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

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Blog

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.

Y – Yes!!! Tattoo Tuesday – Special Addition

Published on April 29, 2014April 28, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle10 Comments

One of my favorite scenes in the book happens at the very end. You know that thing about the best way to ensure a relationship won’t last is the get the persons name tattooed on you body. Well, Troy found a way around the rule. Let’s hope Miranda doesn’t freak out:

I walked back into D&D, coffee in hand, ready to lecture Dan on his lack of directional skills, but I stopped when I noticed Troy’s right hand. I almost dropped the coffee.

He had words written on the space between his thumb and index finger. It spelled Miranda Preston in a beautiful cursive, but it wasn’t just written, it was tattooed.

“What did you do?” I looked at Troy. He looked quite proud of himself, but his face fell when he saw my expression. “Why did you do that?”

He took the coffees out of my hand and sat them on the counter.

“Okay, before you freak out, let me explain.”

He grabbed my hand. “I didn’t get the name of my girlfriend tattooed on my hand. I got the name of my best friend.”

“What?”

“You’ve been my best friend my entire life, and that’s never going to change.”

“What?” I understood but wasn’t sure whether to kiss him or smack him for doing something so stupid.

I couldn’t believe he did that. He had my name … tattooed on his skin … forever.

How could I possibly express to him how crazy and stupid and precious and amazing he was to me for doing that?

“I want one too,” I said.

“Yes!!!! She bought it,” Dan said as Troy pulled me in his arms and kissed my lips.

I still don’t recommend it, but if you’ve been friends since you were four years old, it might be ok.

Anyone ever got a significant others name tattooed on their body? Are you still with the person? Is the tattoo still there?

My new ink inspired by Another New Life!!

Thank so much to Manny from Bob Shaw Tattoo! He is my tattoo guy for life.

X – XOXO – Acknowledgements

Published on April 28, 2014April 28, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle12 Comments

THIS is my favorite part of the writing process. Acknowledging all those who have contributed to making Another New Life happen.

First, I have to thank God for his grace and patience. It took me a while to find my gift and now that I have found it, I am forever thankful for His blessings.

To my family for putting up with my hair brain schemes, this one I actually finished. Mom, Dad, Kevin, Jimmy, Patrina – Love you!

Pk Hrezo, Tianna Doyle, Emily Robertson & Vanessa Aapiah. The most honest, supportive and enthusiastic beta readers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. You all brought a unique perspective and made my story better.

A big thank you and your the best, to Jade at Black Firefly who answered all my questions and guided me through the whole production process. We created a beautiful book, don’t you think?

Huge thank you to Rachel Marks and the team at Mark My Words Book Publicity. They took on my book like it was their own and helped me navigate the world of marketing.

Thanks to Allyson Whipple and her editing assistance.

Special shout out Jenny Sims at Editing 4 Indies. She proofread Another New Life, but will be my editor of choice for future projects.

Another special shout out to Arijana Karčić at Cover It! Designs. She is a vision personifier (is that a word). She made my characters come to life in the form of book cover genius.

An enormous amount of gratitude goes to Suzanne Van Rooyen for being my musical guru. She shared her extensive knowledge in piano and musical performance and helped me make Miranda a true music prodigy.

A special shout out to some of my favorite, most inspirational, and motivational bloggers who I have gotten to know over the last three years.

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Arlee Bird

Nicole at Madlap Post

Katie Cross – my most consistent commentor

Kitt Crescendo

*Many more that I could name, but I only have a page to work with.

All the members of the New Adult Authors Unite! Facebook Group

All the members of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group

My fellow inked up writers featured on Tattoo Tuesday

And, finally, I wanted to acknowledge a few NA authors with recent releases who blogged, Facebooked and tweeted about their journeys and made me feel like I could do this, too. (Note, I’m not even sure if I am allowed to mentioned them in the book, but I want to make sure and mention them here.)

Claudia Bradshaw – Sin for Love

AJ Pine – If Only

Brianna Lee – Rush Into You

Paige Rion – Written on Her Heart

Faith Sullivan – Hold me Tight

Cassie Mae – How to Seduce a Band Geek

XOXO Kisses and Hugs to everyone. If I forgot anyone, please forgive me, this is my first time. Thanks to the A to Z Challenge bloggers, as well. Do you like writing your acknowledgment page or do you worry you might forget someone?