Magan Vernon's Blog, page 29

Teaser Tuesday

I haven't done one of these in awhile, so thought I'd reward you all with three teasers from my next three books coming out this year. This includes the first teaser for Off the Market!

        You can add all of these books to your GoodReads and it looks like you all have a lot to look forward to for the rest of 2013 :)  

INDIEpendence Day: Brenda Rothert

This INDIEpendence day, the Indelibles would like to celebrate indie authors (self-published and small-press) by holding up examples of outstanding indie works. We believe that amazing works of fiction can be found in indie novels. By highlighting and bringing greater awareness to quality indie books, people will find great books to read, indie authors get support, and we continue to change hearts and minds about the gems that can be found among self-published and small-press novels.


So who am I celebrating?

My new critique partner and New Adult novelist, Brenda Rothert!




Brenda Rothert started her writing career as a print journalist. She now writes Romances, some Contemporary and others with a twist of dystopian society and adventure. Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three boys. You can find out more about her at BrendaRothert.comAnd her New Adult novel, STRIPPED is HOT



Abby Gillis is used to being called a promiscuous, uneducated whore. It’s all in a day’s work when you’re a stripper. Since her job allows her to support her siblings, 24-year-old Abby takes it all off in stride. She’s never had trouble keeping men at arm’s length – until she meets ER physician Chris Reneau, who is sexy, sweet and interested in more than what’s beneath her clothes. As their relationship unfolds, Abby becomes increasingly aware of the desire building in her for the first time, and of her yearning to be wanted by the one man who truly sees all of her.
Commitment-averse Chris finds himself in uncharted territory. He wants Abby, that’s clear, but he can’t accept not having all of her. As the distance between them erodes, he tries to convince Abby to give up stripping for a chance at something real.
As the two of them get closer, Abby realizes that truly baring it all has nothing to do with her body. Chris makes her feel more exposed than she ever has, and she has to grapple with what’s left when her notions about herself and those around her are stripped away, leaving only the naked truth.You can buy it on Amazon and add it to your Goodreads.

And a guest post from Brenda on New Adult

Books span so many different genres, but I think we can all agree that the best ones have something in common: they evoke emotion. There are books we remember well years after reading them, those we hate to see end and would put on our Top Ten list. For me those books come from varied genres. Some of my all time favorite reads include The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls; Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster, Wool by Hugh Howey and 50 Shades of Grey by E. L. James. These books are all very different from one another, but they are united by one thing: they all made me feel.In her memoir The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls brings the reader along on the emotional, sometimes sad, sometimes uplifting journey that was her childhood. She tells her story in an eloquent but raw way that left me wanting to hug her and cheer for her by the end. Bitter is the New Black is best summed up by its subtitle: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office. Jen Lancaster is smart, quick and hysterically funny. I loved her snarky humor and had so many laugh out loud moments as I read. Hugh Howey’s Wool is a breakout smash success for many reasons: it’s beautifully written, compelling and fresh. I was riveted as I read, not just by his storytelling abilities, but by the story itself. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen, and when I did I was blown away. And I’ve saved the sexiest for last. I doubt I need to tell you about the emotions 50 Shades evoked from me. I’d put my kindle on the nightstand at night and shake my head at James’ ability to repeatedly evoke such strong feelings of arousal and interest. I’ve talked to so many women who took up reading simply because of that book’s effect on them. What an incredible testament to E.L. James’ writing talent. But that brings me to my point (finally, right?): Why is New Adult Romance seen as “less” than other genres by some simply because of the emotions it evokes? A man who likes to be aroused by something he reads is manly, red-blooded and oh-so-normal. But women? We’re considered closet readers of mommy porn. I no longer worry about what I’m “supposed” to read. I only read the books I really want to read, and these days, they’re predominantly New Adult Romances. When I’m able to read, I want to escape, enjoy it and of course, get that HEA. New Adult storylines are generally raw, compelling and emotional. A lot of outstanding writers have followed in E.L. James’ wake, proudly writing Romances that evoke a wide range of emotions including arousal. As a reader, I’m grateful. And as a writer, I salute all of them for laying the groundwork to make New Adult Romance a genre in its own right.
Annnnd I'm giving away an Ecopy! Just enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance
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Why the strange case of Jordin Williams is hurting New Adult

(Photo from Dear Author)


If you don't know about the Jordin Williams/ Liz Thomas/ KA Andrews situation, read this

*Sigh* Like a lot of readers and bloggers out there I feel very betrayed.

Not just because these authors contacted me on GoodReads, recommending their books and trying to connect, but because this hurts every New Adult author out there.

It was bad enough the stigma that YA had after Twilight. All the rumors of people hiring swarms of English majors to come up with the next YA best seller, but New Adult has always had this stigma attached to it, mainly because it didn't start out in the traditional realm.

"New Adult is just sexed up YA"

"It's not a real genre."

Yeah, then people started making the Best seller lists. That didn't stop the stereotype. So then what happens? Some jerk puts out a bunch of books that are the epitome of the stereotype that are blatantly plagiarizing the other books. Worst off? A lot of people didn't notice it at first, proving to some that New Adult is all the same, sexed up YA. Which is NOT true.

Us New Adult authors work hard. We put our heart and souls into these words. We don't just want to write smut. We want something that our readers will enjoy and that we enjoy writing. Now jerks like this "Jordin Williams" take something that we love and smear it. I feel like I have to constantly defend my books for being a "genre that doesn't exist" now I have to defend the fact that I'm a real person and actually wrote my book, not copied and pasted it.

My loyal readers, I can promise you this. I will only recommend books from trusted authors. I will always keep the originality of my work (Hello who else is writing political New Adult? No one!) and I honor and love the New Adult community.  Please don't let one (or multiple personality) jerk offs tarnish New Adult for you.

Cover Reveal for Life, Love, & Lemons

Cover by Allie Brennan at B Design
A new teen fiction book from Magan Vernon coming this August!
When life hands you lemons, sometimes you have to say screw the lemons and bail.
Seventeen-year-old Bentley Evans had it all. Then her Dad got laid off.

Now she has to move across town to a small apartment and leave her life of luxury for public school and a job at the local burger place. Just when her world seems like it's crumbling she finds solace in the unlikely punk boy next door, Kai Rowe. But as their relationship blossoms, a jealous ex-girlfriend and a secret to tell that threatens to bring disaster back into Bentley’s life.

You can add it to your GoodReads and sign up for Magan's newsletter to get all of the updates.



Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman. You can find her ramblings on Facebook Twitter! Pinterest! and her Blog!

Cover Reveal for UnderTow

 



Book #2 in the DRAGONFLY series, coming July 18, 2013!

"Falling in love will pull you under..."

Three friends, three dreams.
One of them will end up dead. T
Two will be forever shattered.

Recovering from her broken heart, Anna decides to spend the semester break diving into the three journals Bill Kyser gave her to read--the journals that hold the secret and that Bill says will help her understand his need for silence.

But the more Anna learns about the tragic events behind the powerful developer’s seclusion, the more she’s convinced silence is a mistake.

Anna has to decide if she’ll keep the secrets or tell him the truth about a past that’s been buried for decades. The only problem is the more she knows, the more Anna realizes either choice could cost her the boy she's starting to love.
About Leigh T. Moore:
Leigh Talbert Moore is the author of the popular young adult romantic comedy  The Truth About Faking , its companion  The Truth About Letting Go , and the mature YA/new adult romantic suspense novel  Rouge , a Quarter Finalist in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
She is an award-winning journalist and editor, who has also worked in marketing and public relations for many years. Her writing has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the southeast and Midwest U.S., and she runs the popular writing-craft blog  That’s Write .
A southern ex-pat and beach bum, she currently lives with her husband, two young children, and one grumpy cat in the Midwest.
Connect online:
Facebook | Amazon Author page | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads
Read excerpts of her books on Wattpad and  Figment !

Release Schedule

I know, I'm not the best at posting lately. Things have been a bit crazy with a toddler and infant. AND to top that all off, I go back to my full-time job today.

Now keep all of that in mind when you look at my release schedule.


2013

Life, Love, & Lemons - August

The Only One (Companion to The Only Exception - October

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Tentative Title)- With the 12 NA's of Christmas in November


Now 2014 is a different story. As you can see, On Paper Wings was pushed back. With the success of The Only Exception, I decided I needed to work on that companion novel first. I also was approached about the wonderful opportunity to do the 12 NA's of Christmas and had to work on that. Lemons was one that was supposed to be released awhile ago, but there was some misunderstandings that didn't get that into fruition until now.

So what's next after these books? Here is a tentative schedule for 2014 (Anything can change though)

On Paper Wings - Winter 2014

New Adult Mafia Thriller - Spring 2014

Tentative for 2014

New Adult Contemporary - Summer 2014

YA Science Fiction - Fall of 2014

Again, these can all change, but I'm excited about bringing all of these works to you!

Dragonfly is here!

 "Dragonfly swept me off my feet! Once I started reading this book it kinda sucked me into the story and I had a hard time putting it down." --Stephanie, My Thoughts... reviews Five Stars! "Angst, longing, jealousy, mystery, secrets, love triangles, sexy scenes! Could you even ask for more? Well you can because it is also very well-written and fast-paced. Great book to dive into poolside, but I will warn you may get so swept up in it you may end up with some sun burn. So I STRONGLY suggest you invest in some sunscreen as well as a copy of Dragonfly ." --Nichole, Goodreads reviewer "I truly enjoyed this one! I thought the characters were intriguing, the mystery and story were interesting and definitely have ME WANTING MORE!!!!!!!" --Mandy, The Romance Bookie “Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in this contemporary family saga. Love, lies, and betrayal become the new normal when Anna enters the world of Jack and Lucy Kyser.” –Magan Vernon, international bestselling author of The Only Exception On Amazon Dragonfly by Leigh Talbert Moore Three bad things I learned this year:-People you trust lie, even parents. -That hot guy, the one who’s totally into you, he might not be the one. -Things are not always how they appear. Three good things I learned this year:-Best friends are always there for you, even when they’re far away. -That other hot guy, the one who remembers your birthday, he just might be the one. -Oh, and things are not always how they appear. Anna Sanders expected an anonymous (and uneventful) senior year until she crossed paths with rich-and-sexy Jack Kyser and his twin sister Lucy. Pulling Anna into their extravagant lifestyle on the Gulf Coast, Lucy pushed Anna outside her comfort zone, and Jack showed her feelings she’d never experienced... Until he mysteriously withdrew. Anna turned to her internship at the city paper and to her old attraction for Julian, a handsome local artist and rising star, for distraction. But both led to her discovery of a decades-old secret closely guarded by the twins’ distant, single father. A secret that could permanently change all their lives. Be watching for Undertow , Book 2 in the Dragonfly series, coming July 18! Falling in Love Changes Everything… “C’mon,” Julian said, helping me stand. “Let’s blow off this party and catch a movie or go to Scoops. This isn’t our scene.” I shook my head. “I just really want to go home.” The tears were trying to start again. “Can I just go home now?” “Sure,” he said, holding my cheek. I took a limping step, and he stopped. “Does it hurt to walk?”  My leg was throbbing. I nodded, looking down, and before I realized what was happening, he was lifting me in his arms.  “Julian, wait,” I held his shoulders. “I’m too heavy!”  “It’s okay,” he said, walking on. I sighed and leaned my head against his shoulder. I didn’t feel like fighting. Gentle pressure against my temple, and he’d kissed me. “You’ll get over this,” I heard him say under his breath.Get Dragonfly today:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes* * * Leigh Talbert Moore is the author of the popular young adult romantic comedy  The Truth About Faking , its companion  The Truth About Letting Go , and the mature YA/new adult romantic suspense novel  Rouge , a Quarter Finalist in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.She is an award-winning journalist and editor, who has also worked in marketing and public relations for many years. Her writing has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the southeast and Midwest U.S., and she runs the popular writing-craft blog  That’s Write .A southern ex-pat and beach bum, she currently lives with her husband, two young children, and one grumpy cat in the Midwest.Connect online:Facebook | Amazon Author page | Twitter | Tumblr |  Goodreads Read excerpts of her books on Wattpad and  Figment !* * *Enter to #WIN a Kindle Touch loaded with all FOUR of Leigh's books AND an exclusive eARC of Undertow; A signed, print set of Dragonfly and Undertow, or ebook sets of both! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vote Trey Chapman for the #NACRUSHTOURNEY

 Did I get your attention?  Good! Because I need YOU.  The NA Crush Tourney has started and Trey Chapman from The Only Exception NEEDS your vote.    So  go to The NA Alley Site and vote Trey Chapman/The Only Exception  And since this is a campaign, I guess I need to make some campaign promises... If Trey Chapman makes the #NACrushTourney nomination, I will post his proposal to Monica.  YES. You will get the full proposal. So, GO. Rock The Vote! Show the world just how smexy American Flags and political boys are    

Happy Book Birthday to Faith Sullivan!

Title: Come What May (Heartbeat #2)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle ($2.99) 
Paperback available at: Amazon ($6.99)





Book Description:

Adam is through with love.



He unravels blaming himself for what happened with Katie.

His final moments with her echo through his nightmares.

She owns him body and soul.

To dull the pain, Adam invites a string of women into his bed. Fueled by alcohol and desperation, his meaningless hook-ups provide little comfort. When he closes his eyes, it's Katie he sees.

The only one who helps to ease his guilt somewhat is Jada. But as his new ambulance partner, Adam considers her off limits. He doesn't want to get seriously involved with anyone, much less her. Yet he can't stop fantasizing about the feel of her caramel skin against his.

Despite his intentions, Adam's bond with Jada deepens as they respond to a series of emotional calls. Their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. But how can he give his heart to Jada when it still belongs to Katie?

Excerpt:

But I’m unsure of where this is going. Is he trying to open up or just making idle conversation? Whatever it is, it’s not enough for me. I crouch, hanging my legs over the side. A cool breeze issues from the waterfall. Its hypnotic rhythm is so relaxing. I can stretch out right here and fall asleep. I lean back on my elbows and close my eyes against the sun. So I’m startled when something smacks me in the face.

It’s Adam’s t-shirt. He’s standing before me in nothing but his jeans. “Care for a swim, Jada?” Laughing, he peers over the edge. All I see are the broad lines of his back. It doesn’t get any sexier than that.

“You’re going to jump into that tiny little pool of water?” My pulse is racing, but somehow I keep my voice steady.

“No, we’re going to climb down together. But you’re going to have to lose some of that clothing first.” His gaze runs across the length of my body, and I’m on fire.

“If you think I’m going to strip down…”

I shut up when I realize he’s bending over me. “Well, you can rid yourself of these muddy shoes for starters.” He undoes the laces and gently slips them off. My breathing gets heavy when his fingers slide up to remove my sock. He doesn’t stop there. On his knees before me, his touch glides up my leg as he rolls the cuff of my pants.

“That takes care of the bottom half. Now what about the top?” I ask brazenly. I’m fighting to regain control of the situation, but it’s a lost cause.

He pulls me up with him, and our bodies are so close together. He grips my waist and I start to get dizzy. Drawing me in, I’m surprised when he tugs at the fabric of my shirt, untucking it in a series of quick motions. His actions cause my chest to rub against his. My legs get shaky and I think I’m going to have to grab onto him for support. But I resist and somehow keep my hands to myself. Slowly, he unfastens the last two buttons and ties the shirt at my waist. His fingertips linger over the exposed skin of my midriff. His touch is driving me wild. I can’t take much more of this.

Stepping back, I feel so exposed even though I’m not showing that much skin. He’s practically naked in front of me and he doesn’t seem embarrassed at all. It’s like he wanted to bring me to some secluded spot in order to seduce me. Was this his plan all along? I’m so confused. Nothing is ever clear with him. It’s impossible to figure out what’s going through his mind and why he’s practically taking off my clothes in the middle of the woods.

And that’s the problem. I kind of like it. His unpredictability keeps me guessing, and I’ve never been so turned on. I’m practically panting before him, wishing his hands would explore every inch of me. But for some reason, it seems like there’s an invisible barrier separating us. He teases me but doesn’t take it further. And all that does is make me want him more. I’m not the type to pursue a guy, but I’d put myself out there for him if I knew that was what he was after. But what if it’s not? We do have to work together, and things can get really awkward between us if I’m wrong.

A shadow of a frown crosses his face when he sees me back away from him. Whatever was happening in that moment is over—I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or relieved. His chest rises and falls as he clenches his fists. The sheer masculine beauty of his sculpted torso is right in front of me. Yet he appears so fragile. Like one hasty word from me will break him. We’re so close. If only I knew his true intentions. Is he just playing with me or is he after something more?

“C’mon, let’s cool off.” But I can’t allow myself to get that close to him again. My thoughts scatter just picturing him against me in the water. With my inhibitions lowered, I’ll be too tempted. If I let down my guard and give into him, I’ll only regret it later when he acts like nothing’s changed between us.

“Nah, you go ahead. I’m just going to stick my feet in.” The creases in his brow deepen, but I don’t stop. “If I have any hope of salvaging this uniform, I don’t think it’ll take any more wear and tear.” It’s the lamest excuse ever, but it’s all I have to go with.

“Suit yourself.” He’s pissed as he makes his way down the rocky incline. He doesn’t even wait for me. What girl wouldn’t want to fool around with him in the water after all that? Who would ever turn him down?

Only me.

The first book of the HEARTBEAT series is only 99 cents on Amazon! 
Click cover to purchase.


Random Things about Author, Faith Sullivan:

- She was so much smarter as a teenager.

- She's a slow reader.

- She tends to like a book more for its characters rather than its plot.

- She appreciates people who are genuinely kind and come through when you need them.

- As a creative person, she's not always fun to live with, but she keeps things interesting.

- She misses the days when all she had was a rotary phone that didn't even have an answering machine.

- She's a child of the 1980s, and a teenager of the 1990s.

- She loves her dog.

- She likes to travel and see new places - when her limited budget allows.

- She thinks in another lifetime she lived in the UK somewhere by the coast.

- When she feels an emotion, she feels it deeply. It's a curse.

- She has an overactive imagination. Writing helps alleviate that problem.

- Nine times out of ten, she believes a good book trumps reality.


Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads


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