Rian Kelley's Blog, page 3
December 25, 2013
Why is a Snow Night Romantic?
[image error]
There's something peaceful about it. Something hushed. Something that makes a person feel very singular, unless they're with the one they love.
I think about snow maybe one week out of the year.
And then it becomes a memory.
There's something peaceful about it. Something hushed. Something that makes a person feel very singular, unless they're with the one they love.
I think about snow maybe one week out of the year.
And then it becomes a memory.
So This is Christmas
I decided that this year would be more about family and less about things. To me, and to the delight of my kids, this means experiences. So the big gifts were
a 3 month pass to LEGOLAND and 4 days (this summer) at
[image error] Disneyland.
They did have a few gifts to open under the tree, mostly arts and crafts, play-doh, and a few flutterbye fairies. We were amazingly electronics-free this year:)
I hope everyone is having a joyous day!
a 3 month pass to LEGOLAND and 4 days (this summer) at[image error] Disneyland.
They did have a few gifts to open under the tree, mostly arts and crafts, play-doh, and a few flutterbye fairies. We were amazingly electronics-free this year:)
I hope everyone is having a joyous day!
December 24, 2013
A Sweet Love Story for Your Teen. . .
http://www.amazon.com/Soar-Gifted-Ree-Kelley-ebook/dp/B00EHN5K7Y/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387916163&sr=1-4&keywords=soar
Genny is a lucky girl. The only child of a super model and super slugger, she has every advantage in life—so why does she feel the need to push the limits? While she spends her nights free running atop San Francisco's tallest buildings, where "the stars are at her fingertips," her days are a struggle—romance with her best guy friend is not working out, Truman, new to town and suffering from some kind of hero complex, makes her feel anything BUT invincible, and something is up with Serena, her BFF.
The attraction between Genny and Truman quickly heats up, the relationship gaining a momentum that could go either way—crash and burn or take on wings of gold. But with Serena's troubles looming overhead and Genny's history of less than stellar decisions—not to mention Truman's way of simply knowing everything about her, past and future indiscretions included—do she and Truman really have a chance?
Genny is a lucky girl. The only child of a super model and super slugger, she has every advantage in life—so why does she feel the need to push the limits? While she spends her nights free running atop San Francisco's tallest buildings, where "the stars are at her fingertips," her days are a struggle—romance with her best guy friend is not working out, Truman, new to town and suffering from some kind of hero complex, makes her feel anything BUT invincible, and something is up with Serena, her BFF.
The attraction between Genny and Truman quickly heats up, the relationship gaining a momentum that could go either way—crash and burn or take on wings of gold. But with Serena's troubles looming overhead and Genny's history of less than stellar decisions—not to mention Truman's way of simply knowing everything about her, past and future indiscretions included—do she and Truman really have a chance?
Romantic Times Book Reviews
ETHAN
by Rian KelleyGenre: Contemporary Romance, E-book
Sensuality: SCORCHER[image error]RT Rating (3 STARS)Poor editing detracts from an other- wise entertaining and übersexy entry in the California Dreamy series. As Ethan bares his darkest secrets, Shae becomes emotionally invested in the relationship despite her attempts to remain neutral. Neither wants to admit they are falling in love.
When Shae Matthews is approached by an agent to read a screenplay by world-famous director Ethan Abrams, her initial response is a resounding, “No!” She intends on continuing her career, but she wants to have a baby and has the sperm donor already picked out. Ethan has no intention of making his screenplay into a film but rather wants to use it as a catharsis to exorcise his own demons. After they begin working on the project, Shae and Ethan act on their overpowering physical attraction — although she has no intention of changing her plans. (RUSHING WIND, dl $2.99)Reviewed By: Donna M. Brown
JAKE
by Rian Kelley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, E-book
Sensuality: SCORCHER
[image error]RT Rating (4 Stars)Unbridled passion, family loyalty and self-discovery are highlights of this entertaining entry in the California Dreamy series. Ivy and Jake have strong personalities tempered by self-doubt, so it’s fun to watch them wrestling for control. This is a series, so one hopes some unanswered questions will be resolved in the next installment.
When Ivy blows a tire on a lonely desert road, heading from San Diego to Las Vegas, she’s prepared to run to the nearest call box. She doesn’t expect a gorgeous Marine named Jake to come to her rescue. Jake is on his way to Vegas after his commanding officer orders some much-needed R&R. After he hooks her car up to his truck, they engage in some verbal sparring. They respond to their attraction by setting up a date but agree on a “hands off” policy. Ivy and Jake have been plagued by failed relationships — her short marriage and his brief affairs — and are looking for the commitment they’ve never found before. (Rushing Wind, dl $2.99)
Reviewed By: Donna M. Brown
At first, I was upset about the 3 STAR review on ETHAN (well, it still smarts--I've gotten a little spoiled with all the 4 STAR and even 5 STAR reviews), but after talking to Giselle at RT Book Reviews I feel better. A lesson learned: every novel from here-on-out will be professionally edited. And, as Giselle pointed out, the editing was the only criticism of an otherwise sterling review. Thank you, Giselle, for your level head (I almost pulled the review and the book) and RTBR for your integrity.
By the way, a 4 STAR review is the highest given by RTBR.
Why Are You Limping?
And what are you going to do about it? Nothing.
I love this about human beings. We all have weaknesses, otherwise known as quirks or "ways" about us, that make us human. We don't like it (I certainly don't), we often beat ourselves up over them (Have you ever just listened to your internal dialogue after you've committed a blunder? We are scathing, unfair and completely lacking in compassion). Our weaknesses are disarming. People let down their guards, allow themselves to be drawn in (after all, perfection is a scary thing--no one will measure up and the smartest of us won't even try). We develop friendships. We discover the love that will consume our lives--husbands/wives/children/friends who are really so much more--and through them ourselves. Occasionally, we will catch a glimpse of her--that woman--the one who's doing it wrong, but with a pure heart. She'll turn and smile at you, the radiance so strong it's blinding. But you'll recognize her, on a primitive level, as yourself.
God, what I wouldn't do for a few more of those moments peppered throughout the year.
So for the next few days I am gifting myself with acceptance. I am going to wallow in my weaknesses, learn to enjoy them (beating back the cringe), and I hope you will, too.
I love this about human beings. We all have weaknesses, otherwise known as quirks or "ways" about us, that make us human. We don't like it (I certainly don't), we often beat ourselves up over them (Have you ever just listened to your internal dialogue after you've committed a blunder? We are scathing, unfair and completely lacking in compassion). Our weaknesses are disarming. People let down their guards, allow themselves to be drawn in (after all, perfection is a scary thing--no one will measure up and the smartest of us won't even try). We develop friendships. We discover the love that will consume our lives--husbands/wives/children/friends who are really so much more--and through them ourselves. Occasionally, we will catch a glimpse of her--that woman--the one who's doing it wrong, but with a pure heart. She'll turn and smile at you, the radiance so strong it's blinding. But you'll recognize her, on a primitive level, as yourself.
God, what I wouldn't do for a few more of those moments peppered throughout the year.
So for the next few days I am gifting myself with acceptance. I am going to wallow in my weaknesses, learn to enjoy them (beating back the cringe), and I hope you will, too.
December 23, 2013
Merry Readers
Through Christmas day, ETHAN is available on Amazon for .99 cents.
If anyone else would like me to post their good reads for a great price, leave a comment.
If anyone else would like me to post their good reads for a great price, leave a comment.
Balmy
84 degrees here. I was east coast born and raised and I do miss the change of the seasons, especially the fall colors and a white Christmas.
[image error] So I surf for images that remind me of my childhood home, such as this one--which, BTW, also looks (in my head) like the lake in the Three Pines village of Louis Penny's Inspector Gamache mysteries.
The one year I moved back to NY as an adult, this is what my daily jog looked like. But today, this is what was waiting for me
[image error]
except add about a dozen fellow joggers, a handful of families enjoying the early morning
[image error].
I suppose my Christmas tree could look like this (many of my friends do)
but I am a traditionalist, at least when it comes to my Christmas, so I yearn for snow this time of year and drag a pine into my living room
which in my heart looks like this.
[image error] So I surf for images that remind me of my childhood home, such as this one--which, BTW, also looks (in my head) like the lake in the Three Pines village of Louis Penny's Inspector Gamache mysteries.
The one year I moved back to NY as an adult, this is what my daily jog looked like. But today, this is what was waiting for me[image error]
except add about a dozen fellow joggers, a handful of families enjoying the early morning
[image error].
I suppose my Christmas tree could look like this (many of my friends do)
but I am a traditionalist, at least when it comes to my Christmas, so I yearn for snow this time of year and drag a pine into my living roomwhich in my heart looks like this.
December 22, 2013
Selah
This always helps me, whether I'm feeling blue or frustrated, happy or desperately short of time... Look up! Lift your head, your eyes, your heart.
I know this is based on a biblical passage, so it's not a new thing. But I forget to do it. I get mired in the emotion, wallow in fear/angst/pity for a few minutes, then dive into a to-do list that might leave me treading water at the end of the day (as opposed to drowning) when I should pause, tip my head back, and gaze at the sky. Let the light seep into me. Realize I'm not alone.
So that's my tip this week--no it's not a literary element, but I bet your creative flow will pick up steam.
Fellow Romance Writers
I wanted to share this coupon with you, especially my indie buddies. I think this is a great opportunity for those of us who publish without the many benefits of a traditional publisher. And, yes, I do know what living in both worlds feels like as I have and continue to publish with some of the big houses (just in a different genre). I sorely miss having an editor for my romance novels, but I LOVE being independent. I'll be using this coupon for book 3 in the California Dreamy series and will let you know about my experience when the time comes.
