Heather Self's Blog, page 4

YA CRUSH TOURNEY--REMIX & RETURN!

It's back, it's back! One of the most fun events, and the main way I first met so many YA loving bloggers and authors, is back! It's been remixed and looks better than ever! Why? MORE books! And what's SUPER-DY DUPER (yes, that's a word) cool is they've included an INDIE category this year so our awesome boys have a chance to see the light of the tourney! Check out the super cool banner!



.And LOOK! That's my cover as the "N". Not gonna lie, I may have teared up a little when I saw that. It was a lovely surprise after a particularly trying week. 
If you've never seen the #YACrushTourney head over to check out the Make sure you follow their instructions to a "T" or your fav may be disqualified. Happy nominating!

Review: Tremble by Jus Accardo

Tremble is third in the Denazen series there may be some SPOILERS ahead! Read at your own risk as it releases on MAY 14th  :)

Dez Cross has problems. She’s almost eighteen and on the verge of losing her mind thanks to the drug Denazen used to enhance her abilities. People close to her have turned their back on the underground and are now fighting for the wrong side. And then there’s Kale... Things couldn’t get any worse.
Until of course, they do. Denazen is about to start a new trial—this one called Domination—and it works. But that means out with the old and in with the new. The order has been given to terminate all remnants of the second trial—including Dez. The good news is that there’s a survivor from the original trial. A woman who’s blood may hold the cure for the second generation of Supremacy kid’s defect. But the underground Sixes aren’t the only ones who know about her….
Cross is willing to throw everything he has to keep Dez from getting the cure—including the one thing that might tear her apart from the inside out

I will confess. It took me a while to read the first books in this series. I'd pretty much reached my max on series with no end in sight and cliffhanger endings. I was contemplating author-cide. Add to that, I'd read a couple of books where the person's touch could kill, and all I could do was roll my eyes that there was another one. I must now LOUDLY apologize to all who told me to go ahead and read it because this series is different. I'm not going to rehash Touch, and Toxic, but will expect you to be smarter than I was and go ahead and read the first two.

Tremble picks up slightly after the end of Toxic. Denazen has gone FAR underground with no signs of them or Kale. Meanwhile, Dez has to pretend to be the same girl she was before Kale was taken, at least in the eyes of the "normal" world. Though fully healed from the events that occurred at the end of Toxic, Dez is still "serum sick" and in one of the first few scenes we're shown that her symptoms are escalating. We also learn there might be a cure if they can find one of the subjects from the original subject batch.

It doesn't take long for Kale to make his appearance in the book, but when he does...UGH! It's more awful than I would have expected. I won't tell you why because it's a HUGE spoiler and I'd rather have you mad at Jus than me. :)

Shocked by their meeting Dez is even more determined to rescue Kale, however Ginger has other plans. Thanks to their inside informant. Ginger knows Denazen is going to terminate all the Supremacy kids and there are still more "out in the wild". Ginger sends them out to try and bring the other kids in before Denazen wipes them out.

Dez runs into Kale again on one of these missions and [insert spoilery thing here]. She's once again overwrought by their meeting, but gains a surprising ally working from inside Denazen. When Dez and Kale meet again for the third time, the fun REALLY starts, by which I mean all the good spoilery stuff that I won't mention.

I was really pleased with this third book in the Touch series. Inroads are gained, and lost, and gained to finding a cure for the Supremacy kids. New friends are made, people die--shocking I know--one character's twist had my jaw dropping, and you even learn some things about the history of Denazen. A fast-paced, frustrating, yet satisfying thrill-ride of a book, Tremble has me ready for book 4.

Go grab it so it can grab you back.

About the Author:

JUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. At the last minute, she realized her path lay with fiction, not food, and passed on the spot to pursue writing. Jus is the bestselling author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book, Touch was released in November 2011 from Entangled Publishing. She is currently working on the next book in the Denazen series
.

Signing News!

Hey y'all! Just wanted to let you  know I will be doing a signing at Hastings in Bryan, Texas on May 11th from 1pm to 3pm with my fabulous friend Quinn Loftis. Her Grey Wolves series is super fun (I can't hear the song Meet Virginia without thinking of book 2) and the first book, Prince of Wolves, is FREE to download. So spread the word my lovelies, and come see us if you're in the area!

On a Personal Note...

FIFTEEN years ago today this is what I was doing:

Yep! That's me on my wedding day, and yes we had a Renaissance wedding. And today I celebrate 15 years with the most amazing, and talented man. This is us now.




All bundled up because we're having freakishly chilly weather in ATX. Here are some of the reasons why I'm still crazy in love with this man after all this time:
He never complains or nags about my less than stellar housekeeping (laundry is a curse from hades)
He is musically talented; I always said I'd marry a guy who could play an instrument. It was kind of a deal breaker if he didn't :)He supports me unconditionally on this crazy writing/author journey
He's not embarrassed by public displays of affection
He's my best friend in the whole entire world.
He loves our boys
He's ridiculously quick witted and makes me laugh
He doesn't pick at me (much) for my strange nonsensical quirks (like hating tomatoes but loving caprese salad)
He listens to me
He knows me and loves me anyway; nothing better than that
He LOVES Jesus
He geeks out over Doctor Who with me
He makes sure that as an introvert I get time to myself to recharge.
He encourages my dreamsHe sings duets with me on road trips--even ones from GLEE
Happy Anniversary, baby. Here's to 15 more (at least).

Review: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever

Following a traumatic school event in which Maelyne reveals herself to be nerd, she comes up with a plan to never be embarrassed or hurt like that again. From that moment on, she shoves nerdy Maddie down during the school year she's "popular Maddie". She's on the cheer squad. She claims to love the same pop music as those around her, even though she secretly can't stand it. She even dates the quarterback of the football team because that's what popular Maddie should do. But that's not who Maddie really is, and her secret identity may get outed by super cutie Logan when he sees through her disguise at the comic book store.

Logan is an UBER nerd, and he doesn't really care who knows it. He's comfortable with himself and his nerdiness and with the exception of being a soccer player he's a card-carrying, nerdy to the max type nerd. We're talking live-action, role playing (aka LARPing) nerdiness. But he's sweet, and thoughtful, and tries to help Maddie be comfortable with herself and with being open about the things she really likes. Because up until now, the only times she's been herself are during the summer breaks.

I really enjoyed this read. I loved both these MC's (and Logan's best friend, Dan. I REALLY loved Dan. Everybody needs a friend like him.) and enjoyed watching their relationship develop. As is to be expected, Maddie has a hard time coming to terms with revealing who she really is and makes some mistakes with Logan along the way, where his "evil" ex is waiting for the opportunity to swoop in and take him back. Fortunately,  Dan (and Logan's mom) were there to help make things right. **Sidenote: I was really happy to see a book where both sets of parents were active and involved in their children's lives**  The story ends with an epic battle of good vs. evil. No, really. It does.

This was a lovely story of being true to yourself, even in the midst of possible criticism and teasing. I recommend this highly. Go ahead. Let your nerd flag fly!

Mini-Reviews: Of Triton by Anna Banks & Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

In light of the frustration that  the Key  (and other works) have been giving me lately, I've been doing A LOT of reading. I mean a TON y'all. I read lots on a regular basis as I can read about 100 (trade pb) pages an hour. So I've been reading 2-3 books a day. See? A lot. In light of all that reading, I figured I'd post some mini-reviews (and full reviews for ones I requested.) So two quick minis! 
I WON both of these books and nearly died when I got them! I wasn't expecting Of Triton so it was a lovely surprise.

Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states all Half-Breeds should be put to death.
As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

Okay, so if you read Of Poseidon you know it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger (curse you, Anna!) but we pick up almost right where it left off. I'm not going to spoil it but let's just say Emma's momma done lost her mind! There's chase scenes, fight scenes, and a big, fat showdown with the "queen of fake" we met in the first book. There's betrayal, kissing, and laughs. Always laughs. Anna's sense of humor helps set this series apart. If you don't follow Anna on twitter you should. She's a hoot--just don't threaten to take away her chocolate. There will be a third book (Of Neptune) which I'm not gonna lie, has me a bit worried as the ending to Of Triton was perfect. I mean seriously perfect. But I suppose if I must read another I will. Anna's writing is just that good. (Her adult novel Degrees of Wrong is also fab.) So grab em! Paperback is on preorder right now and has all kinds of bonus material, including a short story about Grom and Nalia.

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.
Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.
When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

If you jumped on board the Sweet Evil train early (if you didn't the ebook is only $1.99 as of this post), THIS book has been a LONG time coming and people, let me tell you it was worth the wait. Holy moley, y'all. All our major Neph players are back in the game, as well as a couple new additions all uniting together for one thing *insert James Bond type music here*. No, I won't tell you what the message is and what it means for the Neph, but it does focus Anna and give her purpose in the aftermath of her separation from Kai. And Kai *sigh*...we get to see depths to him that were only hinted at before and if you only liked him in Sweet Evil, you'll want to wrap him up and take him home after this book. There were some surprising moments, both sweet (ha) and sad, and there were some revelations that I didn't see coming at all. A fantastic sophomore effort that, thankfully, doesn't end in a horrific cliffhanger, but does leave you wanting more. Now I have to wait FOREVER for the next one!

A Long Over Due Update

So I have some bad news and some good news. Or maybe it's good news and bad news? At any rate, I have news about  the Key.

Good news is my cover artist should be starting on the art for the cover soon. Bad news...I am currently in what my wonderful (and SO right) friend Chelsea Fine calls book two hell. Y'all. I thought the first book was hard to write...this one has been like wrestling with an alligator and the alligator biting my butt every single round.

I  ripped the Key apart for the third time last week and am at the point where I am seriously considering completely starting over. I know, I know. I can hear the groans from here. Believe me no one is bemoaning this set back more than I am.

So what does this mean for release? Honestly, I have no idea. If I can piecemeal it together I could still get it out before Spring is over. If I completely start over (which is looking more likely)...I don't know. I absolutely HATE that it's not out yet, but it's such an important bridge I want to make sure it's built right. In the meantime, I'm going to let the Muse have her reign and write whatever come to mind. I've had several New Adult ideas pop into my head, and my babies keep asking me to write them a story. They're pretty darn cute most of the time and hard to resist, so I may dive into an upper MG (Lord help).

I know this is super disappointing, so I've compiled a list of some of my recent reads (both YA and NA) so you can stay busy reading, while I do my best to stay busy writing. Some of these aren't out yet, but I got to beta read them and they wouldn't be on this list if I didn't really like it/love it/want it forever.

YA                                                                                NA*
(sequels coming soon)                                                 (Releasing soon)      
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks                                          Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase (4/23)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo                             Inhale, Exhale by Sarah M. Ross (5/7)**
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris                                       No Attachments by Tiffany King (4/30) 
(sequels just out--read Bk1 1st)                                 (Out now)
Unravel Me (2) by Tahereh Mafi                                    Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas
Through the Ever Night (2) by Veronica Rossi                Losing It by Cora Carmack
(Out Now)                                                                    Wait for You by J Lynn
Anything by Chelsea Fine                                               Anything by Colleen Hoover
Anything by Jennifer L. Armentrout                                One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare             If You Stay by Courtney Cole
Anything by Tammara Webber*                                     Deeper We Fall by Chelsea Cameron

That should keep y'all busy for a while and I'll edit the list as I think of more. Which I will, since I'm writing this in Starbucks and don't have my bookshelf in front of me. I'll also be better about keeping y'all updated on how the Key is going. Thanks in advance for being so awesome and patient.

*These titles contain content suggested for older readers
**Teaser  here

***EDIT***
Feel free to add any books you're reading/want to share in the comments. I'd love to see what everyone else is into these days.

Shine a Light on Slavery: End it Movement

If you've followed me for a while, you know I'm a big propronent for education on the topic of human trafficking and slavery. March 27th, was Shout Out day for the End It Movement and I posted some of the horrific facts about slavery inn the world today. Today, y'all. Not 200 years ago, but slavery is happening right now. And it's all a bit overwhelming right? What can I do?

It's easier than you think. Today, change your avi, change your profile pic, your banner, etc...and when someone asks you a bout it, tell them why.

You can send them here, or here, or even here. Mark your hand with a red "X", intagram it, tweet about it with hashtag #EndItMovement.

Grab your Vampire Diaries loving friends and watch this video.

Awareness is KEY, y'all. So shine your light, be in it to end it.

Double Cover Reveal: Shark Bait and The Other Fish in the Sea by Jenn Cooksey

Hey y'all! Today is a double reveal day! Or rather a re-reveal and debut reveal. Shark Bait came out about the same time as the One last year, and had a fabulous cover makeover (it's a really funny book too--review coming) and you can scroll down to see it after The Other Fish in the Sea  and a teeny tine teaser.

Camie and Tristan are back and so are their friends! Dive deeper into the lives of the GYP gang with The Other Fish in the Sea, the second installment in the Grab Your Pole Series by Jenn Cooksey.


Teaser:

He didn’t say anything but he gave me a squeeze and a sweet kiss on my forehead before nestling me  closer against him and then, finally, we were both able to fall asleep. And as I did, the delicate sound  of sprinkling rain pattering and nourishing the world outside made me think about the fresh blooms  and new leaves I would no doubt see on the plants. It reminded me that after every storm there will  inevitably be new growth, and that isn’t something to fear, but something to welcome and look forward  to, and really, something to be in awe of.

*Author note: Due to language and some adult content, this book may not be suitable for readers under the age of 16.

Previously homeschooled Camie Ramsey is being shoved into the shark-infested waters of public high school, where even helium filled, penguin bespeckled arm floaties likely won’t help keep her inexperienced, fifteen-year old head above water in that rip current of hormones and emotions.
Camie’s worldly wisdom might be severely lacking (i.e., the closest she’s come to being kissed was sitting too close to the TV whilst Jake Ryan leaned in to give Samantha that fateful 16th birthday kiss), but she does understand her only hope for survival is if she’s thrown some kind of “social” life preserver before she sinks like a freaking rock. However, what will her fate be when she endeavors to flag down the only lifeguard on duty, the enormously popular and ridiculously beautiful Tristan Daniels? The most sought after and virtually most unattainable guy in school who not only makes Camie’s heart flatline on a recurring basis, he’s also the one guy who seemingly doesn’t know she exists.

Feeling like an inept piece of chum that could ultimately be swallowed by Jaws, can Camie get Tristan to rescue her from floundering in the treacherous deep, or is she destined to be Shark Bait?

Author's Note:
While the tales themselves are fictional, some of the events and characters are very loosely based in
reality and on my experiences—but don’t worry, the names of the characters, most of their unfortunate
fashion sense and/or questionable taste in music has been changed to protect the not-so innocent.
______________________________________________

Due to language and some adult content, this book may not be suitable for readers under the age of 16.

About the Author:

Jenn Cooksey is a Southern California girl born and bred, and proudly boasts being a member of Grossmont High School's alumni. She currently resides in the 7th Ring of Hell (aka; Arizona) with her husband (whom she married on a dare while in Las Vegas), their three daughters, and more pets than she has the patience to count. Aside from her husband and one cat, everyone living under the Cooksey's 
roof is female. She's sure her husband will be not only be awarded sainthood when he kicks the bucket,  but that Jesus will welcome him into heaven with a beer and a congratulatory high-five. She also believes  that Bacon should be capitalized. Always.

My Blog - http://jenncooksey.blogspot.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Jenn_Cooksey
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenn-C...
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jenncooksey/

Teaser: Inhale, Exhale by Sarah M. Ross

I'm SOOOOOO excited to share this with y'all!! Sarah is a great friend I beta read for (yes I read this one and oh. my. GRANT. Let's hear it for the cute nerd boys!) and today i get to give y'all a little sneak peek.  AND it's alternating POVs too!! YAY! Check it out then go add it to GR.


Inhale Exhale, a New Adult Contemporary romance from author Sarah M. Ross, releases May 7th.   

Jillian had a plan: celebrate the end of her first year of college with an amazing summer full of beaches, barbeques, and bonfires. When her mom insists she needs a summer job, and her boyfriend spends more time with his band than with her, Jillian’s plans go down the drain.

Grant had a plan: finish his Masters, get a great job at Google, and get the hell out of Georgia. He might be giving up some of the fun of his youth, but he knows his all work and no play method would be worth it when his dreams came true.
But things never go according to plan.

When temptation brings them together and tragedy tears them apart, Jillian and Grant will be forced to choose: fight for their dreams, or fight for each other.

Excerpt:

“Are you sure you’re not breaking it just so I can come back out here? Cause if you want to see me, you don’t have to break expensive equipment to get my attention,” Grant asked earlier that day.

It was the third time I’d had to call IT, and the third time I’d gotten to see the mischievous smile on his face as he walked toward me.
“No, I promise you. I really am this dumb.” I winked playfully, allowing myself to flirt for a minute. It was harmless, right? I’d never actually act on it.
“I’m pretty sure the fact you can say that sentence in several other languages suggests otherwise.”
“Sono davvero questo stupido,” I repeated in Italian.
Grant ran a knuckle down my arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps along the path. “Beautiful,” he said in a whispered breath. My own breathing hitched at his words. “See? Like I said, not a dumb bone in you.”
The all-too-familiar blush crept back onto my face. “You don’t know me that well.”
“I’d like to change that. What are you doing tonight? A bunch of us from work are going to this beach party. I’d love it if you could come.”
For a moment, I pictured myself there. Laughing and having fun around a bonfire and splashing in the ocean. Grant in his board shorts that would hang low, revealing that deep V I was sure was there. But then I snapped out of it, remembering how inappropriate my thoughts were. “I have a boyfriend. I can’t.”
“It’s not a date, Jillian. Just a group of friends hanging out.” He packed up his supplies, but paused before leaving. He stared deeply into my eyes, making my palms sweat. Leaning in close, he whispered in my ear. “If I were asking you out, it wouldn’t be with a group of people. It would be only us—alone—so I wouldn’t have anything from distracting me from admiring every nook and cranny on your beautiful face, Cupcake.”
I swallowed down the lump that formed in my throat. My mouth had gone dry; I was unable to form a thought, let alone words.
“Here.” He reached out and gently took my hand. “I’ll do this old school since you don’t like technology.”
My mouth opened, but I couldn’t respond. I stared at him as he took out a pen. He picked up my tiny hand, which shook slightly, and held it in his own. The contact was slight, but powerful. I was frozen in place as he wrote on my palm. The only movement came from my heart that pounded in my chest. Before he let go, he gently blew on the ink to help it dry, causing me to emit the faintest of moans.
“In case you change your mind,” he whispered, then winked and walked away.

 Be sure to add this to your Goodreads page: 
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17348805-inhale-exhale

To find out more about Sarah and her books, stalk her here:

Website: www.sarahmross.com

Email- sarah@sarahmross.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/SarahtheAuthor

FB- http://www.facebook.com/SarahtheAuthor