Kelly Cain's Blog, page 6
June 28, 2016
Review > Time Out (Book 3 of the Irving University series) by Jim Cangany
Time Out
by Jim Cangany (Goodreads Author)
4-stars
Read from June 01 to 06, 2016 — I own a copy
Time Out is the third book in the Irving University series and although I have read the previous two (see my reviews here and here), I believe this could be read as a standalone. There are characters from the other books, but the author does a great job giving enough background to catch you up to speed quickly.
The main character, Karen, is a middle-grade teacher and basketball coach, not unlike her older brother, Greg, who coaches women’s basketball at fictional Irving University. She was once a promising player until her ulcerative colitis got in her way. She isn’t bitter about it, but chooses to use her gifts however she can. She is laid off from her teaching job at the end of the term, so Greg is able to get her a temporary job at Irving running the girls basketball camp over the summer. He also secures her temporary housing. Enter her landlord and neighbor, Terry, and his energetic daughter, Hanna. Hanna, a middle-grade student who wants to play basketball, makes instant friends with Karen who becomes a big help for Terry, a single father who’s struggling to make ends meet.
I’ve mentioned before (probably in my other Irving reviews) that I’m not big on sweet romance. However when reading this series, I never feel like I’m missing out on something. The author does a great job of giving us the satisfying romance. He also shows us a different slice of life we may not be familiar with. Terry’s mom is Native American and we learn some new things in that area. He’s in building construction and a single dad – again we can feel what that likes from his perspective. Karen has a condition I’d not heard much about before, and now I know so much more. The author does not shy aware from racial issues and prejudice, however I do believe he lets Marie off the hook a little easily (you’ll have to read to know what I’m referring to).
Overall, another very solid offering from Jim Cangany which I enjoyed very much. It was a little lighter on the sports this time, but of course it was still running in the background. I would recommend to anyone who likes romance, especially on the sweet side.
May 1, 2016
Kelly Cain’s Reviews > Take Two
Take Two (Irving University, #2)
by Jim Cangany (Goodreads Author)
4-stars
Read from April 07 to 24, 2016
I read the first book in this series, and mistakenly thought the second book would be about the male main character’s sister (that’s book three which I’m looking forward to). When I found out it was about the female main character’s best friend, I internally groaned. I barely tolerated Ciara, and mostly disliked her because she was always listening to her mean best friend. I couldn’t imagine sitting through a whole book about this woman.
Whelp, I think I may like this one more than the first. There’s a little backstory, of course, which has shaped Marie into the woman she is and how she presents herself to the world. I think what makes her more likeable is how Cangany brilliantly gives us a nemesis we really dislike. Helen is reprehensible and sadly, believable, because I’ve personally experienced people like her.
The love interest is quite likable, attentive, hot, and everything a love interest should be. He has an interesting job and reason for being on campus which was fun to follow. Sports is truly my life, but I don’t usually follow triathlons (nor triathletes), but that angle was never boring.
And to really knock it out of the park for me… not one, but TWO Jason Mraz song references. Enough said.
April 13, 2016
The Importance of Being Inspired & the Elizabeth Berg Event
This post was inspiring in itself. Thanks, A!
Today, coming off a wonderful talk last night by New York Times Bestselling author Elizabeth Berg, I want to talk a little bit about the importance of being inspired.
I am not speaking of the kind of inspired that comes when you actually are at your computer/typewriter/notebook and magical stuff pours out of you onto the screen/page. What I mean in this case is being inspired by other writers, books, and the literary community in general. Being inspired in your life.
As a public library employee, I get to be surrounded by books all the time. How lucky am I?? I see the best of the best, the prettiest of the pretty, the newest of the new, the shiny, the beloved, the sought-after, the bestsellers, the trendy, the classics, the ones we love to hate. I see books that inspire me by their gorgeous covers, by the titles, the descriptions…
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April 12, 2016
Release Day for Drawn to Her by Jenna Harte
I’m pleased to be a part of the release event for Drawn to Her, Book 1 of the Southern Heat series by Jenna Harte! I’ve had the pleasure of reading this title and really enjoyed it (see my review here).
Title: Drawn to Her
Series: Southern Heat #1
Author: Jenna Harte
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Penner Publishing
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Buy NOW at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Feisty and outspoken, Lexie McKenna will do anything to protect her cantankerous and ailing patient—even if it means going up against his cold and calculating, but sexy and irresistible grandson. After all, as a nurse, her number one priority is her patient.
Drake Carmichael doesn’t trust the nurse who’s taking care of his grandfather—despite how adorable and compassionate she seems. He refuses to let her get her grips into their hard-earned money. But as the two square off and begin to battle about what is best for the dying man, Lexie and Drake realize they know very little about each other and that first impressions are deceiving. Once they finally give into their desires, the battle has only just begin.
With a fight between family and fortune, love and lust, will either one be able to find the southern comfort they both truly crave?
———————————————
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jenna Harte is a die-hard romantic writing about characters who are passionate about and committed to each other, and frequently getting into trouble. She is the author of the Valentine Mysteries, the first of which, “Deadly Valentine,” reached the quarter-finals in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. She has a bundle of stories filled with romance, mystery and even time travel rattling around in her head and is eager for the day when a device is invented allowing her to download what’s in her brain onto her computer. When she’s not telling stories, she works by day as a freelance writer, author, blogger and online entrepreneur. She lives in central Virginia with her husband, two college-bound children and a fat cat.
Connect with Jenna on Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest.
March 17, 2016
Kelly Cain’s Reviews > Drawn to Her
Drawn to Her (Southern Heat Book 1)
by Jenna Harte (Goodreads Author)
4 stars
Read from March 13 to 16, 2016
I really liked this book. I don’t often read straight romance, but I really liked it.
The heroine was petite and spunky, a nurse – not someone I can identify with at all (being super tall and introverted). However, I liked her and wanted her to have her guy even though she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted him.
As for the guy, when I read the synopsis, I wasn’t sure he’d be my type since I’m more of a beta hero type of girl. He has everything in world except the love of family, and that definitely made me want to root for him.
When they come together, it’s truly an opposites attract situation, but the attraction felt very natural. I really love them together and I hope they’re the main characters in the remaining books of this Southern Heat series. I want to read more of their story.
This was an easy read, and with summer coming soon, definitely pick this up for a beach read or to enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
March 1, 2016
Winner of Leap Day Giveaway
The winner is…
EMILY SMITH
Congratulations, Emily, and I hope you enjoy it!
February 29, 2016
Leap Day Flash Giveaway
February 29th only comes around every 4 years, so today I’m giving away a Kindle copy of my New Adult romance, Altered, to celebrate.
Easy to enter. Facebook like this post and share on Twitter (both buttons are at the end of this post below), then enter your name and email address in the form below.
This flash giveaway is open until midnight tonight. I’ll announce the winner Tuesday morning at 7:00 am CT.
More about Altered
A New Adult romance drawing on the author’s own experience studying law, the novel follows Liv, a young woman in her a first semester of law school. When her fiancé abruptly breaks things off, Liv is heart-broken.
Enter Nicholas, a classmate who is so withdrawn that he is an enigma to everyone around him. Nicholas is unusually young and unusually quiet, and keeps his past a tightly guarded secret.
While Liv is still reeling from her break up, Nicholas begins appearing in her life and coming to her rescue. Intrigued and grateful to this quiet young man, Liv becomes determined to unravel the mystery of who Nicholas is.
At first, I saw him as everyone else did.
But then, I saw him for who he really was.
Recognized the beauty beneath the pain.
Loved the quirks disguising the insecurity.
Embraced the man who hid behind the boy.
But there was so much more…
More I didn’t know.
And once I did, I couldn’t let
go…
Of the boy.
The man.
The lover…
…even if his past is threatening
our future.
Nothing will alter what we’ve built.
Purchase links
Enter to win
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February 19, 2016
Introducing: Freebie Friday!
Easy to enter. Win an ecopy of ALTERED.
If you receive my e-newsletter, then you know that I promised you a FREEBIE FRIDAY for the next few weeks! This is my opportunity to give back to some of the amazing people who have helped me do so well with the launch of my own book, The Edge of Nowhere.
Beginning today and extending for the next few weeks, I will be giving away ONE e-copy of a book by one of my dear friends from Penner Publishing. Please note that these authors are not at all involved in this giveaway beyond having been advised of my intent, and they have not provided the digital copies to me for distribution. In order to help their sales and maybe their ranking just a smidge, I will purchase an e-copy of the books I list here on FREEBIE FRIDAY and will send it to the winner at my own expense…
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February 8, 2016
Interview with author Jenna Harte
Are you a Sweet Harte? If you’re a fan of Jenna Harte (which I happen to be) then indeed you are a Sweet Harte. Jenna is the author of the Valentine Mystery series and the upcoming Southern Heat series which will be published through Penner Publishing. I’ve read the first installment of the Valentine Mystery series, Deadly Valentine. See my review.
Background Info
Author name: Jenna Harte
Book title: Deadly Valentine; Old Flames Never Die; With This Ring, I Thee Kill; ‘Til Death Do Us Part, To Love, Honor, and Kill, Death Under the Mistletoe (novella) – All are part of the Valentine Mystery Series
Tell us a little about yourself and your background: I didn’t grow up reading or wanting to write, so it’s a bit odd to find myself in middle-age wanting to do both. My background is in social work (mostly adoption), but when I had kids, I wanted to work from home, and eeked out a career online in freelance writing, entrepreneurship, and writing non-fiction.
I’m a die-hard romantic with a particular fondness for passionate couples who get into trouble (think Nick and Nora Charles, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart). I started writing fan fiction as a way to put characters I loved into new situations. I developed a fan base, and I had one story stolen twice. At that point, I wondered if maybe I had some talent and decided to write an original story. Deadly Valentine was the first in a planned series about a committed, passionate couple who gets into trouble a lot.
My other interests are chocolate, coffee and Disney. Although California born and raised, I’ve lived in central Virginia for 22 years. I have an extremely supportive husband, two kids in college (when did I get that old??) and a fat cat.
Tell us a little about your novel: Deadly Valentine is the first book in the Valentine mystery series, which I refer to as a “sexy cozy” so romance readers know they’ll get a series with a passionate couple, but die-hard cozy readers who don’t like intimate scenes can avoid it.
The story starts three years after Tess had a life changing event (revealed in the book) and is confronted by a man from her past, Jack Valentine, while at a party where the host is murdered. Jack is accused of the murder, and Tess, a lawyer, agrees to represent him. During the course of the investigation, they learn a 30-year old secret that changes Jack’s life forever. Along with a murder investigation, Tess has to learn to trust and possibly love again.
The following books also include a murder mystery that sometimes puts a wrench in Tess and Jack’s relationship, but through it all they grow individually and as a couple. The stories are light, romantic, filled with banter, and yes, as a loving couple, they do the things that loving couples do.
Have you written anything else (including novels, short stories, novellas, etc.): I have two out of three romances written for Penner Publishing due in 2016. The first, Southern Comfort is a straight romance, and the second, Southern Persuasion is a romance that includes a mystery, and pays homage to of my all time favorite books, Persuasion by Jane Austen.
The Delecoeur stories are novellas involving a slightly older couple (40’s) that get into trouble. While the stories were previously published, they’re currently not available as I work out what I want to do with them.
Q & A
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk: My family says I make faces when I write, probably because I’m trying to figure out how to describe an expression.
Is there a specific time of day that you enjoy writing the most: I do my best writing first thing in the morning.
What romance books would you recommend to readers who will love your books: The closest are JD Robb’s In Death Series, although my stories are lighter and less gritty. The Thin Man is light and has the same banter, and Agatha Christie’s Partners In Crime stories involve a crime-solving couple, although they’re not highly romantic.
Do any of your characters take off on their own tangent and refuse to do what you had planned for them? If so, which one did it the most and what did they do: Interestingly, most of my character development happens during the writing, so I follow them wherever the heck they want.
Who’s your most memorable book crush: Well, the obvious choices are Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) and Captain Wentworth (Persuasion), but going with more current books I’d say, Rafe MacKade (The Return of Rafe MacKade by Nora Roberts), Jack Boudreaux (Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag) and of course, Roarke (In Death books by JD Robb – Nora Roberts). For the most part, they’re all the same guy (dark, dangerous, sexy). Interestingly, most my male protagonists aren’t that guy.
What other types of stories do you have in the works: I have a marriage of convenience story which will be the third book in romance series for Penner Publishing. I’m also in the middle of writing a traditional cozy involving an underemployed Harvard grad and an airplane repo guy. I have notes and a few scenes written on a paranormal trilogy (I know, we have enough of those), possibly a cozy paranormal mystery and opening scenes for a YA time travel.
What’s the biggest challenge in the writing process: Right now I’m having trouble because the characters making the most noise in my head are not from the story I want to write at this time. But since they’re talking, I guess their book is the one I’ll work on. The biggest challenge, though, is getting unstuck or not having the mental energy to write.
Do you have any pointers or advice for aspiring writers: Write a lot. Make it a part of everyday like going to work or brushing your teeth. If you want to sell your work, start building your author platform now.
Favorite song: Today, it’s Sugar by Maroon 5. I love old R&B, particularly Marvin Gaye.
Favorite movie/tv show: Persuasion (Amanda Root version) (movie)/ Hart to Hart TV show. Today I like Bones and Castle (notice all are couples who get into trouble…LOL).
Chosen superpower: Force/Magic
Toilet paper: over or under: Either
Real book or tablet: Both
Star Trek or Star Wars: Wars
Excerpt
This takes place in Chapter Four of Deadly Valentine. Tess has had a hard night. She’s got the flu, has run into Jack Valentine, a man from her past, and found the host of the gathering she was at murdered. In this scene, Jack has brought her home after being questioned by police, and is putting her to bed.
Jack’s one hundred percent electric sports car, which he said was a Tesla, drove nicely. So nicely that she fell asleep and only woke when he lifted her from the car.
“Whoa, what are you doing?”
“I’m taking you to bed.”
“What?”
“Not to make love. Not tonight, anyway.”
Tess felt her jaw drop to her chest.
He laughed. “That’s what I love about you, Tess. You’re clueless to your own appeal.” He shifted her slightly as he slipped her key into the door. “I got your key from your purse.”
She wanted to be annoyed. She was a little bit. But a part of her liked being coddled. Being in Jack’s arms brought her back to three years earlier. He hadn’t carried her then, but he’d held her when her world crumbled. He promised he’d stay with her, help her. He hadn’t been able to keep that promise. Remembering the events following that fateful night reminded Tess why she hadn’t wanted to see Jack again.
“You don’t need to carry me around. I’m not that sick.”
“Where’s your room?”
She pointed towards the short hallway that led to one of the two bedrooms in her small home. He carried her in, setting her on the bed. “Do you have pajamas or something?”
“Yes, I have pajamas! Not that I’m going to let you put them on me.”
“I’ll get them for you. I promise not to look.”
“You can go now. I can take care of myself.” She slipped her hand under her pillow to pull out a pair of faded flannel pajamas. There was nothing like flannel to make a man turn and run, she thought. But Jack stood his ground, determined to keep watch over her.
“Get settled. When I know you’re okay…”
“Then you’ll leave?” she asked.
“Maybe.” He turned his back to her, but didn’t leave.
Tess sighed. She was too tired to argue. Her black dress was cut low enough in the back that she could reach the zipper. She slipped the sleeves from her shoulders and stood to let it drop to the floor. As she reached for her pajama top she heard a quick hitch of breath. Looking up, she caught Jack’s eyes watching her through the reflection of her dresser mirror.
Her first thought was that she wanted to poke his eyes out with a stick. But then she was struck by how he was looking at her. A woman could live her whole life and not have a man look at her like that. So her second thought was how glad she was that she wore the black Carine Gilson bra with matching panties. Despite her attempts to live a modest life, she hadn’t been able to give up her love of fine lingerie.
Her third thought was that although Jack wasn’t a stranger, after three years apart, he wasn’t in a position to be allowed to ogle her, even if the awe in his eyes stirred something inside her she’d thought long dead.
Their eyes caught and she was pleased that he seemed as off guard as she was. She was sure he blushed as he gave her a sheepish smile and stepped to the side, effectively cutting off his view of her.
Tess finished putting her pajamas on and tossed her clothes on her treadmill, promising herself she’d hang them up in the morning. She slipped under her covers telling herself that when she had her energy back, she’d get mad at him. For now, she just wanted to rest.
“Okay,” she said as she pulled the covers up to her chin.
He turned to her. “I suppose I should apologize.”
She shrugged.
“But I’m not sorry.” He sat on the side of her bed as if he’d done it a hundred times before. It should have annoyed her, but it didn’t. Despite the years apart, there was still a connection. What did bother her was the effect his nearness had on her hormones. Apparently, they weren’t as dormant as she’d hoped.
“I’d like to tell you what I’m really thinking, but I don’t think you’d appreciate it.”
“How unusual for you to hold your tongue.”
He grinned. “It’s difficult.”
“I appreciate your restraint. Are you going now?”
He frowned. “Why is it so disturbing for you to see me again?”
She sighed. That was a topic she didn’t want to get into. “It’s been a long night. Seeing Asa like that…” She let her words trail off.
He nodded. “It’s been a difficult night. But you were upset about seeing me before that.”
“I have a new life now.”
“You talk like I’m a secret you don’t want anyone to know about. Is that why you want me to think you and Deputy Dan are an item?”
“What makes you think we’re not? Daniel loves me.”
“That’s painfully obvious. Poor sap.”
“Jack!” She nearly laughed because it was true. But she didn’t want to encourage Jack. “I care for him too.” That wasn’t a lie. She did care for Daniel. He and his parents were like family. They were the only people she connected with at an emotional level. They had been there for her as a teenager and again three years ago when her life unraveled and she needed a safe place to fall.
“Maybe. But you aren’t in love with him. Why did you want me to think you were?”
“I never said I was.”
He gave her a chastising look. “You didn’t correct me when I asked. Why is that?”
What could she say? Because I didn’t want you to think I’m available? He hadn’t cared when she was available. He would laugh at the idea that she thought maybe his flirtation meant more.
“That part of my life when we knew each other is over. I’ve moved on.”
“Moved on.” The tone in which he repeated her words let her know she hurt him.
Author Bio
Jenna Harte is a die-hard romantic writing about characters who are passionate about and committed to each other, and frequently getting into trouble. She is the author of the Valentine Mysteries, the first of which, Deadly Valentine, reached the quarter-finals in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. She entered into a three-book deal for a romance series with Penner Publishing in 2015, with release dates in 2016.
She has a bundle of stories filled with romance, mystery and even time travel rattling around in her head and is eager for the day when a device is invented allowing her to download what’s in her brain onto her computer.
When she’s not telling stories, she works by day as a freelance writer, author, blogger and online entrepreneur. She lives in central Virginia with her husband, two college-bound children and a fat cat.
Links
Share The Love Giveaway Hop
It’s time for our annual Share the Love giveaway hop! This hop is a little different and all about sharing our favorite bloggers and authors with you! There’s a giveaway at every blog so visit them all and find out who all we just adore.
Here’s a little bit about the authors and bloggers I love.
BookLoverCircumspect4 – What a wonderful person who supports authors. Take a look at her blog for great info.
C. H. Armstrong Books and Blogs – Go by and see Cathie for all sorts of fun things including having a look at her historical fiction novel.
Author Jamie McLachlan – Check her out for her book covers alone. The stories are great and she has poetry too! Her 2nd novel in The Memory Collector series will be out Tuesday.
Amanda Linsmeier – She writes poetry and short stories. She also has a wonderful debut novel that I rated 5-stars.
Bianca Schwarz – Bianca doesn’t blog a lot, but she does write wonderful stories. Go have a look.
Jim Cangany – Jim writes sweet sports romance. Ha! What a combination so you should totally check him out. His latest book came out a couple of weeks ago.
Book Plus Heart – She supports authors with reviews, cover reveals, and other activities. She was gracious enough to participate in my own book blitz last week.
The Giveaway
Follow each author or blogger on Twitter or their blog using the links below, then fill out the form and submit for your chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift eCard.
Blog
C. H. Armstrong Books and Blogs
Cathie’s Twitter
Author Jamie McLachlan
Jamie’s Twitter
Amanda Linsmeier
Amanda’s Twitter
Bianca Schwarz
Bianca’s Twitter
Jim Cangany
Jim’s Twitter
BookLoverCircumspect4
Book Lover’s Twitter
Book Plus Heart
Book Plus’ Twitter
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Hop on over to another blog by clicking the frog below.
#ShareTheLove
