1Locke
Not Your Typical Love Story
My books tend to have intricate plots and a lot of complications. Oftentimes the characters are put in uncomfortable situations, such as being forced to relocate, grieving a loss or being pursued by the protagonist, which can make romance problematic. This may be their first real relationship, even their first kiss. Jumping full speed into a love scene makes little sense.
I’ll use The Hunger Games for example. The relationship between Katniss and Peeta is complicated, to say the least. They are fighting for their lives, and on camera to boot. It makes perfect sense that their kissing scene is awkward and their relationship strained.
In my novel The Only Boy, Taylor is hiding his identity. He’s lost his family and friends. He’s been thrown into an unfamiliar and potentially hostile environment. Add to this the fact that he’s never really had a girlfriend, and I’m sure you can see how new relationships would be difficult.
Mary, his love interest, is strong-willed. With only women living in her compound and with a constant fear of disease, interactions are discouraged, even forbidden. She has never even met a boy and is confused by her feelings for Taylor. This often leads to misunderstandings and, at times, distrust.
Mary and Taylor’s relationship is far from perfect. They have different upbringings and conflicting desires. They aren’t always nice to each other. Oftentimes, they act in ways that may come off as cold or even mean. In my opinion, this makes them more real.
If you’re looking for a breezy romance, where everything is flowers and fireworks from the start, The Only Boy may not be right for you. If you enjoy complicated stories, however, books in which the characters have to work through their problems and fight for their right to be together, maybe you should give The Only Boy a look.
April 2, 2014
April Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!
The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Giveaway Sponsors:
I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Inspired Kathy
Author Rachael Anderson
Author Carolyn Cooper
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Laurie Here – Contemporary Fiction and MORE
Fabio Bueno, YA Author
A Book Lover’s Retreat
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Becoming Books
Fae Books
Author Christie Anderson
Author David Pandolfe
Jetpack Dragons
Clutter Your Kindle
Crossangels
Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke
Alexandrea Weis Author
Addicted Readers
Author Alecia Stone
Tressa’s Wishful Endings
Author Rae Z. Ryans
Bella Street’s Weird Romance
Bonnie Blythe’s Pure Romance
Author Inger Iversen
Author M.A. George
Theresa DaLayne
Buried Under Romance
Author Myrna Mackenzie
Owl Always Be Reading
Jacqueline Diamond
Author Joan Leacott
Free Bookster
Emma Michaels
Jennifer Laurens – author
My Nook, Books & More
LOVE. WITHOUT YOU
The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl
Bound 4 Escape
Reviews from a Bookworm
The YA Buzz
Claudia Burgoa
Lynda Raymond Books for Young Children
A. Wrighton, Author
Author Niki Danforth
Lori’s Reading Corner
Hearts On Sleeves Book Blog
The Forever Girl Series
Author Crystal Donahue
A Leisure Moment : A Casual Conversation about our love for Literature
Author Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows
Me, My Shelf and I
Author FA Michaels
The Reporter and The Girl
Author Ashley Stambaugh
Extaordinaryreads
Laurie Treacy, Author
Faithful Acres Books
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here:
http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″, $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash.
Ends 4/30/14
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 and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
April 1, 2014
A Vault of Sins Cover Reveal!
(Chaos Theory #2)
Published by: Intermix (Penguin)
Publication date: September 2014
Genres: New Adult, Thriller
In her stunning New Adult debut, The Wicked We Have Done, Sarah Harian introduced readers to the Compass Room: a twisted experimental jail where the guilty and the innocent suffer alike. But breaking out was only the beginning…
Even though she’s escaped, twenty-two-year-old Evalyn Ibarra is anything but free. She’s desperate to return to a life that no longer exists, but prying reporters continually draw her back into nightmarish memories, using the tabloids to vilify her. Bad press is the last thing she needs during the trial of the year: the case that she and her fellow survivors staked against the Compass Room engineers. A case that could terminate the use of the inhumane system forever…
But in her dreams, she is still locked in that terrifying jail.
When she wakes, someone is trying to communicate with her in secret, through strange and intricate clues. As Evalyn follows their signs, she uncovers a conspiracy that goes so much deeper than her own ordeal. A dangerous intrigue that only she can bring to light. One that will force her to work with the one person she doesn’t want to see.
The person who owns her heart…
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18579501-a-vault-of-sins?ac=1
Pre-order:
–Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vault-Sins-Chaos-Theory-Novel-ebook/dp/B00IDD9V7Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396274934&sr=8-1&keywords=vault+of+sins
–B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vault-of-sins-sarah-harian/1118618700?ean=9780698152182
Sarah Harian grew up in the foothills of Yosemite and received her B.A. and M.F.A. from Fresno State University. When not writing, she is usually hiking some mountain or another in the Sierras, playing video games with her husband, or rough-housing with her dog.
Author links:
https://twitter.com/sarahharian
http://sarahharian.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sarahharianbooks
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7112593.Sarah_Harian
March 31, 2014
Fortune Cookie Book Tour!
Fortune Cookie
Sadie Hoffmiller has always liked things to be just so. A place for everything and everything in its place. Order over chaos. And of all things Sadie should be able to control, her own wedding is at the top of the list.
With the big day just three weeks away, Sadie is busily adding the final touches to her wedding plans but the arrival of a mysterious letter from San Francisco changes everything. The only person Sadie knows in San Francisco is her older sister, Wendy, whom she hasn’t seen since their mother’s funeral nearly fifteen years ago.
Sadie has faced off against murderers and criminals in recent years, yet the possibility of reconnecting with her sister is both overwhelming and frightening. Sadie soon discovers, however, that the letter is just the beginning when Wendy’s world turns out to be a place of unanswered questions, twisted truths, and more than one person with a motive for murder.
The more Sadie digs into her sister’s past, the more she places her own future at risk.
Amazon * Deseret Book * Barnes & Noble
Author Josi S. Kilpack
Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Lemon Tart, the first book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series was a finalist in 2009. Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, children and super-cute cat.
Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/30/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
March 29, 2014
Epic Cover Love Affair!
I seem to have fallen in love again this week. I am swooning right and left at these amazing covers!
Dear Killer and Dorothy Must Die are so poignant and eye catching. The wonderful use of the bright red will look ‘killer’ in hardback and paperback! The Invisible caught my attention not simply because of beauty but because of the continuity with the rest of the series. The Broken Hearted has a simply breathtaking cover and I am thrilled that the sequel is equally as stunning. Love the unique portrayal of emotions for The Truth about Alice, the fairy tale feel and continuity for Dearest, and the simplicity of the concept behind Sweet Unrest. Illusion of Fate has me stumbling over myself wanting a copy. I loved Kiersten’s other series so I can hardly wait to see what she comes up with next! Inland immediately caught my attention. It has everything a great cover should from color contrasts to font and especially concept - unique, unforgettable and great branding. Last but not least, Follow Me Through Darkness which caught my eye with the great space use, the subtle imagery and overall composition.
Gahhhh!!!! All the beautiful covers!!!
March 24, 2014
Naomi Grim Tour!
Naomi Grim by Tiffany Nicole Published by Twisted Spice Publication on September 30th 2013
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 298
Format: eBook
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
The assignment:
Collect lifestones from humans after they die.
Rebellious, sixteen-year-old Naomi craves a normal life, but unfortunately, she’s a Grim by birth. That’s right, she sees dead people and hoards their living essence in a stone. Not a fun occupation.
In order to be good at her job, she must live among human teenagers for weeks at a time. But Naomi soon becomes attached to the kids she’s been assigned to watch over. And knowing that these teens are gonna die under less than ideal circumstances, she has the opportunity to prevent their deaths from occurring. Only one big problem—interfering with death is the worst crime a Grim can commit. If she intervenes, she’ll put herself and her family in danger.
Naomi must make the hardest choice of her career, go against the sacred covenant or watch her new friends walk blindly to their deaths.
Only one thing is for certain—Naomi has a grim knack for finding trouble and she’s about to break all the rules...
I’ve always been interested in novels about grim reapers so when I saw Naomi Grim, I knew right away it was just my kind of book. This novel was originally released in serialized format in four parts and it shows. It has four times the hooks and keeps you engaged; hook, line and sinker. I was relieved to read it as a whole considering the cliff hangers and loved the concept! It was unique and well executed. The main character was believable and relatable which is another big plus. I found the society she is a part of fascinating and can hardly wait for book two!
Overall, absolutely amazing and well worth the read!
Tiffany Nicole Smith resides in South Florida where she enjoys teaching as well as writing middle grade and young adult fiction. Tiffany enjoys reading and watching horror, action, and fantasy movies—all of which inspire new story ideas. Be on the lookout for upcoming releases.
authortiffanynicole.com | Tiffany Smith
March 22, 2014
Stunning Cover Love Affair!
Chasing the Star Garden is so crazy beautiful I don’t even care what it is about… at least until I open the first page. Then we will see what happens. I realize Starling is a bit stereotypical but it is truly expertly executed and the color usage us very eye catching. Uprising is very simple but beautiful and gives the same feel as the novel which is always a HUGE plus in my book. The Glass Casket gives you a feel for the novel as well and the use of double exposure gives a chilling effect with the frosty colors – great symbolism. City of Heavenly Fire… I don’t think I even need to say why, just look at it! I love the chilling familiarity of The Cellar and the continuity with the rest of the series for Ruin and Rising (also great red usage). Kiss of Broken Glass is so eye catching and emotional while being simple and memorable. Last but not least, Everything Leads to You has such unique font usable that it makes an old concept something completely new.
Overall, a stunning week in fly off the shelf covers!
March 18, 2014
The Fortune Cafe Tour and Giveaway!
The Fortune Café
a novel in three parts
MIS-FORTUNE: Emma, a waitress at The Fortune Café will do anything to avoid opening a fortune cookie. Each fortune is rumored to somehow magically come true. Being a girl grounded in reality, she doesn’t have time for that kind of nonsense. But when trying to prevent a food fight at the café, Emma accidently cracks open a fortune cookie: “Look around, love is trying to catch you.” If there is one thing that Harrison, her former best friend in high school is good at, it’s catching her unaware.
LOVE, NOT LUCK: Lucy has always been lucky . . . until her parents meet her fiancé’s parents at a disastrous lunch at The Fortune Café, and she breaks her lucky jade necklace. Even worse, her fortune cookie reveals that “True love is for the brave, not the lucky.” How is she supposed to read that? She’s always considered it lucky how she met her fiancé. But after breaking her necklace, Lucy’s luck takes a dive. And when her fiancé dumps her, the only person she can turn to is Carter, the unluckiest guy she knows.
TAKEOUT: Stella is content in her new life of taking over her mom’s jewelry shop. No more boyfriend to worry about, and as long as she stays busy, she doesn’t have to dwell on her non-existent love life. When Evan comes into the shop with his young daughter, Stella is charmed. But she is reluctant to complicate her straightforward life, so when she reads her fortune after ordering takeout from The Fortune Café, she completely ignores it. After all, how can a fortune as vague as “Do the thing you fear and love is certain,” apply to her?
About the Authors
Julie Wright started her first book when she was fifteen. She’s written over a dozen books since then, is a Whitney Award winner, and feels she’s finally getting the hang of this writing gig. She enjoys speaking to writing groups, youth groups, and schools. She loves reading, eating writing, hiking, playing on the beach with her kids, and snuggling with her husband to watch movies. Julie’s favorite thing to do is watch her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise, but has a healthy respect for ice cream.
Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. After meeting her husband online, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed houseplants. Melanie is a former English teacher and a sometime blogger who loves to laugh and make others laugh. In her down time (ha!), she writes romantic comedies and pines after beautiful shoes.Website * Amazon * Twitter
Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, her latest is Finding Sheba. Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction. She’s the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. Other women’s novels include Heart of the Ocean, The Fortune Café, the Aliso Creek Series, and the Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology Series.Blog * Amazon * Twitter
Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/18/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
March 17, 2014
$200 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway!
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
Giveaway Sponsors:
I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Inspired Kathy
Ripple Effect Romance Series
Author M.A. George
The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl
Meredith & Jennifer’s Musings
Owl Always Be Reading
Author Jennifer Laurens
Bonnie Blythe’s Pure Romance
Bella Street’s Weird Romance
Author Jennifer Faye
Good Choice Reading
Reviews from a Bookworm
Barbara Silkstone
Rae Z. Ryans, Author
The Stubby Pencil
Author David Pandolfe
Hallowed Ink Press
Author Louise Caiola
The Reporter and The Girl
More Than a Review
Kathryn Jones
Once Upon a Twilight
Author Jason Parent
Author Amanda Tru
Author Cidney Swanson
Paige W. Pendleton
Claudia Burgoa
P.M. Richter – author
RoAnna Sylver
Tigris Eden
The Bloggers Nest
J.L. Weil
The Cheap Ebook
Luthando Coeur
Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke
Author Alecia Stone
KellysLuckyYou
Rebecca Talley
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Simple Wyrdings
Tressa’s Wishful Endings
Paranormal book Club (PBC)
Author Stephanie Faris
Author Inger Iversen
Author Theresa DaLayne
Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer
Bound 4 Escape
Author Laura Diamond
Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here:
http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″.
Ends 3/31/14
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 and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
March 15, 2014
Memoriable Beauties C.L.A.!
Finally, some new concepts floating around the web and some serious beauties coming up this year!
I love Jessica Brody’s ‘Unremembered’ series. Both the UK and US covers for Unremembered and Unforgotten or just beautiful! The blue really stands out to me with the water themed color scheme even though I am normally not much of a blue girl. The Winter People by Rebekah L. Purdy is the opposite side of the coin but equally as eye catching and beautiful. I normally am not as attracted to people vs. scenery overlays but this one is so well put together that instead of making my eyes glaze over, it made me stare into hers. The color detail in her eyes is just phenomenal and perfect for catching a reader’s attention.
I LOVE the concept behind Grandmaster by David Klass (though the K looked like an H to me at first). This (to me) is an instant buy. I don’t even know how to describe why but it has that quality that would make me reach for it on a shelf. In the same general color scheme there is Circle of Stones by Catherine Fisher which as first glance seemed simple but attractive –then the closer you look the more beautiful the detail. I have a feeling this will look absolutely mind blowing in hardback with the embossing.
Stranger by Rachel Manija Brown and Sherwood Smith has so many awesome effects it throws me for a tailspin. The lettering is brilliant, the composition is so clear and perfectly executed that if you see me walking around like Elphaba blame my jealousy. There aren’t enough words to explain this awesomeness. Last but not least is Winterspell by Claire Legrand. As a weapons girl this irked me at first because you never hold a blade towards you but then I realized that was why I was staring. It was almost intentional and the other all composition really stays with you. From the colors to the look on the model’s face. The raven and the perfect font. Just breathtaking!
Overall, another beautiful line up that has me swooning!
