March 16, 2010 3:38 PM
COMPETITION: Win a copy of Katy Carter Wants a Hero
We loved Ruth Saberton's new novel Katy Carter Wants a Hero (released April 1st) and thanks to Orion, we have five copies of the book to give away! Here's the synopsis:
Katy Carter knows she's no domestic goddess: she's scatterbrained, she needs a fire extinguisher at the ready when she's cooking, and she daily falls off the diet wagon. But that doesn't stop her fantasising about a hero to call her own. And Katy thinks she's found him in fiance James, a charming, high-flying city banker. So why, then, does Katy find herself scribbling steamy historical romances every spare moment she gets, and daydreaming about becoming a published author when she ought to be paying attention in staff meetings? As her wedding day looms, Katy determines to become a wife James can be proud of, and employs the help of her best friend Oliver to impress his colleagues and his family. But despite best laid plans, the pair set off a hilarious train of events that leads Katy on a crazy journey through celebrity, chaos, makeovers and, finally, into the arms of her hero...
To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment below. Please make sure that you fill in your email address so that we can contact you if you're a winner. Winners will be posted here on April 1st.
Good luck!
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 16, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Competition
BOOK NEWS: Trust Me, I'm a Vet
I've just received a copy of Cathy Woodman's latest novel Trust Me, I'm a Vet - and can't wait to read it! The book is due for release on April 15th. Here's some more information:
City vet Maz Harwood has learned the hard way that love and work don't mix. So when an old friend asks her to look after her Devonshire practice for six months, Maz decides running away from London is her only option.
But country life is trickier than she feared. It's bad enough she has to deal with comatose hamsters, bowel-troubled dogs and precious prize-winning cats, without having to contend with the disgruntled competition and a stubborn neighbour who's threatening to sue over an overzealous fur cut!
Worse still, she discovers Otter House Veterinary Clinic needs mending as much as her broken heart. Thank goodness there's an unsuitable distraction, even if he is the competition's deliciously dashing son...
You can find out more about Cathy Woodman and her books by visiting her website.
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 16, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Books
March 15, 2010 3:18 PM
BOOK REVIEW: Katy Carter Wants a Hero By Ruth Saberton
We interviewed Ruth Saberton last month as her novel, Katy Carter Wants a Hero, is due for release in April. I was lucky enough to read it and it. Is. HILARIOUS.)
Schoolteacher Katy Carter lives in a fantasy world. Well, most of the time. With dreams of becoming a romantic novelist, Katy often finds herself scribbling her tales of voracious heroines and strapping heroes - even in the back of her student's exercise books. Trying to focus on school meetings is one mean feat when you can't stop thinking about that perfect, handsome, caring hero...
It's not as though Katy's down on the hero front, however - in fact, she's due to marry James - her charming, high-flying banker fiance who Katy can't help but adore. And even though Katy's no champion dieter, has flyaway hair and her culinary skills are dire, she's determined to become the perfect wife for James. Despite his overbearing mother for whom nothing is quite right and workaholic James's constant jibes, Katy Carter is going to be the heroine to her hero (although not as waif-like and glam); a wife like those of his city friends, who look good all the time and host great parties. So when James is due to invite his important coworkers (and boss) home for a gathering, Katy's mission is set.
However, when disaster strikes in the form of a runaway lobster (and then some!), Katy finds that her romantic dream is in tatters, along with her potential bestseller...
Together with her best friend Ollie, Katy has to get back on her feet. And of course, get back to writing her perfect story. But with no fiance to go home to and a job she doesn't really like anymore, it's time for Katy to make some life changes. Off she heads to
It was difficult to write this review without mentioning all of the funny and wonderful parts, but I prefer to avoid spoilers wherever possible. This book is one of the funniest I've read and is full of hilarious moments from chapter one. Katy is a little naive at the beginning, yet a fabulous, down-to-earth character who's immensely likeable. James? Not so much. But you'll soon find out why...
Ruth has a natural wit that makes this book a page-turner. I found myself not only unable to put this down until I'd finished, but also prone to random bouts of the giggles in public. But it's well worth the strange looks! Katy Carter Wants a Hero is not only funny but a lovely tale, and already I can't wait to find out what Ruth Saberton has in store next.
Rating: 5/5
(Stay tuned for more news of a Katy Carter competition!)
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 15, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Book News, Rating: 5/5
MOVIE NEWS: John Krasinski for Something Borrowed?
We posted back in December about the upcoming movie adaptation of Emily Giffin's book Something Borrowed. Well, now there's some casting news!
According to ComingSoon, John Krasinski (The Office) is in negotiations to star in the movie. If he takes up the offer, John will star alongside Ginnifer Goodwin.
Luke Greenfield will be directing the movie, and rights to the sequel Something Blue have also been snapped up.
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 15, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Movie Magic
March 12, 2010 11:05 PM
AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Chrissie Manby
I
recently finished reading Getting Over Mr Right - Chrissie Manby's
latest novel - and admittedly, it's the funniest book I have read
in a while! Chrissie has written many novels including Spa Wars,
Crazy In Love and Ready or Not?, and Getting Over Mr Right will be
released in July.
The book is about a newly-dumped female who's so intent on getting the love of her life back that it turns into a dangerous obsession. I asked author Chrissie about writing, internet stalking and favourite fictional heroines...
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
A girl goes to extreme lengths to get over a break-up. Voodoo, crazy cyber-stalking extreme!
What inspired you to write Getting Over Mr Right?
How about two decades of bad dates and break-up disasters? I decided it was time to make lemonade out of some of those lemons.
Your character, Ashleigh, goes to extreme lengths to try and win back her boyfriend. 'Fess up...have you ever tried any of these methods? (I'll admit, I'm prone to cyberstalking... - Elle)
I couldn't possibly say! I think I'm quite a good ex-girlfriend. I'm mates with several of my exes (no need to cyber-stalk as we're all friends on Facebook too) and the rest I leave well alone. That said, I still cringe when I think of the very public declaration of love I made in a desperate attempt to win the heart of a guy who had dumped me not once but three times and then cheated on his new girlfriend with me. And I still wanted him after all that... I must have been insane.
Where do you write your books? (ie coffee shop, in bed...)
I write at the kitchen table. It's important to be near the kettle. Also, I like to watch the birds and the neighbourhood squirrel, who sometimes peers in through the kitchen window and demands nuts with menaces.
What is your favourite chick-lit book?
I really loved 'The Ballroom Class' by Lucy Dillon. Her characters are so real and beautifully written. She never fails to make me laugh and cry.
Continue reading "AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Chrissie Manby"
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 12, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Interviews
BOOK NEWS: Things Your Mother Never Told You
With Mothers'
Day coming up this weekend, we have a great new release by Olivia
Lichtenstein that fits the bill perfectly. (A lovely read for you or
your mum!) Things your Mother Never Told You will hit the shelves on
March 18th. Here's some more information:
'When I'm a mother, I'm never going to be like you . . .'
These words come
back to Ros, years later. Her marriage of twenty years is over; her
sons are moving out and her dead mother, Lilian, seems to have taken
up residence in her head, reminding her of things she once said. As
Ros adapts to sharing custody of the family dog and life without her
husband and boys around, she embarks on a new regime: yoga, herbal
remedies and internet dating.
But when a parcel arrives
containing a portion of her mother's memoir, Ros discovers a barely
recognisable woman within its pages. As long-buried secrets are
revealed, Ros finds the journey into her mother's past could change
her own future . . .
A forum has been set up for the the book - head on over here and sign up. Olivia says: 'The relationship between mother and daughter is arguably one of the most complex there is; the one I had with my own mother certainly was. More than twenty years have passed since her death and I can still hear her voice offering me advice and criticism in equal measure. I'd like to hear the things your mother did and didn't tell you. Please join the forum and share your stories.'
There's a prize of bestselling Orion fiction up for grabs to those who share the best stories - so get writing!
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 12, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Book News
March 11, 2010 10:28 PM
COVER NEWS: The One That Got Away
Lucy Dawson, who
brought us the darkly addictive novels His Other Lover and What My
Best Friend Did, is back with another offering -and we can't wait.
The One That Got Away is due for release in October this year, so
we'll be waiting quite a while yet! However, the cover image was
recently released - here it is!
What do you think?
Here's the synopsis of The One That Got Away...
Molly Greene is having trouble packing up her old life to embrace the new challenges and grown up adventures that are waiting in the wings for her and husband Dan. She loves him, but with life as she knows it about to change forever, she just can't quite seem to make the final jump. Then, just as she's teetering on the brink of the biggest decision of her life, she stupidly sends an impulsive message to the very last person she ought to have contacted, someone who should have stayed forgotten, and is now coming looking for her. And when he finds her, when old and new collide, there is no more turning back. One night is all it takes to threaten everything she holds dear - for good. Would you risk your future for a night with your past?
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 11, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Book News, Book covers
Could YOU be a book editor?
Here's a little something for American book-lovers! Would you like to try your hand at working in the NYC publishing industry? Do you have what it takes to be a book editor?If so, casting is soon to begin for a new reality show (along the lines of Top Chef and Project Runway) that's about books. Disposable is looking for people who have interesting personalities and strong opinions, who are interested in working in the book industry.
To find out more, click here.
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 11, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Book News
March 10, 2010 9:47 PM
NEW RELEASE: Bulletproof Mascara
Being
a fan of spy novels, I was delighted to come across the news of
Bulletproof Mascara - the debut novel from Bethany Maines. Described
as a 'spy spoof', Bulletproof Mascara focuses on Nikki as she joins
cosmetics company Carrie Mae, which turns out to be a lot more
serious a job than she expected. The book was released earlier this
month. Here's a bit more info (from Publishers Weekly):
In Maines's delicious spy spoof debut, wide-eyed linguist Nikki Lanier joins the confidential side of Carrie Mae, a cosmetics giant like Mary Kay or Avon, whose charity foundation uses covert means to help women. Nikki doesn't bat an eyelash as she undergoes rigorous training at the company's academy in Santa Clarita, Calif., where female spies are stylishly equipped with gizmos like pepper spray perfume, flash grenade lipsticks, mini-scanner compacts, knockout breath mints, acid nail polish, plastic explosive foundation, and stiletto stilettos. With Valerie Robinson, a jaded pro, Nikki embarks on her first mission, to rescue Lawan Chinnawat, one of the loudest voices protesting the sex trade that flourishes throughout Asia, who's been abducted. The plot takes a few surprise twists before reaching the exciting climax. Maines deftly combines humor with action in this fashion-forward thriller, which will remind many of such TV shows as Charlie's Angels, Alias, and Heroes.
To find out more about Bethany Maines and Bulletproof Mascara, check out Bethany's website.
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 10, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Book News
March 9, 2010 2:43 AM
MOVIE NEWS: Twenty Times a Lady
Anna Faris and Chris Evans are set to star in What's Your Number - a movie based on Karyn Bosnak's chick-lit novel Twenty Times a Lady.According to ComingSoon, What's Your Number will be directed by Mark Mylod (Entourage) and will begin production in May.
For those who have not read Karyn's hilarious book, here's the blurb:
How many men does it take to find true love?
Delilah Darling's magic number was supposed to be twenty. She always thought she'd find the perfect guy by the time she'd slept with twenty of them. But when she wakes up naked in her disgusting boss's bed after a drunken night out, she's filled with regret -- and realizes she's hit her self-imposed limit. Unwilling to up her number but unable to imagine a life of celibacy, Delilah does what any girl in her situation would do: she tracks down every man she's ever slept with in a last-ditch effort to make it work with one of them.
Posted by Elle Symonds on
March 9, 2010 | Permalink
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In Categories: Book News, Movie News
