Heather Self's Blog, page 13

Cover Reveal: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

So the wonderful folks at Entangled have come up with a new cover for My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century Century by Rachel Harris. To go along with it the chicas over at YA Bound are doing a REALLY cool contest (Rafflecopter below) AND a sweet--haha--never before seen sneak peak, as well as the PREMIERE of the trailer. So I've posted both covers below. Which do you like better?


New Cover Old Cover  Blurb: On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family's trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.  

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. 

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever? 
Author website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 
(YouTube trailer link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYacoZNjz_A)   Never-Before-Seen Excerpt from MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY: 
“I thought I'd teach you a dance from where I come from,” I tell him. “One that's much easier than that multi-step mess inside.” I place my left hand on Lorenzo's shoulder and slip my right one into his. I pause to listen to the music floating over the tinkling voices and bubbling fountain, and begin counting the three-beat tempo. “One, two, three. One, two, three.” I stand still, only my head moving, slowly nodding with my words so he can hear the rhythm. When his head begins subtly bobbing with mine, I show him how to add his feet. He takes a tentative step forward with his left while I step back with my right, then we side step, close, and repeat the steps with our other feet, all while I lightly whisper the beat count. The breeze picks up, blowing my skirt and skimming my veil across the back of my neck. Chills run down my spine, but the warmth coursing through my veins from being in his arms provides a delicious contradiction. Lorenzo continues nervously darting his eyes to our feet, but he is dancing. As he relaxes into the movement, his shoulders rising and falling with the steps, the confidence he always seems to exude creeps back on his face, and he tightens the hold around me. Our faces are kissably close, our lips a hairs breadth away from touching. I stare into the chocolate depths of his eyes and the rest of the ball fades away. The only music guiding our steps is my light whisper and the erratic rhythm of our breathing. Time slows. Lorenzo grins. “I think you got it,” I say breathlessly, running my hand along the soft fabric of his shoulder, feeling the rock-hard muscles underneath. My body curls inward, pressing against his. The proper form for the waltz is a straight spine and shoulders back, but if there was ever a time to break the rules, this is it.

Sounds good right!? As a history major and Renaissance lover (I had a Renaissance wedding) I am SUPER
excited about this book!! And the give away is WAY cool so don't forget to enter!!










About the Author:
As a teen, I threw raging parties that shook my parents' walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels.As an adult, I read and write obsessively, rehash said embarrassing fodder, and dream up characters who become my imaginary friends.
When I'm not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, you can find me homeschooling my two beautiful princesses, hanging out with my amazing husband, or taking a hot bubble bath…next to a pile of chocolate.
MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY is my first novel. I did have my own fantabulous Sweet Sixteen in high school. Sadly, it wasn't televised. 

Blog Tour: Crossroads Saga by Mary Ting

              

Welcome to today's stop on The Crossroads Saga blog Tour hosted by Insane About Books! All the book information you can handle (INCLUDING AN AWESOME EXCERPT) can be found after the "interview". Mary was kind enough to play a round of twenty question with me so check them out and get to know her better. ALSO! Mary is providing an e copy of Crossroads for one lucky winner just leave a comment with email. Enjoy!Ebook or physical copy? Physical copyPlotter or pantser? PlotterFavorite summer vacation? Disney CruiseBest part of being a writer? Meeting people around the world.Favorite way to spend a summer day? Relax on the beach and readCats or Dogs? Dogs. I have a Maltese named MochiIf you couldn't be a writer what would you be? I’m currently a kindergarten teacher. Fav dessert? Cheesecake and fruit tartsFavorite summer food? Sushi Worst part of being a writer? Editing..rewriteIf you could go anywhere for summer vacation where would you go? EuropeVanilla or Chocolate? ChocolateFrom your books, whose your fav character? (Yes, i went there :D) Michael, who’s character is based on my husband. I want his wings to wrap around me and fly us up to the clouds. Do you write to music or have complete silence? Complete silenceKindle or Nook? KindleOn average, how long does it take for you to write a rough draft? My first rough draft…about 6 months.If you could have a super power what would it be? I would love to be able to fly, save money on airfare…lol!Fav food? NoodlesDo you have a writing "spot"? (Coffee shop, place at home) I do my best writing late at night on my bed. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? (can be physical characteristic or habit) I would like to worry less. I worry too much…lol!!! from Goodreads: Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Where, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should?


From Goodreads: As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God’s first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia’s soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside–a place between Heaven and Earth–he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators—nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?Crossroads Exerpt

Sounds good right? Don't forget to leave your comment for a chance to win! And if you made it this far go get a cookie! You deserve it.

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Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

From Goodreads:  Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.


Rating: 5 (possible spoilers read at own risk)


Ok. Ok. I may have to gush a little  bit y'all. The description is pretty much what it's about but there is SO MUCH MORE going on in this book. Janelle has a bit of a rough home life. Her dad is kind of absentee because of her mom's medical condition and that leaves Janelle to basically raise her brother. There is no one more important in her life than her brother Jared and they have a really cool relationship. Her best friend Alex is her rock and the ONLY one she ever turns to for help with well any of the crap that happens in her life.


When Ben brings her back to life after being hit by a truck things start taking an interesting turn. She breaks up with her sorta boyfriend, people who don't exist start showing up dead, and this countdown pulls her in to a mystery bigger than anything she's ever been a part of before.


I seriously LOVED this book. It was action-packed,  and filled with surprises. It was very fast paced and the countdown clock for chapters was pretty brilliant. There were times I had to put the book down and walk away because my heart was racing from the suspense. I am a MAJOR sci-fi nerd so I loved all the references to the X-files. Everyone in my family plays World of Warcraft (level 85 druid, tyvm) so the scene where Janelle is trying to get her brother's attention and can't because he's busy with WoW and has his headphones on made me laugh. That has happened more than one time in this house.


I adored Ben. He's smart and funny and has a very strong sense of right and wrong. He'd admired Janelle from afar for a long time but never approached her--and she'd never sought him out--until the accident. Their relationship gets complicated quickly as truths are revealed but I effing  love ---read the book you'll get that reference after--- his interactions with J-Baby (as she was called by her dad and her dad's partner Struz).


And speaking of Struz...he is a fantastic secondary character as are Jared, and Alex. They help define Janelle's character and flesh her out more.  And y'all she's great!! Determined, intelligent, loving but also flawed. Frustrated, angry, and alive but not really living her brush with death has her reevaluating what she's been doing with her life. 


Finally, the end. OH. MY. The race to the finish was move ahead at warp speed and my heart was right there with it! This was my thought process as I reached the end: Awww...Ben. You're so good. Wait. What's she (Janelle) doing? No she's NOT! OMG! *sob* Oh Ben. Damn I need drink.
And even though the end KILLED me, like flayed me open, it was SO perfect for who these characters are. It could easily end here and be a stand alone and while I wouldn't be 100% satisfied with the end I would  be ok with it. THANK GOODNESS there is going to be another one! It's called Unbreakable  and will be out (arrrrgggghhhh) next year! I can't freaking wait and y'all should go get this so you can gush with me about how awesome it is. 


Overall a fantastic book.  It was stunning, heart-breaking, and brilliant. It left me speechless, hopeful, & dying for more.

You can stalk find the author over on Facebook, Twitter, and the blogosphere . I'm going to.

YA Indie Carnival: YA books for Mom

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms--well as far as the US goes. I know other countries celebrate at different times but Sunday is our day! SO here at the Carni we're suggesting YA books for your favorite mom. Now, I wouldn't presume to recommend a book to someone I don't know (yes that was sarcasm) so am going to list the books that I would like to have for Mother's Day--hopefully the hubs will see this too. I mean---lets get to the list! Below are my top FIVE wants in no particular order that are now available with their links to GoodReads so you can check them out too!
I love this cover and Edgar Allen Poe!  Cinderella alternative? Yes, please!
 <----I've heard nothing but good things about this book and really want to check it out in spite of the heavy content.

-----> Yes, I know I'm behind the 8 ball on this one, but I can only buy so many books and still stay married ;)








This one doesn't come out until May 22 but I HAD to include since it's one I am DYING to read. 



What about y'all? What's on your list? Don't forget to check out what the other Carnies put and their list and click below to find out what's new! There may even be a book for you to add to your TBR!
               
    

Contest! Not Mine-Jodi's

OK y'all. Against my better judgment i am sharing this contest with you. Most of you have seen this cover: What you may not know is that the cover and title for Incarnate 2 has gone live over on Jodi's blog. To go along with it she is hosting her FINAL finger-less mitts contest. Now I love you people and am telling you about this contest 'cause Jodi said I had to so GO CHECK HER BLOG but don't you dare try for my mitts!! I have been after a pair of these suckers since last YEAR. Just how badly do I want them? It's May. In TEXAS. I'd still wear them. 
I WOULD...
Wear them reading in a box!











I'd read and wear with fuzzy socks!


I want those mitts right here:                                                                                                                                                                        





   Not THERE:                                   












So I can where them:
EVERYWHERE

Tour: 30 Days of Daemon

Coinciding with the official start of the #daemoninvsion next week  the 30 Days of Daemon Tour launches to remind us of why we love Daemon Obsidian and the Lux Series so much! Y'all it is a HUGE, spectacular tour and you can find all the stops over on the Entangled  blog. Come back here June 3rd for my Obsidian review as well as my favorite Daemonisms. If you've read the book you know he and Katy have some doozies! I'll also be giving away some fun swag and an ecopy of Obsidian so you can have it read for the release of Onyx in August! All the fun starts in FIVE days so get ready!

YA Indie Carnival: WIP excerpts

Welcome back to the Carnival and this week is a special treat as all the participants are sharing a paragraph from their current WIP. Click on the link above and it will take you to a list of all the participating carnies. You guys know what I've been working on so as a super special treat I'm giving you the first paragraph and smidge of the second chapter of theOne. If you need a refresher on the first chapter you can find it here. 
I walked into my first class flustered from being late and from the parting comment from Mr. Mysterious. I had my head down, using my hair to shield my face. This was standard operating procedure to keep my eyes hidden. The voice of the teacher who greeted me caused me to jerk my head up, eyes wide with surprise. “Welcome to honors Trig, Eveline, I’ve been expecting you. We’ll let the tardy go this time since it is your first day but please be in your seat before the bell rings in future,“ Gabriel scolded in his most authoritative voice as he handed me my textbook. 

And that's it! Not the longest first paragraph but a fun little teaser. Don't forgot to click on the link below to find out what's new with the other carnies!

Also, fellow Carnie Liz Long is trading a copy of her new book Gifted  in exchange for a review on GR/Amazon TODAY ONLY! Tweet her for your copy.

Daemon Invasion has BEGUN!

Finally! We're able to share the deets! Get SUPER excited y'all and check out below for what JLA has to say!!


Over the last couple of weeks, you’ve heard us talking about the upcoming #daemoninvasion and we’re so excited to finally share with you what is going on.Really excited.The beautiful and uber cool models, Pepe Toth and Sztella Tziotziosz, who grace the Lux covers, will be joining us in the United States!  You heard right.  They are flying here, from Hungary to spend a few days as Daemon and Katy! While they are here, they will be working with Vania, from VLC Productions (the team behind Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, Melissa de La Cruz, Kimberly Derting, Moira Young, Kami Garcia and Margret Stohl, Hillary Duff, Lauren Destefano, and many, many more authors’ book trailers), to film book trailers for the Lux Series.During the filming in Atlanta, they will be accompanying us on tour! What does that mean? You get to meet them. In the flesh. They will be participating in the signings and events. At those signings, we’ll be giving away signed posters, photos, and other swag. There will also be meet and greet events you can join in on. At each signing, there will be advanced copies of Onyx given away!And to top things off (as if this isn’t enough, but we don’t do anything small), there’s something very, very exciting in the works! It involves advanced copies of Opal, water, and a little destination known as the Bahamas. I am not kidding. This will be epic. Aare you excited? I am! This tour is going to be so, so much fun, and I’m so thrilled that Pepe and Sztella are a part of it. We owe them a huge thank you and a giant welcome making the 16 hour flight to meet the readers of the Lux Series.  You!Daemon Invasion Signing and Event ScheduleJune 8thFoxTale Book ShoppeWoodstock, GA3:00pm
June 10th Barnes and NobleSt Johns Town Center Jacksonville, FL3:00pm
June 13thBarnes and NobleWaterford Lakes Town Center Orlando, FL3:00pm
June 14thBarnes and NobleThe Palladium at City PlaceWest Palm Beach, FL4:00pm 
There are several #daemoninvasion street teamers out there and if you want to join a team to win exclusive prizes, search down the #daemoninvasion hashtag to join one of the teams!
Don’t forget to visit Jennifer L. Armentrout’s blog to win a signed set of Half-Blood and Pure (insert direct link: http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.co...  in celebration of her adult romance release, Tempting the Best Man, under pen name J. Lynn.  It can be purchased here (insert direct link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tempt... )

Cover Reveal: Redheads Are Soulless by Heather White

It's been a week or so since I did a cover reveal so obviously that's been way too long! Here is the newest from indie author Heather White. I watch a lot of BBC (with all the ginger bashing) and the title of this book had me laughing and totally willing to do the reveal. The cover was designed by Heather over at SupaGurl Books and she did a GREAT job. (LOTS of  Heathers here! #HeathersRule)


High School senior, Sofia Black, has had a very hard life. Since her father's death 7 years ago, she has had to look after her drug addicted, alcoholic mother. School isn't any better for her either. The other kids constantly tease, and ridicule her. All she wants is to get out of her small hometown in Alabama.

When new student, Jason, shows up, Sofia's world is turned upside down. She doesn't understand why he wants to befriend her so badly... And, just when she thinks she can trust him, trouble appears.
Jason's twin brother, Robbie, moves into town, and things go haywire. Sofia is now running for her life - and Jason is forced to share hidden secrets with her. She learns the truth about her father's death, and finds out that she may not be as "human" as she once thought. She struggles to accept her fate, while fighting for her life.
You can find Heather on her blog and twitter.

Daemon Invasion and Street Teams

So you've probably seen a lot of tweets about the #DaemonInvasion and Street Teams and are somewhat confused. Well here's just a tidbit to explain so you KNOW you want to find a team and join the Invasion:


Here's a gist of how the Street Teams will work......post on your blog [lots are recruiting on twitter] for others to join your team. You can have no more then 10 members on your team. Once you have collected your team, send us a group name so we can keep track of you and your team members. We'll then send you the first list of tasks. If you complete those by a certain date you get to move onto the next Tier of Tasks. As long as you and your team keep completing the tasks by the given dates you'll keep moving on to the grand prizes! We'll send you a kit that you can use to accomplish your tasks (we'll also need addresses of your team members if they want a kit as well). Don't worry, the tasks are super easy and fun!
There'll be lots of opportunities to win things along the way and we'll have lots of fun together! 
So some fun things to do together to promote our favorite alien! I mean come on, look at that face! You know you want to.


Super special thanks to Dani over at Refracted Light Reviews for the killer graphic!