Amber Lin's Blog, page 6
July 3, 2012
Giving It Up on Amazon
Okay so I realize Giving It Up has been out for two weeks, but now it’s on Amazon. Right HERE. I hope you’ll consider grabbing a copy for your Kindle, or for those of you who’ve already read it, adding your review to Amazon 
Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it’s not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren’t enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.
But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.
Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: dubious consent.
Here’s what people are saying about Giving It Up:
“A ballsy departure from romantic conventions. At once gritty and tender, stark and hopeful.”
—Cara McKenna, author of Willing Victim
“Amber Lin shows us that romance isn’t just for the rich and shiny. Love can find its way even into the dark corners of the most damaged hearts.”
—Tiffany Reisz, author of The Siren
“This is a book you MUST read if you like gritty, edgier romance that makes you think as well as turns you on.”
—Cari Quinn, USA Today Bestselling Author of No Dress Required
“Every page is chock full of sexy, angsty must-read-moreness.”
—Karla Doyle, author of Game Plan
“Giving It Up is a gritty, real romance that deals in an honest way with what happens to sexuality in the aftermath of rape…. Read it. You won’t be sorry.”
—Ruthie Knox, author of About Last Night
“Dark and edgy…but don’t be fooled. There’s a wonderful love story running through this book. Sharp, intense writing, sexy as hell, and such a cool idea!”
—Charlotte Stein, author of Sheltered
“The book is well-written, keeps you guessing, has you on the edge of your seat, and throws in plenty of surprises. I found it really engaging, and was rooting for Allie and Colin throughout.”
—Lucy Felthouse, Seattle Post Intelligencer Blog
“Dark, gutsy and deeply emotional; this is a story of two wounded souls finding solace with one another. Ms. Lin deftly handles the intricate psychological aftermath of rape and violence, of betrayal and forgiveness.”
—Cheryl, Romance Junkies
Thank you, lovely readers!!!
July 1, 2012
Brave
I’ve been seeing mixed reviews about Brave. Some people loved it, some didn’t like the story and others that it was just too dark. My four year old usually can’t deal with scary parts, but Brave was mostly okay for him, thank goodness! And I enjoyed the movie, even though there were parts of the magic I felt were never explained.
However, the movie is making press because this is the first “Princess” that didn’t have (or want) a prince. That was kind of the pitch for the movie; however, I have mixed feelings about that aspect. The main thing I felt was that she was just too young to be interested in boys. Historically she would have been pretty young at this time, when they were only considering betrothal and not even an actual wedding. And regardless of her actual age, she acts very young. Too immature for a lasting love affair, that’s for sure. So I never felt like this was the story of a woman who doesn’t need a man, or who is strong without a man, but more of a story about a young girl who will eventually find a prince someday. Nothing wrong with that, just not exactly “empowering” or anything.
But then I suppose that part of my ambivalence comes from the fact that I think trust and love require a lot of strength. Due to that, I didn’t look up to her for her independence. That was her natural state, to be a willful, stubborn girl, and she was willing to do it at the expense of her family and entire kingdom without thinking twice. It was an interesting, entertaining story, but not an example I want my children to follow. It would have been more difficult for her to actually put her faith in the people she loved… which is something she never did.
I also recently watched Tangled, which I must say I enjoyed more. I felt like she was a stronger (and more mature) heroine. That heroine also seemed much older, like a high school senior to Brave’s middle school angst.
You tell me. Did you see one or both of these? What did you think about the lack of a prince charming in Brave? How much do you think her age factored into her lack of interest in boys or marriage?
June 26, 2012
Storytelling versus Voice
Once upon a time, I was in a training class to become an SAT prep teacher. There’s a certain amount of irony in that, I suppose, since we were there to pose as experts, but anyway. The teacher has me present one of the questions. I read the question aloud—it was an analogy, so I explained the relationship between them. I read the answers aloud, and then I said, “So, the answer is B, and the reason why….” Then I explained why the other answers were incorrect.
The teacher said that was good (in that way they have of really meaning the opposite) but suggested that next time I first explain why all the other answers are incorrect and then do the correct one last.
This boggled my mind, at the time. I mean, I’d been trained through years of test-taking to hone in on the right answer, mark it off and move on. But even if that weren’t the case, I would have started at A, then B, then C, etc. No. She wanted me to do A, then skip to C, then D, etc. What the heck kind of order is that? Wouldn’t that give away the answer anyway? What’s the point?
Okay, now I get it. If I had to do something like that, I’d probably do it the way she said. Actually, I still might go in order but I would definitely NOT do what I did, where I selected the correct answer first. I mean, if you do it that way, the story is over. Goal achieved. There’s no conflict.
Ah, storytelling. It’s not something that comes naturally for me. Character, yes. Voice, yes. Plot structure—no, no, no! I see the value in it. I want to do it well, but it’s a struggle.
And I’ll admit, sometimes I get a little antsy about it. I start to question my status as a bonafide Writer. I hear some people say things like “well, we’re storytellers first and foremost, right?” and I want to be like, “God, I wish!”
I suppose it also depends on what story we’re talking about. When I started writing Giving It Up, from the very first paragraph, I knew what Allie’s character arc was going to be. I didn’t actually know the term “character arc” but I knew what hers was. What I didn’t know was all the external events that were going to accomplish it.
What about you–which comes more naturally, the character and his/her voice or the external story and structure?
June 25, 2012
Blog tour kick off and giveaways!
I’m thrilled that Giving It Up has gotten love from some of my favorite authors…
“… this is a book you MUST read if you like gritty, edgier romance that makes you think as well as turns you on.”
- Cari Quinn, USA Today Bestselling Author of No Dress Required
“Every page is chock full of sexy, angsty must-read-moreness.”
- Karla Doyle, author of Game Plan
“Giving It Up is a gritty, real romance that deals in an honest way with what happens to sexuality in the aftermath of rape…. Read it. You won’t be sorry.”
- Ruthie Knox, author of About Last Night
AND this really awesome review from BDSM romance author Annabel Joseph, which honestly made me a bit weepy:
I’m glad I read this book. As a former rape victim I often seek out romance stories about characters dealing with the aftermath, and authors don’t always get the emotion right, at least for me. Ms. Lin got it so “right” that I was bawling by the second page.
I’m kicking off the blog tour for Giving It Up. You can always check the schedule here, but this is what’s happened so far:
Coffee and Porn in the Morning – Tuesday Tangent: Websites My Characters Frequent
Day Dreaming – Amber Lin Talks Oral Sex
Romance Recipes – Stress Relief Double Chocolate Brownies
Cari Quinn – Eight Reasons to Love the Strong, Silent Type
Fiction Vixen – Weekend Spotlight: Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway
The Forbidden Bookshelf – Sex Therapy with Allie from Giving It Up
Each stop has a different giveaway so be sure to stop by. Thanks all!
June 21, 2012
What’s next?
The two most common questions I’ve been asked since the release of Giving It Up are:
1. Are you writing Shelly’s story? And Rose’s?
The answer is yes, I’m currently working on Shelly’s story. So far it’s shaping up beautifully and I’m really excited about it. I don’t have a release day, but I would tentatively guess next year. I’m narrowing it down a lot, right?
As for Rose’s story… well, I know what it is. However, it’s a short one, so if I do write it, it may end up being a novella. We shall see. I do have hopes and plans to write a third novel in the series, which would be Philip’s book. He is my true sadist and I’m really looking forward to writing his story, but that’s the cart before the horse. First, Shelly needs some love.
2. When is Giving It Up coming out on Amazon!?
Soon, very soon. Unfortunately, I don’t have an exact date, but it should be within the next week or two.
To cater to both these questions, I’ve created a newsletter. However, this is not something that will show up every month with tons of info. In fact, the only mailings I’m planning right now are the two mentioned above: when Giving It Up releases to Kindle and for Shelly’s book. That’s why I’ve named it Amber Lin’s Barely There Newsletter. It’s very rare; only the information you need, nothing more.
Sign up below or click here:
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Sign up to get notified of important events, like when Giving It Up comes out on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as when the sequel (Shelly’s book) releases. The important thing is that it’s very rare; only the information you want and nothing more.
And if anyone asks either of these questions, just direct them to the newsletter
Thanks!
June 19, 2012
Hot Summer Nights Bloghop Giveaway
Welcome to the Hot Summer Nights Bloghop!
When I heard “Hot Summer Nights”, I thought of steam. And what’s more steamy than a sexy shower with your significant other?
Giving It Up released yesterday from Loose Id and in this excerpt, Allie and Colin are in the shower together, have a look…
His hands on my sex were familiar now. They knew me, what rhythms pleased me, and how I liked to be touched. The knowledge was an intimacy so much greater than the fitting together of bodies.
The shower decorated my skin with droplets. Colin lapped them up with openmouthed kisses to my neck and shoulders. I felt luxurious, sensations assailing me from both sides. I felt worshipped, Colin’s hands and mouth revering my skin. I felt protected, wrapped tightly in his arms, his shower, his home. God, I felt loved. This was love. Fuck.
Suddenly that bursting feeling felt all too literal. There was too much. Too much happiness, too much love. Too much fear. My body shook as it struggled to contain the explosion. However it would come, it wouldn’t be pretty—I never was.
I turned in his arms, needing the intimacy of face-to-face. He resisted at first, wanting to continue his assault on me, but I was insistent. It was his turn. Or really it was mine. Nothing felt better than pleasuring this man.
The air was thick with moisture—that had to be why my breaths were shallow and my eyelashes wet. His eyes were the potent black of a lake, drowning me, but his arms rested at his sides. I surveyed his body like an explorer does a map. I wanted to visit each place if only I could decide where to go first.
Boy, is it hot in here. *deep breath*
I’m giving away a copy of Giving It Up to one commenter. All you have to do is tell me something about showers together… it can be about Colin and Allie or something more personal. I’m very flexible 
Giving It Up
Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it’s not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.
He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren’t enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.
But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.
Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: dubious consent.
“A ballsy departure from romantic conventions. At once gritty and tender, stark and hopeful.”
—Cara McKenna, author of Willing Victim
“Giving It Up is an erotic, compelling story that takes us to the shadowy, lonely places but doesn’t leave us there. Amber Lin shows us that romance isn’t just for the rich and shiny. Love can find its way even into the dark corners of the most damaged hearts.”
—Tiffany Reisz, author of The Siren
Your comment here will enter you not only for my giveaway but for the grand prizes, including a $100 gift card to fun sex shop EdenFantasys…
And a digital gift basket of 50 erotica books…
Be sure to visit each stop on the bloghop for more prizes and more chances to win!
Giving It Up is released!
So…. *drumroll* … Giving It Up is released! It is out! It is available for purchase!
Only at my publisher’s website. *cue deflating sound* LOL, but it’s okay, because they have it available in all the major formats, including PDF, epub and kindle (prc). So you, being industrious and awesome, will load it onto your e-reader and enjoy the edgy goodness.
I hope you’ll go and pick up a copy. Or two. One for your friends. Pass them around at the office Christmas party. Er… probably not that last one. It’s pretty dark and erotic and you’d probably get fired.
But ho! I’ve been getting some great early reviews. Check them out:
“The book is well-written, keeps you guessing, has you on the edge of your seat, and throws in plenty of surprises. I found it really engaging, and was rooting for Allie and Colin throughout.”
- Lucy Felthouse, Seattle Post Intelligencer Blog
“The spark and love between Colin and Allie is unforgettable. And with the steamy love scenes, what more could you ask for?”
“Even though the characters from Giving It Up are extremely complicated with a lot of heavy issues… they were fascinating, kept me completely engrossed, and had me dying to know what was going to happen next.”
“This isn’t your flowery, happy-go-lucky fairytale, not at all. The sex is raw. The story is heart wrenching. The characters captivating.”
“Dark, gutsy and deeply emotional; this is a story of two wounded souls finding solace with one another. Ms. Lin deftly handles the intricate psychological aftermath of rape and violence, of betrayal and forgiveness.”
“Dark, edgy yet sensual and hopeful. Raw, intelligent and well-written, with a suspense element thrown in, and an unexpected twist. This is a well-crafted contemporary romance, dealing with some distressing issues and yet written with such affecting realism that Giving It Up was very hard to put down.”
“This is not your average cute and sweet feel-good book. Rather, it’s a dark and edgy story about flaws, vulnerabilities, hope and real life. To say that I loved Giving It Up would be an understatement.”
- Steffi, Swept Away by Romance
Sounds good, right? You probably want to read it now. And you CAN. Go here.
Thanks
June 18, 2012
Book Release and Hot Summer Nights Giveaway!
My debut book, Giving It Up, is officially out today! To celebrate, I’m participating in the Hot Summer Nights giveaway bloghop with a $10 Amazon gift card for one lucky commenter.
June 15, 2012
I’ve got ARCs!
In case you missed my tweet or you’re not on twitter, I’ve got Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) of my upcoming debut release. Giving It Up follows a woman’s journey of healing… and smoking hot sex. If you’re a reviewer of romance and erotica and you’d like to review Giving It Up, please let me know via my media page or email me.
The reviews from my ARCs are trickling out, including this one by Lucy Felthouse on the Seattle Post Intelligencer Blog:
“The book is well-written, keeps you guessing, has you on the edge of your seat, and throws in plenty of surprises. I found it really engaging, and was rooting for Allie and Colin throughout.”
Pretty cool, right? I’m psyched. Four days until the book releases…
June 12, 2012
Strong Female Characters…or Not
I read a post titled Why I Write “Strong Female Characters”, by Greg Rucka, a bit of a rockstar in the comic writing biz. He says some great and interesting things, like the following:
No character – no well-created character, at least – is defined by only one trait, by one aspect. Sherlock Holmes is not simply brilliant. He’s also a malfunctioning human being who, perhaps ironically, possesses a strong moral compass and such a compulsion to pursue justice that it eclipses any fealty to the law. He’s also a junkie.
Because, yes. Speaking in romance genre terms, the heroine shouldn’t just be a blandomatic who serves only as the soft feminine foil to the hero’s hardness. Neither should the hero be a meaningless well of alpha testosterone, spilling over to turn women’s knees to jelly. Yes.
But I stumbled over this line where he describes his female characters:
They are rarely, if ever, portrayed as victims, and if they are ever impediments to the story, it is because they impede themselves through their own character flaws.
I’m sorry, what? Because why would it make a woman weak to be harmed by another… and survive and thrive?
Sure, my judgment’s a bit clouded because the protagonist of my book is a victim and the book follows her journey of healing. But I’m wondering about the 1 in 4 women who’ve suffered abuse or trauma or domestic violence. Are they now, by definition, weak? (I don’t think so.) And have I ever heard anything more victim shaming than that? (No.)
I recently read a truly great book, Reforming Lord Ragsdale by Carla Kelly. In it, the heroine is A) INSANELY STRONG, and b) a victim. Her past is a part of her, it shapes her. However, I think it’s fair to say that she doesn’t act like a victim, as in, not how we would expect someone to act in her position. Basically, she’s amazing and you should read the book and plus it should got digitized for Kindle (yay!)
So maybe he meant that a victim could possibly be strong, so long as they didn’t act like a victim, though he didn’t say that. But even so, why do we put parameters on how a victim can act? Why is it okay to equate being a victim with being weak? I know he’s not the only one who thinks like this, but really, to me that is the exact opposite of helping the situation. I can’t relate to a woman who is an indomitable fighting machine, a sexpot, and someone who cannot be hurt, but I am emboldened and inspired to see someone like Emma Costello who faces harsh realities and comes out on the other side with quiet grace and kindness.
