Unbreakable Book Blitz & Giveaway!!

Hi everyone! I'm super excited to share with you the release of UNBREAKABLE, the 4th book in the Deception Game series. This book was a labor of love, and after a long wait (VERY LONG WAIT!) it's finally out in the world. I hope it's everything readers want it to be! <3 <3 <3

Here's all of the details!

Unbreakable
Kristin Smith
(The Deception Game, #4)
Publication date: July 26th 2022
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

From best-selling and award-winning author Kristin Smith comes the riveting fourth and final book in the Deception Game series.

A terrible discovery that will change everything.

Armed with valuable information, Sienna and her friends find asylum in the east coast province of Pride. While initially grateful for Pride’s open arms, they begin to question exactly what kind of loyalties its president is after. Sienna must grapple with her new condition, Trey has to figure out how to win a war without losing Sienna, and Zane needs to recreate a gene regeneration therapy to cure Sienna without knowing if he’ll ever win her heart. When they learn Trina survived the Zenith Camp bombing, they also discover she’s been living a nightmare.

In the end, Sienna and her friends must somehow come together and fight a war for a government they aren’t sure they can trust.

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—

EXCERPT:

SIENNA:

Ever since we arrived in Old Richmond, President Turner’s team of doctors have done test after test and x-ray after x-ray to determine how severely my spinal cord is damaged. And it’s all led to the same conclusion. It’s damaged beyond repair. Which means I’ll never walk again, at least, not in this life.

Am I angry? Yes. Do I feel sorry for myself? A little. But that’s not what keeps me tethered to this bed. Sadness is a weighted sandbag that drags me down, down, down. All I want to do is sleep.

Day after day, I lie on my back in a bed in a room that’s too posh to be a sick room. I let them check my blood pressure and temperature. I let them empty my catheter. I let them switch out my IV bag. And I don’t complain when they stick me with this needle and that one. For all intents and purposes, I’m alive.

And yet, I’m not.

I lost the two most important people in my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover. So what that I can’t walk? So what that my life as I knew it is over? So what. So what. So what. My mom and sister are dead. Burned alive.

Death is a plague that has visited my doorstep over and over. No matter where I go, it finds me and the ones I love.

And I’m tired. So very tired. Tired of living. Tired of loving. Tired of caring.

There’s a soft knock on the door, and then Zane sticks his head in. His face lights up when he sees me. “Hey,” he says. “Can I come in?” His gaze travels to Chaz, who is asleep in a chair near the corner of the room. His head sags against his propped-up arm, his chubby cheek squished against his fist. Chaz hasn’t left my side since we got to Old Richmond. My eternal watchdog.

“Trust me,” I say, “nothing short of an explosion can wake him when he’s asleep.”

Zane chuckles at this as he crosses the room and sinks into the chair beside my bed. “How are you holding up?”

“I’ve been better.”

His face is awash in pain. “I’m really sorry, Sienna—”

“It wasn’t your fault, Zane,” I remind him. We’ve been over this again and again, but he still carries the blame. Like he could somehow have avoided the hidden explosive. The thought is absurd.

“It was,” he says, his voice firm. “But I’m going to fix it. I promise.”

“I know you will,” I say. “You can do anything you put your mind to.”

He smiles. “Your confidence in me means everything.”

A loud snore comes from the corner of the room. Zane and I exchange looks. “See?” I say. “Told you.”

When Zane laughs, it feels like a little bit of goodness has returned to the world. His laugh almost elicits a smile from me. Almost.

He reaches for my hand, then takes it in his. His hand is strong, solid, the muscles arching as he squeezes my fingers. “I’ve missed you,” he says, and it’s so sudden and completely unexpected that I’m not sure what to say back.

“I’m right here,” I joke.

“That’s not what I mean.” His eyes connect with mine, and his gaze is so intense I have to look away. “Sienna, I need to know.”

“Need to know what?”

“Is there any hope for me? For us?”

I draw in a sharp breath. I thought I spelled it out pretty well in my bedroom that night in his house before the assassin tried to kill him. Apparently not. I try to say the next words as gently as I can. “I’m with Trey now. I love Trey.”

Pain fills his eyes as his hand slips from mine. “I understand.”

“Zane, I’m sorry—”

“Don’t be. It’s not what I wanted to hear. But it’s what I needed to hear.”

I reach for his hand again, and reluctantly, he gives it to me. Bringing it up to my lips, I kiss the soft spot between his knuckles. “There’s a girl out there for you. One who will love you and appreciate you for the incredible person you are.”

When Zane stares at me, his eyes full of longing, it tears holes in my heart. “I know,” he says. “I just hoped it would be you.”

What's a book release without some teasers? My talented friend and critique partner, Leandra Wallace, made these incredible graphics which I absolutely adore. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD!!

Also, if you're on Instagram, join me and Michelle I. Mason, author of YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN DELAYED, tonight (Tuesday, July 26th) at 7:00 pm for an Instagram Live Book Launch Event where we'll talk about the Deception Game series, romance in dystopian books, my writing process, and more! Hope to see you there! <3

Author Bio:

Kristin Smith is the best-selling and award-winning author of the DECEPTION GAME series. Her first book, CATALYST, was a 2018 IAN Book of the Year Award finalist in the Young Adult category. When she's not writing, Kristin can be found planning her next Murder Mystery dinner party, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and sons. To read more about Kristin or her books, please visit her website at kristinsmithbooks.com.

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Release Day! Forgotten is Out in the World!

Today is the day! Today FORGOTTEN, the 2nd book in the Deception Game series, releases to the world! Woot!

But before we celebrate, let me tell you a little story.

I hadn't TRULY experienced writer's block until I started writing this book. I got about three-fourths of the way through and then it hit me. HARD. No matter what I did or how hard I tried, I COULD NOT move forward and write the end of the novel. It was frustrating. But I quickly learned that the best way to deal with writer's block (for me, at least) is to take a break.

So I did.

I read books and binged-watched Netflix, and since I'm a religious person, there was also a lot of praying involved. I had a deadline, and I knew I needed to finish the book. ASAP.

And then one day, a glorious idea came. And then another idea came. And I FINALLY knew how the book HAD to end. I didn't want to write it. I cried all the way through it. But when it was done, I knew it was the exact conclusion it needed.

Are you curious yet? LOL.

Needless to say, writer's block sucks. Every writer will probably experience it, but eventually we make it through to the other side.

Welcome to the world, my beautiful book baby! <3


Forgotten
Kristin Smith
(The Deception Game #2)
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: April 18th 2017
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

The epic tale of Sienna Preston continues in this second installment of the exhilarating Deception Game series.

 Seventeen-year-old Sienna is no stranger to heartache and loss. But this time, it’s different; someone―or something―has tampered with a loved one’s memories, and she’s determined to get answers.

The trail leads her to the glittering skyscrapers and modern luxuries of Rubex, the Capital of Pacifica, where she infiltrates the government’s Agency for Intelligence and Genetics. But answers are not always easy to come by, especially when her own memories may have been altered. Luckily, Zane Ryder is there to help her put the pieces back together, his devotion and concern muddying the waters between friendship and something more.

 When Sienna gets too close to uncovering dark Agency secrets, she’s framed for the murder of a prominent government official, sending her on the run. Sienna’s heart may be torn about who she loves, but none of that really matters anymore―because the only thing that awaits her now is a death sentence.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Grab book 1 for only 99¢!
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—

EXCERPT:

Zane parks his Aria on the lake side of the dam, and we both climb out.

“Bring back memories?” Zane asks with a wry grin.

“How you thought I was trying to kill myself? Again?” I laugh. “I don’t know why you thought I was so suicidal.”

Zane shrugs. “Maybe I didn’t. Maybe I just wanted an excuse to rescue you.”

My heart trips over itself. “Zane,” I say softly, “you can’t keep saying things like that.”

He moves around the side of the car. “Why not?” When he takes my hand in his, the warmth of his fingers heats up my whole body.

“This isn’t a good idea,” I mutter, but I make no move to extract my hand from his.

He looks down at me, then at our entwined fingers. “But what if it is? What if it’s the best idea in the whole damn world?”

“Because—because you’re engaged. To someone else.”

“But I don’t want to be,” he says, his voice low. He takes a step closer until he’s so close that I could wrap my arm around his back if I wanted to.

“Zane,” I warn, but the warning gets caught in my throat. He’s giving me that look. The same one he gave me before he kissed me that first time on the couch in his house.

“What?” he whispers.

“Please, don’t—” But he’s already leaning down, his eyes focused on my mouth. My breath comes out shaky as his fingers slip from mine and his hands touch my waist, gently bringing me closer. Before I can stop myself, our lips meet, and a thousand nerve endings converge to a single spot. His lips are fire and warmth and need. And that single spark ignites an already-smoldering flame.

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.

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Monday Updates & Happy Release to At First Blush!

Hello, friends!

There are lots of things going on that I wanted to share with you. The first bit of exciting news is that FORGOTTEN, the sequel to CATALYST, will release on April 18th, much earlier than expected. Yep, you read that correctly! My 2nd book baby will make an appearance in a week! Needless to say, I'm definitely feeling the stress and excitement of another book releasing into the world.

The blog tour will run from April 18th through April 25th, and will be through Xpresso Books. If you'd like to help spread the news of the release of FORGOTTEN, you can sign up at the link below. (Pretty, pretty please!) Thank you in advance!

SIGN UP HERE TO HELP WITH FORGOTTEN RELEASE

And here are a few teaser images that my wonderful friend and critique partner, Leandra Wallace, made. LOVE THEM!!!

You can pre-order your copy of FORGOTTEN HERE.

Buy CATALYST HERE.

BOOK TOUR:

At the same time of the FORGOTTEN release, I'm doing a little book tour in the western part of the US. If any of you live in the following areas, please come out and see me!

Saturday, April 15th @ 2 pm- The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, UT

Isn't this just the cutest bookshop EVER?!

Thursday, April 20th @ 5 pm- Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Henderson, NV (Stephanie store)

For the event at the Henderson B&N, I'll be teaming up with bestselling YA author, Jessie Humphries, who lives in that area. It should be a lot of fun!

I have to say that one of the best things about being a published author is having fans reach out to me, telling me how much they loved CATALYST. I think the next greatest thing would be to receive some FAN ART! That would be pretty awesome. :)

In other exciting news, I'm now a Pitch Wars 2017 Mentor! I'll be co-mentoring with my dear friend, Beth Ellyn Summer, and we are SO excited to be mentoring YA this year. In a few months, we'll post on our blogs the kind of manuscript we're looking for, so be on the lookout for that post in July! If you'd like more information about Pitch Wars, see Brenda Drake's website HERE.

I'm also excited to celebrate the release of Beth Ellyn Summer's book, AT FIRST BLUSH. I'm a little late to the party (the book released last week) but I still wanted to show my love and support for this awesome book and author. If you haven't gotten your copy of AT FIRST BLUSH yet, you totally should!! Here's a preview:

BLURB

Who would have thought that a teenager could have a successful career creating makeup tutorial videos on YouTube? For Lacey Robbins, this dream has been her reality. An up-and-coming YouTuber, she has thousands of fans and can't wait for the day when her subscriber count reaches the one million mark. And when she is offered a high school internship at On Trend Magazine, she figures that this could be the make it or break it moment.

But sometimes your dream job isn't all that it seems. Her editor is only interested in promoting junk products, and her boss in the Hair and Makeup department introduces her to the larger world of makeup artistry, making her wonder if making tutorials online is all she is meant to do. To top it all off, when the magazine's feature subject, musician Tyler Lance, turns his broodingly handsome smile her way, falling for him could mean losing her fans, forcing her to make a decision: her YouTube life or her real life?

Fans of Zoella's GIRL ONLINE will fall right into the world of this YA DEVIL WEARS PRADA and stay hooked from the first blush to the last glossy kiss.

BUY AT FIRST BLUSH HERE!

About the Author:

Beth Ellyn Summer writes contemporary young adult fiction that somehow always includes the following elements: fame, makeup, and television. She graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Print and Electronic Journalism. Interning for Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Fallon was the highlight of her college years. When she's not writing, Beth can be found swatching eyeshadows, solving Wheel of Fortune puzzles, and playing with her adorable cat, Penny Belle. Beth lives on Long Island in a cookie cutter town that, in an ironic twist of fate, doesn't have a single decent bakery.

You can connect with Beth at any of the social media links below.

Website

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Goodreads


So many congrats to Beth! I hope your book release has been everything you dreamed it would be! <3

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.

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