Book Blitz: Changes (Family Portrait Vol. 1) by Gillian Felix

(Review to Come!) 

Synopsis: 

Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.

In this new adult novel you'll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana's father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother's disappearance. You'll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You'll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?

This novel is NOT for children, it contains strong language, reference to drug use and sexual situations, this novel is meant for mature teens and adults.

Fun facts about Changes Vol. 1, (Family Portrait)

Writing Adriana’s character was fun and challenging because she is such a minx. It’s tricky because she shares the leading role with Leighann, who is sweet, and kind—they are polar opposites of each other. They both grew up in the entertainment industry but that’s about all they have in common. Adriana makes no apologies for who she is, she is reckless and wild and I’m sure some readers will hate her. It is only later on in the series you get to really see why she is the way she is.

Even though Leighann was a bigger star than Adriana, she was more protected by her mother. Savi may have her ways, but she shielded Leighann from a lot of the outside world. So when Leighann defies her and ventures out into the ‘real world’, she begins to see how scary things can get.

Leighann’s fascination with the ‘real world’ is based on the fact that she has never had a ‘normal’ life. She sits in the tour bus and looks at the fans through the one way glass and thinks that their life is so easy, and she longs for that. She wants to meet a boy, go to the movies, and do things normal teenagers do.

Westwood Academy of Higher Learning is a super school on steroids as one reviewer described it: “we mustn't forget the whole larger-than-life high school scene on steroids in a world where appearances often mean more than substance”

The school is high tech and ridiculously over the top with chef catered lunches, marble floors, digital lockers, Jacuzzi. Seriously, I’d want to go to that school. How does any body get any studying done?

Astrid Wilson is the Kim Kardashian of Westwood Academy. She decks out in Prada and all the latest designs by the hottest designers. No body can throw a hissy fit like Astrid. When Adriana returns to Westwood Academy, Astrid’s status is threatened especially where her boyfriend Warren is concerned.

Family Portrait is based on a television series I had written. The script got lots of interest in Hollywood but nothing came of it, so I decided to turn it into a book series. I have two seasons, 24 episodes of the television series already written.

Book two combines a couple episodes from the script. Changes Vol. 1 is equivalent to the pilot episode—it introduces the audience to the characters. The script for television was meant for prime time so I had to tone it down—a lot. The book is the raw version—drug use, foul language, sexual situations. The characters can get away with a lot more in the book than they could on screen, which is good for Adriana and her brother, Kevin’s character, because later in the series they really get naughty.

Right now I am working on Vol. 2 called The Banovic Siblings. In this book the siblings mostly Adriana and Kevin’s past catches up with them and their secrets are getting too close to home. Love triangles and tangles start to form with some of the supporting characters. Leighann’s character starts evolving, her sister L’Wren has a very powerful and emotional storyline which took a lot out of me to write. It really made me ‘go there’ which stretches me as a writer. Book two is a bit darker than Changes.

I think Vol. 2 may be available in November or December, 2013. It still has the whole process to go through with the story editor, the proofreader and the cover still has to be designed. I usually write like a fiend at night—Sunday through Thursday sometimes Friday nights.

On the Facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels fans can rummage through the character’s closets. Right now there is an app on there called Adriana’s closet and coming soon: Leighann’s wardrobe, Astrid’s locker, the sound track to go with some of the scenes, Westwood Academy emblem reveal, Westwood Academy gear, fun trivia’s, first read of the novels before they are published. So sign up.

Thanks for having me. Purchase a copy of Changes Vol. 1 (Family Portrait) here. (: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA)

The reviews on Amazon:

“Each character has a story to tell, and I see their stories being entwined together, for better or worse as author Gillian Felix builds a strong and intriguing foundation for a new series with her novella, Changes, book 1 in the Family Portrait series.”

“Part soap opera, part teen struggle in a world where they are expected to “follow the crowd” and feed the frenzied tabloids fodder for the prying eyes of the masses, all while dealing with personal and family crises, I see a huge following for this new series! I know I’m going to watch for more!”

“So many drugs, schemes, and much more. One girl just wants to be normal. One girl just wants the limelight. Selfish motives abound and changes are coming for everyone. It's Hollywood....”

“This book has many interesting characters and I am looking forward to the next volume. I was sorry to see it end.”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2531921/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio: Gillian Felix 

Gillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.

Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.

Miss Felix is an entrepreneur and advocate for children’s and women’s rights.

You can contact her here! 

View book trailer: http://youtu.be/EiBdwhT74NA

Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels

Website: http://www.plaintalkbm.com/family-portrait-novel/ (Read the first chapter for free)

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gillianfx

Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA

YA Rush Hunt: The Georgia Corbins by Kara Leigh Miller

(To read my review, go here)

Welcome to Rush Hunt. A YArush hosted scavenger hunt with exclusive content from a number of published and forthcoming Entranced titles, a huge prize, and loads of fun. Along the scavenger trail you’ll find a mix of YA and NA titles from Entranced Publishing’s Rush imprint.

Look out for these 11 titles!

The excitement starts October 25 and runs through to November 1. So hop along to the blogs on the list below and join in the fun. Each hosting blog will have exclusive content from a single title. If the post isn’t at the top of their blog look for the #RushHunt button in their sidebar, that should link to it. Not only will you get to read / see exclusive content, but there’s also a huge prize. That’s what you’re hunting for! Keep an eye open for the numbered clues in each post. You’ll need these in order to enter for a chance to win a massive stash of prizes.

Good luck!

How It Works...

On each blog you will find a clue, a clearly marked number somewhere in the post. Collect all these numbers from all the participating blogs, and simply add them together. The correct answer grants you entry into the Rafflecopter on the YARush blog for a chance to win some awesome prizes.
(Participating blogs are listed at the bottom of this blog post)

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: PROM SCENE, LEVI'S POV!!

The Georgia Corbins is a heart wrenching YA contemporary told from three characters. Ali, the heroine and two brothers, Levi and Tucker. We hope you enjoy this pivotal scene retold from Levi’s point of view.

Levi Corbin

The sound of Cotton Eyed Joe filled the gym. Cass and Kayla both shrieked and tried to pull Ali onto the dance floor. She yanked out of their hands and sauntered up to me. She plucked my cowboy hat from my head and put it on her own before winking at me. I couldn’t help but smile as she joined Cass and Kayla on the dance floor. I’d always enjoyed looking at Ali and watching her, but damn, watching her dance, watching her hips shake, and the smile on her face – it was surreal. She was absolutely gorgeous, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I didn’t know about the other guys, but I definitely enjoyed the show. When the song ended, I grabbed Ali around the waist and spun her around. She laughed and tried to put my hat back on my head.

“No,” he said. “It looks better on you.”

“I do look sexy, don’t I?” she asked, striking a stupid pose.

I laughed. Her pose was silly, but she could wear a potato sack and look sexy. “You have no idea,” I said, pulling her into my arms again. Her blue eyes twinkled in that way they did when she was happy, and my desire for her tripled. I couldn’t imagine a future without her in it, without the ability to do what I was doing right now: holding her in my arms, looking into her eyes, just being with her.

“Thanks, but it doesn’t really match my dress. Plus, I really like how you look wearing it.” She put it back on my head.

“Really?” I cocked a brow and slowly brought my mouth to hers.

Before I could kiss her, my brother interrupted. “I reckon I’ll take you up on that dance now,” Tucker said.

I smiled tightly and reluctantly released Ali. Of course Tucker would chose right now to want to dance with Ali. It was hard not to scowl at him or make a snide comment, but I’d promised Ali that tonight would be like old times, that for her sake, Tucker and I would get along. And I was not going to be the one to break that promise to her. So, I stood off to the side and watched as my brother danced with Ali.

I noticed the way he put his hands on Ali’s waist and how she responded by putting her arms around his neck. Tucker said something, and then Ali laughed. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop the jealousy I felt building in my gut. I didn’t like seeing her with him. I didn’t like knowing he could make her smile and laugh like that.

“You stare any harder and they’re going to have holes in their backs,” Kayla said.

I glanced at her and smiled. “Can’t help it.” I shrugged and averted my gaze back to Ali and Tucker just in time to see him lean down and kiss Ali’s cheek. I forced myself to take several deep breaths. At least he didn’t kiss her on the lips.

“You and Ali look really good together,” Kayla said.

I knew she was trying to distract me, and I was thankful for that. “Thanks. You and Tucker don’t look so bad either.”

Kayla laughed. “That’s real nice, Levi.”

“Okay, you look beautiful, and next to you, Tucker doesn’t look all that bad. Is that better?”

She rolled her eyes, but smiled. “You really know how to flatter a girl, don’t you?”

I laughed and bumped her shoulder with mine. “There’s only one girl I want to flatter.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. You better go get her,” Kayla said as the song came to an end.

I winked and made my way toward Ali. I pulled her out of Tucker’s arms and into mine. “My turn.”

Ali glanced at Tucker and gave him a small smile. Despite his best efforts to do otherwise, I caught him sulking off to the other side of the gym. I knew how he felt, but in all fairness, Ali was my date. Toby Keith’s You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This played. Ali looked back at me. This was one of her favorite songs. Talk about a perfect moment. I held her close and brought my lips to her mouth, kissing her softly, kissing her like it’d be the last time I’d ever have the chance, which could very well be the case. Ali threaded her fingers in my hair. I loved it when she did that. It always sent shivers through my body.

She moaned so softly I felt it before I heard it. In that moment I knew, there was something different about this kiss, something special and unique. I released her lips and we stopped moving. I looked down at her, and she up at me, and the emotion I saw in her eyes stole my breath. There was no denying it, and there was no confusion as to what I saw. It was the same emotion I felt right then – love.

“Levi,” Ali whispered, running her thumb over my lips.

I closed my eyes and kissed her finger, not wanting the moment to end, not wanting the feelings to evaporate. We started dancing again, and I put my mouth to her ear and sang the lyrics of the song. I knew that she knew the song, but I needed her to know that the words in it expressed exactly how I felt. And then, at the exact right moment, she took my face into her hands and kissed me. We stood there for what felt like hours, just holding onto each other and kissing. I never wanted to let her go. Even when the music stopped, we still stood there, not moving except for our mouths and tongues playing with each other.

“Ali.” I took a deep breath. What the heck had just happened? Was it possible? Did Ali just tell me she loved me without saying the words? It sure as hell felt like it. She held my gaze as we both tried to figure out what the other was thinking. I put my palm on her cheek, and she leaned into me, closing her eyes. It was on the tip of my tongue to say it, to just tell her how I felt, to tell her that I loved her and I didn’t ever want to be without her.

But before I had the chance, Cass said, “Can I borrow Ali for a minute?” And then she dragged Ali away from me.

And just like that, the moment was ruined. I stood, staring dumbfounded as Ali left the gym with Cass. Kayla followed behind them. I put my hands on my knees and bent over, trying to catch my breath and gather my thoughts. I’d never felt anything so intense in my life.

“Hey, you all right man?” Jimmie Allen asked, patting me on the back.

I straightened. “Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just a little warm in here, don’t ya think?” I nervously fidgeted with my tie in an attempt to loosen it.

“I don’t think your body temperature has anything to do with how hot it is in the gym.” Jimmie Allen laughed.

I groaned. If he’d seen what just happened between me and Ali, then chances were good that Tucker had, too. I glanced around the gym looking for him, but I didn’t see him anywhere. Thank goodness for small miracles. A moment later, Ali and the girls returned. She still looked a little flustered, but she appeared to be handling it better than I was. Had I misread what happened? Did I only see what I wanted to see? Did I just imagine that look I’d seen in her eyes? That emotion I’d felt in her kiss?

“I know what we should do,” Kayla said, clapping her hands. “All of us should go have a picture taken together. It’ll be fun!”

“Shouldn’t we wait for Tucker?” I asked.

Kayla gave me a strange look. “Tucker’s right there.” She pointed to the door in the corner.

Where the heck did he come from? I swore a second ago he hadn’t been there.

Once Tucker rejoined us, everyone agreed and we made our way toward the photographer. It was hard to fit all eight of us into the shot, but we managed with some creative posing. Tucker and I stood in the back with Kayla and Ali in front of us. Brody and Jimmie Allen kneeled on the floor while Cass and Shelby sat on their knees. Just as the photographer snapped the picture, Cass and Shelby each lifted a leg and crossed them in the air. Kayla wasn’t too pleased that they’d “ruined” the picture, but Ali thought it was funny.

After the picture, I took her hand and led her toward the punch table in the hallway. I poured her a cup, and then got myself one. We stood in silence for a moment, both of us sipping at our punch. Then I just couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to know. “What happened in there, Ali?” I asked.

She met my gaze, and it looked like she wanted to say something, something that could potentially change things between us forever. But, finally, she simply said, “Can’t we just enjoy it?”

“I don’t know.” I set my cup on the table, and then took hers and did the same. “Can we do it again?”

Her laughter died as I slid my arms around her waist and pulled her close. She licked my lips. “We can try.” Her voice was a breathless whisper that set my insides on fire.

I smiled. “Next time I kiss you like that, it’ll be when we’re alone.” I wanted there to be no mistake about how I felt, and I was determined that next time we shared a moment like that, it would be when we could explore it – fully and without interruption.

“Come on, let’s go dance some more,” she said, taking my hand and pulling me back into the gym.

Rush Hunt Number: 6

Participating blogs:

From Bows to Books - The Georgia Corbins

Chapter by Chapter - The Sacrificed

New Adult Addiction - Elected

On Emily’s Bookshelf - In Stone

Aussie Owned and Read - Shadow Born

Book-Marks the Spot - Forget Me Not

Lola's Reviews - Sleeper

Brittany and Bianca Blab Books - Adorned

Cosmochicklitan - Elsker

A Life Bound by Books - Vision of Shadows

Reading Rain Blog - Awakenings

Death of a Mad Hatter by Sarah J Pepper, Blurb and Cover Reveal!

Blurb: 

If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.

Heads would Roll…
Hearts would Break…
In the end, would it matter who Reigned?  

Meet the Author: Sarah J. Pepper!

I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn't only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn't always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn't mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?

Connect with her on Facebook, Goodreads, Youtube, Twitter, and her blog!

@sarahjpepper

Youtube save the date: (official trailer yet to come) http://youtu.be/rUFVP3l4OFk

https://www.facebook.com/events/166792730192034/?ref=notif&notif_t=plan_user_joined

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5762464.Sarah_J_Pepper

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18395230-death-of-the-mad-hatter?from_search=true

https://www.facebook.com/sarah.pepper.754

www.peppersreadingcorner.com

And keep an eye out for my upcoming review on The Death of the Mad Hatter!