Meet Paul Belford, a creative agency out of London who focuses on advertising and branding. Their approach to design is admirably simple, resulting in pieces that are clean and easy to appreciate. Check out their work here.
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Nathan Godding
Studio Patten
Heartwork 2011
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I really love Jeremy Pruitt’s (aka Thinkmule) contribution to the AIGA Bordo Bello event. The skateboard art show, which runs now through July 3 features a gaggle of hot design talent and celebrates the Colorado lifestyle. Jeremy’s deck features seventeen custom logos, each loosely paying homage to a different aspect of Colorado’s rich and vibrant history. To see all the boards, visit the Bordo Bello website.
Also, be sure to check out Jeremy’s portfolio. Recently updated, the site hosts a curated collection of personal illustration and lettering work.
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Allan Peters
Missy Austin
Brad Surcey
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Amanda Jane Jones is a graphic designer and letterpress extraordinaire our of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since her graduation from BYU in 2009, she has kept busy with a budding career as a freelancer. In addition to her personal work, she serves as the art director of Kinfolk Magazine where creates stunning layouts that are minimal in their approach but remain warm and inviting.
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Also worth viewing…
Ken Leung Interview
Amber Assay
Kyle Poff
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Erick Montes is an illustrator and designer living in Austin, TX. I like his style a lot; it’s a nice mix of textural, hand-drawn elements with clean lines and great color palettes.
Mads Berg is an illustrator out of Denmark and a 2001 graduate from the Danish School of Design where he now occasionally lectures. Working from a deep passion of classic poster art and Art Deco aesthetics he creates lush landscapes where hard angles co-exist with soft, streamlined shapes in perfect harmony.
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Lotta Nieminen
Lesley Barnes
Jesse Ragan
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Featured Book: Irving Harper: Works in Paper.
Eirian Chapman is a graphic artist and illustrator out of Australia, whose work has spanned editorial, branding, retail, and infographics. Her clean lines and bold color palettes create characters that are whimsical without losing their air of solemnity. Check out Chapman on her website and blog.
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Also worth viewing…
Lotta Nieminen
Recently Received Books
Irving Harper:Works in Paper
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Featured Book: Irving Harper: Works in Paper.
Several years ago we featured the Philographics poster series by UK based Genis Carreras. We just received word that the popular series will soon be available as a book as well as a postcard set. Currently Genis is raising funds to being print production. You can support this effort here.
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Also worth viewing…
Lotta Nieminen
Recently Received Books
Irving Harper:Works in Paper
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I'm really excited to take part in the cover reveal for Come What May (Heartbeat #2) by Faith Sullivan!
Summary:
Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I'm working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I'm my little brother's temporary mother since our mom doesn't give a crap about either of us. And I'm the temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least. But now I'm the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He's beautiful, sweet, and he's hiding way more secrets than I am. He's brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is Me. I don't know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him. Forever.
My thoughts:
I'm on a New Adult kick lately and at $.99 on Kindle, I couldn't pass this one up. I'd heard really great things about it, and I wasn't disappointed. Fable is a girl with a reputation, though the rumors aren't exactly true. I really liked her right from the start. And Drew is broken in so many ways. While I quickly figured out one of the ways, another threw me for a loop—in a good way. It added the perfect amount of conflict and set up book two. The dynamic between Fable and Drew is incredible. Drew asks Fable to pretend to be his girlfriend for a week, while he goes home for Thanksgiving. Fable doesn't know Drew's motive, but since he pays her a lot of money, she doesn't really care.
At first, Drew and Fable are faking their feelings for each other for the benefit of Drew's family. But very quickly, the feelings become real, and they are both fighting against them. Warning for those who don't like explicit sex scenes: Murphy tells all in this book. If you blush easily, this may not be the book for you. That aside, the romance is great. I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the Drew and Fable series, Second Chance Boyfriend.
Just for fun: Would you—or have you ever—pretend(ed) to be in a relationship with someone?
By: Julie,
on 3/14/2013
Please welcome Tessa Bailey to the virtual offices today. She is celebrating the release of Protecting What’s His, the first in her Line of Duty series. After we chat with Tessa, you can enter for your chance to win a copy of Protecting What’s His!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Tessa Bailey] Hot-and-bothered stay-at-home-mom turned writer, Brooklynite, foodie and hopeless romantic.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Protecting What’s His?
[Tessa Bailey] “To steal or not to steal?” is the opening line of the book. Ginger, our mostly fearless heroine is deciding whether or not to steal fifty-thousand dollars from her passed-out stripper mother. Ultimately, she decides to take the cash (and her little sister, Willa) on the run to Chicago. She thinks she’s gotten away with it until she meets homicide cop and sexy new neighbor, Lieutenant Derek Tyler.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Tessa Bailey] I like a heroine who is a little bad. And a lot impulsive. I came up with Ginger, a fast-talking country girl, as a character first. Then I gave her an important and difficult choice to make at the beginning of the book. I built the story based on that decision. Of course, I needed someone to counteract Ginger’s personality, so I came up with Derek, the sharp, young lieutenant with a need to control. Watching him as he tries to control wild child Ginger makes for a very entertaining story!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Ginger?
[Tessa Bailey] Provocative, Willful, Vulnerable
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Derek had a theme song, what would it be?
[Tessa Bailey] “Play with Fire” by the Rolling Stones
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Ginger is never without.
[Tessa Bailey ] Cowboy boots and Dolly Parton witticisms
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Derek’s bathroom?
[Tessa Bailey] A loofah, volumizing hair gel, decorative soaps.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Derek’s greatest regret?
[Tessa Bailey] He’s not the regretful type – although that might change throughout the book 
[Manga Maniac Cafe ] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Tessa Bailey] I have a group of friends who inspire a lot of the female relationships in my book. They are opinionated and swear like sailors. A lot of the time, I’ll ask myself, what would so-and-so say here? I was encouraged to write female characters who speak with more honesty after reading Tara Sivec’s Seduction in Snacks. I adore that book. The characters remind me of my friends.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Tessa Bailey] Silence, gummy bears and warm socks.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Tessa Bailey] On Dublin Street by Samantha Young.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
[Tessa Bailey] When I was fourteen, I was at a boring family reunion in Maine. I found an old, beat-up copy of “Hidden Fires” by Sandra Brown in my grandmother’s suitcase. It was my first romance novel and I never looked back.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Tessa Bailey] Play with my 19-month old, read, go to concerts, think up my next story.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Tessa Bailey] My website is www.tessabailey.com
On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tessa-Bailey/107783312730783
Follow me on Twitter @mstessabailey
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Ready for your chance to win a digital copy of Protecting What’s His? Just fill out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following:
Didn’t win? You can purchase Protecting What’s His from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.
About the book:
She’s running from the law, and the law wants her bad.
The opportunity was just too damn delicious for Ginger Peet to pass up. The purse full of money she finds—$50,000 to be exact—could give her and her teen sister the new start they need. So she grabs the cash, her gothy sibling, and their life-sized statue of Dolly Parton, and blows outta Nashville in a cloud of dust. Chicago, here we come…
Turns out, Chicago has some pretty hot cops. Hot, intense, naughty-lookin’ cops like Derek Tyler, who looks like he could eat a girl up and leave her begging for more. And more. Tempting as he is, getting involved with the sexy homicide lieutenant next door poses a teensy problem for a gal who’s on the lam. But one thing is certain—Derek’s onto her, and he wants more than just a taste.
And as far as he’s concerned, possession is nine-tenths of the law.
Andreas Hidber is an accomplished designer out of Basel, Switzerland. Although his specialty is editorial design, Hidber also dabbles in branding and corporate identity.
The first piece that caught my eye was a newspaper designed for the JFK Festival for Youth Culture where he rotated every single element 45°.
In another piece, Hidber collaborates to provide a chronicle of the most recent design undertakings coming out of the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Other work by Andreas
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Herbert Matter documentary
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Featured Book: Matte Stephens: Selected Works.
Jefferson Cheng is a San Francisco based designer and illustrator with a clear, thoughtful, and playful aesthetic. He uses simple forms and limited colors to create striking images, and his latest zine, Houses, depicts just that in its images related to various domestic activities.
In addition to illustrating, Jefferson also works as a designer, notably working as part of the Art Dept. at Google. To see more of his work, be sure to visit his website and twitter. Also check out his blog, where he explores various amazing visual exercises.
Like what you see?
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Barrett Fry is a designer and a Texan. Or, at least, he is currently residing in Austin, Texas. He’s working at Pentagram under DJ Stout. His work is bold and colorful, which a strong emphasis on design for the food industry. Of all his projects, those were my favorites.
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 3/21/2013
Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them.
Four years ago Kacey Cleary’s life imploded when her car was hit by a drunk driver, killing her parents, boyfriend and best friend. Still haunted by memories of being trapped inside, holding her boyfriend’s lifeless hand and listening to her mother take her last breath, Kacey wants to leave her past behind. Armed with two bus tickets, twenty year old Kacey and her fifteen year old sister Livie escape Grand Rapids, Michigan to start over in Miami. Struggling to make ends meet, Kacey needs to figure out how to get by. But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle anything—anything but her mysterious neighbor in apartment 1D.
Trent Emerson has smoldering blue eyes, deep dimples, and perfectly skates that irresistible line between nice guy and bad boy. Hardened by her tragic past, Kacey is determined to keep everyone at a distance, but their mutual attraction is undeniable and Trent is determined to find a way into Kacey’s guarded heart—even if it means that an explosive secret could shatter both their worlds.
Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.
Happy release day to my writer friend Faith Sullivan. I met Faith a little while back and through our blogs and Twitter, I've discovered that she's a great person and a great writer. Her first book Heartbeat released in February and I devoured it. Today, I hope you'll help me congratulate Faith on the release of her second book, Unexpected.
Missy Austin is yet another rockstar designer currently working for Zeus Jones, a studio in Minneapolis that is always producing interesting work.
Austin’s projects focus around typography, and include editorial, infographic and various marketing collateral. Although her designs are well executed and clean, they remain playful.
Her Nelma font is available at the Lost Type Co-op.
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Brad Surcey
Pets Rock Posters
Recent Books
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Face. is an international design agency with a global perspective and a focus on branding. Founded in 2006, Face. has already created some impressive designs that showcase their modernist flair. Although many of their pieces are done in a straightforward style, they keep it fresh with fun color palettes and intriguing typography. Having already created multiple offices across North America in their short life span, keep an eye on Face. for their next move.
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Laura Cattaneo aka Half Past Twelve
Colorcubic
Sanna Annukka Shop
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Ricardo Leite is an accomplished graphic designer and art director out of Amsterdam. While juggling a passion for typography and illustration, Leite manages to maintain an extremely clean style without being overly stark.
Check out more work from Leite on Behance, and over at his sideproject, Bye Bye Home.
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Jan Feliks Kallwejt
Adrian Johnson Interview
Colorcubic
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Today I’m excited to present our very own Grace Danico. Over the last couple of years, I’ve gotten to know Grace as someone who is very fun-loving, warm and personable. These same qualities are reflected in her illustrations. With colored pencils and crayons as her guide, her work flourishes within the constraints of the deceptively simple lines and charming doodles.
I especially appreciate her illustrations of food. Her portfolio is adorned with lemons with mustaches, blushing oranges, pizza slides and other characters laced with Grace’s contagious sense of humor. All of these await your perusal here.
For those of you interested in zines, Grace is teaching an upcoming Skillshare class titled Zine and Be Seen: Promoting Your Work Through Self-publication. The course will cover zine history, construction and distribution. In addition each student will create a 12-page zine based on the subject matter of their choice. You can register for the class here.
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Olimpia Zagnoli
Blex Bolex
Henri’s Walk to Paris - Designed by Saul Bass
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Featured Book: Irving Harper: Works in Paper.
Two Times Elliot is a London-based studio, whose focus centers around print, identity and web. Their style is a mix of typographic elements, clean lines and bold color palettes, bringing each design to life with its own personality. I’m also impressed by their ability to incorporate mixed media into their work without disrupting the flow of the design.
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Typographische Monatsblatter
Visual Language of Herbert Matter
Hans Hartmann
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Featured Book: Irving Harper: Works in Paper.
By: Julie,
on 3/12/2013
I have been enjoying quite a few Entangled series releases, and I thought it would be fun to share some info about the books slated to hits store shelves today.
The Practice Proposal by Tracy March
Liza Sutherland isn’t looking for love. Not from a charity-auction date she didn’t even bid on and especially not with Nationals first baseman Cole Collins, the guy she obsessed over as an awkward teenager. She won’t get involved with a notorious player, no matter how attractive Cole is.
Cole Collins is up for contract renegotiation, but after too many late-night parties, he’ll need some positive publicity before he can make the roster. His agent, Frank, pitches Liza as the perfect prop…only Cole didn’t account for Liza no longer being just a teenager with a crush. She’s gorgeous and smart and he’s instantly hooked.
When Frank makes Liza a deal she can’t refuse—a bet she will fall in love with Cole or a cool half mil goes to charity—the game is on. But neither bet on the real feelings that surface. Could a fake fling turn into an official forever?
Buy it here:
Just For Summer by Jenna Rutland
Dani Sullivan has come to Lake Bliss to write her latest cookbook and to see if the baby she gave up for adoption eight years ago is happy. When she’s done with her reconnaissance, she plans to return to Detroit without any doubts about past decisions. But when she sees her little boy—indeed happy despite living with his single dad—she finds she can’t keep her promise to stay away from her son or from his flirtatious father, who has no idea of her true identity.
Recently divorced sheriff Matt Reagan is ready for a new relationship, but he doesn’t want short-term—his son needs permanence, and so does Matt’s heart. Unfortunately, it’s the smart-mouthed and sinfully sexy Ms. Sullivan who catches his eye. But when Matt learns Dani’s secrets, will he still want her to stay? Or will her chance for love last just for the summer?
Buy it here:
A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James
Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she’s swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate—and sell—her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again…
Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush—and heartbreak— and is more gorgeous than ever. He’s also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they’re butting heads every step of the way… and their attraction is more electrifying than ever! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can’t take…
Buy it here:
Tempted by Trouble by Michelle Smart
Socialite Pippa Rowantree has always provided excellent fodder for the UK’s gossip rags. After another unfortunate scandal sends the gossips into a feeding frenzy, her shamed family retaliates by forcing her into hiding at old family friend Marco Capello’s lush Caribbean estate—literally the last place on earth she wants to be.
As far as Marco’s concerned, wild child Pippa has ruined his life once and he’ll be damned if he lets her do it again. But it’s hard to reconcile the adolescent he knew with the mature, beautiful woman who stands before him. Soon he’s questioning if everything the media is claiming about PIppa is the truth or if he should trust his heart.
Buy it here:
Faking It by Diane Alberts
Derek Rory never meant to propose to his best friend’s little sister. But when her boss tells a family-oriented investor he’s Stephanie’s fiancé, Derek can either play along or let her get fired. He’s hardly one to turn away from a damsel in distress. If only that damsel wasn’t adorable and sexy with a laugh that could melt any cold business mogul’s heart.
When a business proposal becomes a marriage proposal, Stephanie Miller tries to keep it strictly boardroom. But when things get hot under the table, it’s all they can do to stay apart. As the tangle of lies drags them deeper into the underhanded world of business politics, Stephanie finds herself in over her head—not just with her job, but with her "fiancé." His eyes are cold, but his kisses light her on fire. If she’s not careful, she’ll end up faking her way into a real romance.
Buy it here:
The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca
Seeing Adam Waters is the last thing veterinarian Megan Young expects. Ex-Marine. Ex-boyfriend. And still extremely dangerous territory. But Adam doesn’t know the secret Megan has been keeping from him. The secret that was created three years ago, after their last night together…
Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son.
Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail…
Buy it here:
The Cinderella Makeover by Hope Tarr
Fashionista Francesca St. James has agreed to work as a "fairy godmother" on the reality TV show Project Cinderella, taking contestants from geeky to dreamy. When Francesca’s archrival bets she can’t transform the awkwardly sweet CEO to hot in under eight weeks, Francesca accepts the challenge.
As CEO of a tech company, Greg may have billions, but what’s it worth without a woman to share it with? From day one on the show though, he clashes with his gorgeous fairy godmother—yet off-set, he can’t stop thinking about her. But this sexy woman is so far out of his league…and wants to change every single thing about him. It’s up to him to show her it’s more than clothes that make the man.
May the best man or geek win…
Buy it here:
Date by Mistake Anthology
You never know what you’ll get when …
Mr. Virile and the Girl Next Door by Gwen Hayes
Seduction is the name of the game when two rival dating advice darlings agree to be romantically linked to boost publicity. But all bets are off when they take the battle of the sexes from the web to the bed!
Tycoon Reunion by Candace Havens and Shannon Leigh
Sparks fly when a project brings a heartbreaker back to town and into the path of the woman he left behind. He’s determined to win her over in the boardroom … and the bedroom!
Passionate Persuasion by Rosemary Clement-Moore
A hot playboy who has left a string of hearts in his wake can’t forget the cellist who haunted his fantasies. Now it is his turn to usehis power of persuasion to prove he’s the only man to keep her satisfied.
Date on the Run by Jill Monroe
When an reporter mistakes a hard-bodied military man for a crime source, she soon finds it’s just as much fun undressing her new bodyguard as it is uncovering her latest case…
Four stories, four dates. How can these dates by mistake turn into love ever after?
Buy it here:
And don’t forget about Jennifer Probst’s latest, All The Way. Jennifer was my special guest yesterday, so please click here to see what we talked about.
Book Blurb:
The food critic…
Miranda Storme never expected to see Gavin Luciano again. Three years ago, they had an intense affair—and then he bolted. Now he’s back, and Miranda has the pleasure of a little payback: a scathing review of his restaurant. Revenge is a dish best served the first chance you get…
And the restaurateur…
With three months to make his family’s struggling Italian restaurant successful, a bad review is Gavin’s worst nightmare. But this isn’t just about the meal. He’s finally realized what he left behind and is determined to spend the next eight weeks proving himself to her in the kitchen…and in the bedroom! This is one dish she won’t be able to refuse…
Buy Links:
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Caleb Heisey is a print designer and illustrator out of Philadelphia. Currently working on his MFA in Graphic Design, Caleb has produced several eye catching pieces that showcase his talents in illustration, branding and editorial design.
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Chris Mann
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John Gall
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Featured Book: Matte Stephens: Selected Works.
By: Julie,
on 3/13/2013
Dorothy Callahan is visiting the virtual offices today to chat about her book Taming the Stallion. Check out what she has to say.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Dorothy Callahan] I’m an avid animal lover who has always dreamed of being a published author. I’m also a chocoholic who refuses any 12 step program.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Taming the Stallion?
[Dorothy Callahan] Raylie really just wants to get a great promotion; she’s done with men and dating. Her baggage is tragic and too hard to deal with, so she represses it, focusing instead on her career. She takes a horse case despite dealing with her past, because she really thinks she can make one more headline arrest.
Ashton is the top horse trainer/breeder around, so the fact this Peace Officer wants to arrest him is ludicrous. He just wants to know who’s poisoning his horses, and the ones he’s losing point to someone being aware of his secretive past.
Neither one really wants anything to do with the other, but they just can’t fight their attraction, despite the risks to their professional careers. Who’s going to solve this case?
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Dorothy Callahan] Working in a busy humane society gave me lots of ideas for stories, and, being an animal lover with a defined sense of justice, I knew my heroine would have to embrace those qualities as well. Plus, in all my years working at the humane society, no one ever stumbled on anyone as great a catch as Ashton! All I needed was a situation that put both of them at their personal worst, then stepped back to watch what would happen.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Raylie?
[Dorothy Callahan] Driven, empathic, unwavering. She is definitely NOT a closet romantic. Nope. (Ignore her artwork. She does.)
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Ashton had a theme song, what would it be?
[Dorothy Callahan] "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Raylie is never without.
[Dorothy Callahan] Her sidearm.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Ashton’s bedroom?
[Dorothy Callahan] Neutral colors, art work, potpourri.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Ashton’s greatest regret?
[Dorothy Callahan] Dropping out of college, despite how his life prospered.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Dorothy Callahan] Movies, so I can "veg" and let the juices flow, chocolate, because, well, it’s chocolate, and my husband, who is the best sounding board in the entire world.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Dorothy Callahan] A pen to chew on, a cat on my lap, and silence.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Dorothy Callahan] Ooh, it’s a tie between "Darkfire Kiss," by Deborah Cooke, and "Homer’s Odyssey" by Gwen Cooper.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
[Dorothy Callahan] A book I read as a child about a young boy whose father (a forest ranger) rescued a mountain lion cub, and as she grew into adulthood, the boy risked his life to return her to the wild. I can’t recall the name of it, but I read it about 8 times in elementary school. (I think the librarian hid it from me after a while….) After that, in middle school, it was Piers Anthony and Robert Asprin.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Dorothy Callahan] What do you mean? 
I love to watch movies, read, renovate our house, and shop for antiques. I’m also a Facebook junkie. I love to repost!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Dorothy Callahan] Online at Dorothy Callahan Author on Facebook, or dorothycallahan.com to visit me. In person, just talk about movies, your pets, or antiques!
Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog! I appreciate the opportunity to be here.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
You can purchase Taming the Stallion from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.
About the book:
Peace Officer Raylie McPherson’s mission in life is to protect animals from abuse, and if that means throwing the abusers in jail, so be it. So when the report of two downed horses comes in—from renowned Starstruck Stables, nonetheless—Raylie assumes she can make a quick headline arrest. Despite having to face her horror from the last time she rode, making her relive her fiancé’s death every time she sets foot in a stable, she is determined to do her job. Her coworker swears the owner is innocent, but Raylie’s experience tells her he simply can’t be. But the suspect is anguished, grieving, and too rich to need the insurance money.
Ashton Lyre is devastated over the loss of his two favorite horses—a money maker and a brat. So he’s surprised that the pretty Peace Officer accuses him of the foul deed—for money, no less. She fears his horses, which intrigues him, for she’s obviously ridden before. However, he knows he must be cautious, for he just discovered his very empire was built on shaky ground. Should the pretty cop learn of his fraudulent start, he fears everything he owns could be forfeited, and every case that dips into his past dredges up his fears.
About the Author:
Dorothy Callahan lives in upstate New York with her wonderful husband, a pride of demanding cats, and two loyal dogs, all rescued from shelters (not the husband). When she is not writing, she enjoys shopping for antiques and renovating their pre-Civil War house.
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By: Julie,
on 3/13/2013
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Title: A Risk Worth Taking Author: Victoria James |
May Contain Spoilers
From Amazon:
Interior designer Holly Carrington worked hard for her success. Then tragedy struck, leaving Holly the sole guardian of her infant niece. Now she’s swapped her designer purse for a diaper bag, and is going ahead with plans to renovate—and sell—her childhood home in Red River. But facing her past also means coming face-to-face with Quinn Manning all over again…Quinn was the object of her girlhood crush—and heartbreak— and is more gorgeous than ever. He’s also the only person qualified to oversee the renovation. Now they’re butting heads every step of the way… and their attraction is more electrifying than ever! But once the house is sold, Holly needs to return to her real life. And falling for Quinn all over again is one risk she can’t take…
Review:
This book had me invested in Holly’s life by the end of the first chapter. It was heart-breaking. It’s her big day at work, and she has worked the last ten years for this moment. Her wardrobe was carefully picked out, and she is glowing with happiness. She is finally going to be made a partner at the prestigious design firm where she’s employed when she gets the call that makes her realize how pointless her achievement really is. Her sister and brother-in-law have been killed in an accident, and now she’s left reeling, the guardian of her infant niece. How can she raise a child alone? How will she recover from yet another loss? Everyone she has loved has died – her parents, the grandparents who raised her and her sister, and now her sister’s gone, too. It’s just too much, and Holly is devastated.
Returning to her rural hometown to renovate and then flip her grandparents’ house, she is confronted with painful memories of her past. She has loved Quinn for a lifetime, but he rejected her when she was eighteen. Now she has to put on a brave front and face him, and all of her childhood memories. All she wants to do is get the house finished and get out of town, and back to her life in the city where she’s so busy she doesn’t have time to dwell on the emptiness of her life.
I enjoyed A Risk Worth Taking very much. I loved the interactions between Holly and Quinn, and even enjoyed Emma, Holly’s little niece. I usually am not a big fan of babies in romances, but Emma wasn’t just window-dressing here. She was central to the storyline, and she helped both Holly and Quinn’s hearts to heal. Despite her best efforts to not get caught up in her feelings for Quinn, which still burned bright, Holly’s resolve crumbled as he became an important addition to her new family. And Quinn, though he didn’t feel worthy of Emma’s love or trust, was able to put his painful past behind him with the baby and Holly’s help.
A Risk Worth Taking is a feel good read. You’ll get caught up in Quinn and Holly’s romance, and cheer along as they both learn to trust again. As Holly puts aside her sadness, she begins to remember all of the happiness she has turned her back on. As she remembers what is really important in life, she is willing to face the risks, and the rewards, of loving Quinn.
Grade: B+
Review copy provided by publisher
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I have already red Ten Tiny Breaths in ebook format, and it was amazing! I would love to have it in print!!
I have read TTB before it got picked up and LOVED it! I can't wait until the next book!
Loved TTB and cant wait for the follow up. I would love to have a signed copy. Thanks for the giveaway.
I'm curious about the story. Would love to read it!
I read a review and it sounds like an awesome read. Plus, always want to support Canadian authors. ;) Patricia Gallant aka Mary Patricia Bird
I had heard great things about this book, so I put it on my Amazon wishlist. The price went up shortly after that so I haven't caved and purchased it yet.
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