Book Details:
James Dreadful and the Spell-Guardian
(The Dreadful Series Book 1) by Alan Creed
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  280 pages
Genre: Fantasy ~ Content Rating:  PG.
Publisher:  Creed Publishing ~ Release date:  March, 2021
Tour dates: June 21 to July 9, 2021
Book Description:
        Fourteen-year-old James Dreadful is living a normal life in a small Colorado town. But his past is anything but normal. Born in Nobrocoso—a mystical land of magic and myths—James was brought to earth at the age of three to escape sorcerous assassins after the death of his parents.
        When a powerful and evil goblin arrives years later to steal a secret book that once belonged to his father, James discovers his father’s true identity—Jack Dreadful was the Dark Lord who waged a terrible war in Nobrocoso.
         Now, dark forces are stirring, and James must return to Nobrocoso to confront the legacy of blood left by his father. But as James learns his father’s secrets, he fears saving himself might just cost him his soul.
        Can James survive a dangerous, mystical land haunted by his father’s blood-stained deeds? Or will he choose the path of the Dark Lord and meet the same abysmal end?
Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Add to Goodreads

View the Book Trailer Below:

Meet the Author:
         Alan Creed fell in love with storytelling after seeing Star Wars for the first time as a child. When he was ten years old, his tutor asked him to write sentences containing three words: Ocean, Desert and Jungle. Instead of sentences, Alan wrote a 103-page story entitled Journey through the Desert. That's when he knew he wanted to be a writer. His 103-page story served as the source material for the Dreadful Series. Alan is currently working on the next installment in the James Dreadful series.

connect with the author: website ~ goodreads

Here is the tour schedule.

Giveaway:​
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Alan Creed, author of JAMES DREADFUL AND THE SPELL GUARDIAN
(one winner) (ends July 16)

Book Details:
Neptune’s Window, Deep Stare
(Neptune’s Window, #2) by L.L. Lewin
Publication date: June 21st 2021
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult
Synopsis:   
       Caught up in the lies, illusions, and mystery of Newport Beach, teenage medium Aries Dade delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death. Still unable to communicate with her mother, she relies on the aid of several spirits, discovering the identities of two of them, and how they relate to her.
         As the second novel in the Neptune’s Window trilogy, Deep Stare thrusts Aries further into the scandal of Newport Beach High School, where everyone has their own secret, including the death of the school’s most popular and beloved friend. But Aries has a secret of her own. She can communicate with their dead friend.
           Are you ready to take a deep stare into Neptune’s Window?

Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~

AUTHOR BIO:
         LL Lewin is the author of the Neptune's Window Trilogy. A native of Southern California, she was born in Los Angeles County and grew up in Orange County. She graduated from the University California, Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior. After teaching for several years and interacting with the youth almost daily, she was inspired to write a young adult mystery novel, which morphed into a little bit more. Since things happen in threes for her (her initials, triple Sagittarius, the third born) the novel turned into a trilogy and reaffirmed her belief that three's a charm.
        She loves all things astrological, metaphysical, and spiritual. With her sun, moon, and rising all in the sign of Sagittarius, She's as Sagittarius as they come, optimistic, freedom-loving, and ever so tactless.
          Her three passions in life are writing, traveling, and soccer. You'll either find her writing at the beach, on an island somewhere, or on a soccer field. And her three vices are chocolate, pizza, and champagne, and not necessarily in that order.

Author links: Instagram ~Facebook ~Goodreads ~ Website ~

GIVEAWAY!
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

• $25 Amazon gift card
  

This grand prize giveaway - ends July 1st:

Book & Author Details:

Wraith
by Mere Joyce
(Oracle of Senders, #3)
Publication date: June 15th 2021
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:When Callum Silver arrives in Greenland for his third summer at Camp Wanagi, the only thing he feels is dread. Last August, camp took a terrible turn. Since then, things have only gotten worse. Mim is still in a coma. Meander is practically non-existent. And Cal’s not the only camper suffering from bouts of insomnia and night terrors. Because this isn’t just another summer with the Oracle. This year, the members of the Shade sector are turning sixteen—the age when the full aspects of their abilities finally come to fruition.

Cal is terrified of seeing his first post-birthday spirit. But as the bright Greenland summer wears on, he discovers there are things more disturbing than sickness-inducing ghosts. New revelations, changing talents, and daring missions twist Cal’s understanding of the past and alter his expectations for the future. But even when he thinks he’s finally got a handle on what it means to be a Sender, the summer’s final encounters prove more deadly than anyone expects. Cal’s not sure how camp is going to end. But whatever happens, one thing is clear—this is a summer no one in the Oracle is going to forget.

Happy birthday, Shade…


 Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~  Kobo ~

Excerpt #2:
        Gianna bounds over to speak with Robbie. She eyes us with annoyance but is unable to wipe the easy grin from his face as he explains why we're here. Their conversation is muted, and I pay it little heed. My attention is focused on Anna.
        She bends her white-blonde head, coming to a stop in the middle of the clearing her sector mates marked out. That she's doing this—putting herself through the rigors of being near a ghost for the sole sake of ensuring a good show tonight—is ridiculous. But evidently, confirming the spirit's presence is not enough. The bottom strands of her low-slung ponytail begin to sway, the hair lifting in a heavy breeze the rest of us can't feel. I wait for her to rush to the edge of the marked square, safely out of the ghost's range. But she only lifts her chin, her mouth parting like she's ready to speak.
        "Man, I've missed this," Sefa whispers.
He inches closer, his bulky frame blocking most of my view. I take a half-step to the side, curious how long Anna is going to keep this up. She trembles, her legging-clad knees swaying. Still, her lips continue to move and, although I'm glad we're not any closer than the edge of the large square, I wonder what kind of questions she's posing to the invisible mass.
        Gianna and Robbie continue their quiet argument while Reed questions why Anna's hair is dancing as if he's trying to find the reason in an optical illusion. On the far side of the square, the other Revenants watch, their eyes calculating as they take note of the spirit's effect. For a hair-raising occurrence, the scene is remarkably casual.
        But then Anna's hair shoots straight out, the length of her ponytail straining to one side. As the girl's mouth closes and her eyes widen with surprise, all conversation comes to a stop. The sensation is eerie with everyone standing in stunned silence as we watch Anna reach her hand back and tug at the strands that won't fall against her shoulder. A chill skitters across my skin. Even if I can't see or feel this particular spirit, I blame it for the shiver that makes me hug my arms to my chest.
        "Are you okay?" Gianna calls, breaking through the still quiet. Anna raises one arm and waves, signaling she's fine. Still, the Revenant lead looks like she's ready to bolt to the girl's aid. "The reports we have," she explains, the fingernails of one hand coming to her mouth. "They suggest this ghost is…"
        Her voice is cut off by a shriek, and the queasiness of our ride over here reappears as I watch Anna's hair snake around her shoulder and across her collarbone. She yells for the spirit to stop, but the ponytail continues, slithering up the far side of her shoulder before twisting around her neck. Watching her is like viewing a demented magic act as the hair creates a grotesque noose.    
        Anna grips her hair with both hands, and her choked gargle sends my vision veering off-kilter.
         Not her neck. Anything but her neck

AUTHOR BIO:
        Mere Joyce is a Canadian author of short stories and novels. Her writing includes contemporary tales, high-action mysteries, fairy-tale fantasies, and her personal favorite--ghost stories. When she's not writing, Mere can be found recommending books as a librarian or spending time at home with her family. She's also been known to be a selective - yet highly enthusiastic - fangirl.

Author links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

• $20 Amazon gift card
  

This grand prize giveaway - ends Jun 24th:

"Hope was a dangerous thing. It could consume every dream and make them take flight, becoming wild daydreams in one's heart and mind. Or hope could incinerate everything you thought you knew, burning you down to your core, leaving you raw and exposed for the world."

Heir of Lies (Black Dawn #1) By Mallory McCartney
Young Adult, New Adult Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 456 Pages
April 21, 2020
SYNOPSIS:
       Emory Fae has only known one thing--life at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. Following in her parents' footsteps, the pressure to uphold their dream falls on her and one of her best friends--Adair Stratton. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. With whispers of dark magic spreading across Kiero, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.
       An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher, sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath, for the first time in years, they demand the Faes listen to their proposition for a new treaty. Caught in the middle of politics, Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing that matters the most--the truth.
        Their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made, and war ravages Kiero. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic, and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision. Will he fight or bow to the darkness within?
        But, Adair's decision will change the course of Kiero forever, setting in motion irreversible destinies for everyone at The Academy as Emory Fae rises as heir.
        Heir of Lies is the first book in the bestselling Black Dawn series.
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Book Depository | Target

"You lived your entire life feeling like half of you was missing. Fight for the missing part.
Fight for this."

Queen to Ashes (Black Dawn #2) By Mallory McCartney
Young Adult, New Adult Fantasy
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 350 Pages
April 21, 2020
SYNOPSIS:
        Emory Fae has abandoned everything she thought she knew about her previous life on Earth. Stepping up to her role as Queen of Kiero she makes a startling sacrifice- feigning her allegiances to Adair Stratton, the man who murdered her parents and casted Kiero into ruin. Emory's memories slowly piece together, and she soon realizes the Mad King may not be all he seems-- and the man who was once best friend, may be fighting beneath the surface.
        With the King's attention on her, can she buy Black Dawn Rebellion enough time to recuperate their forces? And when the times comes, will she be able to kill Adair, ending his tyranny and rising herself as the rightful Queen? Fighting to hide her secret, Emory navigates the brutal trials of the Mad King, trying not to lose herself in the process.
         Sequel to Heir of Lies, now a bestselling series, the sparks are ignited, as Emory learns the cost of freedom, and her heritage. Will the rebels unite in time? A sinister force has spread across the land, stripping everyone bare- their betrayals, their secrets, their intentions. But above all, what will their decisions cost? By refusing to give in to the darkness, will Emory rise as Queen?
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Book Depository | Target

                                                                Excerpt from Heir of Lies

         Landing on the ground in a plume of smoke, Adair’s fingers dug into the dirt, as the sun broke over the horizon. The smoke settled, curling around his feet in black and purple hues. The brisk morning air collected dew, and as he rose, small puffs of mist flared in front of him. “My King?” The dabarne’s voice brushed up against his mind, and the creature prowled to his side when he stood. It was a question and a recognition, and Adair bared his teeth as he fixated on the city in front of them. They had traveled through the night, groups of his army breaking off, Adair feeling the shifts of energy like stars streaking across constellations, creating a beautiful serenade of screams that followed him from below. His fire. His carnage. He rolled his neck slowly, bones cracking. Sarthaven and his father waited for him down below. A distant thought tugged at his mind. Once, a lifetime ago, this city had been his lifeline, his hope to explore and to create. Swallowing hard, the thought dissipated, as another thought filled his mind, the magic ripping through his bloodstream, building and building.

OTHER BOOKS in the SERIES:

                                                                      (Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

Tour Schedule
June 14th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog
June 15th:
Baroness' Book Trove
Wishful Endings
June 16th:
Living in a Bookworld
Hallie Reads
June 17th:
Becky on Books
June 18th:
Teatime and Books
Lady Hawkeye

About the Author
       Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

One winner will receive a signed copy of Kingdom of Broken Iron, book three
in the series releasing this October
(open internationally)

Ends June 23, 2021

From the author of Let’s Talk About Love and If It Makes You Happy, this exuberant YA Novel follows six teens locked together in a mansion, contending for a life-changing cash prize in a competition run by a reclusive heiress.

Book Details:
The Marvelous by Claire Kann
Publication date: June 8th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Young Adult
Synopsis:
        Everyone thinks they know Jewel Van Hanen. Heiress turned actress turned social media darling who created the massively popular video-sharing app, Golden Rule.
After mysteriously disappearing for a year, Jewel makes her dramatic return with an announcement: she has chosen a few lucky Golden Rule users to spend an unforgettable weekend at her private estate. But once they arrive, Jewel ingeniously flips the script: the guests are now players in an elaborate estate-wide game. And she’s tailored every challenge and obstacle to test whether they have what it takes to win–at any cost.
Told from the perspective of three dazzling players–Nicole: the new queen of Golden Rule; Luna: Jewel’s biggest fan; and Stella: a brilliant outsider–this novel will charm its way into your heart and keep you guessing how it all ends because money isn’t the only thing at stake.

Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~

                                10 Things You Didn’t Know About Claire Kann

1. Claire Kann is an alter ego. Who is she?

2. A procrastinator of the highest order, she waits until the last minute to do just about everything.
3. She wants all her protagonists to be happy, feel loved, and never have to struggle (which is great! on paper! until her editor reads her manuscripts!).
4. Speaking of writing, while on deadline she transforms into an insomniatic gargoyle--crouched on a chair, hovering above her keyboard while subsisting on chips, apples, and diet pepsi.
5. She prefers writing shorter books. If she hits that 60,000 word threshold and she’s not close to done, she starts to sweat and panic.
6. SHINee is thanked in the acknowledgements section of every book she has published. Her favorite song is their entire discography.
7. She gives all of her protagonists very cutesy first names--usually from flowers.
8. Her favorite books are the His Dark Materials trilogy. Her daemon would be a hummingbird.
9. A magical girl at heart, her favorite anime are Madoka Magica, Beyond the Boundary, and Sailor Moon.
10. She believes in aliens. Extraterrestrials are out there, man.

You can find the schedule here .

AUTHOR BIO:
          Claire Kann is the author of LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE and an award-winning online storyteller. In her other life, she works for a nonprofit that you may have heard of where she daydreams like she’s paid to do it. Find out more by visiting her website: www.clairekann.com (and while you’re there, tell her about your cats. She loves cats. A lot.)

Author links:Website ~Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter ~ Instagram ~

Giveaway Details:
Tour-wide giveaway (US/CAN)

• Print copy of The Marvelous

This grand prize giveaway - ends June 17th:

Book details:

Huntress
by Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Offspring #7)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: May 25th 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:Princess. Warrior. Dragon Shifter. Huntress.
When it comes to protecting her family, eighteen-year-old Princess Huntress is known for kicking ass, taking names and then kicking a little more ass, just to be sure. She’s the last of her kind—a glass dragon shifter—and no matter what the threat, Huntress always tracks it down solo.
Then Huntress meets the leader of the L’Griffe crime family, Gage Beaufort, who is a dashing dragon shifter with a knee-melting stare. The attraction is instant, yet Huntress hates it. Why? Crime syndicates hurt royal authority, which means they threaten her family. Long story short, being with Gage is just wrong. Besides Huntress already has a rock-solid life plan, and that’s to fight alone, forever. No relationships, thank you very much.
But when a new danger threatens the royals, everything changes.
Now Huntress needs a mercenary army and fast, so she forges an alliance with L’Griffe. To protect those she loves, Huntress agrees to marry someone she loathes: Gage Beaufort. But will the extra help be enough?
Even worse, Huntress’ family isn’t the only thing at risk–the same is true for the princess’ heart. Because Gage is a man who always gets what he wants. In this case, the crime lord desires Princess Huntress, body and soul.
“With Angelbound Offspring, every page is entertaining… an exciting story that unfolds with magic, dragons, a little romance and a villain to despise.” – Tonja, Goodreads
Perfect for readers seeking a clean fantasy adventure in the spirit of omegaverse romance
Angelbound Offspring
1. Maxon
2. Portia
3. Zinnia
4. Rhodes
5. Kaps
6. Mack
7. Huntress

Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~

                            Where I Get My Ideas From By Christina Bauer
        As part of the launch tour for my new book, HUNTRESS (Angelbound Offspring #7), the lovely folks at Rockin’ Book Reviews asked me to blog about where I get my story ideas. What I’m about to share applies to storylines, personalities, characterizations… and pretty much everything that relates to my writing.
        To explain my writing system as it exists today, it may help to share what I used to do when I very first began as an author. Back then, I thought there were three components to being a writer:
1. Writing
2. Editing
3. Reading
       More than thirty books later (HUNTRESS launches May 25th) and I have decided that all three of these are important. Buuuuuuut ... they haven't proven to be the most important for me.
         For me, the ultimate writing ally is thinking.
        Now, I know that sounds really broad and perhaps a tad useless, so I'll add some context here. When I first started writing, I'd open up a document and stare. And nothing would get written. Over the years, I've learned to wait for the feeling.
         And that needs more context, part 2.
         The Feeling
        When I've done enough thinking about a book, I get to a point where I want to write so badly, it almost hurts. During these times, I can (and have!) written chapters on the Boston T. On my cell phone. At Whole Foods. You get the idea. That sensation only happens when I've thought about a chapter (or chapters) enough that I'm ready to go.
        Here's how it works. I map some stuff out and then wait a day or two (which is time I usually spend on another book). Then I come back to the outline, edit it a little and think. At some point, I stop needing to think and just itch to write. That's when I know I'm ready.
         Full disclaimer 1: When I start writing, it often turns into something else, and I've learned to stop fighting that.
         Full disclaimer 2: I've been doing this thinking-thing for a while without having really given it a formal stage in my writing process. That is, until I saw this interview with
biographer David McCullough. He talks about the importance of research writing, editing, but also setting aside time to think.
        On a personal level, it's taken me many years and books to get to where I trust myself and my process. It's different for everyone, but I figured that if I had David McCullough doing this stuff, then it can't be too wacky.
        So there you have it. My ultimate secret to writing: setting time aside in my process to just think.

AUTHOR BIO:
         Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. 
         Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
       Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates
Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ LinkedIn ~ Website ~

Giveaway Details:
Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)

• A copy of Huntress and more!
  

This grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set up and managed bu author, not Xpresso Tours):

A Night Twice as Longby Andrew Simonet
Published by: Farrar Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication date: June 1st 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Book Description:
       What do you call the difference between what you should feel and what you do feel? Life?
        The blackout has been going on for three weeks. But Alex feels like she’s been living in the dark for a year, ever since her brother, who has autism, was removed from the house, something Alex blames herself for. So when her best friend, Anthony, asks her to trek to another town to figure out the truth about the blackout, Alex says yes.
         On a journey that ultimately takes all day and night, Alex’s relationships with Anthony, her brother, and herself will transform in ways that change them all forever.
         In this honest and gripping young adult novel, Andrew Simonet spins a propulsive tale about what it means to turn on the lights and look at what’s real.

Goodreads B&N Amazon

                    10 Things You Didn’t Know About Andrew Simonet
1.)  I took my first dance class at age nineteen and decided that week to devote my life to dance.
2.)  I was struck by lightning when I was in high school.
3.)  I think my narrator is a better sibling to her autistic brother than I am to my autistic brother.
4.)  I made a performance called PUSHER in which we sold a dance to strangers on the street like drugs.
5.)   The US Women’s National Soccer Team is my favorite team in any sport.
6.)   I can’t whistle. You think you can teach me, but you can’t. Many, many people have tried. OK, fine. Yes, I’m putting my tongue on the roof of my mouth. Yes, it’s lightly touching my teeth. Thhhhhhuuuu. See. Can’t whistle.
7.)  I often think people are lying about insignificant things, things that won’t even benefit them. Someone recently told me, “I used to be addicted to watching game shows.” And based purely on their energy and voice and rhythm, I thought: That’s a lie. And what an odd, interesting lie, no?
8.)   I put kosher salt on my chocolate chip cookies when they are still hot from the oven.
9.)  I sleep a lot, 10-11 hours per night when possible. I learned a dream technique as a child prone to nightmares: When something frightens or harms me in a dream, I knock it out and then bring it back as something that supports me. (This is based on the idea that everything in my dream is a part of me.) I’m rather certain this has done more for my emotional and spiritual growth than anything in my waking life.
10.)  My mother wanted to name me André, but my father thought I would get bullied. I got bullied anyway. I wish I was named André.
10+1) I am immune to poison ivy.

ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Andrew Simonet is a choreographer and writer in Philadelphia. His first novel, Wilder, published in 2018. He co-directed Headlong Dance Theater for twenty years and founded Artists U, an incubator for helping artists make sustainable lives. He lives in West Philadelphia with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons, Jesse Tiger and Nico Wolf.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ TWITTER

Find the Schedule HERE.

Giveaway Details:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

• Print copy of A Night Twice as Long

This grand prize giveaway - ends June 10th:

Book details:

The Immortal Game
by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: May 25th 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:An exiled goddess goes on a quest to clear her name and save Mount Olympus in Talia Rothschild & A C Harvey’s action-packed young adult debut, The Immortal Game!
Galene, daughter of Poseidon, desperately wants to earn her place among the gods. But when a violent attack leaves Mount Olympus in chaos and ruins, she is accused of the crime. Banished from Olympus, Galene sets out to prove her innocence and discovers a more deadly plot—one that threatens even the oldest of Immortals.
Fortunately, she has allies who willingly join her in exile:
A lifelong friend who commands the wind.
A defiant warrior with deadly skill.
A fire-wielder with a hero’s heart.
A mastermind who plays life like a game.
All-out war is knocking at the gates. Galene and her friends are the only ones who can tip the scales toward justice, but their choices could save Olympus from total annihilation, or be the doom of them all.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54017860-the-immortal-game

   :                            Our Publishing Journey or How We Became Published Authors

         Our unique journey began the summer of 2007, just before eighth grade, at a sleepover! We’d been close friends since the fifth grade, but we’d finally outgrown make-believe games. So, instead of play-acting, we decided to write down a story instead! At the time, our favorite things were Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Driven by our passion for mythology, we created characters and a world among the Greek pantheon, and with that, The Immortal Game was born! We started with a single notebook, passing it back and forth for the other to write the next chapter. By the time we reached college, we’d written and rewritten our book. We even queried a few agents after our first draft was complete, but it wasn’t quite ready for the world. So we slowly kept working on it.
         There were long stretches when we didn’t write together; Talia spent nineteen months as a missionary in New England, and Ashleigh focused on finishing up her Physics Teaching degree. Finally, in 2018, we decided to do something with our newly refurbished manuscript, and put it up on swoonreads.com (which has since rolled into fiercereads.com). A handful of positive reviews and a couple of months later, we got an email from Swoon Reads, an imprint of Macmillan, saying they wanted to set up a phone call with us, and to keep their email confidential.
      How that actually transpired was pretty comical: Talia, up late at night, saw the email first and freaked out. She texted Ashleigh in all caps, and we quote: ASHLEIGH ASHLEIGH ASHLEIGH ASHLEIGH I DON’T CARE WHEN YOU GET THIS YOU HAVE TO CALL ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ????????
         When Ashleigh woke up the next morning for school, she nearly had a heart attack! We still laugh about how she called in a panic, thinking someone was injured or dead. But when Talia explained, we shrieked together in excitement. We can’t adequately describe our stunned, ecstatic gratitude—our dream literally came true!
       We plunged headfirst into the publishing world as best friends and coauthors with the same dream. The next months were a blur of phone calls and emails and agents, trying to navigate the contract and be wise in entering this complicated world. Ashleigh’s old friend and writing group companion from college, Ben Grange, became our agent and helped us through the next two years of rewrites, edits, and promotional labyrinths. Sometimes it’s still hard to believe all that has transpired. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity! We can’t wait to keep putting stories out into the world, both independently, and one day in the future, again as coauthors

                         AUTHORS BIOS:

 You can find the schedule HERE. 

Giveaway Details:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

• Print copy of The Immortal Game
  

This grand prize giveaway - ends Jun 3rd:

Book Details:
Scorn of Secrets by B. Truly
Publication date: April 27th 2021
Genres: Coming of Age, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:        I must keep it locked away—the memory of my darkest secret….
      When the rising tides of my life peak, I’m left struggling with the currents of the storm. The first dilemma is my dad’s gambling debt. Mama bounces back quickly from the ramifications it causes. She proves this by getting a new man. Her Rico Suave is just the tip of the iceberg—she moves us across state to live with him and his two sons.
       My outgoing, older sister fits right in—she’s the total opposite of me. I am Madison Guillory, the shy, quiet type. Taught to make the best of even the worst situations, I contemplate giving my new family a chance.
       Living with my future stepbrothers is interesting, to say the least. They’re like night and day. I have more in common with the laid-back brother, and we become instant friends. I’m adjusting to Taylor High, and the arrogant brother is even starting to grow on me. Maybe everything will work out after all.
       My life finally seems to be falling into place until a dreadful night shatters my dreams. My world is flipped upside down because of the consequences I must now bear.
        The memories of that night lurk in the shadows to torment me. If I think of what happened, I’ll succumb to my fear. His face has scorned me. No one will believe me if I confess, not even my own sister. I hold the key to my darkest secret, desperate to keep it locked away

Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~

Name: Tanya Thibodeaux
Personality:
Egotistical and Opinionated
Hobbies:
Taking selfies and engaging in social media.
Motto:
Don’t let anyone step in your way to fame. Live life on your own terms.

Name: Charlotte Guillory
Personality:
Self—absorbed and Prideful
Hobbies: Baking and Decorating
Motto:
You must fight to survive and seize opportunities when they come your way.

Name: Dariel Delandre
Personality:
Adventurous and Spontaneous
Hobbies:
Sewing and playing phone games.
Motto:
Go to bed with a vision and make your dreams a reality.

Name: Justin Jenkins
Personality:
Easy-going and Humorous
Hobbies:
Playing basketball and watching movies.
Motto:
Your troubles today will be your strength tomorrow.
Greatness is measured by being courageous and having heart.

Name: Jackson Jenkins
Personality:
Headstrong and Pompous
Hobbies:
Hitting the gym and surfing the web.
Motto:
I’m strong, confident, and I am relentless. There is magic on the other side of fear

AUTHOR BIO:
       B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and paranormal genres.
         B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.
        B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.

Author links: Facebook ~ Twitter ~Goodreads ~ Instagram ~LinkedIn ~

You can find the schedule HERE.

Giveaway Details:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

• $10 Amazon gift card +
  
• 1 ebook copy of Scorn of Secrets
  

This grand prize giveaway - ends June 3rd:

Book Details:
Kiss and Repeat by Heather Truett
Published by: Swoon Reads ~ Publication date: May 25th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:
      In Heather Truett’s Kiss and Repeat, a teen uses the scientific method drilled into him by his scientist father to begin a kissing experiment. Only the experiment gets messy, and Stephen will have to come clean if he wants to win one girl’s heart in this heartfelt and funny YA debut.
Stephen Luckie isn’t so lucky in love. He’s completely inexperienced when it comes to girls, and wonders if his tics – caused by Tourette’s Syndrome – are the reason.
      Then a game at a party reveals that his body goes still while kissing. Using the scientific method drilled into him by his scientist father, Steven begins the best experiment ever–one that involves kissing as many girls as possible. Who knew science could be so fun?
       But when the experiment gets underway, Stephen begins to question how he treats girls – and if his tics have been standing in his way at all. With two girls interested in him, he has to figure out what really matters to him and what he’ll risk – and gain – by being his true self.
Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~

Where do you get the ideas from, when creating personalities for your characters? How to Make Your Characters Believable?

          I get ideas from a zillion sources, but usually my own life. I did once pluck a creepy teacher from a news story, but usually I take personality traits from people I know and basically stick them in my mental blender.
         For instance, quite a bit of Joan’s personality came from two of my friends, Kim and Izzie. Kim was my best friend in middle and high school, and I always wished I could be like her. In hindsight, I know she had as many confidence issues as I did, probably, but back then she always seemed so confident and such a bad ass. Izzie is a more recent friend, and when I was drafting this book, she and I were spending a lot of time together. She also has that this-is-how-it-is quality of attitude I admire and wanted for Joan. Joan looks and acts like a mix of these women, with a dash of other traits from here and there added in. Stephen has a lot of me in him, but also some of my sons, and a bit of my friend who died just before I sold this book.
        Making characters believable is hard for me, sometimes. Over years of writing manuscripts, I realized I often gave my characters a way of thinking that matched my own. Since I am neurodivergent in multiple ways, that led to a lot of editors who didn’t understand my characters’ decision-making. I don’t process emotions in a neurotypical manner, so neither did the characters I wrote, which made it hard for the reader to be sure what they were feeling. In order to work on this, I spend a lot of time studying why people do what they do, in books and in life. I listen a lot more than I used to.
         For my newest project, I am looking at my characters’ Enneagram types. There are lots of personality tools, but this one focuses on the why of our behavior, and it has been a good tool for my own self-understanding (I am a 4), so I hope it will help me zero in on why my characters do what they do.
          Characters are a helpful way to understand our world, whether we are writing them or reading about them. I hope lots of readers seem themselves in my stories.

AUTHOR BIO:
      Heather Truett is a novelist and poet. She is currently an MFA candidate at the University of Memphis. She is represented by Hilary Harwell of KT Literary.
Author links:
Website ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~

Giveaway Details:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

• Print copy of Kiss and Repeat
  

This grand prize giveaway - ends Jun 3rd:

Book Details:
Sedition (Children of Erikkson #1) by E.M. Wright
Published by: Parliament House
Publication date: May 18th 2021
Genres: Steampunk, Young Adult
Synopsis:     
      She was created for more than slavery; she was built for rebellion.
     In an alternate Victorian England, clockwork cyborgs provide the primary source of labor for the upper class. Known as biomatons, they are property by law and have been manipulated and mind-controlled into subservience.
       Taryn Roft, a 17-year-old girl, attending classes at Grafton’s School of Mechanicks in London has a secret. What’s even worse—she cannot remember anything before her twelfth birthday.
     When a mysterious privateer discovers her secret, he offers her an ultimatum: accompany him to his airship, or her secret will be revealed to everyone. For Taryn, it’s not much of a choice. Facing prejudice and cruelty may be nothing new to the only girl at an all-boys’ school, but the further from home she gets, the darker her situation becomes.

Goodreads ~ Purchase: ~Amazon ~ B&N ~  Kobo ~

AUTHOR BIO:
     
      E.M. Wright is an author from Portland, OR. She writes science fiction and fantasy novels set in original worlds. 

Author links: Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Website ~

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

• 10 eBook copies of Sedition,
• 1 paperback copy of Sedition, 
• 1 paperback copy of Sedition +
• $20 Amazon gift card

This grand prize giveaway - ends May 27th:

Book The Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire
Publisher:  Chamberlain Publishing House (February 14, 2021)
Category: Young Adult, Fantasy/Romance ~ Tour dates: April 9-May 31, 2021
ISBN: 978-1792361357 ~ Available in Print and ebook, 310 pages
Book Description:
        The Legend is true. The Fear is real.
        Under the cruel ministrations of its Queen, the Kingdom of D’Land is in peril. With King Harrison away in foreign lands and neighboring Kingdoms unwilling to intervene, there is no one to protect the people from poverty, harsh punishment, and unreasonable rules of law – except for the Band of Brothers. Struggling with the death of her mother and the legendary Syphon powers she inherited, seventeen year old Dru wants nothing more than to escape her old life and join the motley crew of ruffians, pilfering from the rich to feed the poor and pay their taxes.
        She’s able to do just that disguised as a lad, and even when her nature is discovered, nothing changes – except for the way her friend Hawkin treats her. But Dru’s new world is overturned when she and the Brothers seize the treasures of a Prince who threatens to reveal her identity. Together, Dru and her chosen family must find a way to reclaim her destiny and bring balance to the Kingdom. If not, there may be no hope left for anyone.
Buy Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire: Amazon ~ IndieBound

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
       This outstanding story triggers varying emotions within the reader of this tale. With the titch of a "wicked step-mother" theme, this is no Cinderella story.
        Escaping the horrid situation that fate has dealt her, Dru, takes the drastic step of living a life of a gallant warrior boy, keeping her identity hidden from all her associates. Although she is petite, she is fast and very skilled in fighting. She is also very clever and quick-witted... This has earned her great respect among her colleagues. However, when "the Brotherhood" attacked a particular "royal coach", this was both, a blessing and a curse. There was much aid the prince freely offered, yet a painful reminder of "lost love" from the past. This is just thee beginning of a series of explosive situations, ending in a strong, yet intriguing way, which entices the reader to be anxious for the next book of the series.
       In addition to generating a multitude of emotions, it is fast-moving, action-packed and totally captivating. It would make an phenomenal movie series!
        The characters are all very diverse, well-developed and enables the reader to feel a connection to the story plot. The scenes are also vividly portrayed... many are very gruesomely portrayed. The Title is well-chosen and the Cover Image is simple, eye catching and very well chosen.
           This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

**Be sure to visit my site again, Monday, May 24th, For my video Interview and Giveaway with the amazing Dana Claire!

                         What Inspired Me to Write My Book

          The Reclaimed Kingdom was partially inspired by my navy seal brother and his group
of military friends and myself. I’ve always been one of the boys, in fact, sometimes I think they forget
I am a girl. And I have always been part of their brotherhood, hence the Band of Brothers. I’ve been their shoulder to cry on, their confident, and their sister but most of all, always by their side. The love our community has for each other is insurmountable and I’ve always wanted to write characters based on our chosen family.
          The other half of my inspiration comes from my father. Growing up he exposed me to the likes of Errol Flynn’s Robin Hood and other medieval times movies. I loved the sword fights, the damsels in distress, the costumes, and the good verse evil. When King Richard the Lionheart is captured, his scheming brother Prince John plots to reach the throne. Sir Robin of Locksley (Errol Flynn) and his merry men protect the kingdom until the escaped Richard returns and joins forces with Robin to prevent Prince John from taking the crown and pilfering. Robbing the rich to feed the poor is a theme I’ll never get tired of. I thought what if I write a female heroine and she has a superpower, and her arch nemesis has one as well. And what if those powers had to do with emotions rather than tangibility. A leech draws from pain and it strengthens her but it hurts others, and a syphon draws from the pain and it weakens her but it helps others. The objective of the two and why they use the power that they have…that’s the good verse evil. I find that dichotomy to be so powerful and inspirational.
          By adding fantasy elements to a retelling of Robin Hood, I was able to change the story to my own while holding onto the parts of my childhood and family that mattered to me most. It felt very special for me when finished. And that’s how The Reclaimed Kingdom was born.

About Author, Dana Claire:
        Dana believes that a good story is made through strong character development. When readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives, the readers are there for the long haul backing the characters and their emotions. How cool is it to read a book and think about the characters long after you’ve read the last page? She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books.
        If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire, slay a dragon, or use a time machine, there’s a book for that.
Website ~ Twitter ~Facebook ~

Giveaway Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire!

• $50 Amazon Gift Card
  

This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on May 28, 2021 at midnight pacific.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

Book Details:
The Spring Renews (Honey Cove, #3) by Marie McGrath
Publication date: May 18th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:
          Never fall in love. It only breaks your heart.
         Sophie Graham didn’t believe in love … not anymore. Ever since her father died, Sophie watched the pain her mother went through. Love was messy and not worth taking the risk.
         When her mother starts dating again and things get serious, Sophie’s beliefs get called into question. Not to mention, she has to work at the movie theater with a boy she had almost kissed from a stupid dare. Pushed together by the manager, she has to spend more time with Drew than she had wanted to ever again.
          Will she open her heart to love and the possibilities? Or will she bar her heart from everyone?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57904253-the-spring-renews

Purchase:
Will be found here come release day: https://amzn.to/2SOU02g

AUTHOR BIO:
        Marie McGrath lives in a small rural town in Maryland. She hopes to inspire others with her stories. Her favorite genres to read are YA Romance and Contemporary Fiction. She loves the color turquoise, tigers, and listening to music.
Author links:
~Twitter ~ Facebook ~Instagram ~ Website ~ Fan Page ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

• $25 Amazon gift card
  

This  grand prize giveaway - ends May 27th:

Encampment by Shalana Battles
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:
             Madeleine is a witch.
         A fact that should have been more helpful when she woke up shackled to a wall with no idea how she got there.
          Fourteen days later, she’s released from the dark cave into Encampment, a prison full of captured witches forced to fight one another until they’re sold to the highest bidder.
         With spells controlling every inch, Madeleine can’t tell where reality begins.
           Can the son of her captor be trusted?
           Will she be brave enough to save the others?
           Is there any way out alive?
           Madeleine is only certain of one thing, death would be better than an enslaved life.
           Magic isn’t always beautiful.
           Hope doesn’t ensure happiness.
           Love doesn’t always win.
            Welcome to Encampment.

Goodreads ~

AUTHOR BIO:
Shalana Battles is a YA/Adult writer who tells stories about love...sometimes with witches and ghosts. Her debut novel, SOUL JUMPER is coming out October, 6, 2020. Be the first to hear about upcoming projects and book updates by signing up for her newsletter below!

Author links: Website ~Instagram ~ YouTube ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Giveaway:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

• Prize will be listed on the Rafflecopter shortly!
  

This grand prize giveaway - ends May 27th: