Monday, February 10, 2014

MOONLESS Book Release Blog Fest, and GIVEAWAY

It's time to PARTY!!!!!

First of all HUGE thanks go out to my epic co-hosts Pk Hrezo, Tammy Theriault and Michael Di Gesu. If you haven't met these amazing peeps, DO IT NOW! (Ahem, or after you've commented.)


In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night.

Her nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless.

BUY IT HERE

Or today through Valentines day, buy HERE
Use this code LQJM3F84 and get $2.00 off.

So here's the question: If you lived in a society where arranged marriages were a la mode, whom would you beg your parents to set you up with? Why? (Literary characters and celebrities welcomed.) 

This was a difficult one for me because I'm totally in love with my hubby (like soul-mate, bleeding-heart kind of love), so I found the literary character who most reminds me of my other half. 

Are you ready for this?



This is Colm Wilkinson (the Sean Connery of musical theater) who first played Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. Besides having an EPIC voice, he's the ultimate Jean Valjean. And while I like Colm, if I'd had to choose my own match, I'd have chosen Jean Valjean. (And not just because my hubby played him in a high school.) This is the most compassionate, selfless person in all of literature (barring the bible), and I literally bawled my eyes out while reading his story. Best. Character. EVER.

Have you read Les Miserables? And if not, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!? (Just get the abridged, abridged version.) 

Find the rest of the hop below!


And while you're at it, enter to win one of these great prizes!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

One more thing. This month I'm running a contest. Yup. More chances to win. This is a

REVIEW RACE

Anyone who reads and reviews MOONLESS between now and MARCH 10, 2014, and tells me about it HERE, will be entered to win...
An advanced copy of book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy (set to release July, 2014), AND a signed copy of MOONLESS

So what are you waiting for? Go review it, eh? 

Who is your dream match? Have you read Les Miserables? Are you going to buy my AMAZING book? And review it? And win? *batting eyes* Because you're awesome like that...

111 comments:

  1. I do hate to admit that I haven't read Les Mis yet, despite the musical version(s) being a staple in my family and me singing Cosette's song(s) as a child (my aunty was a music teacher and still teaches piano). Anyway, yeah, I should read this book! I even think I dl'd a free ebook version on my Kindle.

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    1. DO IT! =) Seriously, I was on a high for like 3 days after finishing. SO amazing.

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    2. LOL. I hadn't read it either. It will join my towering TBR list.

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  2. I read Les Mis ages ago and loved it! Also saw it on Broadway - again, ages ago! - and loved that, too. :)

    Got my blogfest post up! Looking forward to hopping around and visiting other blogs.

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    1. Woot, woot! Loved your post, Madeline. Les Mis is definitely one of those things you HAVE to experience, eh?

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  3. Excellent answer my friend. I love my hubby too and so it was hard to do. But I found a way! Ha. Good luck with the print book. YaY for Crystal and cheese too!

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    1. Robyn, you are amazing. I just have to say it again in case anyone forgets. I loved your answer.

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  4. Love it! I haven't read Le Mis--it's one of those "one of these days" books that I've never managed to have time to sneak into rotation :) Someday (soon hopefully!).

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    1. And when you do get to it, you'll wonder why you waited so long. It's truly amazing. =)

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  5. How interesting! I've never read it, but it was the first Broadway show I ever saw in Manhattan, so I have fond memories of it. Big congrats on your print copies! Hope you've had a chance to swoon over it! :D

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    1. Totally. There's nothing quite so epic as that moment, eh?

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  6. It's so interesting to see who everyone is choosing - I feel exceptionally shallow right now LOL!

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  7. I've read Les Miserables, although for a class in college, but I still managed to enjoy it even though assigned reading usually sucks out my enthusiasm.

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    1. I can see where that might put a damper on the joy. It's a pretty epic story, eh?

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  8. That song! OH! Gives me goosebumps. I love the soundtrack to Les Mis. We listen to it all the time. I did get to see it on Broadway once. It was mesmerizing.
    Great post.
    Great Fest!
    Great giveaway!

    Hope you are enjoying every moment!
    HMG

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    1. Living in the moment. Yup. That's what we have to do, eh?

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  9. I love Les Mis! Yes, that would do it for me too. Here's hoping a day of great sales and cheese for you! :)

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    1. Cheese for me! Thank you, Christine. Loved your match. =)

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  10. Do-do-do-do ... So stinking excited. YAY!

    I read Les years ago in high school. Don't really remember reading it, though. Watched the movie. Love!

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    1. The movie doesn't have ANYTHING on the book, but it's still good. =) Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, Sherry. It means the world.

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  11. Congrats, Crystal. Shouted out about this on my blog for you today. Awesome your book is now in print version too.

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    1. Natalie, you totally rock! Thank you, and hold on--here's your virtual cheese basket. =)

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  12. I haven't read Les Mis, but it's on my list. Many congrats again on your book. It's also on my list!

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  13. Oh I remember watching this cast of Les Miserables on TV and was totally blown away by this song. So beautiful!
    Congratulations on your print release, I hope it's a huge success! This is a great hop you have going on. :)

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    1. Thanks Julie! I really wanted to share the 10 or 20 year anniversary broadcast. Alas, there were sharing stipulations on it.

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  14. I haven't ever read Les Mis, but I did see the musical on Broadway years ago and LOVED it!! Great choice! And I agree, it's hard to choose someone else to be married to when you have a great guy already!! : ) Congrats on your print release! Can't wait to read your book--sounds AWESOME!!

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    1. Yay! Thank you Kristin. Here's to our amazing men, eh?

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  15. Congratulations on the print release of Moonless, exciting times. I haven't read Les Mis but have seen the stage musical, great choice of character.

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  16. You are rocking the blogging world, Crystal!
    I haven't read the book, but I saw the original stage play in London many years ago.

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    1. The original? *holding in the green envy monster* Wow.

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  17. Jean Val Jean would make an awesome husband. Hard working. Generous. What a great pick!

    I am so going to win those books!

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    1. LOL! Elizabeth, you crack me up. I hope you do win. =)

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  18. The Miserables is on my list of classics... And you pick... what a voice! Beautiful.

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  19. I love that your bleeding-heart in love with your husband. :) I hope to find that kind of love some day. I hope the two of you have a beautiful Valentine's Day together. <3

    I haven't read Les Miserables, and I know, I know, I have to get on that ASAP!

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    1. So true. Chrys, I loved your post. Thank you for playing. =)

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  20. Hi, Crystal!

    YAY! Congrats!

    LOVE LES MIS... Saw the original movie with Frederick March at least five times! I actually lived in NYC at the time it hit Broadway. WHAT A PRODUCTION! JUST AMAZING. I still have the original Soundtrack on DVD. That year that had just come out. Imagine, no CD's prior to the mid 80's .... not that long ago. LOL.

    ALL THE BEST with your RELEASE!!!!! This is sub a fun FEST!

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    1. Yay! Thank you Michael! You're the best. Thanks for you epic support and assistance. Couldn't do it without you.

      Oh my, the day and age before CD's... It's hard to remember back that far--but I do. Be kind, please rewind. Yikes...

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  21. Haven't read the book, so can't speak to the character, but he sound like one of the gooduns! Thanks for hosting this hop.

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  22. What a coincidence since I plan to review Moonless this month. Cool idea, the giveaway. You made a really good choice, touching and handsome. A nice combo.

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    1. Oh and congrats on your paperback release and thanks for this fun hop.

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    2. Yay! Thank you Sheena-kay. Thank you for playing, and your super kind words. They totally made my day. =)

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  23. Happy Print Edition Release Day!

    Love that you're still in love with your hubby. That's not so common these days.

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    1. Thank you, Ellie! Some people say it's hard work to stay in love, but the truth is, when your guy tells you how much he loves you ten times a day, it's a little hard to fall out of love with him. I'm super blessed.

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  24. I haven't read Les Miserables yet, but it's on my wish list.

    Happy release day, have you stopped grinning yet?

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  25. I saw the movie, but I've never read the book. Shame on me - an English major. I'll have to try to get to it one of these days. Congratulations on your big day.

    Love,
    Janie

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  26. Happy release day! :)

    And eep, I've never read Les Miserables... (I know, I know, shame on me!)

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    1. Guess you've got some reading to catch up on, eh? ;) (Or an audio book to listen to while you draw.)

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  27. I love that you recommend the abridged, abridged edition. That's epic. I've read enough of it (like all the parts that have something to do with the musical because I was a theatre junky in my youth--I've read Rur, In RUSSIAN!). And Congratulations on your epic blog fest!

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    1. Whew! That's impressive, Rena. While I do so enjoy history, I don't think anyone needs to sit through 100 pages of corn farming, or 20 pages of candle stick description. I'm the queen of skim, which is why I enjoy Dickens so much. =)

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  28. Congrats on the release.

    My sister-in-law frequently compares my brother to Jamie Frasier from Outlander. Personally, I don't see it, but I guess love is blind...

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    1. LOL. Eyes wide open until married, then half closed. =)

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  29. Oh, good pick! Happy*Release*day! I'm enjoying your party :-)

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  30. I have never read Les Miserables... it never seemed to interest me... I will have to get a copy and try to read it... :)

    I can't think of anyone I would want to have an arranged marriage with... I am pretty sure that is why I was born in this era... hahaha

    Thank you for your very sweet comment on my blog Crystal... I really appreciated it :)

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    1. LOL. Yes, I agree. You were born in this era for a reason--how else would I have been able to meet your awesomeness? ;)

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  31. Great answer! I haven't yet read Les Mis, but I saw the musical and the movie and his heart is as big as France. Great blog tour, BTW. Congrats!

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    1. Kim, I love the musical--in a HUGE way, but it still doesn't have anything on the book. #booklover4ever ;)

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  32. Yay for your book release! It's been fun reading everybody's choices. I still can't figure out who I'd want to marry. But I did give you a little plug for your book at my pad.

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  33. I'm more of a Sweeney Todd girl, hehe, just kidding (mostly).

    Congrats on the paper release!!!

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    1. Whew! Sweenty Todd? Okay. I'm getting a read on you. *hiding razor blades* =)

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  34. Ridiculous amounts of congratulations on your release. ^_^

    As for the arranged marriage question, I have no idea. In all my life, I've only met two people who I could see myself with, y'know, forever. The thought of being forced into that kind of thing kinda scares me. O_o

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    1. Yeah--that was one of the fun aspects to explore in my novel, how that would really and truly feel. Great to see you here!

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  35. Beautiful cover, Crystal! Good luck!

    -Vicki

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  36. Looks like a great book. Love the cover.

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  37. Great answer!!! I love your choice, and I love the idea behind your review and enter giveaway! I may take you up on that.
    Congrats!!!

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  38. I love how you found someon close to your hubby sould mate. :) Congrats on the print version!

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  39. Oh, dear*said in a very small voice* I tried to read Les Mis, I really did! Corse, that was back when I was a teen. I'm much more grown up now. I think... ;)

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    1. LOL. It's definitely one that takes some gumption to get through. I built up with years of Shakespeare and Dickens in preparation.

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  40. Congratulations! How exciting to have a print version and you are with your true love. :) Yeah! If I had to have an arranged marriage I would beg my parents for Neil Gaiman or Jim Dale (reads the audio of Harry Potter and I would then be able to have him read me to sleep every night). :)

    ~Jess

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    1. Oh yeah--a guy who reads? That's totally dreamy. =)

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  41. Congrats on Moonless in print, and on the great blog-fest idea! I hope you sell lots of copies! :)

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  42. I haven't read Les Miserables... I don't know what I'm waiting for D: My post should be up by tonight, just fighting off damn adware from my laptop :S

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    1. Ug. Hey, I'll send my cheese minions to aid in battle. =)

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  43. such an unique pic, girl!! shower him with cheese!!!

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  44. He does have an awesome voice. I hope you are successful in your book sales goals :)

    ........dhole

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    1. Thanks, Donna. I could sit and listen to Colm all day. =)

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  45. Great choice for an arranged marriage!!
    But how are we supposed to party without cheese? I see no cheese... ;)

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    1. Ee-gads! You're right! I guess the cheese was sitting in my belly. *shifty eyes* But I should have shared. *covering face* Why didn't I share!?!

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  46. Great way to organize help for your paperback release and to gather reviews. I might just use a take on your idea in the future, hope you don't mind. Congrats on the release Crystal, all the best.

    Like the way you chose someone close to your hubby, bet he feels loved.

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    1. Use away. We're here to help one another, eh? You may want to wait and find out how well it works first though... =)

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  47. Phew.
    I think I have now hit everyone on the list.
    Great choices.
    I think the winner was those choosing their husbands (which made me feel guilty but only for a minute) but Mr. Darcy was a close second.
    Congrats again and thanks for the great opportunity.
    Heather

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    1. LOL! Hey, we're all brainwashing our husbands into becoming Mr. Darcy, right? (Unless they came that way, like mine.) :) It's been a blast to have you along, Heather.

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  48. Congratulations on the release and blogfest. Have a lovely week.

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  49. Stopping by to say hello to the hostess of the Blogfest. Maybe its my PC, but your blog has a transparant look today. The background color for your posts and columns are gone.

    Anyway, fun Blogfest. Good luck to you and your release Moonless!

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    1. It's internet explorer. Sometimes it doesn't play well with blogger. *shaking fist* I'll set the techie on it...again.

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  50. I have LOVED seeing this everywhere in blogosphere. I am definitely going to read... I seriously love the premise and cover!!! <3

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    1. Aw. Thanks, Morgan. =) I love it too...strangely enough.

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  51. Very clever question. The thought of having my marriage arranged freaks me out, no matter how good looking he is!

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    1. LOL. You know they still arrange marriages in India, right? Of course there's a courtship stage to be sure the couple is compatible...

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  52. So excited Moonless is now available as a tangible book - whoo hoo! Making a quick stop by, can't wrap my head around the arranged marriage Q lol

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    1. Hah! No head wrapping is allowed here, so that's probably good. ;)

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  53. I rather like the version of Les Miserables with Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean and Geoffrey Rush as Inspector Javert. Because they aren't singing, they can tell the story in a straightforward fashion.

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    1. That was my dad's favorite version, and as far as a film adaptation, it's my favorite too, but the musical is very powerful, and both leave out so much of the story.

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Hit me with your cheese!