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YA Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt!

Want to win a paperback of all these books?

Pink Team

One lucky winner will receive one paperback book from each author on the hunt in my team, all of the books above! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Team Pink

Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are eight contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the PINK TEAM–but there is also a red team, a gold team, an orange team, a red team, a teal team, a green team, and a blue team for 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 page.

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 blue 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 Sunday April 5th, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

Now to the fun stuff!

SCAVENGER HUNT POST
Jennifer ComeauxToday, I am hosting Jennifer Comeaux author of Ice Series: CROSSING THE ICE on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt!

Jennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren’t any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she’s a diehard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing.

Find out more information by checking out the author website or find more about the author’s book here!

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

Jennifer Comeaux

Description: Pair skaters Courtney and Mark have one shot left at their Olympic dream. They vow not to let anything get in their way, especially not Josh and Stephanie, the wealthy and talented brother and sister team.

The heart doesn’t always listen to reason, though…

The more time Courtney spends with sweet, shy Josh, the harder she falls for him. But they are on opposite sides of the competition, and their futures are headed in opposite directions. Will their friendship blossom into more or are their paths too different to cross?

 

CROSSING THE ICE begins when Courtney and Josh are 21 and 22, but they’ve known each other since they were young teenagers. Here is a bonus scene that takes place six years earlier!

January 2004

“What do you want to do today to celebrate?” Mom asked as we finished breakfast in the hotel restaurant. “A national championship deserves something very special.”

I smiled and drank the last of my chocolate milk. My partner Mark and I had been skating together for four years, and we’d finally reached the top of the podium, winning the junior title in pairs. It had been the highlight of my fifteen-year life.

“Maybe we can go shopping… and look at iPods?” I gave Mom a hopeful grin.

“We might be able to do that.”

I did a jig in my seat and folded my linen napkin. “I’m gonna get some more fruit.”

I headed over to the buffet but stopped when I saw Josh Tucker, one of my competitors, looking at the fruit selection. He was a year older than me and so freaking cute with his shaggy dark hair and clear blue eyes. But we’d hardly spoken since we’d played Seven Minutes in Heaven (or rather, Seven Minutes in Hell) two years ago. I’d wanted him to be my first kiss so badly, but all we’d shared were seven minutes of near silence. Even though Josh was a super quiet guy, I’d hoped he would make just a little move on me. I’d gotten nothing.

Normally I didn’t go out of my way to talk to him because I still felt weird about that night, but I was feeling especially confident with my new champion status. I grabbed a small plate and hopped up to Josh’s side.

“I’ll fight you for that last piece of cantaloupe.”

He looked startled, and he fumbled the silver tongs and dropped them on the bar, causing a loud clang. “You can umm… you can have it.”

“I was just joking,” I said with a little laugh.

He echoed my laugh but with a nervous edge. “I know, but you… it’s yours.”

He offered me the tongs, keeping his head down. I reached for them, and our fingers brushed, sparking tingles from my scalp to my toes. Josh finally looked up at me, for only a few seconds, but the light in his eyes was enough for the tingles to flush my cheeks.

“Thanks.” I dipped my own head, suddenly not feeling so confident anymore.

“Excuse me.” An older lady tapped the arm of Josh’s Team USA jacket. “Can I get a picture with you and your partner?”

She motioned to me, and Josh and I both stammered while talking over each other.

“I’m not–“

“She’s not–“

“I’m not his partner,” I finished.

“Oh, sorry about that. Too many faces to keep straight,” she said.

“We can still take a picture with you,” Josh said.

I raised my eyebrows, but the lady was already handing her camera to the elderly man with her.

Josh and I set down our plates, and I waited for the lady to stand between us, but Josh led her to his opposite side so he was in the middle.

Next to me.

He hesitated a moment and then stretched his arm across my shoulders. It was wiry but solid. I inched closer and curved mine around his waist, slotting perfectly into the nook of his body.

Holy Romeo, he smells good.

The scent of his cologne was slightly sweet and made me light-headed. I barely registered the camera flash firing. I was too busy picturing Josh putting his other arm around me and giving me the kiss he owed me.

“Thank you, kids,” the lady said.

Josh slowly let his arm fall away from my shoulders, and he shuffled backward and shoved his hands in his jean pockets.

“That was hilarious,” he said. “I don’t look anything like Mark.”

“And I sure don’t look like Stephanie,” I said of his partner and sister. I was about to add, Don’t act like her either because she was a first-class snob, but I stopped myself from being rude.Josh’s eyes focused on mine, and it felt as if he was saying something to me he couldn’t say out loud. From the way he was looking at me, it had to be important. My pulse picked up more speed every second he waited to speak.

“Congratulations, by the way,” he said.

That didn’t seem like what he’d wanted to tell me, but I smiled anyway.

“Thanks. I saw you guys had a good comeback.”

He shrugged and looked down at his sneakers. “It wasn’t our best competition.”

“Josh!” Stephanie marched over to us and gave me a sidelong scowl. “What are you doing? We
have to go.”

“Oh… yeah… I forgot.” He turned back to me. “We have a meeting.”

My heart sank that he was leaving just as we’d actually started talking. Should I hint we could talk more later? How am I going to smoothly pull that off? And with Stephanie giving me the stink eye? I chickened out and said quietly, “Have fun.”

They walked away, and Josh glanced quickly at me over his shoulder. Stephanie didn’t give me another look (nor had she congratulated me, but that didn’t shock me). She was so easy to read. Unlike her brother.

I picked up my plate and plopped the slice of cantaloupe onto it. Standing so close to Josh had made me wonder for the millionth time what kissing him would’ve been like. He was so quiet and gentle that I imagined his kiss would be soft and sweet. The perfect first kiss. Not like the one my Homecoming date had given me. He’d practically cracked my teeth he’d crashed his mouth into mine so hard.

Why am I even still thinking about this? It had taken Josh and me two years to say more than five words to each other. At the rate we were going, we’d be thirty by the time we got to first base.

 

And don’t forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by me, Jennifer Comeaux, and more!

To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is 13.

Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the blue team and you’ll have all the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

CONTINUE THE HUNT

To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author! Find Melissa Giorgio HERE.

Extra Giveaway

Enter to win ebooks of all my books!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

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MineToTarnishYou Are Mine CoverMine to Spell Cover

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Mine to Tarnish Audiobook: Interview with Narrator

Today, I’m very excited to announce that the audiobook for my young adult fantasy, MINE TO TARNISH is complete and ready to buy. Maria Pendolino, the narrator, has done a marvelous job with it! I love how well she has captured Katherine.

You can listen to a sample here, under the cover.

Or you can buy it here.

 Audio Book Cover MtT

The real treat for today is that I had a chance to interview Maria and discover more about what goes on behind the scenes of narrating a book. I’m so happy to welcome Maria to my site today.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Maria: My name is Maria Pendolino and I’m an actor living in New York City. I’m originally from Buffalo, NY. I’ve done work in theatre, TV and film as well as voiceover, commercials and audiobooks! Some of my most memorable roles were on Lifetime’s hit show ARMY WIVES, Nat Geo’s LOCKED UP ABROAD and the Bollywood hit movie ENGLISH VINGLISH. You can hear my voice on commercials for American Express, Zipcar, Robert Mondavi Wines and Monistat.

Janeal: Wow! Sounds like you’ve had some really interesting experiences in your life. Which I’m super grateful for since it lead to narratoring MINE TO SPELL.

Can you tell us what it’s like to narrate one hour of a finished audio book?

Maria: To get one hour of finished audio, it probably takes me about an hour and 45 minutes of studio time and then another half hour of editing time. I’m usually pretty good about being able to read a large amount of text without stumbling or making a mistake, but every once in awhile I’ll get into a giggle fit and I have to keep going back to correct mistakes.

Janeal: That’s crazy to think it takes almost twice as long to make it as the finished audio is. I’d probably get into giggle fits too and never get anything done.

Can you tell us about the studio where you work?

Maria Pendolino HS2Maria: I have a home studio in my apartment. It’s a closet that I have converted into a booth. It’s big enough for me to sit on a stool, have my microphone and a music stand – and that’s about it. It’s not glamorous, but it shuts out the noise of the sirens and the traffic of New York City – so it does the job!

Janeal: I’m impressed that you turned a closet into a booth! That’s so awesome. It may not be glamorous, but it sounds like a great use of space.

How do you decide what to narrate?

Maria: I tend to work on projects that I would enjoy listening to or I would enjoy reading. It makes it a lot easier to narrate a long title when I love the story and the characters. But, I’m always open to trying new genres and I love when authors reach out to me to ask if I might like to be a part of their project.

Do you have a genre you enjoy narrating most? If so, what is it?

Maria: I love young adult, women’s fiction (or “Chick Lit”) and anything that has a snarky or sarcastic tone to it. I also love doing character voices, so any book that has some eccentric characters is a lot of fun to work on.

What’s your favorite part about narrating?

Maria: Bringing stories to life with just my voice and painting a picture that the listener can imagine.

What are some of your favorite books?

Maria: My favorite novel of all time is JEMIMA J by Jane Green. I also love all of Marian Keyes’ books. Other favorite authors are Jen Lancaster, Jennifer Weiner and David Sedaris.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Maria: I’m a theatre nerd and I love going to Broadway shows. I’m in NYC, so gotta take advantage.

Favorite candy bar?

Maria: I actually hate chocolate, which I know is a crime against humanity – but I love Twizzlers.

Janeal: Not like chocolate? That’s crazy! Twizzlers are good though.

Favorite drink?

Maria: I’m a coffee drinker, through and through. With a shot of caramel and maybe a shot of Bailey’s (if I’m not at work!)

Janeal: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on narrating with us, Maria! We’re so glad you stopped by today!

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Mine Series Signed Paperback Giveaway

Wonderful news! The paperback for MINE TO SPELL is (finally!) available for purchase. Online it is available at most major retailers or you can request it ordered in at most book stores.

If you haven’t entered yet, there’s still a chance to win one of 2 signed paperback package of all three books, MINE TO TARNISH, YOU ARE MINE, and MINE TO SPELL. All you have to do is ask me a questions to be entered to win.

Ends June 10. Open Internationally!

Now Closed

2 pack 3 book giveaway

 

 

Or if you can’t wait to see if you win, you can buy MINE TO SPELL now.

Purchase Links:

Amazon ||  Barnes & Noble || CreateSpace

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Mine to Tarnish is Live!

Blank bookcover with clipping path

You can officially purchase MINE TO TARNISH!

So excited to share this story with you. The story came very naturally and was a fun exploration of the Mine world. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Note: This novella is only available for purchase on Amazon. If it presents a problem, please feel free to email me and we’ll see what we can work out.

 

 

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What is a Novella Anyway?

questionTruth: Before I got serious about publishing a book and began researching a lot about the industry, I had no clue what a novella was. Since I’ve announce MINE TO TARNISH, I’ve gotten a lot of people who, like me, don’t know exactly what it is.

Novella short unofficial definition: Think shorter than a novel but longer than a short story.

Novella unofficial numbers definition: It varies some depending on who you ask, but typically somewhere in the range of 15,000 — 40,000 words.

What? Word count? What about page count?

The problem with page count is it varies. A lot. Font size, style, formatting are all things that can play a part. For example, YOU ARE MINE can range anywhere from 270 to 372 pages. Same exact text, over 100 pages difference!

Whichever way you look at it, YOU ARE MINE is about 94,000 words. MINE TO TARNISH is about 29,000 words. So about one third of the size. Approximately 98-128 pages depending on the format. It’s a quick read, an evening perhaps. And it officially launches in one week!

Any questions about novellas?

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Mine to Tarnish is Coming in 12 Days!

MINE TO TARNISH‘s release is sneaking up really fast. I can’t believe it’s almost time. Katherine’s story is one I’ve been dying to share. It has always been such a loud story in my head and now almost ready for you to dive into. It can be read before or after YOU ARE MINE. Enjoy the sneak peek!

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Cover Reveal: Mine to Tarnish

MineToTarnish Mine to Tarnish — Available December 2nd, 2013

Description:

Katherine’s place is the same as any woman’s—on the shelf next to the dresses and bolts of cloth. When she’s sold to a warlock, life grows even bleaker. Her new owner is as old and rancid as he is cruel, driving her to do the unthinkable: run.

Nothing prepared her for being on her own. And she’s definitely unprepared for the warlocks hunting her down. But she must stay one step ahead because if caught, the best she can hope for is death.

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A big, huge thanks to YA Bound Tours and all those who are helping release the cover!

I’m so excited to be able to share the cover with you! Let me know what you think in the comments.

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Mine to Tarnish: Cover Piece #3

It’s here! The last and best piece! Scroll for a peek.

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MtTCover Piece3

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Now we have the good stuff. A glimspe at Katherine. First, her eyes are closed. This was very intentional to represent who she is at the beginning of the book. And yes, she has a lot of eye make up. It’s hard to tell from this small peek, but she also is wearing the white face paint required of women in Chardonia. Eeek!

That’s it. Last peice. On Thursday the full cover will be reveal with help from YA Bound Tours!

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Mine to Tarnish: Cover Piece #2

Mine to Tarnish Cover Piece2
Katherine would rather be killed—or worse—than belong to her new owner.

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And we have a logline! My amazing critic partner, Loralie Hall, came up with this beauty and I love it! It fits the story perfectly.

Last piece is coming next Tuesday, the 24th. Then the cover will be here! Squeee!

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Mine to Tarnish: Cover Piece #1

Mine to Tarnish Cover Piece1

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The first thing I’m sharing is the title. It is on the place holder cover, but the one for the real cover is in the bottom left corner. This is because Katherine is on the right. And I love, love, love how she turned out! Can’t wait until you guys can see her on the 26th! Also, the background is still black. I feel this is important to mention because it won’t be for any of the future covers.

Next peice on Thursday!