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, January 6, 2017
Blog Tour - All Jazzed Up by Tracy Ellen | Spreading the Word
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
What was I thinking?: A Marsden Novel, Book 2
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1215 KB | Release Date: July 17, 2014 | Publisher: Kensington Books : eKensington | Obtained: NetGalley"Picture This" [A Marsden Novel, Book 2] by Jayne Denker
What was I thinking? : I've been interested in reading about "celebrities" falling in love with "normal people" lately. So, once I read the Author's Book Description I thought this was going to be right up my alley. Yet, even though the plot was what I wanted, in some ways, the main characters were annoying when it came to how they expressed their feelings for each other that after a while they ruined my enjoyment of it.
Author's Book Description : It’s where everyone knows your business—and remembers everything you’d rather forget. But somehow the little Catskills town of Marsden draws the most unlikely people back home, turns their lives every which way, and helps them finally figure out what—and who—they want most...
As a celebrity photographer’s assistant, Celia Marshall is used to seeing all kinds of weird antics. But subbing as the model in irrepressible movie star Niall Crenshaw’s latest endorsement ad—while wearing his silk boxers, no less—is definitely not in her job description. Neither is falling for him, especially since he’s dating his latest co-star. To complicate things further, Celia is returning to Marsden to keep an eye on her eccentric grandmother—and Niall is driving her there, then staying to judge a talent contest...
Soon Celia is pulled in a dozen different directions, trying to get her grandmother to act her age, placating her frantic former boss who’s organizing the contest—and attempting to stay away from funny, sexy Niall. Celia’s always been level headed, but suddenly she’s wishing she could get reckless right along with him. Has the time come for sensible Celia to cut loose?...
My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. I really tried to like this novel; the beginning was good yet from the halfway point until the end I had to push through it. There were just SOO many second-guesses by Celia and Niall that all I really wanted to do was shake some sense into them most of the way through. Thankfully, some of the secondary characters (like Nora and Holly) and Neil's comedic timing were entertaining.
I couldn't see how this was a Rom-Com, as I found it more to be a Dramedy being heavy on the drama and indecisive characters.
Overall, I wasn't a fan of this novel so I don't recommend it.
Nevertheless, if you were a fan of "Down on Love," book 1 of this series, and/or enjoy Dramedies then you'll like this novel.
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Picture This - Marsden, NY | So This Is Happening...Time to Go Back to Marsden!
Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Down on Love | Is It November Yet? | Five Stars from Fab Fan Fic! | Get ‘Down on Love’ Today! | A Little Sumpin’ Extra on My Book Cover | Did Someone Say PIE? | #ChickLitLove, Day 1: Meet the Heroines | #ChickLitLove, Day 2: Excerptapalooza! | #ChickLitLove, Day 3: The Heroes (“Mmm...Heroes...” /Homer) | #ChickLitLove, Day 4: It’s All About the Besties
Book Teaser(s) :
"You mean it's going to take longer than just this weekend?" Niall couldn't keep the disappointment out of his voice.
Celia actually smiled, though her eyes were watery. "Gran's pretty darn stubborn."
"Imagine that."
"What are you implying?"
"Nothing! Nothing. I am saying absolutely nothing about certain traits running in the family. So . . . Vic's okay with it, right?"
She shrugged. "He told me not to expect him to hold my job for me if I'm gone for more than a week."
"Dick."
"He's got a business to run."
"What did you tell him?"
"That if there wasn't a job for me at his place when I got back, I'd get a better job as a leg model."
Niall laughed heartily. "Atta girl." ~ within Chapter 6
"Tell me you love me."For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Jayne, then please check out her website.
"Dude . . ."
"Say it, or I'm not telling you the good news. Say, 'Trent, I love you. You are the most amazing personal assistant anyone could ever have. I'm doubling your salary.'"
"Trent, you are the most annoying person on the planet, and if you don't tell me right now, you're fired."
"Empty threat. I have the advantage."
"Come on---!" ~ within Chapter 20
Saturday, March 5, 2016
What was I thinking?: The Prairie State Friends Series, Book 2
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon: Paperback - Pages: 320; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1632 KB; Audible - Unabridged; Audio CD - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2015 | Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. : Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition | Obtained: NetGalley"The Gift" [The Prairie State Friends Series, Book 2] by Wanda E. Brunstetter
What was I thinking? : As stated above I received this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When I first saw the novel I was intrigued by its cover and book description, therefore I felt confident that I would enjoy this novel as I have with other Amish romances. Sad to say I was wrong... yet while I didn't love this novel my goal is to always promote the book that I've read, if you don't like my review make sure to check out the extras posted to promote the novel underneath it. So, here we go...
Author's Book Description : Publisher’s Weekly, CBA and ECPA Bestseller
Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his three nieces and finds himself needing a wife. Despite their differences over her practice of reflexology, Leah Mast seems the best option to fill that role. Can they make it work in a modern-day marriage of convenience?
My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. A continuation from Ms. Brunstetter's "The Decision," focuses around Leah and Adam. Leah practices reflexology, which she learned from her grandmother and considers it a gift she can give to others. Adam is a confirmed bachelor, with plans to stay that way, and owns the local hardware store. Neither really like each other because of their view on reflexology. However, when a freak accident leaves Adam's three nieces in his care both Leah and Adam's lives will be forever changed ... but will those changes be for all the better?
Okay while I didn't love this novel, I have to get these facts straight...
- FIRST -- This is the first time I've read a book by Ms. Brunstetter.
- SECOND -- I have read Amish romance novels before and really liked them.
- THIRD -- When choosing this novel to read/review I was hoping the novel would be a little like Patricia Davids' "Katie's Redemption" as the "heroes" from both novels have slightly similar backstories.
While I'll admit that Adam's childhood is deeply sad it has turned him into a harsh man who doesn't know how to deal with social interactions well. In addition, he seemed like a dense and uncaring character that it was hard to believe him when he tried to act sincere. Nevertheless, as this novel progressed and who Adam's mother was became revealed (which I had already guessed prior to it coming out) you find out that some of Adam's attitude/behavior might be inherited from his parents as his mother seems dense too I mean just read this quote from her...
What if she located the place where the wedding was being held and found out that she wasn't welcome? ~ Adam's MotherBasically, Adam's mother's plan was to show up uninvited to his wedding, which knowing their tremulous relationship wasn't a good idea. Between Adam and his mother, I felt like giving up on this novel more than once.
What made me stick with this novel was Leah, her family, and her friends. Leah is sweet, kindhearted, and a good woman. I would have loved having her as a friend and learning a bit about her reflexology was cool too. In addition, I was very sad to hear that one of Leah's friends pass away as I had come too really like her in this novel.
As this was the first novel from this series that I've read, I will say that some of the multiple subplots threw me for a loop. The scenes from Elaine and Priscilla's POVs seemed a bit strained, while the POV's from Adam and his mother made me want to pull my hair out half the time, whereas the scenes from Leah's POV mostly made me happy.
Overall, if you are not a fan of Ms. Brunstetter's before looking into this novel (like me) than I DO NOT recommend it.
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) : The Decision (Book 1) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Hardcover) : The Decision (Book 1) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Compact Disc) : The Decision (Book 1) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Paperback) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Hardcover, Large Print) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - Compact Disc) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Shop Your Local Bookstores (IndieBound - MP3 CD) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Decision (Book 1) | Amazon (Kindle) : The Restoration (Book 3) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : The Decision (Book 1) | Barnes & Noble (NOOK Book) : The Restoration (Book 3)
My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Second Sentence Saturday: The Gift
Author's Novel Extras :
Posted by Wanda E. Brunstetter on Monday, July 6, 2015
Author's Series Extras : The Prairie State Friends Series - Overview
Author's Book Trailer :
Book Teaser(s) :
He might be the most attractive single Amish man in Arthur, but as far as she was concerned, he had the personality of a donkey. ~ within Chapter 1
Leah suppressed a giggle. "I seem to be falling a lot lately whenever Adam's around."
"What do you mean?"
"I saw him at Rockome Garden Foods the other day and managed to slip in honey that got on the floor when he dropped a jar of the stuff."
"Oh no! Maybe it's a sign that you're meant to stick together." Priscilla snickered. ~ within Chapter 8
Book Preview(s) :
Thursday, April 11, 2013
What was I thinking?: Not Quite Series, Book 1
Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 456 KB | Release Date: November 2012 | Publisher: Montlake Romance | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About On The Author's Facebook Page"Not Quite Dating" [Not Quite Series, Book 1] by Catherine Bybee
What was I thinking? : I liked the Author's Book Description and a few other of her books so I thought I'd give it a try.
Author's Book Description : Waitress and single mom Jessica “Jessie” Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn’t, she’d be determined to provide her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had—and that would mean a husband with big bucks. When Jack Morrison—a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin—tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. Yet with Christmas just weeks away, and Jessie not wanting to spend it alone, the charming Texan is proving hard to resist.
As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But Jack needs someone who will fall in love with him—not his wealth. He’s set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way...
To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks. But Jack’s daring charade may rob him of the holiday wish he wants most of all...
My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars--a rich man finds the woman who might just be the perfect girl for him, if only he can prove to her that his lying to her about his wealth and who he really was had nothing to do with her personally then everything would be perfect...
I really tried to like this novel. And in some ways, I kind of did like it, mostly because of Jack and his sweet ways of trying to woo Jessie. Yet, even so, I didn't like Jessie all that much. I understand that she's used to guys using her and watching her mother deal with a string of men. Nevertheless, because of all of that she gets into a "non-ish" relationship with Jack. Mostly she sort of uses him for emotional support yet doesn't want anything more from him because she's afraid that he's a "dreamer" and is going to take off on her whenever the time comes. Even though there is no proof, he'll take off or that he plans too other than him not portraying the rich man facade that he actually is.
Basically, it was very annoying at times. So much so that by the time I got to the middle of Chapter 11, I was done with the novel.
I do hope that if you decide to read this novel you'll enjoy it more than I did. However, I do not recommend it.
- On a side note -
I liked what I read about Jack's best friends and I'm interested to see (if they're the heroes in this series) who they'll end up with.
My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Before the Moon Rises
My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013
Author's Novel Extras : Not Quite Dating - Excerpt | Happy New Year! | Bybee and Montlake | Six Sentence Sunday ~Not Quite Dating | Six Sentence Sunday ~ Not Quite Dating | Short Excerpt ~ Not Quite Dating ~ | Squee! I have Cover Art! | Three More Weeks! Not Quite Dating | Amazon Top 10 Bestseller | Not Quite Dating Trailer | Release Day for Not Quite Dating | I'm giving away signed copies... | One Month Ago Today... | Goodbye 2012 | I'm On Sale! | Gold Digger or Just Smart?
Author's Series Extras : Writing Romance is Hard Work | Not Quite Mine has ART! | Video Blog Reading | ARC's? Who wants one?
Author's Book Trailer :
Book Teaser(s) :
“Third table down from the buffet table. Dark hair, a little thick around the middle.” Jack moved to the side so she could see whom he was talking about.
Thick? “At least he couldn’t be my dad, but please, Jack. He looks like a gangster.” Boy did he, short, calorically challenged, and with too much flashy jewelry.
“He probably is. He has what we call ‘family money.’ I don’t think he’s worked a day in his life.”
“A bum with deep pockets,” Jessie said.
“Right.”
“No bums, rich or not. A man has to make his own living. I don’t want someone who will drown if the stock market drops. The guy has to be able to dig himself back out.” Jessie glanced over the heads again.
“So let me get this straight. Rich, not too fat, self-made, young... did I leave anything out?”
“He’s gotta like kids.”
Jack blew out a long breath. “That’s a tall order, darlin’. You sure that kind of guy is out there?”
It was a lofty list. “I’m not sure of anything, Jack. This was your idea.” Her tone was short.
“OK, all right, don’t get all defensive. The night’s still young.”
She glanced at her watch. Actually, it was past eleven already. And no one new was walking in the door. ~ within Chapter 4
“I’m beat.”For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Catherine, then please check out her website.
“But I want to hear more about this date.”
“It wasn’t a date.”
“He drove you home.”
“That’s because my car wouldn’t start,” she said, explaining the situation.
“He kissed you at the door, and it’s almost three in the morning.”
“We talked in the back of the limo, watched the planes take off.”
“You were in a limo?”
Oh boy, not the information her sister needed to hear if Jessie was going to get any sleep before her son woke her up. “The hotel limo. Jack finagled it to give me a ride home. It wasn’t a date.”
“Sounds like a date to me.”
Jessie had spent the whole night in Jack’s presence, driven home with the guy, talked about their past, their futures. That kiss wouldn’t be forgotten any time soon. “Not quite a date.”
Monica pushed in between the covers of her bed with a catty smile. “If what I saw is ‘not quite dating,’ I want some.” She air quoted the dating statement and then turned off the light.
“Good night, Mo.”
“Night, sis. Have amazing, ‘not quite kissing’ dreams.”
Jessie tossed a pillow at her. “Brat.” ~ within Chapter 6
Saturday, May 24, 2014
What was I thinking?: Night Games by Collette West
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 252; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1577 KB | Release Date: February 25, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: IMR Promotions"Night Games" by Collette West
What was I thinking? : As soon as I read the Author's Book Description I thought this is exactly something I'd like to read about, I just wish it was as good as I had hoped.
Author's Book Description : The moment Grey Kelleher locks eyes with All-Star shortstop Chase Whitfield, she's a goner. For years, she's watched him play on TV, and now she's gazing at his hard, lean body across a bar in her hometown.
Grey's crush on Chase goes all the way back to his rookie season. So when she approaches him for an autograph, she's startled by what a jerk he can be.
Chase is no mood to humor his fans, even one as alluring as Grey. He's in the last year of his contract and stuck having to prove himself on a minor league team. He's only there to rehab an injury, nothing more.
But when Grey tells him off, Chase realizes her fiery spirit may be just the distraction he needs to take his mind off not being in the majors. His heart is safe. No one's going to break his streak as baseball's most eligible bachelor. Not even someone as irresistible as Grey.
My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars. I tried so hard to like this novel, yet even though I forced my way through it, I was only able to thoroughly enjoy the last four chapters (chapter 28 - the epilogue). The main reason was the characters! First off Grey's sister Erin acted way to crazy for the first eight chapters for me to even like her that much (even though I will admit she had good reasons for acting that way). Then there's Grey & Chase. I liked them when they were hitting things off together, but that was about only 50% of the time during the first twenty or so chapters. So, just trying to deal with all of the stubborn attitudes made this novel a major struggle for me to like let alone to finish reading.
The twists were completely unexpected. Some twists were enjoyable, some made me mad enough that I almost stopped reading a few different times. As it is, the plot definitely keeps you on your toes.
I don't recommend this novel, as I was not a fan, yet if you're wanting to give it a try it is for those who like sports theme contemporary romances.
Purchase This Book Here :
Author's Novel Extras : New Teaser Images | 1 Day until release! New teaser images! | Release Day! | Turn the Page - InkSlinger PR blog tour review stop | Cafeobiblioart - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Pretty Lil Page Turners - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Sofia Loves Books - InkSlinger PR blog tour giveaway | Typical Distractions - Inkslinger PR blog tour excerpt | Check out my Tasty Tours blog tour banner! | Kindle Obsessed - InkSlinger PR blog tour excerpt | Ebook Escapes - InkSlinger PR blog tour interview & review | Rumpled Sheets Blog - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Carol Clarke Blogs - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Gabic Reads - InkSlinger PR blog tour exclusive excerpt | Throne of Books - InkSlinger PR blog tour - 10 Little Known Facts about Girls Who Crush On Professional Athletes | Sleep Deprived Book Lovers - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Book Freak - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Imagine a World - InkSlinger PR blog tour exclusive excerpt from Chase's POV | Guilty Indulgence - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Broadway Girl Book Reviews - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - InkSlinger PR blog tour dream cast | Cocktails and Books - InkSlinger PR blog tour guest post on inspiration for NIGHT GAMES | The Indie Express - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | Ali Crean is sharing Grey's first post for The Queen of Diamonds at All Things in Between | Read That - InkSlinger PR blog tour review | I Am A Book Shark - InkSlinger PR blog tour exclusive excerpt | Stories & Swag - InkSlinger PR blog tour NIGHT GAMES official playlist | Ladies, who is the hottest athlete in professional sports? GIVEAWAY | Clutter Your Kindle - IMR Promotions blog tour sizzling hot NIGHT GAMES excerpt | Butorfleoge - another hot NIGHT GAMES excerpt from my IMR blog tour | Burning Impossibly Bright's review of NIGHT GAMES from my IMR blog tour | Books Forget Me Knot - New steamy excerpt from NIGHT GAMES | Beauty and the Book - New 4-star review of NIGHT GAMES | For Whom the Books Toll - Erin gives Grey some sisterly advice about men in this NIGHT GAMES excerpt | Paulette's Papers - Exclusive excerpt from NIGHT GAMES ... Did Chase just ask Grey to...? | One of my favorite lines from NIGHT GAMES | One of my favorite lines from Chase's POV | NIGHT GAMES review by Serena Akeroyd | Awesome NIGHT GAMES review + fun excerpt & giveaway at Lustful Literature | Sexy NIGHT GAMES excerpt at Book Reviews & More by Kathy | Why jerks deserve a place in romantic fiction - my guest post at Ever After Romance Book Blog | New NIGHT GAMES review at Jodie's W.I.N.E. List | Read a tender excerpt from NIGHT GAMES at Craves the Angst | I talk about how a jaded leading man can be redeemed at romance writer Sara Walter Elwood's blog | Would a celebrity really date a regular person? I answer this & more today at Christine Warner's blog! | New NIGHT GAMES review at Racing to Read | Is Chase Whitfield really that different from other New Adult leading men? Read my thoughts at Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More | Getting into the swing of the baseball season with a new NIGHT GAMES review at Snarky Mom Reads | NIGHT GAMES is published... What's Next? | Top 10 Reasons Why Chase Whitfield Should Be Your Next Book Boyfriend + NIGHT GAMES review at Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess | "With the right woman, a man can get his act together!" The Many Faces of Romance reviews NIGHT GAMES! | Why the dedication to "those who've ever had a crush on a baseball player" drew this reader in at Amazing Reading Experiences! | Read a humorous except between Grey and her sister Erin as they talk about stalking Chase at Chelsea's Reading Adventures! | Read a hot excerpt from Chase's POV at The Lustful Literate | Read a steamy excerpt from Grey's POV at Daydream Books! | New snuggly cute excerpt from Chase at The Suburban Eclectic Review! | New review of NIGHT GAMES at Literary Nook
Book Teaser(s) :
I’ve freakin’ kidnapped Chase Whitfield.
I glance over at him. He’s biting his thumbnail, his arm propped up against the partially rolled-down window. The humidity is still high even though it’s the middle of the night, but so far he hasn’t complained about my truck’s lack of air conditioning. In fact, he hasn’t said much at all since I laid down the law.
But I couldn’t resist. I mean, he was acting like a dick. ~ within Chapter 11
“Yeah, he spooked you, didn’t he? Damn it, Richie. I apologize for my husband, Chase. He gets a little high-handed when I’m not there to keep him in check.”For more information on this book and/or any other books by Collette, then please check her out on the Goodreads' website.
Grey looks away at her mom’s words, no doubt thinking of the day when her mom really won’t be there to scold her father.
“No, it’s fine, Mrs. Kelleher, really.”
“My goodness, you’re even better looking in person.”
“Mom!”
“What? Can’t I admire a handsome man when I see one?”
“Not out loud.”
“I still think you should have been named Sexiest Man Alive instead of the scrawny judge on that singing competition. A man who weighs less than most women? What’s sexy about that?”
“Oh God, Mom.”
“Chase, look at you, all nice and developed. Now that’s what I call a bicep. Come over here. Let me see for myself just how strong you are.”
Grey’s face is beet red, but I’m getting a kick out of her mother. Now I can see where Grey gets her feistiness from.
“Go ahead, Mrs. Kelleher. Be my guest.”
I move up to the side of the bed on my crutches and she reaches up to give my arm a good squeeze.
“Solid as a rock.”
“Too bad I can’t say the same for my knee.”
“Too bad I can’t say the same for my whole body.”
I immediately feel like I just stuck my foot in my mouth, comparing my trivial health problem to hers.
“I didn’t mean—”
“Of course not. Don’t even pay attention to me. But did you ever have one of those days when you’d do anything to feel normal again? Even just for a day?”
“Lately, I’m afraid I have, ma’am.” ~ within Chapter 28
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Blog Tour - Feasted On: Waiting For Daybreak by Amanda McNeil | Interview & Review
Today I'm turning my blog over to Amanda McNeil, who I interviewed about her latest novel "Waiting For Daybreak !!"ALSO -- Be sure to check out the "Waiting For Daybreak" Blog Tour Schedule to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs on it's various blogs!! [Blog Tour will run from June 13 - August 31, 2012]
My Q&A with Amanda McNeil :
Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Amanda : I grew up in Vermont and moved to Boston about 7 years ago. My interest in everything and anything naturally led me into librarianship, and a late-blooming passion for healthcare and science funneled me into medical librarianship. When I’m not working or writing, I’m working out, playing videogames, cooking, or exploring Boston. Ok, ok, and snuggling my kitty.
Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?
Amanda : My absolute favorite series as a kid was the Little House on the Prairie series. I was basically obsessed with them. I also loved the Betsy-Tacy and In Grandma’s Attic series. Basically I enjoyed anything about young girls living in another time period.Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?
Amanda : I would most want to invite Bartleby, the demon from "Ecstatic Evil," to dinner. He’s not only completely fabulous and intelligent, but also can magic any food or drink out of thin air. Can you imagine the cocktails?I would least want Mike from "Waiting For Daybreak" over for dinner, because he is, honestly, kind of a douchebag. I can’t imagine having much to talk about with him or really enjoying the dinner at all.
Jess : Please describe your heroine, from "Waiting For Daybreak," in one to two sentences.Amanda : Frieda is a petite, intelligent, 20-something woman who struggles with social interactions and feels her emotions more strongly than most. Although she is great at caring for others, she struggles with caring for and loving herself.
Jess : What sparked the idea for "Waiting For Daybreak?"
Amanda : I work as a medical librarian, and I had been reading about fMRI scans of people with Borderline Personality Disorder showing that their amygdalas are a different size from those of people without a mental illness. I was thinking about that while I was walking home from the bus stop (I take public transit). It happened to be Thanksgiving weekend, and Boston empties almost completely out as most of the population goes someplace else for the holiday. The empty streets combined with the fMRI studies made me think: what if there was a zombie virus to which the mentally ill were immune? It just flowed from there.
Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?
Amanda : I think the central conflict usually comes first. What the setting of the world is like and what universal or at least universally understandable problem exists for the character. In "Waiting For Daybreak" the zombie outbreak combined with the mentally ill being left healthy creating the driving question “what is normal” came before any characters. That’s typical of most of my writing process.
Jess : If "Waiting For Daybreak" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?
Amanda : This is such a fun question! Ok, looking at currently working actresses, for Frieda I would say Elizabeth Olsen. I saw her in Martha Marcy May Marlene in which she plays a mentally disturbed young woman, and I think she pulled it off beautifully. I could easily see her handling Frieda. Plus, she’s approximately the right age for it. She’s not exactly the right look, but hair, make-up, and wardrobe could take care of that.
Mike would ideally be played by Tom Felton. He’s got the skinny bad boy look down, but I think he can do charming douchebag who is also deep and wounded quite well. The man has acting chops!
Jess : In regards to "Waiting For Daybreak," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?Amanda : No, I wouldn’t. I think it’s important to learn from every book you write and put that toward the next book, but it’s equally important to not get hung up on coulda woulda shoulda’s. In that moment of my life, this was the story that was in me that I told. That is not to say *at all* that it is anywhere near perfect, but I view writing as a trajectory of improvement. You don’t go back and change things you’ve already finished.
Jess : When writing "Waiting For Daybreak" did you listen to a certain song list/playlist that you could share with us?
Amanda : Yes, I did, and I’m so glad you asked this question! When I’m writing, I sometimes do listen to music on my ipod to drown out surrounding noise, and it has to be something that relaxes me, sets the tone, and has no lyrics to distract. So for this book that was the traditional Irish band, Lúnasa. I have two of their albums: Merry Sisters of Fate and Otherworld.Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?
Amanda : I’ve finished this book and a novella. "Waiting For Daybreak" is my favorite, purely because the subject matter is so important to me. "Ecstatic Evil" is fun, but it wasn’t nearly as emotional for me to write.Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?
Amanda : Yes indeed! My goal is a book a year, and I’ve already started working on the next book. It will be set in a near future where the dark gods of Lovecraftian fame have taken over Boston. Told in four different perspectives, it will examine sibling relationships. I’m quite excited about it.
I’m also hoping to squeeze in the long promised sequel to "Ecstatic Evil" in time for Thanksgiving this year, but we’ll see if the muses will let me.
More long-term, there will be a sequel to "Waiting For Daybreak" that will be written after the Lovecraftian book.
Jess : Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
Amanda : Lol, no, I am the direct opposite. I never saw the point in making a bed, and it was one of the first things I quit doing upon leaving home. ;-)
Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Amanda : Hmm, "The Power of Righteous Anger," perhaps.
Jess : What book are you reading now? How do you like it so far?
Amanda : I usually have two books going, one written down (can’t say print, since I read either on my kindle or in print) and one audiobook. My audiobook is "Soft Apocalypse" by Will McIntosh. It’s a great example of a completely unlikable main character working within the story. My current kindle read is "The Wind Through the Keyhole" by Stephen King. When I started it, it almost felt like my body and mind sighed, settling right back into the Dark Tower world with ease.
About the Author :Amanda is an energetic, masters degree educated, 20-something happily living in an attic apartment in Boston with her shelter-adopted cat. She writes scifi, horror, urban fantasy, literary fiction, and paranormal romance. She has previously published short stories and a novella.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 172; Kindle Edition - File Size: 304 KB | Expected Release Date: July 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Waiting For Daybreak Blog Tour"Waiting For Daybreak" by Amanda McNeil
My Book Summary : Frieda has never been what people would call normal --- but now if everyone else is turning into "zombies" being normal is highly overrated.
Follow Frieda as she tries to survive in this new post-apocalyptic world with her cat, Snuggles. Then when she finally thinks she has everything figured out her world again changes. However, will this new change be for the better or could it make her life worse?
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Set in a post-apocalyptic version of Boston where it seems Frieda really is the last "human" survivor. This is one high-intensity novel that will hold you until the end. Frieda has a certain way of explaining things and her life that take you on a rollercoaster ride because of how strongly she feels everything and because of her mental health issues. Plus, the twists that are in this novel are very surprising especially the one at the end.
With that being said, to tell you the truth I'm surprised I even liked this novel. I choose to read it because I liked Amanda's previous novel, "Ecstatic Evil," and I thought sure why not. Yet, why I was surprised that I even liked this novel is because I usually read books that have some type of romance in them and while this one does have a bit of romance I would classify it more as a horror novel. And if there is one thing that I typically never like that is horror movies and books. I usually can't stand them and if my husband makes me watch a horror film I usually do so while watching the back of a pillow or half reading a book so I don't have to focus too much on the plot. Therefore, when I say I'm surprised, I am very surprised!
However, even though there was only one part in "Waiting For Daybreak" that I had to skim through because it was a little too graphic for me, yes I know I'm a wuss, I truly did read it all and enjoyed it!! In addition, because of how I am with horror anything, it was the perfect length for me to read---it gave me enough plot to really like Frieda, as a character but not too much story to have me want to give up reading the novel. Additionally, I liked how throughout this novel Frieda realizes that she isn’t who she use to be, that even though yes she still might have a mental illness what happened to turn the world into a post-apocalyptic nightmare has really made her a better person, at least for herself and her cat if not for anything/anyone else.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading horror novels or post-apocalyptic type of novels. =0)
My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Ecstatic Evil
Book Teaser(s) :
My head is starting to get that pleasant stuffed feeling that accompanies drunkenness. Like someone’s stuffed cotton in your ears and put film over your eyes. Probably not the best choice for the given situation, but, then again, who knows what the best plan is for a situation like this one? It’s frankly amazing that I have yet to draw a face on my volleyball, name it, and carry on existential conversations with it. My prime directive during any encounter with a human being in the last two months has been to kill it. Given that, it’s kind of hard to decide what the best choice is exactly. ~ within Chapter 1
I drop the body and collapse to my knees.For more information on this book and/or any other books by Amanda, then please check out her website.
Even as tears of relief start streaming down my face, I check myself over for injuries. Amazingly, I managed not to stab myself with my own knife in the epic fall of Mr. Armani. The knife is partly stuck into the dirt. I pull it out and wipe it off on the grass, managing to get most of the blood off and resheath it. My arms are shaking. The adrenaline is leaving my body and panic is threatening to take over. I slap myself across the face. “Get a grip on yourself, Frieda,” I lecture myself, “This is about Snuggles.” ~ within Chapter 8
Check out the Giveaways!! :
Find Amanda McNeil :
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Blog Tour - Made the Grade: A Castle for Dragons by Julie Wetzel | Interview, Review, & Crimson Tree Mystery Box Giveaway
Today I'm turning my blog over to Julie Wetzel, who I interviewed about her novel "A Castle for Dragons," which is the The First Archive in The Dragons of Eternity 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(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from August 24 - September 4, 2015]
My Q&A with Julie Wetzel :
Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?
Julie : Of the characters from my books that I could invite to dinner, I would want to have dinner with Darien. Could you imagine all of the things he could tell you? What a wealth of knowledge he could be!I think Rupert would be the harder one to have a meal with. He seems a little rough around the edges and probably wouldn’t be very good dinner company.
Jess : Please describe "A Castle for Dragons" in in one to two sentences.Julie : A brave hero takes on a dragon to protect a village full of troublesome maidens, but nothing is exactly what it seems.
Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?
Julie : Hard question. Usually what I get first is a single scene playing out in my head. From there the characters grow into a storyline.
Jess : It's Patrick vs Patrick -- Is there any differences and/or similarities between Patrick from your "A Castle for Dragons" novel and Patrick from your "Granting Wishes" novel?Julie : I’m surprised I haven’t had this question sooner. About the only similarities are their names and the fact that they are redheads. "A Castle for Dragons" was written well before "Granting Wishes" was. When I went to find a name for a leprechaun, Patrick was the most obvious choice. I didn’t even think of the fact that I had another main character that was named Patrick. They were never meant to be reflections of each other, so any other similarities are just coincidence.
Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within "A Castle for Dragons," do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?Julie : My favorite secondary character has to be Nana. She’s the old lady that Daniel and Patrick find in the castle when they first arrive. We only see her a few times in the story but she is the one that points out that dragons are still known to the world. That no matter how they try to hid, someone will remember them. And crazy old ladies are just fun characters.
Jess : What is the most funny thing one of your characters, from "A Castle for Dragons," said or did?
Julie : There are a lot of cute moments in the book, but my favorite act is where Patrick runs across the tables in the main hall trying to catch Kathryn after a misunderstanding. I always laugh when I think of the Lord of the castle jumping up on the table during dinner and jumping across through the crowd.
Jess : What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?Julie : I liked writing the first encounter between Patrick and the dragon. It’s that moment that Kathryn goes form thinking the new lord is a total show off and worthless, to truly worrying about him and thinking he might not be all that bad. Plus the fight between Patrick and the Dragon was fun to think through.
Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?
Julie : Well, when the second in the Dragons of Eternity series is released, I’ll have eight books in print. I’ve also written two short stories for anthologies and I have several fanfictions out there. I also have two books I’ve completed, but haven’t found the proper place to publish them yet. Their day will come, but I’ve got enough on my plate for now.
As to my favorite. That’s like asking a mother which of her children is her favorite. There are times she hates every one of them, but she loves them all. Right now my golden child is my current work in progress, "For the Heart of Dragons." Simply because I’m spending so much time with it and it hasn’t started to piss me off yet. I’m sure by the time I get to editing I will hate it and be on to another love.
Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?
Julie : Oh the file of unfinished work on my computer would amaze you! I have a lot of irons in the fire, but the one that I’m working on at the moment is "For the Heart of Dragons." It’s the third novel in the Dragons of Eternity series. And I guess I can share a snippet with you.
"For the Heart of Dragons" –
Noah stared at the heart in awe. It was beautiful, but he didn’t know if it would remain so. How long could a dragon survive in this form? He pondered this for a moment, but Raven’s dying words echoed through his brain pushing him to act. Unwilling to take the chance of losing the dragon and he squeezed the gem, slicing the diamond points deep into his palm. Rolling his hand over he let his blood seep out on the heart. The power of the dragon raced up his arm, slamming into his brain. A mighty roar shook his world.
“Mine!” the dragon roared as it claimed its new home.
Noah fought for control over the beast, but the dragon’s rage gave it an unnatural strength. The desire to destroy everything that had hurt Raven coursed thought him. “No!” he cried out. Dropping the blood covered heart, he wrapped his arms around Raven’s body trying to hold onto himself, but the dragon was too strong. It ripped its way out of Noah’s body taking Noah for a ride. The leather collar around his neck forced the dragon into a size smaller then it was used to, but this size was more than enough to do what it wanted for the moment. Noah’s consciousness dropped away as the creature pounced on the body of the man that had killed Raven and started ripping it to shreds.
“Mine!” the dragon roared as it claimed its new home.
Noah fought for control over the beast, but the dragon’s rage gave it an unnatural strength. The desire to destroy everything that had hurt Raven coursed thought him. “No!” he cried out. Dropping the blood covered heart, he wrapped his arms around Raven’s body trying to hold onto himself, but the dragon was too strong. It ripped its way out of Noah’s body taking Noah for a ride. The leather collar around his neck forced the dragon into a size smaller then it was used to, but this size was more than enough to do what it wanted for the moment. Noah’s consciousness dropped away as the creature pounced on the body of the man that had killed Raven and started ripping it to shreds.
Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Julie : Well, my husband thinks it should be "Grievous Bodily Harm: The Misadventures of an Accidental Author." I kicked him for that one before agreeing that it was probably the best title anyone could come up with. I do tend to be slightly accident prone and it is true that I had never planned to be an author. So, it does kind of fit.
About the Author :Julie Wetzel is a mother of a hyperactive red headed boy, and what time she’s not chasing down dirty socks and unsticking toys from the ceiling she's crafting worlds readers can get lost it. Julie is a self-proclaimed bibliophile and lover of big words. She likes hiking, frogs, interesting earrings, and a plethora of other fun things.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 208; Kindle Edition - File Size: 3553 KB | Expected Release Date: July 9, 2015 | Publisher: Crimson Tree Publishing | Obtained: Crimson Tree Publishing"A Castle for Dragons" [The Dragons of Eternity Series, The First Archive/Book 0.5] by Julie Wetzel
Author's Book Description : With a dragon ravaging the countryside, the Prince of Dragons sends out his best man, Patrick Mylan. His orders—to secure an abandoned castle and stop the foul beast from stealing more maidens. This shouldn’t be an issue for an Elite of Eternity
But there is more going on than there seems. When other dragons are sighted in the area, the town sends their maidens to their new lord for protection… and Patrick’s life becomes a lot more complicated. With the dragon he’s hunting acting odd and a castle filled with women distracting him, how is he supposed to do the job he was sent for? And what are the ladies going to do when they find out he’s the other dragon in the area?
This story is a historical fiction set in the world of Eternity.
My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, at the orders of his Prince (and adopted brother) Patrick, with is contingent of warriors, comes into town to take care of its rogue dragon problem and become their new Lord of the Castle. Things don’t go as smoothly as he would hope but with the towns “support” behind him, he’ll try his best to protect them with everything he has. Now if he can only find a way to let the town know that he and his men are the things they fear the most too... dragons.
With a “historical” feel, this is one fantasy romance that sets its readers up for an unexpected adventure based around fascinating characters! This wasn’t exactly what I expected but I don’t think I would have changed anything about it. One thing I especially enjoyed was reading about Patrick’s “dragon world” and how everything worked in it. Then when it came to Patrick and his relationship with Kathryn, I found their banter to be amusing while their growing relationship very gratifying! Kathryn definitely kept Patrick on his toes and it made watching her fall in love him all that much sweeter.
I cannot wait to see where this series will take us next. I recommend this novel to those looking for a unique dragon-shifter fantasy romance!
Purchase This Book and/or the ones from its Connected Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2) | Smashwords : On the Accidental Wings of Dragons (Book 1) | Smashwords : For the Memory of Dragons (Book 2)
Author's Novel Extras :
~~~~~~Wonderful News!~~~~~~A Castle for Dragons is being released early!It's now available for preorder on Amazon at...
Posted by Julie Wetzel Author on Sunday, July 5, 2015
Author's Series Extras : The Dragons of Eternity Series - Overview
Posted by Julie Wetzel Author on Friday, July 10, 2015
Book Teaser(s) :
A CASTLE FOR DRAGONS by Julie Wetzel Author -- Read my #bookreview, #authorinterview and #blogtour here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Thursday, August 27, 2015
“So what do I do about her?” He was more than willing to give in, but it was convincing the girl that was turning into an issue.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Julie, then please check out her website.
“That, my friend, is the biggest mystery of all.” Daniel grinned. “Figure out the mind of a woman, and you could be the wealthiest man in the world.” ~ within Chapter 6
Book Excerpt :
“I am Patrick Mylan,” he restated. “I have been sent by the king to see to your dragon.”
This sent another murmur through the gathering crowd.
“I claim Dunham Castle as my payment.”
Silence flowed across the crowd.
Patrick went on. “She is in need of much repair. I will require a tithing from the town.”
A roar of objection went up.
After a moment, the crowd quieted enough for Patrick to continue. “In return for your support, I will rid you of your dragon and offer you the protection of a lord.”
Outrage swept through the villagers.
“How do you expect us to pay a tithing? The dragon has razed all of our crops and killed most of our men.” The sweet voice of the woman cut through the din.
Patrick turned back to her. “I understand that times are hard, and I have coin enough to pay for the supplies I need for now. The tithing I ask is for repairs to the castle after I’ve vanquished the dragon.” He looked around at the now-silent faces. “It’s no more than any lord would ask of his people.”
“We are not your people,” the woman snapped at him.
Oh yes, she was feisty, but so was he. Patrick smiled back at her. “Then I will leave you to your dragon, fair maiden.” Pulling on the reins of his horse, he turned back towards the castle.
“Wait.” Eustace held up his hand to stop Patrick from leaving. “Can you really slay this dragon?”
“My men and I are well versed in the ways of dragons.” Patrick bowed his head. “We can stop this beast.”
“And what happens when you fail?” the feisty woman yelled at his back.
Patrick turned in his saddle to look back at her. “Then you will be left with a fat dragon and be free of the tithing,” he sassed before turning his attention back to Eustace.
Giveaway!! :
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