Laura Heffernan's Blog, page 2

December 14, 2017

A CRAZY KIND OF LOVE review

In this irresistible new novel by Mary Ann Marlowe, one woman's up-close and sexy encounter with a tabloid sensation reveals the dizzying--and delicious--dilemma of dating in the spotlight . . .
Title: A Crazy Kind of LoveAuthor: Mary Ann MarlowePublisher: KensingtonGenre: Adult Contemporary RomanceSeries: Flirting with Fame, #2Format: Digital, Paperback, Audio
Synopsis:
Celebrities hold zero interest for photographer Jo Wilder. That's a problem, since snapping pics of the stars is how the pretty paparazza pays the rent. So when Jo attempts to catch a money shot atop the broad shoulders of a helpful bystander, the only thing she notices about the stranger she straddles is that he's seriously hot. Only later does Jo learn that he's also Micah Sinclair--one of rock's notorious bad boys...

Soon Jo is on the verge of getting fired for missing a Micah Sinclair exclusive. Until she's suddenly being pursued by the heartthrob himself.  But how can she be sure the musician's mind-blowing kisses are the real deal? Her colleagues claim he's a media whore, gambling on some free PR. But something has Jo hoping Micah's feeling the same powerful pull that she does. A pull so strong, she can't resist becoming his latest love, even if it means she might become the media's latest victim . . .
Amazon | BN | Kobo | Google Play | Goodreads | BAM! | Audible
Review:
So, I adored this book. From the original meeting where Jo talked Micah into putting her up on his shoulders to the ending, I tore through it. It's one of those books that's so good, I simultaneously wanted to drop everything to finish it and didn't want to read it at all, because then it would be over. 
The idea of a paparazzi reporter falling for a celebrity (and vice versa) appealed to me because it was such an interesting concept. But I also loved the potential for conflict - is she using him for a story? Is he using her to get more attention from the media? Watching Jo and Micah's feelings overwhelm their reservations was absolutely delightful. Tossing in the added complication of Jo's diabetes (and her desire to hide it early on) made the book even more interesting. The only problem is that Marlowe has set the bar impossibly high for future heroes, both on the page and off. How can anyone compete with Micah? May we all find a man who loves us enough to hire a personal chef to take care of our dietary needs. 
Marlowe's style is light and fun, but we also get some sizzling sex scenes. The book is well-written, fast-paced, and entertaining, with some twists that keep the reader on their toes. On top of that, we get more of Eden, Adam, and Adrianna from SOME KIND OF MAGIC, another excellent read. It felt like being reunited with old friends. 
Loved everything about this book. Highly recommended. It's enjoyable even if you haven't read the first book in the series, but really, you want to read both. 5 stars. 
***I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
About Mary Ann Marlowe: Mary Ann lives in central Virginia where she works as a computer programmer/DBA. She spent ten years as a university-level French professor, and her resume includes stints as an au pair in Calais, a hotel intern in Paris, a German tutor, a college radio disc jockey, and a webmaster for several online musician fandoms. She has lived in twelve states and three countries and loves to travel. 
Connect with Mary Ann

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Newsletter










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Published on December 14, 2017 04:32

November 28, 2017

A CRAZY KIND OF LOVE is now available!



Release Date November 28, 2017
Synopsis
In this irresistible new novel by Mary Ann Marlowe, one woman’s up-close and sexy encounter with a tabloid sensation reveals the dizzying—and delicious—dilemma of dating in the spotlight . . .

Celebrities hold zero interest for photographer Jo Wilder. That’s a problem, since snapping pics of the stars is how the pretty paparazza pays the rent. So when Jo attempts to catch a money shot atop the broad shoulders of a helpful bystander, the only thing she notices about the stranger she straddles is that he’s seriously hot. Only later does Jo learn that he’s also Micah Sinclair—one of rock’s notorious bad boys…

Soon Jo is on the verge of getting fired for missing a Micah Sinclair exclusive. Until she’s suddenly being pursued by the heartthrob himself. But how can she be sure the musician’s mind-blowing kisses are the real deal? Her colleagues claim he’s a media whore, gambling on some free PR. But something has Jo hoping Micah’s feeling the same powerful pull that she does. A pull so strong, she can’t resist becoming his latest love, even if it means she might become the media’s latest victim . . .

"The perfect romantic comedy." — RT Book Reviews

"Another sizzling, glitterati-filled story." Booklist Online

"If you like wonderfully written, light, fast paced, swoon worthy moments, and chemistry so strong it jumps off the page, then this is the book for you." Wit & Wonder Books

Available November 28, 2017 from Kensington. Pre-Order at all digital retailers:

Amazon | BN | Kobo | Google Play | Goodreads | BAM! | Audible

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Author Bio:

Mary Ann lives in central Virginia where she works as a computer programmer/DBA. She spent ten years as a university-level French professor, and her resume includes stints as an au pair in Calais, a hotel intern in Paris, a German tutor, a college radio disc jockey, and a webmaster for several online musician fandoms. She has lived in twelve states and three countries and loves to travel.

Connect with Mary Ann

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Newsletter
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Published on November 28, 2017 05:00

November 13, 2017

Excerpt Blitz: A CRAZY KIND OF LOVE by Mary Ann Marlowe

Today, I'm excited to share with you an excerpt from A CRAZY KIND OF LOVE, the second book in Mary Ann Marlowe's Flirting with Fame series. I was lucky enough to get to read an early draft of this book, and I adored it. I'm so glad that it's going to be a book I can share with the world!



Release Date November 28, 2017SynopsisIn this irresistible new novel by Mary Ann Marlowe, one woman’s up-close and sexy encounter with a tabloid sensation reveals the dizzying—and delicious—dilemma of dating in the spotlight . . .

Celebrities hold zero interest for photographer Jo Wilder. That’s a problem, since snapping pics of the stars is how the pretty paparazza pays the rent. So when Jo attempts to catch a money shot atop the broad shoulders of a helpful bystander, the only thing she notices about the stranger she straddles is that he’s seriously hot. Only later does Jo learn that he’s also Micah Sinclair—one of rock’s notorious bad boys…

Soon Jo is on the verge of getting fired for missing a Micah Sinclair exclusive. Until she’s suddenly being pursued by the heartthrob himself.  But how can she be sure the musician’s mind-blowing kisses are the real deal? Her colleagues claim he’s a media whore, gambling on some free PR. But something has Jo hoping Micah’s feeling the same powerful pull that she does. A pull so strong, she can’t resist becoming his latest love, even if it means she might become the media’s latest victim . . .

Praise for Mary Ann Marlowe’s Some Kind of Magic

“Marlowe makes a name for herself in this hilarious and sexy debut.”
Booklist

“Frisky, Flirty Fun!”
–Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author of The Total Package



Available November 28, 2017 from Kensington. Pre-Order at all digital retailers:

Amazon | BN | Kobo | Google Play | Goodreads | BAM!


ExcerptMore people rolled in, either on foot or via personal motorcade. The feeding frenzy intensified as the level of fame increased. Some celebrities disappeared as quickly as possible. Others walked the runway, stopping to give the photographers ample time to capture them, only answering questions about whichever project they wanted to publicize.

By the time Micah Sinclair emerged from a black sedan, tall and confident, voices had reached fever pitch.

Micah, over here!

As his car drove away, Micah stood a moment to take in the scene. Rather than escape the fishbowl or pose for publicity shots, he shook hands with one of the reporters and chatted for a few seconds before he came my way. He tilted his head back, and his face lit up.

“Wally!” He crossed over, hand outstretched. “Haven’t seen you around in a while. I hope everything’s good at home.”

Wally actually put his camera down to shake Micah’s hand. I glanced around. Nobody was taking pictures. Was there something inherently un-newsworthy about a guy talking to the media? I lifted my camera and started shooting. The whirr of my camera caught Micah’s attention, and he turned away from Wally with a wide-eyed look of recognition.

He put his hand up against the flash and peered around his fingers. “Jo-Josie from Georgia! I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”

Since he was facing me, I kept snapping pictures. Knowing that Andy would want me to at least get a comment if I could, I blurted out, “Hey, Micah. Are you here alone tonight?”

I knew I should have asked him something more specific, but he was smiling that cocky-bratty grin, and it was messing with my killer instinct. If I had a killer instinct.

“I am. Or at least I came here alone.” The cameras around us began to flash, but Micah kept his cool, eyes on me, as if we were still standing on the sidewalk in Park Slope, all alone. His lip curled up on one side, like he was gearing up for a challenge. “How’d you like to be my date?”

Now I dropped my camera, and it slammed into my gut. Oof. Damn if Andy hadn’t called it. I still couldn’t process the invitation. “Sorry, what?”

He gestured with his head toward the steps. “Come on. You’ll get better pictures inside.”

I threw a glance at Wally who looked as envious as Charlie Bucket when the last golden ticket was found. He nodded me forward. Now that fantasy had turned into reality, I realized I wasn’t remotely prepared to rub elbows with the same people I needed to exploit. “Sure. But are you sure it’s okay? Nobody will mind?”

“Eden will, but I owe you one. And besides I have an in with the guy throwing the party.” He offered me his elbow. “Come on. Don’t be shy. You might get that Pulitzer prize shot.”

I gathered my gear together. Micah stopped and looked down at me while I threw my camera bag and backpack over my shoulder and straightened up. At my full height, he only had a couple of inches on me. I put my hand around his proffered bicep, completely aware of the feel of his skin on my fingertips. He turned his blue eyes on me, and I forgot how to breathe.

The smile dropped from his face for a second, and he asked, “Everything okay?”

I sucked in a lungful of air and laughed off my nerves. “Entering enemy territory for the first time.”

His confident, charming smile returned, and he led me up the steps into the brownstone—my own personal Trojan horse.

Micah nodded at the burly man inside the door as we passed. “This is Jo. She’s with me.”

The bouncer shot me a look of grudging respect. “Good luck.”

As Micah pulled me along, I looked back, unsure what the bouncer meant by that, but he’d already turned his attention away, so I faced forward, glancing around wildly for any A-list celebrities.

And it hit me for real. I was on the inside.

Author Bio:maryannmarlowe

Mary Ann lives in central Virginia where she works as a computer programmer/DBA. She spent ten years as a university-level French professor, and her resume includes stints as an au pair in Calais, a hotel intern in Paris, a German tutor, a college radio disc jockey, and a webmaster for several online musician fandoms. She has lived in twelve states and three countries and loves to travel.

Connect with Mary Ann

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Newsletter Signup
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Published on November 13, 2017 05:00

November 1, 2017

NoQS Wrap-up




HUGE thanks to the agents, mentors, entrants who helped make Nightmare on Query Street a success. With 19 requests for the Monsters, 31 for the Legions, and 39 for the Minions.

For those who want stats, here's a blog breakdown:
 Monsters

Screams:2Shrieks:8Shivers:7


Total: 19 requests




Minions

Screams:10Shrieks:23Shivers:6


Total: 39Legions



Screams:7Shrieks:17Shivers:7


Total: 31

Once again, thanks for such an awesome year. If you're working on a new project, don't forget about Query Kombat in June 2017 and Nightmare on Query Street next year! Hope you had a safe and happy Halloween!





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Published on November 01, 2017 07:00

October 30, 2017

The NoQS Agent Round is Here!



Time for the shivers, shrieks and screams to begin!

Following this post, you'll find the 14 members of Laura's Legions. Agents, you can head over to Michelle's and Mike's blogs as well to make more requests. 

Only agents are allowed to comment. IMPORTANT NOTE: Opera and Safari Browsers may NOT allow you to comment. Using another browser is HIGHLY recommended. If you have any trouble commenting or if you want to confirm your entries, please feel send me a DM on Twitter @LH_Writes. I should be following all of our agents.

Writers, cheer over on Twitter. We're going to be under the hashtag #NoQS, shouting out agent appearances. So vent, be nervous, cheer each other on, and hold hands over Twitter.

For the next four days, agents will have fun ways to request in the contest:
They can SCREAM for a full request.
They can SHRIEK for a 50 page request.
They can SHIVER for a 10 page request.

Thank you to the amazing mentors who all did such a wonderful job helping polish the final entries.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! Hope you all get a ton of frighteningly amazing requests! 
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Published on October 30, 2017 05:00

NoQS Adult Women's Fiction: CURTAIN RISING

Title: CURTAIN RISING
Genre: Adult Women’s FictionWord Count: 105,000
My MC and MA (main antagonist) are dressed as: 
The protagonist Missy has always done anything to support her family. Upon uncovering that her father Jack hid her adoption and that her real mother is alive, Missy decides it’s time to break free of her dad’s shackles. In celebration, Missy dresses as an escaped convict for Halloween, and to her pleasure when she sees her father, he already has handcuffs on. While Jack has always been enamored with the deceptive and dirty unsaid rules of New York City, she could’ve never imagined her father to dress as the jailhouse criminal he’s become.
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Published on October 30, 2017 04:59

NoQS Adult Historical: A COUNTESS BETRAYED

Title: A COUNTESS BETRAYED
Genre: Adult Historical
Word Count: 98,000 
My MC and MA (main antagonist) are dressed as:

Royalty. One thing Elizabeth and her cousin Thurzó both have in common is how highly they regard their positions in the nobility while dreaming of having more power. Both dread sinking in status and becoming lesser than their peers. They would love to stand as equals with the king, making them powerful enough to refuse his orders. Becoming royalty also means having the power they dream of fighting their enemies with. They'd spend the night pretending to be royalty while sizing each other up. Despite the plotting both would love every minute spent as royals.Read more »
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Published on October 30, 2017 04:58

NoQS Adult Fantasy: GETTING BACK

Title: GETTING BACKGenre: Adult FantasyWord Count: 72,000

My MC and MA are dressed as:Diana would refuse to dress up for Halloween, so she’d go as herself, a queen. However, Calla’s passive ambitions would drive her to dress up in a queen costume, crown and all. Calla would eat up the look on Diana’s face if they were to run into each other.  Read more »
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Published on October 30, 2017 04:57

NOQS Adult Speculative Fiction: POPULIST

Title: POPULISTGenre: Adult Speculative Fiction 
Word Count: 102,000
My MC and MA (main antagonist) are dressed as:Greg is dressed as Donald Trump. His wheat-colored wig keeps slipping off of his head, and the orange makeup causes him to sweat. Even though he hates politics, he can’t resist an opportunity to provoke others. The antagonist, Malcolm, contends with Greg every chance he gets and considers himself a champion of truth. He wears a silver wig that’s combed to the side with a name tag on his chest that reads, “Robert Mueller.”
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Published on October 30, 2017 04:56

NoQS YA Contemporary: DENALI SUMMER

Title: DENALI SUMMER

Genre: Contemporary YA Word Count: 71,000

My MC & MP are dressed as: Mama always made us girls coordinate for Halloween. Let my brothers do what they wanted—of course she did. But from my very first Halloween, three-month-old me is stuffed into an ETBU cheerleader onesie that matched the two-piece versions donned by the twins and Darlene. Mama, after six babies, wasn’t about to wear the same get-up, but she did sport an ETBU track suit and carried a megaphone to act like our coach. Not a stretch for Mama. Not one bit.
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Published on October 30, 2017 04:55