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Book Review – Lick by Kylie Scott

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Lick
<—- This is the stuff my rock star dreams are made of. WOW, you guys. I just couldn’t get enough, from start to finish this book OWNED me. Now, y’all know I am a HUGE Kylie Scott fan (her zombie apocalypse/steamy romance novels totally do it for me). But this one? The BEST of the bunch so far. 5 stars. I’m sayin’ it now for those who don’t wanna know anymore, and want to get reading.

Here’s the original cover when it was “indie”

I’ll admit, while I was VERY excited to be getting a new rock star book from an author that I already know I love, I simultaneously wondered if she could make a new rock star story stand-out amidst the huge slew of ’em already out there. I’ve loved some. I’ve left some. But there are lots to choose from. Rock star romance lovers, do yourself a favor. CHOOSE THIS. This is one of those.

And everyone seems to agree:

Maryse’s Book Blog: Good morning everyone! I’m certainly having a good one because I’m currently reading the book of my dreams! Kylie Scott’s latest rock star book is rocking my world, and I’m. In. Love!!! Yes yes, you’ve heard me say it before 😉 but I can’t help it. David cannot be denied. This one is intense! Crazy premise sure… (although how lucky is she?!), but these characters feel soooo real! Okay, back to my awesome book! *squeeeee*

Kate: Loved this one!

Linda: I just finished this book. Loved it! Great characters and he is so awesome!!

Lisa: Amarosa Great book!!

Yafit: Loved it!

Kirsten: Loved this one Maryse. David… yum!

Gabriela: Read it twice!! Lol.

Layna: I so want to read this, love me a rockstar

Rachel: I loved this one!

Candie: oooh, looks good!

Lynn: Just started it, guess my Sunday is shot but what a way to go!!

Lisa: This was such a great read!!!

Crystal:  just finished this last night…loved it!!!

Tiffany: Loved Lick!!! Love Kylie Scott!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Ohhhhhh I am fuuuuuuuuuuuming!! ROARRRRR! (p.s. I’d say I love when that happens, but I’m still too mad right now…)

Candie: Uh, oh – did the ending bother you?

Maryse’s Book Blog: I’m not finished yet… Thank goodness there’s more.

Lori: I loved this book and can’t wait for the next to come out.

Amber: Loved it!!

Sadie: Can’t wait to read this one!

Michele: I loved it!!!!

Lisa: I loved, loved, loved this book!!!

Helen:  I whole heartedly trust your book recommendations & Maryse if your super excited about this I know I had to buy. So…… What book budget???? Hehehe

Tracie: No cliffy Ashlee!! This book was awesome. I loved it!!!

Leanne: Great one. Read it last week.

Jodi: I really like this one, I read it last week.

Jessica: I’m 70% in and I’m freaking loving it!’

Tasha: Loved this book!!

Kimberly: I LOVED this book- but then I love Kyliie Scott

Maryse’s Book Blog (Paranormal & Urban Fantasy) Ahhhhh wow! That was fantastic! Just what I needed!

Karen: Just “one clicked” it! Just finished a book this morning, that you recommended, and was wondering what to read next. So THANK YOU!!

Maria: loved this book. can’ wait for more….lost last weekend to it…..

Kirsten:  Oh, this sound good!!

Joanna: Wooohoooo!!!!!!!! I have to gloat, because I beta read this one for Kylie. LOVE HER!!!!!!!

Sara: Yup.. a keeper

Jennifer: Just purchased it. I can’t wait to read it!

Georgia: I loved it!!!

Diana: Buy now with one click…this is too easy!!!! Sounds like everyone has it bad for this one…I’m in!!!

So many of you told me how much you loved it when it came out a week or so ago, and I was sure I would too (after all, it’s a rock star book). But I just didn’t get it. Get your enthusiasm. And I LOVE when that happens. When I read your words, I understood them, but I didn’t quite feel the fervor of what you were telling me, ’cause I had to experience it for myself. Many of you were enthusiastic, and while I heard “so good!”, “awesome”, “loved it”, I now realize (considering how I personally took it in as I read it), that it’s even better than that. Words are just words, but reading this, living this, makes all of the difference. I now personally feel your enthusiasm. They’re not just “words” anymore. 😉

Like I said, I knew, ’cause it was Kylie’s book, chances were, I’d be totally into it from her writing style alone (I love her flow, and the care in which she takes to develop her characters). I’ve always found her characters very real, and honest and have rarely found myself distracted or pulled out of the story by something… *weird* that they might say or do. Or some obnoxious event that just doesn’t fit, or that feels forced or contrived, just to get to that angst.

She’s got that character “touch”. Her characters are real people. We slip into their skin perfectly, and we get to live their lives instead of just read about them.

And that angst? It’s there. Oh YES it is. But it always fits, it makes sense, it comes naturally and the reactions and subsequent consequences are nothing short of perfect. Their stories are played out fully and by the time I’ve reached the end, I feel fulfilled. I feel like I got my thrill-ride, and felt every stomach-dip in the process. And I wanna turn right around and ride it again.

You know what I mean? Her stories (especially THIS one) is like one of those smooooooth riding metal roller-coasters with all of the crazy loops and steep drops, that take off at break-neck speed, freak the heck out of you, then make you laugh and shout with glee one second, and takes your stomach out, the next. There are no bumps, or whiplash inducing jolts. Just a free-flying (romance), free-falling (don’t forget that angst) sensation. Exactly what you got on for. And by the end, you come off all loopy and wobbly, but grinning like mad. Kylie Scott writes the smooth-flowing ones. Smooth, yet crazy, roller-coaster stories. 😉

So what’s it about?

It’s outrageous I tell ya!!! Every girl that’s ever had a rock-star crush, this would be the ultimate fantasy.

One morning in Vegas, Evelyn wakes up, severely hungover, blacked-out from the previous night’s escapades, to some longish-haired, tattooed man in her room.

Under normal conditions, he was light years our of my league and (for the sake of my pride) worlds away from my type. I liked clean-cut. Clean-cut was nice. Bad boys were highly overrated.

Totally not her type but gorgeous nonetheless. And he’s attentive. Who is he, and what did she do? What did they do?

He physically recoiled form me. “Let me get this straight, you don’t remember anything?”

“No,” I said swallowing hard.

“What did we do last night?”

“We got f#@king married,” he growled.

And when she looks down at the huge gorgeous rock on her finger, and he finally realizes she doesn’t remember a thing (and is not too happy about her “marriage” to him)… GAH! Heartbreak #1 for me, right there, just by his dejected stance alone. You’ll see why.

“This was a mistake,” he said, echoing my thoughts.

“Oh.”

“What?” His gaze jumped to my face. “You disagree?”

“No,” I said quickly.

“Didn’t think so. Pity it made sense last night, yeah?” He shoved a hand through his hair and made for the door.

“Take care.”

He assures her that his lawyers will take care of it. Wow. He has lawyers?

Who is this guy? She quickly learns (paparazzi are just to happy to help 😉 )…

“Ohmygod.” I shoved the sunglasses back up, frowning hard enough to make my head throb.

“Guitarist. He’s the guitarist. That’s where I know him from.”

“Yes. He’s the guitarist for Stage Dive. Well spotted.”

The David Ferris. He’d been on Lauren’s bedroom wall for years.

… and something that should be so simple (annulment) becomes anything but. But that’s where the fun is. And the pain. I LOVED IT!!!

He made a growly noise and suddenly his arms wrapped around me, pulling me in against him. He caught me off guard and I stumbled, my nose bumping into his chest. It hurt. But he smelt good. Clean, male, and good. Familiar. Some part of me remembered being this close to him and it was comforting. Something in my mind said ‘safe’. But I couldn’t remember how or why.

A hand moved restlessly over my back.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “So f#@king sorry.”

Yep, this is one of those. My perfect book. Everything at just the right pace, the right time, the right intensity. The right words. The right kind of honesty (with each other, and especially with themselves). The right kind of jealousy and initial “game-playing” (nothing too silly, or eye-rolling – just how two real people in this kind of situation would react).

My deep emotional connection and my heartache were proof of that. There was NEVER a disconnection from the story. I loved them, every step of the way, even when I was fuming.

Sure, we’ve seen this “Vegas-romance” thing before (or even read it before), but this one stands on it’s own, and it’s now officially one of my favorites. Yep, like I said. One of those. My perfect read.

5 stars.

P.S. No cliffhanger but I can’t WAIT for book #2. Bring it on Kylie (and thank you SO MUCH for sending this review copy my way). You made my Sunday!

Book Review – Emerge by S.E. Hall

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Emerge (Evolve Series)
The recommendations from our fellow readers were adamant, for this one. Er, well… adamant is putting it mildly, and while it wasn’t even on my radar at the time the excitement started pouring in, the obvious enthusiasm for the book was contagious. I wanted in, and I wanted to be hooked too, so I bought and started it right away.

Toski: Just incase anyone missed my ranting on and on yesterday:):) ::It’s a must read !!

Carrie: Read please like today!!!!

Lisa: I wish I could give it 10 stars

Tosk: I KNOW.. It is FANTASTIC

Georgia: Yes I agree too. I read it based on your very enthusiastic recommendation.

Jillian: Emerge by S.E. Hall is going to kill me. I know it. I am sooo into Evan!!! How am I ever supposed to love the other guy? Really? I’m going to? Well, regardless this book is great and unputdownable. Just what I needed and I am only 20% in.

Maryse’s Book Blog: Ohhhh excited!!!

Nikki: I loved both of them. This was the only book that I couldn’t decide who i liked better.

Jillian: Yeah I want one of them to turn into a jerk or do something horrible. Don’t think that’s gonna happen though.

Carrie: Best book ever!!!! Drop what you are doing and read now. Did I say now?! Yes I did!!

Toski: My stalker radar is on high alert waiting to see if Maryse is reading Emerge yet. I keep checking in for a status update. I swear I’m not crazy. I just love it that much. Lol!!!!

See? Crazy excitement, right? Okay okay! I was convinced. I was on it, with gusto!

So….?

Well. Okay, first few pages and I was already connected with the writing style. Good writing, good flow, looked like it would be a good story line. Two best friends since childhood. She’s been raised by a GOOD father (mother’s gone but she had a nice solid upbringing nonetheless). He’s got that good-boy feel, protective, and so obviously into this now 18 year-old “tomboy” girl. Both waiting on a sports scholarship, and both dreaming of going to the same college together. Together forever (but no love yet). I liked it!

And then I really started liking it.

I’ve never imagined this with Evan, it’s never occurred to me to even dare hope what he felt for me was more than a protective best friend.

It was sweet. Tentative and heartwarming and cute and making me all crush-y feeling.

But soon into it, I lost my bearings in the “love story”. For lack of a better word, it was… no HE was too sweet for me. To the point of gooey. No wait! I mean, in reality every girl in the world deserves to be loved by a boy (man?) like him. He was amazing.

And yet, too… “much” for me. The silly-sweet nicknames (even in his head) for her, the sweetness, the dialogue. Maybe it was the dialogue (especially when Evan came into the picture) that did it (or undid it) for me. For lack of a better example, it reminded me of TV shows that were from my childhood (or even my mom’s generation). Innocent and pure and all the good that goes with that. Innocence, but this book included an occasional bout of steam. 😉

Still, even with the slightly steamy moments, I like ’em a touch… badder. 😉 So maybe it’s not Evan. Maybe it’s just me.

And then the trouble kicked in, and I perked up. Certain “issues” arose, definite difficulties that had me connecting with the situation at hand, and a new “group” introduced into the mix including that one guy that would just take the breath away from any girl, no matter how sure she once was about her romantic future.

Dane turns to us, and Good Lord… I hope their parents are breeding professionally because they’d make a fortune. If big brother is hot, then little brother is illegal, immortal, and too damn pretty not to be a girl.

Right?!! Fun!

Except that, while at times I was completely connected, I found myself just as often disconnected. While both of her potential love-interests acted “guy-like” (sometimes a bit jealous and possessive)…

Truly, I will kill any other man who ever touches her. Laney Jo is mine, forever.

(Did I say a bit? Er… it seemed like “a bit”, until I re-read that quote). 😉

But at times the dialogue was a bit too romantically intense. And I like that. When I’ve completely fallen for the book-guy. But there was something about the romantic declarations that was not so… “guy-like” (at least not like the heroes I usually fall for). Maybe some guys do talk like that (and fall in love and are obvious about it to that extent), but again, I have an alpha-male problem. I’m just more into the strong brooding alpha types that make the reader work for it. 😉

But  in this case, I found myself  somewhat distracted by the romance, instead of melting into it. Not to mention the times I was pulled out of the book due to the heroine’s naiveté. At 19, I just… didn’t quite buy her innocence and obliviousness to the obvious, so my rapt attention would be interrupted with bouts of irritation.

Mind you, again, I’m sure there are girls out there that are very much like her (in regards to life experience or inexperience). I just didn’t connect to her as well as I would have liked to.

Drama-wise, there were a few avoidable BIG misunderstandings that had me both on edge (I was mad!) and also had me eye-rolling, screaming “Come ON!!!” I had to put the book down a few times to take a breather. There were also a few unavoidable misunderstandings ’cause of incredibly devious characters (that you saw coming a mile away, but are still appalled at the audaciousness). And a few more “mysteries” introduced that were eventually solved, but that, to me, were far more mysterious “in motion” than the actual reveal. But even with my personal reading issues, I still felt a need to finish it. I had to have answers.

And then… there’s that ending, that totally gave me that *oomph* I had been looking for. I gasped and clutched my chest and thought, WOW. WHOA. I wish I had been feeling THIS, throughout.

Just when I thought I knew what I wanted, the ending threw me, and it took my 3 star “feel” for the book to a 4 to 4.5 star (in THAT moment). For that raw honesty that slashed my heart for a split-second. It was enough to get me, and interest me in more.

It took me from “yeah… okay”, to “OMG!”  I found myself immediately envisioning how the next installment might go, and knowing that the angst *could* be really good (if allowed to cultivate in a more… “real feel”, that is). I think I just need a little more character connect-ability, more rawness, more honest-reality from the situations at hand, and I think I’ll be right there with it.

Okay so 3 to 3.5 stars for the most part, and 4 stars (maybe even 4.5 stars) for that extra *oomph* towards the end.

Overall? 3.5 stars (but leaving me with a “want” for more).

Latest Bargain e-Books – July 13th 2013

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I read two books this week (Emerge & Jane’s Melody) and will be putting up the reviews tomorrow and Sunday (although I wrote little mini-reviews below since I do recommend both).

And THESE are this week’s reader recommendations that totally pinged my TBR radar:  Pulse, Seize Me, Underestimated, Axel, Shine Not Burn, Painted Lines and The Mistaken, Lick: Stage Dive 1 (of course there are more but these give me “I want to read them now!” butterflies).

And here are all of the latest reader recommendations and bargain ebook finds:

NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order.

  • Undeclared (The Woodlands) by Jen Frederick <— oh wow! wrote to a Marine and fell in love… until his letters syopped. (thanks Aimee!!)
  • Binds (Binds Series) by Rebecca Espinoza <— one of our fellow readers turned author!! Love this cover. (another fabulous Aimee “bargain-find”!).
  • Knight and Play (Erotic Romance Series) by Kitty French <– I hear this one’s awesome (thanks Stephanie!), & book #2 is already out!
  • Knight and Stay ((Erotic Romance Series, book 2 of 2)) by Kitty French (here’s book #2!)
  • Moving Forward (Timing Is Everything) by Erika Ashby (husband died and she’s alone with her son…) – Thanks Toski! Plus!! Book #2 just came out today!
  • No Going Back (Timing Is Everything) by Erika Ashby <— here’s book #2! Also bargain priced.
  • Pulse (Collide Volume 2) by Gail McHugh<— topped the Amazon charts the day it came out and so far it seems EVERYONE is loving it. I will be reading ASAP, since I loved #1 so much. Here’s Amy going nuts and that kind of nuts is where I wanna go, too!! 😀 “It was absolutely mind blowing , eeeeeeeeeeep – Gavin could be my caveman any day !! This book took off from the start and never let up . I was Loving every second of it then bammmmmm outta the blue she went there and I was like that did not just happen NOOOOOOO !” My reaction —>YAY and YES!!!!!!!
  • Collide (Volume 1) by Gail McHugh <— and here’s #1. WHAT A DEAL!!!!
  • Shine Not Burn by Elle Casey <— my fellow readers can’t stop talking about this one! Also soon on my TBR list. Ashley says: “Cannot recommend ‘Shine Not Burn’ highly enough. It was hysterical (crazy lady laughing out loud on the subway) and was just a really great story overall.”
  • The Rocker That Needs Me (The Rocker…) by Terri Anne Browning (came across this one by accident, but it’s bargain priced and lots of GREAT reviews!!)
  • Seize Me (Breakneck Series) by Crystal Spears <— Sandy sold me!!! She said: “If Madeline Sheehan & Kit Rocha had a baby it would be Seize Me. Loved this one too.” – UP ON my TBR list HIGH. Like… next or second next. 😉 and Kandace agrees: “Seize me by Crystal Spears is FANTASTIC! Hot motorcyle club boys are my weakness. I’m 40% in and so much has already happened. I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone!”
  • Fierce by Ginger Voight <– Kelsey loves this author, and I must agree! Kelsey says: “I can’t recommend her books enough. They deal with real issues with great lovable characters who turn up again along the way in each series. I know lots of us love a good Rockstar book and Ginger does not fail to give us plenty of romance, angst ,heartbreak and laughs.”
  • By Referral Only (Whitman University, #2) by Lyla Payne <— Stephanie found us this deal!
  • Painted Lines by Brei Btezold <— I downloaded this sample as it was on my TBR list, but when Stephanie found it, I went and purchased it! HIGH on my TBR.
  • How To Catch A Billionaire (The Full Series) by Helen Cooper <—  (thanks Aimee!)
  • Blood Lust (Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy: Preternaturals Book 1) by Zoe Winters <— thanks Aimee. Lots of good reviews for this one for those in the mood for a sexy paranormal read!
  • The Feed (The Huntswomen Trilogy) by C.M Stunich <– wow this author has a TON of books (she seems to pop up on many of my reader recommendation lists) “A Dark Mermaid/Siren Paranormal Romance” (thanks again, Aimee!)
  • Imperfectly Perfect (A Series of Imperfections) by A.E. Woodward <— looks like fun! She’s approaching 30 and determined to find the perfect love (good reviews so far!). (thanks Aimee).
  • Saving Grace (Book #2 in the Mad World series) by Christine Zolendz <—first 2 books in this series. I loved #1 and still have to read #2, but after Jeannie’s comment, I need to up this ASAP: “I’m on book 2 of the Mad World series by Christine Zolendz and it is seriously good! Ripping me apart and I have no idea where it is headed. Paranormal elements, but so much angst. Both books are on sale right now for 99 cents. The first book was 4 stars for me, but the second…..even better!”
  • Fall From Grace (Book #1 Mad World) by Christine Zolendz <— book #1! This is the one I read and loved a year or so ago.
  • Scars and Songs (Book #3 Mad World) by Christine Zolendz <— while I’m at it, book #3 was just released a few weeks ago.
  • Bet in the Dark by Rachel Higginson <– Stephanie found us this one saying: “Bet In The Dark is on SALE …!!***Has GREAT rating/reviews and is a stand alone book! :-)”
  • Mafia Captive by Kitty Thomas <— one from my dark list. Very good super-dark read! Thanks Jennifer!
  • Belong to You (A Cole Novel) by VI Keeland <— Marsha highly recommends this deal: “I just read the best book!!!! It’s called “Belong to You”by Vi Keeland….. Check it out ladies….it’s a good one! Also there is a sequel called Made for You. One of my favorite reads of the year!!”
  • Made for You (A Cole Novel) by VI Keeland <— here’s book #2 (just released and also bargain priced!)
  • Axel (Corps Security) by Harper Sloan <– another that I’m excited to read and keeps coming up!
  • Emerge (Evolve Series) by S.E. Hall <— I just finished this one a day ago, and enjoyed it. First half for me, was about 3.5 stars but something about it kept me reading. I just had to know… “stuff” ;). 3.75 to 4 star towards that last quarter. But!! What an ending (that exact “part” jumped me up to a 4.5 stars in that moment). The ending ensured I wanted to move onto book #2 ASAP, alas, I have to wait. (good suggestion – thanks Toski!) – review to follow this weekend.
  • Jane’s Melody by Ryan Winfield <— Another with a good but tranquil beginning for me, but that second half? Whoa! Two very deep and moving story lines going at the same time and both had me crying. Not sobbing, but definitely crying those tears that couldn’t help but escape full-on. 3.75 star to 4-star 1st half and 4.5-stars for the whole 2nd half for me. – review to follow this weekend. I highly recommend this unconventional love story!
  • Inevitable (Book 1) by Angela Graham <— Whitney says: “It is an awesome NA romance ♥”
  • Underestimated by Jettie Woodruff <— Kimmie says: “Reading Underestimated and I’m loving every angsty bit of it!!!”
  • Fading by E.K. Blair <— Kyle brings this one back in the spotlight saying: “Sooo I fell in love with a book today….. One of the top books this year for sure…. It’s called Fading and is by E.K. Blair… It was heart wrenching, emotional, and I just couldn’t put it down!! It needs to be put on your tbr list if it isn’t already!!!”
  • Real by Katy Evans <— this one rocked our worlds. Bad boy fighter!
  • The Last Hour (Thompson Sisters) by Charles Sheehan- Miles <— I loved it! Nancy says: “Lots & Lots of Kleenex…” Oh YES. *sniff sniff*
  • In the Stillness by Andrea Randall <— deep! Loved it, too!
  • A Prior Engagement by S.L. Scott <—
  • Branded (A Sinners Series) by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki (TONS of great reviews!!) Beth says: “If you liked the Hunger Games, you will love this one. Sexier, edgier…” – sounds right up my alley!
  • Reaper’s Legacy (REAPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB) by Joanna Wylde (book #2 in her sexy biker series) – PRE-ORDER only right now and on sale (Stephanie found us this saying: The Pre-Order Price has dropped …. It comes out in February of 2014!”)
  • Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige — Kandace says: “Maryse. I would highly recommend adding ‘Fixed on You’ by Laurelin Paige to this weeks new release list? It was released June 24, but I think a lot of your readers would love this book. It is cliffhanger-ish!”
  • While It Lasts (Sea Breeze) by Abbi Glines on sale (thanks Jami!)
  • The Mistaken by Nancy S. Thompson <— Lori found it! “The Mistaken … (kidnapping again!, with a twist)”
  • Catching Liam (Good Girls Don’t) by Sophia Bleu <— Lori found us this one, too! “Catching Liam … Great reviews!”
  • Lick: Stage Dive 1 by Kylie Scott <— I’m putting this one on again ’cause it’s getting great reviews and I can’t wait to read it. Jennifer says: “I recently read Lick and it was awesome! Must read!”
  • Friend-Zoned by Belle Aurora (I think it just had a cover change) <— Jennifer recommends this one “… am about 50% through it. I have a feeling it’s going to be a 5-star read for me!” – PLUS! Book #2 has just been released!
  • Love Thy Neighbor (Friend-Zoned) by Belle Aurora
  • Kiss This by Hadley Quinn <– Stephanie found us this deal! (she says: “* No cliffhanger and a HEA! More to come with other characters…”)

                                        

Book Bash 2013 Chronicles – Part TWO (Friday June 28th) + another Book Bash “swag bag” giveaway!

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(WINNER UPDATE: Congratulations to Kandace for winning a Book Bash swag bag!)

Book Bash DAY 2: Thursday night ran into Friday at 2am when I finally realized *whoops* it was late and Friday was the BIG setup day. The last day I had to make sure everything was in place, counted out, unpacked, packed, distributed, labelled etc.

Maryse, Penny & Sherry on set-up day.

I also had the BIG volunteer meeting later that day, the author table/booth setup and banners to hang. Oh and let’s not forget that Books-A-Million AND Fedex were coming that day to setup actual “stores”, meaning there *could* be mass chaos as their shipments were shuttled in.

Plus, Friday night’s main events (the author reception party AND my pre-registration party) right after all of that, but sleep? Sleep schmeep! I was running on adrenaline and I was confident I had plenty to last the whole weekend.

I didn’t need to be down in the BIG room first thing in the morning, did I? After all, Eddie (my event planner) had Friday afternoon scheduled and timed to a T, but he didn’t say anything about the morning. The morning was mine!

I could sleep in and okay, maybe get a late start on my day, but I reasoned, we had PLENTY of time still. Sure, it was late, but I was hangin’ with some of my favorite authors, readers and bloggers, and we were having fun, so why cut it short? Eddie and the hotel crew knew where everything went. No need to panic.

HA! I should have known better, ’cause every single step of the Book Bash planning had mini hitches along the way, so why would Friday be any different? Oh nothing drastic, no… but always something. Every single detail… EVERY detail had more steps than I anticipated. If it could go wrong, it likely would. Including Friday morning when at 7:15am I received a call from the hotel staff informing me that a shipment to Book Bash was just mis-delivered to their hotel kitchen (clear across the other side of the venue). I was groggy and wanted to go back to sleep so I give them the okay to just re-deliver it to the main convention room. She says it’s 50 large boxes, they’ve already been left, the shippers are gone and the boxes need to be moved out of the kitchen ASAP.

O.M.G!

GAH!!!! It’s the attendee swag bags! Oh I needed those BADLY, but what I didn’t need were the extra fees I could incur by the hotel for this error (it was costly!). Eeeeeeep! I scrambled out of bed, last night’s makeup and hair askew, kept the pajama top on and changed into a pair of jeans and went! Yep, sure enough… boxes stacked tall but we got it handled. *phew*

And I dunno how it happened (I can’t remember much as my sleep-deprived mind was working on auto-pilot by then), but at some point two of my best friends (Sherry and Penny) showed up to help me with my day. Love them!

At first, I was working in a fuzzy daze (you know that foggy feeling? You can get things done, but you’re just not quite there). Coffee? Oh sure that totally would have helped, but MINE kept disappearing. I’d go to get a sip, and lo and behold, my coffee was gone. Sherry would bring me another, I’d take one sip, set it down, pack another few bags, go for another sip. WHAT!!?? Coffee was gone again. We found the culprit. *glares at husband*

My aunt, my mom, me and Penny, starting on the swag bags. Nice pose, mom! 😉

LOL! Eventually he took off with his “guy-team”, and I had a full coffee to myself, bringing me back life. We finished packing the “Forever Romance author swag bags” (so fun!!), sorted the volunteer shirts & swag (sponsored by HarperCollins), prepped the banners and signs, numbered & labelled the post-its and waited on Eddie to show up an give us instruction. And once Eddie arrived, things kicked into high gear (that guy is beyond organized and knows exactly what he wants), and I was wide awake and ready!

table set-up

The convention room transformed itself before my eyes, as our author seating floor plan came to fruition, Fedex and BAM seamlessly built their stores and the volunteers arrived to begin transporting and sorting all of the case boxes of swag, books and packages to their appropriate areas.

It was amazing how efficiently everything came together, and I just have to thank our fantastic Book Bash volunteer team. They blew my mind time and time again. Best team ever, and it was because of them that the entire event (setup, parties and the main signing event) went off without a hitch.

Volunteer meeting.

Oh!! While we’re discussing the volunteers, here’s a funny volunteer memory:

So like… right about 4pm? 5pm? Eddie called the volunteer meeting, and as we introduced ourselves, and he began assigning us various jobs/stations for that evening and the following day (the BIG day), in saunters our video crew, my husband and… popular cover model, Paul Marron (P.S. here is his Facebook page and many of his book covers. Rehv fans, anyone? ;)).

Maryse & Paul Marron

Only a few of the volunteers were “in” on the fact that Paul was there that weekend ’cause they had met him earlier that day (teehee! I was keeping it a secret ’cause I’m sneaky like that). Anyway… we glanced at each other in panic, grinning wondering if the rest of our crew would notice. I worried that Eddie *might* just lose our rapt attention.

Elizabeth: Maryse! I was really trying to hold it together when I first saw him! LOL!

Eddie: Oh yes…I was lost…but the show must go on!!!…

Maryse:  I still remember our sneaky grins.

Katie: See what a good minion I am Eddie … I was so intently listening to you I didn’t even see Paul walk in with Maryse ‘s hubs. And I am THE biggest BDB FAN ever!!!! I mean Rehvenge walked in the door and I only had eyes & ears for you. *shaking my head*

We glanced around quickly and giggled amongst ourselves as we breathed a sigh of relief. Our secret was still safe. No one was the wiser… yet. 😉

And then it was party time!!! Off I went to “meet and greet” with the authors at the “Author Reception” (one of our sponsors for the event was the fabulous Atria Books. Publisher to so many of our favorites like Colleen Hoover, Jamie McGuire, Tina Reber, Abbi Glines, Katja Millay and so many more!) I was so excited (and so so nervous). I walked to the event trembling because this wasn’t just me going to meet one of my favorites. I was walking into a room FULL of them! But just seeing the calm, smiling faces of my fellow volunteers (Elizabeth, Kirsten and Lori) who were handing out the author’s badges I felt… grounded. Some of my girls were right there and we were meeting them all for the first time together.

Volunteers, Lori, Elizabeth and Kirsten at the author reception entrance. There’s Tina Reber (and Katie Ashley in the background).
Maryse & author Tina Reber (I love her! Can you tell?)

There they all were, chatting, laughing, eating and being merry, right before my eyes. It was like a dream!! Jamie McGuire, Tina Reber, Tarryn Fisher, Willow Aster, Abbi, Colleen, OMG allll of them (and *ahem* Dr. Ivan Rusilko. Eeeeep! I think my heart skipped a beat, then. 😉 ) Although I suspect my heart was skipping beats all evening. I was wired (mic’ed) for the video but I bet it would have been even more “telling” had it been an EKG. I think my sound guys would beg to differ, as I caught them chuckling a few times at what they heard come through my mic. Yep… sometimes I forgot they were listening. *blush*

After the reception, it was off to my “Pre-Registration Party” (also sponsored by Atria Books). I nearly fell OVER when my husband took me outside where the line was gathering. It was HUGE eek and I felt faint. AGAIN! OMG!!! What an amazing turnout! Roughly 350 Book Bash attendees scanned in and wrist-banded early, (and Paul Marron was not only there hanging out with us, he was scanning in the attendees!!)

OMG! They *did* at least get a picture. Paul… scanning in attendees.

Elizabeth: I think it was really great of Paul to help scan in tickets at the pre-registration party. You should have seen the girls’ reaction to him!!

Maryse: Elizabeth: do tell!! I didn’t get to see any of that…. (please let there be video of that!!!)

Elizabeth: I mean really… If just seeing that man doesn’t make your day better, then I don’t know what will!

Ahhhh wow. eek I had no clue.  There was just so much going on that evening, it’s all sort of a big blur of happiness.

We all got to hang out with quite a few of the authors that stopped by for the event. Photos, laughter, *squeeeeeing* Oh YES. There was squeeing. I looked over my shoulder and some authors were even signing stuff and everyone was beaming. Spending the evening with my family (my mom and aunts were there), AND my book family… I couldn’t have asked for anything more. What a blast! I met so many of my fellow readers that night (some that I chat with on a regular basis on my Facebook page). The internet brings so many of us together, but nothing beats finally meeting you guys in person.

Things I learned on Friday:

  • Lack of sleep makes me delusional. Case in point: me thinking I could have a late night, and sleep in the next day during the biggest weekend of my life.
  • Always remember to tell your delivery company exactly where you want your packages delivered. Big hotels don’t just have one delivery area, Maryse. What were you thinking!?
  • When in a pinch, pajama tops double perfectly as t-shirts!
  • Husbands steal coffee.
  • Ha! Looks like I’m all chasing the balloon-guy. I probably was.

    Balloon deliveries are surprisingly REALLY exciting!!!

  • Thank goodness for “small favors” (such as an assistant inquiring about an author’s table location) right when we thought “setup” was complete. Why? Looking for her table on the “map” vs. the actual layout alerted us to the fact that two complete rows of authors were swapped (opposite of the printed floor plan). confused *whoops* and FIXED. 🙂
  • Fatigue goes away indefinitely once the adrenaline kicks in. So does hunger. Just one look at food had my insides lurching.
  • Mothers and daughters read the same books together (not just my mom and I, but many of my fellow readers too). Awww!
  • Never forget I’m mic’ed. I’m a little antsy over what I might have said (or what noise I made <— probably that ;)) that had the “camera crew” snickering.
  • Author interviews are so fun, especially when so many of the authors are hanging out in the “interview room” together. However, happy author “sounds” in the background are not conducive to “Barbara Walters-style” interviews (so say the sound guys). lol Yah but… but… the energy was perfect! Don’t y’all have machines to remove background noise? 😉 No? *hrmph*
  • Mustaches make an EXCELLENT disguise (even for super-popular and recognizable cover models). The double-takes I witnessed all weekend were priceless!
  • Paul Marron takes REALLY good pictures. Who woulda thought? 😉
  • Book Bash official day 2: Feeling ELATED.

Book Bash was officially in full swing and I realized if Friday night was any indication, I knew this was going to be the best weekend EVER!

More to follow… Saturday’s Book Bash is next! (and scroll down for more Friday pictures below – most photos, courtesy of Sherry Durst. Thank you Sherry!)

Check out BOOK BASH CHRONICLES PART ONE here (when I arrived on Thursday) and BOOK BASH CHRONICLES PART THREE (Saturday’s main event!).

Ready for that giveaway? We came home with a few extra Book Bash t-shirts, swag bags and a WHOLE LOTTA swag. I’m giving away another Book Bash “swag” kit tonight! (picture of today’s swag bag coming soon…)

A couple of books (I received a few books in duplicate so I keep one, and you get one!), a Books-a-Millions tote bag, a Book Bash t-shirt (with the attending authors listed on the back – you choose what size you want!), signed bookmarks and postcards, free ebook codes, fun gadgets – tons of goodies! A fun Book Bash prize package for us book-lovers!.

How to enter for a chance to win it? Just leave a comment below (any comment will work, but if you want to let me in on a secret, let me know what you were doing on Friday June 28th 2013 ;) ), and tomorrow night (Saturday July 13th, 2013) by 10pm EST, I will randomly select one winner.

The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. This is a open to U.S. & Canada only (but you’re welcome to comment and join in any time!!).

Books-a-Million setting up on Friday afternoon.
Authors and readers gather for the Pre-Registration party. (that was just half the room)…
Leanne, Maryse & Christina (friends and fellow readers!)
Maryse and author J. Sterling (she is a HOOT!!!!)
Author, Dr. Ivan Rusilko and Anna (one of our volunteers!)
Author Nichole Chase, Maryse and author Tina Reber
Three of my best friends (Sherry, Jimi-Ann & Penny). Book Bash volunteers, too!
Maryse and author Kristen Ashley
I got to hug Colleen Hoover!! 😀
Something was funny! 🙂 Maryse and Paul Marron (photo courtesy of Jimi Ann)

Behind The Books – An Interview With Rebecca Donovan + A Signed Trilogy giveaway!

By 257 Comments

Author Rebecca Donovan

WINNER UPDATE: Congratulations to Jules for winning the signed trilogy and wristband! 🙂

I’ll never forget how often book #1 (Reason To Breathe) in the Breathing Series was recommended to me (back when I first went crazy over these awesome, intense indie reads). But the recommendations always came with a warning… beware of the crazy ending. Sobbing tears were a BIG thing for many, but readers also knew that book #2 was in the works, and were clamoring for it.

I was DYING to read #1 and purchased it as soon as I found out about it, but was forced to scroll past it as I waited patiently for book #2. And when #2 (Barely Breathing) finally came out I *squeeeeeed* with delight. I was finally getting on the “Breathing” bandwagon, and let me tell you…. WHOA!! Book #1’s ending rocked my world, but I was lucky since I didn’t have to suffer like you guys did to find out… “the rest”. 😉 Dark and intense, and emotionally addicting and I moved right onto the sequel, smug with my incredible luck, until I hit the end of book #2 and realized, while a gentler cliffhanger, it was a cliffhanger nonetheless. His last thought gave me shivers.

(oh and you can check out my book reviews right here):

And now, we finally get relief, because book #3 (Out Of Breath) is out as we speak, and my “Breathing” world is now complete. And not only that! We get to hear from the author herself, as she let’s us into her indie writing world & experience, and gives us a look at her “Breathing” inspiration. Let’s welcome author Rebecca Donovan!!

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Maryse: Hi Rebecca!! Wow, such fantastic books. They were some of my first “darker” reads and I was blown away by the harrowing depths you reached, when it came to your characters. When did you first realize you first wanted to be a writer?

Rebecca: I’ve always been a writer. I had an overactive imagination as a child, and the moment I could record the stories I’d act out, I did. Those stories transitioned into journal entries as I got older. I was always writing. For the longest time I planned to become a journalist, and even won the Edward R. Murrow scholarship in journalism upon graduating high school.

Maryse: A born writer! Tell me about your decision to write this deep and harrowing tale. (How did this story come to you?)

Rebecca: I allowed this story to play like a movie in my head, and I did everything I could to capture it with my words, to transport readers into the pages of the book where they could see, feel, and hurt along with Emma. 

The story itself was inspired by my work with troubled teens. After abandoning my Journalism major, I graduated with a degree in Psychology, and witnessed firsthand the trauma of children growing up in abusive homes. And then Emma and Evan appeared to me during a sleepless night while I was doing anything I could to fall asleep, even forcing a dream. Let’s just say, I never fell asleep that night.

Maryse: Wow and what a dream that must have been. I’m thrilled that you let us all into their story. When did you decide you wanted to officially publish Barely Breathing?

Rebecca: There were always three parts to Emma’s story from the very beginning—I knew the end of OUT OF BREATH before I began writing REASON TO BREATHE. The characters and story needed to be fully flushed out in BARELY BREATHING and OUT OF BREATH, so I chose to write those two books again from scratch. The moment I self-published REASON TO BREATHE, I began to rewrite BARELY BREATHING. I was still working full time, so I had to work like crazy to meet the release date I gave the readers. I’d never worked under a deadline before!

Maryse: There was some clamoring. 😉 LOL!!! I mean how you left it… *eeeeeeep*! I’m usually not too worried about cliffhanger endings (if everyone loved the book, I’ll jump right in, anyway), but the way the readers were reacting to the end of your book?! Yep, I held off, and decided to “treat” myself to both books at the same time when #2 released.

Did you think you had to be a traditionally published writer to achieve the level of success your books have already achieved as indie releases?

Rebecca: I had always envisioned my books on the shelves of bookstores and libraries, so I wanted to be traditionally published initially. When I took the leap of faith to self-publish, I did so believing if REASON TO BREATHE was successful enough as an eBook it would be noticed by a publisher and I could fulfill the dream of having my books line the shelves in stores. Guess what? It’s happened!

Maryse: It sure did!! What prompted you to independently publish books #1 & #2?

Rebecca: About two years after writing the series, I read an article revealing eBooks were outselling paperback books four-to-one. I looked into what it took to be independently published, and when I realized the only risk was trusting the world with my words, I took the steps necessary to make it happen.

Maryse: And we’re so happy you took that risk. Describe your experience as an indie author? Any surprises along the way?

Rebecca: I will always be an Indie Author at heart—pressing “publish” was exhilarating, terrifying and beyond gratifying! I not only became an “author,” I also became a brand… a business. I was in full control of my fate through every aspect, starting with my product. Would people love me or hate me? Was I talented enough for people to want to talk about it? Would readers want to read about such a heavy topic?

I was surprised by my own perseverance. I had a hard time with the first few not-so-nice reviews, but I realized I wasn’t ever going to be anything else other than a writer. So I had to suck it up and accept all that came along with it. And I am so very happy I did!

Maryse: What other channels in the “self published book-world” did you use to promote your books?

Rebecca: I started slowly with promotions and social media. I was not an author who created a platform before my book was completed. I didn’t actually know I was going to self-publish until I did. Then I created a Facebook page, a Website, eventually a Twitter account. I didn’t even create my own Goodreads pages for the books. Readers did. My editor, Elizabeth, stumbled across them. I didn’t even know what Goodreads was! I fumbled through the social media outlets and soon discovered readers wanted a way to reach me, and I loved interacting with them. I feel like I went through this entire process backwards… ha!

Maryse: But it worked! It grew “organically” and we (readers) were only too happy to be a part of it.

I’d love to hear about what prompted your decision to eventually traditionally publish your series via Amazon’s publishing company.

Rebecca: I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to make the final decision to go with Amazon Children’s Publishing. They were the first publisher to reach out to me. I was enticed by all they could offer through their site, but going to New York City and sitting down at their conference table to speak with the ENTIRE team on my project sealed the deal. (They even had a Mt. Dew waiting for me!) Their commitment and enthusiasm to seeing this series published was contagious. Although I knew it would be more challenging to get my books in stores due to Amazon being a direct competitor of many retailers (I’d read plenty of articles on the subject) I always believed it would happen, regardless of who my publisher was. And now I’m in every Wal-Mart in North America! And those are not the only shelves I’m occupying!

Maryse: How awesome (and exciting) it must be to see your books right there on those great big shelves for anyone to peruse.

What are some of your favorite indie books? Any recommendations?

Rebecca: I have been fortunate to befriend so many talented and wonderful authors. Most of them started out independently published and have since been picked up by publishers. We talk. We share experiences. We even discuss whether or not to go back to being Indie. It’s an ever-evolving topic, and it’s a completely personal decision. With that being said, I admire every one of them and support their decisions.

Some of my favorite Indie (or Indie-to-published) books are:

The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher. No one can write characters I love to hate more than this talented, angsty writer.

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. There is so much raw beauty and heartache in every word.

Slammed by Colleen Hoover. I’m continuing to learn life lessons from Colleen and I’ve been waiting for my jar of stars for some time now. I go to her blog to be showered with wisdom… or her hilarious bad luck stories!

There are so many more who have trapped me in their worlds, and I am a willing prisoner to their craft.

I love EVERY one of those books, too! Thank you SO much Rebecca! What fantastic insight, and I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me today! 🙂

Now for the giveaway:

Rebecca has the entire Trilogy signed for one lucky commenter! And she’s throwing in this cute bracelet/strap (see it below).

How to enter for a chance to win this awesome prize package: Just leave a comment below, and tomorrow night (Friday July 12th 2013) by 10pm EST, I will randomly select one winner.

The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. The book will be sent directly from the author.

P.S. This giveaway is open to everyone (International!! YAY!!). 😀

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