Blog Tour ~ Tracked by Jenny Martin (Spotlight & Giveaway!)

Click the banner above to see the full tour schedule! -Jess :)

The Fast and the Furious gets a futuristic twist in this action-packed debut!

On corporately controlled Castra, rally racing is a high-stakes game that seventeen-year-old Phoebe Van Zant knows all too well. Phee’s legendary racer father disappeared mysteriously, but that hasn't stopped her from speeding headlong into trouble. When she and her best friend, Bear, attract the attention of Charles Benroyal, they are blackmailed into racing for Benroyal Corp, a company that represents everything Phee detests. Worse, Phee risks losing Bear as she falls for Cash, her charming new teammate. But when she discovers that Benroyal is controlling more than a corporation, Phee realizes she has a much bigger role in Castra’s future than she could ever have imagined. It's up to Phee to take Benroyal down. But even with the help of her team, can a street-rat destroy an empire?

**Book Trailer**

**About the Author**

Jenny Martin is an author and librarian. Her first novel, Tracked, will be released on May 5th, 2015 by Dial, an imprint of Penguin Random-House. Jenny is also an experienced speaker, panelist and presenter who’s appeared at many state and regional conferences, events and festivals. She lives in Dallas, with her husband and son, where she hoards books and writes fiction. And yes, she’s still on a quest for the perfect pancake.

Author Links: 

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram | Goodreads

**Giveaway**

Enter to win a finished copy of TRACKED and a swag pack! US only.

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Announcement from Penguin Random House

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author J.R. Ward to Launch

Contemporary Series The Bourbon Kings in 2015

New American Library Will Release First Book, The Bourbon Kings,

in Hardcover on July 28, 2015

Television Rights Optioned by Top

International Producer and Distributor Endemol Studios

New York, NY; October 30, 2014 – New American Library, a division of Penguin Random House, announced today that it will publish in hardcover the first book in a new contemporary series from #1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward on July 28, 2015.

Launching with a novel of the same name, The Bourbon Kings series will introduce readers to the Bradfords, a wealthy, aristocratic family in Kentucky who made their money from bourbon.

The books have already been optioned for television by Endemol Studios, the entertainment and production company behind the international hit TV series Big Brother,Deal or No Deal, Wipeout, Hell On Wheels, The Fall and Peaky Blinders, among others.

Set in the heart of bourbon and horse country, The Bourbon Kings marks a departure for Ward who hasn’t written extensively about Kentucky, though she lives in The Bluegrass State and has deep ties to the surrounding community.

Ward said:  “The Bourbon Kings are just like my Black Dagger Brotherhood vampires, flawed heroes for strong women who live and love in a vivid, ever-changing world of passion and excitement.  Readers can expect the same big emotions, epic storylines, and soul-deep love stories in these books—as well as those signature, OMG, I have to know what happens NEXT! kind of endings.”

With more than 15 million of her novels in print worldwide, Ward is an international bestselling author best known for her phenomenally popular paranormal Black Dagger Brotherhood series about a group of warrior vampires.  Dark Lover, the first book in the series, was published in 2005, and reader reaction was immediate.  Just eighteen months later, the fourth book in the series, Lover Revealed, hit the New York Times bestseller list.  Since then, Ward’s novels have held the #1 spot on the New York Times hardcover, mass market, eBook, and combined print/eBook fiction bestseller lists and have debuted in the Top Five on the USA Today bestseller list.  Ward and her books have been featured in USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, The Boston Globe and The New York Times.

“The Bourbon Kings has all the hallmarks of Ward’s hugely successful Black Dagger Brotherhood books—fascinating characters, compelling interwoven plotlines, passionate love stories—while also feeling completely fresh.  I’m thrilled to be starting a new series with the extremely talented J.R. Ward and am confident that readers will also find this one irresistibly addictive,” said NAL’s Senior Vice President and Publisher Kara Welsh.

The Bourbon Kings series will follow the Bradfords, those who work for them on their estate, Easterly, and several other wealthy Southern families involved in Kentucky’s bourbon industry.

About the Author

J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with more than 15 million novels in print published in 25 different countries around the world.  Ward is a graduate of Smith College who currently lives in Kentucky.  Before turning to writing full time, she worked as a lawyer in Boston and also spent many years working as Chief of Staff for one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation.  Visit her popular website and fan community atwww.jrward.com and facebook.com/JRWardBooks.

FLIRT'S "BACK TO SCHOOL" NEW ADULT BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY

Welcome to Flirt University's Back to School celebration! It's time for the Three R's, Flirt style—Reading, (W)Riting, and Romancing! In the spirit of getting to know one another on the first day of school, Flirt, Random House's New Adult imprint, has set up a New Adult blog hop so you can discover other blogs that love the hottest new romance genre.

As part of the hop, Flirt is giving away its signature "I <3 New Adult" tote (for carrying books, ereaders, and other fun things), and its signature "I <3 New Adult" mug (perfect for that morning coffee pick-me-up)! Just check out the Rafflecopter below—stop by each blog for more chances to win, and to meet awesome New Adult fans and reviewers! 

Head back to Romance at Random on Tuesday, September 3 to find out if you won (we'll email winners, too!), and don't miss your first Flirt University "lecture" from one of Flirt's esteemed New Adult Author Professors! They'll be sharing their thoughts on everything New Adult!

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In addition, I have NetGalley review copy of Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne to give away!

The rules are clear—until they’re broken. Lauren Layne puts a New Adult spin on Pygmalion, also the inspiration for Pretty Woman, and gives the classic love story its edgiest twist yet.
 
“Who knew that pretending you’re not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?” 
 
Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she’s pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn’t exactly Ethan Price’s type, either. He’s probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund . . . or does he?
 
As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie’s a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan’s brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.
 
But when Stephanie steps into Ethan’s privileged world, the “acting” begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating them. And Stephanie faces a question she’s too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

About Lauren Layne

Lauren Layne graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in political science that she has yet to put to good use. After dabbling in an e-commerce career in Seattle and Southern California, Layne moved to New York City, where she now writes full-time. She lives with her husband and their plus-size pomeranian in a tiny Manhattan studio.

Connect with Lauren: Facebook | Twitter | Website

To win this review copy, just leave a comment telling me why you love New Adult or why you would like to try reading New Adult. Make sure to leave me a way to contact you. 

 

Hop away!

1. Cocktails and Books
2. Evie Knight
3. Bookhounds
4. Manga Maniac Café
5. What I'm Reading
6. The Book Tart
7. Acting Balanced
8. The Jeep Diva
9. Reading Under the Willow Tree
10. Stuck in Books
11. Books of Love
12. Book Lovin Mamas
13. From the TBR Pile
14. Book Flame Reviews
15. Romance Crush Junkies
16. My Book and My Coffee
17. Bout a Book Blog
18. Mackable Book Babes
19. Tonya's Bookshelf
20. Book Mom's Reviews
21. The Revolving Bookcase
22. Victoria's Gossip
23. Dr. Pepper Diva
24. Mad Book Reader
25. Rose's Book Blog
26. Renee Entress's Blog
27. Book Addicts Not-So-Anonymous
28. Go and Read Now
29. Whirlwind Books
30. Live. Laugh. Romance
31. Brenda's Book Beat
32. Crafty Momma
33. Stories and Swag
34. Book-A-Holic Anon
35. Foxylutely Book Reviews
36. Fictionators
37. Zakirrah's Books Blog
38. Feeling Fictional

 

RANDOM HOUSE’S LOVESWEPT PARTNERS WITH ONLINE READING COMMUNITY WATTPAD

New serialization from romance rising star Ruthie Knox

Loveswept, Random House’s digital-first romance imprint, announced today an innovative digital publishing partnership with Wattpad, the world’s largest online community for reading and sharing stories.  

TRULY, the first novel in a brand new romance series from USA Today bestselling Loveswept author Ruthie Knox, will make its debut as a free serialized story on Wattpad this Fall before the complete ebook is published by Loveswept in August 2014.

Several chapters from TRULY will be posted each week beginningSeptember 3, 2013, building up to the story’s conclusion onNovember 4.  Knox’s fans and new readers from the Wattpad community will have advance access to TRULY and will be invited to help Loveswept choose the cover that goes on the final ebook edition. The Loveswept and Wattpad collaboration also provides a unique social experience and opportunity for readers to discover and engage directly with the author, instantly and from anywhere because of Wattpad’s mobile-friendly platform.

“Wattpad’s innovative approach to content creation and distribution has attracted millions of voracious readers from all over the globe,” said Allison Dobson, V.P., Business Development & Digital Publishing Director at Random House. “Everyone who reads Ruthie Knox, loves Ruthie Knox; so we are particularly excited to introduce her to the Wattpad community through this new partnership.” 

“Wattpad is such a great platform for storytellers to share their work with readers in a community setting,” added Knox. “I can’t wait to see readers' reactions to the work and build excitement week by week!”

TRULY is the first of Knox’s New York series, which will consist of three full-length contemporary romances that revolve around Pulvermacher's, a Green Bay Packers-themed bar in Greenwich Village, and the Big Apple and Cheesehead couples who meet there. The following books in the series will be published as full ebooks; MADLY in October 2014 andCOMPLETELY in December 2014.

ABOUT LOVESWEPT

Originally a Bantam imprint that helped launch the careers of romance authors such as Janet Evanovich, Sandra Brown and Iris Johansen, Loveswept relaunched in 2011 as the first digital-first romance imprint Random House, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Loveswept publishes the best and brightest voices in romantic fiction and delivers those stories directly to digitally-savvy readers. For more information, visit ReadLoveswept.com.

ABOUT WATTPAD

Wattpad is a community of 16 million active readers. It's the best place to read and share stories on the web and across every mobile device. Everyday millions of people discover great fiction on Wattpad or share their own creative writing spanning mystery/thriller, romance, sci-fi, poetry, fan fiction and more. Think: YouTube of Books!  It's a new way to connect directly with the people writing your favorite stories and for writers to reach the next generation of readers.

Cover Reveal ~ Heating Up The Holidays by Lisa Renee Jones, Mary Ann Rivers, & Serena Bell

HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS

3-Story Bundle (Play with Me, Snowfall, After Midnight)

Lisa Renee Jones, Mary Ann Rivers, Serena Bell

Published by Loveswept

On Sale October 28, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-8041-7840-2

HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS features three sexy holiday novellas, each one centered on a different holiday: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. With stories from bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, the popular Mary Ann Rivers, and Loveswept debut author Serena Bell, HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS is the perfect anthology to keep the romance going throughout the holiday season! 

ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES (Play with Me): 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES which has sold to more than twelve countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

ABOUT MARY ANN RIVERS (Snowfall)

Mary Ann Rivers was an English and music major and went on to earn her MFA in creative writing, publishing poetry in journals and leading creative-writing workshops for at-risk youth. While training for her day job as a nurse practitioner, she rediscovered romance on the bedside tables of her favorite patients. Now she writes smart and emotional contemporary romance, imagining stories featuring the heroes and heroines just ahead of her in the coffee line. Mary Ann Rivers lives in the Midwest with her handsome professor husband and their imaginative school-aged son.

ABOUT SERENA BELL (After Midnight)

Serena Bell writes stories about how sex messes with your head, why smart people do stupid things sometimes, and how love can make it all better. She wrote her first steamy romance before she was old enough to understand what all the words meant and has been perfecting the art of hiding pages and screens from curious eyes ever since—a skill that’s particularly useful now that she’s the mother of two school-age children.

Pre-order HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS from your favorite retailers!

Connect with Lisa Renee Jones: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Connect with Mary Ann Rivers: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Connect with Serena Bell: Facebook | Twitter |  Website

Connect with Loveswept: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Cover Reveal ~ After The Kiss by Lauren Layne

After the Kiss: The Stiletto Series

Lauren Layne

Loveswept  |  August 26, 2013

In the first book of a delightful new series from Lauren Layne, the star columnist of Stiletto magazine will do anything for a story. Anything . . . except fall in love.
 
Julie Greene loves flings. Loves steamy first dates, sizzling first kisses, and every now and then, that first sexy romp between the sheets. Comfy pants, sleepy Sundays, movie nights on the couch? Shudder. But when Julie gets assigned the hardest story of her career—a first-person account of that magical shift between dating and “I do”—she’ll need a man brave enough to give a total commitment-phobe a chance at more.
 
Normally, Mitchell Forbes would be exactly that man. A devastatingly hot workaholic who tends to stay in relationships for far too long, he should be the perfect subject for Julie’s “research.” But what Julie doesn’t know is that Mitchell is looking to cut loose for once in his life. And the leggy journalist notorious for avoiding love is exactly the type of no-strings fling he’s looking for. In other words, Mitchell is the polar opposite of what Julie needs right now. And, at the same time, he’s exactly what she wants.

Connect with Loveswept and Lauren:

ReadLoveswept.com  |  Lauren's Website  |  Lauren on Twitter

Pre-order After the Kiss:

Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBookstore  |  Random House and other retailers

The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan ~ Review & Release Day

Happy Release Day

NOW AVAILABLE

Add to Goodreads

Source: Received ARC from Random House in exchange for a fair and honest review

From Goodreads:

Tim Macbeth is a 17-year-old albino and a recent transfer to the prestigious Irving School, where the motto is, “Enter here to be and find a friend.” Tim does not expect to find a friend; all he really wants to do is escape his senior year unnoticed. Despite his efforts to blend into the background, he finds himself falling for the quintessential “it” girl, Vanessa Sheller, girlfriend of Irving’s most popular boy. To Tim’s surprise, Vanessa is into him, too, and she can kiss her social status goodbye if anyone finds out. Tim and Vanessa enter into a clandestine relationship, but looming over them is the Tragedy Paper, Irving’s version of a senior year thesis, assigned by the school’s least forgiving teacher.

The story unfolds from two alternating viewpoints: Tim, the tragic, love-struck figure, and Duncan, a current senior, who uncovers the truth behind Tim and Vanessa’s story and will consequently produce the greatest Tragedy Paper in Irving’s history.

My Thoughts:

 

5 stars:  A story that should become a modern day classic, The Tragedy Paper should find it's way into every high school English class, onto every book lovers shelf and into the hearts of all readers.

Some books call to me to read them.  This is one of those books.  It's not my normal fare but it called to me to read it and I'm very glad I listened.  I read it in a day.  I was hooked quickly and just couldn't put it down.  

This story takes place in the past and the present.  Duncan is the present.  Trying to deal with the events of the previous year, he's trying not to make the mistakes of the past.  But he's captivated by the story of the past unfolding before him.  Even though he lived through the experience, he didn't have the back story or the details, only the tragedy.  The tragedy that the reader can only guess at as the details are left to be experienced in the past.  I think that's what kept me so engrossed in this story.  I wanted so badly to find out what happens to Tim.  Of the two boys, he's the one that I connected with.  Albino and never really fitting in anywhere, he enters a new school only to have things feel like his life was in chaos and none of the rules he's used to seem to apply.  Both excited and terrified about this, Tim makes some decisions that take him places he doesn't want to go.  His fatal flaw - his inability to resist the bits of friendship he finds at this school, his inability to miss the tragedy.   The tragedy that belongs in the past but that the reader doesn't know.  That's what compels this story forward.  Yet it is Tim in the present that is the most compelling of all.  His acceptance of responsibility even though many others are to blame as well.  His kindness to Duncan, who feels some responsibility.  All of it woven together to make a modern day classic.

This is the type of story that anyone who loves the classic tragedies of the past and the lessons that they bring will want to read again and again.  This story will appeal to all lovers of great stories.  The Tragedy Paper is packed with strength, forgiveness and acceptance.  It will make you laugh, sigh and cry.  The tragedy is hard, surprising even though you expected one to come in the end but you will love this book despite the tragedy.

Do. Not. Miss. This. One.


Elizabeth LaBan | Goodreads | Twitter  | Amazon | B&N  

 

About the author:  

 

ELIZABETH LABAN worked at NBC News, taught at a community college, and has written for several magazines and newspapers. The Tragedy Paper is her first young adult novel. She lives in Philadelphia with her family.