The Next Big Thing

I got tagged, virtually tagged, by the forever wonderful Lexcade over at Going from Nobody to Somebody. To re-hash, the dealio for those who don't know, which is probably no one since everyone knows (does that even make sense, I need sleep), The Next Big Thing is a lovely little tour/meme for selected authors to answer questions about their latest and greatest WIP, salute the author that tagged 'em, and tag 5 more lovelies to take part in the fun.

Let's get busy!

What is the working title of your next book? 

Bona Fide: Beauty 

Where did the idea come from for the book?
Coincidentally my day job. The people I work with same the damnedest, hilarious things and their lives spin like a soap opera. A few of my closest co-work pals seemed in need of happily ever afters; even if reality isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm committed to delivering the HEA for each of them 1 book at time. Bona Fide: Beauty is just the first story.

What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary Romance (a girl has to start somewhere)

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I've only got the two main ones, but for a teaser bit I'll list out some secondaries. For main hero, Devlin, Ben Barnes. For main heroine, Kat, Marion Cotillard. Best buddies Christiana, Natalie, and Betty: Lynsey Bartilson, Sharon Stone, and Mena Survari

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? 
Kat needs a promotion, for all the right reasons and some wrong ones, but she won't get it unless she can convince the delectable Dev, personal image consultant extraordinaire, that she's serious about changing her attitude and foul mouth for a chance at career success.

Will your book be self-published or agency? 
Hoping for the big agency win, but if it doesn't happen I'm open to any and all options.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 
It's still in progress. I'm fast drafting, but the holidays were a momentum killer. Here's to a new year. *cheers*

What other books would you compare the story to within your genre?
I would say it's a cross between Megan Mulry's mouthy feminine snark, and Shannon Stacey sweet with a touch of hot mess; add in some character growth and giggles a la Jennifer Crusie.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The who is some people I work with. They say the darnedest things and I can't help but incorporate some of the hilarity. The what is the unconventional hero. We read about the billionaire's, the celebrity playboys, and the self made businessmen. What about the guy you least expect? Those are the guys I'm writing about.

Now for the tagging:

Phoenix Sullivan, who desperately needs to write another book for me to read.
Amalie Berlin, she knits and does awesome things with her hands. I can only imagine her writings is just as awesome.
Chad Thomas Johnston - eclectic, music lover, and all around awesome guy. Creatively  he's one of the most inspirational people I know. Couldn't ever compare and wouldn't want to steal his thunder.
Lori Sizemore- My critique partner and woman of awesome!

I honestly couldn't think of anyone else to list because almost everyone else I would list has already taken part in this meme of awesome. So dear reader if you would like to take part feel free to say I tagged you too. If you leave a comment with a link to your blog I will happily come and read about you-the-next-big-thing. :)

Reading List: December 2012

My wrap up for the year post will be coming by the end of the week. In the mean time here's my list of reads for the month of December. I didn't get nearly as much read as I wanted to.

1. What an Earl Wants by Kasey Michaels*
2. Forever a Lord by Delilah Marvelle*
3. The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry***
4. Death by Chocolate by Julie Lindsey **
5. The Duchess War by Courtney Milan
6. Fallen by Celeste Bradley***
7. Romancing the Holidays by Jaci Burton, et al.***
8. The Lady Most Willing by Connie Brockway, Eliosa James, and Julia Quinn***
9. A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan
10. Deck the Halls with Love by Lorraine Heath
11. Death's Angel by Heather Killough-Walden***

In the new year it's more indies, more romance, and more happy reading times. I don't have any definitive plans besides a wedding in August, and hopefully a finished book at some point. In the meantime, my new year's resolution of posting regularly... well, I won't hold  myself to any promises. My plan to continue to review as I can is still in affect, though I plan on backing off a little bit to focus on the gazillion other things I have going on.

*Review coming soon or available on this blog
**Review available on IndieBooksRUs
***Review available or coming soon on TheSeason

Quick 5: Christmas Novellas= Historical Bliss

If you follow this blog or read my monthly reading lists you will notice a trend: I love Historical Romance. I'm a sucker for it and my list of favorite authors is probably a mile long. Just about anything from Avon is an auto-buy, and if you're a historical author represented by Nelson Lit I'm probably auto-buying your books as well. Those Nelson Lit agents sure know how to pick Historical authors.

Anyhoo, this Christmas has been a release bonanza! Novella's out the wazoo, and wonderful Christmas goodness. You couldn't get me to spend my money faster unless you wrote a Historical at Christmas time. In general I love Christmas stories of just about any variety. Needless to say my checking account is emptying out with my presents for me :).  But I wanted to share the awareness with everyone else. Yes, I enable. This is my job. Here's a list of Christmas novellas you must, must get.

5.) The Winter Wife: A Christmas Novella by Anna Campbell
I love all her books and have own almost her entire backlist. You really can't go wrong with a Anna Campbell story and she writes the most delectable tortured heroes. For $1.99, this story is the right price at the right time.

4.) All I Want for Christmas is a Duke by Delilah Marvell and Maire Claremont
Two for the price of one. This is a double whammy with two hot historical shorts in one. $0.99 and I'll say this Delilah always brings things hot and unexpected. Both stories sound like a good treat to dig into while tucking yourself away from the chilly winter weather.

3.) A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan
I just finished The Duchess War (1st book of The Brothers Sinister) and I loved it. There's 1 female in the story, a Miss Charingford, who need a love of her own. Milan sees to that in this novella. For $0.99 it's quite a steal. Milan's work is worth twice that and I've enjoyed everything she's published thus far. If you haven't nipped into the Turner Series then you should definitely snatch those up too.

2.) Deck the Halls with Love: A Lost Lords of Pembrook Novella by Lorraine Heath
Heath's latest series, The Lost Lords of Pembrook, has been nothing short of wonderful. I've enjoyed the books thus far and await with baited breath the next release in 2013. Yet, at the end of the last book I found there was a male hero who was pretty thoroughly neglected. I hoped Heath would tell his story. I'm happy to say the Marquess of Chetwyn gets his well-deserved HEA. For a mere dollar, less then really, you can enjoyed this additional Christmas treat.

1.) The Christmas King by Lecia Cornwall
Originally as part of the Historical Christmas Eve  Blog Hop, Lecia began this short story there. Since then two additional installments have been posted at her blog (linked above). The story is not over yet, and the next portion will be available today. This is an opportunity of mega proportions. Not often does an established author give a story away for free. Lecia is a rare talent and her books thus far have always been enjoyable. She's got a way with dialogue and the Christmas King is not exception. Especially since she transports everyone to a snowed in castle. :) Check it out and enjoy.

So, for $5 dollars and a bit of internet viewing you can get 6 wonderful Christmas novellas for your reading pleasure. Who says we can't reward ourselves with a little gift that doesn't break the bank? No one. Be Merry and Read. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas readers.

Reading List: Oct. & Nov. 2012

It's been while... *breakout in song* I should be a karoke singer, but until I launch my chops on the stage I should probably give loyal fans my reading list. It's all in my head. Secretly I think thousands of people read these posts and then go out and buy the books I'm reading just cause.

October
1. Too Dangerous to Desire by Cara Elliott***
2. Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady by Tiffany Clare***
3. The Importance of Being Wicked by Miranda Neville***
4. Secrets of a Wedding Night by Valerie Bowman***
5. Exposed To You by Beth Kery***
6. Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione***
7. How to Deceive a Duke by Lecia Cornwall***
8. Waltz with a Stranger by Pamela Sherwood***
9. His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly***

November
1. Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes***
2. Flat Spin Spin by David Freed **
3. Teach Me by Amy Lynn Steele***
4. Obsession Wears Opals by Renee Bernard***
5. The Prince by Tiffany Reisz*
6. Touch of Steel by Kate Cross***
7. The Trouble with Being Wicked by Emma Locke***
8. Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas

*Review on my blog
**Review on IndieBooksRUs
***Review available or coming soon to TheSeason

Funday Monday: December 3, 2012

It's the first Monday of December and there's only 22 shopping days left until the big holiday of the year is here! Does that stress you out?

Not me because this year all my stress is reserved for a few other things, including that possibility, albeit small one, that the world is ending in a couple of weeks. Mayan calendar insanity and all that jazz. If we are going to die, then farewell friends. In the meantime check out some awesome things you can buy as Christmas presents. That's right I'm pimping books, and my delightful Dessert Islanders works are up for grabs. 

5.) College bound and scared witless? Look no further then Dr. Nancy Berk. She's popular, hilarious and not to mention a good does of intelligence. Her book, College Bound and Gagged, talks about how to come through the college years without going broke. Whether you're the parent or the student looking for financing it can't hurt to explore the options without falling asleep. Non-fiction doesn't do it for me most of the time, but I love Nancy and she makes a gal laugh. I learn more with humor. Check out her book here, and her website for more her here. 

4.) Ever feel like you were meant for more? Don't say no, just say yes! The women in Jennifer Harris Dault's latest compilation did. Jennifer is amazeballs and has assembled a non-fiction book, The Modern Magnificat,  chronicling the stories of 23 women who received the 'call' to minister. This surrounds Baptist women, and is a wonderful, moving read. Dault presents the stories from the women themselves versus editing content to fit her own personal opinions. Again a non-fiction piece, but worth the time if you're looking for some uplifting and inspirational. You can learn more about the book here and can purchase this work here. 

3.) I'm always looking for new friends... sometimes you can find them running. Or at least that's how readers feel about Jennifer Luitwieler. Her book, Run With Me: An Accidental Runner and the Power of Poo, released in 2011, is anything but a guide on who to become a runner. You would think it's some funny, anecdotal storytelling about marathon experiences. In fact it's the complete opposite. It's about getting older and finding out that you forgot who you were, and then finding your self once more. Sharing stories that remind you of how to find yourself and each person has a different story. It's an easy read and you'll find yourself getting involved from the first page. Check out the book here and you can visit Jen and see other stories about why people run on her blog here. 

2.) Marriage and Parenthood are scary business. No one knows this best then my buddy Chad. He's a regular crack-up, the funny guy of the Dessert Islanders. His short, and whimsical memoir, Night Marriage, is currently available for pre-order right now. He's also an awesome musician, and a creative artist! I like to refer to him as the creative-jack-of-all. Whether toting the latest in musical heaven or regaling us with humorous tales of his journey's through, Chad does everything with a smile. You can check out memoir excerpts on his blog here or pre-order the work here. 

1.) Finally, some fiction! My other Dessert Islander buddy Amanda Romaine Lynch is celebrating release day! YAY *Kermit Arm Jiggle* This book, Anabel Unraveled is definitely two parts thriller and one part political craziness. We've got a girl who is seventeen and definitely living a life of hell or, at least, it's hell in her mind. There's congressional hearings, spies, and top secret islands. I haven't had the moment to wrap my grubby paws on it since I'm working today, and it release this morning. But soon readers I will consume, and quite possible review. If you're interested in learning more about the book you can order and check out an excerpt here or learn more about Amanda and her adventures in Mommy Land here. 

Review: The Prince by Tiffany Reisz

Review: The Prince by Tiffany Reisz

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For more information on the author or back cover blurb visit the author's website here. 

The 3rd book in the Original Sinners series left welts, big nasty ones, along with a cliff hanger ending that's got my eyeballs rolling around in my head. We pick up in The Prince where The Angel ended, Nora has left Soren to be with Wesley. Of course she's got Soren's permission to do so of course. What Nora doesn't realize is that Soren's just getting her out of the way. He's on the hunt for the person seeking to harm her, and Kingsley won't stand by and let Soren search alone. Between Nora's antics and attempts to vanilla sex her lifestyle, and Kingsley desperate attempts to seduce Soren back to his bed for one more romp I couldn't put this story down! 

There's 3 sections to this story, and Reisz does a masterful job of weaving in and out them. First we have the North, which follows present day Soren and Kingsley as they attempt to find out who's after Nora. Kingsley could really care less, in his opinion Nora has abandoned them for Wesley. There's also the little bit of Kingsley being in love with Soren... leading up to the 2nd section of the book: Soren and Kingsley's past. How they met, how they came to know one another, and how Kingsley has always been Kingsley. He's flawed, selfish, and just an all around man whore. That is until Soren is able to put him in his place. 

The 3rd and final section is the South, which follows the misadventures of Dominant Queen of the Underground and the Prince of Kentucky. There's horses, races, a few awkward moments with some rich folk, and a couple encounters with the infamous red riding crop. Add in a ton of sexual tension, which of course will lead to some naughty romps and it's an emotional roller coaster. 

What I love: Description, dialogue, and ultimately voice. There's a presence to the writing that screams '"I'm naughty", and this dirty little bit keeps the pages turning. I think characters with flaws and imperfections jump out at me as well. I like knowing that none of the characters are perfect. They possess an innate confidence that I myself lack so I've got some Original Sinner envy too. 

Why this isn't a 5: I knew who the bad guy was. I saw it coming a mile away, and had no problem with the predictions. Also, my personal madness cliff hanger hell. Reisz ends the story with a situation that left my jaw hanging. When the next book will come along is another question. The sensuality and encounters between Soren and Kingsley could affect those faint at heart or those who have suffered from sexual abuse in the past. This is a hardcore story, and not a typical romance or erotica novel. If you're ready to feel emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other Reisz will make sure that happens in all of the Original Sinners books. 

Overall, I liked this story. It wasn't my favorite, that special spot belongs to The Angel. I still love Kingsley, the seriously vain and flawed Frenchman. I've got a soft spot for Soren, but I'm a dominant at heart so I'd like to beat him. I'll keep an eye out for future Original Sinners works, and these grubby paws will definitely be all over them. If I said it once, I'll say it again: "Reisz is a auto buy every time." 

Things Every One's Talking About: Sandy and Voting Day

She blew in from the south waters of the Atlantic, and crapped on the eastern seaboard. Then it spurned up thunderstorms, snowstorms, and a bunch of other weather messes further in the Mid-Atlantic region. Millions were and still are without power. NYC went dark. It's Mother Nature at her most potent. So, it's got me thinking about a couple of things.

Food, water, and the bare necessities: What are people doing out there to survive? They need help that's for sure. How can I do anything? Donate to the American Red Cross. For Americans everywhere all it requires is a quick text message and $10 gets tacked onto your bill. The number is 90999 for those who may have missed all the hubbub. Others outside the United States can still donate by going to www.redcross.org. I just can't imagine being in a disaster where I can get my children a drink of water or cook them dinner. Thankfully I haven't experienced a catastrophe of that nature.

It's Dark in NYC: Alright, I'm not knocking the city that never sleeps, because New York definitely doesn't sleep, but when I told my hubby that NYC went dark he said he was glad he lived here and not there. Our minds immediately went to the potential crime rise that would occur. I'm sure plenty of the people I know in the writer world are fairing just fine in the area. At least I hope and pray they are, but I've lived in the big cities and I don't like the crime insanity that follows a natural disaster. My prayers are not just for those without power but it's for those just trying to keep their personal property and families safe. "Hide yo kids, hide yo wife." People are inherently good, except for the 2% of the population who's in general a bunch of a-holes.

Now to the big news for Tuesday: It's voting day. Millions of American citizens are casting our votes for the next President of the United States, but it's more then just Romney vs. Obama. In each state there's other issues, we're casting votes on the definition of marriage, the right to legalize marijuana, State Representatives, County Judges, State Senators, and so many other things. So voting and exercising the ability to vote at first may seem like it's about the big race, when in fact it's about the little ones. Those little races and laws have a direct impact on day to day life and deserve every one's voice.

I don't talk about my personal politics on this blog, and for good reason. A friend and romance author, Beverley Kendall, once said that she loses far to many good friendships due to differences between religion and politics that it's better to not discuss them. I'm with her. So instead I'll just implore people to exercise their right to vote. You've got the ability, where others in some countries don't get the pleasure, so flaunt it, strut into that voter's booth and get your vote on.

To NYC and Jersey love you all and stay safe. I've already heard from the infamous shark, Janet Reid, who's been out to cast her vote on the streets of NYC. So even a hurricane won't get those folks down. In the word's of another president:

"...let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

Nothing will stop us from being heard except the fear that our voice doesn't matter. Don't fear, don't cower, vote.