"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Showing posts with label HarperCollins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HarperCollins. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Waiting On Wednesday: SEA WITCH by Sarah Henning (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've missed posting these on a weekly basis and have decided to start doing them again. 
Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 

Today's pick is... 

by Sarah Henning
Expected release date: July 31st, 2018
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy - Fairytale Retelling
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Everyone knows what happens in the end.
A mermaid, a prince, a true love's kiss.
But before that young siren's tale, there were three friends.
One feared, one royal, and one already dead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ever since her best friend, Anna, drowned, Evie has been an outcast in her small fishing town. A freak. A curse. A witch.

A girl with an uncanny resemblance to Anna appears offshore and, thought the girl denies it, Evie is convinced that her best friend actually survived. That her own magic wasn't so powerless after all. And, as the two girls catch the eyes - and hearts - of two charming princes, Evie believes that she might finally have a chance at her own happily ever after.

But her new friend has secrets of her own. She can't stay in Havenestad, or on two legs, unless Evie finds a way to help her. Now Evie will do anything to save her friend's humanity, along with her prince's heart - harnessing the power of her magic, her ocean, and her love until she discovers, too late, the truth of her bargain.

The rise of Hans Christian Andersen's iconic villainess is a heart-wrenching story of friendship, betrayal, and a girl pushed beyond her limits - to become a monster.


MY THOUGHTS

It's a sort of retelling of the Little Mermaid; more like a prequel - Ursula's story before she became an evil witch!!! You all must know by now that I will pretty much read anything fairytale and/or retelling of a fairytale, especially if it's about a villain!

Catchy key phrases from the summary are...
- "She can't stay... on two legs..."
- "... save her friend's humanity, along with her prince's heart..."
- "...harnessing the power of her magic, her ocean, and her love..."

Can't. Wait!!!


What are you excited about reading soon??? 

Monday, December 4, 2017

The SHARK DOG Winter Blog Tour: SHARK DOG by Ged Adamson (C)


Good day, book friends! 
Today is the first day of The SHARK DOG Winter Blog Tour, and we are so very happy to be a part of it! SHARK DOG is a unique and friendly animal who loves to enjoy life! He is a HUGE favorite around here and we are so happy to be able to share our thoughts about him with you... 

SHARK DOG reminds us of our own puppy, Lillie Bee - she is a cockapoo with a lot of spirit who often gets confused that she's supposed to be a dog and sometimes acts like a baby or a bird (we have a parrot and lots of birds visit our yard and she often thinks she can do things that they can do, it's quite amusing!)... Please leave us a comment about your lovable and unique pets! 


by Ged Adamson
Release date: May 16th, 2017
Published by HarperCollins
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Format: Hardcover
Format read: Hardcover from the author/publisher


SUMMARY

It's a shark! No wait, it's a dog! It's Shark Dog!

From author-illustrator Ged Adamson comes the funny and sweet story of Shark Dog: half shark, half dog, and a one-of-a-kind pet.

Shark Dog is no ordinary pet. Sometimes when he does dog things, he's more like a shark. And sometimes when he does shark things, he's more like a dog.

But when Shark Dog gets homesick, he starts thinking maybe he belongs with the other shark dogs. Will he go back to Shark Dog Island or decide to stay in his new home? 

With quirky and colorful art, Shark Dog! is perfect for fans of such funny books as Hello, My Name is Octicorn and The Adventures of Beekle. 


SHARK DOG! BOOK TRAILER



OUR REVIEW

A very unique story about a very unique pup... um, shark? Dog shark? 
SHARK DOG!!!

Oh my, my boys and I continue to have so much fun with this book - every time they spot Shark Dog they literally have to point him out and exclaim that they found him, and then the giggles ensue uncontrollably... 

While a boy and his dad are traveling and find a strange island to explore, the boy cannot help but feel that they are being followed. On their voyage home, he finds one of the island's unusual animals - a half dog and half shark. "He seemed friendly enough", so they decided to keep him and Shark Dog quickly becomes a beloved pet who captures the hearts of most everyone around him. Even when he creates a bit of confusion and chaos out in public before everyone realizes that he is just a friendly animal like most other pets... even when sometimes he did shark things, he was more like a dog, and vice versa. But no matter what, Shark Dog was always happy.

So when Shark Dog becomes homesick, his new family does everything they can to make him feel better and decide to take him back his "real" home. Shark Dog is happy again... until the boy and his dad has to say goodbye. Will Shark Dog stay with his family, or go home with his new family?  

A wonderful take on the unique relationships between pets and their humans!

Shark Dog is a HUGE favorite around here! My son loves dogs and my nephew loves sharks (and most things about the ocean) and this was the perfect book for them to enjoy together - lots of giggles and turning back the pages to make sure that they didn't miss any details in the fun and brightly colored illustrations! (Ged Adamson's style is one of our favorites!) 

We recommend this book to all ages -  to all the ones who love to laugh out loud and feed their imaginations! 


*I received a finished copy of Shark Dog! from the publisher upon the author's request for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions here are our own. Please leave a comment or message us with any problems and/or questions. Thank you!


You can also see my review of Ged Adamson's other picture books here: 

and


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Ged Adamson

Ged Adamson is a writer and illustrator.

His first two books, Elsie Clarke and the Vampire Hairdresser and Meet the McKaws, are both published by Sky Pony Press.
A third, Douglas, You Need Glasses! has been published by Random House.
He has two books being published in 2017 - 
I Want to Grow through Boyds Mill Press and Shark Dog! through HarperCollins.

His cartoons have appeared in magazines such as Punch and Prospect, in books and on film.
He's been a storyboard artist and a caricaturist. 
He also works as a composer for TV and film.

He lives in London with his partner and their son, Rex. 

Links: Website / Instagram / Twitter



Follow along with THE SHARK DOG WINTER BLOG TOUR here:


Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday #151: THE MAGNOLIA STORY by Chip and Joanna Gaines, Mark Dagostino (A)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!


by Chip and Joanna Gaines, Mark Dagostino
Expected release date: October 18th, 2016
Published by Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins)
Genre: Adult Lit
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook


SUMMARY

"Are you ready to see your fixer upper???"

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTVs Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like Who are these people? What's the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? Be renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America's new best friends. 

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today. 

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day. 

In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover: The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby. Joanna's agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children. When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck. Joanna's breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home. Harrowing stories of the financial ups and downs as an entrepreneurial couple. Memories and photos from Chip and Jo's wedding. The significance of the word magnolia and why it permeates everything they do. The way the couple pays the popularity of Fixer Upper forward, sharing the success with others, and bolstering the city of Waco along the way. 

And yet there is still on lingering question for fans of the show: Is Chip really that funny?
"Oh yeah," says Joanna. "He was, and still is, my first fixer upper."



Why I'm waiting on THE MAGNOLIA STORY... 

First... have you seen their show??? 
It's rare to find people that seem genuinely caring, sweet, funny and loving on tv! I really enjoy watching fixer-upper reality shows - I like seeing the before and afters, the creativity, the odd pieces of furniture some use to show the houses once they're ready to sell; but this couple not only accomplishes all of that, they do it in such a fun and loving way - I'm always smiling along with them and feel like they could be my bestest friends.

Next... I'm honestly not a 'reality tv' show kind of person. The drama either seems to fake or it totally stresses me out. This is one of those rare shows where I feel like I can say that I'm a fan and would really like to know more about them as a couple, their business and any other tidbits that they're offering to share with us.

And lastly.... is Chip really as funny in real life as he is on tv???
I think he is, lol! Probably more goofy than they try to portray him to be! 




Well, don't hold back - what are you waiting for this week??? 


Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday#150: BRIGHT SMOKE, COLD FIRE by Rosamund Hodge (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!


by Rosamund Hodge
Expected release date: September 27th, 2016
Published by Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Re-telling
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook


SUMMARY

When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city's most powerful - and warring - families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan - and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die. 

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong - killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy... and perhaps turn against his own clan. 

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city - but she's the only one who believes it's in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death - and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara. 

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. 


Why I'm waiting on BRIGHT SMOKE, COLD FIRE... 

First! It is a Romeo and Juliet retelling!!!
Yes, I'm one of those girls! But, I'm more into the whole tragedy of their story than the "romance" of it...

Next - I'm not sure, but rumor has it that their are necromancers? Reapers? Not zombies, but people are being brought back to the dead somehow... I am not a zombie person! I do NOT like the Walking Dead or anything zombie-like; but for some odd reason, this book intrigues me... 

And, lastly - I'm in love with Rosamund Hodge's writing!
Have you read Cruel Beauty??? A Beauty and the Beast fantasy retelling!
Have you read Crimson Bound??? An amazing rendition of Little Red Riding Hood!!!
You MUST!!!


SOOO, what are you waiting for???

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Waiting On Wednesday #149: REPLICA by Lauren Oliver (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' the books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!



It has been TOO long since I have done a W.o.W. post! And I am SOOO excited to get back into posting and blogging regularly again!!!
Can't wait to catch up and see what you all have added to your wishlists :) 



by Lauren Oliver
Expected release date: October 4th, 2016
Published by HarperCollins
Genre: Young Adult 
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook 


SUMMARY

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals since she was born. 'A sickly child', her lonely life to date has revolved around her home, school and one best friend, Alice. But when she discovers her father's connection to the top secret Haven research facility, currently hitting the headlines and under siege by religious fanatics, Gemma decides to leave the sanctuary she's always known to find the institute and determine what is going on there and why her father's name seems inextricably linked to it. 

Amidst the frenzy outside the institute's walls, Lyra - or number 24 as she is known as at Haven - and a fellow experimental subject known only as 72, manage to escape. Encountering a world they never knew existed outside the walls of their secluded upbringing, they meet Gemma and, as they try to understand Haven's purpose together, they uncover some earth-shattering secrets that will change the lives of both girls forever. 


Why am I SOOO looking forward to reading REPLICA???... 

First, if you haven't seen, I am a HUGE Lauren Oliver fan! And I have the "Lauren Oliver" bookshelf to back me up on that, lol! 


Next... have you seen the format of this book?!?!?
It's two books in one! On one side, you get to read Gemma's side of the story. And on the other side, you read Lyra's side of the story. Oliver has also said that you can read both their stories at the same time!!! Just by flipping over back and forth with each chapter!!! How amazing is that??? 



And lastly, just because!!! 
OMG, I seriously cannot wait to read this one!!!


P.S. If anyone has a REPLICA ARC that they would like to trade, even if it's in the near future, I'd be happy to try to work something out with you! I would truly love to have a copy to add to my 'Lauren Oliver Collection' *hee hee*


SO, what are you waiting for???

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Waiting On Wednesday #147: SEVEN BLACK DIAMONDS by Melissa Marr (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!
And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 



What I'm currently waiting for... 


by Melissa Marr
Expected release date: March 1st, 2016
Published by HarperCollins
Genre: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook


SUMMARY


This riveting fantasy marks Melissa Marr’s return to the world of faery courts that made her Wicked Lovely series an international phenomenon.

Lilywhite Abernathy is a criminal — she’s half human, half fae, and since the time before she was born, a war has been raging between humans and faeries. The Queen of Blood and Rage, ruler of the fae courts, wants to avenge the tragic death of her heir due to the actions of reckless humans.

Lily’s father has always shielded her, but when she’s sent to the prestigious St. Columba’s school, she’s delivered straight into the arms of a fae sleeper cell — the Black Diamonds. 

The Diamonds are planted in the human world as the sons and daughters of the most influential families and tasked with destroying it from within. Against her will, Lilywhite’s been chosen to join them... and even the romantic attention of the fae rock singer Creed Morrison isn’t enough to keep Lily from wanting to run back to the familiar world she knows.

Melissa Marr returns to faery in a dramatic story of the precarious space between two worlds and the people who must thrive there. The combination of ethereal fae powers, tumultuous romance, and a bloodthirsty faery queen will have longtime fans and new readers at the edge of their seats. 



Why I'm waiting for SEVEN BLACK DIAMONDS...

YESSS! A new fae story!!! From Melissa Marr herself!!!

Fae + tumultuous romance!!!

And a bloodthristy fae queen... I'm on the edge of my seat already!!!
Can't. Wait.


SO, what are you waiting for?????

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday #141: THE SHADOW QUEEN by C.J. Redwine (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!
And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 


What I'm currently waiting for... 


by C.J. Redwine
Expected release date: February 23rd, 2016
Published by Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)
Genre: Young Adult Fairy Tale Retelling


SUMMARY

Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. 
To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common - magic. She'll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen. 

In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol's father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic - and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman... and bring her Lorelai's heart. 

But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected - beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable - and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman - who she likes far more than she should - Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn't going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lost. 


Why I'm waiting on THE SHADOW QUEEN... 

First... don't you know me at all?!?!? 
It is a retelling of SNOW WHITE!!!
A darker retelling - with dark magic, ogres and dragons?!

Secondly... that bookcover is to die for!!!
Seriously! Everyone always uses a red apple, and I am loving the black dark vibe this has!

Lastly... it's a fairytale retelling!!! 
Don't you know me at all?!?!? lol


WHAT are you waiting for this week?!?!?

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday #140: A STEP TOWARD FALLING by Cammie McGovern (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!
And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 


What I'm currently waiting for... 



by Cammie McGovern
Expected release date: October 6th, 2015
Published by Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary


SUMMARY

Emily has always been the kind of girl who tries to do the right thing - until one night when she does the worst thing possible. She sees Belinda, a classmate with developmental disabilities, being attacked. Inexplicably, she does nothing at all. 

Belinda, however, manages to save herself. When their high school finds out what happened, Emily and Lucas, a football player who was also there that night, are required to perform community service at a center for disabled people. Soon, Lucas and Emily begin to feel like maybe they're starting to make a real difference. Like they would be able to do the right thing if they could do that night all over again. 
But can they do anything that will actually help the one person they hurt the most? 







Why I'm waiting for A STEP TOWARD FALLING... 

First... I have not read Cammie McGovern's debut, Say What You Will - but, I have heard nothing but high praises... and her writing is, again, being compared to Jennifer Nevin, Jandy Nelson and Robyn Schneider - all amazing contemporary writers. 

Second... the summary alone got me all teary eyed. 
It's so hard being a teen. I'd like to think that people would reach out and help others that are being attacked, mistreated, bullied... but, it's a scary world; and it's so hard to stick up for yourself, and sometimes even harder to help others. I'm really intrigued to see how these characters find themselves and help others that truly need it. 

Lastly... this cover is amazing! 



SO, what are you waiting for?!?!?




Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday #139: TRUEST by Jackie Lea Sommers (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!
And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 



What I'm currently waiting for... 



by Jackie Lea Sommers
Expected release date: September 1st, 2015
Published by Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins)
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary 
Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

Silas Hart has seriously shaken up Westlin Beck's small-town life. Brand new to town, Silas is different then the guys in Green Lake. He's curious, poetic, philosophical, maddening - and really, really cute. 

But, Silas has a sister - and she has a secret. 

And West has a boyfriend. 

And life in Green Lake is about to change forever. 

TRUEST is a stunning, addictive debut. Romantic, fun, tender and satisfying, it asks as many questions as it answers. 




Why I'm waiting for TRUEST... 

First of all, the cover is STUNNING!!!
And even though the summary sounds a bit confusing to me, it seems that the book is from West's point-of-view... Silas is the new boy in town causing a bit of a stir... and that Silas' sister is a whole other person, not West - am I right??? 

Second of all, it sounds like a deep-thinking, emotional, pull-at-your-heartstrings contemporary - I love these kinds of books!

And lastly, the reviews coming in for this book are mostly 5-stars!!!
Which is a bit intimidating because my expectations are going to be high! 



SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Release Day (Excerpt, Letter from the Author and Giveaway): SINFUL REWARDS 12 (A Billionaires and Bikers Novella) by Cynthia Sax (Adult)


*Warning: Adult Content (18+)


“A YEAR OF SIZZLING HOT SAX”
THE SEXIEST 12 MONTH SERIAL is SINFUL REWARDS!!!

The thrilling conclusion to the Billionaires and Bikers series is here!!!


By USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Sax
Release date: June 16th, 2015
Published by Avon Red Impulse (HarperCollins)
Genre: Adult Romance
Format: eBook


SUMMARY

One tiny mistake turns Bee Carter's worst fears into a terrifying reality. She knows she isn't alone. The sexy, honorable man she adores stands by her side, willing to sacrifice his freedom to ease her concerns.

But she yearns for more than he is offering. She wants a partner who will love her as fiercely as she loves him, who will say the words and mean them, and someone who will choose her because this is what he desires more than anything else, not merely out of a misguided sense of duty.


Will saying no to the man she loves earn Bee unbearable heartache or will she finally get the forever she craves?







SINFUL REWARDS 12 EXCERPT

Nicolas stands in the hallway, a sheepish smile on his beautiful face, and my small burst of joy dissipates, replaced by the dreaded malaise. He’s handsome, the lights shining on his black wavy hair, tanned skin, dark eyes. He’s immaculately dressed in a gray suit, white shirt, pink tie. He’s carrying ice cream, a small tub of Heavenly Hash cradled in his perfectly manicured fingers.

But he’s not Hawke. He’s not the man I love, the only person I want to see.

“Don’t look at me like that, Bee.” Nicolas pushes his way into the condo. “I had that situation with the New York build last night. There will be fancy events in the future.” He holds up the tub. “I brought ice cream.”

I summon a smile. “You forgot about me.” I take the ice cream from the dashing billionaire. “What do those articles I sent you say about forgetting friends?”

Nicolas grimaces. “You knew I was a bad friend.” He walks with me to the kitchen, smelling of expensive cologne and wealth.

“You’re not a bad friend.” I set two bowls and two spoons on the counter. “You’re a terrible friend.” I open the tub of ice cream.

The real estate developer settles his long lean body on a bar stool and dips a spoon in the container. “You’re not giving up on me, are you?” The lines carved between his perfect eyebrows belie his casual tone.

“I’d never give up on you.” I knock his sucked-clean spoon away and huddle over the tub, protecting the ice cream from impatient-billionaire-induced contamination. “Hawke doesn’t love me,” I blurt, needing to voice this, to share this with someone.

“He said that?” Nicolas steals a spoonful of ice cream from the bowl I’m filling.

“No.” I frown, scooping as fast as I can. “But he’s never said he loves me, either.” I push Nicolas’s bowl toward him.

His eyes sparkle. “I’ve never said I love ice cream.” He shovels the sweet treat into his mouth with a boyish glee. “But I do. Very much.” His lips curl upward. “The name of this flavor is perfect. It is heavenly.”

“Hawke doesn’t love me,” I repeat stubbornly, dishing out a smaller portion for myself.

“A good friend would agree with you.” Nicolas’s head is bent over his ice cream.

“You’re not a good friend.” I place the tub in the freezer compartment of the fridge. “What would you do?”

“I’d tell you that neither of you are acting rationally, that if craziness is a sign of love, Hawke has it much worse than you.” Nicolas licks his spoon. “He guards you like you’re the last piece of prime real estate on the planet. I’m taking my life into my hands by simply eating ice cream with you.”

I climb onto the bar stool beside him, his observations about Hawke’s protectiveness appeasing me, banishing some of my melancholy. “He cares about me.”

“No, he cares about his team.” The billionaire’s lips flatten grimly. “Disregarding all of my advice about maintaining his distance.” Nicolas believes remaining aloof from his employees makes painful staffing decisions less traumatic. “What Hawke feels for you is in an entirely different category.”

“It isn’t love.” Or is it?


Saying Goodbye to Bee, Hawke And Nicolas
by Cynthia Sax

One of the most common questions reading buddies ask me is “What is the toughest part of writing?” For me, the toughest part is the last chapter or, in the case of Sinful Rewards, my sizzling hot 12 novella contemporary erotic romance series, the last novella.

I know, while writing this part of the story, that I’ll be saying good-bye to beloved characters. Yes, I’ll be able to reread the story and visit them but I’ll no longer be living in their world, listening to their every thought, experiencing every emotion.

What will I miss most about the characters in Sinful Rewards?

Bee/Belinda
Bee, of all of the characters in Sinful Rewards, has grown the most. Our exhibitionist-in-training heroine started the serial with a fairly shallow view of others, herself, love, life. She’s endured quite a bit. These experiences have changed her.

I suspect she’ll continue to change, continue to make the transition from twenty-something new grad to mature, confident woman. She’s surrounded by strong female role models—her mom, Ellen, Lona. I can see them all influencing her. I’ll miss seeing that change.

Hawke
Hawke is a man of surprises. That’s what I’ll miss about our tattooed bad boy biker. He loves new experiences and sharing these new experiences with the people he loves. I doubt that he will ever have a ‘normal’ day. His job is constantly changing and he enjoys this aspect of it.

I couldn’t guess what he’ll be doing a day, month, year after Sinful Rewards ends. I know he’ll have his loved ones, his team around him. He’s as loyal as Bee is, as committed to his friends, family, woman. But I don’t know what his day will entail.

Nicolas
Nicolas is the character I wish I had spent more time with. Our jellybean eating billionaire has emotional depths we haven’t even started to explore. I’ll miss his self-depreciating sarcasm and his feigned arrogance, the vulnerability he hides under his business bastard personae.


I’ll miss the characters from Sinful Rewards but I feel fortunate to have known them. They’ve changed me as much as, I suspect, I’ve changed them.



GIVEAWAY

*Bumbles and Fairy-Tales is not responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed, etc. prizes.


PURCHASE LINKS
SINFUL REWARDS 1: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM
SINFUL REWARDS 2: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM
SINFUL REWARDS 3: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM
SINFUL REWARDS 4: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM
SINFUL REWARDS 5: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM
SINFUL REWARDS 6: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Cynthia Sax

USA Today bestselling author CYNTHIA SAX lives in a world filled with magic and romance. Although her heroes may not always say “I love you,” they will do anything for the women they adore. They live passionately. They play hard. They love the same women forever.

Cynthia has loved the same wonderful man forever. Her supportive hubby offers himself up to the joys and pains of research, while they travel the world together, meeting fascinating people and finding inspiration in exotic places such as Istanbul, Bali, and Chicago. 



 
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