Showing posts sorted by relevance for query what was i thinking?. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query what was i thinking?. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, September 2, 2011

What was I thinking?: Fall For Me by Melanie Marks

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 83 KB | Release Date: August 2011 | Publisher: ThunderStruck Publishing

"Fall For Me" by Melanie Marks

What was I thinking? : Well, on Amazon.com there are so many great reviews on this short story, and it was only 99 cents at the time, I thought I would give this story a try. Goodness, now I wish I didn't. =0P

My Book Summary : Zoey (Jones) has recently lost her father. Ever since then, she has needed to work as a waitress to help her mother pay some of the bills around the house. Thankfully her longtime boyfriend, Finn, best friend, Riley, father owns the restaurant she works at so it was easy enough for her to get the job in the first place. But soon the other staff members start complaining about how she is getting special treatment, which Zoey doesn't understand since Riley has always hated her, or so she thinks. Even though lately she has had a mad crush on him, but she knows she won't do anything about it.

However, when Finn confesses to have kissed another girl, he tells Zoey that she has a free pass to be able to kiss any other guy she wants. And while the free pass is tempting to use, especially when she keeps witnessing Riley's hot gaze following her around at work, she know she won't cheat on her boyfriend just to make him feel better.

Yet, when Riley makes a bet with Finn that involves Zoey, it looks like she might not have a say in the matter anymore....

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. This book had such promise but then it faltered and was never able to recover. Terrible!! Zoey is a nice main character, but she is WAY too indecisive and she second-guesses herself constantly. I know she is in a kinda flux ever since her father died, but it was like she had no backbone at all. Or when she did have a backbone she used it against the wrong people. She was just lucky that Finn and Riley seemed to believe that she could do no wrong.

My only other major problem with this story I had was .... how old was everyone?? I know Zoey mentions that she's 17-years-old but what about everyone else?? I mean okay say they are all the same age, that's fine. But if that's true, what is a 17-year-old, Riley, doing running a restaurant?? I mean come on!! I know his father is away, but does he really trust his son that much??

So, for me, as you can tell, this story sucked! However, like I stated earlier there are a lot of people whom gave this story a great review (5 out of 5 stars at least during the time that I read it), so if you are into YA stuff this might be a story for you. It just definitely was NOT for me.

Book Teaser(s) :
"Yeah," Porcha said. "So, we figured maybe you could go in there and cheer him up."
"Me?!"
"Yeah. He likes you--a lot," Porcha said. "Take off your shirt." She started unbuttoning the crisp white blouse that we all wore as part of our restaurant's uniform, stripping me down to the tank top I wore underneath. "He likes you in your tank top."
"He does?!" I don't know what astounded me more, learning this, or the way Megan and Pocha were acting, as though we were all friends. I mean, usually they were griping at me and swiping my orders. ~ within the story as there isn't any chapters

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Melanie, then please check out her Amazon Page.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
**



Related Posts :

What was I thinking?: All-American Girl Series, Book 2

What was I thinking?: Now & Forever Series, Book 1

What was I thinking?: Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel by Kristin Billerbeck

What was I thinking?: A Marsden Novel, Book 2

My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ M ~ Authors

Thursday, August 5, 2010

What was I thinking?: Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel by Kristin Billerbeck

Format: Paperback | Pages: 257 | Release Date: July 2010 | Publisher: Revell

"Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel" by Kristin Billerbeck ( I read this as a part of Smitten With Books ARC Tours)

What was I thinking? : Well, the cover was cute and the product description that Smitten With Books ARC Tours gave was cute too. I truthfully thought it was going to be a sweet/cute YA novel that I would breeze right through. Instead it was like I was beating my head up against a wall, just trying to finish the book at my normal reading pace, when all I wanted to do was stop. =0P

My Book Summary : Daisy's life is based around her family and her beliefs, with that being said she has a lot of rules that her parents want her to live by. For the most part, she understands their fears, but after seventeen years being the "perfect daughter", she wants to spread her wings a bit more. So, her goal for her last year of high school is to get a date and go to Prom!! It's more so she will be able to say that she went more then anything, but to help her find the right guy she has a 'Prom Journal' to help her out. Her biggest problem is that her parents won't allow her to date, so she not only has to find a guy, but she has to convince her parents that this will be for the best.

Before her senior year, she chooses five guys who she has set her sights on being her prom date. And once the school year beings some of them start getting crossed off her list quickly. But her main person that she wants to go to prom with is Chase. She has been in love with him since kindergarten and he has always been sweet to her. However, she doesn't really know how he feels about her and soon the most popular (and meanest to Daisy) is falling all over Chase looking like Daisy might not have a chance. To top it off a new guy (in her grade) Max has set his sights on her.

In addition, Daisy and her best friend make plans on becoming more noticeable, but in doing so some of the decisions that are made have some consequences that they didn't expect. Will Daisy finally get to have more control over her life, and be able to attend prom with a date? Or will her parents succeed in keeping choosing her life and future for her?

My Book Review : 1 out of 5 stars. I must be a part of the group of people who have misunderstood this book since I just didn't like it at all. I dunno, I mean the message of the book was good. And don't get me wrong I have read some Christian fiction books before and there were a few that I did like. But this one rubbed me the wrong way I guess. I really can't stand "preachy" books and Daisy's parents were very "preachy". However, I will admit that I liked how Daisy dealt with her parents, and she was a good main character. I'm not to sure about her best friend Claire. I really think Daisy should have found a new best friend, since while I thought Daisy's parents were "preachy", Claire pushed her views onto Daisy too and I have never liked that about people.

Side note -- I just have to say ... where can I order myself a Max?! ALSO -- she has a great "fairy godmother" of a boss, which after you read the explanation of him is kind of surprising. =0)

On the other hand, when going to Amazon.com there were quite a few positive reviews on the book -- so those of you who are fans of Christian books might like and appreciate this book more so then I did.

Book Teaser(s) :
Things are not looking from a male perspective. Gil had a girlfriend in high school, which makes me think I need a boyfriend, otherwise how is a guy going to know he has to ask me to the prom? I mean, without a boyfriend, I'm throwing caution to the wind, leaving it all to chance. And that is just not me. I don't take chances.
All I know is the closer prom gets, the more pathetic my life becomes and the tighter my parents' grip seems to be. I am desperately close to losing all sense of sanity. Maybe that's too dramatic for four days of effort, but the results? Ugh, the results!
~ within Chapter 6

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Kristin, then please check out her website.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/
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Saturday, July 24, 2010

What was I thinking?: Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 389 | Release Date: October 2003 | Publisher: Berkley

"Sunshine" by Robin McKinley

What was I thinking? : That I liked the review I read on the The Compulsive Reader about this book, and I hoped I would like it too.

My Book Summary : This book is a futuristic fantasy where money is now called "blinks", sorcerers/were-"Animals"/Vampires and more are real, and the government has a society called the Special Others Force (SOF) who keep everyone with a special ability or those who are partbloods (part demon, part human, part sorcerer, etc) registered and controlled --- while on the path to kill every known vampire they come across. But life is not as good as it all seems .... which is what Sunshine (aka Rae) is starting to figure out. She has grown up being "her mother's daughter" which means being as normal as she can be ... she was an average teenager growing up and now she works at the family restaurant as the head pastry chef, known best for her cinnamon buns -- which are supposedly bigger then the size of your head.

One night after work and instead of attending her family's Monday movie night (as celebration of surviving another week), she drives up to her family's old lake house to get away for a bit and enjoy the piece and quiet. What she didn't expect was to be ambushed by a gang of vampires, dragged to a mansion on the other side of the lake, and chained to the wall of the ballroom waiting for her death to come. However, she realizes shortly after that she isn't alone, Constantine (aka Con), a vampire too, is a prisoner as well and she is there so tempt him into killing her. As her luck would have it Con doesn't want to "let his enemy win" by killing her, so she makes it through the night, but when morning comes it is her who has to help him make it through the day....

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. Okay ... I LOVED the plot, the main characters, and the world that the author created!! All very good and just for that I would recommend it for all to read too! However, the reason I have given this book such a low score was because the narrator (Sunshine) rambled like there was no tomorrow! I could have screamed sometimes with how it went from the present situation she would be in, then the next minute she would be talking about things that really had nothing to do with what was going on at the time, and some didn't even make since with the plot. In truth I'm surprised I even finished the book, especially since I liked the book (for the most part) when I was reading it, but as soon as I put it down I had to convince myself to pick it back up again .... since I did want to find out how the book would turn out and end. Also, even though I liked the ending, there was too many loose strings so it felt a little incomplete. *shrug* But that may be just me.

Book Teaser(s) :
"I have learned what will work, if anything will."
"And what if it doesn't work?"
"Then both of us end our existence tonight," he said in that impassive we're-chained-to-the-wall-and-the-bad-guys-are-coming voice I remembered to well.
Oh gee. Don't pull your punches like that. I can take the truth, really I can. I said something like, "Unnngh."
"I believe it will work."
"I'm delighted to hear it." ~ within Part Two

For more information on this book, and/or any other books by Robin, then please check out her website.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
More specifically Jess partners those websites' programs and you should be aware that they may collect personal information when you interact with their sites. The collection and use of this information is subject to their own privacy policies.
You can check out Rakuten Marketing's privacy policy here: https://rakutenmarketing.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/
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Monday, September 16, 2013

What was I thinking?: Now & Forever Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 313 KB | Release Date: April 22, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"First Love" [Now & Forever Series, Book 1] by Melissa Johns

What was I thinking? : As soon as I read the Author's Book Description, I was hooked. I just wish it were as good as I had hoped.

Author's Book Description : Emily Stone has moved from her life in Texas to start over in New York. She left her friends and her father behind to be closer to her mother. She just wants to find happiness and maybe a few friends but when Eric Mason enters her life, she knows she wants more.

Eric has been raised to be a professional quarterback. His father has a plan and Eric isn’t allowed to stray off his path but the first day of his senior year, his eyes find Emily and he knows he won’t be the same again.

Struggling to keep a balance between school work, football and a social life, they find themselves falling in love with each other until the night of the Senior Prom when she learns the truth that Eric has been keeping secret from her. Will their love be able to remain strong?

Follow the paths of two different souls as they figure out the world together and find out what their future holds.

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. I've wanted to read this novel ever since I saw it released, so when I found it on the free listings I had to pick it up. My only wish is that it wasn't so disappointing. Emily was just so immature and freaked out over the slightest things. Yet, one minute you're thinking she is just this sweet goody goody and within the next she turns into a mean b**ch. Eric wasn't that much better as a main character. I mean yes, he was devoted to Emily, but with his stupid small secrets and his over-demanding father, I feel he was really just swept up in lust not anything meaningful. Together I don't think these two really are going to work out in the long run.

I don't recommend this novel, but I hope for those who read it would like this novel better then me!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : My First Book | New Information! | Happy Anniversary, First Love!! | The Joy! | First Love on Sale!!!

Author's Series Extras : Writing is tough on occasion! | First Love Pt 2 | Lazy Afternoon | Sad... | Bored on a Saturday Night! | Everlasting Love Description Released!!! | Clip from Everlasting Love.... | Everlasting Love Book Cover!!! | Forever Love | I NEED SUPPORT!!!! | Forever Love Preview - JUST RELEASED!!! | Another Milestone! | HELP!!!! | November | FOREVER LOVE BOOK COVER!!! | Forever Love Description | NOW & FOREVER ON SALE!! | 20,000 Sold! | Release Date for Forever Love | 30,000 Copies Sold! | Hope you are still around! | 35,000 Copies Sold!! | 40,000 Copies Sold! | Just because I love my fans... | Come On! | Now & Forever Series!! | Congrats to the Now & Forever Series!!!! | Now & Forever Book 4!!!!!!!! | Have you forgotten about me? | Summer has Arrived!!! | NOW & FOREVER ANNOUNCEMENT!!! | Great July! Thank You | I'm BAAAACCKKKKK!!! | Football Sunday!!


Book Teaser(s) :
Monday mornings are always difficult. You just finish the weekend and it feels like a lifetime until it comes around again. But, today was different, I knew the sooner I got going, the better my day would be.
I grabbed my jeans and my cute red t-shirt, as I looked into the mirror I noticed for the first time it hugged all the right spots. I still can’t believe the way I was looking at myself. I used to grab whatever wasn’t dirty and be content with that. But, I had a reason to look good. I clipped my hair back, leaving some of it over my shoulders. As I looked in the mirror one last time, I heard a car horn in the driveway.
I didn’t know who it could possibly be this early in the morning. I walked over to the window and smiled, it was Eric.
“Emily, I think you have a ride to school!” My mom called up from downstairs.
I grabbed my school work and headed downstairs with my stuff.
“Wow, Emily. You look fantastic.”
“Thanks, Mom, but really I’m not trying.”
She laughed again, “Sure.”
I hugged her good bye and headed out the door. I smiled at Eric as he got out of the car, “Emily, you look beautiful.”
He opened the door for me and I slid into his awesome Mustang, “Thanks for the ride this morning, you really didn’t need to do this. I don’t mind walking.”
He smiled, “How would it look if I let my girlfriend walk to school while I drove?”
I blushed again, “Girlfriend?”
This time he blushed a little, “I guess I never officially asked you, it’s just I had such a great time Saturday night.”
“I couldn’t agree more with you.”
He smiled, “So, would you be my girlfriend?”
“You sure your dad will be ok with this? I honestly don’t want you to lose focus on football and cause you any trouble.”
“Emily, you don’t have to worry about that. I will handle my father.”
I smiled at him as he pulled into his spot at the high school, “Let’s see if this will answer it for you then.”
I leaned over to him as I gently pressed my lips to his again. He responded very quickly to my lips, tasting them. ~ within the chapter titled 'IT’S OFFICIAL'
As I surfed the web, looking at articles, looking at clothes. I found a lingerie website and was amazed at what was out there. I giggled at myself trying to picture me wearing stuff like that. I definitely don’t think I’m ready for that. I laughed again as I heard my door open, I quickly shut my laptop and looked up.
“Hey Gorgeous, your mom said you were up here, so figured I would surprise you.” Eric said walking into my room.
Mom never had a problem with him in my room as long as I left the door open, which made me laugh every time. She had nothing to worry about.
“Hey you, I’m trying to keep warm I figured staying in my bed would help with that.”
He laughed, “You will get used to it, you haven’t seen the worst of it yet, Babe.”
I sighed, “Lucky me.”
“So, what are you looking at on your computer?”
I blushed quickly, trying to grab my laptop before he could but he was too fast, he grabbed it as he sat next to me on my bed, opening it up.
I wanted to hide underneath my bed and never come out as the website popped up and displayed the sexiest lingerie that I ever seen.
“Wow, Em, anything you want to discuss with me?”
“No, please no.”
He laughed and scrolled through the pictures, “Well, if I get a say, I like the black one, but you look hot in red also, but I will leave the choice to you.”
“Please God, stop, I’m so embarrassed right now.”
“Why, this is hot!”
I threw a pillow over my face and wanted to die. ~ within the chapter titled 'SEASONS CHANGE'
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Melissa, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

What was I thinking?: Dark Swan Series, Book 1

Format: Paperback | Pages: 361 | Release Date: August 2008 | Publisher: Zebra Books

"Storm Born" [Dark Swan Series, Book 1] by Richelle Mead

What was I thinking? : Well, I really loved Richelle's Vampire Academy Series so I thought I'd try one of her other series and what a disappointment that was. Blah ....

My Book Summary : Eugenie is a powerful shaman, who's goal is to protect her "world" (and the human race) anyway she can from gentry (the fey) and things from the "other world" who happen to attack, haunt, or just bother humans. The good thing about it is she's a mercenary so she gets to choose which cases to take and gets paid for it. However, after years of being a mercenary, her name finally becomes known by the gentry and her life completely changes. When one of her latest clients needs her to rescue his teenage sister from a gentry, Eugenie learns about a disturbing prophecy that involves her first-born who will threaten the world as she knows it. So, now she has gentry coming at her from all sides ---- to be her unborn babies daddy or to kill her --- a teenage girl to save and she needs to work out who she can learn to trust when her world is turned up-side-down.

My Book Review : 1 out of 5 stars. From what I saw after I tried to read this book is a lot of people had bad reviews about the series too ... maybe not this book in particular but definitely a few books down the line. I liked the book up until the halfway point and then the plot went a way I just didn't like and I got bored with it. *shakes head* Too bad. Basically I never finished the book ... I just couldn't force my way to do so.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Spirit Bound

Book Teaser(s) :
Dorian's eyes flicked back to me. "Did you have any idea what a creature of nightmare you are around here? Mothers tell their children Odile Dark Swan will come for them if they're bad."
"Hey, I don't seek them out. I only come for them if they come for me first."
"Interesting," he said, arching an eyebrow. "But if that's how you like it, so be it. I always admire women who know what in the bedroom."
"Hey, that's not what I---" I hadn't realized the extent to which our slang had permeated the gentry world. Theirs was a reflection of my own; things seeped through. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Richelle, then please check out her website.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
**



Related Posts :

Feasted On: Vampire Academy Series, Book 5
End of the year 2010 Update
My #BookTuber August 2017 Update

What was I thinking?: Sunshine by Robin McKinley

My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ M ~ Authors

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

What was I thinking?: No Substitute by Susan Diane Johnson | #BookReview #SusanDianeJohnson

- This was an ARC Read -
Available Formats through Amazon: Kindle Edition & Paperback
File Size: 574 KB | Print Length: 252 Pages
Publication Date: November 30, 2012
Publisher: Pelican Book Group : White Rose Publishing
ASIN: B0181NIQQW | ISBN-10: 1611161983 | ISBN-13: 978-1611161984
Language: English | Main Genre(s): Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format Jess Read This Novel In: eBook - MOBI File
Jess Obtained This Book Through: NetGalley


"No Substitute" by Susan Diane Johnson

What was I thinking? : I have enjoyed other christian romance novels. I liked this novel's cover and its book description made it sound like a novel I would typically enjoy.

Author's Book Description : Former high-school sweethearts, thrown together by a matchmaking teenager, must forgive to find love.

Amy Welsh knew when she came back to the small Washington town of Goose Bay she'd eventually run into her high school sweetheart—the one who broke her heart seventeen years ago.

No longer the teenage boy she remembered, Quentin Macmillan could potentially be everything Amy's ever dreamed of. As she lets him into her life, the hurt she's tried to ignore resurfaces. Forgiveness isn't as simple—or easy—as it sounds, especially after Quentin and Amy discover his teenage daughter has been manipulating their feelings.

Will Amy open her heart to healing, and find the future God has prepared for her?

My Book Review : I'm going to be straight with you, I was not a fan of this novel. Now I'm going to put my professional hat on and TRY to nicely explain to you my view point about it. Yet, it can be hard to do so without ranting a bit so if you want to skip this section that’s okay.

1.5 out of 5 stars. A woman goes back to the town she lived in as a teen in hopes of overcoming her past and the man who left her behind. Yet, what she finds is a yearning for more still ... will she get what she yearns for or finally move on with her life.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

What was I thinking?: Barboza Brothers Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 403 KB | Release Date: November 8, 2012 | Publisher: Sugar Shack Press | Obtained: Smashwords

"Fresh Temptation" [Barboza Brothers Series, Book 1] by Reeni Austin

What was I thinking? : Well, I liked the cover--thought it was cute. And the author's description made it sound like it would be a keeper ... I just wished it was since it wasn't for me.

Author's Book Description : Victor Barboza is a man who has everything but a good woman.

Cara Green has a young son, three part-time jobs, and a few extra pounds.

Their worlds collide as Cara serves Victor at an upscale party in Manhattan, upsetting Victor's ex-fiancee, Alexis, in the process.

Victor pursues Cara, but Cara is not sure of his intentions: Is he using her to make Alexis jealous? Does he just want her for sex? Or is love Victor's true aim?

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars, this is a novel about finding love in unusual places. I liked the meaning that underlines the plot of this story. I also really liked Victor, or as little, Isaac called him "Big Toe" or "Bictow!"

However, even though I understand why Cara was so paranoid when it came to Victor coming into her life and getting close to Isaac, I didn't like how stubborn, rude, and willing give up on what was important in her life without putting up a fight so easily. It made me thoroughly annoyed with her throughout 90% of this novel.

Plus, I hated Alexis then even more so when everything just turned out fine at the very end with her. Gah! I wish she got mad about what was done to her instead of being so accepting. Which I know makes me seem like I'm being mean, but come ON that girl deserved something bad happening to her.

Then to top it off towards the end of the novel it seemed to go from one scene to start right up within the middle of the next scene, which left me a bit confused about how the hell that happened.

Overall, I just wished it was better. So, I don't recommend it. Yet on Amazon.com there are 27--or more by now--reviews with 4/5 stars and on Smashwords a majority of the reviews have 4/5 too, so who knows you might be like the majority and like it better than I did. *shrug*

Author's Novel Extras :


Book Teaser(s) :
Gary chuckled. “Believe me, rumors were flying when he hired me, too.”
“You mean, people thought...you and him?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “Yes, they did. And it didn’t help that I made the mistake of telling someone how hot I thought he was.”
Cara laughed out loud. “Oh no.”
“Yes.” Gary let out an exasperated sigh. “I won’t make that mistake again. The rumors were already going but I sure didn’t help. That’s when I found out how much Mr. Barboza likes to stay out of the office gossip. He doesn’t care what people say until it affects him somehow, and one of the other partners mentioned it to him. That’s when he sat me down and told me he didn’t have time for drama and he expected me to keep everything private in this office.”
“He actually approached you about it?”
“Yes. But the odd thing is, he thought it was kind of funny that anyone thought he and I were an item.” He chuckled for a few moments then cleared his
throat. ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Reeni, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: The Mean Girl Apologies by Stephanie Monahan | Interview, Review, & Novel/Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Stephanie Monahan, who I interviewed about her novel "The Mean Girl Apologies!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from June 2 - 13, 2014]



My Q&A with Stephanie Monahan :

Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Stephanie : I was never without a book when I was a kid! I would read when I was getting my hair cut, taking a bath, and I always tried to sneak out a book when I was supposed to be walking in gym class! I was obsessed with Sweet Valley High and the Babysitters Club in elementary school. When I got older, I loved Stephen King (I was very proud after finishing all 1,000 pages plus of "THE STAND") and Judy Blume ("FOREVER" seems tame by today’s standards, but it was extremely edgy at the time).

Jess : What do you do when you are not writing?

Stephanie : I have a full-time day job in Human Resources. When I’m not at work, I love hanging out with my dog and cat and taking day trips around New England with my husband. I’m also a big TV watcher and can’t wait to binge-watch Orange is the New Black this summer.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Stephanie : I love this question! :) I would say I would most like to invite Sophie from "33 VALENTINES" to dinner because I love her sense of humor and I feel like we would get along really well. I would least like to invite Amber from "THE MEAN GIRL APOLOGIES" because she makes me nervous! I feel like she would be judging me and talking about me behind my back to her friends later.

Jess : Please describe "The Mean Girl Apologies" in 75 words or less.

Stephanie : A former mean girl’s past comes back to haunt her in the form of a top 40 hit.

Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?

Stephanie : Almost always the characters. The story always changes, but the characters are what really gets into my mind and my heart and makes me want to write about them. Even when the idea for a story may come first, it doesn’t really come to life for me until I understand the characters involved.

Jess : What sparked the idea for "The Mean Girl Apologies?"

Stephanie : There is an amazing song called Forget Her by Jeff Buckley that I listened to obsessively for a long time. There is a line in it that says: “My tears falling down as I try to forget/Her love was a joke from the day that we met.” I couldn’t stop wondering what it would feel like to be the woman that he was singing about—and Natalie was born.

Jess : In regards to "The Mean Girl Apologies," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Stephanie : I am a perfectionist and if I could have endless time to edit and perfect my work I would take it. I’m sure there are lots of sentence-level things I’d want to go back and change. I always feel like my writing can be tightened. But overall I’m happy with the way it turned out.

Jess : If "The Mean Girl Apologies" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Stephanie : Looks-wise, I think Lucy Hale would make a good Natalie and I could totally see Alex Pettyfer as Jack. He’d have to wear brown contacts though!


Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Stephanie : I’ve written one other (published) book, "33 VALENTINES." It’s really hard to choose between them. Probably like choosing between kids (or pets)! Both of them are my favorite in different ways. (Did I totally wiggle out of answering that??) "33 VALENTINES" flowed perfectly from the first word to the last and it was a wonderful writing experience. "THE MEAN GIRL APOLOGIES" took much longer and went through many more revisions and was overall more difficult, but like a lot of things that take work, the end result was so worth it.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Stephanie : I’m currently working on a couple of ideas, one about a minor league hockey team and a romantic comedy set at a bed and breakfast on the MA coast. I have no titles or really much at all except for a few pages and character sketches for each. I’m excited about both ideas!

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Stephanie : This is the hardest question to answer! I have no idea who would ever want to read a biography written about me. However, if one was written, I’m thinking of the title: "WOULD YOU LIKE SOME TEA WITH YOUR SUGAR? THE STEPHANIE MONAHAN STORY." (I’m a little obsessed with sugary beverages and I wouldn’t be surprised if it leads to my downfall one day.)

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Stephanie : • "The Isle of Youth" by Laura van den Berg

• "Side Effects May Vary" by Julie Murphy

• "My Life Next Door" by Huntley Fitzpatrick



About the Author :

Stephanie Monahan received her degree in English Literature from Binghamton University. In addition to reading and writing, she is passionate about her dog and cat, British pop music, and the beach. Born and raised in upstate New York, Stephanie now lives in central Massachusetts with her husband. Her first book, "33 VALENTINES," was nominated for a 2013 Book of the Year award at Coffee Time Romance & More. You can find her online at www.stephmonahan.com.



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1597 KB | Expected Release Date: June 2, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Embrace | Obtained: Sizzling PR

"The Mean Girl Apologies" by Stephanie Monahan

Author's Book Description : You know that catchy song you keep hearing on the radio?

It’s about you.


Natalie Jamison has spent five years trying to forget the girl she was in high school: popular, pretty...and, okay, mean. Now in her twenties and living once again in her small town, she’s right back where she was: following Queen Bee Amber and keeping secrets from her best friend, Sarah.

Secrets like Jack Moreland.

Everyone knows Jack Moreland—his new album, Good Enough, is everywhere. He’s famous. Impossibly handsome. Completely untouchable. But what none of Natalie’s old clique knows is that in high school, Natalie and Jack fell in love. And their secret relationship was incredible, painful—and earth-shattering enough to inspire an entire album.

Facing friends and enemies isn’t easy, but Natalie will go to great lengths to prove she is good enough—to her friends, to herself, and most of all, to the small-town boy turned worldwide heartthrob she never forgot.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! When you read this title, "The Mean Girl Apologies," believe it as it's written since the novel is all about Natalie apologizing to friends, her ex Jack, and to some girls in high school who she mean too. In truth, I didn't like the beginning of this novel, mostly because at that time she was still acting like a pushover to her "friend" Amber, which really pissed me off (enough to post this on my twitter account). Yet if this happens to you too I recommend you still read this novel through and stick to it, since once Natalie hears Jack's full album that was just released she finally admits that she needs to make changes in her life for good. From that point on this novel gets a whole lot better as you read about Jack and Natalie's high school "romance" interweaving with what is going on in her life currently and how she tries to make amends.

There isn't much romance in this novel. Yet, it was hard for me not to root for Natalie to create a new life for herself and have her win Jack back.

My favorite character was Natalie's new friend, Gillian. She's quirky and cute, while being a true friend and example for Natalie.

Then there's the ending, even though I liked how it wraps up it still leaves the question as to where Jack and Natalie will go from here. With that being said I hope there will be a sequel somehow, whether one of Jack or Natalie friends would be the next leads or something, so we can find out the answer to the elusive question of "where are they now?"

Overall, though, I do recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary NA and/or women's fiction.

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: The Mean Girl Apologies inspiration | A Little Info About Book No. 2 | The Mean Girl Apologies! | Summer Recipes | End of Summer & A New Podcast | How Edits are Like Popcorn... | The Mean Girl Apologies teaser | On the loss of a pet, and other less depressing stuff too | June 2nd Embrace Releases and Blog Tours

Book Teaser(s) :
He bit the inside of his cheek, and inside my chest, there was this strange, fluttery feeling, like there was a bird caught up in there, fighting for its life. “I don’t know. I’ve got nothing.”
I hesitated for a second. “I have an idea,” I said. “The Kerouacs.”
“As in the writer?”
I shrugged. “I saw your book. Plus your name is Jack, so it’s kind of funny. Not completely obscure, but not as, um, theoretical, as Dirt Soup.”
He smiled slowly. “Are you going through my stuff?”
I was full-body flushing again. “Yeah, right. You left it out on the floor. I nearly tripped over it—”
“Listen, you’re stalking me. It’s okay to admit it.”
I was suddenly too weak to do anything but half laugh. Was this flirting? Was I flirting with Jack Moreland?
“Come on, Natalie. The first step is admitting you have a problem.”
A weird, little sensation shot through my toes when he said my name. “I have an idea. Why don’t you name your band the Jackasses? It’s really much more fitting.”
Jack fished the book out of his backpack and flipped through it. “No, I actually like the Kerouacs. A lot. Thanks.” ~ within Chapter 5
“Sorry, most of the questions I had I found out I wasn’t supposed to ask you.”
“Really? What were they?”
She glanced up at me, panic in her eyes, and I could feel Jack looking at me, too. I shifted my gaze to him and forced myself to speak. “We wanted to know if you’d tell your hometown paper who you were singing about. It’s all anyone around here wants to know.”
Jack nodded, pressing his fingers to his lips as he considered my question. His lips. Yeah, they were the same as I remembered, and all I could do in that second was to remember what it felt like when he kissed me—as if I’d discovered the reason lips were invented—the way no one else ever had. Sitting here like this, asking him questions like he were a stranger, I would have thought it would seem as if everything between us had happened to somebody else. But it didn’t. I was drawn to him in the same way I had been before, and it made even less sense now.
“It’s okay,” I said before he could answer. I could hear my voice shaking. “We know you’ve said a thousand times before that you’re not singing about anyone in particular. But we had to ask...for our editor.”
“Ah, for your editor.”
He was looking at me for way too long without speaking. Gillian’s eyebrows were lost somewhere in her bangs. Out of all the awkward moments I’d had in this gymnasium over the years, this had topped every last one of them. ~ within Chapter 6
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Stephanie, then please check out her website.



Giveaway!! :

  • An ecopy of "33 VALENTINES" and a $10 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn participant during the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Entangled Embrace :



Find Stephanie Monahan :

Monday, November 12, 2012

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Romance in the Rain by Charlotte Russell, Marianne Stillings, Dawn Kravagna, Clare Tisdale, Sherri Shaw, & Kristine Cayne | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Charlotte Russell, Marianne Stillings, Dawn Kravagna, Clare Tisdale, Sherri Shaw, & Kristine Cayne, who I interviewed about their latest anthology "Romance in the Rain!!"

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopters at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAYs!! [Blog Tour will run from October 22 - November 22, 2012]



My Q&A with Charlotte Russell, Marianne Stillings, Dawn Kravagna, Clare Tisdale, Sherri Shaw, & Kristine Cayne :

Jess : What was the one book you all remember thoroughly enjoying while growing up?

Charlotte : I was a bookaholic when I was a kid and I wasn’t too keen on rereading books, so there wasn’t one book that I went back to again and again. However, I absolutely adored the Trixie Belden series. It had everything I love in a book—mystery, adventure, and romance.

Marianne : Though I had three or four Little Golden Books on my shelf, "Black Beauty" was my very first novel. Santa brought it to me for Christmas when I was 10. I read it and re-read it and then read it again, year after year. I read it so many times, the pages fell out and the cover dropped off. I had to use a rubber band to keep it together. I slept with it under my pillow so I could read after bedtime by the light of a fading sun. I have always loved horses but the book informed me that not all people viewed them as I did. Many considered horses not as beautiful companions to be treated with great love and care, but as a piece of equipment to be used up, discarded, and replaced. Often neglected, occasionally the victims of cruelty (I still can't get through Ginger's death without sobbing), until very recently, horses were the Ram pick-ups of their day. In 1877, Anna Sewell felt compelled to make people aware of how thoughtlessly these wonderful animals were being treated—it worked. "Black Beauty"—for so many reasons, I will always cherish that book.

Dawn : My favorite will be unusual, particularly due to the failure of the recent movie adaptation, but mine was "John Carter of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I enjoyed his writing style and the unusual creativity of the story written in the early part of the 20th century; not so uncommon after the movie "Star Wars," but he was certainly ahead of his time with the novel. I loved reading science fiction growing up, particularly by classic authors, such as Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. What particularly appealed to me was the positive attitude of John Carter: No matter how bad the situation became, he believed he could overcome it. His favorite saying was, "I still live," and as long as he lived, he never gave up. That "never give up" attitude really inspired me and I often recalled his proclamation during times of discouragement I encounted in the future. His attitude also inspired my character, Griselda Portentsky, in my first novel, "Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl": She doesn't believe in luck but in hard work combined with a positive attitude.

Clare : My favorite was "Casilda of the Rising Moon," by Elizabeth Borton de Treviño (it’s now out of print but still widely available second-hand). Set in the days of knights and chivalry, it tells the story of a Toledan princess who gives up her palace, her family, and the man who loves her in order to become a hermit and—posthumously—a saint. It’s a romantic and inspiring book for young girls and I must have read it at least six times.

Sherri : When I was little, my grandmother gave us a book called "The Real Mother Goose Book." My sisters outgrew it, but I kept it for years, flipping through the pages, and memorizing my favorite stories. I can still recite several of them, the most fun being "The Old Lady and the Pig."

Kristine : Like Clare, I was a bookaholic. My father enrolled me in the DoubleDay Book Club and I begged my parents to by me mountains of books each month from Scholastics. The series that most stated my desire for big books and intriguing stories was the Nancy Drew Mystery series. By the sixth grade, I managed to collect the entire set of books published up to that time. Needless to say, I’m still a series addict :)

Jess : Tell us about your anthology "Romance in the Rain."

Charlotte : The idea emerged over time. The only thing we knew from the start was that all the stories would have a connection to Seattle. As plots and characters started evolving it seemed liked a fun idea to make the characters all related, descended from my couple James and Mattie, whose story is set in the mid 19th century.

Marianne : "ROMANCE IN THE RAIN" is comprised of six novellas written by the Rainy Day Writers using a Seattle family as its central theme. My contribution, "FINAL APPROACH," is set in 1942 (during WWII) and tells the story of Captain Joe Caldwell and Lt. Charlie Thompson. Charlie is a young war widow and WAFS pilot (Women's AirForce Ferrying Squadron); Joe is a former Army pilot who's been grounded due to injury. When Charlie's best friend, Edie, dies during a routine night flight, Joe and Charlie join forces to discover the truth behind her death. Sherri Shaw gave me the idea for the story, and I'm so grateful she did! Thanks, Sherri!

Dawn : I'm really excited about our first anthology. Everyone in our group is an excellent writer and I always enjoy hearing the ladies read their newest writing project. I've been in writing groups where I've hoped one member didn't show up, because listening to them read their writing was near agony and an exercise in patience. We've got a great mix of writing styles and I believe every reader will find at least one story that will resonate with them personally.

Clare : Participating in the anthology has been a great experience for me. I’m so proud to be part of the Rainy Day Writers critique group. There’s a great level of trust and cooperation involved in putting an anthology of this nature together—where all the stories link to one another—and I love how supportive we all are of each other.

Sherri : Our group has been together for a long time, and we thought it would be fun if we wrote an anthology. Since we all live in the Pacific Northwest, we decided to use our beautiful region as the backdrop for our stories. Beginning with the first settlers, and progressing to modern day, each story is independent of the other, but with a common thread, the Caldwell family.

Kristine : I think everyone has pretty much answered that question, but what the anthology represents to me is the coming together of six women—six friends and authors—who worked together to create a magical set of stories spanning almost two centuries. We each pitched into create the cover, the website, the ebook file itself, and now we are collaborating on promotion. It’s a fabulous testimony to the power of friendship.

Jess : Ms. Shaw -- What is the most romantic thing one of your characters (and it doesn’t need to be the main characters), from "What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect?," said or did?

Sherri : When Sam and Ivy are walking through Seattle Center late at night, a man with a gun accosts them. Sam steps in front of her, shielding her from the threat of the gun. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ivy is touched by the protective gesture.

Jess : Ms. Russell -- Please describe your heroine, from "Splendor in the Moss," in one to two sentences.

Charlotte : If she wasn’t so shy, Mattie Jensen would tell you that she never knows the right thing to say, especially around the hero, James. Nevertheless, he brings out her inner strength and helps her remember how to laugh.

Jess : Ms. Kravagna -- What sparked the idea for your most recent novella, "Love Phantom?"

Dawn : Since this is my first romance I drew upon my personal experiences when I was a Drama major (for a year) at the University of Washington. However, one major error many novice writers make is basing their stories too closely on reality, because that constricts the story too much. For instance, when a writer sticks to reality, then they are not considering the best way to present the scene for maximum dramatic impact. I made this error in the first draft and my writing group was honest enough to advise me to rewrite the story. I am a big fan of the "Save The Cat" screenwriting books and in my rewrite created a "save the cat" moment in the first scene which did not occur in my real life experience but made for a better scene and a more positive introduction to the character.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away by saying more; however, the characters are imaginary.

Since I've been planning to do a "Phantom of the Opera" spoof, my original idea was to utilize the Showboat Theater as the main setting, since it was rumored to be haunted. However, the story grew beyond the ghost story and I abandoned it. I do think the title is still apt.

Jess : Ms. Cayne -- Is there one particular scene in "Aftershocks" that you’re dying for readers to read? Can you tell us anything about it?

Kristine : Like most suspense stories, the climactic scene is one that I think will have readers white-knuckling their e-readers. However, there is an earlier scene where Erica has to don some firefighter equipment and squeeze her way through a collapsed building. Since Erica has no training and doesn’t know what she’s doing, a female firefighter who works for Jamie, coaches her via radio, and uses the opportunity to give Erica an earful that has her reconsidering her relationship with her estranged husband. The scene is a testimony to the extent a woman will go to in order to save her family.

Jess : Ms. Stillings -- If you had to describe Charlie & Joe (from "Final Approach") in one word, what would it be?

Marianne : If you mean as a couple, the word would be: True
If you mean each of them independently, the word for Charlie would be: Genuine
As for Joe: Resolute

Jess : Ms. Tisdale -- If "Shelter from the Storm" was to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Clare : Maya is independent, bohemian and edgy, but she also has a tender side she only shows to those she trusts. I could see her being played by Jennifer Lawrence ("The Hunger Games"). As for sweet, sexy JD, I’d like to see Ashton Kutcher in that role.


Jess : Ms. Cayne -- How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Kristine : I’ve written two full-length romantic suspense novels, one contemporary short story, one romantic suspense short story, and this romantic suspense novella. I’m loving the firefighter theme and I can’t wait for you all to read the follow-up to Jamie and Erica’s story, "Under His Command." If I limit myself to my existing books, "Deadly Addiction" would be my favorite. I learned so much writing this book, which is set on an Iroquois reserve in Canada. Remi Whitedeer is a half-native man torn between his loyalty to his tribe and family, and his (forbidden) love to a white female police officer who wants to enforce her own department’s version of law and order.

Jess : Ms. Russell -- Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?

Charlotte : The characters are usually in my head first and I almost always name them right away. Then, from somewhere, I get a vague plot idea and I start thinking how that character would get into that situation and how he/she would react to the situation and the other main character and pretty soon I’ve started a new story. I usually know the beginning and end but not what happens in the middle. And while I know the essentials of my characters, they always surprise me with new details as we journey through the story.

Jess : Ms. Stillings -- Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Marianne : Most: J. Soldier McKennitt, the detective hero from my first novel, "The Damsel in This Dress." Why? Because you never forget your first ;)

Least: Loretta Tremaine, the heroine's mother from "The Damsel in This Dress." I based Betsy's mom on my own mother – who was both critical to me and critical of me. And there you have it.

Jess : Ms. Tisdale -- What was one of the most surprising things you learned when creating your books?

Clare : I learned that if I come up with the basic structure of a book, my characters will take it from there. I just need to give them free reign to be themselves.

Jess : Ms. Shaw – Do you have a favorite chapter, part, or type of character to write about? If so, why?

Sherri : I like to write about female characters that project confidence, but are slightly goofy, and don’t take themselves too seriously all the time. I originally conceptualized "What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect?," as a romantic comedy screenplay. Ivy, of course, would be played by Sandra Bullock, because if you’re going to dream, you might as well dream big.


Jess : Ms. Kravagna -- Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Dawn : I love to write comedy and am a cartoonist. Missing the zany comedy of the Bugs Bunny cartoons that I grew up with, I created my own anthropomorphic cartoon world, a series called "Cattle Capers(tm)". The first novel is "Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl." It's a comedy mystery based on cartoon animals, rather than actual critters, which gives me a lot of latitude in plot and characterization. It's been a big hit with Boomers who also loved the old cartoons. I illustrate the stories myself. The challenge is, since there are no humans, to be sure that I avoid humanoid terms such as fireman or gentleman.

I am nearly completed with the first draft of my second novel, "Cattle Capers: The Cheep Brigade Terror" which has an anti-cult theme, but I have a lot of pictures to draw before I can issue the e-book. I like to set the manuscript aside to clear my brain while I work on the illustrations, then return to editing.

Since I have a lot of plot ideas that are not suitable for a full-lenth novel, I've been writing short stories on the side which feature secondary characters from my first novel. I just completed writing my first Cattle Capers(tm) trilogy and, after completing the cartoons that will accompany the third story and the cover, I will be publishing the e-book for the Christmas season. I'm excited that e-book reader technology has advanced to the point where my cartoons can now be viewed in full color.

I also have several novels that I'm plotting most of which are comic mysteries and, being an animal lover, feature animals in some form or another. Come to think of it, "Love Phantom" is a rare story for me: no animal characters.

Jess : What do you normally eat for breakfast, or do you skip it and get straight to work?

Charlotte : Coffee and a breakfast bar of some kind. Occasionally cereal or a bagel.

Marianne : I usually eat something, but it wouldn't be considered a traditional breakfast. Most often, it's a cup of coffee (I usually only have one cup a day, maybe two if the mood strikes, and whatever is in the fridge or freezer that I don't have to cook. My husband and I will occasionally go out on a weekend for breakfast or brunch and I'll have something more "normal." As a morning person, whether I eat something or not, I generally am working within a half hour of getting up.

Dawn : The basic dietary mistake people make is skipping breakfast. I will always eat something, a breakfast bar during the weekday due to having to get up earlier than my natural sleep cycle to drive to my day job, and, with more time on the weekend, eat a bowl of cereal with fresh fruit mixed in. I also drink a natural greens and fruit-based concoction and top it off at work with a cup of coffee.

I used to stress when I felt too tired to write, but when if I made myself sit down and type something, it always felt forced and tepid. I realized it was healthier to be nice to myself and write when I had the energy to do so. My attitude is more positive and the writing more energetic as a result.

Clare : I like to have a big breakfast, and I like to mix it up. Sometimes it’s granola with a banana, other times it’s eggs and toast. I have been known to eat leftover pizza for breakfast!

Sherri : When I am being good, I like to eat a slice of peanut butter toast and some melon at my desk at work. If I have to go out in the field, I grab a McDonald’s Wild Berry Smoothie and a sausage burrito.

Kristine : I work from home, so the first thing I do when I get up is have a glass of water and turn on the computer. While I’m checking my email and what’s going on with my Facebook and Twitter friends, I make coffee. I usually forget to go get a cup until an hour or so has past. By then I’m starving. I have my coffee with a breakfast bar. If I’m really hungry, I’ll have some cereal with fruit.

Jess : Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

Charlotte : I have had my shirt on backward before (in fact, this morning but I realized it early) in public but I have to say that I can only say “screw it” until I get to a place where I can switch it around. I’m not one to let that go.

Marianne : No backwards shirts or slippers, but I have gone to work with two shoes that were from different pairs. They were of similar color and style, but they were definitely different. Nothing I could do; I was at work by the time I noticed it. A more obvious faux pas was wearing two different earrings one day. You see, in the morning, in the Northwest, it's dark when you get up and get dressed. As a result, one is often still half-asleep and wardrobe malfunctions are common. That's my excuse anyway, and I'm sticking to it.

Dawn : Sure. There's the stain I didn't see when I dressed in the dim light of a dreary Seattle morning and the mismatched socks. The oddest things I've done was to wear two different shoes or two totally different earrings, since I rise and dress for work much earlier than my natural biorhythm. One day I wore a large blue dangling triangle in one ear and a small, red button in the other. No one said anything so I didn't discover the discrepancy till I went into the bathroom. When I returned to my desk and asked my coworkers why they didn't say anything, they replied, "We thought it was just you and was intentional." I'm still not sure what to think about that...

Clare : One time I was inside writing all day, and it was cold and rainy out, and I put on two old frayed wool cardigans, one over the other. Then my daughter came home from school and I had to drive her over to a friend’s house, and I forgot to change. The look of distaste her friend’s mom gave me would have been comical if I hadn’t been so embarrassed!

Sherri : A couple of years ago, when I was waiting tables, I felt off balance all day. It wasn’t until I sat down after my shift that I realized I was wearing two different shoes. Of course the reason I was off kilter was because one had a higher heel than the other.

Kristine : Absolutely. I wear slippers at home because I’m always cold, even in the middle of summer. And because I’m often busy writing my books or blog posts, I tend to forget when it’s time to take one of my kids to their sports practice. So, more often than I care to admit, I run out of the house keys in hand, slippers on feet. It’s okay as long as I don’t have to get out of the car :)



About these Authors -- the RAINY DAY WRITERS :


Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.

To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers.

There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.

Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.

Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.

Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.

In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.

Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.

Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.

For more information on "Romance in the Rain" and the Rainy Day Writers, visit them at www.seattlerainydaywriters.com.




- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1217 KB | Expected Release Date: October 11, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Romantic Maidens Book Tours

"Romance in the Rain" [A Seattle Anthology] by Charlotte Russell, Marianne Stillings, Dawn Kravagna, Clare Tisdale, Sherri Shaw, & Kristine Cayne

Authors' Book Description : From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, "Romance in The Rain" takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.



"Splendor in the Moss" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 1] by Charlotte Russell

My Story Summary : Set in 1853 -- About four years ago James came to America from England to make a name for himself and out of the shadows of his family. However, since moving here James still hasn't found a place he feels comfortable enough to make his home. His most recent local is a small settlement in the new found Seattle, but it's seeming like a mossy wet hell and he is definitely ready to move on to somewhere new.

That is until he meets Mathilda (Mattie), a widow who has suffered a lot of loss within a short time period and isn't happy about living in Seattle either. Nevertheless, will they be able to find a home and happiness with each other or will old hurts get in the way of a promising future?

My Story Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. This is a story about two people finding what they've always been looking for within another person. I loved the subtle (and not so subtle at times) romance between Mattie and James. Also, getting to see how they overcome their pasts. It's all really sweet.

Nevertheless, I didn't like how the ending just dropped off in what I think was in the middle of a good scene. If there was just a bit more to the story, I think I could have liked it a lot better.

Story Teaser :
He made as if to stand, but James waved him back.
Tilford remained seated, but his black eyebrows rose. “My word, sir! What has happened to you?”
James perched on the other stool and yanked off his ruined boot. “Nothing much. Went hunting, caught a woman instead of a deer, saved her life, let coyotes chomp on my boots rather than my feet, took the woman home, offered to fulfill her dearest wish, was refused in a most ungracious manner. And for God’s sake, stop calling me sir.” ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Charlotte, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"Final Approach" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 2] & [Flight Risk Series, Novella 1] by Marianne Stillings

My Story Summary : Set in 1942 -- during World War II -- We follow Captain Joseph Caldwell (previously a homicide detective) as he learns how to assist the war efforts from behind a desk (not much to his liking) for the first time. However, not long after arriving at his new station he finds himself trying to solve a possible murder case of one of the station’s female pilots. In doing so, he meets and becomes close to Lt. Charlene Thompson (Charlie)--a female pilot and instructor--who was the best friend of the murdered pilot and is still dealing with previous tragedies of her own. Will their budding friendship grow into something more or will they hold themselves back because of what they've already went through? In the meantime, will they be able to find out what really happened to Charlie's friend before someone else gets hurt?

My Story Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! This is a prequel to Ms. Stillings newest series coming out called Flight Risk, and I think it's a great start! I enjoyed the mystery, intrigue, setting, and getting to know Joe & Charlie throughout this novella. Also, I hope that they are mentioned within the coming series as it progresses because I want to read more about them. For being such a short story, I think it definitely builds you up for what could come next!

Story Teaser :
He wanted to kiss her. And not just because he lusted after her, but because her take on the situation was exactly right. She got it. She understood the distance that must be kept between an event and the conclusions one reached based solely on evidence. She was a natural detective, and if he wasn’t careful, he was going to fall head over heels for her—and then where would he be? ~ within Chapter 5
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Marianne, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"Love Phantom" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 3] by Dawn Kravagna

My Story Summary : Set in 1983 -- Kara is a shy Drama major hoping to get out of her shell (be more like her feisty Grandma Caldwell who was a World War II pilot) and find a hot guy to date. She has her eye on the hot teacher's assistant, Gerald, but with his mixed signals, she can't be sure if he's interested or not. However, there is also Ellis, a sweet and kind of cute, undergrad Drama major like her who seems interested in her but she can never be sure of her feelings for him. Will she be able to get the courage to get out of her shell and into a relationship with either of the guys or will she find that it's easier be the shy girl?

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is a story about a girl learning to come into her own and finding about what she really wants in life and love. It was an okay story. I liked Ellis a lot and I wish Kara gave him more credit at the beginning of the story then she did. However, I wasn't a fan of Kara's wish-washyness at the start of the story or how her anxieties seemed to run her life for the majority of it. Nevetheless, I enjoy come into her own towards the end of the story.

Story Teaser :
During our fifteen minutes of excoriation, Gerald sat behind them on a parlor chair, peering up at the stage lamps and scratching at the stubble on his chin as if in deep thought. Perhaps he was wondering whether Lisa and I had set the lamps at the correct angles? Then, just as we were dismissed and I was about to leave, his gaze zeroed in on me and he smiled.
I shyly smiled back, my face reddening once again. What was I, a tomato? ~ within Scene 3
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Dawn, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"Shelter From The Storm" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 4] by Clare Tisdale

My Story Summary : Set in 2011 -- James Douglas (JD) moves back to Seattle after being away for a few years and hopes to stay with a friend who offered him his couch a while back, if he ever made it home. However, when he arrives at his friend's place he finds that his friend no longer lives there but his friend's attractive ex-girlfriend (Maya), who kindly enough lets him stay with her until he can get his feet under him again. During their time together, they become very close. So close that JD believes that they could possible grow into something more but Maya has been keeping a secret that could tear them apart once it comes out. Will they be able to weather the storm brewing from Maya's secret? Or will it actually tear them apart for good?

My Story Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is about a guy who is trying to settle back into a life that'll work for him while thinking he might be falling in love. I could not get enough of JD! He is sweet, charming, creative, and a hard worker. My only issue with the story is Maya because of her aloofness. I mean I understand her reasoning, and if she didn't act the way she did there wouldn't have been much of a story, yet I didn't like it and it made me not like her.

Author's Story Extras : New Anthology Book Release!

Story Teaser :
She pounced on a donut-shaped hole with raised edges and demonstrated the technique with her own shovel, plunging it straight down, rocking it back and forth in the heavy sand, and finally bringing up a large, smooth clam with an oval shell decorated with brown concentric rings. Its neck poked out on one side like a fat white tongue. “Bingo,” she said, shaking it off and dropping it into her bucket.
JD glanced into her bucket and counted nine razor clams, compared to his paltry three. “You’re showing me up. A snip of a girl like you. It’s embarrassing.”
She slapped him on the arm, her green eyes dancing. “You must be off your game today. First one to get to fifteen clams wins.”~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Clare, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect?" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 5] by Sherri Shaw

My Story Summary : Set in 2012 -- While at the Pike Street Market Ivy contemplates finding "Mr. Perfect" while getting produce for her restaurant. A vendor overhears her contemplation and gives her a necklace saying it'll help her find her own "Mr. Perfect." However, when "Mr. Perfect" (aka Sam Rockney a quarterback for the Seattle Pioneers) arrives at her restaurant everything seems a bit too good to be true. Will she find Sam's actually hiding something or is he really just perfect for her?

My Story Review : 4 out of 5 stars, it's about a girl who's trying not to let her past mistakes rule her life while finding her own "Mr. Perfect" in the process. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ivy and Sam's relationship grow throughout the story! It's a sweet romance you can't help but want to read. Plus, for those of you who enjoy reading about supernatural instances this one doesn't have a lot but it has enough to please!

Story Teaser :
“Chef, we need you out in the dining room.”
“Now?” Ivy fought a wave of panic. “My sous chef isn’t—”
“I’m sorry, but we need to keep on schedule if you want to open for lunch on time,” the chipper assistant said.
“Not a problem,” Sam said, moving beside Ivy. “I’ll start this.”
“Don’t you have an appointment this morning?” she asked, torn between guilt and obligation.
“Now what kind of a boyfriend would I be if I abandoned you in a moment of crisis?”
“A pretty crappy one, I suppose.” ~ within Chapter 5
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Sherri, then please check her out on the Goodreads' website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



"Aftershocks" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 6] & [Six Alarm Sexy Series, Novella 1] by Kristine Cayne

My Story Summary : Set in 2014 -- Now five years after they got married Erica and Jamie are going through a divorce that is if Jamie will ever sign the papers. They both are desperately still in love with each other but they have grown apart and they don't know how to bridge the gap between them anymore. That is until an earthquake throws them together and it'll take them both to pitch in and save their young daughter's life. If they can earn each other's trust again, maybe they can get their marriage work again, and a whole lot more as long as they can make it through the aftershock of it all.

My Story Review : 5 out of 5 stars -- Hot, spicy, and exciting is how this prequel to Ms. Cayne's upcoming series Six Alarm Sexy is!! I loved this story; the sparks between Erica and Jamie are combustible! As well as the endearing quality of reading about a couple, who want to stay together but just don't know how and it takes a drastic tragedy to shake them up. I can't wait to see where these two go in "Under His Command," book 1 of the Six Alarm Sexy Series!

Author's Series Extras : Help Me Name My New Firefighter Series! | New Firefighter Series Title - Vote For Your Favorites! | Kristine Cayne's New Firefighter Series - Title Poll Results | Kristine Cayne's New Firefighter Series - Title Poll Results | Cover Reveal - Under His Command by Kristine Cayne

Story Teaser :
“Careful, Dani,” Jamie warned. “We don’t want this pile of crap coming down on you.”
“I always am, LJ. You know that.” Dani laughed and the sound made Erica grit her teeth. She could just imagine what else the woman was always careful about. She pushed away from Jamie’s side, sick at the thought that the woman her husband was sleeping with was saving her daughter’s life. Unfortunately, when she stepped back she tripped and fell smack against Hollywood. An arm as hard as iron snapped around her waist, pulling her firmly against the man’s granite-like chest. ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Kristine, then please check out her website. To find out more about this anthology then click here.



My Book Review : For the full book I give it 3.92 out of 5 stars! Each one of these stories were intriguing in their own way and I loved reading about this family! I will say that I'm curious as to how the two authors that are expanding on their stories will take their characters.

I would recommend this anthology to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances, thriller/mystery romances, historical romances, and/or slightly supernatural romances! =0)

Authors' Anthology Extras : We’re going on a blog tour! | Romance in the Rain: A Seattle Anthology - Released Today! | Romance in the Rain - Happy Release Day!! | Novella published! | Opening day of Romance in the Rain blog tour! | Launch Day!

For more information on this Anthology, then please check out the website.



Book Excerpts :

"Splendor in the Moss" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 1] by Charlotte Russell
After telling the dog to stay, he steered her away from the Jensens’ cabin, towards the woods to the south. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Giving me the time of day. You were gone for such a long while, I wasn’t certain you’d come back.”
“I had to fight my better judgment.”
James laughed. He couldn’t put on airs around Mattie if he tried. ~ within Chapter 7

"Final Approach" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 2] & [Flight Risk Series, Novella 1] by Marianne Stillings
"You were there." Caldwell's voice was quiet as though he were speaking to a timid child. He took a step toward her. "You saw it, didn't you. Didn't you, Charlie?" Another step. And another. Suddenly, he was standing before her and she was standing, too, and his arms came around her as she pressed her head against his strong shoulder and for the first time in a year, she felt safe. Safe enough to relive the agony—and let it go. Safe enough to let someone be strong—so she could be weak. Safe enough—to cry.
And so she did. ~ within Chapter 3

"Shelter From The Storm" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 4] by Clare Tisdale
A shadow crossed the window, and JD looked up in time to see a seagull fly by. Beyond the downtown high rises, the waters of the Puget Sound lay brooding, glazed by morning mist. Much as JD hated starting over again, he realized that if he had to, he'd rather do it here than anywhere else. Seattle was his home; he belonged here. Maya and her beach house had helped confirm that for him. ~ within Chapter 2

"What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect?" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 5] by Sherri Shaw
"Somehow I can’t picture you as a nerd.” You’re too perfect, Ivy silently added, fingering the amulet at her throat.
It hummed under her fingertips as the vendor’s words skated across her mind, If you truly want to find the perfect man, and restore your faith in true love, then this necklace will be your good luck talisman.” She dropped her hand, shaking off the crazy notion. It was merely a coincidence that she wished to meet the man of her dreams and Sam showed up. The necklace had nothing to do with it.
Right? ~ within Chapter 2

"Aftershocks" [A Seattle Anthology, Novella 6] & [Six Alarm Sexy Series, Novella 1] by Kristine Cayne
Adrenaline surging through her system, Erica hung onto the doorjamb as the quake rocked the old courthouse. The building swayed and groaned, windows rattled and shattered as the earth continued to tremble. Cracks raced across the ceiling and plaster dust showered down, covering everything in a thin white film. She’d lived in Seattle all her life but had never experienced a quake as powerful as this one.
And her daughter was all alone. ~ within Chapter 2



Giveaways!! :


All giveaway ends November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for.

Giveaway for US residents only.

Grand Prize :
  • 1 autographed copy of "Deadly
    Obsession
    " + SWAG
  • 1 autographed copy of "Deadly Addiction" + SWAG
  • An autographed copy of "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever" by Julia Quinn
  • "Blood Trinity" by Julia Quinn and Dianna Love
  • 1 e-book copy of "Falling Angel" by Clare Tisdale
  • 1 handmade shell necklace by Clare Tisdale
  • A handmade afghan crocheted by Marianne Stillings
  • 1 autographed copy of "AROUSING SUSPICIONS"
  • 1 autographed copy of "SATISFACTION"
  • 1 autographed copy of "KILLER CHARMS"
  • 1 bag of truffles from Seattle Chocolates
  • 3 chocolate bars from Seattle Chocolates
  • $15 Starbucks gift card
  • 1 autographed copy of "Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl" by Dawn Kravagna

Prize #5 :

Prize #6 :

Prize #7 :

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Giveaway for both US and International residents.

Prize #1 :

Prize #2 :

Prize #3 :

Prize #4 :

Prize #8 - 10 :
  • 1 e-book copy of "Deadly Addiction" by Kristine Cayne
  • $10 Amazon or B&N gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway for both US and International residents.

Prize #11 :
  • 1 free ebook cover design by Sherri Shaw with up to a $20 royalty free background

a Rafflecopter giveaway




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