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Call Me, Maybe

Ellie Cahill

Price: Only $2.99!

Release Date: February 9, 2016

When Clementine Daly accidentally picks up a stranger’s phone before boarding a flight, she's annoyed - at first. Soon his sexy voice is on the line but he doesn’t know her or her famous pedigree. Just the way Clementine likes it.

The Moonlit Garden

Corina Bomann

Release Date: February 1, 2016

Young widow Lily Kaiser embarks on a trip with her best friend, Ellen, and handsome musicologist Gabriel Thornton to discover the mysterious legacy of an old violin. On the way, all three learn valuable lessons about love, life, and companionship.

Fates and Furies: A Novel

Lauren Groff

September 15, 2015

This rich, layered novel examines the inner workings and two separate perspectives of protagonists Lotto and Mathilde's marriage. Fates and Furies was listed as Amazon's 2015 Book of the Year.

Obsessed

R.J. Lewis

Release Date: January 2, 2016

Aston and Elise love each other deeply, passionately, unequivocally. They're kept apart and tormented by one thing - they are brother and sister.

The Air He Breathes

Brittainy Cherry

Release Date: September 25, 2015

She had been warned about Tristan - he was cold, heartless, damaged. But so was she. They were both empty and looking for something more. Could they fit the shattered pieces of their lives together and learn how to breathe again?

SNACK

Emme Burton

Release Date: January 5, 2016

Ladykiller Marcus "Snack" Snackenberg and Minnie Cooper grew up together; they've been hanging out for years. But what began as a childhood friendship is slowly blossoming into something else. Will their new romance last? Or will it ruin their friendship forever?

Interview with Alexis Bass, Author of What's Broken Between Us

Tell us a little bit about your new release, What's Broken Between Us..

What’s Broken Between Us is about sadness and forgiveness and brothers and sisters and drunk driving and bad television interviews and guilt and moving forward and falling in love. In a nutshell.

What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?

My childhood demands that I say Narnia for this question. 🙂 But I’ll also answer: Brideshead Revisited. Only I wouldn’t want to visit the “revisit,” I’d like to visit it when it was at its prime.

What are you currently craving?

Food wise? Chocolate. Always Chocolate. Book-wise? Something challenging and thoughtful that pulls me in and doesn’t let up.

What books do you find yourself returning to again and again?

Oh, so many. The Adults by Alison Espach. All the books in The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater (Can’t wait for the last one out in 2016!). Lauren Oliver’s debut: Before I Fall. Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo. Books by Jandy Nelson and Donna Tartt and Bret Easton Ellis. I also must include the 2015 release The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, which I’ve already reread twice.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Let it go—whatever it is. But take your time.

What's your favorite song lyric?

“Take all that you have,
And turn it into something you would miss if
Somebody threw that brick, shattered all your plans.”
from Sowing Season, by Brand New
*I find it inspiring.

What's your favorite quote or scene from What's Broken Between Us?

Without spoiling too much, my favorite line from one of my favorite chapters, probably one of the most uncomfortable to watch play out, takes place toward the end of the book in an auditorium. The line is “Thank you,” and it’s my favorite because of the timing.

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

“Success is most often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.”
― Coco Chanel

Alexis Bass is the author of the new book What's Broken Between Us

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Authors Like James Patterson: New Books to Read

James Patterson and John Grisham are known for writing heart racing, unputdownable books. Their chart-topping novels have got us all clamoring for more, and it seems like they can’t write books fast enough for the fiendishly literate. If you need a little something suspenseful to tide you over to their next release, the books below are a sample of fast paced thrillers and suspense-ridden novels that will open up a whole new world of books to read by authors like James Patterson.

New Books to Read by Authors Like James Patterson

Foreign Affairs

Stuart Woods

Release Date: October 13, 2015

Stuart Woods has all the elements of the best Patterson novel – international chase, flaming action, running from danger…buckle up your seatbelts and get ready for action.

Robert B. Parker's the Devil Wins

Reed Farrel Coleman

Release Date: September 8, 2015

Continuing the bestselling Robert B. Parker series, Coleman weaves together a story of multiple murders across several years to hand Police Chief Jesse Stone (and his readers) a veritable puzzle.

The Survivor

Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Travel with Mitch Rapp across the world as he battles to save America (and get a chance to check out author Kyle Mills as he inherits the Rapp series). Exciting, suspenseful, and the gateway to an entire series of other Mitch Rapp books, this one is worth picking up.

All Dressed in White

Mary Higgins Clark

Release Date: November 17, 2015

A bride disappears and someone is determined to keep her missing in this sequel to The Cinderella Murder by Mary Higgins Clark. With a romantic flair to a chilling mystery, All Dressed in White reads like an elegant version of authors like James Patterson and John Grisham.

Crimson Shore

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Release Date: November 10, 2015

What should have been a simple robbery case becomes infinitely more complex (and creepy) when a skeleton turns up at the crime scene…and it’s not the only body. This is a story of ancient secrets and lurking danger that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

After She's Gone

Lisa Jackson

Release Date: December 29, 2015

Two sisters with an undertone of rivalry find themselves in the middle of a thrilling story with one missing and the other suspected of being crazy or a murderer. Be the first to get this one hot off the shelves after Christmas and, while you’re waiting, check out Lisa Jackson’s previous bestsellers in the West Coast Series.

Interview with Jeff Gunhus, Author of Killer Pursuit

Tell us a little bit about your new release, Killer Pursuit.

When a secret webcam is found in the Georgetown bedroom of a murdered high-society call girl, everyone in Washington, DC wants the recording...especially the killer. FBI Special Agent Allison McNeil is asked by beleaguered FBI Director Clarence Mason to run an off-the-record investigation of the murder because of the murder's similarity to a case she worked a year earlier. Allison knows the most direct path to apprehending the killer is to find the videos, but rumors that the victim's client list may include some of Washington's most powerful men makes her doubt the director's motives. As she starts her investigation, she quickly discovers that she's not the only one pursuing the recording...but that the most aggressive person racing against her might be the murderer himself.

Who are your literary heroes working today? Why do you admire them?

I love Stephen King because he’s able to write in so many different genres and still keep that incredible voice. I enjoy a story he tells about meeting a woman in a supermarket, an old New Englander, who really lays into him for his disgusting books he writes and the movies that come from them. She ends by saying, “I like things like The Shawshank Redemption.” “But ma’am,” Stephen King replies. "I wrote that.” She stares him down for a long second, then says, “No you didn’t.” I hope I’m able to some day have the breadth of work that will keep people guessing and surprised

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I fall in love with my characters, especially the bad guys. It’s a masochistic pleasure to drag them through the dirt to see how they will react. The moments where they have epiphanies and change their worldview are really epiphanies I get to have with them. It’s awfully sad when they die, but sometimes it such happens. If it’s a main character, I hold a little private wake in their honor at the local Irish Pub near my house. It’s the least I can do…and it gives me a reason to have a pint on a writing day.

What do you think is the best way to get kids who are reluctant about reading to pick up a book?

First is to choose a book that’s going to hold their interest. Sounds logical but I talk to parents all the time who can’t figure out why their reluctant reader doesn’t love Catcher In the Rye or Tale of Two Cities the way they did when they were a kid. Get something the matches their interest with short chapters and a driving plot. Then carve out time to read with them. Out loud, taking turns. This is the equivalent to getting the motor going. If you’ve picked the right book, once you read together for two weeks (every day, 30 min minimum) the book will be all the gas you need and they will start sneaking the book to read on their own. Modeling is the other essential ingredient. If kids see their parents reading all the time then they will too.

BAM! You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

Is bad grammar a superpower? No, that’s my kryptonite! I’d go with the power of flight. I mean, c’mon, what could be better than that? Other than maybe the superpower to find kids shoes around the house. With five kids, half of my waking moments of the last decade has been spent looking for shoes!

What is the one movie that you can quote the most?

My family sings lyrics to Scrooge, the musical with Albert Finney. “Thank you very much!” and “I like life, life likes me.” My 5 year old does a pretty sweet Tiny Tim. He’ll just randomly belt out, “God bless us, every one.” It’ll be a little awkward when he gets to college.

What scene in Killer Pursuit was your favorite to write?

The bad guy scenes are aways fun so Harris was a blast to write. However, the scenes with Allison and her father who has Alzheimer’s were both the most challenging and the most rewarding. I’ve had reports that those scenes usually cause even the toughest reader to suddenly pretend they have something in their eye.

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

I have four (is that cheating?). "Leave people happier than you found them.” I got that from my Grandpa Joe. “Make friends with the people that serve the food.” Got that from my dad. “Go gettum.” Got that from my mom. “Writer’s write.” That’s mine, a message to myself when I find myself thinking about writing (easy) as opposed to actually writing (hard).

Jeff Gunhus is the author of the new book Killer Pursuit.

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Books To Read if you Like Hollywood Romances

We all have at least one celebrity crush. This leads to suffering through terrible movies from their early careers, following their lives on social media, and reading every interview they've ever done. Actually seeing them, let alone falling in mutual love just seems too good to be true. But crazier things have happened. While you're waiting on your special star, here are books to read if you like Hollywood Romances.

[big_title]Books to Read if You Like Hollywood Romances[/big_title]

The Consequence of Seduction

Rachel Van Dyken

Release Date: January 18, 2016

Reid Emory has never had trouble getting the girls. Not until recently, that is. And who else can he trust to help him but his publicist, Jordan Litwright? Except things don't go as planned when she is mistaken for his new love interest.

All the Stars in the Heavens

Adriana Trigiani

Release Date: October 13, 2015

New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani takes on the early years of Hollywood in this new book that captures the drama, power, and romance of the early film making industry. Follow two sisters as they take on the silver screen and the scandals that come with it.

Rapturous

M.S. Force

Release Date: January 19, 2016

What does Hayden Roth do as soon as he's awarded the Oscar for best director? He kisses Addison York, the woman he knows he can't have. Will this mean a future passion between them? Or will it end before it could begin?

Never Say Never

Emily Goodwin

Release Date: September 26, 2015

Hayley's life is not as she's wanted it to be. Losing her mother and working a terrible job for a man who sees her more as an object than a person, she doesn't think anything good can come...until Hollywood star Aiden walks in.

Just Physical

Jae

Release Date: November 30, 2015

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Jill Corrigan turns all her efforts toward her acting career. While on set she meets Kristine "Crash" Patterson, a stunt woman that wins Jill over. However, Jill refuses to let the relationship become emotional. But, given their feelings for each other, is it possible?

Leading Man

Elle Rush

Release Date: March 16, 2015

Nick's new role requires he learn how to dance. Who could be better than Ashleigh? But as things heat up between them, both on and off the dance floor, secrets threaten to split them apart.

Interview with Elizabeth McKenzie, Author of The Portable Veblen

Tell us a little bit about your new release, The Portable Veblen.

The novel concerns wealth, class, desire and family through the eyes of Norwegian-translator Veblen, her physician-fiancé Paul, and a squirrel who may or may not know more than he is letting on. There’s also an heiress to a pharmaceuticals empire and a shady-sounding deal with the Department of Defense. And some parents who are irritating. And a step-father who’s very nice.

What's rocking your world this month?

Waiting for my book to come out! And I’m really looking forward to my “book tour” which will take me to a few places I’ve never been.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest?

Kafka. Wouldn’t it be something to hear him reading from The Trial or The Castle? Apparently he would laugh a lot when reading his own work.

What's in your Netflix queue?

The usual great TV shows everyone is watching these days, and a documentary about Banksy.

Where is your happy place? Why does it bring you joy?

There’s a beach nearby full of frolicking dogs. I love it!

What's on your writing desk?

There’s a huge mess on it right now—a stack to the left with drafts, a stack to the right of slightly less exciting drafts, a pile of books, some bills, a notebook, some SDHC cards, and a fossil fern.

What's your favorite quote or scene from The Portable Veblen?

There’s a motel room scene with a woman and a squirrel that I’m not too critical of.

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

Well, I have some sayings pinned to a board over my desk but they will become null if I reveal them. How about: Smile and buy books!

Elizabeth McKenzie is the author of the new book The Portable Veblen.

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Books to Read Before They Become Movies in 2016

It happens every year. For better or worse, some brilliant works of fiction are turned into movies. Every year, the circle of people who've seen the movie but "never had time" for the book grows threateningly larger. If you're still preparing your booklist for the year and wish to avoid the disappointment of another poor adaption, or at least make it through a social gathering without movie audience spoilers, you may want to start reading these.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

The Bennets take on the undead in this darkly humorous twist on the Victorian classic. Follow Elizabeth Bennet as she takes on the zombie hordes and takes a certain interest in recent neighbor Mr. Darcy. Is there room for love in the midst of a zombie crisis?

Release date: February 5th, 2016

The Choice

Nicholas Sparks

Travis Parker is a single man, and he likes his life just so. With all his hobbies and free time, he fears a serious relationship would keep him from the fun in his life. That is until his new neighbor moves in.

Release date: February 5th, 2016

Allegiant

Veronica Roth

The third installment in the Divergent Series promises to reveal secrets of the dystopian society constructed in Divergent and Insurgent! Find out what happens before it's spoiled by a friend.

Release date: March 18th, 2016

The Jungle Book

Rudyard Kipling

Enjoy this collection of stories with memorable characters like Mowgli the boy born in the wild, Baloo the bear, and more. Expect insightful tales, poignant metaphors, and fun adventures in this classic.

Release date: April 15, 2016

Through the Looking Glass

Lewis Carroll

The less famous but equally bizarre sequel to Alice in Wonderland. Ever hear of the poem the Jabberwocky? It's from this trip back through the mirror. Maybe you're looking forward to Johnny Depp's return as the Mad Hatter, but regardless of the cast, the book is a treat.

Release date: May 27, 2016

The BFG

Roald Dahl

A little girl makes friends with a giant that refuses to eat people...unlike the not so nice other giants from his world. While Charlie and the Chocolate Factory may not have been well liked, Matilda and Fantastic Mister Fox were critically acclaimed adaptions. Still, better safe than sorry.

Release date: July 1, 2016

The Girl On The Train

Paula Hawkins

A recently divorced woman's routine train ride into London wraps her into an investigation when she witnesses a murder at the home she once lived in.

Release date: October 7th, 2016

Inferno

Dan Brown

Robert Langdon is brought back to Italy to follow the clues of dangerous scientist wrapped in the first part of Dante's Divine Comedy, Inferno. If you liked Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code, and his other works, you'll probably like this book. If you like Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, you'll probably like the movie too.

Release date: October 14, 2016

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Newt Scamander

A guide to the monsters in the magical world around and beyond Hogwartz! Not much narrative here, though that hasn't stopped Hollywood from turning it into a thrilling story of intrigue and capture starring Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrel. J.K Rowling is attached to the film, which is a good sign for the feature. You may have enjoyed the original Harry Potter adaptions, but we're still trying to forget The Hobbit trilogy...If you haven't yet, it up and give it a read!

Release date: November 18, 2016

Silence

Shusaku Endo

This story follows a young Jesuit missionary searching for his mentor in 17th century, Christian hating country of Japan. A highly praised and critically acclaimed novel about faith, racism, and sacrifice, Martin Scorsese has been working on this since 1991. Whether he'll pull it off or not, the book stands on its own.

Release date: TBD

New Romantic Suspense Series: 2016 New Book List

When you're looking for spine tingling suspense to go with your heart racing romance, romantic suspense is the perfect sort of read. The combination of mystery and romance is the savory sweat treat of the literary world. If you're looking for a new romantic suspense series to read this year we've picked out six you can start with. More interested in stand alone romances? Check out this Romantic Suspense post.

New Romantic Suspense Series

Lightning Lingers: Lightning Strikes Series

Barbara Freethy

Price: Only $5.99!

Number in the Series: Book 2

With her brother fleeing the country, Katherine sees no other choice but to ask her old flame, Jake, for help. Because if the killer chasing her brother is as driven as he seems, it'll take more than crossing the southern border to stop him.

Fatal Burn: West Coast Series

Lisa Jackson

Number in the Series: Book 2

Shannon Flannery can't seem to convince anyone that someone is after her, except for ex-Special Forces Agent Travis Settler. With her dark past and her daughter missing, there's plenty of reason for Shannon to fear for her life. Can she trust a man she barely knows to help her?

I'll Never Let You Go: The Morgans of Nashville Series

Mary Burton

Number in the Series: Book 3

Her ex husband is watching her, and as the evidence piles up, Leah Carson knows its only a matter of time before he comes after her again. Agent Alex Morgan is suspicious of the random events as well, and when the dead body of a woman is found with the same MO, they both know he's only waiting for the right moment to strike.

Out of the Shadows: Tangled Ivy Series

Tiffany Snow

Number in the Series: Book 3

Ivy Mason has faced plenty of trouble, and run from even more. Now she's after a cure for a deadly, man-made disease, and squarely in the crosshairs of infamous assassin Vega. Devon Clay, British agent and romantic interest, is looking to hunt down Vega before he can get Ivy, but will their relationship make it through the secrets these conflicts unearth?

Into the Fury: Boss Inc. Series

Kat Martin

Number in the Series: Book 1

In this new romantic suspense series, Ethan Brodie has a new mission: protect the lingerie models touring the country. He knows he has to keep a sharp eye out for any imminent threats, and his hands to himself, but there's more to most of the models than meets the eye. When one is found murdered, Ethan is forced to ask: what happens when the killer is one of the girls he's protecting?

She Can Kill: She Can Series

Melinda Leigh

Number in the Series: Book 5

After 12 years for fleeing for his life from a ruthless cartel, Cristan Rojas is tired. He wants a peaceful life for himself and her daughter. And he thinks he's found it in the small town of Westbury, Pennsylvania. But this little town has dangers too, dangers that can do more than destroy his relationship with Sarah Mitchell.

Interview with Karolyn James, author of Fight

Tell us a little bit about your new release, Fight.

Well, the collaboration began back in August. My other bestselling series (Back Down Devil) focused on a MC and the wild life and love the members experienced. I had been tinkering with an idea to expand on the idea to take it out of the MC life. So I started coming up with this character that turned out to be Tripp. A simple premise: Tripp is the best fighter out there. His boss has one rule – if you lose, you die. So what would happen if Tripp lost a fight? The question stuck with me. Tripp loses the fight because of a “situation” at the fight. Instead of getting killed, he’s given an assignment. A punishment. To protect a woman named Winter. Her boyfriend has been killed and he was the VP of a motorcycle club. Whoever killed her boyfriend is going to come after her. The second Tripp and Winter meet, it’s instant sparks. The closer they get, they more truths they discover. And every time you think you’ve figure it out, there’s another twist in the story. Their forbidden romance blossoms as they fight for each other and their lives.

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

That is a tough question to answer. I love to read in any/all genres. The world of the Kindle completely changed my life in terms of reading. A book that always stuck with me was Pet Semetary by Stephen King. Yes, it’s horror, but it’s such an amazing book of characters, right? It’s about tempting fate, never letting go, about challenging people in their worst situations possible. And, yes, it’s scary as hell. I’ve always loved Stephen King. To go outside him for a moment… my current authors would be Harlan Coben, Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh, Sandra Brown… anything with romance, suspense, and wicked awesome bad guys.

Who is your favorite fictional character from literature?

Can I be crazy for a second? How about Odd Thomas?! I should have mentioned Koontz above… but oh well. I just love Odd Thomas’s character. He’s honest, without fear, bold, and just goes into any/all books with a sense of hope that’s always amazing to read.

What's in your Netflix queue?

My Netflix is insane. It’s a mix of romantic stuff like the movie Labor Day all the way to the Sons of Anarchy show! I like to relax with Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, and The Office! I also indulge my horror side with The Walking Dead.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

I am a HUGE music fan. Jim Morrison. The Lizard King. Just to talk to him… to exchange words, poetry, and hang out. He was a very deep and passionate man. Almost like a character of himself.

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

Cliché time. A WRITER. No lie though. I have my first book I ever wrote printed and in my desk.

What scene in Fight was your favorite to write?

When Tripp learns the truth about Winter. It was such a hard scene to write. She finally let herself become completely vulnerable to him to prove that she wasn’t the enemy. While it was happening, Tripp had already started to fall for her. But he knows the risk of falling for her. Then when he finds out who she is… he can’t help himself. He has to have her. For me, writing that really showed who Tripp was. On the surface, he’s this hardened fighter. Right? He works for a mob boss to fight and earn. Now he’s on this protection job and he wants to get away from it because of how attracted he is to Winter. The scene involves pictures. That’s all I can say.

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

I’m going to quote Chuckie from Sons of Anarchy: “I accept that.” Because life is life. Just go with the flow.

Karolyn James is the author of the new book Fight.

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