Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Cover Reveal: Scorch by KC Stewart #excerpt #giveaway




Scorch by K.C. Stewart
Urban Fantasy
Date Published: January 5, 2015

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Hailey Holloway has a serious knack with running from her problems. At the first sign of trouble she can be found lacing up her Nikes and hitting the road. Dacea has been patient with her, but a man can only handle so much. He told her before that he would not chase after her again and is he nothing, if not a man of his word. Katherine is more than happy to pick at the wound that festers between them. If she picks enough, she just might make one or both of them bleed.

War is on the horizon. Together, they need to convince the leaders of Blue and Silver to join their crusade against the Council, but can they put their differences aside and stop fighting long enough to help those in the line of fire?



EXCERPT

“Hope. That is your answer?”
He tilted his head slightly at her tone. “It is.”
 “Why should I hope for something that is doomed?” she asked plainly. “What would going back solve? We’d be happy for what? Five minutes before some new drama puts us at odds. I’m tired of fighting all the time. Loving Dak is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s like loving a frickin’ mountain. He’s stubborn and unyielding to the point that I just want to beat my fists against him but that would do nothing but make me bleed. I can’t take being built up again just to have him tell me how I’m supposed to live, feel or love.”
She gave a short humorless laugh and shook her head. “Hope is one of the worst promises I could give myself. Because if I allow myself to hope for him to come around, and it doesn’t happen…I will be broken. Dak is hard headed, inflexible and has arrogance coming out his ass. He is my Mate, and God help me, but I love him for all his faults, even if he can’t love me for mine.” While Silas listened he reached over and brushed his thumbs over each of her cheeks clearing away the tears. She batted his hands away and with a clear voice she continued, “If I walk away now, I can keep what little is left of me together. I can hold on to the cracked pieces that haven’t completely shattered and go on living. It might not be the best life, but it will be under my own terms.”

He should have been happy at her declaration. Silas could have his sister without Dacea’s interference. They could leave tonight and travel, go wherever she wanted for as long as she wanted. They could connect. But he could either have the Hailey that was full of pop culture trivia and was always good for a smile with her infectious laugh. Or he could have the reserved.

Hailey who watches the clouds pass by from the window of her room, never granting more than a brief comment to the mundane. He could have one or the other, but she couldn’t be both.
Silas may not have spent much time with her yet, but he knew who his sister was.
“Hailey,” he put his hands on her shoulders and tilted his head to the side trying to catch her gaze. “There is always reason to hope.”
 




About the Author

K.C. Stewart lives in central Pennsylvania with her three cats. She is currently attending college online for Library Science while working full time as a photographer. In her spare time, which isn't easy to find, she reads an obnoxious amount and writes in between everything else. K.C. has a very real addiction to gummy bears and talking to her cats when no one is around.


Contact Links



Giveaway

2 ebook sets of Spark and Singe

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Monday, November 24, 2014

RELEASE DAY: Winter Wolf by @rj_blain #excerpt

Winter Wolf by R.J. Blain
Urban Fantasy / Thriller / Supernatural Suspense
Date Published: November 24, 2014

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The Hunted Wizard

When Nicole dabbled in the occult, she lost it all: Her voice, her family, and her name. Now on the run from the Inquisition, she must prove to herself—and the world—that not all wizards are too dangerous to let live.

The savage murder of a bookstore employee throws Nicole into the middle of Inquisition business, like it or not. Driven by her inability to save the young man’s life, she decides to hunt the killer on her own. Using forbidden magic to investigate the past, she learns that the murderer is in fact a disease that could kill the entire werewolf race.

Forced to choose between saving lives and preserving her own, Nicole embraces the magic that sent her into exile. Without werewolves, the power of the Inquisition would dwindle, and she could live without being hunted.

Nicole’s only hope for success lies in the hands of the werewolves she hates and the Inquisition she fears, but finding someone to trust is only the beginning of her problems. There are those who want to ensure that the werewolves go extinct and that the Inquisition falls.

But, if she fails to find a cure, her family—including her twin sister—will perish…



EXCERPT


Almost everyone in the store had a phone. Dormant devices, from reading lights to mobile chargers, littered the tables. One woman, browsing books nearby, had four battery-powered devices in her purse. One was a phone, and like mine, it hungered. Its need was strong; its battery waned to the point of failure.

If I wanted, I could charge it for her.

No one would notice if I did. Maybe the woman would wonder how her phone hadn’t died before she got home. It only had a few minutes left. It’d take me all of ten seconds to fix it for her. If I did, I wouldn’t be so aware of it. But to do so, I’d have to touch her—or her phone. Some things I could manipulate without having a direct conduit, but cell phone batteries were tricky, greedy things.

I cringed a little, setting the thriller book down. I picked up the next nearest title. I flipped it over, not reading the text on the back. Did I dare? Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the woman browsing through the books. All it would take was a few seconds. I could charge it without her noticing.

That was one thing I was actually good at.

I put the novel I held down and wandered to the same table, careful not to look at her. Book by book, I investigated the titles, circling to where she stood.

“You’re Nicole Thomas, aren’t you? The actress. You’re her.” My quarry appraised me with a pleased expression.

People normally recognized the mainliners, people with beautiful faces and voices to match, people who didn’t avoid crowds.

In short, people other than me.

I met her gaze, abandoning my perusal of novels. “I am,” I replied, wincing a little at the sandpaper-rough quality of my voice. At least I hadn’t been reduced to a whisper—yet. My fatal flaw was my rough, grating voice. Chronic laryngitis did that to a person. It ruined careers, as it had mine, though I hadn’t quite given up on being an actress. I’d already lost the ability to sing.

I wasn’t going to let a stupid disease take everything away from me.

The woman smiled, not seeming to mind talking to someone who sounded more like a zombie than a human. “You’re taller than I expected. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She thrust out her hand.

We shook.

I left her phone alone.

“They keep putting me next to giants,” I quipped. It was true. When I did manage to get on the silver screen, I worked alongside actors easily a foot-and-a-half taller than me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” I matched her smile. She didn’t tell me her name, and I didn’t ask for it.

It took all of my will not to fiddle with her phone. All it would take was a murmured word and a thought, and it’d be done. It would have been easy to charge the battery when our hands had been clasped together, but I hadn’t dared.

If, sometime later, she noticed her phone had magically been charged—literally—she might remember me. She knew my name.

And in true cowardice, I couldn’t bring myself to help her. If she connected the strange behavior of her phone with me, she might tell someone. If she did, I’d be as good as dead—or worse. I had dabbled in the occult, and the occult had dabbled back, and there were those who didn’t like when that happened.

The last thing I needed was them finding me.






About the Author
RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.

When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband. She is currently on a quest for a new warrior fish.

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.



Favorite Books & Series

In no particular order:

Anne McCaffrey's Pern
Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar & Gryphon Series
Jim Butcher's Codex Alera & The Dresden Files
Brandon Sanderson's Elantris
Patricia Briggs' Alpha and Omega, Dragon Bones, & The Mercy Thompson series
Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time


Author Links


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Blog Tour: Waiting on Perfect by Kelli Kretzschmar #giveaway


Young Adult Contemporary

Date Published: October 1, 2014
   
In the wake of an attempted date rape, high school senior Kendra Voss receives hope from two unlikely heroes, who happen to be cousins.

After Nicolás Veneto rescues the popular Kendra Voss at a party, his long-time feelings for her reignite. But the socially awkward Nick can’t ever seem to find the right words to tell her so, and instead, seems to push her away with his persistence in trying to have her press charges against her attacker.


Nick's playboy cousin Sebastian Veneto, however, is a master with the opposite sex and is used to getting what he wants. After unwittingly helping Kendra at her most vulnerable, he discovers that his feelings for her go beyond his usual lust.
Kendra is caught between the two, the elusive artist and his dangerous cousin, both of whom are pulling her through the difficult aftermath of her near-rape in his own unique way. In the meantime, she tries to avoid the boy who attacked her, deal with rumors at school, and move on with her life.
Waiting for Perfect is a story about facing the unexpected events that force us to grow up and is told through the alternating, memorable voices of Kendra, Nick, and Sebastian.



Buy Link
Interview

Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
Kendra Voss experiences an attempted date rape. She then needs to decide if she will press charges or not. The message in my novel is for women to think about what they would do in that situation. The attacker is someone she knows. Either decision will affect her life somehow. I’d like the reader to think about how they would respond.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Date rape is a sensitive subject. Waiting for Perfect, although a romance in the love triangle that ensues after Kendra’s attack, is truly a book about date rape and its consequences. It was challenging to show enough respect for the sensitivity of the subject while balancing that with a romance concept as well.


How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I have written three books. Defending Wellton was my first. It is a crime novel set in the tiny town of Wellton, Arizona. Waiting for Perfect, and its sequel No Fear of Perfection (coming out late 2014) are Young Adult romance novels that change voice from chapter to chapter. My favorite is No Fear of Perfection. It blends the romance of Waiting for Perfect with suspense similar to Defending Wellton.


If you had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
I created a Pinterest board for Waiting for Perfect where you can see the models I’ve chosen to represent my characters. http://www.pinterest.com/kellikretzschma/waiting-for-perfect/ 
Kendra Voss is portrayed by model Mila de Wit. Sebastian Veneto is portrayed by model Bernardo Velasco. And Nick Veneto is portrayed by model Marlon Teixeira. They are all so cute!


When did you begin writing?
I began writing when I was a kid. I’ve always written stories, journals, poems, and essays. I started writing my first novel, Defending Wellton, in 2012.


How long did it take to complete your first book?
It took me about a year. I started writing in April of 2012 and after writing and editing, I self-published in May of 2013.



Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
 I have always enjoyed reading many authors of many genres. Before starting Defending Wellton, I was reading a lot of Jessica Sorensen. I especially love her Callie and Kayden series.


What is your favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part is when I’m about halfway in, and the characters start acting on their own. I see the story clearly in my head and just have to write the characters’ actions. I don’t outline my books. I’m a panster, meaning I write by the seat of my pants. I feel like my characters have complete freedom to act on their own in this way. And when they start doing just that is when I feel like what I’m writing exactly what I’m supposed to be writing.


Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Love triangle with issues.


Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
I’m currently finishing editing No Fear of Perfection, the sequel of Waiting for Perfect, to be released later this year. Also, I am working on a second installment of the Wellton series, likely to be released mid to late 2015.


Kelli Kretzschmar graduated with a BA in Psychology from California State University of Long Beach. She works full time as a marketing manager and writes for enjoyment. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband, three children, a wild Labrador named Tyson, and a corn snake named Abigail. When she's not at the office or spending time with her family, she enjoys writing, reading contemporary fiction, learning new things, running, and her most recent passion, practicing Krav Maga.
Email: kellikretzschmar@gmail.com





Monday, November 17, 2014

Release Blitz: Take a Chance by @CaridadPineiro #excerpt




New Adult Erotica Romance
Date Published: November 17, 2014

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Three sexy novellas about risking it all for a chance at love and passion . . .

JUST ONE NIGHT
Jason Hart has just one night to prove to his best friend's older sister that anything is possible . . .
Nicole de Salvo has been in love – and lust – for her little brother’s best friend for years. For years she’s watched from afar and done nothing about her attraction for Jason Hart only now their time together is almost at an end. On their last night together will she find the courage to do something about her feelings, or will she live with regret for the rest of her life?

ONE SPECIAL NIGHT
It's been nearly six months since Tommy de Salvo’s fiancée cheated and left him in the midst of wedding preparations because up-and-coming businessman Tommy was all work and no play. The last thing Tommy wants or needs is to be attracted to another woman who won’t be around for too long. A woman just like Navy Corpsman Jasmine Reyes. She’s rough, tough, and determined to go it alone, but Tommy knows that if he passes up this opportunity, he may regret it more than the loss of his fiancée . . .
Jasmine “Doc” Reyes is both emotionally and physically scarred after her tour of duty. Wounded in battle, all she can think about is rebuilding her life and continuing with the career that she’s dreamed about since she was a young child. She has no time for rich sexy men who’ve never had a care in the world and wouldn’t understand her determination. But Tommy’s charm is seductive and she knows that she has to explore the attraction, even if it’s only for this one special night.

ONE LAST NIGHT
It's been over a year since Marine Lieutenant Trevor Mason and his father have spoken. After nearly losing his life during a Taliban attack in Afghanistan, Trevor wants to end the rift between them so he can return to active duty with some peace of mind. But a visit to his father’s office only serves to show Trevor that his father isn’t as eager to reunite. If not for the intervention of Samuel Mason’s spunky and very sexy intern, Trevor would probably be returning to Afghanistan with his one wish unfulfilled.
Trevor Mason had used to do all kinds of things to Maggie Sullivan’s insides when she worked at the country club his family used to attend. Five years later, there is little left of the teen she knew in the stoic Marine who only wants some time with his father. When Trevor’s father backs out of his son’s dinner invitation at the last minute, Maggie does the only thing she can: she goes to Trevor’s apartment to deliver the news, but she can’t leave him alone on his one last night before returning to duty.
Thrown together, Trevor and Maggie can’t ignore the sexual heat between them. As they satisfy one set of needs, another slowly develops as passion breathes life into other emotions. Will Trevor and Maggie’s one last night together possibly lead to many other nights in the future?




EXCERPT

"What's up, Jase?  Why did you almost drag me out of the party?" she asked and leaned against one of the thick pilings for the boardwalk.

He braced his forearm just above her head on the support and shifted until her warm breath spilled against his face.  She smelled of something flowery and of Nicole and he inhaled deeply to memorize that aroma.

With his free hand, he brushed away a windblown lock of her hair and then skimmed his fingers down her smooth cheek.  She trembled beneath his touch and he hardened as he imagined how smooth the rest of her skin would be and how she would shiver against him while they made love.

"I want you, Nickie."

Her eyes widened in surprise and the words rushed from her.  "Hell no.  I don't believe you."

"Believe it, Nickie.  I've wanted you for a long time," he said and moved ever closer until his body was pressed to hers.

At that touch, she sucked in a shaky breath and closed her eyes.  In a husky voice she said, "Don't play with me, Jase."

He chuckled and her eyes snapped open to meet his gaze.  "Babe, I am so not playing with you.  At least not yet," he said and dropped his hand to trace the rounded swells of her breasts visible above the bodice of her killer dress.  It was the kind of dress that invited him to touch and to see.



Author Links






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Saturday, November 15, 2014

Blog Tour: Spring's Delight by @kballauthor #review #giveaway


Western Romance
Date Published: October 9, 2014

   
The last thing cowboy Colt O’Malley needs is another busybody intent on curing him of his grief.


Deeply bitter, Colt finds it almost impossible honoring his brother’s last act of kindness.

Spring Reed grew up in the foster care system and when she finally ages out, she relies on her protector and friend, Billy Jack to help them make a life together. To her horror, Billy becomes an abusive bully.

Her rescuer arrives in the form of a coffee drinking, hard studying, college student, Caleb O’Malley. With a promise of a new job, he buys her a bus ticket from Texas to his family ranch in Montana with the plan to meet her there in a week. Unfortunately, no one met her.

When Old Ed tries to drop Spring off at the O’Malley ranch, Colt tells him to take her back. One glance at the pain in her eyes and he couldn’t send her away. She reminds her of the abused horses he rescues and he had to try to honor Caleb’s wish.


Can two people with scarred souls learn to love again or will bitterness and doubt drive them apart?





Review 

I love the way this novel deals with several topics. Colt is dealing with not only the death of his brother, but also a broken heart. He doesn't want to deal with love again. My favorite thing about this novel is the slow build up of the relationship between Spring and Colt. They really did start with a friendship and it was nice to see their love unfold. Another great Western Contemporary by Kathleen Ball. 



Sexy Cowboys and the women who love them...Finalist in the 2012 RONE Awards. Top pick, five star series from the Romance Review. Kathleen Ball writes contemporary western romance with great emotion and memorable characters. Her books are award winners and have appeared on best sellers lists including Amazon's Best Sellers List, All Romance Ebooks, Bookstrand, Desert Breeze Publishing and Secret Cravings Publishing Best Sellers list. She is the recipient of eight Editor's Choice Awards, and The Readers' Choice Award for Ryelee's Cowboy. There's something about a cowboy....
Twitter: @kballauthor




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Friday, November 7, 2014

PROMO: Books, Blogs, & Reality by @ryanringbloom with #excerpt & #giveaway



Books, Blogs, Reality by Ryan Ringbloom
New Adult Contemporary
Date Published: October 2014

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Life can suck…

When reality becomes overwhelming, seeking comfort in fictional fantasies keeps hope alive.  And while this escape may be a little delusional, it’s also therapeutic.

Sharing secrets is daunting, but virtual friends don’t often judge and they are always ready to share a glass of wine…or three…while typing out life’s latest endeavors.

Brooke believes obstacles only add to romance, not detract. Rachael longs for a more intense relationship, or so she thinks. Lizzie misses the excitement in her life, but sometimes new situations find you when you’re not even looking. And Jess believes a tiger can change his stripes. It can’t.

Bound by a shared passion for blogging about happily ever afters, these four young women use keyboard therapy to work through their expectations, anxieties, and inadequacies, all with the hopes of achieving the perfection found in romance novels.

Completely blinded by what they think life should be, they navigate their unique paths in search of what they envision is right. But when reality taunts them with persistent curve balls, will they be strong enough to choose wisely? Or will their happy endings escape them?


*Mature content 18+


EXCERPT


It’s not uncommon for people to have two sets of friends. The “real” friends; these are the ones who live nearby, the ones you see or talk with occasionally (less and less as time goes on). Then there are the “virtual” friends; these are the ones you talk to (well, type to) every day. The latter group comes from all over. You’ve never actually met any of them and yet you trust them with some of the deepest, most intimate thoughts and details of your life. You share way too much information and in return, they over-share way too much back.
On Brooke Bloomfield’s twenty-third birthday, she went to lunch with her real life best friend, Lauren. The two girls had a very nice time. They gossiped in between chews, catching up, because even though they lived only ten minutes away from each other, they still hadn’t seen each other in quite some time. When the bill came, Lauren grabbed it, insisting she treat Brooke on her special day. They hugged goodbye at their cars and promised to meet for lunch or a drink soon. 
Later that same night, Brooke let loose and celebrated her birthday in a much more exciting way, at a computer-generated party with her three online BF’s, Rachael-XXOO, Lizzie1214, and JessRomance93. In a relatively short time, all three of these girls had come to know more about Brooke than anyone else. 
Similar tastes in books kept connecting them through book tours and blitzes. Comments on posts and reviews turned into discussions over emails. Tweets bounced back and forth between the four of them endlessly, until one day they discovered a social website designed for readers, where they could all chat privately amongst themselves. Within no time, their virtual discussions went from benign topics such as books they all loved, hated and/or felt somewhere in between, to a hell of a lot more serious things.
It’s funny the things a person will share with people they don’t actually have to face. Like a diary into which they feed their emotions and it types back.

Brooke Bloomfield
ReaderGirlBrooke
NY  ~   Brookesbeenreading.blogspace.com
Blogger, dedicated romance reader, and reviewer. I spend a lot of time with my many fictional boyfriends. Addicted to cherry ice pops and cupcakes with pink frosting.
~
ReaderGirlBrooke: Hey guys!
Lizzie1214: Wine is open. Time to celebrate!! The big two-three!
JessRomance93: Hey, birthday girl! I just opened a beer. Does everyone have a drink now?
Rachael-XXOO: Got mine. Happy Birthday Brookey!!!  Did you get the pic of Preston’s package all wrapped up in a bow? 
ReaderGirlBrooke: Thanks guys. I just poured a glass of red. Yes, Rachael – great pic! *blushes
Rachael-XXOO: You’re not blushing. You love it. I’m sure you saved it with all the other dirty pics I send you.
Rachael-XXOO: By the way, did you guys finish Fix My Heart yet? I’m only 45% in.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Yes!! Loved! Five stars. A guy exactly like Grant is what I wished for when I blew out my birthday candles today at lunch.
Lizzie1214: I gave it five stars, too.
JessRomance93: It was good. Meh. Three stars.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Jess, are you serious? Only three stars? How did you not fall in love with Grant? He was perfect!
JessRomance93: Yeah, Grant was perfect. But a little too perfect, don’t ya think? Guys like that don’t exist.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Are you just saying that because of you-know-who?
JessRomance93: This has nothing to do with that asshole. I just thought the way Grant rescued Cassandra was a little over the top.
Rachael-XXOO: Um, hello. What part of “I haven’t finished yet” did you all not understand? Remember, we don’t discuss a book until everyone is done reading.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Sorry! We’ll stop. Just make sure to stay away from my blog until you’re done reading. My review is getting posted tonight.
Rachael-XXOO: I’m probably reading slower than usual because my own love life has been picking up lately.
JessRomance93: Nice, Rach! Do we get some dirty details later?
ReaderGirlBrooke: Wah! The only love life I have lately requires batteries.
Rachael-XXOO: Yes! I’ll give details later. And speaking of dirty details, did you get my special little birthday care package, Brooke?
ReaderGirlBrooke: Yes, but I haven’t opened it yet. I figured I’d wait till we were chatting.
Lizzie1214: Open it! Tell us what fun, twisted things Rachael sent you.
Rachael-XXOO: Yeah, go ahead and open it up, birthday girl!
ReaderGirlBrooke: HAAA! I didn’t know they made so many things in the shape of a penis. Lollipops, straws, a lipstick, pasta, and a toothbrush! OMG! Where did u find a penis toothbrush?
Rachael-XXOO: I ordered everything online. Do you like the theme?? 
ReaderGirlBrooke: I love it! Thank you!! I’m taking a pic of everything right now to send you guys.
Lizzie1214: Will you actually eat the pasta and the lollipops? I wonder what they taste like. 
JessRomance93: Ew, yuck. What do you think it tastes like? 
Rachael-XXOO: Go ahead, Brooke, try a lollipop and tell us if tastes like a pecker.
ReaderGirlBrooke: Yum. It does. ;)




About the Author

Ryan Ringbloom

Twitter: @ryanringbloom



Buy Link




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Thursday, November 6, 2014

Blog Tour: Menopause to Matrimony @shellyhickman #review #interview #giveaway


Romantic Comedy
Date Published: November 2014
   
The sequel to Vegas to Varanasi catches up with Anna and Kiran a couple of years after the event that brought the once “ugly duckling” high school acquaintances together. But will their romance continue to flourish in the face of a whole new set of insecurities brought on by middle age?
First, there’s Kiran, who has an unexpected health scare. While his doctors assure no permanent damage has been done, there seems to have been some damage to his personality, as the normally respectful and reserved Kiran begins behaving erratically and overtly. Anna wants to hope that this is temporary, sparked by the visit of Kiran’s womanizing, free-spirited cousin, Seth. But is this just the midlife Kiran surfacing?
Anna has midlife issues of her own. Now forty-eight, she’s navigating the onset of perimenopause and all the delights that come with it, from facial hair to mood swings to body temperature issues. On top of that, her two-year-old granddaughter is starting to show signs of a behavior disorder, bringing with it a whole other level of stress and worry.
Will Anna and Kiran finally find their happily ever after? Or end up stuck in a midlife mess in this romantic comedy of accepting change, and “the change.”




BUY LINK

Review
What a wonderful piece of Chick Lit. I call it chick lit even though it is also a Romantic Comedy because I really feel it would appeal to those who are fans of the Chick Lit Genre. It is a great novel that follows up Vegas to Varanasi. We get to see what happens after Anna and Kiran find love. I love the aspect of the novel in which they are older than your typical romance novel couple. They face different challenges. This novel is witty and fun while also being emotional and deep. Wonderful!

Interview

Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
There’s not really a deep, underlying message for readers of this novel. As I began experiencing some of the symptoms of perimenopause—many of which I didn’t realize were peri-related until I started doing some Googling—I thought it would be fun to explore some of the issues women at this life stage have to deal with. A lot of this stuff isn’t openly discussed, and I think women may feel like they’re alone, crazy, or both, as they start going through some of these changes, and it can be kind of scary. My attempt was to approach this topic, along with matters of family and romantic relationships, with humor and honesty.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I have difficulty deciding what to include and what to leave out. Because I’m the type of reader who doesn’t prefer huge amounts of detail—whether it be descriptions of the scenery, or lengthy transitional material that takes me from one conflict to the next—when I write, I often question if I’m rushing through for fear of losing the interest of my reader. It’s something I try to improve upon with each work.


How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I’ve written four books, and I suppose many authors would say it’s hard to choose a favorite because each work is a part of you in some way. My first book, Believe, is probably the least popular with readers. Admittedly, the writing is quite bare compared to my current style, but because it was my first novel—more of a novella, actually—and deals with the loss of my daughter, it will always be special to me. I’m thankful for Foery MacDonell, who had a small publishing company at the time, because she saw something in the work that merited sharing. If it weren’t for her, I’m not sure I’d have had the confidence to go out and do this writing thing on my own.


If you had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
I see Sarah Jessica Parker cast as Anna. In Vegas to Varanasi, the prequel to Menopause to Matrimony, we learn that she’s never been a “beauty,” but she has an endearing personality. I’ve always been a fan of SJP because, although she doesn’t possess classic Hollywood looks, her characters are so down-to-earth and approachable. I’ve liked Sarah since I first saw her on the TV show Square Pegs in the ‘80s.


When did you begin writing?
I’ve written sporadically since the early ‘90s. Very sporadically.


How long did it take to complete your first book?
I’m not even sure because I put it away and came back to it several times. I actually started writing Believe while my daughter was still here, after she had completed thirteen months of chemotherapy and I believed her cancer was behind her forever. So, it started out very syrupy and Pollyanna-ish, nothing like the reflective piece it is now.


Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
I have several favorites, but I wouldn’t say any of them actually inspired me to become a writer. For many adult years, I read mostly non-fiction, such as Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, the Dalai Lama, and tons of others. My favorite fiction writers growing up were Judy Blume and V.C. Andrews. As an adult I enjoyed Richard Bach, and later, Nora Ephron and J.K. Rowling. (I know—quite different!)


What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I’m not a plotter when I write. I’m just not. I start with a general idea with bits and pieces in mind, and pray that it’s enough to take me all the way through to an acceptable conclusion. So my favorite part is when I find my momentum. When the characters come to life, and it feels almost as if the story is writing itself.


Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Crap. That’s a tough one! How about “midlife mayhem with heart.”


Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?

I’m not working on anything at the moment. I’m not the type of writer who immediately gets to work on something new the minute a project is complete. In fact, I’m the total opposite. I usually write in the summer months when I’m not teaching. I’m so blessed to have that luxury, because I’m afraid if I tried to write while working, I’d just become super resentful of having to pull myself away from it for my real job. (Smiles) I don’t know how other writers do both because it must be incredibly difficult. I would like to try and write one more book that follows Menopause to Matrimony, but don’t have any ideas at the moment. Since I teach middle school, I’ve also considered having a go at the young adult genre at some point. 

Living in Las Vegas since she was two, Shelly Hickman has witnessed many changes in the city over the years. She graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Art in 1990, and in her early twenties worked as a computer illustrator. In the mid-90s, she returned to school to earn her Masters degree in Elementary Education. She now teaches computer literacy and media technology at a middle school in Las Vegas. She loves to write about people, examining their flaws, their humor, spirituality, and personal growth. Shelly lives with her husband, two children, and their dog, Frankie.