Cover Reveal - Uncovering Officer Smith

Uncovering Officer Smith
Sheena Hutchinson
Publication date: May 1st 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance

John Smith has been hurt before by a mysterious blonde that tumbles out of his cop car. Since she stomped on his heart, he’s made sure he’ll never feel that way again. He has developed two rules: Never more than one night and never a blonde.
The nerdy and conservative Becca Swanson has a plan for her life: college, law school, and rule the world. Nothing and no one will get in her way. That is, until she wakes up in a stranger’s bedroom with no recollection of the night before.
This one tumultuous night caused these two to cross paths. Becca is everything John told himself he didn’t need. Smart, sexy, and — blonde. When she becomes the victim of one of his cases he finally can’t deny the connection anymore. Worst of all, he’s beginning to fall harder than ever before.
It throws his rules and her plans out the window. Could it have been fate? Or will it become the biggest mistake either of them has ever made?

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:
Sheena is a born and raised New Yorker, even her writing can't seem to hide her hard sarcasm. She claims destiny has lead her back to her true passion for writing.
She constantly strives to be a positive role model and writes stories that empower and inspire. Sheena always roots for the underdog, believes in love at first sight, and that everyone should have their happily ever after.
While God is currently still writing her love story, she continues to put all her effort into her writing as she is constantly getting new inspiration.
For more info, updates, and fun facts visit her website at www.SheenaHutchinson.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Hell School: Fresh Meat - Blog Tour - Character Spotlight: Wes Johnson

Happy Thursday, everyone! I have an awesome blog tour stop for you all today. Get comfy, get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going!

Character Spotlight: Wes Johnson

Book: Hell School: Fresh Meat

Age: 18 years old
Wes is the captain of the football team, and every girl’s dream crush, but he just wants to be a regular guy. Despite his popularity, he is a shy guy, but as the oldest child feels the need to step up and fulfill the role expected of him. His popularity makes him uncomfortable, and he likes that Sam doesn’t treat him like an object, but like a regular person.

Who I see playing Wes? I searched and searched for a modern day teen to play Wes, but from the beginning I saw him as Michael Schoeffling and despite my hours of research, I just couldn’t find a better modern actor so since this is just for our entertainment, I stand by my choice!

Now, some information about the book Wes is in:

Author: Heidi Angell
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Length (print): 224 pages
Buy Links: Amazon $4.99  ~   Smashwords $4.99

Blurb:
High school is hard, especially when you're a freshman in a new town, surrounded by people you don't understand and who don't understand you. Sam was overwhelmed just trying to fit in. Then she is singled out with the first letter.

While some girls envy the “romantics” of this unknown admirer, Sam can tell something isn't right. Sam wanted to just blend in, but someone's eye is fixated on her. As the letters and bad poetry continue, so does the nagging in Sam's stomach telling her this is not normal.

When things escalate from strange to creepy, Sam's world becomes a nightmare. Twisted admiration is stalking her around every corner in the high school from hell…

Join the Geek Street Squad to help promote the book!

Heidi Angell is a bibliophile, lexicomaniac and wordsmith! She is the author of The Hunters Series, The Clear Angel Chronicles, and The Hell School Series. She also created Royal Prince Vince, and Creative Exercises to Inspire.

When she is not reading and writing, she can be found spending quality time with her lovely family camping, hiking, swimming, or watching movies. Learn more about her and her books at HeidiAngell.com

Heidi's social media links:
Facebook
@HeidiAngell
Heidi’s Blog
Google +
Pinterest
Linkedin
YouTube

Join the Thunderclap campaign to promote the book tour automatically to your fans: Share with your fans and ask them to join as well. We need 100 supporters to get the message sent out on the day of the tour starting.

Hell School: Fresh Meat Tour - Schedule

February 21st- March 31st

February 21st – Heidi Angell’s Blog, tour announcement.
February 22nd – Book review by Amanda Lim on MyBooksOpinion
February 23rd – Character Spotlight for Clint Glover
February 24th – Sample Chapter on figment
February 26th – Poetry on stalking
February 27th – Hell School: Fresh Meat Facebook Party
February 28th – Ama Bemma interview
February 29th – Book review by Justin Schiavone on Jersey Guys Can Read
March 2nd – Top 3 interview with Kai Strand on Strands of Thought
March 3rd – Character Spotlight of Sam Havre and book review by Kala Hammer Reading Like A Fool
March 6th – Guest post on Stalking with Mary Okeke
March 7th – 1st in a four part interview series with Nancy Christie, one on one
March 7th – Guest post on Stalking for Abiola Olatunde’s Biola-epesus
March 8th – Top Ten on Krystal Larson’s Live to Read
March 10th – Wes Johnson Spotlight on Jo Michaels Blog (You're there now)
March 14th – Nancy Christie second interview
March 15th – Character Spotlight for Mike Wells Reviews by Page Turners
March 16th – Character Spotlight for Jill on I Heart Reading
March 18th – Author interview on Jersey Guys Can Read
March 21st – Nancy Christie part 3
March 22nd – Book review by Shelea at That Bookshelf Bitch
March 23rd – Book review on 5 Girls Book reviews
March 24th – Author interview with Courtney Wendleton on Books and More
March 28th – Last of Nancy Christie's 4 part series 

There will be a live panel toward the end of March with several YA authors talking about writing. Stay tuned for more information. 

For information on live events, check in often at Heidi Angell’s website.

What do you think? If you have questions or comments for Heidi, drop them down below. She'll be by to chat you up!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

New Release - The Ex Trials - Plus, a Gift Card Giveaway!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today, I have some awesome news about a new release for you all. Plus, there's a giveaway for either a B&N or Amazon gift card going on at the bottom of the post. Ready? Get your clicking fingers ready and let's get going!

Information about the book:

Title: The Ex Trials (Falling for Autumn Book 3)
Author: Heather Topham Wood
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Length (print): 184 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $2.99

Blurb:
One dream vacation in paradise.
One co-ed bachelor and bachelorette party.
One week marooned with my ex.

Six months ago, Casey Silvers ended her scorching romance with sexy rocker Cole Caldwell. None of her friends know the true reason behind her sudden change of heart. Despite her claim of their chemistry fizzling out, her feelings for Cole had never gone away.

After receiving the invitation to her best friend’s co-ed bachelor and bachelorette getaway, Casey knows she must once again face Cole. For one week, she’ll be forced to party alongside the man who has come to despise her. The tropical cruise is meant to be a trip to paradise, but Casey is certain it will turn out to be a vacation from hell.

But as the ship leaves port, past secrets are revealed—secrets that could change the fate of Casey’s romance with Cole. With forces keeping them together, Cole and Casey soon discover that the passion between them has yet to extinguish.

***Standalone New Adult Romance-Ages 17+ Due to Strong Language and Sexual Situations***

If you all remember, I wrote a review for Finding Autumn on the blog here. Such an excellent book (as everything I've read by Heather has been)!

Now that you know about it, enter to win some cash to help you buy it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Good luck!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Giveaway of the Mystic Series

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I'm giving you links for a giveaway running over on Facebook. A huge shout out to Reading for Fun! Go give the page a like if you love books. She's always sharing the latest and greatest. Ready? Get your entry fingers ready and let's get going!

First up, a printed, signed copy of Bronya: Mystic book 1 (US only on this one).

Enter here.

Here's information about the book:

Genre: New Adult Paranormal
Length (print): 108 pages

Paperback $8.99
Kindle FREE
Paperback - DRD Edition $5.99
Smashwords FREE

Blurb:
This is book one of the Mystic series. A set of New Adult Paranormal novellas that speak out against issues faced in the world today, showing how strong women can overcome anything.

Bronya Thibodeaux is a senior at Houma High School whose life is about to be changed forever. She's always felt like an outcast, but thinks she may have found a friend when a strange, new girl named Markaza who has blue hair, a number of tattoos, and a strange way of dressing appears.

Bronya's life choices make her a pariah in her small town. After getting thrown out of school, not being able to find a job, and being subjected to ridicule and cruel treatment, Bronya chooses to leave her old life behind forever when she receives a compelling invitation from a mysterious company named WSTW.

What Bronya doesn't know, is the mysterious company is owned by Markaza; a mystic who knows the end of the world is coming and is gathering together the only people who can stop the evil that's threatening to take over. Bronya is just the first. But going to New York is only a baby step toward her true journey. As Bronya races against the clock to unlock a power she never knew she had, Markaza races to collect the others: Lily, Shelia, Melody, and Coralie.

Next up, a giveaway for an e-copy of the Mystic boxed set (International)!

Enter here!

How amazing is that? Tina, the owner of the page, and I met at Utopia, where she bought the first five Mystic books. As she read them, she messaged me her feels. I was blown away by her love for my young women. Now, she wants more of the series (good thing there's a spinoff in the works, huh?). She's such an awesome lady! Please, please, go show her page some love!

Did you enter?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Review - Refuge

Happy Wednesday! You all know what Wednesday means, right? Yup, you got it, a book review. This will go into the 2015 Time for Books Review Team's pool, making our count to date 323! Want to join in the fun? You still can! Grab the badge, decide on a commitment level, create a post on your book blog saying you're joining, add your name and link to the linky thing here, and get to reading! That's it. Every time you read a book and review it, come on back and put your review in the list. Easy peasy!

This title is from my TBR created during the 12 Days of Review Requests event here on the blog. As a quick reminder, here's where I am in the process:
The Release Club 1 - Misty Provencher - Review HERE
Dry Stories - Kate Baggot - Review HERE
Fragile Creatures - Kristina Circelli - Review HERE
8 Weeks - Bethany Lopez - Review HERE
Moonlight - David Rose - Review HERE
Refuge - Violet Haze - Review Below

Currently reading: From the Wreckage - Michelle G. Miller - Amazon Kindle FREE

Bound by Duty - Stormy Smith - Amazon Kindle $2.99
Shadows on Snow (A Flipped Fairy Tale) - Starla Hutchon - Amazon Kindle $2.99
The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge - Christine Nolfi - Amazon Kindle $0.99
Facade: A Vampire Love Story - R. M. Webb - Amazon Kindle $0.99
Siren - Jennifer Melzer - Amazon Kindle (Pre-order) $3.99 Grab a sample on Drive!
Queen of Someday - Sherry Ficklin - Amazon Kindle $5.99
At One's Beast - Rachel Barnard - Amazon Kindle $2.99
Unseen - Stephanie Erickson - Amazon Kindle $2.99
The Heart Thief - S. Lee Benedict - Amazon Kindle $4.99
Kindling Flames-Gathering Tinder - Julie Wetzel - Amazon Kindle FREE
Kinetic: Book One of the Kinetic Trilogy - C. M. Zimmer - Amazon Kindle $2.99
Destiny Finds Her - Miranda Lynn - Amazon Kindle $2.99
To Get Me to You - Kait Nolan - Amazon Kindle $2.99
The Lady of Souls - Jenn Gott - Amazon Kindle $4.99
Sticks and Stones - Shawn McGuire - Amazon Kindle $0.99
Good Luck With That Thing You're Doing: One Woman's Adventures in Dating, Plumbing and Other Full Contact Sports - Karen Yankosky - Amazon Kindle $2.99
Desprite Measures-The Caledonian Sprite - Deborah Jay - Amazon Kindle $2.99
The Last Guardian Rises - Rebecca Trogner - Amazon Kindle $0.99 

Here's a little about the book:

Title: Refuge (Evie #1)
Author: Violet Haze
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Length (print): 112 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $2.99

Blurb:
Zee has no idea who she is, or how she ended up in the psych ward of a hospital three months ago. Living a rather blissful life of quiet time, three meals a day, and therapy involving two doctors — one of which has a sexy voice and nice hands — Zee isn’t ready to cope with her truth.

As her memory returns, Zee discovers exactly who she is and what happened, and reality catches up with her in a way she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to deal with.

Ultimately, Zee makes choices which lead her and the one person closest to her down new paths neither of them could’ve seen coming.


Ready for the review? So am I! Let's get to it:

I grabbed a sample of Refuge when the author pitched it to me during my 12 Days of Review Requests event on my blog. Mental illness? Yes, please! I'm familiar with Haze's writing from her other name, C. S. Janey, so I figured I'd enjoy it. Well, I was intrigued enough by the end of the sample to snag a copy and add it to my TBR for 2015. Okay, enough about how I came to own the book, let's get to the good stuff.

From a Reader's Perspective:
This was a quick, short read that packed a lot of punch. I enjoyed the author's storytelling. There were moments when I wondered what the heck was going on, only to have a chapter that took me back in time to show me. While short stories usually don't give you much of a feel for the main character, I felt like I got a good handle on the main character, Zee. Much of her life is completely identifiable, and her reasoning in the end was on par with what someone in her situation might do. Flow/pacing was great, and the plot was a most excellent one. Completely tore at my heartstrings. I wanted more, but the end of this novelette says there's a book two, so I'm okay and not okay with the way it left me hanging.

From an Editor's Perspective:
I found a number of misplaced commas, but they were only slightly bothersome. While I'll have to detract half a star, because it's such a short work and I expect fewer mistakes, it's nothing to worry over. There's plenty of structure variation to keep you interested.

Rating:
1 Star for plot and engagement of my emotions
1 Star for character development
1 Star for twisting and turning in a most excellent manner
.5 Stars for the ending (me being sort of okay)
-.5 Stars for the ending (me wanting more but being sad)
.5 Stars for construct and variation of sentences
-.5 Stars for comma usage
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars. Recommended if you're looking for a short read with an excellent plot and good character development.

Have you read it? Plan to?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Review - Lex Talionis

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today, I'm back with a book review. I also read Cinder over the last month, and I'll be writing a review for that one next week. This one and the other will go in the 2015 Review Team pool. Wow, those ladies and gentlemen are doing a ton of reading 292 reviews? Wow. Check out the reviews here. As always, I'll start with information about the book and go from there. Ready? Let's gooooo!

Title: Lex Talionis
Author: S. A. Huchton
Genre: New Adult Thriller/Suspense
Length (print): 308 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $2.99  ~  Paperback $11.99

Blurb:
Alexandria Ross was only sure about one thing: her best friend Miranda. So when the seemingly random act of violence that steals Randi's life is revealed as cold-blooded murder, Andria doesn't get mad...

She gets even.

Driven with purpose, she changes the course of her life to set the scales of justice back in balance. Psychological warfare is her specialty, and the secrets of her enemies are her weapons.

The players take their positions on the board…

But little do they know that the game is rigged.

Alexandria controls every move.

Lex Talionis: let the punishment fit the crime.

Now that you know all about it, let's move on to the review.

***Will not appear in review elsewhere. What really got me interested in this book from day one was the cover. Then, when I read the tag line, I was hooked. I didn't even need a blurb at that point. I was totally sold. Props to the author.***

Now, I snagged a copy of Lex Talionis on Amazon, but I also picked up a copy of the paperback when I happened to be at the same book conference as Ms. Huchton. It was the bound and glued version I consumed in a day. That's right, it captivated me so hard I just couldn't put it down. But you're probably reading this review to learn what was good, bad, and ugly. Let's get to that.

From a Reader's Perspective:

I'd love to have a totally amazing friend like Lexi. She's fierce but loyal, and believes a woman deserves more and can do anything she puts her mind to if she uses the resources bestowed by nature. I loved her resolve to right wrongs. There were no holds barred. Yes. This is the thing all women should embrace. I eagerly consumed words as I waited for her to exact the revenge due.

I found the first round a bit lacking in emotional punch. When the time came, she didn't feel quite as much as I thought she might. While she was a private, reserved person who didn't show her emotions outwardly to everyone, I did feel the first situation could've had a bit more electrical charge.

However, I moved past it and put it to the emotional control factor of Lexi.

Who had done whatever had been done kept me guessing, and at the reveal I was stunned. I totally punched the air. Yeah, lame or whatever, but I was happy at the ending, and my fistpump shows how invested in the outcome I was. There was also never a time when I felt the pace dragged on.

From an Editor's Perspective:

There were little things here and there, but nothing to write home about. As in most books, a nominal number of errors slip through the cracks.

 

Rating:

1 star for making me care about the outcome

.5 star for a smart, self-controlled MC

-.5 star for the lack of punch in that pivotal scene

1 star for pacing and plot awesomeness

1 star for the overall theme and keeping me guessing

1 star for editing

Overall: 4.5/5 stars. I round up when clicking stars, so you'll see a 5. Recommended if you love books with a sassy female MC.

 

What do you think? Did you read it? Plan to?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Spotlight - Discovering April by Sheena Hutchinson

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I have a little spotlight for you all. Please welcome Ms. Sheena Hutchinson to the blog. She's here to tell you about her novel, Discovering April. Plus, there's an excerpt for awesome coffee reading. Let's get to it!

Title: Discovering April
Author: Sheena Hutchinson
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length (print): 355 pages
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $3.99

Cover Art by Cover Me, Darling

Blurb:
April Landau thinks she has everything she’s ever wanted. Her high school sweetheart, a house she can’t afford, her bipolar tabby cat, and she’s all set to begin her Junior year of college. Just when she least expects it, her life gets thrown for a loop. When things between her and her long time boyfriend unravel, she becomes stuck in a downward spiral of emotion. Finally, opening her eyes to the fact that she may have given up more than she ever could have imagined in this relationship. She finds herself struggling to keep her head above water.

Enter April’s next door neighbor— Jared Hoffman. He’s her complete opposite. A high school drop out who was forced to take over his parent’s business after their untimely death. It’s no surprise this tragedy affected him greatly, causing him to recede almost completely from society.

But he has one secret. A secret he’s been carrying around for years.

What happens when their worlds collide? Can an old friendship be the one thing that brings these two back to life?

A new adult love story filled with drama, sex, death, and the complications of all of the above.

Find it on GoodReads.

About Sheena:
Sheena is a born and raised New Yorker, even her writing can’t hide her hard sarcasm. She claims destiny lead her to writing again. She constantly strives to be a positive role model and write stories that empower and inspire.

Sheena always roots for the underdog, believes in love at first sight, and that everyone should have their happily ever after. While God is currently writing her love story she continues to put all her time into her writing as she is constantly getting new inspiration.

For more on Sheena and her books visit her website.

Get in touch!
www.SheenaHutchinson.com
Facebook Author Page
@Sheena_Hutch
Goodreads
Instagram: @Author_Shea

Excerpt:
My head is still pounding when my eyes flutter open the next day. My brain is throbbing inside my skull and I punch the pillow underneath me, scaring Jinx out of his slumber. He meows in protest before hopping off the bed. Looking around, I’m in my bed. How did I get here? I groan in pain as I prop my pillows up and lean my head back against them. It’s then that I feel the eyes on me. Tilting my head straight again, I glance out my window. My eyes lock with those big brown eyes of Jared’s across the way. He looks down to his phone and back up again. My phone chimes with an incoming text.

“UGHHH!” I moan, blindly reaching for it. It slips a few times before I grasp it between my fingers and look down to read.

How are you feeling?

Closing one eye, I text back, Like someone ran over me with a truck, then backed up and ran me over again.
Lowering my phone, I watch as he smiles from my text and disappears from view. I’m trying to piece last night back together; it’s like a fragmented mirror that has shattered all over the corners of my mind. I remember laughing with Ro about her sexual conquests and then I remember red and blue lights and… Jared. Starting to feel hot, I throw the covers off of me and lay like a starfish, trying to get my mind to focus. Glancing down, I notice I’m wearing my pajamas. Before I can process any further, the door to my room creaks open. Jared walks in with a cup of water and a closed fist.

“How did you get in?!” I yelp, trying to sit up in bed, and pulling the covers back over my braless tank top.

“I left the back door open when I left last night,” he informs me as he opens his fist to show me he brought a hand full of Advil.

“You brought me home last night?” I rub my head before reaching for the pills and water.

“Yup, after you called me to pick you up from the police station.”

“I WAS WHERE?!” I scream as water comes spraying out of my mouth.

“Police station. Apparently, you popped a guy in the face.” He smirks.

I squint my eyes, vaguely remembering the heavyset guy that tried grabbing my ass in front of the bar.
“Whoa!” I have to lean my head back against my pillows when the information begins to become too much for me. “If you took me home, how did I get into pajamas?!”

The smile that crosses Jared’s face is a mixture of a blush and a sly smirk that makes my insides twist with anticipation and excitement. “Jared…”

“That… you did on your own. I had nothing to do with that!” He holds his hands up in surrender.

“What? I just stripped in front of you!”

“Well, once you got your shirt off, there was really no stopping you…” he teases and my eyes widen in embarrassment.

“Oh my God!” I slump down, pulling the covers back up to my face. “Did we… ya know…” I mutter, completely mortified now.

“Uh, that would be a no.”

“Oh, thank God!” I sigh.

“Thanks a lot!” He comes to his feet now, turning to look out the window.

“Not like that, it’s just … I don’t like to do things I’m not conscious for.”

“Yea, completely plastered girls that get arrested and throw up in bushes are really sexy!” His voice drips with sarcasm.

“I threw up?!” This just gets better and better.

“Twice.”

“Twice?” I’m mortified, staring at his amused face.

“Well, after the first time I thought maybe you needed something to eat.”

“Oh no…”

“Yeah… I’ve never seen someone eat a Big Mac that fast before…” He stares at the wall as if remembering my weak moment.

“Oh my God!” I groan, throwing the covers over my entire body. I curl up in a fetal position, planning to never come out again. The room grows silent. It’s starting to get hard to breathe under the sheets when I feel the mattress by my feet cave slightly.

“Come on, it’s not that bad. We all have our moments.” He pats my feet through the sheets.

“Just when I think I’ve reached rock bottom, things just seem to drops out from under me and I’m at an all new low!” I roll over, trying to pull the covers with me, but Jared’s weight prevents it. My head comes peeking out as I roll over, facing away from him.

“April, I think I just determined your major.”

“What?” I curiously twist to look at him again.

“Drama. You’re such an actress. Now, put your big girl panties on and get up!”

I stare at him for a second; did he just say what I think he said? He waits about two seconds before getting up and opening a drawer to my dresser. “Are they in here? Nope!” He closes it and opens another.

“STOP!” I scream, stumbling out of bed, horrified.

“How ‘bout this one?”

“Okay! Okay! I’m up!” I slam the drawer closed just in time to save myself further embarrassment when Jared eyes my plain old undergarments. I sigh when the pounding in my head launches my stomach into action and I collapse onto the corner of the bed.

“You okay?”

“I refuse to puke again!” I respond, taking another deep breath. “Jared…”

“Yea…”

“I could use some donuts.”

“Okay.” He pauses for a few seconds, looking down at his feet before adding, “I’ll be outside then.”

And he leaves me in my room, alone.

~

What do you think? Gonna try it out?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

New Release - Markaza Mystic Book Six

Happy Thursday, everyone! If you're reading this, I'm assuming you survived Wednesday. *grin* What a long week it's felt like, huh? Wow. My brain keeps screaming, "It should be Friday!" Haha! Anywho, I have some super exciting news for you all today. Grab a cup of coffee and let's get going!

Markaza has been launched on the world! I'm not doing a big, huge release for this book (I'm saving that for the next novel - M). So, I'm just gonna put it up here on my little blog and announce it to the folks I hope are vested in the series. Those who've read the first five books will be on the lookout for this one. It's been a long time coming, but we're finally there!

As a bonus, you can pick up the first five books in a box set for your Kindle for just $3! Get them here.

Bronya, book one, is always free. So, you can try the series out with zero risk. Grab that one here!

Without further yammering on my part, I give you links!

Amazon: Kindle $3.99
Smashwords: $3.99
Paperback: $16.99

Blurb:
Markaza Turner isn't your average seventeen-year-old. She can see the future, the past, and has an eerie propensity for getting people to do things.

But what she sees is the obliteration of mankind. Worse, her visions tell her it's gonna happen on her eighteenth birthday, December 21, 2012.

All six of the ladies forming the elite group, known as WSTW, are finally together under one roof. Bronya, Lily, Shelia, Melody, Coralie, and Markaza must now figure out how to use their strange powers before an evil being rises from the ground in Central Park and destroys the world.

But Markaza's own past is dark and riddled with secrets she'll need to unearth and come to terms with before she can go to war.

In this exciting finale of the Mystic series, the women come face-to-face with a truth that will change their lives forever.

Our fate is in their hands.

Wanna see the full wrap paperback cover? Yeah, buddy!! Here ya go!

Interior matches the individual novellas (not the collection five in one).

What the heck are you waiting for? Go grab some new reads :)

What do you think? Like it?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

A Freebie and A Sale

Happy Thursday, everyone! So sorry about the blog post miss yesterday. Things are rather hectic around here in ye olde Jo Michaels office, and I just didn't have the time. Markaza is back from the editor, I'm working on M (good stuff, that), and I'm working on typesetting a book for a lovely client of IBGW. So, yeah, things may be a bit spotty over the next week and a half. Just letting you all know. *grin*

But! Today I have some awesome news from Bella Roccaforte! I woke up to a wonderful e-mail in my inbox that I'm going to share with you. She has a freebie and a box set sale going on.

First up, the freebie!

Title: Moon Crossed (Crescent Hunter Series Episode One)
Author: Bella Roccaforte
Genre: Older YA/NA Paranormal
Length (print): ~ 85 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle FREE (limited time only)

Blurb:
Claire O'Conlan is a hunter, her kind were created to protect humans from feral werewolves. She's desperate to find a cure for the moon-touch. Until she does, the hunt won't stop.

Despite being raised among supernatural creatures, Claire is determined to make college as normal as possible. But childhood habits die hard. She can't seem to stay away from the wolf-borne, and worse, she's falling in love with Cole Jackson, the big bad wolf.

Claire can't resist the undeniable fire Cole ignites within her. They are falling headlong into a forbidden love affair. Hunter and wolf, a dangerous combination inciting war between factions, action from the council and the biggest risk of all, Claire fulfilling her duty and being the hunter that kills Cole.

Will Claire find the cure? Or will their love end in tragedy?

If you remember my review of this book, it was a 4.5 out of 5 stars. You can see the review here. Give it a try. No risk for you, and you may love it.

Now, for the sale!

Title: INK (Fine Lines Series Episodes 0-2)
Author: Bella Roccaforte
Genre: NA Paranormal
Length (print): ~ 604 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $0.99 (limited time only)

Series Blurb:
Shay Baynes made her dreams come true using her nightmares.

Her hit comic Sanguine Specter, based on the horrific murders in her dreams, hits it big. Finally able to feel something other than numbness, Shay's riding high on her success when it all comes crashing down with the bodies of the murder victims.

The crime scenes from Sanguine Specter are a dead ringer for real life murders, all evidence leads back to Shay as the murderer and she's left with little choice but to depend on the two men she's been trying to stay away from.

The INK series is the perfect blend of horror, romance and suspense. Embark on this wild ride of twisted dark urban fantasy. Watch as a 22 year old Shay transforms from someone who needs help, into a strong confident woman with more power than anyone ever imagined. 


So, that's the news for today! I do hope you take a chance on either Moon Crossed or INK.

What do you think? Will you snag one?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Introduction to the Mystic Series

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I'm gonna do something I don't usually do: Talk about my books. As you all may remember, I did a post not too long ago with my writing updates on M and Markaza. I'm still working on M (37k in, and I'm feeling we're a little past the halfway point), but Markaza is already in the hands of my fantastic editor, Tia Silverthorne Bach. We have round one revisions, another edit, then a proofread, and we'll be good to go. So, publication date is set for the beginning of June.

I can't think of a time in the world where the message in these books was needed more than right now. All the riots and hate spewing out of people makes me sick to my stomach. Read. Love your fellow man/woman. We're all in this together.

That being said, if you haven't read the first five books in the series, you might wanna get started. I have them individually, and in a box set (which saves you money). I'm gonna give you links, blurbs, and covers. Ready? Let's go!

First up, Bronya! No risk here; it's free everywhere!

Paperback $8.99
Kindle FREE
Paperback - DRD Edition $5.99 (this is a dyslexic friendly paperback)
Smashwords FREE
iTunes FREE
Nook FREE

Blurb:
This is book one of the Mystic series. A set of New Adult Paranormal novellas that speak out against issues faced in the world today, showing how strong women can overcome anything.

Bronya Thibodeaux is a senior at Houma High School whose life is about to be changed forever. She's always felt like an outcast, but thinks she may have found a friend when a strange, new girl named Markaza who has blue hair, a number of tattoos, and a strange way of dressing appears.

Bronya's life choices make her a pariah in her small town. After getting thrown out of school, not being able to find a job, and being subjected to ridicule and cruel treatment, Bronya chooses to leave her old life behind forever when she receives a compelling invitation from a mysterious company named WSTW.

What Bronya doesn't know, is the mysterious company is owned by Markaza; a mystic who knows the end of the world is coming and is gathering together the only people who can stop the evil that's threatening to take over. Bronya is just the first. But going to New York is only a baby step toward her true journey. As Bronya races against the clock to unlock a power she never knew she had, Markaza races to collect the others: Lily, Shelia, Melody, and Coralie.

Lily:

Paperback: $8.99
Kindle: $0.99
Smashwords $0.99

Blurb:
This is book two of the Mystic series. A set of New Adult Paranormal novellas that discuss the ugly truth of things happening in the world all around us, showing how strong women can make a difference.

Lily Conyers is a twenty-year-old who has it all going for her. One wrong decision changes her life forever. When she meets a strange young woman named Markaza, Lily begins to re-build with encouragement from her new friend.

One rough night, Lily finds a letter on her step from a company called WSTW; promising her a new life.

Lily packs her bags, bids Markaza goodbye, and sets off for the city. But going to New York is only the first hurdle Lily must jump. She must learn to use the power inside herself to help defeat an evil that is threatening to destroy the world. Once in New York, she meets a girl named Bronya and the two help one another re-build what was so negligently broken.

As Lily is boarding the plane, Markaza gets on another headed to Tennessee so she can collect the next young woman on her list: Shelia. 

Shelia:

Paperback: $8.99
Kindle: $0.99
Smashwords $0.99

Blurb:
This is the third book in the Mystic series. A set of New Adult Paranormal novellas that uncover issues faced in the world, showing how strong women can make a difference.

After a horrible accident takes the lives of her parents, Shelia Morgan is placed in the care of her Aunt Ivy and Uncle Melvin.

When she turns nineteen, her world is flipped upside down. When a girl named Markaza shows up and tells Shelia she's part of a group of young women destined to save the world, Shelia begins to dream of a new life and true freedom from her personal demons.

She boards a plane destined for New York and her new life. Once there, she meets Bronya and Lily: Two other young women with special powers they must learn to harness in order to fight an evil that will rise on December 21, 2012, and destroy the world.

Markaza heads toward Atlanta to save the life of a young lady named Melody before her mind destroys her from the inside out. As Markaza fights for Melody's life, Shelia, Lily, and Bronya throw themselves into their studies and learn that even power from within can get out of control.

Melody:

Paperback: $8.99
Kindle: $2.99

Blurb:
This is the fourth book in the Mystic series. A set of New Adult Paranormal novellas that uncover issues faced in the world, showing how strong women can make a difference.

Melody Acworth sounds like an angel. If she's not careful, she'll become one soon. Enrolled in  singing lessons at age seven, she took to the stage and began to get fan letters. Some were good,  some were detrimental to her psyche.

By the time Markaza, a mystic with purple hair and tattoos, shows up, Melody's on her last legs.  Markaza works furiously to try and repair the mental damage done so she can get Melody to New  York; where she must learn to use a power hidden deep within herself to save the world.

They're running out of time. As December 21, 2012 approaches at an alarming rate, Markaza's  visions turn dark and foreboding. The creature grows stronger every day. Soon it will rise and  destroy mankind unless all six women band together to fight it.

Just one lady left to recruit: Coralie. But she's in a world of trouble.

Coralie:

Paperback: $8.99
Kindle: $1.99

Blurb:
This is the fifth book in the Mystic series. These new adult paranormal novellas deal with social stigmas, judgment, and hate.

Coralie Meyers is struggling to find her footing as an actress in New York. A malicious attempt to thwart another girl's career ends in catastrophe and Coralie soon finds herself in a precarious situation.

As the sixth and final member of Women Save the World, a company created by Markaza Turner, Coralie possesses all the cunning the young ladies will need to defeat the evil that's rising under Central Park. If the women fail to save her, evil will rise and destroy the world.

Now that Markaza has gathered four of her chicks: Bronya, Lily, Shelia, and Melody, all that's left to do is bring in Coralie, train her, and go to war. But the ladies are struggling with their powers and their personal demons. Will they find the power within themselves in time to destroy the monster and save the world? Only time will tell; and that's one thing they're short on.

This fifth installment of the Mystic series is a lesson in what lies, hate, and judgment can do to the world when left unchecked.

Box Set:

Paperback: $24.99
Kindle: $3.00

Blurb:
This is the first five novellas in the Mystic series. If you buy them individually, they're $44.95 for the paperbacks and $4.96 for the Kindle versions. Now, you can get all five and save!

And, if you purchase the paperback, you get the Kindle copy FREE.

 ~

Last, but not least, the final installment of the series in a full-length novel. We tie things up in a pretty bow and answer a lot of questions raised throughout the previous five books. You'll get paranormal activity, meet the creature Markaza has been having nightmares about, and meet some nameless, faceless characters only mentioned in passing.

Releasing in June!

Markaza:

Blurb:
Markaza Turner isn't your average seventeen-year-old. She can see the future, the past, and has an eerie propensity for getting people to do things.

But what she sees is the obliteration of mankind. Worse, her visions tell her it's gonna happen on her eighteenth birthday, December 21, 2012.

All six of the ladies forming the elite group, known as WSTW, are finally together under one roof. Bronya, Lily, Shelia, Melody, Coralie, and Markaza must now figure out how to use their strange powers before an evil being rises from the ground in Central Park and destroys the world.

But Markaza's own past is dark and riddled with secrets she'll need to unearth and come to terms with before she can go to war.

In this exciting finale of the Mystic series, the women come face-to-face with a truth that will change their lives forever.

Our fate is in their hands. 

~

Get started now so you'll be in shape for the finale!

Which story was your favorite?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Markaza and M - Writing Updates!

Happy Thursday, everyone! I know, I know, my post is late! But I was working on something for a client, and I really wanted to get it to them before I took time to write my post. Now, it's a sit and wait game as I chew my nails and watch my e-mail to see if they like my ideas. I thought you might like to have an update on what I've been doing on the writer end. I have a snippet or two for you to check out, and I'm giving you updates for books that have been in the works for a while (in case you've been waiting for them -- yes, the e-mails and PMs about release dates can stop, because I'm gonna give you those, too!). So, grab a cup of coffee and join me!

First up, the sixth and final (maybe) book of the Mystic series, Markaza. Her story comes in at just over 56k words.

Update: Book is slated for release either end of May or early June. It's in the hands of my very capable editor now! EEP! In case you missed the cover and blurb:

Markaza Turner isn't your average seventeen-year-old. She can see the future, the past, and has an eerie propensity for getting people to do things.

But what she sees is the obliteration of mankind. Worse, her visions tell her it's gonna happen on her eighteenth birthday, December 21, 2012.

All six of the ladies forming the elite group, known as WSTW, are finally together under one roof. Bronya, Lily, Shelia, Melody, Coralie, and Markaza must now figure out how to use their strange powers before an evil being rises from the ground in Central Park and destroys the world.

But Markaza's own past is dark and riddled with secrets she'll need to unearth and come to terms with before she can go to war.

In this exciting finale of the Mystic series, the women come face-to-face with a truth that will change their lives forever.

Our fate is in their hands. 

~

And, here's a snippet:

He cleared his throat. “I think we all need bulletproof vests, personally.”

Markaza quirked an eyebrow at him.

“Well, you said that thing has claws, right? What if it comes down to an ability to puncture that wins or loses the fight?”

She snorted. “You haven’t seen the size of those claws. I think they’d rip through a bulletproof vest like a snake gliding through water.”

He blanched.

“Yeah. This thing is taller than The Clementine.”

He turned green.

“And all we have are our powers. I don’t think it has any weakness apart from love and forgiveness. With all our work with the shrink, we’re getting there; but I wonder if it’ll be enough. There are only six of us.”

“Eight,” he said.

She tilted her head.

“You have me, and you have Richard. Don’t count us out because we aren’t superheroes.”

~

Second, we have M. This is a standalone novel (you all know how I love those). It should end up around 60-70k words, but is sitting at almost 35k now.

Update: This title should be finished by the end of next week. Cover reveal will be June 1st, and release is set for June 18th. Here's a peek at the blurb and snippets:

In 2042, it finally arrives, the drug promising to make life easier for the masses. One dose of M and anyone can gain an ability. There are no promises made as to what the power could manifest as, but people are crawling over one another to take a chance.

There's a problem: One pill costs a million dollars. Only those with extraordinary wealth are afforded the luxury of cleaning house with a click of their diamond-adorned fingers or solving a puzzle by talking to it.

A knockoff is circulating that does the same thing as M. Hundreds of thousands of people have mutated for a mere fifty dollars.

Seventeen-year-old Griffin is a normal kid, who has a regular job, and dreams of going to college someday. When his girlfriend of three years succumbs to peer pressure, they break up. He believes the body is a temple not to be messed with outside of nature, and she wants to fit in. Once he meets the supplier, things take a turn for the worse.

He's left with nothing but pain in his heart and the desire to make them suffer when his plans for payback blow up in his face.

Thirst for revenge consumes him, and he finds himself locked in a battle he never anticipated with a merciless kingpin as they struggle to gain the advantage.

How far is too far?

~

Snippets:

Joey stuck his hands in his pockets and bobbed his head up and down. “Yeah, I get it. That’s what you have to hold onto; that’s what’ll help you do the hard things, the things you’ve been told you’ll go to Hell for, the things your mother would smack your face for thinking. At the same time, those are the things that have to be done.”

***

Earring Guy was sitting on the couch, his feet propped on what looked like an antique coffee table. No one said anything because they were at his house, and he could do whatever he wanted to the furniture. Not that anyone would’ve said anything either way. He picked at his teeth as he spoke. “I saw two people shift into lizards then back into humans—one male, one female—and a man who was winking a light on and off every time he blinked.”

Harry wrote the information down. “Well, that makes forty-seven different recorded abilities.” His eyes bulged. “How many possible manifestations could there be?”

“There’s no limit, H,” Ruby answered.

~ 

So, what do you think? Sound intriguing?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo