February 2014 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

WIP: The Movie Bloghop

Published on February 27, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle22 Comments

It’s time for the WIP: The Movie Bloghop. I love this bloghop. It satisfies my inner movie mogul persona.

Thanks so much to Kyra Lennon and Rachel Schieffelbein for bringing it back.

My soon to be released debut Novel Another New Life is about a eighteen year old piano prodigy who goes away to school in order to escape the reminders of her tragic childhood, but she soon realizes escaping her inner demons may prove more difficult.

I tried to create a young cast, but one with the talent to pull off the serious subject matter. This is not your typical teen drama.

For the lead character, Miranda Preston.

I figured an Oscar winning actress could pull it off. Jennifer Lawrence is my Miranda.

For the love interest and football star, Troy Anderson.

Chace Crawford as the right attitude and the right hair to play my leading man.

The witty southern belle looking for love and Miranda’s roommate, Darcy Albritton.

Ashley Benson is so cute, charming and can break hearts all over Austin.

I picked a theme song for my novel during the outlining process and it inspired me and allowed me to create the feel of the story through out the writing process.

Pink featuring Nate Reuss – Just Give me a Reason. Plus, Pink has her real life husband Carey Hart in the video and they are my celebrity couple role models.

Who would you pick as your perfect cast for your WIP?

Tattoo Tuesday – Lori L. Clark

Published on February 18, 2014February 21, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle4 Comments

I’m excited to feature a talented writer and one of the bloggers behind one of my favorite blogs, She Reads New Adult. Lori, welcome to Tattoo Tuesday. Your five questions start now:

1. How old were you when you got your first tattoo? I was over 21…and as soon as I got one, I was ready for another.

2. How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more? I have seven, and I’m always thinking about getting another.

3. What inspired you to get your first tattoo or favorite tattoo? Tell me your tattoo story. My first tattoo. Hmm. It just seemed like the thing to do at the time. It was not well thought out at all. It was a heart with a lightning bolt through it, about the size of a quarter. It’s since been covered up with something larger. Since then, the tattoos have become more planned. My latest is a saying in Latin that translates to “Time Waits for No Man.” My favorite is a line from a Motley Crue song, “My heart’s like an open book for the whole world to read.” It’s done inside a scroll on my lower left leg.

4. Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike? Explain why? I love tattoos on men. Not just one or two that they are ashamed of…but ones that they wear proudly. Intricately designed and well done.

5. Do the character’s in your books have tattoos? If so, pick a character and tell me his or her tattoo story? Why was this story incorporated in the book? In my upcoming book, The Heart Knows What the Heart Wants, the main character, Star, she has two tattoos. The planet Neptune on the back of her right hand and the words “The Heart Knows What the Heart Wants” tattooed over her heart. She dabbles in astrology and is a Pisces. Neptune rules Pisces, so she got the planet Neptune. The saying, is something she believes and something she learns from the young man in her life. (It may just be my next tattoo, as well.)

About Lori: In 2009, after participating in NANOWRIMO, she began to take seriously the voices in her head. Two New Adult contemporary romance novels, Different Roads, and I Breathe You, were published in 2013, and showed early success. The Heart Knows What the Heart Wants is set to release in March 2014, and has her venturing into the realms of Romantic Suspense.

Lori is a member of Savvy Authors, the St. Louis Writers Guild, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Lori, connect with her on her Blog, Twitter, Facebook and on Goodreads.

If you have a book coming out or just want to tell your tattoo story and want to be featured on Tattoo Tuesday, let me know by leaving me a message in the comments.

Cover Reveal – Hold Me Tight by Faith Sullivan

Published on February 14, 2014February 14, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

Release Date: April 30, 2014

HOLD ME TIGHT synopsis:

He loves me. He loves me not.

Ivy’s heart shatters upon hearing Eric’s crushing ultimatum. Despite how much she cares for him, she won’t give in to his demands. She has no choice but to leave, even if it’s the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.

She loves me. She loves me not.

When Ivy walks out, Eric can’t help feeling betrayed. Unwilling to put her at risk, he values her safety above all else. By refusing to compromise, he’s blindsided when she moves in with a man who’s already stolen so much from him.

I love you. You love me not.

Lauren sees Eric and Ivy’s split as an opportunity to end their relationship once and for all. When Ivy places herself at the mercy of Eric’s rival, Lauren plots to destroy the fragile tie binding them together, even if she endangers Ivy’s life in the process.

What readers are saying about HOLD ME TIGHT:

“Seriously – I’m considering sending Faith Sullivan an email every week until the next book is released. I need to know what happens!”
– Elnora Romness

“I’m really hoping Eric and Ivy can find a way to work things out, and that fate will give them a bit of a break—but if there’s one thing this series has proved to me, it’s that Faith Sullivan’s books will take us to places unexpected and impossible to predict.”
– Stephanie Parent

“Faith Sullivan is so good at keeping me guessing and making me eagerly anticipate this book. Looking forward to see what’s in store for Ivy and Eric.”
– Kelly Hashway

“I so totally love Faith’s books. Honestly, it’s such a treat to nab them up and enjoy them.”
– Meradeth Houston

“I really can’t wait to read the conclusion to this series…I think it’s going to be even better than the first two books!”
– Kelli Nash

Books in this New Adult Contemporary Romance trilogy:

About the Author:

Faith Sullivan is an author of New Adult contemporary romances including the HEARTBEAT trilogy, the TAKE ME NOW series and the 9/11 novel, UNEXPECTED.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog

Cover Reveal – Rush Into You by Brianna Lee

Published on February 13, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

A New Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing April/May 2014

I had it all.

I was captain of the cheerleading squad and star of the debate team. I was smart and popular and living the dream.

Until that night.

That one fateful night changed everything.

Now everyone hates me—everyone. They stay far away.

It’s safer.

Drugs numb the pain, and sex pays for the drugs.

Being alive is my punishment.

Then I meet him. Ryker Rosse.

Tattoos, sinful body…and his eyes. His eyes are irresistible. He is captivating. He treats me with respect.

He sees me.

Ryker brings happiness into my life of regret, but I don’t know if I deserve happiness. Some mistakes can never be forgiven.

Or can they?

About the Author

Brianna Lee is an avid reader and flavored ice coffee addict. She is also a book reviewer and blogger for Brianna Lee Book Reviews and lives in Massachusetts with her beautiful daughter.

As a busy, single mom, and aunt, she often has to write her stories in a notepad app on her cell phone, but late at night you will find her typing on her laptop until she passes out on her keyboard…literally.

Brianna encourages readers to contact her as she loves to hear from you! Email her at authorbriannalee@live.com.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Sydney Reviews Tyler and Stella (Tattoo Thief, #2) by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Published on February 11, 2014February 10, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

Special Tattoo Tuesday Sydney Reviews Feature

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Tyler & Stella (Tattoo Thief, #2) by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Publication date: February 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

20565431

Synopsis: Stella Ramsey always says bad boys can’t break your heart. They don’t call, don’t cuddle and don’t send flowers—but what do you expect? For Stella, no strings means no regrets.

When the biggest story of her fledgling career as a music journalist nearly ruins her relationship with her best friend, Stella has one chance to redeem herself. Tyler Walsh could be that chance.

Stella promises the bassist for the rock band Tattoo Thief anything in exchange for behind-the-scenes access. But Tyler doesn’t want anything. He wants everything—and that’s more than Stella is prepared to give. When Tyler’s explosive secret thrusts Stella into the media spotlight, she must choose between the selling the story and telling the truth—and exposing the truth about herself as well.

Review: I will forever be impressed/in awe/envious of Heidi Joy Tretheway for her writing skills. Anyone who can take a character who was the villain in book #1 and make them complex, interesting and sympathetic in book #2, earns my praise and respect.

Let me explain.

I read Gavin & Beryl: Tattoo Thief #1 and sent Heidi a message telling her how much I enjoyed it. It is one of those books I didn’t want to end. Just before I reached the end, I saw a message from Heidi asking if I wanted to read Tattoo Thief #2. I was beyond excited, but then I read the synopsis and my heart dropped.

Without giving away to much, at the end of #1, one of the characters in the book named Stella did not come off well. She did something awful, hurtful and beyond forgivable. So, when I found out she was the main character in #2, I thought, what is Heidi doing?

Well, I am so glad this unexpected turn of events didn’t dissuade me from reading the book. Book #2 is just as interesting, exciting, sad, empowering and sexy as book #1. I was hooked from the first page. I didn’t fall in love with Stella, but I hoped for her transformation and throughout the book, you had no idea whether it would happen or not.

But, the star of the book was Tyler; tattoo’ed and talented, with a hero’s heart (sorry for the alliterations). He made me want to be his friend and take care of him. His story had me guessing and I was 100% satisfied with the results.

I recommend you read the books in order, but you don’t have to. Heidi has a special talent for writing about couples who at first don’t seem to fit, but in the end, you can’t imagine them not being together.

Tattoo References: Lots of great tattoo references. How could there not be with a name like Tattoo Thief. One of my favorites: “Why do yo have all the tattoos? Are you just cultivation a bad-boy image or do they mean something?” Tyler grins. This is something he wants to talk about . . . “they’re about my history.” – love that.

Movie References: None

Favorite Line: “Releasing control to let the other person steer your ship for a while. It’s terrifying and intimate and powerful. It’s love.” – so good!!!!

*Just a few of my favorite things.

Author Bio: Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads