Friday, March 28, 2014

Giveaway ~ Kiss My Math by Danica McKellar

So with Danica McKellar starring on Dancing With The Stars, I began feeling a bit nostalgic. I loved watching The Wonder Years when I was growing up and the romance between Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper had me wishing for my own childhood romance :) That Danica went on to become an author and math guru made her a even cooler in my dorky opinion.

In celebrating the re-emergence of Danica McKellar, I've joined together with a few other YA authors to host a giveaway! Two lucky winners will receive a paperback copy of Kiss My Math by Danica McKellar! The giveaway begins today and continues until Danica wins or is eliminated from Dancing With the Stars.

 From the author of the runaway bestseller Math Doesn?t Suck, the next step in the math curriculum-- pre-Algebra.

Last year, actress and math genius Danica McKellar made waves nationwide, challenging the "math nerd" stereotype and giving girls the tools to ace tests and homework in her unique just-us-girls style. Now, in Kiss My Math, McKellar empowers a new crop of girls, 7th to 9th graders, taking on the next level of mathematics: pre-Algebra.

Stepping up not only the math, but also the sass and style, Kiss My Math will help math-phobic teenagers everywhere chill out about math, and finally "get" negative numbers, variables, absolute values, exponents, and more. Each chapter features:

  - Step-by-step instruction
- Time-saving tips and tricks

- Illuminating practice problems with detailed solutions
- Real-world examples

- True stories from Danica's own life as a student and actress

Kiss My Math also includes more fun extras--including personality quizzes, reader polls, and real-life testimonials-- ultimately revealing why pre-Algebra is easier, more relevant, and more glamorous than girls think.


There are multiple ways to enter including the option to tweet daily. The listed end date is subject to change and winner will be announced within 48 hours of Danica's win or elimination from DWTS.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Blog Tour: Intangible by DelSheree Gladden * Review



http://angelafristoe.blogspot.com/2014/03/intangible-by-delsheree-gladden-blog.html


I am so excited to be hosting this stop on the Intangible by DelSheree Gladden Blog Tour! After reading my review of Intangible, you can click on the tour banner to check out the tour schedule.

http://amzn.to/1iF1nOd
Intangible (The Aerling Series, #1)
by DelSheree Gladden
Published: March 12, 2014
Available: Amazon  
Mason is not imaginary.
He's not a ghost, either.
And he's most definitely not a hallucination.

Mason is an Aerling, and the Sentinels' number one target.

Separated to keep each other safe and alive until Mason's eighteenth birthday when Olivia is expected to guide him back to the world of the Aerlings, neither one was prepared to be stripped of their best friend, of the person they love most. The pain being away from each other causes is the least of their worries, though, as the Sentinels intensify their search for Mason and bring the threat of danger to a whole new level.
 
Review:
I have to start by saying that The Aerling Series is one of my all time favorite YA reads.The first book in the series, Invisible, ended with a heart wrenching scene that had me in tears, so I was pretty certain that the beginning of Intangible was going to be an emotional time for Olivia and Mason. Since this is a sequel, my review won't have a lot of details - I don't want to give away the first in the series!

Gladden has an amazing way of building such incredible depth and life into her characters. When I first started reading the series, I had a hard time feeling sympathy for Olivia. And while I grew to like her character, I still felt she was being unfair to Mason. Going into Intangible, I was totally on board with her and Mason being together. It was impossible not to feel the agony that these two go through and yet, Gladden also keeps focused on the storyline as well. This is not a romance with a paranormal subplot.

What I loved best about Intangible and Invisible is that even if the romance wasn't there, I'd still want to read the series. The concept is well developed and thought out, and while Invisible introduced the read to Aerlings, Intangible brings us deeper into the mystery surrounding them. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in the series!






More about The Aerling Series
The Characters:

Invisible (The Aerling Series, #1)
http://amzn.to/1iF1YQ5

Olivia’s best friend is not imaginary. He’s not a ghost, either. And she’s pretty sure he’s not a hallucination. He’s just Mason.

He is, however, invisible.

When Olivia spotted the crying little boy on her front porch at five years old, she had no idea she was the only one who could see him. Twelve years later when new-girl Robin bumps into the both of them and introduces herself to Mason, they are both stunned.

Mason couldn’t be more pleased that someone else can see him. Olivia, on the other hand, isn’t jumping at the chance to welcome Robin into their circle. Jealousy may have something to do with
that, but honest fear that Robin’s presence will put Mason in danger is soon validated when a strange black car shows up outside Olivia’s house.

The race to find out what Robin knows in time to protect Mason from whatever threats are coming becomes Olivia’s only focus.

About the Author
DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. Local folk lore is strongly rooted in her writing, particularly ideas of prophecy, destiny, and talents born from natural abilities. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. Her works include Escaping Fate, Twin Souls Saga, The Destroyer Trilogy, and Invisible. Look for, Wicked Power, the next book in the Someone Wicked This Way Comes Series, and Soul Stone, book two in the Escaping Fate Series, coming 2014.
Author Links 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Blog Tour: Intangible by DelSheree Gladden *Excerpt



http://angelafristoe.blogspot.com/2014/03/intangible-by-delsheree-gladden-blog.html


I am so excited to be hosting this stop on the Intangible by DelSheree Gladden Blog Tour! After reading the excerpt, you can click on the tour banner to check out the tour schedule.

http://amzn.to/1iF1nOd
 
Intangible (The Aerling Series, #1)
by DelSheree Gladden
Published: March 12, 2014
Available: Amazon 
Mason is not imaginary.
He's not a ghost, either.
And he's most definitely not a hallucination.

Mason is an Aerling, and the Sentinels' number one target.

Separated to keep each other safe and alive until Mason's eighteenth birthday when Olivia is expected to guide him back to the world of the Aerlings, neither one was prepared to be stripped of their best friend, of the person they love most. The pain being away from each other causes is the least of their worries, though, as the Sentinels intensify their search for Mason and bring the threat of danger to a whole new level.
 
Excerpt from Intangible by DelSheree Gladden

Chapter 16

“I won’t sacrifice your life for any reason, Olivia,” I say, my voice sounding harsh.

Taking in a deep breath, Olivia prepares to argue with me. I don’t give her the chance.

“Unless Robin’s grandmother gave you some kind of insight about what’s going to happen to you when I go home, this is far from being a done deal. Nothing will ever convince me to let you risk your life to save mine. I won’t let you do it. I won’t!”

Expecting an immediate argument, I am left off balance when I am greeted by silence. An unsettling anxiety washes over me as I wait for her to say something, anything!

Olivia’s quiet, sweet voice whispers over the line, and from the first syllable I know going against her is nearly impossible. “Mason, I would gladly give up my life in exchange for yours. That was never even a question for me.” She breathes out slowly. “But this is so much more than just us now. It isn’t my life or yours that we’re risking. It’s every Aerling’s life. Molly’s, Conner’s, Shane’s. If I don’t help you get home, the Sentinels will eventually find them. They’ll never give up their war. We have a chance to stop this forever. We have a chance to save them all. Saving you is reason enough to do this, but ending a war…how could I not take the risk?”

Silently, I wipe away the tears that started falling at the mention of Molly’s name. I could never let Olivia risk her life for me, but could I make the same argument when it is Molly’s life hanging in the balance? I shake my head, knowing I would do anything to protect Molly. It breaks my heart to admit Olivia is right, but there is no other choice I can make.

Emotion is thick in my voice as I say, “Molly.” My heart aches thinking of such a sweet little girl being hurt because of me.

“She’s the only reason you’re going to let me try, isn’t she,” Olivia says.

It takes me a moment to answer, to clear enough emotion from my voice to forms the words I need to say. “Olivia, you have been my whole world since the day we met. I love you so much. The idea of any harm coming to you kills me, but Molly…she changes things.” I scrub my free hand through my hair. “Does that sound bad, that I’m agreeing to this in order to protect her? It’s still putting you at risk. Helping me could kill you, Olivia. How do I justify that?”

“You justify it because she’s you love her, Mason. She’s part of you now. That’s what family is all about, making the hard decisions and sacrificing what you love most in order to protect them,” Olivia says quietly.

Her love reaches out to me, wrapping me up and filling me with a warmth like I have never experienced. I have always known that Olivia was an amazing person, but I don’t think I realized until this moment just what a beautiful soul she really is. My breath hitches as tears begin rolling down my cheeks.

“You are what I love most, Ollie. You know that, right?” 

“You’re what I love most, too, Mason. You always will be.”



More about The Aerling Series
The Characters:

Invisible (The Aerling Series, #1)
http://amzn.to/1iF1YQ5

Olivia’s best friend is not imaginary. He’s not a ghost, either. And she’s pretty sure he’s not a hallucination. He’s just Mason.

He is, however, invisible.

When Olivia spotted the crying little boy on her front porch at five years old, she had no idea she was the only one who could see him. Twelve years later when new-girl Robin bumps into the both of them and introduces herself to Mason, they are both stunned.

Mason couldn’t be more pleased that someone else can see him. Olivia, on the other hand, isn’t jumping at the chance to welcome Robin into their circle. Jealousy may have something to do with
that, but honest fear that Robin’s presence will put Mason in danger is soon validated when a strange black car shows up outside Olivia’s house.

The race to find out what Robin knows in time to protect Mason from whatever threats are coming becomes Olivia’s only focus.

About the Author
DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. Local folk lore is strongly rooted in her writing, particularly ideas of prophecy, destiny, and talents born from natural abilities. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. Her works include Escaping Fate, Twin Souls Saga, The Destroyer Trilogy, and Invisible. Look for, Wicked Power, the next book in the Someone Wicked This Way Comes Series, and Soul Stone, book two in the Escaping Fate Series, coming 2014.
Author Links 

Monday, March 17, 2014

Review: My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling



My Ex From Hell 
(The Blooming Goddess Trilogy, #1)

by Tellulah Darling
Published: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Te Da Media 

Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:
a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy teen yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Review: (Please note that I shortened the synopsis since it is rather long. The full synopsis is available on Amazon and Goodreads.)

Despite my love of Greek mythology, I've never been drawn to books based on these myths or their demi-god offspring. Yet the cover and the synopsis of My Ex From Hell had me thinking that this would be different than I've always thought those books would be like. And it was in the greatest way possible.

I have to admit that Darling's writing style was a bit hard to get into at first. Only a few pages in I was questioning if I'd get through the first chapter, let alone the whole book. Then something happened. Sophie's character began coming to life. By the end of the first chapter I was in for the long haul.

Sophie's voice was great. There was enough sass in her that she came across as a real teen, yet not so much that I wanted to smack her upside the head :) Her friends Hannah and Theo are equally as great. Hannah is brainy and has the beauty that I'd assumed Sophie would have (considering she's the goddess), and Theo is the sweet protective friend who had me thinking there was more to him than just a secondary character by the end.

It was the relationship between Sophie and Kai that I absolutely loved. Even though there is attraction and a pretty hot and heavy history (that Sophie doesn't remember), there is no insta-love. Instead they hide their attraction with prickliness and the mystery surrounding Persephone's death keeps Sophie's suspicions on overdrive.

There was of course a cliffhanger, it is a trilogy after all. I will definitely be picking up book 2. I can't wait to get back into Sophie's life.

Intangible by DelSheree Gladden Blog Tour Kick Off!

The Intangible by DelSheree Gladden Blog Tour kicks off today and we have some great interviews, posts, and excerpts lined up!


Here is a look at the schedule:

Monday, March 17th

Tuesday, March 18th

Wednesday, March 19th

Thursday, March 20th

Friday, March 21st

Saturday, March 22th

Monday, March 24th
Chicks Writing Rocking YA ~ Guest Post

Tuesday, March 25th
Celtic Connexions ~ Guest Post

Wednesday, March 26th
Once Upon a YA Book ~ Guest Post

Thursday, March 27th
Annamaria's Writing Corner ~ Character Interview

Friday, March 28st
Hope to Read ~ Spotlight

Saturday, March 29th 
Pressed Leaf Publishing ~ Guest Post



Friday, March 7, 2014

Cover Reveal: Intangible (The Aerling Series, #2) by DelSheree Gladden

Intangible (The Aerling Series, #2)
by DelSheree Gladden
Expected Publish Date: March 12, 2014

Mason is not imaginary.
He's not a ghost, either.
And he's most definitely not a hallucination.


Mason is an Aerling, and the Sentinels' number one target.

Separated to keep each other safe and alive until Mason's eighteenth birthday when Olivia is expected to guide him back to the world of the Aerlings, neither one was prepared to be stripped of their best friend, of the person they love most. The pain being away from each other causes is the least of their worries, though, as the Sentinels intensify their search for Mason and bring the threat of danger to a whole new level.

Interesting in being a tour host during the Intangible Blog Tour on March 17-29? There are still a few review post openings, so click on the tour banner below to sign up!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1t92nKeVMCPWCZv6r8b3oM9v-JiYGep9IWdEUgO9elwE/viewform


Invisible (The Aerling Series, #1) is FREE on Amazon 
March 7 -10th!


About the Author:

DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. Local folk lore is strongly rooted in her writing, particularly ideas of prophecy, destiny, and talents born from natural abilities. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. Her works include Escaping Fate, Twin Souls Saga, The Destroyer Trilogy, and Invisible. Look for, Wicked Power, the next book in the Someone Wicked This Way Comes Series, and Soul Stone, book two in the Escaping Fate Series, coming 2014.

Author Links 

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Lucky is Reading Giveaway Hop and Interview: Jen Naumann

http://www.stuckinbooks.com

 Thanks go out to Stuck In Books for hosting this Blog Hop!
 
For this giveaway, I'm excited to be giving away The Day Zombies Ruined My Perfectly Boring Life and The Time Zombies Became the Least of My Worries by Jen Naumann! Check out my interview with Jen and enter for your chance to win a Kindle or Nook version of her zombie books! 

Don't forget to check out all the other blogs participating in this Blog Hop by using the Linky at the bottom of the post.
http://amzn.to/1owauAzhttp://amzn.to/1n18FQQ
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Interview with Jen Naumann
Did you always want to be an author?
Pretty much, yes. I remember in 3rd grade writing a story about My Little Ponies and declaring I would grow up to be a writer. I stuck to my guns and wrote dozens of novels up until college, when I felt overwhelmed in declaring a major. Then I started a family and the writing thing got lost until recently when someone in my family had a major medical issue, and I realized life was too short not to go after what I love. So I was in my 30s before it finally became a reality!
Tell us a bit about your zombie series
This is definitely not a typical zombie story! Emma, the main character, is a senior in high school when the apocalypse hits, and more worried about what to do with the crush she has on her childhood friend than how she’s going to survive. She’s full of wit and doesn’t have the basic of fighting skills, so at times her adventure is pretty humorous. And the virus isn’t caused by your run-of-the-mill human virus, either.
How did you come up with the idea for your novel?
Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland were already my favorite movies before I became a die-hard fan of The Walking Dead from the first time it aired. After the first season was over, I went into a kind of denial. I wanted more zombies! I started to wonder how I would react if there was a zombie apocalypse since I’m really not very coordinated or brave, and wrote the first 10,000 words in one day. Emma is sort of a younger version of myself, although I'm not quite that snarky. I had to be careful at times to make sure she isn't flat-out bullying the other characters, because I'm a heavy supporter of anti-bullying campaigns!
What drew you to the YA genre?
Growing up in the 80s I was obsessed with John Hughes and Stephen Spielberg films, and wrote a ton of fan fiction based on their movies (I just realized a few years ago what I was doing was actually called “fan fiction”). I tried to write an “adult” book after high school, but realized I was still mesmerized by the magical feeling of the teen movies I loved growing up. Preparing to go off on your own into adulthood is such an exciting time! I often think being an adult is boring, and miss the energy of being young, awaiting new challenges with bright eyes. Then again, maybe I’m just one of those people who will never grow up!
Are there any books and stories that have influenced or stuck with you from your childhood or young-adulthood?
I don’t think my parents were aware at the time, but I started reading Stephen King in 5th grade and was pretty much obsessed with his work by high school. I’ve always liked the idea of being scared, and using my imagination to explore what would happen if monsters were real. While I don’t feel I’ve actually dove into the horror genre quite yet, it’s still something I hope to do one day. I'm just not sure I could do it justice.
Do you have any other works published and how do they compare genre/style wise with your current work?
I’ve just completed my 7th book for publication. While all of my books deal with some sort of paranormal element, What I’ve Done and Shymers (a dystopian story) are both told by girls who are a bit more gentle, and naive to the world around them. Cheating Death is about a popular girl who makes bad decisions, and deals with some pretty dark subjects. The heroine in Mind Static is confident with a little attitude, giving the story a fun and lighter feel. My favorite so far is my new release Paranormal Keepers in which the girl is smart, good humored, and brave.
Do you have any current writing projects? Can you tell us a bit about them?
Although there are at least five other projects I’d rather be working on, I just started the sequel to my most popular book, Shymers. Since I left readers with a big cliffhanger, I’ve felt a tremendous amount of pressure with the second book and kept putting it off. I finally decided I owe it to my fans to finish Olive and Harrison’s story. As with my zombie series, it will most likely become nothing more than a two-part series, although I’ll never rule out more books in the future if I feel like adding to it. It’s just that my ADD won’t allow me to focus on one project for very long.

Thank you, Jen for stopping by and offering your book for this amazing giveaway!


Saturday, March 1, 2014

Blog Tour: Soul Stone by DelSheree Gladden *Character Interview




http://amzn.to/1dHAp32

Soul Stone
by DelSheree Gladden
Published: February 26, 2014

Arrabella thought she was done with dreams, done with curses and the threat of death. After surviving the ancient Aztec curse that had plagued her family for centuries, Arra was more than ready for her new life in the boring little town of Grainer, Maine. Boring and small sounded perfect...but she should have known better than to think it would last. The dream was odd, but Arra passed it off as nerves about starting school in Grainer. Her boyfriend, Tanner, was there to distract her…and get her into a little trouble as well. He pushes the dream out of her mind until they walk onto the school campus and see her. The lonely girl from Arra’s dream.

Tanner’s reaction is fierce. He won’t risk losing Arra again and demands she stay away from Sibeal, but Arra can’t stop thinking about her haunted expression. What if she can help her? Arra can’t just walk away and let whatever curse has a hold of Sibeal claim her without trying to stop it. But what if Sibeal deserves the punishment? Arra’s battle to make the right choice about Sibeal only gets harder when she is forced to turn to the person in town she likes least for help. Sebastian Wallace is arrogant and irritating, but he’s seems to be the only one who can help her. As Arra tries to determine what the right choice is, she finds out saving Sibeal may be the least of her problems.





Character Interview: Arrabella Malo

Today I’m talking with Arrabella Malo, about her role in the new book, Soul Stone. Now Arra, this isn’t the first time you’ve been caught up in otherworldly plots, is it? 

Arra: I wish I could say no, but being cursed by an ancient Aztec god isn’t something you’re likely to forget. The effects of that curse are still with me, unfortunately. That’s how I ended up getting pulled into Sibeal’s story. 

You mentioned Sibeal Ahearn. How do you become involved in her problems? 

Arra: Just like last time, it all starts with the dreams. I’m not really sure what to make of the first dream. Sibeal and her creepy reflection don’t mean much to me until I show up for my first day of my junior year in Grainer and find her standing outside the school. 

When you realize the new dream isn’t just a random nightmare, what are your first thoughts? 

Arra: My first thoughts? Not again! Barely surviving my own curse was bad enough. I wasn’t exactly thrilled to end up getting suck into someone else’s. 

Then why didn’t you just stay away?

Arra: Because as much as I don’t want to get caught up in any more crazy dreams, I know what Sibeal is going through. I experienced firsthand what it feels like to lose control of your life and feel so alone you lose hope of ever finding a way out. 

Fighting a curse isn’t a one person job. Tell us about the help you receive while trying to learn about Sibeal’s curse. 

Arra: At first, it’s just Tanner and me. My grandpa helped me last time, but I didn’t want to drag him into something like this. My curse was too traumatic for him. Tanner and I try our best, but we end up having to call in more help, namely Sebastian Wallace, which I am not real keen on given that he spends the majority of his waking hours trying to get me into trouble. He’s not my favorite person in town. 

Sebastian Wallace. He may not be your favorite person, but the rest of the town is hard-pressed to find fault with him, right? 

Arra: Not you too! Ugh. Look, I get why everyone looks at him like he can do no wrong, but he’s not as perfect as everyone thinks. He’s rude and sarcastic and arrogant…and he just gets under my skin. He somehow manages to bring out the worst in me every time. 

I’ll mark you down as a “no” for the Sebastian Wallace Fan Club then. Let’s go back to the business of curses instead. Is this going to become a regular thing for you? 

Arra: You have no idea how much I’d like to say no, but as far as I can tell, the dreams won’t be leaving me alone any time soon. 

What will the dreams bring next? 

Arra: It’s hard to ever tell, but if I had to suggest a book name based on the dream I had last night, let’s just say that Oracle Lost might be a good title.

That certainly peaks my interest. We’ll have to revisit that later. For now, thank you for stopping by my blog today, Arra. I’ll say goodbye for now and wish you dream free nights.

Also Available from the Escaping Fate series:
 
http://amzn.to/1cZDRcG

About the Author:
DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. Local folk lore is strongly rooted in her writing, particularly ideas of prophecy, destiny, and talents born from natural abilities. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. Her works include Escaping Fate, Twin Souls Saga, The Destroyer Trilogy, and Invisible. Look for, Wicked Power, the next book in the Someone Wicked This Way Comes Series, and Soul Stone, book two in the Escaping Fate Series, coming 2014.

Author Links