MISTLETOE MADNESS AUTHOR JENNIFER ESTEP

Thank you for stopping by Blogging by Liza for today’s Mistletoe Madness spot. This year’s event is hosted by Blogging by Liza, Books Make Me Happy, and That’s What I’m Talking About. It’s a two week event where authors with 2015 winter releases (November 2015 – January 2016) will take over our blogs with guest post written from their character’s POV with a holiday theme (Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, New Years, etc.). For a line up of all the authors featured at all three blogs, please click on the image above or go to the kickoff post from December 1, 2015.

Today’s Mistletoe Madness author is…

Jennifer Estep

Greetings! First of all, I want to say thanks to Liza for hosting me on her blog as part of Mistletoe Madness. Thanks so much, Liza!

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the music. I love all the classic carols, the instrumental pieces, and especially the fun, goofy songs. Here are some of the albums and songs on my holiday playlist:

The Killers: The Killers are one of my favorite bands, and for the last several years, they’ve released a holiday song with the proceeds going to charity. All of the songs are pretty cool, but my favorites are “Boots”, “Christmas In L.A.”, and “The Cowboys’ Christmas Ball”.

Christmas Island by Jimmy Buffett: An oldie but goodie album. If you want to escape to a tropical island for the holidays, check out these songs, especially “A Sailor’s Christmas” and “Ho Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Rhum”.

Wrapped in Red by Kelly Clarkson: I love Kelly Clarkson, and her holiday album is a fun mix of tunes. I especially like “4 Carats” and “Winter Dreams (Brandon’s Song)”.

And here are some other songs on my holiday playlist:

“2000 Miles” by The Pretenders

“Christmas For Cowboys” by John Denver

“Christmas In Dixie” by Alabama

“Christmas/ Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

“Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt

“Snoopy’s Christmas” by The Royal Guardsmen

What about you guys? Which holiday songs/albums are on your playlist?

Happy holidays, everyone! J

Book: Dark Heart of Magic

Release Date: October 27, 2015

Series: Black Blade #2

About the Book:

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there's no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.

Even though he's my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what's supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious "accidents," it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone's going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing's for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else...

JENNIFER’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/

Blog: http://www.jenniferestep.com/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JenniferEstepAuthor?fref=ts

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep  (@Jennifer_Estep)

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/580315.Jennifer_Estep

JENNIFER’S BIO:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.

Jennifer writes the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy series for Kensington. Dark Heart of Magic, the second book in the series, was released on Oct. 27.

Jennifer also writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. Bitter Bite, book #14, will be released on Feb. 23.

For more information, visit Jennifer’s website at www.jenniferestep.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Giveaway:

Jennifer is generously giving away three (3) print copies of Dark Heart of Magic. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form AND comment telling us one of your favorite holiday songs. The giveaway is open during the time specified on the Rafflecopter form. Winner(s) chosen at random from all eligible entries. This contest is open to U.S. residents only. Open to participants, 18 years or older, who are legally allowed to participate in such a contest as allowed by their local laws. All federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. By participating in the contest, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of the contest sponsor. Prize will be delivered by the author. This blog, its reviewers, and the owner are not responsible for items lost in the mail. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to abide by these terms.

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Now, head over to BOOKS MAKE ME HAPPY to see today's feature with Deborah Blake and THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT to see today's feature with Piper Drake

Guest Post Roxanne St. Claire

I’m so excited to have New York Times Bestselling author Roxanne St. Claire visiting my blog today! I’ve been a huge fan of Rocki’s since I found her Bullet Catcher books years ago and always look forward to the release of her books in all genres. I'm currently reading Rocki's They All Fall Down (and loving), which comes out today. Happy Release Day Rocki!!! Rocki is not only  sweet enough to stop by and answer a few questions, she is also offering up 1 digital or print book of the winner's choice. Thanks so much for stopping by Rock!

Barefoot in Lace was such a beautiful and emotional read for me, and I loved every minute of it. How has Gussie and Tom’s story been received by readers?

Thank you!! And thank you for having me here today! It’s such fun to talk about this book.  Gussie and Tom are enjoying an amazing reception from readers, and I’m a little overwhelmed by it. I struggled with these characters – their backstories and motivations were more complex than I’d originally expected when I first created them.  Tom really confounded me and it wasn’t until deep into the book that I took off the final layer and realized what was at the heart of his decision to live life “always alone.”  But once that became clear, then he became clear, and Gussie and I both fell madly in love! I think readers have, too!

I loved the relationship between Gussie and Alex and felt like it was a huge part of the story. Did their relationship surprise you as you were writing their story?

Oh, my, yes.  When an orphaned twelve year old girl threatens to take over a scene in a romance novel, you get surprised.  Gussie’s relationship with Tom’s broken and bruised niece was a huge part of the story for me, and there were times when I thought I was writing Gussie and Alex’s book! I loved that, though, and really felt it enhanced the romance and the depth of the book.  I hope readers agree.  There’s not a LOT of Alex in the book, but she is an integral part of the story and readers seem to love her, too.

What is next with the Barefoot Bay Brides series?

I’m writing the third book in the series, BAREFOOT IN PEARLS. This is Ari Chandler’s story, and she falls in love with Gussie’s older brother, Luke McBain.  Ari’s been raised to believe without a shadow of a doubt that there is “one true love” for everyone – her parents’ marriage is proof of that.  (Her father is a preacher, her mother was a Native American professor and a trained shaman.)  But when “the one” shows up in Ari’s life, he’s on a mission to destroy something that Ari will do anything to save.  They have a rocky hill to climb – literally and figuratively! I’m in the middle of that now and loving it.  After that…I’m not sure yet! Stay tuned!

I know you also write Young Adult books and your newest release comes out on October 14. Please share with my readers a little bit about They All Fall Down.

I have written two YAs, and the second one is a psychological thriller that really challenged and, well, thrilled me as a writer.  I’d never written anything quite like this, though my romantic suspense background probably trained me for the climactic near-death scenes in the end.  Like all my books, this one has a deeply emotional component, but the story is wildly fast paced and kind of scary! Here’s the blurb…

THEY ALL FALL DOWN:

Pretty Little Liars meets Final Destination in this taut psychological thriller that will have readers hearts racing!  Every year, the lives of ten girls at Vienna High are transformed....all because of the list. Kenzie Summerall can’t imagine how she’s been voted onto a list of the hottest girls in school, but when she lands at number five, her average life becomes amazing.  Doors open to the best parties, new friends surround her, the cutest jock in school is after her.

This s the power of the list.  If you’re on it, your life changes. But this year? Your life ends. The girls on the list have started to die in freak accidents, one by one.  Is it a coincidence? A curse? Or is the list in the hands of a killer?

Time is running out for Kenzie, but she’s determined to uncover the deadly secret of the list...before her number’s up. 

Do you have any must-see television shows you never miss each week? Have you found any new favorites with the premiers in the last month?

I am ALL in with OUTLANDER.  I know we are in the (endless) mid-season break, but I simply inhaled every episode at least three times! After the second show, I bought the book since I’d never read it, and then devoured every page, barely coming up for air.  I could not be more in love with the characters, the story, the setting, and the incredible production on STARZ.  Other than that, I do a little reality TV (love The Voice and Chopped!) and movies.  I’m really not too fond of episodic television, but OUTLANDER? Oh, yummy!!

Describe your perfect girl’s weekend with your best friends.

My besties are ALL writers, no surprise.  Our perfect weekend includes long (productive!) days at the keyboard, plenty of cocktail hour hilarity, and an evening of brainstorming, life-sharing, and laughter.  I try to do retreats like this once or twice a year, which refresh me and remind me that you simply cannot get through this lonely business of writing without fantastic friends.  I’m blessed to have many!!

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Roxanne St. Claire is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels of suspense and romance, including three popular series (Barefoot Bay, The Bullet Catchers, and The Guardian Angelinos) and multiple stand-alone books. 

In addition to being a six-time nominee and one-time winner of the RITA Award, Roxanne’s novels have won the National Reader’s Choice Award for best romantic suspense three times, as well as the Daphne du Maurier Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Maggie, Booksellers Best, Book Buyers Best, the Award of Excellence, and many others. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and are routinely included as a Doubleday/Rhapsody Book Club Selection of the Month.

Roxanne lives in Florida with her family, and can be reached via her website,www.roxannestclaire.com or on her Facebook Reader page, www.facebook.com/roxannestclaire and on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/roxannestclaire.

Blog Tour Only For You (Review and Giveaway)

Title: ONLY FOR YOU

Author: Marquita Valentine

Release date: September 16, 2013

Age Group: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

From New York Times Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, comes the second book in her new adult series, Boys of the South. 

***New Adult- suited for 17+***

Loose ends left loose for too long tend to strangle.

Cole and Violet knew it wouldn't be easy. They knew their relationship would take work. But when the press finds out about Violet Lynn’s newest boyfriend, they start digging. And when his past come to light, exposing all of his family’s secrets, their relationship begins to fray. 

Country Music’s Golden Boy, Jaxon Hunter, has it all, except the girl that got away. What she saw, she really didn’t. What she thought happened, he allowed her to believe for reasons so insane that no one would ever have believed him if he had confessed. But now that everything’s out in the open, he’s going to do his damndest to convince her that he’s the only one for her. 

Now Violet must choose between Jaxon— her first love and the guy she thought had cheated on her—and Cole—the guy who helped her heal and love again. 

Or will one of them make the decision for her?

My review of Only For You

I loved the first book in the Boys of the South series and was excited to get the opportunity to read an early copy of Only For You with the promise of an honest review.

I totally loved Only For You. I love getting to re-visit characters and I was especially happy to get more time with Cole and Violet. In Live For You, book 1 of the Boys of the South series, we got a happy for now ending for Cole and Violet. They were together, but you didn't really know what might happen next.

Violet must go back on tour because of contractural obligations, which means she will be on tour with her ex-boyfriend Jaxon Hunter, who just happens to be Cole's brother. Jaxon totally believes he is still in love with Violet and has it set in his mind they belong together. Thanks to Cole's asshat of a daddy, Cole breaks up with Violet mid-tour. I'll be honest, Cole really made me angry through much of this book. I understood why he was making the choices he made, but was still made at him. Surprising enough, it is Jaxon who steps up to help out Cole. Jaxon is also sick of being pushed around by his father (Cole's father too), and gives Cole the ammunition he needs to be free to be with Violet.

Violet never stopped loving and Cole, and even when he was messing up royally, Cole never stopped loving her. I honestly think all the trials they went through in this story only made them love each other more and stronger as a couple. I have to say the epilogue was my favorite part of this entire story. It gave me the HEA I was looking for and only made me love Cole and Violet more than I did before.

I also have to say I fell a little bit for Jaxon (Jackson) in this book. I can't wait to see what happens with him in the next Boys of the South book.

***5 Star Review***

Links to find the book:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Only-Boys-South-Book-ebook/dp/B00F849LT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379530000&sr=8-1&keywords=only+for+you+marquita+valentine

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/only-for-you-marquita-valentine/1116507189?ean=9781492393290

About the Author

New York Times Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, writes sexy heroes that make you swoon and sassy heroines that make you laugh. She’s the author of the bestselling contemporary romance series, Holland Springs, and the new adult romance series, Boys of the South.

Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man—and if that doesn’t work, they can console themselves with cheesy tatertots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children.

Website: www.marquitavalentine.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marquitaval

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarquitaValentine

Link to the tour schedule: -http://atomrbookblogtours.com/2013/08/15/arc-tour-and-events-only-for-you-boys-of-the-south-2-by-marquita-valentine/

Tour Wide Giveaway:

(1) $75 Amazon Gift Card

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