Thursday, October 10, 2013

Beyond Fate - Heather Lyons


It's here! BEYOND FATE by Heather Lyons is here and we are thrilled to get to be a part of the release day launch! We finally get to hear from Jonah in this novella from The Fate Series. Check out what we have going on today as we celebrate the release of this outstanding novella, and there's an excerpt for you! Then look below for all the information regarding the book and Heather Lyons. You can also enter in a giveaway below! Check it all out and be sure to let us know what you are looking forward to when it comes to BEYOND FATE and The Fate Series!

BEYOND FATE Synopsis:

There are always two sides to every story . . .

His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.

Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride.

* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella.





Release Day Excerpt:

She must sense my disinterest, because she rushes to say, “And your Connection is nice and strong. You’re very lucky to have been able to foster that relationship from such an early age.”
                Whoa. What now? Connection? “Do you mean the one with my brother?”
                I have a Connection with my brother, thanks to being Magical identical twins and all. But it’s not like a real Connection, not like the kind my parents had or Joey and Hannah’s. Not a romantic one, anyway.
                “Oh, well, yes, there’s that Connection too.” The Seer nods, biting the end of her pen. Then she yanks it back out, irrational embarrassment taking over once more. “I guess I overlooked that one, since I’ve never seen one between siblings before. No—I meant your Connection.”
                My brain sort of goes static-y. “I guess I’m confused here. If you’re not referring to Kellan, then what . . . uh . . . Connection are you talking about?”
                She looks down at the yellow legal pad, as if it somehow has answers. “Surely you know about your Connection? I mean, you’ve already been on that road with her, and have been since you were very young.”
                My heart starts racing, like it does when I run. But I’m not running. I’m sitting in a yellow chair in a Seer’s office and I’m dizzy and my heart is racing and I’m having a tough time catching my breath. “Elaborate,” I squeak. And it goes to show just how thrown off balance I really am, because I don’t even even care that I’m squeaking like a twelve-year-old going through puberty to some pretty girl.
                The Seer’s eyes widen. “Has no one explained this to you?”
                I clear my throat once, twice. “I know that my brother and I have a Connection, but I wasn’t aware I had another one. Nobody . . .” I’m forced to clear it a third time. “Nobody has two Connections.”
                “Well, uh . . . it’s true that I’m not aware of anyone else having two, but . . .” She blinks at me, scratches her head. “You do. You’re in love with her already, right?”
How could she know that? Can Seers tell that? Can they actually sense emotions, like I can? Can they physically tell that someone is in love, simply by looking at their paths? Because, if that’s the case, this is—
                “You’ve known her nearly your whole life,” Sera says, interrupting my internal high-octane rationalizations. “I’m positive of it. You’ve been in love with your Connection for a very long time.”
                If somebody had smashed a brick down on my head during this moment, I wouldn’t have been more surprised. So I sound like a total idiot when I blurt out, “You mean she’s real?”
                It’s the first time I’ve ever said anything about the girl I’ve called Chloe out loud, to anyone. EVER.
                “Well, of course,” the Seer says. And then she has the audacity to laugh. At me. Because I’m too . . . I don’t know. Slow? Stupid? Naïve? To grasp what she thinks is basic Magical Info 101. Normally, this would piss me off royally, but right now, I temper that annoyance down because I’m pretty sure if she doesn’t answer my questions, I’m going to have a full-fledge meltdown right here in her office. It’s been weeks—scratch that, MONTHS—since I last saw or heard from the girl in my dreams. Even if this Seer can give me the smallest bit of info, I’m completely willing to let her think I’m the biggest idiot on the Human plane. “No one has a Connection to an imaginary Magical,” she finishes lamely.
                THUD. Another brick smashes down on my apparently thick skull. My voice drops to a whisper. “She’s a Magical?”
                Jesus. Now I’ve basically turned into a parrot.
                The Seer cocks her head to the side. “I don’t understand . . .?”
                And then everything in me, everything I’ve felt for this girl my whole life floods me, and it’s too much, way too much, so the dam bursts forth and finally, finally, the truth comes rushing out. I don’t think I can stop the words even if I wanted to, and right now, here—I don’t want to. “I’ve . . . I’ve dreamed about this girl my whole life. I never knew she was real, though. I mean—I hoped she was, but . . .”
                Sera gets this dreamy look, and a flash of envy streaks through her. “OH! You’ve got a doorway! Lucky, lucky! So very rare.” Her smile is the rueful, conspiratorial one now. “What most Magicals wouldn’t do for one.”
                She knows about . . . “The doorway?”
Kill me now, because there’s more of the parroting.
The Seer blushes violently now. If I wasn’t so, oh, I don’t know, BLOWN AWAY, I just might be annoyed or amused at the fact that she’d just wished she’d had a doorway with me. But I have no time for these shenanigans. “How do you know about the doorway?”
It’s her turn to clear her throat. “Um, it’s . . . one of the ways some people with Connections meet? Like I said, it’s rare, maybe two percent of all Connection cases are like this. So . . .” She scratches her upper arm. “You’re the first person I’ve met with a doorway, though. Have you met her in person yet?”
                YET?
I go lightheaded right before the ground below me moves.





About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to. 



Release Day Launch Participating Blogs


And don't miss the giveaway Here! 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Cover reveal- Amber's Faerie Tale


You asked for it, you've got it...Amber's story!  If you haven't read Enlightened, it is recommended to read that book before reading this novella.  As a matter of fact, if you haven't read it...don't read the synopsis of this book....or pay attention to the title.  By continuing to read, you're taking it into your own hands that you're reading a spoiler.  Don't write me and say you had no idea and now you're scarred for life.  Nope, you can't say those things.

You're reading at your own risk.  I'm warning you to turn your eyes and run and read the first two books before going any further.

Amber, the sassy sidekick to Jessie Lucente has met her match the day she meets bad boy Thorne.  They've gone on a few dates, but Thorne is Jessie's guardian and he has a mission to protect her at all cost.  He's able to handle Amber's sarcasm and dishes it back, to her dismay.  They are just learning how to juggle dating and Thorne's guardian schedule when Amber is abducted during a school dance.
'
Amber knows her abductors have a schedule, and if she isn't rescued before time is up, she'll die.  She doesn't fear death, she fears the pain it will cause her friends and Thorne.  When Amber's brother died she thought of nothing else but taking her own life, but knew how much it would hurt her family.  The only problem now is she has something and someone to live for; but she refuses to fear the end.

This isn't a love story full of sweet kisses and adoring teens, so if you're looking for that kind of faerie-tale, read about Jessie and Caleb.

Amber's Faerie-Tale is Available December 17, 2013 - Add to your TBR List



Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Kristina Circelli Massive Giveaway!

Today I am so excited to help author and editor Kristina Circelli kick off her birthday celebration! Check out her giveaway below and be sure to enter. You don't want to miss this great giveaway!

******************************************

From Kristina:

Everyone loves free stuff - and now is your chance to win! To celebrate my birthday, I'm saying thanks and giving back to fans who have made this past year truly incredible.

Every one of you has helped me live my dreams, whether you've read one of my books, requested editing services, or simply believed in everything I seek to achieve. And now, it's my turn to show my appreciation.

So, let's get to that giveaway!

There are TWO chances to win - two prize packs for two lucky winners. The contest will run from October 1st through October 12th (my birthday!), giving you 12 days to enter and several opportunities to earn entries.

But that's not all! In addition to the giveaway, my novel The Never will also be FREE for the Kindle from October 4th to October 8th! Be sure to check out The Never on Amazon on those days!

So, what's up for grabs?

PRIZE PACK 1

Signed Copy of The Helping Hands
Signed Copy of The Iron Fist (First Edition)
Signed Copy of Beyond the Western Sun
Signed Copy of The Sour Orange Derby
Whisper Legacy Notebook
Whisper Legacy Coozie
Dreamcatcher Keychain
Beyond the Western Sun Coffee Mug
The Sour Orange Derby Coffee Mug
The Sour Orange Derby Keychain
Red Road Editing Pen






PRIZE PACK 2

Signed Copy of The Helping Hands
Signed Copy of The Iron Fist (First Edition)
Signed Copy of The Sour Orange Derby
Whisper Legacy Stress Ball
Beyond the Western Sun Coffee Mug
The Sour Orange Derby Coffee Mug
The Sour Orange Derby Keychain
Red Road Editing Pen







Some Giveaway Rules:
1) The contest will run only from October 1st (12AM) to October 12th (11:59PM). No entries will be accepted before or after those times.

2) Two winners will be selected at random via rafflecopter within the next two days after the contest ends (October 13th to 14th).

3) Winners will be announced on my author Facebook page, found here (so don't forget to "like" the page for an entry!). Winners will have 72 hours to contact me (via email or FB message) with their address/contact information, or new winners will be selected.

4) There will be no substitutions in prize packs.

**Please note, this giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way. I am fully responsible for this giveaway and it is not sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook. By participating in this giveaway, you are also agreeing to release Facebook of any responsibilities to it.**

And Now, for Your Chance to Enter!

Check out the rafflecopter entry form below, then get to clicking! Be sure to read each entry carefully, as some allow you to enter once per day for more chances to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Release - The Switch


Description:

Honor and Faith haven’t switched places since they were kids. When Honor begs her twin sister to go on a date with her boyfriend, Cameron, Faith reluctantly agrees. The problem is that she lets things go too far. Now Honor and Cameron have broken up and he won’t stop calling Faith, claiming he felt something more for her than he ever felt for Honor. The scary thing is, Faith felt it too. She struggles to come to terms with her feelings for Cameron. There is one rule that sisters and best friends abide by, don’t date their ex’s.
Honor has her own problems. Breaking it off with Cameron was the right thing to do, she knows that. His best friend, Parker, won’t leave her alone and forces her to talk about her feelings about the break-up. They spend a lot of time together and Honor starts to heal. Suddenly, Honor sees Parker as more than just a friend who cares. She wants more.
Neither sister wants to complicate things further and cross those boundaries. They can’t stop their emotions for the guys in their lives. Turns out, the switch is the one thing that has changed them forever.

current purchase links:

AMAZON 

SMASHWORDS

About the Authors:

Dawn Pendleton is a New Adult & Young Adult author living in Maine with her husband and pup. When she's not writing angsty stories of love, she can usually be found with her nose in a book or her eye behind the lens of a camera.
Twitter: @DawnWritesNA
Andrea Heltsley I am a biology nerd who decided it was more fun writing than dissecting. I have written three novels and four more will be out in 2013. I live on coffee and read like a robot. My husband and two italian greyhounds usually have to tear me away from the computer...imagine that. :) http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com https://www. twitter.com/andreaheltsley http://www. facebook.com/andreaheltsley http://pinterest.com/aheltsley/ http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5766043.Andrea_Heltsley

Beyond Fate cover reveal

I am so excited to bring you a cover reveal of Beyond Fate, written by Hearth Lyons, a fellow archaeologist turned author!



There are always two sides to every story . . . 

His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother. 
Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride. 

* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella. 



About Heather Lyons: Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.


Links: 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Cover Reveal- A Zebra Like Me

Today I am so excited to bring a guest onto Strong Novels, the fabulous Amy Jones!

~ * ~ * ~

Thanks so much, Strong Novels for hosting me today. I'm excited to announce that I have a new YA book coming out this winter! It's a stand alone YA contemporary entitled, A Zebra Like Me. It's my first stab at contemporary and the subject matter hits close to home so I am more than a little nervous about it. 

The cover art is by Kelsey Keeton of KKeeton Designs and it is gorgeous but you don't have to take my word for it, see for yourself! 


Here's the blurb on the back of the cover.

Maybelle Dawson longs for normalcy and belonging. Often misunderstood, she struggles with a rare disorder, labeling her a Medical Zebra.

Maybelle’s happiness and well-being threaten to slip through her fingers as she battles to take control of her life. She faces a never-ending battle on her journey to find love, courage and friendship in a world lacking acceptance.

With the guidance of her guardian angel, Maybelle finds her way out of emotional and physical isolation to discover lasting love and amazing friendships.


A Zebra Like Me is the story of one teenager’s battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a disorder affecting one in five thousand people. 

Sneak Peak - Here's a glimpse into Maybelle's world in pre-edited form. Please forgive my typos. It will be edited professionally prior to publication.


Maybelle

I sat on the soft, green grass staring out at the lake behind my house. The breeze was cool and soothing against my sun kissed skin. Tomorrow is the first day of school. A sour feeling invades my stomach. I barely passed last year. The pressure of my reality is consuming. Now, in the waning heat of August, after a summer filled with rest and relaxation, it’s easy to pretend this year will be better, but I know the truth. Soon, a daily routine of torture will overwhelm me. Pain-filled days spent trudging up and down concrete floors and flights of stares. Agonizing hours of stillness trapped in the unforgiving frames of wooden desks. Neck-breaking, never ending minutes straining to see what my teacher wrote on the board and overhead projector. And, the paralyzing stress of knowing it’s getting worse and I can’t handle it. I feel helpless and defeated and have yet to step through the school’s front doors.
            “I’m a zebra. No one understands me.” I whisper to myself.
            I take a deep breath as the air stirs. My focus is distracted by a shimmering glint of light. A silvery, white slip of paper floats down from the clear, blue sky. I stretch out my open palm and clasp my fingers around it. It’s folded neatly into quadrants. I unfold the square of paper to find out what is written inside.
            You’re not alone, Maybelle.
            I search the empty space around me and find nothing out of place. Everything is the same. My grandmother’s ferns dangle from their baskets on the back porch. The heavy, faded wooden rocking chairs are still, immune to the feeble breeze. The vegetable garden and the locked shed beyond it are undisturbed. An occasional boater drifts by on the lake but otherwise all is quiet. I am alone.
I reach for my backpack and retrieve my make-shift diary, a simple spiral-bound notebook. I tear out a piece of paper.
“Prove it.” I say the words as I scrawl them onto the slip of paper, fold it into a square, and toss it toward the heavens.

If you'd like to learn more about me or my books you can find me here:




Wednesday, September 18, 2013

New Release - Kristina Circelli

Join author Kristina Circelli today in the release of her new book, Fade into the Woodwork! 

This nail-biting novella is now available on the Kindle and Nook, as well as in Paperback.


Synopsis:

Abducted in broad daylight, locked away in a basement cage, starved for food and light - how would you escape your prison?

Valentina Murdoch finds herself asking that same question after she is attacked and kidnapped one ordinary morning. Brought to a secluded hideaway in the middle of the woods to await her fate at the hands of "the boss," she has but days to survive.

Utilizing her love of action movies to create a plan, Valentina plots her escape while battling a crippling fear of the dark - for the dark is where her childhood nightmare lurks, waiting for her one moment of weakness. But as the clock winds down and her husband's search for her threatens his own life, Valentina realizes that her true fight lies within herself.

Will she have the strength to survive, or will the dark - and all the figures that haunt it - finally win?


Meet the Author:

Night owl, Dorito lover, and quiet eccentric - Kristina Circelli is the author of several fiction novels, including The Helping Hands series, The Whisper Legacy, The Never, and The Sour Orange Derby.

A descendant of the Cherokee nation and niece of a Cherokee elder, Circelli holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from the University of North Florida, where she teaches creative writing. She also heads Red Road Editing, a full-service editing company for independent authors and commercial clients.

She currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cats, Lord Finnegin the Fierce and Mr. Malachi the Mighty.




Connect with Kristina:
Email - 


Twitter: @KCircelli