Great Books, Great SALE!

If you love to read, here are some great books for great prices!

Aura, my YA urban fantasy, is on SALE beginning Wednesday, May 20th through Monday, May 25th. The ebook is only $.99 and is FREE for Kindle Unlimited members. Look at these other fantastic books too! Load up your Kindle with awesome books.

If you know anyone who loves to read, please share this sale with them.

Thanks!!

Aura
SALE Price $.99
Regular Price $2.99
FREE for Kindle Unlimited members

What if the greatest weapon in the age-old war between good and evil was inside of you? 

Crystal Scott has always felt different but tried hard to blend in. Now that she's scored the lead in the school play, has a boyfriend she adores, and a best friend she can't live without, she finally feels like she belongs. 

A few days before prom, a mysterious young man appears and suddenly she has to figure out how to use the weapon of Light she has inside her or mankind is doomed. 

Demons are determined to tip the war in their favor no matter what the cost and they're hot on Crystal's trail. With danger around every corner, she doesn't know if she can save herself, never mind anyone else. When things look darkest and there's nowhere to turn, Crystal must find the strength to use her newfound gifts against the tide of evil threatening all of them--or die trying.

Purchase Aura on Amazon

Ring on Her Finger
Lisa Swinton
$3.99

What happened in Vegas should stay there, not follow Amanda home, newly wedded to the man who broke her heart.

After celebrating college graduation with her friends in Las Vegas, Amanda St. Claire wakes up with a terrible hangover and a ring on her finger. Her day gets worse when she finds out she's married to rich playboy Blake Worthington—the guy she has loathed the past four years.

Amanda convinces Blake to legally terminate the marriage and they both return home like nothing ever happened. That is, until Blake shows up on her doorstep and Amanda has to come clean with her family.

 Together for better or worse while the legalities are cleared, Amanda reluctantly plays along, but then the unthinkable happens---she finds herself falling in love with Blake. Can they overcome the past? Or will it end their future before it even starts?

Those who enjoy What Happens in Vegas and The Prince and Me will find a kindred spirit in Ring on Her Finger.

Purchase Ring on Her Finger at Amazon

Begin Again 

Brittney Mulliner

SALE $.99

Escaping her past, Aubrey Tate moves to Southern California for a fresh start with her older brother, Brandon. Starting over at a new school seems easy with her cousin, Mckayla, and her two best friends at her side, but handling the new guys is another matter. Aubrey ends up in the middle of three rivals that each wants her to themselves. Mike claims her first and declares himself her friend and protector. Luke is the school heartthrob that stops Aubrey in her tracks, speechless. Gage is the mysterious, dark outsider that Aubrey can be herself around. 

How will she navigate her new life while she's still haunted by her past?

Purchase Begin Again on Amazon

The Ninth Chosen: The Shadow Prison

K.A. Parkinson

SALE $.99

Sixteen-year-old Macy is not your average teenager--she's a member of the Chosen, an elite group of gifted and magically talented children responsible for protecting the humans from the monsters of the Hidden race. Seventeen-year-old Tolen Parks wants nothing more than to be average, but life for the Ninth Chosen is anything but normal. 

Amidst monsters and Radia Warriors, the pair must discover who they really are and face the heart of darkness in order to achieve victory....

Purchase The Ninth Chosen: The Shadow Prison on Amazon

With a Kiss
Stephanie Fowers
SALE $.99


Faerytales. They're real . . . they just haven't happened yet. Halley Starr finds out the truth when she loses her heart with a curse. Now she has to get it back from that cute faery guy who stole it from her.


*"With a Kiss” is the first book in the Twisted Tales Series.


(Also included in this edition: A glossary of faery terms, Map of the Sidhe, and a List of Fae Creatures)

Purchase With a Kiss on Amazon

Aura is $.99 For a Limited Time

What if the greatest weapon in the age-old war between good and evil was inside of you?
 
Crystal Scott has always felt different but tried hard to blend in.  Now that she's scored the lead in the school play, has a boyfriend she adores, and a best friend she can't live without, she finally feels like she belongs. 

A few days before prom, a mysterious young man appears and suddenly she has to figure out how to use the weapon of Light she has inside her or mankind is doomed.

Demons are determined to tip the war in their favor no matter what the cost and they're hot on Crystal's trail.  With danger around every corner, she doesn't know if she can save herself, never mind anyone else.  When things look darkest and there's nowhere to turn, Crystal must find the strength to use her newfound gifts against the tide of evil threatening all of them--or die trying.

You can purchase Aura here.

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop Winner

Thanks so much to everyone who hopped along with us on this Lunar Love Giveaway Hop. I hope you met some new friends and discovered some new books.

Thank you for entering to win a copy of my book, Aura.

I used www.random.org to pick the winner.

So, without further ado, the winner of the this hop is . . . . Susan Broughton. Susan, I will contact you to see if you prefer an ebook or a print copy.

Thanks again. Be sure to check back for future hops and contests!

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop

2nd Annual
Lunar Love Giveaway Hop

March 8th to 13th

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Bookworm Lisa

This hop features books with paranormal, supernatural, science fiction or space travel element or books that have something to do with the moon or have a moon on their cover.

Welcome to the Lunar Love Giveaway Blog Hop. I will be giving away a copy of my YA paranormal, Aura. The winner may choose a print copy or the ebook
.

"I half-turned to her and shrugged, still processing what I'd seen, or at least what I thought I'd seen, in Ms. Neal's eyes—like they weren't hers. Obviously, they were her eyes, but it looked like she'd plucked them from someone else's head. A dead someone else's head."

In the fight between good and evil, Light is your only weapon.

Crystal Scott finally feels like a normal teenager. She has a lead in the high school play, a best friend, and a gorgeous boyfriend. With prom only a few days away, Crystal’s ordinary life seems perfect.

Endowed with great Light because of her virtuous choices and her inherent gifts, Crystal’s aura has become visible to those with the ability to see auras. Unfortunately, her power has also attracted the attention of demons intent on destroying all Light.

When Vincent Crandall, the human host for a powerful demon, discovers that Crystal’s Light is strong enough to disrupt the connection between demons and their hosts, he realizes she may be able to sever the connection altogether. Determined to stop her from interfering with his plans to rule the world, he sends operatives to neutralize her.

Crystal is thrust into battle against a demon army she didn’t even know existed. With the help of a mysterious young man and his mother, Crystal must learn to use the power within her before the demons kill her parents and Vincent harnesses her Light for himself.

To enter the giveaway you can:

1. Follow this blog
2. Like my Facebook page
3. Follow me on Twitter: rebeccatalley
4. Join my newsletter
5. Add Aura on Goodreads.

Each one is worth one entry. If you do all five, you have five entries :). I will pick a winner using www.random.org on February 28th.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you've done or email me: rebecca(AT)rebeccatalley(DOT)com.

Good luck and thanks for hopping with us. Please hop on over to the following blogs for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Reviews for Aura

Aura is still on a blog tour. You can follow the schedule here: I Am a Reader Not a Writer.

Today a review was posted on Ever and Ever Sight.

Here's a snippet: This story simply blew me away. I loved everything about it. The story had a huge impact on me. Aura is a book that focus on good versus evil, light versus dark. I enjoy stories like that. Then to make it even better, add a paranormal twist to it. Aura was beautifully written and well thought out. You can read the rest here.

 Another review here: Walking on Bookshelves.

A snippet: "I loved the message this book sends. Choosing to do right over wrong will always give you more peace and "Light" in your life."

 Some days, I love being a writer!

Thank you so much for your support.

Aura Blog Tour

I'm so excited. My blog tour for Aura begins today. Woo hoo!! If you'd like to visit the blogs today here they are:

I Am a Reader Not a Writer (you can see the whole schedule here as well as learn 10 things about me)
Free eBooks Daily (Interview)
A Dream Within A Dream (Excerpt from Aura)
Falling for YA (Spotlight)
Curling Up with a Good Book (Guest Post about my Favorite Character)

You can enter the giveaway for a $25 gift card from Amazon or PayPal cash on any of the blogs. It's easy to enter.

I'll post the stops each day if you'd like to follow along. And if you'd like to leave comments at any of the participating blogs, that'd be awesome!!

Happy Monday and Happy Reading!!

YA Paranormal Giveaway Hop Winner!

Thanks to everyone who hopped on over to my blog and entered to win Aura. I appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed the YA Paranormal Giveaway Hop! Thanks to I am a Reader Not a Writer for sponsoring these awesome hops and allowing us to find new books and enter to win such great prizes!

The winner is . . . . drum roll, please . . . . come on, drum roll . . . . I can't hear you . . . . The winner is: Meghan! I will email you, Meghan.

 Thank you for participating!

Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Hop

Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Hop

February 21st - 27th

Co - hosted by YA Between the Lines

Featuring Young Adult Books with Paranormal elements.

Welcome to the Young Adult Paranormal Giveaway Blog Hop. I will be giving away a copy of my YA paranormal, Aura. The winner may choose a print copy or the ebook
.

"I half-turned to her and shrugged, still processing what I'd seen, or at least what I thought I'd seen, in Ms. Neal's eyes—like they weren't hers. Obviously, they were her eyes, but it looked like she'd plucked them from someone else's head. A dead someone else's head."

In the fight between good and evil, Light is your only weapon.

Crystal Scott finally feels like a normal teenager. She has a lead in the high school play, a best friend, and a gorgeous boyfriend. With prom only a few days away, Crystal’s ordinary life seems perfect.

Endowed with great Light because of her virtuous choices and her inherent gifts, Crystal’s aura has become visible to those with the ability to see auras. Unfortunately, her power has also attracted the attention of demons intent on destroying all Light.

When Vincent Crandall, the human host for a powerful demon, discovers that Crystal’s Light is strong enough to disrupt the connection between demons and their hosts, he realizes she may be able to sever the connection altogether. Determined to stop her from interfering with his plans to rule the world, he sends operatives to neutralize her.

Crystal is thrust into battle against a demon army she didn’t even know existed. With the help of a mysterious young man and his mother, Crystal must learn to use the power within her before the demons kill her parents and Vincent harnesses her Light for himself.

To enter the giveaway you can:

1. Follow this blog
2. Like my Facebook page
3. Follow me on Twitter: rebeccatalley
4. Join my newsletter
5. Add Aura on Goodreads.

Each one is worth one entry. If you do all five, you have five entries :). I will pick a winner using www.random.org on February 28th.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you've done or email me: rebecca(AT)rebeccatalley(DOT)com.

Good luck and thanks for hopping with us. Please hop on over to the following blogs for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

YA Giveaway Blog Hop

Young Adult Giveaway Hop by I Am a Reader Not A Writer.
 January 29th - February 4th
 Co-hosted by BookLove101

 Welcome to the Young Adult Giveaway Blog Hop. I will be giving away a copy of my YA urban fantasy, Aura. The winner may choose a print copy or the ebook
.

"I half-turned to her and shrugged, still processing what I'd seen, or at least what I thought I'd seen, in Ms. Neal's eyes—like they weren't hers. Obviously, they were her eyes, but it looked like she'd plucked them from someone else's head. A dead someone else's head."

In the fight between good and evil, Light is your only weapon.

Crystal Scott finally feels like a normal teenager. She has a lead in the high school play, a best friend, and a gorgeous boyfriend. With prom only a few days away, Crystal’s ordinary life seems perfect.

Endowed with great Light because of her virtuous choices and her inherent gifts, Crystal’s aura has become visible to those with the ability to see auras. Unfortunately, her power has also attracted the attention of demons intent on destroying all Light.

When Vincent Crandall, the human host for a powerful demon, discovers that Crystal’s Light is strong enough to disrupt the connection between demons and their hosts, he realizes she may be able to sever the connection altogether. Determined to stop her from interfering with his plans to rule the world, he sends operatives to neutralize her.

Crystal is thrust into battle against a demon army she didn’t even know existed. With the help of a mysterious young man and his mother, Crystal must learn to use the power within her before the demons kill her parents and Vincent harnesses her Light for himself.

To enter the giveaway you can:

1. Follow this blog
2. Like my Facebook page
3. Follow me on Twitter: rebeccatalley
4. Join my newsletter
5. Add Aura on Goodreads.

Each one is worth one entry. If you do all five, you have five entries :).

Please leave a comment and let me know what you've done or email me: rebecca(AT)rebeccatalley(DOT)com.

Good luck and thanks for hopping with us. Please hop on over to the following blogs for a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Aura is FREE Today, Friday, and Saturday

Aura is Free on Kindle January 10-12. If you haven't downloaded it yet, I hope you will. And, please tell your friends. Here's the link to download it for free until Saturday night. If you don't have a Kindle, there are free apps so you can read it on your computer or other electronic devices.

If you've read Aura, I'd sincerely appreciate it if you'd post a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon. I'd love to have some help spreading the word about Aura.

Thanks for your help and support!

Goodreads Giveaway for Aura

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Aura

by Rebecca Talley

Giveaway ends January 10, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Aura is $.99 This Week

In celebration of the release of my newest novel, Aura, it's on sale for $.99 at Amazon for the Kindle.

If you'd like to read it but don't own a Kindle, you can download the free app from Amazon that allows you to read Kindle books on your computer. Go here to download that app.

If you prefer to read print books (and who doesn't love how a real book feels in your hands?) Aura is now available in a print version.

I sincerely appreciate your help and support in spreading the word about Aura. Word-of-mouth is THE best and most effective way to advertise a book. So, thank you to all of you who have read it and recommended it. And, thank you to those of you who have posted reviews.

Being an author is like walking around naked. You bare your soul because each book is an extension of who you are, what you believe, and how you view the world. Yes, the stories are fictional, but the way each author tells his or her story is very personal and based on his or her life's experiences. Every time I publish a book, it's like sending my child out to the world to be judged. It's exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, I think it'd be easier to be a brain surgeon. Or a rocket scientist. And yet, I can't not do it. I can't not write the stories in my head that are begging to be released.

Thank you again for your support!

Aura is FREE Today and Tomorrow

Aura is FREE today and tomorrow on Amazon. Here is the link to get it. Tell your friends!

I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for your support!

After you read it, if you'd like to post a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads, that'd be awesome.

Happy reading.

Finding New Authors

There are the books everyone has heard about: Twilight, Hunger Games,  Harry Potter. But what about all those books written by people you’ve never heard of? Some of them are treasures, just waiting to be found, and that’s what this blog hop is all about: the books you might not have heard about, but that you might end up loving.

I was tagged by Julie Coulter Bellon. You can learn more about Julie on her website or her blog, and  where you can then connect with her on Twitter, and even Pinterest. 

Here’s a little info about my current project:

1: What is the working title of your book? Aura

2: Where did the idea come from for the book? I knew a guy in high school who claimed to be a warlock and that he'd gotten his powers from his dad. I asked myself, what if the son didn't want to be like his dad and what if it were demons and what if a girl had enough power to fight the demons and what if her power came from her virtuous choices.

3: What genre does your book fall under? Young Adult Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? The villain: Cillian Murphy (Scarecrow in Batman Begins), Melinda: Julianne Moore. I actually found photos of each of my characters, including the main character, Crystal, but they aren't famous actors.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Everything in Crystal Scott's life finally seems perfect--until a powerful demon thirsts for her Light.

6: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? I have self-published this book after having three novels traditionally published.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Over a year (in my defense, I have 10 kids).

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I'd say my book is a mix between the TV show Supernatural and Twilight (without the vampires).

9: Who or What inspired you to write this book? Young girls who don't see themselves as being powerful. I wanted to empower young girls and help them realize that they have strength.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? Crystal's power to fight the demons comes from her virtuous choices--her power is directly tied to her choices, including her choice to remain a virgin.

Here are links to some great books I've read this year:

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson
The Kindling by Braden Bell
Checkin' It Twice by various LDS authors
On Little Wings by Regina Sirois

Check them out! You might find some new authors you love!

Aura, Chapter 1, Part 2

She reluctantly walked down the hall toward their bedroom. He rushed into the kitchen and emptied his pockets of the money he'd cashed out earlier from their bank account. Rummaging through a drawer, he found a piece of paper and pen and scribbled a note to the landlord. He didn't want any loose ends when they left—no trail that could lead back to them. Not if he hoped to protect his wife and unborn child from the monster who had once been his best friend.

He slammed his fist against the counter. Why hadn't he noticed it sooner? The muscles in his neck constricted. All he'd wanted to do was provide for his growing family by working for a legitimate business. He shook his head at his stupidity and misplaced trust.

Pam's footsteps interrupted his thoughts as she neared the kitchen. He finished the note telling the landlord they were leaving and wouldn't be coming back. He tucked it under a cup with enough bills to cover the remainder of the lease and turned to Pam. She stood in the doorway, wearing a solemn expression, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and jeans with a brown suitcase in hand.

"I packed as much of our stuff as I could." She tried to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Matt sensed her misgivings. How would he ever explain this to her?

"Good." He took the suitcase.

She stood firm. "I want you to tell me what's going on and why we're leaving in the middle of the night."

"We don't have much time—"

She crinkled her forehead. "What does that mean?"

"It means we need to go." He reached his hand out for hers but she didn't reciprocate.

"I don't understand what's happening."

Matt stepped close to her and ran his hand down her arm, grasping her hand in his. "I know this all sounds confusing and crazy, but I need you to trust me. Please. I'll try to explain everything after we leave." His eyes pleaded with her, hoping she wouldn't ask any more questions or weaken his resolve.

"You're acting so erratic. You're scaring me."

Matt set the suitcase down and pulled her to him, losing himself in the familiar strawberry scent of her hair. He wished things were different. But they weren't. All he could do now was run—run fast and run far, without looking back. Their lives depended on it. He stepped back and gazed deeply into Pam's eyes. "We have to go before they realize that I've left."

"But—"

"Our lives are in danger."

Pam's eyes widened. "Danger?"

Matt nodded. "Yes. Let's go."

"Where are we going?" A tear snaked down her cheek. "What are we going to do?"

"Disappear."

 

You can purchase Aura here.

Aura, Chapter 1, Part 1

The brisk late-night air wound itself around Matt's neck while the house keys shook in his hand. He glanced over his left shoulder. Over his right. His heart thundered against his ribs. He scanned the neighborhood. Nothing out of the ordinary—but nothing was as it seemed. Never would be again. He wiped perspiration from his forehead and drew in a breath.

In one swift movement, he opened the creaky front door to the rental house, stepped inside, and closed the door. He locked the door and rested his head against it for a moment before turning around. With three strides he was standing next to the couch, where his wife lay sleeping, bathed in the glow of the television. He knelt next to the couch and attempted to calm his breathing while he watched the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. So peaceful. Relaxed. Unaware.

He tugged on her arm, trying to rouse her. "Pam, honey, wake up."

Her eyelids fluttered open. He took several breaths, hoping to settle his raging heartbeat.

"Matt? What's wrong?" She lifted herself on one elbow and pushed a few strands of her long, blonde hair from her face. "You look terrified."

He didn't want to panic her or scare her. But he had no choice. "We need to leave."

She cleared her throat. "What are you talking about?"

"We can't stay here anymore." It sounded crazy and unreasonable—even to him.

Pam raised her eyebrows. "Why? You aren't making any sense."

"I can't explain right now." He raked his fingers through his hair, a stone of sadness in his stomach.

Pam sat up and adjusted her flannel nightgown.

Her pale face forced him to focus on her. "Feeling nauseated?"

She nodded and placed her hand on her belly. "All day and night. Whoever named it morning sickness got it wrong." She leaned her head over the small white trashcan next to the couch.

"I'm sorry you're sick. But we have to go. Now." Matt stood and crossed over to the window. He parted the curtains and searched the street. Had anyone followed him? The clock on the wall mocked him with its constant tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

"What are you doing?" Pam asked, wiping at her mouth.

He turned to face her. "I was offered a promotion."

"That's great—"

"No. It's not great." He licked his parched lips. "Not great at all." A shudder rippled down his back.

Images. Bits of conversations. Paperwork. It all made sense now.

"Why not?" She tilted her head and peered at him.

"The company isn't what it seems. Nothing is as it seems." He stepped over to the couch and reached his hand out for hers, pulling her up.

"You're shaking." She placed her soft, warm hand over his. "What's going on?" Her eyes searched his.

"We need to get out of here. Tonight."

Pam stared at him, the fear and confusion apparent in her blue eyes.

"Please," he said. "Go to our bedroom and grab whatever you can. There isn't much time." He let go of her hand and turned back to the window again, looking urgently from side to side. A siren sounded in the distance, and several dogs barked in concert. The scene seemed ordinary enough, but he knew better.

"But—"

He faced her. "Pam, please. Hurry."

Come back tomorrow for Part 2.

Taaa Daaaa . . . My New Cover

Which Cover?

I need your help. Which cover do you like best? These are all rough mock-ups--I'm looking for the general idea you like best. Fonts can be changed easily. Please ignore the watermarks--I haven't purchased any of the images yet. 

And if you don't like any of the covers, please say so. You can answer in the comment section. Thank you!! I really appreciate your help!

The story is a YA urban fantasy about a teenage girl who discovers she has enough Light to battle a nasty demon.

 

#1 Girl with Aura

 

#2 Light Burst 

 

#3 Light in Palms

#4 Hands Holding Light

 

 

#5 None of the Above

Back Cover Copy: Help!

I need some help. I've been working on a young adult urban fantasy, Aura, for what seems like for-ev-er. I think it's finally nearing full completion and I need to get the back cover copy ready. The back copy is meant to entice readers and make them want to read the book.

Here it is:

After moving from one city to the next all of her life, Crystal Scott finally feels like she belongs in Silver City, Colorado. She has the lead in the high school play, a best friend, and a gorgeous boyfriend. With her senior prom only a few days away, everything is perfect--or so she thinks. 

Because nothing is as it seems.

Vincent Crandall, the human host for a demon with an insatiable thirst for power, learns that Crystal possesses an extraordinary aura with enough Light to stop him and his plan to rule Silver City, and eventually the world. Vincent sends in operatives from his demon army to destroy Crystal's aura on prom night and she is suddenly thrust into an on-going battle with demons. When Vincent kidnaps her parents, Crystal must learn to control the power within her—a power directly linked to her virtuous choices—before he kills her parents and harnesses her Light for himself.

What do you think? Would it make you want to read this book? Does it grab you? How can I improve it?

Feel free to shred it.

Thanks for your help and your support!

 

Pen Name?

My three published novels have been for the LDS market with LDS characters and LDS story lines. My current book, Aura, is not targeted at the LDS market. No LDS characters, no LDS situations. Nothing at all LDS. The story is clean, but it is not LDS. It is about a teenage girl who discovers she has the power to fight demons. That power is directly related to virtuous choices she's made (not cheating, not lying to her parents, doing things for others, etc) including being a virgin. Because she's made these choices, she has a great deal of Light. Enough Light to pose a threat to a nasty demon. The story has demons, explores evil, but does not glorify it, and examines the effect of good vs evil. Since my other books are for the LDS market and this one is a young adult urban fantasy targeted to the national market, I wonder if I should use a pen name for publication? Pros: A pen name would allow me to separate my LDS books from this one, would make it so readers wouldn't be confused and expect an LDS story but get something very different, and would allow me to write more stories for the national market under the new name and establish a new presence. Cons: I've worked hard to establish an online presence as Rebecca Talley. All of my online networks are through Rebecca Talley. I don't want to ignore the fact that I've published other books. It might seem like I'm trying to hide who I am, which I'm not. Trying to establish an online presence for the pen name would take a lot of time and take time away from writing. What do you think? Do you expect an LDS-themed story from me? Would it bother you to see that I'm writing an urban fantasy? Please, let me know what you think. Thank you for your help!