Cover Reveal: Parallel Triangles

Title: Parallel Triangles
Release date:  April 28th 2015
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Formats: Paper, e-book
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20656543-parallel-triangles

Book Blurb:

How does a cruise change your life?

By sailing through the Bermuda Triangle.

Carly Carmichael has one goal in life--to perform on Broadway. She refuses to have a Plan B because she's never needed one--until now. When Carly's parents send her on a cruise as a graduation present, she takes her best friend and their boyfriends along with her. Once the ship sails into the Bermuda Triangle, Carly finds herself unable to sing or walk, much less perform. And things just go downhill from there. Hoping for help from the ship's doctor, she ends up with more questions than answers about the mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle and why her life is now unrecognizable. If Carly can't get her real life back on track, she may end up spending the next sixty years trapped in a life the Triangle chooses for her. 

 

Author Bio:

Kimberly Ann Miller received Bachelor's degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a Master's degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She’s an avid reader and particularly enjoys true crime and young adult novels. She grew up in New Jersey and currently lives in Monmouth County with her husband and three cats. When she's not writing, she loves to travel to sunny islands where she snorkels by day and stargazes by night. She always takes her Nook.

SHP Holiday Giveaway.

Hi gang, I told you I was part of giveaway coming up. Check out this massive list of prizes!

Grand Prize:
Keshia Swaim: BLOOD BOUND
JK Rock:  CAMP BOYFRIEND and Swag
JL Spelbring: PERFECTION and Swag
Kelly Hashway: STALKED BY DEATH and Swag
DK Mok: THE OTHER TREE Swag
Trisha Woolridge: THE KELPIE
Darby Karchut: FINN FINNEGAN
Jennifer Allis Provost: COPPER GIRL
Sarah Guillory: RECLAIMED
Rhys A Jones: THE OBSIDIAN PEBBLE
Megan Whitmer: Writer Care Package
SHP Family: $25.00 Gift Card
Rich “Platinum” Storrs-SHP Editor: Query and 1st ten pages critique
Stocking full of candy

2nd Place:
Aubrie Dionne:  Paper Machete Box
JK Rock:  CAMP BOYFRIEND and Swag
JL Spelbring: PERFECTION and Swag
DK Mok: THE OTHER TREE Swag
Trisha Woolridge: DOORWAYS TO EXTRA TIME
Darby Karchut: FINN FINNEGAN
Brenda St John Brown: 2 Chapter Critique
Rhys A Jones: $5.00 Amazon Gift Card
SHP Family: $10.00 Gift Card
Stocking full of candy


3rd Place:
JK Rock:  CAMP BOYFRIEND and Swag
JL Spelbring: PERFECTION and Swag
DK Mok: THE OTHER TREE Swag
Trisha Woolridge: bracelet
Darby Karchut: FINN FINNEGAN
Brenda St John Brown: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card
Kimberly Miller: Query Critique
Stocking full of candy

Good luck and don't forget to tell your friends! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Working On...My Birthday.

Okay, so technically I'm not "working on" my birthday. But it is my birthday, so I thought I'd do a giveaway to celebrate.

Who wants their very own, official CSU (Central Seelie University) bag? All the cool halfies are carrying them around campus this fall. ;)

BUT just giving away the bag isn't cool enough, so I've decided to load it with a few of Brielle's essentials. A $5 Starbucks card, a few bookmarks (you can never have too many), SWAG from some exciting new book releases, and even the names of a few anthologies to help find a new favorite author or two. The giveaway ends on September 11th, so enter today and don't forget to tell your friends!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Birthday Doorways to Extra Time!

In our busy world of meetings and microwaves, car radios and cellphones, people always wish they could get an extra hour in the day. But what if they could? Doorways to Extra Time is an anthology that explores ways to get extra time (be it an hour, a day, or a decade) and the impact it would have--whether upon a single life, a family or an entire world.

Interested? You can order it at any online retailer, OR enter to win a copy. Contest ends September 30th.        And while we're on the topic of winning, have you entered my giveaway to win a $100 Amazon gift card? You only have a few more days! Unless, of course, you have a secret doorway to extra time. See what I did there? ;)

Coming Soon

In our busy world of meetings and microwaves, car radios and cellphones, people always wish they could get an extra hour in the day. But what if they could? Doorways to Extra Time is an anthology that explores ways to get extra time (be it an hour, a day, or a decade) and the impact it would have--whether upon a single life, a family or an entire world.

Expected Publication, August 13, 2013.

Okay gang, I just wanted to let you know about this super-awesome anthology coming out next month. Why, yes, I do have a story in it. How did you guess? ;)  

Doorways to Extra Time is home to my first published flash fiction, and I'm excited to see what you think. It doesn't hit shelves for another month, but you can pre-order it in the "Buy my Books" now, and I'll be adding a Goodreads widget to my sidebar as soon as possible. Happy Weekend!  

Review: Holiday Magick

People don't usually question holiday traditions or their origins, but maybe they should. Over centuries, explanations of how and why holidays exist may have been lost or changed.
Some holiday histories might only be known by a few individuals. Ancient magic spells could have influenced how we celebrate today. Fairies, zombies, or demons may have shaped our holidays.
Consider the following...
Why do people give red roses and cards on Valentine's Day?
Is there more to the story of Purim than is traditionally told?
Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's Day?
What happens to spirits that are captured during the Japanese Doll Festival?
Where does Santa get his helpers?
You may think you know the truth, but you can't be too sure. Goodreads

*Disclaimer: I have two stories in this anthology. They are NOT considered in this review.

I love anthologies. They are a great way to find new favorite authors and get a variety of styles in a single book that you don't have to read cover-to-cover to know how the story ends. In that respect, Holiday Magick is no different than any other.

But I've honestly never read anything quite like this collection. The stories range from completely creepy to lighthearted and funny. Some of the holidays were well known to me, while I'd never heard of others. To that end, the blurbs before each story explaining the traditions were very helpful. I feel like I actually learned something!

 

While I'm not going to review each story individually, I will say that I enjoyed them all. (A rarity in an anthology this diverse) I've found a few new authors-to-watch, and was able to read new work by others that I already admire.

Some of my favorites were: Finding Fire-Trisha J. Wooldridge-A great story from Las Fallas, with elements of danger, love, and a great twist at the end.

The Keeper of the Trees-L.M. Graham-hands down the creepiest Earth Day story I've ever read!

Final Draft-Kate Kaynak-A possible Memorial Day future that no one should forget.

A Land Without Zombies-Nicole Zoltack-What made Christopher Columbus desperate enough to cross the ocean blue?

And The Toy Makers-Jessica Porteous-The most plausible explanation I've ever read on how Santa gets all of his toys.

I highly recommend this collection to all people of all ages. You're sure to find something you like. So, after reading your copy, stop by to let me know which stories were your favorites!

Rating 5/5 stars

YA notes: Mild language in a few stories. 

Holiday Magick Fun Stuff

 Fresh from the publisher! Here is the official, complete cover for Holiday Magick.

And, as if that isn't cool enough, I just found out that I get my own, personalized picture tiles that match my two stories! 

and

So, now that you are all as excited as I am, don't forget to visit my books tab to pre-order!

Review: Touch of Death (Touch of Death #1) Kelly Hashway

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct. Goodreads

Kelly Hashway is an awesome storyteller. I loved how she combined zombies, Medusa, Hades, and teenage drama into one action-packed book. And, of course, there is the good-looking mystery boy named Alex. Apparently, I have a soft spot for guys named Alex, but, yeah. I loved him in all of his stalkerish, mac and cheese eating weirdness.

For me, the story did start out a little slow, but after the first few chapters, it really took off. I can honestly say, I've never read a plot quite like this one. It twists and turns, combining several of my favorite elements, making for a highly entertaining read.

I loved the way Jodi dealt with finding out the truth about her family, and what it meant for her future. Even though she's scared out of her mind, she keeps her focus, and her own sense of right and wrong, no matter what the cost.

Touch of Death is the must-read beginning of an awesome trilogy, and I can't wait to get my hands on book two!

Rating 5/5 stars

YA notes: None

Note: I had the privilege of doing some copy-editing for this book. This in no way influenced my review. 

Spencer Hill Press HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

Here it is! The Spencer Hill Press Holiday Giveaway. ARC's, SWAG, candy, professional writing/editing help. We have it all, and YOU can win it all. Feast your eyes on these prize packs.

GRAND PRIZE Holiday Cheer Away Holiday Giveaway Bag

Books:

TOUCH OF DEATH
One Spencer Hill Press book (winner's choice--can include soon to be release selections)

Jewelry:
Bracelet
TOUCH OF DEATH Handcrafted Pendant- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com
Handcrafted Necklace and Earrings
So Many Books, So Little Time Necklace

Giftcards:
$20 Amazon or Barnes and Nobel (Winner's Choice)
$15 Starbucks
Two $10 Amazon

Critiques:
First Chapter Critique-Mary Gray
First Chapter Critique-Rhys A Jones
Query Letter Critique-Trisha Wolfe

Cool Stuff:
GUARDIAN T-shirt
BETRAYED Fridge Magnet
Flashlight
Ornaments
Holiday Towel and Potholder
Candy- nom nom nom

Swag:
BREAKING GLASS Handcrafted Bookmark
FINN FINNEGAN Handcrafted Charmed Bookmark- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com
PERFECTION
TOUCH OF DEATH
FINN FINNEGAN
BETRAYED
ANGELINA'S SECRET
COPPER GIRL
OTHER TREE
PODs

SECOND Prize Holiday Cheer Away Holiday Giveaway Bag

Books:

ANGELINA'S SECRET - 1st edition signed copy

Jewelry:
Bracelet
TOUCH OF DEATH Handcrafted Pendant- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com
Earrings

Giftcards:
$10 Amazon or Barnes and Nobel (Winner's Choice) 

$15 Starbucks
$10 Amazon

Critiques:
First Chapter Critique-Trisha Wolfe
First Chapter Critique (2500 Words Max)-Elizabeth Langston
Query Letter Critique-Kimberly Ann Miller

Cool Stuff:
BETRAYED Fridge Magnet
Flashlight
Ornaments
Holiday Towel and Potholder
Candy- NOM NOM NOM

Swag:
FINN FINNEGAN Handcrafted Charmed Bookmark- www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com
PERFECTION
TOUCH OF DEATH
FINN FINNEGAN
BETRAYED
ANGELINA'S SECRET
COPPER GIRL
OTHER TREE
PODs


THIRD PRIZE Holiday Cheer Away Holiday Giveaway

Critiques:
First five pages--Sarah Guillory
First 250 word-DK Mok
Either query or first 250 word critique (your choice)--Michelle Pickett

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest is opened to entries from Dec. 3rd to Dec. 16th

Contest is open to all ages from 13 up.

Contest is opened to US and Canada residents only. Sorry.  :(  

GOOD LUCK!

Unique Experience

I have had rejection letters. I have received acceptance letters. But, last night, I received my very first rejection and acceptance in the same letter. Of course, that's because I submitted multiple stories to the same anthology, but still, I thought it was interesting.

Now for the announcement. My very first Flash Fiction story, "The Game," will be in Doorways to Extra Time, an anthology from Spencer Hill Press, due out in 2013. (Insert Happy Dance Here)

As for my other story, well, congrats to everyone who beat me out. :) I know the competition was very stiff, and, honestly, it's an honor to have written one story that got in. I can't wait to read all the winners!

And the Winner Is...

    First of all, I want to give a HUGE thanks to everyone who voted, blogged, tweeted, ore otherwise spread the word about my special cover reveal. We had over five hundred votes!  And for those of you who preferred the "hand" image, the publisher just informed me that we may be using that image as well, in one form or another. And now all that is left is for you to add my awesome debut to your TBR list, and (along with me) anxiously wait for September!

MY Cover Reveal CONTEST

It's finally here guys! It's my very first COVER REVEAL day!  Here is my official blurb:

Blood Bound

Starting college a year early is hard. Starting fae college and learning to protect the world from the Unseelie is harder.
Brielle Reed has always been an over-achiever, but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Between her crash course in fae politics, struggles to control her new mind-reading ability, training sessions with the demanding Dr. Schwartz, and discoveries about the father who is still a mystery to her, Brielle finds herself longing for a chance at a normal life.
But she may not get that chance. Or chance at a life at all, for that matter.

And now for the even more awesome part. Are you ready for it? YOU get to pick my cover!!! Feast your eyes on these awesome choices.

 

OR

 

Which one pops out and grabs you? Makes you want to pick it up and figure out what is going on? I want to hear all of your comments and opinions, so feel free to leave them in the comments section, but for your vote to count your have to vote here. May the best cover win!

 

Review: Amarok, Angela Townsend

Life has been hell for seventeen-year-old Emma since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Rejected by her father and living with the guilt of causing her mother's death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her escape only leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining. Dragged across the tundra by a crazed mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she finds that her gentle touch and kind heart earn her the wolf's friendship, and she names him Amarok, not knowing he was once a young man. When a vicious madman--trapped in bear form by an ancient Shaman--attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to confront her fears and free the wolf she's come to love. But there's a catch--she must face down the evil shaman, a powerful Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her. Goodreads  

Amarok was unlike any "werewolf" story I've ever read. I loved the mix of legends Angela used, and her descriptions of the Alaskan landscape made my toes ache with the cold. The story was unique and fascinating, leaving me curious as to what happened next. 

I immediately felt sorry for Emma, but her thoughts were so jumbled it took me a little while to understand her. Once I did, I really liked her. She was a strong character who refused to let anything break her, no matter how bad life got.I've notices a sort of mini-trend lately of main characters with different disorders, and I really think that is a good thing. It helps girls going through the same situations to see they aren't alone, and that there is a better way. In Emma's case, she learns to fight her addiction to cutting by focusing on helping others, which is a great message.

Amarok was a little easier for me to understand. My heart broke for him and the loneliness he suffered. My favorite part of reading "his" chapters was seeing how differently he saw Emma than she saw herself. The love story in Amarok is one of the sweetest I've read in a while. I hope there are more like it in the future.

Rating 4/5 stars

YA notes: Language

I received a copy of Amarok for my honest review. This did not effect my opinion in any way.   

Cover Reveal: The Dollhouse Asylum, Mary Gray

Can you believe this awesomely creepy cover?  

The Dollhouse Asylum
A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when seventeen-year-old Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.
At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.
The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.
If they play it right, then they'll be safe.
But if they play it wrong, they'll die.




Title: The Dollhouse Asylum

Author: Mary Gray

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.spencerhillpress.com)

ISBN: 978-1-937053-64-2
Release Date: October 22, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Cover Reveal: Awoken, Timothy Miller

Fourteen-year-old Michael Stevens has never been ordinary; no orphan who hears music coming from rocks considers himself a typical teenager. But life gets a lot more complicated when two-foot-tall, albino, doll-like men sneak into his room one night, transforming the harmless music into a frightening ability he cannot control.

Soon, strangers in black suits begin to ask unsettling questions while unnatural animals with mismatched eyes haunt the streets. They are hunting, and not just Michael: anyone he cares about is in danger.

With the help of a mysterious drifter, an annoying girl he's accidentally mutated, and one of those creepy doll men, Michael finds himself in the middle of a war that could forever change the world he knows - reconstructing the very definition of humanity.



Title: Awoken

Author: Timothy Miller

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.spencerhillpress.com)

ISBN: 978-1-937053-53-6
Release Date: August 13, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Cover Reveal: Whisper Falls, Elizabeth Langston

Whisper Falls
While training for a mountain bike race, high-school senior Mark Lewis spots a mysterious girl dressed in odd clothing, standing behind a waterfall in the woods near his North Carolina home. When she comments on the strange machine that he rides, he suspects something isn't right. When Susanna claims to be an indentured servant from 1796, he wonders if she's crazy. Yet he feels compelled to find out more.

Mark enters a 'long-distance' relationship with Susanna through the shimmering--and temperamental--barrier of Whisper Falls. Curious about her world, Mark combs through history to learn about the brutal life she's trapped in. But knowledge can be dangerous. Soon he must choose between the risk of changing history or dooming the girl he can't stop thinking about to a lifetime of misery.


Title: Whisper Falls (Whisper Falls #1)

Author: Elizabeth Langston

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.spencerhillpress.com)

ISBN: 978-1-937053-42-0
Release Date: November 19, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Cover Reveal: Fireblood, Trisha Wolfe

Fireblood


To save a kingdom, Zara must choose between a prince who could be the answer and a rising rebellion that threatens to take control.

When Zara Dane is chosen to marry Prince Sebastian Hart, son of the man who ordered her father's capture, Zara knows she must fight to save everything she loves from ruin.

Being betrothed to the prince means a life trapped behind the towering stone walls of the Camelot-forged realm. Under the watchful eye of the prince's first knight, Sir Devlan Capra, changing her future becomes difficult.

When an unlikely rebel reveals the truth about the deadly secrets that fuel King Hart's twisted world, Zara's path to rescue her father becomes clouded by deception. The Rebels clear her path by forcing Zara's hand with an ultimatum: sway Prince Sebastian to join the Rebels, convincing him of his father's evil nature, or they will take him out.

But Zara is uncertain about a future under the Rebels' command and where the prince's heart truly lies. She must decide who to trust, what to believe, and what she's truly fighting for before the king destroys all of Karm, including her heart .





Title: Fireblood

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (www.spencerhillpress.com.)

ISBN: 978-1-937053-59-8
Release Date: October 8, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Cover Reveal: Stalked by Death

                    

Title: Stalked by Death
Series Touch of Death (#2)
Author: Kelly Hashway
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
ISBN: 978-1-937053-56-7
Release Date: July 23, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Jodi knows that any slip-ups made by the Ophi--a special group of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac--will fall on her shoulders... and that Hades is just waiting for them to screw up so he can wipe out the Ophi line.

When the only Ophi Jodi can convince to come to the school and train with her is a gorgeous guy named Chase, it spells more than trouble for Jodi and Alex. Her mixed emotions for both guys send her powers surging out of control, and she begins raising the dead without even meaning to. Jodi doesn't want to lose Alex, but Chase is offering her something Alex can't. His very touch enhances her powers, making her stronger than any Ophi ever has been--maybe even powerful enough to stop Hades from threatening them all. But Chase's offering comes with a huge price. One that may cost Jodi everything she has.



Jodi needs to figure things out fast--because death is stalking her at every turn.

Yay Me!

I just found out that TWO of my short stories are going to be part of a new anthology, Holiday Magick. My stories are titled "Marked" and "Easy as Pie," and the anthology has a projected release date of May 21,2013. That's all the info I have for now, but you can bet I'll pass anything new along as I get it. :)  

Cover Reveal- FAE, Emily White

If you are here for the blog hop see the previous post.

Fae
Not all fae'ri tales come with a happy ending.

Ella thought taking care of the ego-bloated Mamood god would be a sure way to bring peace to the galaxy and satisfy her taste for revenge.
But she was wrong.
Despite the fact their god is gone, the Mamood refuse to abandon their attack on the planet Soltak and Ella's own so-called friends start to turn against her. And with Soltak dying--its oceans drying up and its plants withering in the ground--Ella and Cailen suspect there's a new enemy at work. As more people die and more water is leached from the planet, they both prepare for something straight from a nightmare.

The fae are coming.



Title: Fae
Series: Auri #2
Author: Emily White

ISBN: 978-1-937053-26-0
Release Date: December 10, 2013
Formats: paper, e-book
Cover Design: Vic Caswell of Sketcher Girl