Corrine Jackson's Blog, page 3
January 13, 2014
Depression Sucks, or Why I Disappeared Online
Hi Friends,
On Saturday, I presented a “Social Media for Writers” workshop to my local RWA chapter. As part of the presentation, I shared my reason for backing away from social media for a time last year, that I had been depressed. I wanted these inspirational women to know that there are times when it’s okay to back away from an online presence, times when it can be overwhelming to put yourself out there in a positive light. Several women thanked me, and one woman asked me if I intended to blog about this. Until she asked that question, I hadn’t considered it. I wasn’t sure anyone would care. Rather, not care exactly, but maybe since I blog about writing and books, it wouldn’t be pertinent. Seeing the response of those women, though, changed my mind because I think a lot of writers (and people) go through this.
A year and a half ago, my day job offered me the option of working from home. Introvert that I am, I loved the idea. I didn’t really think through the implications. That working from home would be a lonely endeavor, despite being on the phone a good portion of the day. Add in the writing, which is a solitary job, and I found myself extremely isolated. I had too much time to think. Too much time to assess and criticize myself. Too much time in my own head.
At that time, I was also doing a lot of thinking about my writing career. No matter how much I told myself that I was in this for the craft and the books, I still had expectations. I hate it, but there it is. I had expectations around reviews, sales, marketing, publicity, reader response… The list goes on. I am a Type-A control freak. If I could have built a plan to deliver on my expectations, you bet your ass that it would have been color-coded, collated, and outlined in parts with graphs and charts. But if I’ve learned any lesson since I send my first book into the wild, it’s that I have control over nothing but the words on the page. Feeling out of control – and having too much time to think about it – culminated into a disillusioned attitude on my part. Doubt spiraled until I wondered how badly I wanted this or if I was talented enough to keep at it. My dream had come true, but it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I was asking myself “Now what?”, and I didn’t have any of the answers.
Between the isolation and the disillusionment, I sunk into a depression. I was sad all the time. I struggled to get up in the morning. I suffered from insomnia at night. My friends would ask me to do things, and I had to make myself get out of the house to meet them. The whole idea of getting dressed and going somewhere overwhelmed me. Used to seeing my family several times a year, I went 11 months between visits. And when it came time to promote my latest release, my energy was at an all-time low. All of my energy went toward my day job, and I had little left over.
I filled the hours with reading. Books have always been my standby to escape the world. That is the true reason that I read 323 books last year. It’s a sad testament to my desire to hide from myself and how shitty I felt. I got behind on email (I’m still getting caught up), and I’m sure I let people down. And writing? Seriously, I felt empty. That well had dried up like the Sahara. I owed options to both of my publishers. I wish I could say that their expectations weighed on me, but I felt too numb to care. And not caring made me feel like a failure, which made me sad, which just fed into the whole damn cycle of my depression.
It has been a slow process to come out of this. I still am. It began with a career change in my day job. I left my marketing agency of 10 years to start a new position. I now work in an office around lovely people. Never discount the impact of putting on makeup every day or wearing clothes that can’t be described as pajamas. I also had a great call with my agent where we talked about the past and what I’d like my future in publishing to look like. I’ve been hanging out with friends, and, lo and behold, I’ve begun writing again. Slowly, it feels like I’m getting some control over my life again, but I have to remind myself that control is an illusion. It’s too easy to have the world swept out from under you, or (as happened to me last year) to slide into a state of mind where you feel like you’re giving up on everything.
I’m becoming a happier person, though sometimes I still want to retreat. I’m choosing to surge forward, even though it feels like I’m moving through a swamp some days. And I’ve made the choice to talk about this. I started with my sister and a couple of friends, all of whom began to call me often to check in. They refuse to let me isolate myself again, even though I’m not always the cheeriest person to be around when I let my guard down. (I excel at faking a cheerful front, so most people had no clue this was happening.) I hope that sharing this here makes a difference, too. People didn’t know I was depressed because I didn’t want to bother them. Like my sadness would drag them down. It sounds like a silly thought in retrospect. Maybe I wouldn’t have felt so alone if I’d talked about what I was going through. Which is why I’m sharing this here, so maybe someone else going through this won’t feel so alone.
So that’s where I am.
January 9, 2014
31 Days of #BookLove: Day 24 – BREAKING BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Today marks Day 24 of 31 Days of #BookLove. Rather than review all 323 books I read year, I decided to share one of my favorites. I meant to wrap this up in December, but I got hit with the plague. So…the #BookLove continues into 2014.
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BREAKING BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Genre: YA
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.
What I Liked:
BREAKING BEAUTIFUL broke my ever-loving heart. This is one of the best books I’ve read about how a teen girl in an abusive relationship. It happens gradually, and Allie finds herself a co-conspirator with her abuser, hiding the damage he does to her from her family and friends. When the story begins, she’s already isolated, cut off from anyone who might help her. But there is a boy, someone who sees her and wants to help her. Above and beyond, the emotional exploration of what Allie goes through, there’s a big mystery. Allie’s abuser has died, and she’s forced to pretend grief when her feelings for him are far more complex. Added to that, she can’t remember how he died or what role she played in the accident. This is a seriously great read, and one that haunted me afterward. Highly recommend. See my full review here.
Like the sound of BREAKING BEAUTIFUL? Give the author a little #BookLove. Jennifer Shaw Wolf tweets @JenniferSWolf.
Buy:
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The 31 Days of #BookLove
Day 1: BULLY by Penelope Douglas
Day 2: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay
Day 3: TANGLED by Emma Chase
Day 4: UNSPOKEN by Jen Frederick
Day 5: PLAYING FOR KEEPS by R.L. Mathewson
Day 6: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND by Monica Murphy
Day 7: WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
Day 8: SIGNIFICANCE by Shelly Crane
Day 9: FALLEN CREST HIGH by Tijan
Day 10: HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry
Day 11: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn
Day 12: THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN by Jessica Sorensen
Day 13: HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover
Day 14: SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale
Day 15: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin
Day 16: BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorensen
Day 17: RULE by Jay Crownover
Day 18: DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
Day 19: THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW by Kirsty Moseley
Day 20: WIFE FOR A WEEK by Kelly Hunter
Day 21: REAL by Katy Evans
Day 22: CARTER REED by Tijan
Day 23: ON DUBLIN STREET by Samantha Young
January 8, 2014
Bookanista Review: FALLEN CREST PUBLIC
I have sad news. This review marks my final post as a Bookanista. The reality is that it has become too difficult to review with any regularity while trying to keep up with my day job, the book marketing, the writing, and trying to have any kind of personal life. I wish I could do it all, but it’s just impossible. I’m so grateful for the time I’ve had getting to know all the people in Bookanistas, and the support they’ve given me since I joined in 2011. I’ve had a great time reviewing books as part of the group, and I wish them the best of luck! Now on to the review!
***
FALLEN CREST PUBLIC by Tijan
Sam’s first day at Fallen Crest Public doesn’t go well. Some girls want to be her. Some girls want to destroy her. And some just don’t like her. All in all, despite being protected by Mason and Logan, it’s still only the strong survive. Sam will not only have to survive, she needs to learn how to conquer too, but there’s another battle growing. Things are about to come to a disastrous end between the towns, Roussou and Fallen Crest. Sam’s other main dilemma? Keeping Mason and Logan from getting arrested or hospitalized.
This is the third book in the Fallen Crest Series.
Fallen Crest High
Fallen Crest Family
Fallen Crest Public
****
I read this in a single sitting, as soon as I received the ARC copy. If you follow me on Twitter or read this, then you’d know that this book was my most highly anticipated book of the fall/winter. I’ve reread the first two books a few times. I was stalking Tijan’s Facebook page (she frequently posts teasers) and kept checking the Amazon page as if the release date would suddenly change. You might say I’m an uber fan. But all of that also means that I had really high expectations for FALLEN CREST PUBLIC, and I’m not sure that was fair to the author. Note: there are spoilers ahead for the first two books in the series, but not for FALLEN CREST PUBLIC. Stop reading here if you haven’t read the first two books.
There were a several story lines that I expected to see in this book, including:
Nate: In books one and two, we are told that this fourth person of the foursome is trouble. He and Mason had to be separated prior to the start of the series because they manage to do a lot of damage together. In book one, Nate likes Sam, but he’s not a huge part of the story. Enter book two, and Nate has a bigger role since Sam and Mason are staying at his house. This book is where Nate shows he has a shady side and may not be a big fan of Sam’s. I really thought that this was going to be explored in FALLEN CREST PUBLIC, but it fell a little short for me. I didn’t feel Mason’s attachment to Nate, or worry that he would come between Mason and Sam like I thought he might. I wanted so much more here.
Birth Dad/Mom: I thought Garrett would return and that we’d have more drama with the mom. Sam made a promise that she and the boys would return to live home, but the boys go back on their agreement. Garrett and Sam’s mom disappear from the story. I thought this was a missed opportunity.
Sam’s running: In book one, Sam runs because she has to. It’s how she wears herself out because she can’t deal with the emotional crap she’s going through. In book two, her running becomes an opportunity for her to get out, a way to get into college without her parents’ help and make her own way. It’s how Mason convinces her to switch schools. In book three, I wanted to see her on the track team. See her strength growing and finding that thing (like Mason has football) that empowers her. I thought it might even help her find her place at a new school. Running took a major backseat in the story, and the coach disappeared from the story.
Logan: In book two, it is revealed that Logan has feelings for Sam. It’s hinted at in book one too. I thought we’d explore this in book three, but it was only touched on. Sam acted surprised, but it seemed anticlimactic since we already had this knowledge. I believe this is going to be explored in the next book in a big way.
At the end of the day, I wanted Sam to grow in strength. I LOVE her relationship with Mason, and the family she makes with him and Logan. But in book two, her entire world centers around Mason. She loses herself, allowing others to take care of her. I thought she would find a different kind of strength, one that existed outside Mason, making her a stronger partner for him – the kind of girl she was when he fell for her. I wanted more complexity out of Sam. More layers. I’m not sure that we went there, though there were moments (damn, that lunchroom scene was AWESOME).
With all of that said, I read this book in four hours. Tijan has a talent for writing stories that I want to devour. The relationships and drama are addictive. Sam and Mason are still hot as hell together. Logan is still lovable. And the heart of this made-family is alive and well. They always have each others’ backs. One of the key themes in the first two books is incredible pain. Sam is a live wire, an open wound. It’s part of why she’s so relatable: most of us know her pain and can empathize. We wish we’d had a Mason or a Logan there to watch out for us. That dynamic still exists in FALLEN CREST PUBLIC. Just when you think Sam couldn’t be more confident in her relationship with Mason, things happen to shake her foundations.
And then there’s the bullying. Kate and her gang do not play nice, and they come at Sam with all barrels loaded. It hurt to see how far things went and how little Sam could do to stop things from spiraling. I did like the development of Sam and her stepdad David, and even Sam’s relationship with Mark’s mom. It was about time that something good came her way. Another surprise was Brett, the boy from the enemy school who is always picking fights with the Kade brothers. I liked Sam’s scenes with him.
To sum things up, I expected a lot and didn’t quite get what I wanted. I’m hopeful that some of these things will get explored in the next book(s?). Overall, though, there’s a lot to love, and I would recommend FALLEN CREST PUBLIC. If you need your Sam/Mason/Logan fix, this book is like crack. Can’t wait for Logan’s story!
Find it on Goodreads.
AUTHOR BIO:
Tijan started writing later in life, after she had already graduated college with a different direction in mind and a different degree under her belt. Hitting the brakes on that path, she taught herself how to write a good book and began posting at sites such as Fictionpress, along with Wattpad. After receiving such encouraging messages from readers, she self-published Fallen Crest High and has continued throughout the year. She continues to keep writing NA books!
AMAZON BUY LINKS:
FALLEN CREST HIGH | FALLEN CREST FAMILY | FALLEN CREST PUBLIC
FIND THE AUTHOR
Goodreads | Facebook
***
EXCERPT #1
Then Logan came out of the gas station. He had two coffees in hand with his head down, clueless of the Broudou brothers as he crossed the lot. There still hadn’t been a word spoken between the brothers and Mason. Yet.
It was coming.
A shiver went down my spine.
Slipping my hand inside my pocket, I made sure my phone was there and pulled it out. If they made one violent move, I was calling 911. I wasn’t going to risk them being hurt. Mason’s future had already been threatened by Analise. It wasn’t going to be threatened again.
Then it happened.
I gulped as I watched it in slow motion. Logan stepped forward, he frowned, and then lifted his head. His eyes found me first. He paused. His foot came down hard in mid-step and he glanced around. He saw Mason before he trailed his head where they were.
It was as if they’d been waiting for him to join.
Everything happened then, at the same time.
Shannon’s features scrunched together in an ugly snarl. Her hands found her heavier hips and her arms pinched the sides of her breasts, making them rise from the motion. It was then when her brothers saw us too.
I jerked forward.
Mason shifted in front of his car, and Logan disappeared from my eyesight. I moved to see better, but Jeff moved with me, obscuring my view.
“Stop.” I tried to push him aside.
He remained facing them, but his hand went behind him to touch my arm. “Get in the car, Sam.”
“No.”
He hissed, “Get in the car! Now.”
“No.”
They weren’t going to do anything to them. They couldn’t. Terror started to rise up, and the hair on the back of my neck stood up.
They couldn’t hurt Mason or Logan.
Then a low baritone spoke up, “Kade.”
The other one added, “Shannon, go inside and get your coffee.”
“No!” she hissed. “I’m staying, Brett.”
“What are you doing here, Budd?” Mason asked. I closed my eyes, falling against Logan’s Escalade. He sounded in control, amused even, and a wave of relief went through me at the sound. That meant he was fully in control of the situation. “Quickie’s is in Fallen Crest territory. Not Roussou.”
***
PLAYLIST:
LET IT GO, THE NEIGHBORHOOD
EYES ON FIRE (ZEDS DEAD REMIX)
BLUE FOUNDATION
SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW REMIX, DUBSTEP MAFIA
DO I WANNA KNOW? ARCTIC MONKEYS
PROBLEM, NATALIA KILLS
CONTROVERSY, NATALIA KILLS
UNDER THE WATER, THE PRETTY RECKLESS
BONES, MS MR
ROYALS, LORDE
HEY BROTHER, AVICII
BITING DOWN, LORDE
NASHVILLE, NOAH GUNDERSEN
FIRE, NOAH GUNDERSEN
DAVID, NOAH GUNDERSEN
GROW, RAE MORRIS
WITH LOVE, CHRISTINA GRIMMIE
FIND ME (STRIPPED), CHRISTINA GRIMMIE
RAISE THE DEAD, RACHEL RABIN
BUILD A COFFIN, RACHEL RABIN
TRITONAL ALBUMS (MULTIPLE OF THESE)
DARK ON FIRE, TURIN BRAKES
ALMOST ANYTHING BY LANA DEL REY
WE DON’T EAT, JAMES VINCENT
MCMORROW (REMIX AND ORIGINAL)
NASTY LETTER, OTIS TAYLOR
***
FALLEN CREST SERIES BOOK TRAILER LINK
HOSTED BY: CRAZIES R US BOOK BLOG
***
Check out what the other Bookanistas are reviewing!
Rebecca Behrens is swooning for I HEART BAND (#1 and #2) by Michelle Schusterman
Jessica Love is blow away by THE PROMISE OF AMAZING by Robin Constantine
Christine Fonseca is intrigued by the MINDJACK series by Susan Kaye Quinn
Tracey Neithercott is loving CRASH INTO YOU by Katie McGarry
Kimberly Sabatini is mystified by BREAKING GLASS by Lisa Amowitz
January 7, 2014
31 Days of #BookLove: Day 23 – ON DUBLIN STREET by Samantha Young
Today marks Day 23 of 31 Days of #BookLove. Rather than review all 323 books I read year, I decided to share one of my favorites. I meant to wrap this up in December, but I got hit with the plague. So…the #BookLove continues into 2014.
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ON DUBLIN STREET by Samantha Young
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Indie (now Penguin)
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…
Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.
Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.
But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.
What I Liked:
Jocelyn isn’t interested in a relationship, but bad boy Braden doesn’t want to take no for an answer. I loved Jocelyn’s character. She’s flawed but strong. She gives as good as she takes. (Hello. The scene where she literally kicks Braden out of the bed is hilarious.) And Braden is a little arrogant – okay, a lot arrogant – but he’s so totally into Jocelyn that I can forgive him for that. Plus he’s hot as hell. Aside from being a hot read, this book had a surprising amount of heart. I loved the scenes between Jocelyn and her psychologist. This is a book I’ll reread. Highly recommend!
Like the sound of ON DUBLIN STREET? Give the author a little #BookLove. Samantha Young tweets @SYoungSFAuthor
Buy:
*************
The 31 Days of #BookLove
Day 1: BULLY by Penelope Douglas
Day 2: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay
Day 3: TANGLED by Emma Chase
Day 4: UNSPOKEN by Jen Frederick
Day 5: PLAYING FOR KEEPS by R.L. Mathewson
Day 6: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND by Monica Murphy
Day 7: WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
Day 8: SIGNIFICANCE by Shelly Crane
Day 9: FALLEN CREST HIGH by Tijan
Day 10: HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry
Day 11: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn
Day 12: THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN by Jessica Sorensen
Day 13: HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover
Day 14: SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale
Day 15: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin
Day 16: BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorensen
Day 17: RULE by Jay Crownover
Day 18: DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
Day 19: THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW by Kirsty Moseley
Day 20: WIFE FOR A WEEK by Kelly Hunter
Day 21: REAL by Katy Evans
Day 22: CARTER REED by Tijan
January 6, 2014
EVENT: San Francisco RWA Chapter Presentation – January 11
This Saturday, January 11 I’ll be speaking at San Francisco’s RWA chapter meeting on Social Media for Writers. If you live in the Bay Area, I hope that you can make it out. Registration information is below.
“Social Media for Writers: Before Publication and After” - here.
Where: Pyramid Pyramid Brewery & Alehouse, 901 Gilman Street, Berkeley, California.
Registration starts at 8:30 am, the meeting starts at 9:30, and the program starts at 10:00. Pre-pay is now available using PayPal! Click the button below the meeting and follow directions. Payment at meeting by cash or check is also still accepted. Members, please register by 5:00 PM the Friday before the meeting to receive the reduced rate. Drop-ins welcome on a first-come, first serve basis.
January 5, 2014
31 Days of #BookLove: Day 22 – CARTER REED by Tijan
Today marks Day 22 of 31 Days of #BookLove. Rather than review all 323 books I read year, I decided to share one of my favorites. I meant to wrap this up in December, but I got hit with the plague. So…the #BookLove continues into 2014.
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CARTER REED by Tijan
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Indie
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Emma decided to skip the gym and went home early. It was the last easy decision she made because she found her roommate being raped by the boyfriend. She had two choices. Call the cops and be killed by his family’s mafia connections or kill him first and hope to survive. There was no choice to her. She killed the bastard first and went to the one person who could protect her. Carter Reed. He’s a weapon for the rivaling mafia family, but he’s also Emma’s secret. Not only was he best friends with her brother, but she’s the reason he became that weapon in the first place.
What I Liked:
My love of Tijan continued with CARTER REED. This isn’t your usual romance where there are clear cut good guys and bad guys. In this book, the main characters live in a moral gray area. I’m surprised this didn’t bother me more, but the reality is that even the worst person can be loved by another. Not to say Carter and Emma are the worst – they both do bad things in order to protect people they love. What appealed to me about this story is the same thing that gets me in Tijan’s other books – an alpha hero who meets his match in a strong heroine. And the alpha hero respects, loves, and props up the strength of his mate. It doesn’t hurt that the romance is hot as hell. There’s something about it that reminded me of the movie Payback with Mel Gibson or Lucky Number Sleven, both movies I loved.
Like the sound of CARTER REED? Give the author a little #BookLove. Tijan is on Facebook at Tijan’s Writings.
Buy:
*************
The 31 Days of #BookLove
Day 1: BULLY by Penelope Douglas
Day 2: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay
Day 3: TANGLED by Emma Chase
Day 4: UNSPOKEN by Jen Frederick
Day 5: PLAYING FOR KEEPS by R.L. Mathewson
Day 6: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND by Monica Murphy
Day 7: WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
Day 8: SIGNIFICANCE by Shelly Crane
Day 9: FALLEN CREST HIGH by Tijan
Day 10: HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry
Day 11: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn
Day 12: THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN by Jessica Sorensen
Day 13: HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover
Day 14: SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale
Day 15: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin
Day 16: BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorensen
Day 17: RULE by Jay Crownover
Day 18: DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
Day 19: THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW by Kirsty Moseley
Day 20: WIFE FOR A WEEK by Kelly Hunter
Day 21: REAL by Katy Evans
January 4, 2014
31 Days of #BookLove: Day 21 – REAL by Katy Evans
Today marks Day 21 of 31 Days of #BookLove. Rather than review all 323 books I read year, I decided to share one of my favorites. I meant to wrap this up in December, but I got hit with the plague. So…the #BookLove continues into 2014.
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REAL by Katy Evans
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Indie
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…
He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…
Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.
He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .
But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.
I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.
If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?
What I Liked:
Okay, the book isn’t perfect (the sister storyline wasn’t my favorite), and there are some things I didn’t love. With that said, this book has a serious crack factor and some of the sweetest moments I’ve read in a long time. Brooke is hugely attracted to Remy, but she can’t quite figure him out. As readers, we are right there with her. He’s tough and strong – very alpha – but other times he’s so sweet you want to lick him like candy. Hello, the ipod scenes killed me. I loved that the hero has this complex background (don’t want to give it away), and the whole revelation behind the title of the book slayed me. Plus, the book is seriously hot with a sizzling attraction between the two main characters.
Like the sound of REAL? Give the author a little #BookLove. Katy Evans tweets @authorkatyevans.
BONUS: There are sequels to this story! MINE is the follow up to REAL, and REMY tells the events of both REAL and MINE from Remy’s POV. See the series here.
Buy:
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The 31 Days of #BookLove
Day 1: BULLY by Penelope Douglas
Day 2: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay
Day 3: TANGLED by Emma Chase
Day 4: UNSPOKEN by Jen Frederick
Day 5: PLAYING FOR KEEPS by R.L. Mathewson
Day 6: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND by Monica Murphy
Day 7: WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
Day 8: SIGNIFICANCE by Shelly Crane
Day 9: FALLEN CREST HIGH by Tijan
Day 10: HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry
Day 11: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn
Day 12: THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN by Jessica Sorensen
Day 13: HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover
Day 14: SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale
Day 15: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin
Day 16: BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorensen
Day 17: RULE by Jay Crownover
Day 18: DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
Day 19: THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW by Kirsty Moseley
Day 20: WIFE FOR A WEEK by Kelly Hunter
December 20, 2013
31 Days of #BookLove: Day 20 – WIFE FOR A WEEK by Kelly Hunter
Today marks Day 20 of 31 Days of #BookLove. Rather than review all 300 books I’ve read this year, I decided to share one of my favorites each day this month.
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WIFE FOR A WEEK by Kelly Hunter
Genre: Adult Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Books / Harlequin Presents
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Nicholas Cooper must produce a wife for his business deal, and Hallie Bennett is beautiful and intelligent enough to pull it off. She needs the money, and Nicholas has determined some strict rules for their week together. Rule No. 1: Displays of affection in public only
Keeping their hands on each other in public turns out to be surprisingly easy. It’s keeping them “off” in private that’s the problem. Hallie is falling for Nicholas, but will Nicholas make his contract wife his real-life bride?
What I Liked:
From the very first chapter, this book reminded me of the old screwball Hepburn-Tracy movies of the 40s. The dialogue sparkles with a witty back and forth. The voice is entertaining. And the characters find themselves in situations worthy of a Cary Grant flick. I chuckled out loud often (especially at the hero’s inner monologue the first time the heroes end up in bed together). I ended up replaying that dialogue for friends over drinks – “we can fix this!” Suspend belief and enjoy this book for the charm that explodes out of it. And tweet me about the above scene when you get to it. We will laugh together.
Like the sound of WIFE FOR A WEEK? Give the author a little #BookLove. Kelly Hunter tweets @KellyHunterova.
BONUS: There are other books about the other Bennett family members! I’ve already devoured all the others in the series. WIFE FOR A WEEK is definitely my favorite, but Hunter definitely has a style I love. See the series here.
Buy:
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The 31 Days of #BookLove
Day 1: BULLY by Penelope Douglas
Day 2: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay
Day 3: TANGLED by Emma Chase
Day 4: UNSPOKEN by Jen Frederick
Day 5: PLAYING FOR KEEPS by R.L. Mathewson
Day 6: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND by Monica Murphy
Day 7: WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
Day 8: SIGNIFICANCE by Shelly Crane
Day 9: FALLEN CREST HIGH by Tijan
Day 10: HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry
Day 11: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn
Day 12: THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN by Jessica Sorensen
Day 13: HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover
Day 14: SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale
Day 15: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin
Day 16: BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorensen
Day 17: RULE by Jay Crownover
Day 18: DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
Day 19: THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW by Kirsty Moseley
December 19, 2013
31 Days of #BookLove: Day 19 – THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW by Kirsty Moseley
Today marks Day 19 of 31 Days of #BookLove. Rather than review all 300 books I’ve read this year, I decided to share one of my favorites each day this month.
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THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW by Kirsty Moseley
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Indie
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother’s best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years. Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair. Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother’s best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer? Find out in The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window.
What I Liked:
Amber is wary around boys – except for her brother’s best friend Liam. Liam sleeps in her bed every night to keep the nightmares at bay. The funny thing about their arrangement? Neither of them talk about it in the morning, and they mostly act like they hate each other. This might seem like it doesn’t work, but Moseley builds characters that are believable and real for all their faults. The story wasn’t perfect (Amber’s reaction to the bet didn’t seem true to her character), BUT that didn’t hold back my enjoyment. I especially loved seeing Liam’s character develop as revelations are made, and I appreciated Amber discovering her own strength.
Like the sound of THE BOY WHO SNEAKS IN MY BEDROOM WINDOW? Give the author a little #BookLove. Kirsty Moseley tweets @KirstyEMoseley.
Buy:
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The 31 Days of #BookLove
Day 1: BULLY by Penelope Douglas
Day 2: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay
Day 3: TANGLED by Emma Chase
Day 4: UNSPOKEN by Jen Frederick
Day 5: PLAYING FOR KEEPS by R.L. Mathewson
Day 6: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND by Monica Murphy
Day 7: WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
Day 8: SIGNIFICANCE by Shelly Crane
Day 9: FALLEN CREST HIGH by Tijan
Day 10: HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry
Day 11: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn
Day 12: THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN by Jessica Sorensen
Day 13: HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover
Day 14: SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale
Day 15: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin
Day 16: BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorensen
Day 17: RULE by Jay Crownover
Day 18: DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
December 18, 2013
31 Days of #BookLove: Day 18 – DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
Today marks Day 18 of 31 Days of #BookLove. Rather than review all 300 books I’ve read this year, I decided to share one of my favorites each day this month.
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DEEPER WE FALL by Chelsea M. Cameron
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Indie
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Two years after her best friend was involved in a car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, Lottie Anders is ready to start her freshman year of college. Ready to move on. Ready to start forgetting the night that ripped her life apart.
Her plans come to a screeching halt when not one, but both brothers responsible for the accident end up back in her life again.
Zack is cruel, selfish and constantly rubbing what happened to her friend in Lottie’s face.
Zan is different. He listens to her awkward ramblings. He loves To Kill a Mockingbird as much as she does, and his dark eyes are irresistible. His words are few and far between, but when he does speak, she can’t help but listen.
The trouble is, Zan was the driver in the accident, and now Lottie’s discovered he lied to her about what happened that night. Now she must decide if trusting him again will lead to real forgiveness, or deeper heartache.
What I Liked:
There are two reasons that I fell in love with this book. First, the friends are AWESOME. Cameron does a brilliant job building a circle of friends who are not catty or backstabbing. I loved the relationship between Lottie and her brother, which was sweet without being cloying. These were people who were genuinely supportive of each other instead of trying to tear each other down. It makes me look forward to other stories in this series. The second reason I love this book? Zan, Zan, Zan. He’s kind of odd, kind of sweet, kind of awkward, and a whole lot charming. I adored his attempts to get Lottie’s attention, and his fragility whenever he doesn’t get the reaction he hopes for. This book avoided cliches and surprised me more than once.
Like the sound of DEEPER WE FALL? Give the author a little #BookLove. Chelsea M. Cameron tweets @chel_c_cam.
Buy:
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The 31 Days of #BookLove
Day 1: BULLY by Penelope Douglas
Day 2: THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay
Day 3: TANGLED by Emma Chase
Day 4: UNSPOKEN by Jen Frederick
Day 5: PLAYING FOR KEEPS by R.L. Mathewson
Day 6: ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND by Monica Murphy
Day 7: WAIT FOR YOU by J. Lynn
Day 8: SIGNIFICANCE by Shelly Crane
Day 9: FALLEN CREST HIGH by Tijan
Day 10: HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry
Day 11: CHARADE by Nyrae Dawn
Day 12: THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN by Jessica Sorensen
Day 13: HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover
Day 14: SEDUCING MR. KNIGHTLY by Maya Rodale
Day 15: MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER by Heidi McLaughlin
Day 16: BREAKING NOVA by Jessica Sorensen
Day 17: RULE by Jay Crownover
