Kicking off 2013 with a Mega #FlirtSquad Challenge!

Happy January!

There's something about the start of a new year. A fresh slate. An entire 12 months set before you, all filled with possibility. With the excitement of new beginnings in the air, it seems like an excellent time for another Flirt Squad challenge :)

If you're new to the game, let me quickly explain what the Flirt Squad is.

The Flirt Squad is my super awesome street team, and along with helping spread the word about my own books around release time, we like to spread the word about other fabulous books and authors.

We have regular giveaways and challenges, and members earn all kinds of prizes. To become a regular member of the Flirt Squad (and have a chance to not only earn tons of swag but also get your name in the Acknowledgements of my book or even become a character!) head over to my Flirt Squad Page for all the details.Go ahead, we'll wait (*grin*)

Back? Awesome. Because this month's challenge is BIG. And believe me, you're gonna want to play along.

Since January is the month for resolutions, I thought it would be fun to play with that idea. I've asked some of my good friends to join in, and not only did they say yes, but they've also thrown in prizes!

All month long we'll be "meeting" these authors, getting to know what 2013 holds for them, and what their personal New Year's Resolutions are. And all month long you'll be earning points in order to win the goodies they've brought to the party. 

Here's How To Earn Points

Along with guest posts featuring them throughout the month, each of the participating authors have crafted New Year Resolution tweets for the main characters in their books. It's a fun way to get to know their books and characters better. And copying these tweets is an excellent way you can let others know about these fabulous books.

If you are new to these challenges, you can leave a comment below with your contact info to let me know you're playing along (and so I can find you if you win!), and then jump in and start playing!

***Regular Flirt Squad Members--Since so many of us enjoy tracking points (and chatting) via the always fun Google doc, I've created a special one for this challenge. Email me (FlirtSquad@gmail.com) if you did not recieve the email with the link!***

The tweets are listed below and all you have to do is copy and post them--each tweet equals one point. I"ll be following the hashtag to award your points.

Yes, you can tweet more than one of the tweets listed below each day.

No, please don't tweet the same tweet more than once per day. Spread the love around :)

Just A Suggestion: while there isn't a limit on how many tweets you can send a day (other than not the same one more than once), I highly suggest you either space them out or limit them or you may just drive your followers batty!

For an additional 10 points, you can also do a blog post about the event. Tell me one of YOUR New Year's Resolutions, and include which of the characters tweets below is closest to your own. Link back to this post and either tweet it out with the hashtag (#FlirtSquadResolutions) or leave it in the comments below, and I'll award the additional pointage.

This challenge will run until February 1st, 2013. 

Up For Grabs

One Grand Prize Winner wins a Super Sized ebook pack featuring: 

• My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by yours truly
• Gravity by Melissa West
• All The Broken Pieces by Cindi Madsen
• Inbetween by Tara Fuller
• Greta and the Goblin King by Chloe Jacobs
• Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein
• Conjure by Lea Nolan
• Love All by Kelly Hashway 
• Spectral from Shannon Duffy
• Almost and Unmaking Hunter Kennedy by Anne Eliot
•    and YOUR CHOICE of any one of Nyrae Dawn's books!

And as if that wasn't enough, the Grand Prize Winner ALSO wins:

• Signed swag from The Collector: A Dante Walker Novel from Victoria Scott
• Signed Paperback of Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe  

                                                              AND

• A brilliant, hand-designed Angel Academy bracelet from Cecily White!

TWO Additional Winners Win Signed Swag from:

• My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century
• Spectral and Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta from Shannon Duffy
• Love All and Touch of Death from Kelly Hashway
• Destiny's Fire from Trisha Wolfe
• Conjure swag pack including a magnet, signed bookmark, and silicone bracelet
• What a Boy Wants bookmarks and Charade postcards from Nyrae Dawn

And Now For The Resolutions

From My Super Sweet 16th Century & the 2013 sequel A Tale of Two Centuries by moi:

• In 2013, I vow to be as bold as Cat, and give in to my artistic side. #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/R1s2do
• In 2013, I vow to be like Alessandra & go after my dreams regardless of what others may think. #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/RwAl0N 

From Greta and The Goblin Kin by Chloe Jacobs:

• In 2013 I vow to take control of my future like Greta in GRETA AND THE GOBLIN KING @Jacobs_Chloe http://amzn.to/TYa8bV #FlirtSquadResolutions
  
  

From Pretty Amy and Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein: 

• In 2013, I vow to learn to love myself like AMY #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/T6QzaW
• In 2013, I vow to learn to love someone else like CASSIE #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/UnBTM4

From All The Broken Pieces by Cindi Madsen

• In 2013, I vow to check some things off my need-to-experience list, like Liv & Spencer do #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/RvlLpr
• In 2013, I will be like Liv and learn to go after what I want, even if I might fall on my face #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/RvlLpr

From Inbetween by Tara Fuller:

• In 2013, I vow to be more like Finn from INBETWEEN, by refusing to give up on what I want in life. #FlirtSquadResolutions

From Touch of Death and Love All by Kelly Hashway:

• In 2013, I vow to be like Jodi and put the needs of others before my own. http://www.amazon.com/Touch-Death-Kelly-Hashway/dp/193705330X #FlirtSquadResolutions
• In 2013, I vow to be like Meg and open my heart to love. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16096146-love-all #FlirtSquadResolutions

From The Collector: A Dante Walker Novel by Victoria Scott:

• In 2013, I vow to be like Dante Walker and put more swagger in my step. http://tinyurl.com/asbrvox #FlirtSquadResolutions

From Measuring Up and Charade by Nyrae Dawn:

• In 2013 I vow to be like Annabel & learn health matters, but weight doesn't define me. #FlirtSquadResolutions http://www.amazon.com/Measuring-Up-ebook/dp/B008VO1YGG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356999665&sr=8-1&keywords=measuring+up
• In 2013 I vow to be like Colt and not run when things get tough. To stay & show love. http://www.amazon.com/Charade-ebook/dp/B009V5VG3A/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357000090&sr=1-1&keywords=charade #FlirtSquadResolutions
• In 2013 I vow to be like Cheyenne & not let the past define me. To learn to make my own future. #FlirtSquadResolutions http://www.amazon.com/Charade-ebook/dp/B009V5VG3A/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357000090&sr=1-1&keywords=charade

From Spectral and Gabriel Stone by Shannon Duffy:

• In 2013 I vow to be as brave as Jewel and embrace what makes me unique. #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/VEGo2Q
• In 2013 I vow to be as adventurous as Gabriel and face my fears. #FlirtSquadResolutions http://amzn.to/ZuT13G 

From Prophecy Girl: Angel Academy by Cecily White:

• In 2013, I vow to face my demons fearlessly, like Amelie! #FlirtSquadResolutions #AngelAcademy http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14741366-prophecy-girl @CecilyWhite
• In 2013, I vow to be like Jack and fight for my beliefs, no matter how unpopular! #FlirtSquadResolutions https://www.facebook.com/AngelAcademySeries @CecilyWhite
• In 2013, I vow to be like Amelie and find humor amidst struggle! #FlirtSquadResolutions #AngelAcademy https://www.facebook.com/AngelAcademySeries @CecilyWhite

From Unmaking Hunter Kennedy and Almost by Anne Eliot:

• In 2013 I WILL stop hiding under baggy clothes like Vere Roth did in Unmaking Hunter Kennedy http://amzn.com/B009RS5M36 #FlirtSquadResolutions
• In 2013 I WILL kiss more often while eating apples! Unmaking Hunter Kennedy #firstkisses http://amzn.com/B009RS5M36 #FlirtSquadResolutions
• In 2013 I vow to ask a quiet girl WHY & try to be her friend. Almost, by Anne Eliot http://amzn.com/B0075CHVDA #FlirtSquadResolutions

From Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe:

• In 2013, I plan to be as tough as Dez and go for what I want #FlirtSquadResolutions http://www.amazon.com/Destinys-Fire-ebook/dp/B006VIMAJO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

From Conjure by Lea Nolan:

• In 2013, my heart will be as open as Emma's in CONJURE. #FlirtSquadResolutionshttp://tinyurl.com/a2zydfo @Lea_Nolan
• In 2013, I'll use my powers for good like Emma does in CONJURE. #FlirtSquadResolutionshttp://tinyurl.com/a2zydfo @Lea_Nolan
• In 2013, I'll be as determined as Emma is in CONJURE. #FlirtSquadResolutionshttp://tinyurl.com/a2zydfo @Lea_Nolan

Awesome, right? Told you it was a good one. So what are you waiting for? Get Your Flirt On!!

Mistletoe Winners, Opal Party Pictures, & Signed OPAL Giveaway :)

So this weekend was a blast.

My bestie, Shannon Duffy, came down from Toronto and we shopped until we literally dropped. We drank a dozen margaritas between us, laughed a ton, and met up with some FABULOUS authors and bloggers.

Oh yeah, and we also attended a little event called the Opal Launch Party with Jennifer L Armentrout and cover model Pepe Toth, where I not only snagged a copy signed by both of them for one lucky winner....but I also hugged Pepe.

Yep, I hugged Pepe.

That actually happened. 

Anyhoo, all that kept me from announcing the winners from the Entangled Mistletoe Holiday Hop, so let me quickly do that now :)

Winners 

• A Signed copy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century goes to Kati R 
• The Swag Pack filled with bookmarks, trading cards, tattoos, bracelets, and pens goes to Maybe31 (he he, I love this name!)
• And an ebook copy of my recently released adult holiday novella (written as Carolina Jordan with Samantha Spencer), Unwrap Me, goes to Kim Kasch!

Congrats, girls! I'll be contacting all of you shortly!

Now For How To Enter The Signed OPAL Giveaway!!

(US only, sorry)

• To enter to win a paperback copy of OPAL signed by both Jennifer and Pepe, simply leave a comment below.
• If you tweet about the giveaway, come back and leave another comment and let me know for another entry! 
• One tweet per day
• Contest ends next Monday, December 24th...Merry Christmas :)

I now leave you with pictures of my crazy self, acting the fool with my girls. 

Acting the fool with (L-R) Ophelia London, Shannon Duffy, Rose Garcia, & Mary Lindsey

SMOOCH!

This is us, *not* looking crazy....Singing Feliz Navidad with margaritas and Brittany Howard, Heather Self, Molly McAdams, Elora Nicole Ramirez, Valerie Fink (Stuck in Books, woot!), Shannon, Ophelia, and RoseLove Ophelia London!!

Me and my bestie, Shannon Duffy

Question For You: What did YOU do this weekend?? 

Christmas Comes Early :) #UnwrapMe is Live!

I am addicted to romance.

It's cool, I can admit it. Sweet romance, sassy romance, steamy romance, I love it all. Movies, books, and in real life, I'm just a sucker for a good love story. I love getting lost in it, experiencing two people finding that person that is perfect for them, overcoming whatever odds are in their way and growing stronger together as they face them. I love the flirtatious fun that a new romance brings, and the warm fuzzies it leaves me with in the end. I tell ya, I'm addicted.

It would naturally follow that there will always be a romance in the books I write. It's what I enjoy, and it's what I want to see. Sometimes the plot dictates that romance be not as central to the story, and that's okay...as long as it is in there somewhere, I'm a happy girl. But when I can take a whole book and dedicate it to exploring a romance, I'm a very happy girl :)

That's what I got to do with my first adult novella, UNWRAP ME, written under my adult pseudonym Carolina Jordan with my bestie/critique partner Shannon Duffy (writing under Samantha Spencer). This book was a whirlwind of fun. Our agent approached us with the opportunity, we began writing that weekend, and ten days later it was finished. That boggles my mind. Then it went to the awesome peeps at Swoon Romance who made it all pretty--and gave us this delicious cover--and a few weeks later it is available for all you beautiful people.

Publishing can be so fun!

So here it is, our baby. I'm currently writing a full length adult novel, but this is my first foray into the adult romance writing world and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only because it gave me the chance to write with my bestie (which rocked) or because it gave us the opportunity to jump into the adult romance waters (which it did), but because I fell in love with these characters.

Peyton and Brody deserve their happily ever after more so than any other couple I've written. Their romance is sweet and spicy and in the delicious novella package that lets you experience it in one quick (and hopefully enjoyable) read. Every time I read their story--and yes, I've read it many times because they make me happy--I cheer for them. 

I hope you will, too.

Sometimes double trouble is anything but…

Out of sight is truly out of mind. At least that's what Peyton Wagner hoped when she accepted a teaching assistant job out of town, and away from her abusive ex, Blake Hunter. But as Peyton soon discovers, her new job comes with unexpected and deliciously tempting surprises. When her past and present collide in a shocking yuletide twist, Peyton has to choose between playing it safe, or risking it all for the chance at a new future with Blake's brother Brody, and the gift of true love.

 

You can NOW get your copy of UNWRAP ME at Amazon and add it to your Goodreads shelf :)

Happy Holidays...and Happy Reading!

Super Sweet Winners & Where I Have Been...

It's Friday! Almost an entire week since I last blogged, and even my Twitter and FB feeds have been somewhat slow.

Yes, if you follow me, that was slow. I may or may not have a Twitter addiction....

Ahem, anyway, the reason for my unusual silence is because I have some major news, and some really exciting news, only some of which I can share with you now, but needless to say, it's kept me quite swamped. Well, that and traveling for hours getting lost for field trips with my children a whole day early, then actually going to the field trip and watching them feed Beefalo and goats and camels from their hands.

Thank goodness for my lovely-scented Bath & Body Works bacterial gel. 

First Up: News

While the major good news has to wait a little longer for me to spill, I can share my equally cool news that I began working on an adult Christmas-themed novella with my girl Shannon Duffy!

We are having a total blast writing this story. We got the idea this weekend, emailed back and forth like crazy people (although we weren't exactly sane before then either), and began drafting Sunday. We plan to release the novella this December! I seriously can't wait to share the blurb with all of you =D

We've Got Winners!

So, a couple weeks ago was the last post on the official Entangled Teen Super Sweet blog tour. I had such a blast with both of my tours, I met some AMAZING bloggers and readers, and the entire experience was a blessing. 

Blog tours generally have prizes, and mine was no exception. I LOVE sending gifts and swag packs to readers, and with the official tour, we had two winners, a US winner grand prize winner, and an International Swag Pack winner. I totally failed on announcing them on the blog, so I wanted to correct that now.

drum roll please....

The winners of the My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century Blog Tour Prizes Are:

Michelle Grayce and Natasha!

Congratulations girls, and thank you to everyone who visited the stops, read and commented on the reviews and posts, and supported me. I wish I could give all of you prizes!!

Have a fantabulous weekend, y'all!

Squeeing Over Lisa T. Bergren's Author Endorsement & Early Praise for My Super Sweet 16th Century

Although my debut MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY won't be out for a few more months (come on September!!), and most ARCs (advanced reader copies) have yet to be made available to the public, early praise has been building from fellow authors....

And I've done about a bazillion happy dances because of it!

Yesterday I added to this site the press kit and sale sheet for MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY, as well as all the excerpts, book trailer, and 'Praise Page.' And I was able to add the latest author endorsement, one I got yesterday morning and totally made my day.

Wanna know why?

I'll tell you! It came from none other than Lisa Bergren, the author of one of my favorite series of all time (River of Time--Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent, along with the novellas) AND the new series I reviewed this weekend that I fell in love with (Glamorous Illusions is book one in the Grand Tour series)!!!

And here is what she said about MY book (*pinching self*):

If you ever wish you could bop back in time for a peek at how things REALLY were, prepare yourself for a Renaissance-shaped treat. MY SUPER-SWEET 16th CENTURY was just what I was looking for in a YA time travel novel. First of all, it's set in Italy (need I say more, really?) Second, it's a fun, romantic romp among deliciously dressed and cultured people. But it goes a bit deeper too. It's also a chance to witness Cat experience things that will change her forever...things she might not have discovered in her own time...things that grow and stretch her. Don't miss Rachel Harris's debut. It's a totally fun and totally satisfying read.
--Lisa T. Bergren, author of the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT)

Yeah, I think I've read it to everyone I've seen since she sent it. (*grin*)

What's amazing is that Lisa's squee worthy endorsement is just the latest in sweet shout outs that have just made the build up to publication so wonderful.

Come check out what authors Holly Schindler, Victoria Scott, Chloe Jacobs, Diane Alberts, Trisha Wolfe, Shannon Duffy, Cindi Madsen, and Hope Collier have to say about MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY at my PRAISE FOR SUPER SWEET page, and squee with me! :)

Question for YOU: What has made YOU do a bazillion happy dances lately? I love hearing good news!