Double Click by Lisa Becker

Hi guys!

Welcome back to another week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

We kicked things off early with a blog tour visit  courtesy of the fabulous folks at Walden Pond Press yesterday starring THE DUNGEONEERS!  You had a chance to meet and greet the author, find out some pretty cool facts and tidbits PLUS enter to win a SIGNED HARDBACK of the book.  Hope you got in on that action...and if not, you've got until midnight this Saturday to do so.  Anywho, back to today's show already in progress...

Today, we're shining the light on book 2 of the Click trilogy by Lisa Becker.  Ringing any bells?  Ah yes, see...I KNEW you'd remember!  Just last week, book 1 graced this very site and what can I say?  I've been a busy little reader...in this case, e-reading reader, a fact that I was teased about at work as those that refuse to accept my "tree book" love still try and convert me to solely traversing the epages.  Newsflash to coworkers...ain't gonna happen.  ^-^  ...accept in rare cases such as this.  So, are you ready to check in with the fab four (plus 2 and a 1/2!) that we were just getting acquainted with?  Let's!  Word to the wise, I'll try to keep spoilers to a minimum, but no absolute promises are made.  Just break down and read book 1 already, okay?  Okay.  Now to the ebook of the day...

Double Click

Click Trilogy, Book 2

by

Lisa Becker

About the book...

Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends.

AMAZON   |   B&N

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Okay, so the author didn't keep us in suspense long, THANK GOODNESS, and let everyone fall off the face of the e-Earth.  Nope.  If you just finished book 1, this second installment picks up a few months later.  Now, I will admit, at the start, I thought oh my goodness!  What have I missed...as they discuss wedding plans, an upcoming birth, and a few other juicy tidbits but within a few epages, we're back up to speed and realizing that we were merely being taunted.  (You got us Ms. Becker...good one!)  As the book itself is informal in its style and delivery, I thought I might take a more informal update on things as they were as well.  Sound good?  Here goes...

Renee:  You are our leading lady by far miss Supermodel Renee.  You're probably the most easy to identify with and though I hate seeing you get down on yourself from time to time, it makes you more human.  I love the support system you've built and how you try to include everyone (from the baby-is-on-the-way tree to our less than linguistic friend Cassidy).  I think you're heartbreak over Shelley's big plans was very real and I totally believe you would have moved crossed country with her in a heartbeat but respect you more for not having done so.  The grace you show in your every day life may come off as quirky to you, but to everyone else, it's a splendid affair filled with pizzazz.  Go you!

Shelley:  My goodness, how we've mellowed!  I did miss your exploits as recounted continuously in book 1, but I am SO happy for you and what you've discovered.  It takes a lot of guts to make the giant leap you are making and the distance it puts between you and your crew is just another thorn in the rose, but like a trooper, you can handle it while making sure everyone else is reassured too.  Your email convo with Renee had me tearing up...in fact, I'm gonna stop typing about it now too... *sniff*

Ashley: My, my!  It seems the hormones are upped and the gloves come off.  Nothing wrong with that mind you and hey, you get some extra slack anyway because you ARE creating a new life.  Admittedly though, withholding the sex of the little one was a bit cruel seeing how it was making Auntie Renee squirm but it was your right.  Way to go for sticking to your guns!  Sorry you missed out on some of the fun but I don't think all the progress you and Shelley made could have withstood her road trip across these United States.

Mark:  So glad you've finally come out of your shell a bit mate.  I admit, I had your number all wrong.  No, I did not in fact think you were gay (even if you were, no issues) but I did think that you and Ms. Renee were gonna be the ones hitting it off (a theory debugged in book 1).  Color me surprised but oh so happy for you.  Also, KUDOS for being your own man and standing up to your friends about the whole "us-against-Cassidy" business.  Your explanation of your love for her because of her differences was touching...though you should seriously talk to her about using Spelling & Grammar check.  ^-^

Ethan:  Though I had my doubts about you for the long haul, it appears I was mistaken.  Yay you!  However, that whole proposal business, what a fiasco...initially.  I give you major props for being intuitive enough to figure out something was wrong, seeking assistance from a "professional", and making the memory something that you'll both cherish forever.  Congrats!

Cassidy:  Welcome to the gang!  I think you made quite an impression...though your typing skills and grammar need some MAJOR work.  Sorry girl but avoiding capitalization and punctuation, let alone proper word usage (and taking into account others feelings!), does not a good email make!  Being that that's pretty much how we get your story, I'd say it's important .  Oh and lay off the cat videos...maybe once a week instead of daily?  *shakes head*

Overall, the emails got a bit wordy at times in this installment, but it did satisfy.  It successfully navigated what a lot of trilogies get caught up in...the sophomore slump.  Book 2 can make or break a three pack and here, while I wouldn't say they were flying colors, it certainly was sparkly nonetheless.  We got to know the characters a bit more, watched them grow, and are primed and ready for book 3.  I know I can't wait...how about you?

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About the author...

Lisa had endured her share of hilarious and heinous cyber dates, many of which inspired Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click.  The books, about a young woman’s search for love online in Los Angeles, have been called, “a fast read that will keep you entertained,” “a fun, quick read for fans of Sex and the City,” and “hard to put down.”  The first in the series has now been optioned for a major motion picture.

She’s written bylined articles about online dating and has been featured in Cupid’s Pulse, Garmental.com, TV Grapevine, GalTime.com, Single Edition, Career 2.0, The Perfect Soulmate, Chick Lit Central and numerous other book blogs and websites.

A former public relations professional, Lisa has worked with some of the biggest consumer companies in the world including McDonald’s, Ford, Sony and Gatorade.  She’s also a former college professor, teaching public relations and communications classes at University of Southern California and Oglethorpe University.

As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “for every chair, there’s a tush.”  Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach with him and their two daughters.  So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone!

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Special thanks to author Lisa Becker for the ebook copies for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or future installments, please feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or online retailer of your choosing and STAY TUNED as the third installment will be appearing RIGHT HERE very soon!

Until next time...happy reading!

Knock Knock, Who's There?: Duck at the Door by Jackie Urbanovic

Hi there, everyone!  I hope that your week is going well.  2010 is rolling right along and February is upon us.  Throughout the month, be sure to check out the widget at the top of the page for your chance to win during the '28 Days of Winter Escapes:  Book-A-Day Giveaway' from HarperTEEN (HarperCollins).  Each new day offers you another chance to win a different book and on February 18th yours truly will have a special feature review and author interview so be sure to stay tuned!

With all the excitement going around and new book releases pouring from the woodwork, today's post will be a bit on the lighter side.  Lighter as in length of book as well as subject.  Today's book of choice is....

Duck at the Door
by
Jackie Urbanovic

Meet Max.  He is a bit confused.  You see, he is a duck and it's Winter time, but he decided against leaving with his friends for a brighter, warmer locale.  After all, he was born in the Spring and it was a dandy time, why wouldn't Winter be the same? 

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.  The sound could be heard through the house, and the animal friends inside knew just what to do....get their human friend, Irene!  Irene is a lover of animals as can be seen by her assortment of fuzzy friends, ranging from cats to dogs to bunnies and birds.  It would seem anyone needing a home with love to share is welcome.  But what of the stranger rapping at their door?  Who could it be in this snowy weather?  She opens the door to discover....Max...one freezing little duck!  Unable to turn away this new little friend, she invites him inside to stay for the winter, but when Max begins to get a little TOO comfortable, will he still be welcome?  See what happens when a house guest over steps a few boundaries and what the power of love and forgiveness can really do as you follow Max on his indoor adventure.

So it seems that like Max, most people are wishing that they had sought warmer ground as winter seems to be dragging its feet this year.  Unlike most of them, I actually like the cold.  You see, around here, the two temperature variances are generally HOT and HOTTER.  Any deviance from the norm is a welcome treat....besides you can ALWAYS dress warmer....the other extreme can only take you so far before you become a bit of a spectacle.  Anywho....when I saw this book featured in the recent newsletter, I simply had to take a look.  The drawings are great...imaginative and realistic all at the same time.  I mean who doesn't like to see a duck in it's habitat as well as working the remote control in an easy chair?  (Hmm...in Max's case, it would seem BOTH are his habitat.)  The simplistic nature of the story works well in conveying the meanings seen just below the surface.  Friends and kind souls are not easy to come by, but when they are found, handle with care to ensure a relationship that will blossom and bloom for many seasons to come.

Review copy read online through HarperCollins Children's Books.  FULL ACCESS to this cute story is available for a limited time through the link in the title near the top of this post.  Special thanks to HarperCollins for making it available for all to enjoy online....I'm certain the hard copy edition will find a home on many a child's bookshelf for both the story and the artwork.  This is only one book in a series written by author Jackie Urbanovic and starring the precocious Max.  Check out her website for a look at the other titles that make up this fun collection.

Until next time....happy reading!

Learning to Say Yes: I Don't Want to Go by Addie Meyer Sanders

Hello, hello!  It's that time again....time to share a quick review of another title that's sure to hit the mark!  The book featured today was a quick though enjoyable read brought to my attention through the (insert booming-echo voice here) Twitter-verse (end booming echo voice)!  Through the course of daily tweets the other day, Danielle (There's A Book) happened to retweet a post from Big Universe.  Unbeknownst to me previously (but I will be checking it out in more depth soon), the site offers you the chance to "read, create, and share children's books" and this tweet definitely followed along those same lines.  The offer was simple...a chance to read a great book for kids online for free.  How could I turn that down?  (Well, obviously I didn't or this post wouldn't be here but I'm definitely glad I read it!)  Today's book of choice is....

I Don't Want to Go

by

Addie Meyer Sanders

This is the story of a young boy named Joey.  He is going to visit his grandparents for the very first time and is in the midst of packing for the trip.  There's just one thing....he doesn't want to go!  So begins a string events that simply put...Joey does not want any part of.  New situations, new people, new surroundings...all things that strike fear into the heart of many children.  But what of the experiences they will miss out on if their fear conquers them?

I love the way that each situation was introduced as a blasé outing by the adult counterparts, and then turned into something so much more than the child ever had in mind.  Isn't it usually that way (at least as a child)?  We imagine a situation or outing to be one thing, and then POOF, we are proven wrong for better or worse.  (I must say I am partial to the "better" ones though.)  It all comes down to learning to take chances and putting trust in those we hold dear.  Would they really steer us wrong?  More than likely, no.  Will we grow from the experience?  In almost every case, YES....and that my friends is what life is really about (or at least one thing).  If we don't try new things or venture from our comfort zones, well many of us would still be sucking our thumbs and curled up with our favorite blanket.  (...not that that is a bad thing, but you can't stay there forever.)

If you are looking for a quick read, I would definitely head over to Big Universe to check it out...you won't be sorry you did.  I can imagine it as the perfect companion for any parents library of "how-to's" when it comes to raising their children.  It's a fun look at a fear shared by both girls and boys around the globe....all explored from start to finish in the safety of a parent's (or guardian, babysitter...etc.) arms.  What better way is there to expell the proverbial monster from under the bed?

COMMENT CREATOR
Everyone grew up with (and may still have) a childhood fear.  Ranging from the silly to the serious, they played big in our growing minds.  Do you remember a childhood fear from your own past?  Have you conquered it?  (Care to share in the comments below!)

Until next time....happy reading!