Metaltown Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway

Today I have the very special honor of welcoming an author I get to call friend to the blog to celebrate the release of her newest YA book, Metaltown. I couldn't be more excited for this book or for Kristen as she is one of the most adorable people you'll ever meet, and I hope you guys all have this book on your lists! Since the world of Metaltown and its factories is a brutal one where the days are long and so very hard, I asked Kristen to help us put on protagonist Ty's shoes for a few minutes and walk her mile. 

Be sure and check out the bottom of the post for a complete list of the participating blogs so you can follow along, as well as all the details on a fantastic giveaway!

WHAT ARE 5 THINGS TY WOULD WANT US TO KNOW ABOUT LIVING LIFE AS A FACTORY WORKER?

1. Don’t be a baby. You think your life’s tough? Try waking up before dawn every morning to get a bowl of mash at St. Mary’s, or working a double in a hot factory just to not get paid. First rule of factory life? Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open. You want a free ride you can go cross the beltway to Bakerstown.

2. Find someone who’s got your back. You look out for them, they look out for you. It’s that simple.

3. Don’t eat anything that hasn’t been tested. What are you, crazy? The stuff they sell on the streets in the factory district is flat out deadly. If you want the corn flu, by all means, give it a shot. Otherwise, stick to stuff you know is clean.

4. Don’t fight someone smaller than you. Don’t steal from your own people. I share my food with you, tomorrow you share yours with me. Those are street rules, got it?

5. Colin’s mine. Keep your hands off.

Noted, Ty. ;-)

Thanks so much Kristen!

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METALTOWN

Metaltown, where factories rule, food is scarce, and hope is in short supply.

The rules of Metaltown are simple: Work hard, keep your head down, and watch your back. You look out for number one, and no one knows that better than Ty. She’s been surviving on the factory line as long as she can remember. But now Ty has Colin. She’s no longer alone; it’s the two of them against the world. That’s something even a town this brutal can’t take away from her. Until it does.

Lena’s future depends on her family’s factory, a beast that demands a ruthless master, and Lena is prepared to be as ruthless as it takes if it means finally proving herself to her father. But when a chance encounter with Colin, a dreamer despite his circumstances, exposes Lena to the consequences of her actions, she’ll risk everything to do what’s right.

In Lena, Ty sees an heiress with a chip on her shoulder. Colin sees something more. In a world of disease and war, tragedy and betrayal, allies and enemies, all three of them must learn that challenging what they thought was true can change all the rules.

An enthralling story of friendship and rebellion, Metaltown will have you believing in the power of hope.

Amazon | B&N 

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KRISTEN SIMMONS

Kristen Simmons is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and the upcoming METALTOWN (Tor Teen). She loves her family, Jazzercise, and chocolate cupcakes. She currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Website | Twitter | Facebook 

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WEEK ONE

9/12: Mundie Moms - Q&A

9/13: Fiction Fare - Review

9/14: Eater of Books - Review

9/15: Two Chicks on Books - Q&A

9/16: Krista's Dust Jacket - Review

WEEK TWO

9/19: No BS Book Reviews - Makeup Inspirations

9/20: Quite the Novel Idea - Review

9/21: Supernatural Snark - Guest Post

9/22: The Petite Book Blogger - Review

9/23: The Irish Banana Review - Top 10

Guest Post: Catherine Bybee + Doing It Over

Happy Friday Everyone! Today I have a very special guest post from author Catherine Bybee as part of the promotional tour for her latest contemporary romance release, Doing it Over. You guys know there's never a time I'm not in the mood for a good romance, so I'm thrilled to welcome Catherine back to the blog. She's here to share a little bit about Doing It Over and life during her high school years, so I hope you guys enjoy and add this one to your lists!

THE HARDEST PART ABOUT MY HIGH SCHOOL LIFE

Jumping off a new series based on three high school besties, was both cathartic and fun. It helps that I have two teenage children either in high school, or just out of high school sparking my muse.

So when asked…what was my worst high school experience, and one that truly shaped my life…this is what I came up with:

I didn’t have a lot growing up. My mom fell in and out of love a lot, dragging her children along for the ride. My older siblings dropped out of school leaving me to set the example of doing it right. I was determined to graduate and go on to college. I learned early on that a university was out of the question. My grades weren’t such that I could compete on that level to get in, and money wasn’t there at all.

I worked as a waitress every day I could and still found time for after school plays and homework. Not that I gave much attention to the latter, but I did manage to pull halfway decent grades. My senior year in high school offered me the lead in two plays, which thrilled and challenged me. I was skating toward the finish line with the couple of academic classes I needed and the rest revolving around my passion. Theater and choir. I’d made the jazz choir, was vice president of the drama club…and lets not forget the lead roles of Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker and Marty in the musical Grease.

Then… during the Christmas break, my mother came home to the apartment she was renting, and told me we were being evicted. She was moving in with her friend ‘Stoney’… name given for obvious reasons…and I should find a place to live.

Holy Shit! 

Yeah, that isn’t made up folks. I was six months away from graduating high school, 17 years old…and being told to ‘figure it out’.

I did!

I dropped out of all my fun classes, acting, directing, choir…gone were the after school roles in the plays. I added classes like computers…remember MS DOS?  I took a ten key class, and left school around noon to work so I could pay my way.  I had two families over the next six months take me in and offer a room. I paid them rent…not a lot, but something. I often only came to their homes to sleep.

I was on my own!

So there you go… the hardest part of my high school years.
The drive and determination I learned during that time has sat with me my whole life. But boy it sucked at the time!

Happy Reading
Catherine 

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DOING IT OVER

One small town. Three close friends. True love to last a lifetime.

Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo and Zoe, by her side, and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might have turned the corner on a new life.

Wyatt Gibson never liked the big city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?

Amazon • B&N • BAM • Book Depository

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CATHERINE BYBEE

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.

Website • Blog • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest

Guest Post: Kady Cross + Sisters of Salt and Iron

Today I'm so pleased to have author Kady Cross to the blog to talk a little bit about Sisters of Salt and Iron, the sequel to last year's Sisters of Blood and Spirit. As you guys already know, I thoroughly enjoy this series and the relationship between sisters Lark and Wren, and I highly recommend it to those who love a good YA paranormal read.

Wren is an extraordinarily fascinating character, so when I had the chance to ask her a single question, I made sure to be a little nosy when it comes to her:) Welcome to Supernatural Snark, Kady!

Wren doesn't know what it's like to be alive other than what she's experienced through her sister. If she could be fully alive and in her own body for a single day, what are three things she'd be sure to do?

1. She would eat as much as she could from as many types of food as she could get her hands on. And she would stop to smell each dish as well.

2. She would probably kiss Kevin. Probably a lot, even though he hurt her.

3. She would simply enjoy being able to be with her sister and her friends on the same plane of existence.

Thanks so much for stopping by Kady!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SISTERS OF SALT AND IRON

Lark Noble is finally happy. She’s trying to move on and put the events of the past behind her: the people who avoided her because she talked to the ghost of her dead twin sister, the parents who couldn’t be around her anymore and even the attempt she made on her own life. She finally has friends—people who know her secrets and still care about her—and she has Ben, the cute guy she never saw coming.

Wren Noble is lonely. Unable to interact with the living, she wants to be happy for her sister’s newfound happiness, but she feels like she’s losing her. It doesn’t help that Kevin, the very not-dead guy she was starting to fall for, seems to be moving on.

Then Wren meets Noah, the spirit of a young man who died a century ago. Noah is cute, he’s charming and he makes Wren feel something she’s never felt before. But Noah has a dark influence on Wren, and Lark’s distrust of him drives the sisters apart for the first time in their lives. As Halloween approaches and the veil between the worlds thins, bringing the dead closer to the world of the living, Lark must find a way to stop whatever deadly act Noah is planning, even if it means going through her sister to do so.

Find Kady:

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Amazon

The Skylighter Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway!

Today I'm thrilled to welcome author Becky Wallace back to the blog as part of the promotional tour for The Skylighter, the follow up to last year's The Storyspinner. The Storyspinner was one of my favorite reads of 2015, and I can't recommend it highly enough if you haven't had a chance to read it yet. 

I had the opportunity to suggest a topic for Becky to address, and I thought it would be fun given how politically-focused our country is at the moment to ask Becky about the power game and politics of Johanna's fantasy world. I hope you guys enjoy!

If you were long lost royalty as Johanna is and suddenly found yourself in the middle of a power play for the throne, what are the top 5 concerns you would have about claiming your birthright?

If I was actually in Johanna’s position, I’d totally run and hide. Maybe take a little cash with me so that it could be a comfortable hiding place instead of a shack in a forgotten swamp. I’m still a princess at heart, yo.

If I was able to muscle past my flight instinct, here are the things I’d worry about:

WHO WANTS TO KILL ME?

Let’s be honest, y’all. Poisoned food, sneak attacks, assassins, and literal backstabbers are a real concern for folks who want to claim their rightful thrones. Unless you plan to surround yourself with heavily-muscled guards bristling with weapons—which might not be that bad—or sequester yourself to windowless rooms, then claiming a throne isn’t exactly the safest life goal. But if you feel, like, morally obligated to improve the lives of thousands of people, then go for it. Good for you, I guess.

Who can I really trust? Like really? 

See, here’s the problem with people: just about anybody can be bought for the right price. Sometimes that price is a bag full of gold and sparkly jewels, sometimes it’s the promise of power in a new government, and sometimes (gasp!) people make really crappy decisions because they’re really crappy people. The problem for soon-to-be rulers is knowing who those people are and surrounding yourself with the other kind—the stalwart, chivalrous, good kind. And sadly, the good ones are hard to find. Heh.
   

I have no idea how to run a kingdom. Why am I trying to run a kingdom? Whose idea was it that I should run a kingdom? Can we kill that person? DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN.

How many days off do I get?

Can you hear Queen’s Under Pressure in your head? Cause that’s what I hear when someone says the words “take over a kingdom.” All that responsibility…it causes wrinkles, ulcers, and maybe bad posture. You know, with the weight of the world on your shoulders and all that. Now, if you’re promised a month of vacation on a lush, private island then maybe it would be worth it.

Who am I betrothed to?

I mean…if It’s for good of my people, who I’m suddenly very concerned about, then sure. I’ll marry Prince Harry.

I probably wouldn’t turn down Prince Carl Phillip of Sweden, either.

But if it was Prince…I’d want my advisors to see if there were better political ties to be made elsewhere. 

Also, he totally looks like a villain.

Thanks so much Becky! I would absolutely take Prince Carl Phillip of Sweden as well. Hello, there.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

THE SKYLIGHTER

Johanna and Rafi are in a race against time to save their country before a power-mad Keeper destroys everything they hold dear in the “enthralling magical world” (Cinda Williams Chima, author of The Heir Chronicles) introduced in The Storyspinner.
 

As the last of the royal line, Johanna is the only person who can heal a magical breach in the wall that separates her kingdom of Santarem from the land of the Keepers, legendary men and women who wield elemental magic. The barrier protects Santarem from those Keepers who might try to take power over mere humans…Keepers who are determined to stop Johanna and seize the wall’s power for themselves.
 

And they’re not the only ones. As the duchys of Santarem descend into war over the throne, Johanna relies more than ever on the advice of her handsome companion, Lord Rafael DeSilva. But Rafi is a duke too, and his people come first. As their friendship progresses into the beginnings of a tender relationship, Johanna must wonder: is Rafi looking out for her happiness, or does he want the throne for himself?
 

With war on the horizon, Johanna and Rafi dodge treacherous dukes and Keeper assassins as they race to through the countryside, determined to strengthen the wall before it’s too late…even if it means sacrificing their happiness for the sake of their world.

Goodreads • Amazon • B&N • iBooks

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BECKY WALLACE

In second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything except princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she’s been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own real-life Prince Charming. They have four munchkins and live in happy little town near Houston, Texas.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Pinterest • Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY

Five lucky winners will each receive autographed sets of both The Storyspinner AND The Skylighter along with some awesome swag. Ten additional winners will get swag sets. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

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WEEK ONE
3/14/2016- Once Upon A Twilight- Interview 
3/15/2016- Jessabella Reads- Review  
3/16/2016- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt 
3/17/2016- Take Me Away To A Great Read- Review 
3/18/2016- a GREAT read- Interview

WEEK TWO
3/21/2016- Mundie Moms- Review

3/22/2016- Supernatural Snark- Guest Post

3/23/2016- Wishful Endings- Review

3/24/2016- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

3/25/2016- Seeing Double In Neverland- Review

Guest Post: Shayne Leighton + Of Light and Darkness

Today I'm so pleased to turn the blog over to author Shayne Leighton, whose latest New Adult Paranormal Romance Of Light and Darkness just hit shelves yesterday. I thought a fun way to introduce this world and its heroine, Charlotte, to readers would be to take a closer look at her bookshelves, so below you'll find a few of the titles that she highly recommends! 

CHARLOTTE RECOMMENDS...

Greetings to those reading this. Charlotte Ruzikova here–writing this during the daylight hours. I should be sleeping, but I wanted greatly to prepare you all for your impending journey into the Occult City and I didn't want Valek to find out what I was doing. (You'll know more about him later.)

Naturally, before venturing over the borders and into our town, forbidden to all human kind, there are some things you should know...for your safety. Perhaps, there are even a few things you should read up on before you begin your journey. I have a few recommendations.

Firstly, heed my warning about Lycanthropes guarding the city borders. They have a no-tolerance policy for mortals trying to pass through the woods into our town. It's wise to carry objects that might distract them. A dead rabbit might do the trick. Maybe, even, a goat leg!

In all Occult Cities, many things are possible. There are Witches, obviously Vampires, Elves, Shifters, dragons, and such other terrifying beasts...Fae being the worst.

J.K. Rowling does a decent job of naming a few possibilities in Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. That's my first recommended piece of reading, and perhaps the most important.

Sarah, my best friend and Francis' indentured house Witch, might want you to read up on a few spells and incantations to prepare yourself for the sorcery sort. For this, I'd recommend reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It won't teach a mortal any magic tricks, but it is a good example of the fact that, in my world, things are not always what they seem!

Also, Prague is a city of vast secrets and steeped in mystery. Locals say the streets of Prague seem to change, as if by magic, every day. It would be wise to arm yourself with a guide that appreciates such magic...for I don't think any normal map would help you. For this, I recommend City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte.

Of course, if you're still a bit hesitant about your trek, Autumn: An Introduction by Shayne Leighton is a good way to test the waters. It will give you a taste of what's to come. I'll even get you started by offering you the copy from my library: http://www.instafreebie.com/book/5531

Most inhabitants are nice. Remember to keep to the shadows and not to trust just anyone...

I look forward to your visit to the Southernmost Bohemian Occult City.

Cheers,
Charlotte

Thanks so much Charlotte and Shayne!

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OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Shayne Leighton's stunning NA debut is a fiercely imaginative, multilayered contemporary fantasy where Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus meets Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles in a story about a girl caught between two societies . . . two sides . . . and two loves.

Raised by a Vampire in a secret society of Witches, Shifters, and Elves, Charlotte finds that she is the freak in her world of magic and wonder. When she stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of survival in this coming-of-age modern fairy tale is slim, resulting in a war between light and darkness.

Charlotte knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches draw spells of enchantment, Shifters throw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin.

As genocide and war threatens her life and her home, Charlotte will not allow her one true love to be destroyed. Fighting for her adopted coven of rogue monsters, she will do whatever it takes to save them...and she'll do it before the sun comes up and light takes over forever!

Find Shayne + Of Light and Darkness:

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Amazon

The Year of Lightning: Guest Post with Ryan Dalton

Today I have the pleasure of turning the blog over to author Ryan Dalton so he can talk a little bit about his upcoming release, The Year of Lightning (coming January 12!). As you guys know by now, I'm a big fan of all things time travel so I asked Ryan if he wouldn't mind giving us a little peek into that aspect of the story, and I love where he took my prompt. I hope you guys enjoy as much as I did!

3 THINGS NOT  TO DO WHEN YOU TIME TRAVEL

When people think about time travel, they usually start with all the crazy adventures they could have. Exploring ancient civilizations, seeing when we all finally get jetpacks, assassinating Hitler–you know, fun stuff like that. On the surface, time travel may seem like all DeLoreans and giggles, but I’m here to tell you it’s dangerous stuff! So if you ever find yourself traveling through time, here are three things you should never, ever do. I mean never. Ever. Seriously, ever.

1-Fight your past or future self. Literally no one wins with this one. Yes, Past You or Future You may totally have it coming, but that beating’s only going to splash back on you. One of two things is going to happen. Either 1) you’ll spend years anticipating the day Past You will show up to knock you senseless, or 2) you’ll put the beatdown on Past You, and with each punch you’ll suddenly have the memory of Past You getting pummeled by Present You. Just imagine remembering losing a fight to yourself while also being yourself and delivering said beating. Not only is it painful, but it introduces all sorts of existential crises. You don’t want that drama in your life.

2-Kill an insect. Or animal. Or person. Or maybe even a tree. You know what? Don’t do, say, touch, breathe on, or look at ANYTHING. If science fiction has taught us anything, it’s that the Butterfly Effect is just waiting for you to screw up so it can destroy the timeline as we know it. Oh, you stepped on a grasshopper in the Cretaceous Period? Get ready to arrive home and discover giant squids are now the dominant species. And that’s a best case scenario. Do us all a favor, don’t let the giant squids win. Take a peek outside your time machine, get a couple photos, then turn around and get back inside. For the good of humanity.

3-Make sports bets or invest in fledgling tech companies. We’ve all seen that one time traveler who’s just in it for the money. The guy whose grand plans go no farther than making his Past Self rich, thereby making his Current Self rich. There’s just one problem. If you do that for your Past Self, you’re going to spend the rest of your life feeling invincible. Untouchable. Charmed. You know how people act when they feel that way? Like jackasses. You’re about to turn Past You into an insufferable jackass, which will only compound over time and make Present You an even bigger jackass. And what do jackasses do when they travel through time? They violate rule #2, do something stupid like try to punch a T-Rex, and bring the Butterfly Effect down on all our heads. I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to end up a sacrificial offering to the Squid King. Not again.

If you want to be extra careful, print this post and keep it with you at all times. You never know when time travel might happen to you, and it never hurts to be prepared. Oh, and happy travels!

P.S. Want to read more about time travel with a healthy dash of mystery, rogue lightning storms, and creepy houses with no doors? My debut novel The Year of Lightning will be released on January 12, 2016. If that sounds like fun, you can find more info here:

 Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Amazon

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THE YEAR OF LIGHTNING

When 15-year-old twins Malcolm and Valentine Gilbert moved to a new town, they never imagined that the old house across the street could bring them so much trouble. A secret machine has reawakened inside, with the power to pierce time itself.

Meanwhile, lightning storms are breaking out all over town. They’re getting worse every week, and seem to enjoy striking kids who just want to pass science class and mind their own business. When Malcolm and Valentine discover a connection between the house and the storms, their situation goes from mysterious to crazy stupid dangerous. Someone is controlling the great machine, and their purpose is nearly complete.

In a race against time, the twins must uncover the chilling plan, the mastermind behind it, and the force that’s driving the deadly storms. They’ll hunt a powerful enemy that threatens their town’s existence, and the only clues are written in the sky.

Harlequin Naughty or Nice Winter Blog Tour + Giveaway: Naughty Heroes

Happy Friday Everyone! Today I'm thrilled to be a part of Harlequin's Naughty or Nice Winter Blog Tour, a 4-week event featuring six romance authors and their exclusive holiday-themed guest posts. I have the pleasure of welcoming Maisey Yates to the blog to talk about something very close to my heart: Naughty heroes. What? I can't help it! I love a book boyfriend who has a few rough edges and isn't afraid to revel in them, so I will certainly be checking out every book on Maisey's list. I hope you guys enjoy her recommendations as much as I did!

MY TOP 5 NAUGHTY HEROES BY MAISEY YATES

All right, since it’s Christmas, I thought I’d devote a post to my favorite heroes who would absolutely get coal in their stocking.

My hero in A Copper Ridge Christmas, Ryan, would most definitely earn himself a lump of it. Why? He’s on the naughty list. A gruff, grumpy fisherman harboring illicit fantasies for his former foster sister, he’s certainly not going to qualify for presents from Santa.

But that’s okay! Because I like my heroes naughty.

Here are my Top 5 Naughty Heroes who are just as naughty…if not naughtier…than my hero.

1. Ajax from Make You Burn by Megan Crane. Naughty is kind of an understatement for Ajax, an MC President with hard language and a hard body. He’s possibly the naughtiest hero around ever. You’ve been warned.

2. Dan from Rebel Cowboy by Nicole Helm. Former hockey-playing, llama-ranching (yeah, you heard me), sexy, naughty cowboy hero who hires the heroine to help him figure out how to run his ranching spread in Montana.

3. Vin from Having Her by Jackie Ashenden. A very naughty, very…er…bossy hero who enters into a fantasy-driven relationship with his little sister’s best friend.

4. Rafael from Unwrapping the Castelli Secret by Caitlin Crews. Rafael is a very naughty hero who reformed slightly when he lost the love of his life in a car accident. But when he finds out she’s actually alive…it’s pretty clear he still retains his naughty edge!

5. Alex in What I Did For a Duke by Julie Anne Long. This hero sets out to seduce the much-younger sister of the man who stole his fiancée, all for revenge. Delicious, romantic and very, very naughty.

I can’t guarantee reading these guys won’t put YOU on the naughty list, but then I think they’re pretty good compensation. :)

Happy holidays,

Maisey

Thanks so much Maisey!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A COPPER RIDGE CHRISTMAS

Snow is falling in Copper Ridge, Oregon—but the heat between a holiday-loving party planner and the town’s resident Scrooge is off the charts in this sweet and sizzling Christmas novella…

Holly Fulton is throwing a special Christmas Eve party for the foster parents who gave her so much. To finish the preparations in time, she needs to recruit her one-time foster brother, Ryan Masters. He may have a scowl that could curdle eggnog, but under that surly demeanor is a big heart. And amazing muscles. And a gorgeous chest. In fact, X-rated visions of Ryan have been dancing in Holly’s head for years, but she can’t risk complicating the only real family she’s ever known.

But maybe there’s a way for Holly to have her Christmas cake and eat it too. A no-strings affair, just until they’re done with the planning. Ryan is certainly willing. But from the first touch, it’s clear that this isn’t just a festive fling. It might just be a Christmas miracle in the making…

Find A Copper Ridge Christmas:

Goodreads • Amazon • B&N

Find Maisey:

Website • Facebook • Twitter

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GIVEAWAY

One grand prize winner will receive:

• 1 print copy of The Harder You Fall by Gena Showalter, White Wedding Christmas by Andrea Laurence, A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Wrapped in Red by Nana Malone and Sherelle Green
• 1 eBook copy of A Copper Ridge Christmas by Maisey Yates and Under the Spotlight by Kate Willoughby
• 100,000 Harlequin MyRewards points
• 2 Harlequin Classics limited edition notebooks
• 1 Brenda Jackson Westmoreland limited edition notebook

Please enter via the Rafflecopter form.

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Dare to Disappoint Blog Tour: A Look at the Creative Process

Today I'm excited to kick off a fun and unique blog tour for Dare to Disappoint, a new graphic novel from Ozge Samanci. This tour is going to focus on Ozge's creative process and the unusual materials she used in the creation of her book, with each blog highlighting one material in particular. I always love getting behind the scenes information on how a novel comes to life, so I hope you guys follow the tour to see more of Ozge's work!

The first unconventional material on the tour is stamps, complete with an image of the stamps she uses as well as how they look in the context of Dare to Disappoint!

STAMPS

I combine comics and collage. Sometimes three-dimensional objects from real life become part of my images. I used ten different kinds of stamps in Dare to Disappoint. I found some of the stamps at thrift stores, I bought some of them from a stamp store, I made some of them myself by carving an eraser-like plastic material. I repetitively stamp the paper with the stamp and create backgrounds, landscapes that contribute the atmosphere of the image.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • 

DARE TO DISAPPOINT

Growing up on the Aegean Coast, Ozge loved the sea and imagined a life of adventure while her parents and society demanded predictability. Her dad expected Ozge, like her sister, to become an engineer. She tried to hear her own voice over his and the religious and militaristic tensions of Turkey and the conflicts between secularism and fundamentalism. Could she be a scuba diver like Jacques Cousteau? A stage actress?  Would it be possible to please everyone including herself?

In her unpredictable and funny graphic memoir, Ozge recounts her story using inventive collages, weaving together images of the sea, politics, science, and friendship.

Ozge Samanci is an artist and an associate professor. She was born in Izmir, Turkey, and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. Dare to Disappoint is her debut graphic novel.

Find Ozge:

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Hidden Impact Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway

I'm so pleased today to welcome author Piper J. Drake to the blog as part of the tour for her newest romantic suspense release, Hidden Impact. As you guys already know by now, I love romance. Love it. I need everything I read to have a little romance in it, but of course the success of that romance depends entirely on the hero and heroine. I decided to ask Piper to share a few of the characteristics she thought made for a successful heroine, so I hope you guys enjoy!

Piper’s Top 3 Characteristics for the Successful Heroine

Think Quick

Events can happen in a blur of action, requiring fast reaction. In my stories, a succesful heroine may only have a fraction of a second but she’s got to make that count. She’s got to be able to think quick so she doesn’t end up dead or badly injured.

Think Clearly

It doesn’t take military training to assess a situation with a clear perspective. I try to give my heroine the ability to take a look at the situation and see it for what it is, without getting too muddled even when emotions are running high and the adrenaline is flowing.

Think Ahead

To succeed, or survive, a heroine needs to think ahead to what might happen next. Having an idea of the possible utcomes and being prepared for them help her navigate some pretty crazy circumstances. Thinking ahead helps my heroine make choices, not just react.

Mostly, I like a heroine who can think on her feet. It’s not always possible, but whenever it is, she should.

Thanks so much Piper! Be sure and check the bottom of the post for all the details on a giveaway as well as a list of participating blogs:)

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HIDDEN IMPACT

He's not the hero she's looking for

As part of the elite Centurion Corporation team, military-veteran-turned-mercenary Gabriel Diaz is a natural defender. He'll do anything to ensure a mission is successful. Anything but get emotionally invested—he learned the hard way that can be deadly. Easy bodyguard jobs in between the more challenging missions are all he's interested in now.

Maylin Cheng is desperate and running out of time. Her younger sister has gone missing but no one seems to take her concern seriously. Her last hope lies in asking an aloof bodyguard for help. He dismisses her outright, but all that changes when she is almost killed in a not-so-accidental hit-and-run right before his eyes.

As Maylin leans on Gabriel, she begins to rely on him for more than just her safety. But as their attraction grows, so does the danger surrounding them. When the elaborate web they're trapped in unravels, Gabriel will do anything to protect them. Even if that means putting his heart in the crosshairs.

Book one of the Safeguard series

Kobo Books  | iTunes |  GooglePlay | B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

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PIPER J. DRAKE

Piper J. Drake (or “PJ”) began her writing career as “PJ Schnyder” writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk. She has recently received the FF&P PRISM award for her work as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

Now, PJ is exploring the complexity of romantic suspense, incorporating her interests in mixed martial arts and the military into her writing.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | You Tube

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GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the team at Harlequin and Carina Press, one lucky winner will receive the following:

• 10,000 Harlequin Rewards Points (US/Can only)
• eCopy of HIDDEN IMPACT

Please enter via the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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