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Meet the Characters Cutest Couple Contest

It’s time to vote again! This week we’re voting for the Cutest Couple in some of today’s hottest new fiction! 

Read on to meet the couples and then vote on the Rafflecopter for your favorite. At the end of the month one lucky voter will win the Winning Couple’s book! 

Cady and Brian (Arcadia’s Gift, Arcadia’s Curse by Jesi Lea Ryan)

Name:  Arcadia Marie Day – but only pretentious adults, teachers on the first day of school and pissed off parents ever call me by my full name.
Nickname:  Cady – pronounced “K.D.”  Not like the people who cart golf clubs around.
Hobbies & Talents:  I like to run. It keeps me in shape without resorting to team sports. Oh, and I guess I have this “talent” now for reading people’s emotions psychically. There is also this weird thing I can do when I channel emotional energy…but I better not get into that. It’s all rather complicated.
Biggest Fear:  Losing the people I love. Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of that this year.
Favorite Food:  I’m an herbivore mostly. Not a full vegetarian, but close. I guess pasta with marinara would be my favorite food.
Where do you see yourself in five years?  If you would have asked me a few months ago, I would have had no clue. Lately, I’ve been considering going to med school.
Quote:  “For the love of Ian Sommerhalder!” Because really, he’s as close to god as an agnostic like me gets.
Name:  Bryan Thomas Sullivan
Nickname:  Just Bryan…NOT Byron! I am not some dead, Victorian poet.
Hobbies & Talents:  I love music, all kinds. I play piano and guitar.
Biggest Fear:  As a hemophiliac, the fear of bleeding has been drilled into me since birth. It was especially bad after my brother died from the same disease. Fortunately for me, my girlfriend, Cady, has discovered a way to protect me. It’s not a cure, but I don’t have to be afraid anymore. I feel, well, sort of invincible.
Favorite Food:  I’m a seventeen year old guy. If it’s edible, I’ll eat it.  
Where do you see yourself in five years?  I’ll probably be doing something with music. Maybe working as a music teacher during the day and gigging in a local band on the weekends. Heck, even if I’m playing guitar in bus stations for tips, I’ll be happy. My parents, probably not so much.


Quote:  “Kissing you was the most fun I’ve had all year.” <— Total understatement by the way. Kissing Cady rocks my world.
Get your copy of Arcadia’s Gift now in Amazon Paperback : Amazon Kindle

Mason and Olivia (Invisible by DelSheree Gladden)

Name: Mason
Nickname: I’ve got nothing for this one. Maybe if a few more people could see me someone would have given me a nickname by now.
Hobbies: I’m kind of limited in this area since I’m invisible and all that, but I enjoy playing catch with Olivia’s dad. Does putting my invisibility to use pulling pranks on people count as a hobby? If so, that one’s my favorite!
Biggest fear: Being taken away from Olivia. I can’t imagine not being with her, and not just because she’s the only one who can see me. There wouldn’t be any point in existing if she wasn’t in my life.
Favorite food: I’m not terribly picky. Olivia’s mom is an awesome cook. I love just about everything she makes.
Worst habit: Thinking I know what’s best for Olivia. Let me tell you, you can get yourself into a lot of trouble this way!
Quote: “Only one thought causes me more pain that leaving Olivia, and that is seeing her hurt. I want to tell her I’ll never leave, but if that’s what it takes to keep her safe, I’ll have no other choice.”
Name: Olivia Mallory

Nickname: Ollie, but Mason is the only one who calls me that.
Hobbies: Definitely not basketball! It’s been confirmed that I am the worst player in the world. Other than that, protecting Mason is my main focus. That’s not really a hobby, but it’s what I care about most.
Biggest fear: Losing Mason. I won’t let anyone take him away from me.
Favorite food: Not salads, but for some reason I seem to eat a lot of them. French fries, definitely French fries.
Worst habit: Um, I have a bad habit of being rather oblivious to, well, a lot. It gets me into trouble more than I care to admit.
Quote: “It does scare me to think of Mason being away from me and finding something better. He’s my best friend, the person I can’t imagine living without.”
Invisible is now available only on Amazon in paperback and Kindle! 

You can find me and my books online at
Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
B&N :  Kobo :  Goodreads : DelSheree’s Blog : DelSheree’s Website : Facebook : Twitter : Wattpad : Amazon

Brian and Lou (The Secret of Isobel Key by Jen McConnel)

Brian and Lou met on a tour of the Scottish Highlands; he’s a tour guide there, and she was on vacation.  She was cranky and depressed by the rain, and he was captivated by the quiet, pretty tourist in his group.  Soon, they were traipsing all over Scotland, caught up in a centuries-old mystery.  Lou is shy and nervous, and Brian can’t get enough of her, even when she’s buried in dusty manuscripts doing research.  Their first official date involves pizza, a bonfire, and a Scottish beach.  Read THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY to see more of this cute couple!
About the book:
Lou is in the middle of a quarter-life crisis. Fresh out of college, she’s unemployed and unsure of herself. But when she gets the chance to escape to Scotland with her best friend, it could be the answer to her quest for self-discovery. The trip is not at all what she expected, especially when her tour guide turns out to be the dreamy historian Brian, and together they embark on a hunt for information about Isobel Key, a woman accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century.

They set out to learn the truth of the condemned witch, but Lou isn’t prepared for the knowledge that awaits her. She must face her own demons if she has any hope of righting the wrongs of the past.

Flashing between seventeenth century Scotland and a contemporary romance, THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY is a mystery that will please readers of all ages. Coming 2013 from Bloomsbury Spark!


Website: Twitter: @Jen_McConnel : Blog: Goodreads: Amazon: Facebook: Pinterest: 

Micah and Lily (Heal Me by Angela Fristoe)

For Lily nothing is better than having a best friend who somehow manages to hold you together when everything in your life is falling apart. Until that friend becomes a friend with benefits. Both Lily and Micah are dealing with things that most of their friends don’t understand. When they’re together it’s easy to forget how the lives they thought they’d have are completely changed. But neither of them know if they’re ready for the intensity of their relationship, because both know that sometimes love isn’t enough.
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Character Bios: Adiana, Nadia, and

It’s time to meet a few more amazing characters! 

Today we have Adiana from Karin Rita Gastreich’s fantasy novel, “Eolyn,” Nadia from Melinda Dozier’s novel “Love and Other Games: Trouble with Gold,” and Jack from HL Carpenter’s “Jack and the Fountain of Youth.” 

Adiana of Selkynsen

From Eolyn and High Maga
Karin Rita Gastreich
Adiana’s parents, wealthy merchants from the province of Selkynsen, recognized her talent for music early on. At that time, women of education were being persecuted as the Mage King sought to purge his land of the Magas. Though Adiana was not a maga, her parents feared knowledge of music would make her vulnerable.
Confident the tide of violence would pass, they sent young Adiana to a neighboring kingdom to complete her studies.  While Adiana was away, the purges claimed her parents. Her mother was burned at the stake and her father beheaded. Adiana found herself orphaned, denied of her inheritance, and left to fend for herself.
Adiana’s fate turned for the better thanks to her father’s former steward, who rescued Adiana from withering prostitution and took her in as his own daughter.  Some years later, Mage Corey recruited Adiana into his Circle, where she established herself as his most valued musician. 
A close friend of Eolyn, Adiana becomes a leading figure in my second novel High Maga. Though war separates musician from maga, their paths remain connected. Adiana does not command magic like her friend, but her extraordinary music confers its own power, bringing her both salvation and doom.  

Author Bio:
KARIN RITA GASTREICH lives in Kansas City and Costa Rica. A member of the biology faculty at Avila University, her past times include camping, hiking, music, and flamenco dance.  Karin’s first fantasy novel, EOLYN, was released by Hadley Rille Books in 2011, and was nominated for the 2012 Thorpe Menn Literary Excellence Award.  The companion novel, HIGH MAGA, will be released in April 2014. Karin’s short stories have appeared in Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and A Visitor to Sandahl.   She is a recipient of the Spring 2011 Andrews Forest Writer’s Residency. Follow Karin’s adventures into fantastic worlds, both real and imagined, at http://eolynchronicles.blogspot.comand at http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.com. 

Blog for Eolyn:  http://eolynchronicles.blogspot.com
Blog Heroines of Fantasy:  http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Eolyn/110814625640244
Twitter:  @EolynChronicles

Nadia

From: Love and Other Games: Trouble with Gold
Melinda Dozier

Name: Nadia Hoffman
Nickname given by Ty (the hero): Lucky Charm/Lucky Lady
Age: 25
Nationality: Swiss
Occupation: Event Planner at Swiss Sports Association
Hair Color: Blonde
Hair Style: Long, layered
Eyes: Blue
Clothes: Work uniform, per staff handbook; off work she prefers to wear Jeans, Uggs and a big toasty sweater.
Quirk: Don’t tell anyone, but she wears days of the week panties!
Greatest Fear: To disappoint her father.
Pet Peeve: Hates tardiness.
Life Goals: Earn a position at the Olympics Committee Headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Skills and talents: Although Nadia isn’t a top athlete, she has been an award-winning skier in college. She also is known for her organizational and planning skills.
Excerpt:

 “So, where are you from, Nadia?” He scooted to the edge of the settee so that their knees touched.
She held out her hands and smiled. “Switzerland.”
“Home country, then? I could learn a lot from you.” He rubbed his chin. “Let me guess your sport … You have a classic look about you, like a ballerina … Figure skating?”
She lowered her head and batted her lashes. “No, I’m not a figure skater.”
“Well, you do have that ice queen appearance —”
“I beg your pardon?” She pulled her knees away from his. “I’m not an ice queen.”
“No, I didn’t mean it like that.” Shit. There he went and put his foot in his mouth. “It’s a good thing. You have that perfect lean body and you’re well poised – like someone on the ice.” Shit. He ran his hand over his forehead. Just when he was making some headway into getting to know her.
More information can be found at www.melindadozier.com

Love and Other Games is available at Amazon, B&N and Kobo.

Name: Jack Ponsi Dileonardo Thomas

Age: You wouldn’t believe me
Occupation: That’s sort of difficult to answer. I’m kind of undercover.
Appearance: I look like an average guy.
Jack and The Fountain of Youth
by HL Carpenter
[Jack puts down his pencil.] Look, HL, can you please just interview me? This is kind of—I really don’t like talking about myself so much.
HL: But Jack, even if we interview you, you’ll have to talk about yourself.
Jack: We could talk about Nessa. Sí, that is a great idea. Nessa is beautiful, and smart, and she—
HL: We like Nessa, too. What do you suppose she sees in you that makes her believe your story?
Jack: Story? That sounds like I made the whole thing up. I didn’t. I really am five hundred years old, and I really did come to Florida the first time with Juan Ponce de León. And I really did find fabled fuente, and I really did take a drink, which is why I really am five hundred years old. It’s all true. It’s not a story.
HL: We believe you. That’s why we wanted to write your story—ummm, that’s why we wanted to  write about you and Nessa.
Jack: So what’s the question?
HL: Ummm…
Jack: Sí. Let’s talk about Nessa.
HL: Okay. You and Nessa were both concealing big secrets when you met, and you both had to take a big risk. What made you willing to do that?
Jack: Nessa’s worth any risk. I would brave a hurricane if I thought I could win her love.
HL: If you could change one thing about the way it all worked out, what would it be?
Jack: That Nessa could have met my sister, Maria. They are much alike, and they would have been great friends.
HL: What are you most grateful for?
Jack: That Nessa will have the opportunity to get to know my TiaBella.
HL: Is there anything else you’d like us to ask?
Jack: No, that’s enough talk about me. Now I have a question for you. What do you know about rabbits?
HL: We loved one once. Why do you ask?
Jack: Because Nessa’s rabbit, Harey, doesn’t like me. I need to know what to do to get on his good side.
HL: Make Nessa happy. That should make Harey happy, too.
Jack: I can do that. [Jack smiles and stands up.] I need to pick up TiaBella from the airport. Come by Nessa’s later, HL. You’ll want to see how the story turns out. Bring your friends, too.
HL: Thanks for the invitation, Jack. We’ll see you there.
====
Author Bio:
HL Carpenter is a Florida-based mother/daughter duo who writes from their home in Carpenter Country, a magical place that, like their stories, is unreal but not untrue. When they’re not writing, the Carpenters enjoy exploring the Land of What-If and practicing the fine art of Curiosity.
 Book Buy Link:
Amazon book page link: http://www.amazon.com/Jack-The-Fountain-Youth-ebook/dp/B00EYR6M8Y/
Other Works:
The SkyHorse, a young adult novel published by Musa Publishing.
Tovi thinks finding a flying horse is fabulous luck—until a mysterious stranger says finders aren’t always keepers.
Contact info:
Author email: HL_Carpenter –at- HLCarpenter.com
Author Website: http://www.hlcarpenter.com/
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/HL-Carpenter/e/B007SHS9LA
LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/hlcarpenter
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820921.H_L_Carpenter

Character Interview: Rosie (In Polyester Pajamas by Catherine Dougherty)

Today we;re welcoming Rosie, the leading lady of Catherine Dougherty’s novels In Polyester Pajamas and In Woolen Bikinis! 

1. Can you tell my readers who you are?  My name is Rosie Blume and I’m a mother, wife, born-again Christian, real estate agent, and an entrepreneur. I’m also Jean’s best friend. (She’s the main character from in Polyester Pajamas.)
2. For those readers who are meeting you for the first time, what do you look like?
I’m a middle-aged, simple looking woman, and many say I look younger than my current age of 47. I have shoulder-length brown hair (no gray in it yet) and hazel eyes. I weight about 150 lbs. and I’m 5’4” tall. 

3. What’s one feature a reader would recognize right away if they saw you?

I have a cheery disposition so I smile a lot. Sometimes Jean says my positive attitude can get on her nerves. We met earlier this year when we were both Realtors for the same agency. Her desk was situated right next to mine and every time I smiled, she’d say it was like staring at sunshine and made her eyes hurt.
4. Girls love scars and interesting birthmarks. Any you’d like to reveal to my readers?
There’s a small scar on my forehead. It’s the result of a car accident I was involved in when I was five. I lost my mother and baby brother then. The three of us were on our way to my grandmother’s house and it was dark out. My mom was angry at my dad and driving way too fast. An animal ran out in front of us and she lost control and hit a tree. I was thrown from the car before it rolled over. That’s the only reason I survived.
5. Can you tell us a little about your family?
As I mentioned, my mom and baby brother died in the accident. My Dad died several years later from a heart attack when I was a teenager. I have a step-mom, Eloise, who is still alive and currently lives in a nursing home. My husband Jack is the love of my life, and we have two grown sons, Jonathan and Tommy. Jonathan is a teacher in Maine and Tommy is currently attending college at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). I want to tell you more about my family, but I can’t right now. You’ll have to read the books to find out.
6. Who are you closest to, and who do you wish you were closer to?
I am closest to my family and my best friend Jean. There is someone else I wish I could be closer to, but again, I have to refrain from telling you more.
7. Where do you call home, and has that always been the same place?
I’ve always lived in the Lake Region of New Hampshire. It’s my home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s just so beautiful here.
8. What is your biggest fear? Is there anyone you trust enough to tell?
My biggest fear is not finding out the secret I reveal to Jean during our slumber party (in Polyester Pajamas). I don’t know how anyone can live without a very best friend to confide in. Also, I encounter an issue later on that rattles my faith (in Woolen Bikinis). I am able to tell Jean and my family about it, but it’s hard to because it scares them.
9. It seems like everyone else has a secret. Do you?
Yes, I’ve carried one around for a very long time. I tell Jean about it as I’ve mentioned, but even after telling her, I’m not sure if it’s time to reveal it to anyone else and to try to solve the mystery behind it.
10. What makes your character laugh out loud?
It’s Jean–Jean makes me laugh out loud. She gets so stressed out over everything and does some crazy stuff. She calls me at all hours of the night and day with her man problems and can be so dramatic. I can remember when she called me from a restaurant because she was lusting after some guy. It took all I had to hold back the laughter. She’s so funny! What a drama queen! She’s also lots of fun to be with. Whenever we’re together, we get into some pretty comical situations.
11. What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
It is when my mom and brother died. As you can well imagine, it had a great impact on me.
12. If you could take one night off, where would you go and who would you go with?
This is an easy question! I would go with Jean to her cottage at Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. We’d walk along the shoreline, drink wine, eat plenty of lobster and other seafood, knit, dance, and talk all night long. We’d have another pajama party!
13. What does you most value in friends?
Honesty and sincerity. Out of those qualities come love and mutual respect. True friendship.
14. Which words or phrases do you get accused of over-using?
All things happen for a reason.
15. If you could change one thing about your life what would it be?
I wouldn’t change a thing–not even the bad parts. They’ve formed me into who I am today and I like who I’ve become.
16. Some of your friends have special abilities. Which talent or ability do you wish you had?
I could be a little more daring like Jean, but I think that time will come. In fact, I know it will in the next book of the series–in Red Leather Jackets. The novel is currently being written and will be released in 2014.

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Character Interview: David and Jon (Sign of the Throne by Melissa Eskue Ousley)

Let’s meet the guys of Melissa Eskue Ousley’s new novel Sign of the Throne!

Today we’re interviewing two characters from the book, Sign of the Throne: David Corbin and Jonathon Reyes. 
Let’s start with David Corbin. 
David, tell us about yourself.
I’ve just returned to Newcastle Beach after traveling in the South Pacific. A few months ago I graduated from college with a degree in business and will soon be joining the London branch of my father’s firm, Corbin Industries. Well, that’s the plan, but…I’m no longer sure I want to leave California. I’ve met a girl, and it’s made me rethink some things. 
Do tell–who’s the girl? What’s she like?
Her name is Abby Brown. She works at the Newcastle Beach Inn and also babysits for Riordan and Cassandra Buchan, who are friends of my parents. When I first saw Abby working in the cabana by the pool at the inn, I had the strangest feeling we’d met before. It was like deja vu. Maybe it was just because I thought she was beautiful. She has the prettiest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. 
Have you talked to her?
Yeah. I ran into her a few times and finally managed to have a real conversation with her at the Buchans’ house. I think we were both nervous at first, but then once we started talking it felt like we hit it off. I told her about cage diving with great white sharks in Australia and she acted like I was completely crazy, but I think she was a little bit impressed too. I like that she banters with me. Most girls don’t—maybe because I can come off as reserved, like, I don’t know, the strong silent type.  I know I’m not exactly approachable, and I probably scare a lot of girls off. Plus, I’m in a long distance relationship with a girl named Amelia, so I haven’t exactly encouraged flirting from other girls. 
Uh-oh. So you already have a girlfriend.
Sort of. Amelia is the daughter of my dad’s business partner from London. We’ve known each other for a long time even though we don’t see each other too often. But I’ll be seeing more of her if I move to London, and I’ll be working under her father’s supervision until he thinks I’m ready to move up in the business. Amelia is very beautiful and intelligent, and we get along okay, but we don’t have that much in common. It’s tricky though because I know it would mean so much to our parents if we ended up together.
Wow—no pressure. What are you going to do?
I don’t know.  But I’d better figure it out because Amelia’s coming for a visit soon. Do I keep dating her and move to London? Or do I take a chance and see if there’s a future here with Abby? I feel such a strong connection to Abby—what if I’m too scared to take a risk and miss out? I did take a risk the other night—I offered to drive Abby home on my 1961 Harley. I like it that she was adventurous enough to ride with me—we had a lot of fun together. Amelia, on the other hand, won’t go anywhere near my bike.
You have a big decision ahead of you. Maybe you should talk to your parents about the pressure

they’re putting on you.

Maybe. I’m starting to realize that I’ve allowed other people to direct my life rather than figuring out what I want for myself. But don’t get me wrong. My parents are great, in spite of the pressure I feel to go along with their plan for my career and my love life. They adopted me as an infant, and I’m grateful for the wonderful life they’ve given me. I admire my dad, Philip Corbin, for working so hard to build his company. He’s taught me a lot about how to be a leader. I just hope I can live up to his expectations. And I’m really close to my mom, Margaret. When I was away at college we used to talk on the phone almost every day. 
You’ve had a great life so far, and it sounds like you have a promising future. Has life handed you any major disappointments?
Funny you should ask, because I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. No. I’ve never been sick, never gotten hurt, never wanted for anything. And I’m starting to think maybe that’s not normal, because bad things do happen to people.  All the time.
I can’t remember anything horrible happening to me, except…something weird did happen to me once, and I was never sure if it was real or just a nightmare. There was this monster in my room—some kind of black beast with red eyes. The memory is kind of foggy, but in the morning I found a silver seashell under my pillow. It wasn’t there when I went to sleep. Does that sound crazy?
Maybe your parents put it there.
That’s what I thought too. But they swore they didn’t. I’m sure they thought I made the whole thing up. What bothers me most about this is even though I know the seashell is real, I don’t know if the monster was. What if it wasn’t just a dream? But that sounds insane. I can’t talk to anyone about this.
What about your friends? Can’t you talk to them?
Well, the thing is…I have a lot of friends from high school and college, but nobody I could talk to about something as crazy as this. I don’t even have anyone I would consider a best friend. Can you be surrounded by people and still be alone? I feel like that sometimes, but I know I’m not totally alone. I’m probably closest to my mom and Moira Buchan, a friend of our family. They seem to know me better than anyone. I tried to talk to them about this, but they just brushed it off, insisting it was a dream. I’m not convinced it was.
What about Abby? Maybe you could talk to her.
Are you kidding? I don’t want to scare her away.
Fair enough. I hope it works out. Let me ask you one more question. What song best captures your life at this point in time?
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash (or maybe “London Calling”).
Thanks, David. Let’s move on to talk with Jonathon. Jon, what impression do you make on people when they first meet you? 
They think I’m a dead sexy rogue who doesn’t take life too seriously. 
David? Is there a problem? He’s shaking his head and laughing.
Hey Corbin, you had your chance. It’s my turn now. Shut it.
Do you guys always act like this, Jon? 
No.  Usually I only want to destroy him when Abby’s involved. 
I see. Well then, moving on…what do people think about you after they’ve known you for a while?
They still think I’m easy on the eyes. But, if they really know me, like Abby does, they know I do take some things seriously.  Abby knows I’d do anything for her or for my mom. I take school seriously too, even though people may think I’m a slacker. I’m a senior in high school but I’m also enrolled in Dr. Buchan’s psychology class at the University of Santa Linda. Not that I share that with everyone—I do have a reputation to uphold.
Tell me about your relationship with Abby. Are you dating?
Not anymore. We’ve known each other forever, and we’ve always been best friends. We tried dating, but Abby decided we’re better off as friends. I wouldn’t mind giving it another try, but I don’t want to pressure her. I think she might have a crush on Corbin, and to be honest, I’m not thrilled about it. I want her to be happy, but I don’t want her to get hurt.
Why do you think she would get hurt?
Just look at him. He’s cocky, he’s spoiled, and he’s going to rip out her heart.
He doesn’t seem that bad to me. Is it possible you’re feeling jealous because Abby likes him and you still have feelings for her?
Maybe a little. But it’s more complicated than petty jealousy. I love Abby. She’s my best friend. I’m the one who has always been there for her, the one who understands her. So yeah, maybe I’m a little over-protective sometimes. But Abby and I come from the same world. David Corbin? He’s from a totally different universe.
What are you saying? He’s an alien?
Yeah, I am. Only kidding, Corbin. What I mean is Abby and I both come from Santa Linda. We live next door to each other. My mom works in medical records at a health center, Abby’s mom is a school teacher, and her dad’s an accountant. We go to the same school, and we’re both working to save for college. I work as a life guard at the Newcastle Beach Inn, and Abby works in the pool’s guest services cabana. But David is from Newcastle Beach, which is the wealthiest neighborhood in Santa Linda. He didn’t have to work to go to college—he just had everything handed to him. So how can he understand Abby like I do? 
Maybe he’ll surprise you. Let’s change gears. If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
I’d probably be hanging out with Abby at her house or mine. Maybe we’d go to the beach.
What is it that you want out of life?
To be happy and for the people I love to be happy. And I want to make my mom proud. She works so hard and does so much for me, and I want to do something with my life to show her I appreciate all she’s sacrificed to take care of me. I don’t yet know what I want to study in college, but I know she’s proud that I’ve already started taking classes. She didn’t have the opportunities she’s provided for me.
What are you most afraid of?
I’m most afraid that something bad will happen to people I love. After that, not much scares me, except maybe the fear of not taking a risk. I’d rather take a risk in doing something and fail than to never take a chance. Abby teases me sometimes about flirting with girls who are, let’s be honest, out of my league, but I’d rather take a chance and be rejected than miss out. 


What song best captures your life at this point in time?
Well, I did say I was dead sexy, and I try not to take myself too seriously, so naturally it would have to be “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred. That’s a classic, and Abby and my mom would think it was hilarious if I started strutting my stuff to that song.
I suspect you’ve done that before.
You would be right. We act endearingly dorky at the Reyes house. It’s part of our charm.

Catch up with David and Jon as well as Melissa Eskue Ousley online at

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Character Interview: Ketchup (Wicked Hunger by DelSheree Gladden)

Today I’m pleased to introduce Ketchup! Okay…that’s not his real name, but everyone has been calling him Ketchup for so long nobody remembers what his real name is! 

1. Can you tell my readers who you are? Do you have a nick name you’d prefer I call you? 
 I’m Ketchup. Obviously that’s a nickname, and no I’m not going to tell you my real name. I probably wouldn’t even answer to my real name. It’s been so long since anyone’s actually called me that. 
2. For those readers who are meeting you for the first time, what do you look like?
 I get accused of looking like Superman with my black hair and build, but my eyes are brown not blue. Just so we’re clear, though, I look more like the Smallville Superman, not so much the spandex wearing cartoon version. You wouldn’t catch me dead in something like that. 
3. What’s one feature a reader would recognize right away if they saw you?
 Other than looking like Superman, probably my smile. Van loves it, anyway. 
4. Girls love scars and interesting birthmarks. Any you’d like to reveal to your readers?
 Not anything noticeable. I’ve got some little scars around my knuckles from slipping with my lock picks…but I probably shouldn’t go into too much detail about that. 
5. Can you tell us a little about your family?
 My mom is super busy with work, so she’s not around a whole lot anymore. That was different before her and my dad split up, but we make it work. My dad stays pretty busy too—or at least that’s what he tells me when he bails on visiting. Van feels more like family than my real family sometimes. 
6. Who are you closest to, and who do you wish you were closer to?
 Even as busy as my mom is, we’re still pretty close. She somehow always knows when I need to be grounded, or when I just need someone to talk to. Van is my best friend, though, and nothing she could ever tell me will change how I feel. I just wished she believed that. 
7. Where do you call home, and has that always been the same place?
 Born and raised in the desert. Some people think it’s ugly, but I like it here. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t leave to stay with Van. 
8. What is your biggest fear? 
 My biggest fear is not knowing what’s coming. I want to protect Van from whatever she’s facing, but if she won’t tell me what’s really going on I don’t know how to prepare. All I can do is watch and be ready…and make sure Van can’t see me keeping an eye on her house at night. She’ll claims she doesn’t need my help. Van isn’t wrong very often, but she is about this. 
9. It seems like everyone else has a secret. Do you?
 I’m not really the secret keeping type. I’m pretty up front about most things. Unfortunately, that has never helped me much with Van. Keeping other people’s secrets, though, that I can do. 
10. What makes you laugh out loud?
 Van’s and Laney’s expressions when I dump ketchup all over my food. Sometimes, I don’t even want ketchup, but I can’t resist grossing them out!
11. What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
 The day Van saved my life. I don’t think I have to explain why that sticks in my head. 
12. If you could take one night off and do anything you wanted (no repercussions), what would it be?
 One night off, no repercussions? I’d take Zander somewhere out of the way and punch him in the face. He’d probably beat the crap out of me afterward, but it would be totally worth it. I have no idea what he has against me—I’ve never mistreated Van—but it’d be nice to take out a little frustration on him. 
13. What does you most value in friends? 
Honesty. I know Van is still working on this, but I’m willing to wait. 
14. Which words or phrases do you get accused of over-using?
 Did Van tell you to ask me that question? I’m sure she’s thinking about how many times I’ve told her I’m in love with her, but in my defense, it hasn’t sunk in for her yet. When she finally gets it, well, I’ll still say it all the time, but I don’t think it will bug her at that point. 
15. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Whatever it is that Zander hates about me. I’m not sure what it is, but I’d happily change it if I could…if it meant being with Van for real. 
16. Which talent of Van’s do you wish you could have?
Have you ever seen her heal herself? It’s pretty amazing. I’d love to be able to do that. My mom would have a harder time finding reasons to ground me if I never came home with scrapes or bruises. 
You can find Ketchup and more about DelSheree’s books online at

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Character Artwork: Olivia and Mason (Invisible by DelSheree Gladden)

My newest book, INVISIBLE, is currently being featured on Wattpad! 

In the first few months, INVISIBLE has received almost 700,000 reads from the amazing Wattpad members and lots of great comments and messages. One of those fabulous comments was from BruisedDreams, who created this unique banner for Invisible. 

This is how BruisedDreams pictured Olivia and Mason at five years old when they first found each other…when Olivia spotted him crying on her front porch…when no one believed her that he was real because she was the only one that could see him. He wasn’t her imaginary friend, he was her best friend, and still is. 

I love the banner, BruisedDreams! Thank you so much!

Invisible is now available only on Amazon in paperback and Kindle! 

You can find me and my books online at

Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
B&N :  Kobo :  Goodreads : DelSheree’s Blog : DelSheree’s Website : Facebook : Twitter : Wattpad : Amazon

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Character Artwork: Evan and Clyth (On A Wing and A Dare by Linda Ulleseit)

Today I’m pleased to showcase some beautiful Character Artwork from Linda Ulleseit’s novels On A Wing and A Dare and In the Winds of Danger. 

The artwork was done by the talented Susan Stec! 
Meet Evan and Clyth!
Flying Horse Books
Linda Ulleseit Media Kit
Contact: FlyingHorseBooks@gmail.com
Author Bio: Linda Ulleseit was born and raised in Saratoga, California, and has taught elementary school in San Jose since 1996. She enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, reading, and spending time with her family. Her favorite subject is writing, and her students get a lot of practice scribbling stories and essays. Someday Linda hopes to see books written by former students alongside hers in bookstores.
Her first novel, ON A WING AND A DARE, was published in 2012. It is a Young Adult fantasy set in medieval Wales, complete with flying horses, a love triangle, and treachery. It’s sequel, IN THE WINDS OF DANGER, was released March, 2013. The focus of that book is the misty past of a groom and the murky future of a rider.
As a child, Linda always loved to write. She took her first creative writing course in seventh grade, accumulating a closet full of stories that she never showed anyone until 2007. At that time, she gave the first draft of a flying horse book to a teacher colleague to read. . ON A WING AND A DARE began as a NaNoWriMo novel in 2009. It was revised with the help of reviewers on thenextbigwriter.com over the next two years. For NaNo 2011, Linda drafted the sequel, IN THE WINDS OF DANGER.
The next Flying Horse book is a novella titled WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON. It will be released as an ebook in Fall 2013. It follows the story of Hoel and Neste, parents of a main character in ON A WING AND A DARE. This fall, also, Linda will begin drafting UNDER A WILD AND DARKENING SKY, the end to the flying horse trilogy.
Follow me on TWITTER: Linda Ullesesit
Follow me on FACEBOOK: Flying Horse Books
Read my author blog: flyinghorsebooks@wordpress.com
Read my blog about teaching reading and writing: Ulleseit@wordpress.com
ON A WING AND A DARE
Purchase
Book Blurb: Flying horses…a love triangle…poison….Welcome to Tremeirchson.
In Tremeirchson, a barn leader’s children are expected to follow their parents into the sky, becoming riders of the magnificent winged horses that are the medieval Welsh village’s legacy. Neither Emma nor Davyd, however, want to follow that tradition.
Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.
Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.
As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever.
IN THE WINDS OF DANGER
Purchase
Book blurb:
Nineteen year old Nia is shocked when she is secretly offered the leadership of Third Barn. This new barn full of flying horses will need someone confident, experienced, and innovative, so why are both warring factions pursuing an untried girl? Suspicious that both sides want a puppet instead of a leader, Nia races to discover their secrets before making the biggest decision of her life.

Some of those secrets are unknowingly buried in the disconnected memories of a young groom named Owain. Terror and guilt haunt Owain’s dreams – and then a face from his nightmare arrives in High Meadow. Owain looks for answers in his past and uncovers a dangerous plot that could doom High Meadow’s future. How can he foil the plot and save his people as well as the winged horses?

WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON
(a flying horse novella)
Book Blurb: Eighteen year old Neste rides a winged horse in Tremeirchson’s Aerial Games and she is betrothed to the barn leader’s son, Hoel. Life would be wonderful if Hoel wasn’t so unpleasant to the other riders. Adam, on the other hand, is handsome and nice but a terrible rider. Together, Hoel and Adam are the perfect man. Obviously she can’t have both of them. When Neste’s winged horse is involved in a terrible accident, her life changes and she must make different choices about her future. Can she go against her father’s dying wish that she marry Hoel? Can she forgive Adam? Can she make a life away from the barn and the winged horses she loves?

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Character Surprise Post: Melanie Martin (The Funeral Singer by Linda Budzinski)

Today I’m welcoming Linda Budzinski to the blogfest to tell us more about the characters in her novel, The Funeral Singer. 

Meet the Characters: Melanie Martin
In THE FUNERAL SINGER, Melanie Martin’s best friend, Lana, says to her, “I swear, you are the only girl I know who spends more time fantasizing about her funeral than her wedding.”
Lana’s right, but who can blame Mel? After all, she’s surrounded by death all day long at her father’s mortuary. So, what would Mel’s funeral look like? If she could have her way:
The service: There’d be lots of music and of course videos. Friends and family would take turns sharing their memories of her–and not just the good ones or the sweet ones or the funny ones, but the bad ones, too. Because that’s all a part of who she is.
The dress code: No black! And no jeans! (After all, this isn’t a rock concert!)

The flowers: Anything but lilies. As Mel says, “They’re gorgeous, but they stink up the place.”

The casket: Definitely a wood … most likely maple. Strong, natural, practical. And reminiscent of the huge tree outside her bedroom window.
The readings: Sara Teasdale’s “The New Moon” (of course) and Lamentations 3: 17-26.

The music: There would be all kinds of tunes, but the featured songs would be “Amazing Grace,” “You Are More” by Tenth Avenue North, and “White Out” by The Grime (her rock band).

Her epitaph: It definitely would not say, “Beloved Mother/Wife/Daughter/Etc.” Perhaps it would quote Harvey Mackay: “Talent is God-given; be humble. Fame is man-given; be thankful. Conceit is self-given; be careful.”
Linda Acorn Budzinski decided in the second grade that she wanted to be a “Paperback Writer,” just like in the Beatles song. She majored in journalism in college and now works in marketing and communications. She spent 18 years at a trade association in the funeral service industry, where she discovered that funeral directors are some of the bravest and most compassionate people on earth. Linda lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Joe, and their chihuahua, Demitria. She has two step-daughters, Eris and Sarah. Published in September 2013 by Swoon Romance, THE FUNERAL SINGER is her debut novel. She is represented by Andrea Somberg of Harvey Klinger Inc. and can be found atwww.lindabudinski.com.


THE FUNERAL SINGER
Available now on Amazon.com!
Publisher: Swoon Romance
www.lindabudzinski.com

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Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

As a part of the 4th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer, I’m giving away a signed paperback copy of my new book, Wicked Hunger, along with a great prize pack of swag! 

Enter to win below on the Rafflecopter, then stop by the other blogs on the Linky list for chances to win other great prizes!





Wicked Hunger

Book One in the 
SomeOne Wicked This Way Comes Series

Vanessa and Zander Roth are good at lying. They have to be when they are hiding a deadly secret. Day after day, they struggle to rein in their uncontrollable hunger for pain and suffering in order to live normal lives. Things only get worse when Ivy Guerra appears with her pink-striped hair and secrets. The vicious hunger Ivy inspires is frightening, not to mention suspicious. 

Vanessa’s instincts are rarely wrong, so when they tell her that Ivy’s appearance is a sign of bad things to come, she listens. She becomes determined to expose Ivy’s secrets. Vanessa tries to warn her brother, but Zander is too enamored with Ivy to pay attention to her conspiracy theories. 

One of them is right about Ivy … but if they lose control of their hunger, it won’t matter who is right and who is wrong. One little slip, and they’ll all be dead.

Wicked Hunger 
is available now from: 
·         Amazon Kindle US
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·         Amazon Kindle UK
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·         Goodreads

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Feistiest Girl Contest

It’s once again time to vote! Last week you started voting for your favorite Hottest Guy. This week you can vote on your favorite Feistiest Girl from some fabulous new books! 

And the nominees are…


SYNOLA HARPER—YOU’RE BUSTING MY NUPTIALS, BY AUTHOR ANN EVERETT
Synola Harper is a sassy mouth. Tequila drinking, twenty-six-year old Texan who is never at a loss for words, especially when it comes to local bar owner and private eye, Jinx Monroe. She never backs down from any situation regardless if it’s a gun-fight or doing a strip tease for a bunch of clowns. She works part-time at Sweet Thangs Bakery and writes snappy hang-tags for Luscious Legs Jeans Company.

YOU’RE BUSTING MY NUPTIALS : Amazon  : Website : 
 Smashwords : Facebook



PERSEPHONE — PERSEPHONE BY KAITLIN BEVIS

Persephone begins the series as a shy sixteen year old living in Athens, Georgia. She’s not well liked by the girls of her school, but luckily her best friend Melissa does all the fighting for her. When not in school, she works at Demeter’s Garden (her mom’s flower shop), has a crush on the hot new senior, Joel, and a passion for the “Dusk” series. Her plan in life was to go to UGA, marry the rock star Orpheus, have twin girls named Harmony and Melody, and move into the house with the white picket fence on South Lumpkin  street.
         
All of that falls apart when her mother announces that Persephone is actually a goddess.  Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. The only place Persephone will be safe from Boreas is in the Underworld. But the only way to get there without dying is to become Hades’ wife. After Hades assures her their marriage won’t mean anything beyond granting her the ability to come and go from the living realm, Persephone agrees to wait out the winter in the Underworld. While there she learns how to control her powers and explores her growing feelings for Hades. But when Boreas takes her best friend hostage, Persephone knows the time to hide has come to an end.

Website : Goodreads : Amazon : Twitter  : Facebook


LAYOL — THE OTHER F WORD BY SUSAN STEC
Fun moments with Layol from sections of the book:

Layol yelped a laugh, sent her tray flying, and cherry juice drizzled down Soahc’s face, onto her saffron dress, and pooled around the silver belt cinched at her waist.

Everyone’s eyes got big.

Soahc froze, a red droplet hanging off the tip of her nose. She glared at her.
The lunchroom began to burble with giggles, and rolled into boisterous laughter.

“Karma’s a pixie. You shouldn’t’ve laughed at Dek when she fell in the restroom,” Layol said, and tucked a smile between her teeth.

“Yeah, how’s it feel?” Dekram blurted, body shaking, wings dusting yellow sparkles. O’mifairygodmother! Did I just say all that?

“You wingless little…little gremlins!” Soahc rocketed toward the bathroom, her minions in frantic pursuit.

“Exit time!” Layol grabbed a rolled-up romaine leaf stuffed with cream cheese and dates with one hand and Dekram’s arm with the other.


VANESSA ROTH — WICKED HUNGER BY DELSHEREE GLADDEN


Name: Vanessa, but please don’t call me that!
Nickname: Van is much better, thanks
Hobbies: Dancing, mainly ballet and hip-hop. I know, I know, it’s shocking given how moody and crazy everyone thinks I am. I’m learning Jeet Kune Do, but don’t tell Grandma or she’ll kill me!
Biggest fear: Losing any more of the people I love. 
Favorite food: Black Forest cake, but only Grandma’s. Everyone else’s is gross compared to hers. 
Worst habit: Biting, but I’ve mainly got that under control now. 
Quote: “People who don’t know me well think I’m a moody, dark teenager. I’m really just trying not to kill them.”
Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
B&N :  Kobo :  Goodreads : DelSheree’s Blog : DelSheree’s Website : Facebook : Twitter : Wattpad : Amazon

JAYDEN — DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL BY EM HAVENS

Jayden Schroeder is a spoiled, self-centered brat. Even facing purgatory, demons, and her final judgment she doesn’t have a problem mouthing off to the very people who can keep her safe. The only people who she will have contact with while in limbo. Through her journeys, she learns to be a demon-slaying badass, pulverizing them with her favorite sawed off shotgun. When bullets run out, she’s quick to hack them up with a machete. When the battles make a surprising turn, not only is she willing to break the rules, but she has no problem questioning the “man in charge” and standing up for what she believes is right. She also isn’t shy about her attraction to Marshal Britton, the sexy Marine who is 50 years her senior…but not really. With the time paradox, she’s robbing the cradle. Neither matters to Jayden. When her mind is made up, she’ll do or get what she wants, and not even heaven or hell will stand in her way.


SUSAN — THE GRATEFUL UNDEAD BY SUSAN STEC

From Marcus’ mouth (after all, turnabout is fair play):
Susan is definitely feisty… and difficult, controlling, loud, cantankerous, and, well, being her mate is often exhausting, and quite trying at times. However-
Susan interrupts: Really, Marcus? You’re using a twelve letter word to describe me?
M: I assure you, darling; I used the word cantankerous in a most endearing manner.
S: Uh-huh, controlling and difficult as well, I assume.
M: There are not enough assertively problematical adjectives in the human language to describe your…unique comeliness, II mio amore?
S: You know I’m lookin’ those words up later, right?
M: We will do it together, Luv.
S: Speaking of togetherness, we’re not totally mated. I haven’t made up my mind, remember?
M: We most certainly are mated. The moment we became so will forever be engrained in inferior temporal cortex of my mind…my brother’s mind, half the team at BAMVC, and every member of your family. Do you remember the night, darling? Five cars full of immortals, all following us down the highway at seventy-five miles an hour, and you lowered your beautiful lips-
S: Shut up! It was very embarrassing.
M: Never-the-less, we did mate and nothing can change-
S: Look, we may share blood…and-
M: Excuse me, Darling. Did I interrupt you during your post about my sexual prowess last week?
S: Well, no, but…
M: I think you’ve taken up enough of these lovely readers time. As for your feistiness, I rest my case. Let’s take the rest of this intermezzo upstairs, shall we?
S: Can’t you speak English? You are so going to get it when we get up there!
M: One can only hope, darling.
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LYNLEE — MAUC SERIES BY OLIVIA HARDIN

Name: Lynlee Lincoln – She’s a wand-wielding witch with an extra dose of spunk.
Profession: Lynlee is a Neutralizer. It’s her job to keep MAUCs (Magical And Undead Creatures) out of sticky situations. Are you a witch who’s spells go awry?  What about a vampire who’s last bite dug a little too deep?  Are you a werewolf with a hairy problem?  A zombie struggling to survive in a sea of pretty faces?  No matter what kind of MAUC you are, she can keep you out of trouble in the human world.
Method: She once got rid of a troll by donning a maid’s costume and cleaning up his pigsty. Trolling for Trouble (MAUCs Series One)
Friends and Family: Her BFF is a werevamp/doctor, the love of her life is a human who isn’t quite sure about magic and she’s quickly adopting a young nymph and her non-magical brother into her heart.
Strengths: She has a big heart even if she does try to deny it. She’ll drop everything for those she cares about.
Weaknesses: She doesn’t trust the powers that make her who she is, and she’s afraid to just let go and be herself.
Feistiest Quote: “Seriously? You stopped taking your potion so your friends would learn to like the ‘real you’? Do you really think this little twit won’t mind that you have the ass of a goat and horns in your head?” Tangled Up in Trouble (MAUCs Series Two)
Goodreads : Website : Amazon : Facebook : Smashwords : ibooks : Twitter

STEIN — EXTRACTED BY SHERRY FICKLIN

Stein has been a Rifter for as long as she can remember. No mission is too dangerous, no assignment too crazy. With Lex by her side, they are the undisputed leaders of the Hollows, a group of rogue time travelers bent on destroying the Tesla Institute and everything it stands for. Quick witted, ferocious, and bold Stein is every bit a warrior in her own right. Stein is always busy saving the world, changing history, and beating the living crap out of anyone who gets in her way, all while in her signature corset and top hat.

SARAH CORBEAU — COPPER GIRL BY JENNIFER ALLIS PROVOST
Sara Corbeau, the main character of Copper Girl, is quite the feisty girl.
She lives in a world where magic exists, but has been outlawed. This is problematic for Sara, since she’s a member of the Raven clan, one of the most powerful magical bloodlines in history. She’s also a metal Elemental, which means that she can mold metal—especially copper—to her will.
Sara tried to blend in with the non-magical populace; she worked at a boring office job, and lived in a small, government-issue apartment. She always waved politely at the drones whizzing overhead, and readily presented her official paperwork when asked.
That was in public.
Sara, along with her best friend, Juliana, downed a bottle of wine one afternoon and cut the government tracking devices out of their arms. Sara currently wears hers in a watch, and has been known to leave it where she was “supposed” to be.
Where does she go, you ask? She sneaks into the Otherworld, searching for her father, who went missing after the magic wars, and brother, who was arrested shortly afterward.
Then, she pulled a sexy elf into her dreams, and the two of them set out to rescue her family, take down the Iron Queen, and destroy the government.
If anything, calling Sara feisty is an understatement.
CORRINE LAMB — HUSH PUPPY BY LISA T CRESSWELL

My name is Corrine Lamb and my tombstone better not read “Born, lived and died in Carolville, North Carolina”. If I don’t get outta this redneck town, go to college, and see the world, I’ll be a complete failure. I’ll join the Peace Corps if I have to. I live with my grandma, who’s about as protective as it gets. I guess she’s trying to make up for my mama running off and leaving me after daddy died. I had my whole life figured out before Jamie showed up, romancing me with his poetry and books. I never met such a crazy white boy. He’s so wicked smart, but he plays like he’s dumb so his redneck daddy won’t know. I never thought I’d fall for a white boy in a million years. He thinks he can’t go to college, but I’m gonna enter him in a writing contest for a scholarship and he’s gonna win. I just know it. He might be kinda mad when he finds out I took some of his writing, but when he wins, he’ll forget about that, right? I can’t sit by and let him waste his life. It’d be a damn shame.

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PHOEBE — LIE TO ME BY ANGELA FRISTOE

Taking crap from her sisters or from her arch-enemy is not on Phoebe Matlin’s list of things to do. Ever. Hooking up with said rival’s ex boyfriend? Well, that is definitely something Phoebe has plans for. But a new boyfriend isn’t the only thing Phoebe is dealing with. Her gift of Truth Telling has finally kicked in and she’s realizing that her best friend Tonya is in major trouble. Even when everyone around her doubts what she knows is happening, Phoebe isn’t about to let her friend end up hurt, or worse.

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LIBBY SPARKS — THE DESTROYER TRILOGY BY DELSHEREE GLADDEN

Name: Libitina Sparks or Cassia The Destroyer
Nickname: Please just call me Libby
Hobbies: I love anything to do with art. Drawing, painting, pastels, charcoal…it takes me away from all the insanity. 
Biggest fear: Becoming the person everyone thinks I am. 
Favorite food: Godiva chocolate. Don’t touch my chocolate! 
Worst habit: Breaking bones. Mine, not other people’s…well, most of the time anyway. 
Quote: “I just want to get through high school and live my life without people trying to kill me.”
Amazon Kindle US : Amazon Paperback US : Amazon Kindle UK : Amazon Paperback UK : 
SADIE NAVARRO — BELIEVING IN HORSES BY VALERIE ORMOND

People call me feisty when they don’t agree with me. I prefer the term persistent. One of my mentors nicknamed me “Moxie,” which I liked. But I’m not special. I just do what I think is right.
I’m part of a military family which makes me different. We move every few years and start over – new schools, friends, and routines. Change strengthens people. I reach out to people because most people don’t do that to the new kid. I explore and experience new things.
My dad goes away a lot, and I worry about him. He’s my hero. But I don’t want to talk about Afghanistan, so let’s not.
I discovered ten horses going to auction last year, which is bad. I committed to saving them and contacted horse rescues, a State delegate, a TV station, stables, and others to find homes. I can’t tell you the outcome, but it’s in the book “Believing In Horses.”
My persistence doesn’t please everyone. I’ve faced horse abusers, kill buyers, and horse thieves. I could have run away or not. But I believed in my mission, so the choice was easy.
 And when I’m thirteen, I plan to keep doing the right thing. 
Amazon : Website : Blog : Facebook : Twitter
LARA — IN MY OWN SHADOW BY SUSAN ROYAL

     I’m Lara, and I work downtown in the Metropolitan Building. I’m not really all that good at talking about myself. Just ask my good friend, Carrie. She thinks I’m antisocial. Sometimes I give in and let her drag me to some party, so she’ll get off my case for a little while. Once there, she circulates like the social butterfly she is, while I lurk around the edges of the crowd.
     Carrie and I have been BFFs for a long time, even though we are total opposites. She’s cheerful. I’m sarcastic. She’s outgoing. I’m a loner. She’s always been there for me. I just wish she’d quit trying to fix me up with some guy she thinks is my Mr. Right.
     People tell me I should have been a model, and I always assume it’s because I’m 5 foot 10 in flats, tall enough to intimidate some men. It’s funny. That’s one of the first things I noticed about Rhys. My height didn’t seem to bother him a bit. His rugged good looks were another thing.
     Everything happened so fast it was a blur, but after Rhys dragged me through a portal to another world, I realized he wasn’t the blind date Carrie had set me up with. He really was out of this world. I know you’re thinking this sounds like your typical ‘guy rescues girl from danger and takes her to another world, where they fall in love’ scenario, but you’d be wrong. Rhys treated me like an unwanted responsibility, nothing more. And I let it get under my skin. Why? Because even though I refused to admit it, I had feelings for the man.

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