Welcome to the 2016 Cybils Speculative Reader! As a first run reader for the Cybils, I'll be briefly introducing you to the books on the list, giving you a mostly unbiased look at some of the plot.Enjoy! Synopsis: Amani Al'Hiza is sixteen, and... Read the rest of this post
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: romance, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 25 of 2,400
Blog: Finding Wonderland: The WritingYA Weblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Adventure, Romance, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Magical Realism, Add a tag
Blog: Milk and Cookies: Comfort Reading (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: new to me author, school library collection, book boyfriend, ya, romance, Add a tag
4 sweet frosted sugar cookies.
Cover Love: Darling! I don't think they needed to add the illustration at the bottom with the car and the road, but I like the photo of the guy and girl holding hands, I wish that was bigger, more of the focus. But I know it will be eye catching on display in my library.
Why I Wanted to Read This:
This came in my first book order of the fall and I was looking for something light and fun. I started this right when I pulled it out of the box! Here's the synopsis:
June wants high school to end and real life to begin. Oliver is soaking up senior year’s glory days. They could have coasted through high school, knowing about—but not really knowing—each other.Romance?: Yes, of course.
Except that their moms have arranged for Oliver to drive June to school. Every. Single. Day.
Suddenly these two opposites are fighting about music, life . . . pretty much everything. But love is unpredictable. When promises—and hearts—get broken, Oliver and June must figure out what really matters. And then fight for it.
My Thoughts:
To be perfectly honest, I almost gave up on this book. June was so closed off and judgemental and righteous in the beginning that I had a very hard time liking her. She was just so right that Oliver and his group of friends were awful and she and her group of friends were right to dislike everything and everyone. I was afraid her attitude would last too long in the book and turn me off on it completely. However, I stuck with it and her attitude didn't last too long. She started to see that there was some value in most people and while some people are exactly what they appear to be, a lot of people aren't, including some of her "non-conformist" friends.
I LOVED OLIVER. Seriously, new book boyfriend. He's such a good guy. And I know he does give off a certain type of attitude with his appearance, he's just so much more than that. He is who I would totally have crushed on in high school, especially once I got to know him!
I would like to give this book to all the girls who judge people before they can be judged, that put up that wall to protect themselves. I work in a middle school and there are A LOT of girls like this who I want to read this book, but most of them wouldn't read a romance because it's not dark enough!
To Sum It Up: Darling romance that could teach people a lot about judging others before getting to know them!
Book from school library collection.
Blog: Kelly Hashway's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: editing, romance, new releases, contemporary, new adult, Monday Mishmash, Ashelyn Drake, YA Fest, After Loving You, Add a tag
- After Loving You Release Day! It's finally here! After Loving You is officially out in the world today. You can grab a copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever you prefer to buy your books.
- YA Fest I'm happy to announce I'll be at YA Fest on March 18, 2017! I'm so excited to be part of this event again.
- Editing I have a lot of edits on my plate this month. Luckily I really enjoy my clients' work.
- October My favorite month is here. I love the smell of October. Sorry to all you pumpkin lovers, though. I'm not a fan of pumpkin anything, unless it's a pumpkin to put out on display. But hey, that means more for you guys. ;)
- Allergies While I love fall, it doesn't love me. The allergy headaches have begun.
Add a Comment
Blog: Kelly Hashway's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: publishing, editing, writing, romance, contemporary, new adult, Ashelyn Drake, After Loving You, Add a tag
- Only One Week Until After Loving You Releases! I can't believe October 3rd is almost here!
- Editing I'm finishing up a client edit this week in time for a new one on October 1st.
- Two Work Days With Extended Hours This week my daughter has student council and chorus after school, so thus begins my longer work hours on Tuesdays AND Wednesdays.
- 2017 Publication Schedule I'm going to be releasing books every two months in 2017. Stay tuned for more information on that this Wednesday.
- Fall! My favorite season is here! I love the smell of fall, specifically the smell of October. October has been my favorite month all my life. There's something special about it.
Add a Comment
Blog: Finding Wonderland: The WritingYA Weblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Realistic Fiction, Class and Identity in YA literature, Bullying, Classics, Ethnicity and YA Literature, Romance, Add a tag
Welcome to another session of Turning Pages!PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is a big deal for a lot of young readers, but many, many, many others consider death a happier alternative than committing to the famous 19th century novel. Enter the modern day... Read the rest of this post
Blog: Kelly Hashway's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: giveaways, romance, cover reveal, new adult, Ashelyn Drake, After Loving You, Add a tag
It's finally here! Cover reveal day for After Loving You, my Ashelyn Drake new adult romance. Check it out!
But two years later, Mia is stalking Jared’s Facebook page and he’s contacting her every chance he gets. Even though they’re both seeing other people, they can’t seem to say good-bye to the past they shared.
One way or another, they’ll have to figure out how to love again. Is it time to get back together or time to move on?
This title will release on October 3, 2016, but you can preorder your copy today here.
Add a Comment
Blog: Finding Wonderland: The WritingYA Weblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Adventure, Romance, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Magical Realism, Multicultural Fiction, Class and Identity in YA literature, Add a tag
Welcome to another session of Turning Pages! Last November, I went to the grocery store and saw a display of Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead - stuff on display - imported from a non-Latin American country overseas, in plastic. I was... Read the rest of this post
Blog: Kelly Hashway's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: After Loving You, giveaways, editing, romance, new adult, Monday Mishmash, Ashelyn Drake, Add a tag
- It's August Already? Where does the time go? My daughter got out of school at the end of May and she's going back at the end of August. I can't believe it's August already. The summer flew by!
- After Loving You My social media manager and I have a lot of awesome things in the works for my upcoming Ashelyn Drake NA romance. I have two really cool giveaways planned. The bigger one will be exclusive to my street team Kelly's Coven, but the good news is you can still join here.
- Back-To-School Sales! Is it just me or does every writer get giddy browsing the back-to-school bins? I bought flash drives in every color available and was practically squealing in Walmart over the price.
- Editing I'm editing for a client this week, so that will keep me busy.
- Reading I've been struggling to find reading time lately. I did just finish one mystery, but I still am working through a thriller and a suspense. I need a day to just read.
Add a Comment
Blog: Reading Teen (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Romance, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary YA, 4 Pieces, Review my ARCs, Review My Books Reviews, Reviews: Jackie, Add a tag
Review by Jackie... OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS By Krystal Sutherland Hardcover: 256 pages Publisher: G.P. Putnam (September 6, 2016) Language: English Goodreads | Amazon John Green meets Rainbow Rowell in this irresistible story of first love, broken hearts, and the golden seams that put them back together again. Henry Page has never been in love. He fancies himself a hopeless romantic, but
Blog: Kelly Hashway's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: reading, romance, new releases, contemporary, new adult, Friday Feature, Add a tag
Annalise has it all. The perfect husband. The perfect son. The perfect life. After the father of her son Ayden abandoned her to be a single parent, she finally felt like she hit the romance jackpot. Her boss, Drake Anderson, turned out to be more than just a friend. He’s the love of her life, and an amazing stepfather to her son.
But the picture perfect marriage is merely an illusion…
After seven wonderful years, Drake leaves. He doesn’t give her a reason, or even the courtesy of a return phone call. Six months go by without even a single acknowledgement. Annalise is devastated. Her heart and soul belonged to Drake, and he was the only father Ayden ever knew. She’d dedicated her life to him and the family they built together, and she isn’t willing to let that dream go easily.
When Annalise spots Drake out at a café with a woman, her heart shatters all over again. But it’s not what Annalise thinks. He isn’t cheating on her. There are things about leaving that Drake just can’t or won’t explain. Some things should remain a secret.
He wants his old life back, but Annalise won’t accept anything but the truth…
Drake has to find a way to convince his wife, his Cariad, to take him back, but it may mean facing a truth he wanted to keep hidden. He must prove to Annalise that despite his past, he wants her…
Over the years she has come to realise that she is a bit of an OCD freak about books. They have to be in perfect condition without the slightest bit of damage.
She has been a book reviewer for the last few years and a book hoarder for a LOT longer. You can NEVER have too many books! Her shelves are bulging and overflowing but she always wants "just one more book".
Keren had her first book published by Limitless Publishing in November 2013. It's a YA Paranormal Romance novel called Stolen. Her second book was published with LP in May 2014. This time, an NA Contemporary Romance called Nothing Like The First Time.
She couldn't have been more surprised when NLTFT appeared on the Amazon Best Seller list. That was a dream come true.
Keren is currently working on more NA Contemporary Romances for you to fall in love with.
Keren loves hearing from her readers.
You can reach her by email at [email protected]
Visit her author blog here: www.authorkerentshughes.wordpress.com
Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/keren.hughes.92 or
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/kerentshughes
Add a Comment
Blog: Kelly Hashway's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: reading, writing, romance, new adult, Monday Mishmash, Ashelyn Drake, After Loving You, Add a tag
- After Loving You Things are coming along quite nicely for my October 3rd release, After Loving You (an Ashelyn Drake NA contemporary romance). I love the cover so much and can't wait to share it later this summer.
- Reading I've been sneaking extra reading time lately and I'm loving it. I'm reading two books right now, a mystery and a thriller. Really enjoying both. :)
- New Planner! My old day planner ran out of pages. The horror! But I've replaced it, and I'm loving the new one. The inside is so pretty. It has pockets, color-coded sections, plenty of space for notes, and each month starts with a list of important dates for me to fill in.
- Blogging Break Coming Soon I've decided to take a blogging break. One week off, starting July 8th. Why? It's summer and we all need a break every once in a while.
- Summer injuries I was proud of myself for all the exercise I've been getting between running, walking, tennis, and swimming. But I got a terrible calf cramp on my last run and haven't been able to run since. It's a huge knot in the muscle. And…I have tendonitis in my ankle too. *Sigh* So I'm walking and swimming for now since those don't hurt too much.
Blog: Pub(lishing) Crawl (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Romance, Genres, Industry Life, PubCrawl Podcast, Add a tag
This week JJ and Kelly conclude their series on genres in publishing with ROMANCES. Also, we reveal the depth of our Harry Potter nerdery and our deep fandom past. TRIGGER WARNING: We discuss rape and consent in Old School romances.
Show Notes
- Smart Bitches, Trashy Books (and their podcast!)
- Romance is the largest market of publishing in terms of sheer number of books being published, units being sold, as well as cash flow.
- We discussed the hallmarks of other genres, but romance really only has the one: your main couple must end up in a relationship by the end of the book (the so-called HEA, or Happily Ever After, or the HFN, or Happily For Now).
- Romance is a staple of publishing, and is a large part of what we now consider the literary “canon” but the modern romance novel as we knew it first came into existence in the 1970s. According to the Smart Bitches, the “first” modern romance novel is The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.
- Romance novels are divided into Old School and New School romance: Old School are the books published pre-1990s.
- Old School romances may be partially responsible for the “trashy” reputation around romance novels because there were forceful, rapist male romantic leads, but for other reasons, not the least because the stories were centered around female leads and female pleasure.
- Old School romances were also about awakening the female lead, sexually, emotionally, etc. so some hangups about “virginity” (actual or metaphorical) linger.
- Romance publishing is divided into two segments: category and single-title.
- Category romances are specific lines from a publisher focusing on specific tropes and storylines. As a romance writer, it may be easier to break into publishing by starting to write for categories.
- Single-title romances are focused more on the author’s name than the tropes, e.g. Nora Roberts. The stories and tropes are created wholesale by the author and is more similar to other trade publishing genres.
- In terms of content, romances can literally contain anything. Anything! That’s the greatest thing about romance; it’s like Mad Libs: put in what you want and you’ll pretty much guaranteed to find a romance novel that fits that criteria. Romances span every genre: mystery, thriller, science-fiction, fantasy, contemporary, et al. What constitutes a ROMANCE as opposed to another genre is the centrality of the love story.
- Romances can have series, either where friends or different family members get their own romances in separate books, or else it’s one central couple throughout multiple books.
Books Discussed/What We’re Reading
- Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan (AKA The Smart Bitches)
- The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
- The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean (The Rules of Scoundrels, not Fallen Angel series)
- The Bridgertons series by Julia Quinn
- The In Death series by J. D. Robb (AKA Nora Roberts)
- Cotillion and A Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer
- The works of Courtney Milan
- The works of Sherry Thomas
- Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
- The works of Laura Kinsale (For My Lady’s Heart, Shadowheart, The Shadow and the Star)
- Pregnesia by Carla Cassidy
- The Raider by Jude Deveraux
- Get in Trouble by Kelly Link
- The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
- Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
What We’re Working On
- Kelly is continuing to work on her WIP, not by writing words, but by journaling and thinking and creating.
- The project JJ couldn’t talk about last week was a companion novel to Wintersong! Cue the panic.
Off Menu Recommendations
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Moulin Rouge!
- Quiz Up Harry Potter Trivia
- There’s No Such Thing as a Fish
- Also, follow @sweden and @ireland!
- The Swedish number
That’s all for this week! We will be on hiatus for the next two weeks as both JJ and Kelly will be on vacation (not together, alas!). When we return, we will be starting a new series, wherein we break down stories to see what makes them successful or not. As always, sound off in the comments if you have any questions and we’ll see you in two weeks!
Add a CommentBlog: Kelly Hashway's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing, romance, mystery, paranormal, promotion, thriller, suspense, Writer Wednesday, Ashelyn Drake, Add a tag
When I initially launched the pen name, Ashelyn Drake, I wanted to make sure I could stand on my own two feet as a romance author, separate from Kelly Hashway. Once I did that, I revealed Ashelyn Drake and Kelly Hashway are the same person. And since then, I've been using this banner to show that I'm still one person even though I write under two names:
The problem is, I wasn't acting like one person. I have separate Facebook pages, Twitter handles, and blogs for Kelly and Ashelyn. Why? My website, newsletter, and Instagram are for both names, so why aren't my other social media accounts?
From now on, they will be. I'm moving Ashelyn over to Kelly. You'll notice my Facebook page now has both names listed. As does my blog. Twitter won't allow enough characters to display both names, but you'll see this banner and Ashelyn's name appear in my bio.
Very soon, Ashelyn's accounts will disappear, so make sure you're following the new links below to stay up to date on my Ashelyn Drake romance books as well as my Kelly paranormal and upcoming mystery/suspense/thrillers (Yes, I'm branching out!):
Blog
Google+
Look at that. Kelly and Ashelyn are truly merging into one author with two names, just like the slogan says. :)
Blog: Finding Wonderland: The WritingYA Weblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Mental Health, Romance, Sisters, Realistic Fiction, TSD Review, Mothers & Daughters, Add a tag
Welcome to another session of Turning Pages!It's National Mental Health month, and I've been looking for books which fit the theme. While this book has a great many negatives for me, not the least because there is an unethical relationship with an... Read the rest of this post
Blog: Finding Wonderland: The WritingYA Weblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Romance, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, AF, Reviews, Adventure, Add a tag
Synopsis: Much as the cover of this one might suggest a romance novel or something particularly girly, don't be fooled. The Winner's Kiss is the conclusion to the trilogy that started with The Winner's Curse and The Winner's Crime, both of which I... Read the rest of this post
Blog: Death Books and Tea (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: romance, contemporary, keren david, strength 4, this is not a love story, family, book review, Add a tag
But will love be everything she expected? And will anyone's heart survive?
It did seem a bit wandering regarding Kitty and Ethan's story, to start with (probably because I'm generally less interested in people working out who they like until there's bigger conflicts involved). I did like seeing the development of Theo's relationship with Sophie, which is told partially by flashback partially in the present too. I also liked seeing all the relationship strands between Kitty, Theo and Ethan converge and how that all panned out. The building and breakdown of relationships in this book are tumultuous, but good to read about.
I really enjoyed reading about different cultures - Jewish and Dutch. I especially liked that Keren provided characters with different attitudes to aspects of their culture, offering a range of characters within such an under-represented group.
The side characters made a good group. My favourite was Rachel, Kitty's sister, who was funny, and a good support for Kitty.
There's a lot of things our main trio have to deal with. Family relationships, working out friendships, health issues, fitting in when moving abroad... A lot is happening here, and I quite liked seeing how Theo and Kitty fit in after the move.
Part one is the climatic event, part two is before, part three is after. I liked this structure, as it catches your attention immediately, and establishes characters.
I loved the ending. Kitty's discussion with her friends is good for reminding all of us of some lessons in life. Characters' justifications for the way they wanted things were realistic, especially Ethan's (last paragraphs of chapter 44) and while the strands unpacked within the novel are tied up, there's still an openendedness for the future.
Strength 4 tea to a story that is not about love, but is about relationships, romantic, familial, and friendshippy, and overall about life.
Blog: HOMESPUN LIGHT (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult, book review, adult, historical fiction, romance, Add a tag
By the Stars by Lindsay B. Ferguson
Over the years, I have been asked to review many, many, many books. Because I haven't blogged often in the last couple years, I have mostly ignored email requests for reviews. When Lindsay B. Ferguson emailed me, I had to chuckle. She is my neighbor, and I was aware of her upcoming debut novel, but she didn't realize who I was. :) I told her that I'm a blogging slacker, and we decided not to have my blog be part of her big blog tour. You see...It gets sticky reviewing books for people you know. What if you hate it?
But...I bought the book on my Kindle the day it was released, and I wasn't just pleasantly surprised, I LOVED IT. I love that it is based on a true story, and I can't wait to talk to Lindsay about what exactly is history and what she created. I love the characters. I love the romance. I love it all. And you know what it really made me want to do? Like big time? Go dancing! Can we resurrect dance halls, please?
I know that among my friends, Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson, was extremely well-liked. Edenbrooke was the first in a collection of "Proper Romances". For friends who love Edenbrooke and other clean romance novels, By the Stars should be your next read!
From Amazon: "When Cal finally gets a chance with Kate, the girl he's loved since grade school, their easy friendship quickly blossoms into a meaningful romance. Spirited and independent, Kate keeps a guarded heart due to a painful past, and Cal wants nothing more than to gain her trust. But World War II soon cuts their time far too short, and Cal prepares to part from her - possibly for good. After he's gone, what Kate does next changes everything.
In the suffocating jungles of the Philippines Cal encounters the chilling life of a soldier and deadly battles of war. With Kate's memory willing him on, Cal must put his trust in God to survive if he hopes to ever return to her. Inspired by a true story, By the Stars is a love story that stands the test of time and the most intense obstacles."
Blog: Reading Teen (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Contemporary YA, 4 Pieces, Reviews: Becca, Favorites 2016, YA, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Add a tag
By Becca... WHEN WE COLLIDED By Emery Lord Hardcover: 352 Pages Publisher: Bloomsbury (April 5, 2016) Language: English Age Range: 14 and Up Goodreads | Amazon Meet Vivi and Jonah: A girl and a boy whose love has the power save or destroy them.Vivi and Jonah couldn't be more different. Vivi craves anything joyful or beautiful that life can offer. Jonah has been burdened by responsibility
Blog: Reading Teen (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary YA, 6 Pieces, Reviews: Becca, Romance, Blog tour, Add a tag
Blog Tour: Becca TELL ME THREE THINGS By Julie Buxbaum Hardcover: 336 pages Publisher: Delcorte Press (April 5, 2016) Age Range: 12 and up Grade Level: 7 and up Goodreads | Amazon Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. Just when she’s thinking about
Blog: Reading Teen (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fantasy, Review my ARCs, Review My Books Reviews, 2 pieces, Reviews: Sara, Add a tag
Review by Sara.. THE GLITTERING COURT By Richelle Mead Series: Glittering Court #1 Hardcover: 416 pages Publisher: Razorbill (April 5th, 2016) Language: English Goodreads | Amazon The Selection meets Reign in this dazzling trilogy of interwoven novels about three girls on a quest for freedom and true love from #1 internationally bestselling author Richelle Mead.For a select group
Blog: Reading Teen (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Magic, Fantasy, Romance, High Fantasy, 3 pieces, Review my ARCs, Review My Books Reviews, 2 pieces, Reviews: Sara, Add a tag
Review by Sara... THE MIRROR KING The Orphan Queen #2 By Jodi Meadows Hardcover: 544 pages Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (April 5, 2016) Language: English Goodreads | Amazon Wilhelmina has a hundred enemies.HER FRIENDS HAVE TURNED. After her identity is revealed during the Inundation, Princess Wilhelmina is kept prisoner by the Indigo Kingdom, with the Ospreys lost somewhere in
Blog: Finding Wonderland: The WritingYA Weblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Adventure, Romance, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Add a tag
Welcome to another session of Turning Pages! Synopsis: Long ago, Fei's community of hearing impaired people was cut off from others by a huge rockslide. Their mining community continued to mine, and to send down their wealth of metals via zipline... Read the rest of this post
Blog: Sharon Ledwith: I came. I saw. I wrote. (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Romance, Young Adult Book, Kai Strand, Rafflecopter giveaway, Anniversay blog tour, Finding Thor, Add a tag
Amazon| Barnes & Noble| Whiskey Creek Press| All Romance| BookStrand|
Add Finding Thor to your to-read shelf on Goodreads
Blog: The Librarian Writer (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: book review, romance, Michael Buckley, paranormal, Undertow, Add a tag
Title: Undertow Author: Michael Buckley Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers Publication Date: May 5, 2015 ISBN-13: 978-0544348257 384 pp. ARC provided by publisher Undertow by Michael Buckley is a Romeo/Juliet story about a human girl named Lyric and a sea prince named Fathom set in modern day New York. It's not subtle in its parallels to current immigration fears as the sea folk known
Blog: Finding Wonderland: The WritingYA Weblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Historical Fiction, Romance, Faith/Fiction, TSD Review, Add a tag
Welcome to another session of Turning Pages! Synopsis: Ludmila Novakova is a girl of wealth and privilege. The daughter of the Chancellor, she has lived her seventeen years as the pampered denizen of Prague Castle, a good Catholic girl who accepts... Read the rest of this post
View Next 25 Posts