In the midst of all my Christmas shopping last week, I went to one of my local chain bookstores and saw something kind of sad — several copies of the trade version of Hot Mama outside the front doors in the $1 super bargain bin. And not only did I see them, but a couple of ladies in my critique group spotted them too when they went shopping.
Yeah, I have to say that it hurt a little bit to see my book, something that I worked so hard on, outside in the cold (literally). It kind of made me feel like one of the misfit toys in the old Rudolph Christmas special.
But my loss is going to be your gain. Because I bought those $1 copies of Hot Mama. It’s been a while since I’ve done a contest here on the blog, and what better time than Christmas to do one? 
But wait, there’s more. Because I also have an ARC of Spider’s Bite to give away, the first book in my new Elemental Assassin series that’s coming out on Jan. 26.
But wait, there’s still more. Because I also have an autographed copy of Fragile by Shiloh Walker. Shiloh was nice enough to give me one of her books during the Berkley author signing at this year’s RWA conference in Washington, D.C. Thanks, Shiloh!
So here’s how the contest is going to work:
To win one of three copies of Hot Mama or the copy of Fragile by Shiloh Walker, all you have to is leave a comment here on the blog about what you like most about the holiday season.
To win the ARC of Spider’s Bite, you have to have a Facebook page, blog, etc., and you have to agree to read and post a review of Spider’s Bite by the release date (Jan. 26). You don’t have to like the book, but I would appreciate it if you’d post a review of it somewhere because the ARCs are expensive for my publisher to produce, and I only get a limited number of them to send out. So if you’d be interested in reading and reviewing the book, just leave a comment on this post telling me so.
The contest will run through Thursday, Dec. 10. I’ll announce the winners on Friday, Dec. 11. Also note: This is open to U.S. and Canada residents only due to postage reasons. Sorry, overseas folks.
What are you waiting for? Comment away!
What I like the most about the holiday season is baking. I love making the ginger bread houses, treats for parties and neighbors, pies for dinner. I love baking and the holiday season gives me many excuses to do it.
December 24th is the best day of the entire season. It begins like any other day, but perhaps with more Christmas music (the Muppets and John Denver for sure), but at 6pm we open iTunes and put on WPRB to listen to the beginning of Jon Solomon’s 24-hour Christmas show. At 8pm, we put on the TV and watch It’s a Wonderful Life and see if this is the year my daughter’s finally old enough to make it all the way through the movie without drifting in and out a bit during the end. Then we put her to bed, turn back on iTunes, and wrap the presents. We go to bed far too late to be well-rested enough for Christmas, but that’s okay, because it’s such a quiet, calm time, despite the every-growing excitement for Christmas morning and the ever-growing dread over having to hit at least three places every year to placate all the parents and grandparents.
I do book reviews on my blog.
Also, I’ve discovered some AMAZING books in the bargain bin, and I bet a lot of other readers have too. Hot Mama will lead them to Jinx and Karma Girl!
I love putting up and decorating the Christmas tree with the family. I try to sneak in some Christmas music but my hubby says he draws the line there. Sometimes though I can get some playing before he actually notices that it’s Christmas music. He’s so weird about that.
I’ve been looking forward to reading Spider’s Bite for awhile. So yes, I would love a chance to win an ARC of Spider’s Bite and if I did win, I promise to read and post an honest review by January 26th on my blog.
I love watching the kids on Christmas morning. Every year they seem to walk past the toys Santa left for them to check and see if he ate the cookies. My wife and I have to point out the toys to the kids.
I also like Christmas Eve. We bring up the NORAD website and they “track” Santa as he flies around the world. The kids get excited and then rush to their rooms to be asleep when he comes.
Good times.
I’ve been hoping for a chance to review Spider’s Bite on my blog:
http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com
[…] Estep is giving away three copies of her novel, Hot Mama. Contest ends December […]
I love all the decorations involved during the holiday season. Driving around looking at the lights and what people have created.
I love the smells of Christmas, the food, the tree (we always get a real one) and most of all the cider smell that fills the house.
I got into reading the PR/UF genre via the bargin bin. Even better, it was a HC of Sherrilyn Kenyon. So EVERYONE in HC or TPB ends up in the bin at some point in Canada
I’d love to review any of the books.
Nat
I would like to enter both contests! I can never have enough copies of your books! ;D My favorite thing about the holiday season is the christmas music and the lights, and spending extra time with family and relatives. Oh, and the cookies!
I’d also like to enter for the ARC of Spider’s Bite, I have a myspace blog, facebook and livejournal. I would definetly love to read/review the book! I’m very passionate about my fiction. Even if I don’t win, I’m still going to blog about it when it comes out
happy holidays!
What I like most about the holiday season is the decorations, the music, and the holiday cheer.
Hi, Jennifer!
I’d love to review Spider’s Bite on my blog and as part of Night Owl Romance reviews. It’s funny because the other day I told them I’d like the book if they had an ARC of Spider’s Bite come in in the future!
I haven’t read your other books but I will definitely check them out! Can’t wait to read Spider’s Bite, too!
My favorite part of the holiday season is the weather. Down here in Florida we have two seasons: 50 weeks of HOT HOT HOT and two weeks of OMG I CAN WEAR PANTS. I look forward to those two weeks every year.
I would love to win the ARC of Spider’s Bite. I’ve been excited for it ever since I saw the cover on another blog. Here is a link to my blog, Sara’s Urban Fantasy Blog where I post reviews of urban fantasy and paranormal romance books that I read.
I love to spend time with the family on the holidays. We’re so busy the rest of the year, it’s hard to find time to visit.
I’d love to enter both contests — really enjoyed the Bigtime books and can’t wait for the Elemental Assassins books!
I would have to say that my very favorite things about the holiday season are the different baking supplies they have in shops. I know that is a bit materialistic of me but I really do mean it. They had pearl sprinkles and peppermint pieces along with all types of baking goodies I stalk up on and then use for my birthday cake or cup cakes.
I am so sorry that happened to you about seeing them like that. I can only imagine how that might feel but on the bright side this contest can bring new interest to you books! Always keep your chin up because you have been able to get published and even if your books may have some rough times and some better times you were able to do something that not many others were able to which I respect you for. Plus, once you finish up the contest your books can have a nice warm and cozy spot in a readers hands and then on their shelves to be read again.
Sincerely,
Emma