Monday, November 18, 2019

Embassy Academy: Deadly First Day is Live!


Who knew that the first day at a new school could be deadly?
Embassy Academy, the elite private boarding school I’m being shipped off to wasn’t made for girls like me. Girls who are timid wallflowers.
It was made for bold, outspoken, cultured kids of the political elite. Rich. Privileged. Condescending.
Except for Ricardo, who looks at me like I'm a new flavor of ice cream he'd like to try, despite my cute bodyguard's disapproving stare. If only bratty girls and cute boys were my biggest problem.
When the academy's resident mean girl is killed on my very first day, their shimmering oasis becomes a pool of blood. The whispering gets louder. Quick glances become hard stares.
They’re looking for someone to blame. They’re looking at me.

Embassy Academy: Deadly First Day is the first in a trilogy of young adult romantic mysteries. 


Monday, October 28, 2019

FREE This Week Only

Dying for an action-packed read? Start the Ivory Tower Spies series today. Get book one for FREE, this week only.

https://tinyurl.com/yaae5crd


Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Cover Reveal for My Next Book, Embassy Academy: Deadly First Day

Been wondering what I'm working on? Here it is!


Who knew that the first day at a new school could be deadly?
Embassy Academy, the elite private boarding school I’m being shipped off to wasn’t made for girls like me. Girls who are timid wallflowers.
It was made for bold, outspoken, cultured kids of the political elite. Rich. Privileged. Condescending.
Except for Ricardo, who looks at me like I'm a new flavor of ice cream he'd like to try. If only bratty girls and cute boys were my biggest problem.
When the academy's resident mean girl is killed on my very first day, their shimmering oasis becomes a pool of blood. The whispering gets louder. Quick glances become hard stares.
They’re looking for someone to blame. They’re looking at me.

Pre-order: https://tinyurl.com/yxcdbroe

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Now Is the Time to Pick Up the Ivory Tower Spies Series!



Out today!

If you've been waiting to try the Ivory Tower Spies series, today is the day! This ebook complete series is hitting Amazon, and is a great way to read all five books (and save a few bucks).



Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Find Some Thrilling New Action & Adventure Reads

Hi!

I'm partnering with a bunch of authors to highlight some awesome action & adventure books that you can read for free with Kindle Unlimited. These books run the gamut from crime novels to espionage thrillers to dystopian tales that make your  heart pound.

If you're looking for something new to read on this lovely Fall day, check it out!


Thursday, August 22, 2019

Visit My Ivory Tower Spies Inspiration Board



I don't know about you, but I love Pinterest. It's a great way to put research together in one place so I can refer to it when I need to. That's why I create a pin board for every new writing project I start. In it you'll find research on the various countries the Ivory Tower Spies visited, plus character inspiration, design photos I used to visualize the spy group's underground base, and so much more.

Also, you'll notice that the board title says it's a "spy trilogy," when the series ended up being five books. I discovered as I wrote that I needed more than three books to tell Loveday's story, and I'm so glad I did!

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Find Your Next Favorite Book, and Enter to Win $25!


Good morning! If you've always wanted to try reading my YA espionage series and never gotten started, now is the perfect time. I've joined up with a bunch of mystery and thriller offers for a great promo, and as part of it I'm offering the first few chapters of For Your Ears Only (book one of the series) for free. It's an awesome way to find new books, and you can enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

Monday, July 15, 2019

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Five Days Until Over My Dead Body Launches



Loveday isn't sure if she can trust Starling, or if he's been in league with the enemy all along.

Starling knows what he has to do, but will his actions ruin his chance at having a family?

Clarity has a secret, but when it gets out it might damage her relationship with her sister forever.

Having been caught kissing by Royal, Lotus and Julep worry about their shared future with the Ivory Tower Spies.

Haru's homesickness is growing worse. Will she ever get a long enough break to go visit her parents?

Royal's been disappearing from the tower without explanation. Where has he been going, and who has he been meeting?

Find out in five days! 

Monday, July 8, 2019

Get For Your Ears Only, Book One of the Ivory Tower Spies Series for $.99 This Week Only!

Want to start reading the Ivory Tower Spies series, but haven't had the chance?
Today is the perfect time to start, because For Your Ears Only is $.99 for the next seven days!



Monday, May 6, 2019

My Newest Book, Spy Got Your Tongue, is Out Today!

I can't hardly believe that book four is now out in the world, but it's true! Loveday and her team are in for an adventure full of surprises in this book. It was so much fun to write!

I'm celebrating by planning a delicious dinner with my family, because good food is the perfect way to enjoy the release of another book (and who knows, there might even be a fancy dessert!)


Sunday, May 5, 2019

One More Day 'til the Launch of Spy Got Your Tongue

Hello reader friends!

We had a busy weekend of children's birthday parties, church, and naps, which is great because I am absolutely pumped for tomorrow and the busy schedule kept me from freaking out (mostly). But seriously, I'm ecstatic that tomorrow, Spy Got Your Tongue will be delivered to e-readers everywhere, and you, my awesome readers, will be able to continue reading Loveday's story.

While you're waiting, here's another sneak peek:

     We file out, and Lotus pulls the door shut behind us. “Whoa, that was intense.” He slides his hands into the pockets of his bright red athletic shorts.
     Julep swallows. “I’ve never seen him so mad.” She shifts her weight, her shoulder brushing against Lotus’s and remaining there.
     “What do you think he’ll do?” Clarity asks, turning to me.
     I shrug. “I don’t know, but as far as I’m concerned, this team just pulled off something extraordinary. No matter what he says, each of us belongs here, and I’ll fight to keep it that way.”
     “Did you mean what you said about us being your family?” Julep asks, her gaze steady on mine.
     “Every word of it.”
     She leans forward to embrace me, but the whack of Royal’s office door being flung open stops her. The knob crashes into the wall with a metallic smack.
     Royal stands over us, wild eyed, the phone still clutched to his ear.

Pre-order it here: https://tinyurl.com/y6xg4sfc
Add it on Goodreads here: https://tinyurl.com/y3uum2bf

Monday, April 1, 2019

Young Adult Scavenger Hunt (YASH) Spring 2019

Hi! I'm Emily Kazmierski, your hostess for this leg of the Young Adult Scavenger Hunt.


(I didn't plan the fact that I'm on the blue team 
and am wearing a blue shirt in my photo, but there it is!)

Some Fun Facts About  Me:

I am a shameless, lifelong fan of Harrison Ford. If he's in a movie, I am game. 

I set my Goodreads challenge to 80 books for the year, but I've already read 50, so I may need to up my goal. 

When I'm not reading or writing, I can be found in my kitchen experimenting with new recipes for homemade ice cream. Some of my favorite flavors are cookies and cream with a peanut butter swirl, white chocolate buttermint, and dark chocolate raspberry.

****************
You're currently hunting on Team Blue


If you're looking for my bonus content, keep looking! Somewhere on this blog hop you'll find The ORIGINAL opening scene to my Ivory Tower Spies series. Spoilers abound, so watch out! 

But let's get the rules out of the way, shall we?

****************

Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. 

Hint: It's highlighted in blue.

Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the blue team, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!). 

Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by Sunday, April 7th, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.


****************

Now that we've gotten all of that out of the way, here's the fun part! For this hunt, I'm thrilled to be hosting Amber Duell. 

About Amber:

Amber R. Duell was born and raised in a small town in Central New York. While it will always be home, she’s constantly moving with her husband and two sons as a military wife. When not reading or writing, she enjoys snowboarding, embroidering, and snuggling with her cat.

She's showcasing her book: 



About the book:

The Sandman is seventeen-year-old Nora’s closest friend and best-kept secret. He has to be, if she doesn’t want a one-way ticket back to the psychiatrist. It took her too long to learn not to mention the hooded figure in her dreams to her mother, who still watches Nora as if she’ll crack. So when Nora’s friends start mysteriously dying gruesome deaths in their sleep, she isn’t altogether surprised when the police direct their suspicion at her. The Sandman is the only one she can turn to for answers. But the truth might be more than she bargained for…

Are you ready for bonus material? Here it is!

Author’s note:
This is the beginning of the original 1st draft of DREAM KEEPER. It’s super rough, but you can see the transformation Nora’s first chapter went through. The scene is completely different in the novel now and happens during chapter 2. :)

**

CHAPTER ONE—Nora’s POV—1ST DRAFT VERSION

Twelve thirty-two.
The clock on the dashboard glowed green, the colon blinking in a slow, torturous rhythm. I cursed my mother for telling me to stay out as long as I wanted. Saturday nights were usually reserved for hunkering down in a comfortable pair of pajamas, and binge watching whatever television series looked interesting until I fell asleep. That was what really mattered—the sleeping—because that’s where he was.
The Sandman was my closest friend and my best kept secret. He had to be if I didn’t want to lose him. My mother meant well, but I couldn’t face a lifetime of pill-pushing psychiatrists. One white-haired doctor tossing around words like personality disorder and delusional was enough.
By the time the final doctor deemed the Sandman a simple outlet for me to process my parents’ divorce, the damage was done.
Don’t worry about it, he said.
It will pass, he said.
That was five years ago. The divorce was a distant memory. My father moved across the country and my mother remarried, but the Sandman, real or not, became a permanent fixture. One I never, ever talked about.
Natalie jabbed a button on the dashboard. The radio cut off, silencing the rattling bass, and I tore my eyes away from the clock.
“What do you want to do when I get back from California next week?” she asked.
“Whatever you want to do.”


Next week didn’t matter as much as the next five minutes did. I wrapped my arms around my stomach, and willed the car to go faster. The only reason I was out tonight at all was because this was my last first day of summer vacation. Next year at this time I would be a high school graduate, a legal adult, and college would be a blink away. So, when my friends showed up to drag me to a house party four hours ago, I pulled on a pair of shorts and a tank top, and hopped in Natalie’s car. A decision I’ve since regretted.


You can purchase Dream Keeper here.

Find out more about Amber on her website, or on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram.


****************

Don't forget to enter the contest to win a signed paperback of For Your Ears Only, courtesy of me, plus a bunch more!




****************

To win, write down my secret number:

37

and find all the other numbers on TEAM BLUE, add them up, and you’ll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

And while you're here, don't forget to enter the KingSumo giveaway I'm hosting.

Two lucky winners will receive a signed paperback copy of For Your Ears Only, the first book in my Ivory Tower Spies series, along with paperback copies of The Prince, the first book in Jillian Dodd's Spy Girl series, and White Knights, the first book in Julie Moffett's YA spy series.


To continue the scavenger hunt, visit author Cyn Balog

Good luck!


Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Sneak Peek at Spy Your Heart Out

It's launch week, and I'm thrilled with how it's going so far. Have you bought your copy of Spy Your Heart Out yet? If not, what are you waiting for?

I'm loving hearing from readers as they finish it! So get reading!

***

Royal is still pissed at me for crashing the team's mission in St. Petersburg, but if he thinks I'm going to stand down while he takes my crew, my haphazard family, to Palermo to rescue my sister, he's lost his touch. Nothing can stop me from getting Clarity back, not even having to work uncomfortably close to Starling. Not even the growing attraction I feel to him, that usurper. Not even the fear that Clarity has finally found something I can't give her--roots.


Monday, March 4, 2019

Spy Your Heart Out is Out Today!

It's launch day!

If I had a trumpet, I'd be playing it. Spy Your Heart Out is my sixth book, but I'm just as excited as if it were my first (maybe more so, because I get to share it with you!) I truly loved writing this book, and I can't wait to hear from you once you're done reading it! Send me an email. Find me on Facebook. Strike up a conversation in Instagram. I don't care the method you use; I just want to chat with you about it. I try to respond to every single message, so don't hesitate. :)

In the mean time, I'll be celebrating by eating yummy food and dancing around the house like a meerkat in a hula outfit (they're so cute!)

Lastly, I'd like to thank each and every one of you, because without your presence and support, it wouldn't be nearly as much fun to be an author. All of my readers make this absolutely worth it. You rock!



Sunday, March 3, 2019

Spy Your Heart Out Comes Out TOMORROW!!


I can't believe this baby drops tomorrow.

I am itching to release it so all of you fantastic people can read it. There are so many questions! What's happened to Clarity? Will Loveday and Starling finally become friends? How many more secrets is Royal keeping? Hehe. I get excited just thinking about talking it through with you guys.

In the intervening hours (HOURS! Eek!) I wanted to give you another sneak peek.
***
“I could totally sneak into a party,” I say, voice casual. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
Royal levies his gaze at me. “I know you’re capable, Loveday, but I’d still rather have a valid reason for being there. The last thing I want is for you to be caught crashing a party at a mobster’s house.”
“Who says I would get caught? I haven’t yet,” I fire back.
“I could go with her,” Lotus says. “Keep an eye on her.”
“Says the guy whose been locked in an arts and crafts closet!” I say, deadpan.
Julep snickers at this. “I love that story.”
“It was one time!” Lotus says, laughing. “Can’t a guy live down his only mistake?”
“Not a chance,” I say, grinning.
Starling leans into me. “I need to hear about this closet.”
I smile up at him, bobbing my head. “We—”
“Focus, everyone,” Royal says, his voice raised to be heard over the rest of us.
“Sorry,” I mutter to Starling. “I’ll tell you later.”




Thursday, February 28, 2019

Book Three of the Ivory Tower Spies Series Comes Out in Just Four Days!

Good afternoon!

Can you believe that today is the last day of February? I'm amazed that 2019 is going by so quickly. We're already staring down the barrel of March. Is time flying for you, too?

As I mentioned last time, my parents are visiting this week. They usually bring lots of yummy treats and desserts with them to share with us, but this time they brought something better: gourmet breakfast meats. My dad and a friend went to a famous butcher's shop before he and my mom came to visit, and purchased some delicious bacon and sausage. I'm in heaven. I bet Lotus would be dying of contentment, too, being the foodie that he is.

Spy Your Heart Out comes out in four days! I can't believe that either. I'm hard at work on book four. It's full of action and close calls. Our spy crew get into quite an adventure. :D

In the mean time, here's another sneak peek from Spy Your Heart Out. Enjoy!

***

     Royal’s head dips. His eyes skim the ground before rising to meet mine. “It’s been a long time since I was a teenager, but I still remember wanting to be close to someone. I know you must feel that—”
     “Dad! It’s not about that. It was just a kiss. Nothing more.”
     His expression softens, and my heart warms. “I’m trying to protect you,” he says, his voice soft. “Sometimes I forget that you’re still so young. That all of this, it’s not normal for people your age.” His voice hitches in his throat. “Do you even want this life? Because you can get out. Go to college. Get a regular job. Do normal adult things.”
     I shake my head, smiling. “You’re forgetting that I’m the one who forced you to let me in. Remember? Two eleven-year-olds scooping your bump and grab from right under your nose?”
     He smiles at this. “I was so proud of both of you, I couldn’t see straight.”
     It’s been a long while since I’ve heard those words from him. “Thanks, Dad.”
     He puts an arm around me and squeezes gently. “Let’s go back, shall we?”
     “Yeah.”
     We turn and meander in the direction we came.
     I lean into him. “Dad?”
     “Yes?”
     “We’re getting Clarity back from those brainless toads.”
     A half-smile cracks his serious features. “Yes, we are.”






Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Spy Your Heart Out Releases in Just Six Days!


My parents are here visiting this week, and it's so nice! My girls love their Gran and Grandpa, and my hubby and I tend to get lots of household tasks done when they're here. They're super handy, so we learn a lot!

I'm also making the final touches on book three of Loveday's story, which comes out soon. I can't believe it. I had to pinch myself just now to make sure this is really happening. If someone had told me five years ago that I would write a five book series about teenage spies, I wouldn't have believed them. I've loved spies since I saw Harriet the Spy in elementary school, so writing a series about them is way too much fun.

I'm really proud of book three, and I hope you'll love it too!



***


Completing this mission will push her to the limits.
Loveday is on thin ice with the team after crashing their operation. But when her sister is kidnapped, Loveday insists on being included in the rescue. Finding the balance between being a good sister and a good spy has never been harder.
The situation becomes even more complicated when Loveday is paired with Starling for an undercover job that pulls them closer than ever. Sparks fly, leaving Loveday torn between letting her mind rule, and giving in to her heart.
Loveday will do whatever is required to get her sister back, but she may lose her heart in the process.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

It's Giveaway Time - Win an Ebook Copy of Julie Moffett's White Knights

Good morning!

It's been quite a while since I did a giveaway, so I figured it was time. I like to keep you lovely people happy. :)

Enter here to win a copy of the first book in Julie Moffett's White Knights series:

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/1fd029471632578d


Thursday, January 10, 2019

LivePortraits of the Ivory Tower Spies, Loveday, Clarity, Julep, Lotus, Vale, Starling, and Haru

An author friend of mine (Ginna Moran) told me about the LivePortrait app, so of course I stayed up way too late making portraits for most of the Ivory Tower Spies. I haven't done Royal or Darnay yet, but here are the rest of the team members. :)
Brash, fearless, Loveday
Disguise whizz and gentle soul, Clarity
Driving expert and jokester, Lotus

Comms expert and budding field agent, Vale

Sassy and bold, Julep

Confident, cool, Starling

Perky hacker, Haru


**Don't forget: if you buy the book between now and January 14th, send the receipt to ivorytowerspies@gmail.com and get bonus launch goodies, including confidential CIA files for each of the Ivory Tower Spies, and the very first scene I ever wrote for the series. It's not included in the books, so you can't get it anywhere else!

Monday, January 7, 2019

The Eyes of Spies is Out Today - Get Your Copy on Amazon!

The Eyes of Spies is out in the world!

Book two of the Ivory Tower Spies series is ready to be read! One of my early reviewers sent me this message, and it sure made me grin:

"Finished your book last night. It was really good! More of a cliffhanger this time, and now I have to wait for book 3. :( "

She's right! There is a cliffhanger at the end of book two, but the story is so gripping I know you won't mind. Plus, I've included the first two chapters of book three as a sneak peek at the end of book two, which will help the time go faster until you can read book three.


Why should you buy book two now? Because if you do, I'll send you the bonus launch goodies I've been talking about. What are they again? Exclusive, confidential case files on Loveday and her crew, including a psych eval, strengths, weaknesses, and more. Plus, you'll get a bonus that isn't included in the books: the very first scene I ever wrote in the Ivory Tower Spies world. All you have to do to get these launch goodies is purchase the book on Amazon and send me the receipt at ivorytowerspies@gmail.com between now and January 14th. I'll make sure you get your extras!

Happy reading!

- Emily

Thursday, January 3, 2019

For Your Ears Only Sale (Limited Time!) and Book Two Launch Goodies!

Hi friends!

When I got my editor's notes on The Eyes of Spies, I was thrilled. Why? Because she said it was EVEN BETTER than the first book. Those words were music to my ears. I was absolutely ecstatic!

And last night I got the first review on book two from an Advance reader, and here's what he said:


I was so excited I may have danced won my hallway! (Ask my husband. It's the truth.)

I'm celebrating launching book two (in four days!) by putting book one, For Your Ears Only, on sale for only 99 pennies for this week only. If you haven't gotten a copy yet, now is the time to do it.


Okay, and now for the bonus goodies! For next week only, from January 7 to January 14, if you send me a receipt for The Eyes of Spies, I'll send you confidential personnel files for Royal, Loveday, and the rest of their team. You'll find insights into each character, strengths, weaknesses, and more. I'll also send you an exclusive look at the very first scene I wrote for the Ivory Tower Spies series (and let me tell you, there are spoilers in there!)

All you have to do is forward your receipt to ivorytowerspies@gmail.com, and I'll make sure you get your bonus goodies.

Four more days to wait, readers, and then you can jump back into Loveday's story!

Happy reading,

- Emily