Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... STEALING INFINITY by Alyson Noel - REVIEW!

Hello, hello!
Welcome back to post number two for the day, here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


I TOLD YOU you were in for some BOOK BIRTHDAY fun, and I aim to please, so coming at you is our second celebrant of the day via Entangled Teen!  It's the first title in a NEW Young Adult series from author Alyson Noel.  She's no stranger to the genre, though this title does mark her return to it, and, from what I read, it's gonna cause a stir to say the least!  Ladies and gents, prepare to get whisked away in the swirling winds of time as we explore between the pages of today's book of choice...


Stolen Beauty, Book 1
by
Alyson Noel
9781649371508
Entangled Teen

About the book...
My life goes completely sideways the moment I meet the mysterious Braxton. Sure, he's ridiculously hot, but he's also the reason I've been kicked out of school and recruited into Gray Wolf Academy—a remote island school completely off the grid. I never should have trusted a face so perfect.

But the reality of why Gray Wolf wanted me is what truly blows my mind. It's a school for time travelers. Tripping, they call it. This place is filled with elaborate costumes and rare artifacts, where every move is strategic and the halls are filled with shadows and secrets.

Here, what you see isn't always what it appears. Including Braxton. Because even though there's an energy connecting us together, the more secrets he keeps from me, the more it feels like something is pulling us apart. Something that has to do with this place—and its darker purpose. It's all part of a guarded, elaborate puzzle of history and time... and I might be one of the missing pieces.

Now I have all the time in the world. And yet I can't shake the feeling that time is the one thing I'm about to run out of... fast.




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This.  Story.  Was.  AMAZING!
Admittedly, it took me a trip or two (pun totally intended!) to wrap my mind around the ideas explored, and there is a lot of info on numerology, multiple timelines, and the like, but I got there, and even if I hadn't, I was glued to the page.  I simply could not put it down.  Between a unique leading lady that wanted to be anything but, a self proclaimed Queen B that would have movie stars envious of her acting abilities, a blue eyed Adonis that seemed equal parts humble and hot, yet oddly familiar from the start, I just could not break away!  

I needed to know what was happening.  I wanted to understand the bigger picture.  I was desperate to see how everything would play out.  I was on edge every time danger stepped nearer to Nat, and vice versa because don't be fooled; she's no shrinking violet.  I had to be a spectator to the tragedy and the triumph.  I wanted to be a comfort to her in her times of loneliness, and despair, when the whole world seemed to forsake her, and call everything and everyone into question.  If I could traipse down the halls of Gray Wolf and get some answers, I SO WOULD HAVE, if not for Nat, but for myself!  I still have so many things I want to know, want explained, want to understand, and yet...I can wait...at least until the next release because getting a chance to "trip" once again will be just as spectacular.  I can FEEL it.

Though I hadn't read this author's work before, I can honestly say that I can see why she has the following she does.  The writing was great, the world building spectacular, and the concepts explored left the reader feeling empowered, not talked down to.  A book I'd highly recommend for Young Adult Fantasy fans of teenage years and beyond, and a series that I'LL be watching for the next release as eagerly as the rest.  I wonder if Nat could catch a glimpse of what's to come for us....



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About the author...


Alyson Noël is the #1 NYT best-selling author of many award-winning and critically acclaimed novels for readers of all ages.

With 9 NYT bestsellers and millions of copies in print, her books have been translated into 36 languages, sold in over 200 countries, and have topped the NYT, USA Today, LA Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Wall Street Journal, NCIBA, and Walmart Bestsellers lists, as well as several international bestsellers lists.

She is best known for THE IMMORTALS series, THE RILEY BLOOM series, and SAVING ZOË, which was adapted into a movie now available on Amazon.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, she’s lived in both Mykonos and Manhattan and is now settled in Southern California.



SITE  |  INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST



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Special thanks to Riki at Entangled Publishing for the eARC for review AND the spectacularly AMAZING book box that arrived with a print ARC and so many goodies! (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is AVAILABLE NOW, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or visit your local brick and mortar to snag your copy today!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... The Shopgirl's Forbidden Love by Jenni Fletcher - REVIEW!

Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, you're in for a boat load of BOOK BIRTHDAY fun with a double post to satisfy readers of two very different genres, but with equally amazing releases you won't want to miss.  First up, a NEW Historical Romance from author Jenni Fletcher.  I've featured her work on my site before, and when I caught wind of this one, I had to be a part of the magic!  The author was kind enough to grant me access to an ebook edition for review, but I'll let the cat out of the bag...I've already BOUGHT a print edition too so I can add it to my personal library and indulge in a future reread.  That being said, I DID enjoy the read and here's why I think you will as well.  Ladies and gents, get acquainted with today's book birthday celebrant of choice...


Regency Belles of Bath, Book 4
by
Jenni Fletcher
9781335723253
Harlequin Books

About the book...
From forbidden love...
To forever?

Belles Biscuit Shop is more like a home than a place of work for Nancy MacQueen. The shared attraction between her and James Redbourne, the handsome owner of a nearby store, has been simmering for years, but she’s refused to trust his feelings for her. After all, they’re not remotely in the same social class. Until one day Nancy can no longer deny her love—only to find he’s become engaged to someone else!





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Two souls from such different circumstances, traveling similar paths of the heart, only to stumble upon that which they both swore off in the most unexpected of partners...well, at least if it's not too late once the realization dawns...

Nancy is a woman that learned the ways of men from her father and his cohorts.  Before you go casting a golden glow on the scene, don't...it wasn't that way.  Her father, well, her stepfather, lived up to the stereotypical title of "step" and showed her all the ways a man can be lacking, a man can be a burden, a man can cause you to lose your way, sense of self, and self worth...and she vowed to never fall under love's spell with any man.  James is a man that learned the ways of women from those of equal societal standing.  That is to say most have an agenda, whether self drawn or gifted from their mothers, and prefer to flatter, fawn, and batt their lashes as opposed to sharing a moment of truth, or a conversation of the heart.  He's never been one to flirt and chase skirts, though he knows in order carry on the family name, at some point, a bride he must take...but for now, he's content with following in his father's footsteps, or at least he's convinced himself that he is. 



I fell in love with these two right from the start.  She was so much stronger than she could see, so much braver than many in her circumstances, and wouldn't stand for stooping to the lows her own caretakers were trying to force.  She knew it was wrong, and though considering it in a passing moment, when confronted with the facts, she couldn't do it.  Her honesty, her drive, her stubbornness would take her far...as would her random meetings with Mr. Redbourne.  That's a relationship that was a joy to be privy to.  It took its time getting them to a place where they were ready to grab hold of what was before them, and GASP...the time itself was an obstacle of its own as fate seemed to be taking them their separate ways once and for all...but the time that transpired, the growth they both experienced, and yet the welcome sight each was to the other even though a year (or more!) had passed, just went to assure you that yes, THIS was meant to be.  Eventually, some day, the stars would align, and these two hearts would get the chance to see just how far they could go. 

A great addition to the series, and a wonderful read for Historical Romance fans that I'd highly recommend as the next add to your beach bag, or as a top choice for your weekend reading escape.



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About the author...


Jenni Fletcher was born in Scotland and now lives in Yorkshire where she writes historical romance novels ranging from the Roman to late Victorian eras. She studied English at Cambridge and Hull and has been nominated for 4 RoNA awards, winning for Short Romantic Fiction in 2020. She teaches Creative Writing at a university in the north of England and her favourite hobbies are baking and, of course, reading.





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Special thanks to author Jenni Fletcher for the chance to bring this title to you and the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the publisher, the author, or her other works, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or visit your local brick and mortar to snag your copy today!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Sunday, June 26, 2022

RRR presents... WHY WE WALK by Siena's Stories - EXCERPT!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're taking a stroll through the pages of a new Children's Picture Book title on tour with Rachel's Random Resources. It's a book about taking the time out of life to experience LIFE. It's about slowing down enough to take notice of the things, people, places surrounding us, and learning to take care of them so they are still there for the next generation. Ladies and gents, get ready to set your sights on today's blog tour guest and title in the spotlight...



Why We Walk
by
Sierra's Stories
Illustrated by
Shannon Wilvers


About the book...
When we walk we see things that we would have missed if we drove. Things like birds, cats, & squirrels. When we walk we have fun spending time together. We talk and learn how walking can help to care for our planet. Join Siena and her dad as they walk to school and discover every little step counts.

This is the second book in the Siena's Stories series. The first book, The Dance of the Snow Tractors, was named a top book for children in the automobile category by Newsweek magazine.



AMAZON  UK  |  US




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About the author...

Siena is a real Canadian kid who likes making up stories with her father. Both of whom choose to create these books somewhat anonymously.






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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Saturday, June 25, 2022

RRR presents... THE COLOUR OF SUMMER by Victoria Connelly - REVIEW!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're back with Rachel's Random Resources as we get between the epages of the latest release from author Victoria Connelly. You might recognize the name from your own reading, or from my site as it seems I've read quite a few of her works (and enjoyed them thoroughly!), but I digress...this isn't about the past, but the present...and yet, it is, in the story. Ladies and gents, let's take a trip back to Winfield Hall and discover just what the future has in store for us with today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...


The Colour of Summer
by
Victoria Connelly


About the book...
How long can you hide your past from the one you love?

When Abigail and Edward became co-owners of historic Winfield Hall in the beautiful Sussex countryside, they had little idea what the future held. But, as the days of summer lengthen, their feelings towards one another grow and love begins to blossom.

Harry and Aura have been a couple for a year now and, with the summer solstice approaching, Harry hatches a very special plan. He just hopes that the sun, moon and the stars are all in alignment.

But not everything is going to plan. Life has a way of catching up with you and it isn’t long before Abi discovers that Edward’s been lying about his past, and the family secrets he’s been hiding now threaten their future happiness. Can Edward make amends for his mistakes and will Abi ever be able to forgive and trust him again?

Heartwarming and uplifting, The Colour of Summer is the final book in The House in the Clouds trilogy by bestselling author Victoria Connelly.



AMAZON  UK  |  US




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Once upon a time, there was a house on a hill that appeared to be among the clouds. It drew artists and hurting souls with its melancholy aire, and yet promised new beginnings, and second chances, if only it too was given one. That chance was given by Abigail and Edward...and the house had yet the chance to bestow its promise on them, until now.

A lovely return to Winfield Hall, if ever there was...except, things aren't just as they were. Well, okay, Abigail and Edward's stagnant non-relationship is...for the moment...but the housemates are up in arms, family is proving more tedious than loving, and change seems to be in the air, for better or worse. The last part on the better end includes a proposal on the horizon for two you couldn't be more surprised about, nor happy for....but the later features the last days for a few souls, some of which were harder to see leave this earthly plain. Your heart will ache, right alongside Abigail's (as well as a few others), but the memories gifted, the lessons learned will stay within their hearts.

I admit, I was thrilled for the potential couple, but absolutely livid with Edward. I mean, he knows what truth, and honesty mean to Abigail. She's had enough secrets in her life to last someone else's lifetime, and he pulls a stunt like that?! I'll say this, her reaction was nothing to what was going on in my own head. Good thing she has a way about her that can overcome things other dwell on, and while I see her point, it didn't make the initial hurt inflicted, hurt any less. Speaking of hurts, there is definitely some heartache to be shared from Abigail and her sister's past as it comes back to haunt them, but the haunt is short lived when they finally face the truth head on. That ending though, well...I have to say, it was just the perfect way to call it a day on this series. It left your heart smiling, and your eyes filled with hope for brighter tomorrow's come what may.

All in all, a trilogy where the books truly work hand in hand. With every release, the connections grow from building upon the initial world created to the characters we've come to love, and the relationships between everyone that surrounds. There are different personalities represented, life paths followed, beliefs explored, making the book feel more inclusive, as if it was inviting readers from all backgrounds to come in for a spell, and find your home within. It was a community you'll feel lucky to be a part of and sad to say goodbye too...at least until you choose to do a reread!




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About the author...


Victoria Connelly lives in a 500-year old thatched cottage in rural Suffolk with her artist husband, a springer spaniel and a flock of ex-battery hens. She is the million-selling author of two bestselling series, The Austen Addicts and The Book Lovers, as well as many other novels and novellas. Her first published novel, Flights of Angels, was made into a film in Germany. Victoria loves books, films, walking, historic buildings and animals. If she isn’t at her keyboard writing, she can usually be found in her garden either with a trowel in her hand or a hen on her lap.






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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Thursday, June 23, 2022

Rockstar Book Tours presents... ASHES by M. K. Harkins - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hello, hello!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

As promised, we are back with our third post of the day, and while that might seem excessive, trust me...you're in for just as much bookish goodness this post around.  I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ASHES by M.K. Harkins Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out review my post below and make sure to enter the giveaway before you click on over to the other sites for more!


Title: ASHES (Modern-Day Fairy Tale #1)

Author: M.K. Harkins

Pub. Date: June 1, 2022

Publisher: M.K. Harkins

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 303

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!



Not your typical Cinderella story…

If she thought college applications were complicated, just wait until she catches feelings for the newest celebrity in town.

Ashley Adams doesn’t have time for haters. Already too busy dealing with dead bodies after her stepmother purchased a mortuary, she is ready to put the lid on her judgmental peers and finally bury her high school experience. But her focus is shattered when a charming pop-star-turned-student needs her help evading his crazed fans.

The last place heartthrob Harry James wants to be is back in school. Sentenced to finish his senior year after a case of accidental arson, the singer longs to return to the stage. But he never expected to meet a girl who could see through the fame to the real person inside.

Surprised by the chemistry between them, Ashley is shocked when Harry gives her the cold shoulder. But with his publicist forbidding him from dating her, Harry must choose between fame or love.

Can Ashley and Harry survive the turmoil threatening to tear them apart?

Ashes is a fun and snarky standalone YA romance. If you like captivating characters, emotional twists and turns, Fairies and Cinderella retellings, then you’ll adore MK Harkins’ fast-paced tale.

*Recommended for readers 13+ (Some mild swearing and off-page violence)


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Reviews:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   "I'm no stranger to retellings of fairytales so my expectations were high. The story is beautifully written with a fresh and modern take on the characters, whilst retaining the true essence of the story."  Goodreads Reviewer
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A delightful mix of finding love in the modern world, with a bit of Fairytale magic mixed in. I thought the novel was beautifully written. There really weren't any plot holes that led to confusion. The elements of a Cinderella retelling were masterfully placed, but not necessarily made the center of the story."  Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What a great read! Everything about this book made me want to keep reading! From the great characters, great story line and a Cinderella twist!" NetGalley Reviewer 

 

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Fan of fairytale redos?
Yeah, me too...and this one aims to please!

There's a plethora of Cinderella retells out there.  From movies to books, it seems that everyone is trying to get in on the magical drama that is this gal's life.  This story?  It takes some of the ideas from the best of them out there, rolls them around for some texture, gives it a stir of subtle glitter, and displays it on the page like an artist would their latest canvas masterpiece.  Yes, it IS that good!  

I love how we started out with the land of the fairies where a problem was being addressed regarding a lack of wishes and belief in love.  I love the enthusiasm of one among them to take the hardest case set before them as a mission to set things to right.  We then dissolve into the "here and now" of it where we meet Ashley, run into Harry (quite literally), and begin to understand the dynamic of their growing acquaintance (which is really so much more to both of them even from the start, despite the fact that they can't admit it to themselves!).  We see the family aspect that Ashley lives in, or rather lives THROUGH, since the loss of her father, and her mission towards her end goal to get the heck out of dodge.  We meet her one bestie that proves it's not the quantity of friends we have, but the quality of the friendships. We see the lengths people will go to get what they want, and achieve their owns dreams no matter how misguided they are, or who they hurt in the process.  Yet ultimately, we see a girl and a boy destined for true love, if only they can give it a chance.

Like I said, it has all the magic, all the fun, all the missteps, heartache, and love you could want, without so much as a sparkle of fairy dust present...or at least, visible.  *giggle*  So step into the lives of a few characters you don't want to miss, and be on the inside track for what sounds like it's going to be an AMAZING series!

 

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About the author..

MK [Harkins] has always been a voracious reader. After hitting a dry spell of reading material, she decided to write the kind of book she'd like to read. This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance - eFestival of Words- August 2014)

Unintentional, Breaking Braydon, Taking Tiffany and The Reader soon followed. MK's newest, Famous by Default, an Amazon Bestseller, was released March 2017. The follow-up to The Reader, The Jack, published 2018. Next up- A series of modern-day fairy tales. We'll start with a Cinderella story: Ashes

Subscribe to M.K.’s newsletter!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 



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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...

1 winner will receive a finished copy of ASHES!

US Only





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Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, wherever books are sold. Catch the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/1/2022

Sadie's Spotlight

Excerpt/IG Post

6/2/2022

BookHounds YA

Guest Post/IG Post

6/3/2022

Cherie Colyer

Guest Post

6/4/2022

Jenguerdy

IG Post

Week Two:

6/5/2022

BETTER_0FF_READ

IG & TikTok Post

6/6/2022

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

6/7/2022

YABooksCentral

Guest Post

6/8/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Guest Post

6/9/2022

@jaimerockstarbooktours

IG Post

6/10/2022

Book Sniffers Anonymous

Review/IG Post

6/11/2022

Living in a Bookworld

Excerpt

Week Three:

6/12/2022

@jacleomik33 The Page Ladies

Review/IG Post

6/13/2022

Karen Dee's Book Reviews

Review/IG Post

6/14/2022

beersbooksandboos

Review/IG Post

6/15/2022

@My.Bookish.Mind

IG Review

6/16/2022

@travelersguidetobooks

IG Review

6/17/2022

Lady Hawkeye

Excerpt/IG Post

6/18/2022

100 Pages A Day

Review/IG Post

Week Four:

6/19/2022

The Reading Devil

Review/IG Post

6/20/2022

@meetcuteromancebooks

Review/IG Post

6/21/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Spotlight

6/22/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

6/23/2022

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

6/24/2022

More Books Please blog

Review/IG Post

6/25/2022

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Review

Week Five:

6/26/2022

Emmiepooh2

Review/IG Post

6/27/2022

Fire and Ice

Review

6/28/2022

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

6/29/2022

Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf

IG Review

6/30/2022

@allyluvsbooksalatte

Review/IG Post




Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


RELEASE WEEK Celebration: When It Falls Apart by Catherine Bybee - INTERVIEW + EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

So, as promised, post number two of the day coming at you and we're coming in hot!  It's RELEASE WEEK for author Catherine Bybee's latest work via Montlake and we're shining the BOOK SPOTLIGHT all over it.  I've read her work previously, and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I've got high expectations for this one, that's suppose to kick off a new series.  (woot woot!)  Seeing as my schedule is a bit booked (pun TOTALLY intended), I couldn't partake in a review, but I can share ALL THE LOVE with YOU so you can check out the good first, and report back.  Sound good?  FABULOUS!  Let's get started!


When It Falls Apart
by
Catherine Bybee
Montlake

About the book...
Brooke Turner has always had a complicated relationship with her father. But when his health takes a turn for the worse, she drops everything to care for him. He’s her dad, after all, and he needs her. What Brooke doesn’t anticipate is the unraveling of her long-term relationship and a cross-country move to San Diego’s Little Italy.

Luca D’Angelo is the oldest of three children and a single father to a young daughter. When his mother rents the top floor of their house to Brooke, he’s angry. Who is this beautiful stranger with no ties to the neighborhood? Can she be trusted in such close proximity to his family?

As Luca learns of Brooke’s difficult journey with her ailing father, his heart softens. And Brooke, who witnesses Luca’s struggle as a single parent, develops feelings for him, too. But when it all falls apart, will love heal their wounded hearts?



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~~~   EXCERPT   ~~~


“Oh my God, Carmen. He was standing at his car first thing this morning. Like ‘hop in, bella, let’s get stuff done today.’ Who does that?” 


Brooke had picked up the phone as soon as Luca was off in search of a dump guy. 


“We’re talking about the single, hot, Italian dad, right?” 


Brooke rolled her eyes. “Yes. Luca.” 


“Oy, oy, oy.” 


“Stop it. I need advice. And I need it before he gets back.” 


Carmen stopped teasing. “You don’t need advice. You need to relax. He sounds like one of the good ones. Let it happen.” 


Let it happen,” she mocked. “I don’t ‘let’ things happen. It happens to me and it’s never good.” 


“You didn’t used to be such a pessimist.” 


“Once upon a time the glass was half full. Not these days.” 


“Okay, Debbie Downer. You want my advice . . . here it is. Keep doing whatever it is you’re doing.” 


“I’m not doing anything. Zero effort.” 


“Really?” Carmen didn’t sound convinced. “Makeup . . . a nice dress?” 


Brooke hesitated. “Maybe . . . a little last night, but that was it.” 


Carmen chuckled. 


“Carmen!”


“Sorry. Okay . . . any red flags?” 


Brooke thought about that. “He loved his ex-wife.” 


“That’s a red flag?” 


“I guess not.” 


“Is he good to his mom?” 


Brooke looked back on the dinner the night before. “To the whole family. He takes being the oldest brother quite seriously.” 


“And his daughter?” 


All Brooke could do was smile. “Great dad. We should all be so lucky.” 


“He’s Italian, does he smoke?” 


“No.” 


“A lot of Italians smoke,” Carmen pointed out. 


“In Italy. The San Diego variety are less in that wheelhouse.” 


“That’s good.” Carmen sighed. “I don’t know what to tell you, Brooke. How does he kiss?” 


“He hasn’t kissed me,” Brooke nearly yelled. 


“Now then . . . we have a problem.” 


“There hasn’t been . . . I don’t even know if—” 


“Stop right there. He did not drive your sorry ass all the way to Upland to do grunt work all day if he wasn’t interested in kissing you, bellllaaa. More than that, you want him to.” 


Brooke closed her eyes, and even in her own head she couldn’t convince herself that Carmen was wrong. 


“Let it happen. You deserve some happiness, Brooke.” 


The van with the air conditioning repair guy pulled into the driveway. 


“I gotta go.” 


“I want a kissing update the next time we talk,” Carmen teased. 


“Love you,” Brooke said with a laugh.


“Back at ya, boo.” 


She hung up. 


Her best friend was such a dork.





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~~~   AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Catherine Bybee   ~~~


For anyone wondering the plot of your newest release, you give a great sneak peek with the title—When it Falls Apart. What is “falling apart” in this novel?

 

All the threads that hold my heroine, Brooke, together are crumbling down around her. When it Falls Apart begins with Brooke’s romantic relationship crashing and burning. At the same time, in a different state, her father is circling the drain in the ICU. And for the cherry on the top of her “falling apart life”, Brooke has found herself demoted at work. In short, everything in Brooke’s life is dissolving around her.

 

Like all of your books, When it Falls Apart has a beautiful romance, however, there is a rawness about Brooke’s story. How was writing this novel different from your others?

 

If you read my notes both in the front and the back of this novel, you’ll soon realize that the story was very personal to me. Rawness comes from experience. The relationship Brooke has with her father is hauntingly familiar to me and my dad. The emotions that the heroine experienced when taking care of him were easy for me to grasp onto and write about. Sadly, the love story with Luca was completely made up and I didn’t have the support of a strong Italian family to help deal with the struggles, but I digress. 


Relationships with a parent who wasn’t there for you growing up are messy. When that parent ages and needs their child, sometimes that help comes with a bucketload of resentment, even if the child wishes they could stop those ugly feelings from creeping up on them. And THAT is the rawness you speak of.

 

Books, TV shows, and movies oftentimes glamorize what it means to care for a loved one. However, in When it Falls Apart you don’t sugar-coat anything about caregiving and the toll it takes on a person. How do you think readers who have been in similar situations will be affected by this story?

 

Justified. Validated. Accepted.


It’s a hard job taking care of an elderly family member. And if there aren’t other siblings to help, or won’t help, it’s made even more difficult. It’s difficult, gritty, dirty work that only has a bad ending…eventually. What I do hope my readers take away is that they’re not alone. That the struggle is very real and that if they don’t find balance (which is almost impossible at times) they will burn out completely and not be fit to help at all. I hope my readers are empowered to set boundaries and balance, so they come out on the other side of caring for an elderly loved one whole themselves.

 

Brooke gets virtually no support from her significant other, which has her reevaluating their relationship. She realizes she has settled and has to make some hard decisions. Do you think this happens too many times to women in real life?

 

100% Yes! There is a song by Taylor Swift with a line that says, and I’m paraphrasing here, I can be what you want for the weekend. But often that weekend ends up being a relationship that women hold on to or are convinced they can’t live without. Often it takes a huge shake-up to remove yourself from that situation. But once you’re away from the day to day dysfunctional relationship, the easier it is to see the dysfunction.

 

After her breakup and move, Brooke is not looking for a relationship. In fact, she tells her best friend: “I haven’t wiped off my smeared mascara from Marshall yet, the last thing I want is to jump into anything else.” Her crying over a man lasts all about two minutes when she meets Luca. Tell us about him.

 


Hmmm, Luca… he is the kind of man who doesn’t want a place on Brooke’s dance card…he wants to rip it up.


Luca is wired to help the people in his life. Brooke becomes a part of his inner circle simply by moving into the family building where he sees her every day.


Now, if Luca had flat out asked Brooke on a date, she would have run the other way…so no, he doesn’t go about it that way. He simply shows up and does not leave. Not when things get tough, or messy…or when his own past peeks its head in. Luca is a man who is right there at Brooke’s side without question or censor on why she does the things she does. His support and validation of her feelings is the part she was missing. Add in the hunky Italian single father and “Mamma Mia!”

 

At first, Luca is not thrilled that Brooke is renting a room in his family’s building. What changes his mind about her?

 

Her strength and vulnerability. I know that sounds contradicting, but some of the strongest women I know have a big vulnerable spot in their life that if you know them well enough, you see. The biggest smiles often hide the deepest pain. Luca sees her struggle and dedication to helping her elderly father and since family is first on Luca’s list, she passes his unconscious test.

 

Luca’s family, the D’Angelo’s, are incredibly close and share everything from ownership of the family restaurant to helping care for Luca’s daughter Franny. How is this different from Brooke’s relationship with her family?

 

Brooke doesn’t have that family. She has a father who abandoned her as a little girl that she carved out a relationship as an adult, and now she’s charged with caring for. Even her previous romantic relationship didn’t support her unconditionally the way the D’Angelo’s do for each other. She’s rather dumbfounded when they start treating her like family. It’s a wonderful thing to watch happen.

 

San Diego’s Little Italy plays a huge part in the story. The community, language, and food are in full display. Tell us about your own experiences in your adopted city.

 

I love Little Italy, the food, the pace... the people. There are many places in San Diego that are overrun with the college scene, San Diego is a college town. But Little Italy is more family friendly. Very touristy, but there isn’t a day you don’t see locals hanging out. I go to the farmer’s market often. Pick up authentic Italian ingredients for my own home cooking. I try new restaurants and take all my friends there when they are visiting from out of town. Not to mention it was the closest thing to the “real Italy” that I could go during the travel restrictions. So why not write about it and tell the world of this small island within San Diego that shouldn’t be missed?

 

There are two more siblings in the D’Angelo family. Where will you be taking readers next with
the series?

 

Chloe is a yogi. Think Bali!


And Giovanni loves wine… think Tuscany, Italy.

 

I cannot wait to show you what I have in store for these two!





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New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written twenty-eight books that have collectively sold more than five million copies and have been translated into more than eighteen languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite Series, the Weekday Brides Series, the Most Likely To Series, and the First Wives Series.




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