Jo Michaels's Blog, page 81

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Nine

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! We're down to the wire and have just four days left! I can't believe it all happened so quickly, can you? Christmas is just around the corner. Spread a little holiday cheer for the authors in the rundown list and go check out their books on Amazon. If you missed the master list of prizes, check out this post. Today, I'm gonna start with books on the review list for 2014 (some are from this competition, some are ones I chose for myself). I'm signing up over at the B00k R3vi3ws by DDS blog, run by Debdatta Dasgupta Sahay, for the Indie Fever Reading Challenge 2014. If you're a reviewer, you might consider joining. Collectively, we reviewed 350 INDIE books last year. It's also a great resource list if you're an Indie seeking reviews.

Here are the books on my review list so far in no particular order:

Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99
Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99
L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99
Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99
Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99
Peprah Boasiako The Hitman Amazon Kindle $0.9
David T Griffith The Bestiarum Vocabulum Amazon Kindle $3.99
Heather Topham Wood The Memory Witch Amazon Kindle $7.99
N. L. Greene Illusions Begin (I have an ARC)
J. A. Huss Tragic Amazon Kindle **FREE**
Morgan Wylie Silent Orchids Amazon Kindle **FREE**
Laura Howard The Forgotten Ones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Pauline Creeden Sanctuary Amazon Kindle $0.99

I plan to add at least four more from this contest to the ranks. Time to do the rundown!

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
S. G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
Molly Taggart Roots that Clutch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Stephanie Erickson The Cure Amazon Kindle $2.99
Massimo Marino Daimones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Felicia Tatum Mangled Hearts Amazon Kindle $1.99
Beem Weeks Jazz Baby Amazon Kindle $3.99
C. S. Janey Surrender To You Amazon Kindle $2.51
Judy Goodwin Heart of the Witch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Jerrie Brock Something Taken Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell The Hunters Amazon Kindle $4.99
Kathy Garlock Gone for a Soldier Amazon Kindle $2.99
Molly Taggart Off Target Amazon Kindle $2.99
Emily Street The Velocipede Races Amazon Kindle $3.99
Heidi Angell Elements of a Broken Mind Amazon Kindle $4.99
Edward M Wolfe Devon's Last Chance Amazon Kindle $0.99 
S. G. Daniels The Druid's Doorway Amazon Kindle $3.99
Vardan Partamyan The After/Life Amazon Kindle $0.99
Tina Brescanu Destined Union Amazon Kindle $4.99
Liney Westlund Stella's Saga: Book One Amazon Kindle $2.99
Beth Deitchman Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Train to Nowhere Amazon Kindle $2.99
Eric A. Maskell The Veil Amazon Kindle $2.99
Skylar Hamilton Burris The Strange Marriage of Anne de Bourgh Amazon Kindle $2.99
Erin McDowell Dark Luminance Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Finnegan's Quest Amazon Kindle $4.99
Emily Street and Beth Deitchman The Painted Dog and Other Stories Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell Angel's Dance Smashwords --Set your own price.--
Gloria Manjarrez Emperor's Hostages Amazon Kindle $2.99
J. S. Marlo Cold Sweat (Heart & Endurance #1) Amazon Kindle $4.99
Gloria Manjarrez That Other Kind Amazon Kindle $2.99
Tamar Hela Feast Island Amazon Kindle $2.99
Chris Harrison We Are Toten Herzen Amazon Kindle $3.05
Thaddeus White Sir Edric's Temple Amazon Kindle $2.99
Michele Cooke Dead and Buryd Amazon Kindle $3.99
Skylar Hamilton Burris A Greater Sound By Far Amazon Kindle $2.99
J. S. Marlo Unscripted (Duty Bound Series #1) Amazon Kindle $5.49
Kay Camden The Alignment Amazon Kindle $4.99
Gloria Manjarrez Long Pig Smashwords $1.99
H. L. Carpenter Jack and The Fountain of Youth Amazon Kindle $2.25

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter OR you sent me a print only book (which I cannot sample). Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the whole form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I also don't go in order. Keeping you all guessing 'til the end is my fun time. I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

Winners from yesterday:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations! You've all won an ecopy of The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book !  You're really gonna love this one!

Now it's time to announce the author added to the review list!

Sir Edric's Temple by Thaddeus White
AND
Surrender to You by C. S. Janey

I know, I just wanted to finish them both so badly! Besides, Thaddeus had a great pitch and Cassandra has been back every day entering and playing along. Congratulations to you both!

Your books have been shared: Sir Edric Surrender, tweeted: Sir Edric Surrender, pinned: Sir Edric Surrender, and added to my Goodreads TBR list for this contest.

From now until day 12, these books will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

On to the entry form for today...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Eight

Happy Thursday, everyone! We're back for another day of book pitching fun. I do hope you've taken a moment to check out one of the authors on the list below. If not, how about heading on over to Amazon and doing that now? Authors, so sorry if you put a referral code in your link. I removed it. That doesn't happen here on the Jo Michaels blog. If you missed the master list of prizes, check out this post. Before we move on to other things, here are the entries so far:

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
*Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99*WINNER*
*Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99*WINNER*
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
*L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99*WINNER*
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
*Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99*WINNER*
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
*Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99*WINNER*
Molly Taggart Roots that Clutch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Stephanie Erickson The Cure Amazon Kindle $2.99
Peprah Boasiako The Hitman Amazon Kindle $0.99
Massimo Marino Daimones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Felicia Tatum Mangled Hearts Amazon Kindle $1.99
Beem Weeks Jazz Baby Amazon Kindle $3.99
C.S. Janey Surrender To You Amazon Kindle $2.51
Judy Goodwin Heart of the Witch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Jerrie Brock Something Taken Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell The Hunters Amazon Kindle $4.99
*David T Griffith The Bestiarum Vocabulum Amazon Kindle $3.99*WINNER*
Kathy Garlock Gone for a Soldier Amazon Kindle $2.99
Molly Taggart Off Target Amazon Kindle $2.99
Emily Street The Velocipede Races Amazon Kindle $3.99
Heidi Angell Elements of a Broken Mind Amazon Kindle $4.99
Edward M Wolfe Devon's Last Chance Amazon Kindle $0.99 
S.G. Daniels The Druid's Doorway Amazon Kindle $3.99
Vardan Partamyan The After/Life Amazon Kindle $0.99
Tina Brescanu Destined Union Amazon Kindle $4.99
Liney Westlund Stella's Saga: Book One Amazon Kindle $2.99
Beth Deitchman Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Train to Nowhere Amazon Kindle $2.99
Eric A. Maskell The Veil Amazon Kindle $2.99
Skylar Hamilton Burris The Strange Marriage of Anne de Bourgh Amazon Kindle $2.99
Erin McDowell Dark Luminance Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Finnegan's Quest Amazon Kindle $4.99
Emily Street and Beth Deitchman The Painted Dog and Other Stories Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell Angel's Dance Smashwords --Set your own price.--
Gloria Manjarrez Emperor's Hostages Amazon Kindle $2.99
J.S. Marlo Cold Sweat (Heart & Endurance #1) Amazon Kindle $4.99
Gloria Manjarrez That Other Kind Amazon Kindle $2.99
Tamar Hela Feast Island Amazon Kindle $2.99
Chris Harrison We Are Toten Herzen Amazon Kindle $3.05
Thaddeus White Sir Edric's Temple Amazon Kindle $2.99
Michele Cooke Dead and Buryd Amazon Kindle $3.99

I've read the samples for many of these. I love the new collection feature on the Kindle iPad app.

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter OR you sent me a print only book (which I cannot sample). Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I also don't go in order. Keeping you all guessing 'til the end is my fun time. I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

Okay, enough of my babbling! On to the widget with the winners from yesterday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to you all!! I'll be sending your prizes here in a little while!

And, the winning author for today is...

The Hitman by Peprah Boasiako!!

A hearty congratulations! Your book has been shared, tweeted, pinned, and added to my Goodreads TBR list for this contest.

Why? Well, not only has Peprah been back daily, following along and leaving wonderful comments, her book has a unique premise and got me from the sample.

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.** 

Now, the entry form for the contest today. A book I know a LOT of people would kill to get their hands on for free:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yeah, I'm giving away that many.

I know, it's exciting for me, too.

Just in case you missed it, there are a couple more giveaways going on. The first, is for two printed copies of a YA Sci-Fi novel titled A Pair of Docks. You can enter that one here. The second, is for two Kindle Fire HDX tablets and scads of books by some amazing Indie authors. Enter that one here.

Good luck to readers and authors alike.

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Seven

Welcome back to Wednesday, everyone! If you're here, that means you survived the first six days of the crazy Christmas fun here on the blog. Today we're doing things a little bit differently. I'm gonna show you the winners of the contest from last year and give you links so you can check out the reviews here on my blog. Then, we'll move on to today's widget and pitch fest!

From last year's 12 Days:
Kate Baggott - Love From Planet Wine Cooler Amazon link $4.99 Review here.
Michael Cargill - Underneath Amazon link $4.99 Review here.
Ginney Etherton - Looping in Limbo (Lainey Tidwell Series) Amazon link $2.99 Review here.
Leonardo Noto - Intrusive Memory Amazon link $4.99 Review here.

Not everyone who made it onto the list last year got a review. I did my best, but some of the books just weren't readable. I did things differently this year and didn't use random.org. I chose to select the books from the samples instead.

Here are the books I reviewed just because:
Wade Faubert - Taken Before Her Very Eyes Amazon link $2.99 Review here.
Heather Topham Wood - Dark Premonitions (Second Sight Book 3) Amazon link $3.49 Review here.
Heather Topham Wood - The Disappearing Girl Amazon link $2.99 Review here.
Tia Silverthorne Bach - Chasing Memories Amazon link $2.99 Review here.
Felicia Tatum - The White Aura Amazon link *FREE* Review here.
Cornelia Funke - Reckless Amazon link Free (PREVIEW not avail digitally) $8.99 Review here.
Tia Silverthorne Bach & Angela Beach Silverthorne - Depression Cookies Amazon link $3.03 Review here.
N. L. Greene - Twisted Amazon link $2.99 Review here.
Cornelia Funke - Fearless Amazon link $8.89 Review here.
Allyson Gottlieb - Darkest Legacy Amazon link $0.99 Review here.
Jamie McGuire - Red Hill Amazon link $7.59 Review here.
Rick Riordan - The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus Book 4) Amazon link $7.14 Review here.
Megan Curd - Steel Lily Amazon link $0.99 Review here.

And now, the awesome video!!



On to the fun for today! The Rundown:

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
*Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99*
*Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99*
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
*L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99*
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
*Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99*
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
*Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99*
Molly Taggart Roots that Clutch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Stephanie Erickson The Cure Amazon Kindle $2.99
Peprah Boasiako The Hitman Amazon Kindle $0.99
Massimo Marino Daimones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Felicia Tatum Mangled Hearts Amazon Kindle $1.99
Beem Weeks Jazz Baby Amazon Kindle $3.99
C.S. Janey Surrender To You Amazon Kindle $2.51
Judy Goodwin Heart of the Witch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Jerrie Brock Something Taken Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell The Hunters Amazon Kindle $4.99
David T Griffith The Bestiarum Vocabulum Amazon Kindle $3.99
Kathy Garlock Gone for a Soldier Amazon Kindle $2.99
Molly Taggart Off Target Amazon Kindle $2.99
Emily Street The Velocipede Races Amazon Kindle $3.99
Heidi Angell Elements of a Broken Mind Amazon Kindle $4.99
Edward M Wolfe Devon's Last Chance Amazon Kindle $0.99 
S.G. Daniels The Druid's Doorway Amazon Kindle $3.99
Vardan Partamyan The After/Life Amazon Kindle $0.99
Tina Brescanu Destined Union Amazon Kindle $4.99
Liney Westlund Stella's Saga: Book One Amazon Kindle $2.99
Beth Deitchman Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Train to Nowhere Amazon Kindle $2.99
Eric A. Maskell The Veil Amazon Kindle $2.99
Skylar Hamilton Burris The Strange Marriage of Anne de Bourgh Amazon Kindle $2.99
Erin McDowell Dark Luminance Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Finnegan's Quest Amazon Kindle $4.99
Emily Street and Beth Deitchman The Painted Dog and Other Stories Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell Angel's Dance Amazon $10.72 (I can't sample this one - no Kindle version)
Gloria Manjarrez Emperor's Hostages Amazon Kindle $2.99

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter OR you sent me a print only book (which I cannot sample). Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

Now for the winner announcement for the prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And, the Indie author winner for today is:

The Bestiarum Vocabulum (TRES LIBRORUM PROHIBITORUM) by David T Griffith and a slew of other authors.

Congratulations! Your book has been shared, tweeted, pinned, and added to my Goodreads TBR list for this contest.

I chose it because it's unique, well written, and scary (love scary!).

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

It's time for today's widget!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for coming to the party! We're halfway there.

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Six

Happy Tuesday, good people of the blogosphere! Welcome back to the pitching madness. I know you're all eagerly awaiting the results for today. If you missed it, get on over to the master page for the prize list. You can find it here. Before I get into announcing the winners of both the rafflecopter and the review, I'd like to do my daily rundown of entries. Here they are, in the order in which they were received:

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
*Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99*
*Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99*
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
*L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99*
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
*Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99*
Molly Taggart Roots that Clutch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Stephanie Erickson The Cure Amazon Kindle $2.99
Peprah Boasiako The Hitman Amazon Kindle $0.99
Massimo Marino Daimones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Felicia Tatum Mangled Hearts Amazon Kindle $1.99
Beem Weeks Jazz Baby Amazon Kindle $3.99
C.S. Janey Surrender To You Amazon Kindle $2.51
Judy Goodwin Heart of the Witch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Jerrie Brock Something Taken Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell The Hunters Amazon Kindle $4.99
David T Griffith The Bestiarum Vocabulum Amazon Kindle $3.99
Kathy Garlock Gone for a Soldier Amazon Kindle $2.99
Molly Taggart Off Target Amazon Kindle $2.99
Emily Street The Velocipede Races Amazon Kindle $3.99
Heidi Angell Elements of a Broken Mind Amazon Kindle $4.99
Edward M Wolfe Devon's Last Chance Amazon Kindle $0.99 
S.G. Daniels The Druid's Doorway Amazon Kindle $3.99
Vardan Partamyan The After/Life Amazon Kindle $0.99
Tina Brescanu Destined Union Amazon Kindle $4.99
Liney Westlund Stella's Saga: Book One Amazon Kindle $2.99
Beth Deitchman Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Train to Nowhere Amazon Kindle $2.99
Eric A. Maskell The Veil Amazon Kindle $2.99
Skylar Hamilton Burris The Strange Marriage of Anne de Bourgh Amazon Kindle $2.99
Erin McDowell Dark Luminance Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Finnegan's Quest Amazon Kindle $4.99

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter OR you sent me a print only book (which I cannot sample). Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I also don't go in order. Keeping you all guessing 'til the end is my fun time. I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

Now for the winner announcement for the prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to all of you! I'll be in touch today to find out how to get you your prizes.

Time to announce the next book that's been added to the review pile for 2014!

The Witch Who Cried Wolf by Sarah Mäkelä

CONGRATS! Your book has been shared, tweeted, pinned, and added to my Goodreads TBR list for this contest.

Why? Well, I got to the last page of the sample and was very depressed there was no more! I was totally into it and I'm looking forward to reading more. Well done, Sarah! There are another couple that have been chosen, just not bought or announced yet. Hey, it's my job to keep you all on your toes!

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

It's time for today's widget!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to you all!

Tomorrow, I'm gonna have a rundown of last year's winners, links to their reviews, and an awesome video for you to watch so come on back for that! If you like to win books, there's a great giveaway for two printed copies of a Young Adult Sci-Fi novel going on over on the IBGW blog. Oh, and it's international :)

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

A Guest Post by Bethany Lopez

Happy Monday, good people of the blogosphere! This is the first of two posts today, the other will be the 12 Days of Christmas Day Four post. In keeping with my Monday posts for the awesome ladies of UtopYA, today I have a guest post by Ms. Bethany Lopez. If you don't have tickets to UtopYA Con 2014 yet, click the name to grab them NOW. The price goes up after the start of the year. I look forward to meeting you all there! Without any more gabbing on my part, I give you Bethany's guest post on the New Adult genre!

What New Adult Means to Meby Author Bethany Lopez
I started out writing Young Adult, because my daughters were young teenagers at the time, and I wanted to write something that they would enjoy. I’ve written five Young Adult books so far, and my kids have really enjoyed them, but in the summer of 2012, I decided to write something that I would really enjoy.

To me, New Adult embodies some of the most challenging, exciting, and enjoyable parts of life. You’re out on your own for the first time, and suddenly, you’re responsible for your own actions. You fail and succeed all on your own, with no one to fall back on. It’s a time of self-discovery. Everything seems heightened. Your friendships are stronger, and your relationships, more important.

I decided I wanted to write about that time, so I began writing Make it Last. One book turned in to three, and I really wanted to make each one different, but still have the same feel. I made the trilogy about a group of friends, with each book focusing on one relationship.

We are all so different, and there are so many different ways to describe that pivotal time of our lives. Some people go away to college, some people stay with their parents and go to community college. College isn’t for everyone, so some people go straight to work, or learn a trade. Others join the military. It’s also fun to write about what happens right after you graduate, or start working your way up. Then there are the relationships. Will you play the field, or are you more interested in serious relationships.

New Adult is exciting because we’ve all been there. That time of your life can be devastating, confusing, and oh, so rewarding. It’s when we decide what we want to do with our lives, and the kind of person we want to be.

I’ve published four New Adult titles so far, and I’ve just finished the first book in another New Adult Series. I read constantly, and am always excited to see what other writers will choose to spin a tale about. I love the possibilities, and the many different adventures that are still to come.

What does New Adult mean to you?

~ Bethany Lopez

I love New Adult! Writing my NA books were so much fun. Thanks for the post, Bethany! I can't wait to meet you at UtopYA in June!

Now, on to information for Bethany's featured book!

Title: Indelible
Author: Bethany Lopez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length (print): 255 pages
Links to Purchase: Amazon - Kindle $2.99  B&N - Nook $2.99

Synopsis: After a year of partying, Sam decides to buckle down and focus on college. Things are going great until a one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. Raising a child while going to school isn’t easy, but Sam is determined to be strong for her daughter. She doesn’t have time for guys or relationships, and takes great care to protect her child and her heart.

Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His long hair and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother?

Sam yearns for the fire that Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?

And, since your finger is in the clicking mode, why not give Ms. Lopez a follow on social media?
Goodreads: Bethany Lopez
Blogger: Bethany's Writing Journey


Thanks for stopping by to read what Bethany had to share! Be sure and stay tuned for the 12 Days of Christmas post! Coming live in a few minutes! Bethany will be featured on the sidebar of the blog for the next week.

Well, that's all for this post, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Five

Happy Monday for the second time, everyone! Welcome back to the contest. I know you're all eagerly awaiting the results for today. First, let me direct you to the master page for the prize list. You can find it here. Before I get into announcing the winners of both the rafflecopter and the review, I'd like to do my daily rundown of entries. Here they are, in the order in which they were received:

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
*Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99*
*Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99*
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
*L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99*
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99
Molly Taggart Roots that Clutch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Stephanie Erickson The Cure Amazon Kindle $2.99
Peprah Boasiako The Hitman Amazon Kindle $0.99
Massimo Marino Daimones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Felicia Tatum Mangled Hearts Amazon Kindle $1.99
Beem Weeks Jazz Baby Amazon Kindle $3.99
Cassandra Janey Surrender To You Amazon Kindle $2.51
Judy Goodwin Heart of the Witch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Jerrie Brock Something Taken Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell The Hunters Amazon Kindle $4.99
David T Griffith The Bestiarum Vocabulum Amazon Kindle $3.99
Kathy Garlock Gone for a Soldier Amazon Kindle $2.99
Molly Taggart Off Target Amazon Kindle $2.99
Emily Street The Velocipede Races Amazon Kindle $3.99
Heidi Angell Elements of a Broken Mind Amazon Kindle $4.99
Edward M Wolfe Devon's Last Chance Amazon Kindle $0.99 
S.G. Daniels The Druid's Doorway Amazon Kindle $3.99
Vardan Partamyan The After/Life Amazon Kindle $0.99
Tina Brescanu Destined Union Amazon Kindle $4.99
Liney Westlund Stella's Saga: Book One Amazon Kindle $2.99
Beth Deitchman Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven Amazon Kindle $3.99
Gloria Manjarrez Train to Nowhere Amazon Kindle $2.99
Eric A. Maskell The Veil Amazon Kindle $2.99

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter OR you sent me a print only book (which I cannot sample). Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

Now for the winner announcement for the prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats! How exciting is that? I'll be in touch with you sometime today to find out how to get you guys your prize.

Time to announce the next book that's been added to the review pile for 2014!

Masked Encounters by Felicia Tatum

CONGRATS! Your book has been shared, tweeted, pinned, and added to my Goodreads TBR list for this contest.

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

It's time for today's widget!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone who enters, both readers and authors alike!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Twelve Days of Christmas 2013 Day Four

Happy Sunday, readers of my blog! Do I tell you often enough how awesome you all are? Because it's true! Why else would I be giving you copies of my books? If you want to check out the master list of gifts, go here. I'm sure those folks who follow my reviews are anxious to see what books I've pulled from the pile and added to my list. So, I won't go on and on here. Let's begin with a rundown of the books added thus far:


Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
*Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99*
*Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99*
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99
Molly Taggart Roots that Clutch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Stephanie Erickson The Cure Amazon Kindle $2.99
Peprah Boasiako The Hitman Amazon Kindle $0.99
Massimo Marino Daimones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Felicia Tatum Mangled Hearts Amazon Kindle $1.99
Beem Weeks Jazz Baby Amazon Kindle $3.99
Cassandra Janey Surrender To You Amazon Kindle $2.51
Judy Goodwin Heart of the Witch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Jerrie Brock Something Taken Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell The Hunters Amazon Kindle $4.99
David T Griffith The Bestiarum Vocabulum Amazon Kindle $3.99
Kathy Garlock Gone for a Soldier Amazon Kindle $2.99
Molly Taggart Off Target Amazon Kindle $2.99
Emily Street The Velocipede Races Amazon Kindle $3.99
Heidi Angell Elements of a Broken Mind Amazon Kindle $4.99
Edward M Wolfe Devon's Last Chance Amazon Kindle $0.99 

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter. Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

The winners of the prizes from yesterday are:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations! I've sent you messages to find out how to get you your prizes!

And, the next author/book chosen for the review pile is...

Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 by L.K. Evans.

Good job! Not only did her sample blow me away, she's also been back every day participating. Yeah, that matters :)

L.K., your book has been tweeted, shared, pinned, and added to my Goodreads TBR list for this contest. Congratulations! I look forward to reading and reviewing it.

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

Let's move on to today's fun prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to all authors and readers who enter!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Twelve Days of Christmas 2013 Day Three

Happy Saturday, everyone! Well, here we are on day three. The insanity keeps growing! Before we move on to other things (i.e. today's giveaway), I'm gonna list the entries in the contest so far (authors, if you put in a referral link, I removed it. Sorry, I don't do that here), announce the winner of yesterday's giveaway, and tell you the title of the book I chose to review! If you want to see the master page of prizes, go here. Here's my list so far:

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
*Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99*
Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Molly Taggart Roots that Clutch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Stephanie Erickson The Cure Amazon Kindle $2.99
Peprah Boasiako The Hitman Amazon Kindle $0.99
Massimo Marino Daimones Amazon Kindle $2.99
Felicia Tatum Mangled Hearts Amazon Kindle $1.99
Beem Weeks Jazz Baby Amazon Kindle $3.99
Cassandra Janey Surrender To You Amazon Kindle $2.51
Judy Goodwin Heart of the Witch Amazon Kindle $2.99
Jerrie Brock Something Taken Amazon Kindle $2.99
Heidi Angell The Hunters Amazon Kindle $4.99
David T Griffith The Bestiarum Vocabulum Amazon Kindle $3.99
Kathy Garlock Gone for a Soldier Amazon Kindle $2.99  


If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter. Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.


Here's the rafflecopter from yesterday with the winners of the prizes announced:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

You've won: A Jo Michaels Fan Pass for 2014! It includes every book I release next year and some awesome swag that will include at least two of the items from this store: WriteJoMichaels on Zazzle

Congratulations to you both! I'll be in touch sometime today to find out how to get you your prize.

The title of the book that's been added to my review list for 2014 is...

Are you ready?

Are you sure?

Okay, here ya go!

The Five Elements by Scott Marlowe

I gotta admit, he got me from the sample. What a well written book so far!

Scott, your book has been shared, tweeted, pinned, and added to my Goodreads shelf for this contest.

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown. 

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

You can enter more than once! If you've already entered and have another book you'd like me to add to be considered, enter again!

On to the fun for today! Good luck, readers and authors!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Unofficial UtopYA Authors Holiday Giveaway Day 14

Hello, and welcome to the Unofficial UtopYA Authors Holiday Giveaway!

What is this giveaway all about? Getting you -- the readers -- into the holiday spirit! Each day there will be a new prize pack being given away, loaded with awesome authors all united by the fantastic YA/NA Convention, UtopYA! We hope you'll love our prize packs, but that's not all that's being given away. To top off the holiday spirit, we're giving away TWO, that's right, TWO fully loaded Kindle HDs! Two lucky winners will receive Kindle HDs, loaded with EVERY book being given away in the giveaway prize packs! So what are you waiting for? Check out today's prize pack, and enter to win one of twenty-seven fantastic prizes! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! :)

Without further ado, here are the amazing books in the Day 14 Prize Pack after the jump!






The White Aura Series by Felicia Tatum



How do you live with the gut clenching truth that the one you love will die if you meet them? Twenty year old sorcerer Scott Tabors is learning how. After seeing seventeen year old Olivia Whitehead outside of a coffee shop, his heart will never be the same. He longs for her, he wants her, and he knows she will be his. They are heart mates. …but due to a curse on his family, he can’t meet her. Not yet. So for now, he visits her in her dreams. Her dreams where he can tell her everything but his name.

Olivia Whitehead is a typical junior in high school. She and her best friend are having the time of their lives, but she can’t help but notice the changes happening to her. Especially the changes in her heart after she begins dreaming about a mysterious dark haired young man. But what will happen when the school heartthrob decides he wants Olivia? Will she realize the dream man is real or will she move on?


GOODREADS ~ TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK ~ AUTHOR WEBSITE


Twisted by N.L. Greene
Growing up isn’t always easy. But for most teenage girls, they can rely on their best friend to help them get through the process. A BFF is something that is truly treasured and completely irreplaceable. You share all of your secrets, and are loyal and honest with each other, even when you’re acting just a little bit crazy. You have each other’s backs no matter what and you form a bond that is virtually unbreakable.

At least that’s what normal teenage girls experience.

Nat and Mel have been bestie’s since childhood and Nat has followed her blindly ever since. But as Nat’s friendship with Mel begins to lead her down the wrong path, she starts to question the sincerity of their relationship. Nat starts to see Mel’s manipulative, deceitful ways become more focused on her. Will Natalie hold on tight to the friendship she’s had her entire life, no matter what it cost her? Or will she let her heart lead her to a relationship that’s not so twisted.

GOODREADS ~ TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK ~ AUTHOR WEBSITE


Echoes by Amy Evans



Echoes are the sounds the universe makes when you ignore it the first time. 

Instead of signs, they are sirens. Echoes are louder and more dangerous than Clicks. 

All the twins on Pinhold Island are healthy again, but the summer is still upside down. Cami's been paying better attention to what hides beneath the surface on her seemingly idyllic home, trying to make sense of the new threats to her friends and family. Massive storms have come to Pinhold, flooding the Island in a way not seen in generations. They leave behind destruction and the Red Tide, which lends the Island an eerie glow, makes the air itch and people's eyes burn. Through it all, Cami and Blake are working hard to repair their relationship, Mica is attempting to trust the grown ups on island, Shay is worried she'll never swim again and everyone is tying to re-focus on the Surf Carnival and training for The Guard. 

But the threats to Pinhold from the sky don't compare to the danger that still hides beneath the waves. Can Cami and The Guard find the cause in time to reset the pin, or will they suffer damages that can never be reversed?

GOODREADS ~ TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK ~ AUTHOR WEBSITE

Soul Survivor by Michelle Nicole



Hailee Mai Hart is just a simple, normal girl. Or so she thought. When she left her one-horse town for a college education in the big city, she never could've imagined what awaited her.

She's quickly thrown into a world filled with angels, danger, and a curse…her curse. Come to find out, she's not so simple after all. She's actually the last of her kind, and the fate of the world rests on her shoulders. She has one chance to save Earth, and it all comes down to one choice: Light or Darkness. What is right and what is wrong is all a matter of perspective, which leaves her heart dangerously tangled. No matter which path she takes people will die, and that's just not an option.

Will she be able to save everyone, or will she be the Soul Survivor?

GOODREADS ~ TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK ~ AUTHOR WEBSITE

How awesome are those? Now don't forget to enter the rafflecopter below and share with your friends! The more entries, the more chances of winning this great prize pack or the grand prize! Be sure to visit the new blogs each day for more prize packs, and more opportunities to win!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Come on back in a few minutes for today's prize winners, the chosen book, and a new entry form!

Jo

Twelve Days of Christmas 2013 Day Two

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Well, day one of the giveaway and review contest took off like a rocket! If you want to see the master prize list, look here. Let's do a rundown of the fabulous books on my list so far (as you all know, I don't use affiliate links, so these are just the amazon+ASIN in case you want to check them out, too):

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99
Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter. Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

Moving on! Bet you're all dying to know who the winner of the printed Mystic Anthology is, huh?

Here's the answer:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Christina! I'll be in touch today to find out where to send your book! It's pre-release so you're getting all kinds of awesomeness.

And the lucky Indie author added to the review list for 2014 is...

Drumroll, please...

The Last Keeper's Daughter by Rebecca Trogner

Your book has been shared, pinned, tweeted and added to my Goodreads TBR for this contest! Congratulations, Rebecca!

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

Now, we'll move on to today's widget. Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo