Blog Tour- INTO THE MADNESS by A.K. Koonce With Excerpts & A Giveaway!

I am freaking THRILLED to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for INTO THE MADNESS by A.K. Koonce! For those of you who don't know me there are two things I am absolutely OBSESSED with and they're Alice In Wonderland (retellings like this and all) and Reverse Harem Books! So when I found out A.K. was writing one I was stoked because I adore all of her books and this one is a freaking AWESOME Alice in Wonderland retelling full of sexy steamy men and and an amazing story! I have a few excerpts with you today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Book:

Title:  INTO THE MADNESS: A Reverse Harem Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 1)

Author: A.K. Koonce

Pub. Date: May 14, 2019

Publisher: A.K. Koonce

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 245

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

READ FOR FREE ON KU!

I didn’t fall into a place of wonder and madness. I was taken.

This world is a perfect, enchanting wonderland. The people here are just as alluring.

But we all have our secrets.

Like the white rabbit who’s leading a rebellion right under the King’s nose. Or the sweet March Hare who’s actually an enemy spy. Or my one true ally in all of this, a killer who’s so feared they won’t even say his real name.

As for me, I have more secrets than all of them combined. Because Wonderland is waiting for the beloved Alice Liddell.

And I’m just the bitch pretending to be her.

This is a reverse harem series, recommended for readers 18 and over.

Now on to the excerpts!

About A.K.:

A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best-selling author. She's a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

Join A.K.'s newsletter for news, bonus content and sneak peeks: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p9k6w8

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Reader Group | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Book Bub | Instagram

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a INTO THE MADNESS T-Shirt, US Only.

2 winners will win a signed copy of INTO THE MADNESS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/13/2019- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Review

5/13/2019- Struck by Stories- Excerpt

5/14/2019- Julia Swoons- Excerpt

5/14/2019- BookHounds- Excerpt

5/15/2019- Wonder Struck- Review

5/15/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Excerpt

5/16/2019- Triquetra Reviews- Excerpt

5/16/2019- K.L. Novitzke – Author- Excerpt

5/17/2019- AURELIA LEO- Review

5/17/2019- Midwest Romantic- Excerpt

Week Two:

5/20/2019- Literary Meanderings- Excerpt

5/20/2019- Angel's Guilty Pleasures- Excerpt

5/21/2019- Elley the Book Otter- Review

5/21/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Excerpt

5/22/2019- Fyrekatz- Review

5/22/2019- KayBee's Bookshelf, A Literary Blog- Review

5/23/2019- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review

5/23/2019- Confessions of a YA Reader- Excerpt

5/24/2019- enchantedexcurse- Review

5/24/2019- Books A-Brewin'- Excerpt

Blog Tour- UMBERLAND by Wendy Spinale An Interview & Giveaway!

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for UMBERLAND by Wendy Spinale! I adore Wendy and this series!! If you haven't read them you really should!

I have an interview with Wendy to share with you today! And make sure to enter the giveaway below!

Haven't heard of UMBERLAND? Check it out!

Title: UMBERLAND

Author: Wendy Spinale

Pub. Date: May 2, 2017

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 288

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, TBD, iBooks, Goodreads

What began with a reimagining of Peter Pan and Wendy now twists into a stunning version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass!

Gwen, Pete, and the others have escaped from Everland. But the safe haven they hoped to find at Alnwick Castle doesn't exist. With the Queen of England on her deathbed, Duchess Alyssa has stepped in to lead, but things have gotten worse as the cure Doc created for the Horologia virus has mutated, accelerating the disease. The only possible solution he can think of is to go back to the virus's origin: an extinct poisonous apple.

Legend has it a tree bearing the apple might be found at the center of a deadly labyrinth hidden deep within Germany. A place that no one in their right mind enters. Leaving Pete in charge of the survivors, Alyssa sets out with only her sword, her wits, and the help of Maddox Hadder, a wild boy who oversees the castle gardens. To get to the center of the maze, she'll be forced to battle monsters more terrifying than her darkest nightmares.

But can anyone truly survive the madness of the maze? And what if there's no apple to be found there? 

Now on to the interview!

Hi Wendy! First I want to say welcome back to Two Chicks on Books! Umberland was absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait for everyone to read it! And am so happy that you could stop by for a visit!

For the readers: can you give us a recap of what happened in Everland and what we can expect in Umberland?

Everland, a dark, steampunk retelling of the original Peter Pan and Wendy story, takes place in post-war London. A virus has broken out and the only survivors, with a few exceptions, are the children. Pete, Gwen, and an eclectic group of Lost Boys set out to save Gwen’s sister, Joanna, from the ruthless Captain Hook, who believes that a girl might be the one who holds the cure. At the Bloodred Queen’s bidding, he is responsible for the destruction and release of the deadly disease, but the children refuse to die.

Umberland is the hope for those who survived Everland, but it isn’t all that was expected. The disease has mutated, making its victims more animal than human. Alyssa, the Duchess of Alnwick, joins forces with the caretaker of the Poison Garden, Maddox Hadder, to retrieve a forgotten deadly apple thought to be found in the center of a deadly labyrinth. It’s believed this apple might be the cure to the virus. 

But our heroes aren’t the only ones looking for it . . .

So Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was your choice this time. Why did you choose it? And why do you love writing retellings?

When I planned the series, I looked for common things in fairy tales I loved. Clocks, airships, Victorian themes, tea parties, London. Both Peter Pan and Wendy and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland had those elements. I did my best to come up with a story that could be inclusive of the elements they had in common. I enjoy fairy tales and retellings because I grew up with them and then I worked with them as a Disneyland actress. They took up more than half my life. It only makes sense to go back to the things I love.

Is this the end for Gwen, Pete, and company? Or will there be more stories? There is one more story in the works. Beyond that . . . only time will tell.

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

This would be where I would say “OMG!!! YES!!!” I worked with some phenomenal people during my time at Disneyland. I played hide and seek with Peter Pan, ate lunch (not tea) with Alice, and had arguments with Captain Hook. And while those characters were so true and brilliant out in the park, behind the scenes, they were unbelievable people and lifetime friends. To this day, they are family and always, always will be. I’m forever indebted to them for their love and support.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

In Umberland? Jack was an intriguing character to delve into. He’s so complicate in so many levels. I’m still surprised as we journey into book three by his choices. Pete was a hard one to write. I missed the brash, charismatic Pete in Everland. He’s become so jaded in book two. I’m hoping we’ll see him bounce back in book three.

What is your favorite passage/scene in Umberland?

I can’t divulge too much on this question. I will say this: one of my favorite characters doesn't make it out of Umberland alive. I cried writing it. Tried to change it. But ultimately, the story demanded this scene. It’s my favorite because it is someone in the midst of fear, of tyranny, of terror, he rises up and gives everything he has to be sure those he loves lives.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

I’ve never been to England. So the entire setting of Alnwick, the Poison Garden, Lohr Castle . . . all of it require hours of research, maps, tourism brochures, history behind the cities and castles. Oh, and watching lots of Harry Potter movies. Why? Because Hogwarts was filmed at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England.

What inspired you to write YA?

When I write, it sounds young adult in my head. I blush when it comes to adult themes and I don’t quite get the middle grade. I guess my creativity is stuck in YA.

Lightening Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

I’m reading Carval by Stephanie Garber.

Team Cap, Team Iron Man, Team Hulk, Team Black Widow, or Team Thor?

Team Thor. I met him today at the pet store. He’s a fluffy (obese) chinchilla at the pet store. I’m seriously thinking about bringing him home. And, yes, the chinchilla’s name was Thor.

Would you rather live in Neverland or Wonderland?

Not a fair question. Can I buy lakefront property in both lands?

Favorite TV show?

The Big Bang Theory

Sweet or Salty?

Spicy

Any Phobias?

Interview questions J

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

I just discovered a song called “Peter Pan” by Kelsea Ballerini. Seriously, it’s the story of my life.

2017 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Movies? What are those?

Thanks so much Wendy for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read Umberland!

About Wendy:

I must admit, I have lived an extraordinary life and will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have had.

I was the middle of three kids, my older brother being deaf for as far back as I can remember. At the time, I didn't realize how much that would later impact my life. I was a sign language interpreter for a short time (although I'm extremely rusty now), taught my kids to sign as infants, and now am using that experience in my current manuscript.

During college I was living in southern California working for Disneyland as a Cast Member in the Entertainment Department. I met my husband there who was also a performer. After four incredible years working with the Mouse, we moved to his hometown in the Bay Area.

I eventually got my Bachelor's in Kinesiology and worked in the fitness industry for ten years before a knee injury ended my career. Not sure what to do with my time, I applied to job posting to be an online journalist. I loved writing, but had no experience. I didn't hear back so I wrote up a review about a local restaurant and sent it to them to prove I could do the job. Twenty-four hours later, I was a journalist with AOL Media/Pleasanton Patch.

I spent three great years with them before cut backs forced me without a job again. That's when I started writing my first novel, which went nowhere. Dozens of rejection letters later. I started a second book. A year later I was offered representation by Thao Le from Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency and within another six months I was offered a book deal. EVERLAND (Scholastic) is scheduled to debut Summer of 2016!

Today I live in the Bay Area with my husband and three sons who are my biggest fans. While they're off at work and school, I bounce ideas off my four-legged, furry family members, Odie and Sammy.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of UMBERLAND, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/1/2017- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Interview

5/2/2017- A Glass Of Wine Blog- Review

5/3/2017- Margie's Must Reads- Excerpt

5/4/2017- Swoony Boys Podcast- Review

5/5/2017- Brittany's Book Rambles- Guest Post

Week Two:

5/8/2017- BookHounds YA- Review

5/9/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

5/10/2017- History from a Woman's Perspective- Review

5/11/2017- YA Books Central- Interview

5/12/2017- Emily Reads Everything- Review 

Go back to where it all started and get the prequel and book 1!

Blog Tour- QUEEN OF HEARTS by Colleen Oakes A Guest Post & Giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on blog tour for QUEEN OF HEARTS by Colleen Oakes! I have a guest post with Colleen (she answered a few pf my topics so I'll post them all) to share with you today! And make sure to enter the awesome giveaway for a finished copy of the book! 

Haven't heard of QUEEN OF HEARTS? Check it out!

Title: QUEEN OF HEARTS

Author: Colleen Oakes

Pub. Date: May 3, 2016

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon | Barnes& Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

As Princess of Wonderland Palace and the future Queen of Hearts, Dinah’s days are an endless monotony of tea, tarts, and a stream of vicious humiliations at the hands of her father, the King of Hearts. The only highlight of her days is visiting Wardley, her childhood best friend, the future Knave of Hearts — and the love of her life.

When an enchanting stranger arrives at the Palace, Dinah watches as everything she’s ever wanted threatens to crumble. As her coronation date approaches, a series of suspicious and bloody events suggests that something sinister stirs in the whimsical halls of Wonderland. It’s up to Dinah to unravel the mysteries that lurk both inside and under the Palace before she loses her own head to a clever and faceless foe.

Part epic fantasy, part twisted fairy tale, this dazzling saga will have readers shivering as Dinahs furious nature sweeps Wonderland up in the maelstrom of her wrath. 

Familiar characters such as Cheshire, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter make their appearance, enchanting readers with this new, dark take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Now on to the post!

5 Favorite Scenes from Queen of Hearts And Why

-      Dinah and Wardley in the stables, surrounded by the pink snow. It’s just so romantic and cozy feeling. I love their relationship.

-      The Black Towers. It’s a mysterious place with a wicked past and a strong commitment to being as creepy and claustrophobic as possible – and a joy to write.

-      Any scene with Morte. Morte is a representation of Dinah herself and so it’s fun to play with the symbolism.

-      Dinah and Vittiore having tea.  Two women who have both been terrorized by the same man, set up as enemies, finally getting face to face time. They are of the same family and yet utter strangers. Vittiore is the polar opposite of Dinah in so many ways, and so that’s really fun to explore.

-      My favorite, favorite scenes in the book are between Dinah and Charles, the Mad Hatter. Their relationship is so special.

Why Wonderland?  I have always loved the world of Wonderland in all its whimsical glory. It was a place that has a dark undercurrent and that really needed to be explored. It’s also chock full of wonder. ;)

And Why from the Queen of Hearts POV?  Every villain deserves their own story, I feel, especially female villains who are often shoved into convenient boxes for a male hero. I knew there was so much more to her story. I wanted to see exactly how a princess becomes a villain, especially one best known for her uncontrollable rage.

About Colleen:

Colleen Oakes is the author of books for both teens and adults, including The Elly in Bloom Series, The Queen of Hearts Saga (Harper Collins 2016) and The Wendy Darling Saga. She lives in North Denver with her husband and son and surrounds herself with the most lovely family and friends imaginable. When not writing or plotting new books, Colleen can be found swimming, traveling and totally immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She currently at work on another YA fantasy series and a stand-alone YA novel.

You can visit her webpage at: www.colleenoakes.net

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of QUEEN OF HEARTS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

5/2: Supernatural Snark - Review

5/3: No BS Book Reviews - Q&A

5/4: The Irish Banana Review - Review

5/5: A Backwards Story - A Twist in Our Tale

5/6: In Wonderland - Review

Week 2:

5/9: Two Chicks on Books - Guest Post

5/10: Bookish Antics - Review

5/11: Adventures of a Book Junkie - Q&A

5/12: Chapter by Chapter - Review

5/13: Brooke Reports - Top 10

Top Ten Tuesday (63)- My Five Childhood Characters I'd Love To Revisit As An Adult

Hi thanks for stopping by!!! And welcome to my Top 10 Tuesday post! 

Thanks to the lovely ladies at The Broke And The Bookish for creating this weekly meme!

Here's this week's topic.

May 3: Ten Childhood Characters You'd Love To Revisit As Adults 

I don't remember many of the books I read as a little kid so I'm going to also use some of the books I read as a teen although most of those were adult books so my list may be short.

1. Alice from Alice In Wonderland. 

2. All the kids from Peter Pan.

3. The Characters from The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith. (The original 4 books not the new ones and not the crappy ghost written ones)

4. The Characters from The Secret Circle by L. J. Smith. 

5. The Characters from Sweet Valley High (and no I didn't read the book about them as adults lol)

So what about you? What Fantasy books are on your list? And check back next week for my Ten Websites I Love That Aren't About Books!

Hugs,

Jaime

Blog Tour- UNTAMED by A.G. Howard A Look Back at The Series and 2Giveaways!

I am so excited to be kicking off the  Official UNTAMED blog tour! I am freaking OBSESSED with this series, I mean seriously there are no words for how much I love it (and Jeb *swoons*). I have a special look back at the settings of the books and make sure to enter both giveaways! 
Haven't heard of UNTAMED? Check it out!

Title: UNTAMED

Author: A.G. Howard

Release Date: December 15, 2015

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Amulet Books

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, & audiobook

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

A post-Ensnared collection of three stories—available in both print and e-versions.

Alyssa Gardner went down the rabbit hole and took control of her destiny. She survived the battle for Wonderland and the battle for her heart. In this collection of three novellas, join Alyssa and her family as they look back at their memories of Wonderland.

In Six Impossible Things, Alyssa recalls the most precious moments of her life after Ensnared, and the role magic plays in preserving the happiness of those she loves. Alyssa’s mother reminisces about her own time in Wonderland and rescuing the man who would become her husband in The Boy in the Web. And Morpheus delves into Jeb’s memories of the events of Splintered in The Moth in the Mirror, available in print for the first time.

This collection expands upon Ensnared's epilogue, and includes some deleted scenes to provide a “director’s cut” glimpse into the past and futures of our favorite Splintered characters. 

Now on to the guest post!

Thanks for joining us for the Untamed virtual book tour!

Since Untamed is a companion novel that not only looks into the future of the Splintered Series, but also into the past, we thought it would be fun to dedicate the posts to looking back at the first three books, then looking forward at some Official Untamed reveals.

To make it even more fun, the two “looking back” posts (Nov. 16-17) will be setup scavenger-hunt style, with links for you to follow and questions for you to answer in order to be entered for the prizes in the INTL rafflecopters provided.

Today, we’ll start off with a look back at three settings that were touched on from the very first book, Splintered, but that also will be making appearances in the upcoming companion novel.  

These posts were originally taken from the Splintered virtual book tour, back in December 2012. Click on the links then scroll down and read the posts to find answers for the questions provided. Then come back and use these answers to unlock the INTL rafflecopter.

Stop #1: Mr. Dodo's cave

Question:

In Mr. Dodo's house, what's hanging from his ceiling?

Stop #2: Wonderland's Historic Library

Question:

In Wonderland's historic library, what does the librarian look like?

Stop #3: The Red Castle

Question:

In the Red Castle, what 4 shapes are the brass fixtures on the door?

And look below for today's INTL prize pack:

 Be sure to join us again tomorrow at Fiktshun’s for a look back at our favorite main characters and more INTL prizes to win!

**Also, for domestic-only readers, don’t forget to enter the Abram’s rafflecopter for 10 Untamed hardbacks and 5 Untamed posters, provided each day at each stop!**

About A.G. Howard

A.G. Howard was inspired to write SPLINTERED while working at a school library. She always wondered what would've happened had the subtle creepiness of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland taken center stage, and she hopes her darker and funkier tribute to Carroll will inspire readers to seek out the stories that won her heart as a child.

When she's not writing, A.G.'s pastimes are reading, rollerblading, gardening, and family vacations which often include impromptu side trips to 18th century graveyards or condemned schoolhouses to appease her overactive muse.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

10 winners will receive a hardcover of UNTAMED, US Only.

5 winners will receive an UNTAMED poster, US Only.

4 additional giveaways will be taking place through the tour so make sure to check each blog for their giveaway items and details!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

My special giveaway! (1) Winner will receive-Green Splintered Themed watch, 1-AiW jumbo gift tag, 1-Chessie tail key chain, + Signed Splintered PB. International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Tour Schedule!

11/16/2015-  Two Chicks on Books- Revisit Wonderland settings /citizens + scavenger hunt for INTL prizes       

11/17/2015- Fiktshun- Revisit the main characters + scavenger hunt for INTL prizes

11/18/2015- All The Write Notes- Untamed playlist reveal + US Only Giveaway.

11/19/2015- Adventures of a Book Junkie- Untamed book trailer reveal + INTL giveaway 

11/20/2015- Dark Faerie Tales- Untamed first chapter reveal + INTL giveaway

Go back to where the magic all started!

Splintered

AG Howard

Release Date: January 1, 2013

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Amulet Books (Abrams)

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.