Ariella Moon's Blog, page 15

"Covert Hearts" by Ariella Moon

Cover Reveal: Second Chances

No, this isn't a typical Ariella Moon book cover! But "Covert Hearts," my featured second-chance-at- love story, has the unmistakeable elements you've come to expect from Ariella Moon: a mystical, sweet, Young Adult romance. 
Release date: September 12, 2017Available now for pre-order: Amazon 

USA Today's Exclusive Cover Reveal: Second Chances

Second Chances Cover Reveal!
I am super excited to be included with several USA Today and New York Times best selling authors in the upcoming anthology Second Chances! For a sneak peak at USA Today's exclusive cover reveal, click here.


Second Chances
J. Kenner, Christina Lauren, Alyssa Day, Rachel Hauck, Liliana Hart, Marilyn Brant,Kerri Carpenter, CiCi Coughlin, Cassandra Dean, Tina Ferraro, Renee Luke, Ariella Moon, Brandi Willis Schreiber, Lizzie Shane, Sharon Sobel, Damon Suede, and Tara Wyatt


"Covert Hearts" by Ariella Moon
Second Chances

Do you believe in second chances? 

Romance Writers of America® brings together seventeen of today's hottest authors in an anthology of never-before-published tales that reveal true love always deserves a happy ending. With characters who find love through tough situations, in elegant 1800s ballrooms, with an old friend who shows up when least expected, at a tender age when cliques and homework get in the way of relationships, or after a random encounter in an unlikely setting, Second Chances delivers romance to strike every reader’s fancy.
Release Date: September 12, 2017
Available for preorder on Amazon Second Chances ebook. 

A Shaman's Tales of Teens and Magic

Featured Reading:Author Ariella MoonJuly 15, 2017Come, enjoy, buy a book!Open mic included

Koffi at 71-380 Highway 111Rancho Mirage, CA
Time: 2:00 Your Host: Donna Fitzgerald
For more information, contactMSFITZ1951@GMAIL.CO
Ariella Moon will be reading from two of her books, The Beltane Escape and Spell Check, and will share lots of exciting book news!

Reviews For The Beltane Escape: “Ms. Moon creates a magical world and a complex cast of characters that leap right off the page!”InD’tale Magazine, Crowned Heart for Excellence review.
“…a fast-paced adventure that is equal parts Harry Potter, Game of Thrones (a PG version) and Alice in Wonderland.” An iTunes Reader
“Moon really takes fantasy stories to the next level and I’d recommend this to anyone that enjoys them.” Haley, A Page Unbound book reviews.
“I want the second one, I want more of everything. More Fenella, more Wizards, more Fae, more half-Viking hotties…just more of everything! If this novel has any foreshadowing of how the rest of the series is going to be, I can’t wait!” Jessica, Taking It One Book at a Time
Reviews for Spell Check: "Spell Check is a great story for the young adult or the young at heart. I enjoyed the vicarious experience of falling in love, dealing with secrets, and working out best friend issues. Evie’s father dying young does punctuate the need for Evie to live life to the fullest and go after what she wants once she wakes up from her sorrow. It’s food for thought for the rest of us as we enjoy Evie’s spell binding adventure."  Long and Short Reviews
"This book reminded me of the books I used to read as a teenager, and showed me how much I missed witchcraft stories. I loved how the magic and spells wasn’t too overwhelming, it was much more subtle, leaving me to grow attached to the characters and get to know their past and how they came to be who they are today. With the writing style and descriptive nature, this book held me captive, and I loved every part of it from start to finish."  Claire Taylor

About Ariella Moon
Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman to create magical Young Adult fiction. Her series include The Two Realms Trilogy, a medieval fantasy adventure, and The Teen Wytche Saga, a series of sweet contemporary paranormal romances. Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students that mistook her for a leaning post, marred her youth. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. She lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and a media-shy dragon.Ariella loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at: http://www.ariellamoon.com

Teen Wytche Saga Relaunch!

“Spell Check is a great story for the young adult or the young at heart. I enjoyed the vicarious experience of falling in love, dealing with secrets, and working out best friend issues.” ~ Long and Short Reviews

 The Teen Wytche Saga Returns!If you like sweet Young Adult romances - and who doesn't love stories about first love - you will be happy to learn The Teen Wytche Saga relaunch has begun with the publication of Spell Check.
Amazon   Barnes & Noble
ExcerptAbout ten minutes into class, while Mr. Esenberg wrote on the board, I heard Jordan slide his feet under my desk. My breath wedged in my throat as the tips of his size nine high-performance sneakers nudged the heels of my shoes. Could the girl in front of me hear my heart thudding? Should I move my feet forward?My feet tingled and refused to move. A blush blazed across my cheeks. I struggled to pay attention to Mr. Esenberg without making eye contact. Forty minutes passed, the bell blared, and I had no idea what had transpired. Hopefully, my notes will make sense. I think I took notes.Jordan slid his feet back and thudded his book closed. We both bent down and reached for our backpacks. His leaned against mine. Our hands brushed and our heads were so close I could smell his herbal shampoo.Students walked past us. I’m sure some of them were talking to each other or flipping open their cell phones. But it all faded away along with the smell of chalk, highlighters, and sweat. Everything receded except the warmth of Jordan’s skin, his cinnamon gum-scented breath, and the heart-stopping rush sprinting up my arm.“Evie?” We jerked apart. Seeing Parvani in the doorway looking hurt and shocked snapped my senses into hyper focus. Conversations sounded extra loud. Colors seemed too bright. It felt like a movie had started, full blast, in a hushed theater.

About Ariella Moon
Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman to create magical Young Adult fiction. Her series include The Two Realms Trilogy, a medieval fantasy adventure, and The Teen Wytche Saga, a series of sweet contemporary paranormal romances. Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students that mistook her for a leaning post, marred her youth. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. She lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and a media-shy dragon.Ariella loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at: http://www.ariellamoon.comhttp://www.ariellamoon.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/ariellamoon.authorhttp://www.goodreads.com/AuthorAriellaMoonhttp://www.pinterest.com/ariellamoon/http://instagram.com/authorariellamoon

RONE Awards!

The Beltane Escape has been nominated for a RONE Award for excellence in YA Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi!
Reader voting begins today, May 22, and is open for one quick week until May 28.To vote:
1. Go to http://www.indtale.com/2017-rone-awards-week-six
2. Follow the instructions to vote, follow("Click to register)
3. Click the verification link sent to you via email. If you do not verify that you registered, you will be unable to vote.
4. Return to www.indtale.com.
You will find The Beltane Escape under the YA Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi category.
All votes will be greatly appreciated!

Beltane Flower Magic

In ancient times, Beltane festivals celebrated the Celtic sun god, Belenus, and heralded the start of the Celtic summer and growing season. Beltane (“bright fire”) is a time to celebrate renewal, fertility, and growth. In the past, the festivals incorporated the protection of herds, crops, and villagers.
Beltane symbols include the maypole, Green Man, May Queen, bonfires, The Lovers tarot card, May baskets, and May wreaths. Since the celebration marks the emergence of life after winter’s harshness, let us focus on three flowers associated with the festival, their symbolism, and their magical properties.
HawthornFolk names: Whitethorn, Fairy Bush, Hagthorn, May Bush, Mayflower.Gender: Masculine.Planet: Mars.Element: Fire.
The blossoming of the hawthorn tree marked the start of Belenus’s festival. Flowering hawthorn sprigs, which symbolize protection and fertility, would adorn the maypole. (Although conversely, hawthorn leaves placed under a mattress were thought to promote chastity.) In Britain, hawthorn, along with ash and oak, is considered sacred to fairies.


CowslipFolk names: Arthritica, Fairy Cup, Key Flower, Our Lady’s Keys.Gender: Feminine.Planet Venus.Element: Water.
Beltane celebrates youthful fertility, and cowslip was believed to restore or preserve youth. Holding a bunch of cowslip flowers would help you find hidden treasure. But tossing a ball of cowslip flowers into the air while naming a profession, would act as a divination ritual. Whichever profession was shouted when the ball of flowers fell apart would indicate one’s future career.

ElecampaneFolk names: Elf Dock, Elfwort, Horseheal.Gender: Masculine.Planet: Mercury.Element: Air.
Elecampane is associated with fairies, but when worn or sewn into a pink sachet, it attracts love. Elecampane can also be carried for magical protection.
Love, protection, renewal, and fertility are themes woven like maypole ribbons into every aspect of modern and ancient Beltane festivities. 
For more Beltane photos, please visit http://www.pinterest.com/ariellamoon


Don't have a maypole to dance around? You can experience a medieval Beltane festival by reading The Beltane Escape, only $2.99 as an ebook on Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and itunes. Also available in paperback. 
Coming soon: The Amber Elixir, a Two Realms Novella, and The Viking Mist, Book 2, The Two Realms Trilogy.
Reviews for The Beltane Escape“Ms. Moon creates a magical world and a complex cast of characters that leap right off the page!”InD’tale Magazine, Crowned Heart for Excellence review.
“…a fast-paced adventure that is equal parts Harry Potter, Game of Thrones (a PG version) and Alice in Wonderland.” An iTunes Reader
“Moon really takes fantasy stories to the next level and I’d recommend this to anyone that enjoys them.” Haley, A Page Unbound book reviews.
“I want the second one, I want more of everything. More Fenella, more Wizards, more Fae, more half-Viking hotties…just more of everything! If this novel has any foreshadowing of how the rest of the series is going to be, I can’t wait!” Jessica, Taking It One Book at a Time

Blurb
Lady Fenella, Thaness of Thorburn, has no idea her fate is shackled to a powerful sorceress. She believes Merlin and the Lady of the Lake are myths, Gran’s warnings about Fairy are superstition, and Fairy was invented to make children behave. But a spell cast forward to sixteenth century Scotland finds Fenella and leads to her being branded, stolen, and betrothed. Traumatized and separated from her clan, the Highland heiress finds an unexpected ally in her kidnapper’s son. But their fragile romance is tested when the Lady of the Lake lures Fenella’s cousin into Fairy. Fenella has seconds to decide. Should she remain with Edward, or should she dive into Fairy to rescue her beloved cousin, endangering her clan, and abandoning Edward to his ruthless father?

RONE Nominee!

Exciting News!The Beltane Escape has been nominated for the illustrious RONE Award in the YA: Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi category!
Public voting will be May 22-28. 
When the time comes, I will let you know how/where to cast your vote. In the meantime...Happy Dance and Happy Reading!
~Love and light, Ariella
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Amazon UK
 Kobo Books

I Love Mystical Portals!

Elfhame by Anthea Sharp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elfhame is the first book I have read by Anthea Sharp, but it won't be the last! Wonderful world-building, believable and sympathetic characters, and strong goals propel this magical story. Elfhame is a fast read - almost too fast. I wish more time had been spent building the bond between Mara and Bran. Many secondary characters beg to have their stories written as well. I look forward to reading Hawthorne, the next book in this series.


View all my reviews

Book Signing Event!

I invite you to join me at the Desert Writers Expo 
March 30, 20173 PM - 6 PMThe Rancho Mirage Public Library71100 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
I will be selling and signing three of my Young Adult books.

The Beltane Escape

Spell Check

Spell Struck



Come for the swag, the chocolates, and the sneak peek at my next book cover! I look forward to meeting you!
~Ariella Moon

New Young Adult Novel by Krysten Lindsay Hager

Today's spotlight is on Krysten Lindsay Hager, an author known
for transporting her readers to the emotional roller coaster of high school. Enjoy!

Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay HagerYA contemporary romance Published by Clean ReadsBlurb:Emme is a sophomore in high school who starts dating, Brendon Agretti, the popular senior who happens to be a senator's son and well-known for his good looks. Emme feels out of her comfort zone in Brendon's world and it doesn't help that his picture perfect ex, Lauren seems determined to get back into his life along with every other girl who wants to be the future Mrs. Agretti. Emme is already conflicted due to the fact her last boyfriend cheated on her and her whole world is off kilter with her family issues. Life suddenly seems easier keeping Brendon away and relying on her crystals and horoscopes to guide her. Emme soon starts to realize she needs to focus less on the stars and more on her senses. Can Emme get over her insecurities and make her relationship work? Life sure is complicated when you're dating the it guy.

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HdfnUqZPKU
Excerpt: He put the magazine between us, and when I moved forward to see it, he put his arm across the back of my chair. Now lots of guys did put their arms on chair backs, even Kirk did that with Rory, and he definitely wasn’t interested in her, but I couldn’t help but hope it meant something. I got this shivery feeling, and he asked if I was cold. I shook my head. I always got a feeling before something major was about to happen, and it has nothing to do with being cold, but I didn’t know why I got the feeling. Grandma used to do the same thing and always said, “Somebody just walked across my grave.” Somehow I didn’t think Brendon would understand if I told him I needed to move my future burial plot to a less high-traffic area.

“Are we still on for the art fair?” he asked.

I had only been circling it with hearts on my calendar since he asked.

“Sure, I think I’m still free,” I said.

We finished up our work, and he walked me out to meet Kylie.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at three tomorrow,” he said, walking off.

“Can I ask a stupid question?” Kylie asked as soon as Brendon was out of earshot. “What’s he like? Because he’s so well-known, and I can’t imagine what it’d be like to grow up with your whole life under a microscope. I mean, my mom remembers his first birthday party pictures being shown on the news. And he’s hot, but he’s not like I-know-I’m-a-hottie hot, but more like a confident, ‘Yes, I am hot. Any questions?’ I mean, he has to have noticed there aren’t any guys who look like him walking around.”

“I should tell him what you said.”

“Don’t you dare,” Kylie said.

“I get what you mean—he’s grown up with everybody knowing his dad and watching him, but he’s pretty down to earth.”

“So what’s up with you two? You guys didn’t do any work last Saturday, and now you’re going to an art fair.”

“I dunno. He just asked me to go with him.”

“Asked you to go with him as his study buddy or asked you to go with him because he’s desperately in love with you?” she asked.

I said we were just friends, but she wouldn’t let it go.

“Okay, duh, obviously I like him, but let’s be honest. He’s out of my league. He’s out of most people’s league. It’s weird because normally if I like a guy then one of two things happens—either he likes me and asks for my number…or I find out he’s not into me and I cry in my pillow and listen to man-hating music for at least three days,” I said. “But this time’s different because he’s, I dunno, not just ‘some guy.’ I mean, I’m not putting up a shrine to him in my room, and I haven’t rooted though his garbage can, but I have as much chance of going out with him as Kirk does of getting an ‘A’ in this class.”

“You listen to man-hating music?” she asked, and I narrowed my eyes at her. “Whatever. Anyway, Em, he’s asked you out once already, and you are seeing him tomorrow. Plus, he’s always staring at you.”

I said he was probably just bored in class today, but she wouldn’t let it go.

“I’m not just talking about today. When we watched the movie on Monday, he watched you instead, and whenever I see you guys, he acts like there’s no one else in the room,” she said.

I couldn’t hold back the big, stupid smile spreading across my face. “He does? For real?”

She nodded. “You know, it’s weird. Here you were all upset you didn’t have a partner at the beginning of the semester, and then you ended up with like, Mr. Perfection, as your partner.”

Purchase:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBFRX47Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2m5y9OC​itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dating-the-it-guy/id1208876011?mt=11Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dating-the-it-guySmashwords:  www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Dating+the+It+Guy
 Follow KrystenWebsite: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthorPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsayYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClIQCsRcKc97-25oXvabZ8A

Bio: Besides mining her teen years and humiliating moments for her novels, ​Krysten is a also a book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes young adult, middle grade, new adult, and adult fiction as well as humor essays. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in southwestern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows (she's addicted to American Dad to the point where she quotes episodes on a daily basis and also loves Girl Meets World). She's also a third generation Detroit Lions fan.

Krysten writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends...Forever?, Next Door to a Star,  Landry in Like, and Competing with the Star (The Star Series: Book 2). Her debut novel, True Colors, won the Readers Favorite award for best preteen book. Krysten's work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times and on Living Dayton.

Praise for Dating the It Guy:“A sweet, endearing story—you’ll fall in love with Emme just like I did!” --Kimber Leigh Wheaton, YA/NA author
"Hager's authentic characters will resonate with readers of all ages as they are immersed in the story  - complete with teen drama and angst, but also the relationships which make it all worthwhile." --  Leslie L. McKee, book reviewer, Edits and Reviews by Leslie
What people are saying about Krysten’s work:From Teenage Book Recommendations in the UK: "This is a fantastically relatable and real book which I feel captures all of the insecurities and troubles which haunt the modern teenage girl. It is about a young model who has to go through tough times when she is torn between a life as a model and managing her friendships. You learn which friends she can most trust and which will create the drama typical of teenage life. Follow the life of Landry and try to see if you can find out which are her true friends before their true colours are revealed. This book is all about relationships, hopes and truth. I loved this book!"

From Books & Authors Spot: “This book is such an inspiration for those who just care about their looks and are tensed about them. This thing is looks aren't everything. This book is related to every teen's problem. Hager has written a very inspiring novel.”

“Krysten captures the teenage girl today. The struggles are real, the issues are something children have been dealing with since before I was a teen, and oddly-Krysten captures the readers! I was prepared for another "Mean Girls" story. This is NOT that. This is the real story of teenage girls! You watch Landry flower into a young woman who finds out trust is an invaluable item to find, and friendships are hard to seek genuine realism in. You will learn about relationships with not just friends, but peers, boys, and others. The details put into the book will draw you, and make the story so much more realistic. Krysten expresses emotions beautifully through her writing, and the story flows flawlessly…” By Candice J. Conway Simpson

“True Colors, is just a dazzling story of how middle school kids show their true colors of jealousy, drama, loss and gains of friendship. However, the way Krysten wrote her story; she wrote it with passion, creativity and honesty that this story line could be placed in anyone's life at any age.” Review by Double Decker Books

 “Krysten Lindsay Hager understands what it means to be a teen today, and she writes with an authentic voice. Landry, the main character, is funny, lively, and very real. Readers will relate to her struggles with friends and family, self-esteem and self-discovery, boys and school and life in general. It's fun to read about Landry's blossoming modeling career and the changes it brings.” Review by Author Diana Jenkins