Lindsay Emory's Blog, page 13

All These Things That I Love – September 2016

A monthly roundup of things that give me life…

 

I’m obsessed with CHANGING MAGIC FOOT PEELING SHOES.  I think there are several Asian skincare brands that make versions of these. I’ve bought this one at Ulta but they’re available at Amazon, too.

Now, I know you’re not convinced by the sheer genius of a product called CHANGING MAGIC FOOT PEELING SHOES, and waiting patiently for me to explain it.  It’s an acid sheet mask for your feet.  In bootie form. You wrap them around your feet, wait an hour, rinse off and then….

 

NOTHING.

 

Nothing happens for about four days. Then all the skin on your feet begins to peel off.

 

Yeah, it’s not pretty.  There’s a reason why I’m showing you a picture of the package, with a bauble and my kindle.  If you REALLY want to see what your peeling feet are going to look like, there are pictures you can google.   And while it’s not pretty, when the process is done four or five days later, you will have the softest, most beautiful feet of your life. Your spa pedicure cannot compare with the CHANGING MAGIC FOOT PEELING SHOES. I’m obsessed.

 

And #protip: Plan to do this when you don’t have to wear sandals for 10 days or so. Trust me, it’s worth it.

 

Everyone and their dog are wearing LulaRoe leggings. All the cool writers are doing it.  I went to a party with my friend this summer, bought a few pair, and now, I’m styling leggings like this:

And the ones I have on today (LIONS. UNICORNS!)

They can only be bought through “consultants” and if you  haven’t already been bombarded with Facebook invites for pop-up parties, leave me a note and I’ll let you know the best groups to join.

Tea & morning pages – my ritual.

I don’t know how it happened, but I settled back into a tea routine in the last month.  I love a good cup of coffee but I don’t make good coffee at home, no one else drinks it (the hubs is caffeine-free. I know. He’s a freak) and I don’t have the energy to try new coffee methods.  My favorite tea is an organic blend that’s readily available and it’s comforting and tasty.  As the temperatures drop, I’ll be drinking tea non-stop I know, so I’d love to hear your favorite brands/ types!

 

 

If you have kids, you have to check this podcast out.  Eleanor Amplified is an old-school radio adventure featuring a plucky reporter who has to keep saving the world.  You can tell it’s produced by people who have kids because each episode is a kid-friendly length (about 12 minutes), just enough time to distract the goobers while running to the store or on the school run.

The hubs and I love to curl up and watch Netflix shows but after we finished House of Cards earlier this year we found ourselves in a bit of a funk. We couldn’t find a show that we both could get into until Narcos came into our lives.  I wouldn’t say it’s the greatest written show on Netflix, but as a former Latin American Studies major (I’ll take fun facts about Lindsay for $100, Alex), I love this look into Columbia’s history (and I can practice my Spanish).  It’s got enough violence and bad guy stuff for the hubs to stay interested and it’s got intense Pedro Pascal (above) (also known as the late, great Oberyn Martell on Game of Thrones) for me to stay interested.  All in all, a hit for the Emory marriage. Yay.

Is there a great show that you’re loving that I need to see?   I’d love to talk Netflix, tea and Asian skin care on Twitter, Facebook or down below in the comments.  But don’t show me pictures of your peeling feet, please! 

Best Books to Read Now – August 2016

Reminder/ Caveat/ Disclaimer: This is my (hopefully) monthly list of books I’ve read and enjoyed. These are not reviews, I do not include books I didn’t enjoy because life is too short to speak badly of books!

No virgin heroines here!! Wives, widows, and divorcees are the focus this month! Let’s get started, shall we?


The Swans of 5th Ave by Melanie Benjamin







This was my pick for my book club and let me tell you, I was s t r e s s e d about choosing a book that was “literary” enough (even though my book club isn’t snooty like that, I still want to impress.). So I selected this novel based on real people and their relationship with a “literary” author, Truman Capote. Maybe I’ve read too many Vanity Fair issues (see MEET ME) but I’ve had a longstanding fascination with Capote and his glamorous friends; Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Maria Guiness and the rest of his so-called “Swans.”

Our group had so much to discuss about this easy, fun, yet thought-provoking read. I highly recommend it – and I’ll want to discuss it with you too!


Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress by Theresa Romain

I’ve been enjoying the non-traditional historical romance (is that a thing? You know what I mean) and this is one of them. The hero is mixed race and not a Duke, the heroine is an heiress but not aristocratic and it’s set in Bath, not London.  If that’s not enough to interest you, the sexual tension in this book is set to 11.




Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase





Julia Kelly recommended this book to me by the pool in San Diego.
 A spy.
A courtesan.
Venice.
By Loretta Chase.
Um, one click.

Me and Julia Kelly.


Again, not your mama’s Regency romance. And it was awesome.







First Women by Kate Andersen Brower





I bet she wanted to call this First Wives Club but that was already taken

Okay, this could be me and Julia Kelly, too.

 and so not the same thing.  This book is about modern First LADIES, you know, the women who are married to presidents.  I was expecting tell-all behind the scenes tales and there’s some of that, but what’s even better are the truly heart warming stories of the First Families, their friendships with each other and the strength of the marriages in the White House.  If you’re sick of politics, have turned off cable news and wish you could take a nap until November 10th, I urge you to try this book out because it will make you not want to move to Canada.

Shameless excuse to include a Trudeau GIF


What else?  Check out this giveaway to celebrate our #ReadWritePlan challenge  for a chance to win a planner, pens or a book (Read, Write, Plan, get it?)

OH! And new subscribers to my newsletter during August will get an opportunity for a free download of my Sorority Sisters Mystery, RUSHING TO DIE!  Click here to subscribe!


If you’ve read anything great recently, I’d love to hear your recommendations below or on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

All These Things That I Love – August 2016

A monthly round up of fabulous things that give me life

This month is all about the planner lifestyle. Alexandra Haughton and I decided to reinvent our Get it Together Hop and turn it into the #ReadWritePlan challenge on instagram.



Every day is a new round of delicious peeks into the author/planner community’s planning life. We’re having so much fun sharing our favorites and Alexandra and I have a giveaway here: bit.ly/bandoagenda




This summer I’ve converted to Japanese sunscreen. I’ve read blogs and reviews  on the superior sun protection of these products and I when I used up the last bottle of good ol’ American sunscreen (that my dermatologist recommended), I ordered two varieties that had near universal acclaim: Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50 and Biore UV Watery Essence.


At least, I hope it’s sunscreen.

So far, so good. I love the lightweight, non greasy feel of these, they don’t make me break out and I haven’t gotten a sunburn!



Pool drinking.

Last summer I started seeing other soccer parents with these giant silver cups. Were they worth the price, I asked? They hold ice all day! I was told. They keep coffee hot all day! they said.

Well, in the thousand degree temperatures that Texas has been experiencing, I don’t much care about coffee staying hot, but I can say that ice will stay solid in a Yeti tumbler for 12 hours, which is a freaking miracle here on the sun (Texas). It’s a delight to stay hydrated with ice cold water (and maybe a slice of lemon) (or maybe an extra large gimlet.)

I got my Yeti cups as a gift, but my friend Alexis Anne  says the Ozark brand from Walmart are just as effective.


This is one of the albums I’ve had on repeat the past few months. The more I listen to it, the better it gets and it’s really good turned way up in the car.
If you have Amazon Prime you can listen to the whole album or check out (one of) out my favorite song(s) here .


Okay, it premieres tomorrow but I *will* be watching Hard Knocks on HBO. People are always a little surprised that I love a  reality show about football training camp, but if you love sports romance, you have to enjoy the behind the scenes drama. Last year’s season featuring the Houston Texans inspired me to write a whole book!

If you watch Hard Knocks, I’d love to talk football and sports romance on Twitter, Facebook or down below in the comments. Or let me know if you’re a planner addict or if you have Asian skin care recommendations!

RWA16 Roundup – Mystery, Magic and Girl Crushes

Prologue

Editors often suggest that a writer should start her story with a hook, or an inciting incident, or, in the case of a mystery, a body.

So here you go.

 

That is a man in white boxer briefs, standing on a San Diego bar with motorcycle gloves and a helmet covering his, um, steering column.

Chapter One – the Setting

This was my third RWA National Conference to attend and, like the first two, it did not disappoint. Also, like the first two, it defied my expectations. San Diego was better than I expected it would be – the sun, breeze, coastal temperature put everyone (okay, me) in a happy mood. The city is walkable, has tons of attractions and restaurants and our hotel, the Marriott Marquis Marina was an outstanding place for a conference.  It was large, clean, the staff and service were impeccable and there were so many chairs and places to meet friends and colleagues.

Chapter Two – the Introduction of the Heroine

I’ve discussed in my previous blog posts about RWA Nationals (here and here) that there are always unexpected surprises that occur at the conference so this year, I came prepared.  I came to conference open to whatever magic might be brewing. As I told someone on my last day, I may not learn what I want, but I learn what I need. This year the standouts were Beverly Jenkins’ keynote, getting to watch Love Between the Covers again (which is now available on iTunes and Amazon – go NOW and watch this uplifting documentary about friendship, self-determination and making dreams come true) and an amaze-balls two hour creativity workshop that I’m still working through, brought to us by Lori Wilde and the Indra’s Grace yoga crew from “back home” in Texas.  I also got some great tips from Rachel Hollis on social media which was pretty cool since she’s sort of awesome at all the platforms.

I signed at the Readers for Life literacy signing and at the Avon book signing where I was happy to just be in the same room with that amazing group of writers, and I gave out my buttons to readers, to librarians, to people I made a personal connection with.  I thought long and hard about what my swag should say this year and in the end, I just wanted to spread a positive message about the thing that we all love so much.

It was so fun to watch people’s faces go from “oh yeah, I’ll take your crappy pin” to “Man, I need this” or “This is awesome.”  It made my day and I hope it lifted them a little too.

Chapter Three – the Heroine Finds True Love

Warning – this chapter contains explicit fangirling which may offend those readers who aren’t awesome and don’t have friends. Or hearts.

The best best best part of any conference, but this one in particular, was my girls. The women who preached from the stage, the ones who listened to me debate minute career decisions while under the influence of tequila, the ones who immediately “got” me, the ones who made time to get to know me.  I am always in awe of this sisterhood, this sorority of Romancelandia.  That doesn’t mean that there weren’t those who got snippy or had bad table manners or tried to put me in my newbie place. Yeah, yeah, whatever. You do you. I do me. And I choose to celebrate talented writers and inspiring women. I choose to smile at everyone and drink with anyone who asks.

Me and the ever-awesome Sarah Maclean

 

I love Susanna Kearsley so much. If I ever move to Canada in November *cough* I want to live on her street.
There was a reason I told Julia Kelly and Elizabeth Essex to make sad faces and it wasn’t the fact that we sat on this patio for three hours with alochol and tacos.
Ms. Beverly Jenkins y’all. When you see Love Between the Covers (like I told you to) you’ll see why I admire and respect this author so much.

I finally got to tell Diane Kelly, the president of RWA, how she was the first person to welcome me to DARA and tell me she thought my vampire lawyer book sounded really good (let’s just say this shows how warm and supportive she is).  I got to tell Sarah Wendell how I talk to her in my head and that she sounds sexier in real life (I don’t think she reported me to the police.) There were so many other awesome moments and so many new friends, I just can’t list them all.  Check out my social media and that of Alexandra Haughton, Julia Kelly and Alexis Anne for more fun pics of our adventures (and late night videos!.)

Chapter Four- the Happily Ever After

I left #RWA16 leaving uplifted and convicted (and almost 7k words written – whoop!).  Most importantly, my tribe is stronger than ever.  And even though I feel a leeetle like Margot Blythe when I say this, isn’t that the best kind of happy ending?

Epilogue – the Cruel Cliffhanger

If you want to know the story of the man in the tighty whities pictured above, I’ll be posting it in my next newsletter, along with some really fun giveaways and promos and book news, as always.  Sign up here to get the scoop!

What to Pack for RWA 2016

Oh yeah. Put on the music. Make a cocktail. It’s countin’ down to RWA Nationals time. I’m a little giddy about it and I think it’s because the convention is going to be in San Diego, California this year, where there will be sun, sea and perfect SoCal weather.  I’ve only been to San Diego once before, about 13 years ago and I loved it so much, I still ask my husband (on yucky North Texas days) if we could sell everything we own and go live in a cardboard box on Coronado.

Pretty please?

After a totally brilliant planning lunch with my roomie, Alexandra Haughton (who also has a great packing list here), I thought I’d share some packing tips for first timers and repeaters alike.




Put Something On
Clothes. You need clothes. The slightly difficult thing about packing for RWA is that it’s a business conference which could also require clothes for karaoke, for yoga, tea parties or for a late-night plotting in the bar session.  The convention ends with a fancy awards party (so I’ve heard – this will be my first time to attend the RITA/ Golden Heart ceremony) which requires at least a fancy set of shoes and Spanx and, in San Diego, one might want to be prepared for pool/ boat/ beach activities. This variety is a challenge for someone like me, who prefers to be a light packer.

So… good luck with that!  The basics I won’t leave behind?

My Pajama Philosophy – Many moons ago, I was watching the news and saw a hotel burning down. All the guests were standing in the parking lot and I remember thinking, “I never want to be that girl in the thong that the firemen have to wrap up in a blanket.”  Since then, I never sleep in a hotel in pajamas that can’t be worn on a city street. Don’t say, “wow, Linds, that’s some overactive imagination you have” because guess what. Three years ago on a business trip the fire alarm went off at the hotel I was staying at.  There I was, in the hotel parking lot (with my business colleagues, no less) feeling quite smug in a perfectly acceptable ensemble of yoga pants, tee shirt and hoodie.  Be prepared  for anything. Like the zombie apocalypse.

My Shoe Philosophy – I love cute shoes as much as y’all but this is not the place to try ’em out for the first time. Cute AND comfortable, broken in shoes are where its at.

My Cardigan Theory – Conventional wisdom says “always bring a cardigan” because hotels are often cold. This is one theory I rebel against. I always feel that if I dress appropriately for the climate, I will be fine. Also, I live in Texas and I’ve never met an air-conditioner I didn’t like. BUT… since we’ll be in San Diego where it might get a tad cooler in the evenings, I probably will bring a cardigan. But I won’t like it.


My sparklies for #RITAGH


Get in Mah Belly
After clothing, the next most important item is food. Yes, I’ve heard there is food in San Diego and much of it is available to purchase. Rest assured, I’m not carting Yeti coolers of groceries to the Marriott Marquis.  But I always bring along snacks when I travel for business, such as:

dark chocolate
almonds
jerky
protein bars


With just these snacks, I can put together a quick lunch between workshops, a mid-afternoon introvert snack break, or avoid airport food.  I also share with new friends. Come find me if you’re hungry.

#Hustle
Like I said, RWA Nationals is a business conference.  So don’t forget the following:
Ipad/ computer/ kindle
chargers/ cords (fitbit too! You will get your steps in!)
pens/ business cards
swag
planner/ journal/ notebook

pins from previous conferences to adorn your badge

I Woke Up Like This
Everyone talks about the “Conference Crud” or has stories about that time someone got a mysterious illness at RT Convention which almost started the zombie apocalypse. In my day to day life, I try to stay healthy with a lot of water, supplements, a consistent skin care routine and sufficient sleep.  Even though I know I won’t get the latter in San Diego, I’ll still be trying my hardest to stay healthy (and gorgeous) with the following:

zinc, essential oil roller, advil, visine, my favorite tea bags, vitamins
mug or reusable water bottle (although someone usually gives these out as swag if you want to gamble and collect one in the Goody Room)
flat iron & hairspray
cosmetics, small bottle of perfume, sunscreen

whatever hair care/ skin care I can’t live without

Bag It Up
Usually conference goers receive a tote bag filled with swag.  This year they’re changing up the swag delivery protocol so who knows what will be given out.  For form and function, I always prefer my own sturdy nylon tote, such as my favorite Longchamp with BOTH beer stains and coffee stains (that’s how you know a writer owns it).   My normal handbag is super cute and all, but in the conference I’ll be loading up with free books, notepads, almonds and enough water to survive the zombie apocalypse so I usually carry only a tote until its time to go to dinner or a party and I can switch to a smaller clutch or cross-body (still make sure it’s big enough for your business cards! You meet awesome people everywhere!)

I hope this helps you think of a few more essentials to pack. I’m sorry if you’re’ over the airline’s weight limit. If you want to yell at me, follow me on Twitter at @lindsay_emory.  I’ll be signing books at the literacy signing  and I’ll be tweeting with the hashtag #RWA16 and #whatareyoudrinking.   I’d love to meet you and hang out!

P.S. Alexandra Haughton, Ophelia London  and I are hosting a Goodreads giveaway for THE LAST PLUS ONE . Want in? Check it out here.

Best Books to Read Now – June 2016

Reminder/ Caveat/ Disclaimer: This is my (hopefully) monthly list of books I’ve read and enjoyed. These are not reviews, I do not include books I didn’t enjoy because life is too short to speak badly of books!

Um…how did it get to be summer already? The kids are out of school, the weather is  getting  too sticky for my walks and I’m finding myself reaching for a beautiful chilled rose instead of a cup of  tea.

Summer  is such a fabulous reading time, isn’t it? You’ve got trips and vacations and lazy days by a pool or the lake and we all need reads that will  take  us away.

Once again, I’ve  got an  interesting mix this  month. I  dug up some reads from my TBR pile, took a chance on a new trope and indulged in continuing a  series.

Silent in the Sanctuary / Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn

First up?  Two more Lady Julia Gray mysteries!  My husband and I were able to escape to  Cabo San Lucas for a quick getaway to celebrate my birthday.  I posted pics on my instagram and our trip was as heavenly as it looked. I have this (strange?) affinity for reading about rainy, cold locations while sweltering by a pool so reading about Lady Julia Gray at Belmont Abbey and on the Yorkshire moors  was perfect for me.  Silent in the Sanctuary kept me guessing the entire  time  and Silent on the Moor was an unusual mystery in that it was piecing together a mystery from the past. Two more winners from Ms. Raybourn.

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

Shamefully, this book has been in  my Kindle for YEARS. YEARS. Y’all know how that happens.  You one-click a book because of rave  reviews and a gorgeous cover and then… life. Other  books. Pretty soon, your new pretty book is on page four or  five  in your Paperwhite and  you keep thinking, “why haven’t I read A Bollywood Affair” when you see the constant recommendations on Twitter.  So  because I’m awesome like that, I finally opened this one… and I couldn’t put it down.

It’s a contemporary Indian romance, set in the U.S. (… mostly) but the characters are wholly influenced by their culture and history back in India. There’s a complicated relationship between the hero and heroine – you know, your typical “my brother’s annulled child bride” trope.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the unique cultural and plot points and Ms. Dev truly shines in writing characters jump off the page, fully realized and nuanced and loveable.

 

Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson

Speaking of tropes, the secret baby trope is… not my favorite.  Especially in contemporary romance.  A few years ago, I gave one a shot and, um.  Let’s just say I was not planning on reading another one.  Until I was listening to the Avon on the Air podcast and  Sarah MacLean said this was the secret baby book that would convert people who didn’t like secret baby books and while I respect Ms. MacLean’s professional expertise, I was dubious.  Because SECRET BABY, y’all. But I bought it because HOCKEY PLAYER HERO.  You see where my priorities lie.

Turns out, Sarah MacLean was right. *sigh*   This book is a joy, the characters totally made me believe in the secret baby and I’m *semi* converted to secret baby books if they’re recommended by Ms. MacLean.

*Note* on Avon on the Air.  I’m trying really hard to be respectful here and call Lucia Macro and Sarah MacLean by their proper names. Because when I listen to this podcast, I’m totally calling them “Lu” and “Mac” and discussing books in my head with them (or whoever’s on the podcast.) I just love talking books, even if its an imaginary conversation. See, also, this blog.  If y’all know of any other awesome book podcasts, let me know because I’ll happily talk to other podcasters in my head.

Or if you know other good secret baby books, let me know about those, too.  I will readily admit that I could be, maybe,  a little wrong about secret babies.

 

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Here’s another from the TBR pile.  This one, unlike A Bollywood Affair was not buried in my kindle. It was on my bookcase. Because it was an actual, physical hardcopy of the book (shocker, right?) that my mom had ‘loaned’ to me a few years ago. I always knew I’d like Susanna Kearsley’s timetravel-esque book about 18th century Scotland because I have a well-documented love for other time-travelly 18th century Scotland books.  *cough* Outlander *cough*

On a side note, this season’s Outlander is KILLING ME.  Just knowing what is coming at the end of the season is preliminarily devastating me. I’m texting my friends after each episode asking them for comfort because the end is going to be so exquisitely terrible and then we’ll have to wait a stupid amount of time before Season 3 starts… or maybe not??

So yes, Ms. Kearsley’s novel did not disappoint.  It flips back and forth between the past and present and while no actual time-travel  takes place, you, the reader, feels as if it has.  I can’t wait to read another Kearsley novel, especially after I heard her  interview on the SMART BITCHES podcast. (another podcast where I talk to another Sarah in my head all the time. I swear, I’m completely normal.)

And that’s it for this month!  I’m not sure I’ll have an official BEST BOOKS TO READ NOW post in July.   I’m doing a lot of non-fiction research for a new book I’m writing and I’ll be headed to RWA nationals in San Diego  (where I’ll be sure to add to my TBR pile, natch).  I may do a Best of Best Books post instead and then my usual post RWA roundup.

Oh! I’m also busy getting this little baby out the door.

The Last Plus One

Her release date is 6.13.16 and you can read more about it here.  If you’re not already, make sure you like THE LAST PLUS ONE facebook page and sign up for my newsletter. We’re doing a few giveaways, posting excerpts and talking about weddings and you don’t want to miss any of that.

As always, keep reading and let me know if you read something amazing!

Best Books to Read Now- May 2016

Reminder/ Caveat/ Disclaimer: This is my (hopefully) monthly list of books I’ve read and enjoyed. These are not reviews, I do not include books I didn’t enjoy because life is too short to speak badly of books!

I didn’t post my list last  month.  Why?  So many reasons – home repairs/ remodeling, book editing, day job stress etc.  But I’m glad to say that I’ve now read enough awesome books for a new post!  YAY BOOKS! Let’s get started!

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins

 

THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK!!!! Hero is a half-Black former slave who is now passing as a rich white guy in post-Civil War Nevada. Heroine is a free-born woman who has big dreams, a work ethic that won’t stop and finds herself stranded in the Nevada desert (in a scene that will make you want to do violence against a fictional character.)  Just by nature of their very identities is CONFLICT with a capital C, yet Ms. Jenkins creates a beautiful, historically rich love story in a time period that is underserved in romance novels.

The Rogue by Katharine Ashe

And then THIS BOOK. Yes, it’s yet another Great Britain historical romance but OMG. I haven’t had feels like this in a long, long time. The hero is NOT a lord or a Duke or whatnot, so that’s refreshing. It’s set in Scotland, there’s a credible mystery, and some secondary characters that practically leap off the page and into your lap.

A caveat: This is apparently the end of one series and the beginning of another.  There were references to characters and plot lines that were obviously from the first books in the series.  I did not find that difficult to navigate, but it could bother other readers. So start from the beginning (as I’m probably going to do) and then get to THIS BOOK.

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

I did not realize that this book was released in 2009 until I went to Amazon to steal the cover photo.  Like the last book, this was also part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone. The heroine is an American heiress and I’m pretty much a sucker for any New York heiress-husband-hunting in England story (think Earl and Countess Grantham’s backstory from Downton Abbey.) There’s a touch of magic, a villain who you pray can be redeemed, and a pleasantly grumpy yet not-too tortured hero.

Act Like It by Lucy Parker

First, let’s take a moment and gaze upon this cover. THIS. COVER. IS. EVERYTHING.  I know most have you have already bought it just based on that cover.

Now I’m going to admit something awful. I bought this book when it came out because THAT COVER and the love on Twitter was strong for this one. Then I didn’t read it. And I didn’t read it. And I wanted to read it, because The COVER and the LOVE, and LONDON and …. what stopped me from reading it??

I write contemporary romance and mystery and I’m just SO PICKY when I read other contemporary novels. Not picky in a “oh that sucks I’m so much better way” but “is this book going to make me hate everything I write” and “am I unconsciously going to emulate this voice or trope or setting”  and “is this just like something I’ve written and OMG maybe  I should change X, Y, and Z in my book.”  But I was at the beach, and my writer brain was calm and  I finally found myself in a place where I could just relax and enjoy all the fabulousness that is this book.  It’s an enemies to lovers, fake relationship set-up but it ultimately goes to a lovely, REAL contemporary story where you see two people (He is a moody wealthy stage actor – think Richard Burton without the cirrhosis. She is his warm, down-to-earth co-star.) fall for each other for all the right reasons.

The Last Plus One 

And speaking of covers… THIS COVER. THIS COVER!!!!  Take a second and just appreciate this piece of fun, summer perfection. There’s pink! And champagne! And WHO IS THAT GUY? And “I’m on a BOAT!”

This is my next release, a fun little project set at a Maine compound at the wedding of the year.  Three authors, three novellas, three Happily Ever Afters.  Check it out and make sure you stay tuned to my Facebook and Twitter because there will be a fun wedding-themed giveaway around the release date in June.

Until then, happy reading!!!

Best Books To Read Now: March 2016

Reminder/ Caveat/ Disclaimer: This is my (hopefully) monthly list of books I’ve read and enjoyed. These are not reviews, I do not include books I didn’t enjoy because life is too short to speak badly of books!

Another interesting mix of stories this month,but these are all by authors I am a major fangirl for. Shall we get started??

Wife for the Weekend by Ophelia London

If you know me on social media or have followed this blog, you’ll recognize the name Ophelia London. The first time I met her in person at a DARA meeting, I kind of (yes, I did) freaked out on her, and gushed about her (then) latest release, Definitely, Maybe In Love (If you love Pride & Prejudice, and you want a modern retelling, check it out). We’ve become good friends since, and I’m still a fangirl of her personally and of her books. In fact, I was lucky enough to get an early ARC of this book because that dear sweet girl asked me to write a blurb for her.  See it there? In tiny letters on the top of the cover? That’s how I feel about this funny, sweet book about how two opposites can attract.

Be Not Afraid by Alyssa Cole

I think I’ve only met Alyssa Cole once in person, at last year’s RWA, but it feels like I’ve *known* her for longer, in that way that you do when you tweet and podcast with someone.  When we met, she gave me the biggest, warmest hug and well, I’m just a huge fan. We guested on the same episode of First Draught  last year and we shared that we both (coincidentally?) had books where someone gets killed in the first scene; this was the book she was discussing. Yes, it’s a romance, lol.  It’s a short novella set during the American Revolution and if you’re obsessed with Hamilton, like I am (Hey Universe, still waiting on those tickets, thx) you will love this story.

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

And I am officially obsessed with this author and series now. My darling friend Erika had been telling me to get on this for a long, long time and I finally did and OMG.

I’m trying to savor the Lady Julia Grey series and not rip through them like I am known to do.  If you like modern women in historical times, mystery and dark, forbidding heroes, you will love this book.  And Ms. Raybourn seems like a peach so I’m fangirling hard for her, as well.

The Bourbon Kings  by JR Ward

Someone who doesn’t need another fangirl is J.R. Ward. The woman is worshipped by millions for her Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I’ve read them all. Here’s the deal about the BDB; they’re badass, supernatural vampires who live like Jay Z and look like, I don’t know, hot wrestlers. Then J.R. Ward starts this series, about a Kentucky bourbon dynasty and I was like…

But somehow a privileged Southern family is just as insane as rap-star vampires. This book is a total throwback to 1980’s Jackie Collins/ Dynasty/ soap opera gloriousness. It’s ludicrous and no one is a nice person and you see the plot twists from a mile away and you just want to gobble it up like a one pound bag of peanut M&Ms.  My advice? Wait for this summer, when the sequel comes out and you’ll have two cracktastic sagas to enjoy by the pool

So what else is new?

MEAN SISTERS, (the UK version of Sisterhood is Deadly (which is on sale for $.99! for a limited time!)), releases in the UK on March 17, 2016 and is currently for sale via pre-order for .99!

I had such an amazing response to my last Goodreads giveaway, that I’m doing another one and giving away another 2 books to celebrate the print release of RUSHING TO DIE.  Check it out!

We’re headed to the mountains for Spring Break so I’m going to fill up my Kindle with something amazing to read in the lodge while everyone else skis… Any suggestions?

Howdy United Kingdom!!

I’m so thrilled to welcome new readers from the United Kingdom!  My book, SISTERHOOD IS DEADLY, is releasing as MEAN SISTERS in the U.K. on 17 March 2016. In fact, it’s an entirely new version for a new country!

 

I would like to welcome all British readers to my crazy world.  Yes, I’m American. Please don’t let that stop you from buying my book.  I know, Americans have a bit of a reputation abroad, like we just go in and force everyone to do things our way.

 

 

But I want to start off with my new British readers on the right foot, so that’s why I have attempted to educate myself about the United Kingdom. I’ve studied your history…

Your political system…

*Yes, I know this is the Canadian Prime Minister. But he’s cute so we’re going with him.*

Your native wildlife…

Your athletic pursuits…

Your cultural dances…

Your Sexiest Man Alive (c)…

I must admit, some things have been harder to understand than others.

After all this study, I’m fairly confident that MEAN SISTERS will find fans in your country.

Now, I know there’s a possibility that not everyone will love my book.

Some may have set their expectations too high.

Generally, I think…

Wait. What was I saying?

 

Oh yes.  MEAN SISTERS. It’s a mystery.

With a whole lot of girl power…

And laughs.

The reviews have been amazing

And many influential voices are giving it two thumbs up.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Margot Blythe and the sisters of Delta Beta. I just know this is the beginning of a long, meaningful relationship.

Best Books to Read Now: February 2016

Reminder/ Caveat/ Disclaimer: This is my (hopefully) monthly list of books I’ve read and enjoyed. These are not reviews, I do not include books I didn’t enjoy because life is too short to speak badly of books!

So this last month has been a hard reading month. You’ll notice that I’m not including four books and that’s not because I didn’t read four (or more) books, it’s just I can’t talk about all of them (*cough* RITA *cough*).

Hopefully next month I’ll be right back to devouring my 2016 TBR pile, which will include diverse authors and genres to talk about! Yay!

But actually, this month’s reads were pretty diverse. In fact, they’re so diverse, I’m finding it hard to find a theme that will hold all of them. I have a memoir by an Indian-American actress/writer/producer, a paranormal about the Grim Reaper and an Italian literary novel translated into English.

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

I’ve been a HYUGE (say in a Donald Trump voice) fan of Mindy Kaling since WAY back in the day. I even used to follow her shopping blog back before shopping blogs were a thing (like, circa 2004). I love her voice in her television shows (The Office and The Mindy Project) and I loved her voice in this memoir, as well. It was seriously LOL funny. I know, lots of people say that but trust me. I’ve also decided that one day Mindy and I will develop a project together. This is a serious Bucket List item, along with

*meet Dolly Parton,*
*see Hamilton on Broadway* and
*get my eyebrows on fleek.*

Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jo nes

I feel kind of dumb talking about this book, when apparently book #9 in this series was just released?  I don’t know how I got behind, because I usually jump on new releases in series I love.  This is another book / series where I just love the voice (Wait….

I now know the theme for this entry. VOICE.  All of these books have great VOICE. Carry on.

Charley Davidson (the main character in this series, also known as the Grim Reaper) is one of those voices that can inspire me, make me laugh and make me feel immediacy.  It took me a little longer to get into this book, probably because I waited so damn long between books, but the cliffhanger and the way Ms. Jones wrapped up on plot point and jumped into a new direction has me so excited to pick up #9, The Dirt on Ninth Grave ASAP.

My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante

Last month I mentioned that I had been invited to a real, grown-ass, booky book club. I was so excited! All of my other book clubs have dissolved like:

This month’s selection was MY BRILLIANT FRIEND and I’m still trying to process it. The voice is incredibly intimate yet distant, with a beautiful musical quality.  It’s a story of a complicated friendship between two girls in post-War Naples and I flipped through the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next, who was good, who was a psychopath, who was maybe a mentally ill murderer.  I’d love to discuss this one with more of you!

In case you aren’t a digital reader, RUSHING TO DIE came out in paperback yesterday!  If you’ve read it (or any of my books), please consider leaving a review wherever you bought it.  I’m also giving away two copies on Goodreads and you have until February 14th to enter there!

As always, I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading and what you thought about it!  Leave a comment or hit me up on Facebook to discuss books, #mancrushmonday and more.