Friday, February 28, 2014

On the Spot Interview + giveaway + pics! [with author, Karen Ann Hopkins]

Hello! Today on the blog we have the lovely Karen Ann Hopkins. There is an interview, more information about her Amish themed romance series, and a giveaway! Be sure to check out the other tour stops found at the bottom of the post! (: 


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Karen Ann  Hopkins
author of the Forever Series


1) Do you have a favorite character from The Forever Series? If so, can you tell me who it is?

I love all the characters in different ways, but Sam was especially fun to write.  No doubt, he’s arrogant and rude, but his voice adds a certain amount of grounded clarity to each situation.  He says what we’re oftentimes thinking, without any sugarcoating.  Even though he gives Rose a hard time, he really loves her and ultimately, that comes through in his actions. 


2.) What was the hardest part of writing the series?

Writing Temptation and Belonging were easier than tackling Forever.  I wrote the first two without deadlines and fans voicing their opinions on the direction of the series.  By the time I began working on Forever, there were expectations and two definite groups with opinions on how Rose and Noah’s romance should go.  Some people wanted the lovers to have their happily-ever-after, while others thought Rose was making the biggest mistake of her life by converting to an Amish woman to be with Noah.  Ultimately, I went with my own gut and tried to address the major concerns with a cross-cultural relationship.  In the end, the Temptation series is an epic romance between two people and that’s what I focused on.  Once I accepted the true nature of what I was writing about, the story took on a life of its own.  I’m very pleased with the ending and also with the possibility of future Meadowview books focusing on other much loved characters from the series.  

3) What was your favorite part of writing the series?

Writing the Temptation series has been much more than a writing experience for me.  Six years ago I moved from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to a northern Kentucky Amish community.  I brought twenty-four horses with me and set up my established horse-back riding business at the new farm.  Within a few weeks a stream of Amish teens were coming to the arena to participate in riding activities with the non-Amish kids.  Watching the interactions between the two groups, and observing some definite flirting going on, I began to wonder how a relationship between the two vastly different cultures could work out.  It seemed impossible and incredibly intriguing at the same time and the seed for Rose and Noah’s story grew in my mind.

I dedicated two years to learning as much as I could about the Amish way of life.  Besides my observations at the arena, my life was inundated with the Amish culture as Amish girls babysat my younger children, Amish teens hung out with my own teen sons, as I drove the Amish women to town to shop and even took a Tennessee vacation with an Amish family.  I attended five Amish weddings and numerous schoolhouse benefits and private dinners with neighbors.  When I’d gained enough experiential knowledge, I began writing and a year later, I had an agent and Harlequin Teen had purchased the forbidden love story.  
Not only did I learn so much about a fascinating culture while writing the Temptation series, I also made life-long friends and had experiences that have enriched my life.


4) Do you have any books planned in the near future? If so, can you tell us about your upcoming books? 

I’m excited to say that I’ve written an adult Amish mystery that will be available on Kindle this year!  Lamb to the Slaughter is about the intertwining lives of three unlikely people in an Indiana Amish Community and the devastating results when a rebellious teenage girl is found shot to death in a corn field during the harvest.  Serenity Adams is the newly elected young sheriff in the country town of Blood Rock and besides dealing with the threatening behavior of her predecessor, she now has a dead Amish girl on her plate.  At first glance, the case seems obvious.  The poor girl was probably accidently shot during hunting season, but when the elders of the Amish community and even the girl’s parents react with uncaring subdued behavior, Serenity becomes suspicious.  As she delves deeper into the secretive community that she grew up beside, she discovers a gruesome crime from the past that may very well be related to the Amish girl’s shooting.   Serenity enlists the help of the handsome bad-boy building contractor, Daniel Bachman, who left the Amish when he was nineteen and has his own dark reasons to help the spunky sheriff solve the crime that the family and friends who shunned him are trying desperately to cover up.  Serenity’s persistence leads her to a stunning discovery that not only threatens to destroy her blossoming romance with Daniel, but may even take her life in the end.  

5) If you were writing a book about your life and past experiences, what would you title it?

My mother encourages me all the time to write about my life as an inspiration for other women who have lived through domestic violence.  I’m very lucky, my writing enabled me to leave an abusive spouse and raise my five children on my own.  But not enough time has passed for me to tackle that kind of subject matter.  I’m still in the healing stages and don’t want to go back to experience those times yet.  

6) Can you describe your Forever series in one sentence?

A forbidden romance that you won’t be able to put down.

7)  Do you get extremely attached to your characters? If so, how do you react when you have to write a scene that is going to be particularly hard on them?

Yes, I become attached to the characters, and when their going through difficult times, I’m crying right along with them.

8) Do you have a favorite place where you love to write?

There’s a large window in my bedroom that faces the barnyard and paddocks.  I can glance up and easily see the horses grazing and the ducks enjoying the sunshine while roosting on the wood board fencing.  If the wind picks up, the large oak trees near the house begin rustling and the sound is very calming.  It’s the perfect place to write.   

9) Are any of your characters loosely based off someone you know or used to know?

I think it’s inevitable that authors infuse characteristics of people they know or have known into their stories.  I probably do it too, but not in a knowing way.  It’s more of an unconscious type of thing and when the manuscript is completed and I’m revising, it suddenly strikes me that a certain character is very much like someone in my life.  

10) I would like to end the interview with something fun. Can you tell me something fun/random/wonky/crazy about yourself or your writing habits?

 My head is cleared and my creative juices flow when I’m out hacking through the fields and woods on my favorite horse, Cisco.  A few hours in the saddle each week does the trick for me.  I find that if there’s a long stretch of bad weather or I’m just too busy to get out and ride my horse, I don’t get as much writing done.  The solitude of being out on my horse is where my ideas and inspiration come from.
    
Thanks for having me on your blog!

I love to hear from my readers!  Please contact me on Facebook with your thoughts on the series or any questions about the Amish you may have.  

Karen Ann Hopkins








More about Karen
Find Karen Ann Hopkins Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
A native of New York State, Karen Ann Hopkins now lives with her family on a farm in northern Kentucky, where her neighbors in all directions are members of a strict Amish community. Her unique perspective became the inspiration for the story of star-crossed lovers Rose and Noah. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, giving riding lessons or tending to a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats, she is dreaming up her next romantic novel.




 More about Karen's Books
Book series on Facebook
Book 1- Temptation

Amazon | B&N | Indiebound 
Your heart misleads you.
That's what my friends and family say.  

But I love Noah. 
And he loves me.  

We met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview, while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those moments in each other's arms. 

It should be  

ROSE & NOAH  

forever, easy. 

But it won't be. 

Because he's Amish. 
And I'm not.




Book 2- Belonging

I left everything I knew behind.

But it was worth it. He was worth it.

No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.

If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be NOAH & ROSE

together forever.

But not everybody believes this is where I belong.



Book 3- Forever

The Forever series Book 3
Pre-Order: amazon 
All I want is my happily-ever-after.

That's all I've wanted since meeting Noah Miller.

From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I'm carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there's a storm on the horizon, and it's sure to cause serious devastation.

If we can get through this, we'll finally be Rose and Noah; a family, forever.

But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off





Local Amish Life
Pics provided by Karen









Tour Schedule


Follow the Tour Below! :D 

Monday, January 20th - Absorbing the Content - Review 
Tuesday, January 21st - Sassy Book Lover - Review 
Wednesday, January 22nd - Mangamania Cafe - Character Interview 
Thursday, January 23rd - Ramblings From This Chick - Guest Post 
Friday, January 24th - Andi's Young Adult Books - Author Interview 
 Monday, January 27th - Literary Me - Author Interview 
Tuesday, January 28th - Crossroad Reviews - Review 
Wednesday, January 29th - Books I View - Review 
Thursday, January 30th - Actin' Up with Books - Review
 Friday, January 31st - Books Complete Me - Review 
 Monday, February 3rd - No Bent Spines - Character Interview 
Tuesday, February 4th - Paranormal Opinion - Review 
Wednesday, February 5th - Bittersweet Enchantment - Review 
Thursday, February 6th - Curling Up With a Good Book - Author Interview 
Friday, February 7th - Behind A Million and One Pages - Review 
 Monday, February 10th - The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Guest Post 
Tuesday, February 11th - Jenuine Cupcakes - Review 
Wednesday, February 12th - Jeanz Book Read N' Review - Review 
Thursday, February 13th - Deal Sharing Aunt - Guest Post 
Friday, February 14th - Lost Time Reading - Review 
Monday, February 17th - Into The Hall of Books - Review 
Tuesday, February 18th - Swoony Boys Podcasts - Review 
Wednesday, February 19th - My Favorite Things - Guest Post 
Thursday, February 20th - Reading Lark - Review 
Friday, February 21st - Tien's Blurb - Author Interview 
 Monday, February 24th - Kimberly Faye Reads - Guest Post 
Tuesday, February 25th - Book Whales - Guest Post 
Wednesday, February 26th - A Bookish Escape - Review 
Thursday, February 27th - That Girl Reads - Review 
Friday, February 28th - Books Marks The Spot - Author Interview










Giveaway

We have lots of exciting prizes, so make sure to follow the tour for more chances to win every day! Up for grabs is both a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a $50 Amazon Gift Card, plus copies of the following Harlequin TEEN titles: Heartbeat, The Queen’s Choice, White Hot Kiss, Anything to Have You, Secret Diamond Sister and Grim. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form. Giveaway is open to US/Canada



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Thursday, February 27, 2014

[Review] Be With Me by J. Lynn

Be With Me
Wait for You #2 | Goodreads
Read review of Wait for You (book 1) here
Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…



Review 


In the first book we only got a glimpse of Jase and he looked a lot like a player. We only hear about Teresa from Cam in the first one and it’s about her ballerina life and relationship. So I was excited to read their story. It wasn’t easy to read not because it was bad but because it was heartbreaking. Yes, I cried a few times. So have some tissue handy. Jase had me mad at him most of the book. There were a few times where I was like nope not worth it, he has hurt Teresa and me too many times. But Teresa really cares about him and he is a lucky guy to have her. He knows that and that’s the way he is. Oh and he has a major secret. Does it make me think of him differently? No, it’s nothing to be ashamed of and he is not ashamed of it but he is not ready for everyone to know yet.

Their relationship gave me whiplash, I don’t know how many times. They are a great fit for each other but things are always getting in the way. For Jase it is his secret and Teresa it’s her brother. Oh and she wants to be a dancer, how could I forget that important aspect of the book? She has a torn tendon and that’s why she is at the school, for a back up plan just in case her leg doesn’t heal. Also the disaster that happened at the school kept the book interesting yet saddening. I wasn’t quite expecting that to happen.  Another thing I liked about the book we get to see Cam and Avery! I hate to say it, but Cam will always be my favorite, I’m sorry Jase.

Overall: Be With Me is heartbreaking yet gives you hope. A lot of unexpected things happen and will have you screaming be with me Jase by the end.

Jase: He is like the sweetest guy but not that smart. Ok that’s not true but he doesn’t see a good thing when its right in from of him. How blind can he be? Yes, he has baggage but let someone else help you with the load. Teresa is the perfect person to help…well not with that leg but emotionally lol Jase had me yelling at him a few times but when he is nice he is really nice ;) like with the cupcakes and supporting Teresa. He had really grown as a character by the end of the book and realizes that not everyone will leave him.

Teresa: She may have a great family but her life has been tough. We learn what happens to her in the first book. That experience toughened her up and you see that with her roommate, not at first but she does eventually say something. She is a character to be admired.

5 STARS!!!!!!!!

A look into the future:

Ok so I hope there is a book about Ollie and Britt MEEP
And a book about Calla! I want to know her story. and the guy for her......I have no idea but I know it's going to be an awesome story b/c Jennifer wrote it!

Bring on the HOT guys and tears. I am ready!!! Bring it on! lol


So yeah Be with me was intense and emotional and motivational and just lots of gooey gumdrops. Get this book as soon as you can, but beware YOU WILL BE ADDICTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Vote for which cover you like best! [Mine to Spell]

Today we have something different for you.  Instead of just revealing a cover we are asking YOU to help us choose WHICH cover to use!   Mine to Spell by Janeal Falor is the second book in the Mine series. This is a YA fantasy and it is scheduled to release May 5th, 2014.


Do you like cover choice #1:

Or do you like cover choice #2:
Cast your vote here:

Cover #1 or cover #2?
  
pollcode.com free polls 

Be sure to stop by the authors website on March 6th for the final reveal of which cover was chosen!



MINE TO SPELL Description:

Cynthia has always hidden from her father’s hexes behind her older sister. When her family gains independence unheard of for women, she’s relieved that her days of harsh punishments are over. But as her seventeenth birthday approaches—the typical age to be sold to a new master—death threats endanger her sisters. She now faces two options: run or meet society’s expectations.
For once, Cynthia isn’t going to let her older sister shield her from the problem. She’s going to prove to herself, her sisters, and society that her family isn’t a threat to their traditions. She willingly chooses to be purchased by a new master. A bold step that takes her somewhere she never thought she would go and to a man she might possibly fall in love with. With his help, she may just find a way to save her sisters while discovering how to stand up for herself. If she lives long enough.

 

About the author:
Amazon bestselling author Janeal Falor lives in Utah with her husband and three children. In her non-writing time she teaches her kids to make silly faces, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and attempts to cultivate a garden even when half the things she plants die. When it's time for a break she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family or drinking hot chocolate.






Giveaway:
 Ten Giveaway Combo Packs: ebooks of YOU ARE MINE and prequel, MINE TO TARNISH
Open INT
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was put together by CBB Book Promotions.
 



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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

[Excerpt + Giveaway] Lifers Blog Tour [Adult Contemporary]


Welcome to my tour stop for Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick. This is an Adult Contemporary  for ages 18+.  The tour runs Feb. 24th - March 5th. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.




Lifers



Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Released Feb. 7th, 2014
435 pages
ISBN 9780957496187

After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.

Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was sent away. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.

Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can time or distance erase the pain of living?

Torrey Delaney is new in town, and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads. And that’s on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman—the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.

As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?

Is love a life sentence?
Goodreads | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Smashwords



Excerpt

“God, I’m so hungry! You’d better dig in, cowboy, or I’ll eat everything in sight!”

He nodded, but still looked distracted. So I threw a chicken wing at him, which he caught easily, bringing him back to the present.
He took a large bite.

“This is real good, Torrey,” he said, continuing to gnaw hungrily at the meat.

“I know. I’m the perfect woman: I can cook and I drive a cool car.”

“You are,” he said, quietly. “You’re perfect.”

His mood was serious as I looked over at him in surprise.

“Um, thanks. I was joking actually. I’m a complete bitch most of the time and have gazillions of annoying habits.”

“I wasn’t jokin’,” he said, holding my gaze. “I’m just so fuckin’ grateful that you’re here.” He took a deep breath. “And I really want to kiss you right now.”




Jane


I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene.

Turns out I can!

My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13th and live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changed into (and out of) their wetsuits.

My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does.

Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books. That’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet.

Readers can find bonus chapters for several of my books on my website www.janeharveyberrick.com





Giveaway:
I am hosting a giveaway for a copy of the book in ebook or paperback (INT)
The winner will decide which format of the book they want
This is a Rafflecopter giveaway for my stop only. 
Good luck, my minions!
 


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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

[Review] Dead Plains by Angela Scott

Sometimes, the ones you least suspect are the ones that should worry you the most.

People aren’t always what they seem, as Red has experienced all too well. Strangers are feared, towns are avoided, and everyone’s intentions are scrutinized… even those of the people closest to her. Her coveted ability has been revealed to far too many people, and now that a tiny heartbeat thumps and grows beneath her own, the risk has never been greater.

As the group of ten searches for a safe haven, a place to finally call home, the sobering reality of it all finally settles over them: nowhere is safe, nothing is permanent, and death is everywhere. One by one, Red’s reluctant posse grows smaller, as death claims some, and circumstance claims others.

It couldn’t be a worse time to bring a newborn into the world… but the baby is coming.


My reviews of the first two books


Review
I finally got around to reading book three! :D I loved the first two books. Anything that couples cowboys with zombies is alright in my book, but this series has been pretty interesting. The series focuses more on the characters and their relationships, than it does on the actual walkers, but they are still a large part of it.

This book pretty much followed the same theme as the other two. There was some heartache. Some Romance. More characters were added (I love the crazy chick!), but it is bittersweet couples with loss. There was some zombie slashing. I felt like it was a bit repetitive in some aspects, but makes up for it with some random twists you do not see coming. The journey is harder since Red is pregnant and wobbling around the west. She has more unfortunate thoughts and feelings she has to work through. Trace is still a little bit of a goof and has to navigate his own rough patches as well. Poor guy. I really felt for him in this book. 

The characters are pretty beaten by the third book, but cannot give up on their dream for a semi- normal life. This book broke my heart a little bit, but I loved the ending. The Epilogue was a great ending to tie up the books. I cannot wait to read Angela's other books. Everything just flows so well, and I can't help but like her characters. Like, I said, this book was a bit slower with less action. I think book one is still my favorite, but I really enjoyed the series. An interesting take on what would happen with zombies in the West. 


All in all, Dead Plains was a heartbreaking and raw read that put my emotions through the ringer, but made it all worth it in the end. 

3.9/5 






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Monday, February 24, 2014

Top 10 post [Must Love Otters Blog Tour] + giveaway


Welcome to my tour stop for Must Love Otters by Eliza Gordon.  This is an adult romantic comedy and  the tour runs February 24th- March 7th and will consist of reviews, guest posts, interviews and more. You can find the full schedule on the tour page.





Must Love Otters 



 Goodreads |  Amazon  | B&N | iBookstore
Hollie Porter is the chairwoman of Generation Disillusioned: at twenty-five years old, she’s saddled with a job she hates, a boyfriend who’s all wrong for her, and a vexing inability to say no. She’s already near her breaking point, so when one caller too many kicks the bucket during Hollie’s 911 shift, she cashes in the Sweethearts’ Spa & Stay gift certificate from her dad and heads to Revelation Cove, British Columbia. One caveat: she’s going solo. Any sweethearts will have to be found on site.

Hollie hopes to find her beloved otters in the wilds of the Great White North, but instead she’s providing comic relief for staff and guests alike. Even Concierge Ryan, a former NHL star with bad knees and broken dreams, can’t stop her from stumbling from one (mis)adventure to another. Just when Hollie starts to think that a change of venue doesn’t mean a change in circumstances, the island works its charm and she starts to think she might have found the rejuvenation she so desperately desires. But then an uninvited guest crashes the party, forcing her to step out of the discomfort zone where she dwells and save the day … and maybe even herself in the process.




Top Ten Reasons to See a Hockey Game
 Eliza Gordon



What a weird topic, Eliza. Why are you talking to us about hockey?

In our sweet romantic comedy, Must Love Otters, one of the major players is a fellow named Concierge Ryan. In his former life, Ryan Fielding was a hockey player—he bounced around to a few NHL teams, not uncommon for the boys in this game—until a career-ending knee injury forced him to reconsider his career options. Though Ryan’s time on and off the ice has not been perfect, he does his best to show Hollie Porter that sometimes life is about more than the puck in the net.

With that in mind, if you ever find yourself positioned to see a hockey game—preferably Junior A (Portland Winterhawks) or professional (Vancouver Canucks)—DO IT! Why? If you’ve never been, it’s like nothin’ you’ve ever seen before.

1. Atmosphere: Nothing shy of electric. I suppose most sporting events are pretty nuts in the energy department, but there’s something about being in an arena with 19,000 other crazed fans that makes hockey games something special.

2. HOCKEY PLAYERS: Need I say more? (My personal favorites include Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa, Teemu Selanne, and Todd Bertuzzi. Who are yours?) Hockey players are big, muscly specimens. They also typically manage themselves better than other professional athletes. What’s the last scandal you heard about involving a hockey player? Sure, there might be the odd one here or there, but comparatively speaking, hockey players are good boys who respect the sport and their mothers.

3. The fastest sport on two feet: Honestly, TV doesn’t do justice to the speed of this sport. Watching these guys scream up and down the ice is so fun. There’s a reason why their shifts are so short—skating that fast is damn hard work!

4. The fights, for better and for worse: The funniest part about hockey is a lot of these guys will beat the living hell out of each other on the ice, and then spend summers together playing golf. Seriously crazy. Mr. Gordon, a former hockey player in his teen years, says that the fighting is actually a good thing. Hockey players are intense fellows, and a few punches on the ice means they get out their aggressions and go home to babysit kittens.

5. The excellent arena cuisine: Okay, that’s a lie. Arena food sucks, but it’s all about the experience, baby!

6. It’s indoors: No fighting the elements of a scorching hot summer day for baseball or a rainy or icy afternoon watching football in outdoor stadiums. Did I mention beer?

7. Funny traditions: Hockey has some crazy customs. For the past 50 years in Detroit, home of the Red Wings, fans toss dead octopi onto the ice when their team achieves a big win. This madness started after two brothers, co-owners of a fish shop, threw an octopus on the ice. Why? Back in 1952, the NHL was comprised of only six teams, and it only took eight wins in the season finals to collect Lord Stanley’s Cup. Each octopus appendage represented a win. Voila! Tradition! (Stinky Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, put a stop to this and now fines fans $500 for octopus throwing. Party pooper.)

The Vancouver Canucks started the white-towel craze; the Florida Panthers had their plastic rats; and other teams ask fans to wear the same color so the arena is awash in team spirit—for example, in the “white-outs” of the Winnipeg Jets, fans wear white in support of the home team. Blinding-good fun!

8. The hat trick: In hockey, three goals by a single player in a single game is referred to as a hat trick, which originally came from English cricket back in 1858. Pointing back to #7 on our list, you guessed it—more tradition. After a player scores his third goal in the same game, fans jump to their feet and toss hats out onto the ice. It’s quite a mess, but three goals in a single game by a single player is a big deal. (Three goals by a single player uninterrupted by a goal from any other player is called a “natural” hat trick.) And the hats go to charity. Win-win!

9. The goal horn: Sounded when the home team scores, this is a real crowd-pleaser and not something we see in other major league sports. In Vancouver, it’s a ferry horn. And it’s loud. But no matter—you’re already on your feet, screaming like a maniac, because your team scored!

10. Following is a mishmash of my last few favorite things about live hockey:

~ Mascots—the Canucks have Fin the Whale, the Red Wings have Al the Octopus, the Los Angeles Kings have Bailey the Lion. Though four teams are currently without mascots, I’m sure you can find one beast to root for in the next playoff series.
~ Watching the spazzy coaches do their spazz dance from behind the bench when a bad (or unpopular) call comes down.
~ The sounds of skates against the ice and the fun of watching the Zamboni clean all the mess to smooth the ice into a pristine state. Nothing quite as pretty as a clean sheet of ice. (Okay, there are lots of things prettier than that, but it calms my crazy tendencies to see the ice made all shiny again.)

Hockey tickets, much like any ticket for a professional sporting event, aren’t cheap. If $300 for a game out isn’t in your budget, check around for Junior A teams close to your hometown. The tickets are cheaper, the environment is just as charged, and those players are intense—they’re the next boys headed to the NHL! Whether pro or Junior A, find yourself in the stands. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!





Eliza


Website |  Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Eliza Gordon is a husband-and-wife team of controlled chaos who writes stories to help you believe in the Happily Ever After.


 


Giveaway:
$25 Gift Card (INT)






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Release Day Party for Pan’s Conquest + Giveaway!

We’re happy to celebrate the release day party for “Pan’s Conquest”, a contemporary paranormal romance by author Aubrie Dionne.  today. We’re celebrating the release with an awesome giveaway for a sparkly flower pin. Scroll down below to find out more! 

To make things even better, the book is on sale for $0.99!  Go get your copy today. 




Pan's Conquest







Amazon | B&N | Goodreads
Syrinx pulled a fast one on Pan to escape his raging lust. The God of Chastity wasn't about to break her vows and succumb to his temptations. Transported to the twenty-first century, she runs a florist shop - fulfilling her fake, mortal life. Until the breathtaking Parker Thomas hires her to decorate his grand estate for a gala. Five hundred roses? Easy enough. Except Parker makes her feel things she can't ignore...

As the God of Fertility, Pan is used to maidens flocking in droves to his pastures. So when Syrinx denies him, he's determined to win the one that got away. He poses as a mortal to get close to her, but he doesn't count on falling hard for his conquest - hard enough to make a life and stay.

But Syrinx is falling in love with a man that doesn't exist. Can Pan hide his identity forever, or will the truth tear them apart?








Aubrie


Aubrie grew up watching the original Star Wars movies over and over again until she could reenact every scene in her backyard. She also loved The Goonies, Star Trek The Next Generation-favorite character is Data-, and Indiana Jones. But, her all-time favorite movie is The Last Unicorn. She still wonders why the unicorn decided to change back to a unicorn in the end.
Aubrie wrote in her junior high yearbook that she wanted to be "A Concert Flutist" when she grew up. When she made that happen, she decided one career was not enough and embarked as a fantasy, sci fi author. Two careers seems to keep her busy. For now. 

Now for the professional bio:

Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. Her books have received the highest ratings from Romance Times Magazine, as well as Night Owl Reviews and Two Lips Reviews. She has guest blogged on the USA Today Happily Ever After Blog and the Dear Teen Me blog and signed books at the Boston Book Festival, Barnes and Noble, and the Romance Writers of America conference. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Astraea Press, Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Publishing, Inkspell Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. When she's not writing, Aubrie teaches flute and plays in orchestras.




  

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