Witchstruck Blog Tour: Character Q&A with Meg! + Giveaway!

About the Author

Victoria Lamb grew up in the peaceful Isle of Man, benefiting from a vast library of books and a family of writers from which to take inspiration. She now lives with her own family in a three-hundred year old farmhouse on the fringes of Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor, where she walks most days and writes in a study overlooking fields of moorland ponies.

She has a serious addiction to Twitter, and invites other such addicts to chat with her there about books and nonsense.


☆ How to find Victoria ☆
her website ★ Goodreads ★ Twitter ★ Facebook

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About the Book

If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned.

If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged.

Meg Lytton has always known she is different—that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practise witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne.

With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg’s hand in marriage, and Meg’s own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn’t a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice.

The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck, the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy.

☆ How to find Witchstruck ☆
Goodreads ★ Amazon ★ Barnes & Noble ★ Book Depository ★ IndieBound
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Mindy: Why do you think your dad allows Marcus Dent (witchfinder) to be your suitor when Marcus is such a horrible person?

Meg: My father is afraid of Marcus Dent, that’s my best guess. He is also a little bit afraid of me, perhaps because he senses I am following in my mother and aunt’s footsteps and learning the craft. He thinks marrying me off to a man who can control me as a wife will take care of my tendencies to rebel against male authority and follow my heart into witchcraft.

Mindy: What does it feel like to accompany Princess Elizabeth at court?

Meg: Court is a very different world compared to my quiet existence in Oxfordshire. And we are under constant scrutiny here, for the princess is still under suspicion of treason. But I am determined not to be daunted by my new duties and the richness of my surroundings. My mother was lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn, so it is in my blood to serve royalty and attend the court.

Mindy: Why is Elizabeth imprisoned?

Meg: The princess was suspected of involvement in a recent uprising against the queen by Sir Thomas Wyatt, a courtier and son of the famous poet. Wyatt swore on the scaffold that she was innocent, but Queen Mary hates her younger sister so violently, she will not believe it. So she keeps Elizabeth hidden away in the country, under guard and out of contact with other courtiers who might help Elizabeth seize the throne.

Mindy: What were the first manifestations of your powers?

Meg: I used to play dreadful tricks on my nurse as a young child. If she scolded me cruelly, I would make her trip over, or have the birds swoop down to peck at her. Later I learned to disguise my power, and only use it sparingly, for my aunt warned me that death lies in store for any witch who is discovered.

Mindy: Do you regret anything you've done, using power of voice?

Meg: Many things. I am ashamed to speak of them. Power should not be used lightly or for one’s own ends. Once, when I was young, I had my father’s cook prepare a month’s worth of sweetmeats for me, and ate them alone in my chamber, which was very greedy!

Mindy: Anne Boleyn was executed for being a very powerful witch. Did you ever get a chance to meet her because of your mom's relationship with her?

Meg: No, for I was not born until after she had been executed. Of course, they tried to hide Queen Anne’s involvement in the craft and named other charges against her for which she was tried and beheaded. I do not think she was as powerful a witch as my mother though, who gave up the dark arts when she married.

Mindy: As a child, your aunt trained you up in the craft of being a witch. What kinds of things did she teach you?

Meg: She taught me to tell one plant from another, and the properties and magickal use of all the trees in the forest. She taught me weather spells, and love spells, and spells against sickness. She taught me how to use flame and bells to summon or discharge spirits. She taught me which spells are dangerous, and which can be used with the least harm to nature. Above all, Aunt Jane taught me to conceal my craft from others, for the path of the witch is a lonely and dangerous one, and many have died for it. Yet still I pursued it, for I had no other power which I loved so well as witchcraft.

Mindy: Thank you so much Meg for stopping by Magical Urban Fantasy Reads!

Meg: Thank you for interviewing me.




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The first giveaway is a daily one for the chance to win a copy of WITCHSTRUCK!

The second giveaway is for personalized astrological birth chart and Amazon gift card for framing!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

☆ The Tour ☆
Mon, September 16th – All Things Urban Fantasy
Wed, September 18th - The Book Cellar
Fri, September 20th – Harlequin Tour Stop
Mon, September 23rd – Two Chicks on Books
Wed, September 25th - Oh Chrys
Fri, September 27th – Magical Urban Fantasy
Mon, September 30th – Unabridged Bookshelf
Wed, October 2nd – Such a Novel Idea
Fri, October 4th - Chapter by Chapter

Soul Possessed Cover Reveal + Excerpt!

We are thrilled to be able to share with you the cover for SOUL POSSESSED, the second book in Katlyn Duncan's The Life After Trilogy, which releases next month on October 28th. We think the cover is absolutely beautiful and we can't wait for its release!

We also have an awesome excerpt from the book so be sure to check it out below!

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The Cover!

The Life After #2

About the Book
Expected Release Date:
October 28, 2013
Publisher: Carina UK

Description: Life after Life

Now Maggie has been given the chance of her after-life to become a Guard, nothing will stand in her way. Not even the undeniable attraction she feels for her trainer and past love—Jackson. But when the battle between Shadowed and Guard begins again which side will she choose?

When her boss, Felix, partners Jackson and Maggie up with Ally and Cooper to investigate terrifying Shadowed activity, she doesn’t think it could get any worse. Jackson and Cooper barely tolerate each other and this time, Maggie isn’t just proving her loyalty to the Guard during one mission...she has a side mission too. One so secret and so dangerous she can’t tell a soul...

Goodreads ☆ Amazon US ☆ Amazon UK ☆ iTunes US ☆ iTunes UK

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About the Author!

Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.

WEBSITE ☆ TWITTER ☆ FACEBOOK ☆ GOODREADS ☆ GOOGLE+
PINTEREST ☆ TUMBLR

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The Excerpt!

Jackson nodded and lifted his hand again. I stepped forward, swallowing any doubt as he reached out, one hand cupping my cheek, the other grasping my hand lightly, tracing circles with his thumb and before I could worry about how those circles made me melt inside, the memory slammed into me.

"Margaret!" Gemma shouted with glee. "Come out of there, I know you are trying to scare me!"

I watched the young red-haired girl put her hands on her hips, trying to be brave. She scanned their father's study, narrowing her eyes. The fire roaring in the hearth was the only source of light in the room, casting dark shadows across the furniture.

Maggie hid behind her father's chair, in silent wait for her prey.

"I'm going to tell Mother!"

Maggie's little hands tightened on the chair but she didn't make a sound. I walked over to her, watching her mouth twist up into a sly grin. She was the older of the girls, but she protected her sister fiercely, proclaiming she was the only one who could tease her. Gemma hated when Maggie played games, but it thrilled Maggie no end and I could feel excited anticipation roll off her in waves.

Gemma's bravery faltered as she stepped forward toward the overstuffed armchair, expecting her sister to jump out at her at any moment.

But Maggie waited. She had incredible patience, but I sensed that part of it was stubbornness and a desire to test boundaries. Her head poked out from behind the chair just as Gemma turned toward the love seat. I watched as Maggie slowly came out of her hiding spot and charged at her sister.

Gemma let out a scream but Maggie covered her sister's mouth with her hand.

Both girls collapsed on the floor, Gemma's muffled squeals threatening to break through Maggie's tiny fingers.

"Shh," Maggie cooed.

Gemma managed to wrestle her mouth away from Maggie's hand. "I hate you!" Her indignation faltered into a fit of giggles and Maggie quickly joined her.

As she helped her sister up from the floor Maggie said, "Gemma. You need to always expect the unexpected. You can't go through life being scared all the time." Even though Maggie was a mere nine years old, she spoke as if she'd lived lifetimes before. It was one of the things that drew me to her more than any other Prognatum I'd watched.

Maggie took a handkerchief and wiped her sister's cheeks.

"A lady wouldn't do that to her sister," Gemma said, finally relaxing.

"I don't want to be a lady," Maggie stated firmly. "I want to see the world and not just make babies for the rest of my life."

Gemma shook her head. "That's what we are supposed to do. That's what Mother does."

Maggie's indignation flowed through her and into me. I knew Maggie was born to follow through with her Prognatum duties, she just didn't know it yet. It was rare for a Prognatum to want the Guard position but Maggie would be thrilled when her father revealed it to her at seventeen.

As Maggie reached down to help Gemma up from the floor she whispered, "It's not for me."

Gemma wrapped her sister in a tight hug. "I will love you either way, dear sister."

Maggie rested her head against Gemma's shoulder. "I love you too."

I fell out of the memory just as quickly as I'd fallen in, my legs shaking.

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The Other Book!

The Life After #1

After-life just got a lot more complicated

Maggie is a Soul Collector. It’s her job to transport souls from the Living Realm to the After – but during a mission to find a stolen soul, she ends up stuck in a teen mean girl’s body.

Trapped, Maggie’s soul is catapulted into Ally’s life – and the human world she hasn’t experienced for one hundred years. But, as a descendant of the most powerful beings in the After, Maggie must rescue Ally before the girl’s soul dies…

To survive, Maggie must uncover devastating secrets – because with one soul taken by a terrifying enemy, Maggie’s could be next!

GOODREADS ☆ AMAZON US ☆ AMAZON UK ☆ NOOK UK ☆ KOBO
iTunes US ☆ iTunes UK ☆ CARINA UK

Ward Against Darkness Blog Tour: Scavenger Hunt + Giveaway!

About the Book

The last thing Ward de'Ath wants is more trouble. On the run from both the law and the criminal underworld, Ward and Celia flee Brawenal City only to stumble into the mansion of a powerful evil necromancer. And when Ward discovers the man possesses a dangerous grimoire, his duty leaves him no choice. He can't allow the necromancer to keep the grimoire. But the mansion is filled with monsters--human and undead--and Ward has no way of telling who's friend or foe. The only person he can trust is Celia who dominates more of his thoughts and feelings everyday. But there are still laws in the way of anything but friendship. She's still dead and he's still alive . . . for now.

☆ How to find the book ☆
Goodreads ★ Amazon ★ Barnes & Noble ★ The Book Depository

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About Melanie

Melanie has always been drawn to story telling. In fact, she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t telling a story in her head or on paper. In grade school, they had journal writing time which she turned into story telling time, weaving tales of magic and adventure that mimicked the fairy tales and myths that she loved to read. It was there, with the help of two very special teachers, that she nurtured this love and started her journey as a writer.

She writes fantasy, paranormal romance, and everything in between, seasoned with a good dash of adventure and mystery. Join her on my tales of magic, adventure, and romance.

☆ How to find Melanie ☆
Website ★ Twitter ★ Facebook ★ Goodreads

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Scavenger Hunt

The mystery word for the Scavenger Hunt in the chapter below is bolded and colored BLUE. Simply find the word and then put that word in the rafflecopter as a giveaway entry. Enjoy!

Chapter One, Part 3


She grabbed his arm. “Cast something.”

“What?” The last time he’d tried to use necromancy to stop someone, nothing had happened.

“There’s no other option. Cast something.” She lengthened her stance and held her sword ready. “I can hold them off for a little while.”

“I can’t.” Just because he wanted something didn’t make it possible. He wanted to go to Gyja, have another kiss with Celia, live a long life, and myriad other things the Dark Son was denying him.

“Try,” she said with a growl.

Three thugs stormed through the break, swords drawn. In the moonlight, they looked like demons, with pale faces and wild eyes. Their shirts clung to well-muscled bodies, their wet hair hung limp about their faces. Ward’s heart thudded against still painfully bruised ribs. He drew a breath. For what? He didn’t know—to cry, fight, beg, or cast a reverse wake that would never work. There was no way he’d be able to shove the men’s souls from their bodies. But Celia was going to die…again…and he along with her.

The closest man swung at Celia’s head. She blocked the strike, dropping to one knee from the force of the blow.

Goddess, their options were death or the impossible.

She shoved her assailant’s sword to the side and kicked him in the gut. He stumbled back, but another man rushed into his place with the third man at his side and two more crowding behind. There were too many. The only place to go was over the cliff.

Of course. The cliff.

They might not survive the fall, but they wouldn’t survive at all if they stayed.

Ward seized the back of Celia’s shirt and leapt. She slammed into him. The demon men, the rock face, the pines, and the scrubby bushes fell away. All that remained was him with Celia cradled against his chest immersed in rushing air.

For a moment, just a heartbeat, the heat from her body warmed him. He had his arms around her, his cheek close to hers. He was in control, his life wasn’t a complete disaster, and—

They hit the water with a crack. Air burst from his lungs. Cold brown froth engulfed him. Celia slipped from his grasp, and the water tossed him end-over-end. He thrashed against it, desperate to escape the depths. His chest burned, and he couldn’t hold his breath much longer.

He kicked up and broke the surface, gasping for air and struggling to get his bearings. A wave washed over him, spinning him around. He kicked up again, blinking silty water from his eyes.

The bank rushed past, a blur of uneven shadows, mounds of rock, shrubs, and trees. A flash of something pale caught his eye downstream. He thrashed toward it, praying it was Celia.

Another wave swept over him, and the pale object disappeared. The water surged, dark and fierce. Something shot into the air. A hand. It had to be Celia.

With renewed energy, he swam toward her. Her head bobbed, and she looked around. She seemed calm, but her eyes were wide, as if she were taking in everything with a glance. Their gazes met as a wave pushed him under.

He surfaced. They were closer. If he could get to her, they might just survive. He reached out, straining. Their fingers brushed.

Just a little farther.

Their fingers touched again, and he slammed against something. Pain shot up the right side of his body and across his head. The bank twisted, and the current pulled him under. When he broke through the surface, Celia wasn’t in sight. Only froth, shadows, and rushing water surrounded him.

A low hanging branch grazed the top of his head. He seized it, but the current ripped it from his hand and threw him into a rock. A sharp edge scraped his ribs. He gasped, sucking in more water than air. Coughing, he hit something else and clawed at it, digging his fingers into its hard surface and hauling himself onto the bank.

All his muscles burned. All the old aches and pains from his week in Brawenal, still half-healed, shook him. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to calm his racing heart. If he could rest for just a moment.

Someone yelled nearby. He struggled to raise his head, but it was too heavy. His left arm pulsed with what could only be an infection. If he didn’t do something soon, it could claim his arm, or worse, his life. And if he didn’t get up and run, the bounty hunters would kill him before his arm did.

Was normal just too much to ask for?



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Week One
9/23/2013- Fantasy Book Addict- Interview
9/24/2013- Book Briefs- Review
9/25/2013- Happy Booker- Scavenger Hunt
9/26/2013- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads- Scavenger Hunt
9/27/2013- Refracted Light Reviews- Scavenger Hunt

Week Two
9/30/2013- Books Are Magic- Review both books
10/1/2013- Reading In Twilight- Scavenger Hunt
10/2/2013- Fade Into Fantasy- Interview
10/3/2013- BookHounds YA- Scavenger Hunt
10/4/2013- Pinkindle Reads & Reviews- Review





Prize 1: Signed copy of Ward Against Death and Ward Against Darkness and a $25 gift card (Amazon or B&N) US Only
Prize 2: $15 gift card (Amazon or B&N) US/Canada
Prize 3: 2 eBooks International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Impatiently Waiting! All That Glows by Ryan Graudin

Expected publish date:
February 11, 2014

Author's summary: Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.



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Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Cristin Bishara Q&A: Relativity Blog Tour

About the Author

Before publishing Relativity, Cristin Bishara worked as a professional copywriter, and taught composition and fiction writing at the university level. She has an M.F.A. in creative writing. Cristin lives in Florida with her husband, two girls, and rescued racing greyhound.


☆ How to find Cristin ☆
Website ★ Blog ★ Twitter ★ Facebook
Goodreads
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About the Book

If Ruby Wright could have her way, her dad would never have met and married her stepmother Willow, her best friend George would be more than a friend, and her mom would still be alive. Ruby knows wishes can't come true; some things just can't be undone. Then she discovers a tree in the middle of an Ohio cornfield with a wormhole to nine alternative realities. Suddenly, Ruby can access completely different realities, each containing variations of her life—if things had gone differently at key moments. The windshield wiper missing her mother’s throat…her big brother surviving his ill-fated birth…her father never having met Willow. Her ideal world—one with everything and everyone she wants most—could be within reach. But is there such a thing as a perfect world? What is Ruby willing to give up to find out?

☆ How to find Relativity ☆
Goodreads ★ Amazon ★ Barnes & Noble ★ The Book Depository

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Hey Cristin! Thank you for stopping by Magical Urban Fantasy Reads!

Mindy: If you could pick any mix of two books or two movies to sum up your book, what would they be?

Cristin: While writing RELATIVITY, I definitely thought about Back to the Future, which is still one of my all-time favorite movies. I also had in mind the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books I read when I was a kid. I loved those books, as well as the idea behind them: The story branches off in multiple directions because of a single choice at a key moment. This is a huge theme in RELATIVITY.

Mindy: What was your favorite scene to write in Relativity and why?

Cristin: (SPOILER ALERT) Writing Ruby’s lunch date with George at the Chinese restaurant in Ó Direáin was fun. This is such a great do-over moment for Ruby, when she gets a second chance at George. (I did a playlist for RELATIVITY for another blog post, and I swear right now as I’m writing this, “We Belong Together” by Gavin DeGraw is blaring in my head.)

Mindy: Why young adult?

Cristin: My M.F.A. is in poetry, and honestly, unless you’re Billy Collins and you also teach full time at a university, poetry doesn’t pay the bills. I wish this weren’t true, but it is. Maybe in some parallel universe, you could go to Monster.com and find this ad: “Poet for hire, $50K plus benefits. Fill out your application in iambic pentameter.”

Since I needed a paycheck, I started writing magazine articles and copy for corporate brochures and websites. In the meantime, I tried picture books, screenplays, and short stories. Finally, I got the idea for RELATIVITY, and finally, I realized that YA was exactly what I was looking for.

Mindy: What were your biggest challenges while writing Relativity?

Cristin: Hands down, the most difficult thing was the ripple effect that every single change made. Whenever I revised, I had to go back and forth through the manuscript, over and over again, to make sure I caught all the details. A simple change in one universe could necessitate revision work in five others! For example, I inserted chapter nineteen fairly late in the game. Writing that chapter was the easy part. Dealing with all the repercussions of adding another universe was the hard part. The code, the mechanism, any mention of the number of universes, and the countdown at the end––all of it changed.

Mindy: Are you working on anything else right now?

Cristin: I just finished another YA novel, which I sent to my agent last week! Like RELATIVITY, it’s a blend of romance, sci-fi, and mystery. This one is definitely heavier on the romance, though. The main character is almost 18, and the science isn’t string theory or parallel universes. I’m still waiting for my agent to read it, so instead of just sitting here chewing my fingernails off, I’ve started ideas for a third book. You’ll have to stay tuned to find out more, since it’s way too early to share any details…





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Tour-wide giveaway

A SIGNED hardcover copy of RELATIVITY to THREE (3) Winners. US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bonus Giveaway

Codeword: iyeb
Now head on over to the RELATIVITY Facebook Page to enter! Make sure you stop by the participating blogs below to collect each encoded piece.

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Week One

Sept. 9th - Seeing Night Reviews - Guest Post + Review
Sept. 10th - Two Chicks on Books - Guest Post
Sept. 11th - Parajunkee - Interview
Sept. 11th - Working for the Mandroid - Review
Sept. 12th - Fic Fare - Interview
Sept. 13th - Icey Books - Interview
Sept. 13th - The Bookshelf Sophisticate - Guest Post

Week Two

Sept. 16th - Fiktshun - Guest Post
Sept. 17th - Imaginary Reads - Interview
Sept. 18th - Magical Urban Fantasy Reads - Interview
Sept. 19th - The Book Monsters - Interview
Sept. 20th - Readers In Wonderland - Review
Sept. 20th - [B.O.O.K.L.I.F.E.] - Interview

Impatiently Waiting! Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Expected publish date:
January 28, 2014

Publisher's summary: In this sequel to the Gothic suspense sensation The Madman's Daughter, Juliet must confront what happened to her on the island and escape her haunting past.

Winter frost coats the outside of the Royal Botanical Gardens greenhouse where Juliet Moreau spends her days, but the steamy air inside reminds her of her father's island-and the secrets she left behind. Now back in London, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau's horrific legacy-though someone, or something, hasn't forgotten her.

As people close to her fall victim to a murderer whose macabre calling card is three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father's creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a cure for her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer-Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we'll go to save them from themselves.



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Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Countdown Character Interview: Introducing Kira and Rogan

About the Author

Michelle Rowen knows a book she’s working on is going well when the characters start talking to her when she’s not writing. She likes to believe this is a sign of a creative mind…and not something to be worried about. While she loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and travel, she also watches way too much reality TV for her own good. A prolific author of novels for both young and not-so-young adults, Michelle lives in Southern Ontario in a sky-high condo with two delightful cat familiars.

☆ How to find Michelle ☆
Website ★ Facebook ★ Twitter ★ Goodreads
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About the Book

3 SECONDS LEFT TO LIVE.

Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.

2 PAWNS THROWN INTO A BRUTAL UNDERGROUND REALITY GAME.

Kira Jordan survived her family’s murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 REASON KIRA WIL NEVER, EVER TRUST ROGAN. EVEN THOUGH BOTH THEIR LIVES DEPEND ON IT.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira’s psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan’s secrets prove ever more deadly, Kira’s only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can’t escape.

☆ Find Countdown ☆
Goodreads ★ Amazon

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☆ Mindy interviews Kira ☆
Hi Kira! Welcome to Magical Urban Fantasy Reads!
Thanks. I could use a little Magical Urban Fantasy in my life.

You’ve had a pretty rough life living out on the streets but you’ve done quite well for yourself, even if it’s not ideal. What are some of the most formidable struggles you face while living out on the street?
I do okay. Once you know where to sleep, where you can get food, and which of your friends are the most trustworthy and who won’t steal your shoes in the middle of the night, you’re doing great.

What’s your typical meal like while living out on the streets?
I eat when I can, where I can, and as cheaply as I can. Free is my favorite price.

Are there any foods you really miss that you used to eat before you had to learn to fend for yourself?
Since I’m usually eating out of a Dumpster at the back of a restaurant, yeah, I’d say pretty much anything I ate when I lived at home with my parents and sister was better than a half eaten hamburger, but you do what you have to do.

Have you attended school? And, if yes, for how long?
I was in private school until I was fourteen – my father was a professor at the University so he got special education privileges. For the last two years, my school is the streets. Best education ever if you want to learn fast.

It was pretty horrific how you lost your family. I’m so sorry. What do you miss most about them?
Wow, that’s a really hard question. I miss everything about them. I miss them being alive, being around to talk to, even arguing with my sister about stupid things is something I miss now. I miss having a normal life. I miss knowing there were people around who loved me without expecting anything in return.

Thank you so much for stopping by Kira!
You said you were going to give me five bucks for the interview, right? Let’s see it! I want to get some lunch at the mall’s food court. I’ve had a serious craving for French fries lately.

Sure I'll give you $5! You deserve it!

☆ Mindy interviews Rogan ☆
Hi Rogan! Welcome to Magical Urban Fantasy Reads! BTW! That’s a pretty bad ass scar on your face! I like!!!
I’m so happy that evidence of my pain makes you happy.

Oh! Sorry! What is a typical day like in St. Augustine?
Like hell. Thanks for asking. See my scar? Got that in juvie, but since you “like” it I guess you’re cool with that.

Do you now have, or have you had, any friends while you’ve been in there?
Just the guy who gave me this scar. But a scar is better than him killing me in my sleep, so it is what it is.

What are the sleeping arrangements like?
Four guys to a room. But currently I’m in solitary due to what I did to the guy who gave me this scar.

What do they feed you?
Boring food that has no taste. Boiled vegetables. White rice. Pills that are supposed to control our moods and ‘tempers’ but they call them vitamins. Whatever, I don’t care.

Do you think you’ll be locked up for life?
Seems that way. As soon as I turn eighteen next week, I’m headed out of juvie to maximum security prison for my alleged crimes. Likely won’t last long there, though. A knife to the face would be like a friendly hug in that place.

Thanks Rogan for stopping by!
Yeah, thanks. So much fun I could die.






Monday, September 2nd - Harlequin Tour Stop

Tuesday, September 10th - Alice Marvel's

Thursday, September 12th - The Book Cellar

Tuesday, September 17th - Magical Urban Fantasy Reads

Thursday, September 19th - Mundie Mom's

Tuesday, September 24th - Falling For YA

Thursday, September 26th - Literary Meanderings

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There are two giveaways for those following this tour!

The first giveaway is a daily one for the chance to win a copy of COUNTDOWN!

The second giveaway is for a grand prize pack: HarlequinTEEN Goodie Bag! All entries into the daily giveaway count toward the grand prize!!



Please note that both the daily and grand prize give-aways are for US/Canada participants only. See full contest rules here.

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Gold Blog Tour + Giveaway: Joe and Brianna sit for a chat!

About the Author

Talia Vance is a practicing litigation attorney living in Northern California with her real life love interest, two-point-five kids, and a needy Saint Bernard named Huckleberry. Talia has been writing since she could talk, making up stories for every doll, stuffed animal and action figure she could get her hands on. She grew up hoping to write the great American novel, but her life ran more along the lines of tortured romance and fast paced thrillers, so that's what she writes.

☆ How to find Talia ☆
Website ★ Blog ★ YA Muses Blog ★ Twitter ★ Goodreads
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About the Book

A Bandia Novel #2

Descended from an Irish demigod, Brianna has fled to Ireland to escape destruction at the hands of her sworn enemies, the Sons of Killian. Taking refuge at the estate of her former nemesis, Austin Montgomery, Brianna discovers a rift in time that opens to an era before the feud began.

Wrestling with her newfound feelings for the more innocent Austin, Brianna begins to wonder if she can alter the past. But when Brianna and Austin learn that the Sons are raising an army of mythical beasts, the pair will need to use their magical strength in the present to avoid a tragic end.
☆ Find Gold ☆
Amazon ★ Barnes & Noble ★ Goodreads

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A conversation with Joe and Brianna

Brianna (sliding cup of black coffee across the table): How can you drink this stuff? Even Mick’s watery tea is better than the sludge you pass off as coffee.

Joe (shrugs and turns up the collar of his black leather jacket): Works for me.

Brianna (sipping from a vanilla latte): I know you don’t like to talk much about your past, but I’m still trying to figure out exactly what it is you giolla do. How long have you been here?

Joe: In Rancho Domingo?

Brianna: Alive.

Joe (taking a cigarette from a packet in his pocket and placing it between his lips without lighting it): You’ve never heard of small talk, have you?

Brianna: I’ve heard of it. Just because I’m a science nerd doesn’t mean I’m completely lacking in social graces.

Joe: Didn’t say you were.

Brianna: It was implied by the all-knowing stare. So, how long?

Joe: Now I’m saying it. You could do with a social grace or two.

Brianna: More than a millennium?

Joe: Long enough to know better than to think that your knowing will have any impact on the balance of things.

Brianna: You’re always talking about the balance. Mick says that the giolla are here to protect the balance on earth, but you guys don’t get involved very much. What do you do exactly?

Joe (rolling the cigarette between his thumb and forefinger): Watch. Listen. Keep the players on the board as long as we can.

Brianna: The gods aren’t on the board now.

Joe: As far as you know.

Brianna: What. What don’t I know? There’s a way to bring them back, isn’t there? A way to bring him back.

Joe (picking up his untouched cup with his free hand): This coffee is horrible.

Brianna: I’m not going to let this go.

Joe: Not my concern.

Brianna: You’re lucky I like you. Okay, last question, why did you align yourself with the Sons of Killian?

Joe: The Sons aren’t so easy to like.

Brianna: That’s a reason for aligning with them?

Joe: Still hurts when they die though.

Brianna: Oh. Sorry. Mick told me that it’s hard to watch everyone you care about die while you stay behind. You thought the Sons would be easier?

Joe: Nah, nothing’s easy. Just didn’t expect to like ‘em so much.

Brianna: Me either.

Joe: For what it’s worth, I’m glad they let you live.

Brianna: They’ll probably regret it.

Joe: Probably.

Brianna: You won’t?

Joe (placing the unlit cigarette back between his lips and standing): Nah, I like you.

Brianna: Wait. I have more questions.

Joe: I’m sure you do. Don’t let my leaving keep you from finding the answers.

Brianna: But I’m looking for answers from you.

Joe (stands to leave): Nah, only you can answer the questions that matter.

Week One

9/9/2013- My Guilty Obsession- Guest Post
9/10/2013- Fiktshun- Blake Interview
9/11/2013- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads- Guest Post
9/12/2013- Ravenous Reader- Guest Post
9/13/2013- Taters Tall Tails- Austin Interview

Week Two

9/16/2013- Book Pics- Brianna Interview
9/17/2013- What the Cat Read- Interview
9/18/2013- Ya Sisterhood- Guest Post
9/19/2013- A Book Obsession- Interview
9/20/2013- Two Chicks on Books- Austin Guest Post- Quarters Scene from Austin’s POV

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Tour-wide Giveaway! US Shipping only.
2 Winners - signed copies of Silver and Gold
3 Winners - signed copies of Gold

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Impatiently Waiting! Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Expected publish date:
January 8, 2014

Publisher's summary: The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.



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Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Teaser - Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

Teaser Tuesday!

Publisher's summary: Zombies stalk the night. Forget blood and brains. These monsters hunger for human souls. Sadly, they've got mine…

Alice Bell has lost so much. Family. Friends. A home. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong.

After a new zombie attack, strange things begin to happen to her. Mirrors come to life, and the whispers of the dead assault her ears. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do very wicked things.

She's never needed her team of zombie slayers more, but ultra bad-boy Cole Holland, the leader and her boyfriend, suddenly withdraws from her…from everyone. Now, with her best friend Kat at her side, Ali must kill the zombies, uncover Cole's secret and learn to fight the darkness.

But the clock is ticking…and if she fails at a single task, they're all doomed.

THE WHITE RABBIT CHRONICLES

I've lost so much.
A dear friend.
My new home.
My purpose. My pride.
And it's my fault. I can blame no one else.
I and I alone let the darkness in.

The Teaser!
Kat swerved to avoid hitting another car, and I yelped.

"Is my driving making you nervous?" she asked. "I mean, you're super tense. Which is silly, considering the fact that I've only been in, like, three wrecks since you were confined to a bed, and, when you think about it, none of them were my fault. I mean, sure, I was in the wrong lane, texting, but the other drivers had plenty of time to move out of my way."



- ARC Page 37
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Teaser Tuesday is hosted by is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.