Rookie Scrivener

Times Have Changed

2016-08-31T17:09:00.003-07:00

When I was your age...

Okay, maybe I sound like a grandpa, but it's true. Times have changed... for writers and readers that is.

In the past, a book would come out with enthusiasm and hit the shelves. Maybe it would do well, maybe not so well, but eventually the book would disappear from the bookstore. And unless you were a big name, the book would be lost only to be found in a discount bin at a used book store.

Now, fans can find you at any time. You can play with promotion strategies and get the book back in front of people.

Today, we started a price promotion around the US Open, tennis's fourth Grand Slam of the year.

99 cents for 5 years of work... seems fair!

Last night, on Amazon's overall ranking, the book was sitting at 600,000. Within hours of running the promotion, the book was ranking at 15,000 overall. At one point, GAME OF LOVE was back in the top 500 in the Sports fiction category.

Here's the thing: almost 18 months after GAME OF LOVE came out, we can still get the book in front of new readers and sell well. It is a great time to be a writer and a reader. Books no longer disappear. They remain, they have lasting power because the story is a good one.

Wouldn't it be nice if a good book could hit the top 100 list for years and years to come by merely promoting it? A novel concept... no pun intended :)

Thank you for supporting this little novel that didn't have enough sex for the big publishers.

Thank you for supporting this author who was too much of a risk for the other publishers.

Thank you for reviewing it on Amazon and Goodreads because readers who would not know me otherwise continue to find this little book.

And thank you for sending me notes and emails about how much you enjoyed it. You are the fuel I need to keep at it.

Fight the good fight!

2016-08-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Winner Announcement!
...and Rafflecopter Giveaway!

I am elated to announce that my novel, GAME OF LOVE, is the winner of Outstanding “Romance” in the 2016 IAN Book of the Year awards.

It took five years to publish this novel. Five years of doubt, rewrites, rejections, edits, giving up, giving in, and finally finding the team that put Gemma and Andre's story out into the world.

Since then, the book has won multiple awards. I am honored and humbled. Thank you for the support and encouragement. Thank you for spreading the word. It seems that you've been right to believe in this book. You are in good company :)

Fight the good fight!

To celebrate, I'm giving away (5) Free Kindle copies of the novel. Please spread the word!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Debut Book Review: WITHOUT BORDERS by Amanda Heger

2016-04-18T10:11:00.003-07:00

A Beautiful Story

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing Amanda Hager's debut novel WITHOUT BORDERS. There are books that are meant to rile you up; books that take you on an emotional rollercoaster; and then there are books that as you read through the pages you hope no one will bother you. You hope they'll just leave you alone. You want to find your favorite sofa, have hot coffee supplied to you on a perpetual basis, and if possible, a bit of rain outside would bring the whole experience together. You just want alone time with the book. That is how I felt when I read WITHOUT BORDERS by Amanda Hager.

The book is a beautiful love story that avoids clichés and typical bad boy (or good boy) meets bad girl (or good girl) trope. It defies what the "market" wants and it does something radical -- this book tells a great story.

But it has more than just that: you'll laugh (trust me, Annie's "Anal Problem" will make you choke on your coffee) and you'll be at the edge of your seat (Day Ten -- pregnancy -- nuff' said!).

I highly recommend this story if you love good stories. If not, then you probably found my site by accident :)

Excerpt (from "Day Ten"...)

The girl strained and cried out, and it took everything Annie had to keep her upright. Felipe and the midwife swapped positions with every contraction, taking turns at easing the infant into the world. But with every push, Felipe’s face darkened and the midwife’s voice grew shriller as she half cried, half encouraged her daughter.
Annie had no idea how long it had been since they’d arrived in this dim hut, but every second that passed with those arms and legs dangling outside the womb made her heart ache.
In a rare moment between contractions, Felipe and the midwife began arguing. They pointed and stomped and shook their hands as the words flew between them.
Angela sagged in Annie’s arms, pale and sweaty.
“What’s going on?” Annie asked.
For a moment, the arguing stopped and they both stared silently at Annie.
The girl’s mother pointed and nodded at her, shrieking in Spanish, but Annie didn’t understand a word of it.
Felipe held up a hand. “We are having some trouble delivering the baby’s head.”
The midwife yelled and pointed again, and before Annie could ask what she was saying, the woman stood and nudged her out of the way with her rotund mid-section. She looped her arms through Angela’s and took the girl’s weight.
Annie stumbled, her muscles too tired to change position. She squeaked to something that resembled standing, but her back refused to straighten. Felipe looked at her, eyes flashing with fear.
“We need you to deliver the baby,” he said.

###

I'm telling you, this scene will stay with you for a long time! Don't eat Nutella when you're on this chapter! Just a fair warning :)

The Blurb:

For Annie London, a month in a Central American rainforest means handing out mosquito nets, giving medical aid, and teaching children about the birds and the bees. With any luck, it will also land her application in the “accepted” pile at a top tier medical school. But as soon as she steps off the plane, Annie realizes her bug spray, feeble Spanish, and medical supplies won’t help her deal with her new feelings for Felipe—her best friend's older brother, who's much hotter than she remembers, and who also happens to be the doctor in charge of the trip.

Gawking “volun-tourists” may keep his family’s medical clinic afloat, but Dr. Felipe Gutierrez doesn’t have to like them. Or the way they make snap judgments about his practice and the people he cares for. But when his old crush, Annie, shows up to volunteer, her killer curves and kind smile fan the embers of a flame Felipe didn’t realize he’d been carrying. A flame that makes him question all his preconceived notions.

As ideas and cultures clash, Annie and Felipe must decide how far outside their comfort zones they are willing to go—both for their work and for one another.

Buy Links:

Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Author Info

Amanda Heger is a writer, attorney, and bookworm. She lives in the Midwest with three unruly rescue dogs and a husband who encourages her delusions of grandeur.

Her debut romance, Without Borders, is forthcoming from Diversion Books. The story was inspired by the summer Amanda spent in rural Nicaragua, eating gallo pinto, speaking mangled Spanish, and showing high school students how to slide condoms onto over-sized plantains.

Her stories are represented by Jessica Watterson of the Dijkstra Literary Agency.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

My Review

Rafflecopter Giveaway (5 ebook copies of WITHOUT BORDERS)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: GYRE by Jessica Gunn + OF SCIONS AND MEN by Courtney Sloan

2015-12-07T08:33:00.002-08:00

What's better than a cover reveal? Two cover reveals!

Today's the day for a dual cover reveal: OF SCIONS AND MEN by Courtney Sloan and GYRE by Jessica Gunn! Both books are in the New Adult category and are being published by Curiosity Quills Press.

Here's a bit about each book:

OF SCIONS AND MEN by Courtney Sloan (February 22nd, 2016)

Geopolitical babysitting while arresting preternatural killers, it’s just the daily grind for Scion Rowan Brady. Brash and sarcastic, Rowan has sold her life, her career and her very blood to the controlling paranormal ruling class of America, all to make sure her kid brother can eat. Now she uses her powers as a scion to kick the ass of any preternatural creature idiotic enough to break the rules and prey upon humanity without a license. All it costs her is her freedom and a pint or two per week to her new Master.

But juggling her job and duties becomes even tougher when she is tasked with keeping a contingency of diplomats from Canada from getting gnawed on. However, negotiations for an International Blood Exchange are interrupted when bodies start showing up. Now Rowan must rely on her talent and wit to defend the society she despises to save the lives she’s sworn to protect. But as she stumbles into the truth, she chances becoming a target of not only these killers, but of her own government. With shifters, ghosts, vampires and psychics all watching her, can she stop the killings before she is silenced?

ADD OF SCIONS AND MEN TO GOODREADS HERE

***

GYRE by Jessica Gunn (February 1st, 2016)

Trevor couldn’t believe his eyes when Chelsea teleported onto SeaSatellite5. The miracle is Trevor’s absolute worst nightmare. Chelsea is Atlantean, which would be fine if Trevor’s family weren’t Lemurian—enemies of Atlantis. Then SeaSatellite5 uncovers Atlantean ruins and stumbles into the crosshairs of an ancient war. The Lemurians want the artifacts inside the ruins, and Trevor’s the only one onboard who recognizes the relics for what they really are: Link Pieces, tools used by ancient civilizations to wage their time-travel war. Chelsea and Trevor must brave the gyre of lies surrounding them. If they can’t, Atlantis will be destroyed forever.

ADD GYRE TO GOODREADS HERE

***

And here are the covers?

Here we go!

PRE-ORDER GYRE HERE!

PRE-ORDER OF SCIONS AND MEN HERE!

***

ABOUT COURTNEY SLOAN

A New Orleans native, Courtney Sloan relocated to the hills of Central Maryland after Hurricane Katrina. There she lives with her husband and fellow author, J.P. Sloan, their son and their crazy German Shepherd pup. Adding to her writing life, Courtney is also a professor at the local college and enjoys learning a world of new ideas from her students as she teaches them about writing and communicating. Courtney’s New Orleans upbringing has left her with a love for the macabre and a flare for the next to normal. She writes speculative fiction with a variety of horror and sass mixed in for flavor.

She loves taking the world of politics that haunts us now, and adding the supernatural to create a gumbo of thrills to keep you up at night. A self-proclaimed lover of way too many fandoms, Courtney also loves crafting. From blankets to jams to stories, it’s always better homemade.

Author Links: Twitter | Website

ABOUT JESSICA GUNN

Jessica Gunn is a New Adult author and avid science-fiction and fantasy fan. Her favorite stories are those that transport the reader to other, more exciting worlds. When not working or writing, she can be found binge-watching Firefly and Stargate, or feeding her fascination of the ancient world’s many mysteries. Jessica also holds a degree in Anthropology.

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Website

A Small Gesture of Appreciation

2015-11-25T15:40:00.003-08:00

Thankful for our Veterans

I was going to write a long post, explaining why I want to contribute. I wrote multiple drafts, but in the end I deleted all of them. I realized I was trying to justify and explain and hopefully convince others that this was a good thing to do. In the end, I'm doing this because veterans matter. As you know, I write stories of second chances and I believe that our veterans deserve a second chance.

I will donate every penny I earn from the book royalties in the month of November to four veterans' charities.

http://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/

www.woundedwarriorproject.com

https://www.fisherhouse.org/

https://www.fallenheroesfund.org/

I don't know how else to thank these brave women and men. So I'll start with this small gesture. And to make sure I get the most out of November for this cause, thanks to my publisher, Curiosity Quills Press, I'm piggybacking on their special promotion from Black Friday (Nov 27th 2015) through Cyber Monday (Nov 30th 2015) to get maximum exposure.

In fact, if you know of a veteran who may like a story of love and second chances, message me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/araTHEwriter) or leave a comment here and I will gift them a Kindle copy of Game of Love direct from Amazon.com.

Spread the word if you feel inclined to do so. Or just wish these brave warriors your best.

Fight the good fight!

#ThrowbackThursday - FOUR YEARS AGO

2015-09-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today...

I was printing out copies of a fledgeling manuscript that at the time was named "Aces."

I was about to share pages from my first complete novel.

I was preparing my luggage.

I was rechecking my hotel reservations at the Newport Beach Hyatt.

I was nervous.

I wanted to cancel my registration.

I was about to attend my very first writers' conference.

I questioned my sanity.

I wanted to be a writer.

I had promised my wife and kids that I can achieve my dream.

Today...

I am double checking the presentation slides for the two workshops I plan to give.

I am preparing for my speech on Sunday as the Special Guest Speaker.

I am packing my luggage.

I am rechecking my hotel reservations.

I am excited.

I am grateful for all the writing community and book lovers have done for my career and my novel.

I question my sanity.

I am an award-winning author.

I have a bestselling book.

I am invited regularly to speak at author events.

I want to always improve and evolve as a writer.

I want to make my wife and kids proud.

I am the luckiest person alive.

Tomorrow...

Is full of possibility and magic.

Fight the good fight!

Cover Reveal: INCONCEIVABLE! by Tegan Wren

2015-09-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Cover Reveal

Inconceivable!

I am honored to be part of this exciting Cover Reveal for debut novelist, Tegan Wren. Her novel, INCONCEIVABLE! is scheduled for released on November 16th, 2015.

I read about this novel months ago and instantly knew this is the type of novel that I'd plow through. But I'm getting ahead of myself: First the Cover! But be sure to come back because I hope to land an advanced copy and review the book before release!

INCONCEIVABLE! Cover

I love this cover!

INCONCEIVABLE! blurb

A popular, young royal couple can't produce an heir? INCONCEIVABLE!

When Ozarks native Hatty goes “whole hog” during karaoke, she catches the eye of Prince John. He isn’t what she expects the heir to a small European nation to be: he's affable, witty, and isn’t put off by her tell-it-like-it-is demeanor. Their flirtation should be short lived, but a force stronger than fate—Hatty’s newspaper editor—assigns her to cover the royals. After spending time together, she and John soon begin dating, and Hatty finds herself making headlines instead of writing them.

But challenges loom that are even more complicated than figuring out how to mesh Hatty's journalism career with life at Belvoir Palace. Hatty and John soon find themselves embroiled in an unusual sex scandal: they can't produce an heir. Tabloids dub Hatty a “Barren-ess,” and the royals become irate. Hatty politely tells them to shove it. But beneath her confident exterior, she struggles to cope with a heartbreak that invades her most intimate moments with John. Pressured to choose between invasive medical procedures and abandoning John’s claim to the throne, the couple feels trapped until a trip to Ethiopia shows them happy endings sometimes arrive long after saying “I do.”

You can Pre-Oder Now! Amazon US Amazon UK GoodReads

Advance praise for INCONCEIVABLE!

· "As someone who has experienced infertility, I empathize with Hatty's struggles. Wren beautifully illuminates the joy, grief, and adventure of creating a family against all odds in this heart warming and impactful story." America Olivo Campbell, actress: DeGrassi: The Next Generation, Chicago PD, Mission Impossible 5. Spokesperson for Baby Quest Foundation

· "I found the insights into infertility invaluable and sensitive." -Marnie Neve, Board Member, Baby Quest Foundation

· "Not only was this a very well written and entertaining story (I flew through it), but I feel it's also a very important story." -Meredith Tate, author of Missing Pieces

· "Tegan Wren’s debut novel is by turn funny, heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring." JDC, author and journalist

· "I loved reading a romantic story about royals that didn't end at the wedding, showing us that there's more to love than falling in it. There's also staying in it, even when troubles come. For better and for worse." -Samantha Bryant, author of Going Through the Change

Tegan Wren bio

The best compliment Tegan Wren ever received came from her sixth grade teacher: “You always have a book in your hand!”

Guided by her love of the creative process, Tegan grew up acting in theatre productions and writing poetry, short stories, and plays. She turned her eye to writing about real life when she worked as a journalist, producing reports for various radio and television stations in medium and large markets in the Midwest and also filing some stories for a major national news network. Wren has both a Bachelor’s of Journalism and a Master of Arts in Communications. After completing her graduate degree, Tegan had the opportunity to teach journalism courses at a major state university. She absolutely loved training the next generation of journalists.

Tegan’s thankful that she’s had the opportunity to travel overseas, and uses those adventures to inform her writing. She also draws inspiration from her own struggles, joys, and life experiences. Tegan and her husband, Patrick, experienced infertility for five years before becoming parents through adoption.

Best Way to Stalk Tegan :) Blog Twitter Facebook Instagram

REVIEW: DELAYED PENALTY by Sophia Henry

2015-09-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Body Check!

There are no penalties in this debut novel by Sophia Henry. This fun, fantastic book came out on September 1st, 2015. I've been patiently waiting my turn to review and promote a great book in a new series!

The Blurb

She closed her heart long ago. He just wants to open her mind. For fans of Toni Aleo and Sawyer Bennett, the debut of Sophia Henry’s red-hot Detroit Pilots series introduces a hockey team full of complicated men who fight for love.

Auden Berezin is used to losing people: her father, her mother, her first love. Now, just when she believes those childhood wounds are finally healing, she loses something else: the soccer scholarship that was her ticket to college. Scrambling to earn tuition money, she’s relieved to find a gig translating for a Russian minor-league hockey player—until she realizes that he’s the same dangerously sexy jerk who propositioned her at the bar the night before.

Equal parts muscle and scar tissue, Aleksandr Varenkov knows about trauma. Maybe that’s what draws him to Auden. He also lost his family too young, and he channeled the pain into his passions: first hockey, then vodka and women. But all that seems to just melt away the instant he kisses Auden and feels a jolt of desire as sudden and surprising as a hard check on the ice.

After everything she’s been through, Auden can’t bring herself to trust any man, let alone a hot-headed puck jockey with a bad reputation. Aleksandr just hopes she’ll give him a chance—long enough to prove he’s finally met the one who makes him want to change.

My Review

I have a soft spot for sports fiction. But I’m often hesitant because sometimes the sport aspect takes center stage — that becomes the plot of the story and not the relationship. No need to worry about that with Delayed Penalty. In fact, don’t worry if you don’t know much about hockey, because the focus of this story is on two flawed, but very redeemable people who you want to see make it.

Auden is a college student whose just trying to make it in life. Enter Aleksandr, the Russian hockey player that is the stereotypical alpha male… only that he is not. He comes across that way initially, which is why Auden could care less for him. She is his translator…and that’s it. Until he becomes more than that. As she gets to know him, the dynamic chemistry between them unveils a relationship that i both sweet and searing.

Sophia Henry renders her characters with a sculptor’s touch. She gives just enough detail, allowing the reader to fill in the rest—making the characters that much more relatable. Their budding romance is refreshing. The story isn’t about the intimacy — it’s not about a play by play — it’s about learning something about human nature and how people who are damaged—flawed--can find completion from the most improbable partner.

As a side note, I loved the little details of the Russian culture. I learned things and in some cases recognized them as traditions that were assimilated into my culture. The authenticity of these details added color to the world Henry created.

Highly recommended. Looking forward to more from this author.

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Author Info

Sophia Henry, a proud Detroit native, fell in love with reading, writing, and hockey all before she became a teenager. She did not, however, fall in love with snow. So after graduating with an English degree from Central Michigan University, she moved to North Carolina, where she spends her time writing books featuring hockey-playing heroes, chasing her two high-energy sons, watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings, and rocking out at concerts with her husband.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Select Loveswept Ebook Bundle)

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Game of Love -- The Music that Influenced the Book

2015-07-07T09:21:00.002-07:00

The Power of Music

I've blogged about this before: music is an important element of my writing.

When a new concept is developing, one of the first things I do is build the playlist for the book. As the name suggests, I go through songs in my library that evoke the right image and mood. The song may influence a scene, a chapter, a line of dialogue... sometimes an entire scene.

This is how it starts and by the time I'm about a quarter of the way into writing the book, I have a complete play list of songs. I will share my playlist in a later post. For now, I want to focus on one song that helped set the right tone of loss. In the excerpt below, Gemma has been with Andre's friends at Zuma Beach, near Point Dume. Here is the scene from GAME OF LOVE

###

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (Excerpt)

“Love all, but trust a few.”

~William Shakespeare

Gemma allowed herself to relax as more songs came from Dan’s guitar. A sense of melancholy had joined the tent, though. Maybe it was the selection of songs. She doubted it.

She leaned over to Andre. “This isn’t just a regular day at the beach, is it?”

He shook his head. “We’re here to remember a friend who passed away just over a year ago. He was Linda’s fiancé.”

Gemma’s face froze, and a combination of grief and shame overwhelmed her. She did not belong here. She needed to say something to Linda, to apologize. Instead Andre spoke.

“Dan, play ‘Empty Space’.”

Silence draped the canopy. Andre held Gemma’s hand. They focused on Dan, who after a moment’s hesitation played an airy guitar intro, transporting her somewhere in the heavens. Then he sang:

Can we walk away, pretending not to see the empty space?

We don’t give reasons why, the gleaming tears flow gently from our eyes.

Miss you so, dear friend―fly, to your cloud, dear friend.

Lamenting what’s too late, we never talk about the tears we cried.

It comes to us all, we’re bound by the time that keeps us here for a while.

And I miss you so, dear friend―fly, to your cloud, dear friend.

When the song ended, Gemma came out of her trance and saw everyone hugging Linda. Red swollen eyes and wet cheeks reshaped the faces of the clan. She wiped her own tears. Maybe she didn’t belong, but she wanted to.

###

These were the lyrics of Empty Space written by my brother, Armen Grigorian, nearly 20 years ago. The lyrics are raw and honest. And the melody, haunting.

For the first time, you get to hear the actual song as written and performed by my brother, nearly two decades ago.

It pays off to have creative people in your life ;)

Fight the good fight!

Humbled

2015-05-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

When "Thank You" Just Doesn't Cut It

It has been three weeks today, since my debut novel GAME OF LOVE was officially released. So much has happened since then that it feels like it's been months not weeks.

Let's recap what has happened so far:

The book was granted the 5-Star Review by Readers' Favorite which is why the book now carries their emblem
31 reviews on Amazon with an average score of 4.8/5.0
47 ratings/reviews on Goodreads with an average score of 4.83/5.00
More than twenty bloggers reviewed the book
More than thirty other bloggers either announced the release of the book, or shared an excerpt, or interviewed me
The New York Time bestselling greats Susan Mallery and Jay Crownover even jumped into the mix and announced my book on release day to their tens of thousands of followers
Hundreds upon hundreds of Facebook posts, comments, shares AND Twitter posts, comments, and retweets have been splashed across all social media
I've had people rave about it from Sweden to Ireland to India to Mexico, across the United States and back to the UK

When nearly six years ago my wife told me to chase the dream, the idea that I could actually complete a novel was the dream. But once it was done and my wife told me she loved it and that I should try to see if I can get it published, a whole new realm of terror entered my life. That started a 4+ year journey of editing, revising, querying, getting rejected, more editing, more rejections, more studying, then an agent bites, then publishers are interested, then the book is published and now anyone across the globe can read my book...

More than a week ago I had my first book signing event at the Burbank Barnes & Noble. The manager was stunned by the turnout, calling it the largest author event they've ever had. They sold out of the books and even bought some of my personal copies to resell.

Over the last few weeks I've been saying thank you to hundreds of people. I've written it, spoken it, tweeted it, you name it. But those two words don't seem to cut it. It feels like that's not enough. But I don't know what other phrase can do justice to how I feel.

In the end I know that everyone is busy. We all have hundreds of thousands of other book options at our disposal. We can watch TV, go to the movies, spend time with family and friends. Yet, all these people decided spending time with my novel was the option of choice.

So here I am grateful. Thankful, of course, but also profoundly humbled at the generosity of those who've decided to take a chance on my story.

So here it comes... the phrase that isn't strong enough to adequately show what I feel. Are you ready? Good.

Thank you! I can't do this without you. I do this for you. Thank you for your support and generosity.

Fight the good fight!
Mine has just begun.

REVIEW: The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma

2015-05-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to Rearrange Your Planned Life

I'm very excited to be part Annika Sharma's Review Tour.

Why you ask? Because this book had my heart in knots. How will she choose? Who will she choose? What about--sorry... I did it again. First things first! The beautiful cover and some details about the book...

THE REARRANGED LIFE, by Annika Sharma

Genre: Interracial, contemporary-romance

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Date of Release: May 15, 2015

Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky

Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

Description:

Nithya, a vivacious, intelligent and driven college senior has always known what she has wanted: a successful career in medicine and the love of her family. She’s even come to terms with the idea of an arranged marriage, a tradition her conservative Indian family has held up for thousands of years.

When a night of partying puts her on a collision course with danger, Nithya’s entire life changes.

Enter James St. Clair, the smart, challenging and heartbreakingly handsome American. As Nithya and James fall in love, she questions the future she and her parents have always planned.

Now, Nithya has a choice to make: become a doctor and a good Indian bride, or step away from her family and centuries of culture to forge her own path. The decision she comes to takes her on a journey that transforms how she sees her future, her relationships with loved ones, and how she learns to put herself back together when even her best-laid plans fall apart.

Rafflecopter Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6afc18b137/

The Review

I love this book! Let's get that out of the way. I don't want there to be confusion over this. This is a phenomenal book. I've named my blog Rookie Scrivener because I have a particular affinity for those who are new, presumable more raw. Author Annika Sharma is no rookie. This may be her debut, but she must have been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil.

Beyond the master of craft, she has told a story, a cultural reality that most of us are completely unaware of...

As I read The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma, I found myself lost and entrenched in the beauty and uniqueness of the Indian culture and their traditions. This novel has opened me up to fundamentally get the beauty inherent in such a old and nobel culture while helping me appreciate the challenges of trying to retain these traditions in America. What Sharma does expertly, is that she fairly shows both sides of the coin. She makes you feel and appreciate the conflict — how can you turn your back on traditions that are generations old? And on the flip side, how can you deny true love?

The Rearranged Life is the story of a sharp and witty young American-Indian trying her best to honor her family, her culture, and heritage but life has different plans for her when she falls for the American classmate who embodies everything she wants and needs — she finds that when they are together, they are both better, happier... they are complete. But at what cost? Marrying an American is to deny her heritage, her parents, and the generations before.

Sharma's writing is witty and sharp. The dialogue and banter written with an expert’s touch and the love story that develops between Nithya and James is infectious and immediately relatable. But when she renders the world, the ceremonies, and the richness of the culture, she becomes a poet, placing the reader in the rich tapestry of the Indian world.

This is a beautiful book, written with heart. I am better for having read this book. An amazing debut novel. I highly recommend it. You need to add this to your library of books. You will be the one missing out.

FIVE STARS!

About The Author:

Eventually, when the time for college came around, Annika’s parents encouraged her to pursue journalism. Convinced she couldn’t make a living from writing, Annika disagreed. After five years, two degrees, two minors, working with children, being a dancer teacher, and creating a two-and-a-half page resume in college that had interests so all-over-the-place that even she couldn’t make sense of it, Annika finally decided her parents were right. Writing was where her heart was, all along.

In the month before graduate school, the idea Annika had in mind for years finally poured out in the form of the novel, The Rearranged Life. Annika began editing in earnest after she finished her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, landing Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary Group as an agent. Three months later, she had a book deal with Curiosity Quills.

In her spare time, Annika loves spending time with her family and friends, often indulging in the three S’s: Starbucks, shopping and superhero movies. As a chocolate lover and general all-around vegetarian foodie, Annika also adores cooking.

Find Annika Sharma Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Release -- ACROSS THE DISTANCE by Marie Meyer

2015-05-05T09:37:00.003-07:00

An Amazing Debut!

Back in late March, I shared the cover for this debut novel. Based on the blurb I knew this would be a special one. I didn't realize just how special. I read it in ONE SITTING. I'm getting ahead of myself. First things first!

The Blurb...

There's a drawer I never open. It holds a picture I never look at. It reminds me of a day I hate to remember, but I'll never forget.

I'd give anything to be like the other girls on campus. Going to parties, flirting with boys, planning for a future. But that's not me. And hasn't been since the day my parents died. The only thing that got me through was Griffin. Even though I didn't have my family, I always had him. Only, now I'm not so sure I do.

It's not just the eleven hundred miles separating us now that I'm at college. Or his band finally taking off, and all the gigs and girls suddenly demanding his time. It's as if everything is different-the way we talk, the way we text . . . the way he looks at me and the way those looks make me feel.

Griffin has been the only good thing in my life since that horrific day. But I can feel our friendship slipping away-and I'm terrified of what will be left in its place . . .

The Excerpt...

Griffin took the last box from my hand and shoved it into the backseat of my car. “I’ll get my bike on the trailer, and then we’ll be ready to hit the road.” He wiped his upper arm across his sweaty forehead.

I looked into his dark eyes and smiled. “Thanks,” I sighed.

“For what?” With a toss of his head, he pushed a few errant curls out of his eyes.

“For putting up with me.” He could have easily gotten a plane ticket home, but he knew how much I hated airplanes. The thought of him getting on a plane made me physically ill.

He swung his arm around my neck, squeezing me with his strong arm. “Put up with you? I’d like to see you try and get rid of me.”
With my head trapped in his viselike grip and my face pressed to his chest, I couldn’t escape his intoxicating scent. Even though it was too hot for his beloved leather riding jacket, the faint smell still clung to him. That, coupled with the heady musk clinging to his sweat-dampened t-shirt, made my head swim with thoughts that were well beyond the realm of friendship.

I needed to refocus my thoughts, and I couldn’t do that pressed up against him. I shivered and pulled away. Taking a step back, I cleared my throat. “I’m going to tell Jennifer we’re leaving.” I thumbed toward the house.

He scrutinized my face for a minute, then smirked. “Enjoy that. You’ve earned it.”

I turned on my heel and let out a deep breath, trying desperately to rein in my inappropriate fantasies.

Months ago, our easygoing friendship had morphed into an awkward dance of fleeting glances, lingering touches, and an unspeakable amount of tension. I thought he’d felt it, too. The night of my high school graduation party, I went out on a limb and kissed him. When our lips met, every nerve ending in my body fired at once. Embers of lust burned deep inside me. I’d never felt anything like that before. The thought of being intimate with someone made me want to run to the nearest convent. But not with Griffin. When our bodies connected, I felt whole and alive in a way I’d never felt before.

Then he’d done what I’d least expected…he’d pushed me away. I’d searched his face for an explanation. He, more than anyone, knew what it had taken for me to put myself out there, and he’d pushed me away. Touting some bullshit about our timing being all wrong, that a long distance relationship wouldn’t work, he insisted that I was nothing more than his friend. His rejection hurt worse than any of the cuts I’d inflicted upon myself in past years. But, he was my best friend; I needed him far too much to have our relationship end badly and lose him forever. Regardless of his excuses, in retrospect, I was glad I wouldn’t fall victim to his usual love-’em-and-leave-’em pattern. Griffin was never with one girl for more than a couple of months; then he was on to the next. That would have killed me. So I picked up what was left of my pride, buried my feelings, and vowed not to blur the lines of our friendship again.

The Review...

Some Scars Never Heal…But They Can Be Soothed

I read this book in one sitting.

Is it the smooth writing that did it for me? Maybe. Maybe it's the way the characters interact and talk — their natural chemistry? Possibly. Is it because it’s fundamentally a story of second chances? That’s definitely there. What about the fact that it’s about two best friends, who are so good together, to each other, and for each other that you want and hope they’ll realize that they are better together than apart? Yes, that’s there too. Is it because Marie Meyer expertly ties all these elements together with a sub-plot of a tragic loss that is relatable on a visceral level? Absolutely.

Jillian, our protagonist, deserves a shot at happiness. Her scars are not only skin deep, but also soul deep. This is not another book that works in 9-11 just to get emotional points. This is a book whose emotions are so relatable that anyone whose lost loved ones to a tragedy, or understands that sometimes the smallest decisions have life-long implications, will want this young woman to find a path to happiness. And he’s right there — always has been -- her best friend, Griffin.

This is a beautifully written book, with a deep story line, set in a world that’s real…sometimes too real. Brilliant work, by a talented writer. I look forward to more books by Marie Meyer. The future of NA is bright! I highly recommend it.

FIVE STARS!

Buy the Book...

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Across-Distance-Marie-Meyer/dp/1455590967

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/across-the-distance-marie-meyer/1120957920?ean=9781455590964

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/across-the-distance/id970104701?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/across-the-distance/WNb3L-iHEEqESpcLSV4_TQ

The Giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Author...

Marie Meyer was a Language Arts teacher for fourteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt new adult romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member of RWA and the St. Louis Writers Guild. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Special Olympics, making up silly stories with her youngest daughter, and bingeing on weeks of DVR'd television shows with her husband

Website:http://mariemeyerbooks.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarieMwrites

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/mariemeyerbooks

Readers' Favorite Book Review - 5 Stars for GAME OF LOVE

2015-04-27T09:45:00.001-07:00

FIVE STAR Review for GAME OF LOVE

In advance of the May 4th release of my novel, I am very excited to announce that Readers' Favorite has given GAME OF LOVE a shiny Five Star Review.

Let me be clear. Every single review, every tweet, email, and message is as valuable as the other. I am honored and humbled. It is always about the reader and what my stories do for them.

What makes this special is that Readers' Favorite has a reach that will introduce my story to even more readers.

Although there are no spoilers in the review below... there are "hints" so proceed with caution :)

My novel's cover can officially carry the emblem that is trusted by readers.

Thank you!

Fight the good fight!

GAME OF LOVE Launch and Epic Giveaway!

2015-04-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Calling All Tennis and #TeamVika Fans!

GIVEAWAY OFFICIALLY CLOSED ON JUNE 2, 2015

Victoria Azarenka Autographed GAME OF LOVE t-shirt and more!

Game of Love officially releases world-wide on May 4th, 2015!

So how do we celebrate this epic day?

With an epic Giveaway!

Some background first...

If you know tennis, you know the name Victoria Azarenka (Vika). She was the former #1 player in the world just over a year ago. She's won two Grand Slams, has reached the finals in a few more, and is on a comeback trail from an injury a year ago.

Hey, Ara! What does this have to do with your novel???

Okay, okay. I'll get to the point...

On March 14th, 2015, during the BNP Paribas open in Indian Wells, California, Victoria Azarenka played a match against Flipkens. Vika won 6-2, 6-4.

Right after her victory she joined the Tennis Channel team and was interviewed.

Once Ms. Azarenka finished her interview she approached the gate where dozens of fans waited for her, hoping for a picture or an autograph.

I was there with my posse promoting Game of Love to a tennis crowd. She was presented with one of the GAME OF LOVE t-shirts which she studied momentarily, smiled then proceeded to autograph the t-shirt.

Her generosity can now be one very lucky person's winning!

All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter giveaway (see below)

Giveaway

Yes, I am giving this and many other prizes to those who enter. Five prizes in all.

What's included in the Grand Prize?

Signed Game of Love T-Shirt
Autographed copy of Game of Love
Your name of choice in my next novel -- It will be a secondary character and I will do my best to not use it for a jerk... but no promises :)

Why am I doing this? Because I'm just super nice. AND because we need to celebrate the official release of my debut novel, GAME OF LOVE!

Did I mention you can buy it now?!?!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

How do you enter this giveaway? Scroll down and you'll see the rafflecopter widget. There are many ways to earn an entry (Tweet, Facebook post, subscribe to my website, etc) -- it's all explained in the rafflecopter widget. But to thank my fans, those who have gone the extra mile, I've done something special!

Starting April 22th through end of May, you can earn additional entries by taking a picture of the cover of Game of Love! A book cover selfie. Check out the Pintrest site for examples.

PHOTO COVER CONTEST

All you have to do is take a picture of the book cover (physical or digital) anywhere that you find interesting. Get creative! It can be where you read the book, or where you fell in love, or where you love to visit. It can be anywhere for that matter. Look even my cat Pete's getting into the act!

For the Photo Cover contest, no purchase is necessary. You can download the free Preview copy on your Kindle or Nook and take the same picture or find an image of the cover and do the same. Once you've taken the picture, you can do one of the following:

Tweet it to @araTHEwriter -- that will be your evidence. To make it super easy on you, copy and paste the line below and attach the photo:

➢ I'm reading #GameOfLove by @araTHEwriter! www.tennisnovel.com

or... Post it on my Facebook page.

Don't waste more time. Go ahead and enter the giveaway! and GOOD LUCK!!!!

Don't forget: the official launch is May 4th!

May the Fourth Be with Game of Love!

Get it? Okay, I thought it was funny!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal & GIVEAWAY: Delayed Penalty by Sophia Henry

2015-04-13T12:12:00.001-07:00

During a Delayed Penalty The Odds Are Against You!

I have a soft spot for sports romance novels (shocking, right?). Sophia Henry's debut new adult novel, Delayed Penalty is just that (Random House/Flirt). This is book one of "A Pilots Hockey Novel." In full disclosure, I'm looking forward to this one because the author is awesome on so many levels so I am hopeful because if only 5% of her brilliance comes through in her book, then it promises to be a great one!

The Cover...

The Blurb...

She closed her heart long ago. He just wants to open her mind. For fans of Toni Aleo and Sawyer Bennett, the debut of Sophia Henry’s red-hot Detroit Pilots series introduces a hockey team full of complicated men who fight for love.

Auden Berezin is used to losing people: her father, her mother, her first love. Now, just when she believes those childhood wounds are finally healing, she loses something else: the soccer scholarship that was her ticket to college. Scrambling to earn tuition money, she’s relieved to find a gig translating for a Russian minor-league hockey player. Until she realizes that he’s the same dangerously sexy jerk who propositioned her at the bar the night before.

Equal parts muscle and scar tissue, Aleksandr Varenkov knows about trauma. Maybe that’s what draws him to Auden. He also lost his family too young, and he channeled the pain into his passions: first hockey, then vodka and women. But all that seems to just melt away the instant he kisses Auden and feels a jolt of desire as sudden and surprising as a hard check on the ice.

After everything she’s been through, Auden can’t bring herself to trust any man, let alone a hot-headed puck jockey with a bad reputation. Aleksandr just hopes she’ll give him a chance—long enough to prove he’s finally met the one who makes him want to change.

About the Author...

Sophia Henry, a proud Detroit native, fell in love with reading, writing, and hockey all before she
became a teenager. She did not, however, fall in love with snow. So after graduating with an English degree from Central Michigan University, she moved to North Carolina, where she spends her time writing books featuring hockey-playing heroes, chasing her two high-energy sons, watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings, and rocking out at concerts with her husband.

Author Links...

Website: www.SophiaHenry.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SophiaHenry313

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SophiaHenryAuthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sophiahenry313

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sophiahenry313

Giveaway!!!

Cover Reveal Rafflecopter Giveaway (from the Author)

$25 Amazon GC and a Pilots Hockey/Sophia Henry Prize Pack

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodreads -- A Lifecycle of Emotions

2015-04-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Emotional Lifecycle

Your book is added to Goodreads!

And you want to just...

Then in one magical moment, this happens...

And you feel gooood!

Then this happens...

You wanted it, you got it, now you feel like...

Then you get this!

And your happy dance is so epic you throw out your hip...

In the very next moment you realize this will happen too. Eventually...

So you calm down, feel thankful for what you have, and prepare for what is yet to come...

So if you want to put me through this roller coaster, go ahead and add my book to your Goodreads shelf! ;)

Fight the good fight!

Cover Reveal: LETTING GO by Jessica Ruddick

2015-04-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

How Long Do You Hold On?

Today I am lucky enough to participate in the cover reveal of Jessica Ruddick's new adult debut novel, LETTING GO. Read the brief blurb below and you'll see this is my type of book. The novel will be released on May 25th by Entangled Embrace. I haven't read this on yet, but when I do, you can be sure I'll write all about it.

The Cover:

Blurb:

How long do you hold on?

Cori Elliott likes order. Her schedule, her social life...even her GPA is perfect. Then she finds out her high school boyfriend's death wasn't an accident—it was suicide. The devastating revelation is enough to fracture her perfectly structured life, sending Cori in a downward spiral of self-doubt and impulsive decisions.

And right into the arms of Luke Evans.

But Cori's life isn't perfect anymore. In fact, it's all coming apart. The only way she can save herself is to let go of everything—including the girl she used to be. Even if it means losing the one guy who might just be perfect for her in the process...

You can add her book to your Goodreads library:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23302058-letting-go?from_search=true

About the Author:

Jessica Ruddick is a 2014 Golden Heart finalist for her new adult novel, Letting Go, which was inspired by her own college experiences. She lives in Virginia and is married to her college sweetheart—their first date was a fraternity toga party (and nothing inspires love like a toga, right?). When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her hands on a keyboard, she can be found wrangling her two rambunctious sons, taming two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs, and battling the herd of dust bunnies that has taken up residence in her home. To learn more about Jessica, please visit her website at www.jessicaruddick.com.

Author Links:

Website │ Twitter │ Facebook │ Goodreads

This Happened...

2015-04-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

THIRTY-ONE DAYS TO GO AND..

The doorbell rang...

The nice Fedex man gave me this...

Then I opened it...

Then I hugged the book for a bit and remembered how many times I almost gave up on her. How many times I was told, "Maybe this one isn't the one." How many times I thought, "Maybe this dream is just a dream."

But now I hold it in my hands. Gemma and Andre's story is being read even before it's been officially published. It's real. Thank you to those who stood by me and told me they believed in me.

If you're so inclined, you can pre-order the book on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. Or just sign up on my website and you'll get updates directly.

Did I mention 31 DAYS TO GO!?

Thank you.

Fight the good fight!

Cover Reveal: The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma

2015-03-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to Rearrange Your Planned Life

I'm very excited about this book. Annika is my literary agency sister and publisher sister. So she's my sister-sister! More importantly, the story she's written is my type of tale. Sometimes the life you think you're supposed to have isn't the one that presents itself.

BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: May 15th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Nithya, a vivacious, intelligent and driven college senior has always known what she's wanted: a successful career in medicine and the love of her family. She's even come to terms with the idea of an arranged marriage, a tradition her conservative Indian family has held up for thousands of years.

When a night of partying puts her on a collision course with danger, Nithya's entire life changes. Enter James St. Clair, the smart, challenging and heartbreakingly handsome American. As Nithya and James fall in love, she questions the future she and her parents have always planned. To make matters worse, Nishanth, the son of newly reunited family friends is the perfect match for her in the eyes of her loved ones.

Now, Nithya has a choice to make: become a doctor and a good Indian bride, or step away from her family and centuries of culture to forge her own path. The decision she comes to takes her on a journey that transforms how she sees her future, her relationships with loved ones, and how she learns to put herself back together when even her best-laid plans fall apart.

Goodreads: Add to your bookshelf

Pre-order Now: Amazon US

Rafflecopter Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6afc18b136/

Exclusive Excerpt

There it is again. That electric charge. It’s as if the air between us has solidified into a molten mass, white-hot and pulling us together like magnets. My heart pounds so hard, I’m afraid it’ll break the stone we are sitting on. His eyes stare into mine, and I am engulfed by their vibrant green sheen. James crosses his legs and straightens his back from the way he was leaning. He’s closer to me now. I can see the shade of stubble on his chin and exactly where his jaw flexes. There’s a scar on his forehead near his eyebrow, and I wonder distractedly where he got it.

“You can really see the stars out tonight.” He tilts his head. I turn around, taken aback by the change of subject. The shadows of the mountains in the distance are huge waves of dark blue on the horizon. The green grass in the fields behind the pavilion appears teal in the night. There are no lights there, while the other side of the arboretum is lit by campus streetlights. The stars are brilliant, glittering specks against a dark background. Suddenly, one jets across the sky, trailing faint white light behind it. It travels so quickly, my eyes can hardly keep up.

“Hey!” James and I cry out, pointing to the shooting star. The second it disappears into the universe, I close my eyes.

“What’re you doing?” James whispers. I hold up a finger to make a wish, willing it to happen with all of my heart and soul. I wish this night would never end.

“I had to make my wish.” I whisper back. I’m not sure why, but after the fleeting glimpse of the meteor, it feels appropriate.

“What did you wish for?” He has shifted his weight again, his position mirroring mine perfectly.

“I can’t tell or it won’t come true. Did you wish for anything?”

He shakes his head, smiling.

“It’s not too late. You still have time. Give it a shot.”

He closes his eyes, and the vision of him with his eyes serenely closed, cross-legged on the stone floor inches away from me, is seared into my mind. He looks so peaceful, like a child. A wistful smile lingers on his lips—until his eyes flutter open, and his smile turns playful.

“Are you going to tell me what you wished for?” I repeat his question.

“It won’t come true.” He echoes my response.

We are inches from each other. Our faces tilt toward one another, our images reflecting in each other’s eyes.

“I really want to kiss you right now,” he whispers.

“I really want you to,” I reply, breathlessly.

He moves in closer, taking his time. The world has stopped. There are no passing cars, no breezes blowing through the trees, no ties binding us to anyone but each other. When his lips finally touch mine, it is as if a fire bursts to roaring, glorious life inside me—it is flaming, reaching for any way to free itself from my body. Though I’ve never done this before, I have no worries. I am a lost soul, and he is my lifeline.

“You taste like chocolate,” he whispers to me, grinning.

“Is that a racial reference?” I ask him, smiling.

He laughs softly, his forehead pressed against mine, his hand still grazing my cheek, fingers entwined in my hair. “I guess I got what I wished for.”

“You wasted a wish. I would have kissed you anyway.” I tell him, playfully.

“I didn’t want to take any chances,” he murmurs and kisses me again.

I am in heaven, and there is nowhere I would rather be.

AUTHOR BIO:

Annika Sharma was born in India and moved to the United States (Pennsylvania!) when she was a baby. Annika was a daydreamer from day one, always coming up with stories and games of pretend that seemed real. She was a serious journal-writer from fifth grade to college and wrote dramatic scenes for stories often, inspired by soap operas she watched in summers off from school.

Eventually, when the time for college came around, Annika’s parents encouraged her to pursue journalism. Convinced she couldn’t make a living from writing, Annika disagreed. After five years, two degrees, two minors, working with children, being a dancer teacher, and creating a two-and-a-half page resume in college that had interests so all-over-the-place that even she couldn’t make sense of it, Annika finally decided her parents were right. Writing was where her heart was, all along.

In the month before graduate school, the idea Annika had in my mind for years finally poured out in the form of the novel, The Rearranged Life. Annika began editing in earnest after she finished her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, landing Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary Group as an agent. Three months later, she had a book deal with Curiosity Quills.

In her spare time, Annika loves spending time with her family and friends, often indulging in the three S’s: Starbucks, shopping and superhero movies. As a chocolate lover and general all-around vegetarian foodie, Annika also adores cooking.

Author Links:

https://twitter.com/annikasharma

http://www.annikasharma.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AnnikaSharmaWrites

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12111845.Annika_Sharma

Cover Reveal: ACROSS THE DISTANCE by Marie Meyer

2015-03-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

Another Stunning Book Cover

May is shaping up to be a great reading month. Marie Meyer's debut new adult novel, ACROSS THE DISTANCE releases on May 5th from Grand Central/Forever Yours. I am honored that I am among the first to reveal this cover for a few reasons: (1) The author is a genuinely good person. (2) The book sounds fantastic, and (3) the cover. I mean. Look at the cover! Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself....

The Blurb...

There's a drawer I never open. It holds a picture I never look at. It reminds me of a day I hate to remember, but I'll never forget.

I'd give anything to be like the other girls on campus. Going to parties, flirting with boys, planning for a future. But that's not me. And hasn't been since the day my parents died. The only thing that got me through was Griffin. Even though I didn't have my family, I always had him. Only, now I'm not so sure I do.

It's not just the eleven hundred miles separating us now that I'm at college. Or his band finally taking off, and all the gigs and girls suddenly demanding his time. It's as if everything is different-the way we talk, the way we text . . . the way he looks at me and the way those looks make me feel.

Griffin has been the only good thing in my life since that horrific day. But I can feel our friendship slipping away-and I'm terrified of what will be left in its place . . .

The Cover...

I love this cover. The streaking rainbow hues to the right gives it a unique touch, helping it stand out in a crowed space. If the goal of the cover is to call the potential reader to crack that spine and read a bit, this cover does that in bunches.

As mentioned earlier, ACROSS THE DISTANCE (Grand Central/Forever Yours) comes out on May 2015, followed by CAN'T GO BACK (Grand Central/Forever Yours) on August 2105.

How to stalk this author without going to jail...

Admit it, we all want to be best friends with authors.

You can start by visiting: Marie Meyer Books, Follow Marie on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads

Getting to know her...

Marie Meyer was a Language Arts teacher for fourteen years. She spends her days in the classroom and her nights writing heartfelt new adult romances that will leave readers clamoring for more. She is a member of RWA and the St. Louis Writers Guild. Marie's short fiction won honorable mentions from the St. Louis Writers Guild in 2010 and 2011. She is a proud mommy and enjoys helping her oldest daughter train for the Special Olympics, making up silly stories with her youngest daughter, and binging on weeks of DVR'd television shows with her husband.

You can pre-order now from both Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Cover Reveal: RUN AWAY by Laura Salters

2015-03-10T09:44:00.001-07:00

Is It May Yet?

May holds to be a promising month. There are three, count them three novels by debut new adult novelists that are on my radar. The first is RUN AWAY by Laura Salters which will release on May 19th from Harper Collins Impulse. I'm really excited about this one. The premise of the book is filled with intrigue, the blurb itself has a dark tone, and the cover... well, you'll be the judge. Clearly I think it's a perfect cover for this story. Enough blabbering, Ara!

The Blurb

Drenched in blood and sitting in the sweltering interview room of a Thai police station, Kayla Finch knows that Sam, the love of her life, is dead. It doesn't matter that there's no body. All that blood can only mean one thing.

It isn't the first time Kayla's had blood on her hands. After finding her brother dead by his own hand, she tried to outrun her grief by escaping to Thailand. Heart-broken, the last thing she expected was to find love on the smoggy streets of Bangkok. But everyone Kayla loves seems to wind up dead.

Returning home to England, Kayla is left with a barely-functioning family, a string of gruesome nightmares and the niggling feeling that nothing is as it seems. And as she confronts her brother's suicide, she starts to suspect that something is very wrong.

Three months. Two tragedies. One connection: there's more to both cases than anyone is willing to admit. And Kayla’s determined to uncover the truth…no matter what the cost.

The Cover!!!

Murders. Thailand. England. A young woman in search of truth. That's why this cover is so appropriate.

The Author

Laura Salters is a YA/NA suspense author (represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media Inc) from the northernmost town in England. Her debut novel, RUN AWAY, will be published by HarperCollins (Witness Impulse) on 05/19/15. When Laura isn't writing, reading or thinking about writing or reading, she's a music lover (and terrible singer), pet cuddler, beach-goer, runner (*cough* jogger), passionate foodie, caffeine addict, tennis player, lipstick wearer, Harry Potter fangirl (yes, still), housework dodger and relentless chatterbox.

You'll want to signup with her various social medial presences.

Website: http://www.laurasalters.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/laurasaltersauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/laura_salters

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurasaltersauthor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfLE7PbFusHQvjlm7syI7rA

Oh and if you needed any more motivation here are three: She's British. She loves to watch tennis. She loves to Play tennis. What else do you need???

You can Pre-Order from Amazon US and Amazon UK now!

Missing Pieces by Meredith Tate

2015-03-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

One Month Ago I Showed you the Cover...

Today, we Open the Kimono!

Hopefully that got your attention, because Missing Pieces is a gem in the vastly overcrowded world of dystopian novels.

First the book summary:

Your family is the most important part of your life. Your families are the people you love, and love is what separates us from scoundrels and criminals. It maintains order. Your parents, your sibling, and your Partner are

the ones you love. There should never, ever, be anyone else who comes close to that bond. You have only one best friend, and that is the person you’ll be marrying some day. We must learn to differentiate the relationships in our lives: the people we love, and the ones we don’t. It’s inappropriate, it’s foolish, and it’s forbidden to think otherwise.”

Trace Bailey’s mouth is her worst enemy—somehow it always gets her in trouble. Luckily, she has a partner in crime—her best friend and neighbor since age seven, Piren Allston. He can’t get enough of her crazy sense of humor, and she loves that he’s always up for another adventure.

They can’t be friends, though, not in their world. Trace and Piren were Assigned to other people at the age of six, and they’re supposed to marry their Partners when they turn twenty-four. Failure to comply leads to Banishment, a fate worse than death.

Worse still is the growing realization that their bond is stronger than just friendship.

In a world without freedom, there are still choices to be made. Following their hearts means losing their family, but following the law means losing each other.

Now MY review (as seen on Amazon):

If more dystopians were like MISSING PIECES, the genre would still thrive and no one would complain about too much dystopian. Because there’s no such thing as too much great storytelling. And Meredith Tate delivers a page turner of a story.

Let me be clear: debut author, Meredith Tate, remains true to fans of the genre while keeping it fresh and not relying on overused approaches. She has breathed life into a genre that has suffered in the last couple of years.

The protagonists, two best friends, Piren and Tracy, are natural. They remind you of the couple you knew in school who were so good with each other. And over the years you and your friends wondered when they’d wake up. Well, in the case of Piren and Tracy, it’s not about waking up and realizing that they are perfect for each other. Their feelings are illegal because they are not paired/assigned to each other. In this world (which feels eerily familiar) even a friendship is illegal. This is a relationship that can not be.

When they’re together they hum. Their dialogue flows with ease. Their chemistry is organic and beautiful. And although there were a couple of scenes where I wanted to strangle the guy, he is fundamentally a good guy. The perfect guy for her. As the name of the book implies, they are each other’s missing piece.

The writing is effortless and the storytelling compelling. By mid point, the book has hit a fast stride. So when twists happen, the derailment is profound and well executed. I may have grunted in pain a few times.

And can I say how nice it is that the story reaches a conclusion in this book? Maybe Tate will write a follow up, and I’d love to see how the world evolves, but it’s not required. Which makes this very atypical, but oh so welcome. I am so tired of artificially derived multi book series. Tate plays fair with her readers and delivers across the board.

A fantastic book and a beautiful cover. I look forward to more great stories from Meredith Tate.

Bottom Line:

A great book by a fantastic debut novelist. If you're into the genre, this is a no brainer. If you're not, read the sample pages on Amazon. You may find something in there that you'll like.

BUY FROM AMAZON!

Social Media

To ~~stalk~~ follow the author, here are her favorite hang outs :)

Website: http://meredithtate.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mltate24
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormeredithtate
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31158937-meredith-tate

About the Author:

A proud New Hampshire native, Meredith Tate lives in St. Louis with her husband. She loves reading

and writing in all genres, but has a soft spot for dark young adult and new adult speculative fiction. Meredith has a master's degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire. She is a contributor to the St. Louis Writer's Guild's "Write Pack Radio Show" every Sunday afternoon. When she’s not writing, Meredith enjoys traveling, playing the piano, befriending wild geese, and spending time with family and friends. Much like her characters, she’s always up for another adventure.

Cover Reveal : MISSING PIECES by Meredith Tate

2015-02-09T07:08:00.002-08:00

It's (almost) here!

Meredith Tate's debut new adult novel, Missing Pieces from Simon & Schuster is nearly here. But while I impatiently wait (is it March 3rd yet?), I am honored to be among the first to reveal the cover. And what a cover it is. Powerful in its simplicity yet full of depth and beautiful colors that pull you in.

Do yourself a favor and read the summary below, then follow the author. You'll quickly find this is one book you'll want to pre-order. Go ahead. Thank me later ;)

Summary:

“Your family is the most important part of your life. Your families are the people you love, and love is what separates us from scoundrels and criminals. It maintains order. Your parents, your sibling, and your Partner are the ones you love. There should never, ever, be anyone else who comes close to that bond. You have only one best friend, and that is the person you’ll be marrying some day. We must learn to differentiate the relationships in our lives: the people we love, and the ones we don’t. It’s inappropriate, it’s foolish, and it’s forbidden to think otherwise.”

Worse still is the growing realization that their bond is stronger than just friendship.

In a world without freedom, there are still choices to be made. Following their hearts means losing their family, but following the law means losing each other.

Social Media:

Be sure to follow her on her various social media outlets.

Website: http://meredithtate.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mltate24
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormeredithtate
Amazon Pre-Order: Click Here <-- Yes! You can pre-order here!

Author Bio:

A proud New Hampshire native, Meredith Tate lives in St. Louis with her husband. She loves reading and writing in all genres, but has a soft spot for dark young adult and new adult speculative fiction. Meredith has a master's degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire. She is a contributor to the St. Louis Writer's Guild's "Write Pack Radio Show" every Sunday afternoon. When she’s not writing, Meredith enjoys traveling, playing the piano, befriending wild geese, and spending time with family and friends. Much like her characters, she’s always up for another adventure.

Fight the good fight!

The Marriage of Nutella and Ara

2015-02-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

An epic announcement on World Nutella Day!

As you may know by now, I am a big Nutella fan. I don't mean I'm big, as in large, although I could stand to lose an ounce or two. What I do mean is that I love Nutella.

So it should come as no surprise that Nutella makes an appearance in my debut novel, Game of Love in a scene where Gemma, a world-class athlete, decides to indulge and share a Nutella croissant with Andre. This is symbolic of freedom from her old way of being.

Unfortunately, there was some concern over the use of a brand name. After all, I don't want to be sued, much less by my favorite brand! Although the product is shown in positive light (I mean after all, it is the symbol for freedom) I decided to contact Nutella's parent company, Ferrero USA and ask for permission to use their brand.

Let's level set here: I am a nobody. So why would they even bother to respond? Well, they did.

I am elated to announce that the good people at Ferrero have given me permission to use their brand in my novel! So on this, World Nutella Day, I am announcing a marriage between my favorite product and my debut novel, Game of Love. I will be forever tied to Nutella.

So, enjoy some Nutella, subscribe to my blog (right there to your right), add Game of Love to your Goodreads bookshelf and when you read my novel on May 4th, go ahead and consume liberal amounts of Nutella.

Coming soon: Cover reveal and Amazon Pre-Order!

Fight the good fight!

Virtual "Cookie" Exchange Blog Hop

2014-12-09T10:31:00.002-08:00

I tried to pretend that my friend Kerry Schafer had not asked if I wanted to participate in the Virtual Cookie Exchange Blog Hop.

I had a legitimate excuse. She asked just before Thanksgiving so I was busy... and stuff. But I have a hard time saying no to friends. So although I will be very liberal with my interpretation of the word Cookie (I'm a writer, I'm allowed to do that), I am providing a recipe from my vaults -- my secret sauce if you will.

Here we go!

(1) Get a spoon

(2) Fill spoon with Nutella

(3) Get an espresso cup

(4) Fill espresso cup with two shots of premium coffee (notice the handsome crema)

(5) Get spoonful of Nutella and deposit gold into espresso cup

(6) Get a whisk and mix gently, trying not to destroy the crema

(7) Voila, you have a double espresso infused with Nutella.

Consume liberally. Enjoy life.

This is where I'm supposed to nominate five people. I'd like to embarrass the five who I asked because they all chickened out. But I am a bigger person than that. Instead, they will contract a horrible disease in my next book.

Fight the good fight!