FAKING IT: Pre-order Campaign (Plus a really cool thermomether thingy;D) UPDATED

Guys! I'm trying to murder my blog by posting everyday. I'm kidding. I have been away for a long time though, wasn't I? It's been crazy with a million different things going on in my life now, but this week there's been too much good stuff that I virtually resucited. I had to. Just keep reading ;)

Remember our friend Cora Carmack? And that little NA novel she wrote, Losing It? Well, guess wha-at? Its sequel, FAKING IT (Or as I call it in my mind, CADING IT. Trust me, once you read it, you'll get it. Check the first two chapters here.) will be out on June 4th (Also Cora's birthday) and now she's giving us some incentive to get those pre-orders numbers UP.

What she's giving us, you ask?

MORE GARRICK, I answer!

That's right. Cora will be releasing a special scene from the british hottie that stole our hearts quoting Shakespeare in Losing It. Guys, I'm so excited I can't even...

Here's a cool thermomether that will tell us when the pre-orders reach each goal, so... You know, spread the word.



 UPDATE! The first goal was reached, and here's the first scene from Garrick's PoV! Enjoy ;)

Bonus Scene 1: The One Where They Met by WilliamMorrowBooks

WRECKED BLOG TOUR: Interview With Emily Taylor

Hi, there! Today is a very special day here at Bookworm’s.. We’re interviewing Emily Taylor from Alyssa Rose Ivy’s WRECKED. It’s a New Adult book, and it’s SO good I feel like giving everyone candy or something. Hey! Some books just make me THAT happy. Deal with it.And go to the bottom for the giveway :)

So here’s what WRECKED is about:

 

When your past catches up, it's time to stop running..

Jake Mathews messed up yet again— but this time his misstep lands him in the hospital. He wakes up to find the girl of his dreams and the memory of having his deepest secret revealed.

Emily Taylor needs a break. She's been working double shifts as a nurse just to pay the bills while trying to heal a broken heart. The last thing she needs is to fall for a patient. 

Strapped with community service and the knowledge that he's disappointed everyone in his life, Jake is determined not to let Emily slip through his fingers. Emily wants Jake, but can she really open herself up to heartache again?

I'm sitting with my good friend Emily today. You probably already know a little about her story (and if you don't, life's too short. Go pick up Wrecked ASAP.) So, on behalf of all of you, I'm gonna pick her brains to find out more about Jak.. Er, I mean, her life's story is just so interesting. Tell me a little about you, Em. 

Hi Johana! I’m Emily Taylor, and I’m originally from a small college town outside of Ashville, NC. I’m twenty-one, a mom, and I’m an ICU nurse in Wilmington, NC. 

And what about Noah? He's such a cute little guy.. That pumpkin costume was to die for. 

Noah’s two now, and he never stops moving. He’s a very typical little boy, he loves anything with wheels and dinosaurs. He also has quite a sweet tooth. I’m glad you liked the pumpkin costume. Jake says we have to dress him in something cooler next year. 

What crossed your mind when you saw Jake for the first time? 

Well, he was unconscious the first time I saw him, but even covered in bruises, I could tell he was handsome. I just wanted to know why he got in the accident. I knew there had to be a story behind it. 

He's a pretty determined guy. What is, in you opinion, his best quality? [ASIDE: If you, reader, are of the dirty mind variety, shame on you. I'm kidding.. THAT answer you'll find it on Wrecked;) END OF ASIDE] 

Jake’s got the best sense of humor. He makes me laugh all the time, and I love it. He has this way of bringing out the inner child in people. 

What's your favorite memory pre-Jake? 

The day Noah was born. It was the most amazing experience, and he changed my life forever. 

You like country music. Do you have a favorite song and/or a history to go with it? 

I love Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks. I used to drive around with the windows down and sing aloud with it at the top of my lungs. 

I've never been to Clayton Falls and the people who grew up there are biased. Give me an honest description of the place. What made you decide "I could live here"? 

It’s just this really charming small town. It’s got this really friendly feel, and there’s something almost old fashioned about it. I could tell it was a great place for Noah, and Jake and his family really made us feel at home. 

Do you believe in happy endings? I mean, it's one thing to experience happiness in life, but I'm personally of the belief that a "Happy Ending" depends on when you stop the story. Do you think you found that with Jake and Noah? Why? 

Yes I do. I think they take work, but life’s what you make of it. I’ve never been happier, and it’s amazing to see how happy Noah is when he’s with Jake. 

And now some quickies: 

Favorite color? Yellow 

Ugliest piece of clothing you own? Old sweats from High School 

Best date? Boat date with Jake 

Worst date? Guy took me on a double date with his ex. [ASIDE: Ouch. END OF ASIDE]

Summer or winter? Summer 

Thank you so much for your time, Em. I know a toddler can be a handful so it's really nice of you to stop by. 

Thanks for having me :)

  

About Alyssa:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

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COVER REVEAL: OBSESSION by Jennifer L. Armentrout

He’s arrogant, domineering, and… To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something…unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life…or is it Hunter?

 

The book will be releasing on 5/31/2013 with Entangled's Covet line.

Add it to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14060046-obsession

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

PICTURE PERFECT BLOG TOUR - Author's Interview: Alessandra Thomas

 PICTURE PERFECT Synopsis:

Fashion design major Cat Mitchell has a closet full of gorgeous clothes - and not a single thing fits. After two years of runway modeling for easy cash, an accident shattered her lower leg bone and her self-esteem in just one swift fall. Ten months of no exercise, prescription steroids, comfort eating and yoga pants meant returning to campus as a size twelve instead of her former size two. When her gorgeous long-time friend with benefits sees her for the first time after her accident and snubs her in front of all her friends, Cat’s self-image hits rock bottom. Her sorority sisters all insist that she looks gorgeous, but all Cat sees is the roll of her stomach when she sits down, or the dimpling at the back of her thighs that wasn't there last year. Cat’s therapist prescribes something radical to stop the downward spiral - nude modeling for a nearby college's human form drawing classes. When Cat faces her fears and bares it all for the class, she realizes that she's posing naked in front the most gorgeous, buffest guy she's ever seen in her life. He asks her out after the class, and after one steamy night together, Cat's absolutely smitten.

Nate’s pretty close to perfect – he takes Cat rock climbing when he discovers that it makes her feel strong and becomes a great chef after he learns that the perfect pesto sauce makes her swoon. Cat starts to feel like her old self again - confident and beautiful - as long as Nate's around. Even when he discourages her from entering the Real Woman Project, a design competition for plus-sized apparel, she reasons that he's just trying to prevent old body image wounds from splitting wide open again. But when Cat goes home with Nate for Thanksgiving, she discovers something shocking from his recent past that proves that he hasn’t always been so encouraging of women of all shapes and sizes. Cat has no idea what to think, but she does know one thing - this might destroy their relationship before it's even had a chance to get off the ground.

Before Cat can figure out whether the real Nate is the sensitive, adoring guy she fell in love with, or an undercover asshole, she'll have to finally feel comfortable in her own skin - even if it means leaving him forever.

And guess what, guys? I’m so honored Alessandra has taken the time to answer some of my questions about PICTURE PERFECT! She’s super nice, and her book is amazing. And without further ado...

Hi Johana! Thank you so much for having me over to your blog today!  I’m so excited to be here.

- What can you tell me about the conception of Picture Perfect?

I know a lot of college-aged people, and, especially among the women, a popular topic of conversation is how they hate their bodies. There is a lot of self-hate running around this community in particular, I think largely because they’re surrounded by women their own age and there’s sort of an inherent sense of competition. 

The seed of the idea started a few years back, when Glamour magazine ran an article about learning to love your body, and included an almost-nude model with some pretty obvious belly fat and other curves – and she looked RADIANT. Letters poured in to the magazine thanking them for featuring a “real woman.” 

When I wrote Picture Perfect, I thought about how that sort of feedback, that “you look really awesome naked,” could help a lot of these girls I know. Especially coming from a gorgeous guy. *wink wink* And the story grew from there.

- Cat's pivotal conflict is centered around her body image issues. What decided you to write about such an unexplored, some people may even say taboo, topic? 

I think we’ve all been there, you know? We live in a culture where there is a clear standard of beauty that almost no one lives up to. That means that almost everyone has some hangup with their body, that affects them on the inside as well as the outside. I, like Cat, had some pretty freaky medical events that caused me to gain a lot of weight. I’m a size sixteen and I often lament my extra curves. On the other hand, I have a friend who’s always been thin, and she reports having hated her thinness for large portions of her lives.  

This story isn’t even really about “beauty is within,” which, frankly, I think is an easy out – it’s about “confront your body issues and vanquish them.” That’s a lot tougher.

- You protagonist, Cat… She's a fashion major. Did you chose this vocation for her for a particular reason? 

Yes! First, because fashion is an industry where that standard of beauty is basically EVERYWHERE. You can’t escape it. So it would make things a lot harder for Cat when she suddenly didn’t fit within that standard anymore (yes, I like to be evil to my characters!) But also because a large part of feeling beautiful in your own body is learning to dress it well. So I thought she’d also be armed for that part of the battle (so sometimes I’m nice, too.)

- About Gorgeous Nate.. I don't really have an appropiate question in mind *raises eyebrow* He plays a big part in Cat's coming into her own, in more ways than one. What can you tell me about him? 

Nate is an only child of divorce, and grew up mostly with his mom, so I think he sort of has a unique outlook and understanding about what women need to feel good about themselves. 

He also wears his heart on his sleeve. He has made mistakes, but as soon as he realized what they were he set to work harder than almost anyone else would trying to change those aspects of himself. He’s really quite extraordinary.

By the way, Nate thinks you’re hot..*blushes*

- Thank you. Em, where was I? Oh, Yeah! With so many New Adult books reaching success right now, do you see the genre evolving as much as Young Adult did a few years back? 

Absolutely! I think that this age span (college-aged) is such a unique time of life that the situations in the books coming out are really inapplicable to any other group. I think that that “almost-adult-but-definitely-not-a-kid” milieu is something that will inspire a lot of stories, romance and otherwise. 

We’re only going to see it grow from here. I’m just glad that so many people had the sense to put their work out there, no matter what publishers said about New Adult never being a “thing.” It’s given voice to a lot of important narratives, reached a whole new group of readers, and empowered writers like  me, who always wanted to write it, but weren’t quite brave enough – until now.

- In your opinion, is there one NA book that started the trend? One that's for NA what Harry Potter was for YA, for example.

I think that books like EASY by Tammara Webber, FLAT OUT LOVE by Jessica Park, SLAMMED by Colleen Hoover, and LOSING IT by Cora Carmack are the iconic four for me. When I saw all of them, and how great the stories were, and how much people were buying up the genre, it really hit it home to me – this is a Thing now. :D

- Are you working on another NA project at the moment? If so, what can you tell me about it?

Yes! Right now I’m working on a story called SUBJECT TO CHANGE, which is about Cat’s best friend, Joey. She’s always followed all the rules in life, and dreamed of being a doctor. When her father’s dying wish is that she become a doctor, and creates a trust fund for her premed tuition, that’s the only path she can take. But then, it becomes increasingly clear to her that she’s just not cut out for premed.  What’s worse is that the Professor for the business gen-ed she has to take paired her with Hawk - a tattooed, strung out loser for the huge class project. Even her easy classes won’t be easy.

When they have their first project meeting, though, Joey learns that Hawk isn’t everything he seems. He gives her a ride home in the pouring rain, and with one sexy kiss, shows her that what she always wanted may not be what she’ll always want.  It turns out that Hawk’s much more that a strung out delinquent. He’s comfortable playing by his own rules, but can he teach Joey to make even one decision for herself?

- Do you have any "writer's quirks"? If so, which ones?

I’m not sure if it’s so quirky, but I listen to one song on repeat if it inspires a scene or character. We’re talking HUNDREDS of times.

I also munch while I’m writing. I try to keep to dry cereal lately, but….yeah. The 30-day Shred I’m doing is definitely needed.

- Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions :)

Are you kidding? Thank YOU for having me! This has been so much fun!

Author Bio:

Alessandra Thomas is a New Adult writer who swears she was in her twenties yesterday. Since she's not, she spends her time looking back on her college years fondly, and writing sexy stories about guys and girls falling in love and really living life for the first time. When she's not writing, you can find her with a spoonful of ice cream in one hand and the newest New Adult release in the other.

 Also, Alessandra and Kelly at InkSlinger PR are giving away TWO signed copies and TWO e-book copies of Picture Perfect, so.. You know. Tackle this baby ASAP :)

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IWSG - When your characters surprise you..

For those of you who have no idea, the purpose of this group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. If you haven't yet, go check yourself in at Alex Cavanaugh's blog.

 

I remember a few years ago, I read an interview of Stephanie Meyer, in which she said something along the lines of: "I was writing this scene and then my hand just typed 'Jacob, my friend, my son' and I burst out crying. It came out of nowhere and it touched me." Edward said that to Jacob right before the final battle between the Cullens and the Vulturi, remember?

I don't mean that kind of surprises. That kind of surprises is complete bullshit. 

Something John Green said in one of his videos stuck with me. As the creators of our characters, we control what they say and think. We know what will benefit the plot and the characters' growth. But this past week something happened to me that made me reconsider one aspect of this statement. 

I've been doing a lot self-examination lately and, trying to find an answer to a question that has blocked me in a very personal matter, I realized something. Something big. At least to me. 

I am a romantic. 

Wow, I know. Earth-shattering. 

In all seriousness though, if you knew me personally, you'd think that is a complete and utter lie. I'm cynical. I speak my mind, and often do so without regard to the feelings of others. I've always been like this. And people don't get to see other aspects of me because they're too busy denying the stuff that comes out of my mouth. Human hypocresy and all that. And until recently, I was a hypocrite and I didn't realize it. 


 But... I like me weird that way. Not the hypocrite part. The speak-my-mind part. I have many flaws, but I also know I have many virtues. So why, oh why, is it so difficult for me to be in a relationship? It's not rocket science, is it? (If your answer is "yes, it is" you'd provide me a topic for next month's IWSG.)

I figured it out though. It's because I believe in love, you guys. All the friends I've had on the course of my life (some are still around, others are long gone) had been maybe a little too liberal about whom they shared their affections with, yet I always remained pure. Shut up, it's true. I believe that there's one person out there who would get me, you know? And just because I haven't found him yet, doesn't mean I should settle for less. I swear to you, I'm like historical romance protagonist right here on the 21st century, guys. 

Who in their right mind would classify me as a romantic? No one. Because I never shared those feelings with people. Because I never paid too much attention to those things. I mean, I'm doing it here to illustrate my point (I'll get there in a minute, guys), but it's not the same as advertising it for all my friends and family to understand. Because I'm not interested in making everyone understand. I'm interested on the right someone to understand, and his identity hasn't been revealed to me yet. And now I'm a historical romance/mystery/thriller protagonist. Although it would be preferable if my future husband comes without a crazy ex in the attic. You guys probably think I'm sweet, right? Poor, delusional, virtual friends of mine;)

Huh. This monthly posts have made realize I might actually need therapy. Yay for Support Groups!

But back to the topic. If it happens in real life, why can't it happen in fiction? I've shared this experience of self-awareness with one of my characters. And now I have to go back several chapters back to fix her reactions to everything that has happened to her. Because now I know that she's not ready to be responsible for all the things I dumped on her and thus her reactions were ALL WRONG. I'm not taking those responsabilities back because that's how life works. Sometimes, you get more than you can handle. Yet I want people to understand her. She wants people to understand her. Why she's figuratively running. And I couldn't help her there. I didn't know because she didn't know she wasn't ready. And don't worry, even I am confused about what I just said. But makes a weird kind of sense, you know?

Sometimes, a little introspection takes a lot of courage.

And there was my surprise. It's completely my fault for not listening to her from the beginning. I always question YA heroines when they take everything in stride out of nowhere and I didn't realize my own girl was doing that because I was too involved on fixing other parts of the story. Like figuring out what to dump on this poor seventeen year old girl.

Has something like that happened to any of you?

Oh, and before I forget! Next week, I'm taking a very important test. Like, it-will-determine-the-future-of-my-academic-life important. Wish me luck;)

Cover Reveal - A Summer to Remember by Jessica Gunhammer

Expected publishing date: April 2013


Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Ava knows this summer is going to be one of the best ones yet, but it isn’t going how she originally planned. Her life takes an unexpected turn on graduation day, when Jason, the love of her life, suddenly dumps her. Blindsided and feeling betrayed Ava is determined to win him back at the end of year frat party. Something that was not in her plan, however, was being sidetracked by a complete and total stranger. Caught off guard by this unexplainable attraction, she can’t figure out why she’s having such a hard time forgetting about him. 

Adrian had one thing on his mind that night. It was to get through the summer and not have to worry about anything, but working with his dad and getting the hell out of this small town. When he meets Ava his whole world is turned upside down. He doesn’t know why but he knows that this is the girl he’s supposed to be with. The only problem is going to be trying to convince her of the same thing…

Add A Summer to Remember to Goodreads.


About Jessica

I’m twenty-three years old, I recently married my high school sweetheart and we live in paradise. I graduated college in May 2012 with a degree in fashion design and quickly realized it was not the right fit for me. So, after spending several years in a fast paced fashion industry, I started looking for something new to keep me busy. 

I have always loved to read, it was a passion of mine. However, I had put this passion on the back burner, as I had no time to read during college. Soon after, my mom and I started a publishing company. It was while working in the publishing industry that I had rediscovered my love for writing. I’ve always known I wanted to write, but I never considered making a career out of it. After some feedback and support from my amazing family I am proud to say, I am now a YA author! 

Go say Hi to Jessica on Facebook.

Or on Twitter.

Or visit her Goodreads' Profile.

Or on her Website

Cover Reveal - Descendant by Nichole Giles

 

 

Descendant by Nichole Giles
Publication date: May 1st 2013
by Rhemalda Publishing 
Genre: YA Paranormal 

 

Synopsis:

 

Seventeen-year-old Abigail Johnson is Gifted.

Blessed—or cursed—with Sight and Healing, Abby lives an unsettled life, moving from place to place and staying one step ahead of the darkness that hunts her. When she arrives in Jackson, Wyoming, she is desperate to maintain the illusion of normalcy, but she is plagued with visions of past lives mixed with frightening glimpses of her future. Then she meets Kye, a mysterious boy who seems so achingly familiar that Abby is drawn to him like he’s a missing piece of her own soul.

Before Abby can discover the reason for her feelings toward Kye, the darkness catches up to her and she is forced to flee again. But this time she’s not just running. She is fighting back with Kye at her side, and it’s not just Abby’s life at stake.

 

 Add Descendant to Goodreads

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S BIO

 

Nichole Giles had early career plans of becoming an actress or a rock star, but she decided instead to have a family and then become a writer. Writing is her passion, but she also loves to spend time with her husband and children, travel to tropical and exotic destinations, drive in the rain with the convertible top down, and play music at full volume so she can sing along.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.nicholegiles.blogspot.ca/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3384651-nichole-giles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/128455014233/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicholegiles