Today is the day…
MY BOOK IS OUT IN THE WORLD.
(Get it wherever books are sold! All order links are at the bottom of this post. Plus an exclusive excerpt!)
Before I get into all the mushy stuff, a quick teaser of one of my favorite lines from the book:
After years of writing, it’s slightly ironic that there are literally no words to describe what I’m feeling right now. It’s been a long journey, but an absolutely amazing one. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I have to hand it to all of my book buds though—they either know me, or they understand my mix of feelings perfectly. The amount of text messages and DM’s I got yesterday saying something to the effect of: “Are you ready? Are you dying?” shows that these people GET IT.
Launching a book is such a weird, monumental experience that you think you’re prepared for, when really, you’re not. On one hand, you’re excited! THRILLED. But on the other hand, you’re scared, nervous, and craving pounds of chocolate. Not to mention the fact that you’ve spent so much time preparing for it, that you just want it to be over, but when it is over, you’ll feel like it went too fast.
Because this experience is SO overwhelming and wonderful and terrifying, I wanted to call out a few key players that helped make this happen that much more smoothly:
The Entangled Team – Y’all. The Entangled publicists did such an amazing job of answering my questions timely, getting me featured on special blogs, setting up my tours and giveaways, and just generally being LOVELY people to work with, that I am over the moon happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you Entangled Teen!
My CP’s – Melissa, Vicki, and Richard—whether it was a package with mug full of chocolate, delicious smelling bath products, or just a two-hour phone call of me freaking out, a girl couldn’t ask for a better support system.
Pubmates – These ladies are amazing, supportive pubmates and I am so lucky to share a publisher with them!
- Amber Mitchell – As if the review alone wasn’t enough, sweetheart that you are hosted a giveaway for me and responded to my fangirling over twitter. You’re great.
- Juliette Cross – Meeting you was amazing! Thanks for the tips and instagram info!
- Season Vining – gurrrrl thanks for the cocktails
My Talented Friends – Kourtney Zimmerman, one of my best and oldest friends in the world is a talented graphic designer and painter! (Check out her work here!!) And she helped design the majority of my swag. Thanks, Ko!! And Kyle and Melinda, owners of Boecurre Soap – thank you for the honeysuckle soap – it is sure to be a hit at the signings 😉
My Family – Of course where would I be without my beloved family? Mom, Dad, Jason, Nichole, cousins, Mim, Pap, and Grandma. I love you all so so so much.
What if a Kiss could turn the tide of war?
Ivy, a princess trained to use her kiss only as a magic-enhancing weapon, must fight evil alongside Zach, a prince who is desperate to prove to her that love isn’t just a fairytale.
And an exclusive excerpt…
We made our way up the steps to the castle, passing Royals and gaping servants, through the giant double doors toward the dining hall, following the beautiful, sweet-smelling garlands of gardenia. Zach trailed his fingertips across the creamy white petals, as I had, and said, “That was a beautiful sunrise this morning.”
“I heard the West has the most amazing sunsets. Is it true the Kingdom of Saevall looks as if it’s engulfed in the sun’s flames?” I asked.
Zach shrugged. “Like I said, rumors are always a bit exaggerated, but I guess it does, at just the right time.”
“Rumors are not always exaggerated.” Though I wasn’t going so far as to say I believed that he’d defeated a troll’s lair by himself without a Kiss, I could believe that he’d been able to survive without a partner until now.
There was a pause. “Ah, I assume you’re referring to the rumors surrounding me, then?”
“After a fight like that, you can’t possibly deny your skill.”
“Oh, I wasn’t going to.”
At this, I whirled around. He nearly ran into me, my face almost colliding with his collarbone. I took a step back. “I want you as my partner.”
I hadn’t expected to say it in quite this way, or even so soon, but it had been the reason I’d offered to take him to breakfast—to ask him with my own words, not Gelloren’s or the Council’s. With his raw skills and my power, we could take down the Sable Dragon. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind now. Though I was still angry that he’d defeated my Kiss almost effortlessly, my excitement at the prospect of what we could do surpassed everything else.
Zach’s eyebrows flew up into his dark brown hair. Then he recovered, smirking slightly. “I thought that had already been decided.”