Hollywood Ever After: guest post, review and giveaway
By Sasha Summers
Inkspell Publishing
Release Date July 14, 2012
She wasn’t meant for movie stars, Hollywood, or happy endings. And then she met him.
Blurb: Happy Endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not Claire’s life. Even though she’s starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the strong arms of Hollywood’s ‘it’ boy Josh Wiley, Claire’s in for some surprises.
Her plans for rest and relaxation are forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two…
And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh’s juggernaut career mean the end of their affair?
Or can Claire find her happy ending after all?
InkSpell Publishing Link to pre-order
Guest Post:
Why do we like Happy Endings?
I love your question.
I think happy endings offer a therapeutic release. We can’t know what our day will bring us. Stress and uncertainty, the feeling that we don’t or can’t control things – that’s just life. But reading romance or watching a chick-flick gives the control and certainty back to us. We know everything will be okay, that these ‘people’ will be okay, that they will have their happily ever after.
I’m a big fan of happy endings. Whether we’re talking books or big-screen entertainment – I’ll take a happy ending 95 times out of 100. That’s why I read a lot of romance.
For me, reading a romance is like cuddling up under a soft blanket on a cold day. It’s comforting, soothing, and warm. If it’s well-written, it will wrap you up from head to toe and draw you into the pages, the characters, their trial and victories. And when that sweet spot comes, that final moment when peace, love, and harmony finds the lovers – it’s bliss. Oh, it’s like you’re all comfy cozy bundled up and someone hands you a cup of cocoa or… or rubs your feet for you.
Yes, I know… that might sound lame, but I have a lot of kids and a good book, a foot rub, and some cocoa equate (oftentimes) to a happy ending for me. J
I love your question.
I think happy endings offer a therapeutic release. We can’t know what our day will bring us. Stress and uncertainty, the feeling that we don’t or can’t control things – that’s just life. But reading romance or watching a chick-flick gives the control and certainty back to us. We know everything will be okay, that these ‘people’ will be okay, that they will have their happily ever after.
I’m a big fan of happy endings. Whether we’re talking books or big-screen entertainment – I’ll take a happy ending 95 times out of 100. That’s why I read a lot of romance.
For me, reading a romance is like cuddling up under a soft blanket on a cold day. It’s comforting, soothing, and warm. If it’s well-written, it will wrap you up from head to toe and draw you into the pages, the characters, their trial and victories. And when that sweet spot comes, that final moment when peace, love, and harmony finds the lovers – it’s bliss. Oh, it’s like you’re all comfy cozy bundled up and someone hands you a cup of cocoa or… or rubs your feet for you.
Yes, I know… that might sound lame, but I have a lot of kids and a good book, a foot rub, and some cocoa equate (oftentimes) to a happy ending for me. J
About the Author: Sasha Summers is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, romance, and travel. She writes both lyrical romantic fantasy and contemporary romance. Her first play was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She's been writing ever since.
She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she's doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.
Author links: Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook Author Page | Goodreads | Pinterest
Our review:
An accidental trip over wires sends birthday girl Clair into the arms of Josh Wiley, burgeoning movie star. From one touch, there is an immediate attraction which the two continue to nurture the rest of the evening after the movie premiere has ended and the partying has begun. Clair, on a surprise birthday trip, is still reeling from an abusive marriage but is skeptical and surprised at how she responds to the actor with the sexy English accent. Josh is attentive, a good listener, younger, obviously interested, and just as uncomfortable around the Hollywood scene as Clair is. Is Josh too good to be true?
I wondered that too. Josh seemed so perfect in the beginning, could he make Clair happy? I know I complain about some of the instant love affairs I find rampant in YA today and here, with this adult title, I completely understood it. Sasha Summers ensnared me in her romantic love story by creating two believable characters who are smitten with each other and the wounded Clair, though happy to be wanted and desired by a man, is hesitant to believe Josh can be the man for her. There was just the right mix of romance, family time between Clair and her children, steamy love scenes, and moments with Clair's friend, Shannon. Well paced, nicely written, Sasha Summers gives readers a reason to believe in happy endings a la Hollywood Ever After. Pack this book along with the sunblock and prepare to escape to Hollywood.
Rating: 4 **** Enjoyed this.
Cover comment: I love this cover! The pose, the bouquet, even the lettering. Playful and contemporary.
Book source: Received this book from the author for my honest review during a book tour
Tour Wide Giveaway:
She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she's doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.
Author links: Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook Author Page | Goodreads | Pinterest
Our review:
An accidental trip over wires sends birthday girl Clair into the arms of Josh Wiley, burgeoning movie star. From one touch, there is an immediate attraction which the two continue to nurture the rest of the evening after the movie premiere has ended and the partying has begun. Clair, on a surprise birthday trip, is still reeling from an abusive marriage but is skeptical and surprised at how she responds to the actor with the sexy English accent. Josh is attentive, a good listener, younger, obviously interested, and just as uncomfortable around the Hollywood scene as Clair is. Is Josh too good to be true?
I wondered that too. Josh seemed so perfect in the beginning, could he make Clair happy? I know I complain about some of the instant love affairs I find rampant in YA today and here, with this adult title, I completely understood it. Sasha Summers ensnared me in her romantic love story by creating two believable characters who are smitten with each other and the wounded Clair, though happy to be wanted and desired by a man, is hesitant to believe Josh can be the man for her. There was just the right mix of romance, family time between Clair and her children, steamy love scenes, and moments with Clair's friend, Shannon. Well paced, nicely written, Sasha Summers gives readers a reason to believe in happy endings a la Hollywood Ever After. Pack this book along with the sunblock and prepare to escape to Hollywood.
Rating: 4 **** Enjoyed this.
Cover comment: I love this cover! The pose, the bouquet, even the lettering. Playful and contemporary.
Book source: Received this book from the author for my honest review during a book tour
Tour Wide Giveaway:
- 2 autographed paperback copies of the book with bookmarks, pins, and magnets
- 1 custom charm bracelet with charms special to the book (and book swag)
- 2 $10 Amazon gift cards
YAY! 4 stars! What a great book birthday present! Thanks so much for celebrating Hollywood Ever After's release day with me! And for loving Josh and Claire's story! Have a wonderful weekend :)
ReplyDeleteI love HEA endings. And I've read tons of romances to get them, but I've found lately that I prefer the more realistic versions than the fairy tale type.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and the book sounds pretty good.
I like your review and this does sound like a fun summer read. Definitely the light summer reading I enjoy. I prefer happy endings in my rom-coms. Even when things seems too neatly wrapped up at the end, I don't mind!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a book set in Hollywood in a long time - this one looks great!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteYeah! I love sharing the luv about books. Thanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteLoved the review! This book sounds amazing and that cover is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I love reading books that take place in Hollywood. The steamy love scenes sound good too. Definitely a book I'd like to read.
ReplyDeleteSounds very interesting! I would love to read it.
ReplyDeletefelecia@twinoaksfl.org
Wow thanks everyone! I hope the book is a hit with you all! Good luck in the giveaway!!
ReplyDelete