Saturday, February 14, 2015

Book Blitz and Giveaway: Death by Social Suicide by Karen Anne




Death by Social Suicide by Karen Anne
Publication date: February 13th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

The night Brittany Wakefield kissed her best friend, Jaime, she lost everything. Who knew one amazing moment could send him running— spinning a web of deceit and avoidance for two years. Stepping onto campus, she’s ready to win him back, even if it involves pledging a sorority she has no interest in.

Erik Draxton fell hard for Brit the moment she walked into the art room. With vibrant purple hair, music in her veins and a rebellious flair, she’s all he’s ever wanted.

While Jaime shrouds himself in secrets, Brit finds herself longing even more to be a part of his world. Unable to watch the girl of his dreams get tossed to the side, Erik decides to take matters into his own hands. But when Erik crosses a line, Brit feels backed into a corner, and discovering Jaime’s secret leaves her devastated.

With a shattered heart from Jaime, and the risk of losing Erik on the horizon, she knows one thing: navigating the social circles can be a suicide mission.


Purchase (only .99cents during the blitz!):



Death by Social Suicide centers around a twelve year friendship between Brit and Jaime. It got me thinking of how every girl should have a guy friend. What do you think? Do you have a Jaime in your life?


Why Every Brit needs a Jaime

1.       A lot less drama! Guys tend to be more laid back and dont overthink things. They go with the flow, which is a nice change of pace sometimes.

2.       You can geek out about things like Star Wars trailers, video games, and fantasy novels without having to explain yourself.

3.       You can go on dates prom, weddings, etc., without having to worry about expectations.
4.       You always have a drinking buddy, so you never have to worry about drinking alone.
5.       He can always give you the guys POV when it comes to your relationship problems.
6.       You can eat whatever you want in front of him, and relish in the fact that the food is often greasy.

7.       Hes protective of you in an adorable big brother way, not a creepy possessive way.
8.       You can lay your head on his shoulder while watching a movie without him taking it as a signal to start stripping.

9.       Hes held your hair while you puked, and you both know it wasnt the first time nor will it be the last.


10.   Youve shared the good times and the bad, and you wouldnt trade a second of it. Hes your person.

In Death by Social Suicide, Brit is being pursued by a rather talented artist named, Erik. While Brit tries to come up with an endless series of excuses as to why she shouldnt date him, Ive assembled a list of why every girl should date an artist at least once in their life!



Top Ten Reasons To Date An Artist


1.    You’ll always be his muse.
2.    His knowledge of different art periods makes him an instant sexy museum tour guide.
3.    He doesn’t want a girl covered in makeup, he prefers a blank canvas.
4.    Free spirit: Artists tend to be open-minded people who appreciate a different view of the world than most, this leads to hours of great conversation.
5.    Doesn’t follow trends, so he’s not interested in how expensive your shoes are, or if the bag matches. Which means you don’t need material items to impress him.
6.    Passionate! From their work to their girl, they put their heart in all they do.
7.    Artists tend to have a desire to travel to places all around the globe to seek inspiration. Make sure you have your passport ready!
8.    They’re creative— imagine how that will translate in the bedroom!
9.    Two words: Body paint.
10.  Role play— just think how hot it would be to drop your robe and say, “Draw me like one of your french girls.

Death by Social Suicide
Karen Anne

Excerpt #1

       So, you must have been really busy, huh?” Erik was washing the charcoal off of his hands. I was covered myself and needed the sink.
What do you mean?
Well I thought over the week youd find the time to text me once. He ripped off a paper towel and stepped to the side so I could use the faucet.
I forgot.
Erik looked at me, unable to hide his disappointment. I guess Im not that memorable.
I rolled my eyes and tried to explain, No, Im just really busy.
Oh yeah? With what?
Studies and stuff I didnt sound very convincing. I dried my hands in a hurry, hating being put on the spot.
All the more reason to take a break. He smiled warmly. He was clean shaven tonight.
Yeah, I probably should. I tossed the rest of my supplies inside my art portfolio and zipped it closed.
Cool, so you want to go out sometime? See a movie or something?
Like a date? I said with far too much alarm in my voice than was at all necessary.
Wow. Erik raised his eyebrows, his eyes wide. Dont sound so horrified.
Im not. I just, um I never really thought about it before.
He held the door open and allowed me to walk through. We walked down the hallway to the stairway when he attacked again.
So?
What?
Have you thought about it yet?
I let out a nervous laugh. Wow. Youre relentless arent you?
Well, I can rattle off a list of my qualifications if youd like.
I have a feeling youll tell me even if I say no. We were on the first floor, and made our way outside. It was dark already, and the night air felt crisp and cool.
Why yes, I will. Lets see I have a clean bill of health, no weird diseases.
I laughed. Well now youre really wooing me, go on.
I also drive a very sleek, uber sexy, ten-year-old blue Ford Taurus. Turned on yet?
I fanned my neck. Keep talking, baby.
I have not one, but two older sisters who have trained me in how to be a perfect gentlemen.
You do open doors for me…” I conceded. Not many guys did that on a regular basis anymore.
And you think Im kinda cute.
Actually, youre not my type. I giggled to weaken the blow, but I was being truthful. I liked guys with dark hair, a few tattoos and a brooding disposition. Erik was blond with blue eyes. He was too salt of the earth for me. But, he was cute. Id give him that much.
What? Im exactly your type, here look. He pulled me under a lamppost and took my portfolio and laid it against the post beside his. He held out his hands palm up.
What do you see?
Charcoal stuck in the crevices, you didnt scrub hard enough.
No, its a sign of how artistic I am. What else do you see?
I dont know, lets go. I turned to leave, but he caught my arm and tugged me back.
No, Im serious look harder.
I did. I stared at his hands but just saw apricot skin, lines, and calluses. Erik, Im sorry, Im tired and just want to take a hot shower and go to bed.
You can in a minute. Look. He grabbed my left hand and turned it to so it was also palm up. He ran the pointer finger of his right hand over the calluses on his hand, and then the calluses on mine.
How long have you played for? he asked.
I swallowed hard, watching how he continued to trace the rough spots on my fingers. Since I was thirteen.
I started when I was six, he said as he continued to hypnotize himself with the swirls of my skin. Not gonna lie, it felt pretty nice.
Thats a long time, I answered, my voice cracked.
Yeah, I really love it. My guitar is a part of me. He broke his gaze away from my hand and focused instead on my eyes. Oh shit, he really was kinda cute. Id love to hear you play, Brit.
I pulled my hand away. I had only ever played for Jaime. Yeah, my parents heard me practicing in the house, but private concerts belonged solely to him.
How did you know I played guitar? I asked in an attempt to change the subject.
Because I pay attention to the details. His gaze was locked on mine, like he was studying me. Not knowing what to say, I picked up my portfolio, and continued walking.
So, will you go out with me? he asked again, grabbing his portfolio and jogging up beside me.
No. I sighed.
Can I walk you home to your dorm room?
Yes.



Death by Social Suicide
Karen Anne

Excerpt #2

Our model was beautiful, and if anyone was wondering if she was a natural red head, she soon put their curiosity to rest when she disrobed, revealing creamy skin, and a neat rug that matched the curtains. I glanced around the room, and watched the other guys who tried hard not to smile as she took her position in the middle of the floor, back arched, nipples to the ceiling. We usually had male models, or strictly older women. This was a rare treat for them.
I glanced at Erik, who didnt seem phased by the goddess of seduction that twisted before him. He sketched her form, his head down, mouth in a stiff straight line. Usually, he did this thing where he stuck the tip of his tongue out of the corner of his mouth. That was the Erik I was accustomed to. This guy was an impostor. I put my head down and started sketching Aphrodite.
When the professor signaled for the model to take a break and everyone broke apart, I followed Erik into the hallway and watched him disappear into the mens room. All right, Ill wait. When the door opened a minute later, I jumped in front of Erikbut it wasnt Erik. It was my professor, who grabbed at his chest in alarm.
Sorry, Professor Martin, I uh thought you were someone else.
Not funny, Miss Wakefield, he grumbled and continued down the hallway. I flattened against the wall and waited. The door opened again, and this time Erik walked out.
You cant ignore me forever, we still have like ten more weeks of the semester. Thats twenty classes. Youre really gonna ignore me for twenty classes? And besides, were both art majors, chances are well have another class together in the future. I folded my arms and stepped in front of him so he couldnt walk past. Thats right, five-foot-five Brit was highly intimidating to six foot Erik.
The corner of his mouth lifted up into a slow smile. Missed me that much huh?
What? No, I—”
You couldnt even handle one hour of me ignoring you. I thought you were tougher than that. Looks like playing hard to get is paying off.
I worried he was serious, but then he cracked a real smile and laughed.
You need to lighten up, Monster High. Im over you.
Huh. Over me. Im not sure why, but his words stung. Maybe because no one had ever been into me before.
Erik kept talking, In fact, I decided to join a religious order. Perhaps Hare Krishna. Think Id look good in orange?
I laughed and stepped to the side so we could walk back to class together.
So were cool? I asked, just to be sure.
Im cool. Youre cool now, I cant say how cool youll look in those letters. He flicked at my pledge pin.
Yeah, but I think I can make them cool.
No, youre not that cool.
Youre right, Im not. I sighed in relief, happy that we were talking again.
What about her? Could she talk you out of a religious order I gestured to our live playboy centerfold.
Her? he said, twisting his face. Not my type.
So youre not into perfect? I eyed him with suspicion.
Nah. He pulled gently on the end of my hair. Im into purple.
I felt my face burn pink in response. Professor Martin clapped his hands, calling for our attention. Everyone obediently returned to their easels, and the model took a new position, her arms draped over her head, her hair falling delicately over one of her perfect size C breasts. I stole a peek at Erik to see his expression at this striking pose, but he wasnt looking at her. His eyes were fixed on me.

STRANGER THAN FICTION:
When art (unexpectedly) imitates life.

In my novel, Death by Social Suicide, the main character Brit has a passion for music. She plays electric guitar like a rock star, the music swimming through her veins making her feel at peacebut only when shes alone. The fear of others hearing her is numbing. I get that. Although I dont have a tenth of the amount of talent that Brit has, I do have a phobia of playing guitar or piano in public. Its not something that people can easily understand. They cant comprehend why I would own these instruments if I never play them. I do play them, I just play when Im alone. Maybe one day, with enough confidence, Ill gather up the courage to allow others to listen, but for now Im perfectly content with playing for my cats and boy are they critical! ;)

Brit also has a deep love for the band, Green Day, and who can blame her? The band has played consistently great music for twenty years. I remember getting Dookie on my sixteenth birthday and playing it so often I nearly wore the CD out. Like Brit, Ive gone to concerts to see the band perform. And like Brit, I sat in the orchestra section of the St. James theatre to watch Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer of the band star in American Idiot on Broadway as the character of St. Jimmy. In my book, Brit gets to meet Billie after the show and obtains his autograph. I wasnt as lucky, and although I got close to him that night, there were just too many fans. So I let Brit have the moment that I never got.. until recently.

While working on revisions of Death by Social Suicide, I discovered that Billie Joe was filming in my old neighborhood. I called my best friend, Elaine who has shared every Green Day moment with me, and we drove down there, expecting to find crowds and screaming fans. What we found was a silent movie set in the middle of production. A kind assistant let us stay, and watch Billie work. We were about fifteen feet away from him and I swear he could hear our hearts thumping against our chest. It was freezing cold outside and starting to rain (It was an outdoor scene) but we were frozen not by the weather but by our luck. With our eyes glued to the musician who had taken us from high school through college and into our thirties, we were beyond nostalgic.

The director called it quits for the night, and the assistant who had been so kind to us, went and whispered something to Billie. We were told to stay in a certain spot, and after about five more minutes, Billie walked over to us and just said, Hi guys.

Then he hugged me. Like a real hug like out-of-body-experience sort of thing. Then he turned to Elaine and hugged her.

And just like that, he left.

We stood there in shock Its been three months since that night and I still get chills whenever I think about it. Now when I look back on that scene with Brit, standing next to Billie getting his autograph, I get this butterfly in my stomach reminding me, Brit got the autograph, and thats beyond cool. But I got the hug.

So it just goes to show you, each day is filled with possibility. One minute youre at your laptop working on revisions about a girl who has a crush on a rock star. The next youre face-to-face with that rock star.





AUTHOR BIO:


KAREN ANNE is a New Adult Contemporary Romance author who lives in New York. She loves cats, coffee and deeply misses 90’s grunge.

Karen is also known as Kat Daemon, Paranormal Romance writer and lover of all things dark and twisty.
You can find out more about her at www.katdaemon.com

Author links:



GIVEAWAY




Blitz-wide giveaway
  • 3x $5 Amazon gift cards (INTL)
  • A guitar pick necklace engraved with a quote from the book (US only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway



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