Hello everyone! This is Author Anthony Avina, and today I am here to share with you all the top reads of 2019 on my website. I’ve reviewed over 160 books this year, and as we close out not only 2019 but the decade, I thought it appropriate as we head into 2020 to look back on 2019 and see what were the top books of the year. So without further adieu, here are my top picks of 2019!
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Best YA Romance: Again, but Better by Christine Riccio
A beautiful story from emerging author Christine Riccio about the choices we make in life, and what we would do if we could go back and change things. A story of following your dreams, living the life you want and finding love, and how hard a person is willing to fight to hold onto that dream and that love.
Best YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Nexus (The Androma Sage #2) by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings
This exciting concluding chapter to the Androma Saga duology was a whirlwind sci-fi adventure in the YA genre. Authors Lindsay Cummings and Sasha Alsberg did a wonderful job closing this story out, creating a universe under the forced rule of a pair of siblings that seek control, but as a young outlaw turned hero seeks to save her makeshift family and stop this threat, the siblings find they are more pawns than true rulers in this quest, and an even greater threat is set to emerge on the galaxy. A must read sci-fi adventure!
Best Fantasy: The Second Life of Eddie Coyne by Louis K Lowy
A brilliant fantasy driven narrative from author Louis K Lowy, which showcases the downfall of a father and husband and the journey he takes to find the true meaning of life and a life well lived. Finding what matters most in life and holding onto it as the protagonist struggles to find their way back home again, this is a fantastic read for 2019.
Best Mystery/Crime: A Shattered Lens: A Detective Preach Everson Novel by Layton Green
If you are looking for a great murder/mystery series to sink your teeth into, then the Detective Preach Everson series is for you. Author Layton Green’s second novel is a masterpiece of the genre, expertly crafting a murder mystery that pushes the protagonist to their limit both professionally and personally. This book serves as both the perfect continuation of the series and a great book for newcomers to enjoy as well.
Best Comic Book/Graphic Novel: Spider-Geddon by Christos Gage
While there were many great comic books in 2019, and many that I still need to read, out of all the comics I read that were published this year, my all time favorite had to be Spider-Geddon. A great sequel to the epic Spider-Verse storyline, the return of the Inheritors and the imminent threat they pose to the Spider-heroes of the Marvel Multiverse make this a thrilling read. Spider-Man is an essential hero to the larger Marvel Universe, and the comic book industry as a whole, and so exploring not only his story but the story of several other spider heroes in the multiverse is always a thrill. Add the terrifying and powerful threat of the Inheritors to the mix, and this storyline makes for a wonderful read.
Best Contemporary Romance/Fiction: If Only by Melanie Murphy
One of my all time favorite reads of 2019, Melanie Murphy’s debut fiction novel was a brilliant novel. The characters were engaging, the fantasy element of seeing various lives if the protagonist had made different choices was a great addition to the plot and yet it didn’t overpower the overall theme and romance of the story whatsoever. Its a story many people our age can identify with and the author’s voice and tone in the novel is entertaining, engaging and refreshing to read, making this a must read of 2019.
Best Dystopian Thriller: A Single Light (The Line Between #2) by Tosca Lee
A great ending to another brilliant duology, author Tosca Lee has created a wonderful dystopian thriller that showcases the continued struggle for survival in the face of a massive breakout. Months after surviving the events of book one, the protagonists must fight for survival in a crumbling society, and as secrets threaten to tear them apart, they must find that which makes life worth living in the face of great danger once more. A must read novel of 2019!
My all time favorite sci-fi read of 2019, my good friend author Rebecca Henry has created a fantastic story that delves into the best aspects of the sci-fi genre. Secret government operations, powerful aliens who have influenced society, time and space travel and so much more. It’s a sci-fi fans dream read and I highly recommend reading my full review to get a sense of this amazing novel.
Best YA Historical Fiction: The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young
If you are a fan of History’s Vikings or the legends of Norse Mythology mixed with historical settings then you will absolutely love Adrienne Young’s “The Girl The Sea Gave Back”. The novel is a sequel of sorts to “Sky in the Deep”, and expertly crafts a story of a young girl considered an outcast her entire life and burdened by knowledge of fate, and a young man striving to make a better life for his people years after the end of a decades long war. Its a great way of continuing the story of the original novel while focusing on new characters and a new period of time in this wonderful world the author has created.
Best Mystery Crime Thriller: The Sixth Wicked Child (4MK Thriller #3) by J.D. Barker
The exciting final chapter in one of the best crime thrillers of the decade, author J.D. Barker’s “The Sixth Wicked Child” is the brilliant concluding story in the 4MK Trilogy. The shocking game of cat and mouse between the protagonist and 4MK is taken to new heights in this novel, as readers are forced to examine whether or not the series protagonist is the hero they’ve been led to believe, or will he turn out to be the villain all along? A twisted tale that pushes everyone to their limit, this was a phenomenal read and one of the top books of 2019 for me personally.
Best Nonfiction: Shrapnel in the San Fernando Valley by Carol Es
Last but certainly not least is author Carol Es’s book “Shrapnel in the San Fernando Valley”. A heartbreaking and emotional journey, this non-fiction read was one of the best of 2019, and took readers through the author’s life as well as through the harrowing journey of being caught in the midst of a cult. It’s a gritty and realistic novel that will catch the reader off guard at times, but is well worth the read. Highly recommend!
I am excited to share with everyone that I am officially participating in the first of many blog tours in association with Harlequin Books. It is an honor to be working with such a prestigious publisher and I am excited to share the slew of books heading my way over the next few months and hopefully beyond. As always, I want to preface this with the fact that all my opinions in this post are my own, and I received a free copy of this book in exchange for that opinion. With that in mind, let’s take a look at this incredible romance novel, Meant To Be Yours by Susan Mallery.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A popular author struggling with his past in the military and a wedding coordinator who makes couples dreams come true while rejecting commitment herself find one another in author Susan Mallery’s novel “Meant To Be Yours”.
The Synopsis
In Happily Inc, love means never having to say “I do”…
Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn’t meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing—a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.
After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he’s too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation—and more—with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.
Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?
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The Review
The fifth book in the Happily Inc. series, (sixth if you include book #2.5), author Susan Mallery has done a masterful job of creating a connected storyline across multiple books and characters, while also creating a wholly unique story that allows for anyone to jump into the narrative. While the cast of characters of this novel all stem from previous books, the protagonists take center stage in the story as these two people trying to escape their past come together in ways neither one of them expected.
The complexity of the characters makes this love story bloom much more than the traditional romance tale. Taking the time to explore both Jasper and Renee’s pasts that have influenced how they go about their relationship really depend the readers connection with both the book and the characters. The theme of finding love and overcoming that feeling of being “broken” played out eloquently throughout the novel, and the author did an amazing job of incorporating the atmosphere of love and romance that has become associated with this series into the character’s overall struggles.
The Verdict
Beautifully written, expertly crafted and emotionally driven. Author Susan Mallery has created a wholly original tale that keeps the overall setting and story of the Happily Inc. series in line while giving readers two protagonists that are relatable, honest and emotionally driven, giving readers an evenly paced read that will have them rooting for these two to overcome the odds and find solace with one another. Can two people who feel broken find love and overcome the odds? Find out by grabbing your copy of “Meant To Be Yours” by Susan Mallery today!
Rating: 10/10
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Interview with Author Susan Mallery
Q&A With Susan Mallery
What was your favorite part about writing Meant to be Yours?
Ohhh, that’s a hard question! I love everything about writing romance. The first kiss is still magical to me. The passion, the emotional intensity. It’s a moment that changes the course of a person’s life. When you fall in love, your life is bisected into before and after. Love is transformative, and the greatest pleasure of my life is to write about it.
Jasper and Renee in particular were a lot of fun to write because Renee is just such a mama bear when it comes to protecting her brides. She’s a wedding planner at Weddings Out of the Box, a theme wedding venue in the town of Happily Inc. Jasper is a bestselling thriller writer who wants to set his next book at a wedding. Renee’s response made me laugh so loud that I’m pretty sure I scared my pets.
Jasper continued. “I thought I could follow you around for a few weeks, learn about the business and—”
“No,” she said firmly, as all thoughts of them having another close encounter faded from her mind. “You’re not getting your serial killer cooties on my weddings. I’m a big believer in keeping the energy positive and flowing forward. Do you know what a serial killer would do at a wedding?”
He stared at her, his gaze intense. “That’s what I was thinking. I want the serial killer to be a wedding crasher.”
“No,” she said firmly. “Just no.”
When Jasper goes behind her back to get intimately involved with one of her weddings, Renee vows to keep him from bringing darkness to her bride’s special day.
I also adored the animals in this book. In the beginning, Jasper doesn’t trust himself to let a woman into his heart. His simple but profound act of kindness to a dog who needs a home leads to him finally being ready to fall in love. The dog, Koda, is based on a reader’s real-life dog. I gave Koda the same adorable quirks and characteristics that make him special—and I gave Renee the reader’s last name in her honor.
Did you find out any funny or interesting facts about wedding planning when writing this book?
I have learned that brides and wedding planners are some of the most creative people in the universe. I can’t tell you how much time I spent on Pinterest, looking at pictures from theme weddings. There are some really beautiful themes, and some that are charming and humorous. Every theme uniquely reflects the bride and the groom in the most beautiful way. In Meant to Be Yours, Renee designs several lovely theme weddings with beautiful touches I think readers will enjoy. Here’s a snippet from one:
Jim and Monica Martinez were a sweet couple with a fun firefighter theme for their big day. There was a long tradition of firefighters on both sides of the family and plenty of cute touches in the wedding and reception.
Monica’s dress laced up the back and instead of white ribbon to cinch her gown, she’d used bright red. The centerpieces were ceramic boot vases painted to look like firefighter boots, filled with red, orange and yellow flowers. There was even a walk-through fountain at one end of the reception area, created with fire hoses, a pump and a lot of engineering.
Pay attention to that last sentence because I also discovered that a lot can go wrong when you invite a few hundred people to a party. Imagine a room filled with people who aren’t used to dressing up, plus a fountain made with fire hoses, and a wedding planner who will do anything to protect her bride.
Did Renee or Jasper surprise you while you drafted this novel?
They did! When I started this book, I thought Jasper was the more wounded of the two. But as I wrote, I discovered that Renee’s scars went deeper than I thought. She’s been keeping a secret from her friends in Happily Inc, a secret about her mother that has cost her jobs, friendships and romantic relationships. Just when she starts to feel safe and accepted in her new home, her mother comes for a visit. . .
Can you share about what you’re working on right now?
I’m working on revisions on the next Happily Inc book, a Christmas book that will be out next year. No title yet. It has all of the humor and heartfelt emotion readers love in my books—plus Christmas! I invited members of the Susan Mallery All Access group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/susanmalleryallaccess) to suggest random items for me to incorporate into the story. When the book comes out next year, I’ll share a scavenger hunt list with my readers so they can find the objects as they read. It’s just a fun way for me to stay connected to my readers as I write.
Who is an author you draw inspiration from?
Years ago, the fabulous Debbie Macomber suggested to me that I stop writing series about families, and start writing series about people who live in the same town. That advice was the inspiration for my Fool’s Gold series, which led to my Happily Inc series, as well. I’ll always be grateful to Debbie for that.
What is your favorite place to read a book?
At home with my feet up on the sofa and a cat curled in my lap.
Who is a book character you’d be best friends with?
Each of my heroines is someone I’d be friends with—after all, I spend months with them, so I want them to be people I enjoy hanging out with. As for best friends, I’ll go with Ellen Fox, heroine of The Friendship List, which will come out next year. Ellen had me laughing all the way through the book. She’s blunt and smart and would drop everything to help someone she loves.
She’s a single mom who got pregnant in high school. She had sex one time, got pregnant, and then… nothing. She’s basically a virgin with a kid. But when she discovers what she’s been missing, she has no inhibitions. Her lack of filter was a source of constant amusement for me. Every day, I was excited to get back to work so I could spend time with her again. Such a fun book to write!
Pen & Paper or Computer?
Computer. I couldn’t keep up with my thoughts with paper and pen. I type about 120 words per minute, so that’s easier for me. Hard on my wrists and hands, but easier on my brain.
Favorite decade in fashion history?
The 1980’s.
KIDDING!!!!!
I am enjoying the fashion of today. I like that there really aren’t any rules anymore, it’s all about self-expression.
What is your signature drink?
A Starbucks latte. This time of year, pumpkin spice. Even though the baristas cannot, for the life of them, spell Susan.
What do you hope readers will experience or gain when reading Meant to Be Yours?
I hope Meant to Be Yours will be a happy escape for them, an entertaining break from the stresses of their daily lives. This is a book for readers who like to feel the sharp pings of emotion—and the release of laughter with a guaranteed happy ending.
How did you get into writing?
I was in college studying to be an accountant. It wasn’t exciting, but it was practical. I honestly didn’t know that regular people could be professional writers. It seemed so exotic, somehow. I thought writers had to live in France and wear turtlenecks. I think I must have choked to death in a previous life because I can’t stand wearing turtlenecks.
One day, I got a flyer in the mail from an adult education center called The Learning Tree, with evening classes people could take. These classes were not for credit and therefore were very impractical for a young woman carrying a full course load of university classes, and a newlywed trying to learn how to cook. But one of the classes caught my eye: How to Write a Romance Novel. Still, I thought, no time. I threw away the flyer. Eight weeks later, it came again. I threw it away again. Eight weeks later, there it was again, and I realized the woman wasn’t going to teach the class forever.
So I signed up for the class, and I immediately fell in love. By week six, I knew this was what I was meant to do with my life. I made a deal with my then-husband. I gave myself two years to sell a book. If I didn’t, then I would have to get a job. That was in May, and I sold my first book in August of that year. Best decision ever.
What inspired you to write Meant to Be Yours?
I loved the humor inherent in the idea of a thriller writer wanting to research weddings, and a wedding planner who wants to keep his darkness away from her bride’s special day. Jasper is the kind of writer who does his research in tangible ways. Before he writes a fight scene, he blocks it out with his buddies—weapons and all. He wants to get the details right.
So when he decides to set his next book against the backdrop of a wedding, he’s determined to get those details right, too. And the only way to do that is to be involved with a wedding from start to finish. But Renee is determined to keep any hint of darkness away from her bride’s special day. It’s not an intellectual exercise to her—it’s someone’s wedding day, and that means something.
It’s just a humorous conflict that I thought would be a ton of fun to write. And it was!
Oh, and by the way, Jasper also decides that his detective character needs a love interest…so he needs someone to block out the kissing scenes with him, too. (Full confession: I do occasionally ask my husband for help with my research. 😉 )
What drew you into writing romance?
I’ve been a romance reader since I was in middle school, and they’re still the books I enjoy the most. I love everything about them. I still get that intake-of-breath feeling when the characters first kiss. And when they finally overcome their obstacles and admit that they’re meant to be together—there’s just nothing happier or more life-affirming.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would love to sit down with Verity, Renee’s mother. But I can’t tell you what I would ask her or why without spoilers, so I’ll just leave you with this: Verity has a very special talent that gives her an insight few people can claim. I would love to have this talent. Since I don’t, I’d love to ask Verity to tell me what she knows.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I’m active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—but mostly on Facebook. I share book news on my main page, www.facebook.com/susanmallery. In the Susan Mallery All Access group, www.facebook.com/groups/susanmalleryallaccess, I share personal anecdotes and pictures, hold contests and play games. It’s a lot of fun, and everyone is welcome to join! (Unless you’re some weird spammer guy who wants me to marry you. Ew.)
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Stick with it. The writers who succeed are the ones who don’t give up. Write every day. Experiment with different methods and techniques to find what works for you. Analyze successful books and try to figure out why they work, and then incorporate those lessons into your own writing. I found that screenwriting classes helped a lot with developing story structure.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Always something new on the horizon! In 2020, I’ll release four brand new books: Sisters by Choice (a Blackberry Island novel), The Friendship List (a standalone), A Fool’s Gold Wedding (a Fool’s Gold romance), and the yet-to-be-titled Happily Inc Christmas romance.
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About the Author
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.
If you had the power to see what life would have been like had you made a different choice in your life, would you use that power? That is the question for Erin as chaotic life gets turned upside down in author Melanie Murphy’s novel “If Only”.
The Synopsis
Erin is about to turn thirty and her life is definitely not where she thought it would be. She hates her job, she’s jealous of her perfect flatmate – and she has just called off her wedding.
A trip home to Ireland to celebrate her birthday with her beloved grandmother is exactly what Erin needs, and she’s spent days preparing herself to break the news about her broken engagement.
What she’s not prepared for is the gift she receives: a secret family heirloom that will change everything.
Could this be the answer Erin has been looking for – the key to the happy life she’s always dreamed of? Only time will tell…
The Review
Wow, what an incredible read. I had to get that out there right away. While author Melanie Murphy has received wide acclaim on my website for her first novel Fully Functioning Human (Almost), the author’s second novel and debut fiction book was a massive success in every way.
The author does a masterful job of creating a cast of characters readers can relate to. From protagonist Erin and her journey of self-discovery while dealing with the struggles of life, to her core group of friend she rallies behind when dealing with these struggles, all the while trying to manage their own lives and issues, each character brings an important element into Erin’s story and makes the reader truly care about these fictitious people.
The author’s ability to create such descriptive atmospheres truly immerses the reader into the settings of this novel, from the bustling streets of London to the cosy warmth of the Irish countryside and small town villages, readers will instantly fall in love with this novel at every turn. For me personally as a reader, I instantly connected with Erin and her relationship with her grandmother.
For some of you who know this already, this year hasn’t been easy as I lost my own grandmother in early January. She was one of my best friends and truest supporters, and not a day goes by where I don’t miss her. Reading this story and the close relationship Erin had with her grandmother made me instantly feel closer to my own, bringing a small bit of tears of joy to my eyes as the author’s characterization of the protagonist brought fresh memories into this reader’s mind.
The Verdict
This is a must read novel of the year. A top contender for contemporary romance of the year, Melanie Murphy has cemented herself as a not only entertaining author but a writer who creates characters readers will instantly connect with and be entertained by. What the author does best in this novel is use the more supernatural elements of the other lives that could have been lived sparsely, focusing more on the lessons learned from these trips and the life Erin is constructing for herself. It is a fantastic novel that everyone should check out, so be sure to grab your copy of “If Only” by Melanie Murphy today!
After reading a book that deals so much with relationships and finding the right person for you, one starts to think about their own relationships and keeping it healthy and maintained. In that regard, sites like Regain have the resources to help those seeking counseling or advice. Click this link https://www.regain.us/advice/counseling/ to learn more.
About the Author
Melanie Murphy is an author and online content creator from a small village in Dublin.
Her YouTube videos have amassed more than sixty million views online, reaching people with warm personality and her life lessons as well as her views on divisive topics such as sexuality, women’s rights, health and relationships. Also some silly fun stuff, just ’cause.
In 2017, Melanie published her first non-fiction book, “Fully Functioning Human (Almost)” which sold thousands of copies, received many positive reviews and topped the Irish book charts. Her debut novel, ‘If Only’, was released in the summer of 2019. It spent weeks in the Irish fiction chart and was chosen as one of the Diet Coke Book Club summer reads!
She lives in her home country of Ireland with her pilot partner, Thomas, her modern family and her two glorious rescue kitties, Bilbo and Molly Weasley. Her BSc (hons) degree in education & training from DCU catches dust above the fireplace as she writes books and uploads random videos to the internet for a living.
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance,
Release Date: 1st May 2018
Price: 99c / 99p
Key Words: Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Short Story, Novella, Christmas, Death of a Parent, Loss of a Loved One, Office Romance, Depression, Grief,
Length: Just below 20K
Availability: Amazon, iBooks, Barnes and Nobles, Kobo, etc.
Her Christmas list isn’t long. It is the shortest it has ever been. She doesn’t want a pretty new pair of shoes or a new dress to wear to her work’s New Years Eve bash.
All Ella wants is a Christmas Miracle.
With a sick mum in hospital and a little brother at home, she struggles to maintain order in the chaos that is quickly engulfing her. If she doesn’t get her miracle will her entire world fall apart? And if it does, who will help her put it back together again?
Excerpt:
He’s my boss. That doesn’t stop me though. It doesn’t stop my mind from picturing him naked standing in my shower, water cascading down over his toned, muscular flesh. No. It doesn’t stop my inappropriate thoughts, and it definitely doesn’t stop me having them at the most inopportune of moments. It’s not like I just think about him when I’m lying in bed late at night. No, I fantasise about him during staff meetings, when he’s being a pain in the arse bossing us all around and when he’s reprimanding me yet again for being late.
Do you want to know the worst bit? It’s not the thoughts. I can deal with my dirty mind; it’s always been that way. Dirty thought after dirty thought, wrapped in a world of dirty thoughts. No. The thoughts are fine; it’s the things that come out of my mouth. The actual words that I apparently have an equal lack of control over. Like right now, the whole room has gone silent in shock because of my stupid, big mouth. As if I just said that. I can feel my cheeks redden with embarrassment and my best work friend is laughing under her breath beside me. The bitch.
Tristen had asked me why I was late. It was a reasonable enough question but why, oh, why couldn’t I give him an equally sensible response??? No. Instead, I only went and gave him the most ridiculous cock and bull story known to man.
“Why are you late?” Tristan Riggens, my boss had asked in that deep, authoritative, yet almost disrespectfully uninterested voice of his. It’s a voice that threatens to destroy you while drawing you in, keeping you walking some imaginary tightrope.
“My dog ate a condom.” Why that sentence made it passed whatever filter I have, I will never know. Sometimes my mouth does unexplainable things, embarrassingly unexplainable. It’s a problem I’ve had since childhood and it shows no sign of improving.
The room goes silent, but he doesn’t react at all. His face remains expressionless except I think I can see humour in his eyes, or at least I hope I do. He’s not exactly easy to read and right now I really have no idea what he thinks. “Well, I hope your dog is okay now.”
“He’s absolutely fine.” I’m probably the colour of the Christmas tree in the corner. I think I might throw up my breakfast from the sheer embarrassment that I now feel.
“Someone should call the RSPCA.” A voice says from somewhere behind me.
“You might want to reconsider where you stash your condoms.” Another of my colleagues laughs.
My best friend, the one who’s supposed to be on my side is in fits of hysteria. In fact, she’s laughing so hard she’s close to choking. I hope she chokes.
“Okay.” Tristen tries to divert their focus from me and my condom eating dog, back to the meeting. “New Year – we’ll be having an office party.”
If he thinks talk of a party might divert their attention from my poor imaginary dog, he is wrong and he clearly doesn’t know his team that well. “How on earth did your dog get a hold of a condom?”
“Did it still have the foil wrapper on?”
“Eww, it wasn’t used, was it?”
I’m shrinking into myself. Massively embarrassed. Eyes on the floor. Cheeks burning hot. Head pounding. Heart palpitating. How the hell will I get out of this one? I have an uncanny knack for getting myself into a bit of a pickle and absolutely no skill at getting myself back out again. “That’s enough – I’ve heard more than enough about condoms and dogs for one day. Back to work.” He’s shaking his head as he dismisses us all before leaving the open offices of our floor of the TRW Advertising building. Walking into his office, he closes the door behind himself. Lucky sod. At least he has a door he can hide behind.
“Fuck.” I say under my breath.
“Only you Ella.” Sadie laughs beside me. “I don’t know how you do it.”
“I just open my mouth…” I sigh.
“You don’t even have a dog!”
“I know.” I’m groaning in mortification. “We should get back to work before Tristen gets all shitty.”
“Or worse,” Sadie whispers, “Delos might come out of her office and have at us.”
“As if – Clara’s too nice for that.”
“To you. She hates me.”
“That’s not true.” I laugh gently. The door to Tristen’s office opens once more, and he pops his head out. “Winthrope. Reed. Do I need to find you something to do?”
“No sir.” Sadie nods her head before turning back towards her cubicle.
I move to follow her, but Tristen is still talking. “Winthrope, in here please.”
“Shit.” I grumble before following him into his office. This is the moment when he finally tells me that enough is enough and I need to start being on time, or worse look for a new job. The new job scenario is probably more likely. My tardiness is my biggest failing. I’m lucky I haven’t already lost this job.
He’s sat behind his desk; calm and composed in a way I have never been. He motions a hand towards the leather chair in front of him, and I take it gratefully because my legs are like jelly. My mouth is practically glued shut because I can’t trust myself not to say something completely absurd. His eyebrow is raised. “Your dog ate a condom?”
“Yes.” My sister Tia says when you lie you have to own it.
“Have you taken him to the vets?”
“No. He… he just coughed it up.” I tell him, desperately hoping that he doesn’t see through my lies.
“You do need to make a better effort to be on time for work in the morning.”
“Sorry Sir.” I tell him honestly. It’s not exactly news to me that I need to get my shit together.
About The Author:
Hanleigh loves books more than nearly anything in the world; whether its reading them or writing them, Hanleigh just can’t get enough. She relishes in the way authors can create worlds with the words they put in their books. She loves the way your imagination introduces you to a new world when you read a book. It may well be a world completely foreign to the one you live in. That world is brought to life; inspires you to dream, captivates your imagination, entices your senses.
Hanleigh first took to reading as a small child reading Dr Zeus. She then fell in love with romance literature when she first read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; when she first swooned over Mr Darcy. She’s read more books than she can count and owns more books than some libraries.
Although born in Scotland, she sometimes wishes she could live inside the world that she can create inside her mind, but since that isn’t possible she puts pen to paper and shares that world with this world instead. There is something addictive about being able to mould your words into something that causes the reader to fall into your mind. When you put pen to paper and create a world, it’s exhilarating. Every word has meaning. You know every character intimately. You know every secret, every whisper, every smell, every look; as the author you know the world you created and more so than even the most avid of readers you can get lost in your own creation.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
It’s a story as old as time itself. Two people from very different worlds meet by chance and find themselves falling madly in love, only for fate to intervene in their happily ever afters. Yet in author Vanya Sharma’s novel Awake Under the Night Sky, we get to feel the raw emotions and the powerful way that love impacts the lives of these two young people. Here is the synopsis:
Witness to the ravages of poverty and neglect, Vivian is driven by a purpose, in a world that seems to have lost its conscience. In the fires of loss, a young and fierce Andre has forged an iron will to succeed. His journey halfway across the world does not deter him, but only strengthens his determination.
Two people on the threshold of their lives, touched by love but driven by duty, following separate destinies. He has a past to restore, she has a future to change. Are their paths destined never to converge, or might the vagaries of fate unlock the buried dreams of two proud hearts, and offer a new beginning?
I loved this story. It was incredibly emotional throughout the entire read. Its an interesting concept, as it showcases that we do not always know when or if we will find love, and how that love will impact the dreams we once had. It makes us as readers question what is more important in life: one’s dreams or true love? It also showcases how outside forces can intervene and cloud our minds in the face of love, and how our lives are forever impacted by that found love, both good and bad.
The only small critique I have is that the book ends surprisingly abrupt. This may be a creative choice by the author, but it was shocking as you expected a final scene to play out and instead were left to draw your own conclusions on how things played out in the end. While readers will have a good idea of where things go from there, you become so invested in these two characters that you are left breathlessly wanting more, or at the very least to have confirmation as to these two lover’s fates. Other than that the author does a wonderful job of drawing the reader’s emotions out through this powerful romance. As the Valentine’s Day holiday passes, this book is a great way to keep romance alive and witness the way love changes us forever.
Overall this was a wonderfully written book with a beautiful story and rich characters throughout. Exploring various cultures and backgrounds, the story does a great job of connecting people from different worlds through one singular and purposeful thing, and that’s love. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of Awake Under the Night Sky by Vanya Sharma today!
Rating: 8/10
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The Writers Corner Episode 27: Interview with Javier Velazquez
The laws of reality are about to be rewritten citizens! This is author Anthony Avina, and today we are going to be sitting down and having a discussion with one of my own creations. Fresh from the dramatic contemporary romance novel VOID, Javier Velazquez is going to discuss the events of the book, his backstory, his current plans and his future plans.
WARNING: This interview will contain spoilers from VOID by Anthony Avina. If you haven’t yet, please go download the eBook version on Amazon Kindle or get the paperback version on Amazon.com, Createspace or other paperback retailers. Once you’ve read the book, come back here and read this and other interviews with the characters of VOID! OK, now here we go.
A (Anthony Avina): Hey there Javier. Thank you for taking the time to talk with myself, the readers of this blog, and the audience for The Writers Corner Podcast and the Avina Vlogs YouTube channel!
JV (Javier Velazquez): No problem Anthony. Thank you for having me, and for creating me for that matter. So weird to be talking with the man behind my existence here.
A: I cannot imagine. Quite the meaning of life kind of thing for you I guess.
JV: Yeah, kind of surreal.
A: Well first things first. For those in the audience and the readers who don’t know you or your backstory, give us a glimpse at who exactly is Javier Velazquez.
JV: Well, I live in Los Angeles, CA. I am in my late twenties, and work as a writer. I kind of lost myself for a bit after the loss of my longtime girlfriend, Elaine. It wasn’t until my best friends in this whole world, Pam, Jasper, Julian, Brianne and Michelle, came and gave me a sort of “intervention” that I was able to regain a sense of myself and start living again. Now I’ve found a new romance, I have a new little Yorkie named Sammy, and I have some great plans for the future.
A: Oh my gosh, I have a Yorkie named Sammy too. How weird is that?
JV: Not all that weird actually. You did create my life you know.
A: Of course, duh. Anyways, tell us a bit about what you experienced throughout VOID and how it has impacted your life.
JV: Well a few big things happened that I was involved in. My good friend Jasper decided to come out to his parents, who are super religious. Not just religious, but old testament style religious. They abhor many things that seem normal and natural to you and I, but they especially consider the LGBT community to be sinners, which doesn’t sit well with us. I went with him to tell them the news, and helped him after they rejected him. Yet I’m happy to report that his mother has since apologized, left her husband and is repairing her relationship him.
Then there was Michelle. Her boyfriend was a seriously abusive man, and after she finally left him to protect her unborn child, he attacked her, and both Jasper and myself fought him. She landed in the hospital, he landed in jail, and Jasper and I came out of the fight with some nasty scars, but thankfully Michelle is alive, the baby is healthy and the pregnancy is on track, and she is now living with Jasper close to my house.
The big thing that happened for me personally though was I found love. I struggled for so long to let go of the memory of Elaine and move on with my life. Then one night, we all went out for a night of dancing at this jazz club, and Pamela and I danced together. She’s my best friend, and when we were dancing, the emotions began to fly, and sparks just flew. After connecting and then disconnecting after I started to struggle again with Elaine’s death, I had a revelation about things after the fight with Michelle’s ex, and I knew that I couldn’t keep living in the past. I had found a note from Elaine that she wrote in the event that something happened to her, and after reading it, I knew it was time to move on, so I went and found Pam, and professed my love for her. We’ve been together ever since. It hasn’t been a happily ever after scenario. I still struggle with depression, and we have our spats like any other couple, but I love her so much, and can’t imagine my life without her.
A: Wow, I’m so glad for you Javier. You are a big piece of the puzzle that is your friendship with the group. Why do you think you are the one many of your friends go to when they are in need of help, advice, or a shoulder to cry on?
JV: I’m not sure. I think it may be because I’m just a good listener overall. I don’t like to judge others, and I’m a big believer of being yourself and accepting others no matter what their differences. We’re all equal here, and what bothers me more than anything is when someone tries to impose their beliefs on others or judge someone who doesn’t believe in what they believe. So when my friends are in need of advice or just want to vent, I sit there and listen, and if I have any helpful tips I’ll tell them, but overall I just listen and give them my friendship, my love and my hope. We’re all in this together, you know?
A: Exactly how I feel. I think I definitely based a lot of you and your personality on myself. I’m glad you could speak with us today. What does the future have in store for you and your friends?
JV: Well, as a group we all are starting an entertainment company. We’re going to combine our passions and love and form a company that’s built for the fans, by the fans. Other than that, Jasper, Brianne and I are working on a comic book project together, and Pamela and I are working on a photo book about the city of Los Angeles. Personally, Pamela and I are living together, with our little Yorkie keeping us busy. Other than that, the future is in your hands I guess.
A: I guess it is. Well thank you for stopping by today Javier. I got to say speaking with one of my characters is kind of refreshing.
JV: Same here Anthony. I look forward to living the life you set out for me in the book, and hope there are more adventures ahead for us.
A: I hope so too Javier. I look forward to working on your story again in the future.
Well that was our interview with Javier Velazquez. I hope you enjoyed this post/podcast/video, and I want to ask you guys a question now. What character would you like me to interview from one of my books next? If you could choose one other character from another author’s book, a tv show, a movie or video game, who would it be and why? Leave your thoughts down below, and don’t forget to share this with all your friends, family, and loved ones online across your social media platforms. If you have any questions, comments, or stories you’d like to share with me and have me discuss in a future podcast or video, leave them down below or on any social media platform with the hashtag #AskAAvina, #AskAnthonyAvina or #AuthorAnthonyAvina. Thanks guys, and I’ll see you next time for an all new episode of The Writers Corner podcast!
It’s funny, isn’t it? The memories and experiences that fade with each year we get older can pop up in the most unexpected ways. I happened to be out with my mom one afternoon recently, and we were talking about how long it’s been for each of us to go to one of our favorite spots in Southern California, and that is one of the many gorgeous beaches we have here. I went to Newport Beach earlier in the year, but I’ve always dreamed of venturing out to Santa Monica or Venice Beach, or maybe even Laguna Beach. As we talked about our hopes of getting there, she suddenly remembered a fun day when I was just a few years old, and we went to the beach. Apparently, we had decided to go on a boat ride to watch for dolphins and whales, and on that boat, I’d met a young girl whom I had befriended quickly. According to my mom, we were inseparable for the rest of the day, and sadly parted ways, never to meet again.
I have no recollection of this day, but I was suddenly intrigued. I’ve always been a shy guy, but this encounter painted me as a talkative, active young man with a natural charisma I didn’t think I possessed at that age. I was curious, so I went looking through some old photo albums, and sure enough, I found the pictures of me and this young girl, (pictured above). Now, the memory still alludes me, but I thought to myself, how intriguing, that after all these years, these pictures should surface at a time where I’m looking to bolster my confidence.
I began to think about the power that a chance encounter or a spontaneous moment can have on our lives. Hearing that I wasn’t always the shy, soft-spoken young man I am today gave me a boost of inspiration that I’ve been looking for. Sometimes, the tiniest, most random moments in time can have a huge impact on others. The world can seem like such a random, chaotic place a lot of the time, but other times, I can see how we are more connected than we realize. I’m not sitting here saying that fate brought me and this girl together, nor am I saying that it was our destiny to meet that day. I’m a semi spiritual man, but even my spiritual tendencies are based in science. What I’m talking about here is the fact that the connections we make ourselves, not the ones destiny has forced upon us, are powerful themselves. We have the power to impact others and ourselves.
Now, I also found myself curious to know what happened to this young girl. I have no name, only a picture of the two of us together. We were both so young, but I find myself wondering, what happened to her? What is she doing now? Who is she, and more importantly, is she happy? I’m not sitting here hoping for some big, Hollywood style romantic scene, where we reunite at that same beach, (I believe it was either Newport or Laguna, I can’t remember), and have some huge, heart-pounding moment with the rain pouring down around us. No, this is just a curiosity more than anything. She apparently was one of my first friends, albeit for merely 1 day. Even if I never meet her in person again or get the chance to be her friend, I at least would love the opportunity to say hi, ask how she is, and thank her for her day of friendship. Like I said, I’m not expecting anything, but if anyone knows or recognizes this little girl from an old photo, or has seen this photo and would know who she grew up to be, feel free to let her know about this blog post, or even tag her on social media. I’m curious to see whatever happens with this blog experiment, because as I said, the smallest moments in our lives can have lasting influences, and this little trip down memory lane gave me the burst of energy and inspiration I needed to push forward with my career. To her, and to all of you who have left impressions on me and those in your lives, I say thank you.
Romanticism in the 21st Century: Author Anthony Avina’s Inspiration for His Novella, VOID
Hello there everyone. Today’s blog post is going to be partly a behind the scenes look at my creative process and inspiration for VOID, the novella I just released for preorder on Amazon Kindle. It’s also going to be partly personal, in which I talk about a big part of my life, and that is my romantic side.
Let’s get personal guys. I am what is referred to as a hopeless romantic. That means that basically, I believe in love. I believe in the power of love and that when you find love, it’s a rare but beautiful thing. I know that for most guys, the bachelor life appeals to them. They enjoy moving from one night stands and flimsy relationships to the next one. I also know that women might be wary of a guy who speaks of love, especially at my age, (25). Yet a bachelor lifestyle never appealed to me, and I’m not interested in a one-sided relationship where I’m more invested in the relationship than she is. I have no interest in being one of those men who is clingy, or too focused on the relationship and not on myself. No, what I want is a partner, whom I love and who loves me.
There’s a saying that I think fits my thinking best. Love is patient, and love is kind. To me, that means that everyone is different. Sometimes, a person is lucky enough to know at their first encounter that they’ve found the person they love. Others take time to grow their feelings. It’s about respecting love’s timetable. It cannot be forced. It cannot be arranged or brought on unnaturally. Love is a living, breathing thing. It grows when two people, (and I mean any two people, but more on that later), work together in unison, taking in both the good and the bad aspects of one another, and at the end of the day deciding that their love for one another is stronger than any apprehensions or fears.
This has been a driving force in my life for years. I’ve always been more in touch with my feelings and the feelings of those around me, which made me a good friend and shoulder to lean on for friends I’ve made over the years. While most people won’t agree with me, I am looking for love, and I know I’ll find it one day. I have no interest in forcing it or assuming I’ll find it immediately. I just am allowing myself to open up to love, and going along for the ride.
Now on to how this applies to VOID. You see, as a romantic, I’ve always incorporated love into my horror stories. I believe in showcasing romance even in the face of horrific situations. Yet I felt inspiration strike after listening to a song. It was A Great Big World’s “Say Something”. This song spoke to me on a new creative level. I listened to the song, and heard a message of loss, of hope, and of love. It spoke to me about how life throws us curve-balls. How through pain, through loss, and through tragedy, one can find hope. Although the song can be open to interpretation, this is the message I heard, and so VOID was born.
I decided to write a story about six friends, each undergoing a tragedy or dilemma of some sort. I decided to incorporate bits of my life or things I believe in into their stories, such as Jasper, who’s undergoing a tragic set of circumstances as he is a gay man with parents who are devoutly religious people who are against homosexuality. This is a subject I’m passionate about, because not only have I met and known people who judge people by their sexuality, but I believe that love knows no sexual orientation. I felt like I needed to showcase the mistakes and pitfalls of judging people. I wanted to highlight the struggles of the LGBT community in the face of adversity, and showcase that friends could help him overcome his debacle.
I am writing this all down because I wanted to give you all a deeper understand of how I write and what I believe in. I’m a straight man who fights for equality for everyone. I believe whole heartedly that everyone, no matter your race, gender or sexuality, is equal, and I choose to believe this because I believe in love. You know, I just recently watched a very heartwarming and romantic video on YouTube of well known YouTubers Colleen and Joshua Evans. It was their wedding video, and the love I saw in this video spoke to me. Not only the bright love between this young couple, but the family that grew among their friends and family. Bonds were formed out of this love. A new family was created out of this love. That is what I wanted to convey in VOID. Love among friends can bloom a new family. Love is one of our world’s most powerful forces, and it should be cherished. That is what defines the theme of VOID.
Thank you guys for listening. To Josh and Colleen Ballinger, congratulations on your wedding. I’m always happy to see love blossom like in your case. It’s a beautiful thing, and as a fellow YouTuber and romantic, I couldn’t be more proud and happy for you. To the rest of you guys, I hope this gives you a better understanding of who I am and my creative process. I feel deeply, and I have always striven to incorporate my thoughts, my feelings, and my romanticism into my writing. I hope you guys will check out VOID and see for yourself how love runs throughout the veins of this novella. It’s available for preorder now on Amazon Kindle and will be out on October 1st, 2015 in both paperback and eBook formats.
