Houston Author Event Spotlight: Rebecca Donovan

Optimism seeps from every pore of my body. I truly believe what’s supposed to happen… will. In that regard, I don’t know how to give up; it’s not part of my biological make-up.

I’m a passionate (and some would say overly enthusiastic) individual. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times than I’d like to admit). But I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do – fail or succeed.

I think this is evident when I write. I leave nothing behind, and spill it all out onto the pages. I give it all to my readers – love it or hate it.

The path I’m on is very often my own. Sometimes I veer off at the sight of something more interesting or captivating and get caught in the vines and thorns in order to experience the beauty and intrigue others often pass by. And I always meet the most interesting people along the way…

 "No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"

In the affluent town of Weslyn, Connecticut, where most people worry about what to be seen in and who to be seen with, Emma Thomas would rather not be seen at all. She’s more concerned with feigning perfection while pulling down her sleeves to conceal the bruises - not wanting anyone to know how far from perfect her life truly is. Without expecting it, she finds love. It challenges her to recognize her own worth - but at the risk of revealing the terrible secret she’s desperate to hide.

Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope. 

  

Emma’s struggle with an abusive home life came to a heart pounding conclusion in the final chapters of "Reason to Breathe". Now everyone in Weslyn knows Emma’s secret, but Carol can’t hurt Emma anymore. 

Some are still haunted by the horror of that night, and some must face the repercussions of their choices. Fans of Rebecca Donovan’s debut novel will discover there’s still much to learn about Emma’s life.

   

Emma leaves Weslyn and everyone in it behind to attend Stanford University, just as she always intended. A shell of her former self, she is not the same girl. She is broken, and the only way that she’ll be whole again is through forgiveness. 

Emma must find a way to forgive herself and recognize her own worth before she can receive the love she deserves. This final installment will have readers holding their breath until the very last page.

       

Becca: Has there been one book that has impacted your life or has stayed with you that really was pivotal for you.

Rebecca:  I don't go back and try to write like it but I that profound, the human story behind it and just the philosophical end of it is, His Dark Material by Philip Pullman. I don't know if you have ever heard of The Golden Compass, so that's part of the trilogy. He just has this great, kinda like Tolkin or C.S. Lewis, they have this sort like religious or human spiritual side to it and I just love the thought behind it. 

Becca: In writing your books, was there a character that you just really had a hard time molding or you just had these times where you were like I just don't know where this character is going?

Rebecca: Well I had a hard time getting What if? started, my new book coming out this fall because I was writing from a 20 year male's point of view and just finding his voice...I had to start over five times in order to find him. Because it is counter-intuitive, I was writing a male's point of view and me as a female, who is really a sixteen year old female at that, so it was really hard for me to be so descriptive and observant and not be reflective because he is not sensitive, he's not like Evan or like some of the other guys that kinda know themselves. He's just a guy. And that was not easy. I wanted him to be authentic, I want you to feel like he's a guy that you can sit down and have a beer with. I just want him to feel real to you and be like oh yeah...I know this dude. Yeah know? He's just a guy.  So creating him was really challenging.

Becca: So was there a scene in any of your books that you wrote that was really hard for you to write?

Rebecca: Yeah the scene of Emma walking into the ocean, I had to write that a couple of times. And actually Jenn Sterling helped me with that. I was out in California in Santa Barbara, and I literally had to sit and just watch the ocean and kinda like feel it. And I wrote that several times to capture that emotion just right because it is such a desperate moment. A pivotal part of the book that I needed it to feel that way.

Becca: If there was one book that you would recommend for anyone to read, which would it be?

Rebecca:  How to Kill a Rockstar (Tiffanie DeBartolo). It's amazing. It's brilliantly written. It's just so smart, just love that book. 

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Houston Author Event Spotlight: Jillian Dodd

I’m a sucker for romance and write romantic stories. My first book, That Boy, was published in May 2011, and the sequel, That Wedding, in February 2012. I married my very own prince charming over 20 years ago, and he still makes me melt.

I love anything sparkly, hot pink, or bright orange. I’m hoping to have a midlife crisis soon, so I can justify the purchase of a hot pink car with thick black racing stripes. I love to paint, doodle, draw, design interiors, rearrange furniture, cheer for my Huskers, cook, entertain, and shop for shoes. I’m addicted to diet coke, Donald Pliner shoes, reading, and buffalo wing popcorn.

 Let me just tell you...I am addicted to Jillian Dodd. As soon as one of her books releases - everything else pauses in my life and I get lost in her world. Keatyn Chronicles is my guilty pleasure and the fan base for this series is AMAZING! If you don't belong to the KC Addicts - Keatyn Chronicles Boy Discussion Group - You are missing out.

Have you seen the new covers for the Keatyn Chronicles? I was able to see them this past weekend at the Houston Author Event and they are BEAUTIFUL!!! Take a look at them here. If you click on the cover, it will take you to Amazon to purchase.

 

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Houston Author Event Spotlight: Amanda Bennett

I am as the old saying goes... "Never judge a book by it's cover".... unless of course that cover is awesome:) No, in all actuality I have been fortunate enough to be a million different people in my stories and books, and I am grateful everyday that I get to do the thing that I love the most. I am a hopeless romantic at heart and I do believe in happy endings. I also believe that it takes a bit of bad experiences and rough roads to get you there, but in the end I strongly believe it is worth it. I am "THAT" person who does believe that everything happens for a reason:)

Amanda currently lives in Utah with her many men (her husband, two little boys, and two dogs). She is an avid San Francisco 49ers and Dexter fan. In high school she developed a love for writing and story telling, and in the past couple years has made it her passion, as she just released her ninth book. 

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Before the Houston Author Event on April 5th - Ten bloggers were able to "Speed Date" with the authors of the event. I had so much fun talking with all of the authors and being able to ask them as many questions as possible in a 5 minute period...well some had 5 minutes, some were longer and shorter...but it was a fun time for all of us. Over the next two weeks I will be featuring a different author from the event. So today is Amanda!

Becca: Hi Amanda it is so nice to finally meet you! Are you ready because I have the hard questions.
Amanda:  Oh great! Now I have to use my brain!

B: Everyone has been telling me I have the hard questions and I am not suppose to be this hard hitting, so here it goes. What was the one book that impacted your life the most?
A: Twilight. Well, if we are talking recent, then Twilight but if we are talking back to when I first started reading, then it would have been Withering Heights. But Twilight is what kinda pushed me to actually put my books out there and let people read them.
B: Yeah?
A: And I don't know why.
B: Really? You don't know why?
A: I loved Stephanie's writing and it kinda just hooked me from the start. My sister-in-law got me into them and she was like "Here you go, you have to read this book." And then I read it and you know what, I am just going to put my stuff out there. So I don't know...
B: So it was your launching point
A: Yeah
B: So it gave you the courage to say "I can do that"
A: Yeah, I guess I looked at it like if someone is willing to read more of the young adult genre and have it be more of a supernatural book, then I was like, you know, maybe people would like to read what I like too. That was kind my thought on it.

B: Ok, well out of all of your characters, which was the hardest for you to write or gave you the hardest time when writing.
A: Um, probably Dominick from Time to Let Go. He was based on an ex-boyfriend. It's probably about 85% of the book is based on truth, so it was really hard. And it was a really bad relationship, so that one was really hard. But it was also super cathartic. I wrote it and now I am done and over it.
B: And you got it all out...
A: Yes!

B: So then what was the hardest scene for you to write?
A: Oh, um. There is a...well it alludes to the fact that he raped her in one of the books, but I don't go into details, and its tough even though I didn't write out the whole scene, for it to be oh this is what happening.
B: And also treating it as this is what is happening...
A: Yeah and I got a lot of compliments about the way I handled the scene, that I handled it really well. I mean I had people say this has happened to me and you did a really good job in the way you wrote it all out. I didn't want to go into much detail but yeah that was hard.

B: In you writing process how do you like to write? Are you a person that has to listen to music..
A: I do listen to music. I have two kids and I have to lock myself in my bedroom and then I have playlists. I have playlists for everything. I write everything down and then type it. I am totally old school. I do a timeline of how I want everything to flow and then I start writing it down.
B: Do you write chronologically? Or do you skip around?
A: I will skip sometimes. It depends on what comes to me. So I will start at the beginning 90% of the time. Sometimes I will write the ending before I even finish the middle. Which throws me off because then I have to go back and re-read what I wrote and go oh yeah I need to add this...
B: Oh this is how they get together.
A: Exactly!

B: Ok last question, If there was one book out there that you recommend that EVERYONE should read. If they only had time to read one more book ever...what would it be?
A: Of mine?
B: Yours or of anyone. If there was one book and you were OMG you have to read this book!
A: I am going to go with... I probably should plug my own books, but I won't. But I would have to say Rebecca's Books.
B: The Breathing Series?
A: Yeah, the minute, like I didn't read for a really long time and then when her first book came out, I literally read it in like 2 hours. I am a speed reader, which can be a bad thing, because I go through the whole book and then usually have to go back to remember some things. But it seriously was like...it just pulled at every single emotion I had inside of you. I loved it...loved it.

Broken Series

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 Raine Series

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Faithless

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Broken Series

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Broken Dreams by Kelly Elliott

Courtney Will always dreamed of finding her Prince Charming and living happily ever after, like in the fairy tales she read as a child. Her dreams were shattered one fateful night when her prince turned out to be her worst nightmare. Burying herself in her job as an editor, Courtney tried to forget her past, and she lost hope of ever finding true love.

Reed Moore’s past filled his world with guilt and anger, and then a mistake in college deepened these feelings. Fearing he will one day repeat his father’s mistakes with the woman he loves, Reed has vowed to never give his heart to anyone.

Reed and Courtney have each spent years building walls to guard their hearts, so when their feelings for one another explode into something unexpected, they argue and throw hurtful words at each other in hopes of avoiding the truth.

Will Reed end up being the Prince Charming Courtney has dreamed of her entire life? Is Courtney the woman who will help Reed move past the guilt and anger, so he can embrace love?

Can their broken dreams become their happily ever after?

 I loved Courtney and Reed in Broken so I was excited that they were getting a book just for them. And let me tell you...these two are HOT together. They were a match made in heaven for me.

Both of them had their stubborn streaks and there was drama, but the book to me was a pure love story for the two of them. Although Reed had his doubts that he was good enough for Courtney, he was always loyal and stood by her.

I absolutely love Kelly's writing. I know that when I read one of her books I am going to walk away happy and ready for more!

He reached down and brushed his lips against mine, causing me to let out a soft, low
moan. I pushed my hand through his hair and grabbed a handful, and he let out a moan
of his own. It moved over my body like a warm blanket, and I needed him more than
ever before.

“Courtney…” he whispered in such a seductive voice that I trembled. “I need to make
love to you…right now.”

I pulled on his hair more, and before I knew what was happening, he picked me up and
started walking toward his truck. It took a few seconds for it to sink in that everyone was
whooping and hollering. I buried my face into Reed’s shoulders and started giggling.

“Reed, everyone knows why we are leaving.” I peeked over his shoulder and saw Layton
and Whitley watching us with the goofiest smiles ever on their faces.

I waved good-bye to Whit, and she threw her head back and started laughing. Layton
pulled her to him and whispered something into her ear. If I knew those two, it wouldn’t
be long before they left as well.

By the time we got to Reed’s truck, I almost wanted to put my hand down into my
panties and ease the intense pressure between my legs. He set me down, grabbed the
seat belt, and buckled me in.

I laughed and pushed him away. “I can buckle my own seat belt, cowboy.”

He smiled, and when I felt his hand touch the inside of my thigh, I jumped.
Jesus, the way he makes me feel is unreal.

I looked him up and down. He was dressed in jeans that fit his ass so damn good. The
light blue T-shirt he had on made his eyes look stunningly blue. I could totally lose myself in this man’s eyes.

“Tell me what you want, baby.” He moved his fingertips up and down my thigh oh-so
lightly.

I closed my eyes and pushed his hand up to ease my need. “I want you to make love to
me—now.” When I opened my eyes, I looked into his, and they were on fire.

“I can get us to my place in ten minutes,” he whispered as he looked down at my lips.
I purposely licked them and sucked my bottom lip in between my teeth. He let out a
moan before he quickly shut my door and ran around the front of his truck.

Who is Kelly Elliott?

Really I'm just a wife to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a nack for making me laugh almost daily and supports my crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves me.....so I'll just go with that one!

I'm also a mom to an amazing daughter who constantly is asking me to make her something to eat while she has her fingers moving like mad on her cell phone sending out what I'm sure is another very important text message!

Oh...and I like to sit down and write in my spare time!

I live in the Texas hill country and one of my favorite things to do is go for hikes around our property with my second favorite man, Gus....my chocolate lab and my sweet girl Rose, our golden retriever. When I'm not outside helping the hubby haul brush or move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for me that day, you will find me inside reading, writing or watching HGTV and soaking in a nice hot bubble bath.....yeah that last one I just made up but it sure does sound nice!!!

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Email: authorkellyelliott@gmail.com

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BOOK PLUG PROMOTIONS

Dazed by Kim Karr

Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He needs to make a change, and the last thing he’s looking for is love…

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her stunned, and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about him that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.
To keep from losing the one woman he can’t bear to be without, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…

Amazon: Dazed: A Connections Novella

 

I was mesmerized once again! Kim Karr is brilliant with Dazed! This sultry love novella has far exceeded my expectations! 

Kim Karr has an amazing way of bringing the story to life in ways I never thought possible! Aerie Daniels has a colored past...... There is a story to tell, a past to get over, can she, will she? Then there is Jagger. 

What is his story? How deep is his pain and can he have the power to push through to Aerie and love? This story covers all the bases with Aerie and Jagger all the while feeding your need for River and Dahlia! 

This fantastic novella gives us a snack while waiting patiently for Mended. I was transported to Laguna beach to enjoy the development of this separate love journey. In The first two books of the Connected series, I was not a huge Aerie fan. She always seemed so serious, pretentious and straight laced. However, Dazed really gives you insight as to Aerie and her past and why she is the way she is. Jagger is a VERY appreciated break in the book. I can almost feel his stormy grey eyes looking into my soul. 

I highly recommend picking up this novella! I give it 5 stars! Let Kim transport you to Laguna into the lives of Aerie and Jagger, feel their love grow and explode onto the pages!