Book Blitz & Giveaway: Epiphany by Christina Jean Michaels

“I had my first psychic dream when I was nine. Psychic implied power, and powerful wasn’t a word I’d use to describe myself. I couldn’t foretell the future or conjure visions at will, but I couldn’t think of a more fitting word to describe what I sometimes saw in my dreams.”

For 23-year-old Mackenzie Hill, tossing her life down the garbage disposal is easy after a painful incident shatters her life. Her heart is bleeding, and moving to Watcher’s Point is a chance to start anew, only she isn’t prepared for the guy who walks out of her dreams and into the flesh. Literally . . . because she’s been dreaming about this sexy stranger for years.

Mackenzie is even less prepared to face the dark nature of her dreams. They’ve turned disturbingly gruesome, full of blood and murder, and when they begin to coincide with the media’s headlines, she and Aidan realize her visions might be the key to stopping a madman from killing again.

Only Aidan has painful secrets of his own, and perhaps the biggest danger of all is falling for him.

Publication date: July, 2013

 

A half hour later, after three rounds of drinks and a dozen lurid jokes, I extracted myself and was certain four pairs of lascivious eyes were glued to my ass.
Six grabbed my arm mid-stride and gestured toward Aidan. “Talk to him. It won’t kill you, I promise.”
I wasn’t so sure about that—I’d been trying to talk to him all week, but he’d been tight-lipped. The band went to break, and I kissed my excuse to duck and hide goodbye. Six gave me a final nudge in his direction.
“How’s it going?” I asked, gripping the counter for support. His eyes answered for him. Troubled and drawn, they indicated a sleepless night. Two full shot glasses sat between his hands; three empties had already been pushed aside.
This couldn’t be a good sign.
I said the first thing that came to mind. “No costume tonight?”
“I’m not really in a festive mood.” His eyes traveled the length of my body, and the corner of his mouth crept up in a lopsided smile. “Nice hat,” he said, swaying in his seat, “but Bonnie was blond.”
“I don’t play well with hair dye or wigs. It’s a character flaw.” What had gotten into me? Talking to the opposite sex had never come so easily, especially with a man as attractive as Aidan.
Sexy. Gorgeous. Hmm . . . wonder what’s underneath those clothes?
I swallowed hard. Now who had lascivious eyes? Time to pour cement into my mind’s gutter.
“You’re right. I can’t picture you blond.” He swayed on the barstool again, and I figured he must have hit the bottle before arriving. “Where’s Clyde hiding?”
“Bonnie’s an independent woman. She’s going solo.”
“Maybe you’ll get into less trouble that way.” He downed the remaining two shots without warning. The last hit the counter with a racket. “Can you believe today is my birthday?” The scorn in his tone confused me. Most people didn’t get so bent over a birthday.
I wasn’t sure how to reply. Somehow I guessed “happy birthday” wasn’t what he wanted to hear. I silently waited, hoping he’d shed some light. Even in my dreams—where I learned of things I had no way of explaining to others—he remained a mystery.
“I’ll take another round,” he said, gesturing toward the empties. “Make them doubles.”
I swallowed hard. “You sure? You’ve had a lot already.”
He flashed that crooked smile again, and I wondered if he realized how disarming it was. “You’re worried about me?” he asked.
I hesitated. “Yeah, I am.” Way more than I wanted to admit. Tonight was Halloween, after all.

About the author:

Christina Jean Michaels was born in Paradise, California, but she has found the true home of her heart in Eugene, Oregon where she finds plenty of inspiration for storytelling.


When she was young, her mother said she hated words. Now she can't imagine not writing. She became an avid reader when she was thirteen and discovered the world of Sweet Valley High. About a year later she realized she could play God and write about her own characters. She has been writing in some form ever since.

She lives with her husband and their four children—three rambunctious UFC/wrestling-loving boys and one girl who steals everyone’s attention.



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(1) ebook copy of Epiphany (mobi or epub). 

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25$ Amazon GC + a signed copy of Epiphany (INTL)

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Catching Liam (Good Girls Don't #1) by Sophia Bleu

Twenty-one year-old Jillian Nichols only has one rule when it comes to boys: catch and release. Boy-catching isn't just a game for Jillian and her friends, it's a lifestyle. After all, boys might be good for a dance or a drink and certainly a little under-cover action of the scandalous variety, but expect much else and you're bound for heart ache.

So when her best friends and fellow boy catchers start dropping like flies junior year, Jillian is determined to keep boys in her bedroom and out of her heart. Until she meets Liam McAvoy, the kind of guy that sticks around to make waffles and who can't—or perhaps won't—take a hint.

Study abroad student Liam doesn't want to be another notch on Jillian's bedpost. Actually he has much more interesting ideas for Jillian and her bedposts, but his student visa's set expiration date means he can't promise her forever. That doesn't mean he's going to walk away from the challenge of discovering why Jillian is hell-bent at keeping people at a distance.

Before long, neither is sure who is catching who—or if they're playing for keeps. Jillian knows one thing though: falling in love will not only break the only rule of boy-catching, it could also break her heart.

Liam’s “Caught You” Waffles

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups warm milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
Secret ingredient #1: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Secret ingredient #2: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Directions

This recipe will make about 10-12 waffles.  The perfect amount to impress any roommates that straggle in, or to feast on if you’ve pulled an all-nighter.

1. Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature. I like it really hot.  I know, I know. That’s what she said.  Now would be a good time to make sure you push the iron far enough back on the counter to avoid any burns through accidental contact of your hands...or other areas.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar, and I do mean sift.  Don’t just throw it all in the bowl.  You have to give it a little attention.  Mix it up a little.  Don’t just set it aside.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Here’s my trick.  If your girl’s still sleeping, separate the eggs first.  Whip the egg whites like they’ve been naughty until soft peaks form.  Stir in the milk, yolks, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Mix together until combined, but don’t overdo it.  Too much attention and they’ll come out tough instead of crisp and slightly chewy.

4. Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Don’t get burned.  Cook the waffles until golden.  Refrain from getting distracted with extra-culinary activities.

5.Serve before she or the waffles get cold.

About the author:

Sophia Bleu would  rather be walking on the beach than watching TV. She’s a hopeless romantic, a fan of kissing scenes, and she’s  always hunting for her next book boyfriend. She writes YA books by day and books about falling in love by night. That might make her a super hero.







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(1) Catching Liam Swag Pack (sticker and magnet). 

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Inseparable by Missy Johnson

Can you imagine losing your twin?

Nineteen year old Lily is still struggling with the death of her identical twin, Abby, a year later when she moves away from home for college. Even in death though, their bond is still strong, with Abby visiting Lily in her dreams.

When a chance encounter with Twenty-One year old Dane Hansen changes Lily’s life, Lily’s friends warn her off becoming involved with Dane. He’s bad news, according to the rumors, anyway.

Dane has experienced loss himself, he understands Lily, and the more time he spends with her, the harder he falls. There is something he hasn’t told her though, something almost nobody knows, and it’s something that might stop Lily from feeling the same way.

Abby holds the key to something that will change Lily and Dane's life forever, but how do you get someone else to believe something you don't quite understand yourself?

“Don’t you make your bed?” I laughed, raising an eyebrow at him. He shook his head proudly.

“You know, research has shown there is actually less bacteria in an unmade bed when compared to a made one.” He said, brushing the creases out of the sheet.

“Is that you’re idea of foreplay?” I giggled, “Woo me with your bacteria talk, Dane. It really turns me on.” I said in my sexiest voice. He blushed, then pulled me into his arms, caressing my face.

“Are you making fun of me, Lily?” He asked, teasing me with promises of a kiss. My lips lurched forward, trying to catch his. He was too fast for me, pulling away, with a sly smile. Then leaning in again, and pulling away. “Still want to make fun of me?” He murmured, his eyes narrowed.

Really? He thought he was the one with the power here? He was about to learn a valuable lesson. I pulled out of his embrace, circling him around the room until I was up against the bed.

“You don’t want to kiss me, Dane?” I pouted, tilting my head to the side, my hands threatening to undo the second top button of my shirt. Eventually, it popped open, giving him an eyeful of breast.

He breathed in sharply. “You’re not playing fair, sexy.” He muttered, as he slowly walked closer to me. I let his arm slide around my waist, and eyed him with caution as he brought me flush against his body. I narrowed my eyes at him as he ran his finger down the middle of my chest, opening the third button. I shivered as he ripped the final buttons apart.

About the author:

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she's a cat, a cat who thinks he's a dog...you get the picture).
When she's not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.


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Find Missy: Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

One signed copy of Inseparable and 5 e-book copies of Inseparable (INT)

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: So Many Reasons Why (So Many Reasons #1) by Missy Johnson

Twenty year old Emma hasn’t left the house since she was attacked as a child. Now, with the impending release of her attacker from prison, Emma knows it’s more important than ever for her to regain control of her life. From her unrelenting nightmares, to her strained relationships, to her crippling agoraphobia, Emma feels as though her life is spiraling out of control.

When her professor, Simon Anderson enters her life, Emma must deal with feelings she has never experienced before.

Though both she and Simon know their relationship is bordering on inappropriate, neither of them are able to ignore the intense chemistry that is quickly developing between them.

What was supposed to keep her mind off the attack has left her more confused than ever. When there are so many reasons why you shouldn’t be together, is simply being in love really enough?

This is book one in a two book series.

I watched in horror as Tom answered the call. I threw my face in my hands and collapsed down onto the kitchen counter. This was bad. I tried to block out his voice. I didn't need to hear what he was saying to know I needed to be very embarrassed.
“Asshole.” I muttered.
“Hello?” Tom didn't even bother to hide his amusement. “Emma? Yes she's here. And who may I say is calling? Simon. Right, finally. I've heard so much about you. Em doesn't shut up about you.”
I groaned, stumbling to the couch. I was so embarrassed. This was really bad. I threw myself onto the couch and buried my head in the arm
“Uh-huh. Right. Yes I understand that.” Tom nodded, his face serious, as if he was deep in the middle of an important meeting. “I do need to know what your intentions are toward my Emma. Are you planning on becoming intimate?”
“Fuck you Tom!” I screamed loudly. My face flamed. I wanted the couch to swallow me. I was going to kill Tom. It may take a while, years even, but he was going to pay for this.
“Right. Just be safe. And remember, if it's not on, it's not on.” He wandered out onto the balcony, knowing I wasn't likely to follow him out there.
Could this get any worse? I wondered how hard it would be for Tom to 'accidentally' fall over the balcony of my level 10 apartment with me still standing within confines of the apartment.
“Sure, I will put her on.” I felt the phone hit me on my back. I reached behind to grab it. I contemplated hanging up. This was beyond embarrassing.
No. That would only make things more awkward. I would have to speak to him eventually.
“Hello.” I mumbled, cringing.
“Well hello there.” He said, amused. Way too amused. He was loving this.
“Hi.” I responded, feeling embarrassed. And angry. I was so fucking angry.
“So, Tom seems like a nice guy.”
“Tom’s a fucking asshole.” I yelled, loud enough for him to hear. Tom yelled back an inaudible response. Simon chuckled.

About the author:

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she's a cat, a cat who thinks he's a dog...you get the picture).

When she's not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.


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(1) ebook copy of So Many Reasons Why. 

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Shine Not Burn by Elle Casey

IT HAPPENED IN VEGAS. I can't be held responsible. Things that happen there are supposed to stay there, right? Right? Yeeeah. Not so much. ... Andie's just days away from tying the knot, but there's just ooooone little glitch. Apparently, she's already married. Or someone with her name is married to a guy out in Oregon of all places, and the courthouse won't issue her a marriage license until it's all cleared up. Tripping her way through cow pies and country songs to meet up with a man who gets around places on horseback is her very last idea of how to have a good time, but if she's going to get married, make partner at the firm, and have two point five kids before she's thirty-five, she needs to get to the bottom of this snafu and fix it quick ... before her fiance finds out and everything she's been working toward goes up in flames.

You started out writing in YA.  What brought you over to New Adult?

I've been a reader of new adult titles even before they were called 'new adult'.  And I love the age group it covers.  18-30 years old is such a great time in life, isn't it?  I mean, it's when you sow your wild oats, learn about yourself in the context of the whole world and not just your family and friends; it's where you figure out who you're going to be.  The adult-formative years I guess you could call it.  And the sex part is awesome too, I won't lie.  You can only get so sexy with a YA book, so as a writer, I have to hold back.  In NA, I don't have to do that.  It can be passionate, raw, sometimes awkward and full of bad decisions, but it can be REAL.  I guess that's what I love about NA most … it's raw and real.

How long have you been writing?  What did you do before you were a writer?

I've been writing since January of 2012.  Before that I was a lot of things … most recently an attorney.  But you can add the following other jobs to the list:  retail sales clerk, air traffic controller (in the Air Force), waitress, restaurant owner, stock broker, insurance salesperson, professor, and CEO of a medical device company.  I'm one of those people who gets bored easily, so after being in a job for a few years, I need a change so I can be challenged again.  The beauty of being a writer is it's never the same job twice, and it really doesn't feel like work.  It's the best job I've ever had, hands down.  It's the only job in the world were you walk into work (in my case, open the computer) and your boss starts the day by telling you how amazing you are.  My readers are my bosses now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  They really are great motivators. :)

What's the most important element in a romance in your opinion?

A sexy guy.  Seriously, he just needs to be sexy as hell, and that doesn't mean sexy can't come in different packages.  For example, in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the MC, Ian, is very understated and shy, but man, he rocked my world.  He reminds me a lot of my husband, actually.  On the other hand you have your angsty fighters ... guys who you'd never let into your world in real life but who are safe to fall for in books.  Travis from Beautiful Disaster comes to mind. Boy, did he cause a lot of fuss in the reader world!  Chemistry comes in all kinds of packages, which is awesome, but the chemistry has to be there or the book falls flat for me.

What books do you have in the pipeline right now?

All kinds of good stuff!  I'm so excited to get them out to readers.  Here's the NA Romance line-up for June, July, and August: Shine Not Burn, By Design, and Don't Make Me Beautiful, and then a 3-book series that will be released on surprise dates this year: Rebel, Hellion, and Trouble.  Links to all of them on Goodreads here:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17973653-shine-not-burn
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17981510-by-degrees
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17981514-don-t-make-me-beautiful
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18111600-rebel
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18111602-hellion
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18111607-trouble

About the author:

Elle Casey is a full-time writer of New Adult and Young Adult titles in several genres, including romance, urban fantasy, sci-fi dystopian, and action-adventure. She's an American girl who's been living in southern France with her husband and three children since 2010. She loves chatting with her readers, so feel free to drop her a line.






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(1) eBook copy of Shine Not Burn.
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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Romancing the R.A. (Campus Romance #1) by Ashelyn Drake

Goodreads blurb:

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn't involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl.

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.

But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

He’s stunned at first and doesn't move. I start to pull away, thinking I've made a huge mistake, but then I feel Andy’s hand on my lower back, pulling me closer. His lips part, and he deepens the kiss.

Every inch of me is on fire. Andy’s an incredible kisser, but the position we’re in is awkward. I reach my hands up and bury my fingers in his hair, which prompts him to lift me onto his lap. Much better. Our bodies are pressed so close I can feel every inch of him. My lungs are screaming for air, but I’m not willing to give in to them. I've been dying to kiss Andy ever since he first smiled at me, and I’ll be damned if I’m backing away that quickly.

His hands move up my back to my hair, and he pulls my head back gently exposing my neck. His lips trail down my jaw and to the nape of my neck. I bite my lip to stifle a moan, but it manages to slip out anyway. Andy slowly eases off, opening his eyes to see my reaction. I debate pulling his lips back to mine, but for the moment I drape my arms around his shoulders and just stare into his baby blue eyes. 

“Wow.”

He can say that again. “Yeah.”

“I can honestly say that’s the first time I didn't have to make the first move.”

“And it’s the first time I ever made the first move.”

He smiles. “Then I’m honored.” He leans forward and places a single kiss on my neck. His hips rise under me, and I know exactly where he’s hoping this is going to lead. My body is screaming for his touch, but I don’t want to be that girl. The one who goes off to college and sleeps with the first guy she meets. As much as I want Andy, I can’t do this right now.

About the author:

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. Look for her debut New Adult romance, Romancing the R.A., from S.B. Addison Books!

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