Blog Tour - Try Me by Diane Alberts | Interview & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Diane Alberts, who I interviewed about her latest novel "Try Me," which is the 1st book in her Take a Chance Series!!

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!! [Blog Tour will run from July 2 - 16, 2012]

---

My Q&A with Diane Alberts :

Diane : Thanks for inviting me here today to talk about "Try Me," the first book in the Take a Chance series.

Jess : Your welcome!! I'm glad to have you!!

What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Diane : Well, ironically enough...romance books! I started reading them when I was twelve, and haven’t stopped since. My first romance books I read were written by Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, and Julie Garwood.

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

Diane : Most: Erica and Jeremy from "Try Me." And Jeremy would only be let in the door if he was shirtless. I mean, look at those abs!

Least: Johanna’s mother from "On One Condition." I don’t care much for her.

Jess : What sparked the idea for your Take a Chance Series?

Diane : The first scene, where Jeremy is alone and beaten in a desert, and feeling sorry for himself. That scene rose in my head, and I hurried to get it written. And when I discovered he was a Marine? It made him even hotter. Seriously.

Jess : Is there one particular scene in "Try Me" that you’re dying for readers to read? Can you tell us anything about it?

Diane : The epilogue! ~laughs~ I’ve heard from a lot of readers, and this seems to be their favorite part—minus Jeremy’s abs. And it just so happens to be mine, too. If you buy it and read it, feel free to contact me and let me know if you agree!

Jess : If "Try Me" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Diane : Channing Tatum as Jeremy—he so looks the part. He’d be perfect. And Nina Dobrev for Erica. I think she could get that whole haunted, uncertain quality down pat.


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

Diane : It varies, really. But for "Try Me," it was the first scene with Jeremy that got the juices flowing.

Jess : Please describe your hero, from "Try Me," in one to two sentences.

Diane : He’s hot with tattoos and a pair of abs that can inspire lust in anyone. But deep down, he’s longing for love from the one person he can never have—and can never stop loving.

Jess : In regards to your most recent novel, if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Diane : Nope, I don’t think so. I loved the characters, and the book itself. I love Jeremy and Erica. I wouldn’t change a thing!

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

Diane : I’ve written fifteen novels and novellas. I think. There might be more. All of them are either published or with publishers being considered. I’m an addict, and I can’t stop! ~grin~

And I can’t pick a favorite! I love them all. And if they found out I picked a favorite, what would they think? LOL.

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

Diane : I’m currently working on a fun enemies to lovers story that is taking me for a ride. It’s so refreshing to write characters that hate each other.

Also, the second book in the Take a Chance series will be out in a little while, and it’s called "Love Me." It’s Tommy’s story.

Thank you for having me here today! I hope to come back to visit again, soon!

---

About the Author :

Diane Alberts current contracted works with Entangled Publishing are: "ON ONE CONDITION" (February 2012, Ever After line), "DIVINELY RUINED" (Divine Temptations Trilogy #1, April 2012, Ever After line), and "TRY ME" (Take a Chance #1, May 2012, Ever After line). Her current works with Decadent Publishing are: "KILL ME TOMORROW" (October 2011, 1NightStand series), "RECLAIMED" (December 2011), "ABSOLUTION" (March 2012, Honor Guard series), "BROKEN" (March 2012, 1NightStand series), and "ESCAPE TO ME" (TBA, 1NightStand series).

Diane Alberts has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another.

She is a multi-published, bestselling author with Entangled Publishing and Decadent Publishing. She is repped by her fabulous agent, Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. She has, as of this date, two books with Entangled Publishing, and five books with Decadent Publishing. Her February release with Entangled Publishing, "ON ONE CONDITION," hit #18 on the Barnes and Noble Bestseller List. She has a lot of projects currently being shopped around by her fabulous agent, and her goal is to write so many fantastic books that even a non-romance book fan will know her name.

---

"Try Me" [Take a Chance Series, Book 1] by Diane Alberts
My Book Summary :

It's been seven years since that terrible night when Jeremy lost the friendship of not only his best friend, but also the girl he has always loved (Erica) his best friend's little sister. All because of one lie that he didn't even tell.

However, when he thought about the day when he would see Erica again he never envisioned himself being dirty, bruised, and dehydrated on the side of the road outside of Las Vegas. He had hoped if they ever did see each other again he'd be painted in a better light then looking like he was following in his old man's footsteps. Nevertheless, here they are hanging out again and he's soon realizing that he is still completely in love with her, while she still seems unattainable to him.

Yet Erica has her own secrets .... one is that she has always loved Jeremy too! Also, her love for him hasn't seemed to lesson over the years. But her other secret might just scare him away for good if they ever get closer, like every other man, so she has to keep Jeremy at arms length no matter the cost. The only thing is will Jeremy allow her to do that?? [Click HERE to read my review of this novel!]

---

Giveaway!! :

• An e-book copy of "Try Me"

The Fine Print -- To Enter :

1. This contest ends on July 16th 2012.
2. This contest is International!!
3. It's the author/publisher's responsibility to ensure that the winner gets the book, not mine.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


GOOD LUCK!! =0)

---

Find Diane Alberts :

• Diane Alberts - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook Page
• Goodreads

Feasted On: The Accidental Movie Star by Emily Evans

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 1910 KB | Release Date: June 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"The Accidental Movie Star" by Emily Evans

My Book Summary : Every summer Ashley spends it in LA with her Hollywood executive father. However, this summer it's a little different since she is working as an unpaid production assistant on her dad's latest movie so she can show good work experience on her college applications. Every day she works there, she just finds another reason to enjoy her typical normal life in Texas with her mom, away from all of the drama that comes with casts and the "Hollywood scene."

Still she's surprised by her own instant "friendship" with the lead actor of the movie, Caspian (Caz). They have a unique bond that grows only stronger when her role has production assistant slowly turns over to his "personal assistant." Then even closer, when the director suddenly tells her to help Caz learn how to kiss and to get on camera for them!! Yikes!

Nevertheless, will things progress smoothly or will rumors and conniving crewmembers get in the way??

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, this is a light, fun, and charming novel that I could not get enough of!! Caz and Ashley played off so well with each other that I wish there was a sequel novel so I could read more about them! Nevertheless, all of the characters had such get energy and chemistry that made this novel work so well!

Another reason for my thoroughly enjoy this novel was because of the new take assistant route that I have yet to read from. I don't know how else to describe it but I liked it!

I definitely recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a young adult romance with a Hollywood-spin to it!!

Book Teaser(s) :

"Show me your tea source."
"You have a trailer with a kitchenette."
Caz shrugged again.
"Fine, let me know when you have a break. We'll need at least twenty minutes."
Caz's eyes brightened. "We can---"
Sipping from the cup intended for Caz, Garrett joined them. Ashley narrowed her eyes and shook her head at the tea thief.
Garrett grinned around the white plastic lid. "I prefer tea with extra sugar, no milk."
"It wasn't yours," Caz said.
Ashley looked at Caz pointedly as he sipped from her cup--like he had any room to point fingers. ~ within Chapter 7

"Here." She set the cup down on the prop desk. Caz wore the uniform of a young police sergeant.
Caz sniffed at the cup, smelling the coffee. "That's not tea."
Ashley rolled her eyes. "I know, the director said to give it to you."
"You know I drink tea."
"I know. If you say that one more time, I'm not going to be happy."
"I know." ~ within Chapter 13

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

Disappointmentville: Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Format: Paperback | Pages: 307 | Release Date: December 2006 | Publisher: Plume | Obtained: Friends of the Pasquotank-Camden Library - Fall Book Sale

"Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos

My Book Summary : When Martin walked into the cafe that Cornelia managed she didn't realize but her life was about to change forever. Cornelia definitely is smitten with him; especially since he's exactly her, type and looks just like Cary Grant (whom she has a crush on for years). Nevertheless, their relationship isn't an easy one especially when Martin takes a while to open up and he has a few secrets, Clare being one of them.

Clare is Martin's eleven-year-old daughter who is dealing with her own issues that seem to be getting out of control. She and her mother (Viviana) used to be a duo that always worked together. Yet recently Viviana has been acting strangely, not her normal-self, and not being a very good mother either.

Soon Cornelia, Clare, & Martin's lives will change in ways that none of them expect and in some ways that make them better people. If only everything else could work out the way, they want it to.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, this is a moving story about what happens when love comes to you in unexpected ways. I really did not enjoy this story, mostly because I hated Clare's parents (Martin & Viviana). They were both too self-involved for my liking. Plus, even though the ending was sweet and I liked who Cornelia ended up with, it still didn't end the way it should have.

I don't recommend this book but it you decide to read it then I say I hope you'll enjoy it more than I did.

On a side note -- I loved Cornelia and the way she was described. Since she's described as being quirky, a small woman, with dark short hair, and all I kept thinking about was how she was just like Kristan Higgins' Cordelia from "Until There Was You."

Author's Novel Extras : Acclaim | Excerpts | Reading Group Guide

Book Teaser(s) :

I brought up the previous tweaked quotation mainly to discuss how it's only partly accurate because, as far as I can tell, no matter what the circumstances, parenthood is thrust upon a parent. No one is ever quite ready; everyone is always caught off guard. Parenthood chooses you. And you open your eyes, look at what you've got, say "Oh, my gosh," and recognize that of all the balls there ever were, this is the one you should not drop. It's not a question of choice. ~ within Chapter 11

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

Made the Grade: Take a Chance Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 217 KB | Expected Release Date: May 23, 2012 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Try Me" [Take a Chance Series, Book 1] by Diane Alberts

My Book Summary : It's been seven years since that terrible night when Jeremy lost the friendship of not only his best friend, but also the girl he has always loved (Erica) his best friend's little sister. All because of one lie that he didn't even tell.

However, when he thought about the day when he would see Erica again he never envisioned himself being dirty, bruised, and dehydrated on the side of the road outside of Las Vegas. He had hoped if they ever did see each other again he'd be painted in a better light then looking like he was following in his old man's footsteps. Nevertheless, here they are hanging out again and he's soon realizing that he is still completely in love with her, while she still seems unattainable to him.

Yet Erica has her own secrets .... one is that she has always loved Jeremy too! Also, her love for him hasn't seemed to lesson over the years. But her other secret might just scare him away for good if they ever get closer, like every other man, so she has to keep Jeremy at arms length no matter the cost. The only thing is will Jeremy allow her to do that??

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this intense novel deals with two stubborn main characters that have loved each other for years but haven't had the best of luck. Follow how they work through their troubled pasts while creating the life they want to have with each other.

I loved Jeremy!! He has this intensity that I think would be wonderful in a spouse!! My only problem was how both Erica and Jeremy deal with bring up their issues which is they either accuse each other or hide out of fear from what the other would do. Yet, even though I say that, I don't know how I'd rather have it written since it seemed to work out for them. I like them as the characters they were so I wouldn't have changed them, even their insecurities...I guess. =0)

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read about hot military men finding the love of their lives. Or to those who enjoy contemporary romance novels!!

Author's Novel Extras : Sell Sheet | Six Sentence Sunday- TRY ME | #SixSunday– #TryMe from @entangledpub | #SixSunday– #TryMe #3 @entangledpub

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1

Erica took a more cautious bite, then closed her eyes with a blissful sound. Not only was he gorgeous, but he cooked like a damned rock star.
So not fair.
"Wow. You really know your way around the kitchen. I thought you were just showing off."
"Me? Show off? Please. I'm just so naturally attractive to members of the opposite sex that it just seems like I'm showing off. This is all me, baby."
"Call me 'baby' one more time, jerk."
He grinned. "Anything you want, baby." ~ within Chapter 3

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

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Booby Trap

Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"The Booby Trap" by Anne Browning Walker
Expected Publication Released Date: September 1, 2012

Author's Book Description:

Welcome to The Booby Trap, a seedy bar where waitresses’ skirts are high, necklines are low, and customers show up for the eye candy.

When brainy, beautiful, Harvard Ph.D. candidate Bambi Benson wants to study the women of the Booby Trap for her dissertation, she goes undercover and joins them. All is going well for Bambi until handsome local celebrity Trip Whitley enters the scene.

Hoping to shock his high-society family by dating a bimbo, Trip offers to pay Bambi to pretend to be his girlfriend. She accepts his offer and bides her time, waiting for the right moment to reveal her true identity and teach Trip not to judge based on appearances.

After a series of dates carefully orchestrated for their publicity value, Bambi’s trap is set. But there’s one problem: the predator might have fallen in love with her prey.

Teaser Tuesdays: Try Me

Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Try Me" [Take a Chance Series, Book 1] by Diane Alberts

Book Teaser:

With a snort, he ducked his head against the sunlight and trudged along the road. At least he'd get to work on his tan.
That tan was turning into the beginning of a sunburn before he finally heard a car engine rumbling behind him. It was the first sign of life he'd seen since he stumbled out of the desert. Finally. He'd started to think he'd slept through the end of the world. Zombies optional. ~ within Chapter 1

Feasted On: Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 436 KB | Expected Release Date: July 9, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Sharing Hailey" by Samantha Ann King

My Book Summary : Hailey just got out of a very bad relationship. She knew for a while now that she should have broken up with Daniel sooner then she did but for some reason she always thought their relationship would get better. That was until the emotional abuse for Daniel escalated to physical abuse.

Now she's going on her family/friends annual trip to Hawaii with hopes to enjoy the sun while putting Daniel and their broken relationship out of her mind.

However, the one thing she never thought would happen .... her older brother's two best friends, Mark & Tony--whom she has had crushes on for years now, would declare their love for her and propose getting into a monogamous ménage à trois. It's all so tempting especially when they all agree to give it a try and start steaming up their sheets/bathrooms/lounge chairs.

Nevertheless, their newfound happiness is put to the test when Daniel decides he won't let her go .... no matter what the cost!

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this sexually charged romantic thriller is sweet, exciting, and mysterious as you follow the ramifications that Hailey goes through after breaking up with her ex. I loved the relationship and love that Hailey shares with Mark & Tony! Especially since, they've found a way to make them all happy without hurting their friendships. However, even though all relationships have their own trials and tribulations, the ones that these three deal with are harder then usual since Daniel turns out to be a psychopath! It definitely puts a different spin on what happens to their relationship, while keeping the reader entertained enough to see what is going to happen between them!

The only problem I had with this novel was Hailey towards the end of the novel. I mean I loved that the guys understood her worries and concerns, and I loved how the novel turns out at the end, but some of her complaints and worries really annoyed me. And had me wishing she had made some different decisions along the way.

With that being said....I still would recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read ménage romances!

Book Teaser(s) :

“Think about it, Hailey. We’ve been sharing you for years.”
She blushed and tightened her fingers on the mug, trying not to squirm. “Not like that.”
“The only thing that’s changing is that we’ve told you how we feel about you.”
She raised her eyebrows in disbelief.
His crooked grin was a little sheepish. “Well, that and the sex.”
Hailey’s glanced to the crotch of his khaki cargo shorts, and her face got hotter. Her ears were actually burning. Forget that. Her whole body was burning.
“Yeah,” he said. “I’m hoping to do something about that too. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable it is to have a constant hard-on when I’m around you?” ~ within Chapter 4

“But I don’t believe for one second that you two have been celibate for a whole year.”
“You’re right. It’s been fifteen months for me.” Mark shrugged. “I know it sounds pathetic.”
“Bullshit,” she said.
Mark blinked. “Huh?”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Why would he lie?” Tony asked.
“I don’t believe you either,” she replied.
“Why would we lie?”
“I don’t know. But there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that the women of Albuquerque have allowed you two to remain celibate for the last twelve—” She stared hard at Mark, “—to fifteen months.”
“Are you saying we’re easy?” Mark asked indignantly.
Hailey laughed. “I’m saying you’re hot and women throw themselves at you and you’d have to be a saint not to succumb.”
“Then call the pope and start the paperwork,” Mark replied smugly. ~ within Chapter 12

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