WITHOUT BORDERS Book Birthday!!

April 19, 2016 / Marie Meyer / 1 Comment

WITHOUT BORDERS

BY AMANDA HEGER

Happy book birthday to WITHOUT BORDERS and Amanda Heger! I am so excited to celebrate Amanda’s debut today!

Blurb

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

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

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

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

Goodreads

I caught up with Amanda in Las Vegas at the RT Booklovers Convention! You know the saying, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…well, everything except the answers to the interview I conducted with Amanda while we had a late dinner at the Shake Shack at the New York New York Hotel. 🙂 From Zac Efron’s abs to the butts of the world, click the link below to see the interview!

An Interview with Up and Coming Romance Star, Amanda Heger!

My Five-Star Review of WITHOUT BORDERS:

WITHOUT BORDERS was on my Most Anticipated Books of 2016 list and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Amanda Heger’s debut is a gift to readers: a unique voice, compelling story, and a budding romance set against the backdrop of the Central American jungle.

Annie London is a smart, flawed young woman, trying her best to get into a good med school, despite some poor MCAT scores. In an attempt to pad her med school resume, she embarks on a month long medical brigade traveling through Nicaragua.

During the trip, Annie is tasked with passing out mosquito nets and teaching a sex ed course. Armed with a giant plantain and a condom, Annie tries to overcome the language barrier and teach the villages she travels through how to practice safe sex. But, for Annie, that’s easier said than done, considering she completely threw herself at the doctor in charge of leading the brigade. Strike one against getting that med school recommendation. Can anything else go wrong for Annie? Yes! Poor girl!

Enter Doctor Felipe. He’s hot. He’s brooding. And he’s great with kids–oh my ovaries! With each page, Ms. Heger ratchets up the sexual tension between Annie and Felipe and it’s steamier than the Nicaraguan jungle! Stolen kisses and quiet touches lead to the perfect “Awwww!” ending!

Amanda Heger is an incredibly talented writer. In Annie and Felipe, she’s created characters that are alive and real; their character arcs are fabulous. I loved watching both of them grow and learn, and build a relationship with each other. WITHOUT BORDERS is unique, unlike so many New Adult romances on the market. I highly recommend Amanda Heger’s debut, WITHOUT BORDERS. Get lost in the jungles of Nicaragua with Annie and Felipe, and they’ll leave you with a serious case of Wanderlove!

About Amanda

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

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

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

Connect with Amanda!
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!!! Want to win an ebook copy of WITHOUT BORDERS? To enter, click here: Win an ebook of WITHOUT BORDERS!

2015, A Year to Remember!

December 31, 2015December 31, 2015 / Marie Meyer / 1 Comment

Let’s Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane!

Cheers to 2015! It’s been a great year!

A year of books!

Although I didn’t get to read as many books as I planned to, I can’t complain! 2015 was the year that a long sought after dream of mine was realized, I became a published author!

But even more so than the books, stories, and characters I’ve had the privilege to share with the world, it’s the people I’ve gotten to know along the way.

Over the course of 2015, I’ve met so so many wonderful people!

The writing community is so supportive and helpful and I couldn’t ask for a better group of friends! With 2015 being my debut year, I feel honored having learned from those that blazed a trail before me. And to the friends that I’ve shared a debut year with, my beloved NAC! You are my writing home…my writing family! Without all of you, I would have been a lonely fish out of water this year! Thanks to you, I will “Just keep swimming!”

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Even though this isn’t all of NAC, it’s the best I could do. One day, we will all be in the same place at the same time. The world better watch out!

And before I wrap up 2015, I want give my readers a giant THANK YOU! What is a writer if there is no one to read the stories? So, my dear readers, thank you for going on this journey with me. Thank you for choosing my stories to curl up with at night. Thank you for dedicating your precious time to spend with the characters I write. Thank you for giving me and my writing a chance! I am at a loss for words to express how grateful I am for your support! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! ❤

I’ve got a lot more stories planned for 2016, so I hope you continue on this publishing journey with me. I want to share even more stories and more characters with each and every one of you!

Love and hugs!

My year in numbers:

Books read: 39

Books written: 2 (Can’t Go Back & The Turning Point)

New Books Outlined: 2 (Secret Projects)

Books I Hope to Write in 2016: 3 (I want to say 4, but I’m being a realist. I still have a day job!)

My top 10 Reads of 2015 (in no particular order):

Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon- I’m counting these two titles as one just because! It’s not cheating since it’s my list, right? Right. 2015 was the year I discovered Jamie Fraser, and boy, it was a good year! 🙂 Nuff said!
Missing Pieces by Meredith Tate- I devoured this title. Tate weaves a story like no one else! With a story that spans a large amount of time, I felt like Trace and Piren were my old friends by the end of the book. This book is a gem!
Game of Love by Ara Grigorian- I read this title in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. Andre and Gemma are a dynamic duo of a couple and I loved them! Gregorian is a masterful storyteller and I cannot wait for more books from him!
The Rearranged Life by Annika Sharma- A love story that blurs the lines between matters of the heart and the cultural boundaries we’re born into. Ms. Sharma tells James and Nithya’s story with sensitivity and heart. Sometimes, falling in love isn’t easy.
The List by Kate L. Mary- After a traumatic event, Annie’s family has picked up the pieces. Or have they? With Annie’s freshman year of college, she able to spread her wings and learn to fly from under the overprotective arms of her father and brothers. Kate L. Mary writes a compelling character arc for Annie and I loved watching this endearing character grow.
Run Away by Laura Salters- Holy twist, Batman! This book is a rollercoaster, travel adventure, murder mystery with a twist ending that I did not see coming! Throughout the whole book, I felt all the feels! Ms. Salters is so talented at drawing the reader into the story and not letting you go without taking you on a heart wrenching ride!
Letting Go by Jessica Ruddick- A lovely, brilliantly told story of loss and finding a way to move on. Cori is a beautiful written character and loved her whole story. Luke is a patient and wonderful love interest and once again, I felt all the feels with this book!
Delayed Penalty by Sophia Henry- Yes, this is a sports romance. No, it isn’t just about sports. It’s sooooooo much more. Auden is grieving the death of her parents and encounters a hot, cocky hockey player, Aleksander, who is also grieving the loss of his parents. Even though both characters are grieving differently, I loved how they were able to find comfort and a deep connection with each other. I can’t wait for more from Sophia Henry.
Welcome to Forever by Annie Rains- The hero is a Marine. That’s right, a man in uniform. YES PLEASE! Micah is a loving dad, first and foremost, which makes him even more hot! I enjoyed the interactions between Kat and Micah and how Ms. Rains created such wonderful sexual tension between them. This was a fabulous debut for Annie Rains! I am a fan for life and will one-click anything that bears her name!
Upside Down by Lia Riley- I didn’t actually read this story, but listened to the audiobook, but it still counts! The narrators of this captivating story are stupendous! I enjoyed Ms. Riley’s wit and narrative. Talia and Bran are gorgeously written characters and I loved spending my time with them. And might I add, having a sexy Australian whispering through my earbuds wasn’t so bad either!

So, there you have it, my top 10 reads of 2015! Here’s to a fabulous 2016 ahead! More amazing lives to lead…all you have to do is open a book!

Happy New Year and happy reading in 2016! ❤

Hot on the Scene Debut Release Party!

May 26, 2015May 26, 2015 / Marie Meyer / Leave a comment

Multi-Author New Adult Debut Release Party!

Join me, Diana Gardin, Ara Grigorian, Kate L. Mary, Jessica Ruddick, Laura Salters, Annika Sharma, and Meredith Tate as we celebrate our New Adult debuts!

When: May 26, 2015

Where: Facebook (in the comfort of your home!)

Click here to join the party!

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

We’re talking books, sports, romance, and whatever else comes to mind! Oh, and did I mention giveaways? YES!!! There will be giveaways! So, don’t miss out on the fun and come party with us on May 26th!

Here’s a sneak peak of the ACROSS THE DISTANCE swag I’m ready to give away!

THE REARRANGED LIFE Blog Tour

May 23, 2015 / Marie Meyer / Leave a comment

I’m pleased to be a stop on THE REARRANGED LIFE Blog Tour! I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of Annika Sharma’s beautiful debut and now I’m thrilled to post a my review for THE REARRANGED LIFE for Annika’s blog tour!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

My review:

THE REARRANGED LIFE is a poignant tale of a young Indian-American woman, proud of her Indian heritage and traditions, yet ready to embrace the American side of herself too. When the two cultures clash, Nithya is forced to make a decision that could potentially ruin the close relationship she has with her parents.

Nithya, an intelligent, decisive college senior is ready to take the next step in her college career: med school. But, she encounters some road bumps along the way. Specifically, when she meets the handsome James, an American.

Nithya isn’t supposed to fall for James. Her whole life, she’s never done anything against her parents wishes, and they wish for her to be with the nice Indian boy, Nishanth…and he is nice. Ms. Sharma does a fabulous job of showing both of Nithya’s choices, which are equally wonderful. Nithya is drawn to both guys and each of them have endearing qualities.

As I read, my heart hurt for Nithya and her suitors, because I knew she could be happy with either of them. I liked both boys and didn’t want to see either one get hurt. But, like real life, choices aren’t easy and someone will be the inevitable looser. Ms. Sharma portray’s Nithya’s struggle beautifully. If she chooses James, Nishanth will be hurt, and she runs the risk of disgracing her conservative Indian family. If she chooses Nishanth, James gets hurt. And ultimately, Nithya, our lovely protagonist, will experience a degree of loss and hurt in making her decision as well.

THE REARRANGED LIFE is a quiet story that gets under your skin. It has characters you’ll connect with on a deeper level. You’ll experience their joy and feel their pain as if it were your own. This is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading. I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Sharma has in store next!

About Annika:

Annika Sharma was born in New Delhi and brought up in the United States, where she moved with her parents as a baby. A proud alum, she graduated from Penn State University with dual degrees in Biobehavioral Health and Neuro-Psychology, and minors in Biology and Human Development and Family Studies. She received her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education before pursuing her dreams of becoming a writer, landing her agent Stacey Donaghy of Donaghy Literary Group while daylighting as a preschool teacher. The Rearranged Life, her first novel, was written in the month before graduate school.

Annika, a Gryffindor and Scorpio, spends much of her time dreaming of adventure, working on her next book, going on Starbucks runs with family and friends, shopping online and watching superhero movies.

The Rearranged Life will hit shelves on May 15th, 2015, published by Curiosity Quills Press.

Connect with Annika on Social Media:

Website: annikasharma.com

Twitter: @AnnikaSharma

Facebook

Goodreads

An Interview with Author Ara Grigorian (GAME OF LOVE)

May 19, 2015May 19, 2015 / Marie Meyer / Leave a comment

That’s right, I got to interview the rock star debut author, Ara Grigorian! If you haven’t read his new book, GAME OF LOVE, you are missing out! I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of GAME OF LOVE and was honored to review Ara’s outstanding novel. If you missed my review, I’m serving it up here: MARIE’S REVIEW OF GoL.

Okay, now for Ara’s deep, dark GAME OF LOVE secrets…

1. Gemma and Andre are your main characters, who happen to have fabulous names, by the way! How do you choose names for your characters?

For Andre, I knew I wanted him to be of Spanish decent. When I lived in Barcelona, one of my closest friends there was Andres. He was always kind and went out of his way to help me because I couldn’t speak the language, We were eight, but I never forgot his generosity. Also, my favorite tennis player is Andre Agassi — a misunderstood tennis great. So I linked those two together and now I had my hero’s name.

When it came to Gemma, it started with her eyes. I wanted a name that would reflect her eyes which I thought of as gems. I was at work, preparing a cup of coffee, thinking abut her name when I noticed the movie poster for Prince of Persia. The actress’s eyes caught my attention. Beautiful and powerful. I found her name, Gemma Aterton. Gem. Gemma. Beautiful eyes. I looked up the name Gemma. It means gem in Italian. Serendipity at work. I was done.

2. What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

Letting the story come to me. Sometimes I force the story. I start before the story has really developed in my head. I get excited about the idea and jump in when the water isn’t quite ready yet. I figure if I start the rest will come together and those usually end badly. You see, I don’t really choose the story I write — the story finds me. It is an organic process. I could be in the middle of anything, listening to a random song, overhearing a conversation, and boom! A phrase, an expression catches my eye and the machine takes over. That’s how it was for Game of Love. I had been forcing a mystery novel when I met a tennis pro at a hotel in Paris during the French Open. When I saw a young man staring at her, I started wondering if he’ll approach her and if he did, what would she do? Can a celebrity trust just anyone? The idea grabbed my hair, threw me down on the floor and said, “Write me!” So I did!

3. Do you have a writing ritual? Things that must be done before your muse will come out and play?

Yes! A heaping tablespoon of Nutella, followed by a double shot of espresso. Noise canceling headphones and the playlist for the novel seeping into my brain. No open apps in the background — only Scrivener. But in order for me to hit the ground running, I have done a re-read of the previous night’s work during lunch (not to edit but to put me back into the story world). This way, by the time I’m ready, I have dozens of ideas ready to jump out. My daily goal is 2,500 words but average closer to 4,000 when I’m writing a new story. I have had a handful of 10,000+ days.

4. Are you more of a pantser or plotter?

I’m a plotting pantser 🙂 I have developed a story beats sheet based on Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat! methodology and James Scott Bell’s Super Structure framework (and some others). I write high level ideas for the key story beats. Most of the time I have a good idea through the midpoint. I never know for sure how the story will end although I have an idea. I definitely nail now the characters before I start writing the story. Because once the characters are real to me, then all the situations become natural — they are consistent with the characters I have grown to love.

5. Now that GAME OF LOVE has gone through several drafts and is finally published, you’ve really gotten to know the story and its characters, do you have a favorite line, passage, or chapter from GAME OF LOVE?

Although I have a lot of favorites, one of my favorite parts has to be when Andre and Gemma spend time on the flight to Los Angeles. I loved writing their banter and how she discovers his gifts. This is where they realize the attraction they’re feeling is more than physical – they both have similar stories and challenges. They are kindred spirits and for the first time reader sees that they need each other to survive their crazy lives

6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who hope to see their book published one day?

It’s not easy. It’s hard. Real hard. At times you’ll wander why even bother? You’ll blame the agents. The publishers. Your sixth grade English teacher. But none of that should stop you. Because the desire to be a writer is a hunger. It is an insatiable need to tell stories. You should write because you can’t stop the need. Feed the beast and put aside all the negativity (self imposed and external). Plant your ass in the seat, close the door, and WRITE! Write and rewrite then rewrite that and then edit it again. Make every scene you write the best you can possibly write. Do the work. Put in the hours. It is the most gratifying thing when what you’ve written is loved and appreciated by complete strangers from the other side of the globe. Just write. There is no substitute for hard work, persistence, perseverance, and passion!

7. I know of your love of Nutella, out of curiosity, what is your favorite Nutella dessert creation?

I wonder why I have built this reputation 😉 Just because it’s my primary food and I even received permission by Ferro USA to use the Nutella brand in my book and any promotional activity for the book, does not make me a fanatic. Okay, it actually does 😉 My favorite recipe is nice and simple — fresh raspberries, you inject a bit of Nutella in the opening (use the tip of your knife to squeeze some in) then pop it in your mouth. Sweet and perfect and good for you! (Note: This statement has not been verified by the FDA or anyone else as far as I know).

Thanks for having me!

Well, there you have it, folks! Ara Grigorian, serving up stupendous stories and writing wisdom with a side of Nutella infused raspberries. I don’t know the FDA’s opinion on Nutella and raspberries (although, I will be trying this recipe, regardless), but I do know that GAME OF LOVE is good for you and you need to read it!

Thank you for stopping by, Ara! It was an honor to host you on my blog!

Visit Ara Grigorian on Social Media:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Order GAME OF LOVE:

Amazon: Kindle Edition , Paperback Edition

Barnes and Noble

GAME OF LOVE Review Tour

April 30, 2015April 29, 2015 / Marie Meyer / 1 Comment

GAME OF LOVE, by Ara Grigorian

Genre: new-adult, contemporary-romance

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Date of Re-Release: May 4, 2015

Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky

Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

Description:

Game of Love is set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis where fortune and fame can be decided by a single point. Gemma Lennon has spent nearly all of her 21 years focused on one thing: Winning a Grand Slam. After a disastrous and very public scandal and subsequent loss at the Australian Open, Gemma is now laser-focused on winning the French Open. Nothing and no one will derail her shot at winning – until a heated chance encounter with brilliant and sexy Andre Reyes threatens to throw her off her game.

Breaking her own rules, Gemma begins a whirlwind romance with Andre who shows her that love and a life off the court might be the real prize. With him, she learns to trust and love…at precisely the worst time in her career. The pressure from her home country, fans, and even the Prime Minister to be the first British woman to win in nearly four decades weighs heavily. As Wimbledon begins, fabricated and sensationalized news about them spreads, fueling the paparazzi, and hurting her performance. Now, she must reconsider everything, because in the high-stakes game of love, anyone can be the enemy within…even lovers and even friends.

In the Game of Love, winner takes all.

Review of GAME OF LOVE

I love this story! GAME OF LOVE is a delightful read. Ara Grigorian’s writing style is beautiful and captivating. Grigorian’s smart and witty prose serves up a winning story and a heartfelt romance. You can’t help but cheer for Gemma and Andre!

Gemma Lennon, Britain’s tennis darling, isn’t about to let anything or anyone get in the way of the one thing that’s eluded her, the one thing she wants more than anything else: to win a Grand Slam.

After a potential career-ending accident four months earlier, Gemma is determined to focus on tennis and nothing else. But, being in the spotlight 24/7 doesn’t make for an easy task. With paparazzi stalking her every move, Gemma’s game is under the utmost scrutiny. To win, she has to be the best on and off the court. For Gemma, there’s no room for failure, and certainly no room for a love life. Tennis is her love. Period.

Enter Andre Reyes, the handsome American, who’s not only a problem solver by trade, but off-the-charts brilliant. After a scorching meet-cute, Andre is captivated by Gemma, drawn in by her hypnotizing eyes. The best part, Andre has no idea she’s a famous athlete; he’s fascinated by her, not the public’s ideal of her.

Gemma is just as fascinated by Andre as he is of her. As their interactions become more frequent, the tension between them builds. Gemma struggles to keep her mind on tennis and the tabloids are speculating whether or not she’s ready for Wimbledon. For Gemma, it will take a lot more than just the love of the game to achieve what her heart desires, because when she finally figures out she wants tennis and Andre, it might be too late.

In the end, both Gemma and Andre learn that when it comes to matters of the heart, it’s best to keep the score love-love, because that’s when the real magic happens!

This is a fantastic book. I’m still in awe of Ara Grigorian’s ability to weave the game of tennis into Gemma and Andre’s whirlwind romance. It’s beautiful. It takes an accomplished wordsmith to write such a layered, smart, and witty story. Well done! I look forward to more books by Ara Grigorian, his stories don’t disappoint!

GAME OF LOVE also received the Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Review Seal!! Congratulations, Ara and GAME OF LOVE!! Well-deserved! To read the Reader’s Favorite Review CLICK HERE!

About Ara Grigorian:

Armenian by heritage, born in Iran, lived in Barcelona, and escaped New York until he found his home in Los Angeles, Ara’s first eleven years were both busy and confusing. The fruit salad of languages would slow down his genetically encoded need to tell stories. Until then, an alter ego would be required…

He received an engineering degree from California State University Northridge and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California. Today, he is a technology executive in the entertainment industry. True to the Hollywood life, Ara wrote for a children’s television pilot that could have made him rich (but didn’t) and nearly sold a video game to a major publisher (who closed shop days later).

But something was amiss until his wife read him the riot act. “Will you stop talking about wanting to be a writer and just do it?” So with her support (and mandate), and their two boys serving as his muse, he wrote stories.

Fascinated by the human species, Ara writes about choices, relationships, and second chances. Always a sucker for a hopeful ending, he writes contemporary romance stories. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers’ Conference (where he also serves as a workshop leader). Ara is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and its Los Angeles chapter.

Ara is represented by Stacey Donaghy.

Find Ara Grigorian Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Curiosity Quills Press (CQ) is a small hybrid publishing company specializing in genre fiction of the highest quality. With 150+ titles in our catalog already and approximately 6 new books coming out each month, there’s never a dull moment at CQ. We work with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible to ensure that you, the reader, can find whatever you are looking for at your convenience.

Founded in 2011 by Eugene Teplitsky and Lisa Gus, CQ was initially a resource portal for writing and publishing, created in an effort to help writers, like themselves, survive the publishing industry. After rapid success, CQ morphed into publishing press that over time has solidified its share in the market. Now we spend our days searching for the next great escape!

LETTING GO Cover Reveal!!

April 6, 2015 / Marie Meyer / Leave a comment

LETTING GO

by Jessica Ruddick

I’m so pleased to host Jessica Ruddick’s cover reveal! Her new adult contemporary romance, LETTING GO, releases May 26, 2015!

Like I said before, May is full of EPIC!! I cannot wait to read LETTING GO!

Blurb:

How long do you hold on?

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

And right into the arms of Luke Evans.

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

You’re sold, aren’t you! I’m know I am! So excited for this book!!!

Are you ready to see the gorgeous cover?

Drum roll please….

So beautiful!

Don’t forget to add LETTING GO to your Goodreads TBR!

About Jessica:

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

Follow Jessica on social media:

Website │ Twitter │ Facebook │ Goodreads

GAME OF LOVE Cover Reveal!!!

March 13, 2015April 2, 2015 / Marie Meyer / Leave a comment

Game of Love

by Ara Grigorian

I thrilled to host the cover reveal for Game of Love, a new sports romance from Ara Grigorian! I’m so excited to read this book! Check out all the fun details about this sexy romance and enter his fantastic giveaway!!

Yeah, you heard that right, you get to see the brand new cover for Game of Love AND a Giveaway!!! Keep reading for more details!

Title: Game of Love

Author: Ara Grigorian

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

Release Day: May 4^TH

Isn’t this cover gorgeous?! I love it!

About Game of Love:

After a disastrous and very public scandal and subsequent loss at the Australian Open, Gemma is now laser-focused on winning the French Open. Nothing and no one will derail her shot at winning – until a heated chance encounter with brilliant and sexy Andre Reyes threatens to throw her off her game.

As Wimbledon begins, fabricated and sensationalized news about them spreads, fueling the paparazzi, and hurting her performance. Now, she must reconsider everything, because in the high-stakes game of love, anyone can be the enemy within… even lovers and even friends. In the Game of Love, winner takes all.

Preorder Game of Love Here

Exclusive Excerpt:

“We are made strong by the difficulties we face, not by those we evade.”

~Author Unknown

Gemma’s security flanked her, their grip tight on her arms. Bedric, her coach, rushed ahead, slamming open the hotel’s glass doors to the roar of the French paparazzi―a cacophony of questions, comments, and insults.

Gemma moderated her breathing, prepared for another three-second spurt of chaos.

Three…

“―What happened in your hotel room?”

They knew. Dozens of cameras from all directions chirped and flashed. She kept her eyes trained on her goal: the awaiting car.

Two…

“―Mademoiselle! Gemma! One smile.”

The paparazzi bore in from her right. Only a few more steps. A knee rammed into her thigh. That one would leave a mark. A bruise that the papers would dissect and analyze gratuitously.

One…

“―Why were you hiding for four months? Were you going to quit tennis?”

Don’t react. Say nothing. Bedric forced the car door open, giving Gemma the opening she needed to squeeze in. He followed.

Zero.

The door slammed behind them, and the sounds of commotion lowered to a gentle hush. Black tinted windows offered a veil of privacy. Bodies, camera lenses, and faces smashed against the glass. Only inches separated her from the paparazzi. There had been a time when she used to move to the center of the car, creating as much separation as possible. But now she knew better. Distance was a mere illusion of safety.

The locks engaged, and the car accelerated away.

She didn’t like surprises―particularly on game day―but in this case, her security lead’s demand to move her to another hotel had been spot- on. It was one thing for the paparazzi to gather outside. It was quite another when one found his way into her hotel suite… while she slept. The French paparazzi were setting a new standard.

“This is not good,” Bedric said in stoic English.

She eyed her superstitious coach, who was always concerned with deviations from routine. But the concern etched on his face wasn’t about superstition. He didn’t want a repeat performance of the Australian Open months earlier.

“You have not rested,” he continued, “and you have yet to get breakfast.”

“We’ll be fine. We are fine,” she said, nearly believing it herself. “As for breakfast, we’ll grab something at the new hotel.”

The car swerved as the driver made a temporary effort to lose their tail. Memories of another car chase months earlier inched its way into her throat.

“There will be people. You don’t need more distractions.”

“More distractions?” She had woken to the sound of an intruder in her suite, and now she was rushing from one hotel to another on the morning of her quarterfinal match. How much worse could it get? “We’ll be discreet. Run in, eat, and we’ll be off.”

The car’s tires screeched as the driver took another quick turn. It was happening again. Another chase just before a critical match. Only this time, the driver wasn’t drunk.

From her bag, Gemma removed a tennis ball and twirled it in her hand. One point at a time. She focused on the soft texture. Familiar. Calming. Poking out from inside her bag, the newspaper article from the day before mocked her. Inch-tall letters above her picture: The Great Hype―Five Years and Still Waiting. She squeezed the tennis ball over and over again until her fingers went numb.

She dropped the ball back inside the bag, then closed her eyes, hoping to salvage some sleep. She crossed her arms and tried to control her shivering. No, she wasn’t cold. She just wanted five minutes alone with the bastard who had violated her space. Gemma almost wished the coward hadn’t bolted when she charged him, tennis racquet in hand.

About Ara Grigorian:

Armenian by heritage, born in Iran, lived in Barcelona, and escaped New York until he found his home in Los Angeles, Ara’s first eleven years were both busy and confusing. The fruit salad of languages would slow down his genetically encoded need to tell stories. Until then, an alter ego would be required…

He received an engineering degree from California State University Northridge and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California. Today, he is a technology executive in the entertainment industry. True to the Hollywood life, Ara wrote for a children’s television pilot that could have made him rich (but didn’t) and nearly sold a video game to a major publisher (who closed shop days later).

But something was amiss until his wife read him the riot act. “Will you stop talking about wanting to be a writer and just do it?” So with her support (and mandate), and their two boys serving as his muse, he wrote stories.

Fascinated by the human species, Ara writes about choices, relationships, and second chances. Always a sucker for a hopeful ending, he writes contemporary romance stories. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers’ Conference (where he also serves as a workshop leader). Ara is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and its Los Angeles chapter.

Ara is represented by Stacey Donaghy.

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MISSING PIECES Media Blitz Day!

March 10, 2015March 10, 2015 / Marie Meyer / 2 Comments

MISSING PIECES

Have you read MISSING PIECES yet? If you haven’t, you’re MISSING OUT!

MISSING PIECES

by Meredith Tate

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

Trace Bailey’s mouth is her worst enemy – somehow it always gets her in trouble. Luckily, she has a partner in crime – her best friend and neighbor since age seven, Piren Allston. He can’t get enough of her crazy sense of humor, and she loves that he’s always up for another adventure.They can’t be friends, though, not in their world. Trace and Piren were Assigned to other people at the age of six, and they’re supposed to marry their Partners when they turn twenty-four. Failure to comply leads to Banishment, a fate worse than death.Worse still is the growing realization that their bond is stronger than just friendship.In a world without freedom, there are still choices to be made. Following their hearts means losing their family, but following the law means losing each other.Forever.

I committed a felony on my thirteenth birthday.

My parents don’t know. In fact, nobody does. If anyone learns, I’m screwed — a “fate worse than death,” they call it.

I didn’t murder anyone; what I did was far worse. The crime was quick, it was careless, and it happened entirely inside my head. A wandering mind is a dangerous place.

I was at the library studying for a history exam when it happened. A girl sat down beside me and pulled out her books, spilling highlighters and pens all over the table. I’ve known the girl a long time; she’s been my best friend since childhood. She flashed her familiar smile, and an unexpected urge shot through me: I wanted to kiss her.

The forbidden thought flashed through my brain and vanished in seconds, but the intensity lingered behind, as if a magnetic force ripped through my whole body. My eyes grew wide. The pencil slid from my hand and landed on the table.

“What?” she asked.

I gaped at her.

She poked my arm. “Out with it.”

My mouth opened, but no words came out. I shook my head, backing my chair away from the table. Heart thudding like a bass drum in my chest, I bolted from the library.

Lying in bed that night, my mind raced, struggling to recall the exact wording of the Law I just broke. They made us memorize it in fifth grade, but only pieces clung to me: Only desire your Assigned Partner. Only kiss your Assigned Partner. Attraction to the Unassigned is forbidden, punishable by Banishment.

Tracy Bailey is not my Assigned Partner; she’s not even supposed to be my friend.

I hardly slept that night, but woke the next day relieved that my secret was safe. That’s the good thing about thoughts; they only get you in trouble if you share them.

My Partner is a girl named Lara Goodren. I met her at the Assigning Ceremony eight years ago, when I was six.

“I love you, Lara Goodren,” I said to her, when prompted by the Master of Ceremonies.

“I love you, Piren Allston,” she replied.

The audience erupted, clapping and hooting their approval. Mom and Dad snapped a million pictures as I wobbled on the stage, staring at the ground.

Then back to our seats, and on to the next couple. The whole exchange was awkward as hell, but I did it anyway, as expected and without question.

That was the first time I said “I love you” when I didn’t mean it. It wouldn’t be the last.

Want to win a copy of MISSING PIECES?

Meredith has been kind enough to offer a digital edition of MISSING PIECES to one of my blog followers! To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9412255c1/?

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

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Run Away Cover Reveal!

March 9, 2015March 9, 2015 / Marie Meyer / Leave a comment

Run Away

by Laura Salters

I’m so excited to be hosting the cover reveal for Laura Salters’ debut New Adult, RUN AWAY!!! Laura’s cover is gorgeous! Take a look…

Awesome, right? So gorgeous!

Check out this awesome title, coming May 19, 2015!!

BLURB

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

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

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

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

Connect with Laura on social media:

Website: http://www.laurasalters.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/laurasaltersauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/laura_salters

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurasaltersauthor

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

About Laura

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