New Adult Month Interview and Giveaway: Kristie Cook

1. What is NA to you? To me, New Adult books are typically stories where the protagonist is in his or her late-teens to mid-twenties. The ages aren’t exactly set in stone, but it represents that time in life when we all begin to really take charge of our own lives and experience the excitement, joy, and scariness of making big life decisions for the first time. It’s that first apartment, first ‘real’ job, first ‘adult’ relationship. 
2. New Adult: Genre or Category? New Adult is more of a category. Any genre can fit into the NA category: paranormal, sci-fi, horror, whatever. As long as the characters are at the right life stage, any genre can work.
3. What made you want to write for NA? I didn't set out to write NA – in fact, the NA label didn't even exist then. I wrote a story with a protagonist starting college. I loved that age and time in life but more importantly, it's what worked for the story. I queried the book and was told no one wanted to read about characters that age and they'd reconsider if I changed her to either YA or Adult. The change didn't make sense at all for the story – that book or the rest of the series. That's when I decided to self-publish, back when it was a huge career risk. I'm glad I did! I love my stories and I really love writing NA. 
4. What do you see for the future of NA? Now that NA has really come into its own, I see it continuing to grow and really become parallel to what YA is for teenage protagonists.
5. What do you love most about writing NA? I love being able to get back inside the heads of eighteen to twenty-somethings. It's one of the best times in life! There’s so much power and excitement when you're making adult decisions—and dealing with the consequences—without being bogged down with all of the big adult worries like mortgages, career changes, kids' futures, retirement, etc. And it's one of life's phases where the most change happens, which is really what a story is about – the decisions, consequences, and changes a character makes.
6. What NA books would you recommend to readers? Well, to get a taste of my work, along with that of four other amazing NA authors, I’d recommend that readers check out Curses, Fates & Soul Mates, a box set featuring five full-length NA paranormal novels for 99 cents!
7. What writing tips would you give to aspiring writers? Never give up on yourself—all of us start out writing crap and continue to do so no matter how many books we have out. It takes revisions and solid editing to make a great book. Keep writing. Keep editing. Keep doing what it takes to reach your goals. Failure only comes when you quit. But most of all, have fun! Live your purpose and your passion.
8. Would you like to share something about your book? I’m currently working on The Space Beyond, Part 2 in The Book of Phoenix series. Part 1, The Space Between, is available as a stand-alone book or as a part of the Curses, Fates & Soul Mates box set I mentioned earlier. The series is NA Paranormal Romance—but it’s unlike anything you’ve ever read before. The twist really surprises readers when they find out what makes the characters special. I can’t wait until everyone can read Part 2.
9. What gave you the idea for your book? Well, it all started with a dream that my husband had. Once he me about it, I couldn't stop thinking of the place, the people who would be involved, etc. My mind wandered and before long, a story was born.
10. Where can readers find your books? My books are available on Amazon, iBooks, Nook, and Kobo, and can also be requested at brick and mortar bookstores.

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New Adult Month Interview: Brenda St. John Brown

1. What is NA to you?
To me, New Adult is a category of books that focus on the stage of life post high school. It may be college or work, but it’s all about “firsts” and independence, and the ups and downs that come with that.

2. New Adult: Genre or Category?
I think New Adult is a category because, even though it’s started off as primarily contemporary romance, it’s starting to expand into other genres.

3. What made you want to write for NA?
My first (now shelved) book was NA before NA was even a thing. I queried it and my response from agents was focused more on the fact that the characters were in college than the story, itself. They all said there wasn’t really a market for that age group. I shifted to write YA, but my heart was definitely with older characters. SWIMMING TO TOKYO was originally written as upper YA, but Spencer Hill Contemporary suggested I “age it up” to NA and I jumped at the chance.

4. What do you see for the future of NA?
Slowly, other genres are embracing NA, which I love. I’m all about contemporary romance, but I love to read across genres and am excited to read some upcoming NA outside of contemporary.

5. What do you love most about writing NA?
I love writing about the “firsts” and the “bad” decisions that are inevitable in your early 20s. It’s fun and poignant and sometimes absolutely cringe-worthy. But it’s also really honest and I love that.

6. What NA books would you recommend to readers?
I really loved Chanel Cleeton’s I SEE LONDON. Cora Carmack’s trilogy is practically an NA must-read. Stina Lindenblatt’s TELL ME WHEN is a hot NA that deals with stalking, so it’s a bit of a darker read. And I’ve always been a fan of anything written by Tammara Webber.

7. What writing tips would you give to aspiring writers?
Ass in chair. Fast draft to build word count and edit later. Find good critique partners and beta readers who aren’t your real-life friends to give honest feedback and take at least 50% of it.

8. Would you like to share something about your book?
SWIMMING TO TOKYO comes out from Spencer Hill Contemporary on July 29, 2014 (Eeep!!) and it’s an NA contemporary romance set in – you guessed it – Tokyo. I’ll be launching the cover and official blurb soon-ish, but I’m so so so excited to see this out in the world!

9. What gave you the idea for your book?
I taught English in Tokyo for a couple of years and, although I didn’t start out writing a book set in Tokyo, it quickly evolved once I got into my characters’ stories. Writing was definitely a way to “revisit” Tokyo and I had a lot of fun with that. Zosia, the main character, is half-Polish and that was her name from the very start. I’m Polish on both my mother and father’s side and Babci (the Polish word for grandmother) is based loosely on my own grandmother, who was far cooler than I’ll ever be.

10. Where can readers find your books?
SWIMMING TO TOKYO releases on July 29 and will be available at all of the usual places in e-book form first. For now, it’s on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17695321-swimming-to-tokyo

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: At Any Turn by Brenna Aubrey

At Any Turn by Brenna Aubrey
(Gaming the System #2)
Publication date: April 15th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
So You Want to Be a Hero?

Millionaire CEO Adam Drake overcame a tortured past to take control of his life and build his own gaming empire. The final piece falls into place with his newfound love for brilliant geek girl blogger, Mia Strong. Now Adam is at the top of his game.

Your Princess Is in Another Castle.

Until Mia suddenly breaks things off, leaving Adam in the dark. He senses she needs his help but that she's too stubborn or scared to ask. The more he tries to take control, the further she shies away. This is one problem he can’t solve by writing a check or a few clever lines of code.

He will have to dig deep and put himself at risk…or else risk losing her forever.

This New Adult contemporary romance is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content and adult situations.





Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19072751-at-any-turn


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AUTHOR BIO
Brenna Aubrey is an author of New Adult contemporary romance stories that center on geek culture. Her debut novel, At Any Price, released December, 2013.

She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. A mommy to two little kids and teacher to many more older kids, she juggles schedules to find time to pursue her love of storycrafting.

She currently resides on the west coast with her husband, two children, two adorable golden retriever pups, two birds and some fish.

Brenna’s short story “The Love Letter” was the Grand Prize winner of the Jane Austen Made Me Do It Short Story Contest. As such, it was included in the anthology of the same name (Ballantine, 2011)


Author links:
website: http://www.BrennaAubrey.net
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/BrennaAubreyAuthor
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/BrennaAubrey
Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/BrennaAubrey
Newsletter: http://www.BrennaAubrey.net/newsletter-signup

If Only Release Day Blast

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March may be almost over but that doesn’t mean the fun is over at Embrace.  We are excited to be announcing the release of Amy Pine’s, If Only, which readers are already raving about!  Plus you can pick up If Only on sale for just $.99 right now.

 On Sale: March 24, 2014

About If Only:

Sometimes it takes crossing an ocean to figure out where you belong.

It's been two years since twenty-year-old Jordan had a boyfriend—which means it's been forever since she, well, you know. But now she’s off to spend her junior year in Aberdeen, Scotland, the perfect place to stop waiting for Mr. Right and just enjoy Mr. Right Now.

Sexy, sweet (and possible player) Griffin may be her perfect, no-strings-attached match. He’s fun, gorgeous, and makes her laugh. So why can’t she stop thinking about Noah who, minutes after being trapped together outside the train’s loo, kisses Jordan like she’s never been kissed before? Never mind his impossible blue eyes, his weathered, annotated copy of The Great Gatsby (total English-major porn)…oh, and his girlfriend.

Jordan knows everything this year has an expiration date. Aberdeen is supposed to be about fun rather than waiting for life to happen. But E. M. Forster, Shakespeare, and mistletoe on Valentine’s Day make her reconsider what love is and how far she’s willing to go for the right guy.

Find If Only Online:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads

Find A.J. Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway

Prize:

If Only Swag Pack -An “I love you from here to Scotland” print, Ahava pendent, A pack each of Much Ado about Nothing and A Room With a View confetti, Much Ado about Nothing travel mug and A Room With a View Blu-ray (a $25 Amazon gift card will be substituted if winner is outside the US)


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Review: Knowing Jack by Rachel Curtis

Title: Knowing Jack

Author: Rachel Curtis

Publisher: Self-publish

Pages: 216 (ebook)

Source: Netgalley

Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Synopsis:

I am not a slut, although I've been called one often enough. Yeah, I spent three months screwing one of my college professors, but I was crazy about the guy. Then he broke up with me.

I am not a bitch, although people like to say I am. I kept our relationship secret. I'm not responsible for telling the university administrators about it, but a lot of students still blame me for getting their favorite professor fired.

I'm not a drama queen, although everyone thinks I am now. When I got a few nasty messages, I just deleted them. When I got the threat, I assumed it was someone being stupid. I still think that's all it was. My parents worry, though, so they hired me a bodyguard. Now Jack follows me around, intimidating everyone who approaches me and looking obnoxiously hot.

This is what I am. I'm Chloe. I'm a twenty-year-old art history major. Kind of shy, although I pretend not to be. Stubborn enough to stay here for my senior year, even though everyone hates me.

And I'm stuck with Jack.

He calls me "Princess," but I'm not a princess either.

What I Thought:

Okay, this was a fun story. I wasn't sure what to expect from the writing, since that summary rambled too long, but it was a lot better than I expected. It took me a little while to get into the story (sometime in chapter one I put the book down for about a week before picking it back up and devouring the rest).

The main character, Chloe annoyed me at times. She hates what she is going through at her school for sleeping with her professor (ranging from snide marks from one of her professors to a Tumblr account dedicated to ruining her life), but when given several opportunities to get out of her situation she doesn't take them. I'm not talking just transferring to a new school and losing credits like a normal person would have to do, I'm talking internship at the Louvre for enough credits to graduate. This was kind of okay with me though, because I wasn't the only one who though she was an idiot, her love interest/bodyguard, Jack, thinks so too.

Speaking of Jack, the chemistry between the two of them is HOT. He is risking a lot, personally and professionally, by taking a chance on acting on his feelings. You can tell he cares about her. The one complaint I have about him is I'm not a trained bodyguard and as soon as the antagonist of the book came on the scene I already knew who they were and why they did it. Why couldn't Jack figure this out? Maybe his lust was blocking his skills.

The story ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, though the plot of this story was wrapped up very nicely. I really look forward to reading the sequel and other works from Rachel Curtis.

Overall: 4