#IndieFallFest: Karen Gordon

Today I'd like to welcome the wonderful Karen Gordon back to my blog for Indie Fall Fest!

Don't forget to drop by the kick-off post and enter the huge giveaway!

On Kira Adams' blog today, she's also featuring Karen Gordon!

For two weeks Steve Shrader lived a dream. A dream
that he didn’t even know existed until he felt it. For two
weeks the kid with no mom had good food, clean clothes and sheets and Christmas. For two weeks he had love - in the form of Hello Kitty bandaids and hot soup and his best friend, MG. Then he screwed up, like he always did, and the dream he was living went away.

Now school is over, MG is gone and he’s headed down the same path as all the adults in his life; drifting along, dodging or dealing with one sh*t-storm after another, numbing themselves with cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. But he’s seen a better life. He’s seen what he wants. He wants MG. The question is how to get to her from where he is now.

MG dreams of living large in New York City. (OK, to tell the truth, it’s her mom’s dream, and she is just along for the ride.) But she’s gonna make it work - in a kick-ass, cool apartment, with a glam fashion job and photo shoots with rich friends in magazines – or not. She left everything she was sure of back home in St. Louis and almost everything she thought she knew about Manhattan and life isn’t turning out to be true.

When her false dreams crumble and fall though her hands she’s left with what’s real. A real life with a real job and real love; and it can all be hers if she’s brave enough to believe in herself and go after what she truly wants.

Their love story started in Burnouts, Geeks & Jesus Freaks: a love story, now it continues in Popstars, Friends & Lovers: a dreamer’s tale. MG, the best friend with a talent for trouble, and Steve, the most laid back hero in romance novel history, are back. With old friends from high school and a crazed array of new ones they go for a win in the game called life.

  Y'all, I love me some Karen Gordon. I absolutely adored the first book in this series, Burnouts, Geek, & Jesus Freaks. And for the same reasons that I loved that book, I fell in love with Popstars, Friends, & Lovers. Karen Gordon is an excellent writer. Once again, she was able to transport me back to a time when I was younger. She is able to capture emotions amazingly well. It sets the tone for the entire book and you can't help but be swept away in the story.

  MG was always a character that I liked whenever I read the first book, and I was so glad to be able to learn more about her. I loved how the book started with a flash back to a scene in Burnouts. It gave me that instant connection to the characters again. This wasn't just a love story. It was a story about growing up and growing in to love. It was beyond beautiful and made me cry more than once. Karen did such a phenomenal job at capturing the reality of love with MG and Steve's story. Gosh. I loved it.

  Just like with Burnouts, Popstars is a roller-coaster of emotions and everything good! With every book that Karen Gordon, her writing only strengthens. She has crafted such a beautiful book with Popstars, Friends, & Lovers. I cannot recommend it enough!

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

Karen Gordon was born and raised in the suburban paradise of St. Charles, MO, on the outskirts of St. Louis. She earned a B.S. in English from the University of Central Missouri (BS being the operative term) and a M.A. in Media Communications from Webster University, where, always a rebel, she graduated in a hot pink mortarboard because she didn’t like the school colors.

She currently resides in Olive Branch, MS (formerly Cow Pen) on the outskirts of Memphis, TN with her 2.5 super-smart kids, and an amazingly-funny, cute, geeky husband.

When not writing, she is a stay-at-home mom (chick in charge) and part-time teacher. Any down time is spent reading, catching up with friends and obsessively worrying about every little thing.

Her first novel, “Burnouts, Geeks and Jesus Freaks: a love story” was published in March of 2014 with the second novel in the Burnouts series, “Popstars, Friends & Lovers: a dreamer’s tale” being released in November, 2014. She is currently working on the third, and final, novel in the series, tentatively title “Boi H.E.A.”

[Email | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Google+]

Release Blitz: Life Next Door by J.D. Hollyfield

There is only one thing in life that professional pastry Chef Priscilla Westcott values more than baking and wine, and that’s honesty. A quality she soon learns that her marriage lacks when her husband runs off with their next door neighbor.

Divorced and alone, Priscilla is determined to make changes in her life. She decides to approach her new goals like one of her beloved recipes. Surely with a little time, a dash of patience, and measured planning she can whip herself—and her life—back into shape.

However, when a new—and utterly delicious—neighbor takes up residence in the house that ruined her marriage, Pricilla fears that her careful world will fold faster than a deflated soufflé.

Trent Walker knows what he wants and his sweet, sassy neighbor is at the top of the list. He’s certain that the chemistry between them would be explosive, but Priscilla fears that an affair with him, however hot, could be a recipe for disaster.

~*~ABOUT JD~*~

Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part time supehero...

J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.

#IndieFallFest: Ashley Stoyanoff

We're so excited to be featuring Ashley Stoyanoff for Indie Fall Fest today!

Don't forget to stop by the kick-off post and enter our huge giveaway!

On Kira Adams' blog today, she's featuring I-Lanaa Twine!

1.You’ve written two different series; was it hard to switch between the two worlds when writing?
I found the switch between worlds fairly easy. After reviewing my notes and outlines, and spending a day reading the last book in the series, I was usually right back into the world I needed to be in, and ready to go.

2. What is your favorite part of writing?
Definitely plotting. I love putting the story together piece by piece and shuffling everything around until it makes sense. I’m also a bit of an organization freak, so the plotting process soothes the clustered mess in my brain when I start a project.

3. Both your series have a paranormal theme. What inspired you to write about the paranormal?
I write paranormal books simply because I love them. When reading, paranormal romance is typically my first pick, so I write what I love to read.

4. I’ve seen a lot of comments about how your vampires in The Soul’s Mark series are very unique. Where did your idea of vampires come from?
I’ve always been a vampire fan and have quite a collection of vampire themed books, movies and TV shows. I’d have to say that my idea for vampires came from a mixture of everything. I picked apart everything that I knew about vampires from the influences around me, and then chose the pieces I liked, or the ones that made sense to me.

5. You’ve written about vampires and werewolves. Now you have to choose; which one would you want to be?
Hmmm … I’m going to have to go with a werewolf.

6. FIRE! You can only have time to save one book while you flee. Which book do you pick?
Glass Houses by Rachel Caine. Love that book.

7. What should we be on the lookout from you next?
Right now I’m working on a New Adult Romance (non-paranormal). I can’t say much about it yet, but I’m having a blast with this new project and can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Ashley Stoyanoff is an author of paranormal romance books for young adults, including The Soul's Mark series and the Deadly Trilogy. She lives in Southern Ontario with her husband, Jordan, and two cats: Tanzy and Trinity.

In July 2012, Ashley published her first novel, The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, and shortly thereafter, she was honored with The Royal Dragonfly Book Award for both young adult and newbie fiction categories.

An avid reader, Ashley enjoys anything with a bit of romance and a paranormal twist. When she’s not writing or devouring her latest read, she can be found spending time with her family, watching cheesy chick flicks or buying far too many clothes.

[Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter]

Celebrating Dia De Los Muertos with Lauren Sabel!

source

Happy Day of the Dead, y'all!

I'm so excited to be celebrating with the amazing Lauren Sabel! Keep scrolling for a review of Vivian Divine is Dead, an interview, and a giveaway!

Vivian Divine is Dead by Lauren Sabel

Genres: Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary

[Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo]

Filled with surprising twists and poignant moments,
Lauren Sabel brings a fresh new voice to
contemporary fiction with Vivian Divine Is Dead. Creepy, clever, funny, and romantic.

When a death threat arrives with teen celebrity Vivian Divine's fan mail, Vivian has no choice but to go on the run to Mexico. She soon discovers, though, that her Oscar-nominated performance killing villains on-screen did nothing to prepare her for escaping a madman in real life. Some people say he's a hero, others tremble in his presence, but one thing is clear: he won't stop until Vivian is in his grasp. Why didn't she pay more attention during those judo lessons for her role in Zombie Killer?

Vivian finds an ally in the mysterious and charming Nick. He is everything Hollywood boys are not-genuine, kind, and determined to see Vivian for who she really is. But even he seems like he can't be trusted-what could he be hiding?

Beat up, hungry, and more confused than ever about who she's running from, Vivian is living in a real-life blockbuster horror flick. But there's no option to yell "cut" like there is on set....

Lauren Sabel's Vivian Divine Is Dead is a creepy, witty, fast-paced adventure about family, fame, and having the courage to save yourself.

   Talk about a book that makes you sit up and pay attention! Lauren Sabel was quick to capture my interest with this original tale. From the opening when we're introduced to the darker side of life in Hollywood, you're left with a lot of questions that you want answers to. The suspense in Vivian Divine is Dead kept me riveted and on the edge of my seat!

  Vivian was such a dynamic character! I thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse into her life. It's not a life that many of have experience with, so it was intriguing to get a behind the scenes look. The one thing that made me really like Vivian was her honesty. Yes, she whined her fair share. But she wasn't afraid to admit and own it. I'll take that over the psuedo-badass main characters who whine and pretend to be something that they're not.

  All in all, I was enthralled with Vivian Divine is Dead. The ending was not what I had hoped for. I feel like there's so much more to the story. I didn't want to be finished with Vivian and Nick. (Speaking of Nick, you slayed me, Lauren. I need to know where he is!) My fingers are crossed that Lauren Sabel will be able to tell more of Vivian's story.

**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.

1. Describe Vivian Divine is Dead in one word.
Alive.

2. We’re introduced to the very glitz and glam world of Hollywood in the beginning of Vivian Divine is Dead. What inspired you to write about a teen star?
I used to work for a film festival in New York, and I briefly took care of one of the child stars that came to the festival. I got to see up close how fame had stunted his young life. He did not act like a kid, but like a miniature adult. I was fascinated by his story, and I wondered what he thought of his young life as a movie star. I saw how everyone fawned over him, and I learned about many of the exciting things he got to participate in because of his fame, but I wondered what the drawbacks were to living his childhood in front of the camera. What was he afraid of? What was painful for him?

3. If you could have dinner with just one character from your book, who would you choose?
Nick. He’s sexy and compelling and completely delicious.

4. I have to know; did you know how Vivian Divine is Dead would end whenever you started writing it?
I didn’t. I started writing the book because I heard a character speak one line in my mind. She had a sassy, cryptic voice, and she said: “I have a secret. I know how I die.” I was fascinated by the girl behind that voice, and I spent several years trying to dig her story out of my mind. I never thought about the ending; I just took notes as she told me her story. Like a voyeur, I followed her wherever she went. When she climbed up that mountain in Mexico, I was surprised, and when she discovered the shocking truth about her history at the end, I was shocked by it too.

(*This is not necessarily the most efficient way to write a book, and I don’t suggest it; but it sure was fun.)

5. Without giving anything away, I have to ask. The cliffhanger was brutal, Lauren! Will you write about Vivian Divine again?
I would love to. Vivian is a character that is near and dear to my heart. She is so spoiled and yet she has this innocence to her that you wouldn’t expect. I also want to find Nick. He’s out there somewhere, and I don’t know where; it’s like he’s stuck in character limbo. However, I haven’t been offered a sequel yet, so I’m encouraging all of my readers to hashtag #VivianSequel or #helpsavenick or #letnicklive (a big thanks to the readers who started this movement!) in order to allow me to pull Nick out of limbo and reunite him with Vivian.

6. Tell us a random fact about yourself that we won’t expect!
I'm obsessed with rollarcoasters.

When I lived in Denver, I had an apartment a few blocks from an amusement park. Before I taught my afternoon English class at the local community college, I would go over to the amusement park and ride all five rollarcoasters.

Connect with Lauren Sabel:

[Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#IndieFallFest: Sunday Brunch #2

All of the authors who are a part of Indie Fall Fest were asked to answer this question!

Here are their answers.

Describe your book in one word.

Playful

-Bridie Hall

Intense

-T.A. Uner

Adventurous

-Ruth Silver

Complex

-Erin Albert Rhew

Dark

-Cynthia Witherspoon

Romantic

-Tasha Cotter

Emotional

-Shane Morgan

Escape

-Heather Letto

Sweet

-Stacey Mosteller

Colorful

-T.C. McKee

Intense!

-Amy Bartelloni

Spooky

-A.G. Porter

Sweet

-Sarah Darlington

Searching

Chess Desalls

Quirky

-Sarah Buhl

Fairytale-ish

-Mary Waibel

Dark

-James D. Horton

Bibliophilia

-Joy Penny

Offbeat

-Karen Gordon

Sexy!

-Whitney Barbetti

Heartwarming

-Kristen Hope Mazzola

Heartfelt

-J. Nathan

Tragic

-K.B. Nelson

Devious

K.R. Conway

Emotional

-Crystal Perkins

Badass

-Tiana Warner

Gritty

-Amy Dunne

Twisted

-Zane Sachs

Haunting

-Rae Hachton

Intense

-Kira Adams

Satisfying

-Rue

Thought-provoking

-Heather Topham Wood

Complex

-Claudia Brevis

Rascality

-Kai Strand

Fairytale

-Anna McCormally

#IndieFallFest: Erin Albert Rhew

Today's Indie Fall Fest author is someone that I absolutely adore! We're so excited to have you, Erin Albert Rhew! Don't forget to stop by the kick-off post and enter the huge giveaway!

On Kira Adams' blog today, she's featuring Ally Malinenko!

1. Describe The Outlanders in one word.
Complex

2. Do you have any strange writing rituals or habits?
My life has changed quite a bit over the last 6 months or so. I got engaged, moved across the country, changed jobs at Book Fish, and moved again just recently (to a charming Victorian in the next town over). My writing habits/rituals used to be very set. I used to write for about an hour every day starting at 3:00. At 3:30, I would grab a Diet Pepsi with Lime and a small container of chocolates.

Now, my writing is pretty sporadic. My fiancé, Deek, and I try to write for an hour in the evenings. We usually have popcorn, and I still have my Diet Pepsi with Lime (can someone say addict?). So, my writing “habit” of late, most importantly, includes sitting beside Deek. ;)

3. Would you survive if you were in Layla’s shoes?
Me personally? Probably not. LOL! I usually say if you dropped me in some fantastical world from most books (Shadowhunter, Divergent, Hunger Games), I’d most likely get killed. The same is true for me in this world. I admire Layla’s strength—both physically and emotionally.

4. I’m seriously blown away by the plot and development in this series. Do you write with a detailed outline or just fly by the seat of your pant?
Ok, Deek can attest to this, I squealed and clapped when I read this question! I am usually a pantser when it comes to writing. But for The Fulfillment Series, I wrote a loose outline, mostly because I wanted to see if it needed two or three books. I didn’t want to write a “filler” second book. I really don’t like when second books are basically a ho-hum bridge from book one to book three. I told my Dream Team that if I didn’t have enough material to write a solid second book for a trilogy, then I would only write two books.

5. You’re stuck on a deserted island for a week with one of your characters from The Fulfillment Series, one object, and one book. Who and what are you taking?
I’d take Nash. I’d need his strength and knowledge to survive. Knowing me, I’d eat some deadly plant like Foxface in Hunger Games, and it’d be game over. Nash’s time spent traipsing through the woods between Vanguard and Etherea (and eventually from Etherea to the Outlands) means he’s survival savvy.

For my one object, I’d opt for a satellite phone so I could call Deek to come rescue me. LOL! I am what Jack from Titanic would call an “indoor girl.” While I do enjoy the warm sunshine and sandy beaches, I’m not one for sleeping outside. I need my air-conditioning!

As for the book, I’d bring one of the complete works of Shakespeare. I am a huge Shakespeare nerd, so I never tire of reading his plays (particularly the tragedies).

6. Can you give us a hint about the third book in the series, The Fulfillment?
I can promise you that all the questions raised in both The Prophecy and The Outlanders will be revealed in The Fulfillment. ;)

Thank you, Kristen, for hosting me during the Indie Fall Fest! ((HUGS)) Hello to all of Kristen’s followers!!

A personal source of creative inspiration for
me comes from my love and light, Deek Rhew! We talk about
everything, and he always challenges my mind.

Today I’m writing about my inspiration for The Fulfillment Series (Book 1: The Prophecy, Book 2: The Outlanders, Book 3: The Fulfillment), its world, and the characters. Before I delve into that topic, I’d like to say that I believe inspiration can be found anywhere. All aspects of life—the good, the bad, and the ugly—can be a springboard for creativity. I challenge you all to look at the world, the people, and the art around you. Let your mind wander. Let your imagination soar.

I can’t exactly trace the origins of The Fulfillment Series to any one thing or person. The inspiration for it came more from a collection of ideas. One night, as I watched a movie based on Arthurian legend, the words Ethereal and Vanguard popped into my mind, and I just knew they were two warring nations. Over the next few days, character names joined the two kingdoms: Layla, Wil, Nash, Samson. A story took root. At the time, I’d been reading the Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin. I liked the idea of combining olden times (castles, kings, queens, etc.) with fantastical elements, so I think reading that series definitely influenced my story. When I sent out my query letters, I labeled The Prophecy “Game of Thrones meets Arthurian legend.”

The Dream Team
(left to right: Danielle Craver, Dawn Ward,
Ginny Hunsberger, and Kim Sharp)

After the idea sprung to life, I wrote a brief three-paragraph synopsis and sent it to my friends. These four ladies eventually became my Dream Team and a source of great inspiration and accountability for me. I asked them if the little blurb I wrote would be a story they’d be interested in reading. All four gave an enthusiastic “yes,” so I started writing. Whenever I found myself stuck in the story or on a logical hang-up, I’d call one (or sometimes all four) of my Dream Team Members to ask for help.

Sometimes when I am creatively stumped, I seek inspiration from artistic sources that spark my imagination—book, arts, television, movies, etc. I love that moment when I’m watching or reading a really great story, and I feel my own creative juices start flowing. Ideas form—sometimes in a trickle, sometimes in a torrent—and before I know it, I’m back on track.

I encourage you to go out and experience the world: fall in love, get your heart broken, make mistakes, take risks, go on adventures, talk to fascinating people, sit in silence and ponder, pursue a seemingly impossible dream. Let all those moments, all the people you meet, all the beauty you encounter serve as muses for your own art.

Thank you again for hosting me, Kristen! I hope everyone will give The Prophecy and The Outlanders a read!

Erin Rhew is an editor, fitness trainer, and author of The Fulfillment series. Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word. She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the "Grammar Police." In her free time, Erin enjoys acting, running, kickboxing, and, of course, reading and writing. Her favorite place to be is at home with her family and easygoing tabby cat.

[Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Google+ | Amazon]

#CozyBoxSwap2014 is here!

Hey, y'all! I just signed up for a swap with Lipstick & Tractors that I wanted to invite everyone to sign up for! It's called the Cozy Box Swap 2014. I'll leave all of the deets and links below. So go sign up! Maybe we'll be swap partners!

The Rules

•Open to US residents, 18 years old & older.
•$20 minimum before shipping.
•Tracking numbers are strongly recommended. (If you buy postage online from USPS the tracking number is free.)
•You must post a blog post prior to sign-ups closing with the swap button letting others know about the swap.
•Please use #cozyboxswap2014 on all postings.
•If you don’t send a package you will be blacklisted from all future swaps.

The Dates
•Sign-Ups Close: Friday, November 7th
•Partners Sent Out: Sunday, November 9th
•Packages Must Be Shipped By: Monday, November 17th
•Reveal Link-Up Opens: Friday, November 21st

Sign up here, ya'll!

Books I'm Grateful I Read Giveaway Hop

I'm so thankful that Valerie from Stuck in Books is hosting this giveaway hop! 

Keep reading for your chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

I'm thankful for The Lord of Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

This series and author mean more to me than nearly anything. I love everything that Tolkien wrote, but The Lord of the Rings will always hold a special place in my heart.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keep hopping for more chances to win other great prizes!