Girl Against the Universe: Seven Days/Seven Giveaways Paperback Blog Tour - Day 2

Hi everyone! For those of you that don't already know, I LOVE Paula Stokes' books! I feel in love with her books when I read The Art of Lainey back in 2014! Girl Against the Universe was one of my favorite books read last year, and one of my all time favorite reads. So you can imagine my excitement about being included in this awesome tour!

Book Blitz: Persuasion by Martina Boone (With Giveaway!)

Blog Tour: A DROP OF NIGHT by Stefan Bachmann (Guest Post + Giveaway)

Hi everyone! I am so excited to be one of the stops for the A Drop of Night blog tour! I am also very excited to have the author of A Drop of Night, Stefan Bachmann, on my blog today! 

Three Reasons to Read Joyride By Anna Banks (Review + Giveaway!)

Title: Joyride
Author: Anna Banks
Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Classification: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Source: Hardback 
Read: February 2016

A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.
It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.
Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.
All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.

GoodReads || Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Books-a-Million || Book Depository

***I received an copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not change how I feel about the story.***

Thank you so much, Anna, for the signed book! Also for the signed bookplates and bookmarks for a giveaway!

Cover Reveal: TONE DEAF by Olivia Rivers

I am really excited to help reveal the cover for Tone Deaf by Olivia Rivers. 

As soon as I read the book description, I knew this is one I want to read. I love music. So basically, I get super excited when I find a book that has music involved in the story. 

Queen of Shadows Release Day Blitz (With Giveaway)

I am so excited that QUEEN OF SHADOWS by Sarah J. Maas releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway! I have been looking forward to this day for a long time now! 

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful series by Sarah J. Maas, be sure to check out all the details below. (I definitely recommend reading this series, it is easily one of my favorites!)

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a set of the first 3 books in the series (in paperback format). US only. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Title: QUEEN OF SHADOWS

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Pub. Date: September 1, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Pages: 656

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series reaches new heights in this sweeping fourth volume.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.
Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

Read Chapters 1-5 of QUEEN OF SHADOWS HERE!

Sarah J. Maas is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling Throne of Glass series–Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire, and the series’ prequel, The Assassin’s Blade–as well as the New York Times and USA Today bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses. She wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in twenty-three languages. Queen of Shadows, the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series, will release worldwide on September 1st, 2015.

A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College in 2008 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Religious Studies. 

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest | Instagram| Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive the first 3 books (in paperback) in the THRONE OF GLASS Series. US Only.

Ends on September 11th at Midnight EST!

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Release Day Book Blitz: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (With Giveaway!)

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED reading An Ember in the Ashes, which is why I am so excited that AN EMBER IN THE ASHES by Sabaa Tahir releases today and that I get to share the news, along with a special introduction from Sabaa herself!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Sabaa Tahir, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a signed copies of the book and some of those awesome sword letter openers we’ve seen around courtesy of Sabaa, Penguin Teen, and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

The Secret Diamond Sisters Series by Michelle Madow Book Blitz (With Giveaway)

The Secret Diamond Sisters (The Secret Diamond Sisters #1)

by Michelle Madow 

Release Date: 02/25/14

Harlequin Teen

381 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.
The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite.
Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Book Depository | iBookstore

Praise:

"Sexy and often electrifying ... Gossip Girl meets The Princess Diaries in a city that never sleeps." 

--Booklist

"This quick and entertaining read is filled with glitz and glamour ... get ready for one crazy and fabulous ride." 

--RT Book Reviews

Book Two:

Diamonds in the Rough (The Secret Diamond Sisters #2)

by Michelle Madow 

Release Date: 10/28/14

Harlequin Teen

448

Summary from Goodreads:All-access doesn't mean no problems.
The three Diamond sisters survived the summer in style after coming to live with their long-lost billionaire father. But making a place for themselves at their exclusive new Las Vegas private school is throwing them any number of gold-plated curves. Savannah's YouTube stardom turns into a Sweet Sixteen reality show extravaganza—with complimentary enemies on the side. Dangerous flirtations don't keep Peyton from a gamble that will risk far more than she planned to bet. And when Courtney and the sisters' archenemy, Madison, uncover two explosive secrets, it will rock even this town of glittering illusion—and turn their lives upside down all over again.
Sisterhood, first crushes, and scandalous secrets explode in book two of Michelle Madow's riveting series, The Secret Diamond Sisters.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million| Book Depository | iBookstore

From The Secret Diamond Sisters (Book #1) 

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas … but that doesn’t matter when you live there.” 

PEYTON DIAMOND
“Which lovely Diamond sister are you?” he asked, his lips close to her ear.“How do you know I’m one of the Diamond sisters?” She leaned back and looked up at him, trying to sound mysterious. Word sure did travel fast around here.“Lucky guess.” He ran his thumb down her back, and she shivered at his touch. “Actually, I saw you walk in with Adrian earlier. Sort of gave it away.”“Oh,” she said, although she was happy he’d noticed her. “I’m Peyton.”“Peyton,” he repeated. “Pretty name. I like it.”“Thanks.” She had never had anyone tell her that before. “And you are…”“Oliver,” he answered with a haughtiness that made her think he assumed most people already knew his name. “Oliver Prescott.”“Nice to meet you, Oliver,” she said, smiling seductively up at him—the same look she’d given Jackson earlier. But unlike with Jackson, it made Oliver move closer to her. The music changed to a remix of a popular song, and she wound her arms tighter around him. “Your girlfriend didn’t look happy that you left her to dance with me.”“Girlfriend?” Oliver laughed. “Madison’s just a friend.”“Good.” Peyton had dated many guys, but the ones with girlfriends were out of the question. She refused to risk getting hurt, or make an enemy in the wrong place.“Do I seem like the type of guy who would tell my girlfriend to disappear while I danced with another girl?” He looked amused, but Peyton believed he was serious.“Going off the few minutes I’ve known you…?” She quirked an eyebrow. “It never hurts to check. But I believe you.”“And you would trust me that easily?”“Mainly because Madison doesn’t look like the sort of girl who would allow a boyfriend of hers to do that,” Peyton said.“You sure got that right.” He trailed a finger down her arm, like he was taking in every inch of her. Peyton reveled in his touch. The back of his neck was moist with sweat, and she ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying the silkiness of it.“Do you live in the hotel, too?” she asked.“Not at the Diamond,” he replied. “I live across the street at the Gates. My father owns it, along with a few other hotels on the Strip.”“Does that mean your family is in competition with mine?”“Not in competition, he said, pulling her closer. “But our father’s businesses aren’t important right now.”“No,” Peyton breathed. “They’re not.”His lips were on hers a second later.

Michelle Madow was inspired to write The Secret Diamond Sisters series while walking through her favorite hotel in Las Vegas. The next book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, launches in October. Prior to The Secret Diamond Sisters, she successfully self-published The Transcend Time Saga. A tireless promoter of her work, Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. A graduate of Rollins College, Michelle lives in Florida ... but she loves going to Vegas.

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, joinMichelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!

Author Links:

   

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Release Day Blitz: A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd

I am so excited that A COLD LEGACY by Megan Shepherd releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an excerpt from the book!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Megan Shepherd, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blast also includes a giveaway for a signed copy of the book and swag courtesy of Megan and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Title: A COLD LEGACY

Author: Megan Shepherd

Pub. Date: January 27, 2015

Publisher: Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins

Pages: 400

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

After killing the men who tried to steal her father’s research, Juliet—along with Montgomery, Lucy, Balthazar, and a deathly ill Edward—has escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of mysteries and unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet’s secrets. Though it appears to be a safe haven, Juliet fears new dangers may be present within the manor’s own walls.
Then Juliet uncovers the truth about the manor’s long history of scientific experimentation—and her own intended role in it—forcing her to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science, and promises and secrets. And she must decide if she’ll follow her father’s dark footsteps or her mother’s tragic ones, or whether she’ll make her own.
With inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman’s Daughter trilogy is about the things we’ll sacrifice to save those we love—even our own humanity. 

A COLD LEGACY excerpt

p.21-24

Montgomery stopped the horses outside a tavern. He came to the carriage door, opening it just a crack to keep the rain from drenching us. “I’m going to ask directions. We can’t be far now.”

We watched him saunter over the muddy street as though he didn’t even feel the bite of freezing rain. A face appeared in the tavern window. The door opened and he spoke to a woman in a wool dress for a few moments, then stomped back through the mud. “This village is called Quick,” he told us. “The manor’s only five miles from here.”

“Did you hear that?” Lucy murmured to Edward, still stroking his hair. “We’re almost there. Just hold on. Everything will be all right once we arrive.”

Montgomery’s eyes shifted to me. Neither of us wanted to remind Lucy that the prospect of Edward’s fever breaking—and the Beast’s reappearance—was almost more frightening than the fever itself. Delirious, he was less of a threat.

“Let’s go then,” I whispered to Montgomery. “And quickly.”

He closed the door and in another moment we were moving again, passing through the rest of Quick. Then all too soon the village was nothing but fading lights. The storm grew and the road became rougher, and all the while Edward’s eyes rolled back and forth beneath shuttered lids.

Thunder struck close by, and Lucy shrieked. Montgomery whipped the horses harder, pulling us along the uneven road impossibly fast, trying to outrun the storm. I twisted in the seat to look out the back window at the pelting rain. A stone fence ran alongside us.

“We must be getting close,” I said.

“Not soon enough,” Lucy breathed. “We’re going to crash if he keeps driving like this!”

The road widened, straightening, letting us travel even faster. Lightning struck close by, blinding me. The horses bolted. Lucy screamed and covered her eyes, but I couldn’t tear mine away. The lightning had struck an enormous oak tree, twisted from centuries of wind. The oak took flame, blazing despite the rain. A smoking gash ran down the trunk—the lightning’s death mark. I watched until the rain put out most of the flames, but it still smoldered, billowing hot ash into the night.

The horses pawed the earth, and I grabbed the window to steady myself. At this wild speed, just hitting a single rock at the wrong angle would send the carriage shattering to the ground. It was madness to go so fast. Couldn’t Montgomery calm the horses?

Just when I feared the carriage would careen out of control, it stopped short, throwing me against the opposite wall. I tangled in Lucy’s limbs as the chains around Edward’s body clinked. Balthazar grunted, jerking awake at last. We scrambled in the bottom of the carriage until the door flew open.

Montgomery stood in the pelting rain. I feared he’d say we’d broken another strut or the horses had gone lame or we’d have to spend the night in the harsh storm.

But then I saw the lights behind him, and the night took shape into a turreted stone manor with bright lamps blazing and gargoyles on the roof vomiting rain into a stone courtyard.

Montgomery’s eyes met mine beneath the low brim of his hat.

“We’ve arrived,” he said.

Megan Shepherd

Hello! 

I’ve been many things, like a professional exchange student, park ranger in Montana, and LOST enthusiast, but what I am now is a writer.

I think it’s fair to say I was born into it. I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina, raised behind the counter of my parents’ independent bookstore, Highland Books in Brevard. Ah, so many free books. But I never thought being a writer could be a real career. After college I thought I’d end up as a foreign service officer somewhere dashing and exotic, like Canada. I studied French, Spanish, German, and Russian and still speak a few of those. Then I joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Senegal, where I learned a few more languages I’ll never speak again and lived in a mud hut with no electricity or running water. You can probably imagine how that experience went, but if you’re curious, here are the dirty details. 

It wasn't until a chance aquaintance read something I wrote and said, "have you ever considered being a writer?" that something clicked and I realized it was possible. My husband encouraged me, and I quickly fell head-over-heels in love with writing and children's literature in particular. I started out writing articles, which have appeared in Faces, Appleseeds, and Calliope magazines, and stories for younger children. I soon realized I wasn’t sweet enough to write fiction for that age and found myself writing young adult literature instead, which doesn’t require nearly as many tender moments and includes a lot more cursing.

When I'm not writing, I can usually be found horseback riding, day dreaming at coffee shops, or hiking in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. I love to hear from readers, so please drop me a line!

I am represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary.

Author Photo by Kristi Hedberg Photography

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr/Goodreads

And don't forget to join the #ACOLDLEGACYCHAT on Twitter!

1 winner will receive a signed copy of A COLD LEGACY and swag! US Only.

Ends on February 6^th at Midnight EST!

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Compulsion Reader Appreciation Giveaway-Martina Boone

As a thank you to those that have bought, written reviews, and/or read Compulsion, the author, Martina Boone is having a Reader Appreciation Giveaway!

The e-book of Compulsion is currently on sale for $1.99 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks through 1/31! 

COMPULSION 

(HEIRS OF WATSON ISLAND, BOOK 1)

Simon & Schuster, Simon Pulse

Hardcover, 10/28/14 

ISBN: 1481411225

Three plantations. Two gifts. One ancient curse.
All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead–a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.
Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who somehow seems to know what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family’s twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

Book Blogmas Day 1: Spread The Love (With Giveaway)

12 Days of Book Blogmas! is hosted by Parajunkee. 

Day 1: Spread The Love: Host a holiday giveaway

Host a Holiday Giveaway, minimum $10 value. Treat this just like a Blog Hop, give away whatever you want. Suggestions: Books from your own stash, gift cards, Holiday Gift Baskets etc.

Book Blitz: Compulsion by Martina Boone +Giveaway

COMPULSION (HEIRS OF WATSON ISLAND, BOOK 1)

by Martina Boone

Simon & Schuster, Simon Pulse

Hardcover, 10/28/14 

ISBN: 1481411225

Summary from Goodreads:

Three plantations. Two gifts. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead–a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who somehow seems to know what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family’s twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

Compulsion Teaser

Drained by the aftereffects of anger and adrenaline, Barrie found herself breathing in Eight’s recklessness, swept up in it, and suddenly it didn’t matter where they were going or what he planned to do. His moods were contagious, dangerous to her equilibrium.

He stopped at the beach, the same beach where they’d seen the turtle nest. Neither of them said a word while Eight retrieved a musty-smelling towel from his trunk and caught Barrie’s hand, lacing their fingers like they were made to fit. 

They ran barefoot over the dunes and through a break in the pickets that held back the sea oats. The moon turned the white sand to diamond dust, and Eight laid the towel down above the hide-tide marker of shells and seaweed and damp, dark sand. He sat down and drew her against him, her back against his chest. His arms wrapped around her, and she leaned into the solidness of him. His heartbeat washed through her like the waves, until she didn’t know whether the pounding of it was hers or his.

When she sighed and relaxed, he eased her down and leaned over and finally kissed her until she felt like she was going to fall. She reached for him, kissing him more deeply. His lips were scalding on hers, leaving her tingling and whole instead of so, so alone. She wanted the feeling, the moment, to never stop.

Ten Favorite Things

1. Favorite YA Novel (right now)

Still The Daughter of Smoke and Bone series by Laini Taylor and Maggie Stiefvater’s THE SCORPIO RACES. But there are so many amazing books that came out this fall and I’m reading some that are coming out in 2015 that just floor me. SO much lovely goodness.

2. Favorite Book of All Time

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

3. Favorite TV Show/Movie (right now)

Suits. I adore clever dialogue! And Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.

4. Favorite Song (right now)

There’s an amazing mash up called “Truly Brave,” which is a mix of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and Sara Bareilles' “Brave.” It was done for children’s cancer, but it’s what I’d love to play for Barrie, who starts of scared of pretty much everything and has to go through things that would make a Navy Seal feel fear. I think every young woman going out into the world for the first time should adopt this song as an anthem. Women need to be brave and make their voices heard.

5. Favorite Word

Magic. Or minion. Magical minions.

6. Favorite Snack

Nutella.

7. Favorite Movie

The Shawshank Redemption.

8. Favorite Personal Hero

Malala Yousafzai

9. Favorite Animal

Dogs, because they demonstrate the meaning of unconditional love. Cats because they are mysterious and enigmatic but loving. Horses because they are magic and grace and heart.

10. Favorite Place in the World

Prague, Czech Republic because it’s the next best thing to a fairy tale place.

Buy Compulsion

Compulsion is available anywhere books are sold. Signed copies are available from One More Page Books. You can also order with the special “I have a Compulsion for reading” bookplate from Eight Cousins.

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Martina Boone was born in Prague and spoke several languages before learning English. She fell in love with words and never stopped delighting in them.

She’s the founder of AdventuresInYAPublishing.com, a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers site, and YASeriesInsiders.com, a Tumblr site devoted to news, giveaways, and insider secrets of much-loved and up-and-coming YA series.

From her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, children, and Auggie the wonder dog, she enjoys writing contemporary fantasy set in the kinds of magical places she’d love to visit. When she isn’t writing, she’s addicted to travel, horses, skiing, chocolate flavored tea, and anything with Nutella on it.

Website | Blog | Tumblr | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

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