Blog Tour- ALLY by Anna Banks An Interview & Giveaway!

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for ALLY by Anna Banks! I adore Anna and her book!

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

Haven't heard of ALLY? Check it out!

Title: ALLY

Author: Anna Banks

Pub. Date: October 3, 2017

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Pages: 320

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria have formed an uneasy truce between their kingdoms since the deadly plague began to rip through Theoria. Since their feelings for each other are entangled in politics and power, they must use their own trusted resources to find common ground.

But when traitors with powerful allies arise from unexpected places, Tarik and Sepora face challenges that will change both of their kingdoms forever. Will they learn whom to trust—including each other—in time to save their kingdoms, their relationship and even their lives?

Now on to the interview!

Hi Anna! First I want to say welcome back to Two Chicks on Books it’s been a long time since you’ve stopped by for a visit! ALLY 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!

Thanks so much for having me! I’m ecstatic to be back, and very humbled that you’d have me!

For the readers: can you give us a little recap about NEMESIS and the characters?

NEMESIS is about a runaway princess who both intrigues and infuriates a boy king to no end. She has the power to help his people, yet if that power falls into the wrong hands, ALL the kingdoms may be doomed, so she struggles with whether or not to trust this boy king…and her feelings for him.

So is this the end? Is there more for Sepora and Tarik?

Ally is the end…and the beginning. But beyond that, I cannot say more! But lucky for you, both books will be out and you can read to your heart’s content! Also, there is no need to write me hate mail for the ending of Nemesis. I know what I did to you and I stand by it. J

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

This time, no. I had to dig deep and find the characters by myself this time. I actually wrote conversations between them and short scenes that never made it into the books just so I could get a good grasp on who they were as people.

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

Sethos, Tarik’s younger brother. He’s so abrupt and honest, no matter what everyone else thinks. As for my least favorite, I don’t think have one. Even the obvious villains are fun to write, and I find that writing deceptive characters is vastly amusing to me! >insert maniacal laugh here< J

What is your favorite passage/scene in ALLY?

It’s at the very end, so I can’t tell you. But I do love the scene where Sethos himself kidnaps a certain opposing kingdom’s princess. J

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

Oh. Em. Gee. I have been buried in books and documentaries about Ancient Egypt for months! Only to find that some of the things I learned—I changed for the book! I did a lot of research on how things could scientifically be feasible in ALLY—and it’s kind of amazing that a lot of it could actually happen, if we just evolved a tiny bit more.

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

Warner from the Shatter Me series. To this day, I think about him. So. Freaking. Hot. I love the tormented, imperfect, and almost unredeemable type. We’re getting married one day. You’re all invited to the wedding.

After we get divorced, I’m going to marry Morpheus from the Splintered series. ‘Nuff said.

What inspired you to write YA?

I hate this question because it makes me sound like a beeeoch. Listen. I started writing YA after I read Twilight. I thought to myself, “If she can get published, surely I can get published. Yay!” But lemme tell you, Stephenie Meyer made writing look easy, which is damn hard. Kudos to her. Truly. But she did inspire me to give it a go, so thank you Stephenie!

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 currently reading DAUGHTER OF THE SIREN QUEEN (be jealous!). I’m obsessed with the first book and I somehow got my grubby hands on an ARC. And can I just say…Squeeeeeeeee!

Also, can’t wait to read RENEGADES by Marissa Meyer. I went on a writer’s retreat with her this spring in Hawaii (highly recommended!) and just from chatting with her about it I can’t wait to read it. Then there’s BERSERKER from Emmy Laybourne. I had the pleasure of reading an early first draft of this (it was soooo gooooood!), and now I’m curious to see the final result!

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Okay, so because the end of the world was supposed to be on September 23^rd, I actually confessed that I did not actually read—or watch—Harry Potter. Are we still friends? What House do YOU think I would be in?

I’d think you’d be a Hufflepuff Anna 😊

Twitter or Facebook?

When I want to keep up with the writing world? Twitter. When I want to keep up with my family’s shenanigans? Facebook. The truth is, I scroll them both daily, while I’m pooping. TMI?

Favorite Superhero?

Iron Man

Favorite TV show?

When Calls the Heart, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead

Sweet or Salty?

Fried

Any Phobias?

Intimate conversation

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

I have this obsession with Chase Holfelder. He remakes popular songs in his Major to Minor feature and right now I keep listening to his remake of Every Step You Take and dreaming of Morpheus.  You should check him out on YouTube. He’s so talented.

Winter Movie you’re most looking forward to?

I don’t keep up with movies coming out, just books. But…I do want to see the next Avengers, X-Men, and anything else superhero. And if they’re making another John Wick, I’m there.

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

Can I just say I love you? And thank you for having me? And always practice safe sex—read books instead?

Anna commissioned exclusive pieces of art created for the series by David North. I am super stoked to be revealing one today check it out! Each stop has an image or two to reveal so make sure to stop by all the blogs to see the images!

About Anna:

NYT Bestselling YA author of The Syrena Legacy series: OF POSEIDON (2012), OF TRITON (2013), OF NEPTUNE (2014).

Repped by rockstar Lucy Carson of the Friedrich Agency.

I live with my husband and daughter in the Florida Panhandle. I have a southern accent compared to New Yorkers, and I enjoy food cooked with real fat. I can’t walk in high heels, but I’m very good at holding still in them. If you put chocolate in front of me, you must not have wanted it in the first place.

Favorite Books:

Shatter Me, Cinder, Linger, Shiver, Forever, Pushing the Limits, Unravel Me,Shadow and Bone, Enclave, Divergent, Candor, Graceling, Fire, The Hunger Games Trilogy, The Host, Most of James Patterson, and Janet Evanovich makes me laugh through my nose in an unfeminine sort of way.

Visit Anna’s website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Giveaway Details:

12 winners will receive a complete set of the exclusive pieces of art created for the series by David North (the images revealed during each tour stop), US Only.

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/25/2017- a GREAT read- Review

9/26/2017- PaperTrailYA- Interview

9/27/2017- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt

9/28/2017- Reese's Reviews- Review

9/29/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:

10/2/2017- Little Red's Reviews- Review

10/3/2017- Lisa Loves Literature- Guest Post

10/4/2017- Take Me Away To A Great Read- Review

10/5/2017- YA Books Central- Interview

10/6/2017- Seeing Double In Neverland- Review

Haven't started the series? Grab book 1 now!

Cover Reveal- ANTIPODES by Michele Bacon With An Excerpt & Giveaway!

Today Michele Bacon and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover and an exclusive excerpt for ANTIPODES, which releases April 3, 2018! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win an ARC!

On to the reveal! 

Title: ANTIPODES

Author: Michele Bacon

Pub. Date: April 3, 2018

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 400

Find it: Amazon, B&N, TBD, Goodreads

When Erin Cerise steps off her plane in Christchurch, New Zealand, she is focused intently on her mission: do something unique that will erase the mess she made of her life days before her 17th birthday. She’s already lost her swim team captainship, her boyfriend Ben, and her reputation. Her mother is certain studying abroad will regain Erin’s chances of a good future. Once Erin sees her uninspiring host family and city, though, Erin’s not so sure.

Before Christchurch, Erin wasn’t always intense and focused. A mission used to sound like a fun adventure, and the only ivy she cared about was the stuff growing around her grandparents’ back porch at their peaceful Upper Peninsula home. When had her priorities gone upside down?

Now Erin balks at NZ’s scratchy school uniforms, cold houses, and her hosts’ utter inability to pronounce her name correctly. Christchurch does boast amazing rock climbing, gorgeous scenery, and at least one guy who could make her forget Ben if she lets him. With months ahead of her, Erin slowly begins to draw on the years behind her, one step back into her memories and then another, as she rebuilds her life from the other side of the world to find that when life turns your world upside down and you’re farthest from home, every way you move takes you closer to where you came from.

Exclusive Excerpt:

Alone at lunch, Erin cracked her Italian book and read ahead. The clouds had burned off during her art experiments, but everything was still damp. She juggled her Italian book and lunch until Jade called her name.

“In here!” Jade pulled Erin into a gymnasium.

They sat on the floor, and Jade said, “How are you finding New Zealand?”

“Still jet lagged,” Erin said.

“True kiwi lunch here, want some?” Jade held out a plastic container of brown and grey food.

“Every time someone mentions kiwi, I picture fuzzy green fruit,” Erin said.

“Aye, we’ve got kiwi fruit, too. This is bangers and mash.”

“Funny, isn’t it? Last night, Felicity asked whether I liked—whether I fancied—kumara. An orange vegetable. Not a carrot. Soft in the middle when cooked, but not a squash. Then she served it and it was a sweet potato.”

“Kumara are my favorite in winter.”

“Yeah. My grampa used to make them with brown sugar and cinnamon. I love them, so you see how off-kilter I feel. Same cars, but yours are smaller. And slower. 

Everything is a little slower. We speak the same language, to an extent. But sometimes? I have no idea what people are saying. And sometimes, words have entirely different meanings. At home, biscuits are small, fluffy, buttery breakfast breads. What you call biscuits, we call cookies.”

“Sounds delicious, either way,” Jade said.

Outside, a circle of guys bunched up over the rugby ball, pushing hard but not moving in any particular direction. “Aren’t words funny?” she said. “I once met a girl at a resort in North Carolina—that’s actually in the southern part of America—and she and I realized when a Chicago native says she skis, she means skiing in snow. 

But we also go water skiing.

“In the south, though, where it’s warm, skiing means water. And they call the other kind snow skiing.”

“Here, of course, the North Island is the warm part, and we get the cold down here,” Jade said. “One of us is upside down.”

“Yeah. It’s definitely me.”

About Michele: 

I was born in Trumbull County, the only square county in Ohio, where books were my favorite means of escaping an unhappy childhood. Writing was my transparent attempt to create the things I craved: big happy families, international adventures and unconditional friendship. From a young age, I was drawn to people’s stories, and I still want to know how you met your best friend or fell in love with your partner.

In high school, I embraced my inner geek and wrote my first novel. In college, there were short stories and still more novels. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in English, with concentrations in critical theory and creative writing.

Full-time work sapped my creative brain for several years, but my professional life was one of reinvention. In state government, business management consulting, and nonprofit fundraising, I adapted easily and absorbed the languages of different professions. My last paying job was as an independent fundraising consultant for nonprofit organizations. That was seven years ago.

Since then, I have been writing and traveling (and, let's be honest, chasing down small people who don't like to wear clothes). I've traveled to all 50 states and dozens of other countries, always collecting pieces of characters and ideas for stories. I recently spent a year on sabbatical in Christchurch, New Zealand, where I may have left my heart at Ilam School. Now that we've settled back in the States, I'm writing for adults and young adults, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and baking like a fiend. (You'd thinking baking would be the same everywhere, but it's not. Something is different about kiwi butter.)

​

When an idea strikes, I scrawl sweeping plot outlines, character idiosyncrasies, and ideas for scenes on the nearest blank spot of paper. My current manuscript was born of those torn slips of paper, used envelopes, lollipop wrappers, fuel receipts and--once--that little paper bit that keeps a nursing pad sticky until it's time to use it. My manuscripts are better than the quality of papers where they began. Promise.

Outside of writing, I am a tabletop game enthusiast, passionate skier, and lover of prime numbers. I also am a mentor at the Moving Words Writing Clinic, and a freelance copyeditor.

I live in Seattle with my husband and three growing children.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive an ARC of ANTIPODES (when they are available in January 2018), US Only.

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Release Day Blitz- CHARM by J.A. Armitage with an Excerpt & A Giveaway!

I am so excited that CHARM by J.A. Armitage is available now and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by USA Today Bestselling Author J.A. Armitage, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a Cinderella Prize Pack courtesy of J.A. So if you’d like a chance to win, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

About The Book:

Title: CHARM

Author: J.A. Armitage

Pub. Date: September 26, 2017

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Pages: 291

Formats: eBook

Find it: Amazon, Goodreads

You all know the story of Cinderella... 

The kingdom needs an heir and Princess Charmaine is quite aware that the job rests solely upon her shoulders. The problem is, she has no intention of ever getting married, let alone pushing a child out of her ladyparts. When her elder sister dies, Charmaine has to take her place at the ball designed to find her a husband. The problem is, she doesn't want to choose between a hundred eligible bachelors. She just wants to live her life in peace and find love in her own time. 

Cynder knows about the impending war between his people and those of his masters, but working as an underpaid servant in the palace kitchens leaves him with little power to do anything about it. On one hand, he's a staunch supporter of his own royal family, but he can't deny the attraction he feels for the daughter of the king and queen he works for. 

Charm is the first in the Reverse Fairytale series by USA Today bestselling author J.A.Armitage. Take everything you think you know about fairytales and turn it on its head.

Excerpt:

My mother smiled. Her smile had a way of putting people at ease. I’d seen her use it countless times on nervous subjects. That’s what made her a good queen. She flicked her eyes towards my father who just nodded and then she turned back to me. Reaching forward and taking my hand in hers she spoke softly to me. Another trick of hers to keep me calm. I wondered briefly what exactly she would need to keep me calm for.

You already know

The little voice was persistent.

“We cannot cancel the ball. Too much is at stake and, while it is unfortunate timing, it would be madness to stop it at this late stage. Your father and I have talked extensively about this and we have decided that you are to take Grace’s place.”

I opened my mouth in shock. We had only just begun the official mourning for Grace and here they both were, asking me to take her place at some stupid party.

“You mean dance with the men?”

“Not just dance with them. We need concrete ties. The country is in a period of great instability and we need a leader to take our place when we are gone. We need you to choose a husband.”

About J.A.:

Born in Leeds, I lived a very normal life until I got bored one day and decided to travel the world. Since then I've worked on a Banana Plantation, cleaned ACDC's dressing room and been a professional clown.

I climbed to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the top of Kilimanjaro. Nowadays you'll find me being a climbing frame for my two young children, working in a school, and renovating my home.

Did I also mention I wrote some books?

I hope you enjoy them!

For my free books, just sign up to my newsletter here http://www.subscribepage.com/v7o8k4

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

*****CHARM GIVEAWAY*****

I'm giving away a Cinderella swag pack, print copies of Charm and a $20 Amazon voucher.

1st prize: Cinderella Swag Pack with NYT bestselling book, DVD and print copy of Charm

2nd Prize: $20 Amazon Giftcard and Ecopy of Charm

3rd Prize: Print copy of Charm

Just click the link below to take you to the entry form

GOOD LUCK :)

https://www.jaarmitage.com/giveaway

Cover Reveal: BRAVE by Jennifer L. Armentrout & A Giveaway!

I’m very excited to be reveling the cover for Jennifer L. Armentrout’s BRAVE! The third book in her WICKED series! I freaking LOVE these books! And make sure to enter the giveaway below!

Book Info

SYNOPSIS:

Ivy Morgan hasn't been feeling like herself lately. Not like anyone can blame her. After all, being held captive by a psychotic fae prince hell-bent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld is bound to leave some mental scars.

It’s more than that, though. Something dark and insidious is spreading throughout Ivy, more powerful than she could ever imagine... and it’s coming between her and the man she’s fallen deeply in love with, elite Order member Ren Owens.

Ren would do anything to keep Ivy safe. Anything. But when he makes a life altering choice for her, the fallout of his act has far reaching consequences that threaten to tear their lives apart.

If Ivy is going to have any hope of surviving this, she must put aside the hurt and betrayal she feels, and work with not only those she loves, but with an enemy she would rather kill than ever trust. War is coming, and it soon becomes clear that what Ivy and Ren thought they knew about the Order, themselves, and even their enemies, has been nothing but a cluster of dangerous, deadly lies. Ivy knows she must be more than just brave to save those she loves--and, ultimately, to save herself.

Because behind ever evil fae Prince, there’s a Queen…

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Series: The Wicked Trilogy, Book # 3

RELEASE DATE: December 11^th, 2017

Available Formats: Paperback (U.S./Canada) and E-book

PRE-ORDER LINK:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xhWlDT

*Amazon is the only retailer with a pre-order link at this time.

VIRTUAL SIGNING INFORMATION:

To celebrate the upcoming release of BRAVE (book 3 in the Wicked Saga), Jennifer is offering an exclusive virtual signing! Through this virtual signing, you will be able to order SIGNED & PERSONALIZED copies of WICKED, TORN, and BRAVE!

And best of all -- This is OPEN INTERNATIONALLY! 

DIRECT LINK: http://www.apollyconevent.com/jla-brave-virtualsigning/

- Virtual Signing opens 9/21/17 at 11AM ET

- Virtual Signing ends 11/17/17

- Open Internationally

JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT AUTHOR INFO

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. She spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentrout

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_l_armentrout/

GIVEAWAY INFO

·        PRIZE: SURPRISE SIGNED PRIZE PACK (containing multiple signed books & swag)

·        OPEN INTERNATIONAL

·        ENDS 10/2/17

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Cover Reveal- The Fall of The King by Stacey Marie Brown

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Title: The Fall of the King

Series: Lightness Saga, book 3

Author: Stacey Marie Brown

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

Release Date: October 12, 2017

Cover Designer: Dane at eBook Launch

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There is nothing the Unseelie king doesn’t acquire.  

That was until he meets Fionna Cathbad.  

A fierce druid, who won’t bow to anyone. Especially Lars. The demon king has every right to kill her, her treasonous acts against the crown are undisputable. But, she is the key to the one thing he wants more than anything. The cauldron of dagda. A powerful treasure that no fae should possess.

  To get what he wants, he finds the very thing that forces her to help him, leading them to down a dangerous path.  

Because it’s not only Fionna who is deceiving him. His own mind is starting to turn on him, twisting his sanity, and releasing the demon he keeps pinned up.  

As old ghosts and new foes step up into this game, Lars needs to find the cauldron before all is lost. 

 His kingdom and himself.

 

 

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Stacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.  

She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. She volunteers helping animals and is Eco-friendly. She feels all animals, people, and environment should be treated kindly.

 

 

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Sign up HERE to participate in the Release Day Promotions.

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