New Releases and Lake County BookFest!

Last week was an abridged one for me, since I left mid-afternoon on Thursday for the wonderful Lake County Library System’s BookFest.  This year’s theme?  Dreams & Nightmares.  I’ll post a bit about that below, but since Tuesday is new release day, I’m very excited to blog about one new release from last Tuesday and one re-release for today!

THE EXILE by C.T. Adams (Tor Books)

“Adams does an admirable job of breathing life into Faerie and its creatures before ending on a game-changing cliffhanger.” —Publishers Weekly

“. . . this book (the first in a planned series) will entertain readers looking for a fun fantasy that mixes adventure with just a bit of romance.” —Kirkus

Cover Copy: Brianna Hai runs an occult shop that sells useless trinkets to tourists—and real magic supplies to witches and warlocks. The magical painting that hangs in Brianna’s apartment is the last portal between the fae and human worlds.

A shocking magical assault on her home reveals to Brianna that her father, High King Liu of the Fae, is under attack. With the help of her gargoyle, Pug, her friend David, and Angelo, a police detective who doesn’t believe in magic, Brianna recovers what was stolen from her and becomes an unwilling potential heir to the throne.

A suspenseful urban fantasy with a hint of romance. The Exile is the first solo novel by C.T. Adams, who is half of USA Today bestselling author Cat Adams. Like the Cat Adams Blood Singer novels, The Exile is set in a world where magic is real and contains Adams’s trademark blend of suspense, action, humor and strongly emotional writing.

UNDER FIRE by Beth Cornelison (Samhain)

(This brand new cover won out in competition, sparking this brand new reissue!)

“Beth Cornelison writes intriguing, emotionally-charged stories that will keep you turning the pages straight through to the end.  Fabulous entertainment!” — Susan Wiggs

“Under Fire opens up emotionally charged, and the tension and suspense continues through to the last page… Under Fire is an exhilarating, high tension story and Ms. Cornelison’s side effect warnings of racing pulse, missed sleep, and nail-biting have been scientifically proven.  I enjoyed every word of Under Fire and I Joyfully Recommend it.” — Joyfully Reviewed

Cover Copy: A terrorist plot puts their lives-and hearts-on the line. When Jackson McKay and his daughter are kidnapped, their captors demand his research files on a devastating chemical weapon-or they’ll kill his little girl.

Jackson searches desperately for a way to save his daughter and also protect his country from the terrorists. No risk is too great. His daring escape sets in motion a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Arriving at the scene of a wildfire, smokejumper Lauren Michaels and her crew are caught in the crosshairs of Jackson’s nightmare. Lauren is the only one who can lead Jackson off the burning mountain and to the police. In order to prevent a national crisis and save a child’s life, they embark on a treacherous journey-one step ahead of a sniper! But more than their lives are at risk, because an unexpected heat flares between them that may cost them their hearts…

Warning: This title contains sex, strong language, some violence, smart men, courageous women, and heart-pounding action. Possible side effects of reading include racing pulse, missed sleep, and nail biting.

As for the Lake County BookFest, I was privileged to join an incredible line-up of authors, including Karen Chance, Nichole Peeler, Dana Cameron, C.L. Wilson, Leigh Perry/Toni Kelner, Susan Klaus, Caighlan Smith, Chris Tozier, and two of the fabulous YA Chicks, Amy Christine Parker and Vivi Barnes for a wonderful, FREE program at various Lake County Libraries this past weekend.  We YA Chicks did presentations on the publishing process and on characterization.  There were panels presented on mystery and urban fantasy, fantasy and romance, crossing genres, writing action: fight and love scenes and many other really useful topics.  We had a wonderful time talking, meeting friends and fans, and for some of us, even donning costumes for the kick off party.

For example, me as Black Widow with the Disney princesses, all of whom made their outfits with their very own hands…color me impressed!

The YA Chicks in front of the Lady Lake Library’s fabulous and fantastical display, L to R: Amy Christine Parker, Vivi Barnes and me (really a “featured alternate” since Christina Farley was on tour in Korea for her fabulous YA series)

And the whole gang, L to R: Leigh Perry/Toni Kelner, Amy Christine Parker, Susan Klaus, me, Karen Chance, Vivi Barnes, Dana Cameron, Caighlan Smith, Nichole Peeler, C.L. Wilson (photo via the awesome Rachel Montgomery)