Bye Bye GFC - Hello Bloglovin'

So, OBVIOUSLY, I've been under a rock or something of the sort lately... I JUST found out (thanks to I Love to Read & Review Books) that GFC is going bye bye as of July 1st!

 

So, of course, I'm like "Whaaaaaat?! I haven't had time to figure out how I want to re-follow all of the blogs I love"

 

So, yea, I'm thinking that I'll have to go one by one and re-follow all of the blogs I love....

 

WRONG!

 

 

 

 

BlogLovin' is freaking awesome!!!

 

 

What to do:

 

Click on this LINK, create an account & import all of the blogs you already follow by Google Reader into your BlogLovin' Reader!!

 

Ka-Blam! Done!

 

HOW FREAKING AWESOME IS THAT!??!?!?

 

It's THAT easy AND I LOVE the way BlogLovin' lays everything out. Freaking fabulous!

 

So, pretty, pretty please with a huge, giant cherry on top

 

 

 

If you follow via GFC, make sure you follow me by BlogLovin', Linky, or by Email Subscription  

Frigid by JL Armentrout!! Exciting News (Including the first 3 chapters!!!)

Exciting News!!!!!

Today is an exciting day - we have FOUR HUGE SURPRISES for you!

Jennifer L. Armentrout's (writing as J. Lynn) FRIGID is set to release on e-book at the end of July.

I cannot wait for this novel!!!! I've already pre-ordered my copy!!! Have you??

FRIGID has already been given the honor of being named a Romantic Times Top Pick and we're super excited for you to be able to read it as well!

Well, there's good news! 

Are you ready for those four awesome surprises? Here we go!

1. Due to all the excitement surrounding FRIGID, we have decided to run a special e-book pre-order promotion. We have worked out a deal with the distributor to release FRIGID a full two weeks early -- on JULY 15th!!! -- if we meet our e-book pre-order goal. EEEEP! That's right, if you are like the rest of us and want to be able to read FRIGID in its entirety before its original release date, all you have to do is PRE-ORDER THE E-BOOK NOW! What are you waiting for? GO! Pre-order it!

Pre-Order Links: Barnes & Noble / Amazon

2. Need something to hold you over until FRIGID releases? Well, starting right now, you can read the first three chapters of FRIGID for free! Just read below!

Frigid Sneak Peek

LINK

3. Can’t get enough of the hot FRIGID cover? Want to see some behind the scenes photos that are sure to make you swoon? You’re in luck! Below you can watch a slideshow of all the behind the scenes photos from the photo shoot! Go on and watch it. We’ll wait, because there is still one more great surprise!

LINK

4. And last but not least, if you live near Philadelphia, PA, you're in for a very special treat -- Jennifer will be in Philly in November signing not only FRIGID but also the last book in her immensely popular COVENANT series, SENTINEL! But that's not all, Adam, the super hot cover model from FRIGID will be there as well! So, yes, you'll get to meet Jennifer and Adam! Plus, there will be other great prizes that you seriously won't want to miss out on (dinner with the author and model, perhaps?)! Stay tuned for more details to come!

I hope you're as excited as I am!! 

So now....Go pre-order FRIGID! 

Go read those chapters! 

Go watch that slideshow! And Enjoy!

Guest Post & Giveaway: Teri Harman, Author of Blood Moon

Please Help Me Welcome

Author Teri Harman

to Kayla's Place Today!

I'm very excited that Teri is joining us today to discuss how she finds her writing groove! I love learning about Author's quirky and non-quirky habits they've picked up while getting into their zone.

Thank you, Teri, for stopping by today!!! 

Before I give Teri the floor, let me tell you a little bit more about Teri and her novel Blood Moon!



Blood Moon

The Moonlight Trilogy #1

by Teri Harman

YA Paranormal

Expected Publication: June 22, 2013

by Jolly Fish Press

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Willa dreams of true events and her best friend is a ghost. Simon can heal any wound with a touch and senses others’ emotions, intentions. All their lives they’ve felt alone in their bizarre abilities, hiding behind a facade of normalcy, wondering why and how. The night Simon walks into the Twelve Acres Diner and meets Willa face to face, in a swirl of electric heat, they are bound to one another and glimpse the magic of who they are.

Across town a witch is held prisoner in the derelict basement of an old Victorian house. One night as it rains, she dares to reach her filthy, scarred hand out the window. Willa, walking home from work, recognizes the pathetic hand from a recent, terrible dream.

After a daring rescue of the witch, Willa and Simon are catapulted into the alluring but dangerous world of witchcraft and the magic of The Six Gifts. Answers to all their questions are within reach, but they’ve stepped into the middle of a deadly fight for the Powers of the Earth. Do they stay, risk their lives on the promise of power, or walk away?

Teri Harman's groundbreaking debut novel, the first installment in The Moonlight Trilogy, completely reinvents the modern concept of witches and magic. With its authentic translation of the history of witches into a fresh and entertaining package with unprecedented characterization, Blood Moon is sure to capture readers from the first page.

Grab Your Copy:

Amazon

B&N
 

About the Author:

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. Currently, her bookshelf is overflowing, her laundry unfolded, and her three small children running mad while she pens bewitching novels. Utah is her home, but she often imagines living in the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Connect With Teri:  Goodreads   Website   Twitter   Facebook

It's an honor to be a part of the Blood Moon Blog Tour!

Click on the Tour Banner above to see the other stops on the tour!

Now, I'm going to give Teri the floor!!! Thank you again, Teri, for stopping by Kayla's Place Today!




Comy Jammies & Organized Chaos:



Getting in the best groove for writing is often like trying to find the most comfortable sleeping position: sometimes it happens automatically and other times you toss and turn.

Because I have three children under seven and my husband travels nearly every week, I don’t currently have the luxury of being picky about how and when I write. I’ve trained myself to write in the chaos of everyday life. If I waited until it was quite and I was alone, it would take me ten years to write one book.

However, there are a few things I like to do that help me get in the groove.

1 – Comfy clothes. I basically live in jammie pants and old T-shirts. My favorite outfit is a pair of PJ pants with an owl pattern and a twelve year old T-shirt my husband picked up in Spain. It’s red and has a hideous big bull on it, but it’s very comfortable.

2 – Music or a fan. I often write with music that blocks out other noises, sets the tone of the scene I want to write, but doesn’t distract. If I’m doing a lot of rereading for editing purposes, I prefer to turn on a small fan instead of music. It cuts down on ambient noises, but isn’t as distracting as lyrics I tend to sing along with.

3 – Where I write? I have two favorite places to write: my own desk which is in our bedroom and my mom’s house. I’ve tried the coffee shop thing, the library, even sitting in quiet hospital waiting rooms, but it’s just not comfortable enough for me. I like to be somewhere familiar where I can wear my jammies, grab snacks and walk around in my slippers.

As far as HOW I actually write a novel. Here are a few things that work for me.

1 – Inspiration is everywhere. It all starts with an idea that sticks in my head. It might be a situation, a character, a place or even just a single image. BLOOD MOON and the Moonlight Trilogy were inspired by a Halloween party I threw in 2010 at a creepy old school house. I read a lot about witches to get ideas for décor, games and activities. After the epic party, I realized I had enough research to base a novel on.

2 – Organized chaos. I’m mostly a “no outline” writer. I write very instinctively. I have to sit down and get involved with the characters and the setting to generate ideas. Sometimes this is wonderful, other times frustrating.

3 – Crazy person wall. I keep a lot of notes and ideas in a binder and in Evernote on my phone. Oh, and post-its. If there is ever a post-it note shortage it’s my fault. I also mark down each scene I write on a big index card that then goes up on a wall. In my family this is known as my “crazy person wall.” It may not be chic décor and slightly reminiscent of a serial killer’s house, but it works. It’s like a living outline and a timeline that I can play with and adjust.

4 – Editing and more editing. I try to do 2-3 drafts/rewrites of my books. I write my first draft in Scrivener, a program made for writers. This program keeps every scene and chapter separated in folders, which is very handy for editing.

My second draft I transfer into Word by copy/paste and rewriting because my publisher needs the final product as a .doc. Then I print that draft out on paper and sit down with my trusty red pen. Lastly, I go through and do a clean-up edit. Then off to my editor it goes. Once he gets it there are at least two more rounds of edits. It’s a LOT of editing, but that is how something good becomes great.

I’m still learning the techniques and devices that help me best write a book; it’s an ever evolving process. Writing a trilogy is very different from writing a stand-alone novel. My best advice to new writers is to experiment and to read lots of books on the craft of writing. Gather ideas and techniques and then go for it.

Giveaway!!
Use the Rafflecopter below to enter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon Giftcard!
Good luck everyone!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dancers & Divas by Kathy Petrakis Tour & Giveaway! Could Win up to $1000!

I'm sooooooo excited to be a part of the tour for the Dancers & Divas Series today!!!!

For anyone who enjoys dancing, drama, romance, and cute boys (hehe),

definitely pick up this series!!!
 

To kick things off, I'm going to tell you about Passion & Pain (Book 1) & Bittersweet (Book 2)!

I'm also going to tell you a little about the author, Kathy Petrakis!

Dancers & Divas Book 1

by Kathy Petrakis

Published September 17, 2012, by Antartis Publishers

If you missed my review several months ago, go HERE to read it! 

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Does passion and desire guarantee success? Can friends really be trusted? Can true love be found beneath lust and deceit?

These are questions tenacious street dancer Elena Martinez faces as she struggles to compete against the most talented students at New York’s top Performing Arts High School. Along with her best friend, the carefree and mischievous Sebastien Duval, they are determined to make center stage.

But the singing diva Letitia has other plans. Beautiful, talented and popular, her desire for revenge could ruin everything for Elena and Sebastien. Now, they must fight against prejudice, treachery and deceit as Letitia sets out to destroy Elena’s friendships, her romance, her dignity and her dreams. Can Elena win the battle for true love, happiness and success?

*contains mature content - recommended for 15+*

Grab Your Copy of Passion & Pain:

On sale for $0.99!!!

Barnes & Noble      Amazon

Dancers & Divas Book 2

by Kathy Petrakis

Published April 28, 2013, by Antartis Publishers

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Can secrets stay hidden forever? Can people really change? Are some mistakes unforgivable?

As Elena and Sebastian embark on a fresh start, will Letitia keep his secret, or will she use it to destroy them?
As Veronika falls in love, Frankie is out of rehab and trying to make amends, but will it last for either of them?

Meanwhile, as Anya is torn between loyalty to her Nana and love for Darius, could Darius fall for the new temptress, Rosa? With her stunning looks, her powerful, sensual dancing and her desire to seduce, she has everyone nervous but what secret is she hiding?

Continue the roller-coaster journey with your favorite characters as they try to survive junior year at the country’s top performing arts school.

Grab Your Copy of Bittersweet:  

Barnes & Noble      Amazon







Kathy Petrakis was born and raised in Sydney Australia by Greek immigrant parents. She always had a passion for the performing arts - dancing, acting and singing but they were hobbies giving way to a traditional professional career in banking. Before this book, her writing was used to entertain friends with her unusual, and often disastrous travel adventures from around the world.

By the hand of fate, Passion and Pain and Bittersweet were born while living in London, heaven for lovers of the performing arts. After launching Passion and Pain, she returned to Sydney for the launch of the sequel, Bittersweet.

Connect with Kathy:   Website   Mailing List    Facebook    Goodreads    Twitter

Now, again, if you didn't catch my review of Book 1, Passion & Pain,

you can go check it out HERE.

I received an ARC of Bittersweet in exchange for an honest review directly from Kathy.

Wow... just... er-ma-gawd...wow. Now, I love each and every one of the characters in the Dancers & Divas Series (yes, even the "bad" guys because they're great antagonists). I became insanely attached to several of the characters when I read Passion & Pain. I couldn't wait to see what happened to them next. I became nearly addicted to some of them in Bittersweet. I couldn't wait for them to pop back up on the page in between scenes.

Bittersweet turned out to be an emotional rollercoaster that dealt with issues such as sex versus love, suicide, selfishness, let-downs, growing-up, loss, and going after your goals versus just settling for what you're handed or told to do. Each character deals with his/her own struggles and you get to see how they deal (or fail to really deal) with what they're going through. There's so many different characters and experiences with each, that there's bound to be at least one that each reader will connect with. I know that I connected with several of them and others, I stood in their corner (metaphorically speaking - Ha) and cheered them on.

So, do you like the show Gossip Girl? What about the movie series for Step Up? Have you seen the movie Center Stage? Seriously, if you say yes to any or all of the above, I really think you'd enjoy this series. I definitely recommend it to anyone who says yes to any of those. This series is like a favorite tv show! I can't wait to see what's going to happen as I turn each page!

Now, the plot: The plot moves pretty consistently through book 1 into book 2. I love that! I mean, seriously, this series would make such a great tv show! There are ups, down, in betweens, happy moments, angry moments, sad moments, laughing moments... Love it!

At the end of Bittersweet, I really had a flash back of when one of my fave tv shows ended their season until the fall. You know, that moment where you fall to your knees at the closing of the last episode of the season and squeal "noooo, that can't be the end?! I have to wait until WHEN before the next season starts?!!" That's exactly the moment that I had. There's soooo many possible endings for the characters before the curtain closes on the series. I can't wait to find out how issues and relationships are resolved.

Overall, I loved this novel! It was a great continuation to the series & I can't stress enough - if you like drama, dancing, competition, romance... get Passion & Pain now. You'll want to pick up Bittersweet as soon as you turn the last page of Passion & Pain! LoL

Overall Rating: 5 Stars!   I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!

 So, Kathy has som AMAZING Giveaways up for grabs as part of this tour!

One for everyone & one specifically for FANS of the series! How flippin' awesome is that?!?!

Use the Rafflecopters below to enter for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go HERE for a detailed description of the FANS Competition!

The following are the terms and conditions for the Dancers and Divas FANS promotion.

1. The competition starts on June 1 2013 at 00.00 hours US EST and closes midnight, October 31 2013. Winner will be announced on the 4th November and has 48 hours to respond to validate entry and claim prize. Amazon reviews must be visible by the close date.

2. It is open internationally to entrants over the age of 14. Proof of ID will also be required to claim prize.

3. To enter the competition, purchase of either Passion and Pain or Bittersweet, by Kathy Petrakis is required. This is in the ebook format or paperback format.

4. Books bought as part of a free promotion are excluded from entries for purchase but can submit entries for the reviews posted. Proof of purchase is still required. Books refunded are also excluded. Books borrowed from Amazon library are excluded.

5. Bloggers writing reviews after receiving a free copy from the author (either directly or through Amazon), are excluded. They may enter for any book they purchase.

6. Proof of purchase must be provided and match the dates in the entry form.

7. Books can be purchased at any time before October 31 2013 but reviews must be live on Amazon between June 1 and October 31 2013.



Review & Giveaway: The Do Over by A.L. Zaun

The Do Over

by A. L. Zaun

Adult Contemporary Romance

Published May 20, 2013

*Ebook obtained in exchange for an honest review 

as part of the book tour*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Life doesn’t look like it’s supposed to for Dani Ruiz, a hopeless romantic. After a painful and sudden break-up with Rick Marin, Dani hides away from reality, retreating to a world of fiction where she prefers book boyfriends over the hassles of a relationship.

Almost two years later, Dani’s friends are tired of watching her in a holding pattern, so they stage an intervention, forcing her back into the real world of dating.

Unexpectedly, Dani meets Liam Lucas, a down-to-earth firefighter. He might be the person to show her she’s still worth something. Dani’s hesitant to trust her heart with another man, but their instant and electric chemistry is something she can’t deny.

As Dani starts to believe that she’s found her real-life book boyfriend, Rick decides that he’ll go to any lengths to get her back. Seeing Rick as a changed man makes Dani question everything.

Can Dani trust her patched-up heart with Liam?
Or has Rick transformed into the man she’s always wanted?

Written from various points of views, The Do Over is a story of second chances and new beginnings.

Grab Your Copy:

About the Author:

A.L. Zaun graduated from Florida International University with a degree in English Literature a long time ago. A degree she didn’t use at all in her professional endeavors. She loves to read, write and take pictures. She walks around with her camera, and most importantly she has her e-reader available at all times. Healthcare Management by day, Mommy in the evening and most nights, you can find her sitting in front of her laptop with a bottle of Diet Pepsi, bringing the voices in her head to life on the pages of her debut novel, The Do Over.

Connect with A.L. Zaun:   Goodreads    Google+    Twitter    Website   Facebook

Click on the tour button above to find out what other stops are on the tour!

My Review:

I'm really having to sit and ponder where exactly I want to go with this review...I guess I'll just ramble a few moments and see what happens.

Right at the beginning, you realize that Dani seems to be a very dependent woman as far as being in a relationship is concerned. Maybe that's just my thoughts but the way that she feels about Rick in the beginning makes me think that she needed the relationship. She leans on her friends very heavily as far as handling her emotions goes. She's a pretty good female lead. Even though she thought things that would normally annoy me, I wasn't ever annoyed with her. I think that I didn't get annoyed because A.L. Zaun was able to write Dani's character in a way that oozed sincerity. Dani really struggled after the break up with Rick. Seriously, Rick did a number on her. Total jerkwad.

Liam - oooooh swoon. He's a great lead male character. He is the good guy that all girls should want and drool over. He's honest, upstanding, a firefighter, has great intentions and treats Dani like she's a precious rare jewel. He's had a traumatic past as far as his love life is concerned. I won't spoil what happened for the reader. I love the way he handles everything - he's such a respectful, caring man. Love him!

Alright, so this novel is about getting a "do over" - a second chance. I love that about the plot. Honestly, it's a great plot as far as how the novel moves and what the characters are facing/overcoming. I adore the fact that it's written from several different perspectives. Not only is Dani struggling with Rick coming back in the picture when she's in love with Liam, but then Rick is pretending to reinvent himself for Dani with the help of Maddy. However, what Rick doesn't realize is that he's actually, truly reinventing himself. All of his practicing and pretending is actually causing him to become a better person without him even realizing it. Then you have Liam who was in a great relationship with an unplanned, sudden ending. Liam adores Dani - it really makes your heart feel full when you read from Liam's perspective. Love him!!! Gosh!

The other characters in the novel aren't exactly eye catching - honestly, Dani's friends got on my ever-loving nerves. Liam's friend Chris was alright - although totally a douche a lot of the time. I did like Maddy though. She was a great, nearly mysterious sort of character that you don't necessarily get a good feel for since we don't know her past... but you WANT to get to know her better. I wanted to know what made her tick. I loved having her and Rick together.

Now, the best thing - great, amazing, mind blowing sex scenes. Love it! Zaun does a great job there! They're not super long, they're not super kinky, but they're hot. Very realistic & Liam... good lord man. He's just hot. Too much. *Fan myself*

Okay... focus.

When I think about what I didn't like so much... I mainly thing about how it is a realllllly long novel. I'm not sure what the page count is but it FELT like I was reading the novel forever. So much happens and I never got bored. But each time I'd see how far along I was, I'd nearly sigh because I felt like I'd been reading forever but only moved 5% or so forward. Maybe it felt like that because there were so many different things going on. I'm not sure. Plus, the constant talk about her Kindle sort of got to me because it was nearly a full blown advertisement for Kindle LOL

Overall, though, it was a good story & great ending. I look forward to seeing Rick & Maddy some more... Liam = Loved him! <3 Great, great guy.
 
I'm really glad I had a chance to read The Do Over! 

Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Cover Rating: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 3.8 Stars
Plot: 4 Stars
Climax: 4.5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars 



Tour Wide Giveaway:
Use the Rafflecopter below to enter for your chance to win one of the following prizes:
1 Print copy of The Do Over (US/Canada)
1 Ebook copy of The Do Over (International)
1 $5 Giftcard (International)
Good luck everyone!!!!






  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Review: Obsession (Arum #1) by J.L. Armentrout

Obsession

Arum #1

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Adult Paranormal Romance

Published May 31, 2013

by Entangled Publishing, LLC

*Self-Purchased Ebook*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life… or is it Hunter?

Grab Your Copy:

About the Author:

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Connect With Jennifer:  Goodreads    Twitter    Facebook    Website   

My Review:

Holy smokes!! I <3 JLA! I love the world that she built with the Lux Series. Now seeing it come to life in an adult setting.... ER-MA-GAWD! It is HOT...and SPECTACULAR...AMAZING.... Should I keep going or do you get the point here? LoL

I adore the fact that JLA is now shedding light on the Arum - the characters in the Lux Series that we think of as some of the "bad" guys. We end up LOVING what Hunter is and what he can do. Yes, he's actually one of the guys that goes out and KILLS the Lux that we've all grown to love. Now we see that there is another side to him just as there are the Lux. We see the Lux as the bad guys in this novel and Hunter is killing them to defend Serena. Seriously opposite world from the YA Lux series.

Serena happens to be the one with a huge target on her back. Hunter is assigned to keep her safe until her fate is decided. Of course, he's not happy about this little predicament but Serena eventually grows on him.

Good grief is that man/alien/whatever you want to call him hot...Totally HOT!

The action in this novel (in the bedroom and not in the bedroom LOL) is amazing. I was gripping my poor ipad so hard I'm surprised the screen didn't crack.

Ooooh and when she throws bits & pieces of The Lux series into the mix!!! Squeee! I wanted to reach out and hug Daemon when we see him momentarily. I'm so glad that Luc plays a role too!

Anyways, I could go on and on and on and on. This novel was FABULOUS!!!
Overall, this entire novel is AMAZING & I can't wait to see what's next!!! Seriously, if you like the Lux Series and you're into more "adult" content & characters, GET THIS NOVEL. You won't be disappointed. ^_^

Overall Rating: 5 Huge Stars
Cover Rating: 5 Stars (YUMMMM)
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars
Climax: 5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars! Good grief I can't wait to see what comes next!