First Kiss by Ann Marie Frohoff @rockinwriterchk #spotlight #video #officialtrailer

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

The Author extraordinaire:

Ann Marie (“Annie”) Frohoff grew up in sunny Southern California. As a teen and young adult she spent her time frequenting and living in nearly every beachside city up and down the coast. She settled in Hollywood at 19 working in film and TV. Soon her itch to keep moving took over again, taking her to Hawaii for a time and then back to LA.

She’s now settled in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Her wanderlust and propensity to live life out loud has brought her many life experiences so many of us only dream about. Always the storyteller, it would be of no surprise to those who grew up with Annie, that she made the transition into a book and screenplay author. You could say that she woke up one day and had an epiphany, deciding to go to school for screenwriting. It’s with this inner fire she set out to write her first screenplay. Soon after, such work made it into the hands of an agency creative executive who challenged her to write a novel to support the complex ensemble cast of characters she’d created. Thus, after only a couple of years and many hours on the road immersing herself in her subject matter; her edgy modern day “Walk The Line meets John Hughes Classics” debut novella, SKID OUT, has been completed, along with the first installment in her Trilogy. SKID OUT is the prequel novella to the HEAVY INFLUENCE TRILOGY.

The first installment in her Heavy Influence Trilogy, FIRST KISS, is set to release June 11th 2013 — The series is a story about young, reckless love between a rising rock star and his younger muse, spanning 10 years of their tumultuous and passionate relationship. Each book in the Trilogy will come with a soundtrack of original music, of which the lyrics will appear in the pages of the books. (Alternative Rock Genre).

Annie has now also delved into the supernatural fantasy world with her writing partners Shaun Barger and songwriter/musician Matthew Reich. Taking inspiration directly from song lyrics and building an entire realm of vastly complex characters and plot lines; weaving history, fantasy and heavy doses of romance together. You will be kept turning the pages of “The Zodiac Wars: My Gemini” novellas and “Precious Metal: The Prince and the Gypsy” book series. Both series of books are currently in development.

Links:

www.facebook.com/heavyinfluence

It’s now available at Amazon (Kindle Edition)

Goodreads

Goodreads Author

Author web

Twitter @rockinwriterchk

FIRST KISS will have you on the edge of your seat and feeling things you may have forgotten about! Now available on Amazon.com!

The Video

Love and the Punk Rock Grrl by K.H. Alynn

Book Description
Publication Date: April 7, 2013
It’s 1982, and 17-year-old Rudi Weiss is a tough girl living in the tougher streets of Irvington, NJ–with her life centered around alienation, drugs, and punk rock.

Though this changes when she’s caught selling pot and given a choice: either spend the rest of her childhood in juvenile detention or move in with an ex-Marine and his family in the nearby affluent suburb of Maplewood.

There at the local high school, the wild and free-thinking Rudi disrupts the entire established order. And she especially disrupts Tommy Goodwin, a rich and popular preppy who’s seemingly her opposite.

But underneath their veneers, they are much the same–two lost souls desperately in search of something. And when they find it, it explodes everything around them.

Something that’s only exasperated when Rudi’s past catches up with them, in this magical and bittersweet tale of unexpected love.

Available exclusively at Amazon, Love and the Punk Rock Grrl is the first in a series of books about a larger-than-life woman with lots of attitude, and even more soul.

Review:

I am never critical to an extreme so I get a pass on this one I think anyways. The book surprised me and it was good. It was the cover. If I was back in the day at a book store and saw the cover I dont think I would even look at the cover to see what it was about. That makes me sad. This needs some marketing and it will be pretty popular.

The premise that starts with Rudi and drugs is pretty good too. Rudi, a female punk rock chick gets arrested for selling drugs to an undercover cop. Growing up in this era it was a draw for me. I won’t go and give you a mini book here. I will say that the arrest is a change in Rudi’s path. The consequences and punishment cause a chain reaction of gossip, ridicule, and her own self doubt. Of course when you read it you will understand the choice she makes cause way too much doubt and constantly thinking “what if”.

The interest in Tommy is cool too. He is different and persistent to say the least. I guess it is sort of the bad girl appeal at first. I wonder if that was a draw for me too.

I am thrilled I read it and hope to see more from this author!

The Author links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C93QMJ4
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=2940016547138
http://facebook.com/ThePunkRockGrrl

Without permission I am linking to an interview I found.

Here

The Underground Book Reviews has a few really good ? for the author

They are on FB

Twitter @BookUnderground

17Jun2013

March by Sunni Overend @SunniOverend #debut #review

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

March official book trailer

What is in a title? Apple March, hence the title March. I loved the cover. I really enjoy seeing something so professionally done that it looks very visually appealing. Sometimes you can judge the book by the cover. In this case it was true. The book was a great debut. This book is written by an Aussie. So for us American people, the grammar and the punctuation are not the same. I hate when I read a review and people turn into the grammar police without knowing that they don’t “quote” the way we do. So for the narratives, get that rule before you jump in.

Apple went to the country’s most prestigious fashion school. It is like saying I am working for Anna Wintour, or I am pulling for Harper’s Bazaar. That is the primo kind of school Apple went to. For now she is behind the register at a retail store. At 29 that is nothing to be happy about, but she is content. Why? OMG you know I want to squeal. Now there is a reveal that gets the spark back in Apple. Something happens to make her realize her dream,s. Her best friend Jackson has some of the BEST one liners and I must create another post for her. There is a secret, that has been holding her back and so is the threat of her past.

Take a journey from Melbourne to New York and Paris with Apple. If you are a fashion lover and have ever read Vogue, this is your cup of tea. When you are at a style house the creative flow is really minimal, it is about the line and the designers view. Apple wants her own vision and of course what else, but the one man to share it with.

A really great example of the fashion world from a design standpoint. I think the author wrote a genre appealing book. It is a pleasure to read such a fine example with such a fine future ahead of her. I can not wait to see what she will write next. A debut like this, you don’t want to miss.

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/sunnioverend
website http://www.sunnioverend.com
twitter @sunnioverend

About this author

Sunni Overend grew up in Victorian wine country, studied design at RMIT University and opened her own designer clothing store. While running her store, Sunni gave in to her love for stories and her first novel, March, came to life.
She currently lives in Melbourne with her architect husband, where she writes, grows flowers on her balcony and pretends she’s too busy and important to browse recipes, dog breeds, cashmere and country houses online.

16Jun2013

Better Together by Nicola May @nicolamay1 #review

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

Better Together

Jess is nearly 40 when she meets Dan Harris at a party. She is single, sorted, happy – with a great job and a buzzy social and sex-life. All of this is threatened when she falls deeply in love with Dan, who is only 23.

Jess, being older, recognises this as the real, precious thing – but in his immaturity, Dan does not. Unable to cope with the stigma of being with an older woman, he eventually leaves her.

Ten years pass…

Jess, who is still gorgeous at 50, is married now, with a child of her own.They meet again. The years fall away.
This time, Dan understands – but is it too late?

My review:

Well I really enjoyed this one. There were parts that made me so sad and parts that I yelled at the book. sometimes walking away from someone is the hardest thing to do and Jess killed me when she did that. I think the love of her life was there, and so what he was younger! I was filled with angst!

I was being a little selfish thinking that I wanted more. I think the book could have been longer. One of my favorite quotes was “Being honest with you, Jess, I actually arranged to see Dave later as I knew that we’d be at it like rabbits if not. And as I am officially on the rebound, that wouldn’t be acceptable, now would it?

I think I hit a little jackpot meeting this author. Now I set out to read the rest of the books and plan a bundle giveaway! She needs to get some press from the states ladies read on!!

My Quotes and Notes

‘Being honest with you, Jess, I actually arranged to see Dave later as I knew that we’d be at it like rabbits if not. And as I am officially on the rebound, that wouldn’t be acceptable, now would it?’

She wanted to taunt this man, who had so readily dismissed her, the minute she had told him she was pregnant with his child. She was so lucky to have met Dan when she did, and was so easily able to pass Evie off as his. ‘Of course I haven’t told him. I’m not that stupid.

‘I don’t care.’ Jess said her voice beginning to crack. ‘I love being with you. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. You make me…’ She was lost for words. ‘We’re better together that’s all.’ She couldn’t contain her tears any longer.

Sam waved his beautiful wife and daughter off of the drive. Tears stung his eyes at the nature of his betrayal. What on earth was he thinking? How could he possibly even think of leaving this wonderful woman, adorable child and settled life behind for what?

It was incomprehensible; Sam was the father of Dan’s child! How could that be?

At least now, with him gone from their lives, she and Freya could move on, with no deceit hanging over them. Just pure honesty, trust and love.

The author:

Other titles:

Working It Out
Star Fish
The School Gates

Nicola May

About this author

Hello, I’m Nicola May, author of romantic comedy.

STOP PRESS: The School Gates has just WON Best Author Published Read at Festival of Romance!!

My fourth novel The School Gates is out now on both Kindle and in paperback. It follows the lives of 4 very different mums and one gay dad and how their lives intertwine at the school gates. Chick Lit with a kick I call it as deals with some pretty tough issues. It has just been shortlisted for best self published novel. Winners to be announced at Festival of Romance on November 16th.

My other bestselling novels are Working it Out, Star Fish & Better Together. Deatils can be found at www.nicolamay.com

I look forward to sharing my heartfelt and fun books with you.

11Jun2013

Forever Series by Ashley Wilcox @ashleywilcox55 #spotlight

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

ENTER TO WIN

Buy it here

10Jun2013

Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling @angelacarling #review

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

For months, Jesse has been envious of her twin sister Bryn and even has a crush on Bryn’s gorgeous, popular boyfriend, Quinton. When Jesse awakens from a coma to learn that everyone thinks she IS Bryn, the option of actually taking over her sister’s life is beyond tempting, but there’s a downside. She’d have to give up Ethan, her best friend and the only person she trusts. Could she actually live as Bryn for the rest of her life? And if her family and friends found out, would they ever forgive her?

Amazon

B & N

Author Angela Carling

Raised in Palm Springs California. A desert rat that writes Young Adult novels and loves all kitties and her family. Can be bribed with chocolate. Published books, Unbreakable Love, Shackled and Becoming Bryn.

Author Link:

Twitter @angelacarling

My Review:

I think I liked it because it had a lesson and left me happy, not longing for the next book to come out. I think as I was growing up, having 2 sisters, at one time or another you wanted to switch places. Now all of us resembled each other, but could never be a twin. I will say that there is an alternating POV and usually I hate those, but this was real time, not past versus present. So for that reason I was cool with it. I will say that Bryn passes away. I guess it is no secret that this is the premise of the book.

Now when confronted with the choice of becoming Bryn and stating the truth, well that is hard. It is choice Jesse has to carefully choose. The fact that I liked the characters, Quentin and Bryn were perfect. I really enjoyed the personal war Jesse starts to have. She sort of goes with it and doesn’t justify her choice or lack of a choice. That is something I liked and the reason why I feel, she was likable.

I won’t say that this is a light book, it is not. The overall writing is great, the characters are too, the message is there. I really liked how the high school drama plays out. The teenage mind is a mystical thing. The way Jesse chooses her path is great.The redeeming qualities of her character were my favorite part. The other was the young adult part was pretty pg and for that I am thankful, no need to tarnish the book with a lot of smut. I like smut, but this didn’t call for it. I say read it now!

8May2013

After Math by Denise Grover Swank @DeniseMSwank @tale_of_reviews

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

After Math (Off the Subject, #1)

The title of the book is GREAT! Why? It is a play on words After Math like after math class or aftermath like after the big reveal! WOW I loved it and I cried, then loved it more! Scarlett Goodwin’s world is divided into Before and After. This was one of the MOST accurate portrayals of anxiety and panic disorders I have read. This girl had her entire life turned upside down. The only thing that ruled her world was fear and panic. She wanted the math center to get a special grant, so she agrees to tutor Tucker price, also known as man whore.

Scarlett is a loner, and has a close friend Caroline who is her room mate. Caroline understands Scarlett and is the only one who she can turn to. The triggers are not clear but one thing that she uses to sooth her is math. She thinks in absolute equations, any problem has an answer and it has a calming effect.

Scarlett Goodwin, junior at Southern University, math major, coerced into tutoring Tucker

What happens when she agrees to tutor Tucker? She knows the lab needs the grant and being asked by the head of the math department makes the situation unavoidable. Can Scarlett find happiness with anyone? Will Tucker’s life and reputation turn her into a panic stricken shut in? Will she be caught in Tucker’s aftermath?

Fashion Shot of a Young Man

Tucker a soccer star? Maybe He might be better as a gym teacher or coach? What his dreams and life goals are will shock Scarlett.

It is a very emotional and powerful book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

PLAYLIST

Coldplay, X&Y, Low (book’s theme song)
Matchbox Twenty, North (Deluxe Version), How Long?
Matchbox Twenty, North (Deluxe Version), Like Sugar
Coldplay, A Rush of Blood to the Head, Warning Sign
Ingrid Michaelson, Be OK, Keep Breathing
Ingrid Michaelson, Be OK, The Chain
Missy Higgins, On a Clear Night, Where I Stood

Denise Grover Swank

Twitter @DeniseMSwank

http://www.denisegroverswank.com

http://denisegroverswank.com/books/

http://denisegroverswank.com/blog/blog/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4921525.Denise_Grover_Swank

http://www.amazon.com/Denise-Grover-Swank/e/B005ANAB6K

Denise Grover Swank is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes urban fantasies without vampires and werewolves, romantic comedy mysteries set in the south, and sexy new adult contemporary romances. Denise has six children, three dogs, and an overactive imagination. She can be found dancing in her kitchen with her children, reading or writing her next book. You will rarely find her cleaning.

You can find out more about Denise at http://www.denisegroverswank.com or email her at DeniseGroverSwank@gmail.com

7May2013

Kitchen Affairs (The Riverside Trilogy) by Brooke Cumberland @blcumberland

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

kitchen affairs 17725118

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2013

Drake Staglinao is from a wealthy empire family who owns Riverside Hotel & Restaurant in downtown Chicago. He’s attractive, charming, witty, and will do whatever it takes to get the one he wants, Molly Woods.

Molly, a chef intern at his five-star restaurant, shows no interest in dating Drake, or dating at all for that matter since the death of her fiancé four years earlier. After several attempts, Drake goes to extreme measures to get some alone time with Molly, knowing that he just needs a few hours for her to realize their intense chemistry is too hot to ignore. Drake finds out why Molly is reserved and guarded – but that doesn’t stop him from getting who he wants.

Molly gives in and lets her guard down in order to let Drake in. However, they need to keep their relationship private, but when a surveillance video goes viral of the two of them, they must overcome obstacles that most relationships don’t have to endure.

Molly needs to let go of her past in order to let Drake in… but how far can she go without cracking?

Facebook

Goodreads

Goodreads Author

Twitter @blcumberland

About this author

Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She’s a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons). She’s studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She loves talking and meeting new people. She loves Coach purses and wearing yoga pants.

30Apr2013

Just One Cup by Cassandra Giovanni Cover Reveal @GHBTours @2grlsheartbooks

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

Blurb-

Emma Walker was a writer who’d lost herself to someone else’s anger–who had given up on ever feeling like herself again.

Evan Levesque was a rock-god–the one all the woman wanted, but he’d never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life.

With just one cup of coffee they’ll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan’s fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma’s checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words…they’ll destroy my soul–Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she’s become because of it?

Link to Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17457178-just-one-cup

About the Author-

View Cassandra.JPG in slide show

Cassandra doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since than Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character’s stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. In 2012 she became a published Young Adult author, releasing In Between Seasons (The Fall, #1) and Walking in the Shadows. In 2013 she branched out by using her artistic illustrating talents to publish her first Children’s novel, The Adventures of Skippy Von Flippy: Tales of Friendship (Skippy Tales, #1). Cassandra will also release her first New Adult novel, Just One Cup, in the Spring of 2013.

Cassandra is a freelance professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is the owner of Gio Design Studios, a photography and publication marketing company that designs covers and marketing materials for authors utilizing the company’s photography. She is currently studying to receive her associates degree in Marketing. Cassandra is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with the other loves of her life their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

Links-

Better Together by Nicola May @nicolamay1 GIVEAWAY

Posted in Book Titles by ReadingRenee

Better Together

ENTER to win a copy of all 3 books!

“Delighted to announce that The School Gates won an award for Best Author Published Read at the Festival of Romance “

Jess, being older, recognises this as the real, precious thing – but in his immaturity, Dan does not. Unable to cope with the stigma of being with an older woman, he eventually leaves her.

Ten years pass…

Jess, who is still gorgeous at 50, is married now, with a child of her own.They meet again. The years fall away.
This time, Dan understands – but is it too late?

My review:

I think I hit a little jackpot meeting this author. Now I set out to read the rest of the books and plan a bundle giveaway! She needs to get some press from the states ladies read on!!

My Quotes and Notes

It was incomprehensible; Sam was the father of Dan’s child! How could that be?

At least now, with him gone from their lives, she and Freya could move on, with no deceit hanging over them. Just pure honesty, trust and love.

The author:

Other titles:

Working It Out
Star Fish
The School Gates

Nicola May

About this author