Books – Page 28 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Sydney Reviews Choosing You by Allie Everhart

Published on May 2, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle2 Comments

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

Synopsis: When Jade is given a scholarship to an elite private college in Connecticut, she sees it as a chance to finally escape her painful past and get a fresh start. She’s determined to succeed and that means keeping her focus on school and not guys. But her plan falls apart her first day on campus when Garret, a rich prep school boy with swimmer abs and a perfect smile, offers to help her move in.Jade tries to push him away, but she can’t deny her attraction to him and Garret won’t let her. Things quickly heat up between them, but then come to a sudden halt when reality hits and Jade realizes that a relationship with Garret may never be possible. He comes from a world of wealth where there are rules, including rules about who he can date. And not following those rules has consequences.As the two of them try to overcome the obstacles working to keep them apart, Jade is confronted with another challenge. On her 19th birthday, she receives a letter that her now deceased mother wrote years ago. In it are revelations that explain her traumatic childhood but also make her question the past she’s been running from.

Review: Do you know about this growing movement that recognizes the greatness of male characters in romance books. It’s the book boyfriend craze. Well, I am ashamed to admit, I didn’t get it. Readers accept a diverse and varied spectrum of personalities, looks, and emotions from our female lead, but have specific requirements when it comes to their leading men. After reading Choosing You by Allie Everhart, now I get it, I have my first book boyfriend: Garret Kensington.

Besides having the name of one of my high school crushes, he is a shining example of the perfect boyfriend, which is ironic considering Jade does everything she can to convince herself he is not boyfriend material.

He is sweet, thoughtful, considerate and he not only listens, he remembers when you talk. The halloween party scene is enough to make you dump your current significant other and measure every man from this point forward by Garret’s standards. He is that good.

Jade has a little stubborn streak for not jumping him from the beginning and at the end of the book you are left frustrated, but you’re also hooked for the long haul.

Allie weaves a unique college, coming of age novel, but if you read Choosing You, be prepared to be in it for the entire series. I’m hooked. I can’t wait to see how the story of Garrett and Jade ends.

A few of my favorite things

Tattoo References: None

Movie References: A lot of references to movie watching, no actual names of movies where used.

Favorite Line: He smiles and comes up right in front of me, so close we’re almost touching. “You know what, Jade?” “What?” Having him this close to me makes my heart pump even faster than when I was running. “I like you. I really like you.”

*Just a few of my favorite things.

$15 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Choosing You Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Author Bio: Allie Everhart writes about dating, love, and romance. She’s also a freelance writer for magazines and websites. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, running, or binge-watching TV shows on DVD. Some of her favorites are Gilmore Girls, Mad Men, Veronica Mars, and Gossip Girl. When writing her novels, Allie likes to drink dark-roast coffee when writing suspense scenes and red wine when writing love scenes. And eating chocolate is good when writing any kind of scene.

Amazon Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

My Monthly Update and A Cover Reveal

Published on May 1, 2014April 30, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle8 Comments

Month in Review

UConn won the NCAA Tournament. I was rooting for them. Amazing tournament and amazing game. I am back into college basketball.

My Dallas Stars made it into the playoffs for the first time in year and there is nothing like playoff hockey. And, I have a new crush – Tyler Seguin. I can’t wait for next year.

My Dallas Mavericks made it into the playoffs and although they aren’t looking to good, down 3-2 to the San Antonio Spurs, the games have been exciting.

I am such a homer, I can’t help.

A to Z Challenge was a success

Cover Reveal for Another New Life was a huge success.

Found a title for my new series.

May Goals

Finish edits on Hope for Her (Educating Hope Book #1)

Finish preparation for #JuNoWriMo novel Hope for Him (Educating Hope Book #2) and Hope for Us (Educating Hope Book #3).

Just have fun and enjoy myself at RT Convention in New Orleans.

Any big plans for May? Are you going to RT?

Congrats to Brandi on her beautiful cover for her new novel coming out at the end of May. So happy for her. What do you think of her cover?

Title: TEMPTED (A BirthRight Novel #2)

Author: Brandi Leigh Hall
Release Date: May 27, 2014

Blurb: A Sweet Upper YA / NA Paranormal Romance.

What if the very thing to save you—is the one thing beyond your reach?

Torn between the two men who have fallen for her—and the evil who wants to possess her—twenty-year-old Chloe Bishop can no longer remember the fatal vision which threatens her future happiness. But when the magical link is severed between Chloe and her Wiccan family, they must find a way to save her before temptation leads her into darkness—and into the welcoming arms of Mr. Wrong.

B&N Pre-Order | iTunes Pre-Order | Amazon Print Pre-Order

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Bio:
Brandi Leigh Hall is a YA and NA author, whose stories lean towards the sweeter side of romance. Her novels combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old-fashioned men, and family values, woven together and told from an organic and emotional, first-person perspective.

Growing up in a haunted house in Central PA inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense she’d write Urban Fantasy for both teens and adults. Book 1 in The BirthRight Series, TETHERED, debuted this past Halloween.

Z – Zeros and New Release

Published on April 29, 2014April 30, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle19 Comments

As in three, two, one, zero – The clock is at all zeros. A to Z Challenge is over! Congratulations to those who brave the ups and downs that is A to Z.

Thank so much for all those who stopped by to like, share, comment and even reference one of my posts. It was an amazing month and I am so happy I could share my debut novel with all of you. If you want to see what all the hype was all about, please feel free to pick up a copy of Another New Life on June 2nd. If you forget, no worries. I’ll remind you a couple more times between now and then.

Other Acknowledgements

Consistant Commentor: Alex Cavanaugh & Tom Benson

Favorite Comment: “WOW!! I want to read your book now. 🙂 I want to see why Troy has to apologize for what happen to Miranda.” – Thanks Stephanie Smith

Most popular post: S – Seven, Seventeen & Seventy

My favorite theme: Rachna’s Scriptorium – Emotions and Feelings writers experience

My favorite post: M is for Madness – Rachna’s Scriptorium

Thanks again to Arlee Bird, Nicole Ayers and my fellow minions.

What where some of your favorite moments of the 2014 A to Z Challenge?

Quick shot and congratulations to Faith Sullivan on her new release, Hold Me Tight (Take Me Now #3). Check it out below!

Title: Hold Me Tight
Author: Faith Sullivan
Release date: April 30, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle | Nook | Smashwords

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.

U – Undeniable Attraction

Published on April 24, 2014April 23, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle8 Comments

Taking a break from the blog for the day and turning the letter U over to Paige Rion. Her novel, Written on her Heart was released yesterday and she here to talk to you about Undeniable Attraction. Welcome Paige.

First, I want to thank Sydney for having me on her blog. We decided to each share a post for the A to Z challenge. I hope I do her blog justice.

One of the main ingredients of a successful romance novel is undeniable attraction. In most romance novels, it’s usually pretty apparent from the start that a rare chemistry exists between the main character and their love interest. Whether it’s love at first site or a love hate relationship at first sight, the characters are undeniably attracted to each other. But this attraction doesn’t come free. In a good book, there’s some form of complication or conflict that is keeping them apart. And that’s what makes the story interesting.

In my new release, Written On Her Heart, there’s plenty of attraction between the main character Andi Callaway and Ford Delaney. Ford is a world famous novelist, he’s sexy, brooding, and he’s her literary idol. When she happens to snag a job as his assistant, it creates room for a lot of sparks. But her long-time boyfriend and her “life-plan” get in the way, causing her to deny her budding feelings for the hunky author. For fun, I’d like to share a snippet of the book with you. This is the first scene in which their attraction for each other becomes apparent.

“Can I trust you?” he asked.

“Of course.” She reached a hand out, placing it on his arm, despite the voice in her head screaming at her to stay put. Her skin burned where it touched his and she sensed something dangerous between them. Kinetic. Electric. Like the first rumble of thunder before a storm.

“My situation—the way I feel—it’s ironic. Don’t you think?” he said. “The one thing that always centered me, the one thing that helped me to find myself, to cope—my writing—has somehow made me come undone again. I need to remember why I write. I need to remember why I love it so much. That’s part of the reason I came here. Yes, to hide out and let the press calm down, but I also came here to find a way to write again. To find the joy. You—your enthusiasm, your determination—helps to remind me.”

Her? Andi’s heart thudded in her chest.

He reached out, placing his hand on the side of her face, and before she could stop herself, she leaned into him, covering his hand with her own. She met his eyes and her breathing hitched. Pins pricked her spine and her pulse pounded in her ears. He leaned in and ducked his head, his mouth only inches from hers. The warmth of his sweet breath moved over her lips, and for a moment, she closed her eyes, not thinking, only feeling. But in the second before their lips met, she blinked, the fog in her head clearing, and she pressed a palm to his chest.

“I’m sorry. I have a boyfriend.” She breathed.

Ford pulled away, his eyes beacons of light in the darkness. “Of course you do.” He straightened and took a step back, as if Andi was something dangerous, something he had to get away from. Running a hand through his hair, he muttered something she couldn’t decipher under his breath.

He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, then said, “Be at my place Monday, nine a.m., ready to work. I’ll find a way home.” Then, he turned on his heel and left her sitting alone in the darkness.

~From Written On Her Heart by Paige Rion

NOW ON SALE – 99 Cents for the release!

To learn more about this book and where you can purchase it, CLICK HERE

Tattoo Tuesday – AJ Pine

Published on March 25, 2014March 24, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

AJ is probably still out celebrating her new release, If Only, which came out yesterday. I am honored to have her visit Tattoo Tuesday. AJ, your five questions start now:

1. How old were you when you got your first tattoo? I was 24.

2. How many tattoos do you have? If only one, do you want more? I have two. I just got my second one, and YES, I want more! I can understand people saying tattoos are addicting. Yes it hurts, but it’s also a ton of fun. Is it weird that I enjoy getting inked? 🙂

3. What inspired you to get your first tattoo or favorite tattoo? Tell me your tattoo story. My first tattoo was just because I wanted one. Not a huge story. But my recent one is all about story. My debut novel, IF ONLY, a New Adult contemporary romance, just released yesterday. Yay! I promised myself I’d celebrate writing milestones with more ink, and I wanted there to be meaning attached to this one. My favorite poem by Emily Dickinson poem that, since her poems aren’t titled, starts with the line, “Hope is the thing with feathers–“, and for me it’s this idea of hope being this selfless entity that is always there, silent and unquestioning. When it comes to writing and publishing, it’s really easy to get discouraged. Not losing hope is so vital to keeping at the writing game. While I was querying my first book, I was writing IF ONLY. When the first book didn’t get the response I hoped for (see…I hoped), I got IF ONLY ready and started querying and entering it in contests…and it won one, an Editor in the Alley pitch contest on the NA Alley Blog. Fast forward a year later, and my book is with a fabulous publisher, Entangled, and my story is out there. The idea of hope, and the poem I love, those are the reasons for the feather tattoo on my arm. Putting that first book out there, letting it go and become something that doesn’t belong only to me anymore, that’s the reason for the bird breaking off from the feather.

4. Tattoos on a significant other, like or dislike? Explain why? I like tattoos on anyone. They are hot. ‘Nuff said.

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? Both my hero and heroine get tattoos. My main character, Jordan, gets the Hebrew word, Ahava, tattooed on her wrist (in the Hebrew characters). She’s studying abroad in Scotland, and while visiting family in London over the holidays, her cousin takes her to a tattoo shop as a surprise. Ahava means love, and it has multiple connections to the story–to Jordan’s relationship with her best friend as well as Jordan’s own self discovery. And of course, the book is a romance, so the tattoo ties in there as well. Like I said, the hero gets a tattoo as well, but I can’t reveal his without revealing too much about the book. You’ll just have to read. I included the tattoo story line simply because I love ink and the idea of permanence in this type of expression…as long as you choose art you know you’ll want forever!

About AJ Pine:

AJ writes stories to break readers’ hearts, but don’t worry—she’ll mend those hearts with a happily ever after…maybe. The first book she wrote was YA, but now she’s two-timing her first love with NA. She’s always in the middle of reading two to three books, adores online shopping (everything from groceries to shoes), and she still loves vampires, whether it’s Eric Northman or the Salvatore brothers. When she’s not writing, AJ is sneaking off to her day job as a high school English teacher or hanging with her husband and kids in the Chicago burbs.

Sometimes it takes crossing an ocean to figure out where you belong.

It’s been two years since twenty-year-old Jordan had a boyfriend–which means it’s been forever since she, well, you know. But now she’s off to spend her junior year in Aberdeen, Scotland, the perfect place to stop waiting for Mr. Right and just enjoy Mr. Right Now.

Sexy, sweet (and possible player) Griffin may be her perfect, no-strings-attached match. He’s fun, gorgeous, and makes her laugh. So why can’t she stop thinking about Noah who, minutes after being trapped together outside the train’s loo, kisses Jordan like she’s never been kissed before? Never mind his impossible blue eyes, his weathered, annotated copy of The Great Gatsby (total English-major porn)…oh, and his girlfriend.

Jordan knows everything this year has an expiration date. Aberdeen is supposed to be about fun rather than waiting for life to happen. But E.M. Forster, Shakespeare, and mistletoe on Valentine’s Day make her reconsider what love is and how far she’s willing to go for the right guy.

To learn more about AJ Pine, connect with her on her Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Entangled Author Page.

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.