Win $25 to Amazon and a Copy of Reluctance

Noble Young Adult is having a contest to celebrate the launch of Young Immortals. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on their blog with your email address. Click this link to find the right place.*

You can win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Reluctance, the first release in the Young Immortals anthology - which just happens to be authored by yours truly.

Contest ends April 7th!


*As much as I love to hear from you you can't enter here, you have to go to the Noble YA Blog :o)

YA Paranormal Blog Hop (insert scary music here)

My thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and vvb32reads for the opportunity to do this blog hop featuring YA books that have some kind of paranormal element to them. Who doesn't love a great paranormal book?

I'm giving away a copy of Immortal Mine. Domestic winner will have the choice of a paper copy or digital (eBook) copy. International winner will get a digital (eBook) copy.

Make sure to visit the other blogs in the hop to win more great books!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lindsay Ann Says...

On her blog, Lindsay Ann Says, my daughter surprised me by writing this amazing review of Immortal Mine. I have to say, she's a sweetheart! (And I'm no more biased in my opinion than she is in hers :o))

What she had to say:

"...when I first read the back of the book it sounded slightly like Twilight to me, so I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. But it is nothing like Twilight! ... It is a whole different story, and it is very unique and entertaining. ... I loved it. I was getting near the end of the book and everything was all happy when BAM! Suddenly, the book took a very unexpected turn. Immortal Mine was such an unpredictable story and I loved it. Immortal Mine was an amazing paranormal romance book that I would recommend to everyone... In fact, it is my favorite book of Cindy's so far."

Want to win a copy? Enter here.

Had to add to this a cool comment from author John Hansen written on FB about Geek Girl: "You're book has been one of the biggest suprises for me in literature. Like, ever. Seriously. I've hated romance until that book. :D"

More Chances to Win!

LDSWBR is running a multi-author book contest Countdown to Christmas. Hop on over to see what you can win, and sign up!

Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan

I'm honored to be part of the book blog tour for Rachel McClellan's new release Fractured Light. I really loved this book! And I think her cover is just gorgeous. It's scheduled to be released February 8, 2012, but you can pre-order it from Amazon. Below is my official review.

Review of Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan

Llona isn't your typical teenage girl. She has snow-white hair, pale skin, an abundance of energy when the moon is full, and she can turn lights on and off just by thinking about it. She’s an Aura, a manipulator of light.

Forced to move every couple of years, Llona and her uncle Jake have chosen Bountiful, Utah as their latest hideaway. She’s hiding from the Vyken’s who killed her parents and are now after Llona.

Llona’s only friend is the strange May, who has secrets of her own. That’s why their friendship works so well, a shared understanding of what it truly means to be different. Christian, new at the school and drop-dead gorgeous pursues Llona, much to her frustration. She doesn’t feel she can get involved with anyone when she may have to run at any time—no matter how much she wants to.

Fractured Light follows Llona as her unwanted guardian reveals himself and the Vyken nears, made clear by the suddenly strange and creepy things that begin happening to and around Llona. She must learn to control and manipulate her Light, the gift that she now will have to use as a weapon to survive—well, that and the new fighting skills she’s been taught at the Dojo and by Christian, who wants her to survive and to protect her power that the Vyken craves, and will do anything to get.

McClellan weaves an enticing, supernatural tale of a reluctant heroine born with a gift that sometimes feels as much like a curse. Unexpected twists and turns in the story keep the reader guessing what’s going to happen next to disrupt this teenage girls life. Llona is a hero worth cheering for. Strong, determined, independent, and compassionate, Llona will do anything to protect those she loves, even at the cost of her own life. Fractured Light is a must read for fans of paranormal—or fans of any genre, for that matter. Don’t miss this exciting book from newcomer Rachel McClellan, the new force to be reckoned with in paranormal YA.

Want to find out more about Rachel? Then you'll probably find these links helpful:

Author Blog

Author Website
Author Facebook
Book Page

Publisher Blog

Publisher Facebook

Publisher Twitter

Publisher GoodReads

I highly suggest you get in line to read this book!!

See who else is on the tour here.

Come to the GEEK GIRL Official Launch Party!

It's finally here, the Launch Party for Geek Girl!

Eborn Books at South Towne Mall 12-3 pm
10450 S State St, Sandy, UT

If you live in the SLC area, please come join us. We will be having lots of fun giveaways - every 10 minutes in fact! You can see some of the swag we'll be giving away in the pic to the left. If your name is drawn, the choice is yours. We'll also have delicious cupcakes FREE from Totally Bodacious Cakes. You don't want to miss out on those! While you're out doing your Christmas shopping, stop by and enter, and have a cupcake on us.

Don't live in the SLC area? Don't count yourself out! I'm going to be having a giveaway here on the blog. Anyone who leaves their name and email in the comments below from now until midnight on Saturday will be entered in a drawing to receive your own swag!

If you can't make it on Saturday, I will be at the SLC Costco on Friday night, December 9, from 5-9 pm. 1818 South 300 West, Salt Lake City. Or you can see what other dates I'll be doing signings here.

Saturday Signing

Come and see me Saturday at Barnes & Noble for Christmas-palooza

Barnes & Noble
10180 S State St, Sandy, Utah
1-4 pm

with these authors:
Wendy Paul
Laura Powell
Melissa Lemon
Heather Frost

Be sure to save next Saturday, December 10 for the official LAUNCH PARTY!
We'll be having drawings every 10 minutes with lots of Giveaways, and a $25 Grand Prize Eborn Books Gift Certificate.
Must be present for the 10 minute drawings, but no need to be there for the Grand Prize drawing (I'll mail that to you)

Black Friday is Here! However,These Blogs are Anything but Black for Geek Girl!

Today is the final day for what has been an amazing book blog tour for Geek Girl. These are the last 3 blogs on the official tour. The may be last, but they are definitely not least! To see all of the blogs who have participated in the tour, I've put a list with their cute blog buttons to the left side of my blog. Go check these bloggers sites who have been kind enough to share their time and blog space with me on this blog tour.

Ali's Bookshelf: Ali says: "Geek girl is an outstanding piece of fiction... While reading this incredible story, I couldn't get enough of the story and the characters so much so that I was so sad when the story ended. I wanted more!" "I (absolutely) adore the plot of this great book." "I love so much about this great book and I could go on and on about the stuff I loved about it..."

Bibliojunkies: (Review and Interview) Natalie says: "...what do I have to say about Trevor Hoffman? All I can say is move over Peeta Mellark! If you know how much I LOVE Peeta, you will be thoroughly shocked to read this." "Another refreshing message in this story is that being loved by a boy doesn’t solve all of life’s problems...Jen has to learn to love herself and not depend on someone else’s feelings about her to determine her self-worth." "It is a great story that I will be recommending it to my YA loving friends – both young and old."

Book & Movie Dimension: Cassandra says: "This is such a bubbly romantic read... there isn't a moment that wont capture your entire attention." "The romance between a geek and goth type isn't the only thing that will stand out... It will slowly build this warm thump, thump, in your heart." "Jen is such a hilarious girl." "The best part though is that (Trevor's) just really, in fact handsome but chooses his geeky nature. Throughout the story, it becomes really easy to fall in love with Trevor." 

I'm Thankful for All the Blogs who have Participated on My Blog Tour.

Today, These Three Get My Love! (And they all have adorable buttons, too.)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Ttoria: (Review and excerpt) Viktoria says: "My first reaction to this novel as a whole is ‘Awww’. Hardly an astute reaction, but it is fitting." "It was well-written and one which stirred all my emotions at some point or another." "...evolved into the sweetest, most heart-breaking and romantic tale of forgiveness, acceptance and love."

Mommy Wants to Read: Melissa will be giving you her take on Geek Girl on her blog today! You know you want to read it.

Bee's Knees Reviews: See what Samantha has to say about Geek Girl today.

While You're Waiting for the Turkey to Thaw . . . Go Visit the Blogs on Tour Today!

This Great Perhapsless: (Review and Guest Post) Lydia says: "Geek Girl reminded me so much of high school and was really great aside from the predictable bet plot . . . I was so sucked up in the story I didn't care." "Trevor was completely adorkable that of course it was inevitable that Jen fell for him. I highly reccommend this book to everyone if you like a really good feel good book to snuggle up with."

The Magic Attic: Bree reviews Geek Girl, and allows Cindy to write about her first crush - and has a giveaway to boot.

Living, Laughing, Loving, Reading: Stop by to read Mariah's review of Geek Girl!

Let's See What Terrific Blogs are on Tour Today...

Mudrock and Pink Nail Polish: Mandi says: "Beautifully written, Geek Girl is one of those stories you will fall in love with fast." "The author did a wonderful job engaging readers in Jen's story and psyche immediately. Each character is important and adds dimension to the plot." "I recommend Geek Girl for anyone looking for a clean, really fun, and very well-written story. I loved it!" 

All About Me: (Review and Interview) Pamela says:"The most special thing about this book was how it came alive for me. Jen and Trevor were solid characters that felt very true, and because of that, they leaped off the pages." "Geek Girl is a must read for anyone who loves romance, YA, family-orientated fiction or a damn good read. I’m recommending this to anyone who will listen."

Practical Frugality: "What a fantastic YA book. I also think that women of any age, and social status during their high-school years will enjoy this and be able to relate to the story."

Ink Scratchers: Jade says: "Stop smiling Jade. Stop smiling!. . .  Stop enjoying this book!" "I had awww moments and yay moments and I barely made it through this book without looking at the last page to see how it turned out (I would have if it wasn't my kindle that i was reading it on)." "...when we get to the second half, we hear Jen's story, ...the book takes this whole new direction with sweet moments but also a lot of heartbreak."

It's Monday, but That's Not All Bad! At Least, Not for the Geek Girl Blog Tour

Ficticious Musings: (Review and Guest Post and Giveaway) Jennifer says: "Jen and Trevor are definitely in the running for favorite characters of the year in my book." "The emotional quality of Geek Girl is enough to keep you flipping the pages but there is so much more to the story than a bet made between friends." "The only bad thing about Geek Girl is that it ended." Read Cindy's guest post, "Why Geeks Rule the World" and scroll to the bottom for a chance to win your own copy!

Alexa Loves Books: "Trev, in my imagination, was definitely a hot geek -- and since that is just my type, I found that I was constantly swooning over his words, his actions and even his character." "Jen, on the other hand, is definitely a little more complex..." "I was touched and emotionally affected during several moments in the story and it was enough to convince me that I should find a geek of my own to love."

Six Mixed Reviews: Misty says: "Filled with intelligent humor, playful banter, and heart-breaking revelations, Geek Girl is a move-to-the-top-of-your-to-read-list read." "Bennett's writing style is witty and relatable." "Jen and Trevor are delightful together, and the entire cast of characters is well developed in just a few masterful strokes." "Now, I'm off to hunt down Bennett's other book (Heart On A Chain). If you need me, I'll be in my reading chair."

Where is Geek Girl Stopping Today? On Some Great Blogs, That's Where!

Like Minded Souls: Trish says: "You know when a book holds an average 4.5 star rating after a hundred plus reviews that it is bound to be good..." "While not perfect, it is a wonderful story full of humor, young love and forgiveness." "The characters were genuine and the situations realistic." "I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future."

Young Readers: Kad says: "Geek girl is a little predictable but the protagonist's sarcasm makes up for the not-so-new-story." "I really hope there's a guy like Trevor around in the real world.I really won't mind if he's a geek too!" " ...the positive's .....The special focus on family, the fact that this book is not part of a series(YAY!) and the cute moments between Trevor and Jennifer!"

Letters Inside Out: Amanda says: "Oh, Trevor! He’s so adorable and is just a really good guy." "She (Jen) has such a great voice throughout the book, that I kept wanting to know more of her past." "Bennett has a talent to write about tough issues, but make them into a very sweet love story. If you are in the mood for a contemporary romance, I urge you to check her out!"

Saturday is a Special Day . . . With a Bunch of Bonuses!

Krazy Book Lady: (Review/Giveaway and Interview) Tami says: "Geek Girl is the kind of YA novel that makes the genre so popular." "The plot combined with Cindy C. Bennett's expressive writing style is what makes this one so great." "This novel tugged at my heartstrings and brought tears to my eyes more than once."

Bonus! Krazy Book Lady's 15-year-old daughter added her review to her mom's! She says: "My favorite things about this book are how realistic it was and the word usage. The author really painted a picture of what was happening with her details. I really enjoyed reading this, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun but emotional read."

Starcrossed: Jess says: "I really liked this book, you quickly get under the main charachter's skin and start to understand why she makes the decision's she makes. "My life wasn't the easiest so I started to gather toughness around me like a shield, alot like Jen did." "I know how much it can hurt to have someone date you as a joke, or a bet. This book gave me an insider's look at how the other person might have been hurting."

Bonus! Darcus also wrote a review: Darcus says: "I absolutely loved this book." "I applaud Cindy C. Bennett for writing a very realistic book. I found the characters very believeable and Jess and I commented that it felt like we were in high school again." "This book was a great read and I recommend it to anyone that... enjoys contemporary YA."

Incessant Droning of a Bored Writer: (Review and Guest Post) John says: "I don’t like Romances. I just don’t. So why did I agree to review this book? I have no idea. I can tell you, I’m so glad I did." "I was immediately captured by Jen’s character and her off-beat personality." "To me, Jen makes this book great." "I was always happy to crawl into bed and let myself be guided into her dark world of bitterness, regret and fear to love despite her hankering to." "I really did love this book, which certainly surprised me... But this, this was different…" "Geek Girl is a must read!"

Hello, Friday! And Hello To Todays Geek Girl Tour Blogs!

Jagged Edge: (Review and Interview) Kati says: "Geek Girl is an amazingly crafted story." "This is funny and cute from the beginning to the end. I love the sarcasm and the wit. Must read for all." "The force is strong with this one I can feel it. (Sorry this book has brought out my not so inner nerd!) 5+ stars."




 
While you're out and about browsing the internet, stop by all the previous tours who have been kind enough to host Geek Girl during the tour!

Night Owl Reviews
Jolene's Been Writing
Dragonfire
Five Alarm Book Reviews
Reading, Eating & Dreaming I was Blair Waldorf
Coffee, Books, and Me
Inklings Read
The Character Connection
Courtney's Book Nook
Wordpaintings Unlimited
Vampire Wire
The Crazy Dream Blog
Forbidden Passions Reviews
As the Spine Breaks
The Plot Thickens
Thoughts at One in the Morning
Bookworm Lisa
Books to the Sky
Totally Obsessed!
Passion for Novels
Twisting the LensA Casual Readers Blog
Getting Your Read On
Nocturnal Book Reviews
Jeanz Book Read N Review
LDS Women's Book Review
Books Complete Me
Pages of Gold
Book Spark
Nuttier Reads
Zone Out Mode
Taffy's Writings
Wraths Queens Books
Mrs. Papillion "The Book Worm"
Lani WoodlandImaginary Reads
A Book Lover's Review
Princess Reviews
Reader of Fictions
Reading for Sanity
ComaCalm's Corner
Nightly Reading

Love Unexpected Reviews!

There's nothing better than having Google Alert come up on your email and discovering an unexpected review from someone who won a copy of Heart on a Chain! Here are links to Evangeline's review on the two blogs she posted it on.

Sugarpeach 

  Adopt an Indie



Here's a little of what she said:

"It is all I can do to not gush about Heart on a Chain."
"When I started reading Heart on a Chain, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. It was such a sweet, touching story and yet, the harsh themes in it provided a balance that reminds a reader of real life."
"When I completed the novel, I immediately re-read it. I hardly ever re-read novels immediately after completion because I usually don’t have the time for it, but Heart on a Chain was so worth it. I enjoyed every single page of the novel. "

Terrific Thursday - for Geek Girl Anyway, Thanks to These Blogs

Reading for Sanity: Kari says: "I don't think I've ever given a book that was given to me free for review 5 stars. I'm breaking that record today." "Jen is painted so very realistically. I felt like reading her story was like reading many of my students' stories, their journal entries in class. Teaching at a school of poverty, with many foster care kids, I see this stuff all too often. Her anger, her rejection of all things good, her pessimism, her hatred of people she cannot relate to, her lack of self-esteem, all spot on. Even her desire to defile Trevor was authentic."  Stop by for a Review and a Giveaway!

Nightly Reading: Heather says: "Jen’s story was tragic and actually got me a little misty eyed. It’s no wonder she dresses and acts the way that she does." "This was a great story with the basic premise of sometimes you may become and enjoy the very thing that you thought you had despised in the first place." "Trevor is your typical geek ... He is awesome!!" Check out the Review, Interview, and the Giveaway, as well as to see Heather's top five memories of middle/high school as a geek!

ComaCalm: Vickie says: "Jan's (sic) character was pretty interesting but I did find it difficult to connect with her." "I was hoping for something that would keep me thinking and dreaming about it long after I'd read it, and it certainly has the potential to do just that but it never really goes anywhere and just seems really long." Make sure to visit ComaCalm, who didn't receive the book until last minute and still agreed to read it and get the review up today!

Take a Tour with Wednesday's Geek Girl Bloggers

Princess Reviews: Tasha says: "This book was so good, I started it and literally did not put it down until I finished it!" "The book itself is written in the present ... Most books tend to use past-tense of most things, not really giving you the same "in the story" feel ... that you get in this book." "This is a book I would definately recommend to my friends."

A Reader of Fictions: (Review and Giveaway) Christina says: "Bennett has done a really good job of making a pretty trite formula into a really great read." "Watching [Jen] grow and overcome her past throughout the novel is exceedingly touching." "If you... want... some geeky references and a troubled girl learning how to have a real, happy future, look no further." Visit  to enter a giveaway for your own copy!

A Book Lovers Review: Trini says: "An absolute must read! It's so heartbreaking, so beautiful, and so much fun. I loved it!" "Her story is so tragic and damaging I can understand why she is the way she is." "This is such an inspiring story about love, trust, and overcoming your fears."

Love for Geek Girl on Todays Blog Tour Stops

Imaginary Reads: (Review, Interview with Trevor, Interview with Cindy) Kris says: "I enjoyed watching Jen unsettle Trevor and unintentionally getting unsettled herself."  "While it starts with a bet, Geek Girl is a sweet story about opening your heart to love and all the hardships that come with it. It is different from the usual contemporary read and filled with laughs, tears, and smiles."

Lani Woodland: Lani says: "This was a really fun read. I, being a Geek myself, enjoyed all the Geeky movie references. :) I really, really liked Jen and Trev." "The book delved deeper than just the romance between the two of them. It explored Jen's feelings with her biological parents and her foster parents. This book made me laugh and cry."

Mrs. Papillion "The Book Worm": Mrs. Papillion says: "I really loved the story to this book. Jen is definitely one character who had me crying in certain parts of the book, especially when she explained what happened to her and why she went into foster care. " "I definitely recommend this book." "I loved this book and that is why I gave it 5 stars."

Monday's Musings by the Blog's Hosting Geek Girl

Wrathsqueen's Books: (Review and Interview) Erin says: "A definite read for fans of contemporary YA, it's up there with Stephanie Perkins and Simone Elkeles and was a 5/5 stars read for me." "And Trev ... I think I love that geek- smart,sweet and funny." "I'm a sucker for opposites attract romances and boy is this one!"

Taffy's Writings/The Book Addict: (Review/Interview/Guest Post) Taffy says: "Girl gets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy again. This is the basic plot behind GEEK GIRL but it's sooo much more!" "Loved the sci-fi references. Loved the cute romance. Loved the relationships. Loved the book." "I highly recommend this clean, high school romance to any teen!"

Book Spark: Ana says: "This was definitely one of the better romance/chick-lit books out there." "I must warn you there is a load of sap, but it's good sap. I loved it. There were so many instances I wanted to bawl my eyes out..." "It's coming-of-age, it's finding identity, and more."