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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.


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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!

McKenzie-recent

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.


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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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Interview with Chris Gill, Author of Shell


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

My dystopian debut is set in a future England, where society has been forced to live in a claustrophobic city that sits on the seabed. The United Underworld, or The Shell as it's dubbed by its inhabitants, has become a crime-filled hellhole where Authorities are rarely around when citizens need them. The story follows Red, a determined 19-year-old who distrusts the government and wants nothing more than to feel fresh air on her face again. But will she ever escape the bleakness of The Shell?

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

I guess the obvious answer is writing. I live in Sydney, Australia, where there are many sunny days throughout the year – so I jump at the chance of a full day putting pen to paper without the guilt of not being outside in the sunshine, hiking or hitting the beach. Otherwise, you'll find me curled up on the sofa with a mug of green tea and a book. A printed book, I might add.

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

Jeff Noon: Vurt was one of the first books that inspired me to want to write fiction.
Suzanne Collins: Let's face it, she's the modern day dystopian messiah!
Stephen King: Because he's the king.

What's something you're truly terrible at doing?

Cooking! Which might make the above literary dinner party a bit of a disaster. Let's hope the wine would compensate.

What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?

Oh wow, that's a tough one. I guess it would have to be Vurt's alternate version of Manchester, England. I love the idea of being able to access a different reality by simply sucking on colour-coded feathers!

What's your favorite song lyric?

"Art is why I get up in the morning, but my definition ends there and it doesn't seem fair that I'm living for something I can't even define.” – Ani DiFranco

What's your favorite quote or scene from Shell?

I've always been fond of the first chapter, where we're first introduced to Red's resilient nature. In particular, I'm proud of the opening paragraph:

"As Red stepped out of the nightclub, she felt the artificial rain lightly touching her skin. Slowly walking away from the throbbing sound behind her, she pulled her black hood over her toxic green denim jacket and lit a cigarette. While she understood how necessary the rain was, she was always so conscious of how unnatural it felt when it made contact with her. Like she was a piece of genetically-modified fruit soaked in pesticides.”

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

"Don't underrate simplicity." The formula to happiness seems to be far less complicated than we often think it is. Surround yourself with the people you love, take moments each day to appreciate the little things such as blue sky and sunshine and always make time for art. Whether it's creating your own, or appreciating the work of others. That’s what I love so much about Shell’s cover – its minimalism says it all.

Chris_Gill
Chris Gill is the author of the new book Shell.

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Giveaway: Win Anton Svensson's New Thriller "The Father"

Anton Svensson's flawlessly constructed new thriller, The Father, follows the transformation of three boys as they turn into some of Sweden's most wanted criminals. The novel has attracted the attention of people from all around the world, and authors and readers alike are raving about it. The Guardian called it a "powerful real-life story." We are giving away 150 copies of this exciting new book, so make sure to enter today!

Fans of Jo Nesbo and Stieg Larson will love The Father. Enter to win your free copy!

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About The Book


Publication Date: April 5, 2016

How does a child become a criminal? How does a father lose a son?

None had committed a crime before. All were under twenty-four years old. When their incredible spree had come to an end amid the glare of the international media, all of them would be changed forever as individuals and as a family.

This intoxicating, heartbreaking thriller tells the story of how three boys are transformed over the course of their lives from innocent children to the most wanted criminals in Sweden. And of the man who made them that way: their father.


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Books to Read If You Like MC Romances

Bad boys run rampant throughout motorcycle club romance novels, and honestly, it's hard to resist these raw and gritty heartthrobs. There's just something about a guy on a motorcycle that's intriguing. After all, they're never as "bad" as they seem. If you are looking for a thrilling romance read, look no further. Here's a list of books to read if you like MC romances. Let your hair down, grab a leather jacket and take one of these bad boys for a spin.

Books to Read If You Like MC Romances


Outlaw Revenge

London Casey

Release Date: July 3, 2014

After her best friend takes a bullet for a member of the Black Down Devil MC club, Emily has no one else to turn to. She ends up staying with Gaige, the VP of the club, and her secrets from the past start to creep up and haunt him.

Walk Through Fire

Kristen Ashley

Release Date: October 27, 2015

After many years apart, former loves Millie and High cross paths again. High, a classic bad boy, is wary because Millie walked away from their relationship in the past. Nevertheless, he realizes that something about her has changed and is intrigued.


Hold

Cora Brent

Release Date: January 26, 2016

The Gentry's are a rough group of brothers who have had to fight their whole lives to survive. Just when they thought that everything was getting better, they are forced to confront their demons from the past one last time

Souls Unfractured

Tillie Cole

Release Date: August 9, 2015

After years of physical and mental torment, Maddie is finally free. She is being protected by the most volatile member of the Hangmen, Flame, who watches over her with a dark intensity. When he finds himself in need of help, Maddie steps in.



Desertion

River Savage

Release Date: July 14, 2015

Jesse Carter, a former Marine, found a new brotherhood in the Knights Rebels after he lost everything he knew. There he meets shy and awkward Bell, and he forced himself into her life. Can she survive his reckless personality?


Arrow's Hell

Chantal Fernando

Release Date: June 16, 2015

Even though she's not supposed to, Anna falls in love with Arrow, a member of the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club. He tries to resist her at first, knowing that he can't be with the younger sister of an MC member, but he can't hold back for long.


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Interview with Ed Tarkington, Author of Only Love Can Break Your Heart


Tell us a little bit about your new release, Only Love Can Break Your Heart.

It’s sort of a mash-up of Cain and Abel, the Prodigal Son, The Graduate, Helter Skelter, and “A Rose for Emily,” set in the small-town Upper South, with a soundtrack by Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.

More seriously: I think this book is a unique variation on the domestic novel in that it approaches a deceptively broad variety of forms and relationships in the fairly precise and familiar space of the Southern small-town family drama. It is a first-person coming-of-age novel, but it is also a Gothic tale with macabre undertones, a murder mystery in which the damsel-in-distress is also a suspect, a story of fathers and sons and brothers, of love and betrayal and reconciliation, and a time-capsule view of the imperiled American middle class at a point in history which in some ways foreshadows our current cultural moment. Most of all, it is as emotionally honest as anything I’ve ever written, which I’m told is its greatest strength.

What's rocking your world this month?

Well, I’m pretty excited about my debut novel being published, but if I’m being completely honest, I’m probably more hyped up about the new Star Wars movie.

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

I think Toni Morrison is our greatest living writer; I couldn’t let pass the opportunity to bask in the glow of her genius. Walker Percy, one of my great heroes, was reputed to be a charming dinner companion, and is responsible for the best bourbon cocktail recipe I’ve ever tasted. Lastly, I’d love to sit down with Ken Kesey, and hope he would bring along a pot of his famous venison chili.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

With my children. They are still small and perpetually full of joy. I never tire of listening to them laugh. Plus it won’t be long before they become teenagers and want nothing to do with me.

Who is your favorite fictional character from literature?

Like his creator, T.S. Garp shares two of my greatest passions: writing and wrestling. From Garp, I have learned about lunacy and sorrow, what it means to live with energy, and, most importantly, how to embrace difference.

Who was your childhood hero?

If you’d asked me then, I’d say Ralph Sampson, #50 for the Virginia Cavaliers, greatest center in the history of NCAA basketball (sorry, Kareem). Ask me today, and I’ll tell you that it was always my father, Ed Tarkington, Sr., who was far from perfect but never quit trying.

What's your favorite quote or scene from Only Love Can Break Your Heart?

“At some point, every boy feels the urge to lash out at something, to be cruel and violent, to curse the world for its frail humanity. But only a few have the will — be it born of courage or recklessness, folly or sublime wisdom — to act and, by their action, transform themselves. They will pay for their courage, of course; the world does not treat its others lightly. But so will the rest of us — the ones who love them — haunted as we are by our envy of their bright, burning beauty, which we can bear neither to look at nor to turn away from.”

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

“Half my life is an act of revision.” – John Irving

Screen Shot 2015-12-21 at 12.29.46 PM
Ed Tarkington is the author of the new book Only Love Can Break Your Heart.

Connect with Steve
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Books To Read if You Like Books by Emma Chase

If you love Emma Chase's vibrant romantic comedies, we think you'll enjoy these titles. Expect to find enchanting characters with wit and charm. You may just meet your next fake boyfriend. 

Books to Read if You Love Emma Chase


I Wish You Were Mine

Lauren Layne

Release Date: February 2, 2016

This story of forbidden desire heats up as a brooding jock hoping for a comeback falls for the one girl he could never have: his ex wife's younger sister.

Nuts

Alice Clayton

Release Date: October 20, 2015

When private chef Roxie Callahan goes back home to bail out her hippie mother and run the family diner, she meets gorgeous local farmer Leo Maxwell and wonders if a summer back home isn't so bad after all. 


The Deal

Elle Kennedy

Release Date:February 24, 2015

To get her crush's attention, Hannah Wells will even tutor the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date...and it's going to be good.

Wrong Number, Right Guy

Elle Casey

Release Date: September 22, 2015

A mysterious text message gets May Wexler into a serious mess, but it may get her the right guy.


The Offer

Karina Halle

Release Date: June 13, 2015

She thinks he's an arrogant playboy. He thinks she's an uptight prude. But he's about to make her an offer she can't refuse

Wrong

Jana Aston

Release Date: October 7, 2015

I have a history of picking the wrong guy. Now I can't stop fantasizing about one of the customers at the coffee shop I work at between classes. It's not like I'm going to see him while attempting to get birth control at the student clinic, right? Wrong. 


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