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Books to Read if You Like Elle Casey

From romantic suspense to dystopian sci-fi, Author Elle Casey has written every kind of book you could imagine. She is best known, however, for her many bestselling romance books. Her most recent series is The Bourbon Street Boys, which has a new addition that's scheduled to be released on August 23. If you need more fun and flirty contemporary romance in your life, check out these books to read if you like Elle Casey.

Books to Read if You Like Elle Casey


 

Up in the Tree House

K.K. Allen

Release Date: July 19, 2016

Chloe and Gavin have always been best friends, and they never thought there would be anything more to their relationship. When Chloe discovers that she is in love with Gavin, she keeps her feelings bottled up in fear that he won't feel the same. When she eventually confesses her love, Gavin's rejection sends her spinning into the arms of a guy who isn't right for her. Four years pass, and the two find themselves brought together by a tragedy. Their emotional connection brings them back to their childhood treehouse— the place where everything started. This time, will they end up more than friends?

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Holding His Forever

Alexa Riley

Release Date: July 3, 2016

Phoenix, a NYC firefighter, is devastated after losing two of his men in a fire. Just as he is thinking that his happiness has ended for good, Fia walks into his life. She is in her last semester of school and  working as hard as she can to pay for it. Unfortunately, her apartment building catches on fire, which forces her back to square one. On the day that Phoenix saves Fia from the fire, their lives change forever.

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Billionaire Undaunted

J.S. Scott

Release Date: June 7, 2016

After being kidnapped and held prisoner by a madman, Elle Winters feels like she has been through it all. After she is saved her life can never go back to what it was. She is afraid that the pain of her captivity wil haunt her for the rest of her life... until she mets Zane Colter. Zane is everything she could ever want, and and he helps to bring her back to the woman she used to be. But once Elle is healed, will she want to stay with Zane forever?

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Moonshot

Alessandra Torre

Release Date: July 4, 2016

Ty has loved baseball ever since she was a little girl.  Her dad is a baseball legend, and she basically grew up at the Yankees Stadium. Now she's 17, and she's still the ball girl for the Yankees. Chase Storm always dreamed of playing for the Yankees, and now his dream is coming true. When the two meet, Ty is immediately attracted to Chase. She tries to stay away for as long as she can, but he is simply irresistible. And when the team starts losing and women begin showing up dead... things get even more more complicated.

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Mr. Romantic

JA Huss

Release Date: June 22, 2016

Noah Delaney has the indescribable "it" factor. His charm is magnetic, and his good looks make every woman swoon. But "Mr. Romantic" might play a little dirtier than he lets on. Ivy just graduated from college, and she isn't as innocent as she looks. She's applying for a job at Nolan's company, and who knows what will happen once she gets Mr. Delaney in close quarters.

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The All-Star Anted Up

Nancy Herkness

Release Date: July 1, 2016

Luke Archer, champion quarterback of the New York Empire, knows that women only want him because he's a superstar. Because of that, he's given up on having a serious relationship with anyone. Nevertheless, he doubts this decision when his best friend retires from football to spend more time with his family. One day he meets Miranda Tate, assistant concierge in his high-rise apartment, and instantly connects with her. With Miranda, can Luke win at the game of love?

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Interested in more Steamy Contemporary Romances? Check out our posts on Kristen CallihanLexi RyanMelissa Foster, Ilsa Madden-MillsSports RomancesKarina Halle, Renee Carlino, Alice Clayton, Rockstar Romances, Penelope Ward, Toni Anderson, Jami Davenport, Colleen Hoover, and Bad Boys of Summer.

 

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Books from Our Nightstands: What We're Reading this Summer

All of us at NewInBooks are pretty bookish people. When we aren't at work, we are never far from our current read. Our "to be read" lists are miles long, and we're always searching for the next best read so we can share them with you! Here is what the team is currently reading:

Books from Our Nightstands: What We're Reading this Summer



Infinite Jest

David Foster Wallace

Release Date: February 1, 1996

Infinite Jest might take you months to read, but it's worth the time investment. It isn't your average light and breezy summer read. With over 1,000 pages of philosophical comedy, this book explores the relationship we have with entertainment, our connections to others around us, and the things that bring us pleasure.

Recommended by Ben R. Ben has never been one to back down from a great read. With Anna Karenina in the rearview, he's heading full throttle into the thick of Infinite Jest. While it may be a daunting journey through perspectives and vocabulary, David Foster Wallace's prose has made it a breathtaking trip.

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Lexicon

Max Barry

Release Date: January 5, 2015

Combining together the strengths of thrillers, romance, and science fiction, Lexicon builds a world in which words can be used as weapons. Students in a hidden, exclusive school are segmented by their personality type and taught how to manipulate people with language. One innocent, unsuspecting man may be immune to this segmentation, making him the key to a secret and dangerous war.

Recommended by Anna L. Fueled by a healthy obsession with Harry Potter, Anna loves books that weave fantastical elements into modern day society. Lexicon does just that, with an enthralling narrative about the power of language and coercion.

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Eight Hundred Grapes

Laura Dave

Release Date: June 2, 2015

Eight Hundred Grapes explores what happens when the people you love keep secrets from you. Georgia Ford was about to get married to the love of her life, but she discovers a big secret he was keeping from her and is left heartbroken. She flees to her family's house in Sonoma, thinking she could find solace in the familiarity of her childhood home. But when she arrives, she discovers that everything (and everyone) has changed.

Recommended by Ricci W. Ricci enjoys reading women's fiction that point to the small truths in our everyday lives. Tales of relatable, strong, contemporary women are her current go to.

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The View from the Cheap Seats

Neil Gaiman

Release Date: May 31, 2016

Neil Gaiman is best known for his fantasy novels and short stories, but he has also written a wealth of non-fiction pieces. These stories touch on a variety of topics such as music, books, comics, libraries, movies, and much more. Gaiman's writing is always insightful, and his witty commentary will make you giggle.

Recommended by Sarah P. Sarah loves fantasy novels and books that challenge her to think. She is a self-proclaimed coffee addict and a lovable Hufflepuff. 

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Soon I Will Be Invincible

Austin Grossman

Release Date: June 5, 2007

If you're a fan of superheros and comic books, you should pick up Soon I Will Be Invincible. In a world filled with normal people, there are a handful of "gifted" individuals wandering around the planet. Some of the more villainous of these people, like Doctor Impossible, are biding their time in prison. Others, like half cyborg Fatale, are fighting alongside their fellow mutants to rid the world of evil.

Recommended by Chloe K. Chloe is a Professional Book Nerd. A sci fi and fantasy fan since birth, Galadriel is her spirit animal and her patronus is a wolf. She loves big words, big books, big dogs, and big adventures. 

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Contact

Johnny B. Truant and Sean Platt

Release Date: April 9, 2015

Contact is the second book in Truant and Platt's Alien Invasion series, and it takes place months after Invasion ended. Benjamin Bannister has spent his whole life researching the connections between the wonders of the world, and he believes that extraterrestrial life has been on Earth for a long time. No one believed him until mysterious spheres appear on the planet, which marks the beginning of a cold alien war.

Recommended by Ferol V. Ferol loves fast cars, high tech robots, and sci fi. He will always, always recommend Dune if you haven't read it yet. 

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Ear Worms for Book Worms: 12 Literary Podcasts You'll Love

If you're anything like us, you live, eat, and breathe books. Books in the bedroom, in your bag, in your car, in your friend's cars.... But alas, there are times when your hands are otherwise occupied, and reading isn't possible. That's where the following podcasts come in. These 12 podcasts are perfect for the book lover who wants to be thinking bookish thoughts, even when they have to put the book down. We hope you enjoy these ear worms for book worms as much as we do!

Ear Worms for Book Worms: 12 Literary Podcasts You'll Love


 

New Yorker Fiction

Average Episode Length: 30 to 60 minutes

If you’re a fan of the New Yorker, then you should definitely give their fiction podcast a listen. Each month, a featured author reads a short story that's been published in the magazine. They then discuss the story with Deborah Treisman, the host of the podcast and the New Yorker's fiction editor. Frequent listeners love how entertaining and insightful this podcast can be!

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Slate's Audio Book Club

Average Episode Length: 30 to 60 minutes

If you want to join a book club but don't actually want to leave your house, listen to Slate's Audio Book Club! The hosts of ABC pick a buzzy book to read each month and discuss what they liked and didn't like about what they read. Their insight is snarky and intelligent, and you'll love what they have to say about your favorite new books. Some of the books they've read include The Martian, Fates and Furies, and The Girl on the Train.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Dear Book Nerd

Average Episode Length: 30 to 60 minutes

Dear Book Nerd, a Book Riot podcast that's posted bi-weekly, focuses on questions that bookish people often ask themselves. How do I stop buying so many books? What's the deal with eBooks? And the age old question: What should I read next? You can find the answer to all these questions and more in this insightful and entertaining podcast.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Lit Up

Average Episode Length: 45 to 60 minutes

In Lit Up, Angela Ledgerwood, former editor at Cosmopolitan, has intimate and genuine conversations with authors about their new releases. From new to more established authors, the show features a great variety of interesting and engaging writers. Listening to this podcast feels less like an interview, and more like sitting in on a chat with two friends.

Find on iTunesWebsite


 

Otherppl

Average Episode Length: about 60 minutes

Brad Listi has the ability to bring out the passion for reading in all his guests and listeners. This isn't your average podcast— Many long-time listeners claim that it is the best book-related podcast that's out there.  Listi gets together with the world's leading authors and talks about many in-depth and personal topics. Luckily, he has released over 400 episodes of Otherppl, so you have plenty of entertaining content to choose from.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Literary Disco

Average Episode Length: about 60 minutes

Literary Disco is hosted by three writer friends who want to share their love of reading with the world. From contemporary fiction to children's books, they're willing to discuss just about anything book related. Their sense of humor is smart and engaging, and you'll laugh out loud when they argue and rant about a book.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

BBC's World Book Club

Average Episode Length: about 50 minutes

Hosted by Harriett Gilbert, the World Book Club is a monthly series of interviews with the world's most well-known authors. Along with asking them questions about their life and their writing, the authors often read selections from their most notable works. From John Grisham to Maya Angelou, World Book Club has plenty of engaging conversations with inspiring authors.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Longform

Average Episode Length: 45 to 60 minutes

Each week, Longform gets together with a non-fiction writer and talks to them about how they tell stories. Most literary podcasts focus primarily on fiction writers, so it is exciting to hear the thoughts of journalists and other nonfiction writers. Some notable guests from the show include Michael Lewis, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Tavi Gevinson.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Smart Podcast, Trashy Books

Average Episode Length: about 60 minutes

If you're a romance fanatic, you've probably been to the website Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. But did you know they have a podcast too? From interviews with popular romance authors to chats about romance-related topics, it's hard not to fall in love with their refreshing and hilarious conversations.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Book Riot Podcast

Average Episode Length: 50 to 60 minutes

If you're looking for a source for all the bookish news you want, then you've come to the right place. The Book Riot Podcast discusses all the most important topics that are relevant to the book world. The hosts Jeff and Rebecca have a great, engaging chemistry, and their witty back-and-forth banter is extremely entertaining to listen to.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

The Guardian Book Podcast

Average Episode Length:

The Guardian Books Podcast calls itself the "perfect book worm's companion." Each week, hosts Claire Armistead and Richard Lea talk about trends in writing and ask authors about their novels. Long-time listeners say that the content is intelligent, insightful, and perfect for any book nerd.

Find on iTunesRSS FeedWebsite


 

Late Night Library

Average Episode Length:

The Late Night Library includes two different shows: Late Night Conversations and Late Night Debut. Conversations is centered on unscripted chats with professionals who work with books. Whether you're a reader or a writer, you'll enjoy the insider peaks you'll get into the book industry. Debut talks with new authors about their debut novels

Find on iTunesWebsite


Interview with Kelly Elliott, Author of Searching for Harmony

What can you tell us about your new release, Searching for Harmony?

It's a story about a young women who suffers a terrible tragedy and finds not only herself, but her true love in the process of healing.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

That is so hard! I've read so many amazing books. Let's see if I can do this! No particular order.
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. The Marriage Bargain
3. This Present Darkness
4. Dark Water Rising
5. Emma

What's on your writing desk?

A desk top computer I do all my writing on. A lap top. A picture of my husband and daughter. A stuffed Moose I bought at a signing in Canada. To many papers that need to be filed. A Diet Coke and water. Lots of sticky notes to remind me of things! A planner and my most important writing tool. The Emotion Thesaurus!

What is a typical day like for you?

A work day will normally look like this - I wake up around 5:45 and TRY to workout. Then I sit down and answer emails and messages for a bit then hop on social media. If I have any "desk" work I will do as much as I can if I can pry myself away from Facebook! Then I write. My daily word count goal is always at least 5,000 words on the days I write. I don't always hit it, but I try my best to bet to that goal. Then I'll get on social media again, work emails and messages, and then spend some time with my family. I almost always get back on my computer to work for a bit. I usually end my day around 10:00pm.

What's your favorite thing about living in Texas?

It's not the bugs I can tell ya that! HA! I love the hill country. It is truly what made me fall in love with Texas. I live in the hill country and nothing is more peaceful than sitting on my back porch and listening to nature. I will often sit out there and write.

What's the last song that was stuck in your head?

"I Was Made for Loving You" by Tori Kelly. I sang the chorus for days last week. And now I'm singing it again!

What scene in Searching for Harmony was your favorite to write?

That's a hard one to answer. I loved writing this book. It is probably one of my favorites I've ever written. I would say my favorite scene is where she goes to Preston because she can't sleep. The way he takes care of her with no expectations swooned me! My heart was pounding when I wrote that scene!

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

"Every day of your life is an opportunity to be a blessing to someone."

Kelly Elliott is the author of the new book Searching for Harmony.

Connect with Kelly
Author Website
 Twitter

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New Releases Week of July 12

If you're looking for a new vacation read, you're in luck! The second week of July brings a number great new releases, including works by Daniel Silva, Eleanor Brown, and many more. Ready to be thrilled? Check out Aoife Clifford's debut thriller, All These Perfect Strangers! More in the mood for romance? Try Kelly Elliot's newest book, Searching for Harmony!

Mystery

Romance

Literary

Fantasy

Science Fiction

Biography / Memoir



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Books to Read if You Like Catherine Bybee

From paranormal to sweet romance, author Catherine Bybee can write it all. She's written a handful of series in a bunch of different romance sub-genres, but her Not Quite and Weekday Brides series seem to take the cake. Both series are sweet and fun, which makes them the perfect thing to pick up before the summer ends! If you're looking for more similar books to bring with you on vacation, then take a look at our list of books to read if you like Catherine Bybee.

Books to Read if You Like Catherine Bybee


 

Searching for Harmony

Kelly Elliot

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Preston Ward is a fire fighter, and it's taken him some time to overcome the hardships of his job. After a particularly devastating fire, Preston meets a woman who could change his life forever. Harmony Banks has enjoyed her perfect life, but she becomes desperate when it begins to crumble apart. Preston, who saved her life on the night that her world started to change, may be the only glue that can hold her together.

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All My Love

Natalie Ann

Release Date: June 14, 2016

Jordyn Montgomery has no family, no friends, and no future in Florida. After her mother's death, she desperately wants to find people she can call family. She heads to a city that was marked on a postcard she found in her mother's old things, hoping that it's a place she can call home. Drew Palmer and his dad are moving closer to Drew's sister, and he's just looking for a good time in a new city. For both Drew and Jordyn, the thing that they need might not be the thing they were searching for.

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Best of My Love

Susan Mallary

Release Date: April 26, 2016

Shelby Gilmore has been burned by many men in the past, and she's determined to find one whom she can trust. Unfortunately, she lives in a small town and may have a hard timing finding someone who just wants to be her friend. Even though he didn't intend for it to happen, Aidan Mitchell has gained a reputation for being the town playboy. When Aidan hears about Shelby's goal, he thinks it might help him convince the town that he's not as bad of a guy as he seems.

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Desire After Dark

Marie Force

Release Date: May 21, 2016

Tobias "Slim" Jackson is a pilot on Gansett Island who loves being in the air more than being on the ground. Erin Barton recently lost her brother, and her life has been a mess ever since. When she takes a job as Gansett Island's lighthouse keeper, Slim can't keep his eyes off of her. Slim has the same name has Erin's brother, so she's drawn to him from the minute they meet. Slim only has a little time left on the island before he sets off to fulfill his winter duties, so will he be able to show Erin how to live again in the little time they have left together?

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Sweet Little Lies

Jill Shalvis

Release Date: June 28, 2016

Pru works as the captain of a boat tour off of San Fransisco Bay, and she can handle the rough seas better than she can handle any of life's real problems. Off-shore, she becomes friends with Finn O'Riley, who is as sweet as he is handsome. When an accident brings them closer together, Pru must tell him her secrets before it's too late.

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Riverbend Road

RaeAnne Thayne

Release Date: July 1, 2016

After a long history of her family protecting Haven Point, officer Wyn Bailey is ready to carry on the family tradition. Work is great, but she can't keep her eyes off of the handsome chief of police (who happens to be her brother's best friend). Cade thinks of her as a little sister, so he comes rushing to her side when she's injured in the line of duty. When Cade finally realizes that he has feelings for Wyn, will he be able to give in to love?

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Interview with Aoife Clifford, Author of All These Perfect Strangers

What can you tell us about your new release, All These Perfect Strangers?

All These Perfect Strangers is about Pen Sheppard, a troubled eighteen year old, who seizes the chance to reinvent herself when she leaves her country town to study law at university. A series of murders on campus brings her under scrutiny and she discovers that you can never run far or fast enough away from your past.

What’s the most exciting thing about being a debut author?

I love getting to meet readers who love books as much as I do.

Do you listen to anything while you write? If so, what’s your audio of choice?

Normally I write to the sound of children rampaging around the house so I’m trained to work with noise and can cope with most background sounds that are not of my own choosing. I don’t tend to listen to music as I find that distracting.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I can’t remember this, but when my book came out an old school friend got in touch and claimed that they could remember that I told them I wanted to be an author. After quite a few diverse career swerves I’ve managed it!

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

Family, books and chocolate, the order of which depends on the day! Having children is a constant source of joy, fascination, amusement with the occasional bout of frustration. The pram in the hallway is supposedly the enemy of writing but that has not been my experience. I started writing my novel surrounded by babies. By the time I had finished it the pram had magically turned into school bags.

What will your next adventure be?

Writing the next novel will be an adventure for my mind and for a physical adventure my family will be heading to New Zealand early next year, one of the most beautiful places in the world, for my sister’s wedding.

What scene in All These Perfect Strangers was your favorite to write?

The last chapter because I wanted it to achieve many things. I wanted the plot and sub-plot come crashing in to each other, for there to be a symmetry between the start and the end of the novel, to tell two big events of my main character’s life – the very beginning of one significant relationship and the end of another, and last but not least for it to be memorable. On those terms I was happy with it (and with the added bonus that I’d almost finished writing the book as well).

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

For writing it is the well worn phrase- there are no good writers only good rewriters. For the rest of my life- it is never too late.

Aoife Clifford is the author of the new book All These Perfect Strangers.

Connect with Aoife
Author Website
 Twitter

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Interview with Joshua Corin, Author of Forgive Me


Tell us a little about your new release, Forgive Me.

FORGIVE ME is the next novel in my Xanadu Marx series, which began last year with the critically acclaimed COST OF LIFE. Xanadu is working through a 12-step program and has begun to make amends for her very bad behavior. Unfortunately, one of the many, many people she wronged in the past is out for vengeance against her and her loved ones.

What’s the last book you read?

I just finished BEFORE THE FALL by Noah Hawley. I was already a huge fan of Hawley's from his TV work (THE UNUSUALS, FARGO) and I was still absolutely stunned by how masterful and meaningful BEFORE THE FALL was.

Is there a specific book that you always assign your students in class?

In my literature classes, I love assigning the BOOK OF JOB. What a rich, revelatory text, full of vibrant arguments and astonishing contradictions.

What do you like most about working as a screenwriter?

Collaboration!

What's your favorite play or musical?

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? is my favorite play and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is my favorite musical. What can I say? I really like complicated protagonists.

Say you now host a literary-themed talk show (congrats). Who would be your first guest? What would you ask that person?

My first guest would be Stephen King. After thanking him for the inspirational nightmares, I’d then ask him how he has managed to be so productive over all these years.

What scene in Forgive Me was your favorite to write?

FORGIVE ME is actually one of most autobiographical novels I’ve ever written, and there are several sequences in it which share an uncomfortable mimesis with incidents from my past. They were difficult to write… but ultimately therapeutic.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

My personal philosophy is probably a combination of Alfred Camus and Alfred E. Newman.

Joshua Corin is the author of the new book Forgive Me.

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 Twitter

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Interview with Stacey Kennedy, Author of Bound Beneath His Pain

What can you tell us about your new release, Bound Beneath His Pain?

The quote card below says it all. Bound Beneath His Pain is sexy read about Micah, a guy who has all he could ever ask for, but has a past full of secrets that he runs from, until he’s forced to stop running. And that’s what Allie does for Micah. She shows him the way toward healing and happiness.

Picture1

Where did you write Bound Beneath His Pain? (your couch, a coffee shop, a bar... hey - we won't judge)

I wrote Micah and Allie’s story in a few of my favorite places: on my couch, in my office, at my other office (I mean, my local Starbucks), and sitting around a campfire with a glass of wine.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My family and friends. Whether it be spending a quiet night in, or going to the beach, or having a party, my world just wouldn’t be my world without my people. I’m very lucky and grateful to be surrounded by so much love!

What will your next adventure be?

Probably nothing, if I’m honest. I’m the biggest scaredy-cat of all time and totally not adventurous at all. But I’m hoping to travel soon to knock off something on my bucket list. Scotland sounds all too good to me!

What's your favorite thing about living in Canada?

The beautiful landscape. I’m big into hiking, canoeing, and all that outdoorsy stuff, so there’s truly nothing more that I appreciate than the beauty Canada offers.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

I’ve got three favorite quotes that have always stuck with me:

Sing like no one is listening.
Love like you’ve never been hurt.
Dance like nobody’s watching,
and live like it’s heaven on earth.

Those Who Mind Don’t Matter, and Those Who Matter Don’t Mind

Beginnings are scary.
Endings are usually sad.
But it's the middle that counts the most.
Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning.
Just give hope a chance to float up.
And it will...

What scene in Bound Beneath His Pain was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write is the one below. It’s a scene where Micah reaches his breaking point and knows he needs to change his ways or he’ll lose Allie. I suppose it was at this point in the story when I realized how much Micah’s past still affected him. It made my heart reach for him just a little bit more.

   I clench my fists, digging my fingers into my palms, trying to ignore the urge to bring her closer to me. It’s not so much a want as it is a need. She’s too far away from me right now. My mind is spinning, as I’m fighting to find the right words to say to her. She wants me to be this different guy. One I don’t know. But I want to be him for her, too. The one who knows how to do relationships.
I know how to fulfill desires. I know how to handle a woman’s body. But I don’t know how to deal delicately with a woman’s heart. “I shouldn’t be here,” is what finally comes out of my mouth.
"You shouldn’t be here?” she asks, incredulous. “That’s the first thing you say to me? Oh, my God, Micah. You’re seriously unbelievable.” She rises to her feet, arms flailing in the air. “I mean, you want me, you get me, you have me, then you leave me, but regret it later. Now you want to talk to me, but you shouldn’t be here.” She folds her arms, glaring. “Do I have that right?”
I nod.
She snorts and shakes her head in clear disbelief. “To be honest, Micah, this has all gotten a bit too complicated for me. I told you yesterday that it wasn’t going to work, and clearly it’s not.” She turns to move toward the door. “I think it’s best if you go—”
“Stop.”
I’m not sure what she hears in my voice that makes her freeze on the spot. I’m not even sure what I’m feeling, but the tension in my chest is squeezing my lungs and I can hardly breathe. She’s not looking at me, just staring at the door. She’s not even moving. But all I can manage is    “Please. Stop.”
She turns then, eyebrows drawn together.
I bow my head, unable to look at her, not wanting to show her weakness. Whenever she stares at me so intently, she bares me. She strips every layer, every shield, and I’m not even thinking of what I should or shouldn’t do. I only know that today I needed to come here. And now that I’m here, I can’t leave.
She finally gives a long-suffering sigh and approaches, stopping in front of me. “What do you want, Micah?”
Her soft pink-painted toes fill my vision. But I don’t need to see her. I feel her. I’ve felt her from the second I met her. The light of her warms the chill out of me. “You.”

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Stacey Kennedy is the author of the new book Bound Beneath His Pain.

Connect with Stacey
Author Website
 Twitter

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Books to Read if You Like Jane Austen

Whether you had to read her books for school or you just love the classics, it's hard to go through life without reading at least one novel by Jane Austen. Even though Austen's books are hundreds of years old, they still contain themes that are applicable to our modern lives. Her prolific works have been adapted into anything from movies to web series to satirical novels. If you love any aspect of Austen's works, then you're sure to find a great read on this list of books to read if you like Jane Austen.

Books to Read if You Like Jane Austen


 

The Abyss

Lara Blunte

Release Date: April 22, 2016

If your favorite part of Austen's novels is the historical romance, then you'll love The Abyss.

It's 1803 during the regency of Prince John of Portugal, and Clara Moreira Tavares knows that her one job in life is to marry well. Nevertheless, that doesn't stop her from falling in love with Gabriel Almada de Castro. He is the second son of the Marquis of Vargas, who disowns Gabriel when he learns of his relationship with Clara. They meet again years later in Rio de Janeiro after the regent and his people flee from Portugal. The lovers are able to marry, but their relationship will face many hardships along the way.

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Eligible

Curtis Sittenfeld

Release Date: April 19, 2016

Even though Eligible is one of many retellings of Pride and Prejudice, it will not disappoint fans of the original book.

When their dad has a health scare, Liz and Jane leave their life in New York City and return home to Cincinnati. Their sisters Kitty and Lydia are as crazy as ever, and Mary tends to keep to herself. While the oldest Bennet sisters are home, Mrs. Bennet is dead-set on finding them suitable husbands. Chip Bingley, handsome doctor and former star of the hit dating show Eligible, recently moved to Cincinnati, and he may be the man that Mrs. Bennet wants for her daughters.

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First Comes Love

Emily Giffin

Release Date: June 28, 2016

If your favorite Austenian theme is the bond between sisters, then pick up First Comes Love.

Even though they are extremely different, Josie and Meredith Garland were close growing up. Unfortunately, their close bond was broken apart by a devastating tragedy. Fifteen years later, even though they are in very different places in life, the two sisters are brought back together to confront the issues that destroyed their relationship.

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The Decent Proposal

Kemper Donovan

Release Date: April 5, 2016

If you liked the comedic parts of Austen's novels, you should read The Decent Proposal.

After struggling to succeed as a Hollywood producer, Richard Baumbach is worn out and broke. Elizabeth Santiago, a reserved and orderly young woman, is working hard to make partner at her law firm. Richard and Elizabeth's lives are forced together when someone offers them a million dollars to split if they spend two hours talking each week for a year. What starts as an easy way to earn money turns into a hilarious journey of love and discovery.

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The Gilded Years

Karin Tanabe

Release Date: June 7, 2016

If you enjoy the historical aspects of Austen's books, then you'll love The Gilded Years.

Anita Hemmings has wanted to attend Vassar for as long as she can remember. By hiding her true identity, Anita becomes the only African-American student to ever attend Vassar. When she arrives and meets her high class roommate Lottie, she is sucked into the elite world and learns what it's like to be treated like a wealthy white woman.

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Falling

Jane Green

Release Date: July 19, 2016

If you like Austen's tales of love and family, then you'll love Falling.

Emma Montague is desperately trying to find the life she wants to live. She moved away from her elite British life to work at a high-paying job in New York, but that doesn't make her happy. She quits her job and moves again to Westport, Connecticut, a small town that's extremely different from anything else she's experienced. As she starts to discover her passions, she rents an old shack from a local handyman named Dominic. As they grow closer, she finally discovers what it means to feel at home.

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