Monday, December 4, 2017

Year End Giveaway!

Looking over my shelves I've found several books that I'd meant to giveaway before I got sick, several more books that I'd promised to pass on after I'd read them, and a bunch that I love so much I want to share them with others.
 
So here it is...my END OF THE YEAR (MOSTLY) YA RANDOM BIG ASS GIVEAWAY! Here they all are!
 
 
28936314   30237061  Given to the Sea (Given Duet, #1)  Given to the Earth (Given Duet, #2)
 
25902198  Sip  A Poison Dark and Drowning (Kingdom on Fire, #2)  28250851
 
The Flame Never Dies (The Stars Never Rise, #2)  26067633  33123849  Shadow Run (Kaitan Chronicles, #1)
 
ALSO, you get to choose one of my books!
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Cancer Update: One Year Later and Still Kicking!



One year ago I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. You can find my original post here. If you get riled by f-bombs...probably don't read it. Actually, just stop reading this post too. I might throw a few in later. I like to keep my options open.

So, It’s been a while since I posted one of these cancer updates because, well, if there’s anything else to focus on besides cancer, I chose to focus on that! J

What has happened cancer-wise in this past year? Well, let’s see… diagnosis, surgery, chemo, being bald, a nasty infection, hospitalization, more surgery, radiation (which caused, what I like to call “localized zombie skin”), and even more surgery. Not that any sane person would think otherwise, but having cancer fucking sucks.

Last week I had my year check-in MRI, and everything came back clear!
 
Now, what does this mean for me? Well, I still have a lifetime of check-ups, medication, and that nagging worry at the back of my mind that my cancer is back. Also I can’t say, “I have cancer!” when I don’t want to do something, or to guilt my husband into doing dishes. But…upside…

 
I NO LONGER HAVE CANCER!!!!

I know I often babble on about the awesome YA community, but everyone has been so supportive, it’s hard not to. My family, my friends, even acquaintances of acquaintances were all amazing.

 So that’s what’s up with me…and fingers crossed this is the last cancer update from me. Ever.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

BAD BLOOD Release Day!!!


I'm so excited that BAD BLOOD is out in the world today!

 
Scotland is in my blood...

All sixteen-year-old Heather MacNair wants is to feel normal, to shed the intense paranoia she’s worn all year like a scratchy sweater. After her compulsion to self-harm came to light, Heather was kept under her doctor’s watchful eye. Her family thinks she’s better—and there’s nothing she wants more than for that to be true. She still can’t believe she’s allowed to spend her summer vacation as she always does: at her aunt’s home in Scotland, where she has lots of happy memories. Far away from all her problems save one: she can’t stop carving the Celtic knot that haunts her dreams into her skin.

Good friends and boys with Scottish accents can cure almost anything . . . except nightmares. Heather can’t stop dreaming about two sisters from centuries ago, twins Prudence and Primrose, who somehow seem tied to her own life. Their presence lurks just beneath the surface of her consciousness, sending ripples through what should be a peaceful summer. The twins might hold the key to putting Heather’s soul at rest . . . or they could slice her future deeper than any knife.





 “Dark and complex and wickedly romantic.”GRETCHEN MCNEIL, author of Ten and I’m Not Your Manic Pixie Dream Girl

“A story that will both warm your heart, and chill you to the bone."—KENDARE BLAKE, author of Three Dark Crowns
 
“An eerie blend of mystery and magic amid the Scottish highlands.”—MINDY MCGINNIS, author of A Madness So Discreet and The Female of the Species
 
“A haunting and mysterious page turner.”—KATE KARYUS QUINN, author of Another Little Piece

“A thoroughly enjoyable contemporary Gothic.”—Kirkus
 
“A perfect choice for fans of chilling supernatural reads.”—Booklist






 

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Cancer Update – Genetic Testing



As part of my cancer treatment plan I underwent genetic testing for 80 known cancer genes. At first it seemed a bit pointless to me, I mean, I already have fracking cancer, who cares if I have the gene?
 

Well, it came back that I do have one cancer gene. It’s the BRCA1 gene, and it’s a doozy. It increases the chances that you’ll get breast cancer to 70%. Also if you get breast cancer, you have a 40% chance of getting it again. It also increases your chances of ovarian cancer from 1% to 40%.
 

So way back whenever, when I skimmed the article about Angelina Jolie getting genetic testing done, then deciding to get a double mastectomy and having her ovaries removed, I thought, crazy person. Who would do that? Now my judgy-ass-self totally understands. Being aggressive and preemptive is totally understandable when it come to not having to deal with cancer.
 

I also think it’s nice to have something to point at and blame. Before I was wondering what I did wrong? Why did I get breast cancer so young? I mean, I did drink a lot of diet soda in my twenties. Or maybe it was all that hormone filled dairy products I ate. And there was that one time I stood in front of the microwave for a really long time. But no. It’s this one crappy crappy gene.
 

Other then, you know, the cancer, I’m doing really well. Working on my next book and reading a ton. I’ll post more soon! And thanks again everyone for all your support.

Monday, January 2, 2017

Books I Love - My Faves of 2016!

I read 100 books in 2016 and here are a few of my favorites. Most are from 2016 but a few are ones I discovered this year. Well, here they are in no particular order!
 
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60931 60925 17235026
 
22056895 23846037 25812109
 
25647300 11925514
 
And these two I got for Christmas and am super excited to read!
 
24657660 28374007
 
 
What are your faves of 2016?