Taking Life by the Books: December 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Goodbye 2013, Hello to A New Year ~ Favorite Reads From the Past Year & More

In ways I am extremely happy that this year is ending, but sad. 2013 brought so many memories, mainly bad, but some good. I am hoping that 2014 brings many good things and few to none bad.
One of the good memories, was making new friends online. I know that we have never met in person, but that doesn't matter. What matters is how much y'all mean to me. Especially all the authors who I have talked to about their books that I have read. And then one other friend as well. We have talked so much through Facebook and I could consider her my "pen-pal".
I have learned new things about myself, through my friends, but mainly through my writing. When I first showed the beginning of one of my stories to my friends, they were like, "Amanda! We never expected that you had a dark side!" I just laughed at them. So, I learned that, no matter what I write, dark side or not, I am who I am. I also have learned not to give up on my writing, or that I don't have to change it just because of what others think. My friends thought that my main character should end up with the best friend instead of the guy the MC liked. I ended up deleting the best friend, because I didn't like his character. Never change because of what others think. I am not just talking about writing, I am talking about yourself. Be who you are and be happy with it. Don't change ANYTHING, your personality or character, etc., because of others opinions of you. I think that statement sums up what I have learned this year. I have never been confident with myself and a couple of my friends helped me through that.

On a lighter note, I am changing topics to my favorite novels, series, authors of 2013. Since these lists would be so long, I am going to try and keep them down to 10 each.

TOP 10 FAVORITE AUTHORS (In no particular order)

Shelly Crane
Mercy Amare
Konstanz Silverbow
Kelly Anne Blount
Felicia Tatum
Zoey Derrick
L.M. Augustine
Amy McClung
Amanda Heath
Derinda Love

TOP 15 FAVORITE BOOKS (In no particular order)

Chasing Forever Down by Nikki Godwin
Merch Girl by Rebecca Lewis
What's Left Of Me by Amanda Maxlyn
More Than This by Jay McLean
For Real by Chelsea Cameron
Mutilate My Heart by Emily Godwin
Make Me by Amanda Heath
Heart Breaths by K.K. Hendin
Finding Olivia by Micalea Smeltzer
Only Half Alive by Konstanz Silverbow
Inseperable by Missy Johnson
Love, Kinsey by Brandy Jeffus Corona
Imperfectly Perfect by A.E. Woodward
Two Roads by L.M. Augustine
Pretty Little Lies by Jennifer Miller

TOP 15 FAVORITE SERIES/TRILOGIES (In no particular order)

Too Far Trilogy by Abbi Glines
Just Breathe Trilogy by Heather Allen
Evolve Series by S.E. Hall
The Lost Girl by Airicka Phoenix
Reason Series by Zoey Derrick
The Kihanna Saga by Mercy Amare
The Parker Harris Trilogy by Amy McClung
The Game Changer by L.M. Trio
Rock Star Trilogy by Mercy Amare
The White Aura Series by Felicia Tatum
Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken
The Beaumont Series by Heidi McLaughlin
Hush, Hush Series by Becca Fitzpatrick
The Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks
Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

What were some of you favorite reads from 2013?

I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year's Day and a great year.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Make Me by Amanda Heath Blog Tour

Synopsis

“Make me, Channing. Make me fall. Push me, shove me, just make sure I get there.” I shout at him, taking a step back. His eyes clash with mine. I read the challenge there, making me take another step back. He stalks the few steps to me and grabs my arms slamming his forehead down on mine, “I’ll make you.” His lips skim against mine as he continues to speak, “And I’ll be falling right there with you.”

Paisley Vaughn grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. After finding her mother dead from an overdose, Paisley and her baby sister are shipped off to live with her maternal grandparents.

She always knew they were rich, she just didn’t realize how rich they were. Now she’s being forced to go to a prestigious high school. One where the tuition is more money then she’s ever seen.

Thinking these rich kids are going to be snobbish and rude, she’s surprised to find the Vaughn name means she is untouchable. Well unless your name is Channing Southerland.

Paisley has to navigate her new life and all the new people in it. While her mother might have lied about her grandparents, no one is lying about Channing. He’s beautiful, mean, arrogant, and turning her on.

Before long a war is fought, leaving Paisley wondering if she’ll be ruined or made. Though she might just fall irrevocably in love.

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Buy Now

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/m229xan

Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/lq7ykj6

Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/lax3rbs

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/mnhghzj

Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/mgrbhmh

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Teaser Picture

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Excerpt

“Do you really want me to fall for you?” I whisper.

He gets up from the ground and runs his fingers through his hair. He seems frustrated but I don’t know why. “That’s what I want,” he whispers also. Looking back at me. I can’t see his eyes from here but I know what they look like. Full of fear and uncertainly. “I’m scared though. I’ve never been in a serious relationship. And I really don’t want to fuck this up.”

I’m scared too. Sometimes he consumes my thoughts and that was before I knew how he felt. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be with him and I screw up. But I know that I want to fall for him. I know deep in my soul that I will never have a love in my life like I would with Channing.

And that’s the scariest thought I’ve ever had.

“I don’t know if that’s what I want,” I tell him looking away.

He runs his fingers through his hair yet again. “Paisley, don’t fuck with my head. I’ve had enough of that in my life. I can’t do crazy bitches anymore.”

I flinch with the comparison to his mother. To my mother. “I’m not fucking with your head. Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”

I can see he’s pissed now. He’s unable to see my fear that I’m trying to push him away, like he was trying to push me away. “Stop. The. Fucking. Head. Games!” he yells, taking a deep breath after each word.

“I’m not!” I yell back. Who knows what the truth is anymore. I’ve been screwed by a lot of people, but I’m still here. I wouldn’t survive being fucked over by Channing. I wouldn’t survive him breaking my heart.

“Dammit Paisley! Open your fucking eyes! This is fucking real. You and me, that’s real. What we feel isn’t a fling. I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my life. Don’t take it from me,” his voice is pleading.

My body breaks out in a cold sweat and I wipe my palms on my leggings. My limbs shake and I don’t know if I’m mad or just plain fucked up. Maybe it’s me with the commitment issues. No, I know it is me. So I do something for myself, I let go of that fear. Though it comes out more like anger.

“Make me, Channing. Make me fall. Push me, shove me, just make sure I get there,” I shout at him, taking a step back. His eyes clash with me. I read the challenge there, making me take another step back.

He stalks the few steps to me and grabs my arms slamming his forehead down on mine. “I’ll make you.” His lips skim against mine as he continues to speak. “And I’ll be falling right there with you.”

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Meet Amanda

Facebook / Goodreads / Blog / Amazon

I live in southern Arkansas with my husband and young daughter. There is also an insane Boston Terrier running around. I've always been a lone wolf and find my friends in books. I started writing at a young age and I haven't stopped since. Most days you can find me either glued to my laptop or my kindle. My first novel, This Beautiful Thing was an Amazon best seller for 11 weeks and a year later I'm still tickled to see people enjoy it. I may not be a huge seller but I have the best fans ever and I thank God everyday for every single one of them.

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Giveaway

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Death of the Mad Hatter Blog Tour ~Review, Guest Post, Excerpt

Title: Death of the Mad Hatter
Author: Sarah J. Pepper
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: November 29, 2013

Blurb

If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.

Heads would Roll…Hearts would Break…In the end, would it matter who Reigned?

Excerpt

Faded pink tights should never be worn—period. However, it was easier to overlook that fashion no-no because she wore an oversized tie-died t-shirt. At least she made it a little more stylish by tying the shirt’s back into a knot with a ponytail holder. A navy blue duffle bag hung from her shoulder.

“Chez wouldn’t get out of the oven, and my aunts were trying to bake sweets,” She held her finger along the wall, tracing the brick line as we walked down the hall to the freshman hall.

“Who’s Chez?” I asked, walking alongside her.

“A spy. He doubles as an annoying, super-villain feline. It would seem that making sure I received a tardy slip on week two was on that cat’s top priority list.”

There were far too many oddities about her comment. “Why was there a cat in your oven?”

“He was curious.”

“Is this cat real or is he a figment of your imagination?”

That earned me a slap across the face.

My Review

This was one of the first books that took me a over a month to read. It wasn't because I hated it, in fact, I loved it. I love the way that Ryley and Alice fight so much and rarely get along. Being a twist of Alice in Wonderland, is amazing and in my opinion, WAY better than the real Alice in Wonderland. This Alice is stubborn and awesome and she will do anything to get what she wants, even if it means breaking the rules.

Yes, the story had times where I did not like it, but overall, Death of the Mad Hatter, is a must read.

5 stars

Author Bio

I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn't only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn't always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn't mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?

Where to Find Sarah & Death of the Mad Hatter

Website: www.peppersreadingcorner.com

Twitter: @sarahjpepper

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/sarahjpepper.author

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.pepper.754

Goodreads author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5762464.Sarah_J_Pepper

Goodreads book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18395230-death-of-the-mad-hatter?from_search=true

Youtube trailer: http://youtu.be/i7RthhLKsDk

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Death-Mad-Hatter-Sarah-Pepper-ebook/dp/B00GYGE7U8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386254080&sr=1-1&keywords=death+of+the+mad+hatter

Guest Post

umperbabbits? Rumperbabbits? Why are there so many Rumperbabbit holes??!?! To anyone who's had a conversation with me lasting longer than three minutes, you get the impression that I'm, well, a space cadet. AND for those of you who've had a conversation with my Dear FATHER understands where I get it from.
My dear ol' pops (let's call him "Tom") is a creative man. His creativity run wild and is quite imaginative; thus, it has no bounds. His imagination threatens logic. Questions history. Challenges science. And, his overwhelming nature doesn't stop at the alphabet. He pokes and prods at it until there is no way to determine if a word he speaks can be found in the dictionary or if it's just a Tom-phrase. He makes up words--which I learned later can be a sign of schizophrenia. Gotta love the crazy ones So as I got older and none of my grade school classmates understood what the heck I was talking about, I figured out some of the words Dad spoke were simply made up.

For heavensake, his nickname for me was SarskaLoonBoon.

Anyways, after college, my younger brother "Dave" called me up (he's in the Air Force) and with the utmost urgency, told me that bolshevik wasn't a Tom-phrase. He told me that it is actual the name for a Russian political party. I didn't believe him. Goggle informed me He wasn't lying.

So, I penciled down all the "ab" normal words I thought I knew the meaning to. Turned out rumperbabbit wasn't in Wikapedia. It does not mean bunny nor rabbit or a combination thereof.

Slightly crushed since my favorite animal is a mini-lop, I decided to just keep using the word, regardless of what people may think. And when the time came where I wrote about wondrous, talking, know-it-all rabbits, I couldn't think of a better word to describe them: Rumperbabbits.

Thanks Dad! U!
Mini Excerpt from Death of the Mad Hatter
*****Alice Mae covered the bunny’s ears. “Rutherford is his proper name, but he hates it and makes all the other rumperbabbits call him by his nickname.”
“Rumperbabbits?”
“Bunnies, rabbits, hares—rumperbabbits. Same thing,” she said with a wink.***

Tour Schedule

Week One!