2014 DNFs

The year is about to end and I have surely read lots of interesting, enjoyable, and best books but there were also times where I can't help myself but mark some books DNF, a.k.a Did Not Finished.

It's one of the hardest thing in reading and blogging. As much as possible, I don't want to close a book without finishing it. And no matter what, I always seek the positive or bright side of books..unfortunately, there are some that you just don't wanna finish.

Here are the books I chose to not finish. I also rated them 1 out of 5 stars in Goodreads so it wouldn't look like I didn't rate them.

Warning: There are some spoilers I can't help but include.

The Mark of the Dragonfly

by Jaleigh Johnson

Genre: MG, steampunk, fantasy

Published March 25th 2014 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

My Reason:

I have no problems with the plot, because it seemed interesting when I read the blurb but I just don't think this one's for me. I couldn't get into their world or relate to the characters. I reached to 30% or something--I couldn't remember--but I feel like I'm in a dream where you know what's going on but it's kinda blurry and you're not there. I needed connection when I read books.

Things You Kiss Goodbye

by Leslie Connor

Genre: YA, contemporary, romance

Published June 24th 2014

by Katherine Tegen Books

Source: Publisher

My Reason:

*Based on advance reader's copy.

Warning: This one is full of spoilers. Skip it if you intend to read this book or just don't want to hear spoilers about it for a while.

I honestly don't have any expectations for this book but it sounds lovely and I wanted to try it. I got on the first 50 pages and all I feel is disappointment, boredom,  disgust to Brady (Bettina's boyfriend who was good and shy then became someone bad), and not connected to Bettina. On pages 50-51 that's where 'Cowboy' showed up. And guess what? He's hot, according to Bettina. Insta-love. Although she keeps on denying it, she's grown a crush to Cowboy and even made ways to see him.

Brady who became a jerk is another thing. I stopped at page 115, the last page of chapter 17 and Brady became worst every page while Bettina just let things go. I hate her that time because she lets the guy hurt her and even bully her. A guy who she doesn't even love. (She never said that she loved him or really like him in the first place. She just kept on saying, "we became closer when..") And then Cowboy-Bettina conversations and situations are awkward and so cliche.

I read some reviews on Goodreads that Brady beat her up and she cheats behind his back. I have a bad feeling about this book after that. So I did the first thing I've ever done in reading: Read the last few chapters. I just wanted to know the ending, if there'll be a chance that everything will change. So I read the last few chapters and found out that Bettina and Brady sort of had a proper break-up. Imagine they do that on the ending! The entire book must be full of fights and beating up. One thing also caught my attention: someone died. And it's a him.

I skim to previous chapters before the ending and found out that Cowboy died on an accident. And her parents found out about their relationship that day (except for her mom, she found out about it 3 days before). And he's 26 years old. And she's 16 or 17, whatevs. Anything worst than tragic? That's when I decided to abort reading and was contented about my decision.

Fan Art
by Sarah Tregay

Genre: YA, LGBT, contemporary, romance
Published June 17th 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Publisher

My Reason:

*Advance reader's copy

I never knew this book was LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender). I'm not against it--it's just that I don't read or review this genre. Lesson learned: search for genres or read reviews before requesting/reading.

The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl

by Melissa Keil

Genre: YA, contemporary, romance

Published September 2014 by Hardie Grant Egmont

Source: Publisher

My Reason:

From the looks and sound of this novel it's already amazing. It's something I haven't tried and something that would rock. Unfortunately, when I started reading it, I couldn't seem to focus on the conversations, events, and everything that's happening in the book. I couldn't connect to the characters and I don't have an idea what's this book really about. It sounds like a light read but when I do read, they were just like foreign words I'm trying to understand. This book was different from others I DNF-ed, though, because I'm willing to try it again one more time--that is, if I found spare time. But if it still doesn't work, I'm done.

***

Those were the books I didn't dare to finish. They're only four, but it still something, right?

What about you, care to share some of your bookish frustrations?

My new year bookish wish is that I won't end up marking a single book as DNF
and just to simply enjoy each and one of them.

Have a prosperous and great one!

Cheers,

Book Review: The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

The Good Girl

by Mary Kubica

Genre: Adult, contemporary, mystery

Published August 1st 2014 by Mira

Source: Publisher

Purchase: Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Local purchase/order: Fullybooked * National Bookstore (free sampler here)

Blurb (Goodreads):

"I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she has her dry cleaning done, where she works. I don't know the color of her eyes or what they look like when she's scared. But I will." 

Born to a prominent Chicago judge and his stifled socialite wife, Mia Dennett moves against the grain as a young inner-city art teacher. One night, Mia enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. With his smooth moves and modest wit, at first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life. 

Colin's job was to abduct Mia as part of a wild extortion plot and deliver her to his employers. But the plan takes an unexpected turn when Colin suddenly decides to hide Mia in a secluded cabin in rural Minnesota, evading the police and his deadly superiors. Mia's mother, Eve, and detective Gabe Hoffman will stop at nothing to find them, but no one could have predicted the emotional entanglements that eventually cause this family's world to shatter. 

An addictively suspenseful and tautly written thriller, The Good Girl is a compulsive debut that reveals how even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems…. 

My Thoughts:

One day Mia Dennett, a twenty-something art teacher from a prominent family, went missing. She don't just absent from her work, unnoticed, or run away with a lover. In fact, she had a sort-of boyfriend that wasn't missing. But when it's confirmed that she just went out of the blue, her mother Eve did everything to find her and the reason why she's gone.

I didn't new The Good Girl is an adult novel. I was completely surprised when I started reading the first chapter, on Eve's perspective, followed by Gabe the detective, and even Colin the kidnapper, that alternates in different times: before and after. When I checked this out on Goodreads, I just knew there's something interesting in this book that's why I wanted to read it. I guess I have to be aware of the genre as well. Either way, I resumed reading because 1) I don't want another DNF book, 2) it's a mystery and there's a detective--it's something I haven't read and willing to try, 3) I'm already curious.

So obviously, The Good Girl wasn't something I'd read but it caught my eye nonetheless. There were times that I got bored of the slow pace and just wanted to reveal the mystery right away, but thought that wouldn't be as exciting and surprising. At least I wanted to experience or feel something out of it. And I did feel something. I got pretty annoyed with Eve and the life she chosen to stay even if it bores her and make her feel a crappy person. Annoyed at judge James Dennett, Mia's father, for being greedy and crappy father and husband. Annoyed at Grace Dennett, for being the female version of her father. Annoyed at their seemed-perfect family but rotten in reality. Annoyed at what happen in between the ongoing mystery that I cannot mention due to spoiler. And on the ending, annoyed at Mia for being a stupid girl.

The characters were obviously flawed and not easy to like. But the mystery--the unknown--made me turn the pages like a madman. The reason for Mia's disappearance was laid in front of the reader's eyes so you'd know what happens on the after POVs, but the mystery was in the effect of everything that happen to Mia, because she clearly wasn't the same on the before POV. In the epilogue, Mia shares her own POV wherein the major plot twist, biggest shock, WHAT?! moment, and real mystery was revealed. I don't know if I want to cry or be frustrated first after closing the book. It's like when a child believes in Santa but realized it wasn't true when she got older. Like fairytales and prince charmings. All the things you knew and believed in were ruined when you learned the truth. I want to take it all back!

I was frustrated, yes, but I'd give credit to the twisting and turning brilliance of the author on her debut novel. The Good Girl is a mind-blowing and heart-wrenching book I don't know if I'd hate or love. But I do know that I fell in love with the single good thing that happen in this book. I would recommend this to mystery and thriller readers, adult or young adult. I realized if I didn't mind that much, others wouldn't too.

*Thanks to Cara and Harlequin UK for the review copy in exchange of an honest review!

Rating:

Celebrating Debutantes 2014: Sally Green (Interview + Giveaway)

The last author to celebrate her debut experience with us for the year 2014 is the Half Bad author, Sally Green!

Sally Green

1. What's the best thing that happened after your book was published?

There have been so many great things from simply holding HALF BAD in my hands to hearing from fans of HALF BAD. But mostly I love writing and now not only am I being paid to do what I love but I’m working with a great editorial team at Penguin in the UK and Viking in the US – that’s the biggest buzz of all.

2. How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

There has been a lot of champagne involved. One of the nicest events was the book launch in my home town which was attended by about 80 people including my family and also some old school friends whom I hadn’t seen for years. It was a wonderful evening for me.

3. When is your best time to write?

For HALF BAD I used to write long into the night and preferred that time as it was quiet and I knew I wouldn’t be disturbed. But I couldn’t keep that up and now I work 9-5 (well 9am- 10pm) and I’m learning that I can write at any time as long as it’s quiet.

4. Do you read reviews of your book?

Some, but not all. It’s great to read a good review (obviously) and reading the occasional harsh one is good remind myself that I’ve still got a lot to learn. I have to rely on two main critics though – myself and my editor.

5. What is your best or most unforgettable moment with a fan?

Gosh meeting HALF BAD fans is always great and everyone is so enthusiastic and polite – I can’t pick one thing. The first time I had a long signing queue at an event (YALC in London, July 2014) I was so impressed with how patient and friendly everyone was and that will always be a great memory for me. 

6. Was there any book/s from other debut author of 2014 that you loved?

My favourite YA book of 2014 is ‘Shadow of the Wolf’ by Tim Hall, who happens to be a debut author. This is the story of Robin Hood, but told in such a unique and new way that I fell in love with it.

7. Are you interested in writing in a different genre or for a different audience?

I would like to try different genres at some stage, and I’m definitely drawn to more adult books (not younger children’s books), possibly crime or even comedy. But at the moment I’m busy with the HALF BAD trilogy and I’m sure the book I write after that will also be YA (as I’m beginning to have ideas for it already).

8. Share us one embarrassing moment you've had.

I really can’t think of one (she lies, too embarrassed to share).

9. Favorite color? 

The colour that suits me most is dark brown, which I avoided wearing for years as my school uniform was dark brown and orange, and so of course I hated those colours. Now I love dark brown jumpers and shirts.

Favorite movie? 

I have two favourite movies – Pulp Fiction and Annie Hall. I think both are close to perfect in their own way (actually The Godfather probably should be on that list too). 

Favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla – it sounds boring but it isn’t.

Favorite song? I’m currently going back to songs from my younger days – still love Nightswimming by REM and the video is great https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahJ6Kh8klM4

Ultimate celebrity crush (dead or alive)? There’s something about Johnny Depp isn’t there?

10. What's next for you?

I’ve just finished HALF WILD which is being published in the UK and US in March 2015 and so now I’m writing the third book of the HALF BAD trilogy. I’ve written about 40k words of it so far but it still hasn’t got a name yet and I really do need to work out what it will be.

***

About the Author

Hi - I'm Sally Green, author of Half Bad. It's my first book - and the first in a series of three, to be published by Penguin in March 2014.

I've had a whirlwind 2013, submitting Half Bad to an agent in January (and getting an agent - the wonderful Claire) and then agreeing a deal with Puffin (UK) and Viking (USA) in March. In April I agreed a film deal with Fox 2000 with Karen Rosenfelt as producer (google her!). Since then Half Bad has been sold to more countries, and I've been busy editing Half Bad and have started work on the second book of the trilogy. 

I live in north-west England. I love to read, walk in the country and would like to drink less coffee (but I know it's impossible - I'm an addict)!


My online world will be based at www.halfbadworld.com from November 2013 onwards, but until then, you can find me and Half Bad on Wattpad.

Find her: Website * Twitter * Goodreads

This book is on my must-read-soon-coz-I'd-die-if-I-don't list! Because:

Half Bad

(The Half Bad trilogy #1)

by Sally Green

Published March 4th 2014 by Viking Juvenile

Blurb (Goodreads):

Wanted by no one.

Hunted by everyone.

Sixteen-year-old Nathan lives in a cage: beaten, shackled, trained to kill. In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most terrifying and violent witch, Marcus. Nathan's only hope for survival is to escape his captors, track down Marcus, and receive the three gifts that will bring him into his own magical powers—before it's too late. But how can Nathan find his father when there is no one safe to trust, not even family, not even the girl he loves?


Half Bad is an international sensation and the start of a brilliant trilogy: a gripping tale of alienation and the indomitable will to survive. 

Yesterday: Lex Martin, author of Dearest Clementine. Check out the schedule here and read the coolness of each of the featured 2014 debut authors!

GIVEAWAY!

- UK copy of Half Bad
- open internationally
- contest ends January 14th
- each entry will be checked. Daily entries requires different info/links every day. This will be checked as well so be honest!
- winner must respond on email notification within 48 hours or else we will pick another winner
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrating Debutantes 2014: Lex Martin (Interview + Giveaway)

Indie NA author of Dearest Clementine Lex Martin celebrates with us today!

Lex Martin

1. What's the best thing that happened after your book was published?
An agent with the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency read my debut (Dearest Clementine), loved it, and offered to represent me. As it turns out, Kimberly is not only an amazing agent but a fantastic friend. I also have to say I never expected to make so many new friends as a result of publishing my book. 

2. How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?
This sounds so girlie, and I'm rolling my eyes at myself, but I go on a mini-shopping spree at Sephora. 

3. When is your best time to write?
First thing in the morning.

4. Do you read reviews of your book?
Yes, every one.

5. What is your best or most unforgettable moment with a fan?
A fan (now friend) named Silvana started making me teasers for Dearest Clementine. I was floored someone would take the time to do something so lovely for me.

6. Were there any books from other debut author of 2014 that you loved?
Upside Down by Lia Riley. I love the depth and imagery in her writing.

7. Are you interested in writing in a different genre or for a different audience?
Although Dearest Clementine is the first book I published, I wrote a YA paranormal romance before that. It sits like Gollum in the darkness of my laptop. I might brush off the dust one day and revise it for a more adult audience. But paranormal romance is my first love. I'm also a sucker for post-apocalyptic books and would be open to writing one. 

8. Share one embarrassing moment you've had.
I guess having my family figure out I had a new Facebook profile and reading all of my posts, which tend to run into the NSFW territory. Because do I really want to explain what Out-Skank is to my dad or uncles? Not particularly. But they're good sports.

9. Favorite color? 
Black or purple

Favorite movie? 
Good Will Hunting or Pulp Fiction

Favorite ice cream flavor? 
Anything with chocolate

Favorite song?
I've really been into Amy Winehouse for the last several years, and now I'm on a Black Keys kick. But my music tastes run parallel to whatever is helping me write, and then I gorge on those songs for months.

Ultimate celebrity crush (dead or alive)?
If we're talking pretty boys, then Nick Bateman or Colin Wayne. If we're talking whose brain makes me want to hump his leg, then I'd have to say Ben Affleck.

10. What's next for you?

I'm wrapping up the Dearest series and then working on another top secret New Adult project. And because so many people have asked me about writing books for some of the supporting characters in the Dearest series, I'm considering doing a few spinoffs to tell their stories. At the top of the list would be Jenna & Ryan and possibly Travis. Honestly, I'd even consider writing one for Veronica. The former best friend who lures away Clementine's boyfriend in high school has some fucked-up issues I'd be interested in exploring. Because I love redeeming the unredeemable. 

***

About the Author

Author of DEAREST CLEMENTINE, FINDING DANDELION and KISSING MADELINE. I write new adult novels, the sexy kind with lotsa angst, a whole lotta kissing, and the hot happily ever afters. 

Look for book 2 in the Dearest series, FINDING DANDELION, July 11! (Each book is a stand-alone.)

Find her: Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Check out Lex's debut novel!

Dearest Clementine

(Dearest #1)

by Lex Martin

Published July 14th 2014 by Lex Martin

Blurb (Goodreads):

Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn't mind being called bitchy and closed off. It's safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.

Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.

As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.

DEAREST CLEMENTINE is a stand-alone novel with two companion novels. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.

Yesterday: Joy N. Hensley, author of Rites of Passage. Tomorrow: Sally Green, author of Half Bad (last author to feature). Check out the schedule here.

GIVEAWAY!

- paperback copy of Dearest Clementine

- open internationally

- contest ends January 13th
- each entry will be checked. Daily entries requires different info/links every day. This will be checked as well so be honest!
- winner must respond on email notification within 48 hours or else we will pick another winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrating Debutantes 2014: Joy N. Hensley (14 Random Facts + Giveaway)

Green Skittles, show hangover, favorite holiday, and other facts about Rites of Passage author, Joy N. Hensley!

Joy N. Hensley

1. I usually write with one of my two dogs or one of my two children on my lap, despite my pleas for solitude.

2. Christmas is my favorite holiday and my husband's least favorite holiday--I once left a Christmas tree up from Thanksgiving until the 4th of July!

3. My hubby is Australian and wears a kilt sometimes.

4. Rites of Passage is my 4th book, but the first that got published. I wrote it in 6 weeks--all previous books took a year or more to complete.

5. I once hiked 600 miles of the Appalachian Trail in two months--I met my kilt-wearing Aussie husband on this hike and we decided to get married after knowing each other for just two months.

6. Green Skittles--the new flavor, not the old one--is my favorite flavor of anything ever.

7. I drink Jell-o water when I'm sick (a packet of Jell-O and twice the amount of water--heat it up and sip.Mmmmm!)

8. The first year I taught 6th grade, my kids thought I'd been in jail because I had a tattoo. I did not tell them they were wrong.

9. I once lived with a male body builder (not romantically-ew!) who left whole chicken carcasses in the sink in our apartment.

10. I'm passive aggressive enough about household responsibilities that I let one of those chicken carcasses sit in our sink for four days until I finally snapped and threw it at him.

11. I'm currently suffering a show hangover for Sons of Anarchy.

12. Right now I have seven fingernails painted--it's been this way for a few days. There are two different colors going on...and I don't remember painting them. 

13. Sometimes I don't schedule book events because that means I'd have to get dressed in real people clothes.

14. Sometimes I force myself to schedule book events because staying home alone every day in my pajamas can get kind of old sometimes.

About the Author

Joy N. Hensley is a former middle school teacher. She used to spend her twenty-minute lunch breaks hosting author Skype chats for her students. Once upon a time she went to a military school on a dare. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two children, finding as many ways as she can to never do another push-up again.

Find her: Website  * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Check out Joy's debut novel!

Rites of Passage

by Joy N. Hensley

Published September 9th 2014 by Harper Teen

Blurb (Goodreads):

Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she's not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died.

So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She's even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won't risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty...no matter how much she wants him.

As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out.
At any cost.

Now time's running short. Sam must decide who she can trust...and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

Yesterday: Amy Finnegan, author of Not in the Script. Tomorrow: Lex Martin, author of Dearest Clementine. Check out the schedule here.

GIVEAWAY!
- swag (see photo)
- contest ends January 12th

- each entry will be checked. Daily entries requires different info/links every day. This will be checked as well so be honest!

- winner must respond on email notification within 48 hours or else we will pick another winner


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrating Debutantes 2014: Amy Finnegan (14 Random Facts + Giveaway)

Merry Christmas! Even though its holidays, debutantes event is still ongoing (well, except for the major dates). Here's my featured debut author day after Christmas, Amy Finnegan!

Amy Finnegan

1. I’ve worn the wedding ring of a member of the British Royal Family (hint: she was married to the Queen’s son). I went to dinner with her once and commented on how beautiful it was, so she said: “Here! Try it on!”

2. If I could go back in time, I would read more books as a teenager (I was way too distracted by boys! But now I just consider all of the crushes, drama, and heartaches they gave me as research.)

3. I think baby goats are the cutest animals ever. I would buy one, but I like my clothes, shoes, furniture, and laptop too much.

4. I love sauerkraut and Boston Baked Beans. But I doubt I would like them together.

5. I have two actual teenagers of my own, neither of which is as easily controlled as my fictional teenagers. But I love them anyway (and again: RESEARCH!) ;)

6. I am allergic to chocolate. It gives me severe migraines and my throat closes off. Saddest allergy ever :(

7. While we’re on the topic of throats and food, Dr. Henry Heimlich stated in a letter to me from Xavier University that, as of 1986, I am the youngest person on record to have saved someone’s life with the Heimlich Maneuver. I was four. #legit

8. I sometimes have nightmares in which my husband does something really rude or stupid, and then I wake up mad at him. He does not understand this.

9. If I could choose just one literary character to be a real person, it would be Harry Potter. I hope I can one day create a character whom I love even half as much (though in truth, I would rather kiss one of my own fictional characters. Harry is a little awkward with that stuff).

10. My husband just read #8 and is wondering why those thoughts led me to #9. Like I said, he does not understand.

11. I hate driving in snowstorms! I was once lost for fifteen minutes in a whiteout before I realized I was right in front of my own house.

12. When I was a little girl, I did not aspire to be a published author. I wanted to be a secretary when I grew up. At least I’m living the typing part of that elusive dream, but I’d still like one of those little desk intercoms.

13. I think there should be a worldwide ban on salting sidewalks. Snails are adorable. Stop the slaughter.

14. In real life, my husband makes it easy for me to create hot guys for my novels. Guys who are also smart, nice, work hard, and treat girls with respect. Guys who make you insanely happy and never cease to make you laugh. All I have to do is model love interests after the boy sitting right next to me, and I have a perfect heartthrob. For example: I had already revised my debut novel a few times before I realized that the love interests meet in almost the exact way that I met my husband. I had been working at a new job for just a couple of days when we first spoke (though I had definitely noticed him before then), and we talked a lot. When the workday was over, I was waiting for my ride when my husband offered to give me a ride home instead. I’m not encouraging you to jump into a near-stranger’s car (!!!), but I do find it funny that I wrote this same scenario into NOT IN THE SCRIPT without even noticing that I’d done so. True love shows up in the most unexpected places.

About the Author

Amy Finnegan writes her own stories because she enjoys falling in love over and over again, and thinks everyone deserves a happy ending. She likes to travel the world—usually to locations where her favorite books take place—and owes her unquenchable thirst for reading to Jane Austen and J.K. Rowling. Her debut novel, NOT IN THE SCRIPT (Bloomsbury, Oct 2014), came about after hearing several years of behind-the-scenes stories from her industry veteran brother. She’s also been lucky enough to visit dozens of film sets and sit in on major productions such as Parks and Recreation, and Parenthood.

Find her: Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

"..gorgeously cute and romantic." - check out my full review here!

Not in the Script

(If Only... #3)

by Amy Finnegan

Published October 7th 2014 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens 

Blurb (Goodreads):

Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss—a kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. After spending nearly all of her teen years performing on cue, Emma wonders if any part of her life is real anymore . . . particularly her relationships.

Jake Elliott’s face is on magazine ads around the world, but his lucrative modeling deals were a poor substitute for what he had to leave behind. Now acting is offering Jake everything he wants: close proximity to home; an opportunity to finally start school; and plenty of time with the smart and irresistible Emma Taylor . . . if she would just give him a chance.

When Jake takes Emma behind the scenes of his real life, she begins to see how genuine he is, but on-set relationships always end badly. Don’t they? Toss in Hollywood’s most notorious heartthrob and a resident diva who may or may not be as evil as she seems, and the production of Coyote Hills heats up in unexpected—and romantic—ways.

This novel in the deliciously fun If Only romance line proves that the best kinds of love stories don’t follow a script.

Last Tuesday: Rebecca Yarros, author of Full Measures. Tomorrow: Joy N. Hensley, author if Rites of Passage. Check out the schedule here.

GIVEAWAY!

- signed hardcover of Not in the Script + swag

- open internationally

- contest ends January 10th
- each entry will be checked. Daily entries requires different info/links every day. This will be checked as well so be honest!
- winner must respond on email notification within 48 hours or else we will pick another winner




a Rafflecopter giveaway