Eternal Mixture by Shevaun Delucia

30.4.14

Okay, so I signed up to take part in the Eternal Mixture blog tour with author Shevaun Delucia - probably because I just fell in love with the author's name LOL! And then she sent me her author picture and I was in awe of it. Isn't it just GORGEOUS! Anyway, let's get on with this tour. I asked Shevaun a few questions, and I just love her personality! Come and meet her...



I see that you live in Upstate New York... is your book also based there? And if so, describe it to us, including how it has inspired you.
Eternal Mixture is set in Webster, my hometown, in Upstate New York. I figured, why not pick a location/town that I grew up in? I know this place like the back of my hand. All my childhood memories revolve around this town, and let’s not forget my mischievous teenage years. Because boy, did I venture out!
I’d have to say so many of my teenage memories revolve around Webster Park. There were cook-outs in the park, hanging out with friends, venturing down towards the lake where I would walk hand-in-hand with a boyfriend down the small Webster pier, and just hanging out at night on the little pebbled beach with friends, jamming to music until security would come and tell us to leave. Oh yeah, did I mention being mischievous? Lol. There was a lot of that. Shhh! Just don’t mention that to my kids!
All of these memories helped lay the scenery for Eternal Mixture. Raina’s favorite spot is the park. This is where she can relax with friends during the summer, when it’s alive and scattered with people, or she can come during the off-season when it’s quiet and secluded, giving her a chance to clear her head from the everyday hassles of being a teenager.
As far as the history/background of the book, while doing some research, I came across a stunning lake in Alberta, Canada called Lake Louise. It took my breath away, and that is where the seeds of Eternal Mixture were planted. (More of this will be in book #2.)

What inspired Eternal Mixtures?
The inspiration for Eternal Mixture was birthed during one of my online English classes titled, “Short Stories.” With the idea of becoming a writer came the quick realization that I sucked in the basic knowledge and skills of English. Unfortunately, during my school-aged years, my concentration was limited to the boys’ anatomy versus punctuation and sentence structure. I’m sure you can guess what topic won. Lol.
With this being said, 10 years out of school, I decided to enroll myself back into the community college. I packed in all types of English classes. Anything that might help with my creativity and improve my skills in writing.
During my second semester, I began an online short story class. Our professor gave us topics, and we created stories based on that subject. I think the assignment was to find something extraordinary about an ordinary person. I laugh while writing this only because I did the exact opposite, which gave me the start of this book. My professor loved the story, but ultimately told me I didn’t follow the stipulations and gave me a low grade.Whoops!
Months later, the story still remained front and center in my head, almost like it was calling me. So, I sat down at my computer and decided to let the story talk. And voila!Eternal Mixture was born!

Are any of your characters based on real people? Where do you get ideas for your character names?
No, unfortunately these characters aren’t based on real people. But boy do I wish! Brent is every girl’s fantasy, and if he was real growing up, let’s just say I would have been in somebig trouble!
As far as their names, in my original short story Raina was named Nautia, but after I tried it out for a while, it just didn’t fit her.
I honestly can’t recall where I heard the name Raina, but I did, and I loved it. I like to find out the meanings of names, and Raina means “queen.” When I hear the name, I think of innocence meets wisdom. This will make more sense when reading the book!
Brent has always just been Brent. With his name, I immediately thought of the cute boy/sexy glob of hotness. Oh, come on! We’ve all met a boy who’s fallen into this category, right? Lol.
The others—Bailey, Maddie, Jenna, Jason/Edmund—were just names that called to me as I was creating their characters.

Tell us your plans for your literary future!!
Eternal Mixture Series is a three-book series. So, right now I am working on book #2! My hope is for the world to fall in love with Brent and Raina as much as I have. It just takes one person to start the domino effect! In the future, I would love to dabble in mature adult romance. The edginess of this type of writing is exciting, so stay tuned for my future endeavours!


If you had the chance to start your life over, would you take it? If you were told you would live for eternity, would you embrace it? If a stranger told you he was your soul mate, would you believe it?
Raina Richmond has played it safe her entire life. She has never broken the rules. That is, until Brent Alexander walked straight into her life, causing havoc. Turning her world upside down.
Brent is the new kid in town. He is every girl’s fantasy: adorable, charming, chiseled, and the typical boy Raina usually steers clear of. But there is just something about him she can’t seem to resist. Safe is no longer an option for her. For him, she breaks all the rules.
What she doesn’t realize is that he holds the key to her past, present, and future. Once he reveals the reasons behind their irrevocable connection, she will unlock the answers to all of her questions, and her life as she knows it will never be the same again.
Release date: November 1st 2013
Publisher: Words Written LLC
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Shevaun DeLucia lives in upstate New York with her husband, four children, and two dogs. As a stay-at-home mom while her children were young, she fell in love with reading. She indulged in the small moments that took her away from the reality of her loud, overly rambunctious household, bringing her into a world of fantasy. When reading wasn’t enough to satisfy her, she turned to writing, determined to create the perfect ending of her own.
www.shevaundelucia.com | http://twitter.com/shevaundelucia1 | http://facebook.com/pages/Author-Shevaun-Delucia/563843076961083

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A Life, Forward by Tracy Hewitt Meyer

29.4.14

Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
A Life, Forward is book #2 in the Rowan Slone series, following A Life, Redefined. This series follows the life of Rowan Slone, a young woman struggling to move beyond a devastating past as she tries to find her place in the future.
Here is the blurb for A Life, Forward:
Her father is gone. Her mother is in jail. And Rowan Slone has left her dysfunctional, violent past behind. With college looming on the horizon, she has a new job that she loves, and a safe place to call home. She is close to achieving everything she ever wanted-a sense of family, a sense of purpose, and a sense of self.
But there are cracks in Rowan’s life that threaten to send her future crumbling to the ground. When her relationship begins to suffer, her father returns, and her long-held secret is discovered, Rowan must find the courage to fight for the most important thing yet-herself.

What inspired you to write it?
I have a constant running stream of book ideas filtering through my brain at any given moment. Why Rowan’s story took root when so many didn’t, I can’t really say. There were a couple of instances in my life, though, where I encountered people who I couldn’t forget, who snuck into my mind and stayed there. These two anonymous people helped shape Rowan and her obese, dysfunctional mother, Amy. The story built itself from there.

If it was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
Rowan - a young Kristen Stewart, pre-Twilight. Think Into the Wild.
Mike Anderson (boyfriend) - Zac Efron or Logan Henderson.
Trina (Rowan’s sister) - Ashley Benson
Jess (Rowan’s best friend) - Rooney Mara
Shane (new interest) - Sam Clafin or Luke Benward (without the thick southern accent).
Jack Slone (Rowan’s father) - Bryan Cranston.

Why do you write in this genre? 

The voice flows easily for me. I don’t have to try to write Rowan. Her voice comes naturally.

What made you want to become an author?
I love to read. I love stories (in books, television shows, movies, in my head). Becoming an author was a natural progression.

Name one of your all-time favourite books.
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley remains one of my all-time favorites. I’ve read it at least eight times.
OMG Tracy I ADORE that book too!!

Who, or what, inspires you?
I can find inspiration anywhere. I especially love television shows or movies, and people-watching. I’ve been known to stare, which can be unsettling for people!

Where is your favourite place to write?
In my home office with the Sarah Brightman Pandora station playing. The music lures my mind into the place it needs to be. And, I prefer to have the house empty, but that doesn’t usually happen!

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
I just saw Divergent and I must say, it was a fantastic movie. And, of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I loved that movie and have seen it a dozen times.

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
Right now it’s Laini Taylor (though I am in awe of so many authors, I could pick about twenty for this answer). Ms. Taylor writes the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series and all I can say is, Wow. I aspire to tell a story like she does. The third book in the series, Dreams of Gods and Monsters was recently released. It has me reading long into the night and back up at five a.m to continue. Even if you don’t traditionally like paranormal stories, her novels are so rich, believable, and incredible that they are worth checking out.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why? 
Marion Zimmer Bradley, Stephen King, Colette, Fyodor Dostoevsky, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Diana Gabaldon. Why? They all influenced fiction in beautiful, intense, eye-opening ways.

Tell us a random fact about yourself
I have a fascination with the constellation, Orion. When I was in college, I went through some tough times.When I would feel sad, lonely, defeated, I would stand outside of my apartment and find Orion looming above me. Seeing this strong constellation, so far away yet so accessible, helped give me the strength and inspiration I needed.

Who would play you in the movie about your life? 
Katie Holmes. We have similar hair and big smiles.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live
It may not be surprising to say that the Washington, D.C. area is beautiful, but just how beautiful it is may be. Here, nature abounds-with the Potomac River, the Mt. Vernon trail, and parks and memorials too expansive to list. In short, it is an aesthetically divine place to live.

Thank you for having me on your blog today!
It's an absolute pleasure, Tracy!

Book One
A Life, Redefined by Tracy Hewitt Meyer, book ONE in the Rowan Slone Series
Published June 21st, 2013
Published by Cerulean Publishing
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Seven years ago, an innocent act by Rowan Slone turned her life into a nightmare. Since the age of ten she’s lived with the burden of her baby brother’s death. Now she is seventeen and all she wants to do is graduate high school, go to college, and escape the loveless family she has endured all these years—the same family that holds her responsible for his death. But no one holds her responsible more than herself.
When long-time crush Mike Anderson invites her to the Prom, suddenly her future looks brighter. Rowan’s younger sister, Trina, however, is determined to ruin her new-found happiness, no matter the cost. And when Rowan discovers her mother’s long-held secret, she finds herself teetering on the edge of an abyss. Can Rowan find the strength to move toward the future or is she doomed to dwell in the past?

Book Two
A Life, Forward by Tracy Hewitt Meyer, book TWO in the Rowan Slone Series
Genre: New Adult
Published: April 7th, 2014
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A New Adult Novel
Her father is gone. Her mother is in jail. And Rowan Slone has left her dysfunctional, violent past behind. With college looming on the horizon, she has a new job that she loves, and a safe place to call home. She is close to achieving everything she ever wanted-a sense of family, a sense of purpose, and a sense of self.
But there are cracks in Rowan’s life that threaten to send her future crumbling to the ground. When her relationship begins to suffer, her father returns and her long-held secret is discovered, Rowan must find the courage to fight for the most important thing yet-herself.

Tracy Hewitt Meyer is a multi-genre, multi-published author of new adult fiction as well as adult paranormal and contemporary romance. She has a B.A. in English and a Master of Social Work, both of which feed her true passion-a love of writing. Born and raised in the beautiful state of West Virginia, Tracy now lives in the mid-east with her family, a goldendoodle, and a bearded dragon.
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Cover Reveal: Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani

28.4.14

 
There was something about the name of this book that made me want to share it with you. I don't know what it is, but it really caught my eye. And then when I saw this beautiful cover, I knew!

   
Releases on May 15th
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumored to have made a pact with the devil, has somehow transferred unique powers to another… 

When violinists around the world mysteriously vanish, 16-year-old Emma Braun takes notice. But when her beloved violin teacher disappears… Emma takes charge. With Sherlock Holmes fanatic, not to mention gorgeous Corey Fletcher, Emma discovers a parallel world ruled by an ex-violinist turned evil sorceress who wants to rule the music world on her own terms. 

But why are only men violinists captured and not women? What is the connection between Emma's family, the sorceress, and the infamous Niccolò Paganini? 

Emma must unravel the mystery in order to save her teacher from the fatal destiny that awaits him. And undo the curse that torments her family—before evil wins and she becomes the next luthier's apprentice…  
About The Author

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. Represented by Serendipity Literary.  

The Bellum Prophecy by L. Marie Horton

28.4.14



Release date: December 12th 2013
Purchase: Amazon
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Two Wars, One Destiny. Seventeen-year-old Edyn Vella always knew that her strange dreams of the future made her unique, but she never knew what they meant. However, when she fails to stop her aunt's murder by an ominous vampiric creature, Edyn learns that her prophetic visions aren't the only superhuman ability she possesses.
Following her late aunt's clues, Edyn finds herself in New York City attempting to save her last surviving relative, the powerful and reclusive billionaire, Ethan Roux. Edyn not only discovers Ethan isn't exactly human, but that she is at the center of an ancient prophecy and could determine the outcome of an impending war. 
As Ethan's Omega, his only human descendant, she's thrust into an enigmatic world full of new supernatural creatures where both good and evil vampires and warlocks have waged a centuries-long battle for the fate of humanity. Just as her relationship with the mysterious and handsome Brendan begins to blossom, Edyn's complicated new life quickly spirals out of control when ancient evil becomes determined on making her one of them. Edyn must discover her inner strength while making the choice between a long life without love and a potentially short life full of it. 
The Bellum Prophecy is a dark, suspenseful new novel that explores the loss of innocence while coming of age in the midst of a battle between good and evil. Combining the best elements of vampire legend, the supernatural, and even magic, L. Marie Horton uses exciting action and a cutting-edge story to craft a refreshing new take on young adult fiction.

Can you tell us a little about your latest book.
It’s a YA paranormal romance/fantasy about seventeen year-old Edyn Vella, who suddenly discovers a supernatural world where various good and evil undead creatures and warlocks exists. As she delves deeper into who and what she really is, Edyn learns that her prohectic visions could determine the outcome of an impending war. Edyn’s dark journey through this book is full of loss and love and making decisions that could ultimately save or destroy humanity.

What inspired you to write it?
I wanted more. My goal was to write a book series that had more action, imagination, suspense and a much darker storyline than what was currently available in the YA mainstream. I combined three movie ideas that I had for a while, and added magic, unique undead creatures and humans with awesome abilities.

Is it part of a series? 
Yes, it is book one of the Vella Series. The series is going to be a total of six books, but I’m still working on whether there might be a seventh book or not.

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
Oh my, I’m really bad at picking out actors! For Edyn, I would love to see a new up and coming actress that no one has heard about and just blow us away. Bradley James has that blond surfer look for Brendan and Daniel Craig for Ethan would be a dream. Ben Barnes is really hot and would be a good pick for Kieran. I have always pictured Bryan Dick as Terrin, ever since I saw him in "Blood and Chocolate." For the two main villains, definitely Shiloh Fernandez for Vergon, and Olivier Martinez for Amon.

What made you want to become an author?
I can’t remember exactly when I began writing but when I was about thirteen, I was fascinated by the TV show "Sea Quest" and would write my own episodes. After that I became obsessed with writing movie scripts and had written down tons of movie ideas/plots and even some partial scenes. The idea of sitting down and writing a book really didn’t hit me until after I passed the bar exam and was going through some of my old writings. I had a random thought that maybe I could take those ideas/plots, combine some of them and start writing books. I still have some movie scripts that I would love to see become movies though.

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers?

Fahrenheit 451.

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you? 
I read "In Cold Blood" by Capote when I was fourteen and there’s something about it that has never left me.

Who, or what, inspires you? 

Music. When I hear music, I see random images and scenes as if a movie is playing in my mind so I write it all down. Some of my ideas have come from a couple of pretty wild dreams too.

Where is your favourite place to write?
My blue plushy chair in my den. I wrote "The Bellum Prophecy" and the second book to the series on that chair with my ipad.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
Pride and Prejudice (all movie versions). I can't wait to see if they make "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" into a movie.

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
Jane Austen because she wrote a lot of great books, not just one. I also love the brilliant way in which Erik Larsen weaves two stories together with some history in his books.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
Number one pick would definitely be Nikola Tesla, even though he did not eat in front of other people. Absolute genius and an extremely eccentric and fascinating individual! To make my dinner party a little more mad hatter style, I would add Truman Capote and Alexandre Dumas for some adventure. To represent the female perspective and to keep the gentleman in line, Jane Austen and Bronte.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I used to own a 1963 Smurf blue Chevy Nova that was in a Seven-Up commercial.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
Every year in December, a two mile section of Van Ness Avenue in Fresno is completely transformed for an event called "Christmas Tree Lane.” Over a 140 homes and 30 trees get decorated with millions of lights and other random decorations. I live close by and I absolutely love it. It started in 1920 and is the longest running holiday events nationwide.

L. Marie Horton is an attorney practicing law in Fresno, California. After completing her degrees, she gave the left side of her brain a rest and became devoted to writing fiction. L. Marie is also a photographer, avid speed-reader, and an obsessive fan of movie soundtracks. She has a supportive husband and two fur children, Scottie a.k.a. Daba D and Gunnar a.k.a. da Gun Gun’s.
L. Marie writes YA paranormal romance and fantasy fiction focusing on strong characters trying to overcome extraordinary obstacles in their life. Writing is an extreme passion of hers and she relishes in sharing that passion with her readers.
www.lmariehortonauthor.com | http://twitter.com/Lmariehorton | facebook.com/pages/L-Marie-Horton-author/253104321459881

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Orenda by Ruth Silver

27.4.14

ORENDA by Ruth Silver
a Young Adult Fantasy Adventure series
published by Patchwork Press
  Orenda 
Join forces with a parallel universe. Dark forces, magical creatures, and the world Lil thought she knew collide when a dream transports her to the strange world of Orenda. Stunned and terrified, Lil comes face to face with her doppelganger, Willow, who possesses the ability to travel between the two worlds. Everything Lil knows logically says that Orenda can't exist, but a small clue may be proof that it was more than an ordinary dream. With the threat of her younger sister in danger, Lil crosses dimensions but it may cost her even more than she bargained for. A sword wielding girl, the eternal suit, and a parallel universe come together in this action-packed Young Adult fantasy adventure that will keep readers of all ages turning the pages. Orenda is the first novel in the Orenda series.
Excerpt
Lil stood firm, sword-in-hand, staring at the beast as it flew directly at her. “How do I kill it?” She raised the sword above her head with two hands. Hudson glanced at her. “With what we taught you. The dragon is no different than a man.” “It has wings and is flying at me. I’d say it’s different!”  

About the Author
Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of ABERRANT, a young adult dystopian adventure series published by Patchwork Press and Lazy Day Publishing, in 2013. Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required, because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories. Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. Upcoming works include Royal Reaper, a young adult series about grim reapers, due for release  June 3rd, 2014. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads
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The Hunters and the Queen by Virginia Vayna

27.4.14

The Hunters and the Queen by Virginia Vayna
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance; Urban Fantasy
Published March 20th, 2013
Published by Smashwords Edition

How do families become members of the aristocracy? Does the universe choose them? Have you ever wondered what happened to Constantinople? The Hunters and the Queen is a work of fiction in the young adult, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance genres. The story blends elements of romance, darkness, history, fantasy, aristocracy, and reincarnation.
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Book Excerpt:

The Dream
A deep sleep washed over Jolán. She was in such a slumber that she didn’t hear Crispus return home. Jolán didn’t hear the conversations held by her brother, mother, and father; and she didn’t hear them turn in for the night. The dream world had a hold of Jolán, and it wouldn’t let her go.
As she dreamed, Jolán saw images of extreme beauty; then, she witnessed pictures of extreme darkness. The darkness was so strong that Jolán began to sweat and turn while she slept in her bed. Her sweat drenched the back of her neck and dampened her hair. Jolán dreamed of beautiful winged men dancing around water fountains while doing arabesques and throwing red, pink, white, and deep blue rose petals into the fountains of rushing clear water. In her dream, Jolán walked over to the fountain, and she picked up a dark blue rose petal and held it in her hand. She watched the winged performers dance around the fountains splashing petals wherever they danced. The sun cast a sunbeam on to her cheeks. She felt a warm breeze blow all around her, and she enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her face. While Jolán held the rose petal in her hand, she smelled the petal and she loved the clean and lightly perfumed aroma it held. As she closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment, a rather short and round-figured man approached her by the fountain. The man had a pleasant face with a short and neatly trimmed moustache. He scooped up water in his palm, and the water turned a brilliant shade of purple. As Jolán stared at the water in his hand, she watched as the water turned black, and then turned to red, and then to yellow, and then finally the water turned back to a beautiful shade of purple. As the man had his eyes locked on Jolán, he studied her beauty, and he examined her curiosity.
When Jolán looked up and met the man’s eyes she asked, “How did you do that?”
The man didn’t say anything, but instead he reached behind Jolán’s left ear, and he pulled out a long willow branch with a beautiful white dove perched on its limb.
Jolán let out a vibrant laugh and said, “Oh, My! You’re a magician!”
The man slightly shook his head, indicating that he was not a magician. Jolán looked at the white dove, and she reached out to pet the bird’s head. The bird allowed Jolán to pet its head, and then the bird started to coo in a subtle manner. Jolán thought she had never pet a bird on its head before.
As the man allowed Jolán to continue petting the bird, he looked at her and said, “I am Voipele. I am the spirit of the forest. The Sky World created me to watch over all of the living creatures that dwell within the boundaries of the woods, but I am having a hard time protecting them right now.”
Jolán thought to herself “Wow, this is an awesome dream,” but she didn’t say anything to Voipele. Instead, Jolán continued to pet the dove.
Voipele continued to say, “The sky world created you too, Jolán. We have the responsibility of protecting the elements and the good spirits on Earth.”
Jolán nonchalantly replied, “I have a hard enough time with my own responsibilities, Voipele. I don’t think a sky world would have much use for me.”
Jolán turned inward towards Voipele, and she thanked him for allowing her to pet his bird. She then walked away.
As Jolán walked by the water fountains, she started to see the fountain water turn brown, and then she watched the water turn to black. The dancing winged performers began to slow down, and then freeze in motion. Once the performers were completely frozen, they solidified into a concrete like substance. The once colorful rose petals were now all gray and dry, and they lacked color and vibrancy.
Jolán heard her brother’s voice in the distance, so she immediately began running towards his sound. As she ran, she felt her heart beat; and she heard screams and voices calling her name. Jolán ran faster to get to her brother, but she couldn’t see him, and she couldn’t hear him anymore. All Jolán could hear were the sounds of pain, and the sounds of awful screams.

Virginia Vayna was born in Dayton, Ohio. During 1999, she moved to Long Beach, California, where she lived on a sailboat for three-years. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and she is completing a Master of Social Science. She has worked as a policy researcher, a legal writer, and she currently works as a freelance copywriter. Virginia enjoys writing historical fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, mystery, and YA. The Hunters and the Queen is the first book in her Element series.
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The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller by L.B. Simmons

25.4.14

The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller
By: L.B. Simmons
Releasing April 25th, 2014

****NA Contemporary Romance******
Death.
For some, it’s simply one of life’s certainties, nothing more. For others, it’s merely a fleeting thought, one often overshadowed by the reckless delusion that they have been blessed with the gift of immortality.
For Aubrey Miller, death is the definition of her very existence. Overcome with the guilt resulting from the loss of her beloved family, she alters her appearance from the once beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl to that of one shrouded in complete darkness, enveloping herself in her own unbreakable fortress of solitude as a form of protection for others.
As she enters her first year of college, her goal is simple: Earn a degree with the least amount of social interaction as possible. What she never anticipates is the formation of very unlikely relationships with two people who will change her life in ways she never believed possible: Quinn Matthews, the boisterous former pageant queen, and Kaeleb McMadden, a childhood friend from her past who never really let her go.
Over the years, as their connections intertwine and grow, a seemingly indestructible bond is formed between the three…
But when death painfully reemerges, Aubrey is lost once again, burying herself deeper than ever before inside the familiar fortification of her fears.
Will the refuge of friendship, the solidarity of life-long bonds, and the power of unconditional love be enough to do the impossible?
Will they be enough to finally bring about…
The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller?

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L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.
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Excerpt
The memory escapes slowly from its confinement, almost cautiously, before finally freeing itself, rushing my mind so quickly I physically wince in response. The pain it will yield is inevitable and I’m defenseless against it as it begins to replay in my mind:
“I don’t want to go, Kaeleb. I’m scared.” I wipe the endless streams of tears from my cheeks as I search desperately for the relief of comfort from his glistening eyes. But there’s nothing that can help me now. Cold darkness threatens to swallow me as I’m pulled under and barely breathing. I’m dying. Just like my family.
“Bree,” he responds, quickly removing the salty trails of sorrow from his own face. “You have to go. You – ”
“I know. I have no one here.” I sigh. “They’re all…gone.”
Kaeleb nods ever so slightly before pulling me into his arms. Only eight years old, same age as me, yet his hold feels so strong, so secure. I know he doesn’t want to let me go, and as the pretty lady with the rose perfume comes to break us apart, the need for us to grasp onto each other becomes more frantic. She calls for help and as they pry us apart, the tears continue to roll down our cheeks with the knowledge that this will be our last moment together. We hold as tightly as we can, but are eventually broken apart, our fingers the last to let go as we reach for each other.
“I love you, Kaeleb,” I whisper to myself as they gently guide me into the back seat of an unknown car. Before they close me in I scream as loudly as I can. “You’re my best friend!”
His eyes meet mine as they shut the door between us. With purpose, he stalks to the car and just as they start the engine, he places his palm flat on the window with his fingers spread as far as they will go. Slamming my hand against the cool glass, I mirror his gesture, knowing this will be the last time I will ever be in the presence of my friend. My best friend.
As we drive away, I watch out the back window as he runs down the street as long as his weary legs can carry him. They eventually buckle underneath him and his knees hit the ground, unable to keep up any longer.
Throwing my hand against the back window, the car turns the corner and I lose sight of him. Not until he’s gone do I allow myself to surrender to the darkness. I no longer fight for the need to breathe as I let go. Stepping out of myself, I watch the pretty, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl slowly dying as she sinks, spiraling lower and lower, until finally disappearing into the bottomless pit that consumes her.
“Hell-ooooo!” Quinn’s voice filters slowly through the searing pain of my memory, bringing me back into the present where I’m still standing on my bed and the damn poster is still swinging from side-to-side behind me. But now, instead of the sound barely registering, it’s grating against my eardrums like nails on a chalkboard.

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Still at Your Door by Emma Eden Ramos

24.4.14

Still at Your Door: A Fictional Memoir by Emma Eden Ramos
Genre: YA/Contemporary
Publisher: Writers AMuse Me Publishing
Published: February 22nd, 2014

YA — Sabrina “Bri” Gibbons has only a few short minutes to pack her things and help her sisters pack theirs before running with their mother to the bus that will whisk them away from Butler, Pennsylvania, an abusive relationship, and a secret that none of them wish to acknowledge. She was not prepared, though, for her mother to drop them on the streets of New York with the promise that she would be right back. Haunted by the sight of her mother running back to the cab, Bri, with Missy and Grace in tow, settles in with their grandparents. Thoughts of her present and her future collide with memories of her past, her dead father, and her mother’s bizarre episodes. She watches her sisters struggle with school and acceptance, all the while knowing the lack of any sense of security will make it impossible for them to carry on as ‘normal’ children. She finally lets her guard down enough to allow someone else in and sees a faint glimmer that her dreams might be attainable. Disaster strikes again, this time targeting her sister. Is it possible for Bri to find that balance between her dreams and her family’s realities?
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Author interview

Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Still, At Your Door: A Fictional Memoir is the story of seventeen-year-old Sabrina Gibbons. Sabrina, along with her two sisters, is dropped off in New York City. The three girls move in with their Hungarian grandparents and struggle to find, then cling to what's most important

If it was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
Sheila, my main character's mother, would be played by Penelope Cruz. I'd cast Camilla Belle as Sabrina, my protagonist.

Why do you write in this genre?
I don't always confine myself to one genre. My last two books, however, have been YA. I suppose I am most comfortable using that voice.

What made you want to become an author?
I had a teacher in my first year of high school assign Edith Wharton's Summer. After reading and discussing the novella, we were asked to each write a poem about the story. I knew, seconds after finishing, that I wanted to write. Always.

Name one of your all-time favourite books?
Jane Eyre.

Who, or what, inspires you?
A deep desire to connect with others.

Where is your favourite place to write?
I always write on the floor with my back propped against my bed. In the summer I'll write on a bench in Central Park.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
The House of Sand and Fog.

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
I always find this question difficult to answer. I do love all three of the Bronte sisters. I highly recommend Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. It's not nearly as popular at Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, but it is certainly as stunning.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
I'd invite Gertrude Stein and Emily Dickinson. Supposing they came, I'd listen to them discuss writing poetry then, once an argument began, I'd call in Robert Lowell for the exact opposite of damage control. This would be a bit like something out of an Edward Albee play.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I cannot drive a car. This tends to shock people who live outside of New York City.

Who would play you in the movie about your life?
Photo credit: yotambientengosuperpoderes via photopin cc
Hmm...Ellen Page.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
Columbia University is practically in my backyard. Knowledge creeps through the windows when we're sleeping.

Emma Eden Ramos is a writer and student from New York City. Her middle grade novella, The Realm of the Lost, was recently published by MuseItUp Publishing. Her short stories have appeared in Stories for Children Magazine, The Storyteller Tymes, BlazeVOX Journal, and other journals. Ramos’ novelette, Where the Children Play, is included in Resilience: Stories, Poems, Essays, Words for LGBT Teens, edited by Eric Nguyen. Three Women: A Poetic Triptych and Selected Poems (Heavy Hands Ink, 2011), Ramos’ first poetry chapbook, was shortlisted for the 2011 Independent Literary Award in Poetry. Emma studies psychology at Marymount Manhattan College. When she isn’t writing or studying, Emma can usually be found drinking green tea and reading on her kindle.
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Excerpt:
They are broken into sections. You may use what you would like.
Jagged
I hold tight to my memories of the solid years. Each one is a crystal vase filled to the brim with brightly colored petals. Summer, ‘99: Missy is five, I’m six. We’re vacationing at Virginia Beach with Mom and Dad. Mom wears a black one-piece, a white sun hat and no sunscreen. Her lanky, bronzed legs shimmer under the fiery rays, but it’s all well and good. “Gypsy skin,” she explains, lathering up my little sister. “You and I have it.” She winks at me. “Missy here’s more like Daddy.” In front of us, Dad talks to a blonde boy with a surfboard. He turns to us and beckons. I jump to my feet, eager to hit the waves. “Sabrina.” Mom presses her leathery palms against my cheeks. “Bri-bear.” She kisses my nose. “Go on.” I grab Missy’s hand and we scamper toward the giant salt pond, ready for Dad to scoop us up and wade us through.
Another summer, many years later, Missy and I come across what looks like a secret stash of sea glass. We collect the emerald green fragments just as a mother-sized wave unfurls to scoop them back up. The edges have been smoothed over, calmed. I slide my index finger across one side of the largest piece. Missy stands next to me, peering out toward the horizon. I turn to her, the glass held tightly in my fist. Before I can begin, she says, “Water life is easier.”
“Huh?” I stare down at the rushing waves. A thick clump of seaweed tickles my ankle.
Missy seizes a shard from her stash and flings it. The water swallows the glass whole. There’s no resistance on either side. “It wasn’t ready.” She shakes her head.
“What does that mean?” I ask. “How is water life easier?”
“I don’t know. I guess… you go in jagged. You’re jagged when you go in but smooth when you come out.”
Trying to understand, I scrutinize my sister’s profile. I recognize our mother in her pronounced cheekbones, her long black lashes.
“But not us.” Missy speaks to the open water. I just happen to be standing by. “We come in soft, without edges. Those come later.”
“You mean we get jagged with age?”
“Yes.” Missy’s eyes grow big. She cocks her head to one side, then turns to meet my gaze. “That’s what happens to us.”

Five Out of the Pit by Holli Anderson

23.4.14

Five Out of the Pit by Holli Anderson
(Five #2)
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: March 31st 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

The Five find their way to Moab, Utah where, before they’re even settled in, evil finds them.
As Paige fights to keep from succumbing to the pull of an Incubus that has her marked as his next conquest, Johnathan seeks to find a way to rid her of a curse she willingly accepted in order to save him.
A surprising revelation initiates a long-awaited, yet unexpected, reunion for Alec who discovers a new magical talent he possesses.
The FIVE, along with their mentor, Joe, must figure out what was meant by the last words of a Demon as it was sent back to the Netherworld—a promise of Gathering darkness—and stop the evil before it’s unleashed on the small town of Moab. And, the world.
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Excerpt
I was dreaming—some disjointed, nonsensical nightmare—when I felt a heavy pressure on my chest; like someone was sitting on me. I worked to breathe as it became a little harder to push air in and out of my lungs. The feelings of anxiety and doom returned ten-fold and my eyes flew open. Of course all I saw was darkness. An immense black hole where there used to be light.
With a rush of adrenaline I raised my hands to push at whatever was on my chest. I twisted my hips, trying to turn to my side. Something gripped my wrists and forced my hands to the ground beside my head. I felt the weight shift down and legs like a wrestler’s wrap around my knees, pinning me in place with the strength of a bear. A scream froze in my throat. No sound could escape through the icicles of my vocal cords.
A mouth pressed against my ear. The breath unnaturally hot as an unfamiliar man’s voice whispered, “Shhh, Paige. Everything’s fine. You want this. You want me. You’ll never want anything more than what I’m going to give you right now. Just relax and enjoy.” His voice flowed like melted chocolate—smooth, sweet, and addicting.
The most terrifying thing about the words he breathed into my ear was—I believed them. The fear that wrapped around my heart like the tentacles of an octopus just slithered away—replaced by desire as his lips closed over mine, hot and moist. I kissed him back with great intensity. My mind became fuzzy and thoughts were slow to form.

Holli Anderson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing—which has nothing to do with writing, except maybe by adding some pretty descriptive injury and vomit scenes to her books. She discovered her joy of writing during a very trying period in her life when escaping into make-believe saved her. She enjoys reading any book she gets her hands on, but has a particular love for anything fantasy.
Along with her husband, Steve, and their four sons, she lives in Grantsville, Utah—the same small town in which she grew up.
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Life in the Palace by Catherine Green

21.4.14

Life in the Palace
Life in the Palace by Catherine Green
 “We need to talk,” Tal said. Then I knew it was going to go badly. ‘We need to talk’ is the conversational equivalent of walking into your basement without turning on the light, on a dark and stormy night, when a known psychopath is on the loose. You might as well cut to the chase and slit your own throat. Chloe Diaz assumed three things: that when Tal said that she was one of The People sent from heaven to maintain the cosmic balance, it was code for ‘I’m a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo;’ that the gorgeous Seth Wilks would never be her soul mate and that she’d never have to choose between them. Chloe was wrong. Now the future of the world is in her hands, but what if price is too great to pay?
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This is a brief description of the plot:
 After a lifetime in the shadow of her sister, Chloe is severely phobic of the chronically cool. Seth is everything she avoids; a pre-med philosophy major who works in a bar, plays in a band and is so good looking that grown women stare at him in the street. But it’s hard to say no to your soul mate. Thinking she’s maxed out her supply of destiny, Chloe settles down to enjoy the happily-ever-after.   Tal says that she’s one of The People sent from heaven to maintain the cosmic balance. Chloe assumes this is code for ‘I’m a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo.’ Actually Tal’s main extracurricular activity is fighting the forces of Oblivion. The People never need to hide what they are because no one ever believes them. Until Chloe does.   Chloe sets out to help Tal and The People as much as she can as an outsider. Seth says as long as no one wears their underpants on the outside Chloe can do what she likes. What he doesn’t say is that he’s also one of The People, although non-practicing. But as the Final Battle draws nearer, Chloe realizes it’s time for Seth to go collect his regulation sword. The only thing standing in his way is her. Seth says he’ll give up his place in heaven to stay with her. Chloe must choose between Seth’s soul and her own happiness.
   
Praise for Life in the Palace
An interesting take on the paranormal romance genre. …..While other books in the genre have unrealistic buy in to the acceptance of someone from the outside entering a "new world" Life in the Palace handled it from both the main character looking in and the dwellers of the Palace looking out at this person trying to enter their world. …….I am so happy to hear that there are more books in the series! – Yonit on Goodreads 
I loved this world that Catherine Green created. I happily lost myself in the life & deep love between Chloe & Seth …..I loved the attention to detail, the fleshing out of the world around them, the obvious growth of all the characters... Even the heartbreaking choices made at the end. Book two I cannot wait to read! – Ebon Darkmyth on Smashwords 
Loved it, great story line, fun characters and after reading it and thinking deeply about the duality of our lives, it made my prayers come alive! – Rebecca Wittenstein on Amazon.com This book introduces you to a whole host of characters that you want to meet in real life. ….The action keeps you reading, while the budding love between Seth and Chloe makes you breathless. A great read. – Cypora Cohen on Amazon.co.uk

Author Catherine Green Catherine Green writes fantasy books featuring religious characters in a brazen attempt to make the people in faith communities seem less weird. She lives with her husband, children and three marginally neglected goldfish. When she's not writing, or pretending to be one of her characters on Facebook, she has been known to cook dinner.



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I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl

19.4.14

This book is AMAZING so go grab a copy... NOW!! :D

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Genre: YA Romantic Suspense
Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.
Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.
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Teaser
ZACH... "This is different, you guys." I shook my head. "I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I'm attracted to her, but it's not just her looks. There's something about her. She's intriguing. It's like she's not all she appears to be or something." "You can tell that after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break." Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table. "I know I don't know her at all yet, but I can tell there's something more there." I rubbed my bottom lip. "She looks normal to me." AJ shrugged. "I think she's pretty. She looks sweet, but..." Liesl turned to spy her quickly. "AJ's right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?" "It's something about her eyes. There's a story in them. I can't even explain why I think that. I just feel like she's got a lot of layers and I want to peel back every single one of them." "I bet you do." Elliot raised his eyebrows. "Not like that." I threw him a droll look. "I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison." "Dude, there is no mystery." Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table. "Yes there is. I can feel it." "Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing." Jaeda's green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look. "I don't care." I shrugged, confident in the truth that I really didn't. "That girl over there has secrets and I'm gonna figure out what they are."
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About the Author
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them. "I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton

19.4.14

Shadow Fire Tour
Shadow fire
Shadow Fire
Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.
Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.
Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.
Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal
As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?
Each installment of The Light Chronicles is a standalone story.
Praise for Shadow Fire "This book contains monsters, magic, majestic creatures, and a evil guy that wants to destroy the world. If you love hot guys.....Zane is all that plus a few tricks up his sleeve. Just read it!" Venture ~Amazon Reviewer "Adventure, magical creatures, fun characters, and romance make this book a perfect read for all ages." James ~Amazon Reviewer "I thought the writing was strong; it had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next. The characters were engaging and the dialogue well-written." Lisa Temple ~ Goodreads "Oh, I truly loved this one! Shadow Fire, by Kimber Leigh Wheaton, is a snappy, sassy, sweet, all-that-kind-of-awesome-and-then-some YA read. I couldn't put it down." ~Sasha Hibbs ~ Amazon Reviewer
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Excerpt 
When we reach the deck, everyone stops to stare at me. Trying to ignore the blatant curiosity, I follow Hanna down the aft stairs to the brig. Zane and Taranis occupy cells across from each other. They're both sitting on the floor glaring daggers at each other. Hanna hands the key to me and slips away. Inching closer, I'm careful to remain out of reach of the two prisoners. As soon as they see me, both men jump up and start talking over each other. "Ashlyn! How are you feeling, Love?" Zane asks. "Ashlyn, my fiery angel, you are a ray of sunshine in this dank prison!" Taranis says. "I'm gonna let you both out, if, and only if, you promise to behave," I threaten. Both men nod their agreement. "That means no fighting. It also means we never, and I mean never, speak of what happened last night." When I get no argument, I free Zane first and then Taranis. "Do you even know what happened last night?" Zane asks, taking me into his arms. I stand rigid in his embrace, not sure if I'm ready to forgive him quite yet. "Only what Hanna told me," I snap at him. "I saved your virtue from this raving lunatic," Taranis says, pointing at Zane. "Then you decided to take it for yourself!" Zane yells back at him. "Did you not hear me?" I shout. Pulling myself from Zane's embrace, I back up and glare at both men. "No speaking of last night. Period. End of discussion." "Yes, Love," Zane replies. "Yes, virtuous virgin," Taranis replies. "Taranis!" I release a menacing growl, and wince when my right eye starts to tic. "Yes?" he asks, eyes full of mock innocence. "Run," Zane says. Taranis listens to Zane's advice and takes off up the stairs to the deck with me hot on his heels.     Kimber
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in The Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming soon.  
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 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/15/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Screaming Divas by Suzanne Kamata

18.4.14

I just knew I had to be a part of this book blast the moment I saw the title of the book. I mean, Screaming Divas? That's just awesome, right!? Anyway, let's get on with it so you can discover this brilliant-looking new novel by Suzanne Kamata...

Screaming Divas by Suzanne Kamata
Publication Date: May 18th, 2014
Publisher: Merit Press
Pages: 208
Genre: YA Contemporary

At sixteen, Trudy Baxter is tired of her debutante mom, her deadbeat dad, and her standing reservation at the juvenile detention center. Changing her name to Trudy Sin, she cranks up her major chops as a singer and starts a band, gathering around other girls ill at ease in their own lives. Cassie Haywood, would-have-been beauty queen, was scarred in an accident in which her alcoholic mom was killed. But she can still sing and play her guitar, even though she seeks way too much relief from the pain in her body and her heart through drugs, and way too much relief from loneliness through casual sex. Still, it’s Cassie who hears former child prodigy Harumi Yokoyama playing in a punk band at a party, and enlists her, outraging Harumi’s overbearing first-generation Japanese parents. The fourth member is Esther Shealy, who joins as a drummer in order to be close to Cassie–the long-time object of her unrequited love–and Harumi, her estranged childhood friend. Together, they are Screaming Divas, and they’re quickly swept up as a local sensation. Then, just as they are about to achieve their rock-girl dreams, a tragedy strikes.
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Back in the day, Suzanne Kamata spent a lot of time hanging out in a club in Columbia, South Carolina, much like the one in Screaming Divas. (The beat goes on . . .) She later wrote about musicians for The State newspaper, The Japan Times, and other publications. Now, she mostly writes novels. In her free time, she enjoys searching for the perfect fake fur leopard-print coat and listening to the Japanese all-girl band Chatmonchy. Her YA debut, Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible was named the 2013-2014 APALA YA Honor Book and Grand Prize Winner of the Paris Book Festival. For more info, visit http://www.suzannekamata.com or follow her on Twitter @shikokusue.

Excerpt
Trudy got her hands on a guitar. Actually, it was her father’s guitar, the one he’d played in his band. The instrument had a history of smoky bars, fields of wild flowers, park benches, Greyhound buses. It had been all over the place, probably even Dahomey.
She was going to ask to borrow it, but when she dropped by Jack’s apartment, he wasn’t home. Trudy decided to cart the guitar off anyhow. He never played it any more and besides, he might say no if she asked him to loan it to her. He didn’t trust her so much since all the trouble with Adam.
She’d practice and innovate and turn herself into a brilliant performer. And then she’d start a band. It would be the most exciting thing to hit the town since General Sherman. Yeah, these were good thoughts.
By day, she practiced. By night, she hung out at The Cave, playing records or slamming on the dance floor. During breaks, she looked for musicians in the Pink Room.
“Hey, Maddy. I’m starting a band. Wanna join up?”
Her roommate Madeline tossed a lock of black hair out of her eyes. “You must be out of your mind.”
Trudy shrugged. She asked Jeff, the David Bowie lookalike. She even asked Johnny Fad. People laughed, blew smoke in her face. Sometimes they just turned away as if they hadn’t heard her at all.
Why did everyone treat her proposition like some sort of joke? She was as serious as she’d ever been. The more she practiced, the more she knew that her dreams lay in music. She closed her eyes and saw herself on the stage, crooning into a mike while a huge crowd lit and lofted their Bics in tribute.
When people were drinking and dancing, they weren’t in the mood for serious talk. She had to find another way to put her band together.
Trudy made a flyer with scissors and magazines and Elmer’s glue. When she was finally satisfied with her work, she rode her housemate’s rickety bicycle to Kinko’s and made a hundred copies. Then she ran around Five Points with a staple gun and plastered them to every telephone pole in sight. When she was finished, she went back to the apartment, picked up her guitar, and waited for the phone to ring.
“Hey, what’s this?” Madeline barged into her room just after midnight, smelling of booze and smoke. She waved one of Trudy’s flyers in the air between them.
“I’m starting a band,” Trudy said. “I told you already.”
Madeline shrugged. “Yeah, whatever. I wish you hadn’t put our phone number down, though. We’ll get half a million calls from creeps.”
Trudy didn’t answer. Why was Madeline being such a bitch? She looked really cool with her tattooed shoulder and asymmetrical haircut, but sometimes she could be totally square.
“I’ll get my dad to buy us an answering machine,” Trudy said. “That way we can screen calls.”
Madeline nodded, seemingly consoled, and wandered off to her room.
Trudy giggled softly. Jack would never fork out cash for something like that, but the lie had worked.
The first call came at noon the next day.
“Hey, I’m calling about the band,” a gravelly voice said.
“What do you play?”
“Bass, drums, whatever. I’m versatile. Hey, wait. You sound really familiar. What’s your name?”
“Trudy Sin.”
“Hey, I know you. You’re that firestarter.” The line went dead.
Later, Southern Bell called about an overdue phone bill. The manager at Yesterday’s, where Madeline waited tables, called asking Madeline to report to work early. Someone dialed a wrong number.
Where were all the budding musicians, the soulmates in tune with her dreams? Trudy set aside her guitar and put on some music. She threw herself on the bed and let Patti Smith comfort her.
How was she ever going to start a band?
Maybe she could go solo – set up a drum machine and play the guitar herself. She wracked her brains trying to come up with someone who’d gotten famous without back-up. Her mind went blank.
Two nights later, when she came home from a trip to the Quick Mart down the street, Madeline greeted her with, “You got a phone call. Someone wants to join your band.”
“Great. Who?” She pictured a pale, black-haired guy in leather, a guitar strapped across his hard-muscled body.
“I dunno. She said she’d call back.”
She? Well, okay. This could be good. A girl group. Yeah, that’s the ticket. They’d be like the Supremes with instruments. The Gogo’s with attitude. It would be a good gimmick, something to get them started while they developed as a band.

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