Heather Self's Blog, page 11

Review: Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout

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Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…








Rating: 5

So, if you know anything about me you know I'm a HUGE JLA fan and that of all her "hotties" Daemon is my absolute fav--his sarcasm reminds me much of the hubs, so what's not to love there!
I was SUPER lucky to get an eARC and can't thank the Fabulous people over at Entangled enough for it! Now onto the good stuff.

Today is release day for Onyx so if you don't have it--go get it now! This is one of those instances where the sequel is better than the first book.  I can count on one hand the number of times that has happened in my thirty years of reading. If you haven't read Obsidian yet there may be spoilers below but I've done my best to keep it spoiler free.

So after the ending of Obsidian and that thing that happened Katy is fighting her attraction to Daemon even more and questioning any advances he makes on her. Given his past behavior she doesn't believe his actions are motivated by true affection. And let's be honest, if I hadn't read stuff from Daemon's POV I'd be right there with Katy. Daemon is however up to his old, and some new, tricks. (see below)



Add to this picture a little competition (whose really no competition) in the form of new student Blake. Katy sees him as her chance at a normal high school relationship. Daemon is not a fan and can't say that I was either, especially after some really SUPER sweet things that Daemon did for Katy. Even after all the things Daemon did to SHOW, not just tell, that his feelings are genuine, Katy still hangs out with the bozo. I can not tell you how many times I wanted to smack Katy in this book.

As if another boy competing for Katy's affections wasn't enough, the DoD (Department of Defense) has come to town to investigate further that thing that happened. This puts Katy on edge more than usual as she isn't supposed to know anything out of the ordinary about the Blacks.

Secondary characters are still around--Dee, Adam, and company. Some interesting relationship changes take place among the this group of characters. And you get to see more of Katy's mom, who gets her own love interest in this book. But really Onyx is about Daemon, Katy, and Blake.

I won't spoil it by telling you who it is Katy sees or what happens between her and Blake (insert frowny face here) but I WILL tell you the last fourth of the book had me on edge the whole time I was reading. There was one part that broke my heart and the end was a shocker! Not a cliffhanger since many things were resolved, but shocking nonetheless.

I really can't say enough good things about this book and the Lux series in general. Jen has a way of creating characters that you can't help but root for, and against, and fall in love with.

Go get this book then stalk her in any of these places.
Blog
Twitter

PS. The blog has TONS of extras so it's imperative it gets checked out!

Scavenger Hunt: Get Stranded with Hotties

It's August, it's summer, it's hot... but how much hotter would it get if you were stranded on a deserted island with nothing but some swoon-worthy fictional characters to help you survive? Come visit the blogs below from August 13th to August 17th to collect items from a group of true hotties. Then enter your 'gifts' into the entry form for your chance to win a fantabulous grand prize - a Kindle and a pile of books to load onto it!
Now... we can't promise you this group will have the most traditional of survival gear for you. In fact, we can't promise you that you have a hope in Hell of surviving this ordeal. But we can promise... we can promise.. sorry, distracted by the twelve hot guys, waiting...  
The Rules:Visit each blog beginning August 13th, 2012 at 12:01am ESTCollect the 'gifts' from your favorite fictional hotties
Complete the entry form, listing each 'gift' you picked up
Cross your fingers!


The Grand Prize:1 Kindle - Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display
+
ecopies of:
Anathema, and Asylum (Causal Enchantment #1 & 2) ~K.A.Tucker
Dante's Girl ~ Courtney Cole
The Wild Ones ~ M.Leighton
Stained and Here ~ Ella James
Shadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2) ~ Laura Elliott
The One ~Heather Self
The Childe & Dark Days ~ C.A.Kunz
Forever Changed ~ Tiffany King
Awaken & Echo of an Earth Angel ~ Sarah M. Ross
Inescapable ~ Amy Bartol
+
Audiobook of 13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) ~ Laura Elliott
Hello readers! The three guys from my debut novel the One have stopped by to talk with me about being stranded on a dessert isle.Their item to bring was certainly unconventional so look for something unusual. Read the interview, then go to the other blogs listed below it to "collect" all the items that need to be entered into the Rafflecopter form. You can enter on any of the participating blogs.


Me: Ok guys. You're stuck on a deserted island--what one item do you bring? Oh, and you have to reach a consensus on the item.

Chase: I already have an island and it would be impossible for me to get stuck on it so why would I need to bring anything?

Kieran: *rolls eyes* Don't be daft, you know she means hypothetically.

Liam: Am I stuck on the island with these two?

Me: Really, Chase. We all know you have an island and is it really necessary for you to be deliberately obtuse? No, Liam. You're not stuck with these two, though I'm sure some of my readers wouldn't mind that.

C: Well who could blame them, really. Though, there is only one person I'd want to be stuck on a deserted island with. Oh, wait...*wicked grin* I have been.

K: And we all know how well that turned out in the end don't we. *smug smile* If Evy was stuck there too I'd want the item to be something for her. Or does she get to pick her own item?

L: I think you two are missing the point. It's stranded with hotties, not stranded with Evy.

C:  Evy is a hottie

K: For once we agree.

L: You two are ridiculous.

Me: Ok. Focus guys. Fine. Evy is there and she already has her item. What do you bring?

K: Well what did she bring? That would effect the item I chose to bring for her.

Me: *throwing hands up in frustration* Just pick something, Kier.

K: Ok, ok. Knowing Evy she'd probably bring books so, for her, I'd bring her a sketchpad.

C: That's ridiculous. How is she going to draw in it?

L: She'd like that. The way she keeps pencils in her pockets she'd have something to draw with. I like it. Sketchpad for Ev.

C: Seeing as how I'm outvoted here, I shall graciously concur.

L: *snorting* Graciously.

Me: Good enough for me. Thanks guys.

Don't forget to visit the folks below to find out what their hotties are bringing to the island! Hopefully someone is bringing some food!

K.A.TuckerTiffany KingM.LeightonElla JamesSarah RossHeather SelfAmy BartolC.A.KunzCourtney ColeLaura Elliott

Plus... If you're in the Atlanta area on September 1st-2nd and want to meet these fantastic authors, come visit them at the Decatur Book Festival!





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scavenger Hunt/Appearance Announcement

Get Stranded with Hotties Scavenger Hunt - coming next week!

It's August, it's summer, it's hot... but how much hotter would it get if you were stranded on a deserted island with nothing but some swoon-worthy fictional characters to help you survive? Come visit the blogs below from August 13th to August 17th to collect items from a group of true hotties. Then enter your 'gifts' into the entry form for your chance to win a fantabulous grand prize - a Kindle and a pile of books to load onto it!
Now... we can't promise you this group will have the most traditional of survival gear for you. In fact, we can't promise you that you have a hope in Hell of surviving this ordeal. But we can promise... we can promise.. sorry, distracted by the twelve hot guys, waiting...  
The Rules:Visit each blog beginning August 13th, 2012 at 12:01am ESTCollect the 'gifts' from your favorite fictional hotties
Complete the entry form, listing each 'gift' you picked up 
Cross your fingers!
The Stops:K.A.TuckerTiffany KingM.LeightonElla JamesSarah RossHeather SelfAmy BartolC.A.KunzCourtney ColeLaura Elliott
The Grand Prize:1 Kindle - Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display
+
ecopies of:
Anathema, and Asylum (Causal Enchantment #1 & 2) ~K.A.Tucker
Dante's Girl ~ Courtney Cole
The Wild Ones ~ M.Leighton
Stained and Here ~ Ella James
Shadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2) ~ Laura Elliott
The One ~Heather Self
The Childe & Dark Days ~ C.A.Kunz
Forever Changed ~ Tiffany King
Awaken & Echo of an Earth Angel ~ Sarah M. Ross
Inescapable ~ Amy Bartol
+
Audiobook of 13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) ~ Laura Elliott
Make sure to visit us beginning Monday, August 13th to make some new fictional boyfriends, meet some new authors, have some fun, and possibly win a fantastic prize! You'll find the entry form and posts at that time, plus any additional information on the scavenger hunt & giveaway

Plus... If you're in the Atlanta area on September 1st-2nd and want to meet these fantastic authors, come visit them at the Decatur Book Festival!

Weekly Update

I'm going to do my best to make Mondays (yes, I know it's Thursday) a regular post on what's going on/went on for the week. Currently, I'm sitting at the auto repair shop waiting to find out the damage that will befall my pocketbook from an overheating car--I WILL NOT be happy if they say it's the a/c. If you've ever been to Texas in August you understand the necessity of the a/c. That being said, it is allowing me the opportunity to sit here and write this post.
So--updates!
Life: I MOVED! Not very far, just into a new apartment but the packing/moving/unpacking has taken over my life the last few weeks. We're still not completely unpacked (read there are  A LOT of boxes in the garage) and the younger started back to school this week. Only half days, but that plus the car malfunctions have certainly complicated my life.
Book 2: Progress on book has been literally non-existent. *ducks to avoid all objects hurled in my direction* There have been scenes written but I am nowhere near having a first draft done. Real life continues to conspire against me BUT there is a title! And a prologue that won't be included in the final draft but I did post over on Supagurl Books for my feature week. There are also interviews/alt POVs so you should go check it out.
Other News: the One in PAPERBACK! What, what! It's not up on Amazon yet, but you can get it on Creatspace.
Decatur Book Festival! I will be there Labor Day weekend--sharing a table with the AMAZING Georgia Cates and Amy Bartol--with a TON of other Indie authors selling/signing books and giving away goodies! If you're an Indie fan and live within driving distance you should really come by. Entrance is FREE. Need some more incentive? Check out this list!
That's it for now, lovely peeps! I'm going to get some writing done while I wait for the vehicle. The soothing sounds of traffic and construction should provide great inspiration, right?
Contests Coming Soon! (Seriously. I mean this. And yes, it's plural. As in, more than one.)

Cover Reveal: OPTIONS by Abbi Glines

WOOHOO! COVER REVEAL! It's been a while since I've done one and if you've been around a while you know how much I love a good cover reveal. I'm super exted to show y'all the first book in the next series by Abbi Glines--I LOVE her and her books. Her newest While It Lasts  just came out so go grab it while you wait for this one! Ok. so without further ado the AMAZING cover by the magnificent Stephanie Mooney of Mooney Designs


Two paths.Two completely different roads.Each one standing before me.Each one holding a different destiny.In life you're just supposed to choose one path.  In life you're not given the chance at choosing one specific future.Until now.Until me. Why am I different? I don't know. But I'm going to see those roads and walk down each one. When it's over I'll know which one to choose because I'll know my - options.
What do you think?

YA Indie Carnival: Chemistry Contest & Giveaway Winner

Hey y'all! Time for another tour through the carnival! This week we're having a little contest among the authors! We've each posted a scene with some sparks and you get to pick which characters have the best chemistry by voting here! Just leave a comment with which couple had the most heat. Before you scroll down for my excerpt BIG CONGRATS to the winner of the Indie Carnival Anniversary contest:

Emma Michaels 
Now for the excerpt and don't forget to check out what's new from the other carnies after.
I put my hands on my hips causing the blanket to pool in my lap. The teasing look left his eyes as he took in my shoulders, bared by the spaghetti straps of my v-neck tank. His eyes roamed over the exposed skin, each pause of his glance a visual caress. I crossed my arms, unintentionally revealing even more of myself to him, and he inhaled sharply. His eyes flashed to mine, and he searched my face. He slid along the edge of the bed to where I had my back pressed against the wall, his gaze never leaving mine. I was effectively caged in, his body on one side of me and the arm he was leaning on placed by my opposite hip. He radiated heat into the infinitesimal gap that separated our bodies. My lips parted on a swiftly in drawn breath, and when he glanced down at them, I bit the bottom one in anticipation. Chase groaned softly, and heat flared in his eyes. Bracing a hand on the wall beside my head, he leaned in closer. With the other, he cupped my face rubbing his rough thumb over the smoothness of my cheek. We inhaled short shallow gasps through our mouths, and he dipped his head, stopping just short of the spot I ached to have him touch. My lips tingled in anticipation. The vapor of his breath tasted sweet as I inhaled, and I waited for him to move that last excruciating millimeter. 

YA Sisterhood Crush Tourney: Team Daemon!

 All right, DaemonNation! In less than two and a half hours (as of post time) the voting will go live with the AMAZING Val over at Stuck in Books fighting for our favorite guy. Jennifer is giving some great incentives, as usual, for votes accumulated during the tournament with BOTH her guys--see Aiden's match and sneak peeks/teasers from it. Seriously. Go do that. I'll wait. So now that you've done that, here's what's up for grabs with our boy D (my favs are in bold):
500 Votes: A Daemon teaser from Onyx800 Votes: A Daemon POV teaser from Onyx1000 votes: Signed ARC of Onyx (Pepe, Sztella, and me)1300 Votes: A juicy teaser from Deity and Cursed.1550 Votes: Signed Daemon Invasion Tour swag2000 Votes: A juicy teaser from Deity, Cursed, and Unchained 2500 Votes: A signed copy of Diety3000 Votes: A reeeeeaaaal good teaser of OnyxWinning Vote: A deleted, unedited Obsidian scene between Katy and Daemon

**Remember** If Daemon  or  Aiden makes it into the final four, I will share the unedited, special edition "Laptop Scene"
So let's DO THIS DaemonNation! Oh! If you're interested in winning any of the prizes mentioned above just hop on over to Jen's blog and leave a comment. She'll randomly draw a winner as we hit the marks. Now some of you may be wondering why you should vote for Daemon, and the ONLY reason you'd be wondering that is if you hadn't read the books. Shameful. ;) Well, Val will lay out all the reasons on her blog and on the YA Sisterhood blog at midnight, in the meantime...looky here. This is a good reason, right?
So go VOTE starting at midnight eastern!

YA Indie Carnival: Scavenger Hunt and Giveaway!

Celebrate! That's right, y'all! The YA Indie Carnival is celebrating it's birthday by promoting other awesome Indie Authors!! On the Carnival sight is a FANTASTIC giveaway with a ton of books, andeach blog is featuring some great Indies except mine cause I'm always late to the party, so you only get a list from me. Suckage, I know, but the list of authors are pretty darn awesome and some of them even have FREE books on Amazon right now! So check these ladies out, then click on the cake below to enter the MONDO HUGE giveaway!
Tiffany KingM LeightonAddison MooreGeorgia CatesTammara WebberColleen Hoover

YA Indie Carnival: Barefoot

This week at the Carnival we're talking about being barefoot--no not AT the carnival cause that would be gross! I have a short scene to share where the MC from the One is running around sans foot wear. But first! A confession--I am usually barefoot when writing. I don't know what it is about having my feet free that makes writing easier but..there you have it. I prefer to be without shoes whenever possible, though I LOVE shoe shopping. Like REALLY love. Cause you can always find a pair of shoes that looks good!
Now for the excerpt and don't forget to check out what's going on with the other Carnies!
“Ready for a run?” Chase asked softly. I laughed joyfully and spun around in a circle, then took off running tossing a cheeky, catch-me-if-you-can grin over my shoulder. The warm, wet sand sloughed against the bottom of my feet and squished between my toes.  We settled into a companionable rhythm to get muscles loosened up for what was sure to be a strenuous workout.

Weekly Update!

Goooooood morning readers!!!!! I thought to go along with the Tuesday Teaser on the FB Page I'd give a (hopefully) quick update on what's going on with, well...everything. HA! So pardon me if I ramble but I've already had MUCHO coffee this morning and am feeling like this:


           
Ok...so first!
Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who has bought the book and is already harassing me about the sequel.(Cookies for all of you!) I LOOOOOVE it!! It helps keep me motivated! I will continue to post teasers every Tuesday on the FB page from Portal Trilogy 2. I have no firm release date as of yet. The little monsters are out of school and this has made finding ample writing time a challenge.
Paperbacks and swag?
Yes to both!! We (that means the hubs+me) are working, along with  my cover artist, on getting things uploaded to Createspace so a paperback version should be available before the end of summer. Currently for swag, I have postcards that look like this (front and back)--

quality of pic is meh but it's from my phone so what do ya' do?--and will be adding more (like the spearmint bath salts) soon. I'm also considering doing a BIG art contest with book/swag prizes in the next month or so. So if you know any artists who like to win stuff give them the heads up! I'll be posting deets on the blog and linking to FB and twitter.
Other Stuffs: FAQs/Books Page
I've been getting questions about The Kin Series and Portal Triliogy so will try to post them on the book page once we get that finished. If there are questions you'd like to ask feel free to email me at authorheatherself at gmail dot com. I can't promise to give you the answer ;) but I'll do my best to clarify any confusing points. Just don't get mad if I don't answer right away as I'll be at  in Nashville with limited availability starting TOMORROW!! If you're going to be there...find me!! I'm bringing all the swag I have for you amazing people!
Also, if you haven't heard, the amazing gals over at the YA Sisterhood are doing their annual crush tourney
 so go check that out and support your fav book boyfriend! I'm ALL about the #DaemonNation and #TeamDaemonFTW! His advocate is Valerie over at Stuck in Books so join the team if you LOVE Daemon! The tourney is a really great way to meet people, chat books you love, and discover new ones!

Finally, I'm going to end this post the way i started with a big...fat...

you guys make all the heart-wrenching work, and LATE nights, and EARLY mornings worth it! Thanks for reading and recommending!