Cover Reveal - Between the Stars and Sky - David James

Available this September, BETWEEN THE STARS AND SKY is a vivid contemporary novel from Young Adult author David James.  Lyrical and romantic, BETWEEN THE STARS AND SKY is a heart-stopping, contemporary read for fans of Maggie Stiefvater and David 

SYNOPSIS: "In the small, lakeside town of Huntington, the Firelight Festival marks the end of summer. A time to laugh, to live, to love. And for Jackson Grant, it is a chance to begin again. 

 But there is a darker side to the Firelight Festival, a deadly tradition known as the Firelight Fall. A secret game. A legendary lie. A test of bravery. Those who fall risk everything, and Jackson is on the edge. Until he meets a girl who pushes him over. 

 For Jackson, falling for Sarah Blake might be as dangerous as jumping in the Firelight Fall. As summer burns away, Jackson and Sarah ignite an unstoppable love game. For her, his heart is on fire. And soon, Sarah shows him life, saves him from loss, and opens his heart to an infinite and wild love found between the stars and sky."

SEPTEMBER 2014

FIND THE PLACE WHERE LOVE IS INFINITE

David James writes books about stars and kisses and curses. He is the author of the YA novel, LIGHT OF THE MOON, the first book in the Legend of the Dreamer duet, as well as the companion novellas, THE WITCH'S CURSE and THE WARRIOR’S CODE. A Legend of the Dreamer anthology, SHADES OF THE STARS, was released July 2013, and includes the exclusive novella, THE ENCHANTER'S FIRE. The final book in the duet, SHADOW OF THE SUN, will be released in 2015. Living in Michigan, he is addicted to coffee, gummy things, and sarcastic comments. David enjoys bad movies, goofy moments, and shivery nights. Visit David’s blog at djamesauthor.blogspot.com and facebook at facebook.com/djamesauthor to learn more about his novels. 

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Almost by Anne Elliot Review & Giveaways

At a freshman party she doesn't remember...Jess Jordan was almost raped.
...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite. Three years later, Jess has managed to make everyone believe she's better. Over it. Because she is....Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Unfortunately, until Jess proves she's back to normal activities, her parents won't discuss college. So, she lands a summer internship and strikes a deal with hockey jock, Gray Porter: He gets $8,000. She gets a fake boyfriend and a social life. 

Jess has no idea Gray signed on for reasons other than money. She also never expects to fall in love. But Gray’s amazingly hot, holds her hand all the time, and makes her forget that he’s simply doing his job. It’s like having a real boyfriend
...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Gray Porter is hiding secrets of his own. About Jess Jordan. About why he’s driven to protect her, why he won't cash her checks, or deny her anything she asks.

Buy Link

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It’s not often I find myself reading a book that clutches at my heart. Not saying the books I’ve read lately have been sucky, it’s the opposite actually, but Almost by Anne Eliot is the book to be toped for me this year. I wish I could say I discovered this gem on my own, but that would be a lie. I owe this awesome find to the new CBC co-blogger, Heather. She’s had the pleasure of meeting up with Anne and getting me a signed copy of Almost. Heather has been telling me since last year I needed to read this book and I have it on my kindle but never got around to reading it. When me and Heather met up at UTopYA Con last summer she handed me copies of Anne’s books and they have been staring at me, calling my name, but life got in the way.

First thing I want to point out about this book is its written in dual POVs. You all know how I love and I mean LOVE dual POVs, I was really excited to dive in. I’ve heard nothing but good things from two people I trust explicitly when it comes to books, so I was giddy. I also would like to stake claims on Gray, Heather was right when she said I would fall in love with this guy. Completely in total love with this guy and is at the top of my book boyfriend list.

We start off with Jess and from the beginning you can see that something happened to her. She’s not sleeping and feels like she has to constantly wear a mask, but why? Well from the synopsis you can tell that her trauma stems for an almost rape at a party 3 years ago. Let me pause here for a minute because some of you might be shying away with this news, but I implore you to stop and wait. One of the beautiful things about writing is that you can write about what calls to you, even if most people would deem it a taboo subject. Something that should be off limits, something like rape is controversial. We all have our own opinions, but despite what they are, I ask you to take a chance and read this book. Open your mind and get lost in this beautiful story despite the topic, because it is truly beautiful and flawless. So Jess is trying to be ‘normal’ whatever that is, so she can move on, and go off to college when the time comes. Normal is overrated, besides what is normal anyways? With an internship at a company she loves is the start of appearing normal, but that is shaken when a boy with golden-green eyes wakes her from the nap she was taking in the car.

Gray has his own secretes. He’s far from innocent but one thing is for certain, the crush he thought would disappear never did. When he sees Jess asleep in the car he wakes her so she won’t be late for the interview they both are there for.  When he finds the list her sister made about being normal, things change for the both of them. I love Gray. I love Anne for the way she presented Gray to me. I felt his struggles throughout this entire book and though I hated that he hid his secrete for so long, I was constantly rooting for him. So one of the things on Jess’ list was to get a boyfriend. When she offers him a deal of a life time to get the money he needs for college, he’s hesitant at first, but caves. It can’t be that bad to play the pretend boyfriend just for the summer right?

It was amazing to watch their story unfold. Jess trying to fight her attraction to Gray but failing miserably. Gray at war with himself for feeling the way he does knowing he holds a secret that can tear them apart. Let the fake boyfriend experiment begin. It was hard for Jess to trust Gray but she manages, doing so, starts falling in love with Gray. Nightmares plague her and they are only getting worse. Each night she remembers more, but the blending of reality and fake is getting blurry. She starts hearing Gray’s voice in her nightmares… but that can’t be right. She’s just confusing what’s not real with what is right?

I was glued to this book and the few hours I had to pause to get things together for my kids, KILLED me. I needed to get back to reading asap. I needed to know what happened. When the big reveal happened, because you know its coming, I cried right alongside with Jess. I knew the secret obviously but the emotion it tore for Jess broke me. So what’s the secret Jess discovered by reliving the most tragic night of her life? Can she put things into perspective and forgive Gray? But most importantly can Jess move past that night and start living her life?

Anne Eliot wrote an utterly beautiful book about an even in a girl’s life that happens around us and did it a way that shines awareness with a beautiful love story. Sometimes we have to forgive ourselves if we truly want to move on from traumatic experiences. I absolutely adore Gray and Jess and would love to see something more from them, maybe a novella? You have to pick this book up and read it, you won’t be disappointed. 

Dani, Heather and Rachel told me I needed to read Almost.  I said ok I am game.  if three friends loved it I will too.  Well JUST having finished it I did!  Now, I was frustrated with Jess, one of the main characters in this book.  But once you hear what she went through it helps to understand.  See Jess was ALMOST Raped at a party.  Between what was slipped in her drink and the stress she doesn't  remember much.  But it has left her shattered.  She hides in her room, is antisocial and when at school she puts on a brusk attitude.  Gray is the other main character.  He is the one that help save Jess, but she doesn't remember.  Her parents even ask him to stay away from her so he doesn't jog her memory.  Allllll this and they apply for the same internship.  Jess because she wants to prove she can get on with life and Gray because he needs the money for college.  You see Gray quit the hockey team at school because the kids that tried to rape Jess was allowed to stay on the team.  He gave up a lot.  When Jess proposes that Gray helps her with her “be normal” plan, Gray agrees.  See he’s had a crush on her, but worries what will happen.  Well, Jess’ dreams get worse, and their fake relationship goes well.  So well they both start to fall hard.  But what happens when Jess remembers?  Gray tries to tell her, but she remembers.  This story is SOOOOO Powerful and moving.  You learn a lot about Gray and  Jess in this book.  Anne Elliot did an amazing job bringing a sensitive subject to a sweet sweet story.  I say read it, take a chance I am glad I did! 

 

Because we love music so much, we decided to make a playlist for this book. Hope y'all love it as much as we do!

About Anne Eliot

Anne Eliot is the bestselling author of the young adult books, Almost and Unmaking Hunter Kennedy as well as the new series How I fall and How I Fly (coming soon).Her work, Almost has been sold into Turkish and German tranlsations and this whole job plus interacting with fans and other writers has been a wonderful dream come true.

She loves writing about teens who live outside the ordinary and she's devoted to stories with sweet first kisses and first loves. When she's not writing she's reading about medieval times, Vikings, scouring dusty bookshops and goofing off in general.

Anne resides in Colorado with a very patient husband, kids she adores (near and far) who are growing up too fast, and two shoe-eating dogs who refuse to run away.

She loves to volunteer, work with teen writers, visit schools. speak at libraries, teach at writers conferences--just ask--and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Pikes Peak Writers and DBW.

STALK Anne Eliot

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What's next for David James?

We girls here at Crazy Book Chicks fell in love with David James and his Legend of the Dreamer Series. When I started seeing teasers of his newest novel, to say I was excited was putting it mildly. I hope you are just as interested in the promise of this novel as much as we are. Be sure to sign up for the cover reveal that will be taking place on July 16, 2014!  Make sure to read the interview with David James and check out the amazing teasers!

Hey David, thanks for taking some time away from your busy life to chat with me!

Anytime! Thanks for having me on your blog.

I've noticed you’re working on a YA Contemporary Romance, Between the Stars and Sky... Can you tell me a little about it?

Yah! Between the Stars and Sky is a love story with a dark twist. It’s a story about a boy and a girl, both trying to find where they belong. Except, this is not your ordinary love story. Because as they fall in love (or don’t) they first have to survive a dangerous game called the Firelight Fall.

Point of views make a difference in the way emotions come across, can you tell me what perspective BtSaS is going to be told from?

It’s told from the boy only. Jackson Grant.

Where did the inspiration for this story stem from?

I wanted it to be a story that was about the between of things, and I think that’s something we all can relate to. Being between love, between jobs, between happy and sad. It’s a difficult place to be, but also the place when we have the most freedom to make change and discover who we really are. Those are the things I thought about when writing this book.

Did your writing routine change at all for this novel since it's a different genre?

A little. It was different to write more realistic fiction and not include ANY paranormal aspect at all. I read a lot of contemporary stories and focused more on real life instead of dreams.

Can you share your favorite line from the story or maybe a short teaser?

No teaser just yet! But I will give you one of my favorite lines, a line that’s actually on the cover.

“Find the place where love is infinite.”

I love this line because it shows how all types of love are really different and unique. I’m excited for you to find out which kind of love is in this story!

From personal experience I need music to write anything. When you released Shades of the Stars,you had an impressive playlist, can we expect the same for Between the Stars and Sky?

Of course! It’s a different kind of playlist, and there’s actually a One Direction song on it, but it’s still the same type of music. Because this story isn’t as dark as my first novel, a lot of the songs are lighter.

Can you give us a song that might be on the playlist, maybe a theme song or one that means the most?

Well, since I told you about One Direction, I guess I HAVE TO NOW. Haha. One Direction’s “Summer Love” is a song that is really close to this story.

I like to find the underlining message or meaning when I read, if there was one thing you wanted your readers to take away from this novel, what would it be?

Maybe your first love isn’t the best love for you, but maybe your second love will be. The point being, we never really know. We are all between something. And in that between we can be anything.

I have to say with that, you’ve thoroughly intrigued me and I can’t wait to read this book. Let’s talk covers. All of the covers in The Legend of the Dreamer series are absolutely stunning, I have no doubts this one will be any different, when can we feast our eyes on its beauty?

Soon! I seriously can’t wait to show it to my readers. It is by far the most beautiful cover I have so far, and as soon as I saw it I died a little. Actually, and don’t tell anyone, most days I open the file just to look at it once or twice to make sure it hasn’t changed! It hasn’t. Still awesome.

Is this going to be a standalone or part of a new series?

Between the Stars and Sky is a standalone. The paperback will feature a short story, but the story begins and ends with the novel.

Jackson Grant, I have to say that name holds promise and if he’s any resemblance to the teaser images you have out, I have no doubt I’ll be swooning over him. Can you give us anything about him to tie us over?

I actually based the book a little on The Great Gatsby, so imagine that. Jackson is a guy who has been going through a lot of changes in his life. Big ones. And the idea Is that most of those changes have already come and gone, and at the beginning of this story he is ready to start something new. He’s not stubborn, but he questions everything. And after all he’s been through, he’s wants nothing more than to keep the people he loves close to him.

You mentioned a girl before, can you tell us anything about her?

If Jackson Grant is questioning, Sarah Blake is the girl who just runs and doesn’t think. She’s incredibly brave but not fearless. Sarah is the type of person who has many different layers, and while her outer later may be perfect for Jackson, it’s what’s underneath that really counts in this story.

What about the other characters? Secondary characters are just as important as the MC’s, any of them I need to keep an eye on?

YES! As always. Even though Jackson and Sarah are the main characters of Between the Stars and Sky, there are many others you should look for. There are two characters, Miles and Sean, who are featured in the short story in the paperback of the book. Miles and Sean are almost as much a part of the story as Jackson and Sarah. I think you’ll like Miles a lot. He’s very sarcastic and funny and kind of a troublemaker.

Can you tell us about this game, The Firelight Fall, without revealing too much?

The Firelight Fall is actually a love story. There is a legend attached to the game, about the founding of the town they live in.  Teens play the game to honor the legend, and be a part of it. There is a jump, some fire, and a lot of screaming. But this story, Between the Stars and Sky, is more about uncovering why, exactly, Jackson and Sarah seem to be playing a different kind of game than the others.

Last question, when can we expect to have Between the Stars and Sky in our hands? 

By the end of summer. Right when the Firelight Festival is beginning. 

Thanks for stopping by David!

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Branded Blog Tour

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Excerpt 

I’m buried six feet under, and no one hears my screams. 

The rope chafes as I loop it around my neck. I pull down on it, making sure the knot is secure. It seems sturdy enough. 

My legs shake. My heart beats heavy in my throat. Sweat pours down my back. 

Death and I glare at each other through my tears. 

I take one last look at the crystal chandelier, the foyer outlined with mirrors, and the flawless decorations. No photographs adorn the walls. No happy memories here. 

I’m ready to go. On the count of three. 

I inhale, preparing myself for the finality of it all. Dropping my hands, a glimmer catches my eye. It’s my ring, the last precious gift my father gave me. I twist it around to read the inscription. Picturing his face forces me to reconsider my choice. He’d be heartbroken if he could see me now. 

A door slams in the hallway, almost causing me to lose my balance. My thoughts already muddled, I stand, waiting with the rope around my neck. Voices I don’t recognize creep through the walls. 

Curiosity overshadows my current thoughts. It’s late at night, and this is a secure building in High Society. No one disturbs the peace here—ever. I tug on the noose and pull it back over my head. 

Peering through the eyehole in our doorway, I see a large group of armed guards banging on my neighbors’ door. A heated conversation ensues, and my neighbors point toward my family’s home. 

It hits me. I’ve been accused and they’re here to arrest me. 

My father would want me to run, and in that split second, I decide to listen to his voice within me. Flinging myself forward in fear, I scramble up the marble staircase and into my brother’s old bedroom. The door is partially covered, but it exists. Pushing his dresser aside, my fingers claw at the opening. Breathing hard, I lodge myself against it. Nothing. I step back and kick it with all my strength. The wood splinters open, and my foot gets caught. I wrench it backward, scraping my calf, but adrenaline pushes me forward. The voices at the front door shout my name. 

On hands and knees, I squeeze through the jagged opening. My brother left through this passage, and now it’s my escape too. Cobwebs entangle my face, hands, and hair. At the end, I feel for the knob, twisting it clockwise. It swings open, creaking from disuse. I sprint into the hallway and smash through the large fire escape doors at the end. A burst of cool air strikes me in the face as I jump down the ladder. 

Reaching the fifth floor, I knock on a friend’s window. The lights flicker on, and I see the curtains move, but no one answers. I bang on the window harder. 

“Let me in! Please!” I say, but the lights darken. They know I’ve been accused and refuse to help me. Fear and adrenaline rush through my veins as I keep running, knocking on more windows along the way. No one has mercy. They all know what happens to sinners. 

Another flight of stairs passes in a blur when I hear the guards’ heavy footfalls from above. I can’t hide, but I don’t want to go without trying. 

Help me, Daddy. I need your strength now. 

My previous desolation evolves into a will to survive. I have to keep running, but I tremble and gasp for air. I steel my nerves and force my body to keep moving. In a matter of minutes, my legs cramp and my chest burns. I plunge to the ground, scraping my knee and elbow. A moan escapes from my chest. 

Gotta keep going. 

“Stop!” Their voices bounce off the buildings. “Lexi Hamilton, surrender yourself,” they command. They’re gaining on me. 

Review:

If I were to put Branded in a category it would sit on the shelf with the Hunger Games and Divergent.  It is that type of story.  I had trouble getting into it at first but once I got to know and understand Cole, I couldn't put the book down.  Lexi was about to kill herself when her house was stormed.  Her family was gone and she was alone.  She was taken to “The Hole”  where she was branded for one of her sins.  See Each person who commits a crime is given a colored brand for what they are guilty of.  Lexi is given the color blue for lust.  Only She hasn't committed that crime and doesn't try to explain it.  She just takes it.  Her guard is Cole. At first he is mean and uncaring. But as he starts to watch Lexi he changes.  You get to see some of him come out.  Lexi has to work at a hospital.  This is where my emotions ran away.  Dr. Sutton acted like a father to her.   And she befriends this 13 year old girl named Alyssa.  The girl is dying of a virus that Dr. Sutton can’t cure.  He feels for her and so does Lexi.  This is where Cole gets closer with her.  However their love is forbidden.  The could  both die if they are found out.  But their Ally’s in this story are just amazing.  When Lexi finds out her brother is alive and is taken to him, that’s where the challenge of the love she and Cole share come to test.  

This story is FULL, it is constant adrenaline.  There are sweet moments tucked in.  I really loved the sweet side of Cole.  I feel just “awwww”  like wow what a book.  It was, filled with drama, scared, sadness, and relief all mixed in.  I can’t wait to see what the next book holds. 

-Christina- 

Cover Reveal - Rachel Walter - Soul Promise

The second installment in The Soul Mate Series by Rachel Walter, Soul Promise will be released June 23rd, 2014

Soul Promise (The Soul Mate Series) #2 Blurb:

“Broken is finding the light and the healing you crave,

and knowing you can never have it.”

After the attack on his sister and his newfound abilities forming, Henry Williams is struggling to keep it all together.  His wolf does not allow him to sleep, and he is beginning to hear voices, torturing him mercilessly.

Henry feels as though there is a war brewing inside of him and he is unable to control it.  As a protector, he must find a way to fight his inner demons before he is left vulnerable to the real ones.

But an unexpected love finds Henry and he tries hard to resist it. Will Henry be able to overcome his inner demons?  Will he be able to protect his mate? 

*** This is book number 2 in this series. Please note that it is suggested to read the series in sequential order. ***

*Warning* This novel is intended for mature YA readers. 15 + for language and mild violence.

Goodreads 

About the Author

About Rachel Walter…

Rachel is a wife and mother from Central Pennsylvania. Her favorite season is fall, for hockey, changing leaves, pumpkin everything, and bonfires often. She’s also a coffeenista with an insomnia problem. When Rachel isn’t playing with the people inside her head, making her family believe she belongs in the loony bin, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, species confused cat (he believes he’s part dog, love him), and finding new books and music.

Regarding writing, her first love is Young Adult Paranormal, but she’s venturing outside of her comfort zone and opening up to writing more genres. Be on the look out!

Keep in touch

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Book one info-

True Connection

            ‘It’s going to take a fight, I know that. But it’s more than just a fight for my life. It’s a fight for my soul and my soul mate.’

Jazzy Williams is not your average coffee-loving teen. She's battling depression, an overprotective big brother, and a depressed mother, all while trying to make friends at her new school. In the first week, she meets a gorgeous green-eyed hottie who turns out to be more than just some high school crush -- he's more than human. And she unknowingly enrages a dangerous breed of demon who wants her soul and life as payment. With the help of supernatural friends and protectors, Jazzy thinks she's safe until what remains of her family is put in danger. Does Jazzy have what it takes to save her family, life, soul, and soul mate, or will all be lost?

           

*Warning* Mature Content. This contains some profanity, mild sexual situations, innuendoes, and violence. Recommended for ages 17 and up, depending on maturity level.

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Dani Morales Cover Reveal - Supernova

With 2 full length novels and 1 novella out in the New Adult Genre, Dani Morales decided it was time to branch out into the Young Adult crowds with Supernova, a Scifi Romance novel. Release date is set for JUNE 9, 2014 so be ready for it!

When the one place you call home is destroyed and the very life you know is no longer an option, what do you do? For seventeen year old Nova Michaels, life in Calyx is over. Following the plans of her father, Nova and her mother, Luna, leave their home in hopes to blend in with the humans on Earth - Newport Beach, California. Out of the five Celestials, Calyxians are the only beings who resemble humans, and they’re the only ones who eat, talk, and dress like them.

Aaron McCarthy is a typical high school boy enjoying his summer break, until something drops from the sky. And when a girl with fire red hair walks to shore, he knows his summer just got interesting.

The captivation and pull is something neither can explain. They get lost in each other every time they lock eyes and when they touch, a spark ignites with a blinding light encompassing their skin. Nothing is as it seems; Nova isn’t what she seems. Before you can have a future, sometimes you have to deal with the past.

With all of Nova’s secrets out on the table, can Aaron look past it?

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Author Bio

Dani Morales is a native Texan currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada with her three boys and her mother. She adopted the boys in December of 2011 and loves spending every minute playing with them. On her spare time you can find a book in her hand or sitting in front of the computer typing out stories that run rampant in her mind. Her debut novel Entrelacen released in April 2013, followed by Deviation, her second novel and first in the Deviate Series, in August 2013. 

Links

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Heather Hildenbrand Dirty Blood 1 liner contest!

Hey Everyone!!  One of our Favorite Author is having a contest!! Heather Hildenbrand, Author of the Dirty Blood Series is inviting us the reader to have a line in Dirty Blood 5!  

Have you read the series yet?  You can get Books 1-3 in the series here : Amazon

and Book 4 here : 

Amazon

IF you have read the books and want to think of some lines for the characters here are the instructions from Heather :) 

Yup, you read that right. The winner gets their 1-LINER printed in Dirty Blood 5!!!! It can be wacky or crazy or sexy or hilarious or all of the above! So think hard about this one. Make it good and then submit your words via the entry form on my website here OR share the contest on your blog/FB/Twitter! I can't wait to see the sort of entries people come up with! And if you're as excited to share your goofy, werewolfy words with the world, SHARE them on Facebook or Twitter and tag me! Or use the hashtag #DB5contest so I can re-share your 1-LINER with everyone! This contest is so much for you guys. My readers. Mostly because I know you're impatiently waiting and wishing for #5. So, this is for you. Let's cheer on #TeamAlex and #TeamWes or even #TeamCambria by giving them an epic line to utter before the series ends! All the lovey-dovery warm fuzzies, Heather So what are you waiting for ??? GO enter!! :)

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