Sophia Henry's Blog, page 6
May 18, 2015
ACROSS the DISTANCE by Marie Meyer - PROPER REVIEW
The Explanation: I HAD CONFERENCE BRIAN.
There, I said. it. Do you guys ever get conference brain? You're running around like a toddler on her first soccer team, because you have so much to do to prepare, yet you STILL have SO MUCH regular work to do - all the writing, all the blogging, all the reading, all the reviewing - that you look back and realize how disappointed you are in how you put something together?
So here is my REAL, review of Marie Meyer's ACROSS THE DISTANCE - which was a phenomenal story of pain, grief, trust, love.
The Book:
There’s a drawer I never open. It holds a picture I never look at. It reminds me of a day I hate to remember, but I’ll never forget.
I’d give anything to be like the other girls on campus. Going to parties, flirting with boys, planning for a future. But that’s not me. And hasn’t been since the day my parents died. The only thing that got me through was Griffin. Even though I didn’t have my family, I always had him. Only, now I’m not so sure I do.
It’s not just the eleven hundred miles separating us now that I’m at college. And it’s more than his band finally taking off, and all the gigs and girls suddenly demanding his time. It’s like everything is different—the way we talk, the way we text . . . the way he looks at me and the way his looks make me feel.
Griffin has been the only good thing in my life since that horrific day. I can feel our friendship slipping away—and I’m terrified of what will be left in its place…
The Review: I read this book in one night. All of it. In one sitting - or lying - since I was in bed. You may need tissues if you read it. I did, because the issues hit so close to home. SO close to home.
Marie Meyer has the ability to eloquently and masterfully write about characters who have lived through a horrific tragedy and writes their story so emotionally intense and real, while still telling a gorgeous story of love and trust and compassion. Her writing and descriptions of setting and action are beautiful. I always feel like I'm in the story with the characters. Whether I'm at Jillian's college, in design class with her or eating a blueberry muffin with Griffin (or I want to be, because UMMM hottie rock god!), I'm there. Meyer's voice is strong and funny.
There aren't enough words to describe Griffin. I'm not even talking in my usual hot Rock Star alert way. He was strong, sweet, loyal, compassionate. He never let Jillian down. And when "things" happen in the book, they don't seem forced or contrived for a plot line. It's a normal friendship, a normal relationship, the ups and downs of living life long distance from someone you love.
Meyer makes me feel the sadness and anger and emptiness of two girls who have to deal with the most horrible thing that could happen to children. My heart hurts for them. The portrayal of the differences in how two sisters grow up and handle grief is heart wrenching, yet extremely accurate.
ACROSS THE DISTANCE is a well written, heart-tugging, but still uplifting story. Meyer just sealed herself a spot on my "One-click the crap out of all her books" list.
The Author:
Marie Meyer was a Language Arts teacher for fourteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt new adult romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member of RWA and the St. Louis Writers Guild. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Special Olympics, making up silly stories with her youngest daughter, and bingeing on weeks of DVR'd television shows with her husband. The Social Media: Website // Facebook // Twitter
There, I said. it. Do you guys ever get conference brain? You're running around like a toddler on her first soccer team, because you have so much to do to prepare, yet you STILL have SO MUCH regular work to do - all the writing, all the blogging, all the reading, all the reviewing - that you look back and realize how disappointed you are in how you put something together?
So here is my REAL, review of Marie Meyer's ACROSS THE DISTANCE - which was a phenomenal story of pain, grief, trust, love.
The Book:
There’s a drawer I never open. It holds a picture I never look at. It reminds me of a day I hate to remember, but I’ll never forget.I’d give anything to be like the other girls on campus. Going to parties, flirting with boys, planning for a future. But that’s not me. And hasn’t been since the day my parents died. The only thing that got me through was Griffin. Even though I didn’t have my family, I always had him. Only, now I’m not so sure I do.
It’s not just the eleven hundred miles separating us now that I’m at college. And it’s more than his band finally taking off, and all the gigs and girls suddenly demanding his time. It’s like everything is different—the way we talk, the way we text . . . the way he looks at me and the way his looks make me feel.
Griffin has been the only good thing in my life since that horrific day. I can feel our friendship slipping away—and I’m terrified of what will be left in its place…
The Review: I read this book in one night. All of it. In one sitting - or lying - since I was in bed. You may need tissues if you read it. I did, because the issues hit so close to home. SO close to home.
Marie Meyer has the ability to eloquently and masterfully write about characters who have lived through a horrific tragedy and writes their story so emotionally intense and real, while still telling a gorgeous story of love and trust and compassion. Her writing and descriptions of setting and action are beautiful. I always feel like I'm in the story with the characters. Whether I'm at Jillian's college, in design class with her or eating a blueberry muffin with Griffin (or I want to be, because UMMM hottie rock god!), I'm there. Meyer's voice is strong and funny.
There aren't enough words to describe Griffin. I'm not even talking in my usual hot Rock Star alert way. He was strong, sweet, loyal, compassionate. He never let Jillian down. And when "things" happen in the book, they don't seem forced or contrived for a plot line. It's a normal friendship, a normal relationship, the ups and downs of living life long distance from someone you love.
Meyer makes me feel the sadness and anger and emptiness of two girls who have to deal with the most horrible thing that could happen to children. My heart hurts for them. The portrayal of the differences in how two sisters grow up and handle grief is heart wrenching, yet extremely accurate.
ACROSS THE DISTANCE is a well written, heart-tugging, but still uplifting story. Meyer just sealed herself a spot on my "One-click the crap out of all her books" list.
The Author:
Marie Meyer was a Language Arts teacher for fourteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt new adult romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member of RWA and the St. Louis Writers Guild. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Special Olympics, making up silly stories with her youngest daughter, and bingeing on weeks of DVR'd television shows with her husband. The Social Media: Website // Facebook // Twitter
May 15, 2015
THE REARRANGED LIFE by Annika Sharma Release Day!!
Nithya, a vivacious, intelligent and driven college senior has always known what she has wanted: a successful career in medicine and the love of her family. She's even come to terms with the idea of an arranged marriage, a tradition her conservative Indian family has held up for thousands of years. When a night of partying puts her on a collision course with danger, Nithya's entire life changes.
Enter James St. Clair, the smart, challenging and heartbreakingly handsome American.
As Nithya and James fall in love, she questions the future she and her parents have always planned. Now, Nithya has a choice to make: become a doctor and a good Indian bride, or step away from her family and centuries of culture to forge her own path.
The decision she comes to takes her on a journey that transforms how she sees her future, her relationships with loved ones, and how she learns to put herself back together when even her best-laid plans fall apart
Buy THE REARRANGED LIFE:
Amazon // Barnes and Noble
AUTHOR GIVEAWAY!a Rafflecopter giveaway About Annika:
Annika Sharma was born in New Delhi and brought up in the United States, where she moved with her parents as a baby. A proud alum, she graduated from Penn State University with dual degrees in Biobehavioral Health and Neuro-Psychology, and minors in Biology and Human Development and Family Studies. She received her Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education before pursuing her dreams of becoming a writer, landing her agent Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary Group while daylighting as a preschool teacher. The Rearranged Life, her first novel, was written in the month before graduate school.
Annika, a Gryffindor and Scorpio, spends much of her time dreaming of adventure, working on her next book, going on Starbucks runs with family and friends, shopping online and watching superhero movies.
The Rearranged Life, will be hitting shelves on May 15th, 2015, published by Curiosity Quills Press.
Contact Annika:Social Media links: Website // Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads
May 8, 2015
Across the Distance by Marie Meyer - Release Week Review
The streak of amazing books I have the privilege to read and review continues.
This week's "Promote My Peeps Friday" features
Marie Meyer's Debut New Adult Novel, ACROSS THE DISTANCE
which released earlier this week.
ACROSS THE DISTANCE There's a drawer I never open. It holds a picture I never look at. It reminds me of a day I hate to remember, but I'll never forget.
I'd give anything to be like the other girls on campus. Going to parties, flirting with boys, planning for a future. But that's not me. And hasn't been since the day my parents died. The only thing that got me through was Griffin. Even though I didn't have my family, I always had him. Only, now I'm not so sure I do.
It's not just the eleven hundred miles separating us now that I'm at college. Or his band finally taking off, and all the gigs and girls suddenly demanding his time. It's as if everything is different-the way we talk, the way we text . . . the way he looks at me and the way those looks make me feel.
Griffin has been the only good thing in my life since that horrific day. But I can feel our friendship slipping away-and I'm terrified of what will be left in its place . . .
Buy ACROSS THE DISTANCE
My Review: I read this book last night. All of it. In one sitting - or lying - since I was in bed. You may need tissues if you read it. I did, because the issues hit so close to home. SO close to home. Marie Meyer has the ability to eloquently and masterfully write about characters who have lived through a horrific tragedy and writes their story so emotionally intense and real, while still telling a gorgeous story of love and trust and compassion. Her writing is beautiful. I always feel like I'm in the story with the characters. I'm eating a blueberry muffin with Griffin (or I want to be, because UMMM hottie rock god!) Meyer makes me feel the sadness and anger and emptiness of two girls who have to deal with the most horrible thing that could happen to children. My heart hurts for them. The portrayal of the differences in how two sisters grow up and handle grief is extremely accurate.
ACROSS THE DISTANCE is a well written, heart-tugging, but still uplifting story. Meyer just sealed herself a spot on my "One-click the crap out of all her books" list.
About Marie:
Marie Meyer was a Language Arts teacher for fourteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt new adult romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member of RWA and the St. Louis Writers Guild. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Special Olympics, making up silly stories with her youngest daughter, and bingeing on weeks of DVR'd television shows with her husband.
Connect with Marie: Website // Facebook // Twitter
Random Notes About Reviews: I wasn't a blogger or reviewer before I started writing. I read books for fun and rated them with stars on Goodreads. Since becoming an author, I made the decision to support fellow authors and write reviews. Reviews mean so much to an author. If you love a book - go write about it on Amazon. I know it takes a few minutes, but it's worth it. It helps the book and author get seen by other readers. Share the love for your favorite books. So your favorite authors WRITE MORE!! :)
This week's "Promote My Peeps Friday" features
Marie Meyer's Debut New Adult Novel, ACROSS THE DISTANCE
which released earlier this week.
ACROSS THE DISTANCE There's a drawer I never open. It holds a picture I never look at. It reminds me of a day I hate to remember, but I'll never forget.
I'd give anything to be like the other girls on campus. Going to parties, flirting with boys, planning for a future. But that's not me. And hasn't been since the day my parents died. The only thing that got me through was Griffin. Even though I didn't have my family, I always had him. Only, now I'm not so sure I do.
It's not just the eleven hundred miles separating us now that I'm at college. Or his band finally taking off, and all the gigs and girls suddenly demanding his time. It's as if everything is different-the way we talk, the way we text . . . the way he looks at me and the way those looks make me feel. Griffin has been the only good thing in my life since that horrific day. But I can feel our friendship slipping away-and I'm terrified of what will be left in its place . . .
Buy ACROSS THE DISTANCE
My Review: I read this book last night. All of it. In one sitting - or lying - since I was in bed. You may need tissues if you read it. I did, because the issues hit so close to home. SO close to home. Marie Meyer has the ability to eloquently and masterfully write about characters who have lived through a horrific tragedy and writes their story so emotionally intense and real, while still telling a gorgeous story of love and trust and compassion. Her writing is beautiful. I always feel like I'm in the story with the characters. I'm eating a blueberry muffin with Griffin (or I want to be, because UMMM hottie rock god!) Meyer makes me feel the sadness and anger and emptiness of two girls who have to deal with the most horrible thing that could happen to children. My heart hurts for them. The portrayal of the differences in how two sisters grow up and handle grief is extremely accurate.
ACROSS THE DISTANCE is a well written, heart-tugging, but still uplifting story. Meyer just sealed herself a spot on my "One-click the crap out of all her books" list.
About Marie:
Marie Meyer was a Language Arts teacher for fourteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt new adult romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member of RWA and the St. Louis Writers Guild. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Special Olympics, making up silly stories with her youngest daughter, and bingeing on weeks of DVR'd television shows with her husband.Connect with Marie: Website // Facebook // Twitter
Random Notes About Reviews: I wasn't a blogger or reviewer before I started writing. I read books for fun and rated them with stars on Goodreads. Since becoming an author, I made the decision to support fellow authors and write reviews. Reviews mean so much to an author. If you love a book - go write about it on Amazon. I know it takes a few minutes, but it's worth it. It helps the book and author get seen by other readers. Share the love for your favorite books. So your favorite authors WRITE MORE!! :)
May 2, 2015
Sarcastic Song Shuffle - Romancing the Jock Style
It's the first weekend of May and you know what that means...
We're cranking the volume and hitting shuffle for this month's Sarcastic Song Shuffle -
brought to you by The Sarcastic Palmtree, the blog of two of my favorite people ever, Kristalyn and Banana.
For the May edition of the Sarcastic Song Shuffle, I recruited some Sports Romance authors.
You learn a lot about people from their shuffles. I learned that I want to karaoke with theses ladies!
Check out what my Romancing the Jock friends shuffled up this month:
Katie Kenyhercz's Sinners Song Shuffle 1. Breath of Life by Florence + The Machine
2. Crash and Burn by Savage Garden
3. Ghost by Michael Jackson
4. In A World Like This by the Backstreet Boys
5. Kings and Queens by Thirty Seconds to Mars
6. Luck Be A Lady by Frank Sinatra
7. Never Let You Down by The Verve Pipe
8. Vegas Girl by Conor Maynard
9. Stuck On You by Meiko
10. Crush by David Archuleta
ABOUT KATIE KENYHERCZ:
I've been writing since I was twelve! It started with X-Files fan fiction, branched into contemporary romance, and finally blossomed into hockey romance. A weird progression, I know. Everyone always said, "Write what you love." I'm a hopeless romantic who loves hockey, so there you go.
I have a BA in Professional Writing and Editing, a MA in English, and I'm one semester away from an MFA in the Writing of Popular Fiction. On the Fly is my thesis novel, and it's being published through Crimson Romance. It's the first book in the Las Vegas Sinners Series. Katie's Website
Kelly Jamieson's Slap Shot Song Shuffle
1. Take Away the Words by Winterpills
2. Bloodstream by Ed Sheeran
3. Call It Off by Tegan & Sara
4. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
5. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
6. Collide - Howie Day
7. Take Me To Church by Hozier
8. Happy by Pharrell Williams
9. Come With Me Now by Kongos
10. Grenade by Bruno Mars
ABOUT KELLY:
I'm a married mother of two who lives a very ordinary life outside of my imagination. When I'm not writing I'm usually reading. I also like to cook and that means I like to read cookbooks and cooking magazines. In the summer I enjoy spending time gardening and in the winter I like to read gardening magazines and seed catalogues. I love lying on the beach or on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book. I also love to travel. As you can see, pretty much all my activities involve reading somehow! Although I don't have as much time for it any more, I also love to shop, especially for clothes and shoes. Some think I'm obsessed with shoes but that is not true (although my husband would point out that there is no room left in our closet). Kelly's Website
Roz Lee's Grand-Slamming Song Shuffle 1. Sha-Na-Na by The Dave Clark Five
2. Maggie May by Rod Stewart
3. I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen
4. All of Me by John Legend
5. Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry
6. All Night Now by Free
7. Hotel California by Eagles
8. Love is the Answer by England Dan & John Ford Coley
9. Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf
10. I’m Your Captain by Grand Funk Railroad
ABOUT ROZ:
USA Today Best-Selling author Roz Lee has penned over a dozen erotic romances. The first, The Lust Boat, was born of an idea acquired while on a Caribbean cruise with her family and soon blossomed into a five book series published by Red Sage. Following her love of baseball, she turned her attention to sexy athletes in tight pants, writing the critically acclaimed Mustangs Baseball series.
Roz has been married to her best friend, and high school sweetheart, for over three decades. Roz and her husband have two grown daughters (and a new Son-in-law) they couldn’t be more proud of.
Even though Roz has lived on both coasts, her heart lies in between, in Texas. A Texan by birth, she can trace her family back to the Republic of Texas. With roots that deep, she says, “You can’t ever really leave.”
When Roz isn’t writing, she’s reading, or traipsing around the country on one adventure or another. No trip is too small, no tourist trap too cheesy, and no road unworthy of travel. Roz's Website
Elley Arden's Quarterback Sneak-y Song Shuffle
1. Lady by Kenny Rogers
2. Hood Politics by Kendrick Lamar
3. As It Comes by Fran Healy
4. Holland Road by Mumford & Sons
5. Ground Hog Day by Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
6. Wait by Get Set Go
7. King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar
8. Citgo by Chief Keef
9. Love Remains the Same by Gavin Rossdale
10. Lullaby by Rosie Golan ABOUT ELLEY:
Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.
Elley has been reading romance novels since she was a sixteen-year-old babysitter, sneaking Judith McNaught and Danielle Steele novels off the bookshelves of the women who employed her. To say she’d been sheltered up to that point is an understatement. No one had ever told her women could live bold, love freely, and have sex lives that were exciting and fulfilling. (They don’t teach these things in Catholic school!) Now that she knows, she’s happy to spread the word. The women she writes about may be fictional, but the success, respect, and love they find on the page is a universal right for women everywhere. Elley's Website
Sophia's Already-Busted-Stanley-Cup-Playoffs-Bracket Shuffle 1. Devil's Dance Floor by Flogging Molly
2. Interlude 2 by Alt J
3. You Haunt Me by Sir Sly
4. Seven Years by Tom Sartori
5. Anna Sun by Walk the Moon
6. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson
7. MakeDamnSure by Taking Back Sunday
8. Goodbye to You by Michelle Branch
9. Applied Science by 311
10. Hey Now! by Oasis
This is not me, obviously, just thought this picture was the BEST. THING. EVER. Thanks, Songkick app!
We're cranking the volume and hitting shuffle for this month's Sarcastic Song Shuffle -
brought to you by The Sarcastic Palmtree, the blog of two of my favorite people ever, Kristalyn and Banana.
For the May edition of the Sarcastic Song Shuffle, I recruited some Sports Romance authors. You learn a lot about people from their shuffles. I learned that I want to karaoke with theses ladies!
Check out what my Romancing the Jock friends shuffled up this month:
Katie Kenyhercz's Sinners Song Shuffle 1. Breath of Life by Florence + The Machine
2. Crash and Burn by Savage Garden
3. Ghost by Michael Jackson
4. In A World Like This by the Backstreet Boys
5. Kings and Queens by Thirty Seconds to Mars
6. Luck Be A Lady by Frank Sinatra
7. Never Let You Down by The Verve Pipe
8. Vegas Girl by Conor Maynard
9. Stuck On You by Meiko
10. Crush by David Archuleta
ABOUT KATIE KENYHERCZ:I've been writing since I was twelve! It started with X-Files fan fiction, branched into contemporary romance, and finally blossomed into hockey romance. A weird progression, I know. Everyone always said, "Write what you love." I'm a hopeless romantic who loves hockey, so there you go.
I have a BA in Professional Writing and Editing, a MA in English, and I'm one semester away from an MFA in the Writing of Popular Fiction. On the Fly is my thesis novel, and it's being published through Crimson Romance. It's the first book in the Las Vegas Sinners Series. Katie's Website
Kelly Jamieson's Slap Shot Song Shuffle
1. Take Away the Words by Winterpills2. Bloodstream by Ed Sheeran
3. Call It Off by Tegan & Sara
4. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
5. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
6. Collide - Howie Day
7. Take Me To Church by Hozier
8. Happy by Pharrell Williams
9. Come With Me Now by Kongos
10. Grenade by Bruno Mars
ABOUT KELLY:
I'm a married mother of two who lives a very ordinary life outside of my imagination. When I'm not writing I'm usually reading. I also like to cook and that means I like to read cookbooks and cooking magazines. In the summer I enjoy spending time gardening and in the winter I like to read gardening magazines and seed catalogues. I love lying on the beach or on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book. I also love to travel. As you can see, pretty much all my activities involve reading somehow! Although I don't have as much time for it any more, I also love to shop, especially for clothes and shoes. Some think I'm obsessed with shoes but that is not true (although my husband would point out that there is no room left in our closet). Kelly's Website
Roz Lee's Grand-Slamming Song Shuffle 1. Sha-Na-Na by The Dave Clark Five
2. Maggie May by Rod Stewart
3. I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen
4. All of Me by John Legend
5. Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry
6. All Night Now by Free
7. Hotel California by Eagles
8. Love is the Answer by England Dan & John Ford Coley
9. Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf
10. I’m Your Captain by Grand Funk Railroad
ABOUT ROZ: USA Today Best-Selling author Roz Lee has penned over a dozen erotic romances. The first, The Lust Boat, was born of an idea acquired while on a Caribbean cruise with her family and soon blossomed into a five book series published by Red Sage. Following her love of baseball, she turned her attention to sexy athletes in tight pants, writing the critically acclaimed Mustangs Baseball series.
Roz has been married to her best friend, and high school sweetheart, for over three decades. Roz and her husband have two grown daughters (and a new Son-in-law) they couldn’t be more proud of.
Even though Roz has lived on both coasts, her heart lies in between, in Texas. A Texan by birth, she can trace her family back to the Republic of Texas. With roots that deep, she says, “You can’t ever really leave.”
When Roz isn’t writing, she’s reading, or traipsing around the country on one adventure or another. No trip is too small, no tourist trap too cheesy, and no road unworthy of travel. Roz's Website
Elley Arden's Quarterback Sneak-y Song Shuffle
1. Lady by Kenny Rogers2. Hood Politics by Kendrick Lamar
3. As It Comes by Fran Healy
4. Holland Road by Mumford & Sons
5. Ground Hog Day by Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
6. Wait by Get Set Go
7. King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar
8. Citgo by Chief Keef
9. Love Remains the Same by Gavin Rossdale
10. Lullaby by Rosie Golan ABOUT ELLEY:
Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.
Elley has been reading romance novels since she was a sixteen-year-old babysitter, sneaking Judith McNaught and Danielle Steele novels off the bookshelves of the women who employed her. To say she’d been sheltered up to that point is an understatement. No one had ever told her women could live bold, love freely, and have sex lives that were exciting and fulfilling. (They don’t teach these things in Catholic school!) Now that she knows, she’s happy to spread the word. The women she writes about may be fictional, but the success, respect, and love they find on the page is a universal right for women everywhere. Elley's Website
Sophia's Already-Busted-Stanley-Cup-Playoffs-Bracket Shuffle 1. Devil's Dance Floor by Flogging Molly
2. Interlude 2 by Alt J
3. You Haunt Me by Sir Sly
4. Seven Years by Tom Sartori
5. Anna Sun by Walk the Moon
6. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson
7. MakeDamnSure by Taking Back Sunday
8. Goodbye to You by Michelle Branch
9. Applied Science by 311
10. Hey Now! by Oasis
This is not me, obviously, just thought this picture was the BEST. THING. EVER. Thanks, Songkick app!
May 1, 2015
GAME OF LOVE Review Tour
I'm so excited to be part of the Review Tour for Ara Grigorian's debut GAME OF LOVE. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy because I'm totally friends with the author.
Sports Romance. Strong Heroine. Hot Hero.
Read about the book before you read my review, Because I don't do the whole
summarize-the-book-in-my-review thing. I get down to it!
AND there's a giveaway - SCROLL DOWN for the giveaway
ABOUT GAME OF LOVE:
Game of Love is set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis where fortune and fame can be decided by a single point. Gemma Lennon has spent nearly all of her 21 years focused on one thing: Winning a Grand Slam. After a disastrous and very public scandal and subsequent loss at the Australian Open, Gemma is now laser-focused on winning the French Open. Nothing and no one will derail her shot at winning - until a heated chance encounter with brilliant and sexy Andre Reyes threatens to throw her off her game.
Breaking her own rules, Gemma begins a whirlwind romance with Andre who shows her that love and a life off the court might be the real prize. With him, she learns to trust and love…at precisely the worst time in her career. The pressure from her home country, fans, and even the Prime Minister to be the first British woman to win in nearly four decades weighs heavily. As Wimbledon begins, fabricated and sensationalized news about them spreads, fueling the paparazzi, and hurting her performance. Now, she must reconsider everything, because in the high-stakes game of love, anyone can be the enemy within…even lovers and even friends.
In the Game of Love, winner takes all.
MY REVIEW:Guys! Guys! I was blown away by this book. The writing is gorgeous. (So gorgeous, I'm a little bit jealous - in a friendly, "Way to go, Ara!" way!) Ara has an amazing way of developing the characters without info-dumping. It's a natural progression of the story. The banter is amazing. The humor draws you in. You want to be friends with the characters in this story.
You get to know international tennis star, Gemma Lennon, and she feels SO REAL! I love sports romance, sports fiction, hell, even sports non-fiction. Imagine what it's really like for someone in the public eye. Someone worth millions. Someone whose career can make or break the hearts of an entire country? Imagine that pressure. That stress. Can't imagine it? Read GAME OF LOVE. It's so authentic. And I love it. There is no fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants in Gemma's world. Everything is calculated. And Ara does an amazing job of making you FEEL everything that goes into being an international celebrity. Which makes me wonder if Ara was/is a celebrity under a pen name. Hmmmm
Except, whoa! Insert Andre Reyes. (I almost made a dirty comment, but I won't).
Yes, Andre. And he's not even the tennis player in this story - even though a tennis book with that name immediately takes my mind to Andre freakin' Agassi, the tennis god of my childhood. :) But seriously, Andre the character is nothing like Andre Agassi. Not in looks or profession. Andre - oh Andre. He's my new book boyfriend. (Well, one of them, I get around with my book boyfriends). Gorgeous and muscular and SMART! Not just smart. Dude's mind in amazing. You'll want to marry his brain. (Especially since it's housed in such a beautiful body).
GAME OF LOVE is not your average, predictable sport romance. The story is engaging and has twists that you don't expect. 1 Click NOW. Or run to your local bookstore on May 4th. You want to read this.
Extra (fun) Notes:
In the book, Andre mentions having a family recipe for paella. This recipe better be real (not fiction) and Ara better share it, because I was salivating when I read that line. I love paella. And I want to make it myself.
The song! Empty Space! Oh, my heart! I need to hear this song. NEED TO HEAR IT. :)
I think Ara - and a few author friends Ara and I have in common - would be upset if I didn't mention the balls. Get your minds out of the gutter, my fellow romance readers!!!
I read GAME OF LOVE on my e-reader and a gorgeous tennis ball appears at the start of each chapter. Like the ball on the front, the colors swirl and pop on the screen. Amazing artwork. Props to the Curiosity Quills Press team. PRE-ORDER GAME OF LOVEGIVEAWAY ALERT:a Rafflecopter giveaway ABOUT ARA:Armenian by heritage, born in Iran, lived in Barcelona, and escaped New York until he found his home in Los Angeles, Ara’s first eleven years were both busy and confusing. The fruit salad of languages would slow down his genetically encoded need to tell stories. Until then, an alter ego would be required…
He received an engineering degree from California State University Northridge and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California.
Today, he is a technology executive in the entertainment industry. True to the Hollywood life, Ara wrote for a children’s television pilot that could have made him rich (but didn’t) and nearly sold a video game to a major publisher (who closed shop days later).But something was amiss until his wife read him the riot act. “Will you stop talking about wanting to be a writer and just do it?” So with her support (and mandate), and their two boys serving as his muse, he wrote stories.
Fascinated by the human species, Ara writes about choices, relationships, and second chances. Always a sucker for a hopeful ending, he writes contemporary romance stories. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers’ Conference (where he also serves as a workshop leader). Ara is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and its Los Angeles chapter.
Ara is represented by Stacey Donaghy.Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, there’s never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.
Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
April 17, 2015
WEB OF LIES by DeeAnn Mallow ~Promote My Peeps Friday!
It's another edition of Promote My Peeps Friday!
Today's feature is a thrilling Romantic Suspense.
Web of Lies by DeeAnn Mallow
Beth Camden's break from a loveless though lavish-style marriage doesn't spare her from becoming embroiled in a money laundering investigation when her ex-husband gets cozy with a Florida mobster. The Justice Department puts the missing $2 million and Beth in the center of the case. Soon she finds herself a suspect in a murder case.
Skipping her court date and disregarding bouts with panic attacks, she flees her coastal home on a stormy holiday weekend with hopes of finding the money and clearing the Camden name.
Her ex and his sassy new wife are on the hook to the mobster for the two million. The money can be easily paid back with a life insurance policy the ex still has on Beth. She just needs to meet with an accident. The mobster helps the cause when he turns loose his psychotic hit man. When the Justice Department urges Beth to enter witness protection, she refuses.
Pursued by death, Beth entangles herself with former Deputy Marshal Rafe Morgan hired by the Marshals Service to bring her to court and protect her. He takes the job with his own motives, trying to heal raw emotions that the Camden name imprinted on him four years ago. Despite the search for the money through Florida small towns, a cemetery, and swamps they continue on as a storm threatening to turn into a hurricane rages. Beth and Rafe get more from the weekend than they planned; the weekend sizzles.
Buy WEB OF LIES
About DeeAnn:
DeeAnn Mallow graduated from Kent State University with two degrees. She always aspired to be a published novelist. Life took her in the direction of writing grants, news releases, and newsletters. Teaching adults from around the globe who have experience injustice and trauma has inspired her to write the novels she always wanted to write. Her debut romance suspense novel is Web of Lies.
Connect with DeeAnn: Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads //
Today's feature is a thrilling Romantic Suspense.
Web of Lies by DeeAnn Mallow
Beth Camden's break from a loveless though lavish-style marriage doesn't spare her from becoming embroiled in a money laundering investigation when her ex-husband gets cozy with a Florida mobster. The Justice Department puts the missing $2 million and Beth in the center of the case. Soon she finds herself a suspect in a murder case.
Skipping her court date and disregarding bouts with panic attacks, she flees her coastal home on a stormy holiday weekend with hopes of finding the money and clearing the Camden name.
Her ex and his sassy new wife are on the hook to the mobster for the two million. The money can be easily paid back with a life insurance policy the ex still has on Beth. She just needs to meet with an accident. The mobster helps the cause when he turns loose his psychotic hit man. When the Justice Department urges Beth to enter witness protection, she refuses.
Pursued by death, Beth entangles herself with former Deputy Marshal Rafe Morgan hired by the Marshals Service to bring her to court and protect her. He takes the job with his own motives, trying to heal raw emotions that the Camden name imprinted on him four years ago. Despite the search for the money through Florida small towns, a cemetery, and swamps they continue on as a storm threatening to turn into a hurricane rages. Beth and Rafe get more from the weekend than they planned; the weekend sizzles.
Buy WEB OF LIES
About DeeAnn:
DeeAnn Mallow graduated from Kent State University with two degrees. She always aspired to be a published novelist. Life took her in the direction of writing grants, news releases, and newsletters. Teaching adults from around the globe who have experience injustice and trauma has inspired her to write the novels she always wanted to write. Her debut romance suspense novel is Web of Lies. Connect with DeeAnn: Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads //
April 6, 2015
LETTING GO by Jessica Ruddick ~ Cover Reveal!
I have the best job in the world. Seriously. Not only do I get to write books for a living, I also get to reveal Covers for NEW books written by amazing authors I also call my friends.
The latest LETTING GO by Jessica Ruddick, which releases on May 26, 2015
from Entangled Embrace.
AND LETTING GO was a finalist in the 2014 Golden Heart!
Gorgeous.
How long do you hold on?
Cori Elliott likes order. Her schedule, her social life...even her GPA is perfect. Then she finds out her high school boyfriend's death wasn't an accident—it was suicide. The devastating revelation is enough to fracture her perfectly structured life, sending Cori in a downward spiral of self-doubt and impulsive decisions.
And right into the arms of Luke Evans.
But Cori's life isn't perfect anymore. In fact, it's all coming apart. The only way she can save herself is to let go of everything—including the girl she used to be. Even if it means losing the one guy who might just be perfect for her in the process...
Add LETTING GO to your Goodreads shelf
About Jessica:
Jessica Ruddick is a 2014 Golden Heart finalist for her new adult novel, Letting Go, which was inspired by her own college experiences. She lives in Virginia and is married to her college sweetheart—their first date was a fraternity toga party (and nothing inspires love like a toga, right?).
When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her hands on a keyboard, she can be found wrangling her two rambunctious sons, taming two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs, and battling the herd of dust bunnies that has taken up residence in her home. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her website at www.jessicaruddick.com.
Contact Jessica: Website // Facebook // Twitter //Goodreads
The latest LETTING GO by Jessica Ruddick, which releases on May 26, 2015
from Entangled Embrace.
AND LETTING GO was a finalist in the 2014 Golden Heart!
Gorgeous.
How long do you hold on?Cori Elliott likes order. Her schedule, her social life...even her GPA is perfect. Then she finds out her high school boyfriend's death wasn't an accident—it was suicide. The devastating revelation is enough to fracture her perfectly structured life, sending Cori in a downward spiral of self-doubt and impulsive decisions.
And right into the arms of Luke Evans.
But Cori's life isn't perfect anymore. In fact, it's all coming apart. The only way she can save herself is to let go of everything—including the girl she used to be. Even if it means losing the one guy who might just be perfect for her in the process...
Add LETTING GO to your Goodreads shelf
About Jessica:
Jessica Ruddick is a 2014 Golden Heart finalist for her new adult novel, Letting Go, which was inspired by her own college experiences. She lives in Virginia and is married to her college sweetheart—their first date was a fraternity toga party (and nothing inspires love like a toga, right?). When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her hands on a keyboard, she can be found wrangling her two rambunctious sons, taming two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs, and battling the herd of dust bunnies that has taken up residence in her home. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her website at www.jessicaruddick.com.
Contact Jessica: Website // Facebook // Twitter //Goodreads
April 5, 2015
BETRAYED by Jeni Burns - RELEASE DAY!
It's RELEASE DAY for BETRAYED, the first novella in the
Twisted Fate series by Jeni Burns.
You guys may recognize Jeni from my many Facebook and Twitter posts about our days of writing and shenanigans at Rush Espresso in Charlotte, NC.
A witch in hiding yearns for something more. Something exciting.
The King of Darkness wants her. Only her.
In 1700’s New Jersey, Delila Dewsberry holds all of her secrets close to heart; the man who seduces her while she sleeps, her magical abilities, the fact that she lives a loveless marriage. That is until the devil from her dreams walks into reality and claims her for his very own.
A tryst leads to more. Much more.
Lies. Secrets. Betrayal.
And one very revenge-focused half-witch, half-devil who plans to undo them all.
Will trusting the devil she knows be her undoing? Or will his betrayal save them?
Click HERE for an Exclusive Excerpt of BETRAYED
Buy BETRAYED About Jeni: Jeni Burns is a Jersey girl living in a southern world. While she's firmly planted in the South with her husband, two kids, and one massive poodle, her heart still lives in the Northwestern part of New Jersey where her characters reside. Since writing about home is cheaper than airfare, she spends much of her time living vicariously in NJ's snowy winters and humidity-free summers. Jeni has been telling stories since she first learned how to string two words together. Thanks to her mom and her middle school English teacher both telling her she should be a writer, she now happily spends her days writing all the stories that continuously float around in her head while drinking fabulous decaf coffees. You can contact Jeni through her website, www.jeniburns.com
Get In Bed With the Devil, I mean, Contact Jeni: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest 
Twisted Fate series by Jeni Burns.
You guys may recognize Jeni from my many Facebook and Twitter posts about our days of writing and shenanigans at Rush Espresso in Charlotte, NC.
A witch in hiding yearns for something more. Something exciting. The King of Darkness wants her. Only her.
In 1700’s New Jersey, Delila Dewsberry holds all of her secrets close to heart; the man who seduces her while she sleeps, her magical abilities, the fact that she lives a loveless marriage. That is until the devil from her dreams walks into reality and claims her for his very own.
A tryst leads to more. Much more.
Lies. Secrets. Betrayal.
And one very revenge-focused half-witch, half-devil who plans to undo them all.
Will trusting the devil she knows be her undoing? Or will his betrayal save them?
Click HERE for an Exclusive Excerpt of BETRAYED
Buy BETRAYED About Jeni: Jeni Burns is a Jersey girl living in a southern world. While she's firmly planted in the South with her husband, two kids, and one massive poodle, her heart still lives in the Northwestern part of New Jersey where her characters reside. Since writing about home is cheaper than airfare, she spends much of her time living vicariously in NJ's snowy winters and humidity-free summers. Jeni has been telling stories since she first learned how to string two words together. Thanks to her mom and her middle school English teacher both telling her she should be a writer, she now happily spends her days writing all the stories that continuously float around in her head while drinking fabulous decaf coffees. You can contact Jeni through her website, www.jeniburns.com
Get In Bed With the Devil, I mean, Contact Jeni: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
April 4, 2015
Sarcastic Song Shuffle - April Edition!
The time is here for ANOTHER Sarcastic Song Shuffle brought to you by The Sarcastic Palmtree, the blog of two of my favorite people ever, Kristalyn and Banana. And Guys!! I have two friends for the April Edition!!! The fabulous and fun, Dawna Mae Wilson and wild and stabby Jeni Burns are joining me.
Dawna's EPIC Sarcastic Song Shuffle 1. Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford
2. Rock N'Roll Ruby by Warren Smith
3. Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
4. The Golden Age by The Astroids Galaxy Tour
5. The Traveling Song by will.i.am
6. Holidays in the Sun by the Sex Pistols
7. Bohemian Like you by The Dandy Warhols
8. Shake Rattle and Roll by Big Joe Turner
9. Bad Year Blues by Albert Castiglia
10. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Jeni's Devilish Sarcastic Song Shuffle 1. Lightning Crashes by Live
2. Mist by Ella Henderson
3. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
4. Cruise (Remix feat. Nelly) by Florida Georgia Line
5. Run (feat. Sugarland) by Matt Nathanson
6. Come With Me Now by Kongos
7. Flaws by Bastille
8. Have a Little Faith in Me by John Hiatt
9. Take Me To Church by Hozier
10. Live the Dream by Rachel Potter
Sophia's Pucking Sarcastic Song Shuffle 1. From A Distance by Bette Midler
2. On Fire (Acoustic) by Sebadoh
3. Sever by 311
4. Sometimes by James
5. Everything Counts by Depeche Mode
6. Money, Money, Money by ABBA
7. The Fly by U2
8. She's On Time by Barenaked Ladies
9. Alison's Starting to Happen Happen by The Lemonheads
10. I Held Her In Arms by The Violent Femmes
Check out Monday's Blog when I feature the RELEASE of BETRAYED by Jeni Burns, the first novella in the
Twisted Fate Series.
Dawna's EPIC Sarcastic Song Shuffle 1. Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford2. Rock N'Roll Ruby by Warren Smith
3. Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
4. The Golden Age by The Astroids Galaxy Tour
5. The Traveling Song by will.i.am
6. Holidays in the Sun by the Sex Pistols
7. Bohemian Like you by The Dandy Warhols
8. Shake Rattle and Roll by Big Joe Turner
9. Bad Year Blues by Albert Castiglia
10. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Jeni's Devilish Sarcastic Song Shuffle 1. Lightning Crashes by Live
2. Mist by Ella Henderson
3. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
4. Cruise (Remix feat. Nelly) by Florida Georgia Line
5. Run (feat. Sugarland) by Matt Nathanson
6. Come With Me Now by Kongos
7. Flaws by Bastille
8. Have a Little Faith in Me by John Hiatt
9. Take Me To Church by Hozier
10. Live the Dream by Rachel Potter
Sophia's Pucking Sarcastic Song Shuffle 1. From A Distance by Bette Midler
2. On Fire (Acoustic) by Sebadoh
3. Sever by 311
4. Sometimes by James
5. Everything Counts by Depeche Mode
6. Money, Money, Money by ABBA
7. The Fly by U2
8. She's On Time by Barenaked Ladies
9. Alison's Starting to Happen Happen by The Lemonheads
10. I Held Her In Arms by The Violent Femmes
Check out Monday's Blog when I feature the RELEASE of BETRAYED by Jeni Burns, the first novella in the
Twisted Fate Series.
March 26, 2015
It's Not All About Hockey...People Matter
The biggest compliment I've received on DELAYED PENALTY came from an editor during the query stages. The editor told me that he loved the book-- and he didn't like sports romances at all. (I'm paraphrasing).
DELAYED PENALTY is a story about an interpreter who falls for her client - who just happens to be a Hot Russian Hockey God. But the story isn't all about hockey. In fact, hockey is not even the majority of the story.
The story is about Auden, a teenager on the verge of adulthood, still dealing with the constant cycle of grief and loss stemming from her mother's death. And trying to accept love when all she's ever known is abandonment.
As many of you know, the grief from the loss of a parent doesn't just stop. Not after a month. Or a year. Or 30 years. You don't "get over it." You learn to live with it. Every time something big happens in my life, I go through the stages again. The Denial, the Anger, the Bargaining, the Depression and the Acceptance. (5 Stages from: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' 1969 book “On Death and Dying"). After thirty years, the grief cycle is on a lesser scale, but I still go through it.
Wouldn't it be awesome to share my book news with my mom? Wouldn't it be awesome to hear her say she's proud of me? No matter how many years pass, those thoughts are always going to pop into my head. I'm always going to pine for that approval, that unconditional love that only a mom can give.
I've dedicated DELAYED PENALTY to all the Motherless Daughters out there. (SPOILER, sorry).
If my book, a fictional, Contemporary Sports Romance, can help someone through the stages of grief, understand their feelings and realize they aren't alone, I've done my job as an author--and as a human being.
Have you read a book that you thought would be a "fluffy" fun read, but ended up being affected by it?
Let me know in the comments. :)
A portion of my profits from DELAYED PENALTY will go to St. John Providence Open Arms Grief Support.
Click HERE to learn more about the program.
Click the Pilots Logo to Pre-Order
DELAYED PENALTY
DELAYED PENALTY is a story about an interpreter who falls for her client - who just happens to be a Hot Russian Hockey God. But the story isn't all about hockey. In fact, hockey is not even the majority of the story.
The story is about Auden, a teenager on the verge of adulthood, still dealing with the constant cycle of grief and loss stemming from her mother's death. And trying to accept love when all she's ever known is abandonment.
As many of you know, the grief from the loss of a parent doesn't just stop. Not after a month. Or a year. Or 30 years. You don't "get over it." You learn to live with it. Every time something big happens in my life, I go through the stages again. The Denial, the Anger, the Bargaining, the Depression and the Acceptance. (5 Stages from: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' 1969 book “On Death and Dying"). After thirty years, the grief cycle is on a lesser scale, but I still go through it.
Wouldn't it be awesome to share my book news with my mom? Wouldn't it be awesome to hear her say she's proud of me? No matter how many years pass, those thoughts are always going to pop into my head. I'm always going to pine for that approval, that unconditional love that only a mom can give.
I've dedicated DELAYED PENALTY to all the Motherless Daughters out there. (SPOILER, sorry). If my book, a fictional, Contemporary Sports Romance, can help someone through the stages of grief, understand their feelings and realize they aren't alone, I've done my job as an author--and as a human being.
Have you read a book that you thought would be a "fluffy" fun read, but ended up being affected by it?
Let me know in the comments. :)
A portion of my profits from DELAYED PENALTY will go to St. John Providence Open Arms Grief Support.
Click HERE to learn more about the program.
Click the Pilots Logo to Pre-Order
DELAYED PENALTY
