Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday! Seven Authors I Can't Believe I've Met



Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish




1) J.K. Rowling on October 16, 2012 for the release of The Casual Vacancy. What a great birthday!

There was quite a saga with the tickets. I found out on twitter they went on sale 12 hours ahead of time on the website. I bought them of course! Couldn't risk getting sold out. Then Jazz at Lincoln Center realized the glitch and closed the sales.
Next day when they went on sale as scheduled online, by phone, and at the box office (where people camped overnight), they oversold.
To accommodate everyone who bought tickets they moved the event to a larger venue. So, Jazz at Lincoln Center had to refund everyone, and then Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center contacted everyone personally by phone to re-purchase the tickets. It was a big mess. The tickets were the same price and generally the same seats. And everyone would get an autographed copy of the book after the panel.


They were so strict! Could only snap a photo after we cleared the table. It was so quick, literally 10 seconds to say a quick hello and move on. But I have a book with her signature, that I saw her sign, and got to look into her eyes for 5 seconds.


2) Pierce Brown's Morning Star discussion and signing at Barnes and Noble, February 17, 2016.


Pierce has an easy going and charming personality.He's so friendly and has a good sense of humor. He loves to talk to his fans. He makes eye contact with you (his eyes are gorgeous) and really gets into whatever you're discussing.

I have also met him twice before at New York Comic Con 2014 and he remembered me.



3) Stephenie Meyer - The Breaking Dawn Part 2 Hall H campout at San Diego Comic-Con 2012 Preview Night- July 11

Stephenie was the last to arrive of the cast. And she is very gracious to her fans. She takes her time with them and actually listens. I said it was nice to see her again. And after we took the first photo she asked where I had met her before and I answered the Breaking Dawn Concert in NYC. She was like, "Wow, that was a while ago." And when my first photo didn't come out good because I blinked, she politely paused talking to my friend and retook the photo.

4) Sarah Gruen at a Water for Elephants cocktail event back in April 2011. It was during the promotion of the movie.

Sarah was running late and my friends and I were at the end of the line so we were told no more photos because she had to leave. But Sarah did take the time to take photos with us. She does this cute, funny thing where you turn away from the camera, wait for the count of three and then turn with a smile.

I asked her to personalize my book and she did. She also signed this HUGE Water For Elephants movie poster.



5) Amy Poehler at Barnes and Nobel, Union Square during her book signing of Yes, Please

They were rushing us to move along but I did get to tell her I loved her panel with Martin Short at Book Con 2014 and that I loved her Jon Hamm story. (I can't ever retell it the way Amy did and can never make you laugh like she could. Go search for the video on youtube for that. Basically, Amy's OBGYN, who also had delivered Sofia Loren's children, had died two days before she was about to deliver her first child. She was on the set of SNL when she found out and started crying. Jon Hamm, who was hosting SNL that week, told Amy, 'This is my first time hosting. This is a big deal for me. Don't screw it up.' She quickly went from crying to laughing.)

6) Deborah Harkness at Book Con 2014.
The most important thing I cherish about this encounter was when my sister told Deborah she was reading these books about London, and whenever Christopher Marlowe was mentioned she has to scoff. Deborah said the most of the time the smartest people are not the nicest.

We did get a photo with her and she signed the "Diana Bishop's Commonplace Book" they handed out.



7) Carrie Fisher at New York Comic Con in 2012.

I decided to get 2 autographs from Carrie. One for the photo of us. The second autograph was for my copy of Wishful Drinking.
I also brought the "Wishful Drinking" Playbill with me, not to get signed, but to show her that on one side was Princess Leia and on the other was Anakin Skywalker. Well, really it was an advertisement with Hayden Christensen for Lacoste. I was proudly being dorky, I know.

She thought that was amusing and then asked what Hayden was up too because she had not seen him in a while. I said I didn't know. His imdb page mentions movies in "pre-production" but I wish they'd go into production because I miss him. Then I brought the topic back to Carrie and asked what she was working on next. She said she's working on a show called "Any Questions?"
I said I would look for info about it and come see it. Then she wrote a long note in my book! CARRIE FISHER WROTE ME A NOTE!
For Stephanie, 
Come see my new show, okay? 
Love, Carrie Fisher
Any Questions?



One Author I'm Dying To Meet: Ruta Sepetys. She is my favorite author when it comes to historical fiction. When her next book comes out I will search for any events so I can see her discuss her research and writing process. As well as get my books signed. She'll see all my little bookmarks with notes.


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday! Read In One Sitting Theme: Five of the shortest books I've read



Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish


1) Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I loved this story and have read it a few times. You can read it in a day but your eyes will be red and swollen from crying.


2) I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
This story is shorter than I expected and nothing like the movie with Will Smith. The book was better. The vampires were not the flesh eating drones of the movie but beings the main character could speak to, and they feared him. The edition I bought had other story stories from Matheson, but I Am Legend is short enough for a quick read.


3) Rappaccini’s Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
It's only 27 pages but it's beautifully written, and a timeless gothic story.


4) "Princess Prettypants", by Meg Cabot. This is a short story that is part of a completion of short stories in a book called Zombies vs Unicorns, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier. There are some great stories in there but I singled this one out because it made me laugh so hard. What great is that you can go back to any story in the book and reread it in one sitting.


5) Frankenstein based on the novel by Mary Shelley, by Nick Dear
It's 77 pages and is the script for the play that was directed by Danny Boyle and stared Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. They alternated the roles of Dr. Frankenstein/the Creature each night. I did not get to see this production live, sadly, but the performances were recorded and broadcasted in theaters around the world.
I did read the book by Mary Shelley years ago in high school. While I loved the morality and ethical concepts and the sci-fi aspect, I disliked her style of writing. So I prefer reading, or watching, this version.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Cover Reveal! Hate 2 Lovers by K. Webster & J.D. Hollyfield!

Hate 2 Lovers

by K. Webster and J.D. Hollyfield 2 Lovers Series #2 (May be read as standalone) Publication Date: April 4, 2017 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Preorder: Amazon
She hates him and his big head. He likes her and her big t*ts. She hates him because she somehow ends up naked every time she sees him. He likes her because she somehow ends up naked every time he sees her. She hates him because the big oaf knocked her up with his kid. He likes her because she’s carrying his child. She hates the way he gets inside her head. He likes the way she lets him see glimpses of her heart. Andie: I hate you. Roman: I know…but I’m going to change that. ***This is book two in the series. It is best if you read book one first to fully understand this couple’s story.***
It’s the start of nothing good. I fired off a storm of raunchy text messages…to the wrong number. And he replied. Him: Show me a picture. Him: Tell me your name. Why does the lure of anonymity have me craving to indulge a stranger? It’s the start of everything right. I received a slew of text messages…when everything in my life was wrong. And she made me laugh again. Her: You’re probably a creeper. Her: Possibly a stalker. Why do I have the overwhelming need to find this stranger who saved me and make her mine? Him: Take a chance with me. Her: This is crazy. Him: I need to see you. Her: What are we doing? Him: We’re about to find out. Her: PHOTO ATTACHED Him: PHOTO ATTACHED

About K. Webster

K Webster2 K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers. Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen. You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads! Website: www.authorkwebster.com Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bllgoP

About J.D. Hollyfield

Author JD Hollyfield Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part time superhero… J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life. Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Blog Tour: What I Need by J. Daniels - Review!


What I Need (Alabama Summer #5)
Author: J. Daniels
Publication Date: March 5, 2017
Published: EverAfter Romance
Source: Inkslinger PR

My Rating:

From New York Times bestselling author, J. Daniels, comes a sexy new STANDALONE novel.
Riley Tennyson has made a huge mistake.
At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.
Showing up to her brother’s wedding pissed off and newly single, Riley seeks comfort in solitude and an open bar, until the gorgeous and irresistibly charming CJ Tully makes her a better offer―a wild night with the master of smooth-talking where nothing is off limits.
Riley does what any single woman would do, and a connection is made. One neither one of them can ignore. But when she comes home to the boyfriend she no longer thought she had, Riley buries her secret and begs CJ to do the same.
Forget about each other. It was a mistake. That’s all it was… right?
Desires are hidden. Distance is kept. Until one night CJ makes the ultimate sacrifice, and Riley can no longer avoid the man she can’t stop thinking about.
Not with him sleeping down the hall…



This was clearly one of my favorites. Definitely second after the first in this series. Ben and Mia will always have my heart forever. It just hits home. But Riley and CJ do it for me too.

What I Need starts off with Reed, Riley's brother, wedding. (Couple from book 3.) Riley is the maid of honor and CJ is the best man. They hit it off. And of course they end up doing the dirty, multiple times. What Riley didn't expect though, going home and realizing she's still in a relationship!

Drama galore. Of course this means CJ and Riley can't be together. Friendzone for the pair of them. But you know what happens when you're in the friendzone? Problems. There is more drama that forces these two together in a way they didn't anticipate. 

There are a lot of secrets going on with these two and makes you want to punch them in the face. Or be like "Grow the fuck up!" but you understand. Somehow they both just work. Even with a huge age difference, 8 years!, it still works.

Well done! The banter was great and again, one of my favorites from J.Daniels for sure.



J.Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

Sign up to receive her newsletter and get special offers and exclusive release info:

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Blog Tour: The Wright Brother by K.A. Linde - Review! (@AuthorKALinde)


The Wright Brother (Wright #1)
Author: K.A. Linde
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Published: Everafter Romance
Source: Inkslinger PR

My Rating:

I'd dated his brother.
He didn’t remember and I wish I could forget.
I may have sworn off the Wright family a long time ago. But when I returned home, Jensen Wright crashed into my life with the confidence of a billionaire CEO and the sex appeal of a god. Even I couldn’t resist our charged chemistry, or the way he fit into my life like a missing puzzle piece.
Too bad he’d forgotten the one thing that could destroy us.
Because Jensen Wright doesn’t share. Not with anyone. And if his brother finds out, this could all go down in flames.
When it all was said and done, was he the Wright brother?



I've wanted to read a K.A. Linde book for a long while. I'm ecstatic that this was my first taste of her writing. I adore second chance and family stories. And this game me everything I would have hoped for.

Emery (great name) catches her professor/boyfriend cheating on her. She uses this as a reason to return home and reevaluate things in her life. What she didn't expect when returning to her Texas hometown was to see the Wright Family. When her best friend, who I LOVED, forces her to attend a wedding, she comes face to face with Jensen (another great name) Wright, the brother of Landon Wright, her ex and the one who torn her heart to pieces.

Jensen doesn't recognize Emery but he wants to know her. Having the upper hand works in their favor. The attraction is there immediately. I wasn't 100% in the Jensen fanclub at first but I fell in love with the whole Wright brood. I can't wait to read more about them.

There was more angst to this than I actually expected but it wasn't terrible. I loved Emery and found her to be a strong character and truly made me root for her. In the end, I can say, I was a fan.



K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifteen novels including the Avoiding series and the Record series. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, geeking out over Star Wars, binge-watching Supernatural, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

Cover Reveal: The House Mate by Kendall Ryan!




New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan brings us THE HOUSE MATE on APRIL 18th, and we are very excited to share the cover with you today!
          house mate_amazon   


house mate_amazon  What’s sexier than a bad boy? A bad ass man who’s got his shit together. Max Alexander is nearing thirty-five. He’s built a successful company, and he’s conquered the professional world, but he’s never been lucky in love. Focusing so much time on his business and raising his daughter, adulting has come at the expense of his personal life. His social skills are shit, his patience is shot, and at times, his temper runs hot. The last thing he has time for is the recently single, too gorgeous for her own good young woman he hires to take care of his little girl. She’s a distraction he doesn’t need, and besides, there’s no way she’d be interested. But you know what they say about assumptions?   This is book 3 in the Roommates series, but each book can be read as a complete standalone as they all feature new couples to fall in love with.   ADD TO GOODREADS    

PRE-ORDER NOW

Amazon | iBooks

   


Kendall Ryan author pic     A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

Subscribe to Newletter

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

 
 

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Blog Tour: If You Were Mine by Melanie Harlow - Review! (@MelanieHarlow2)


If You Were Mine, an all-new sexy and emotional standalone from USA Today Bestselling author Melanie Harlow is now available!

Author: Melanie Harlow
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Published: MH Publishing LLC
Source: Social Butterfly PR

My Rating:
Theo MacLeod wasn’t supposed to be the one.
Tall, dark and handsome suits me just fine, but the cocky grin, know-it-all attitude, and mammoth ego? No thanks. I only hired him so I wouldn’t have to sit at the singles table again. It was just pretend.
He wasn’t supposed to kiss me.

My heart wasn’t supposed to pound.

We weren’t supposed to spend the night together—the hottest night of my life.

One night turns into a snowed-in weekend away, and even the blizzard of the century can’t cool the fire between us. I can’t get enough—of his smile, of his body, of the way he makes me feel.
We’re nothing alike. He’s a daredevil, and I’m a nervous Nellie. He’s a drifter, and I want to put down roots. He’s an opportunist with a checkered past, and I’m a Girl Scout volunteer.
But none of it matters when I’m in his arms.
I know he’s made mistakes. I know his wounds are deep, and he doesn’t trust easily. I know he doesn’t believe he could ever be enough to make me happy, but he could.

All he has to do is stay.


When Melanie Harlow writes her stories, you have no choice to become invested in the world and characters. If You Were Mine is no different. This is a fun, hot, and incredibly sweet. The characters are full and pull you in from the beginning.