My Book Baby Releases Today! And a Giveaway!

Today is the day! Catalyst officially releases into the world today, and I couldn't be happier! I want to thank all of you who signed up for my Book Blitz through Xpresso Book Tours. I really wanted to do a list of everyone participating and link it to your blog, but when I found out that I had over 115 people sign up, I didn't think it was possible! I will, however, do my best to visit all of the blogs throughout this week—thank you so much!!

Also, for those of you who may not follow me on social media, I have the BEST NEWS EVER! Barnes and Noble picked up Catalyst and will be stocking it on their shelves nationwide, coming in December!

Here's a look at the Catalyst book trailer for those who might have missed it before...

Welcome to the world, my beautiful book baby!

Catalyst
Kristin Smith
(The Deception Game, #1)
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: November 21st 2016
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

Book Synopsis:

Too pretty.

Too smart.

Too perfect.

In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn’t fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teenagers, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she’s ever known and loved changes in an instant.

With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a

stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she’s falling for as bait.

In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who’s too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren’t what they seem, and the secrets they’re hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most.

Catalyst is a thrilling adventure of danger, romance, intrigue, and deception.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

**Look for Catalyst on the shelves of Barnes and Noble stores nationwide, coming in December!**

Here's what best-selling authors are saying about Catalyst: 

"A gripping thriller with a tough, but vulnerable heroine who must fight against a corrupt underworld. High stakes and non-stop action paired with terrific writing will have you turning the pages late into the night.”

~Kimberley Griffiths Little, award-winning author of the Forbidden trilogy (Harpercollins)

"An amazing young adult thriller! Full of intrigue, high stakes, and danger, this read will keep your heart racing and your mind turning deep into the night."

~Jessie Humphries, best-selling author of The Ruby Rose series

"An action-packed sci-fi thriller filled with romance, danger, and twists you won't see coming, CATALYST provides a glimpse into an eery future depicting what can go wrong when those in power attempt to make things right.”

~Ilima Todd, author of Remake

I have to thank my dear friend and critique partner, Leandra Wallace, for making me this next awesome graphic. It's perfect because Sienna, the main character in Catalyst, rides a Harley. I printed this graphic out, framed it, and I'm planning to use it Tuesday night at my Launch Party in Charlotte. Thank you, Leandra! :)

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things by Kristin Smith

Books. Sunsets. Reading to my children. Cuddling with my husband. My laptop. Sleeping in. Surfing the internet. Dinner with friends. Sushi from Coral Sushi (has to be from here!). The beach. Christmas. Halloween. Fall decorations. Fires in fireplaces. Making s'mores around a bonfire. Deltaville. Kissing. Snow. Gelato. My pool. Sledding. Music. Watching movies with my family. Chick flicks. People who care. Lazy days. Cake (any kind). People who listen. Playing the piano. My bed. People who show up at my door with cookies. Zumba. Dancing. The electric slide. Date nights. My family. Binge-watching Netflix. Gilmore Girls. Hot cocoa. Dreaming big. Root beer. Vampire Diaries. Blankets. Sweaters. Boots. Reign. Chocolate (in any form!). Amazon. Pinterest. Vacations. Las Vegas. Book stores. New books. The Selection Series. Planning parties. Supportive friends. The Hunger Games. My wonderful husband. My sweet boys. Chips. Diet Mountain Dew Code Red. Dinner with friends. Scarfs. Glitter. Make-up. Inspiring stories. My readers.

Author Bio:

 Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming about the beach, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to chocolate, you can visit her at kristinsmithbooks.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Blog

Enter the Giveaway to win a Clean Teen Publishing Mystery Box!

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Thanks for stopping by and celebrating my book launch with me! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Book Blast: Piper Morgan to the Rescue & a Giveaway

Happy Release Day to Stephanie Faris for Piper Morgan to the Rescue! Check out this adorable middle grade book and be sure to enter the Giveaway!

Piper Morgan to the Rescue

By Stephanie Faris

Cover (click for full resolution):

Blurb:

Piper helps some four-legged friends find the perfect home in the third book of the brand-new Piper Morgan series.

Piper is super excited to help out at Bark Street, a local animal shelter in town. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by adorable puppies and dogs all day? And when Piper sees Taffy, the cutest dog she has ever seen, Piper is determined to find a way to bring Taffy home. But it won’t be easy—especially when she finds out someone else wants to make Taffy a part of their family, too!

Author Photo (click for full resolution):

Bio:

Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism, she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing.

Stephanie is the Simon & Schuster author of 30 Days of No Gossip and 25 Roses, as well as the Piper Morgan series. When she isn’t crafting fiction, she writes for a variety of online websites on the topics of business, technology, and her favorite subject of all—fashion. She lives in Nashville with her husband, a sales executive.

Links:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram



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Congrats to Stephanie! 

Timeless Blog Tour/Doppelganger Quiz & Giveaway!

Many of you who follow me on social media know that I recently met and hung out with the very talented Gayle Forman, author of If I Stay. She was so fun and down-to-earth, and I had a great time!

L to R: Holly Hughes, me, Monica Hoffman, Gayle Forman

The funny thing is, Gayle was convinced that I have a dark-haired doppelganger, another author named Nova Ren Suma. 

Nova Ren Suma, NYT Bestselling author of Imaginary Girls and The Walls Around Us

Of course, as soon as I got home that night, I looked Nova up, curious to see if indeed we resembled each other. And when I had the opportunity to sign up for Crystal Collier's Blog Tour for Timeless and host the Doppelganger Quiz, it wasn't much of a decision to make! Doppelgangers are a fascinating concept!

I'm excited to celebrate the release of Timeless! Be sure to take the Doppelganger Quiz below to find out who your Doppelganger is in the Maiden of Time trilogy. I took the quiz and my doppelganger is... ALEXIA! Woot!

Without further ado...

I'd like to welcome Crystal Collier here today to share her new book and introduce you to YOUR Maiden of Time doppelganger!

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

BUY: Amazon | B&N

GUEST POST

Have you ever met someone who looks and acts like someone else you know?

These doppelgangers exist in life, so it makes sense they would exist in literature. Today, you can meet your alternate ego in the Maiden of Time trilogy. Answer 5 simple questions to find out which character is most like you. (Some villains included.)

Look at that! You're a story book character. What do you think? Didn't like your match? Maybe should have picked something else? Try again. Share your results. Buy the books and learn more. (Did she really just say that? Yes, yes she did.) You can also enter to INSTANTLY win some really cool prizes below.

Who is your ideal book character match? (Inside or outside the Maiden of Time trilogy.)

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese.

Find her online HERE.

(Email address is required for awarding prizes.)

That was fun! Huge congrats to Crystal! Did you take the Doppelganger Quiz? Who did you get? Win any prizes? Happy Tuesday!

November IWSG: A Month of Thanksgiving & Giveaway!

Hello IWSG peeps! I may be a horrible blogger lately, but one thing is certain—I will always try to post on IWSG Wednesday. A big thank you, of course, goes to Alex Cavanaugh for creating this wonderfully supportive group. Also, thank you to our awesome co-hosts for this month: Joylene Nowell Butler, Jen Chandler, Mary Aalgaard, Lisa Buie Collard, Tamara Narayan, Tyrean Martinson, and Christine Rains! It's never too late to join in the fun, and you can do so HERE.

Well, Catalyst releases in less than one month, and I really wish time would slow down a little. I want to enjoy this moment, but I feel like I'm on a fast moving train and I can't get off. I'll reach my destination too soon, and I won't have enjoyed the ride. That's what I'm afraid of. But there's no time to slow down. There's too much to do. I just have to keep moving, keep pace, and try to do the best I can before November 21st hits. Wish me luck?

Speaking of November 21st... it's the RELEASE DAY FOR CATALYST! My publisher is doing a blog tour through Xpresso Book Tours, and I would love your help! There will be guest posts, excerpts, and even an author interview for you to choose from, which will all come to you in an easily formatted post. If you'd like to sign up to help with my book release, click below. Thank you in advance!!

SIGN-UP FOR CATALYST BLOG TOUR

So, CHECK THIS OUT! A dozen Clean Teen Publishing authors have gotten together and created a HUGE Giveaway called 25 Days of Giving. We are giving away a Kindle Fire HD, a $100 Amazon Giftcard, a $25 Amazon Giftcard, and over a dozen free ebooks to random winners! All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter below! Good Luck!!

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Lastly, if you live in the Charlotte area, be sure to stop by my release party on Tuesday, November 22nd. I'd love to see you! Details below.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever been so stressed about releasing a debut novel that you've forgotten to enjoy the ride? Did you enter the giveaway? Do you live in the Charlotte area?

Happy Wednesday!

October IWSG: Book Launch Obsession

Did that really say October IWSG?! Where has the time gone?

First of all, I LOVE fall. I love the leaves, the cooler weather, the pumpkins—I love it all! But now, I have an even greater reason to love fall. My debut novel Catalyst (a YA near-future thriller) releases in just under two months!

But I'm not ready!

What does that mean exactly? I'm not ready?

It means that for months I've had these grand expectations of what my launch will look like, be like, even feel like. I've dreamed and planned. However, as my launch quickly approaches, the anticipation, the excitement, even the stress has become a bit overwhelming. I feel like I'm behind in setting up book signings. I'm behind in contacting news stations. I'm behind in ordering my swag. I'm behind in registering for book festivals. I'm behind in rounding out the details for my BIG launch party. At least, this is what I'm telling myself.

I want everything to be so perfect and be the best damn launch anyone has ever seen (lol!) that I've put WAY too much pressure on myself. I just need to breathe, right?

One thing I need to keep telling myself is that the book isn't going anywhere. Even after my launch, it will still be out in the world. So what that my pre-order swag plan didn't work out because Amazon shipped my pre-orders 6 WEEKS EARLY! (By the way, has that ever happened to anyone else?) But it's okay, I've decided to turn that setback into a chance to promote.

Which brings me to my next thing. Guess what?!! I'm doing a Catalyst Photo Contest! Here are all the details:

Oh, and if you haven't already done it, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE add Catalyst to Goodreads HERE. Thank you bunches!!

And if you want to enter the contest, but haven't ordered your copy of Catalyst yet, you can do that HERE.

This post brought to you by the IWSG! A huge thank you to Alex Cavanaugh for creating this wonderful, supportive group of writers. And thank you to our co-hosts for today: Susan Gourley/Kelley, Susan Says, Beverly Stowe McClure, Megan Morgan, Viola Fury, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Angela Wooldridge.

Question of the day: What have you found to be the most effective when promoting your book?

Book Trailer for Catalyst and Happy Release Day Circuits & Slippers!

Many of you may have already seen the book trailer for Catalyst circulating around social media, but in case you missed it, here it is!

Also, my publisher is currently doing a Goodreads giveaway. If you'd like a chance to win a FREE ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) of Catalyst, you can enter HERE. But there's only a couple more days left, so hurry if you want to enter!

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Catalyst releases in less than 2 months! Can you believe it?? If you don't want to miss any of the latest news, giveaways, parties, etc., be sure to sign up for my newsletter. You can do so HERE.

And if you haven't already done so, be sure to add Catalyst to Goodreads HERE. Thank you! 

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Now, it's time for me to share something I'm super excited about. Circuits and Slippers releases today which is the anthology book that features PRINA AND THE PEA, the short story written by my amazing critique partner, Leandra Wallace. And guys, let me tell you, this story is SO GOOD!

Blurb:

A collection of retold fairy tales with a science fiction twist.

Rapunzel is a soldier, the last remaining member of the human race, locked in a zoological tower on an alien planet. Doctor Belle must remain in quarantine with a powerful politician who has contracted a beastly disease. Jack sells his arm for a chance up the Stalk, the space elevator he hopes will take him to his fortune.

These twenty stories will take you across the galaxy, exploring new technology alongside aliens and cyborgs, princes and evil stepmothers, and telling your favorite classic tales like you've never seen them before.

Order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Bio: Leandra Wallace lives in the Midwest with her husband and son (both of whom she thinks are adorable). She writes MG & YA speculative fiction, and has short stories included in Brave New Girls: Tales of Girls and Gadgets, Circuits & Slippers, and the 2017 Young Explorer's Adventure Guide. She loves ampersand collecting, old buildings, and curling up on the couch with a good book, especially when there's no housework hanging over her head. 

Twitter | Blog | Instagram

Huge congrats to Leandra and all the other authors in this amazing anthology!! Here are some pics to help celebrate the release of Circuits and Slippers, but more specifically, Prina and the Pea!

Isn't this adorable?

Doesn't this cake look too good to eat?

I absolutely love this! So unique and cute. Perfect for a Prina and the Pea party!

Green pea juice! Love it.

The infamous pea!

Sugar pea cake pops—cute!

Congrats again, Leandra! Be sure to check out her own release party over on her blog HERE!

Interested in purchasing a copy? You can find Circuits and Slippers HERE. I already bought mine. It should be coming on Monday! :)

Happy Thursday!

Book Review: The Last Messenger of Zitol

Before I get to the book review, if you're here to see the cover reveal for my amazing critique partner's debut MG novel, then you've come to the right place. I overbooked my blog this week, but you can find the cover reveal for S.A. Larsen's Motley Education HERE. Thanks! :)

I haven't done a book review in a while, mostly because life is a little too crazy, but when I had the opportunity to read and review Chelsea Dyreng's YA novel, The Last Messenger of Zitol, I jumped at the chance. Last year I read her debut novel, The Cenote, and I was captivated by her writing. I knew I would love her latest book, and I was right!

Publisher's Blurb:

When Rishi is kidnapped and taken to Zitól, she faces an unthinkable future: she is to be sacrificed to appease the gods. To survive in this place, where greed, lust, and fear eclipse compassion, Rishi befriends the selfish and ignorant king, only to discover that he may not have the power to save her after all.

My Review:

All I can say after reading The Last Messenger of Zitol is WOW! Chelsea creates such a vivid description of a time, place, and culture that is foreign to me. She has a knack for drawing the reader so far into the world she's created that we can feel the sea spray on our faces and taste the juicy sweetness of the indigenous fruits. And when Rishi is languishing in the tower, waiting to die, we feel her hunger.

Chelsea expertly weaves underlying messages throughout the story, like hidden gems among the words. There were several times where I silently applauded Dyreng for her ability to create such a masterful tale with such exquisite language and the perfect amount of humor.

The story of Rishi and her friends centers around virtue, and the polished white beads the girls wear to show that they are pure, holy, untainted, and unspoiled. The moment a girl loses her virginity, her white bead is taken away and replaced by one of the appropriate color. If you're married you get a blue bead, if you're a concubine, you receive a purple one. When Rishi and her friends are kidnapped by savages, all I want is for the girls to retain their virtue. And when one of the girls has her virtue stolen from her, the reader mourns for her loss.

The kidnapped girls are taken to Zitol where every spring a virgin maiden is sacrificed as a prayer to the gods. The wickedness of this city was eye-opening. The people of Zitol are carnal and lustful, and the gods they worship are cruel and demanding. It is only through the power and virtue of one girl—Rishi—that people begin to recognize truths that have been kept from them for years by evil leaders.

Here is one of my favorite lines from the book (Rishi says this to the king, also known as the Anointed One):

"The gods are not sending rain to reward your obedience. They are weeping over your mistakes."

And of course, there's a wonderful love story that is equally matched by the underlying theme of a magnificent change of heart. The narrator is a selfish king who is merely a puppet for the Speakers around him. But the moment he meets Rishi, in the months before her sacrifice, everything changes. She sees in him the good that no one else does. She inspires him to be better, to seek truth, and to honor her virtue. And when they fall in love, it is sweet and beautiful.

So you're probably wondering what happens to Rishi. Does she live? Does she die in the annual sacrifice? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out! :)

I give this book 2 thumbs up, 5 glowing stars, and 10 painted toenails. :) I absolutely loved it!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Motley Education by S.A. Larsen

Today is an especially exciting day because I get to share with you the cover reveal for my critique partner's debut MG novel, MOTLEY EDUCATION! Not only is Sheri a fantastic writer, but she's a wonderful friend as well. I can't tell you how many times I've emailed Sheri with a question and she's always super quick to respond and help me figure things out. If you don't know Sheri (aka S.A. Larsen), you should! And now, on to her reveal! But first, this really cool banner!

AND NOW FOR THE REVEAL!!! DRUMROLL, PLEASE!

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Title: Motley Education (Book One: The URD Saga)

Author: S.A. Larsen

Release Date: October 10, 2016

Forget having a lively after school social life, Ebony Charmed is fighting to keep the entire Afterlife alive.

Ebony’s less-than-average spirit tracking abilities are ruining more than sixth grade at Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically & Celestially gifted. Her parents argue so much her dad moved out. And, even though he’s scared of his own shadow and insists on bringing his slimy, legless lizard everywhere they go, Ebony wouldn’t survive without her best friend, Fleishman.

When Ebony’s Deadly Creatures & Relics’ project goes missing, she learns her missing project is one of the keys to saving the spirit world. Now Ebony and Fleishman must battle beasts from Norse Mythology to retrieve her project before spirits are lost, the Well of Urd dries up, and Ebony loses all hope of reuniting her family. But someone lies in wait, and he has other plans...including creating a new world of spirits without them in it.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Motley Education has been aligned with Core Standards for grades 4-7. A guide will be available on the author’s website to download for FREE after the book’s release date.

About S.A. Larsen

S.A. LARSEN is the author of Motley Education, the first book in a middle grade fantasy-adventure series. Her work has appeared in numerous local publications and young adult anthologies Gears of Brass and Under A Brass Moon by Curiosity Quills Press. Look for her debut young adult novel, Marked Beauty, set for release in 2017. Find her in the land of lobsters, snowy winters, and the occasional Eh’ya with her husband of over twenty years, four children, a playful pooch, and two kittens.

You can visit her online at www.salarsenbooks.com.

Follow her on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram and connect with her on her Website & Blog.

Rafflecopter Giveaway Code

Five lucky winners will each receive a signed bookmark and assorted swag! Contest runs from 09/15/16 to 09/23/16. Winners will be chosen by random.com.

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Direct link to giveaway: http://bit.ly/2bZyLVj


SUPER BIG CONGRATS TO SHERI!! I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THE COVER!

Cover Reveal: Timeless by Crystal Collier

Today I'm happy to show off the gorgeous new cover for the 3rd book in Crystal Collier's Maiden of Time series. I've been waiting for this book, so I'm glad to know we won't have to wait too much longer!

Are you ready for the reveal???

Can I get a drumroll?

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TIMELESS (#3 Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier #CoverReveal

Book Title: TIMELESS (Maiden of Time #3)

Author: Crystal Collier

Genre: YA Paranormal Historical

Release Date: November 1, 2016

TIME IS THE ENEMY

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.

Want the first chapter free? Sign up HERE.

Congrats to Crystal! I love it! :)