Book Birthday: The Grave Winner by Lindsey R. Loucks


Happy book birthday to The Grave Winner, a YA paranormal/fantasy romance, by Lindsey R. Loucks!

To celebrate, let’s have a massive giveaway! See below for details, but first, here are the book’s details.


Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead -- just like the prom queen did.
While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.
She should have listened.
Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth.
With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.
Buy The Grave Winner

Add The Grave Winner to Goodreads

Watch the book trailer on Youtube

 
Lindsey R. Loucks works as a school librarian in rural Kansas. When she's not discussing books with anyone who will listen, she's dreaming up her own stories. Eventually her brain gives out, and she'll play hide and seek with her cat, put herself in a chocolate induced coma, or watch scary movies alone in the dark to reenergize.
Check out Lindsey’s website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter

 

 
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Cover Reveal: Dreams in Her Head by Clare C. Marshall


Happy Thursday! Today is a great day because I get to do a cover reveal (and I love cover reveals) and a Giveaway for Dreams in Her Head (Sparkstone Saga #2)

I'll get right to the chase, check out the Cover for Dreams in Her Head by Clare C. Marshall, read the blurb and enter to win!

Releasing March 13th 2014!


Open the door.

Step quickly, step through.

Breathe in the darkness,

Until you are its master.

Ingrid Stanley is in more trouble than she knows. Ingrid’s dead friend keeps showing up in her dreams along with mysterious visions that feel all-too real. What’s worse is now the Collective knows that Ingrid is supposed to have superpowers. They’re waiting to pounce the moment Ingrid and her new superpower-wielding friends make a mistake.

When her family is threatened by Professor Jadore, Ingrid decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. A little student protest can’t go wrong, she thinks. Not when her almost-boyfriend Ethan is fully supporting it. Not when her friends put an innocent student’s life in danger to make it successful.

Not when a powerful alien is waiting for Ingrid to inadvertently summon him into this world.

Everything’s going to be fine. Absolutely no one will get hurt this time.

…right?

Wrong, and wrong again.


Pre-Order Dreams in Her Head and save $2.00 off the cover price for paperback!

Don't forget about the first in the Sparkstone Saga, Stars in Her Eyes! The e-copy is only 99cents!!!
 





Clare Marshall grew up in rural Nova Scotia with very little television and dial up internet, and yet, she turned out okay. She has a combined honours degree in journalism and psychology from the University of King’s College, and is a graduate from Humber College’s Creative Book Publishing Program. She is a full time freelance editor, book designer, and web manager. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing the fiddle and making silly noises at cats.

If you want to learn more about Clare C. Marshall, the Sparkstone Saga or about her other books, click on the links below!


And now, Enter to win an eBook copy of Stars In Her Eyes (Sparkstone Saga #1) and Dreams In Her Head (Sparkstone Saga #2). There will be TWO winners to this giveaway! Open internationally, of course. Giveaway ends February 24, 2014.

 

 

 
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10 Book Confessions: Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns


I've got a double dose of awesome today for our 10 Book Confessions Monday!  

Writing Partner Duo Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns!

Most notably, they are the creative masterminds behind the Roswell High Series (yes, the books based on the hit TV show Roswell) but they've also got several other novels under their belts and more to come in the future!

So please, give a warm welcome to Melinda and Laura!

 
MELINDA'S CONFESSIONS


1. I'm in three book groups, and one of them meets twice a week. I think I'm addicted. No, I know I am.

2. I have read the novelization of Born Innocent, based on the somewhat infamous 70's movie starring Linda Blair.

3. My grandmother gave me Flowers in the Attic. My mom threw it away. But not before I read it.

4. I got a goodly amount of sex ed from Judy Blume's Forever, including what happens at the gynecologist and that (some) guys name their penises.

5. I read The Exorcist when I was 12, and didn't fully recover until a few years ago. I knew I was okay when I read the 40th anniversary edition and didn't relapse and start having nightmares.

 

LAURA'S CONFESSIONS

 

1. I read Pride and Prejudice at least once a year, and have since I was twelve. (I refuse to do the math on how many times that makes.)

2. I read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy every two or three years, and have since I was ten. (See note on math, above.) I also wrote my college thesis on it—before it was cool! The movies weren’t even in development yet, there was a vague tinge of “those are kids’ books” about the trilogy, and I had to beg my professor to let me do it. Afterwards, he thanked me for forcing him to re-read Tolkien, as he’d forgotten how good the books were.

3. I also thought that all guys named their penises because of Forever.

4. I just read A Little Princess to my kids, and it made me feel like a terrible writer. That book is beautifully written and doesn’t imagine that children need to be spoon-fed a story.

5. I have never read a book by Stephen King. Not one. And this does not bother me.

 


Shay could never do the things her friends could--never try out for sports, never go to parties, never fall in love. Because of the mysterious and incurable blood disorder she was born with, she can barely make it through three days of school a week.

But now, her doctor-turned-stepfather has a brand-new treatment that he thinks will change everything. And it does. As soon as the new blood starts pumping into Shay's veins, she has visions of a different life...Gabriel's life. She sees an orphanage, loss, fangs, blood, and lust that she can't explain.

Is Gabriel real? And if he is, could he really be what she thinks he is?

And the story of Gabriel and Shay continues in the concluding sequel, Sacrifice, which is out now!


 

If you want to learn even more about Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns, or their other amazing novels, including the coming soon YA Thriller, Sanctuary Bay, click on the links below!

10 Book Confessions: L.S. Murphy


Happy Monday. Though I know most of us still wish it were Sunday... But, alas, it's Monday. Not Sunday, which means that I have another installment of !0 Bookish Confession!

LS Murphy is no stranger to the blog, but I'm proud to welcome her as she confesses all things books, and shares with us the cover and blurb for her latest release, Neighbors! And just so you know, I soooo want to stick a 'U' into that title. Neighbours... Because I'm Canadian, but that's a matter for another day! So, Neighbors it is!

Alright, LS, take it away!

 

10 Bookish Confessions

1.      I don’t like to read Shakespeare. *ducks* Yes, I know how revered Shakespeare is, but unless it’s performed, I simply don’t like enjoy the Bard.

2.      I refused to read Harry Potter as it swept the world. The literary snob inside me said, “You can’t read kiddie books.” When Order of the Phoenix was released, I finally jumped on the bandwagon.

3.      I flunked a course on American poets in college, but I still have the text book. It’s one of my favorite poetry collections.

4.      Actually, I flunked out of my first college by writing my first novel. My roommate would come back from a class and steal my notebook to stay caught up. When she’d get to the end of what I’d written, she’d demand to know what happened next.

5.      My mom built me a bookshelf to hold all my Sweet Valley High books. She even painted it a pale yellow to match some of the covers.

6.      I don’t like The Lord of the Rings. Movies or books.

7.      I get more upset when a movie adaptation changes the characters more than the plot. After all, I know these characters. They’ve become a part of me.

8.      I trust Oprah’s judgment on books. I discovered some amazing authors that I never would’ve noticed.

9.      The best part about ebooks is that I can sneak more than one book into the day job. J

10.  I’ve started holding off on reading some series because I know I’ll want the next book as soon as I finish the first, and I don’t want to wait a year. So, I just wait until they’ve all been released and hide in my room for an entire weekend.

 

Now let's check out the cover and blurb for Neighbors!

Rena Woods has a great life. She recently landed the contract to decorate the home of basketball wife, Cecilia Hood, her business is growing, and this contract could make her the elite decorator in St. Louis. Rena’s sacrificed her personal life for her company without a single regret. When Staff Sergeant C.J. Riker moves in across the hall, Rena can’t stand to be around him. He may be on the volcanic side of hot, but his attitude sucks. Riker does whatever he can to get under Rena’s skin.

After a massive blow to her business sends Rena on a self-destructive binge, Riker is there to save her from doing something she might regret. Could there be more to Riker than meets the eye? And will he open up enough to Rena to tell her how he lost his leg or shut out love forever?


 

If you want to learn more about LS Murphy and her other novels (all great!!!) please take a moment to click on the links below, they will magically take you to a land far, far away... Or just to her social media links...

Website     Twitter     Facebook
 
 
If you love 10 Book Confessions on Mondays and you'd love to take part shoot me an EMAIL! I'm always looking for more confessions, and it doesn't matter if your an author, a blogger or just simply a reader! I want to hear from you!  



 

10 Book Confessions: Angela Carling


Happy Monday! Welcome to another edition of 10 Confessions, I'll let Angela take over!

Before I bare my soul and all its quirks, I want to thank Avery for having me on her blog today.  She supports so many authors and I know we all appreciate it!

So here they are in no particular order, Ten Confessions, some of which might actually embarrass me if you could see my faceJ

1. I absolutely hate the feel of raw wood and therefore can’t stand to eat popsicles. The sensation is like nails on a chalkboard for me.  I know, weird, huh?

2. I’m the only person I know with a cat-a-torium (an enclosed outdoor area for kitties.)  After one of our cats got out and was eaten by the coyotes that roam the desert behind my house, my husband he surprised me with a cat-a-torium. We’ve had no escapees since.

3. I am a shameless nap taker which works out well because I am a die-hard night owl, especially when I’m working on a bookJ

4. Even though with practice I’m getting better but I still hate killing my characters. I spend so much time with them that when I kill them I feel this weird sense of remorse. 

5. I’m a remodeling junkie. My seventeen year old son makes fun of me because my husband and I love HGTV.  With both a house and small cabin, it seems we are always remodeling something.  Geeky, I know.

6. I’ve been known to get caught singing in public bathrooms…often loudly!  The acoustics are so good, it’s just too tempting.  Plus, I spent most of my young life in choirs so singing makes me happy!  Sorry to everyone who walks in on me.

7.  I still don’t get the Twilight phenomenon.  My hat is off to Mrs. Meyers and I’m happy for her success, but to be totally honest I read all the books and I just don’t get it. 

 8.  I see life differently because I was raised by my father.  For years, I thought stereo wires on the wall were home decor and hamburger helper was a top notch meal.  Turns out Moms are pretty important and home décor is also about art and not just function.  Still, I have to say thanks dad. You did great!

9. When it comes to leading men, I’m a sucker for the boy next door.  I love his down-to-earth, genuine, gorgeousness.  For me, nice guys do finish last!

10. Even after three books I still get giddy when I get a five star review!  The longer I am part of the publishing industry, the more I realized what a miracle it is that I get to write books alongside so many talented people. I never take that for granted and when out of millions of books, someone loves mine…I get giddy with excitement.

 
Thank so much for stopping by and confessing! Now, let's check out Becoming Bryn, which I happen to know is a pretty awesome book!

For months, Jesse has been envious of her twin sister Bryn and even has a crush on Bryn’s gorgeous, popular boyfriend, Quinton.

When Jesse awakens from a coma to learn that everyone thinks she IS Brin, the option of actually taking over her sister’s life is beyond tempting, but there’s a downside. She’d have to give up her relationship with Ethan, her best friend and the only person she trusts.

Could she actually live s Brin for the rest of her life? And if her family and friends found out, would they ever forgive her?


To learn more about Angela, and her other novels, Unbreakable Love and Shackled, click the links below!

Website     Blog     Twitter

 I'm always looking for more confessions, so if you'd like to have your turn, please email me!

 

Mommies Anecdotes: Birthdays and Cake


Happy Friday!

My little man turned 7. 7! I mean, wow, where did the time go. He isn't so little anymore, and is developing quite the unique personality. Most days it drives me insane, other days, I think it's the cutest thing on the planet...

But turning 7 deserves a party and a cake. But not just any cake. Some of you may know that in my spare time, I make cakes.

Only when I had started out planning Andre's 7th Birthday, I was going to make Cupcakes. That was what he asked for, and that's what I had planned on giving him.

Normally, I don't submit to peer pressure. I just don't. But when it comes to my cakes, I get very protective, and many people thought that I couldn't show up to my son's birthday with boring old cupcakes.

Apparently I have amazed people with my cakes. One day I'll get around to posting a few more pictures of them, but the point is, I'd set the bar, higher and higher, and I either needed to be on the same level as previous years, or I needed to one up myself.

So, the day before the party I had decided to scrap the cupcakes and bake a cake, and decorated and try, and possibly fail because it was so last minutes, to make an awe inspiring cake.

I felt rushed. I felt the theme a little flat. Spiderman. And I felt I should couldn't do it.

I actually hated that I submitted to peer pressure and decided to go against my plan but I think the end result was worth it.

I'm not going to lie, I love it when people love my cakes, think they are amazing, and ask me all kinds of questions about them. I love the attention.

But pleasing my son was the most important thing.

"This is even cooler than I could have ever imagine! Way better than cupcake!"

I think I did good if that's his reaction, but why don't you be the judge? Was this cake better than boring old cupcakes?

Now, my only fear is that next year I'm going to have to one up myself again! The pressure is already mounting. Believe it or not, my son hasn't even been seven for two weeks and people are already asking me what I'm planning next year. A whole year away! I have no idea. It depends on what Andre is into, but you can be sure there won't be any silly cupcakes.

 


 

10 Book Confessions: Heather Van Fleet


I've decided that Book Confessions are one of my favourite things. I mean, here we have another stellar example of a reader/author, who has many things she needs to get off her chest, and I find myself nodding my head and smiling, because secretly I do the same things too!

It's a great way to get into the heads of readers! And don't forget to read to the end and learn about Heather Van Fleet's new book, A Long Time Coming!

So, without further ado...

Heather Van Fleet’s ten book confessions

10. Sometimes, I secretly skip ahead in a book and read the first sex scene. If it’s well written…I start from page one and read on. If It’s not, I have a tendency to pass on the book altogether. (Is that wrong of me? Eep!)

9. I hoard bookmarks like it’s nobody’s business. Nobody knows about my collection. I have this box that I secretly stash away in a closet downstairs just because I can. lol

8. I bookmark/highlight pages on my Kindle that I completely swoon over (first kisses, etc) and then when the book is over, I go back and re-read those particular scenes so my book hangover isn’t so terrible.

7. I read the final Twilight book (Breaking Dawn) eleven times. Yes. Eleven. No shame.

6. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I almost always have to read at least a chapter or two of a book I’m on, just so I can fall back asleep.

5. When I walk into a book store, I literally cannot stop smiling. I call it my paperback high.

4. One day I spent three hours at a Barnes and Noble stalking the YA book shelves. Oh heck, who am I kidding? I do this at least once a month.  

3.  I have to be alone to read sexy time books. No hubby, no kids (obviously) and definitely no television blaring. I call it my sexy book zone.

2. My three year olds name is Isabella. We call her Belly because I don’t want people to thing we named her after Bella from Twilight. (Not really book related, but I like to get that out there front and center for everyone to know)

1. My number one confession? I have 1,330 books on my Kindle or in my Kindle File on Amazon. I’ve read every. Single. One. J

 

You can learn more about Heather by stalking her on the Internet! Click any of the links below.

Website      Twitter     Facebook
 
 

 

Abigail Orson has a problem. A love problem to be precise; and she has absolutely no idea how to go about fixing it.

For years now, she has been chasing her best friend’s brother—demanding things from him that he’s never wanted to give. For one? A real relationship that surpasses well beyond that dreaded ‘just friends’ zone. You see, David Anderson is her idea of perfection to a T. The one and only guy who has ever had the ability to make her heart beat faster; make her toes curl with the simple blink of his long, girly lashes. But David is also a recovering amputee, and the only thing he really wants from Abigail is to be left alone. Abigail is a fighter though, and losing the one guy who has ruined her for every other is no longer an option.

A guy with one leg who has lost his motivation to live—to love—to actually be a man. David believes he’s a waste of space. If only the beautiful girl of his unattainable dreams would get that through her perfect, blonde, stubborn head! He’s not the right guy for Abigail. He’ll never be worthy of what she deserves. However, staying away is almost impossible, especially when he’s just as in love with her as she is with him. But Abigail has a life ahead of her, one that’s definitely livable without a nineteen–year–old gimp like him holding her down. What makes her want to stick around is beyond questionable to David’s mind.

Choices will be made. Lines will be drawn. And together, they will face challenges that nobody saw coming. David and Abigail may have had almost fourteen years to fall in love, but the thing is, timing and love have never exactly worked in their favor.

It has been years in the making, and definitely A Long Time Coming for David and Abigail. Let’s hope they don’t screw it up before they actually have the chance to get it right…