Blog Tour Promo Post: Q&A with Carla Cassidy, author of 48 Hour Lockdown

Perfect for fans of Criminal Minds and Blacklist...

Uncover the lives and loves of the FBI elite as they take on the toughest assignments. This is a new four-book miniseries featuring an ensemble cast of characters spread across 4 books, featuring 4 urgent cases, with one stellar team of crime-solving experts.

The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. Because of the growing concerns and need for ever-increasing response time to criminal events, the FBI created a specialized tech and tactical team combing specialists from several active divisions that include: weapons, crime scene investigation, protection, negotiation and IT.

Each title can be read as a standalone novel, featuring a unique hard to solve crime cases.

The Tactical Crime Division—TCD—is a specialized unit of the FBI. They handle the toughest cases in the most remote locations. When TCD learns of a school invasion turned lockdown, every agent is ready to engage. With children in jeopardy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But it becomes personal for hostage negotiator agent Evan Duran when he learns Annalise Taylor is one of the captives holed up with the students in a school for the gifted. He’ll need every resource available at TCD and every ounce of his expertise to turn this disastrous situation into a rescue mission—and if he succeeds, maybe reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.

Buy Links

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Google  |  Indiebound  |  Harlequin

Q & A with Carla Cassidy

1. The Tactical Crime Division is a specialized unit of the FBI. Did you do any research before writing about this type of fast-paced, high-adrenaline lifestyle?

CC:  Since my hero is a hostage negotiator, I definitely used the Internet to learn more about that particular skill. I also watch a lot of law enforcement-themed television. I’m addicted to shows like Live PD, Cops, and others.

2. The Tactical Crime Division series includes four books written by four different authors; what was it like to collaborate with other authors and how did you decide who got to write each storyline?

   

CC: Harlequin editors came up with the initial premise for the series, and then assigned the books to different authors. I was lucky to get to write the first book in the miniseries, which meant that I didn’t have to do a lot of collaborating. However, I’ve been a part of many multi-author series before and working with other authors has always been a pleasure. Everyone is respectful of each other and their writing processes, and it’s usually a lot of fun to work with others for a change!

3. Can you share a recent book you have read that you would like to recommend?

CC: There are so many! My main recommendation right now would be to read all of the books in this miniseries, the Tactical Crime Division!    

About Carla Cassidy

Carla Cassidy is a New York Times bestselling author who has written more than 125 novels for Harlequin Books. She is listed on the Romance Writer's of America Honor Roll and has won numerous awards. Carla believes the only thing better than curling up with a good book to read is sitting down at the computer with a good story to write.

Click me to learn more about the Tactical Crime Division series.

Book Trailer

Ontario Teen Book Fest Author Spotlight: Alexandra Monir

Do you live in SoCal and love YA? Come to the sixth annual teen book festival that will feature tons of bestselling authors. All ages are welcome although teens are given preferred seating. Books available for purchase and signing at the event via Once Upon a Time bookstore.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet 15 of today’s best young adult authors through a series of keynote presentations, author panels and more. The event will kick off with three keynote speakers and continue into the afternoon with multiple author panels. Keynotes will feature award winning and critically acclaimed authors Jay Asher (“13 Reasons Why”), Andrew Smith (“Grasshopper Jungle”) and Marissa Meyer (“Lunar Chronicles”). Elana K. Arnold, Alexis Bass, Virginia Boecker,
Jessica Brody, Stephanie Diaz, B. T. Gottfred, Kristin Halbrook, Michelle Levy, Nicole Maggi, Mary McCoy, Alexandra Monir and April Tucholke are among the featured authors that will be participating in this annual event. This event is free and open to the public.

When: Saturday March 12^th, 9 am to 5 pm

Where: Colony High School 3850 E. Riverside Drive, Ontario, CA 91761

The event is sponsored by Once Upon A Time. They will have books available for purchase at the event. There will also be t-shirts and posters available for purchase as well.

About Alexandra Monir

Photo Credit: Author's Goodreads Page

Author and recording artist Alexandra Monir broke onto the scene in her early twenties with the release of her popular debut YA novel, the paranormal romanceTimeless (Delacorte Press/Random House). The book caught on quickly, landing on the Barnes & Noble Bestsellers chart and being named one of Amazon's "Best Books of the Month." The sequel, Timekeeper, was published in 2013. Both books in the series have been featured in a variety of media, from USA Today to teen magazines and websites such as J-14, JustJaredJr, Teen.com and Justine Magazine. Suspicion (Random House; December 9, 2014) marks Alexandra's first novel outside of the Timeless series, as well as her first foray into the mystery genre. Her fourth YA novel for Random House will be published in April 2016.

Alexandra is also a singer/songwriter, known for integrating music into her books' pages. She wrote and recorded three original songs to accompany Timelessand Timekeeper, which were released as the album The Timeless EP and distributed by Jimmy Buffett's record label, Mailboat Records. She additionally recorded a new song to be released along with Suspicion, and is composing a stage musical geared toward Broadway. Alexandra is the granddaughter of the late Monir Vakili, the foremost Persian opera singer.

Alexandra currently resides in Los Angeles, California. She has been invited to speak at middle schools and high schools across the country, and at major events including Comic-Con, Bouchercon, the Iranian-American Women's Leadership Conference, and New York Public Library's annual Teen Author Festival, among others.

Website  |  Goodreads Author Page  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

A modern-day twist on the classic thriller, Rebecca, with a dash of the supernatural, a powerful romance, and a deadly family mystery. 
 
“There’s something hidden in the maze.” 
 
Seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford has never forgotten the last words her father said to her, before the blazing fire that consumed him, her mother, and the gardens of her family’s English country manor.
 
For seven years, images of her parents’ death have haunted Imogen’s dreams. In an effort to escape the past, she leaves Rockford Manor and moves to New York City with her new guardians. But some attachments prove impossible to shake—including her love for her handsome neighbor Sebastian Stanhope.
 
Then a life-altering letter arrives that forces Imogen to return to the manor in England, where she quickly learns that dark secrets lurk behind Rockford’s aristocratic exterior. At their center is Imogen herself—and Sebastian, the boy she never stopped loving.

Combining spine-tingling mystery, romance, and unforgettable characters, Suspicion is an action-packed thrill ride.

Author Interview!

1)    Is your main character in Suspicion based on anyone you know?

Imogen is not based on anyone in my life; however, I always incorporate a bit of my own personality into my characters. 

2)    Do you have any writing pet peeves?

I get bored when a book has pages and pages of exposition- I need the plot to keep moving! I try to live by this rule in my own writing.

3)    Who are your literary idols?

J.K. Rowling is my #1 forever!!!

4)    Have you ever had an embarrassing fangirl moment?

I'm not sure if I've had an embarrassing fangirl moment, because the authors I fangirl over are always so nice! I've even become friends with some of them. :)

5)    What are you working on now?

A TV adaptation of my upcoming novel, The Girl in the Picture, and a science-fiction YA novel.

Lightning Round Question

Favorite food?

I have a weakness for carbs and dessert- eek! But on the healthier side, I'm obsessed with sushi.

Favorite drink? (alcoholic or etc.)

Diet Coke. 

Top guilty pleasure?

Same as my favorite drink- diet Coke! Plus The Bachelor.

  

Favorite kind of music? 

Everything from movie scores and Broadway cast albums to world music and top 40- I love it all.

Favorite fictional boyfriend?

Can I pick someone from my own book? :) I'm in love with Philip from my Timeless series.

Celeb you’d like to meet? (male, female, or both) 

I love Emma Watson, both for her wonderful portrayal of Hermione and for her amazing work on behalf of women and feminism.

Most overused word in your vocabulary?

I've noticed a lot of instances of the word "all" in my manuscripts. :)

Yoga or jogging? 

Neither! I like cardio workouts on my at-home trampoline. 

Ice cream or gelato? 

Ice cream. 

Cats or dogs?

DOGS! 

Favorite day of the week?

Friday- it's still a work day, so there can be exciting news and developments on any of my projects, but it's also the start of the weekend so I have a date night with my hubby to look forward to!

Absolutely go-to candle scent? 

I love Laduree's yummy macaron-scented candles.

Giveaway

Prize: SIGNED poster by attending authors
Rules: For USA residents only, ends on March 13th

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Blog Tour Schedule

February 22nd - Spotlight on Andrew Smith - What A Nerd Girl Says

February 23rd - Spotlight on Alexandra Monir - Me! 

February 24th - Spotlight on April Tucholke - Adventures of a Book Junkie

February 25th - Spotlight on Alexis Bass - A Traveling Book 

February 26th - Spotlight on Marissa Meyer - Read Now Sleep Later

February 27th - Spotlight on Sara Elizabeth Santana - Movies, Shows and Books 

February 28th - Spotlight on Robin Reul - Recently Acquired Obsessions 

February 29th - Spotlight on Katherine Kottaras - iFandoms Collide 

March 1st - Spotlight on Stephanie Diaz - My Fangirl Chronicles 

March 2nd - Spotlight on Virginia Boecker - The Reader's Antidote 

March 3rd - Spotlight on Mary McCoy - Book You Very Much 

March 4th - Spotlight on Brad Gottfred - Seeking Bazinga 

March 5th - Spotlight on Michelle Levy - My Fangirl Chronicles 

March 6th - Spotlight on Elana K Arnold - Read Now Sleep Later

March 7th - Spotlight on Kristin Halbrook - What A Nerd Girl Says

March 8th - Spotlight on Jessica Brody - The Windy Pages 

March 9th - Spotlight on Nicole Maggi - Nite Lite Book Reviews 

March 10th - Spotlight on Jay Asher - A Bookish Escape

Blog Tour Book Review: Torn by Avery Hastings

In an America split into the genetically superior and inferior, a fiercely ambitious ballerina and a boy from the wrong side of the tracks must stop a deadly virus that is spreading quickly.

Determined to escape from TOR-N, a corrupt Narxis research center, Davis meets another recovered patient, Mercer, whose sweet smile and quirky sense of humor give her hope in humanity again—and a way out. As they make a perilous journey seeking clues that could lead to a cure, Davis and Mercer's friendship begins to evolve into something more... but she's still struggling to let go of her feelings for Cole, whom she believes is dead.

Meanwhile, Cole has plans to change his identity in order to compete in the Olympiads—where Imps have now been invited to compete against Priors. He begins training with Mari, the intense and rebellious daughter of a retired fighter, but through trials and tests that are both exhausting and exhilarating, he finds himself in over his head—literally.

Will both Davis and Cole have the strength to resist temptation? Will they have the courage to face the answers they're seeking? Will their love survive across the divide

Amazon  |  B&N  |  Indie Bound  |  Book Depository

My Review

BEWARE SPOILERS BELOW

After reading book one, there were questions left unanswered...obviously. Our Romeo from the lower class and our Juliet from high society have been separated and in this book they are separated from each other and off doing their own thing. Davis (our Juliet) is under the impression that her Romeo (Cole) has kicked the bucket. She has been quarantined onto a ship with other people who have the Narxis strain and is sent to this mysterious island for "treatment." Cole, on the other hand is very much alive and is searching for a cure. I was under the impression that he assumed Davis was dead, but still believed she was alive somewhere. It bugged me a little that the pair were separated for most of the book, but I was happy when they met up again near the end of the book. I do see the importance of their separation. It developed their character and their experiences shaped who they were as a person. Overall, it was a good read.

4 stars

Start at the Beginning with Feuds!

In this breathless story of impossible love, perfection comes at a deadly cost.

For Davis Morrow, perfection is a daily reality. Like all Priors, Davis has spent her whole life primed to be smarter, stronger, and more graceful than the lowly Imperfects, or “Imps.” A fiercely ambitious ballerina, Davis is only a few weeks away from qualifying for the Olympiads and finally living up to her mother’s legacy when she meets Cole, a mysterious boy who leaves her with more questions each time he disappears.

Davis has no idea that Cole has his own agenda, or that he’s a rising star in the FEUDS, an underground fighting ring where Priors gamble on Imps. Cole has every reason to hate Davis—her father’s campaign hinges on the total segregation of the Imps and Priors—but despite his best efforts, Cole finds himself as drawn to Davis as she is to him.

Then Narxis, a deadly virus, takes its hold--and Davis’s friends start dying. When the Priors refuse to acknowledge the epidemic, Davis has no one to turn to but Cole. Falling in love was never part of their plan, but their love may be the only thing that can save her world...in Avery Hastings's Feuds.

Mini Q & A with Avery Hastings

1)     With the completion of Torn, will you continue writing about The Feuds or will you move on to something else?

It is time for me to move on! I feel as though Cole and Davis’s story has reached its natural conclusion. I’m not sure what’s up next—it’s exciting to start fresh.

2)     Who are your writing inspirations?

My writer friends here in New York (and elsewhere) inspire me every day. So many of them are juggling full-time jobs and families in addition to writing beautiful novels. Their hard work motivates me to push myself harder! In terms of writers whom I don’t know whose work I admire: Alice Munro, Ruta Sepetys, Michael Chabon, Elizabeth Wein, and Jennifer Egan, among others.

3)     Have you ever "fangirled"? If so, who and how did it happen?

Not really, but only because I never recognize anyone. I recently sat next to Ethan Hawke for about an hour at a coffee shop without realizing it was him. We made eye contact and everything and I kept thinking, “Do I know that guy? Am I supposed to say hi?” Finally I made the connection, but I still didn’t feel any kind of rush. Once I did get a little nervous handing a pencil to Mary-Kate Olsen, though. =) And I think if I ever ran into Stephen King at a party, I’d freak out a little internally. 

About the Author

Avery Hastings is an author and former book editor from New York City. Avery grew up in graduated in 2006 from the University of Notre Dame and earned her MFA from the New School in 2008. When she's not reading or writing, Avery can usually be spotted lying around in the park with her affable dog. Like her protagonists, she knows how to throw a powerful right hook and once dreamed of becoming a ballerina. In addition to New York, Avery has recently lived in Mumbai and Paris, but is happy to call Brooklyn home (for now).

Twitter  |  Macmillan Author Page  |  Goodreads Page  |  Amazon

Blog Tour Promo Post: Ontario Teen Book Festival Presents...Jessica Khoury!

Event Information

This FREE & UNTICKETED event is hosted at Colony High School [3850 E. Riverside Drive, Ontario, CA 91761]. The event starts at 9 AM until 5 PM. More information can be found here. The event's sponsor, Once Upon A Time, will have books, t-shirts and posters available for purchase.

Official Blog Tour Schedule

February 28th: Spotlight on Kasie West -- Adventures of a Book Junkie

March 1st: Spotlight on Melissa Landers -- What A Nerd Girl Says

March 2nd: Spotlight on Brad Gottfred -- Recently Acquired Obsessions

March 3rd: Spotlight on Catherine Linka -- Read Now Sleep Later

March 4th: Spotlight on Debra Driza -- Read Now Sleep Later

March 5th: Spotlight on Katie Finn -- Fearless Kurt Reads YA

March 6th: Spotlight on Claudia Gray -- A Bookish Escape

March 7th: Spotlight on Shannon Messenger -- People Like Books

March 8th: Spotlight on Lauren Miller -- The Thousand Lives

March 9th: Spotlight on Mary Elizabeth Summer -- What A Nerd Girl Says

March 10th: Spotlight on Anna Carey -- The Reader's Antidote

March 11th: Spotlight on Sherri Smith -- Movies, Shows and Books

March 12th: Spotlight on Elizabeth Ross -- Kid Lit Frenzy

March 13th: Spotlight on Jessica Khoury -- The Consummate Reader

March 14th: Spotlight on Maurene Goo -- The Windy Pages

March 15th: Spotlight on Cecil Castellucci -- Nite Lite Book Reviews

March 16th: Spotlight on Jessica Brody -- The Romance Bookie

March 17th: Spotlight on Gretchen McNeil -- Movies, Shows and Books

March 18th: Spotlight on Aaron Hartzler -- Fangirl Feeels

March 19th: Spotlight on Michelle Levy -- The Consummate Reader

 Author Spotlight: Jessica Khoury

1) What sparked your interest in writing? 

The first book I ever read--Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff. I was 4 years old at the time, and I feel instantly in love! I wrote a four page "sequel" to the book in my preschool notebook, and my teacher read it to my classmates. I was so proud and excited, and from that day on, dreamed of becoming a "real author."

2) Do you have any memorable writer experiences? 

The day I first found out Penguin had made an offer for Origin, my first book, was very memorable! My agent called me to tell me the good news, and caught me in the middle of an eye exam! I asked my optometrist if I could answer the phone, then proceeded to laugh, cry, and laugh again as my agent told me of the offer. All the while, my optometrist sat there--hearing every word through the phone--and realizing it was a special moment, he took a photo of me while I was on the call (which turned out terribly, as I was all teary and red-faced!)

3) What is your favorite writing instrument? 

My computer! I don't write by hand, unless I'm traveling and am just jotting down ideas. I always have a notebook with me for that reason. But I have bad wrists from playing piano and typing so much as a teen, so I can't write on paper for long.

4) Do you plan on writing more books for the Corpus series? 

Right now, no. But there's every chance I could revisit that world in the future and explore more of Corpus's shady experiments!

5) Who is your favorite character in the Corpus series? 

I love all my characters for different reasons (even the baddies!) but I think I love Jim Julien from Vitro the most. He's sarcastic and pretends to be in it only for himself, but he's actually very caring and loyal. Plus, he's a pilot and a rebel, which I love!

6) Who do you identify with in the Corpus series? 

Sarah Carmichael, the main character of Kalahari, shares similar traits with me. Like Sarah, I'm introverted and shy, and love animals! I'm the person who goes to a party and makes friends with the pets instead of the people, usually. And like Sarah, teen me was more comfortable around adults that my own peers, with whom I struggled to identify. Sarah learns to open up and make friends through the traumatic events she and the other high schoolers in Kalahari must endure, just like how I learned to do so through playing soccer and getting involved in drama club in school.

Lightning Round Q's

1) Favorite Dessert? Anything chocolate and peanut butter!

2) Favorite Drink? Sweet tea--southern style, of course!

3) Favorite Book? Can I name ten? No? Okay, I'll have to say Redwall by Brian Jacques.

4) Favorite Author? Lloyd Alexander

5) Favorite Clothing Store? Anthropologie

6) Favorite Stuff Animal? My one-eyed orca Keiko, which I've had since I was a toddler

7) Favorite Color? Green

8) Favorite Guilty Pleasure? Netflix. And my PS4.

About Jessica Khoury

Jessica Khoury wrote her first book at age 4, a fan fic sequel to Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur, which she scribbled on notebook paper, stapled together, and placed on the bookshelf of her preschool classroom. Since that day, she's dreamed of being an author.

When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and traveling the world in search of stories and inspiration. 

Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of Origin, Vitro, and forthcoming Kalahari.

Giveaway

Two Prizes/Two Winners: Each Winner will Win an Ontario Teen Book Fest poster signed by all attending authors. The giveaway will run from February 28^th to March 20^th! The giveaway is NOT  open to international entries.

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