Cheers,
Cheers,
The lovelies Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk came up with the WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY meme. Here’s Jaime’s explanation about it: “It’s similar in some respects to the Currently… post, but it’s been whittled down to only four headings to make it quicker and more manageable on a weekly basis. You’re invited to join us if you’re looking for something to blog about, a way to let your blog friends know what’s been going on with you.”
WHAT I’M WRITING
Well, I didn’t post a WUW last week because I had not written a word during that entire week … the kid didn’t go to school from March 13th to 18th. That Thu and Fri were snow days, and then Winter Break Mon and Tue. The husband took the kid to the movies so I could be a couple hours alone to write, but I had just gotten Playing Pretend back from the editor and I just needed to finalize it, so that’s what I did. Playing Pretend is now ready! I just need to hit “publish” …
I’ve been trying to catch up this past week. I wrote 10902 words on Breaking Fences since last Wednesday. I hope to write at least 3000 more today.
WHAT I’M READING
During these two weeks, I read Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally, and Save The Cat! Strikes Back by Blake Snyder – not as great as the first one, but good too. I also read Jet by Jay Crownover, and two novellas: The Start of Us by Lauren Blakely, and Objection (legal Affairs #1) by Sawyer Bennett.
After those, I started two other novels but didn’t get past the first chapter. Then I started a third and read it to 26% before putting aside. Ugh. This frustrates me. Tonight, I’m starting another novel. Let’s hope it’s not as bad as the previous three, so I can finish it. I hate not finishing reading, but I couldn’t take anymore.
WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
Well, if you guys don’t know, I’m kinda obsessed with k-pop. Yeah, I’m not ashamed of it. I even learn the dances and I read the romanized version of the lyrics so I can *try* to sing along =P
I’m learning this dance right now:
And this one:
Note: My husband entered the room while I was exercising (aka dancing), cock an eyebrow at me, and said, “I think your dream job isn’t writing. I think your dream job is to a dancer for those k-pop groups.” HAHAHA
WHAT ELSE I’VE BEEN UP TO
Nothing much.
Playing Pretend has been ready for almost two weeks now, and I should hit “publish” today, since a few vendors can take a few days to have the book available on their websites (the official release date is March 3rd).
Oh, the cover reveal of Breaking Fences is set for March 2oth. If you want to help me out with it, you can sign up here!
Now tell me, WHAT’S UP WITH YOU?
Don’t forget to stop by Jaime’s blog and check out the linky list of the awesome writers who are participating of this meme!
Cheers,
Anna Parker’s life disintegrates with one phone call. Her dad’s selling their ritzy New York City condo because her Wall Street banker mom emptied their bank account and ran off with another man. Which means Anna has to drop out of her elite college and move with Dad back to their small Ohio hometown. Anna’s determined to reclaim her life ASAP, so she’ll use the next few months to save money, help Dad get back on his feet, and find and confront her mom.But Anna doesn’t anticipate things going so wrong. The only job she can get is working as a lunch lady in an elementary school. Their money-pit duplex is falling apart around their feet. And her dad is depressed without her mom, who’s proving hard to find.
One bright spot in the chaos is Gavin Metcalf, a kindergarten teacher she dated when they were young teens. With his easy wit and sexy smiles, he makes her forget her stresses—and the fact that her boyfriend Steven back in New York doesn’t know the truth yet about her dire circumstances. When past and present collide, Anna has to decide where her future lies…
Add on Goodreads!
When she isn’t writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.
Cheers,
YA Bound Book Tours is organizing the cover reveal of Breaking Fences for March 20th! Click here to sign-up for it!
Here’s the blurb:
Genre: NA contemporary romance
Word Count: ~80,000
Release date: June/2014
All Beatriz “Bia” Fernandes wants is to prove herself—to her family and friends—though it’s hard to prove anything with an overbearing father and three famous polo-playing older brothers. After her acceptance into college results in a heated family argument, the Brazilian girl leaves everything behind to find her own American dream.
College life away from home is perfect until the people she believes to be her friends turn on her. With lies and rumors threatening to suffocate her, Bia turns to her only freedom. Riding.
But one thing gets in the way of her escape. Garrett Blackwell and his bad cowboy attitude. Working at the ranch is his obligation, bugging Bia is his newfound hobby. His thick skin and easy grin don’t hide what Bia already knows—this misunderstood and lonely cowboy fights his own demons. Brushing horses’ coats and mucking out stalls shouldn’t be this sexy, and it isn’t long before he becomes a part of her distraction.
However, escaping won’t solve her problems, and it’s up to Bia to break down the fences around her and prove her strength—not to her family and friends, but to herself … and for Garrett. Because standing on her own doesn’t have to mean standing alone.
** Companion novel of Breaking the Reins. Can be read out of order.**
Thanks!
Cheers,
Title: Killing Honor
Series: Lucky Thirteen, #1
Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 24, 2014
Length: Novel
eISBN: 978-1-938927-12-6
Print ISBN: 978-1-938927-13-3
Killing Honor’s Blurb:
Only she ignites the passion within him…
Navy SEAL Brody Battles’ last mission ended with him shot twice. He’s made enemies he’d like to forget ever existed all over the world. He’s more than ready to go home to the family he left behind, but when he returns, he faces sleepless nights, a possible security breach and the fear that his family has moved on without him.
Only he fills the void left in her heart…
Marrying her childhood sweetheart sounds like a fairy tale dream come true, but not for Devyn. Thanks to his job, her husband has been off on a secret mission for so long, he’s never even seen his daughters in person. But now he’s back, and the fairy tale life is in sight, but Devyn’s not sure the man that returned is the same man who left.
…and only death quenches their enemy’s thirst for revenge.
Stitching their broken family back together proves difficult when nightmares and secrets build a wall between them. And while they’re adjusting to being a family again, an enemy waits in the shadows, salivating for the sweet taste of revenge.
This New Adult title includes adult situations and language and may not be suitable for readers under 18 years.
Author Bio
S.M. Butler is a new adult romantic suspense and military romance author with a penchant for Dr. Pepper, ice hockey, and world domination, not necessarily in that order. She lives in Texas under a not-so-secret identity (Suzan Butler, who writes adult romance) with two monsters of her own while she works on her next step in her evil plans to take over the world. She loves to hear from readers.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Cheers,
Release Date: April 30, 2014
He loves me. He loves me not.
Ivy’s heart shatters upon hearing Eric’s crushing ultimatum. Despite how much she cares for him, she won’t give in to his demands. She has no choice but to leave, even if it’s the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.
She loves me. She loves me not.
When Ivy walks out, Eric can’t help feeling betrayed. Unwilling to put her at risk, he values her safety above all else. By refusing to compromise, he’s blindsided when she moves in with a man who’s already stolen so much from him.
I love you. You love me not.
Lauren sees Eric and Ivy’s split as an opportunity to end their relationship once and for all. When Ivy places herself at the mercy of Eric’s rival, Lauren plots to destroy the fragile tie binding them together, even if she endangers Ivy’s life in the process.
Add it on goodreads!
What readers are saying about HOLD ME TIGHT:
“Seriously – I’m considering sending Faith Sullivan an email every week until the next book is released. I need to know what happens!”
– Elnora Romness
“I’m really hoping Eric and Ivy can find a way to work things out, and that fate will give them a bit of a break—but if there’s one thing this series has proved to me, it’s that Faith Sullivan’s books will take us to places unexpected and impossible to predict.”
– Stephanie Parent
“Faith Sullivan is so good at keeping me guessing and making me eagerly anticipate this book. Looking forward to see what’s in store for Ivy and Eric.”
– Kelly Hashway
“I so totally love Faith’s books. Honestly, it’s such a treat to nab them up and enjoy them.”
– Meradeth Houston
“I really can’t wait to read the conclusion to this series…I think it’s going to be even better than the first two books!”
– Kelli Nash
Books in this New Adult Contemporary Romance trilogy:
TAKE ME NOW (TAKE ME NOW #1): Amazon | B&N | Goodreads
MEANT FOR ME (TAKE ME NOW #2): Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | Goodreads
About the Author:
Faith Sullivan is an author of New Adult contemporary romances including the HEARTBEAT trilogy, the TAKE ME NOW series and the 9/11 novel, UNEXPECTED.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Cheers,
Today is the cover reveal for Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by SJ Pajonas. This cover reveal is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The cover is designed by Forward Authority.
Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: April 25, 2014
Blurb:
After the best first date ever, Lee thought Laura was funny, intelligent, and impulsive; a whirlwind of bright laughter and happiness. Laura loved Lee’s sweet smile and the way he expertly filled in every awkward pause. He held her hand and then pulled her in for the most perfect kiss she’s had in years. What could possibly be wrong? Just the 7000 miles that separates them the next day.
Even though Lee has gone home to Seoul, Laura can’t stop thinking about him. What starts as an innocent text thanking him for their dinner date becomes something much more: someone either of them can’t live without. But Laura’s got a live-in mother going through a midlife crisis, and Lee’s stressful traveling schedule means they’ll be apart for some time. Life, family, and a complicated past also get in the way, and they’re both going to need actual face time to figure it out.
Told from both Lee and Laura’s point of view, FACE TIME is a funny, romantic, modern-day story about two people who connect across the world.
You can find Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20434205-face-time
Are you a Wattpad user? S. J. Pajonas will be posting the first chapters of FACE TIME to Wattpad starting March 9, 2014. Follow her to get a new chapter each week, six in total, leading up to the publication of FACE TIME. http://www.wattpad.com/user/spajonas
About the Author:
S. J. Pajonas loves all things Asian and has been in love with Japan for as long as she can remember. Writing about Asia and Japan came naturally after studying the culture and language for over fifteen years. She studied film and screenwriting first and eventually segued into fiction once she was no longer working a full-time job.
Released is S. J. Pajonas’s second work, book two of four in the Nogiku Series. The first book in the series, Removed, is described as “a wonderful story” with “engaging characters, seamless world building, and an action packed plot.” It’s an “up-til-3am-because-I-read-it-in-one-sitting book.” She also writes contemporary romance and her upcoming first book in the Love in the Digital Age series will be published in 2014.
S. J. lives with her husband and two children just outside of New York City. She loves reading, writing, film, J- and K-dramas, knitting, and astrology. Her favorite author is Haruki Murakami and favorite book is The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Flickr | Instagram | Tumblr
Excerpt:
Lee’s eyes are bloodshot and tired, his rounded cheeks sunken in with fatigue, but it looks like he won’t leave unless someone comes along and peels him off the couch.
I hate to do it, but I lean forward and squeeze his knee. “Lee, you look so tired, and I know you have to be up early. We should call it a night.”
Disappointment falls over his face and he sighs, putting his hands on his knees and forcing himself to stand up. Once my coat is buttoned-up, he reaches out his hand and helps me up with a smile.
Outside, I direct him north on Broadway to Third Street where I can get a cab going west towards Chelsea and be home in ten minutes. I used to walk this area all the time when I went to NYU, and the corner of Third is as good a place as any to say goodbye. An NYU building towers over this corner, fenced in by greenery and a large tree arcs out overhead. In a few weeks, the branches will be filled with buds and trees will explode with leaves all over the city. I can’t wait for spring.
“You live on Fifteenth Street, right? I saw the address you sent me,” Lee says, his hand clutching mine. “Over by Chelsea Market?”
“Yeah. I go there all the time. The neighborhood has grown in the last few years especially. It doesn’t look anything like it did when I moved in.”
“Seoul is always changing. After the war, it just grew and grew and now there are new buildings up every year there.”
Our conversation dies as we near the corner, and I slow down to a stop. I… I really don’t know what to do. I know this can’t go anywhere.
“I can get a cab going crosstown from here,” I say, looking down at my shoes. “If you walk back over to Lafayette, you can get a cab going uptown.”
“Okay. Laura…” He turns to face me, so very close. He withdraws his warm hand from his pocket and softly strokes the length of my chin, pushing my eyes up to his. I guess I’m not the impulsive one tonight. “I’d like to see you again. Somehow. I don’t know when I’ll be back in New York, though.”
“I understand.” I clench my legs together because a fire is burning right in the middle of them, and I haven’t had sex in so long I don’t know what to do with the feeling. My vibrator doesn’t count. “Maybe we can keep in touch, if you’re up for it.” I smile at his eager face, only three inches from mine.
“I think I’m up for almost anything when it comes to you. In fact…” He steps in even closer, letting go of my hand and pulling me in by the small of my back. “I’m going to kiss you, and I’m not going to regret it for a second.”
Pulling my face to his, our lips meet hesitantly at first, warmth growing between us as a breeze curls around my legs and up my jacket. His lips brush against mine, feathery light and playful, soft and sweet, the test kiss when you put your toes in the water and see if the bath is hot enough. Then I lean in and bind my lips to his. This kiss goes all in, a deep inhale followed by the kind of release that makes my eyes roll back in my head. If I were paying closer attention, I’d notice the curry, the beer, and the coffee, but instead all I sense is the seed he’s planting in my soul, the one that takes root and convinces me I’m a worthy person again, worthy of love and affection, worthy of attention.
I set my hands free from their safe haven between us and wrap them around his waist, sighing and enjoying this regret-free kiss. It just pushes Lee even closer, both of his hands on my cheeks, guiding my mouth into his, and his relief is evident in the release of his muscles along his waist and back.
Earlier, I wanted to pause time in several instances — when he took my photo, when he held my hand, when he smiled at me over the top of the coffee bar — but, now, this is what I want to remember. This is the moment when he likes me for all the right reasons, and I want to capture that blissful ignorance and never live without it.
The moment unsticks, our lips pulling away at the same time, and he kisses me along my left cheek to my ear. I hug him close and rest my forehead on his shoulder.
“Thank you for tonight, Laura,” he whispers in my ear, and I nod into his sweater, letting myself feel happy for this instead of sad he won’t be here tomorrow. We dislodge our arms from each other and do our best to smile at one another before he takes my hand, leads me to the curb, hails a cab, and puts me in it.
“Don’t be a stranger, Lee,” I say, before raising my eyebrows at him and closing the door.
My last glimpse is the smile on his face, his hand raised in goodbye, as my cab speeds away down Third Street.
There is a cover reveal wide giveaway, here is what you can win:
– 10$ amazon gift card
– e-copies of both Removed (Nogiku #1) and Released (Nogiku #2) –mobi or epub file
– e-ARC of Face Time (available March 2014) – mobi or epub file
Cheers,