Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Black Friday - Must Have Reads!!

The YA Storytellers crew is putting together some Must Have Reads for you.

I'd like to highlight a few books I've recently finished and loved....

It Was You, It Was Me and It Was Us by Anna Cruise.
SUCH a great series!!


Text by Cambria Hebert.
An excellent, high tension yet totally romantic, read. (A little racy - that would be my only criticism. The story and characters were fantastic though!)


Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles.
She is SUCH a great author. I love her stuff and Wild Cards did not disappoint!


I also encourage you to check out: http://yastorytellers.com/, as many group members are listing their recommended reads under the Fun Fridays tab.

Also - there is a cool Thanks for Giving Us a Read Competition going on at the moment!


And finally  - a few author friends of mine are running a special promotion for our newsletter subscribers only. If you'd like to be a part of this and have a chance at picking up some free books, please follow this link to subscribe for Melissa Pearl's Updates Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/p3g8v 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Melissa Pearl's Christmas Giveaways!!

Hey guys it's Melissa! 
Welcome to the start of my Christmas Giveaways. This is my favourite time of year. I love giving gifts and spreading some holiday cheer around. It's an awesome excuse to celebrate. I would love it if you would join me by participating in four fun giveaways.


Can't wait to show you guys my first surprise! Eeeppp!
So much fun!

Please help me spread the word. The more the merrier.
Let's spread some Christmas love and enjoy this awesome season.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Crimson Key -The Visitors Series by Christy Sloat

It's always a privilege to highlight a new book or author on YAlicious. Welcome to the blog, Christy Sloat. Your new book looks intriguing and I love the cover :)


The Crimson Key-The Visitors Series book 2

 The truth can be deadly. Brylee Branson’s best friend and boyfriend have fallen victim to a horrible curse that haunts her home. With the witches who cast it dead she has no choice but to rely on the ghosts inside the Brown house to help her find a cure. But time is not on her side, because Lynley's illness is spreading rapidly. Confused and scared, seventeen-year-old Brylee must confront a new ghost in the house she has never spoken to before. This spirit is not a Brown relative and makes no promises to help them … unless she can re-unite her with a loved one. The fate of those she loves now rests on her. Can Brylee put the pieces of this puzzle together in time to save them? Or will the Brown house claim another victim? The Visitor’s Series continues to scare and entice its readers with this gripping second book.

Purchase Links:
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords


The Visitors Series
Spooky Excerpt

Ephraim kissed me in an attempt to distract me, and for a moment it worked. I got lost in his arms as he held me gently. The kiss deepened a bit more, and then I opened my eyes. That’s when things went all wrong. I saw a misty cloud coming toward us. At first I thought it had to be low lying fog, until I started to see the eyes forming in the mist. I pulled myself away from Ephraim and he turned around to see what I was seeing. There was no way he would be able to see it, because he didn’t see the dead. But they say those who are close to death can see death. It’s completely true because he saw them. At first he was frozen as they walked closer to us. Then he got up and backed away, scared. He wasn’t used to seeing them like I was. Scratch that! I was never going to get used to this, but I had to try if this was my life now. I went toward the mist as the dead started to surround me, locking me inside a circle of their bodies. Their eyes were glassy and their faces veiny and gruesome. They didn’t look like their former selves, unless they were zombies in their life. A woman put her hand on my arm. I froze as her clammy palm rested on my skin. It felt cold at first, and then wet.

“Who are you?” I asked with a shaky voice. She tried to talk, but her mouth was sewn shut. Her lips were moving so fast; she was desperately trying to tell me something. Only murmuring came out.

“Brylee, get away from them,” Ephraim called.

I didn’t try to get away, like an idiot stayed there. A man, whose lips were not sealed, came forward. “You surround yourself with the dead?” he asked as he pointed to Ephraim.

“He isn’t dead. He is alive. Why are you here?” I snapped.

“He isn’t dead yet, but he will be soon.” I shivered at his words. The woman pointed to a spot in the grass and led me to it. I was being shoved toward a place I had no clue of what it was. Once I was on top of it, I saw them … graves. The headstones bore the names of the dead that now surrounded me.


About the Author:
Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother’s loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor’s Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come.

www.christysloat.com

Email: Csloat@verizon.net

You can find Christy Sloat online here:
Twitter: @Christysloat

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Guest Post: The Indie Guide: A Self-Publisher's Toolbox

Today we have the author of The Indie Guide: A Self-Publisher's Toolbox, Heather Hildenbrand, as a guest author on the blog!
Purchase Link:

Three years ago, I self-published my first novel, a YA high fantasy titled, Across the Galaxy. I had a whole lot of enthusiasm and determination and not a single CLUE. Not about publishing, not about marketing; not a single scrap of knowledge about how to sell a book. I didn’t have a teacher either. At least not one that knew me as their student. I taught myself with the help of lots of friends (and sometimes what turned out to be foes) along the way. I learned from every mistake, misstep, and misinformation. I’ve made the world’s most awesome friends and met some of the most amazing people that would go anywhere and do anything for me. On a regular basis, I get awesome letters from fans ranting either for or against the latest plot twists, advising me how the next book should end, and even telling me how my books and/or blog has inspired them to write and publish their own novel.
Not a single bit of what I just mentioned ever gets old. Like, ever.
Publishing is a business that shifts and turns and reforms every few months from the ground up. It has trends and highs and lows and emerging authors and new genres and quirks and the tried and true. There’s always something new to learn and based on my experience, there always will be.
Not a single bit of that gets old, either.
But it also never firms up. There’s always going to be the “latest thing” and “the best way” to tackle some avenue of the publishing biz. And there are always going to be new or aspiring authors coming into this completely wet behind the ears like I was.
I get messages every month from new writers picking my brain about how it’s all done. And I answer them because I want them to have what I didn’t. (That clue, remember? Here, take one. Pass it around.)
About three months ago, after conversing back and forth with another up-and-coming author, I realized how much I love sharing the knowledge I’ve gleaned from my publishing journey. Like, really and truly, LOVE to help others get where I am (work in my PJs, get my kids on and off the bus every day, make FT income. Yeah, my life rocks!). And I wanted a way to do it as often as possible in between my OTHER favorite pastime of writing books. So, I came up with this:
This past week, I launched a new company called Phoenix: Author Ink. It is a company designed to help aspiring authors take the next step. Whatever that “next step” might be for you. Whether it’s finishing or polishing your story, deciding whether to query or go straight to uploading your story yourself, or getting me on the phone for an hour of Q&A so you can pick my brain about how to meet reviewers or how to build a brand or “what the heck do I blog about?” – Wherever you are in the journey, I want to help! I thrive on it! Watching you get out there with an awesome story makes me smile. And smiling is one of my favorite things. =)

And as a thank-you-slash-I-am-so-excited-to-be-here gift, I am offering one lucky winner the chance to work one-on-one with me for ONE MONTH of encouraging, butt-kicking, accountability-induced inspirational COACHING and HELP as you get ready to publish or boost your marketing platform HUGELY. You will get multiple phone consultations and in-depth planning sessions and at the end of the 30 days, you will feel so much better, more focused, and excited about your business!

There are also two awesome prize packs with signed books up for grabs, because, yeah, BOOKS. It’s why we’re here. I hope you’ll spread the word about Phoenix as well as The Indie Author Guide and get yo’self entered to win! Good Luck!
-Heather

Monday, November 18, 2013

Dead Chaos by T.G. Ayer - Review

      Dead Chaos         

(A Valkyrie Novel - Book 3) 

(The Valkyrie Series)


Book Description:
Valkyrie Bryn Halbrook is broken and damaged... 

Struggling to accept the loss of her wings, Bryn's not sure if she can be a real Valkyrie anymore. But when a mysterious prophecy claims she will be the reason the All-Father dies, she is determined to ensure the prediction will not come to pass. 

A visit to the three fates who live beneath the great Tree of life, sends Bryn racing against time to find the missing Heimdall and his horn. As Odin's life hangs in the balance and Ragnarok draws ever closer, Bryn has to find a way to save Heimdall and Odin before she can discover the truth about who she really is. 

In the thrilling instalment in the Valkyrie series Bryn must battle not only the formidable frost giants and the hated God Loki, but she must also find a balance between what she will lose and what she will gain.

Review of Dead Chaos:

I have enjoyed the Valkyrie series so far, but Dead Chaos has been my favourite by far. I really, really enjoyed Bryn's journey in this book. She really discovers what she's made of. Her adventures are intense and emotional. I love that her team are with her most of the way. I love the way she copes with the loss of her wings and how that makes her grow as a character.

There is more romance in this book compared to the others. Yay! Just want my soppy heart needs. That storyline was played out beautifully.

This book is an emotional ride, be warned...you will no doubt cry, but I didn't come away disappointed either. It was a great conclusion to a good series that still left you wanting a little more. Who knows, maybe one day T. G. Ayer will come to the party and send us back to Odin's throne room. Fingers crossed :)

Purchase Links for Dead Chaos:

Smashwords / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon AU / B&N


You can check out the other blogs on this tour HERE and enter the giveaway!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Hot New Release Giveaway!

The Hot New Releases Giveaway is celebrating the new releases from authors: Brina Courtney, Lizzy Ford, Cambria Hebert, Anna Cruise, J.A. Huss, L.P. Dover, TG Ayer, Rebecca Ethington, Melissa Pearl, Wendy Owens, Kelly Walker, Alivia Anders, Wendy Owens, Ella James, Rick Chiantaretto, Lola StVil and Holly Hook! In honor of all of these amazing releases we are giving away a Kindle!
Twisted by Holly Hook - December 15th
Guardians: The Shoma by Lola StVil - Released November 1st
Text by Cambria Hebert - Released November 8th
Panic by JA Huss - Released October 15th
It Was Us by Anna Cruise - November 11th
I Am Just Junco Omnibus by JA Huss - Released November 4th
Trusting You by LP Dover - Released October 8th
Return (I am Not Junco) - December 2nd
Dead Chaos by TG Ayer - Released October 30th
Giveaway
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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Melissa Pearl: Author Interview and More - An Examiner.com Article

Hello YAlicious Allison here! 

I just wanted to share with you this article on examiner.com. 

Learn a little more about Melissa Pearl and her Elements Trilogy! 

Check it out HERE!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Recent Release: Hunter by K. C. Blake

Hunter


Hunter begins with Bay-Lee in Maine, living a normal life—sort of. It's impossible to completely banish the supernatural when your boyfriend is a ghost. Nick insists he isn't sticking around to haunt her. According to him, he wants to protect her. But that doesn't make sense. Why would he be concerned about her when it was her fault he'd died? 

She's in History, taking a test, and Nick pops in with a warning. The Order (monsters living in the Spirit Realm) have put a hefty bounty on her head. Nick wants her to go home to her father in New Zealand where she will be safe, but she's determined to graduate from the school in Maine. Everything seems to be fine. Why should she run from something that 'might' happen?

Then a reaper tries to collect the bounty.

Bay-Lee will return to her father's school and begin her training anew, despite the fact Nick's brother doesn't want her there. An old enemy returns, and a familiar student threatens her relationship with Nick. It doesn't help that Nick thinks he should leave her for her own good. Surviving is her number one priority. Keeping the love of her life at her side is a close second. Together, they will battle reapers, their inner demons, and each other in this YA paranormal romance with bite. 


The first book BAIT is Free at Amazon, Smashwords, etc.


          Author Bio
K.C. Blake is a ninja on the keyboard.  When she’s in her office, no one dares disturb her.  What they don’t realize is she’s not even in there.  She’s in another world fighting vampires, falling in love with a creature of the night, and slaying monsters.  Only her cat knows where she goes and what she does, and Blanca isn’t telling. 
Born and raised in California, K.C. fell in love with books at an early age.  Writing has always been her dream job.  She now lives in the mid-west on a farm with cows, ducks, cats, and a dog.

Friday, November 8, 2013

In the Lyrics by Nacole Stayton Cover Reveal

In the Lyrics by Nacole Stayton


Cover Reveal:  Friday, November 8, 2013

Title:  In the Lyrics
Author:  Nacole Stayton 
Genre:  New Adult 18+
Publication Date:  February 7, 2014
Cover Design:  Toski Covey Photography and Sommer Stein of Perfect Pear Creative
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.
Synopsis
Hensley Bradley is the definition of the girl-next-door. She’s kindhearted, beautiful, and talented. Bored with her mundane life, thoughts of fleeing her small town begin to consume her. With aspiring dreams to use her voice as a one-way ticket, she suddenly discovers that music might not be her only passion.

After a fallout back home, Colby Grant decides to leave his family’s farm, determined to show his father he’s more than just a wanna-be country singer. With his All-American good looks, it doesn’t take long for girls in his new town to focus their eyes on him. But things aren’t what they appear from the outside, and it isn’t long until Colby feels he doesn't fit into the perfect world that so quickly embraced him.

A chance encounter places Hensley in Colby’s path, but it isn’t her natural beauty that first captures his attention – it’s her voice.

When love and music mix, will the combination blossom into a beautiful melody or wither into a heart-wrenching tune?

Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters

Add to Goodreads


About the Author
Christian “Nacole” Stayton is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass state. She spends her days working at a local hospital in the billing department and nights writing vigorously on her current novel. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle Fire. She is passionate about her faith, family, and The Bachelor.

Giveaway 


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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Cover Reveal: Wastelands by L. M. Preston


Yep! Yep! Yep! There's a revealing going on.

If you have an insatiable appetite for PIRATES and romance with MYSTERY thrown in, than you are in for a great ride with the BANDITS series.

Book 2 in the series WASTELANDS by LM Preston comes out Spring 2014 (May).

However, she couldn't wait to share the details of her Smokin' Hot Cover!

Title: Wastelands
Author: L.M. Preston
Series: Bandits (Book #2)
Genre:  YA Romance SciFi Adventure
Publisher: Phenomenal One Press
Release Date: Ebook March 31st, 2014, Print May 5th, 2014
Blurb/Synopsis:
There’s nothing left for Daniel to fight for, except his father’s honor, on the brutal prison planet which holds his brother. This time, he’s going to do things right. He’ll turn his training as a famed Zukar thief into something his father will be proud of. The only thing holding him back is the loss of Jade’s love, the only girl who had the guts to put him in his place. And just one prison Warden who believes he has the power to keep Daniel away.

Take a moment to add it to your GOODREADS reading list!
Here's the ISBN # 9780985025

And enjoy a FREE read of the 1st book in the series, BANDITS! here.



Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


L.M. Preston was born in Washington, DC.  She loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl.  A Techie and Educator for over sixteen years, she started writing science fiction under the encouragement of her husband who was a Sci-Fi buff and her four kids.  She has an obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds.  She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing. In addition to being an author, she's also a Moderator for Yalitchat.ning.org, 2012 Vice President of Mid Atlantic Book Association and 2012 co-chair for the Maryland Writer's Conference.
Places to find LM Preston


Places to find Wastelands



Monday, November 4, 2013

Shadow's Dangers Cover Reveal!

TITLE: Shadow’s Dangers
AUTHOR: Cindy Mezni
COVER DESIGNER: Cover image by PhatPuppy; Typography by Catie Crehan
PUBLISHER: Evatopia Press
RELEASE DATE: Thanksgiving 2013
SERIES: Book one of The Last Hope Series
GENRE: YA Paranormal Romance


SYNOPSIS:
Appearances can be deceiving...

Losing a loved one is never easy. Although Deliah learned to live without her parents when fate took them from her as a young girl, history repeats itself and causes her to face even greater challenges when Tess, the woman who raised her and was like a second mother to her, passes away. But even worse than dealing with her loss is the coinciding arrival of inexplicable nightmares that haunt Deliah’s nights. 

She becomes consumed with images she didn't understand and a recurrent dream about her parents' car accident. Oddly, this dream details different versions from what she had always been told about the accident. 

But when a new family, The Wates, arrive in town and begin to pay close attention to her, even stranger events follow. Now, Deliah must not only face her nightmares, but the possibility that a world she never suspected exists. And this world may cost her everything.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy is an accomplished young Swiss author making her U.S. debut with this book, Shadow’s Dangers. She discovered her passion for writing by chance one winter afternoon and has never looked back.  Since then, not a day goes by without her fingers grazing the keys of her computer keyboard to write new adventures. She writes in several genres including YA urban fantasy, paranormal, dystopia and adult dark fantasy.

You can find more about Cindy here:




Twitter - @CindyGMezni

Friday, November 1, 2013

Author Highlight: Shelly Crane


It's always a privilege to read a book by a good author. Wide Awake had been on my iPhone for months and I had not had a chance to read it. But a few weeks ago I was stuck in a hospital waiting room for three hours and I was actually grateful. It gave me a chance to read Wide Awake and I really enjoyed it. Shelly knows how to write great characters and Wide Awake was an earthy, emotional story that I really enjoyed.

When I was finished, I emailed Shelly to tell her she was awesome and she gave me the opportunity to read Wide Spaces - the sequel novella. So I have reviewed both and also asked Shelly if she'd be willing to share a little of herself too. So below is a little Top 5 guest post for you to enjoy.

REVIEW FOR WIDE AWAKE

I didn't read the blurb for this book before starting it, so I had no idea what it was about. I like doing that sometimes. Reading a story blind opens you up to a bunch of unexpected surprises.

Wide Awake did not disappoint. I liked Emma immediately. I was immediately pulled into her plight and wanted the best for her. I could feel her anguish and frustrating - wanting to please people, but also trying to figure who you really are and what you need for you.

Mason was by far my favorite character. I loved him. He was sweet, yet quietly strong. I loved his tattoos and the way he carried himself. He was a sweet soul with a tough exterior.- the perfect love interest for Emma.

The characters were complex with a wide variety within the cast. I think Shelly Crane captured the real emotions of memory loss and trauma perfectly. I found the book really hard to put down and switch off from. That is always a sign I am emotionally invested in the characters.

If you're looking for a romantic read filled with deep emotion then Wide Awake is definitely for you.


REVIEW FOR WIDE SPACES


This is a very sweet follow up to Wide Awake. I love Mason and Emma together so it was delicious reading more of them. The story is very lovey-dovey. These two are so into each other and they say the sweetest things. I kept thinking I was reading the last chapter, but then would come another few pages of goodness. There is a little excitement in the middle, which I think the story really needed. Without that, I would have found the romantic scenes all too much. If you like Wide Awake, you'll really enjoy Wide Spaces.


LITTLE GUEST POST AND AUTHOR BIO
Top 5 Things Emma Loves About Her New Self
- Mason (Duh!)
- Falling in love and knowing it was real
- No more cheerleading!
- Graduating on time
- Making friends with Hanson, the butler

Top 5 Things I Wish I Could Do-over
- High school hair
- Asking Thomas out on the playground in front of everyone in 6th grade
- Dropping out of Basketball and Volleyball before I could even play a game.
- Falling down in the Home Depot parking lot in front of everyone and then laughing so hard that I couldn't get up. No one came to my rescue, by the way.
- Not sneaking backstage at the Weezer concert with my husband and getting to meet the whole band.

BIO
Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in scorching North Florida. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, sight-see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.
Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, when her best ideas are born.

SOCIAL LINKS: