Guest post

Guest Post: Why I Love Young Adult Books

“Why I LOVE the Young Adult Genre”

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Guest post by bestselling author, Sherry Soule

Today bestselling author, Sherry Soule has some exciting news to share with us! All the previously published books in the Spellbound series have been rewritten and republished with more epic romance and suspenseful thrills. The new versions also include exclusive bonus material and brand new scenes. Even additional scenes from charming, bad-boy, Trent Donovan’s point-of-view! To help promote the new editions, she is doing this awesome book tour to share the update with fellow booklovers.

Hi everybody, I’m author, Sherry Soule—waving from the SF Bay Area, where it can get pretty foggy just like in Fallen Oaks. I can’t believe that winter and the holidays are right around the corner. Thanks for letting me visit today, it’s an honor to be a guest here and meet other fellow booklovers.

Since I was a child, I recognized that books were a way to travel to other places and have remarkable adventures. Even though I am older (you’re NEVER too old to read young adult novels, IMHO) than the average teen reader, I’ve always loved reading Young Adult literature.

I think I love reading YA Lit because I think that most novels in this genre are fast-paced and thrilling, and the stories are written in a style that is engrossing, with story-driven or character-driven plotlines. I also love that there are so many books created into a series nowadays, so that you can continue to have additional adventures with your favorite characters.

Could my love of YA Lit be simply because I’m still stuck at age sixteen, just a teenager-at-heart in disguise?

Could be. And like many of you, I’ve read hundreds of YA books and I can actually say that I enjoyed them all. Some I genuinely loved and these books became like good friends that I didn’t want to part with, so they adorn my bookshelves and wait patiently to be reread again one day. Other novels were simply read and then disregarded with a contented smile.

And you know what? I am NEVER embarrassed to buy YA novels (although I buy most of my books online through Amazon) in bookstores, or carry them around with me. I love the genre and always have and always will.

Of course, I realize that we all have diverse tastes in literature. Most of you will have varied genres that you love to read, and probably some of my favorite books are simply your forgotten reads. That is what makes the world of YA Lit, and reading as a whole, so dang fascinating. Each one of us will enjoy different types of characters, plots, and of course, a writer’s voice, the way only they can tell a story.

Personally, I like to read and write darker, edgier young adult novels. As you can probably tell if you’d read my books, I tend to write dark, tormented heroines, too. I love the angst of a female teen protagonist trying to come to terms with some dark secret or horrific event in her past, and usually, she ends up facing this fear, vulnerability, or threat, with a handsome, strong hottie by her side. Oh!—and I love to create an evil villain that is unquestionably devious, but complex. My antiheroes always possess some redeeming features, and because of these factors, I think it makes them much more interesting villains.

My heroines are typically intelligent, snarky, and full of fight. Like my girl, Shiloh Ravenwolf in the Spellbound series. You gotta admire Shiloh’s spunk and determination. When I grow up, I wanna just like her. Or a vampire. Or a ninja. Hmmm, not sure which…

Anyhoo, thank you so for letting me chat about my love of young adult literature. I hope you enjoyed this post. Now go feed your mind and read a book! Preferably mine. :-D

Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:

Official website: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com

Spellbound Series Universe blog: http://thespellboundseries.blogspot.com

Twitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherry

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11634793-beautifully-broken

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Deadly Witchcraft. Ghostly Threats. Doomed Romance.

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Fallen Oaks. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Trudell takes a summer job at Craven Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes enchanted by his charms.

Finally, Shiloh’s met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent is immersed in the cunning deception that surrounds the mysterious Craven Manor. So much so that he may lose sight of what is truly important to him. And she can’t decide whether she wants to shake him or kiss him. Yet neither one of them can deny the immediate, passionate connection growing between them.

But underlying everything is the fear that Trent may be the next victim on a supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him…

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, Shiloh will finally begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist and decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

BUY BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN (book 1):

ISBN: 978-0976180425

ASIN: B0058DE8YI

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/18NB8CG

Kindle: http://amzn.to/OnCDca

NOOK: http://bit.ly/Q6mGqx

Kobo: http://bit.ly/18C4KQK

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/14edSHU

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Cheers,

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Categories: Entangled Pub, Guest post

Why Do We Do That at Christmas – Guest Post by Boone Brux

Why do we do that at Christmas?

Things are heating up for the holidays and parties are in full swing. Hot toddies and wine are flowing and gifts are being exchange. But where did all these merry traditions come from? What makes us wander from house to house singing to strangers, when the only place we’d normally sing is in the shower? Well, dear reader, since my new book, Kiss of the Betrayer, released this week, I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions about medieval traditions. So let’s dive into a little history lesson.

Churches played a huge part in medieval Christmas festivities. Religious dramas and mysteries were presented by the church for the congregation’s entertainment. The Holy Family or the Nativity were particularly popular and as the interest in the Nativity grew, so did Christmas as a holiday.

I love the concept of caroling, though I will admit I haven’t done it since I was a kid. As someone who is the carolee, I feel a bit like someone who is caught off guard by trick or treaters. Do I offer the carolers a cookie or hot chocolate? How long can I hold this smile as they trill into yet another Christmas song? In the Middle Ages, caroling was uber popular. Probably because it was frowned upon by the church. Realizing they weren’t going to beat the singing trend, the religious powers to be decided to guide the unwashed masses to a more suitable format of hymns and religious based songs.

Who doesn’t love The Twelve Days of Christmas, if only to see if you can remember all the words? This song may have started out as a game set to music. One person would sing a stanza and then another person would add his own lines to the song, repeating the first verse. Each subsequent person would continue to build on what had been sung before them. Another possible version was that it originated as a Catholic catechism memory song. During the Reformation, this song helped many oppressed Catholics remember facts about God and Jesus during a time when their faith might have meant death.

Charades was also popular during Christmas, especially in England. Much more elaborate than today’s game, the players would dress up as the opposite sex and act out comic stories. I’m pretty certain I would have been a pro at this game.

I’d love to hear about the traditions you and your family have. Leave a comment and be entered to win an e-copy of Kiss of the Betrayer, book two in my Bringer and the Bane series.

Have a fantastic and joyous holiday.

About the Author: As a multi-published and an award winning author, Boone’s writing drips with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it’s not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and every even is fodder for one of Boone’s novels.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Kiss of the Betrayer
Bringer and the Bane Book Two
Boone Brux
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
ISBN: Print: 1620610353
E-book – 978-1620610350
Number of pages: 400
Word Count: 100,000
Amazon B N
Book Description:

For fifteen years Luc Le Daun has blamed himself for the death of the woman he loved. His secret guilt has led him into a life of danger, risking all and committing to none.

Killing Luc Le Daun has been all Jade Kendell has thought about for years. But when her plan goes awry and she’s brought into the Bringers’ fold, her own dark secret threatens to be revealed. Desire for a better life wars with a promise made long before she understood the ramifications.

In a deadly mission, Jade and Luc embark on a journey into the Shadow World. As they attempt the impossible, ignoring the attraction growing between them becomes harder to deny. The slightest misstep could mean the loss of their souls and give the Demon King exactly what he needs to open the Abyss of Souls and annihilate the Bringers.

Shield of Fire
Bringer and the Bane Book One
Boone Brux
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-17-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-33-6
Book Description:

Protecting humans is the Bringers’ duty. Sending demons to the Shadow World is their pleasure.

In one night, Ravyn’s life plunges from barely tolerable to deadly. Forced to flee the only home she’s known, she stumbles headlong into the clutches of Icarus, a powerful demon intent on stealing her powers. Unfortunately for him, she has no intention of cooperating.

When Rhys realizes the woman he’s rescued from the Bane Demon is no mere human, his obligation as a Bringer dictates he protect and train her in the ways of his people. But he’s unprepared for the intense desire he feels for the fiery Ravyn. To surrender to his need may mean her death.

As the Demon King’s desire for ultimate power escalates, fathers are slated against sons, and foes are made allies. The Bane threat upon them, Rhys and Ravyn must quest to unite the last of the Bringers—and explore a passion too powerful to ignore.

Purchase Link: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/shield-of-fire/

Cheers,

Categories: Blog Tour, Guest post

10 Things No One Knew About Blood Jewel

10 Things No One Knew About Blood Jewel

by Georgia Cates

Blood Jewel is written from a male vampire’s POV, which is quite different from the ordinary human female love interest’s POV.
The entire “scene” of Marsala reaching Curry through Black Magic in Club Infinity was inspired by the song “Sleep Alone” by Bat for Lashes.
Chansey’s striptease scene was inspired by “Nasty Naughty Boy” by Christina Aguilera.
Chapter 3 “Seekers, Swans and Dolls” opens up a whole new plot for Book 3, “Blood Doll.”
Solomon’s character stepped up to the plate in “Blood Jewel” because we will be seeing a lot more of him in the future.
Although a Blood Jewel was discovered in Book 2, the explanation behind it won’t be revealed until Book 3, “Blood Doll” because of spoilers.
The setting in Pascagoula is a place I frequently vacation to visit my favorite aunt.
I have been to all of the settings in “Blood Jewel” with the exception of Savannah. I wanted to make a quick trip over so I could get a feel for it, but couldn’t find the time. That’s why there is little to no description about Savannah aside from being inside the compound.
Very little in “Blood Jewel” is random. Most everything has a reason for being included and you might not realize that until you read “Blood Doll.”
Chansey’s grandmother plays a bigger role in this plot than the reader knows and the reader may be shocked to find out what Granna has been up to.

With the mystery of Chansey Leclaire and Curry Brennan’s connection solved, they are free to explore their newfound love for one another. Or so they thought…

When Marsala uses a witch and black magic to discover Curry’s whereabouts, he and Chansey are left with no choice. The newly engaged couple is forced to relocate away from their families at the new compound in Savannah, which causes some major changes in the plans for their upcoming wedding.

Relocating to Savannah might have saved Curry and Chansey from being discovered by Marsala, but it doesn’t stop her attempts to reach Curry or her efforts to harm Chansey through the use of black magic. As Marsala closes in, Curry faces the decision he never wanted to make. Will he keep Chansey human or condemn her to eternity as the thing he hates most?

As Curry waits for his hand to be forced, a newly turned vampire arrives at the Savannah compound in need of help. Not only is she a fledgeling in transition, she brings reports of escaping from a vampire cult still in possession of her sister, a human. Any attempt to save the captive human from a cult of vampires puts everyone in jeopardy. Can they risk entering a large cult to save one human being? And is so, how could they possibly do it successfully?

Love will grow. New mysteries will arise. A battle will ensue. A Blood Jewel will be found.

About the author: I reside in rural Mississippi with my wonderful husband, Jeff, and our two beautiful daughters.

I spent thirteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before I decided to pursue my dream of becoming an author.

Blood of Anteros, Book One in The Vampire Agápe Series, was my first novel and it was released in September 2011.

I decided to step away from the paranormal genre to try my hand at a young adult romance and I loved it. It was so much fun, I plan to do it again in the near future.

Website – Facebook – Twitter

Cheers,

Categories: Authors, Blog Tour, Guest post

Being Opposites, by Jacqueline Gardner

If you’re here for my entry for the Curiosity Quills contest, click here.

Today I have Jacqueline Gardner here on the blog talking about her new book, MUTINY, book 1 of the M.E.R. series.

Eric’s life aboard a top secret stealth submarine as a member of the government’s M.E.R. program has been about discipline, cunning and survival. As both a soldier and a natural born regenerator, he can heal from any wound, but to stay alive he must accept a vein-burning serum that prevents his DNA from over-mutating. In exchange Eric must follow his Chief Commander’s every order. And never ask questions, no matter the assignment.

When he goes ashore on his first solo mission he runs into a complication he didn’t expect; Mariella, the target’s daughter. She’s about to change everything.

Being Opposites

My husband and I are opposites. He has blond hair and blue eyes, and I have black hair and brown eyes. He can have hour long conversations with complete strangers, and I have a hard time opening up to people. He’s a total early bird, and I’m a die-hard night owl. And the list goes on and on.

When the two of us first started dating, I would always come home thinking the same thing. I really like him but we have absolutely nothing in common! But after getting to know him better, I realized I was wrong. Though opposites at first glance, we were actually a lot more alike than either of us had ever thought. So much in fact that it didn’t take long for us to start thinking the same things at the same time.

In my book MUTINY, Eric and Mariella (the two main characters) are complete opposites. Eric is a soldier who thinks a lot like a computer. He calculates probabilities and scenarios before making a choice, and he has been brought up to always follow orders. Mariella is a rule-breaker. She usually acts before she thinks, and she lets her emotions guide her decision making.

By the end of the book, Eric and Mariella discover that they are tied together in a way they never could have imagined. Their personalities actually complement each other and they end up learning something new about themselves. First impressions usually aren’t correct.

About the author:

Jacqueline Gardner works as a Story Editor for the production company, Labragirl Pictures. Her love of storytelling began at an early age when she would make up stories with her grandmother before bedtime. In early 2010, she completed her first novel and has been stuck on writing ever since. She resides in Colorado and loves hiking, writing, fantasy fiction, and all things cupcake.

Find her on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

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Cheers,

Categories: Authors, Blog Tour, Guest post, Young Adult

Cast for the Destiny Series, by Laura DeLuca

I have Laura DeLuca today on the blog, talking about her new book, DESTINY UNVEILED, book 2 of the Destiny Series.

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella’s help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches.

Gabriella’s coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.

Read an except of Destiny Unveiled. Buy it on Smashwords or Amazon.

Take it away, Laura:

Cast for The Destiny Series

I think every writer dreams of the day they’ll see their books on the big screen. Even if that did happen with Destiny, I doubt I would have much say over the casting. But it’s still fun to dream, and to pick out the cast! I have been working on my cast for Destiny since I first started writing the books back in the 90’s. I’ve made changes as new faces have emerged, but there are a few that have stayed the same all these years. Today I thought I’d share by current picks for the main characters in Destiny & Destiny Unveiled. Some of these folks may already be too old to play teenagers, but it’s all in good fun.

Gabrielle DiPaola – Nina Dorbrev

I have been struggling with my pick for the lead of Gabriella for years. But finally, thanks to my husband’s love of the Sci Fi channel, I have made my decision. He was watching some movie about a werewolf and she was the star. Nina is exactly the way I envisioned Gabriella. She will need some colored contacts for the violet eyes, but I think Hollywood can pull it off.

Darron Zukawski-Evan Williams

Having a tween in the house has really helped with this task. I saw this guy in an episode of “Victorious” and I knew I had finally found my Darron. Looks like he has only had a few small roles, but I want to give him his big break as the male lead in Destiny.

Monte Holden – Andrew DiPalma

Believe it or not, this handsome young man is my baby cousin. He has been doing pretty well on the acting scene with some small roles in movies like “We are Marshall” and most recently, a hilarious part in an episode of “Cougar Town”. He just turned thirty, so we always joke that they need to hurry up and make Destiny into a movie before he’s too old to be in it. You can check out my cousin on his website. Wow, an actor and a writer! Aren’t we one seriously talented family?! LOL

Flora Zarfati-Heather Matarazzo

My daughter definitely had a hand in finding Heather. She loves the Princess Diaries, and Heather played Mia’s best friend. While I had to stereotype such a great actress into the dorky best friend role, she is definitely fitting for that part.

Richard Hodge-David Bowie

I always knew I wanted David Bowie to play Richard. He was the right look, and even the sexy British accent. And we all know he has that dark side to him after his amazing portrayal of the Goblin King in “The Labyrinth”. On a side note, Richard name was originally Gunther, but I decided to change his name after meeting one of the insurance underwriters I worked with from Lloyds of London. He wasn’t an evil warlock or anything, but he did have a hot British accent.

Adelaide DiPaola – Laura Bonariggo

I grew up watching “One Life to Live” with my grandmother, and Laura played one of my favorite characters, Cassie Carpenter. I always thought she was so beautiful when I was a little girl, so of course she would be my first pick to play the role of Gabby’s mom.

Hugh DiPaola-Kevin Sorbo

I have always been a huge fan of Kevin Sorbo ever since he was on Hercules (I know my dorkiness is showing again), so I had to squeeze him into the cast somewhere. He’s definitely too old play a teen, but I decided he’d be perfect for Gabby’s dad. But maybe that’s just because I want to see him in his underwear…

Linda Holden – Cassie DePaiva

Cassie is another “One Life to Live” star (I am so sad that they cancelled it). She is not only a fabulous actress and amazing singer; she’s also a really nice lady. I have an aunt with Downs Syndrome who adores Cassie, and she sent her a personal letter in her own handwriting , as well as a bunch of signed photos. It will also be really cool to reunite Cassie and Laura because they played cousins on “One Life To Live”.

Donna Brown-Sarah Alexander

If you’ve seen “Stardust”, you might recognize Sarah Alexander as one of the three witches. I chose her to play Donna because she actually has similar features to the real Donna, and the same small, pixie like stature. I would want her to darken up her hair for the role, but aside from that, she’s perfect. Donna is one of my best friends and coven sisters. She is also the one who encouraged me to make Destiny a series, so it only seemed fitting to make her a character.

Miranda Brown-Elizabeth Gillies

Miranda has an attitude from the second she comes on the scene, and Elizabeth Gillies has experience with attitude. She plays one of the characters in “Victorious” and I don’t think I ever saw her smile.

Of course, there are other characters who I’d like to cast, but I didn’t want to make this post go on forever. These are the main characters. Most of them are in both books, except for Donna and Miranda who make their first appearance in Destiny Unveiled. I really don’t watch much television or movies, so finding suitable actors is harder than you might think.

Did you read the books? Do you like my casting choices, or do you know of someone who might be a better fit? I’d love for others to share their casting choices for the Destiny series.

***Photos as seen on www.imdb.com***

About the author:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children.

She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama.

She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.

Find her at her Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Cheers,