Category: Just For Fun

What should I read after the Something in the Way series?

4/22/2019

This is a question I get frequently, and I've posted it on the blog before—but that was almost two years ago, and as you probably know, about a trillion books have released since then! So I figured this would be a good time to ask for recommendations from you, my readers. It doesn't have to be one of my books—although it can be, because I get that question a lot too (what to read next by me that's closest to Something in the Way). But it can can be any book or series that gave you the same feels/nostalgia/emotion/angst...whatever does it for you! Then, I can pass this link along whenever I get this question...and it's also a good reference for anyone who stumbled across this post looking for recs.

Something in the Way is my epic love saga that spans time and channels the teenage angst of falling in love and having your heartbroken...then mended.

If you haven't read it, learn more here. Otherwise, hit me with those recs in the comments!

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Reader Question: any recommendations for a similar storyline?

9/18/2017

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Earlier this month, I posted a question I'd been getting a lot of: which of my books should you read while you wait for Move the Stars? Inspired by the "reader question" segment on Maryse's Book Blog, I decided to open it up recommendations. Today I have a similar question, but we're looking for ANY books by any author. In the Somebody Else's Sky Spoiler Room, reader Jas asked:

Ok ladies.. it seems as though I'm in the right place. I've been weirding myself out with how much this book has been on my mind. I've started FOUR new books and stopped a couple of pages in because I just couldn't get into anything. What's everyone reading? Any recommendations for a similar storyline are much appreciated or else I'll never make it to October! 🖤😭😂

If you have some ideas, help us out and leave them in the comments! Here are some of the responses from the Facebook post to get you started:

Azalia: I just finished "The King" by Skye Warren it was so amazing.
I also recently read
Tied- by Carian Cole
And for a fun read
TK Leigh- Writing Mr. Right
Happy Reading

Melissa: Complicated Hearts by Ashley Jade

Shirley: I had to read something funny so I recommended tapping the billionaire by Max Monroe the whole series is hysterical or a single read tempt the boss by Natasha Madison all very good laugh out loud reads!

Deborah: Have you read any more of Jessica Hawkins stories? If not how about Slip of the Tongue, First Taste, or my favorite of hers explicitly yours series. Mia Asher, Arsen is a great one or any of hers I recommend.

Something that was mentioned here was Worth the Wait by Jamie Beck was really good. The H kind of made me think of Manning and helped me some. Still waiting for October.....

Karin: You can read Garden of goodbyes by Faith Evans i think,2 sisters one man.

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Something in the Way is coming to audio!

8/28/2017

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It's official: the Something in the Way series is being made into audiobooks! In fact, book 1 is already in the hands of the narrators. And who might they be . . . ?

It's my pleasure to announce that the series will be narrated by Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber. Andi is an award-winning narrator (also nominated for her work on Slip of the Tongue) who has worked with authors such as Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland, Louise Bay, and tons more. This will be my first time working with Zachary Webber, and I knew right away he'd fit the part of Manning Sutter. Zachary has a thriving career in TV and film, and is known for his work on Grey by EL James. He has also narrated for greats such as Lauren Blakely, Claire Contreras, and Meghan March.

Something in the Way is expected to release in audio September 2017, followed by the rest of the series through the end of the year. Join my audiobook mailing list for a new release alert:

Subscribe to the Audio Mailing List

All Audiobooks

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3 Sexy Shows Romance Readers Should be Watching

11/16/2016

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I love books. I love to write. But sometimes (a lot of times) I need a break, and with all the innovative programming out there right now, need turns into want. I want to break from the Kindle and escape to a Chicago 5-star hotel with a client, or a competitive New York City ballet school, or a charming diner in Montauk. Here are 5 sexy shows I've recently binged—some of which inspired the novel I'm working on now. (Psst...let me know in the comments what I should be watching next!)

3. Flesh and Bone - STARZ

Flesh and Bone only made it one season, and it might not be considered sexy in a traditional sense, but if you have an appreciation for ballet and its dancers' lithe, flexible bodies, you'll understand why it's #3 on my list. The cinematography, setting, and main character, Claire Robbins (played by dancer Sarah Hay) add a level of sensuality you don't often see on the small screen. And for fans of stepbrother romance (I know you're out there), there's a creepy-intriguing incest storyline with Josh Helman (X-Men, Mad Max). Catch Flesh and Bone on the Starz network, or it was recently added to Amazon Video.

2. The Affair - Showtime

I found this show so well-written, so intriguing, that it was one of the inspirations behind Slip of the Tongue, my release earlier this year. If you've read my books, you understand my fascination with adultery. When I first saw a spot for The Affair, I stayed away. I was afraid they'd botch the subgenre I love, and the premise hit a little too close to my debut series. But this show is different and captivating in a different way. It has it all: Sex. Murder. Mystery. Betrayal. I found myself rooting for the wrong couple...and then, suddenly, I wasn't. The premise plays with unreliable narrators Alison and Noah (the brilliant Ruth Wilson and Dominic West, The Wire) and will leave you questioning what you thought you knew. Rounding out the exceptional cast is Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek) and Maura Tierney (ER). Of course, this grabs the #2 spot on my list because forbidden sex is the best kind, and there's plenty of it packed into both seasons. Luckily, the show returns this Sunday (11/20) for a third season. The Affair is available via Showtime, and on Hulu and Amazon Video.

1. The Girlfriend Experience - STARZ

With a title like The Girlfriend Experience and the premise of a law student-turned-high-end escort, it's no surprise this show oozes sex. FFS, episode titles include "Crossing the Line," "Access" and "Provocation." This show, a series based on Steven Soderbergh's same-titled movie, is binge-worthy, but I recommend doing it slowly, just to let the after-effects of each episode settle. Its cold, clinical feel is cultivated by Riley Keough's detached performance, a gray-ish pall to the cinematography, and the Chicago setting—all sharp-edged, reflective surfaces. Despite all that, the sex scenes are mesmerizing, from an office affair to the clients Christine Reade won't allow herself to connect with. The sex is uncomfortable. Sometimes cold—and often times hot. If you don't believe me, just watch the trailer and tell me you don't get chills. Weeks later, and I'm still not sure how to feel about The Girlfriend Experience, but I do know if you're a fan of erotic-romance, this is right up your alley. Watch it on Starz (subscription required).

Agree? Disagree? Have a show I should be watching? Let me know in the comments!

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$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

11/2/2016

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Giveaway to celebrate hitting 13K Facebook Likes, 3K Instagram Followers, but mostly...just because!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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More Holiday Gift Ideas For Book Lovers (Part 2)

11/27/2015

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I've been self-publishing romance for around 3 years now, and if I've learned one thing, reading is not a hobby. IT'S A LIFESTYLE. Especially for romance readers. Throughout the year, I've kept my eyes open for gift ideas—for myself, for giveaways, for friends of mine who also love to read. Here are some creative suggestions for those searching for gifts for book lovers. (If you're the book lover, nobody will fault you for sending this link to someone who could use a little nudge.) Have ideas to add? Drop a comment!

Give the gift of...Book Smell.

Nothing quite takes you back to childhood like walking into a library. There's something about the smell of books, right? Enter, best thing ever: Book Lovers' Soy Candle in "Old Books." And "Winterfell." And "Gatsby's Mansion." If you can't find something for your favorite book lover in the Frostbeard Studio Etsy store, you fail at gift giving.

SHOP ALL CANDLES

Reading You Can Wear

While wandering around San Francisco after the Golden Gate Author Event, I came across these book-themed pouches by Out Of Print. The best part is that they have matching totes. I actually received the Gone With The Wind one from my personal assistant, so I can attest... they're good for a book haul, even better as a conversation starter!

SHOP NOW

Say It With Coasters

SHOP NOW

Tell someone how you really feel—in 4 letters or less. Dating a risk taker? YOLO her. Can't find the words to express your mutual love for goats on YouTube? #BFF. Passive-aggressive for the holidays? &://@#. You get the idea...

SHOP NOW

Priceless Audiobooks.

Audiobooks can be a priceless gift...why? They're a great way to distract oneself during things like exercise, commuting & housework. Seriously—how is that not priceless?! Try popular non-fiction like Amy Poehler's Yes Please, Mindy Kaling's Why Not Me? or fiction favorites The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty and The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. If your giftee is cool and cutting edge, try something indie. You can't go wrong with The Design by R.S. Grey or The Resistance by S.L. Scott. My own trilogy, The Cityscape Series, is also available on audiobook and narrated by the talented Andi Arndt. That's over 25 hours of entertainment! (If you're new to audio and want to give it a try, get your first book free with a 30-day trial.)

SHOP NOW

Wear Your Passion on Your Sleeve...Your Laptop Sleeve.

For the stylish & tech savvy, book lover I present a bookish decal you can wear proudly on your laptop. How about them apples?

SHOP NOW

Reading Lamp...Literally.

It does more than give the gift of reading light. It's art, a structural, soothing and aesthetically-pleasing piece to have in your home, offered by the MOMA gift shop.

SHOP NOW

Oh, yeah...Books. Looking for someone who "loves the feel of a new paperback"? Try this:

Don't underestimate the greatness of a good old-fashioned book—especially one you've enjoyed yourself. Book recommendations make the literary world go round, so open up your Amazon.com order history and find some of your favorite to pass along. Or try something new and get a holiday buddy read going. Looking for a great, fresh idea? Order your giftee's favorite paperback signed. I, along with many other authors, indie and traditionally published, offer the option to get a signed paperback. Check out the author or publisher's website or Facebook Page for details. Order now, though, as the process can take a while.

SHOP SIGNED BOOKS NOW

Have someone who'd prefer 3 ebooks to 1 paperback? Try this:

Put a smile on your favorite bookophile's face and spread your dollar further with ebooks. If romance is what you seek and you don't know where to start, try the current top 100 romance books. Box sets & anthologies are also a no-brainer, since they offer a variety of stories in one. Pick a bestseller here. I offer both my series as box sets and they're a super easy 1-click & done type or gift. (Hint: print out the confirmation or book cover, wrap it up in a bow for under the tree and schedule the delivery for Christmas morning!) If you want to be a total pro, grab a Kindle and fill it with some new ebook goodies.

Ready? Set. Spend...

Good luck on your hunt! If you haven't found something off this list for the reader in your life, get a no-fail Amazon gift card (a book lover's best friend), a brand new Kindle or try part one of my holiday gift giving guide for readers.

*Please note, this article may contain affiliate links and/or the author's own books & designed merchandise.

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12 Things You Didn't Know About Come Undone

7/24/2015

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Come Undone was my debut novel, written in 2013, and is book one in The Cityscape Series. (That's not one of the things. Hopefully you already knew that.) Below are 12 tidbits that might make you smile!

I started the original draft (which was only 3 or 4 scenes) in 2007. In that version, David & Olivia were called Christian & Anna. Those names were chosen before Fifty Shades of Grey came out, and they were inspired by Christian Troy from Nip/Tuck and Anna Karenina from Tolstoy’s novel.
It has some version of the word fuck 31 times.
Some other possible titles for Come Undone included, What Happens, The Opposite of Us and Straight Lines.
It was halfway finished when inspiration for book two struck. I wrote the opening scene of Come Alive on an iPod while on a bus in Croatia.
It originally had a different cover: a close-up photo of gold glitter that I took myself. Sadly, it can still be found on Goodreads.
It advanced to the 2nd round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novelist Award in January 2014. 2,000 were chosen from 10,000.
It has 70,832 words.
You can read its very first ever review on I Love Romantic Fiction.
Originally, Olivia had Lucy’s job as a personal stylist and that’s how the bow tie scene came to be.
Half was written in New York City, and the other half in California.
The opening scene was an art gallery instead of the ballet, until I went to see Swan Lake at Lincoln Center in NYC. The setting was so romantic that I went home and rewrote it.
I inadvertently share a character name with Sons of Anarchy: Marcus Alvarez (SOA) and Mark Alvarez (Come Undone). Not intentional, though they have some similarities!

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#ScriptFlip featuring Author Carter Ashby

7/12/2015

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Cold Corona + a good book = perfect vacation day.

I recently went on an indie reading binge, and one of the books I absolutely devoured was Carter Ashby's The Closer You Get. As a personal friend of Carter's, I immediately had to pick her brain once I shut off my Kindle. She kindly agreed to answer a few burning questions for me about the new release, her writing process and—yes!—there's more Fidelity on the horizon!

From my review of The Closer You Get:
"Rye and Cash Holcomb are the stuff dreams are made of."
"Oh, and did I mention this book is also FUNNY. AS. HELL. I laughed out loud and a lot."

JH: Carter, thanks so much for stopping by the blog today for #ScriptFlip. I absolutely loved The Closer You Get. Have you always written fiction, or did something in particular spur you to write and publish your first book, Not A Chance?

Carter: I’ve always written fiction, but I considered it a guilty pleasure. I’d intended to pursue other avenues in the book industry, but then I read my first romance novel (Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie), and it was like a heavenly light burst forth and illuminated the path to my future. Yes. You heard me right. I’m saying that God wants me to write smut. I ask frequently, “Are you sure God?” So far, he seems pretty certain.

JH: Tell us a little about Rye and Cash Holcomb from The Closer You Get. Were the brothers based on anyone in particular?

Carter: I’m sure they’re composites of people and ideas I’ve encountered throughout my life, but I didn’t have anyone specific in mind. To be honest, I have never known where my characters germinate from. Rye and Cash were born in my mind together, though. They were brothers from the very beginning.

JH: Any fun facts you can share about The Closer You Get?

Carter:

It’s actually the sixth book in the series in terms of chronology. It just happens to be the first one I finished. Is that weird?
This and all the books in the Fidelity series are titled after country songs.
Cash’s traumatic background is based on real events from my hometown back when I was in high school (not exactly a “fun” fact).
TCYG was rejected by several literary agents who believed the strong male/male side story wouldn’t be marketable in contemporary romance.

JH: Cora has a habit of playing herself down, especially with her gorgeous, Amazon-like sisters. Aside from her peek-a-boo dimples, what specifically do you think Rye fell for first (or the hardest)?

Carter: I think he liked when she flipped him off in the restaurant before they go to the bar. She showed some attitude and it caught his attention. She also rejected him, which offered him a challenge. So from that point on, I think he was falling in love with her subliminally. He just had to dig his way out of his own issues before he could really see her and truly appreciate her beauty.

JH: Is there a song you associate with writing The Closer You Get?

Carter: Besides the title song by Alabama, my favorite one on the playlist I made is All Of Me by John Legend. (Jessica: I have John Legend on my Cityscape playlist too!)

JH: In your latest release, you explore two different relationships—Rye and Cora, and Cash and Adam. Since it was your first dip into M/M, were you worried about readers’ response to that?

Carter: I wasn’t worried. I had two goals. One was to write the story of these two brothers, one of whom was gay.

And then because he was gay, my second goal was to make sure he wasn’t treated as a “token” gay character or as a convenient plot device for Rye. I want to buck those trends. (Jessica: Hear, hear!) We’re constantly reading/hearing/saying the mantra, “Love is love.” That’s what I wanted for Cash. For his romance to be romance. I believe gay romance belongs shelved with the mainstream romance. I’m not saying everyone has to like it. We all have preferences. But to be told by our friends, our media, even our Supreme Court that “love is love,” and then to walk into the bookstore and find out that “love is love, but gay love is inherently erotic and kinky and therefore located in that little section over there”…that’s just ridiculous to me.

JH: Often, your heroes are the epitome of masculine, from Travis the mechanic (Not A Chance) to Wyatt the stoic widower (Without You Here) to Rye & Cash, the beer-guzzling, pool-shooting, construction-working duo (The Closer You Get). Do you think you’ll ever write the popular billionaire businessman or are you devoted to rough-and-tumble countrymen?

Carter: I’m not sure why, as many billionaire romances as I’ve read and loved, I haven’t found inspiration to write one. I possibly feel unqualified to do it? I’m not sure, I just know it’s not a deliberate choice. I do have a personal preference for the rough-and-tumble, though. Cary Grant is a dream, don’t get me wrong, but if you want a thorough spanking, John Wayne’s your man.

JH: Do you have any tips or tricks that get you through dreaded writer’s block?

Carter: I’m the absolute last person who should answer this question. I’m a sloppy, undisciplined writer. When I get blocked on a project I either start a new project or lie around the house in a depressive state checking my temperature trying to find some physiological reason for my malaise. So no. I don’t have any tips.

JH: Can you share anything about what you’re working on now? (Any chance we’ll get more of Franny, Sully, Lyssa and the rest of Fidelity?)

Carter: Sully has caused me some problems. But I am pleased to say that I finally have him figured out and am going strong on his story. I hope to announce a release date in the next month. The title is Play It Again and it does directly follow The Closer You Get. Sully’s been keeping a very big secret for a very long time and, Franny is determined to uncover it. I’m so excited about this one!

JH: You and me both! Thanks for stopping by, Carter.

Want to pick up a copy of The Closer You Get? Find it on Amazon here. Visit Carter's website for more info & to sign up for her mailing list. Be a good groupie & stalk her on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

If you enjoyed the interview, be sure to sign up for my mailing list to see the next one. Find me on Amazon or check out my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest.

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11 Holiday Gifts for Book Lovers

12/18/2014

If you're like me, you know people who love to read as much as you do. (If you don't, you may want to look in to finding some new friends!) Below are some ideas for those friends, spouse, kids whose noses are always in a book or maybe even for that very special person... you know the one... you. Did I miss something? Link it in the comments for everyone to see!

Update: as of November 2015, I've added more to the list. You can find the second blog post, MORE Gift Ideas for Book Lovers here!

1. "Go Away" Gnome

Why this relates to reading should be self explanatory, but in case it's not—this is your Kindle's new best friend. Any time the Kindle comes out, so does Go Away Gnome. It's reading time. 'Nuff said.

2. Word Search Wrapping Paper

Because I can't be the only word nerd out there (who would totally do this)...

3. Novelty Bookmarks

This one is a zipper. With this one, you'll never lose your spot, even on the page. And then there's a person (right) who can actually put down a John Green book...

4. "TBR" Tote Bag

"I'll sleep when I'm dead. Or when my TBR list runs out. Whichever comes first."

Disclaimer: I designed this bag for my Cafepress shop, because we all know that feeling of the never-ending TBR. Find more like it here.

5. Book-ish Decorations

Don't pretend you don't like to read your goldfish a story before bed! You can kill two birds with one stone with these bookends that can double as fish tanks.

Reading and lighting goes hand in hand. This gift idea of a light shaped as a book combines the two.

6. Solar Kindle Cover

It charges your Kindle as you read! Basically, that means... READ FOREVER.

7. "Book Whore" Mini Buttons & more

Give your reader friend the gift of showing her multi-book-loving pride by letting the world know her dirtiest secret: she sometimes reads more than one book at a time! (Disclaimer: I also designed these for my Cafepress store!)

8. Amazon Prime Membership or Gift Card

I love to gift subscriptions—it's the present that gives year round. With Amazon Prime, readers can have their paperbacks in their hands faster, plus they have access to music and instant video. Some other subscription ideas are Spotify, Netflix or my personal favorite to receive, Birchbox. What about gift cards? Amazon or Starbucks, of course - so you can have coffee or tea with your latest book.

Shop Amazon - Give the Gift of Amazon Prime

9. Library Card-themed Goodies

Guaranteed to get you checked out! ;)

10. The Book Thong

Thank you to reader Dianne for this new-to-me book accessory: the book thong! Because sexy never goes out of style...

11. What else? BOOKS!

Gifting your favorite book or series for Kindle or in paperback is never not a good idea. After all, it's likely you discovered your faves through others' recommendations! Shameless plug—The Cityscape Series is available as a bundled e-book set on Amazon!

Need even more ideas? Find the latest blog post, MORE Gift Ideas for Book Lovers here!

What should I read after the Something in the Way series?

Reader Question: any recommendations for a similar storyline?

Something in the Way is coming to audio!

3 Sexy Shows Romance Readers Should be Watching

3. Flesh and Bone - STARZ

2. The Affair - Showtime

1. The Girlfriend Experience - STARZ

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

More Holiday Gift Ideas For Book Lovers (Part 2)

Give the gift of...Book Smell.

Reading You Can Wear

Say It With Coasters

Priceless Audiobooks.

Wear Your Passion on Your Sleeve...Your Laptop Sleeve.

Reading Lamp...Literally.

Oh, yeah...Books. Looking for someone who "loves the feel of a new paperback"? Try this:

Have someone who'd prefer 3 ebooks to 1 paperback? Try this:

Ready? Set. Spend...

12 Things You Didn't Know About Come Undone

#ScriptFlip featuring Author Carter Ashby

11 Holiday Gifts for Book Lovers

1. "Go Away" Gnome

2. Word Search Wrapping Paper

3. Novelty Bookmarks

4. "TBR" Tote Bag

5. Book-ish Decorations

6. Solar Kindle Cover

7. "Book Whore" Mini Buttons & more

8. Amazon Prime Membership or Gift Card

9. Library Card-themed Goodies

10. The Book Thong

11. What else? BOOKS!

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