Blog Tour, Guest Post and Giveaway: Searching for Beautiful by Nyrae Dawn

Hi there gorgeous people!  Welcome to Reading with ABC's stop Nyrae Dawn's Searching for Beautiful. This tour is presented by Rockstar Book Tours, please visit the other stops in the tour, scroll down to find the links. 

About the Book

Title: SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL 

Author: Nyrae Dawn

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pub. Date: March 4, 2014

Pages: 304

Before it happened…Brynn had a group of best friends, a boyfriend who loved her, a growing talent for pottery. She had a life. And then…she had none.After it happened…Everything was lost. The boy she now knew never loved her. The friends who felt she betrayed their trust. The new life just beginning to grow inside her.Brynn believes her future is as empty as her body until Christian, the boy next door, starts coming around. Playing his guitar and pushing her to create art once more. She meets some new friends at the local community center, plus even gets her dad to look her in the eye again…sort of. But letting someone in isn’t as easy as it seems.Now…Can Brynn open up her heart to truly find her life’s own beauty, when living for the after means letting go of the before?

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes& Noble

Guest Post 

About Writing YA Romance

I’ve always been a romantic at heart. I like that “butterflies in the stomach” feeling of a new crush. I love the secretive glances, the brush of fingers, first kisses, and the possibilities of where it all may go. It’s like an adventure, where you never really know what’s going to happen. Will it go somewhere? Will it end?

I always knew that’s what I wanted to write about but that’s not the only reason I wanted to write romance. You know what I believe? That love can change the world. I know that seems like “head in the clouds” thinking but it’s true. Love can change us and we as people have the power to change the world. It can make us feel like we can do anything, it makes is willing to make changes. We learn from getting our hearts broken, breaking hearts, and falling in love. Those experiences mold who we are and what we do.

It’s pretty incredible when you think about it. When I’m writing romance, anything is possible. It’s writing about dreams but yeah, it’s about real life too. It’s about people and growth and the lessons we learn that we’ll take with us for the rest of our lives.

That’s why I wanted to write about romance. It’s universal.

What’s your favorite thing about reading young adult romance?

About the Author

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn’s passion. There have been times in her life where she wasn’t able to chase that dream the way she desired, but she always found her way back to telling stories.

One of her loves has always been writing about teens. There’s something so fresh and fun about the age that she loves exploring. Her husband says it’s because she doesn’t want to grow up. She doesn’t think that’s such a bad thing and luckily for her, he doesn’t either.

Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she’s a total romantic at heart and proud.

Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids.

When she’s not with her family, you can be pretty sure you’ll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her.

She writes for Entangled Publishing, Grand Central Publishing and is self-published.

Nyrae is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.

Nyrae Dawn also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo.

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Giveaway

1 $25 Amazon Gift Card US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/3/2014- Watcha Reading- Review

3/3/2014- Jenna Does Books- Guest Post

3/4/2014- The Storybook Kingdom- Review

3/4/2014- Dazzled by Books- Interview

3/5/2014- Reviews By Molly- Review

3/5/2014- Reading with ABC- Guest Post

3/6/2014- Nanna Three and Counting- Review

3/6/2014- A Book and a Latte- Guest Post

3/7/2014- Shayna Varadeaux Books & Reviews- Review

3/7/2014- FicWishes- Guest Post

Week Two:

3/10/2014- Book Chick- Review

3/10/2014- Books Forget Me Knot- Guest Post

3/11/2014- Book Bitches Blog- Review

3/11/2014- Consuming Worlds- Interview

3/12/2014- No BS Book Reviews                - Review

3/12/2014- Reese's Reviews: My Addiction to Fiction- Interview

3/13/2014- LeAnn's Book Reviews- Review

3/13/2014- Fictitious Delicious- Interview

3/14/2014- Nette's Bookshelf Reviews- Review

3/14/2014- girls in the stacks- Review

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Rockstar Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Rockstar Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: That One Summer by C.J. Duggan (Summer #3)

Hi there and welcome to Reading with ABC's stop of the blog tour of C.J. Duggan's That One Summer, book three of the Summer series.  I LOVE this series and I couldn't wait to read Chris's story as he is one of my favorite of the Onslow's boys.  You can find the rest of the Tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tour here.

Title: That One Summer by F.J. Duggan
Release date: 12/17/13

Loving Chris Henderson would be wrong. Diabolically disastrous. I mean, what is there about him to love? He’s moody, bossy, brooding, a control freak, and that’s on a good day … but there was one achingly obvious fact that haunted my every thought, every minute of every day...

He sure could kiss.
As the countdown to the new millennium begins, there is one thing everyone agrees on: no one wants to be in Onslow for New Year’s Eve.
So that can only mean one thing: road trip!
No longer the mousey, invisible, shy girl from years ago, Tammy Maskala is finally making up for all those lost summers. A new year with new friends, which astoundingly includes the bossy boy behind the bar, Chris Henderson.
She likes her new friends (at least most of them), so why does she secretly feel so out of place?
After chickening out on the trip, a last-minute change of heart sees Tammy racing to the Onslow Hotel, fearing she’s missed her chance for a ride. The last thing she expected to meet was a less-than-happy Onslow Boy leaning against his black panel van.
Now the countdown begins to reach the others at Point Shank before the party is over and the new year has begun. Alone in a car with only the infuriating Chris Henderson, Tammy can’t help but feel this is a disastrous start to what could have been a great adventure. But when the awkward road trip takes an unexpected turn, Tammy soon discovers that the way her traitorous heart feels about Chris is the biggest disaster of all.
Fogged up windows, moonlight swimming, bad karaoke and unearthed secrets; after this one summer nothing will ever be the same again.

Find it here: Goodreads | Buy Links 

Review

I LOVE Duggan’s Summer series!  It’s one of the best YA series around, you can find the reviews for the first two books here:  The Boys of Summer  and An Endless Summer .  That One Summer is Chris and Tammy’s story and it was awesome!

I think this is my favorite book in the series because I can easily identify with Tammy the best.  Tammy is shy, a bit OCD, a worrier, a loyal friend and she gets migraines (just like me!).  She reconnected with Amy on the previous book and is now a regular at the Onslow Hotel, even if she doesn’t feel like she fits in yet.  Now, Chris is always scowling and broody, but I have a soft spot for him.  He is so strong, has a quiet self-assurance, he is a great friend to have on your corner and very considerate.  I just love him, even if before That One Summer, he was a big mystery. Who would know that he would turned out to be such a romantic?

What can I say about the Onslow Boys?  They are all amazing, handsome, caring, loyal, (*keep inserting here all the good adjectives you can imagine*)… This group of friends, now with the addition of the girls, is one that I would love to have been a part of as a teenager.  I long to see what would happen next.

The story is so funny!  Tammy gets in such amazingly hilarious situations.  She’s athletic, but sarcastically she’s also a klutz.  The plot is simple, but not boring at all; I always love a good road trip.   I also enjoy Duggan’s writing, it’s easy to read, even when it’s filled by Australian regionalisms.

Overall, That One Summer is my favorite book of the series so far.  I can’t wait to read Ringer’s story next.  

Pre-order Ringer here
Pre-order Forever Summer here

Trailer for the Series

About the Author

C.J Duggan is a Number One Best Selling Australian Author who lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales, Australia. When she isn’t writing books about swoony boys and 90’s pop culture you will find her renovating her hundred-year-old Victorian homestead or annoying her local travel agent for a quote to escape the chaos.

The Boys of Summer is Book One in her highly successful Mature Young Adult Romance Series.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | C.J.'s Street Team

Giveaway

1 winner will get ebooks of Book 1-3 of the Summer series (INT)

RULES AND RESTRICTIONS: 

Contest is void where prohibited. Entrants must be 13 or else have parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner’s name will be selected. Winning entries will be verified for authenticity.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of YA Bound Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by YA Bound Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Blog Tour, Interview and Giveaway: Ask Again Later by Liza Czukas

Hello everyone and welcome to Reading with ABC's stop of Liz Czukas's Ask Again Later.  This blog tour is sponsored by Merp Squad, find more information about the rest of the tour here. 

About the Book

Title: Ask Again Later
Author: Liz Czukas
Published by: HarperTeen
Release date: March 11th, 2014

Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin. Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be? Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests--even if he wants to share all his feelings? Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all...

Find it: Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | TBD

Interview

1.     What sparked the idea of Ask Again Later?

Believe it or not, it was the main character's name.  I was reading a book to my son and the illustrator's last name was Hart, and for some reason that made me wonder what it would be like to be named Heart.  After that, she was a character in search of a story for a little while.  When the idea came to me that I'd like to see what happened if you could actually see both outcomes of a decision, Heart seemed like the right character for the job.

2.     If your fairy godmother granted you the wish of the perfect actress for play Heart in a movie, who would you choose?

Oh gosh, this is a tough one.  When she was younger, I could picture Ginnifer Goodwin in the role, but I'm talking way back, late 90s Ginnifer Goodwin.  Honestly, I'd love to see an unknown come into the role and make it her own.

3.     What’s your favorite quote from the book?

"A girl has to dream, or else sink into a self-pitying depression of epic proportions on prom night when she finds herself squeezed between two acquaintances of dubious quality in the back of a limo where she must keep a wary eye on her would-be make-out buddy for the night."

4.     I love the cover of Ask Again Later.  Is it what you imagined?  Are you happy with it?

Very happy!  I love bold, graphic covers.  I thought for sure when I wrote a book about prom night, I was going to end up with a pretty girl in a pretty dress on the cover.  There are some gorgeous covers out there like that, but that just wouldn't fit for Heart.

5.     I see from your bio in Goodreads that you like “disaster” movies.  Which one is your favorite and why?

Jurassic Park.  Hands down.  I saw that movie in the theater 9 times.  It's got everything I like about disaster movies--quippy one-liners, running away, implausibility, and best of all DINOSAURS!  Runners up include: The Day After Tomorrow, Twister, Volcano, and Independence Day.

6.     What’s your favorite food?

Chips and salsa, but only if it's good salsa.  I frequently make my own and eat it all in the same day before anyone else gets any.

7.     Do you listen to music when you write?  If yes, what’s your favorite?

Sometimes I do, but sometimes I have to turn it off to concentrate.  I have a playlist for most books and I listen to those songs in the car or while I'm walking my dog to get ready to write.  My musical tastes are all over the place!  It's hard to say what's going to be my favorite at any given time.

8.     Is there any YA book being released in 2014 that you’re dying to read?

So many!  I'm excited for Dear Killer, Isla and the Happily Ever After, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and What I Thought Was True just for starters!

9.     What’s next for you?

I have another book coming out in December this year called Top Ten Clues You're Clueless.  It's another realistic YA, not related to Ask Again Later, but if you enjoy one of them, you'll probably enjoy the other.

About the Author

Liz Czukas is a freelance writer who lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ask Again Later is her first novel. She collects college degrees she doesn't use, types too loud, and always has a song stuck in her head. In high school, Liz did go to two proms but not at the same time.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Giveaway

One annotated ARC of Ask Again Later + Swag

One finished copy of Ask Again Later + Swag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Merp Squad Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Mero Squad Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Anomaly by Tonya Kuper

Today Tonya Kuper and Entangled Teen are revealing the cover for ANOMALY, releasing in November 4, 2014! Check out the awesome cover and enter to win an eARC!

On to the reveal!

About the Book 

Title: ANOMALY (Schrodinger's Consortium #1)

Author: Tonya Kuper

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pub. Date: November 4, 2014

Pages: 400

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon

What if the world isn't what we think?

What if reality is only an illusion?

What if you were one of the few who could control it?

Yeah, Josie Harper didn't believe it, either, until strange things started happening. And when this hot guy tried to kidnap her, shouting about ultimate observers and pushing and consortiums hell-bent on controlling the world… Well, that's when things got real. Now Josie's got it bad for a boy who weakens her every time he's near and a world of enemies on her tail who want to control her gift, so yeah, she's going to need more than just her wits if she hopes to survive much longer.

Einstein never saw this coming...

About Tonya:

YA scifi author of ANOMALY, out 11/14, Entangled Teen. Represented by Nicole Resciniti. Contributor at yastands.blogspot.com & allthewritenotes.com. Music freak. Chocolate addict.\

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 eARC of ANOMALY International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Romance is in the Air Blog Hop Giveaway

Welcome to Reading with ABC's stop of the Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop!  This hop is hosted by Rachel Anderson and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

What's for grabs?  Any one (1) romance book from the pictures below (up to $20 in value). You can choose any of the books within a series OR even pre-order a book if it hasn't come out yet, OR any romance by one of these authors. 

The Giveaway is International as long as TBD delivers to you.  I will order the book from Amazon or TBD, depending on the address of the winner.

You can find all other rules in the My Polices page or in the Rafflecopter widget.

Good luck :)

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Knight Assassin by Rima Jean

Today Rima Jena and Entangled Teen are revealing the cover for KNIGHT ASSASSIN, releasing in March 4,2014! Check out the gorgeous cover, exclusive excerpt, and enter to win an eARC!

On to the reveal!

About the Book

Title: KNIGHT ASSASSIN

Author: Rima Jean

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pub. Date: March 4, 2014

Pages: 216

Find it: 
Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Seventeen-year-old Zayn has special powers she cannot control—powers that others fear and covet. Powers that cause the Templar Knights to burn Zayn’s mother at the stake for witchcraft. When a mysterious stranger tempts Zayn to become the first female member of the heretical Assassins, the chance to seek her revenge lures her in. She trains to harness her supernatural strength and agility, and then enters the King of Jerusalem's court in disguise with the assignment to assassinate Guy de Molay, her mother’s condemner. But once there, she discovers Earic Goodwin, the childhood friend who still holds her heart, among the knights—and his ocean-blue eyes don’t miss a thing. Will vengeance be worth the life of the one love she has left?

Exclusive Excerpt!

Earic emerged from behind a rosebush, his eyes glistening at her. He looked misplaced, this broad-shouldered monk-warrior, wandering amid the blooms of an Eastern garden. Even at night, the reds and golds and pinks were vivid and breathtaking. “Is Marguerite well?” he asked immediately, his brow creased with concern.

Zayn frowned as he sat beside her on the bench. “She has been better.”

“Her injury—”

“It is healing well. It’s not her leg that ails her so much.” Zayn looked down into her lap. How would she tell him what Marguerite should be telling him herself? This whole situation was terribly uncomfortable. “Lady Melisende has forbidden her from keeping your company.”

He exhaled, looked down as well. “I thought she might.” Zayn tilted her head to look at his profile. His hair was freshly washed and still damp, dark at the roots and shorter than before. Gone was the baby-faced Fair Boy she remembered; the man beside her had a network of scars on his sun-baked face and neck. His palms were like cracked leather, and the scent of sandalwood mingled with the musk of a man. She was surprised to find that it did not repulse her. In fact, it did quite the opposite. She glanced away.

“She never did approve of our friendship,” he said with a sad smile. “I was not good enough for her daughter. And I don’t disagree—I am not good enough for Marguerite.”

“Oh, stop,” Zayn said impatiently. “Just because you were not born into the right family doesn’t mean you cannot be friends.”

Earic looked at Zayn. “I suppose. But Marguerite is something special.”

Her expression softened. “Yes. I agree.” She hesitated for a moment. “She wanted me to tell you that no matter what, your friendship will endure.”

His smile was like a bolt of lightning in the dark. “Of course it will. Just like ours has.”

Zayn focused straight ahead, her blood beginning to hum. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Zayn.” His voice was hoarse with emotion, his hand gently brushing against hers. “I know it’s you. I knew it was you the moment I saw you.”

“Your enemy,” she heard herself say, turning to look at him.

His voice was barely a whisper. “God’s bones! What have you become?”

Emotion clogged her throat, made her voice rasp. “Forget you ever met me, Earic. You must forget. I must kill you otherwise.”

“You can try. You won’t succeed.” He moved his hand up her arm, sending sparks throughout her body. “I had intended to visit Monteferrand soon. I wanted…to find you.”

She shook her head, her breath coming quickly now. “Find me? Why? You are a Templar, have you forgotten? And I…I’m not the girl you remember, not even a shadow of her.”

“I follow no one’s law but my own.” His face was illuminated from within. “As for the girl from Rafaniya… She’s here, I can still see her.” He raised his hand to her mouth and touched her lips with his forefinger.

Her every nerve tingled in response, her brain woozy with realization. Was it possible that he had feelings for her? In the blink of an eye, her hand flashed out, seeking his throat. Before she could grasp him, he’d snagged her wrist in his powerful fist. Her other hand lashed out; he stopped it as well. Her body rose in fury, but he rose with her, twisting her forcefully against him. Locking her within his arms, he lowered his head. “I won’t touch you, Zayn, I swear it. Please, control your strength. I don’t want to hurt you.”

The roar abated; her strength retreated like a falling tide. She gasped and slumped against him. How was he so strong? She was surprised how far up she had to look to meet his gaze. “I don’t understand. How…?”

His lips were inches from hers. “Haven’t you realized it yet, Zayn? You and I…”

His breath mingled with hers, intoxicating her. “What?” she managed to whisper.

Rather than answer, he dipped his head just a fraction and touched her mouth with his. The spark his lips ignited was so very different from the one created by her power. A warmth spread throughout her body, turning her muscles to jelly. She felt completely, utterly human in Fair Boy’s arms, and it was too good to be true…

She pulled away abruptly, horrified. “I have to go. I can’t… You must forget about me, Earic. Or else you put your life in danger.” Before he could reply, she turned and hurried away, breathless with fear.

About Rima:

Rima Jean received a degree in archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania. After a dismal law school experience, she floundered a bit before accepting her calling: storytelling. She resides in Houston with her wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters, where she writes, edits, and dabbles in digital art.

Website/Twitter/Goodreads





Giveaway Details:

1 eARC of KNIGHT ASSASSIN International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ALIENATED Launch & NOOK Giveaway!

Hey, fiction lovers. I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce that my debut YA sci-fi romance, ALIENATED, is finally available from Disney-Hyperion! Cue the dancers and toss the confetti, because it’s been a long wait!

In a nutshell, ALIENATED is the story of valedictorian Cara Sweeney, who gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to host the nation’s first intergalactic exchange student, the gorgeous but emotionally-stilted Aelyx (pronounced A-licks) from planet L’eihr. The tone is light and humorous, but I explore some deeper themes as well.

What do reviewers have to say?

“The storyline is out of this world and character development paired with authentic voice is superb. Filled with intrigue and suspense, this book will appeal to both sci-fi and contemporary YA fiction fans.” –VOYA

“Interstellar relations heat up in this start to a new romantic science fiction series. Landers [explores] larger social, ecological, and ethical issues in this tense, fast-paced read.” –Booklist

“The perfect blend of sizzling romance, action, and suspense.” –#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Smart, funny, and epic. I am now awaiting contact from planet L’eihr.” Julie Cross, bestselling author of Tempest.

“Intergalactic exchange students? Yes, please! I fell in love with this story and couldn’t put it down.” Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate.

If you like hot, swoony science fiction as much as I do, I hope you’ll give ALIENATED a try. It’s now available in stores and online.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eHsLaf

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1dZqtBI

Book Depo (free international shipping): http://bit.ly/1hzxOfs

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1dfZHDW

Giveaway

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Nook Simple Touch. I’ll even throw in a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble so you can fill your new e-reader with whatever you want!

Now for the fine print: This giveaway is open to US residents only. (Sorry, international friends, but you need a US billing address to buy digital content on the Nook.) Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information, or just to say hello, visit http://www.melissa-landers.com/