Month: January 2015

Book Trailers: Yay or Nyay?

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We all know the effect that a well-done movie trailer can have on moviegoers. From the nerve-wracking ones that make your heart pound in that 30 second time frame to the ones that make you want to wet your pants because it looks sensual or it looks funny. The effect is noticeable as you can hear murmurs of “I’ve got to see that movie” or “wow that looks so good.”

A good trailer is key. They’ve got minutes or even seconds to entice you with carefully chosen snips that are in the perfect order to the perfect music and perfect words. They’ve got to show off their materials to woo you and make sure you’ll be in those same seats on the opening day.

But what about for books?

Book trailers are similar to movie trailers that are designed to generate interest in a particular book. It seems a lot of our dear authors are now using it to spice up their book promotions because let’s admit it, marketing is a dubious endeavor.

Evidently someone thought that book trailers are good marketing idea especially for the wired generation where “YouTube-ing” and thirst for all things visual are always present. So why not hook your audience in a different way?

Admittedly, call me bias but YES, I enjoy watching them making them. It reminds of the different emotions I felt while reading the book. I remember one of my friends mentioned that she hated trailers, in fact hated any kind of image about what might be in the story. For me, I love seeing how another person sees it. It thrills me everytime to know that a reader views it the same way I do. But overall, it’s the words, the music and storytelling that appealed to me. So my question is…

Do you like book trailers? Do you watch them? Do they ever make you decide to buy a book? Which ones have you found to be done really well and memorable?

And for authors, do you find them to be an effective marketing tool? Would you consider having one?

Today, I am so excited to welcome three of my friends and I consider some of the best book trailer makers we have now. Let’s get to know them better and find out how they started in book trailer making.

Welcome to the blog Becca, Heather and Kristy!

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Promo Blitz: Someting Wicked by Carol Oates @CarolOates

Promo Blitz: Someting Wicked by Carol Oates @CarolOatesSomething Wicked Buy on Amazon|B&N|Kobo
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Infected by the vampire virus on the streets of Dublin in 1886, the search for a cure brought Henry Clayton to London and to the brink of madness. Salvation and friendship arrived in the form of Dougal, an immortal Highlander with a devilish sense of humor and a love of life.

Amidst turmoil in vampire society, Henry returns to modern day Dublin. The Circle, a cult determined to awaken their Celtic blood god, the first vampire, is once again active.

When Henry meets a young American woman who sees past his human pretense, he fears exposure. However, his fear is overshadowed by curiosity. What is the source of the strange energy between them? Why are vampires stalking her? Determined to find answers, Henry takes Ari into his home and under his protection.

As their connection grows, Henry begins to suspect Ari isn’t what she claims to be. Their shared history may hold the answers to his uncontrollable bouts of rage and thirst. Perhaps, even a cure for his wicked blood.

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Book Review: Three Brothers by Nicole Williams @nwilliamsbooks

Book Review: Three Brothers by Nicole Williams @nwilliamsbooksThree Brothers by Nicole Williams
on January 20, 2015
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Buy on Amazon|B&N|Kobo
Add to Goodreads

I grew up with three brothers. They weren’t tied to me by blood, but our connection went beyond genetics or bearing the same last name. Our connection was forged the summer I turned thirteen, the summer my mom ended her life and left me in the custody of John Armstrong, a man I’d never met. Packing all I owned in a couple of boxes, I left the familiarity of the big city and headed west to Red Mountain Ranch, set in a lonely valley outside of Jackson Hole.

Nothing was as it seemed at Red Mountain—it didn’t take long for me to figure that out. John was kind to me but distant, as if he was afraid to let anyone get too close. His three teenage sons had their own devices for keeping love as far away as they could. The eldest distracted himself with cheap relationships that had a shelf-life of one night. The middle son threw himself into the rigor of running a ranch, and the third wielded cruelty and mind-games in his quest to keep people from getting close.

Time has gone by, and I’ve spent those years trying to forget the brother I’d fallen for—the biggest mistake of my life.

Finally, I’ve moved on. Finally, I’m back. But what I didn’t realize was that running away from the wrong brother meant I’d also run away from the right one. The one who’d been there for me all along, waiting in his brother’s shadow for the day I either would or could move on.

But a decade is a long time to wait. Has the brother I should have chosen all of those years ago moved on too? Am I about to discover that my biggest mistake wasn’t falling in love with the wrong brother, but failing to return the love of the right one sooner?

Does unrequited love have an expiration date?

I’m about to find out.

Author’s Note: This book is a "sweet" romance that isn't overly sexy. Fans of LOST & FOUND will be interested in THREE BROTHERS.

(more…)

About Nicole Williams

I’m the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the CRASH series (HarperTeen, S&S UK), LOST & FOUND series, UP IN FLAMES (S&S UK), The EDEN TRILOGY, and a handful of others. I write stories about everyday kinds of people who find themselves in extraordinary kinds of situations. I tell love stories with happy endings because I believe in making the world a better place, and that’s one tiny way I can make it so. I’m one of those people who still believe in true love and soul mates, and would rather keep my head in the clouds any day over having my feet firmly on the ground.

Book Review: Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1) by Monica Murphy @Monica Murphy

Book Review: Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1) by Monica Murphy @Monica MurphyOwning Violet on December 2nd 2014
Genres: Erotica, New Adult, Romance
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New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase—that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.  I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.   Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.   One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.   My everything.  Praise for Owning Violet   “Owning Violet owned me from the first page to the last. Ryder and Violet’s chemistry is off the charts! Read it, own it, love it!”—New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans“Scorching hot romance filled with suspense, lies, secrets, and explosive heat. Ryder is pure yummiest, a perfect mix of a dominant dirty-talking alpha and a sweet, protective broken bad boy.”—The Rock Stars of Romance   “There’s just something dark and edgy, yet totally irresistible about this novel. I couldn’t put it down! Fans of Maya Banks and Sylvia Day will definitely enjoy Owning Violet. It’s a romance that offers real emotional development and a steamy relationship that will leave you begging for more.”—Peace Love Books   “Owning Violet is exquisitely written. It’s 400 pages of scorching hotness that just sizzles with desire. . . . Monica Murphy is an author to watch out for.”—Lady A, Literature Junkie Extraordinaire   “Monica Murphy has a new hit series on her hands!”—Swoon Worthy Books   “Owning Violet is the first book in the Fowler Sisters series and it. Is. Hot. You’ll need a fan while you read this because Monica Murphy turns up the heat between a good girl and a very, very bad boy.”—Booklovers for Life   “[Owning Violet] is such a sexy, blush-inducing, ‘OMG, what did he just do?’ read . . . and I totally ate it up. I needed a good gritty, sexually strong book, and Monica Murphy delivered that and much more!”—Up All Night Reading It’s What I Do   “Sizzling hot . . . Monica Murphy has once again delivered another fantastic book. . . . I can’t wait to read the next book in the Fowler Sisters series.”—Smut Book JunkieFrom the Trade Paperback edition.

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Blog Tour Review: The Prince (The Florentine 0.5) by Sylvain Reynard @Sylvain Reynard

Blog Tour Review: The Prince (The Florentine 0.5) by Sylvain Reynard @Sylvain ReynardThe Prince by Sylvain Reynard
on January 20th 2015
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
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The unveiling of a set of priceless illustrations of Dante’s Divine Comedy at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence exposes Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved wife, Julianne, to a mysterious enemy. Gabriel may have acquired the illustrations only a few years ago, but unbeknownst to him, they were stolen a century earlier from the ruler of Florence’s underworld. Now one of the most dangerous beings in the city is determined to reclaim his prize and exact his revenge on the Emersons—but not before he uncovers something disturbing about Julianne... Don’t miss the first novel in the Florentine series, The Raven, available February 3, 2015. Praise for the Gabriel Trilogy “The Professor is sexy and sophisticated . . . I can’t get enough of him!”—USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby “[In Gabriel’s Inferno and Gabriel’s Rapture,] I found myself enraptured by Sylvain Reynard’s flawless writing. Gabriel’s Inferno and Gabriel’s Rapture are books I will always treasure and are among my top ten reads of last year.”—The Autumn Review “An unforgettable and riveting love story that will sweep readers off their feet.”—Nina’s Literary Escape “Sylvain Reynard’s writing is captivating and intense . . . It’s hard not to be drawn to the darkly passionate and mysterious Gabriel, a character you’ll be drooling and pining for!”—Waves of Fiction Sylvain Reynard is the New York Times bestselling author of The Raven and the Gabriel Trilogy, including Gabriel's Inferno, Gabriel's Rapture, and Gabriel's Redemption.

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About Sylvain Reynard

I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

Blog Tour Review: That Man 5 (The Wedding Story-Part 2) by Nelle L’Amour @nellelamour

Blog Tour Review: That Man 5 (The Wedding Story-Part 2) by Nelle L'Amour @nellelamour

Blog Tour Review: That Man 5 (The Wedding Story-Part 2) by Nelle L’Amour @nellelamourThat Man 5 (The Wedding Story-Part 2) by Nelle L'Amour
on December 19, 2014
Genres: Romance
Buy on Amazon|B&N|Kobo
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The highly anticipated epic conclusion to the USA Today bestselling THAT MAN series.

You are invited to the wedding of the century.
Attire: Be prepared to laugh, cry, and swoon.

Sexy as sin Blake Burns and his tiger, Jennifer McCoy, are finally going to tie the knot.
Or not.

While a delusional, jealous ex and a looming dark secret from Blake's past still threatens their relationship, an unexpected life-or-death event may send their “I do’s” into Neverland.

Battling against the odds, Blake and Jennifer struggle to find their happily ever after. Only a miracle— and that man— can make it happen.

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About Nelle L’Amour

Nelle L’Amour is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author who lives in Los Angeles with her Prince Charming-ish husband, twin teenage princesses, and a bevy of royal pain-in-the-butt pets. A former executive in the entertainment and toy industries with a prestigious Humanitus Award to her credit, she gave up playing with Barbies a long time ago but still enjoys playing with toys with her husband. While she writes in her PJ’s, she loves to get dressed up and pretend she’s Hollywood royalty. She writes juicy stories with characters that will make you both laugh and cry and stay in your heart forever.

In addition to the That Man trilogy, she is the author of the best-selling erotic romance Gloria’s Secret and its sequel, Gloria’s Revenge, the Seduced by the Park Avenue Billionaire boxed set, and the highly rated Amazon bestseller, Undying Love.

Book Review: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher @colleenhoover @Tarryn_Fisher

Book Review: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher @colleenhoover @Tarryn_FisherNever Never by Colleen Hoover
on January 11, 2015
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Young Adult
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Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen.

Complete strangers since this morning.

He'll do anything to remember.She'll do anything to forget.

 

 

 

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About Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover’s love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled “Mystery Bob” and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest.
Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, “Slammed.” She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT’s bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT’s bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term “author” still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn’t work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting.

You can follow Colleen on Instagram and Twitter @colleenhoover. You can also find her on her blog at http://www.colleenhoover.com where she holds a daily book-a-day giveaway, or on her very active Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/authorcolleenhoover where she loves to give away more free stuff when her husband isn’t looking.

Colleen also wants the world to know that writing short biographies in third person is incredibly awkward.

Book Review: Falling Away by Jasinda Wilder @jasindawilder

Book Review: Falling Away by Jasinda Wilder @jasindawilderFalling Away by Jasinda Wilder
Series: Falling #4
on January 6, 2015
Genres: Romance
Buy on Amazon|B&N|Kobo
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My name is Benjamin Dorsey. You know my mom and dad's story. You know Kylie's parents' story. You even know Kylie's story.

You don't know mine, yet.

You don't know what a broken heart is until you've loved someone your whole life, only to have her slip through your fingers because you waited too long. That's heartbreak. That's regret. And how do you live with that? How do you go through the motions when she's there as a reminder of what you lost, of what you could have had but were too damn chicken to go after? I couldn't. So I left.

That's right, I ran away. I found myself across the continent, playing minor league football. I mean, at least I still had football, right?

Nope. That got taken away from me too. A career-ending injury left me down-and-out, scraping the bottom of the barrel, hating myself and hating life. And then I met Cheyenne Leveaux, my physical therapist, who became my one and only friend, the one bright light in the darkness of my messed up life.

But of course nothing is ever simple, or easy.

Tragedy struck, and the rug was swept out from under me yet again, and this time the guilt, the doubt, the secrets, and the old heartbreak may threaten my one chance at true happiness, my one shot at my own happily ever after.

Reading Order: Falling Into You, Falling Into Us, Falling Under, Falling Away

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About Jasinda Wilder

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include ALPHA, STRIPPED, WOUNDED, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller FALLING INTO YOU. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her five children and menagerie of animals.

Jasinda is represented by Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency.

Cover Reveal: Three Brothers by Nicole Williams @nwilliamsbooks

Cover Reveal: Three Brothers by Nicole Williams @nwilliamsbooksThree Brothers by Nicole Williams
on January 20, 2015
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Buy on Amazon|B&N|Kobo
Add to Goodreads

I grew up with three brothers. They weren’t tied to me by blood, but our connection went beyond genetics or bearing the same last name. Our connection was forged the summer I turned thirteen, the summer my mom ended her life and left me in the custody of John Armstrong, a man I’d never met. Packing all I owned in a couple of boxes, I left the familiarity of the big city and headed west to Red Mountain Ranch, set in a lonely valley outside of Jackson Hole.

Nothing was as it seemed at Red Mountain—it didn’t take long for me to figure that out. John was kind to me but distant, as if he was afraid to let anyone get too close. His three teenage sons had their own devices for keeping love as far away as they could. The eldest distracted himself with cheap relationships that had a shelf-life of one night. The middle son threw himself into the rigor of running a ranch, and the third wielded cruelty and mind-games in his quest to keep people from getting close.

Time has gone by, and I’ve spent those years trying to forget the brother I’d fallen for—the biggest mistake of my life.

Finally, I’ve moved on. Finally, I’m back. But what I didn’t realize was that running away from the wrong brother meant I’d also run away from the right one. The one who’d been there for me all along, waiting in his brother’s shadow for the day I either would or could move on.

But a decade is a long time to wait. Has the brother I should have chosen all of those years ago moved on too? Am I about to discover that my biggest mistake wasn’t falling in love with the wrong brother, but failing to return the love of the right one sooner?

Does unrequited love have an expiration date?

I’m about to find out.

Author’s Note: This book is a "sweet" romance that isn't overly sexy. Fans of LOST & FOUND will be interested in THREE BROTHERS.

Add to your Goodreads list!

(more…)

About Nicole Williams

I’m the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the CRASH series (HarperTeen, S&S UK), LOST & FOUND series, UP IN FLAMES (S&S UK), The EDEN TRILOGY, and a handful of others. I write stories about everyday kinds of people who find themselves in extraordinary kinds of situations. I tell love stories with happy endings because I believe in making the world a better place, and that’s one tiny way I can make it so. I’m one of those people who still believe in true love and soul mates, and would rather keep my head in the clouds any day over having my feet firmly on the ground.