Sweetening The Pot: Become a Character PLUS Skype Chat

Ever dreamed of being a character in a book? Actually LIVING inside the pages? Well, you may just get your chance...

My Super Sweet Street Team, The Flirt Squad, has been in full swing for a couple months now, and we've been having a blast. It's a fun and easy way to earn prizes and get to know other YA Authors! (click here for more info on that.) 

And now, just for the month of October, I'm taking it up another notch!

As always, ANYONE who earns 500 points by November 1st will be entered to become a character in my current project, a YA Contemporary Thriller, REARVIEW MIRROR, releasing next December. And I don't just mean your name in the book.... I mean the way you look, the way you act, everything. You can even decide if you are a good guy or a bad guy! =D

Since I'll be drawing the winner's name November 1st, I want to give everyone a chance to be entered who is interested, so I'm changing up the previous rules and adding a few more things this month. 

AND, to sweeten the deal even more, I'm giving away a SIGNED Copy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century AND a Skype or telephone chat (that may or may not include other YA authors, too!)

 **Every Flirt Squad member, regardless of when you joined, will be entered into this contest**

Read on for all the new info. Please read carefully as point values are increasing and new items have been added!

How to Earn Points in October

1. Tweet any of the following ( +5 per tweet, only one of these tweets counted per day!! Post link in doc):

• Wanna be a character in @RachelHarrisYA 's future book? Join the #FlirtSquad to find out how #16C
• Unleash YOUR Inner Flirt, read My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by @RachelHarrisYA #16C
• Swooning over Lorenzo in #16C
• Best Sweet Sixteen ever! #16C @RachelHarrisYA
• 21st century girl, 16th century boy. Italian accents. Renaissance art. Best. Birthday. Ever. #MySuperSweet16thCentury http://amzn.to/NJIdZS
• 21st century girl, 16th century boy. Italian accents. Renaissance art. Best. Birthday. Ever. #MySuperSweet16thCentury http://bit.ly/wzxFfC

2. Retweet any posts about the book or my upcoming book tour from me (@RachelHarrisYA) or any of my peeps' (+5 point per retweet, one per day only, let me know in doc)

3. Like the My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century Series  Facebook Fan Page (+10, let me know on doc. Yes, if you already liked it, this counts!)

4. Post pictures, favorite lines, or thoughts about the book or Super Sweet series, or simply interact with me on the series FB Page OR on Twitter (+2 per post, one per day. If you tweet it, please include the #16C or #MySuperSweet16thCentury hashtags or @RachelHarrisYA)

5. Like my Facebook Author Page (+10, let me know on doc. Yes, if you already liked it, this counts!)

6. Put the cover of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century as your avatar on FB and Twitter (+10 for the first site the avatar is placed and +5 for each additional, post link on doc)

7. Buy My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century! If YOU order it OR get a friend/family member/acquaintance to do so, email me a copy of the receipt (Flirtsquad@gmail.com) and you get (+30) for each book sold! 

8. Send me a picture of you, your kids, or your pets reading or holding My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century (+25 points)

9.  Blog About the Flirt Squad, what it’s about, and why you think others have to join *grin*  (+10, must post link in the doc)

10. Mention the Flirt Squad on Facebook (+10, post link to the doc)

11. Write an honest review for Goodreads once you read the book (all reviews count!!) (+10, post link on doc)

12. Write an honest review for Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or any retail outlet (all reviews count!!) (+20 first review, +10 each additional retail site you post it. Post link on doc)

13. Recruit subscribers to my Newsletter--see sidebar (+15 for anyone who signs up and mentions your name as referral. Can only earn points for this once)

14. Promote My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century on Facebook by posting Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or any other retail buy page links in a status (+15, Only one link per day by any social media **update** and let me know on the doc)

15. Add my Book Trailer (click the link) to your Blog, Website, or Facebook account (+15, leave the link for proof)

16. Recommending My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century to your friends on Goodreads (+20, take a screen shot and email it to FlirtSquad@gmail.com)

17. Post the above Flirt Squad button, or any of the Super Sweet Character buttons (see sidebar) on your own sidebar (+5 for first button, +2 for each additional)

18. Email a friend or YA book loving family member and ask them to join the Flirt Squad ( + 25 for all future *active* members when they join, make sure they email me at FlirtSquad@gmail.com and mention that you referred them so you can get the points!)

A quick recap of what's up for grabs:

• First level (25 points): A Super Sweet bookmark and tattoo
• Second level (75 points): All prizes above PLUS a set of trading cards (your very own pocket-sized Lorenzo and Cat!), and a Super Sweet bracelet
• Third level (150 points): All prizes above PLUS your name in the acknowledgements of book 2 in the Super Sweet series, A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES
• Fourth level (250 points): All prizes above PLUS a special note from me inviting you to the sequel to My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES, including a special sneak peek!
• ALL Participants who Reach Fifth Level (500 points): All prizes above PLUS an entry into a drawing to make a special appearance as a character in a future book.
• AND ALL Squad Members, Regardless of points accrued: Entered into a drawing for a signed copy of MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY, Plus a Skype or telephone chat (may or may not include other YA authors!)

Twitter Fun

 Those of you who know me, know that I live on Twitter. So to join me in the fun, use the hashtags #FlirtSquad, #MySuperSweet16thCentury, or #16C.

Awesome! I Wanna Join... But How??

Simply leave a comment below with your email address OR email me at FlirtSquad@gmail.com. I'll be contacting you shortly with the form to keep point totals and everything you need to know to get started! 

Get Your Flirt On!

YA Scavenger Hunt!

8/5/12 - The YA Scavenger Hunt has come to a close, so it's time to remove the sneak peak at Kristi Cook's third book in the Winterhaven series (it was soooo good). If you haven't started this series yet...do so. And if you have, then trust me, it looks like book 3 is going to be amazing. 

It was an honor hosting Kristi and I absolutely adored meeting so many of you through this event! Thanks so much for participating in my Swag Contest =)

Winners of the 3 Super Sweet Swag Packs will be chosen tomorrow and posted both here and on the official YASH site Tuesday morning. Thanks for entering and Good Luck!

Welcome to the 4th YA Scavenger Hunt!

     

I'm Rachel Harris and I write fiction. My books are sometimes funny, other times angsty, some have magic, and others have ghosts, but one thing you can always count on is romance. Along with hanging out and talking with my imaginary friends...uh, I mean characters...I love reading. It's an obsession really. So this event is so up my alley. 

On this hunt (first organized by the amazing author Colleen Houck) you not only gain access to awesome, exclusive content from your favorite YA authors...but you also get a chance to win some amazing prizes!!

Each post along the way will contain a secret number. Add these numbers up to enter for a chance to win a major prize--and I mean major. One lucky winner will receive at least one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! And people, let me tell you... The RED TEAM is awesome!

But be sure to play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online until noon PST on Sunday August 5th!  

You can start right here or you can also go to the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage to find out all about the hunt. There are TWO contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or both! I am a part of the RED TEAM--but there is also a blue team and if you do the blue hunt you'll have a chance to win a whole different set of signed books!

If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage.

SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE

Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the RED TEAM, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!).

Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

 

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by August 5, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

And now that all the technical stuff is out of the way, we can get to the goods!! For my stop on this hunt, I'm super excited to be hosting YA author Kristi Cook!!

Y'all, Kristi is my kind of girl. Not only do we both love writing about the high school experience, but Kristi's also a voracious reader who can often be found online talking about books...well, when she isn't writing or reading one that is (*grin*).

The first two books in her Winterhaven series, HAVEN and MIRAGE, are available now from Simon Pulse, and they sound so good! The series is set at the fictional Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, a school that’s, well….not like other schools. Think X-Men meets Twilight. (Does that description not totally kill? I'm telling ya, I so need to read these books!!) The third and last book in the series will be released sometime in 2013.

To find out more about Kristi, head over to her fantabulous website, and to add MIRAGE to your I-Must-Buy-This-Book-Now list, here's a handy-dandy link to Barnes and Noble!

Here's the intel on the latest in her series, MIRAGE:

"Danger looms large in the sequel to Haven, which Booklist called “a blend of the Gemma Doyle trilogy, the Twilight saga, and Lois Duncan’s thrillers.” 

Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But while their love for each other is as strong as ever, their troubles are far from over.

News of a rogue vampire on a killing spree sets everyone on edge. While Aidan is determined to stop the killer, Violet is chilled by a horrifying vision she simply must prevent...for if she can't, two people she loves will meet a violent end.

** Sadly, I had to remove Kristi's uber awesome exclusive content (a special sneak-peek at the still-untitled third/final book in the Winterhaven Series coming Fall 2013) once the contest ended, but trust me, y'all....you want to get this book! **

This is what I adore about this Hunt...the exposure to amazing authors and books I somehow missed and will now be hunting (see, I totally crack myself up) at my local bookstore.

Another especially cool thing about thehunt is the CONTEST! The chance to win a ton of signed books by me, Kristi Cook, and more!

To enter, you need to know my favorite number...a number that just happens to be in my debut title, My Super Sweet SIXTEENTH Century. (And just in case that wasn't clear--HA!--my favorite number is 16)

Then add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the RED TEAM and you'll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

But Before You Head to Your Next Stop...

A Chance To WIN A SUPER SWEET Swag Pack

To thank everyone for visiting my bloggy home, I'd like to invite you to enter my bonus contest exclusively for the YA Scavenger Hunt.

*Three* Super Sweet Swag packs are up for grabs, filled with goodies from MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY (hitting shelves September 11th). This pack will include bookmarks, tattoos, bracelets, Unmask Your Inner Flirt pens, and trading cards featuring both my spunky main character Cat Crawford, and my Renaissance hottie Lorenzo Capelli.

To be eligible to win, simply leave a comment on this post. And to earn extra entries, do any of the following (just let me know in the comments). One extra entry per action:

• Follow me on Twitter (my real home away from home)
• Like my Facebook Author Page
• Friend me on Goodreads
• Add any of my books to your to-read shelves on Goodreads (I have three--My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, A Tale of Two Centuries, and Rearview Mirror--so one entry per book added) 
• Sign up for my Newsletter (see sidebar)

 

AND NOW, TO CONTINUE THE HUNT...

To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author, Lani Woodland!

Have Fun, Y'all!

The Willows: Haven by Hope Collier AND Ebook GIVEAWAY

I’m so excited for this post because not only do I get to share my mad love for Hope Collier’s THE WILLOWS: HAVEN today, BUT I also get to giveaway an ebook copy to one lucky reader! Believe me, you want to win this book. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below with your email address, and I’ll notify the winner this Sunday.

And if you don’t happen to win this contest, no worries. Just follow the rest of the book blog tour and enter at one—or all—of the many stops left. And finally, at the end of the tour, be sure to enter for the GRAND PRIZE: a signed print copy of the book and awesome swag!

Now, for why you want to win . . .

When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.


Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?

Hope Collier’s YA Debut, THE WILLOWS: HAVEN is filled with things to love. A unique paranormal premise, an endearing protagonist, a plethora of hot love interest possibilities, and a well-paced plot full of twists and turns designed to keep you guessing . . . But my favorite? Gabe’s fitted gray thermal shirt.

I know, I know. It doesn’t sound like much. But in the hands of this gifted author, this innocuous piece of clothing transforms into an object worthy of swooning for months. I myself was a loyal Team Gabe member throughout my reading journey, but the guy had me from page 12, where he first appeared in ‘a gray thermal clung to his chest, the washed out fabric settling nicely into the contours of well-defined muscle.’ I’m not usually one to pay particular attention to the clothes my book hotties wear, but I swear to you that the image of that shirt—and that chest—has literally stayed with me for months.

Beyond Gabe’s shirt, and the six-pack abs it conceals, THE WILLOWS is a feast for your senses. Amazing setting descriptions make you feel as though you are standing on the grass, swimming in the river, and cuddling up in cave to shelter you from a storm along with her larger than life characters. And the characters themselves are fantastic. Ashton is a girl I can identify with. She makes mistakes and has real flaws—along with her kind heart and special brand of paranormal coolness.

The story world is vibrant and intriguing. I am so glad this is the first in a series as I cannot wait to explore more of the world, the myth and culture, and discover the next chapter in Ashton’s quickly evolving life. If you enjoy romance and adventure, myth and legends, and lush writing that completely envelops you, you will thoroughly enjoy this spectacular debut. Keep an eye out for Ms. Collier. She’s certainly one to watch.

EMBER by Carol Oates--Interview with Hottie Angel Sebastian

I am thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Carol Oates's EMBER. I loved this book, although that was not at all a surprise, considering it is populated by my favorite paranormal creatures of all times: angels. Even more cool is that my stop on this awesome tour is a character interivew with hottie Sebastian! You can see some of the reasons I love this boy by checking out last week's SWOON over at YABound where I broke the rules and listed TWO swoony quotes, both of which came from him. Le sigh.

Now, I immediately thought of all kinds of spoilery type questions to ask this angel boy, but alas, I didn't want to ruin the reading experience for anyone who hasn't yet read this book (and I know that if you haven't read it yet, you will be eagerly searching for it at the end of this post). So I attempted to get to know Sebastian better while keeping the questions more general. And the result is that I swooned for this dude even more.

Before I get to the interview though, I want to make sure you know all about the prizes you can win on this tour. If you comment on all the posts, you will be entered for the GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY! Check out YABound for links to all the stops on the tour, and be sure to comment on all of them and leave your email addy for your chance to win one of the following prize packs:

A lucky RUNNER UP will recieve an EMBER canvas tote and print copy of EMBER, and the GRAND PRIZE WINNER will get a silvery butterfly necklace, an EMBER canvas tote, and an ebook of EMBER!

        

Now, onto the interview!

- Sebastian, you are a Watcher angel. How do you feel about the recent trend and love teen girls and women have for angels in YA literature?

Sebastian shrugs. It’s not something I’d thought about too much until recently. I always believed most humans would find the reality of how we live terribly boring. After the war and until a short time ago most lived just like everyone else. Your doctor or the young guy working in the animal shelter could be one of us. There are certain people more attuned to what’s going on. Humans can’t see us as we really are but some feel something isn’t right anymore. It might explain the trend. We are all on the brink of something big and humans need to reassure themselves we are here and that we care enough to want to fight for them.

- Is there any angelic misconceptions that drive you nuts, or you wish people understood?

Hmm. That angels fall in love every time they rescue a human. He laughs. It simply doesn’t happen that way. He frowns and scratches his jaw thinking the question over. Okay, seriously. Not all of us wanted to be human. Being human isn’t that great. There are parts that aren’t so bad, like music, but your emotions are messy; your bodies are weak and wear out quickly. I hate it when humans presume all angels are jealous. We aren’t. My choice had nothing to do with wanting this life. From what I recall, many of us were happy just to watch and stayed behind when the rest came here.

- You've seen so much throughout human history. What was or has been your favorite time period? Favorite human advancement or invention?

Wow, there are so many. When humans were still tied to the ground we could fly but there are limits to how far we can go. Do you know the story of Icarus?

Icarus was the child of Daedalus. Daedalus built wings of wax and feather to escape the island where they were exiled, but warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun. Icarus, in his excitement did just that. His wings were destroyed and he fell to his death. I am trapped here, just like Icarus was on the island, but there is always the temptation to go too high, to try to reach heaven.

In the early 1600’s telescopes were invented. I apprenticed with a person named Galileo while he worked on his early version. It improved on earlier prototypes and for the first time in a very long time, I felt I was really among the stars again. I continued to work with several astronomers right up to the mid 18th century.

- One thing I was very interested in discovering in Ember was your relationship with Brie. You referred to yourselves as siblings but it seems as though the relationship is complicated and unique. Could you explain more about the bonds between certain angels?

Sebastian looks down, for the first time breaking eye contact. He picks at a thread on the seat beside him as he speaks. It’s not unique but it is rare and we have no name for it. Draven and Ananchel share a similar connection. His voice is quite with a note of melancholy. The bond goes deeper than blood or love. I don’t know why some were created this way. It’s one of those things I don’t remember. Some form of protection maybe. I guess you could say Ambriel was the pin than held me down. We are opposites in so many ways but fit together. For a time I was completely lost without her. I’m not sure I can make you understand. A connection like ours is strong...was strong. We used to be able to sense each other anywhere. Falling ended that.

- I don't want to give away any spoilers of the story, but I must say that you had me swooning at several different parts. The book discusses angels who fell to experience human love and relationships, but it is clear through Brie and Gabe's relationship that love can be experienced and shared within an angelic relationship as well. What is different about falling in love with a human or sharing those experiences with a human girl versus an angel?

Sebastian looks up again and his expression seems to brighten for a moment. I would have thought that was obvious. He smiles. Longevity. I don’t have a frame of reference but from what I can tell, within a relationship love is love. I’ve seen angels in relationships with humans, it can be intense but fleeting by comparison. He chews his thumbnail and hums thoughtfully but holds his gaze steady. A frown crinkles his brow as if reminded of something unpleasant. Before you say it, I know Candra is human, but she’s something else too. Anything could happen.

- At the end of Ember, we are left with the feeling of something brewing. Sebastian, do you have any thoughts on what the future may hold for the Watchers, and for you and Candra?

We don’t have much time left and I have a feeling not everyone will live through this. Ultimately, whatever happens in the end will be up to Candra. She is strong but only time will tell if she’s strong enough to make the choice that will save us all and if I’m strong enough to let her.

- Awesome! Thanks Sebastian! And thank you, Carol, for the really fun read! This is the second book that I've read of hers and both have been a lot of fun, and very steamy :-) To follow Carol's journey, be sure to visit her blog, send a 'what's up' on Twitter (@caroloates), or friend her on Facebook.

Book Spotlight: BREATHE by Abbi Glines

Can anyone honestly say they never daydreamed about a famous celebrity picking them out of a crowd, falling in love with them, and bringing them into their exciting world? I think it ranks right up there with fantasies of being a princess or being famous yourself. But there is something magical and romantic about a guy wanted by many choosing an average, everyday girl. And in Abbi Glines’s BREATHE, we get to vicariously experience just that.

Here’s the Goodreads Summary:

Sadie White's summer job isn't going to be on the beach lifeguarding or working at rental booths like most kids her age. With her single mother's increasing pregnancy and refusal to work, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a domestic servant for one of the wealthy summer families on a nearby island.

When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie hadn't spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house, she might have been normal enough to be excited about working for a rock star.

Even though Sadie isn't impressed by Jax's fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax but he fights his attraction. Relationship's never work in his world and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. By the end of the summer, Jax discovers he can't breathe without Sadie.

But can their love overcome the disparity in their lifestyles? Or will they have to learn how to breathe without each other again?

I devoured this fun, quick read in one night. The rock star, Jax, was a great character, sexy and swoon-worthy, and the lines he gave Sadie were pure poetry. Glines perfectly captured the ideal teenage heartthrob. But what I love the most is that he wasn’t without flaws. He had his own demons and made mistakes—a pretty big one actually. But you get a real sense of his heart and motives, and his love for Sadie. The only thing that could’ve been better is if there were a few chapters in his POV, just because I wanted to get inside his head even more.

Sadie was a good protagonist. No stranger to hardship, she took care of her mother and really everyone around her. She was strong and smart and funny. Perhaps a bit naïve at times, but completely likeable. I loved the relationship she had with her mother. I mean, it was horrible, but I love that it was included. It was complex, fresh, and it wasn’t just an added subplot—it was essential to both her character arc and the overall story. My favorite thing about Sadie was how she complemented Jax. She was exactly what he needed, found in one of the most unlikely of places. His house staff.

And finally, there’s my favorite character. Marcus. I hear whispers of a spin off giving Marcus his own story, and I really hope they’re right. He was hot, protective, and a total sweetheart. Pure awesomeness. My heart broke for him in this story and I’d love to see him get his own happy ending. That being said, he was an amazing friend to Sadie and just added a whole other level to the story.

I definitely recommend BREATHE to anyone who loves romance, enjoys lighthearted beach reads, and is in the mood to live out a childhood fantasy. I can’t wait to see what Abbi Glines does next!

I'm so excited to be a part of the blog tour for this book. Abbi is nothing short of pure awesome, and I bow down to her creativity with marketing. First off, she created the most adorable YouTube videos for the book, but this one is my favorite:

Is that not freaking adorable? I don't know, it just makes me smile every time!

AND she's also giving away a ROCK STAR Grand Prize. (Get it, rock star? Because of Jax? Okay, I amuse myself way too easily). Here's what's up for grabs:

A Barnes & Noble gift card--who doesn't want that??

AND

A Breathe water bottle, beach bag, beach towel and a cooler!

Sweet, right?

Please visit the tour schedule for links to every blog on the tour to comment and enter!