{June 24, 2014} UtopYA 2014: What You Need to Know and Why You Need to Go in 2015

UtopYA 2014 has just ended, and I seriously have an UtopYA hangover. This is the second year I’ve attended the con, and let me tell you, it is beyond fantastic. What do I love about UtopYA? Authors and aspiring authors, publicists and publishers, bloggers and readers, cover designers and cover models are all in close proximity to one another, chatting, networking, eating, singing, dancing… and the list goes on. It’s like one HUGE slumber party for three days (soon to be four), and mixed in are awesome activities, with keynotes, panels, visiting booths, signings, pool parties, an awards ceremony, dancing, costumed karaoke, and even some sight-seeing, should one so choose. I love that it’s a camaraderie of talents where attendees are willing to share their experiences, jump out of their comfort zones, do some crazy fun things, and all the while make long lasting friendships.

This year we changed venues, staying at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville instead of the Scarrit Bennet Center, and while there were a few kinks here and there, as there always are with any first time change of venue, the conference overall was a great success; being all in one place instead of having to travel back and forth between hotels and the conference allowed me more time to connect and network with those around me. And as the conference was more than double in size this year, I needed that extra time to make sure I was able to connect with everyone I wanted to connect with.

I have to admit that I didn’t go to any panels this year. With over 700 attendees, nearly 60 booths, and over 100 authors to meet, I spent my time visiting the booths and connecting with my friends—many of whom I’ve met online in the We Are Going To UtopYA Facebook Group, and it was absolutely wonderful to not only reconnect with old friends from last year’s conference, but also meet new friends in person. While there were a ton of panels, and I really did plan to go to them, meeting and greeting authors and fellow bloggers won out for me this year, especially as I’m not an author or aspiring author, which is what this year’s panels were more geared towards, so many of the logistics of the panels themselves didn’t pertain to me as much. And that’s okay, because I had so many people I wanted to meet and network with that it literally took me two full days to hit every one. But I do hope that perhaps next year there will be a blogger track on top of the author track, and maybe even a reader track, since three panels run simultaneously, which would allow for some specifics for bloggers, etc., but we’ll just have to wait and see what’s in the stars for panels next year.

The lovely part about UtopYA is that is really is about connections, and we—authors, bloggers, editors, panelists, personal assistants, readers, cover designers, cover model, and fans—ate lunches and dinners together, dressed up and sang karaoke together, danced the night away after the awards together, took hundreds of pictures together, put twitter handles and Facebook pages with faces, and all around connected in a very real way. It was awesome. And the highlight of it all? Meeting Valerie from Stuck In Books. Up until Thursday, I had never really spoken to Val. I stalked her blog, but we didn’t really know each other. Thankfully, Tiffany King knew we’d be the best of friends, and told us to room together. And I’m so glad we did. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in all my life—tears and snorts were a constant as we giggled, belly laughed, snarked, and constantly fought with the door from hell and the evil bathroom light.

Another reason you should go? A half-dressed cover model might just randomly knock on your door just to see your reaction. Yeah, that happened. There’s a video of it somewhere, but I’m not posting it because seriously, I sound completely and utterly ridiculous. Best. Moment. Ever.

As you can see, UtopYA 2014 was just amazing, and I cannot, cannot, cannot wait for June 2015, which I believe is actually going to be even bigger still, and even more epic as founder Janet Wallace and her amazing assistants roll out some changes, such as making it a FOUR day conference with an all-day fan signing built in… and it just can’t come fast enough!

So, if 2014’s theme was Aliens and #Take Me To Your Reader, what’s 2015’s theme, you might ask? TIME TRAVEL! The tagline is, “Write Your Own Future,” and I already have the perfect outfit for the awards ceremony… score!

Now, you might have just read all that and thought to yourself, “that sounds great, but I have no one to go with,” or “I’d love to go, but it’s probably too expensive.” So, I just want to break that mentality right this minute, because I’ve been there twice now, and this event pulls you out of your shell and makes you the center of attention, and you will be so very glad you came.

_____________________________________________________________

Event Pricing:

First of all, the conference itself isn’t expensive! On November 28, tickets go on sale for the conference on eventbrite. Here’s the current** price range you’re looking at to attend–prices go up as we get closer to the con:

Capture

==> $90 Earlybird Standard Admission

4-day pass to the UtopYA convention (UtopYACon)
Fan admission to the Saturday Public Signing Event
Admission to the Fourth Annual UtopYA Awards

==> $115 Earlybird VIP

4-day pass to the UtopYA convention (UtopYACon)
Fan admission to the Saturday Public Signing Event
Admission to the Fourth Annual UtopYA Awards
Lunch Thursday and Friday
Souvenir T-shirt

I highly, highly suggest you purchase the VIP package, which is what I purchased for June 2015. Having experienced the hotel and now having inside knowledge of the layout, the VIP package is the best deal—you get lunches Thursday and Friday, so you don’t have to fight to get a table at the little restaurant, and a t-shirt is included—which you’re going to want because they’re epic AND you can have all the authors and attendees sign them—EPIC, I say!

But act fast, because there are only a limited number of these earlybird tickets, and prices are only good for the next two weeks, or until sold out, whichever happens first. Right now, tickets are the cheapest they’ll ever be for the 2015 con; prices will continue to rise!

Refunds are available until April 30, 2015, so act now—I know it’s a year out, and your circumstances may change, but I highly, highly suggest that you book now.

**prices subject to change—I will post updated prices throughout the year.

_____________________________________________________________

When and Where:

Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 7:00 AM – Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM (CDT)

Nashville, TN

_____________________________________________________________

Hotel:

Pricing:

We’ll be at The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel again in 2015. If you click the link to your left, you’ll be taken directly to the Millennium Maxwell House reservations for UtopYA 2015 and you won’t need to enter the code… the group rate is just $105 per night. If you don’t use the direct link provided, make sure you use this code to get the UtopYA rates: 1506UTOPYA. Again, the dates for UtopYA 2015 are June 18-21, so you’re looking at about four nights if you come in June 17 and plan to check out on the 21st.

AND, here’s the best part: all you need is a credit/debit card to HOLD your room! No money comes out of your account until you check out (and you can cancel your reservation up to TWO days before the conference with no penalties). These rooms go fast, so don’t wait! You can always cancel later if the problem arises.

Rooms and Roommates:

For UtopYA 2014, I roomed with the amazing Valerie from Stuck In Books, and it was epic. She’s an astounding blogger, and we got on famously. I was ecstatic to room with her, and next door to us? Authors Megan Curd, Adrianne Boyd, and Mindy Ruiz! And the next few rooms? Authors Heather Self, Megan Vernon, and cover model Joshua Sean McCann, and the list goes on and on. EPIC.

In other words, you won’t be alone in the hotel, and if you need a roommate to help cut costs, you can easily find one! The more the merrier in a room! I’m actually a really quiet, shy person who is socially awkward and doesn’t speak in situations where I don’t feel comfortable (though I bet Val would disagree). Are you like me? Then you’ll thrive at UtopYA. I didn’t have trouble speaking to anyone at all, I loved my roomie, and I hung out with the rest of the people on my floor… all around amazing time.

Yeah, so don’t let the hotel situation stop you from coming. Need a roomie? Join the We are Going to UtopYA Facebook Page and easily find one! Think about it: if you split $105 by two, it’s just $52.50 a night for four nights, a total of $210 plus tax to stay at the hotel where the convention is held! That’s a GREAT PRICE!

OR, find three other roommates (total of four in a room) for a price of $26.25 per night… a total of just $105 plus tax for four nights to stay at the hotel where the convention is held! That’s a GREAT PRICE, TOO! Don’t worry, you won’t be spending much time in your hotel room, anyway, so multiple people in a room, though it may sound scary, really isn’t bad at all. Trust me.

In other words, PLEASE don’t let the price of the hotel or the need of roommates, etc., STOP you from coming!

Info about the hotel from their website:

Facilities:

Outdoors — Outdoor Pool

Activities — Golf Course (within 2 miles), Fitness Center

Food & Drink — Restaurant, Bar

Internet — Wired internet is available in the hotel rooms for a fee of $9.95 per day, but it is free of charge in the lobby. Our internet didn’t work in the rooms at all this past weekend, so it was taken off the bill for all guests.

Parking — Free! Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Services — Room Service, Airport Shuttle (free), 24-Hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage, ATM on site, Laundry, Ironing Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Fax/Photocopying, Souvenir/Gift Shop

General — Newspapers, Safe, Non-smoking Rooms, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Heating, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private), Designated Smoking Area

Charges:

Also, word to the wise, upon checkout, the hotel does automatically add on a $50 a day amenities charge JUST IN CASE, so if you see a pending transaction for a lot more than your bill AFTER you check out of the hotel next year, rest assured that it will be taken off—it’s only a security measure.

_____________________________________________________________

Shuttle:

The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel does offer a FREE shuttle service roundtrip to the airport, even if the concierge tells you they don’t… however, for the sake of time, you may want to go ahead and just book a shuttle service, which is what I did my first year attending in 2013. While FREE is nice, I did spend over an hour waiting for the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Shuttle to pick me up from the airport (only seats 10), and I spent a good 45 minutes waiting for it to take me to the airport at the end of the conference. So plan accordingly and make sure you head out for the shuttle early, especially if you are under any time constraints.

May I suggest InShuttle… a very prompt service that will take you roundtrip between the Maxwell House and the Airport for ONLY $18 (it will also take you other places, but the fee is a little higher). I used this service in 2013 and really enjoyed it, and I plan to use it again in 2015 to avoid long wait lines for the free shuttle.

_____________________________________________________________

Travel by Land or Air:

If you can drive to Nashville without getting car sick (like I do), then do it! But, if you’re like me, or if it’s just too far by car, then fly, and by fly, I mean TAKE SOUTHWEST. Why? I’ll tell you:

Southwest is the only carrier I’ve found that doesn’t charge for luggage. This is a book conference, so that means you’ll have LOTS of books to take home. You could mail them, technically, and spend a lot of dollars doing it, OR, you could fly Southwest, which allows you TWO FREE CHECKED BAGS UP TO 50 POUNDS EACH! Yeah. <== This.

I flew Southwest again this year based on their stellar service and the free checked luggage. Honestly, you don’t need to bring much in terms of clothes and such (which I’ll talk about next). But you DO need lots of space for your books. I checked two bags for the conference, and one was completely empty on my way down to Nashville. Hey, it’s free, right? And it saved me a ton of cash when I left the conference because I checked all my books… my combined weight with books, swag, and clothes was about 76 pounds between the two bags (not counting my 30 pound carryon). And about 50 pounds of that 76 was book weight. Imagine the price tag on mailing home 50 pounds of books? Yeah. Don’t. Take Southwest. Oh, and make sure your carry-on has wheels. You might want it for the conference to transport all your books and swag (plus, it’s gentler on your body). I wheeled my carryon all over the conference this year, and it was a real life saver. Even though my room was just upstairs, carrying books around is heavy, and it hurts your back. So bring a rolling carryon.

ALSO, if you have the chance, do what I did last year: On your flight home, if they’re asking people to standby and take another flight because your flight is full, DO IT! In 2013, Southwest asked me to take the next flight out, which was just four hours later than my original, and they GAVE ME A VOUCHER FOR DOUBLE WHAT I PAID FOR MY ROUNDTRIP TICKETS. That means my flight for the 2014 convention to Nashville was comp’d; completely free!

In other words, make sure you don’t schedule any pressing engagements for June 22, 2015, and take the voucher on any Southwest flight if they’re offering (free bags, remember), and it’ll add up to some awesome free flights. I took my voucher from 2013 and paid for BOTH my trip to Nashville AND my vacation to Florida. For real. Take the voucher if the opportunity arises.

_____________________________________________________________

Mailing Books:

If you DO decide to mail books, make sure you send it USPS (regular mail) and tell them it’s MEDIA MAIL (if you’re mailing in the USA–media mail doesn’t exist for international mailing)! I highly suggest avoiding FedEx because it’s mad expensive. USPS is the least expensive, and media mail makes it even less so. But you can ONLY send books media mail—not swag, so I suggest putting on the swag in your checked luggage as it’s light (and make sure you put any and all magnets in your checked bag—I made the mistake of putting my business card magnets in my carryon and the TSA agents flagged it and were seriously nervous about going through my bag).

_____________________________________________________________

What To Pack:

Pack light. You’re only at the conference for four days, and you don’t need to change your outfit multiple times a day. I hardly packed anything to wear, and I still didn’t wear it all.

What you need:

1-2 pairs of comfortable pants (or dresses)

2 comfortable tops—you’ll probably want to buy the t-shirt at UtopYA, so count that as third

1 pair of comfy sandals (shoes if you want)

1 “formal” outfit for the awards ceremony with shoes and accessories to match (think PROM) and 1 costume for karaoke.

Pajamas (we’re talking pajama parties, here)

Undergarments (socks optional)

Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail file, perfume, hairbrush, women stuffs, straighteners, etc.—they have hairdryers in the rooms)

ANY BOOKS YOU ALREADY HAVE THAT YOU WANT SIGNED

Saran Wrap and Bubble wrap (you will want to double wrap your books in stacks for the travel home so they don’t flop all over the suitcase and end up damaged) ====> Newspaper is NOT a good idea, though, as it leaves black ink on things and is too thin.

Cash for books—some authors take credit cards via PayPal, but it’s just easier with cash on hand. There are ATMs in the hotel, though, if you run out.

_____________________________________________________________

The Conference: From #TakeMeToYourReader to #WriteYourOwnFuture

I’ve already said it in my opening statements, but this conference is epic. I adore it and the laid-back nature of it all. Janet Wallace, the founder of UtopYA, has made it an unforgettable event that you just cannot miss!

In June 2014, the keynote speakers were Gennifer Albin and Sylvia Day! And in 2013, the keynotes were Jennifer Armentrout and Jen Sincero! Whoot! As you can see, the keynotes are pretty epic. While the keynotes for 2015 haven’t been released as of yet, you already know they’re going to be awesome. Don’t miss out. Have you purchased your ticket yet? Do it ==> eventbrite

There were also amazing giveaways to start the mornings, so make sure you’re at the conference on time! So many people showed up late, missing the opening statements and, therefore, lost out on their prizes! Hey, more for me! But seriously, you don’t want to be late for the opening announcements each morning. I’m also hoping next year there are more prizes for the general populace as opposed to “author only” giveaways, as there are indeed a lot of us in attendance that aren’t authors.

We’ll also have a full day author signing event on Saturday from 10-4 in 2015! This is a great addition for which I can’t wait! This past year, we had an author signing from 6-9 on Friday, and it was great, but I think an all-day affair will be even better. This will allow even more time for authors and fans alike to get their books signed, making it easier to pinpoint your particular author’s whereabouts because, as I said earlier, it’s become a rather large conference.

And did I mention costumed karaoke? Because, yeah. That happened, too. Guess which one I am?

I HIGHLY suggest that you bring as many books as you can TO the conference as many authors only bring limited quantities. Though, there is a bookstore on site, it also seemed a bit limited itself.

Pre-order links usually come out from authors as well about two months in advance, and I posted all their links on the blog for the 2014 conference, and will do so again next year when the time comes for the 2015 conference—preorders are great because then you pick them up from the author at the conference. But MAKE SURE you write down what books you purchased on a spreadsheet so you don’t forget, especially if you’re buying a lot! Many authors also had deals for those pre-ordering, like extra swag, lower prices, etc., so do be on the lookout for that closer to the date.

For those favorite authors who didn’t have a preorder link, I personally contacted them and asked if they’d have all their books with them, or if I should bring my own for signing, and most recommended I bring my own to guarantee that I have them. Some authors brought copies just for my purchase based on my query too, so they might tell you they’ll reserve some for you, but I definitely recommend double checking prior to the conference. There is nothing worse than planning on buying a book from your favorite author to only find they are sold out. So, plan ahead. Books tend to be about $10-15 on site from authors, FYI, and they tend to be cheaper via the author OR Amazon as opposed to the onsite bookstore (at least, that is how it worked this year).

Likewise, you will acquire much swag and meet tons of authors you haven’t read yet. So bring cash in case you decide you want to buy their books as well—I met so many new authors and after connecting with them and learning about their books, I just had to have them! Set a budget and plan accordingly.

What else? Here’s some info from the official website:

From the official website:

An uplifting, collaborative and educational conference for those who love supernatural and contemporary young adult and new adult fiction!

Panels, filled with writers and experts in the publishing and entertainment industries, will have something for established and aspiring authors and screenwriters to improve their craft and advance their careers, as well as FUN panels for fans where then can directly influence and interact with their favorite authors!

Over 100 Exhibitors

Book store on site

Educational and Fan-focused FUN panels

Meet your favorite authors in friendly, level playing field environment.

This conference is for:

self- and indie-published authors*

traditionally published authors *

hybrid authors*

screenwriters

comic book writers and creators

book bloggers

book tubers

web and graphic designers

book cover and author branding photographers

book trailer producers

book cover models

agents

editors

publishers

FANS of all of the above

* UtopYA caters to the full gamut of those on any side of the publishing fence because we have a lot to learn from each other, much we can share and even more we can innovate together.

And you won’t want to miss the Fourth Annual UtopYA Awards on Saturday night, where we celebrate the writers, producers, editors, bloggers, designers and others who bring our favorite characters and stories to life!

With 30+ categories, live music, interactive live streaming and celebrity hosts and guests, it’s YOUR chance to dress up and get down with your favorite authors and friends!

NEW in 2015

UtopYA expands to 4-day conference – Thursday through Sunday.

Two full days of panels, exhibitors, meet & greets, parties and the best keynote speakers will be follwed by a full day signing event on Saturday (10 AM – 4 PM).

Full-day Saturday Signing Event!

UtopYA Idea Exchange:

Similar to the massively popular TED talks, UtopYA gives you the chance to apply/submit your “talk.” If chosen, you could share your ideas on publishing, marketing, community-building, craft, trends, good-doing, and forward-thinking with attendees at the 2015 UtopYAcon.

and more surprises to come!!

Grab your ticket and reserve your room in the official conference hotel, Millennium Maxwell House, now!

REFUND POLICY: No transferring or reselling of tickets allowed. Not for use in giveaways, contests, or sweepstakes. Full refund available up to 60 days from purchase (unless April 30, 2015 comes first). After 60 days, refund minus processing fees available until April 30, 2015. No refunds after April 30, 2015.

_____________________________________________________________

The Awards:

The awards were much bigger this year, and though we had some technical difficulties here and there, it was fun all the same, especially with the cover models strutting their stuff across the runway. It’s like a red carpet event and it was so awesome to be a part of it, especially as my blog and I were nominated for three awards! As of right now, it’s not a sit down dinner event, but there was a cocktail hour prior to the awards this year, and the hor d’oeuvres were delectable, though you still might want to eat a light meal prior to the awards ceremony. Also, keep your ears open as food may become part of the awards at some point down the line.

What to wear? Well, really it doesn’t matter. Since it’s like a red carpet event, most people were dressed to varying formal degrees—from sundresses to prom dresses, I saw them all. I also saw slacks and jeans, so don’t feel like you have to dress up! It’s not mandatory. The only thing that is mandatory is that you have a good time, and that’s a given.

This past weekend, on top of the cocktail hour was an after-hour dance party as well, which was great fun, and I’m hoping the same happens again in 2015. Again, keep your ears open—updates will be posted as I get them.

_____________________________________________________________

Need to know more about the conference before you commit? Click the links below to learn more and read real testaments from those who attended UtopYA 2013 and 2014 (more to come as they’re posted by attendees):

Like a Virgin… HEY #UtopYA2014 For the Very First Time

#utopYA2014 was AMAZEBALLS!

UtopYA 2013: What You Need To Know and Why You Need to Go in 2014

UtopYA: A Fantasy Conference Grows in Nashville—From Publisher’s Weekly

UtopYA Official Website

_____________________________________________________________

What else?

Questions, comments, concerns? Let me know and I’ll do the best I can to answer them, or put you in touch with someone who can. Also, make sure you check out UtopYA online as they begin updating their site for next year’s event. See you there!!

_____________________________________________________________

AND–make sure you pick up a copy of the first ever UtopYA anthology from 2014, complete with NEW, original short stories from these authors: Tiffany King, Heather Hildenbrand, Amanda Havard, Amy Bartol, Sarah M. Ross, Tammy Blackwell, Raine Thomas, and C.A. Kunz!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

I’m hoping there is an anthology for 2015 as well!

{June 23, 2014} {ARC Review} Complicit by Stephanie Kuehn

From Goodreads: Two years ago, sixteen-year-old Jamie Henry breathed a sigh of relief when a judge sentenced his older sister to juvenile detention for burning down their neighbor’s fancy horse barn. The whole town did. Because Crazy Cate Henry used to be a nice girl. Until she did a lot of bad things. Like drinking. And stealing. And lying. Like playing weird mind games in the woods with other children. Like making sure she always got her way. Or else. But today Cate got out. And now she’s coming back for Jamie. Because more than anything, Cate Henry needs her little brother to know the truth about their past. A truth she’s kept hidden for years. A truth she’s not supposed to tell. Trust nothing and no one as you race toward the explosive conclusion of this gripping psychological thriller from the William C. Morris Award-winning author of Charm & Strange.

____________________________________________________________________

The synopsis of Complicit drew me in from the get go, and I knew I had to read this novel. With a premise like this one, you just know it’s got to be good, and it was. Very good, especially with its ending that completely knocked me on my butt. I mean, WOW.

According to her confession and the evidence her brother Jamie found in the woods, Cate Henry set alight a horse barn with the horses still inside in hopes of drawing out their riders and doing as much damage to both them and the horses as possible. Sent to juvie for two years, the novel begins as Jamie learns that his sister, Cate, has been set free, sending him spiraling down as she taunts him with statements about their deceased mother and the fact that Cate’s now coming for Jamie.

Determined to find the truth at any cost, Jamie begins to stir up the past, including that surrounding his mother’s murder when he was a young child; an event that not only left him emotionally scarred, but also suffering from blackouts and seemingly sporadic loss of his hands mobility. Unable to remember the events of his past, or even his mother’s features, though certain that they hold the key to Cate’s odd, cultish behavior, Jamie sets off on a journey of self-discovery, and what he finds is beyond alarming. Told through both past and present revelations, readers begin to put together the puzzling pieces of Jamie and Cate’s existence, understanding that not everything is as it seems, and that the cost of protecting the fragile mind of the young can indeed turn deadly.

I highly enjoyed this novel, especially with this ending that left me mystified and chilled to my core. While I was able to pinpoint the truth behind Cate’s actions fairly early on, the events that readers are left with at the very end were still shocking and, in a way, more appalling than that of the horse barn burning in the first place. Jamie’s attempts to placate his sister while maintaining the semblance of his life, including his very first crush, sends readers on an intense psychological ride as Cate gets ever closed to Jamie, and as everything comes to a head, it’s beyond mind blowing. If you’re looking for something completely different, I suggest picking up Complicit—be prepared for a chilling conclusion. Four stars.

I received an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

{June 22, 2014} {Review} Stronger by Misty Provencher

From Goodreads: Two men are vying for a place in Lydia Strong’s life. Desmond has solid ties from her distant past, while Aiden is only concerned about being her future. But right now, party-girl Lydia has lost herself in a shot glass and dozens of one night stands. She’s forgotten her own worth and she’s plummeting toward the rock bottom of her life. While Des and Aiden compete to create her future, Lydia realizes she’s got to be stronger than she’s ever been, to fight her addictions and choose the life she wants now. She must find herself again, before the wrong man walks away.

____________________________________________________

Welcome to the riveting world of Lydia Strong, a woman spiraling down the wells of addiction. A novel completely unique and jarring, in amazing ways, Stronger pulls readers in, making Provencher’s tantalizing story the readers’ own addiction. Definitely one of my top ten reads of the year, Stronger is an extremely real, well written story that is not to be missed. Intense, passionate, real; this novel will leave readers breathless as it unfolds.

Certainly a read for the more mature crowds, this NA novel tackles topics such as abuse, self-worth, alcoholism, theft, and manipulation. It’s intense, but it’s Oh. So. Good. I was wrapped up in the story and truly felt like I was a part of it as I watched Lydia slowly fall to pieces, searching out one night stands (not too graphic on the sexual escapades) and alcohol to try and put the truth of her heartbreaking, loveless life behind her. Manipulated and at rock bottom, Lydia has much to overcome in order to begin building up her world once more, and that includes separating herself from the worst sort of abuser and allowing herself to love, live, and take control. But in order to do that, she’s got to love herself, first.

This is an amazingly intense novel that I absolutely adore. Provencher has done a fantastic job creating vivid, real characters and situations, and I highly suggest giving this one a read. I was a little concerned it might not be my cup of tea going in, but Provencher soon quelled my fears as this utterly fantastic novel unfolded. Be prepared for a slew of feels as this novel takes you on an amazing journey. It’s so perfectly written that you will fall deeply in love, just as I did. Five epic stars.

I received this novel as a gift from my friend Lisa M. Ammari and was lucky enough to meet Misty Provencher this past weekend and purchase a signed copy for my reading shelf.

Amazon | Kindle (only $3.99) | Barnes and Noble

{June 21, 2014} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 102–A #UtopYA2014 Extravaganza–Get Your ‘One Click’ On

Guess what day it is?! That’s right, it’s 99 Cent Club feature day; it’s also the UtopYAcon weekend–and I’m here in Nashville with the most amazing authors, bloggers, editors, publishers, fandom… and the list goes on. Seriously, this conference is absolutely amazing (and you really need to be here next June!).

In celebration of UtopYA, this week’s feature is a little different–I’m featuring 99 cent ebooks by authors right here at the con with me, and there are a TON! These awesome authors have all lowered their prices to just 99 cents on Amazon, but many are also on Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Smashwords, and Kobo as well (Smashwords supports nearly EVERY ereader device).

Obviously, most of these aren’t permanent prices, so please don’t shoot the messenger, and double check pricing before pressing the buy button as pricing could change at any moment. Enjoy! (If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.)

______________________________________________________________

Gifted, A Donovan Circus Novel by Liz C. Long

Even in a world of freaks, being a Firestarter is considered a dangerous Gift.

Lucy was born with the ability to create and control fire. She longs to leave the human world for one filled with Earthshakers, Transporters, and Chameleons, to name a few. When she rejoins the circus, it’s everything she hoped it could be—new friends, a potential love interest or two, and a place where she can be herself.

When troupe members begin turning up dead, however, Lucy is suspected of foul play. She must not only prove her innocence but also realize the full extent of her power. To find the real murderer, she must uncover the truth behind her father’s fiery legacy while figuring out whom to trust within her new circle. Little does she know the history of the Donovan Circus and its enemies might actually destroy the entire gifted world.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

The Deception of Devin Miller by Kelly Martin

One month ago, seventeen year old Devin Miller wrecked while intoxicated— or so she’s told by the sightly ticked off blue-eyed boy when she wakes up from a coma. The only thing Devin remembers is the darkness holding her down and the voices– some happy, some upset, and one very agitated. She can’t remember her name, her age, where she lives, or who in the world the blue-eyed boy is. But he knows her and against her better judgment, she offers to pay him for his memories so she can trick the ones closest to her into thinking she’s fine.

That is her first mistake.

When Devin gets home, the deception is harder than she thought. People she doesn’t know keep talking to her. Trey (the blue-eyed boy) doesn’t show up like he said he would. And the police want to talk to her about her involvement with the car accident. Plus she keeps seeing flashes of the wreck, but none of them make sense. What would a red plastic cup have to do with anything? And why can’t she seem to trust the people she is supposed to trust the most?

Facing DUI charges for a wreck she can’t recall, Devin fights to remember exactly what happened the night of the crash: something the real driver desperately wants her to forget permanently.

Who is really doing the deceiving?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Hindsight: Out of the Blue by Kelly Martin

Start at the beginning…
You want to know how it all began.
How I fell for her? How I started to love…?
You want to know how I met Oliver Weston. How I grew to hate him? Why I did what I did?
You want to know how it all began?
Because every story has a beginning, doesn’t it?
Even mine.
Especially mine.
I loved her. I still do.
And I hated him. Still do.
So this is it. The start. My ‘in the beginning’.
This is how an average guy from Oklahoma ended up here… talking to you.
It all started innocently enough. I needed a place to live. Jordan needed a roommate.
It hit me out of the blue.
I only wish it had ended differently.
But we will get to that later.
Start at the beginning… are you sure you are ready?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Across the Galaxy by Heather Hildenbrand

Seventeen year old Alina Leone is an alien.

Not the foreign citizen kind, but the secret, I’m-from-another-planet-and-mean-you-no-harm kind.

And so far, it’s worked for her. No one knows she’s an empress from a distant planet hiding here from the Shadows, the monsters who destroyed her home. No one knows Alina’s otherworldly powers include glowing like a night light and telepathically communicating with her horse. Up until now, Alina’s managing to pretend quite nicely to be an average human girl.

Minus parents. And a normal desire for boyfriends and parties and socializing.
But any attempt at “normal” is bound to go out the window at the arrival of a talking wolf. That’s when things get weird. And serious. Then it’s “goodbye Earth, hello space travel” and cute boys and all kinds of extra-terrestrial creatures.

She meets Ander, a hottie with an attitude she can’t figure out, and Kent, a pretty boy with a smile that has enough wattage to power a small city. Suddenly, she’s thrown into all the situations she avoided on Earth. Good thing she has Jalene to guide her in all things boys and fashion, whether Alina wants to hear it or not.

Over the next weeks, Alina must give up her attempt to blend and lay low when she learns that the Shadows never gave up looking for the lost empress. And once they find her, they plan to rid the galaxy of the one person who stands in their way of total inter-galactic power.

Does Alina have what it takes to stop them and save her people, herself, AND her true love?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

This Side of Forever by C. Marie Mosley

A small town with big drama…
Harden Fields is a small town, one that Laney Oliver can’t wait to get away from…especially after spending her senior year heartbroken over the only boy she’d ever given her heart to.
Laney is ready to move on, that is, until Jeremiah Cutler comes back to Harden Fields after being gone for almost a year. And he has only one goal in mind – to win Laney back at all cost.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

The St. James Chronicles: Shea by Colleen Blackstone

Shea St. James is the female part of a figure skating pairs team headed for the Olympics. She and her partner Brady have been skating together for years and know for sure that this is THEIR Olympics to bring home the gold!

Shea’s life is turned upside down when a family from New Jersey approach her parents to say that they think she is their long lost sister. As Shea fights through all the emotional upheaval in her life, she also has to concentrate on the task at hand and that’s competing in the Olympics.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Devour by Andrea Heltsley

He wasn’t supposed to remember.

Callie is a royal vampire. She hunts by taking the blood from her victims and erases their memories afterwards. She goes undetected until a victim named Chase approaches her with all his memories intact. He is intrigued and attracted. She is terrified. What happens when a human mixes with the immortal world? Chaos.

Callie’s 18th birthday has passed and she is coming out at the annual blood ball. Will she find a mate or will she suffer the repercussions of her indiscretion? She is brought to the Vampire council and they must decide what to do with Chase. Do they kill him, or turn him to protect their secret?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Safer Outside by Kristina Renee

When Liz moves to a new high school, she hopes for a fresh start. School is her escape from the violence at home and her only hope for breaking the cycle of
poverty she was born into. Trying to shield her siblings from her stepfather’s fury gets harder each day so when she meets Logan, she thinks it will be a
harmless distraction from the fear.

She’s Wrong.

Logan has the resources to change her life but at what cost? Her relationship is the best thing that ever happened to her but it could also be the worst. If she’s
not careful, she may lose everyone that’s important to her. But it’s hard to be careful when you’re fifteen and in love.

For readers 16+

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

It Was You by Anna Cruise

Abby Sellers knows what she wants.

Enduring eighteen years in the shadow of her identical twin sister, Annika, she wants a fresh start. A chance to create her own life, separate from her conniving, deceptive twin.

Surprising both her family and friends, Abby ditches her plans for college and enrolls at a new school instead. There, she encounters West Montgomery, a sexy fellow student who immediately disarms her with his good looks and charm. West takes a liking to Abby and she suddenly finds herself walking a thin line, fabricating a fictional life created not by lies but by omission. She soon discovers West has secrets of his own, secrets that he’s not altogether interested in sharing.

Out from under the shadow of her twin, Abby’s life—and her relationship with West—blossoms. When Abby leaves town one weekend, something unthinkable happens and her relationship with West is shattered. Reeling from the discovery, Abby fears all of her plans have backfired and she’s created a mess for both of them, a mess that no one can clean up.

But West isn’t willing to let her go that easily. When he forces her to confront secrets they’ve both been hiding, Abby must decide more than if she’s willing to forgive and forget. She must also decide just what kind of life she wants…and who she wants to live it with.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

City of Cruelty and Copper by Rhiannon Paille

Nuclear warfare destroyed Earth, setting it off its axis. A group of survivors escaped to Antarctica, discovering a city under the permafrost. Fable Ketterling was thirteen when the bombs went off.

She was fifteen when she and her parents escaped.
She was fifteen when she found the fountain of youth.
She was fifteen when the fountain made her immortal.
She was the only one.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn’t a normal teenage girl. She’s a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she’s a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she’s to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That’s nothing compared to the boy trouble she’s gotten herself into. Because a guy she’s literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe’s once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Enchanted Heart by Mindy Ruiz

Cassandra Vera never ever broke the rules.

Ever!

She’s also had a nonexistent social life since her best friend moved to Vegas. Armed with a new set of resolutions, the promise of a hot date, and her adoptive parents out of town, seventeen-year-old Cassandra agrees to a road trip, which is the perfect way to celebrate her birthday and ring in the New Year. After all, she’s headed to Vegas, the city where secrets are meant to stay hidden. Little does Cassandra know her past is buried there as well.

Cloaked in the shadows of the glitz and gaudy lights of Vegas lies a power struggle centuries old. One wrong step and Cassandra could destroy the delicate web of secrets. Now an enemy she never knew existed is after her, and the one boy who may be the missing piece to the puzzle — and her heart— is the one person she can’t afford to trust.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

River’s Recruit by Charlotte Abel

A beautiful, young shape-shifter discovers a lost backpacker trespassing in her territory during a blizzard.

She has two choices: recruit him into her cult-like tribe, or kill him.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Bluffing the Devil by C.L. Foster

After losing her fiancé to a freak accident, Alexia Riley decides to swear off relationships and focus her energy on conquering the male-dominated sport of professional poker.

When Alexia finds herself being visited in her dreams by a mysterious new man, she begins to wonder if her world is slowly starting to unravel around her.

Tested by a double-dealing nemesis on the tables and tempted by a mysterious “dream man”, Alexia soon contemplates making a deal with the Devil to rid herself of these torments. What bargain will she strike with the Dark Prince to get what she wants? As temptation for a mysterious dream man weakens her resolve, a desire to defeat her greatest rival beckons her. Will she sacrifice her soul for victory? Love? Or does she want something else entirely?

The stakes have never been higher for Alexia than they are when she is bluffing the Devil!

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Best Thing I Never Had by C.L. Foster, et. al

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS ANTHOLOGY GO TO MAP INTERNATIONAL

Love.
For some, love is the reason they get up each day and take life by the horns. The knowledge that someone out there is made just for them inspires greatness each day. For others, it is another four-letter word tha tbrings forth bad memories and bouts of sadness. The past chases and plagues them.

Life…
it is a never ending series of learning experiences of the heart and soul. All who love are lucky because they are given an opportunity to learn not only about themselves but also about others through gain and loss. No relationship is perfect and not all last, but they all mean something and are worth it, if even for just one fleeting moment of joy.

Often…
not getting what you want opens your heart to what is waiting for you on the other side of the lessons. Within these pages, twelve brave souls open up their hearts and share their experiences so that others might learn that it is not the end of a relationship that defines you, but what you learn from that end.

Sometimes…
not getting what you want can be the best thing for you.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Grip of Mortality by C.L. Foster

The curse of the Cortez family followed Mira Cortez and a decision needed to be made; it wasn’t if she will go but a matter of when. Mira won’t sit by and wait while her mate is sent on a mission that could end him and their chance to break her family’s curse. She must join her mate and use her hidden ability to protect him and their way of life, before they all become Endangered.

The family of wereleopards must battle for their lives against their greatest enemy… their own family.

With the odds against them, everything depends on The Cortez Quintuplets. Combined they’re a force to be reckoned with but when Rozar Cortez meets her mate, everything changes. With all on the line, she must choose: continue to fight with her family and use her curse ability or take a chance on love even if he’s not what he seems.

Will Rozar follow her heart or will she face being trapped by the Grip of Mortality?

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Haunting: The Dusty Chronicles – Book One by B.J. Sheldon

After a family tragedy, 15-year-old Dusty Vermeer has to start her sophomore year in a new town and a new school. Rural Iowa introduces her to Mark, a charming football player. Dusty can hardly believe her heart. Then, to her surprise Dusty meets another guy. The chemistry between Dusty and Jack could spark a prairie fire on a rainy day. The only problem? Jack’s dead. The handsome soldier comes to Dusty in her dreams and introduces her to the horrors of a foreign battlefield and the enchantments of first love. While Dusty tries to balance her feelings for the two new guys in her life, Jack steps out of Dusty’s dreams and into her reality. And he wants something. Jack has no memory of how he died more than half a century ago. Dusty vows to uncover the mystery, but her quest for justice puts her in the path of evil, a force that won’t stop until she’s silenced.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Soul Rebel by C.J. Pinard

When 21-year-old Nolan Bishop meets a seductive woman named Eva at a dark club in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, little does he know his soul will be gone as soon as she is. Realizing she’s taken something from him, he finds out he has a very limited time to destroy her before he turns into something sinister and inhuman. In a race against all that is holy, Nolan has to find Eva and get his soul back while trying not to fall in love with Charity, the twin sister of the succubus who took his soul – all in seven days.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Never Let You Fall by Michele G. Miller

Orphaned at 7, with no memory of her past or the family she lost, 17 year old Skye Martin is tired of being alone and afraid. After a hard night of partying, Skye wakes up alone in an unfamiliar hotel. All she can remember is the deep voice of her rescuer and his promise: “I am safe.”

Xander has been tasked with watching Skye from afar for the past two years, in order to keep her safe from the demons that hunt her. An easy job – until a pair of red glowing eyes reveal themselves to Skye, and Xander, in a moment of weakness, is forced to break his cover to protect her. Never good at trusting people, Skye is inexplicably drawn to Xander and the immediate bond she feels for him. However, Xander is filled with secrets and ties to her past that threaten to thrust Skye into a world she could never imagine existed…

As she begins to unravel the truth about who Xander is and the details surrounding her family, she discovers that she might just be the key to saving everything… And, most importantly, she finds that there has always been someone by her side who would never let her fall…

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Blood Pact by Sharon Rose Mayes

Riley Spencer has spent most of her life doing what is normal for her: attending school, spending time with her mother, and training to hunt vampires. It was how she grew up as part of the organization and when Nick comes to town and joins her team everything changes. Now Riley and the rest of her team begin to question everything they have learned about vampires and the organization that trained them to hunt the vampires that hide in the world.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Impulsion by Jamie Magee

With a glance Wyatt Doran stole Harley Tatum’s heart. With each summer that passed, touch by touch, they robbed each other’s innocence, birthing a love that was so deep that it scorched within. Without warning, they were ripped from the clutches of each other, placed in lives that were worlds apart. Only to cross paths after a freak accident where Harley’s horse rig was flipped. An accident that Wyatt Doran, from fire station 32, responded.
The tension was immediate, the emotions were raw. One breath told them they were not the same as before, one touch…changed their world.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Whispers and Wishes by Hollie Westring

Eliza Monroe has been traveling the United States for three years, immersing herself in the towns she visits as she searches for the mother she’s never known. She hopes returning to her grandmother’s inn in Sage Springs, Mo., will provide the break she needs to evaluate her lonely life.

What Eliza isn’t expecting is to have two men enter the picture, not making her decision to stay or leave any easier. One has been her foundation, while the other is as comfortable as she is hopping from city to city. Throw in a kooky grandmother, a cheerful best friend, a sarcastic guest, a town where residents and spirits interact like neighbors, and Eliza has little time to contemplate her future.

Friendships grow, webs are spun and lies are revealed before Eliza comes to terms with what she wants in life and learns what’s really important.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Clicks by Amy Evans

Clicks are the sound the universe makes to tell you what happens next. They can be hard to hear, and harder still to believe, because they are only revealed to you.

Sixteen year old Cami has waited all her life for Clicks, they kind that pro surfers use to describe the waves they can sense that will take them on a ride to win events. She’s hoping one will come just in time to sweep her into first place for her Island’s competitive Surf Carnival. A win is her ticket to leaving her home and traveling the world as an elite athlete. But she gets knocked out before the first race. And when she comes too, everything has changed. Something dangerous is under the waves, and only Cami can sort out how to get everyone well again.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks.

______________________________________________________________

Edge of Truth by Natasha Hanova

Citizens who report to work on time, obey the Overlord’s laws, and stay off the Synbot’s radar, live long lives. Long, dull, monotonous lives.

It’s not a bad plan for sixteen-year-old Rena Moon whose emotions trigger earthquakes. In a world pitted against her, she strives for a life beyond working herself to death at the factory. Seeing an alternative, she risks selling relics from the forbidden lands at Market. It becomes the worst decision she ever made. Someone kidnaps her best friend in exchange for the one thing that would end her oppression.

Driven by loyalty, Rena and seventeen-year-old Nevan Jelani, soulful composer, green thumb extraordinaire, and the secret love of her life, plot to rescue her friend and reclaim her salvage. Still, the thought lingers whether Nevan is a true hero or another thief waiting for his chance at her loot. Events spin wildly, deepening Rena’s suspicions and pushing her limit of control. With more than her chance for freedom at stake, she must decide if she’s willing to kill to protect what’s precious to her. For once, the Overlord isn’t holding all the power, but can Rena live with being reduced to what she’s struggling so hard to escape?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Chosen by Paulina Ulrich

Nothing can stand in the way of outspoken, rule-breaker-extraordinaire Kaddy Richston…except destiny. Born with a spitfire personality and a take-no-nonsense attitude, Kaddy set her sights on being in a rock band and leaving her small Wyoming town, along with the painful memories of her shattered past. But destiny had other plans for her. The seemingly observant and mysterious Cole Huntington enters her life and becomes the bump in the road Kaddy is trying to pave for her future. Calm, cool, and collected, he plans on unraveling every one of Kaddy’s dark secrets. He only seems to be there for one thing anyway: Kaddy. Hating him from the start and trying to fight her inane attraction to him, Kaddy is determined to undermine whatever intentions he has—until she learns of a destiny she never asked for. The only person she can turn to for answers is the last person she’d want help from: the frustratingly attractive Cole Huntington, who seems to dislike her rule-breaking as much as she dislikes his rule-following. Sometimes destiny sucks.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Waterfall by Amber Garr

The water is gone. The wars have begun.

Clean water is a luxury most can no longer afford. Climate change, industrial sabotage, and greed have turned country against country as each one tries to provide for its citizens. Terrorist groups target desalinization plants and frustrated governments hunt those who work against them. Rationing, sequestering, and patrolling have become routine at a time when there are too many people and not enough resources.

While the world around them disintegrates into chaos, Zach and Vivienne hope that their life in a government-run complex will retain some semblance of normalcy. But when attacks on their water supplies bring war to their sheltered community, they must accept their new fate. Stay and fight or flee and endure—it’s a difficult decision with lasting consequences.

Will they choose what’s safe? Or will they choose to survive?

This is a prequel novella for The Water Crisis Chronicles.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Lily, the Brave by Katherine Hodges

Seventeen year old Lily Harrison is given an incredible gift. She doesn’t really want it, but she’s stuck with it. Lily’s best friend convinces her it can be used for the good of mankind, but it only seems to bring her trouble and put everyone around her in danger. Her life was already hard enough after the accident. How can she possibly deal with being a super hero too? One thing is for sure, her life will never be the same again.

“That’s only the beginning, Lily. Just imagine having the ability to stop a terrorist in their tracks. If we could get you close enough, you could hear the exact plans of someone who might want to bomb a building, or murder someone. It could be any number of situations, but the point is that you would be saving lives. People who would have died or been seriously injured would be alive because of you. Can you see how amazing this is? How amazing your gift is? This could change the world. You could change the world.” She had never seen her ability in that light before. She had never dreamed any good could come of it, but Mr. Turner seemed to see her gift in an entirely different way than she did. He made it sound like she was a super hero sent to save the world. Lily was still guarded and hesitant to trust this man, but she couldn’t help feeling like maybe he was right.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella by Kristie Cook

Paranormal Romance by bestselling author Kristie Cook Mature Content Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language

Discover how the Amadis began in this fascinating prequel to the award-winning Soul Savers Series!

While the land of Ancient Greece is plagued with mortals’ wars, twins Cassandra and Jordan have lived more than a lifetime as outcasts. When their dying father divulges a secret that’s been buried in his soul, his children come to opposite conclusions, launching them down two very different paths.

Jordan descends down a road of darkness and discovers the Daemoni, servants to Satan. His passion to gain their inhuman abilities, especially that of immortality, nearly consumes him, but when he thinks he’s achieved his ultimate goal, he yearns for his sister to share in his power.

Cassandra, however, follows the path of healing and light. She cares for the wounded and dying on the battlefields, while praying for the end to such atrocities. But her brother is determined to bring her into the war of all ages – the one for human souls.

Whether you’ve already immersed yourself in the world of the Amadis through the main Soul Savers Series, or this is your initial foray into Cook’s world, you’ll find yourself addicted and wanting more until long past the last word.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Wonder: A Soul Savers Collection of Short Stories: Part 1 – Thanksgiving by Kristie Cook

This first part of the Wonder collection of short stories brings three New Adult Paranormal tales to the Thanksgiving table.

Amity
Baby vampire Mindy yearns for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but her efforts result in disaster after disaster. Can she come to terms with what she is and learn new ways to celebrate? Or will her determination to hang onto the old traditions end up killing her own family?

Belonging
At sixteen years old, Rissa was kicked out of her house by her stepfather, bitten by a werewolf and infected so she’d become one herself. She hasn’t had a single thing to be grateful for in the six years since. When a handsome-as-the-devil college guy frees her from a trap, she knows she should leave him immediately, but she can’t bring herself to. Is he truly as nice as he seems and can he really give her a sense of belonging? Or is she setting herself up for the worst shock since her first full moon as a wolf?

Gratitude
Fresh off the battlefield, Alexis, Tristan, and the Soul Savers crew struggle to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner, especially when a Daemoni attack ruins everything. When it’s all over, can they find a single blessing to count or is that too much to ask in this time of war?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Wonder: A Soul Savers Collection of Short Stories Part 2 – Christmas by Kristie Cook

This second part of the Wonder collection of short stories brings three New Adult Paranormal tales to read by the fire with the Christmas tree lights twinkling.

Presence
What do you get the woman who needs nothing while staying within her “rules”? Tristan strives to find the perfect present for Alexis, although all she wants is him. Will he unearth just the right gift in time, or is his presence really enough? In response to fans’ high demand, this story comes from the man himself, winner of several book-boyfriend and best-hero contests. Told from Tristan’s point-of-view, Presence contains plenty of steam to keep you warm through the chilly holiday season.

Miracle: A Vampire’s First Christmas
Once among the elite of the evil Daemoni, a vampire converted to the good side experiences her first Christmas. She struggles to understand the traditions and expectations of the season and believes she’ll never get it. At least, until she meets someone who needs her help—and will never be able to repay her. Can this newly changed vampire find the true miracle of Christmas in her heart and soul? Or will she stay in the comfort zone of her wicked ways?

Joy
Daemoni warlock Claire always does what everyone else wants her to do, and she can’t help but wonder if this makes her bad at being bad. Wanting to do something for herself for once, she bails on the Random Acts of Evil festivities for anti-Christmas and disappears. When sparks fly between her and a were-bear she runs into, she sees her chance to defy the most controlling people in her life: her family. But…will she have the courage to do it or will she bow down to them once again?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Wonder: A Soul Savers Collection of Short Stories Part 3 – New Year’s by Kristie Cook

This final part of the Wonder collection of short stories brings three New Adult Paranormal tales to ring in the New Year.

Desire
In this time of war, Tristan and Alexis rarely enjoy the luxury of time alone together, but they’ve made a promise to each other for midnight on New Year’s Eve. The Daemoni, however, have their own plans and do everything they can to ruin the couple’s celebration. How far will they have to go to share their midnight kiss, or is that really too much to hope for?

Fervor
“Being a were-panther is pretty cool … except when you’re in love with a werewolf.” What do you do when you’re in love with someone you shouldn’t want and can never have? You go to a faerie ball, of course. With a conflict between brain and heart, a dash of faerie mischief, and a masquerade ball like nothing in the earthly realm, this little tale is loosely based on a love story familiar to all little girls. The question is: Will this were-panther find her true Prince Charming or only more trouble behind the mask?

Resolutions
Four witches, two sides of the line between good and evil, and one party that tests each of their resolutions—and it’s not even the New Year yet. This fun short story pits the wills of each side against the other, challenging their commitments to their causes. But what happens to the human onlookers when untrained mages battle it out?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

RecruitZ (Afterworld Series Book 1) by Karice Bolton

Scientists are the new rock stars. The infection has been contained for several months, and the world is celebrating. But humans are still dying. Rebekah Taylor has seen it firsthand. Her husband was killed right in front of her by the very creatures that humans were told they no longer had to fear.

Rebekah is determined to find out who is responsible for the death of her husband and the obvious cover-up. Fueled with revenge, she begins to find answers that lead to one frightening conclusion. The apocalypse might be over, but the battles are just beginning.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Holding On by Rachael Brownell

Holding On (book 1 in the Holding On series)

For five years Becca has been struggling to hide her feelings for her best friend, Brad. Now she finally has a chance to move on. She’s in a new city, she’s attending a new school, and she’s met the first guy besides Brad who’s held her attention in a long time. Not only is Ethan attractive, he’s an amazing tennis player, and he might just be Becca’s match on and off the courts.

Brad has loved Becca for as long as he can remember. Now that Becca’s family has moved two thousand miles away, Brad may finally be ready to lay his heart on the line and do whatever it takes to hold on to Becca.
But is Brad too late? Or will Ethan’s secret drive Becca back into Brad’s arms? Torn between her love for Brad and the promise of something new and exciting with Ethan, Becca has an almost impossible choice to make, the choice between letting go or holding on.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Found (Penny Black #1) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Penny Black hasn’t had it easy. Just about everything you’d expect to happen to a harassed foster-kid turned junkie has happened to Penny. Add in the mysterious power to rewind time, conducting events around her, and it’s a wonder she held up on the streets for so many years. Now, at seventeen, the New Society has found her. Finally, Penny is where she belongs. But that doesn’t stop the visions, or the need to protect the victims shown to her.

Wyatt Adams is excited and intrigued when his sister Melody assigns him to be Penny’s Lookout. Being the youngest, and hopelessly ordinary in the family that created the New Society, has left Wyatt feeling like he has a lot to prove — and Penny is a big deal. She’s got abilities that surpass any he’s seen before…and pretty much every quality he looks for in a girlfriend, but no one needs to know about that, especially Penny.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Smashwords, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Burning Bridges by Nadege Richards

The year is 2065. In a world that has been divided amongst the Hunter race and the Warrior, prisoners who have fallen prey to King Cyrus’ decrees are forced into the arena to fight until death. Winner is granted mercy and privilege to see another sunrise. Death unto the weak. In an attempt to get back at everyone who has ever shut her out, seventeen year-old Princess Echo becomes another victim in a race to freedom, to find out who she really is, and to put a world that has been swallowed by lies back together again. And then there’s Ayden. His very existence is forbidding, and with those otherworldly violet eyes . . . Echo is finding it hard to stay away from him. And he just may be everything she needs to bring her world, and her title to the throne, to a frightening end.

In the first installment of The Bleeding Heart Trilogy, life becomes a dangerous game of kill or be killed, love or let go. When death threatens the forbidden love of an unlikely couple and they are forced to do the unthinkable, to what extent will they go to be together?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Deceiving Destiny by Nadege Richards

When your destiny lies in the hand of your enemy, there’s only one thing you won’t do to save the ones you love…

Now free from the walls that confine New Haven, the place she had once believed to be her home, Echo must now find a way to put an end to a war only she has the power to stop. She has yet to discover her true abilities as a hybrid leader, but what happens when the dreams that plague her become something more? Someone more? In the midst of exploring her love for Ayden and venturing through forbidden lands for a key that will explain everything, Echo finds Kahl—the boy that haunts her in her sleep, yet has the hidden answers she seeks. And Echo will do just about anything to get them.

In the second installment of The Bleeding Heart Trilogy, relationships are put to the test, dreams become desires, and ultimately one girl will discover her purpose in a promised legend written in stone.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Rogue’s Honor by Brenda Hiatt

A duke’s daughter disguises herself as a maid to avoid a marriage that would snatch away her inheritance. She is nearly discovered but is rescued from certain social disaster by a seeming servant who is in fact the legendary Regency Robin Hood, the Saint of Seven Dials. Love is the last thing either of them needs just now, but when was love ever wise?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Smashwords, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael #1) by Raine Thomas

Every three years, Amber Hopkins explodes. Okay, not a blown-to-smithereens explosion, but whatever it is always hurts like hell and leaves her life a shambles. She’s already worked her way through five foster placements, and she’s doing whatever she can to avoid getting blasted into a sixth.

As her eighteenth birthday approaches and she feels the strange and powerful energy building, disaster looms. When the inevitable explosion occurs, her life gets its biggest shakeup yet. She’ll not only learn how her fellow foster and best friend, Gabriel, really feels about her, but she’ll discover that she isn’t really without family.

To top it all off, she’ll finally find out why she’s having the power surges: she isn’t entirely human.

Amber must Become, transitioning to another plane of existence and risking the loss of the most important relationship she’s ever had. Her choice will impact the future of an entire race of beings, and will pit her against an enemy that will prey upon her doubt to try and take her very life.

Kind of makes the explosions now seem like a cakewalk.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Smashwords, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Soul Survivor by Michelle N. Files

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?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Dead Girl Walking (Royal Reaper) by Ruth Silver

Forget everything you know about grim reapers.

Princess Ophelia Dacre sneaks out of the castle to visit her boyfriend in secret. A perfect night cut short when she’s brutally murdered.

Ophelia is given the rare chance to become a grim reaper. She must become Leila Bele, cut ties with her old life, and follow the rules of the reapers. Her greatest adventure begins with death.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Orenda by Ruth Silver

Join forces with a parallel universe.

Dark forces, magical creatures, and the world Lil thought she knew collide when a dream transports her to the strange world of Orenda. Stunned and terrified, Lil comes face to face with her doppelganger, Willow, who possesses the ability to travel between the two worlds. Everything Lil knows logically says that Orenda can’t exist, but a small clue may be proof that it was more than an ordinary dream. With the threat of her sister in danger, Lil crosses dimensions but it may cost her even more than she bargained for.

A sword wielding girl, the eternal suit, and a parallel universe come together in this action-packed Young Adult fantasy adventure that will keep readers of all ages turning the pages. Orenda is the first novel in the Orenda series.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Enlightened – A Light Tamer Novel by Devyn Dawson

Jessie Lucente, a Light Tamer, has started her junior year at Parca Academy in New Bern, NC. She has a new boyfriend, Caleb Baldwin. He is beyond good looking, he is her mate for life. They’ve been bound by the light and will rule and heal with it too. Her new classes aren’t what she expected. Finding out the school is filled with ‘gifted’ kids is almost too much to comprehend. She finds out what it really means to be a Light Tamer. Some of the assumptions she had are debunked and now everything is crystal clear…well, clear as mud. Now that she is enlightened with the facts, she struggles with the truth.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Arrow of the Mist by Christina Mercer

Preteen/Teen Fantasy. Continue the adventure in ARMS OF ANU (also only 99 cents for limited time)
Amazon Breakout Novel Award Semi-Finalist; Honorable Mention Writer’s Digest Awards

Terror strikes the Celtic inspired kingdom of Nemetona when barbed roots breach the veil of a forbidden land and poison woodsmen, including 15-year-old Lia’s beloved father. Lia and three others embark on a quest to the forbidden land of Brume to gather ingredients for the cure. But after her elder kinsman is attacked and poisoned, she and her cousin, Wynn, are forced to finish the quest on their own.

Lia relies on her powerful herbal wisdom and the memorized pages of her late grandmother’s Grimoire for guidance through a land of soul-hungry shades, trickster creatures, and uncovered truths about the origin of Brume and her family’s unexpected ties to it. The deeper they trek into the land, the stronger Lia’s untapped gift as a tree mage unfolds. When she discovers the enchanted root’s maker, it forces her to question everything about who she is and what is her destiny. Ultimately, she must make a terrible choice: keep fighting to save her father and the people of the lands or join with the power behind the deadly roots to help nature start anew.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Arms of Anu by Christina Mercer

Follows Award-Winning Tween/Teen Fantasy ARROW OF THE MIST

Blood of body, blood of soul,
Entwined for life, then unfolds;
If blood still runs when magic binds,
Soul is never too far to find.

In ARMS OF ANU, Lia and Kelven battle through a land of tyrants, war and magic. Can Lia escape the foes who ensnare her? Will Kelven’s love withstand the darkness taking root inside Lia? Is freedom too high a crown to reach, or will they forever remain in the hollows?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Death is but a Dream by Erin Hayes

Caught between life and death, all Callie wants is to live again.

Homicide detective Callie Saunders knows that death isn’t all pearly gates and angels. After being hit by a bus, she finds that it’s the ancient gods and goddesses of Greek mythology who are in charge of everything.

So when Hades offers her a deal, she accepts. If she wants to be brought back to life, she’ll have to figure out who is trying to kill his son. But if she fails, both her soul and the world will be destroyed.

With the odds mounting against her, it’ll take everything she has within her to wake up from death. But the rules are constantly changing. And someone wants her to stay dead.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average by Erin Hayes

Jacob Smith never expected to be chased by aliens. Or to be traveling across the universe to try and save the world.

After all, nothing interesting had ever happened to him before. But things change when his mom announces she’s expecting another baby. A menacing, black car starts following him, and he meets a dog that seems to be more than man’s best friend. Even worse, he finds out that his older brother isn’t who he claims to be.

Now Jake and his friends are on the run from a race of aliens bent on taking over our world, just as they have many others before. But what can Jake do when the only reason the aliens want him is because he’s so incredibly average?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Chasing Memories by Tia Silverthorne Bach

There isn’t another way; not now. The others are coming. I can’t let them have you…

Seventeen-year-old Reagan has a problem: She can’t remember what happened the night her brother was taken. Now, the dreams haunting her from the incident are becoming more intense by the day. All the while, the lines between what’s real and what’s a product of her paranormal-obsessed mind are becoming blurred.

Is she losing her mind or has she just stepped into a world she thought only existed in books?

Caught in a web of worried parents, competing boys, Wiccan relatives, protective amulets, and psychiatrist babble, Reagan must determine the truth before it’s too late.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Best Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine

SOMETIMES MOVING ON MEANS MOVING IN

Pixie Marshall wishes every day she could turn back time and fix the past. But she can’t. And the damage is done. She’s hoping that a summer of free room and board working with her aunt at the Willow Inn will help her forget. Except there’s a problem: the resident handyman is none other than Levi Andrews. The handsome quarterback was once her friend-and maybe more–until everything changed in a life-shattering instant. She was hoping to avoid him, possibly forever. Now he’s right down the hall and stirring up feelings Pixie thought she’d long buried . . .

Levi can’t believe he’s living with the one person who holds all his painful memories. More than anything he wants to make things right, but a simple “sorry” won’t suffice–not when the tragedy that scarred them was his fault. Levi knows Pixie’s better off without him, but every part of him screams to touch her, protect her, wrap her in his arms, and kiss away the pain. Yet even though she’s so close, Pixie’s heart seems more unreachable than ever. Seeing those stunning green eyes again has made one thing perfectly clear–he can’t live without her.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks.

______________________________________________________________

Stealing the Ruby Slippers by Amanda Michelle Moon

Jared Canning is out of money and out of time. His gambling debts are due, and his creditors are not the kind that grant extensions. An old friend offers him a job: break into a small town museum, steal a pair Ruby Slippers Judy Garland wore in the Wizard of Oz, and share the profits when they are sold to a buyer in New Orleans.

On August 25, 2005, Jared pulls off the heist perfectly.

The next day, Jared watches Hurricane Katrina slam into New Orleans. His buyer, and his money, are gone.

Jared has a creditor with a thirst for blood on his tail, the police knocking on his door, and the most famous shoes in the country hidden in his dirty laundry. He needs to outsmart a sexy, scheming girlfriend, a drunk buddy who saw too much, and just possibly himself in order to find his way out.

Stealing the Ruby Slippers imagines wild possibilities for a real life mystery, blending fact and fiction to keep you guessing until the last page.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Discovery by Brina Courtney

Discoveries can be dangerous. Discoveries can be deadly.

Nine months ago, Teagan Matthews’ boyfriend disappeared and took her sense of stability with him. But when the opportunity to live with her aging grandmother in Salem arises, she decides it’s time to get on with her life. A new home, new job, and new friends are adding up to a beautiful summer…

…until a young girl’s body shows up one night in town, wearing a pentagram necklace exactly like Teagan’s.

Now a guy, looking remarkably like her missing boyfriend, has arrived in Salem along with a mysterious stranger, who may have some answers that Teagan has desperately been searching for. Teagan must now decide who to trust. It’s a matter of life… and her death.

This book contains content not appropriate for readers under the age of 17

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl

Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she’s spent five years in hiding — taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can’t be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else…the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.

Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

The Betwixt Series Omnibus by Melissa Pearl

The Betwixt Series includes Betwixt, Before and Beyond.
Follow the lives of two teenagers who have to discover that sometimes to find your way, you have to get completely lost. This emotional series deals with the consequences of bad choices, young love… and the ultimate power of redemption.

BETWIXT
Beautiful, wild-child, Nicole Tepper, is hit by a car and left for dead. But when she wakes the next morning, Nicole finds herself in bed without a scratch. Perhaps she was more intoxicated than usual, as her mother is giving her the silent treatment and her friends are ignoring her as well.

Things take a turn for the weird when Nicole soon discovers she is actually hovering between life and death. Her body is lying in the forest while her spirit is searching for anyone who can hear her. Unfortunately the only person who can is Dale Finnigan, the guy she publicly humiliated with a sharp-tongued insult that has left him branded.

Desperate, Nicole has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince the freaked-out senior to help her. Will he find her body before it’s too late? Or will the guy who tried to kill her with his car, beat him there and finish her off before anyone finds out?

BEFORE
In this prequel to BETWIXT, find out who Dale Finnigan was before he became known as“scar-face”—the unassuming hero everyone underestimates.

BEYOND
In this sequel to Betwixt, find out how Nicole Tepper proves to Dale that she loves him beyond all common sense.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

True Colors by Melissa Pearl

Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama. That is, until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.

Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people’s masks. She discovers that her life isn’t as simple as she imagined and high school is filled with secrets…some very sinister ones.

Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends suddenly appears terrified, but masks her fear with a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn’s new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends’ true colors?

Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love.

At Palisades High School every face tells a story…

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

INK: Vanishing Point (Book 2) by Bella Roccaforte (Book 1 is currently FREE)

INK: Vanishing Point is the widely anticipated second book in the INK series.

Shay Baynes is being put through her paces.
She’s under the threat of multiple murder charges, is being stalked by one of her fans and the Specter is getting closer to owning her.

Shay makes the decision to go it on her own and get away from everyone smothering her only to find out that the murder charges are the least of her worries. Now she’s fighting to stay alive trying to get out of the cruel haunted playground the specter has created for her.

This book contains adult language and situations

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Smashwords, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Broken Skies by Theresa Kay

Thirty years ago, civilization collapsed. Few survived.
Ten years ago, the aliens arrived…and stayed.
One year ago, I killed two men and went a little crazy.
Today, the aliens took my brother and I will do anything to get him back.

In seventeen-year-old Jax Mitchell’s world, humans are nearly extinct and alien settlers have arrived.

Until recently, the E’rikon have remained segregated in their city and ignored the few humans who have tried to engage them… but now they have taken Jax’s brother. To rescue him, she forms an uneasy alliance with a teenage E’rikon left stranded in the woods. She agrees to guide him to the city if he sneaks her past the human-proof barrier. Too bad it’s not that simple.

Jax, who cannot stand to be touched, finds that’s she’s drawn to the alien boy with bright green hair and jewel-like scales down his back. And he’s equally affected by her, the courageous redhead with haunted eyes. But she doesn’t know the alien’s true motives and he has no idea that she is much more than she seems.

In this world where alien and human are at odds, the connection forming between the two has consequences. What started off as a rescue mission sets a chain of events in motion which threatens not only the remaining humans and the growing alien society, but Earth itself.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Cerulean by Anna Kyss

What if everyone you loved disappeared?

Chey has lost everyone she cares about. Her mother. Her father. Her best friend. Her ancestors moved into their ocean refuge to protect themselves; instead, the waters have slowly taken her people, one-by-one.

When Chey feels the blues encroaching, she will do anything to save herself. Her attempts to survive lead to a forbidden encounter with a kind outsider, Jesse. The only problem? His existence shouldn’t be possible.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

______________________________________________________________

Steel Lily by Megan Curd

AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.

She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Four: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.

Or so she thinks.

That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Four. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued. But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.

…Which means digging deeper.

When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, she learns that while some secrets are better left concealed, humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Bridger by Megan Curd

Ashlyn McVean doesn’t believe in fairy tales. That is, until Ashlyn is thrown into the crosshairs of grudges her grandmother created long ago. After finding out she is one of two people able to cross between faerie realms, Ashlyn is faced with trying to understand her abilities, along with navigating a new relationship with her boyfriend, Liam. As if being on a centuries old hit list and dealing with crazed pixies isn’t enough, her new abilities mean trouble for Liam. Knowing her new life puts everyone she loves in danger, Ashlyn must decide what’s most important in her life between friends, family, love, and ultimately, realms.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Captivate by Amy Miles

Ashlyn Doyle doesn’t trust the world.

Assistant to the famous romance author, Tamsin Archer, it falls to Ashlyn to find the perfect eye candy to grace the cover of Ender’s Betrayal, but when she bumps into Slade Collins on the streets of London, she gets far more than she bargained for.

Determined to make his mark in the world, Slade leaps at the opportunity to bring Ender James to life during a five city book tour. His sly smile and dashing British accent easily capture the attention of the fiery Tamsin Archer, and her assistant. The faster Slade moves into the spotlight, the more he begins to realize that fame isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

As Ashlyn and Slade are forced to work side by side, they will soon discover that love is a tangible thing, but only if they are willing to reach for it.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Evermore by Amy Miles

An Arotas novella.

I pledge my heart, my life, my soul to you on this day and all the days to come. My life, bonded to yours, if you will have me. ~ Gabriel, Redemption

With a single vow and a swift blow, everything Roseline Enescue held dear is stripped away. The battle is over, but the victory is far from sweet. Laying Gabriel to rest in the Enescue family mausoleum beside her beloved friend and former lover, Fane is the hardest thing she has ever had to do. With an eternity of loneliness stretching out before her, Roseline withdraws into herself, shutting everyone out. Even Elias, Gabriel’s guardian angel leaves her to mourn by herself, but his sudden return brings about a series of thrilling and terrifying events, the likes of which will forever change the course of her life.

Follow Roseline and Gabriel as they are reunited after death, enjoy Sadie and Nicolae’s fiery romance, experience William’s growing feelings of uselessness and discover what happens when there is no one left to control the forces of darkness.

With a single vow everything changed. A prophecy yet to be fulfilled. A new legacy to last the ages.

EVERMORE, an Arotas novella. The final installment.

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks.

______________________________________________________________

If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.

For more information about books on sale throughout the week, as well as giveaway updates, be sure to like A Book Vacation’s Facebook Page.

{June 21, 2014} {Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway} Perfect Kind of Trouble by Chelsea Fine (Finding Fates #2)

From Goodreads: Sometimes when perfect falls apart, a little trouble fixes everything . . .

Twenty-one-year-old Kayla Turner has lost everything. After spending most of her life taking care of her ailing mother, she just wants to spot a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. So when her late father-a man she barely knew-leaves her an inheritance, she finally breathes a sigh of relief . . . until she learns the inheritance comes with strings. Strings in the form of handsome playboy Daren Ackwood, her father’s protégé. To see any of her inheritance, she’s forced to team up with him. From his expensive car to those sexy dimples, Kayla’s seen his type before. But Daren isn’t who he seems to be . . .

Struggling to make amends for his family’s mistakes, Daren has a life more Oliver Twist than Richie Rich these days. He’s beyond grateful that James Turner included him in his will, but working with Turner’s princess of a daughter to fulfill his cryptic last wish is making Daren wonder if being broke is really so bad. Still, she’s just as beautiful as she is stubborn, and the more time he spends with Kayla, the less it feels right being without her. Soon Daren and Kayla begin to wonder if maybe the best gift Kayla’s dad could have left them . . . was each other.

___________________________________________________

If you’re looking for the perfect summer read, then you’re in luck! Chelsea Fine’s The Perfect Kind of Trouble has just released, and with its sexy bad boy hero, the hilarious undertakings that include handcuffs, and a treasure hunt that truly means finding yourself, it’s a sure winner for readers looking for a light, sweet, romance. I gobbled it up, and I loved every minute of it.

From the characterization of Kayle and Daren (mmm, Daren) to the plotline itself, this novel had me captivated from the very beginning. Fine truly is a master storyteller; I’ve loved every single one of her novels to date, and I am excited about the third installment in the Finding Fates series—a series of stand alones that revolve around the same town, featuring different characters. This light read is 100% fun and a quick read because it’s that enticing. Take a break and read The Perfect Kind of Trouble. You won’t be disappointed. Five stars.

I received this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBooks

Kobo

_____________________________________________________________

Excerpt:

“So this is where you work?” She gestures at the closed kitchen door behind me as she approaches.

I step back so she can enter the courtyard then glance over my shoulder. “It’s more like the place where I help out in the kitchen, occasionally,” I say. “I like to cook so sometimes the owner, Jake, let’s me jump on the line.”

She tilts her head. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as the cooking type.”

“No?” I arch a brow. “What type am I?”

“Well the professional lover type, obviously.”

I grin. “That too.”

The teasing in her eyes along with the lightness of her smile does something soft to my insides. This is a different Kayla than the one I was sitting next to at the bar. That girl was stressed and burdened, but this girl… this girl is hopeful and happy.

The only reason I can think of for the change in her tone is the inheritance. Does the idea of getting money please her so much that she’s suddenly this cheerful person? Does it please me that much?

I remember Jake’s comment earlier, about my being happy, and realize with a sinking feeling that yes, the idea of an inheritance has made me happy. Money would alleviate some of my problems and, therefore, it gives me a security in my future that pleases me.

I’m not sure how I feel about money having so much control over my contentment. It makes me sound an awful lot like my dad.

“So what is this place?” she asks, nodding to the courtyard around us.

I look up at the small twinkle lights strung above the area. “Right now it’s just storage space. But Jake wants to make it into a dining patio. You know, so people can rent it out for private parties or whatever.”

“It’s cute.” She walks around, checking out the rose bushes that line the fence and the Tuscany-inspired mural painted against the back wall.

“So where you off to?” I step closer so we’re both beside the painted wall. “Back to your humble abode at the Quickie Stop?”

She scoffs. “Humble indeed. But yeah.”

I glance at the dark parking lot beyond the fence and the even darker streets that lead to the edge of town, and frown. “By yourself?”

She faces me with a cocked eyebrow. “Yeah. I’ve got my own driver’s license and everything.”

I smile at the ground. “Okay, that’s fair.” I glance at the dark streets again. “I’m just a concerned citizen that wanted to make sure you got home safely. That’s all.”

She nods. “How very kind of you, citizen. Would you rather I be going back to the Quickie Stop with someone?”

The idea of Kayla going home with someone—anyone, other than me—rakes down my spine like nails on a chalkboard. I don’t know when I got so possessive of this girl but holy hell. My veins are on fire.

How very unexpected. And somewhat annoying.

I don’t get possessive of women. Ever. Sure, I care about Amber and Pixie but that’s different. I care about them like sisters. I’m protective of them. I couldn’t really give a damn who they, or any other female in this town, go to bed with.

But Kayla?

Hot jealousy darts through my veins.

How very annoyingly unexpected.

I set my shoulders back in a casual manner. “Not particularly,” I say coolly. “I just wasn’t sure if you had a ride or not.”

“Oh.” She runs a finger over her lips. “And what, you were going to offer me a ride?”

I watch the tip of her finger skim over the pink fullness of her bottom lip and my breath hitches. She can’t say things like “give me a ride” and touch her mouth at the same time. That’s just not fair.

“Well I might have offered you a ride,” I say, inwardly cursing as I remember sweet, precious Monique, “except I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to take rides from strangers. And since that’s what you and I are…” I sigh dramatically. “It would have just been a waste of time to ask you.”

She smiles behind her moving fingers and I start to wonder if she’d let me kiss her. My guess is, yes. Maybe.

I want to kiss Kayla. Badly. But the idea of kissing her, of touching her at all, also makes me a little nervous. And I’m never nervous when it comes to women.

Goddammit. Everything about this girl is unexpected.

“You’re so obsessed with us not being strangers,” she says, and her eyes shine. “That can’t be healthy.”

I probably shouldn’t kiss her. We have an inheritance to claim tomorrow. We have shit to follow through with. Kissing her is a bad idea. A very bad idea.

“No. Probably not.” I step closer so we’re only inches apart. “But I can’t seem to let it go.”

She doesn’t move away. She doesn’t break eye contact.

Yes. She’d definitely let me kiss her. I’m sure of it.

My heart pounds and it’s all I can do to keep my nonchalant demeanor in place.

“Is that what we are, Kayla?” I lower my voice with a crooked grin. “Strangers?”

She meets my crooked grin and raises me a tipped chin. Her eyes are steel and sure, not giving anything away, and I suddenly feel unsure.

I lean in.

She doesn’t react. But she also doesn’t back away.

Kissing her is a bad idea.

Her lips part, ever so slightly, a thin seam of wet flesh forming between the soft skin of her pretty lips, and all my reservations vanish.

_________________________________________________________

And don’t miss Book 1 in the Finding Fate Series…

BEST KIND OF BROKEN! (only 99 cents!)

See my 5 star review here:

And be sure to pre-order Right Kind of Wrong, book three in the amazing finding fates series!

Right Kind of Wrong: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

________________________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT CHELSEA FINE:

Chelsea lives in Phoenix, Arizona where she spends most of her time writing stories, painting murals, and avoiding housework at all costs. She’s ridiculously bad at doing dishes and claims to be allergic to laundry. Her obsessions include: superheroes, coffee, sleeping-in, and crazy socks. She lives with her husband and two children, who graciously tolerate her inability to resist teenage drama on TV and her complete lack of skill in the kitchen.

LINKS:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

Goodreads

________________________________________________________________________________________

Giveaway!

Win one of 10 digital copies of The Perfect Kind of Trouble.

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway Here!

{June 20, 2014} {Review} Dead End by Tim O’Rourke (Kiera Husdon Series Two #9)

From Goodreads: Fighting for her friends and fighting for her life, Kiera Hudson must finally unravel the pushed world and its secrets. But most of all, Kiera must make her choice. A choice that she fears will change everything and the lives of her friends forever. Does Kiera have the heart to choose them or choose for them? ‘Dead End’ – the heart pounding conclusion to ‘Kiera Hudson Series Two’.

______________________________________________________

This is indeed the perfect ending to the perfect, heart-pounding Kiera Hudson Series Two. Spanning 18 books and two series, Kiera’s story is finished, for the moment. But rest assured Kiera Hudson lovers of the world, she’ll be back. In fact, based on this ending, I’m certain they will all be back, and I’m already on pins and needles in anticipation.

O’Rourke is one of my all-time favorite authors, encompassing all things paranormal in his pushed worlds—alternate versions of the world you and I know—worlds where vampyrus run underground and lycanthrope walk the earth in human skin. The very first series blew me away, and when that series ended, I was devastated, but with the spin off, Kiera Hudson Series Two, readers are thrust back into Kiera’s world, and it’s so seamless, so perfect, that words cannot suffice.

In this final installment of the second series, Kiera must once again make a choice. Will she choose her own happiness, or that of her friends? It’s difficult, but knowing Kiera, and after 18 amazing, detailed books, I’d say readers know her fairly well, it’s a given that she’s going to do the right thing, no matter how much pain it will cause her, or readers, for that matter. I was brought to tears near the end as it all comes to a head–the characters in this novel are like family for me; I know them that well and love them that much, and I lived their pain alongside them. Thankfully, O’Rourke ties it all together neatly at the end, presenting both Kiera and readers with hope. It is beautiful, and the third spin off series is going to be epic, if O’Rourke’s imaginative capabilities and foreshadowing is any indication (which it is). Five amazing, superb stars.

If you haven’t yet started the phenomenon that is Kiera Hudson, you really need to do so, beginning with the first book of the first series, Vampire Shift (FREE). Due to the details and succession of the novels, they really do need to be read in order. Luckily, the storyline and characters are so well written that the pages just fly by.

I purchased this novel from Amazon.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

Check out O’Rourke’s other novels (they are indeed all amazing):

Kiera Hudson Series 1

Vampire Shift (#1)

Vampire Wake (#2)

Vampire Hunt (#3)

Vampire Breed (#4)

Wolf House (#4.5)

Vampire Hollows (#5)

Kiera Hudson Series 2

Dead Flesh (#1)

Dead Night: Potter’s Secrets (#1.5)

Dead Angels (#2)

Dead Statues (#3)

Dead Seth (#4)

Dead Wolf (#5)

Dead Water (#6)

Dead Push (#7)

Dead Lost (#8)

Dead End (#9)

Kiera Hudson Series 3

Lethal Infected (1)–Coming Soon

Jack Seth Novellas

Hollow Pit (#1)

Vampire Shift Graphic Novels

Vampire Shift Volume 1

Black Hill Farm Series

Black Hill Farm (#1)

Black Hill Farm Andy’s Diary (#2)

Return to Black Hill Farm (#3)–Coming Soon

Doorways Series

Doorways (#1)

The League of Doorways (#2)

The Queen of the Doorways (#3)–Coming Soon

Samantha Carter Series

Vampire Seeker (#1)

(Formerly known as Cowgirls and Vampires)

The Moon Trilogy

Moonlight (#1)

Moonbeam (#2)

Moonshine (3)–Coming Soon

Sidney Hart Series

Witch (#1)

Yellow (#2)

Raven (#3)–Coming Soon

Unscathed Series(?)

Unscathed

Stilts Series

Stilts (#1)

Flashes Series

Flashes: Charley (#1)

Flashes: Tom (#2)

Flashes: Kerry (#3)

Eat Me Series

Eat Me (#1)–Coming Soon

Pick Series

Pick (#1)–Coming Soon

{June 19, 2014} {Release Day Launch} Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge (Dowser #3)

Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge

Genre: Urban Fantasy (adult) (new adult)

Synopsis:

I hadn’t set foot in the human world for more than a few hours in over three and a half months. Sure, I was stronger and faster than I’d ever been before, and I had a shiny new sword, but I was seriously chocolate deprived. I don’t recommend quitting cold turkey. And the new sword was a problem — to my mind, anyway. It represented all the expectations of a powerful father and a new otherworldly life. A life that wasn’t the one I’d worked so hard to build. It also represented the responsibility I had to bring my foster sister Sienna to … what? Justice? I didn’t know if that was even possible. What I did know was that Sienna wouldn’t stop, and that I couldn’t just leave everything up to fate and destiny … or maybe I was. Maybe I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. If you believed in that sort of thing.

I just hoped that before the chaos and mayhem renewed, I’d manage to get my hands on some chocolate. It didn’t even have to be single-origin Madagascar. I was utterly prepared to lower my standards.

BUY LINKS

Amazon Universal: myBook.to/Treasures_onAmazon

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/447404

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/treasures-demons-and-other-black-magic

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/treasures-demons-other-black/id889221118?ls=1&mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/treasures-demons-and-other-black-magic-dowser-3-meghan-ciana-doidge/1119733532?ean=2940046007411

_______________________________________________________________________________

Check out these early reviews

“Once again, Meghan does a fabulous job of telling a compelling story of love and power, life and death, and the strength and weakness of family. This is a great story, and is high on my list of best loved reads!” – Leiah from So I Read This Book Today

http://soireadthisbooktoday.com/2014/06/04/review-treasures-demons-and-other-black-magic-dowser-3-by-meghan-ciana-doidge-2/

“….like practically nonstop action from the moment you start reading. Our cupcake baking, chocolate craving half witch and her friends not only use magic to do battle, but swords, knives, fists.”

Heather from Doubleshot: http://doubleshotbookreviews.com/2014/06/06/treasures-demons-and-other-black-magic-dowser-series-book-3-by-meghan-ciana-doidge/

Sarah Elizabeth via Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/925343083

_______________________________________________________________________________

About Megan Ciana Doidge

Meghan Ciana Doidge is an award-winning writer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She has a penchant for bloody love stories, superheroes, and the supernatural. She also has a thing for chocolate, potatoes, and sock yarn.

Novels – After The Virus, Spirit Binder, Time Walker, Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic – Dowser #1, Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic – Dowser #2, Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic – Dowser #3

Novellas/Shorts – Love Lies Bleeding and The Graveyard Kiss

WARNING: author has been known to manipulate characters with chocolate, sex, and fantastical plotting. Readers beware http://author.to/meghancianadoidge

Links:

Blog, www.madebymeghan.ca

Twitter, @mcdoidge

Facebook, Meghan Ciana Doidge

NEW RELEASE MAILING LIST

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

{June 18, 2014} {Teaser} Love After Dark: Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Coming soon, 9 Full Length Novels from 9 Bestselling Authors, all in one place! Check out the excerpt below from Heather Hildenbrand’s Dirty Blood, and make sure you add this amazing collection to Goodreads!!

_____________________________________________________________________________

Excerpt from Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Irritation flickered in me. Every word out of Wes’s mouth was like a rejection while the entire time, he looked at me like … well, like he wanted a whole lot more than conversation. Or maybe I was imagining it. The whole thing was becoming beyond frustrating to interpret. “Well, maybe I’d be better off dealing with Jack then. You can save yourself the trouble.” I started to get up, but his hands shot out and grabbed my arms, holding me in place.

His face was only inches from mine now, and he was staring at me with that same blazing intensity that made me think he was feeling something besides just “protective responsibility.” I stared back stubbornly, trying to remain unaffected. It wasn’t working.

Slowly, he raised a hand from where it still rested on my arm and traced his fingertips down my cheek and into my hair. My entire body reacted by going pleasantly numb. I inhaled the scent of crisp leather, from where his arm hung in the air by my face, mixed with a dried-leaf and pine smell that could only ever be Wes and made me think of sunshine on bare skin. His fingers moved from my hair back to my face, and that tiny gesture was all it took to awaken that polar pull between us.

I wasn’t even sure who leaned in first, but by the time our lips met, it was completely mutual. His kiss was soft at first but his touch brought with it a heat that I’d never felt before. It radiated out and spread into the rest of my body, like wildfire. He tasted like apple cider and the woods in summer, and I knew I’d never tasted anything so delicious, nor would I ever again. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, and I tried to hide my disappointment when he pulled away so quickly. He gazed back at me, his lips curved into a small smile.

“Does this mean you’ve officially chosen a side?” he asked, quietly.

“Probably,” I mumbled.

_____________________________________________________________________________

About Heather Hildenbrand:

Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. She now lives in coastal VA, a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, with her two adorable children. She works from home, part time, as a property manager and when she’s not furiously pounding at the keyboard, or staring off into space whilst plotting a new story, she’s lying on the beach, soaking in those delicious, pre-cancerous rays. Heather loves Mexican food, hates socks with sandals, and if her house was on fire, the one thing she’d grab is her DVR player.

Heather has recently launched her company, Pheonix, which was designed for guiding and mentoring authors through writing, self-publishing, and the business that follows. She offers coaching, mentoring, accountability, strategic planning, step-by-step instructions, checklists, and content editing for authors at all stages of their publishing career. Visit http://www.phoenixauthorink.com for more information.

Heather is also a co-founder of Accendo Press, a publishing group she operates with fellow authors: Angeline Kace and Jennifer Sommersby. Accendo (a-CH-endo), A Latin word, means “to kindle, illuminate, inflame, or set fire.” This is something Accendo strives to do inside a reader’s imagination with every title released. For a complete list of titles and author bios, visit www.accendopress.com.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter | Phoenix

{June 17, 2014} {Release Day Launch and Giveaway} Perfect Kind of Trouble by Chelsea Fine (Finding Fates #2)

We are thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Chelsea Fine’s PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE! PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE is a New Adult contemporary romance novel in the Finding Fate Series, and not to be missed!

PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE Synopsis:

Sometimes when perfect falls apart, a little trouble fixes everything . . .

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBooks

Kobo

Watch for A Book Vacation’s 5 star review, releasing on the blog on June 21 as part of Chelsea’s Blog Tour!

_________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

EXCERPT:

Still handcuffed together, we carefully maneuver our linked wrists and open the old train door. Inside, the boxcar is completely empty except for a single, folded piece of paper.

I scowl. Will this scavenger hunt for money ever end?

“What do you suppose it is?” Daren nods at the piece of paper in the back of the train car.

“A check for a million dollars?” I say hopefully.

The only way to reach the paper is to climb inside. Which won’t be easy since my chest barely reaches the bottom of the train car and we can’t climb in one at a time because, you know, we’re attached to one another.

I frown. “How do you want to do this?”

Daren scratches his jaw. “I’ll hoist you inside first then I’ll jump in. Come here.” He turns me around to face him and I step into the circle of his arms.

The summer sun burns down on us. I stare at his chest where his T-shirt pulls tight against the hard muscles of his pecs and a trickle of sweat slowly slides down the back of my neck.

The corded muscles of his neck ripple as he turns his head. “Hold on to my wrists. Then I’ll lift you up.”

He places his big hands on my waist and his thumbs slide under my shirt, grazing the bare skin of my stomach. A warm zing shoots down my belly.

I snap my eyes to him. “Did you do that on purpose?”

“Do what?” His expression is neutral but there’s a glimmer in his eye.

I eye him shrewdly as I wrap my hands around his wrists.

He glides the pads of his thumbs over my stomach again and another, more powerful, zing darts straight down my belly and between my legs as I suck in a breath.

“Cut it out,” I say.

“Cut what out?” His eyes dance with amusement.

“You know what.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” A mischievous grin spreads across his face and I can’t stop the smile that starts to play at my own lips.

“Daren…”

His eyes lock on mine and the twitching low in my belly starts up again. Then his gaze drops to my mouth and hunger lights his eyes.

I absently part my lips, my thoughts suddenly hazy.

Leaning in, he whispers, “Now do you want to kiss again?”

His words flutter over my ear like soft, warm butterflies beating their wings against my sensitive skin and a shiver runs through me.

The answer is yes. I do want to kiss him again. It felt so good to have his mouth on mine last night. To feel him up against me.

But I don’t answer.

He brushes his thumbs over the naked skin of my belly again, but this time dips them inside the waistband of my skirt and skims the lacey top of my panties.

I inhale sharply, tightening my fingers around his wrists as my nipples harden and heat builds in my core. I rub my thighs together, trying to alleviate the ache slowly building between my legs but it’s no use. I’m already a tight puddle of need.

How come this beautiful man can make me melt with just a simple touch? And how come it’s always so difficult for me to snap out of his sexy gaze?

I blink away from Daren’s pretty brown eyes and playfully whisper, “No,” before shifting back a few inches.

His eyelids, heavy with desire, open fully as he scans my face and throat with a smile. “Liar.”

I smile back, grateful he doesn’t try to convince me otherwise. I’d no doubt give in if he did. Because Daren affects me.

Every other guy on the planet is just that: a guy.

But Daren is a force. And I am a feather.

And don’t miss Book 1 in the Finding Fate Series…

BEST KIND OF BROKEN! (only 99 cents!)

See my 5 star review here:

Finding Fates

And be sure to pre-order Right Kind of Wrong, book three in the amazing finding fates series!

Right Kind of Wrong: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

________________________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT CHELSEA FINE:

Chelsea lives in Phoenix, Arizona where she spends most of her time writing stories, painting murals, and avoiding housework at all costs. She’s ridiculously bad at doing dishes and claims to be allergic to laundry. Her obsessions include: superheroes, coffee, sleeping-in, and crazy socks. She lives with her husband and two children, who graciously tolerate her inability to resist teenage drama on TV and her complete lack of skill in the kitchen.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

Goodreads

________________________________________________________________________________________

Giveaway!

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway Here!

{June 16, 2014} {ARC Review} The Body in the Woods by April Henry

From Goodreads: In this new series told from multiple perspectives, teen members of a search and rescue team discover a dead body in the woods. Alexis, Nick, and Ruby have very different backgrounds: Alexis has spent her life covering for her mom’s mental illness, Nick’s bravado hides his fear of not being good enough, and Ruby just wants to pursue her eccentric interests in a world that doesn’t understand her. When the three teens join Portland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, they are teamed up to search for a autistic man lost in the woods. What they find instead is a dead body. In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear, and courage, the three team up to find the girl’s killer—before he can strike one of their own. This first book in April Henry’s Point Last Seen YA mystery series is full of riveting suspense, putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations.

________________________________________________________________

This was an intriguing story that follows the lives of three teen members of a search and rescue crew—three teens who have nothing else in common and, truth be told, want nothing to do with one another. Through their third-person stories, readers learn of their own lives and personal idiosyncrasies, and as the novel takes shape, they begin to depend on one another, forming a friendship of sorts that will bring a smile to readers’ faces.

This was an intriguing mystery novel that I found highly engaging, especially with the quirky main characters. This is somewhat of a classic whodunit, with teens as sleuths, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how difficult it was for me to pinpoint the murdered. I did eventually figure it out prior to the big reveal, but Henry had me going to quite a while, and I just loved the continual tension between the characters and their inner demons. If you like mystery novels, definitely give this book a read.

I received this novel from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

{June 15, 2014} {ARC Review} Real Murder by Lauren Carr

From Goodreads: When Homicide Detective Cameron Gates befriends Dolly, the little old lady who lives across the street, she is warned not to get lured into helping the elderly woman by investigating the unsolved murder of one of her girls. “She’s senile,” Cameron is warned. “It’s not a real murder.”

Such is not the case. After Dolly is brutally murdered, Cameron discovers that the sweet blue-haired lady’s “girl” was a call girl, who had been killed in a mysterious double homicide.

Meanwhile, Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Thornton is looking for answers to the murder of a childhood friend, a sheriff deputy whose cruiser is found at the bottom of a lake. The deputy had disappeared almost twenty years ago while privately investigating the murder of a local prostitute.

It doesn’t take long for the Lovers in Crime to put their cases together to reveal a long-kept secret that some believe is worth killing to keep undercover.
___________________________________________________________

Expertly crafted characters and a seamless plotline grace the pages of Lauren Carr’s latest mystery novel, Real Murder, a whodunit featuring Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates from the riveting Lovers in Crime series; lovers of all things mystery will not want to miss this gem.

Carr does a phenomenal job keeping readers on their toes in this fast-paced novel, especially as Joshua and Cameron begin to uncover the truth behind an 18-year-old cold-case. While at times I was certain Carr was making the truth much to obvious for readers, time and time again she threw me for a loop with the revelation of new evidence and motives, causing me to continually point the finger in multiple directions. And once again, though I tried very hard, Carr remained one step ahead of me and floored me with her final reveal of the killer’s identity.

Of course, I love how strong-willed Cameron is, and the fact that she’s just as smart and capable as her husband, Joshua, makes them a great team. And Irving? The fat cat that looks like a skunk? Priceless. Carr always adds amazing, fun animal companions to her novels, and it might just be true that Irving and his antics make him one of my favorites of the novel—and series—as it were.

Complete with many layers, including a little romance, familial grudges, humor, and of course, sleuthing, Carr has created a great read that will leave readers satisfied in all aspects. If you love mysteries, I highly suggest you pick up a copy of Real Murder by Lauren Carr. Though part of a series, each novel stands alone, and if you’ve never picked up one of Carr’s novels, then this is definitely one with which to start. Four stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon

Only 99 cents

{June 14, 2014} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 101–Ten Books for Ten Bucks

Every Saturday I run a feature for the 99 Cent Club, and below are the ebook picks for this week that caught my eye and are currently ONLY 99 Cents on Amazon, with many on Barnes and Noble as well. I don’t know if these are permanent prices, so please don’t shoot the messenger, and double check pricing before pressing the buy button. Enjoy! (If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.)

______________________________________________________________

From the Wreckage by Michele G. Miller

“In a matter of minutes on a Friday night, I lost my school, my identity, the security of my first love, the personality of my sweet fearless brother, my best friend, my town, everything as I knew it. Everything changed.”

“Minutes – that’s all it takes to change your entire life. How do you deal with that?”

For high school senior Jules Blacklin surviving the storm is only the beginning. Faced with the new reality of her life, she must find a way to rise From The Wreckage and answer the question – how do you get back to normal, when everything that was normal is gone?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Best Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine

Pixie Marshall wishes every day she could turn back time and fix the past. But she can’t. And the damage is done. She’s hoping that a summer of free room and board working with her aunt at the Willow Inn will help her forget. Except there’s a problem: the resident handyman is none other than Levi Andrews. The handsome quarterback was once her friend-and maybe more–until everything changed in a life-shattering instant. She was hoping to avoid him, possibly forever. Now he’s right down the hall and stirring up feelings Pixie thought she’d long buried . . .

Levi can’t believe he’s living with the one person who holds all his painful memories. More than anything he wants to make things right, but a simple “sorry” won’t suffice–not when the tragedy that scarred them was his fault. Levi knows Pixie’s better off without him, but every part of him screams to touch her, protect her, wrap her in his arms, and kiss away the pain. Yet even though she’s so close, Pixie’s heart seems more unreachable than ever. Seeing those stunning green eyes again has made one thing perfectly clear–he can’t live without her.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Love for Beginners by Sally Clements

She needs a lesson in love, and he’s the perfect teacher.

Mechanic Melody Swan is looking for a man who can share her hopes and dreams, but she swore she would never lose herself to passion. When sexy Heath Starr agrees to temporarily sub in the Under the Hood garage for his sister, Mel sees the perfect opportunity to enjoy being with a man without becoming attached.

Heath came to Meadowsweet to photograph nature, not find a hookup, especially since his last relationship ended in disaster. He vowed he’d never break another woman’s heart, and in turn, protect his own. Still, when Mel offers to serve as his outdoor guide, he can’t refuse.

Mel may say she’s only looking for right now, but her body is speaking a whole different language. And Heath’s viewfinder is drawn to her time and again. When the two find themselves isolated in a rustic cabin, they could both break their promises if they aren’t careful…

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

To Know Me by Marcy Blesy

To know me is to die.

Seventeen-year-old Mae is convinced that the consequences of her poor decisions have caused the untimely deaths of her dad, sister Laura, and grandma who all die within a year, no matter how ludicrous her thoughts seem to those she loves. The solution? Run away so no one else she cares for gets hurt (even if she has to keep a GPS tracker on her phone at all times).

Desperate to earn her diploma and salvage something of her life, she transfers schools when people get too close. After switching to Woodson Prep with only two months to go until graduation, Mae keeps her goals in sight. But when she meets Ty, the “perfect boy” with his own secrets and a relentless interest in Mae, she must decide if she can stop running from the past and still protect those she loves.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Intangible by C.A. Gray

Peter Stewart grew up on a unique version of the Arthurian legends taught him by his father, a harebrained quantum physicist who asserts that anything is possible. But Peter disbelieves anything which cannot be scientifically explained, despite a nagging sense that there is more to the world than meets the eye.

Lily Portman is an orphan with a secret: she can see creatures that are invisible to everyone else. These creatures control every human being she has ever met to varying degrees… until she meets Peter and his father.

When a mysterious stranger stages an accident which nearly costs Peter and Lily their lives, suddenly Lily learns that she is not crazy after all, and Peter discovers the truth of his father’s stories… including the existence of Arthur’s ancient nemesis, one who calls himself the Shadow Lord, and a prophecy with implications so profound that it will alter not only the course of their lives, but potentially the fate of the world.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Veined by Anyta Sunday

It could be worse for Sylva Lark. She could be dead. A coma was nothing to that. Or her family moving across country for the treatment, leaving her with a big blue mark on her back.

She can handle it.

Mostly.

Except the mark glows and tingles, especially whenever transition helper Atticus Plot (Attic) is close by. She suspects he’s hiding something, and when she stumbles across a torn body bearing the same spiral marking as her own, that suspicion is confirmed.

After a few shaves with death, the truth finally comes out and the battles begin.

But not all her fights are external; her biggest one is the decision she has to make between doing the right thing for the world and giving up her beloved family for good.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

The Last Page by Lacy Camey

Twenty-two year old Norah Johnson is at a crossroads and is in desperate need to heal after a highly publicized breakup from her major league baseball player boyfriend.

To escape, she moves to her summer home in The Hamptons with her sister and best friend where she journals, attends therapy and works on her pending clothing line all the while wondering how fast can a heart really heal. Well, it sure helps when part of the healing process involves living in a fabulous summer home on the beach with your sister and absolute BFF. The best psychologist since Good Will Hunting always helps. And then there’s the hottie, much older version of Taylor Lautner look-alike who finds your lost journal, reads it and falls madly in love with you, “the you on paper”, and is set on finding you and making you fall in love with him.

Okay, so this can all really help! But is Norah ready to love again?

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Cipher by Cindi Madsen

Summer Davis sees deaths before they happen. She attempts to live a normal life by focusing on the dance team and her quarterback boyfriend. But then the way-too-cheery Angel of Death shows up and tells her she’s a Cipher—a person chosen to help people who are going to die resolve problems with their loved ones. Ashlyn Moore, one of Summer’s classmates, is going to die, and she needs Summer’s help before that happens.

It’s nearly impossible to get through to Ashlyn, who surrounds herself with chess nerds and geeks and makes it clear she doesn’t want to be friends. Desperate to complete her Cipher task before it’s too late, Summer turns to Troy, the guy who’s always been there for her and one of the few people she can trust. With his help, she makes progress. In fact, the closer she gets to Ashlyn and her friends, the more she feels like she’s finally found where she belongs.

As the clock starts running down on Ashlyn’s life, Summer decides to change her objective. She’s going to save her new friend before it’s too late—even if it means messing with fate.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Shifting Fates by Aubrey Rose and Nadia Simonenko

In post-nuclear Manhattan, there are two kinds of survivors: humans and shifters.

Cage
After his older brother Ben was killed by shifters, Cage followed in Ben’s footsteps and joined the military. His job is simple: protect the surviving civilians in the wreckage of Manhattan and put down the dangerous shifter mutants prowling the streets. Bitter with revenge, he can’t wait for a chance to get even with the monsters who killed his brother.

Bindi
Half-wolf, half-human Bindi is one of Cage’s monsters. She lives underground, hiding away from military patrols and protecting the ragtag pack of shifter children who have come to depend on her. She’d do anything to get out of the city and get her pack to safety, but nobody gets in – or out – of this city.

On Christmas Eve, Cage catches Bindi –in human form – stealing extra rations for her pack. In a moment of pity he lets her go, but not without being struck by a sense that there’s something special about her. Something… different.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Girls On Fire: 10 Multi-Author YA Novels Featuring Kick-Butt Heroines by Elana Johnson, Angela Corbett, Christy Dorrity, Amber Argyle, Rachel Morgan, Cindy M. Hogan, Tamara Hart Heiner, Lani Woodland, Lee Strauss, and Laura Howard

WITCH FALL – Amber Argyle
High Fantasy
Supreme in their dominion over seasons, storms, and sea, the witches have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. And among the weapons men seek are the magical songs of the witches. Born of witches but raised among their enemies, Lilette searches for a way to heal the rift between mankind and the witches. But it may be too late to save either. For if there is one thing Lilette has come to know for certain, it’s that all things fall.

ETERNAL STARLING – Angela Corbett
Paranormal Romance
For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie Starling. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war.

AWAKENING – Christy Dorrity
Fantasy
When an ancient curse threatens McKayla McCleery’s family, she must decide what in her life is real and what is fantasy. Based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy that is rife with magic, romance, and mystery.

INEVITABLE – Tamara Hart Heiner
Suspense
Visions of death plague Jayne, who thinks watching her sister die is the worst that could happen to her. But when she witnesses a murder, Jayne realizes that the next death she sees might be her own.

WATCHED – Cindy M. Hogan
Romantic Suspense
Change. She longed for it.
A murder. She will never be the same.

THE FORGOTTEN ONES – Laura Howard
Fantasy
Allison O’Malley doesn’t trust her father, so why would she believe his fairy tale about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother’s sanity.

ELEMENTAL HUNGER – Elana Johnson
Futuristic Fantasy
Sixteen-year-old Gabriella Kilpatrick can shoot fire from her hands, which would be great if she didn’t get blamed for a blazing inferno that kills 17 schoolmates. Gabby will have to learn who she can trust, how to control her own power, and most of all, how to lead a Council of Elementals, most of whom have more control over their power than she does. If she can’t, she’ll find herself just like those 17 schoolmates: burned and six feet under.

THE FAERIE GUARDIAN – Rachel Morgan
Fantasy
Kickbutt faerie Violet is about to graduate as the top guardian trainee of her class, but when an assignment goes wrong and the human boy she’s meant to be protecting follows her back into the fae realm, a dangerous plot is set in motion.

PERCEPTION – Lee Strauss
Dystopian/Romance
Eternal Life is to Die For.
A spoiled genetically altered girl needs the help of a jaded “natural” boy to find her missing brother.

INTRINSICAL – Lani Woodland
Paranormal
The gene that allows the women in Yara’s family to see and communicate with spirits seems to have passed her over. Until the night she rescues a local hottie from an attacking ghost. Her act of heroism attracts the attention of the evil spirit, and she finds herself entrenched in the middle of a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening her own life as well as that of her friends.

Together, these books have over 500 5-star reviews on Amazon.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.

For more information about books on sale throughout the week, as well as giveaway updates, be sure to like A Book Vacation’s Facebook Page.

{June 13, 2014} {Release Day Launch and Giveaway} Jordyn: The Final Battle (A Daemon Hunter Novel #3)

It’s here! The final installment of Tiffany King’s fabulous Daemon Hunter series, Jordyn: The Final Battle is now available! YES!

I have finally come to grips with the purpose of my existence. I am a weapon in the battle against evil. Accepting that doesn’t mean I can’t still wish to have a normal life sometimes.
Well…Normal in my world.

My friends and family members are angelic beings, my boyfriend is an ex soul trader, and most of my time is spent training and hunting daemons.

After rescuing my friends from an eternity of torture in the Caverns of Gloom, I may have accidentally opened a gateway to hell, unleashing an army of daemons to run wild throughout the city.

Once again, I will do what I was created to do.

I am the only hope. I am Jordyn.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

And make sure you pick up book one in the series, Jordyn, on sale right now for FREE!

And pick up book two, Jordyn and the Cavern of Gloom, for just $2.99, too!

____________________________________________________________

USA Today Bestselling author Tiffany King is a lifelong reading fanatic who is now living her dream as a writer, weaving Young Adult and New Adult romance tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iPhone and iPad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, zombies and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.

For information on any of Author Tiffany’s titles, visit her blog at http://www.authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com

Where to connect with Author Tiffany

Twitter– @AuthorTiffany

Facebook– AuthorTiffanyKing

Pinterest– Tiffany King

Blog– authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com

Goodreads– Tiffany King

Email– authortiffany@yahoo.com

“Dreams do come true…Dream big.”

____________________________________________________________

Giveaway

Win an ebook of Jordyn: The Final Battle by TIffany King!

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway here!

{June 13, 2014} {Blog Tour} Stone of Thieves by Diane J. Reed

Stone of Thieves: Book 2 Robbin’ Hearts

Author: Diane J Reed

Genre: Magical New Adult Romance

_________________________________________________________

Blurb:

The Stone of Thieves . . . for centuries its magnetic draw has twisted the hearts of ambitious men and women with the promise of power, passion, and intrigue until it fell into the hands of unlikely thieves Robin and her boyfriend Creek. But can they steal their destiny away from the curse that pursues this magnificent ruby heart? As the stone begins to spread its sorcery, Robin races to find her long-lost mother in Italy in the hopes of discovering the truth about her unique gypsy heritage and the ruby heart that is rumored to steal souls. Yet when the desire for this stone by powerful members of her family threatens their very lives, Creek decides to take matters into his own hands to protect Robin, his greatest treasure of all . . .

Also check out Robin in the Hood: Book 1 in the Robbin’ Hearts Series

Blurb:

Robin McArthur never dreamed her family would go broke—or that she’d start robbing banks to provide for those she loves and wants to protect. Along the way, she falls for Creek, her bad-boy partner in crime who teaches her far more than she ever dreamed about matters of the heart. But can love heal the cracks in Robin’s soul after she learns the truth about her family’s dark secrets? Once Robin becomes an outlaw with Creek, it’s impossible to hide from reality anymore, and their lives transform into a sensual and magical adventure as they uncover the mysteries of what it means to find your true identity—and to fall in love . . .

__________________________________________________________________________

About Diane:

Diane J. Reed has a Ph.D. in English and a lifelong passion for books—both popular, forgotten and literary—as long as they touch her soul and make her want to tuck them under her pillow at night to remember them in her dreams. She writes novels that are infused with enchantment, where characters dare to break through boundaries and believe in true love. She also has a soft spot for artisans and outlaws of the heart, those who burn brightly to live each day as a gift—because it is! In addition, Diane J. Reed has conducted 13 interviews with the cast of the hit TV show Once Upon a Time. Feel free to visit Diane J. Reed’s website at http://www.banditsranch.com to share your love of books and the whispers of your spirit.

Author Website: www.banditsranch.com
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BanditsRanch?focus_composer=true
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5430216.Diane_J_Reed
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Diane-J.-Reed/e/B0071FXGOE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1400770049&sr=8-1

{June 12, 2014} {ARC Review} From the Wreckage by Michele G. Miller (From the Wreckage #1)

From Goodreads: “In a matter of minutes on a Friday night, I lost my school, my identity, the security of my first love, the personality of my sweet fearless brother, my best friend, my town, everything as I knew it. Everything changed.” “Minutes – that’s all it takes to change your entire life. How do you deal with that?” For high school senior Jules Blacklin surviving the storm is only the beginning. Faced with the new reality of her life, she must find a way to rise From The Wreckage and answer the question – how do you get back to normal, when everything that was normal is gone?

____________________________________________________

In the wake of the recent tornadoes touching down across the Midwest, perhaps the most prominent being those in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Miller creates a touching, poignant story that truly captures the fear, panic, loss, and ultimate renewal that comes from the destruction of Mother Nature’s ferocity. Told through the memories of survivor Jules Blacklin as she relates her story for a video memorial, readers are brought into her personal world and experience events through her eyes as an unexpected tornado rips through the Friday night hang out attended by many of the counties teens.

Imagine turning around and seeing a tornado coming for you. Miller captures the fear and horror surrounding these events as her main characters experience their lives being ripped apart, both literally and figuratively. Recounting her experiences, and with a new outlook on life, Jules takes readers through her healing process, her revelations of love and loss drawing the reader even deeper into the story. The tenses in the story are a bit jarring every now and then, jumping between past and present, first and third person as the story develops, but I feel like this fits the upheaval of the storyline itself, and as Jules is recounting past events in a present memorial to the dead, it works.

“From the Wreckage” is both a literal and figurative phrase that perfectly fits as the title of this novel. From the wreckage comes loss. From the wreckage comes survivors. From the wreckage comes unity. And from the wreckage comes rebirth, love, fear, and strength, and it’s a beautiful story that I highly recommend. Four stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Available Now:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | iBooks | Kobo

{June 11, 2014} {Review} Flashes: Tom by Tim O’Rourke (Flashes Part 2)

From Goodreads: Risking his reputation and career, Detective Constable Tom Henson takes Charley to the scene of Kerry Underwood’s death. Charley is still convinced that what she has seen in her flashes proves that Kerry’s death was no accident but the work of a serial killer.

_______________________________________________________

In this second part of O’Rourke’s serial, the focus shifts from Charley, the girl who can see past events through a succession of flashes, to Tom, the young police recruit intent on finding the truth in time to stop a killer. Struggling to fit in and make the higher ups believe him, Tom makes a series of rash decisions, which costs him both his credibility and his standing within the police force, and as the story unfold, readers once again find themselves wrapped up in the mystery of it all. While all evidence seems to point to a single suspect, knowing O’Rourke’s writing, it’s safe to say that all bets are off when it comes to the truth, and while it may seem like certain people are guilty, I know O’Rourke is going to drop a bombshell on readers in the third and final installment, and I can’t wait. This second portion of the serial was indeed great fun, and I’m beyond ready to find out what happens next. Five stars.

I purchased this novella from Amazon.

Kindle | Barnes and Noble

The full length novel encompassing all portions of this three part serial should be releasing soon.

Amazon

{June 10, 2014} {ARC Review} Hexed by Michelle Krys (The Witch Hunter #1)

From Goodreads: If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn’t want to be her? Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too. Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.

_________________________________________________________

This was an interesting story filled with magic, murder, and mayhem; just what I like in my paranormal novels. However, the main character rubbed me the wrong way on many an occasion, which is unfortunate for me, as the novel is extremely well written. In my personal opinion, Indie is a less than likable, and my inability to connect with her made the novel a little less enjoyable for me. She begins as the token cheerleader who thinks she’s amazing and treats those less than “cool” like dirt, including her neighbor Paige, who she comes to rely on in many ways. Rarely is Indie sorry for the way she treats Paige, instead questioning why Paige isn’t elated that Indie is even talking to her, and I have a really hard time dealing with unlikable characters like this. While it is true that Indie slowly changes over the course of the novel, my initial impression stayed with me and we just never clicked. We are just too opposite.

Now, Bishop was an intense, fun character that I did connect with, and I enjoyed him immensely. He is swoon worthy and so aggravating, but my type of guy 100%. I felt the relationship between Indie and Bishop was a little too quickly developed, almost forced, if you will, but he does tend to being out the best in her as the story progresses, and I really liked that about not only the story itself, but also Bishop as well.

One aspect I have noticed in many YA novels lately is that many tend to have some big reveal or climax during a school dance. Hexed is no different in this aspect, but thankfully Krys adds some key elements that make her rendition stand apart from all the rest. I won’t say more because I don’t want to give it away, but this was definitely a plus that made it different from all the rest. In fact, the school dance was my favorite aspect of the novel as a whole. Magic plus papier-mâché just doesn’t bode well, and I just loved what Krys does in this scene.

Reader beware, this novel does end on a cliffhanger of sorts, and while I usually dislike them, this works. As there are a lot of unresolved conflicts in this first installment, the cliffhanger reminds readers that more is to come. Would I have like more resolution? Of course, doesn’t everyone? But the way this novel ends is sort of perfect, in my mind. Three stars.

I received this novel from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

{June 9, 2014} {Review} Every You, Every Me by David Levithan

From Goodreads: In this high school-set psychological tale, a tormented teen named Evan starts to discover a series of unnerving photographs—some of which feature him. Someone is stalking him . . . messing with him . . . threatening him. Worse, ever since his best friend Ariel has been gone, he’s been unable to sleep, spending night after night torturing himself for his role in her absence. And as crazy as it sounds, Evan’s starting to believe it’s Ariel that’s behind all of this, punishing him. But the more Evan starts to unravel the mystery, the more his paranoia and insomnia amplify, and the more he starts to unravel himself. Creatively told with black-and-white photos interspersed between the text so the reader can see the photos that are so unnerving to Evan, Every You, Every Me is a one-of-a-kind departure from a one-of-a-kind author.

_____________________________________________________________________

I really loved how this novel connected pictures with the storyline, and if I read the acknowledgments correctly, Johnathan Farmer provided random photos and David Levithan wrote them into his story–neither of them knowing what exactly the other was doing. That’s really neat, and the fact that it worked into a viable story just blows my mind! I wouldn’t be able to write a story based on a photo and then keep it going through other random photos given to me, but that’s why I’m not a talented author and Levithan is. The photos really worked out very well, and I’m glad that Farmer chose to stay in one genre because it added a little bit of spook factor as well.

I liked that this novel was difficult to pin down–I didn’t know who to trust, who was really crazy, and what happened to Ariel; if she’s dead or in an insane asylum… it’s not made clear for some time, though allusions are made. Though I never connected with the characters on a deep level, I was definitely entwined in their story and I really enjoyed it, until the revelation. For me, I just felt like the revelation of Ariel was forced; not possible, if you will. And I basically feel this way because I can’t fathom how someone would be able to do what Ariel did, or how her boyfriend and best friend wouldn’t have known… I’m being cryptic here because I don’t want to give away the story, but overall, the execution and plotline was great until the very end. That’s where it lost me. Do I recommend it? Yes I do—perhaps you’ll enjoy the ending more than I did. Three stars.

I purchased this novel from the publisher during a signing with David Levithan at NCTE 2012.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

{June 8, 2014} {ARC Review} The Truth Against the World by Sarah Jamila Stevenson

From Goodreads: When Olwen Nia Evans learns that her family is moving from San Francisco to Wales to fulfill her great-grandmother’s dying wish, she starts having strange and vivid dreams about her family’s past. But nothing she sees in her dreams of the old country–the people, the places–makes any sense. Could it all be the result of an overactive imagination . . . or could everything she’s been told about her ancestors be a lie?

Once in Wales, she meets Gareth Lewis, a boy plagued by dreams of his own–visions he can’t shake after meeting a ghost among the misty cairns along the Welsh seaside.

A ghost named Olwen Nia Evans.

______________________________________________________________

This was a very interesting concept, but the development of the story was just a tad slow for me. Part of this stems from the fact that I was able to predict many of the events prior to them happening, which in turn made the mystery aspect of the novel fall a bit flat. I did like the main characters, but much of their conversations and actions didn’t pique my interest. Much time is spent leading up to their meeting and hashing out theories, but I didn’t feel that there was very much action within the novel at all, and I really need more action to keep my attention. Unfortunately, this novel just wasn’t for me. Two stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

{June 7, 2014} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 100–Ten Books for Ten Bucks

Every Saturday I run a feature for the 99 Cent Club, and below are the ebook picks for this week that caught my eye and are currently ONLY 99 Cents on Amazon, with many on Barnes and Noble as well. I don’t know if these are permanent prices, so please don’t shoot the messenger, and double check pricing before pressing the buy button. Enjoy! (If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.)

______________________________________________________________

Gifted by Liz C. Long

Even in a world of freaks, being a Firestarter is considered a dangerous Gift.

Lucy was born with the ability to create and control fire. She longs to leave the human world for one filled with Earthshakers, Transporters, and Chameleons, to name a few. When she rejoins the circus, it’s everything she hoped it could be—new friends, a potential love interest or two, and a place where she can be herself.

When troupe members begin turning up dead, however, Lucy is suspected of foul play. She must not only prove her innocence but also realize the full extent of her power. To find the real murderer, she must uncover the truth behind her father’s fiery legacy while figuring out whom to trust within her new circle. Little does she know the history of the Donovan Circus and its enemies might actually destroy the entire gifted world.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

The Illusions of Eventide by Sarah M. Cradit

Dive into the secret, ancient, powerful world of two New Orleans families, the Deschanels and the Sullivans…

The Illusions of Eventide is Book 2 in the House of Crimson & Clover Series. While it can be read as a standalone, this installment is best enjoyed after having read The Storm and the Darkness.

Nicolas Deschanel was betrayed by the only two people who matter to him. Their disloyalty stung and an overwhelming sense of loss lingers. Nicolas has lived the high life professing to not have a care in the world, and now this illusion is calling his bluff.

Determined to take control of an existence now devoid of purpose, he sojourns to his family’s holiday home on the Gulf of Mexico. Resolved more than depressed, he plans to privately say goodbye to a world which no longer needs him. Of questionable fortune, he finds a woman, Mercy, sitting alone on the shore at eventide. Nicolas is conflicted between an obligation to help, and annoyance at her intrusion.

Mercy has many layers of secrets. Deepest of all, she cannot tell this Child of Man she is thousands of years old and very powerful. In her presence, Nicolas’ own dormant powers begin to surface, triggering a sequence of events that cause both of their lives to spiral further out of control. When old friends from both sides come to help, together they all learn a painful truth: new life can only begin once you’ve set free what means the most.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Intrigued and Enchanted by Eva Simone

Life can change in the blink of an eye. No one knows that better than Lily Pritchard…

Witnessing your father’s murder is every 15 year old girl’s worst nightmare; for Lily Pritchard it was her reality. Tormented by nightmares, twisted with guilt, Lily can’t let anyone close enough to care for her…until her world is rocked on its axis by a tall dark stranger.

Brandon Redgrave is intelligent, gorgeous, and wealthy; but he learned the hard way not to expect loyalty or love from those around you. Haunted by his demons, Brandon is determined not to make the same mistake again.

A chance encounter; two broken souls; explosive consequences.

Will Brandon and Lily be able to heal each other’s wounds, or will their pasts spill into the present, extinguishing any chance of a future together…

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Dead Team Alpha: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller by Jake Bible

In the post-apocalyptic, zombie infested wasteland, there is one beacon of safety in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains: The Stronghold.

For decades, the inhabitants have fortified and defended the Stronghold from zombie hordes, building their society and culture on military precision.

And chosen from the best of the best is Denver Team Alpha. DTA is the elite strike force used to rescue survivors and refugees that have made it to the hellish wasteland of Denver below. But because of the unbelievable risks, and high mortality rate, DTA has come to stand for something else: Dead Team Alpha.

Now DTA will be put to the test as something far worse than zombies comes at them out of the wasteland.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

A Woman’s Worth by Chicki Brown

Gianne Marvray has been through the worst two years of her life physically and emotionally. After a battle with cancer and all it entails, she is finally ready to start living her life again. She wants to see new places, meet new people and experience new things, but she isn’t ready for the rollercoaster ride she’s about to embark on when she meets Las Vegas personal trainer and raw vegan foods advocate, Marc Stafford.

After a four year absence, Marc comes home to Atlanta to attend a family celebration in one of his brother’s honor. He’s not thrilled about seeing his father, but he has promised his mother that he won’t throw off the family balance by being the only one of their six sons absent. All Marc wants to do is make an appearance at the event and spend a little time with his brothers. Little does he know that this is the night he will meet the woman who will forever change his life.

BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED: 1st chapter of Chicki Brown’s next novel, TILL YOU COME BACK TO ME, coming Winter 2014.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Descended by Dana Pratola

When a reclusive businessman takes an interest in Haven’s artwork, she knows it’s an answer to prayer. But Jett Cestone is an enigma with a disconcerting connection to the young women in his employ. He’s by far the most unusual man she’s ever met.

Haven is the most interesting woman to ever cross Jett’s path. But she’s too naïve and pure to learn what goes on in his home. Too bad he wants her more than he’s wanted anyone or anything in his life.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

The One by Jacquelyn Ayres

Kip Taylor is everyone’s dream. His one downfall is that he’s a player. He can have any woman he wants in town—state, even—and he knows it. There’s only one woman Kip wants. Trouble is, he hasn’t met her yet. Until then, he’s going to fill his dance card with the Johnson girls: Maggie, May, and Missy.

Shelby never thought she’d see Rison, Arkansas, again. She’s been estranged from her extended family for over a decade. Things happen and sometimes the only place you can find solitude is the very place that has raised so many questions in your life.

She was looking to start her life over.

He was looking for his to truly begin.

Neither one of them understood the power of kismet until the day their eyes locked. From that moment—in their heart of hearts—they knew that the other was The One.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Hellhound by Rue Volley

Halo Bay has had nothing but bad luck with men her whole life, from a cheating High School boyfriend to the abusive one she just stabbed through the eye. Fatally wounded from her last fight with him, she falls unconscious, only to wake in purgatory with two choices before her. Sew her own eyes and mouth shut and wander around purgatory for an eternity, or, follow an extremely hot man, by the name of Gunner, to Hell. There she will train to be a “Hellhound”, a hunter of all things nasty that escape Hell and go topside. Only with this can they try to redeem themselves and possibly gain their freedom. Settling into her new life as a HELLHOUND is almost easier than the amazing love affair just starting to grow between her and Gunner. His inability to open up, and her problems with trust, tend to make things difficult. Not to mention, she has another who admires her, the Prince of Fire himself, Lucifer. Halo becomes frustrated and makes a fatal mistake that could cost her everything.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Forgiven by Vicki Green

‘You can’t always protect the one you love
But you can forgive them’

Bo Dunway’s young life has been fortunate. His parents being wealthy and providing him and his sister a loving environment growing up, he’s never wanted for much but he has a heart of gold. With his good grades and basketball scholarship he’s able to attend a prominent college, but he doesn’t want to live out of state. He can’t bear the thought of leaving behind the one thing he loves more than basketball. Stormy Reece.

Stormy Reece grew up in the most unusual conditions. Meeting Bo and his family was the best thing that ever happened to her. They met when he was seven, and she was five behind the Mexican Restaurant he and his family frequented. Her single mother worked there most day and nights so Stormy was always there hanging out in the kitchen or the back alley. Without a father figure in her life, she rebelled in her late teens, going to party’s with the friends she had made that were horrible influences, staying out till all hours of the night and worrying her mother sick.

Bo and Stormy became inseparable until he reluctantly left for college. He promised he’d never leave her. She believed him. Never again will she trust anyone but herself. He knew from the moment he saw her that he was going to marry her one day. Being forced to attend a college away from his home town, his promising career hangs in the balance as his concentration is only on one thing. Stormy.

Will Bo follow his dreams or his heart and will they ever be able to live out their dream of being together?

*Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Beyond by Maureen A. Miller

It is the day after Aimee Patterson’s high school graduation. College beckons, as does her dream of becoming an engineer. On an early evening walk, her cocker spaniel charges into the woods on the other side of the pond. Aimee trails after him, and in the stillness of that forest the unthinkable happens. She becomes paralyzed and watches in horror as her hands vanish before her eyes.

Waking to the sound of voices, Aimee realizes that she has been kidnapped. Little does she know how far away from home she is, though. In an attempt to flee her captors, she launches from their confines only to freeze at the view outside the window. The sky is black and filled with stars, and in the distance is a familiar blue globe. The planet Earth.

A group of humans forced to flee their planet after an epidemic destroyed their civilization now travel the galaxies in search of an antidote. Retrieving samples of plant life from every solar system, on this occasion Aimee was accidentally seized instead.

Aimee must learn to avoid the advances of an awkward young scientist who seems intent on dissecting her, as her own fascination turns to the exotic young warrior, Zak. Having fallen in love with Zak, she is now torn with the decision to return to Earth or live beyond the stars.

“Brilliantly done. A lovely debut to the young adult genre.” – Romancing The Book Reviews

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.

For more information about books on sale throughout the week, as well as giveaway updates, be sure to like A Book Vacation’s Facebook Page.

Event Pricing:

==> $90 Earlybird Standard Admission

==> $115 Earlybird VIP

When and Where:

Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 7:00 AM – Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM (CDT)

Nashville, TN

Hotel:

Shuttle:

Travel by Land or Air:

Mailing Books:

What To Pack:

The Conference: From #TakeMeToYourReader to #WriteYourOwnFuture

The Awards:

Need to know more about the conference before you commit? Click the links below to learn more and read real testaments from those who attended UtopYA 2013 and 2014 (more to come as they’re posted by attendees):

Like a Virgin… HEY #UtopYA2014 For the Very First Time

#utopYA2014 was AMAZEBALLS!

UtopYA 2013: What You Need To Know and Why You Need to Go in 2014

UtopYA: A Fantasy Conference Grows in Nashville—From Publisher’s Weekly

UtopYA Official Website

_____________________________________________________________

What else?

Questions, comments, concerns? Let me know and I’ll do the best I can to answer them, or put you in touch with someone who can. Also, make sure you check out UtopYA online as they begin updating their site for next year’s event. See you there!!

AND–make sure you pick up a copy of the first ever UtopYA anthology from 2014, complete with NEW, original short stories from these authors: Tiffany King, Heather Hildenbrand, Amanda Havard, Amy Bartol, Sarah M. Ross, Tammy Blackwell, Raine Thomas, and C.A. Kunz!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

I’m hoping there is an anthology for 2015 as well!

Share this:

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

Share this:

Amazon | Kindle (only $3.99) | Barnes and Noble

Share this:

Obviously, most of these aren’t permanent prices, so please don’t shoot the messenger, and double check pricing before pressing the buy button as pricing could change at any moment. Enjoy! (If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.)

Gifted, A Donovan Circus Novel by Liz C. Long

Even in a world of freaks, being a Firestarter is considered a dangerous Gift.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

The Deception of Devin Miller by Kelly Martin

That is her first mistake.

Facing DUI charges for a wreck she can’t recall, Devin fights to remember exactly what happened the night of the crash: something the real driver desperately wants her to forget permanently.

Who is really doing the deceiving?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Hindsight: Out of the Blue by Kelly Martin

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

Across the Galaxy by Heather Hildenbrand

Seventeen year old Alina Leone is an alien.

Not the foreign citizen kind, but the secret, I’m-from-another-planet-and-mean-you-no-harm kind.

Over the next weeks, Alina must give up her attempt to blend and lay low when she learns that the Shadows never gave up looking for the lost empress. And once they find her, they plan to rid the galaxy of the one person who stands in their way of total inter-galactic power.

Does Alina have what it takes to stop them and save her people, herself, AND her true love?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

This Side of Forever by C. Marie Mosley

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

______________________________________________________________

The St. James Chronicles: Shea by Colleen Blackstone

Shea St. James is the female part of a figure skating pairs team headed for the Olympics. She and her partner Brady have been skating together for years and know for sure that this is THEIR Olympics to bring home the gold!

Shea’s life is turned upside down when a family from New Jersey approach her parents to say that they think she is their long lost sister. As Shea fights through all the emotional upheaval in her life, she also has to concentrate on the task at hand and that’s competing in the Olympics.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

Devour by Andrea Heltsley

He wasn’t supposed to remember.

Callie’s 18th birthday has passed and she is coming out at the annual blood ball. Will she find a mate or will she suffer the repercussions of her indiscretion? She is brought to the Vampire council and they must decide what to do with Chase. Do they kill him, or turn him to protect their secret?

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

Safer Outside by Kristina Renee

She’s Wrong.

Logan has the resources to change her life but at what cost? Her relationship is the best thing that ever happened to her but it could also be the worst. If she’s not careful, she may lose everyone that’s important to her. But it’s hard to be careful when you’re fifteen and in love.

For readers 16+

Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords.

______________________________________________________________

It Was You by Anna Cruise

Abby Sellers knows what she wants.

Enduring eighteen years in the shadow of her identical twin sister, Annika, she wants a fresh start. A chance to create her own life, separate from her conniving, deceptive twin.

But West isn’t willing to let her go that easily. When he forces her to confront secrets they’ve both been hiding, Abby must decide more than if she’s willing to forgive and forget. She must also decide just what kind of life she wants…and who she wants to live it with.

Find it on Amazon.

______________________________________________________________

City of Cruelty and Copper by Rhiannon Paille

Nuclear warfare destroyed Earth, setting it off its axis. A group of survivors escaped to Antarctica, discovering a city under the permafrost. Fable Ketterling was thirteen when the bombs went off.

She was fifteen when she and her parents escaped. She was fifteen when she found the fountain of youth. She was fifteen when the fountain made her immortal. She was the only one.

Find it on Amazon.

Logan has the resources to change her life but at what cost? Her relationship is the best thing that ever happened to her but it could also be the worst. If she’s
not careful, she may lose everyone that’s important to her. But it’s hard to be careful when you’re fifteen and in love.

She was fifteen when she and her parents escaped.
She was fifteen when she found the fountain of youth.
She was fifteen when the fountain made her immortal.
She was the only one.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS ANTHOLOGY GO TO MAP INTERNATIONAL

Sometimes…
not getting what you want can be the best thing for you.