Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Blog Tour Promo—This Book Is Not Yet Rated by Peter Bognanni



Publisher: Dial Books
Published: April 9, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary 


Book Description

Movies have always helped Ethan Ashby make sense of the world. So when developers swoop in and say the classic Green Street Cinema is going to be destroyed to make room for luxury condos, Ethan is ready for battle. And so a motley crew of cinema employees comes together to save the place they love:

There's Sweet Lou, the elderly organist with a penchant for not-so-sweet language; Anjo, the too-cool projectionist; Griffin and Lucas who work concessions, if they work at all; and Ethan, their manager (who can barely manage his own life). Still, it's going to take a movie miracle for the Green Street to have a happy ending. And when Raina Allen, Ethan's oldest friend (and possible soul mate?), comes back to town after working in Hollywood--cue lights and music--it seems that miracle may have been delivered. But life and love aren't always like in the movies.

This Book is Not Yet Rated is about growing up, letting go, and realizing love hides in plain view--in the places that shape us, the people who raise us, the first loves who leave us, and the lives that fade in and fade out all around us.

Movies make the world go round 🤩

This Books is Not Yet Rated is a story that centers around saving a cinema that holds sentimental value to Ethan. The arts teach us a great deal about life, love, and ultimately ourselves. I remember the first time I ever went to the movies, it was to see The Lion King. It was magical beyond anything I had ever experienced (yea, I was only 5!) in my entire life. 

Therein started my love for movies, as well as GOING to the movies. I love them all; but my favorite kind are anything and everything horror. Recently, I went to see US, from the amazing Jordan Peele. It was fantastically creepy and weird. But it was one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. 

One of the best movie going experience I ever had, was when I went to see The Ring, back in 2001. I was in sixth grade. The movie had everyone in the whole entire theater in hysterics when that part happens. It was seriously the best. 

I hope this makes you insanely excited to start the book! Let me know what you think of it (and what your favorite movies are) below. 

Author Bio
Peter Bognanni is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. His debut novel, The House of Tomorrow, won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for first fiction and the ALA Alex Award and has been adapted into a feature film. He teaches creative writing at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

SCHEDULE

Week One 
April 1 – @readerrewind – Creative Instagram Picture + Movie Night Themes
April 2 – Live Read and Prosper – Review + Creative Instagram Picture
April 3 – A Novel Escape – Creative Instagram Picture
April 4 – Lost in Book Land – Listicle  

Week Two 
April 9 – The Lovely Books – Promo
April 10 – The Blonde Bookworm – Creative Instagram Picture
April 11 – The Book’s Buzz – Interview + Creative Instagram Picture

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Interview with Molly E. Lee!!


Publisher: Entangled Teen
Published: May 7, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary 



Blurb:
“Edgy and smart with a sweet and sexy core.” —Rachel Harris, New York Timesbestselling author of Eyes on Me

I should’ve kept my mouth shut.

But Wilmont Academy’s been living in the Dark Ages when it comes to sex ed, and someone had to take matters into her own hands. Well, I’m a kick-ass coder, so I created a totally anonymous, totally untraceable blog where teens can come to get real, honest, nothing-is-off-limits sex advice.

And holy hell, the site went viral—and we’re talking way beyond Wilmont—overnight. Who knew this town was so hard up?

Except now the school administration is trying to shut me down, and they’ve forced Dean—my coding crush, aka the hottest guy in school—to try to uncover who I am. If he discovers my secret, I’ll lose him forever. And thousands of teens who need real advice won’t have anyone to turn to.

Ask me anything…except how to make things right.
 


***INTERVIEW***

1. First and foremost, thank you for being here with us today! Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

Thank you so much for having me! I’m Molly E. Lee, author of the upcoming release Ask Me Anything. I’m also the author of the Love on the Edge series and the Grad Night Series! I write adventure driven romance and young adult contemporary featuring strong heroines who aren’t afraid to challenge their male counterparts but are still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. I’m a military spouse with two beautiful children and a stubborn English bulldog. I’m a huge fan of Blue October, Loki, Rhys, Harry Potter…did I mention Loki??? And coffee J 

2. I love the subject you’ve decided to write about in Ask Me AnythingI think sex-ed is detrimental to youth and we shouldn’t shy away from it. Where did you come up with a somewhat sensitive and at times, controversial subject matter?

Thanks so much for saying that! This was a collaboration between myself and my editor, Stacy Abrams. Given the current social climate, we were craving a strong female lead with some fire in her 


veins. We went on to explore some ideas for the content and what we felt was important and relevant 
in this modern world. And, speaking solely for myself, the idea of keeping sexual health education away from teenagers is a disservice to them. Having open communication between adults and teens is essential for creating a positive change in our world.

Digging deeper into the story, I found Amber—my main character who creates an anonymous blog where her peers can ask for sex health advice and beyond—liked to push boundaries and never shied away from a question that was controversial. Even when the stakes get high, Amber was there for people seeking help. In the end, there is nothing controversial about being there for someone who feels lost and alone in a sea of opinions on what is “right” and what is “wrong.” It’s in those times that we don’t turn away for fear of public opinion that we truly grow as human beings. 

3. Amber seems like a well-rounded and awesome character. Where did your inspiration and what can we expect from her?

Thank you! She is a powerhouse and I’m so honored she took me on her journey. I know that sounds a little odd coming from the author, but it’s a true statement. She took the reins when I was writing and didn’t hesitate to tell me when she would never say that, when she’d never have that reaction, or when she absolutely needed a double-scoop of Nutella straight from the jar. My inspiration for her character was basically an exploration of a strong girl who has something dark happen to her that shakes her sense of self-worth. Because of what happened to her, she decides to reach out and offer help to others in need, and by doing so, she heals herself. You can definitely expect Amber to push those boundaries we were touching on earlier—she has a strong family foundation with an erotica author for a mom and a teen psychologist for a dad. Not only that, she’s an exceptionally talented hacker, so the combination creates this pretty much unstoppable force that I loved writing. 

4. Creating a story is hard work full of blood, sweat, and tears. Or so I’ve heard. What routines or processes when writing a book?

You’ve heard right! There were several times I cried while writing Ask Me Anything. Some of the events that Amber goes through hit close to home and other times it was because of a topic she had 
to tackle for her blog. A ton of emotion and heart and thought went into this book and it truly was 
one of those books that wrung my soul. 

For this book, it was a year in the making, one of the longest times I’ve ever worked on a novel before. From conception to when they sent me the final document ready to go to the printer…it was months of writing, researching, and sharpening. For me, one of the main elements of this novel was the research on the hacking culture. I needed it to be as authentic as possible because there is an entire community I’m representing with Amber and Dean’s characters. Lucky for me, I have a super-secret source who helped me with even the smallest details of this novel, ensuring I stayed as true to the culture as I could.

My routine is usually the same for each book, give or take a few starting points, but for Ask Me Anything after we had the concept down it was about diving deeper into Amber’s mind. Her character was the heart of the story, so I started with her sketch and then once I had a good grip on her, I plotted each chapter in the book. Then I wrote my heart out each day (in between snack requests and school runs, of course!) There were some chapters added that weren’t originally plotted because Amber needed to have her way, and there were some chapters cut because they weren’t essential to her storyline. And after many rounds of edits and additions and cuts and formatting…we finally landed on a book that I couldn’t be more proud of. It’s equally terrifying and exciting to know that the story I spent a year working on is now out of my hands, but it’s time to give it to the readers who will breathe the real life into the characters!

5. Favorite movie? 

SUCH a hard question! I have such a wide range of movies that I love but a few that will always be on my favorite list are: The Last of the Mohicans (I mean, that score) and The Avengers (Loki gets more screen-time…hello!) Indiana Jones (then, now, always) Star Wars (mainly just then lol) And I also have a soft-sport for the most recent Tarzan—maybe it’s the romantic in me but there is something so incredibly swoon-worthy about a man tearing up a jungle to get his soulmate back. Le Sigh. 

6.  What makes Ask Me Anything unique to your other young adult novels?



Definitely the themes and content. With Amber’s character…nothing was off-limits and all of it was one-hundred percent raw. The emotions, the content, the darker elements, and the hacking culture…
all of it was new territory for me. It was an enlightening experience and one I put my entire being into. Amber’s character demanded I explore every inch of emotion I could, regardless if it would make people uncomfortable or not, and I’m truly happy with how it turned out. 

7. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take ONE book, which one:

Oh man…I know I should always say something like How to survive on an Island but I’ll just be honest and say A Court of Mist and Fury by Sara J. Maas. I’ve re-read that book a dozen times and each time I have a happy sigh at the end. It’s one of the best depictions of depression and emotional abuse I’ve ever seen. The author does it so well, in such delicate brushstrokes, that if you haven’t been in that situation or seen it happen to someone you may not even notice until the character has her awakening moment. And the way she heals herself…there is such a strength in it and it helps you find the value in your own self-worth as well.


8. Romance. Romance. Romance. Please give us all the swoony details (if you can) expect to see :) 

YAS! Dean and Amber’s chemistry was electric and tension filled from the first page. I couldn’t put a damper on it even if I tried. Dean’s character is so important to me—he’s such a good guy, a mixture of rebel and respectful, and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him! Who doesn’t love a boy with an incredible brain, dreamy blue eyes, and the ability to recognize a strong girl when he sees her, and applaud her for it! The heat between them is unstoppable and I had no idea how vital the romance was going to be to the story until they demanded it happen J

I’m so grateful you had me over today to chat! I hope you’ll enjoy ASK ME ANYTHING when it releases on May 7th! Be sure to check out the EPIC giveaway I’m hosting in celebration of its release! Spoiler alert—there is a laptop up grabs!!! https://www.mollyelee.com/ask-me-anything-pre-order-giveaway.htmlThank you so much for having me! I’m Molly E. Lee, author of the upcoming release Ask Me Anything. I’m also the author of the Love on the Edge series and the Grad Night Series! I write adventure driven romance and young adult contemporary featuring strong heroines who aren’t afraid to challenge their male counterparts but are still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. I’m a military spouse with two beautiful children and a stubborn English bulldog. I’m a huge fan of Blue October, Loki, Rhys, Harry Potter…did I mention Loki??? And coffee J 

2. I love the subject you’ve decided to write about in Ask Me Anything. I think sex-ed detrimental to youth and we shouldn’t shy away from it. Where did you come up with a somewhat sensitive and at times, controversial subject matter?

Thanks so much for saying that! This was a collaboration between myself and my editor, Stacy Abrams. Given the current social climate, we were craving a strong female lead with some fire in her veins. We went on to explore some ideas for the content and what we felt was important and relevant in this modern world. And, speaking solely for myself, the idea of keeping sexual health education away from teenagers is a disservice to them. Having open communication between adults and teens is essential for creating a positive change in our world.
Digging deeper into the story, I found Amber—my main character who creates an anonymous blog where her peers can ask for sex health advice and beyond—liked to push boundaries and never shied away from a question that was controversial. Even when the stakes get high, Amber was there for people seeking help. In the end, there is nothing controversial about being there for someone who feels lost and alone in a sea of opinions on what is “right” and what is “wrong.” It’s in those times that we don’t turn away for fear of public opinion that we truly grow as human beings. 

3. Amber seems like a well-rounded and awesome character. Where did your inspiration and what can we expect from her?

Thank you! She is a powerhouse and I’m so honored she took me on her journey. I know that sounds a little odd coming from the author, but it’s a true statement. She took the reins when I was writing and didn’t hesitate to tell me when she would never say that, when she’d never have that reaction, or when she absolutely needed a double-scoop of Nutella straight from the jar. My inspiration for her character was basically an exploration of a strong girl who has something dark happen to her that shakes her sense of self-worth. Because of what happened to her, she decides to reach out and offer help to others in need, and by doing so, she heals herself. You can definitely expect Amber to push those boundaries we were touching on earlier—she has a strong family foundation with an erotica author for a mom and a teen psychologist for a dad. Not only that, she’s an exceptionally talented hacker, so the combination creates this pretty much unstoppable force that I loved writing. 

4. Creating a story is hard work full of blood, sweat, and tears. Or so I’ve heard. What routines or processes when writing a book?

You’ve heard right! There were several times I cried while writing Ask Me Anything. Some of the events that Amber goes through hit close to home and other times it was because of a topic she had to tackle for her blog. A ton of emotion and heart and thought went into this book and it truly was one of those books that wrung my soul. 

For this book, it was a year in the making, one of the longest times I’ve ever worked on a novel before. From conception to when they sent me the final document ready to go to the printer…it was months of writing, researching, and sharpening. For me, one of the main elements of this novel was the research on the hacking culture. I needed it to be as authentic as possible because there is an entire community I’m representing with Amber and Dean’s characters. Lucky for me, I have a super-secret source who helped me with even the smallest details of this novel, ensuring I stayed as true to the culture as I could.

My routine is usually the same for each book, give or take a few starting points, but for Ask Me Anything after we had the concept down it was about diving deeper into Amber’s mind. Her character was the heart of the story, so I started with her sketch and then once I had a good grip on her, I plotted each chapter in the book. Then I wrote my heart out each day (in between snack requests and school runs, of course!) There were some chapters added that weren’t originally plotted because Amber needed to have her way, and there were some chapters cut because they weren’t essential to her storyline. And after many rounds of edits and additions and cuts and formatting…we finally landed on a book that I couldn’t be more proud of. It’s equally terrifying and exciting to know that the story I spent a year working on is now out of my hands, but it’s time to give it to the readers who will breathe the real life into the characters!

5. Favorite movie? 

SUCH a hard question! I have such a wide range of movies that I love but a few that will always be on my favorite list are: The Last of the Mohicans (I mean, that score) and The Avengers (Loki gets more screen-time…hello!) Indiana Jones (then, now, always) Star Wars (mainly just then lol) And I also have a soft-sport for the most recent Tarzan—maybe it’s the romantic in me but there is something so incredibly swoon-worthy about a man tearing up a jungle to get his soulmate back. Le Sigh. 

6.  What makes Ask Me Anything unique to your other young adult novels?

Definitely the themes and content. With Amber’s character…nothing was off-limits and all of it was one-hundred percent raw. The emotions, the content, the darker elements, and the hacking culture…all of it was new territory for me. It was an enlightening experience and one I put my entire being into. Amber’s character demanded I explore every inch of emotion I could, regardless if it would make people uncomfortable or not, and I’m truly happy with how it turned out. 

7. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take ONE book, which one:

Oh man…I know I should always say something like How to survive on an Island but I’ll just be honest and say A Court of Mist and Fury by Sara J. Maas. I’ve re-read that book a dozen times and each time I have a happy sigh at the end. It’s one of the best depictions of depression and emotional abuse I’ve ever seen. The author does it so well, in such delicate brushstrokes, that if you haven’t been in that situation or seen it happen to someone you may not even notice until the character has her awakening moment. And the way she heals herself…there is such a strength in it and it helps you find the value in your own self-worth as well.


8. Romance. Romance. Romance. Please give us all the swoony details (if you can) expect to see :) 

YAS! Dean and Amber’s chemistry was electric and tension filled from the first page. I couldn’t put a damper on it even if I tried. Dean’s character is so important to me—he’s such a good guy, a mixture of rebel and respectful, and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him! Who doesn’t love a boy with an incredible brain, dreamy blue eyes, and the ability to recognize a strong girl when he sees her, and applaud her for it! The heat between them is unstoppable and I had no idea how vital the romance was going to be to the story until they demanded it happen J

I’m so grateful you had me over today to chat! I hope you’ll enjoy ASK ME ANYTHING when it releases on May 7th! Be sure to check out the EPIC giveaway I’m hosting in celebration of its release! Spoiler alert—there is a laptop up grabs!!! https://www.mollyelee.com/ask-me-anything-pre-order-giveaway.html




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Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Cover Reveal ft. Excerpt—BAD SAINT Volume One by Monica James



BAD SAINT
Volume One 
Monica James

I was kidnapped on my honeymoon by three masked men.
Blindfolded.
Bound.
Destination unknown.
I was told to stay silent and abide by their rules. But they didn’t realize I wasn’t a victim…not anymore.
The open sea was my backdrop for nine torturous days. During that time, glimmers of my fate were revealed by a man with the mysterious chartreuse-colored eyes. He should have scared me, but he didn’t.
He intrigued me. And I intrigued him.
He punished me when I didn’t listen, which was every single day. But beneath his cruelty, I sensed he was guarding a grave secret.
I was sold. 
And in a game of poker, no less. 
My buyerA Russian mobster who likes to collect pretty things.Now that I know the truth, I only have one choice.
Sink or swim.
And when one fateful night presents me the opportunity, I take it. I just never anticipated my actions would leave me shipwrecked with my kidnapper.
He needs me alive. I want him dead.
But as days turn into weeks, one thing becomes clearI should hate him…but I don’t.
My name is Willow.
His name is Saint.
Ironic, isn’t it? He bears a name that denotes nothing but holiness yet delivernothing but hell. However, if this is hell on earth…God, save my soul.  





Release date: May 6th 2019
Series: All The Pretty Things Trilogy, Volume One 
Genre: Dark Romance 
Cover Designer: Sommer Stein— Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Pre-Order Links 
Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/yxe58q3p
Nook: https://tinyurl.com/y4app8va
Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/y58j4j5l
iBooks: https://tinyurl.com/y3feoblp
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2TyDsWT

UK
Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/y6rjcost

Australia 
Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/y4nuggl3

Canada
Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/y2b7du7b








Bio
Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.
When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life. 
She is a bestselling author in the U.S.A., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends
Stalk Me!
Website: http://monicajamesbooks.blogspot.com.au
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EWZSyS
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2nUaRyi 









Excerpt:
The pillowcase and gag are certain to kill me soon, and if not, my racing heart will give out in next to no time. Arms link through mine from behind and help me stand. I know it’s the American. His fragrance gives him away. I stand wearily, but I will stagger to my death before anyone carries me. 
“Ten steps,” the American whispers from behind me. I flinch at his muffled voice through the pillowcase. He stands at my back, ensuring I don’t fall. I could mistake his actions for him giving half a shit, but it’s clear that wherever I’m going, they need me alive. If not, they would have killed me already. 
This isn’t a robbery. It’s a kidnapping. 
Once I shakily descend the ten steps, my feet hit the sand, and in any other circumstance, I could appreciate the softness between my toes. But when I’m pushed and shoved as the American no longer seems to be near, all I can appreciate is that I’m not dead—well, not yet anyway. 
Through the pillowcase, I can hear the gentle lapping of the ocean against the shore, but it’s none the wiser that three criminals are about to use it to aid in changing my world forever. When my feet tread water, I jolt with the sudden fear that they’re going to drown me. But that doesn’t make any sense.
If I’m going to survive this, I have to keep my head clear. 
“Boat. In,” says someone, maybe Russian two or one. They all sound the same. 
I’m yanked up—someone pulling on my floppy arms while the other lifts my legs—and I feel like a chew toy being ripped into two. Once I’m dragged onto the boat, I’m directed on where to go as someone shoves me in the back, screaming at me in a language I don’t understand. 
I’m then forced down some stairs where I lose my footing and fall flat onto my stomach. Grunting on impact, I instantly search around, hoping to distinguish where I am—I’m in the bottom of the boat. The galley
“Stay,” someone commands, ensuring I be the good dog they clearly see me as being. 
Fuck them.
I rise slowly, using my hands as eyes as I feel my way around blindly. I need to find a weapon. One small enough to hide. Blood is seeping into my eyes from the wound on my temple, so I close them because I can’t see through this thick pillowcase anyway. 
My fingers come into contact with what feels like a small torch. Not the weapon I had in mind, but it’ll have to do. 
I’m interrupted when I hear someone tsk me before I’m being dragged by my long hair and hurled against what feels like a cushioned bench seat. The pain in my head just amplifies. “Arms behind. Hands together.” 
I shakily comply, sobbing around the gag. 
He reaches around me, and when the unmistakable feel of metal snaps around my wrists, I know my freedom is dwindling by the second. He yanks at the handcuffs to ensure they are tight. They are. 
My breathless panting reveals my fear, but when I feel the predatory touch at the back of my calves, I freeze. Two hands glide up and down my flesh, humming in satisfaction. He’s on his knees before me. 
Oh, god.
“You pretty.” His English is broken, but I’m not lost in translation. I know what he wants. 
“We going to have fun, and it’ll be our secret.” Next, I feel a wet tongue lap its way up the side of my calf. The smell of cigarettes and sweat has my stomach roiling.  
Adrenaline takes over, and I attempt to kick him, but he’s too fast, chuckling as he pushes down on my ankles. He then begins to bound them with coarse rope. 
Once he tugs at my restraints, it sounds like he stands. I try to kick my feet out, but they’re tied to something hard beneath me. I’m bound. Hands and feet. And gagged. I’m not going anywhere. 
“She tied up?” I almost sigh in relief when I hear the American. He was the only one who showed me an iota of mercy. The other two scare me. The American doesn’t. 
“Yes, like a present. You want to unwrap her?” 
I suddenly feel so objectified and dirty and attempt to recoil, but I can’t move. My heart is racing, and my breathing is uneven. The tears have long dried as I’m awaiting their next move. 
“Shut the fuck up and let’s go.” 
That was not the response I was expecting. The Russian laughs. 
“Calm down, неудачник.”
“Fuck you. Up on deck now.” The American talks big and seems to be calling the shots. I wonder who he is?
My only clue to what’s going on is what I hear, and before the hatch closes, I’m presented with clue number one. “Be in Turkey soon. I hope you don’t get seasick, Saint.” Then the hatch closes, leaving me with the sound of the muted voices above me. 
Turkey? Why are we going there? But more importantly, I just uncovered the name of my American captor…Saint. 
Ironic, isn’t it, that someone who bears a name denoting nothing but holiness can deliver nothing but hell. 
Bon voyage.

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