Jennifer Anderson's Blog, page 11
September 9, 2013
Between the Lines series
Notice: For mature adiences. Sexual content and language. (posted for those younger audience members.)
To be honest, I'm not sure how I stumbled onto this series but I'M IN LOVE!
In Book 1 we meet Emma and Reid. Reid is some hot actor while Emma is rather still obscure. He's a playboy, she's timid. And he wants her. He digs down deep into his bag of tricks to win her over and she immediately falls for his good looks and charm.
But there's always a but! And a triangle.
You continue on with Book 2, Where you Are, with Emma and Reid but we are also invited into Brooke and Graham's head. Brooke wants Graham, Graham's with Emma and Reid wants to swoop in and save the day.
Who will end up together and who will get their heart smashed.
In Good for You, we meet Dori. Reid almost kills himself and is forced to do community service where he meets the preachers daughter. She struggles with not liking him but in the end...I won't give it away. You have to read to find out.
Also, there's a surprise that continues on to book 4.
Reid and Brooke are together again but not in the way the paps think. In the end all secrets are revealed and some fences mended. We are visit again by Emma and Graham, Brooke, Reid, Dori and River.
This series was fantastic. I literally couldn't put it down. The characters are flawed and you can't help but love them.
The ending was sweet and beautiful, forcing me to re-read it just to savor all the details. Throughout the series we get to witness the life journey that Reid makes. His flaws and mistakes and the big heart he's been hiding from years or partying and living reckless.
If you love NA, you have to add this to your TBR list. Webber also has another book, Easy which was just as good. She is a wonderful writer who loves a HEA just as much as me!
Happy reading!
To be honest, I'm not sure how I stumbled onto this series but I'M IN LOVE!
In Book 1 we meet Emma and Reid. Reid is some hot actor while Emma is rather still obscure. He's a playboy, she's timid. And he wants her. He digs down deep into his bag of tricks to win her over and she immediately falls for his good looks and charm.
But there's always a but! And a triangle.
You continue on with Book 2, Where you Are, with Emma and Reid but we are also invited into Brooke and Graham's head. Brooke wants Graham, Graham's with Emma and Reid wants to swoop in and save the day.
Who will end up together and who will get their heart smashed.
In Good for You, we meet Dori. Reid almost kills himself and is forced to do community service where he meets the preachers daughter. She struggles with not liking him but in the end...I won't give it away. You have to read to find out.
Also, there's a surprise that continues on to book 4.
Reid and Brooke are together again but not in the way the paps think. In the end all secrets are revealed and some fences mended. We are visit again by Emma and Graham, Brooke, Reid, Dori and River.
This series was fantastic. I literally couldn't put it down. The characters are flawed and you can't help but love them.
The ending was sweet and beautiful, forcing me to re-read it just to savor all the details. Throughout the series we get to witness the life journey that Reid makes. His flaws and mistakes and the big heart he's been hiding from years or partying and living reckless.
If you love NA, you have to add this to your TBR list. Webber also has another book, Easy which was just as good. She is a wonderful writer who loves a HEA just as much as me!
Happy reading!
September 3, 2013
What did you just say?
I'm not ashamed to admit that as a reader I tend to skip past several pages of text just to get to the dialogue. Especially, when we're in the main character's head and she's rambling about something that happened and what it all means when all I really care about is what are you going to say next.
As an author, I love writing dialogue. It can move the story forward and provide insight into my characters. But the key is to make it real. Don't just have them say stuff just to talk. I recently read a series and where I enjoyed the general story line and couldn't wait to find out what happens next, I found myself even skipping some of the dialogue because the main character was chatting with her friend and they weren't saying anything important. I don't care what you had for breakfast and to be honest, neither does the person you're talking to even though they are fictional character.
Its also important to make sure if you are, let's say, writing YA that your character speaks YA. As a 36 (I have to ask my husband all the time how old I am!) year mother of 3, I may not be the target audience for my books but that's were watching TV and reading magazines help. I love YA shows which if full of dialogue (do you see a theme). I devour everything they say and the way they say it because we all know inflection and body language can take what you say and twist is all around.
Here's my tip of the week about writing and dialogue. It can move your story forward and provide the reader with a lot of information but you'll fall flat if your characters sound too old and if they ramble about nothing important.
Happy Writing!
As an author, I love writing dialogue. It can move the story forward and provide insight into my characters. But the key is to make it real. Don't just have them say stuff just to talk. I recently read a series and where I enjoyed the general story line and couldn't wait to find out what happens next, I found myself even skipping some of the dialogue because the main character was chatting with her friend and they weren't saying anything important. I don't care what you had for breakfast and to be honest, neither does the person you're talking to even though they are fictional character.
Its also important to make sure if you are, let's say, writing YA that your character speaks YA. As a 36 (I have to ask my husband all the time how old I am!) year mother of 3, I may not be the target audience for my books but that's were watching TV and reading magazines help. I love YA shows which if full of dialogue (do you see a theme). I devour everything they say and the way they say it because we all know inflection and body language can take what you say and twist is all around.
Here's my tip of the week about writing and dialogue. It can move your story forward and provide the reader with a lot of information but you'll fall flat if your characters sound too old and if they ramble about nothing important.
Happy Writing!
August 28, 2013
Dare You To Review: 5 Nuts!
From GoodReads:
Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."
"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....
"I dare you..."
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....
Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.
But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all.
Did you read that line? How could you not fall in love with this book! I've said this before but I'm a HUGE fan and love Katie McGarry! Met her, loved her, wanna write like her!
I thought after Echo and Noah that she couldn't possible write about two more characters that I'd like but I was wrong. We are introduced to Beth in Pushing the Limits and McGarry rewards us for our patience with Ryan. We know the type. Jock, blessed with great skin, hair and all the girls love him and the guys wanna be him. But looks can be deceiving, which happens to be the theme of this book.
I fell in love instantly and couldn't put the book down and then was sad when it was over. Love these characters and if McGarry writes about Logan, I'd love to see these two again.
August 26, 2013
My Brother's Wedding is here!
Allison Daughtry is catapulted into a past life when she returns to her childhood home to attend her brother’s wedding. Bombarded with memories of a night she’d shared with Ryan Johnson, her reason for leaving and forever crush, she attempts to navigate her feelings while maintaining a fake romantic relationship with her best friend. Complicated emotions surface and Allison struggles to remember what’s real.My Brother's Wedding is a contemporary sweet romance set in the Midwest. Follow Allison as she maneuvers her family and a long lost love. But watch out for the grandmother, she's a spitfire!
It's here! It's here! I'm so excited about this release. TMP was able to offer my new book as a pre-order but now she's alive and well (of course my book is a girl and like most females, she likes to be a caressed with your eyes!)
My Brother's Wedding is set in one of my favorite cities...St. Louis! So grab your toasted ravs, gooey butter cake and they's get our Lou on.
Here are your linkie poohs for this $2.99 DEAL:
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
Smashwords
ARe All Romance eBooks
If you can't find it where you normally purchase your ebooks, please let me know.
Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this new step with me!
August 19, 2013
Perfect Scoundrels review: 4 Nuts
I have to admit, whenever I'm in the mood for a light hearted, funny, easy YA read, I generally grab a book by Ally Carter. Her stories are quick and keep my attention and Perfect Scoundrels was no exception.
Kat Bishop excels at being a thief except instead of doing bad, she's trying to do good. Stealing artwork and returning it to the rightful owner and in PS, her target is Hale. His grandmother has died and left her empire for him to run which seems too good to be true, mainly because he's only like 16 years old.
Can Kat meet her deadline? Will Hale prove to be a unwilling prize for her to steal back?
You'll have to read book #3 in the Heist Society novel.
My only complaint with the series is Kat's age. I feel like she's been 15 for the last 3 books. I know this is YA, but she can get older. In fact, I'd like her to get older. She acts older. Heck, the girl on the cover looks way older than 15.
For those who enjoy kissing boys in YA, there's enough to keep you interested as well. I'd like to see Kat's cousin find a mate.
And watch out for the surprise ending. Carter does a great job of slipping that in when you least expect it.
I can't wait for #4 and for the next installment of The Gallagher Girl series.
August 12, 2013
3.5 Nuts for Ready or Not
Blurb from GoodReads: Top ten things Samantha Madison isn't ready for:10. Spending Thanksgiving at Camp David9. With her boyfriend, the president's son8. Who appears to want to take their relationship to the Next Level7. Which Sam inadvertently and shockingly announces live on MTV6. While appearing to support the president's dubious policies on families, morals, and yes, sex5. Juggling her new after-school job at Potomac Video4. Even though she already has a job as teen ambassador to the UN (that she doesn't get paid for)3. Riding the Metro and getting accosted because she's "the redheaded girl who saved the president's life," in spite of her new, semi permanent Midnight Ebony tresses2. Experiencing total role reversal with her popular sister Lucy, who for once can't get the guy she wants
And the number-one thing Sam isn't ready for?1. Finding out the hard way that in art class, "life drawing" means "naked people."
Maybe 3.5 is a bit harsh because I really liked the second installment to the All-American Girl Novel but I felt it really focused on one major point...sex. While I'm not a prude or have any issues with sex in YA, I guess I was looking for more of those moments (funny, clever, crazy) the first book had. Yes, there were a few and Sam didn't only talk about sex but it seemed every conversation she had ended up about sex or at least her thoughts. I think it sent a good message about the thought process that goes into it and how she trusted her sister enough to ask. I'm still a huge fan of Meg Cabot. I was hoping to share this book with my daughter because I loved the first one so much but I think I need to hold off a bit.
August 5, 2013
Along for the Ride 5 Nut Review
GoodReads blurb:
It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.
A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.
In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect
I haven't had the opportunity to do much pleasure reading this summer and was lucky enough to get a chance to attack my TBR list while on vacation and immediately fell in love with Sarah's Dessen's book. But I wasn't surprised. Her writing is flawless and takes you on a journey that allows you to connect with the characters.
As simple as riding a bike, I found myself loving the fun nature behind the book. Sure, there are deep issues and you want to scream at Auden's dad and mom but when Eli helps her to live, I fell in love. The journey to find herself in the matter of a few months was beautiful and allowed Auden to make changes in her life that I think she always needed to be made. I think most people come out of their shell or discover what they are capable of right before college, which can be a scary time in a person's life. College opens the door to all new experiences and gathering the courage to step through the door can be life altering.
The ending was great and I wanted to read more about Auden and Eli. Do you think if we begged, we might get a "what if" scenario or sneak peak?
Be sure to also read the letter from the author in the back. Its just as touching as this wonderful story.
July 29, 2013
On Vacation
I'll be back next week with my review of a vaca read as well as a writing tip.
Have a great week!
Have a great week!
July 22, 2013
Tasty Summer Reads Blog Hop
My dear friend Ruth J. Hartman invited me to participate in this hop. I have to admit. I'm still new to hopping!
But here is how it goes.
Then give a short description of your WIP/Release including the date of release. Then answer these five questions:
My Brother’s Wedding, August 2013Contemporary Romance, SweetNext Door Category line
Allison Daughtry is catapulted into a past life when she returns to her childhood home to attend 4 her brother’s wedding. Bombarded with memories of a night she’d shared with Ryan Johnson, 5 her reason for leaving and forever crush, she attempts to navigate her feelings while maintaining 6 a fake romantic relationship with her best friend. Complicated emotions surface and Allison 7 struggles to remember what’s real.
For all release information, you can check out the bookstore at TMP (http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/collections/latest-releases) or visit my website at jenandersonauthor.com (http://jenandersonauthor.com/books.php). I blog about releases and do reviews at musingsfromthepeanutgallery.blogspot.com (http://musingsfromthepeanutgallery.blogspot.com/).
1)When writing are you a snacker? Let’s put it this way, even as I’m writing this, I’m snacking on Nut-Thins. If so, sweet or salty? I’m an equal opportunity snacker. My favorite, trail mix has both.
2) Are you an outliner or someone who flies by the seat of their pants? When I first started out, I was all about writing and the story would come to me. Well, as I’ve matured and developed better writing habits, I find that I plan more. Not really an outline but bullet points and form some sort of structure. I have a friend that will write a 10 page outline. Cripes! That’s a lot of words! Are they real pants or jammies? Neither. I kid! Usually real pants but I’m more creative with no pants.
3)When cooking or baking, do you follow the recipe exactly or wing it? It depends. Baking, I follow the recipe. I’m not the best when it comes to baking, even cookies. But when I’m cooking something new, I’ll scan the recipe to get the idea and then head out on my own. I LOVE to cook and watch countless hours of Food Network and can memorize a recipe just by watching a show.
4) What is next for you after this book? For the first time in a long time, I don’t have a deadline to meet or a release to prepare. Besides working my part-time day job, I’m currently working on a New Adult. I love reading the genre and since I normally write Young Adult, except for My Brother’s Wedding, I thought I’d give the genre a try since it isn’t too far of a stretch from my norm.
5) Last Question...on a level of one being slightly naughty to ten being whoo whoo steamy, where does your book land? I haven’t made that jump into steamy romance or YA. Not that I oppose of it at all. In fact, some of my favorite books are pretty dirty (wink, wink). My Brother’s Wedding would fall around a 1. More than hand holding but the kisses don’t lead to the bedroom.
And then your summer recipe!In the summer, I’m all about making homemade salsa and the summer time lends itself some great vegetables.Throw into either a food processor or an electric chopper, 1 jalapeño (seeds will make it hotter so you need to decide if you want mild or spicy), 1 clove of garlic, ½ of an onion, 4-5 medium size tomatoes cut into chunks (remember to remove the core), a handful of cilantro, a generous sprinkle of sea salt (I like course salt), and the juice of a fresh lime. Serve and enjoy!
I’ve also made this trying out different types of peppers. It’s all about finding what tastes you like. Also, make sure the tomatoes are ripe. If you can’t find good beefsteaks, try roma or even cherry (obviously increase the amount). I also make a batch without cilantro because my family isn’t a fan.
To check out my friend Ruth, visit her blog. To read about this hop, visit Avon.
If you're a blogger and writer and would like to participate, please let me know and I'll add a link to your post.
But here is how it goes.
Then give a short description of your WIP/Release including the date of release. Then answer these five questions:
My Brother’s Wedding, August 2013Contemporary Romance, SweetNext Door Category line
Allison Daughtry is catapulted into a past life when she returns to her childhood home to attend 4 her brother’s wedding. Bombarded with memories of a night she’d shared with Ryan Johnson, 5 her reason for leaving and forever crush, she attempts to navigate her feelings while maintaining 6 a fake romantic relationship with her best friend. Complicated emotions surface and Allison 7 struggles to remember what’s real.
For all release information, you can check out the bookstore at TMP (http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/collections/latest-releases) or visit my website at jenandersonauthor.com (http://jenandersonauthor.com/books.php). I blog about releases and do reviews at musingsfromthepeanutgallery.blogspot.com (http://musingsfromthepeanutgallery.blogspot.com/).
1)When writing are you a snacker? Let’s put it this way, even as I’m writing this, I’m snacking on Nut-Thins. If so, sweet or salty? I’m an equal opportunity snacker. My favorite, trail mix has both.
2) Are you an outliner or someone who flies by the seat of their pants? When I first started out, I was all about writing and the story would come to me. Well, as I’ve matured and developed better writing habits, I find that I plan more. Not really an outline but bullet points and form some sort of structure. I have a friend that will write a 10 page outline. Cripes! That’s a lot of words! Are they real pants or jammies? Neither. I kid! Usually real pants but I’m more creative with no pants.
3)When cooking or baking, do you follow the recipe exactly or wing it? It depends. Baking, I follow the recipe. I’m not the best when it comes to baking, even cookies. But when I’m cooking something new, I’ll scan the recipe to get the idea and then head out on my own. I LOVE to cook and watch countless hours of Food Network and can memorize a recipe just by watching a show.
4) What is next for you after this book? For the first time in a long time, I don’t have a deadline to meet or a release to prepare. Besides working my part-time day job, I’m currently working on a New Adult. I love reading the genre and since I normally write Young Adult, except for My Brother’s Wedding, I thought I’d give the genre a try since it isn’t too far of a stretch from my norm.
5) Last Question...on a level of one being slightly naughty to ten being whoo whoo steamy, where does your book land? I haven’t made that jump into steamy romance or YA. Not that I oppose of it at all. In fact, some of my favorite books are pretty dirty (wink, wink). My Brother’s Wedding would fall around a 1. More than hand holding but the kisses don’t lead to the bedroom.
And then your summer recipe!In the summer, I’m all about making homemade salsa and the summer time lends itself some great vegetables.Throw into either a food processor or an electric chopper, 1 jalapeño (seeds will make it hotter so you need to decide if you want mild or spicy), 1 clove of garlic, ½ of an onion, 4-5 medium size tomatoes cut into chunks (remember to remove the core), a handful of cilantro, a generous sprinkle of sea salt (I like course salt), and the juice of a fresh lime. Serve and enjoy!
I’ve also made this trying out different types of peppers. It’s all about finding what tastes you like. Also, make sure the tomatoes are ripe. If you can’t find good beefsteaks, try roma or even cherry (obviously increase the amount). I also make a batch without cilantro because my family isn’t a fan.
To check out my friend Ruth, visit her blog. To read about this hop, visit Avon.
If you're a blogger and writer and would like to participate, please let me know and I'll add a link to your post.
July 18, 2013
Giveaways! Free Books!
Did I get your attention?
If you haven't joined GoodReads, then what are you waiting for? Go, now! I'll wait.
Okay, now, find me and let's be friends. I'm always looking for something good to read!
On GoodReads, I'm giving away a signed copy of Spider along with a signed copy of the first three books in my Honey Creek Royalty series.
Enter today!
If you haven't joined GoodReads, then what are you waiting for? Go, now! I'll wait.
Okay, now, find me and let's be friends. I'm always looking for something good to read!
On GoodReads, I'm giving away a signed copy of Spider along with a signed copy of the first three books in my Honey Creek Royalty series.
Enter today!
