James' Journal

The following is a work of fiction following the events of the novel The Low Notes and contains spoilers.

September 28, 2012


First break up. Check! Sorry to be a downer but what else do I really have to write about besides the fact that Nick kicked me to the curb last night? How is it that the guy who took a million years (okay, like six months) to come out to anyone other than me is suddenly leaving me in the dust and going off with some other dude?

I called Nina and I felt a little better after hearing her voice. I guess I'm just at this place where I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing with my life. Not that I was ready to marry Nick and settle down and all that but I felt like he was part of my vision for at least the next year...maybe longer. Honestly, I can't think of a single thing that I've been sure about since graduation.

The truth is I am lost. Lost and now alone. I sound like a freaking sad song. Here's what I know : I hate college so far, I do NOT want to work for my father once it's all over with no matter how many times he tells me what he could pay me (and it's a lot...like a LOT), and I have this overwhelming need for an adventure. I need to step out of my comfort zone and do something unexpected.

Maybe Nick leaving wasn't the worst thing in the world. Maybe I should thank him for opening my eyes and putting me on the path towards changing things for good.... Fuck that, I'm not thanking him.

I'll send him a postcard from Happyville when I get there though. I'll get there...I just need to find that adventure.

-James

***

Maybe James' will find an adventure to take some day... you never know ;) 

Come see me on my other blog tour stops today! I'm with author Lila Munro, author Jennifer Wilck and I'm at Becca the Bibliophile's place!

Top Ten Tuesday : The Low Notes Anniversary

Since I'm celebrating the one year anniversary of The Low Notes here's a few of my favorite highlights of the past year and the links to blog posts all about them!

10. In 2012 I gave NaNoWriMo a whirl...and failed.

9. I've been hard at work on my newest novel, Reckless Radiance, and hopefully it won't be too long before you all can read it!

8. Song lyrics from seven different songs were originally in the manuscript.

7. Since publishing The Low Notes I've given myself an office!

6. I've had two book signings since the release of The Low Notes last year.

5. Since publishing The Low Notes a whole new genre has taken the reading world over...and it just so happens that I fit into that genre!

4. I have fans! Like actual, real people who consider themselves FANS of my book!

3. I get asked a LOT of questions about the writing/publishing/creative process since I've become an author.

2. Through Amazon and Goodreads reviews as well as emails and Facebook fans, I've learned that people on six of the world's seven continents have read The Low Notes.

1. The best highlight of the last year....I became an author.

So there you have it. I'm celebrating my 27th birthday today as well and I can't think of a better way than to look back at what an amazing year I've had as an author.

The anniversary blog tour continues! Find me today at author Melissa Keir's place and over at Smardy Pants Book Blog

What's To Come...

Looking back on the last year and all of the amazing things that The Low Notes has brought me makes looking forward to my next novel, Reckless Radiance, even more exciting. It is a completely different story but somehow they remind me of each other in a really sweet way. It's still about one of my favorite things--breaking the rules and following your heart!  Below is the unedited (and subject to change) blurb for my paranormal romance, Reckless Radiance.


After the loss of her childhood love, Valerie Gilmore runs away from the life she's always known to try to start again. Between her job as a diner waitress and her toxic relationship with the first guy to help her forget her past, Valerie feels more alone than ever before until she meets Russell. He's sweet but strange and Valerie can't help but think he's hiding something. He acts as though he knows her and he seems to be looking past her broken heart, straight into her soul.
Russell has pushed aside the ancient laws of his angel brethren to find Valerie and stay as close to her as possible. He is forced to contemplate sharing with her the truth about what he is after a deadly turn of events cause Valerie to run away once more. His feelings for her and a promise he made long ago help him to realize he longs to leave his life as an angel behind for a chance at love.

The fantastic news I have to share with you is that Reckless Radiance has been contracted for publication through Rebel Ink Press and will be released later this year!!!!! I can't wait for everyone to meet Russell and Valerie!

Praise for The Low Notes

Happy Birthday The Low Notes!!

It's been a year since the book release from Rebel Ink Press and I've had a wonderful response from my readers. Below are some of my favorite reviews that The Low Notes has received over the last year!

"So I'm probably too old to be reading books about high school students and their teacher, but as soon as I started The Low Notes, I was hooked. I'm a sucker for romance novels. I thought the writing was honest, raw, and it evoked a great deal of emotional pain. As a prior piano player, and someone who relates to life through music, this book really drew me in. I think that Nina and Kevin's story was painfully beautiful." –Justine via Amazon

"I have to admit- this is my first novel in this genre. Honestly, it changed my perception of romance novels. The characters seemed so real and dynamic to me, and Roth's word choice throughout the novel was flawless. I kept feeling very connected and invested, and I wasn't sure why for awhile. But as I finished, I knew it was the writing style. Kate is great at showing you the action, which sweeps you in and allows you to get into the story." –Josh Zimmerman of www.joshzimmermanauthor.wordpress.com

"One of my favorite stories in 2012. I'm all about forbidden fruit stories, but this one has so much heart and soul, that you can't hope for the best for the two characters. As I read further on, I found myself falling for Kevin just as much as Nina did. He's a good guy. Conflicted at times, as is Nina. She's on her own while her father is off on his next conquest. A sister who rarely pays any attention to her. A gay best friend who tries to help her navigate the stormy seas.
This is a quiet story that builds to a blaring crescendo you are panting, breathless and just about to rip the hair from your head. Kate Roth gets into both of their heads and not an easy task to do. Her prose is beautiful and lovely. Her characters have just the right amount of conflict. A beautiful story that at times almost had me in tears. Similar stories could come across as crass. I rarely give books a rating of five, but this one just grabbed at me in a way that others haven't." –Laura McCarthy of www.laurasreviewbookshelf.com

"I loved this book! It was a beautifully written forbidden love story, not just the usual boy meets girl story. The character development is brilliant, the reader can relate to Nina and totally understand why she would be attracted to an older, more mature man. I couldn't wait to see what happened next and how it all ended--definitely a "can't put down" kind of story!"–Rasjohnson via Amazon

"The story of Nina and Kevin is a must read for anyone who loves a juicy forbidden love. Kate Roth is a fresh new voice on the literary scene and I know we are going to be hearing a lot from her in the near future!" – Julie Young, author of A Belief in Providence: A Life of Saint Theodora Guerin, Images of America : Historic Irvington, CYO in Indianapolis and Central Indiana, A Brief History of Shelby County, Indiana and Eastside Indianapolis: A Brief History.

"This was a really engrossing spin on student/teacher relationships. It was so romantic that I felt a little conflicted reading it because naturally it's against the law for teachers to engage in romantic relationships with students! But Nina is a very likable, admirable main character. It's very easy as a reader to believe that a 17-year-old girl who has been left to take care of herself would seek out a mature relationship with a man not too much older than her who seems very eager to emotionally invest in someone. Kevin, her teacher/love interest, is similarly likable and credible as he struggles with the loss of his father and upheaval of his life, finding himself unexpectedly and uncontrollably drawn to a captivating young woman who just happens to be in his English class. The supporting characters of Kevin's cousin (another teacher at the local high school) and her husband, and Nina's gay best friend, add even more credibility to this very realistic love story.

  Kate Roth leaves no emotional stone unturned in this enjoyable, sexy read with an ending that will surprise you! I am very excited to read more by Kate Roth in the future." – Caitlyn Duffy, author of The Rock Star’s Daughter, The Believer’s Daughter, and The Viscount’s Daughter.

"I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between the main characters Kevin & Nina is electric. And who doesn't love forbidden romance? The main characters meet and have an instant connection only to find out that Kevin is her teacher. They struggle to stay away from each other, to keep others from finding out, and they deal with realistic personal problems too. Kate Roth spins an enthralling story. I can't wait to read more from her!" – Britni Hill, author of Tears in the Rubble and From the Rubble

"I just loved this story. A difficult subject matter was handled with class and I really empathised with the characters situations. A wonderful love story but not your standard tale of boy meets girl." – Lisa J. Hobman, author of Bridge Over The Atlantic

"I liked this book because it wasn't a sappy everything will be fine book, yes don't get me wrong they had their happy ending, but I like how Kate Roth dealt with the reality of the situation Kevin and Nina were in. But it was beautifully written and funny. I adored the characters and as usual, as I do all the time with a good ending of two characters destined to be with each other for good—Kevin and Nina forever." – Myrnin’s Girl via Goodreads

"One of the sweetest romances I have ever read. A story so beautifully written. A man and a woman unable to contain the love they have for each other. The absolute pain of the forced separation. A trick of destiny submitting them to constant torture but nonetheless bringing them together. Nina and Kevin. A love so heartfelt stripped of annoying situations usually encountered elsewhere. Her voice brought them together. And her voice reunited them once more. Beautiful." – Marina via Goodreads

"Wow. That hit me harder than I expected. I was a little uncomfortable at the beginning of the story - I've read a few of the teacher/student love stories - but none of them had this kind of age gap and it took me a while to work past it. That said, I think it actually added a lot to the story. It allowed me to feel just a little bit of the strain that Kevin and Nina felt. I loved Nina. Without a doubt she was far more mature than her years. Half the time I felt like she was handling everything with more grace than Kevin. That said, Roth did a good job with making you understand why Kevin might be behind the times as far as his love life was concerned. I loved that Kevin and Nina were so real. There were no clichéd or recycled characters here - and I felt like I really knew them by the time the book closed. Their story was heart wrenching- without any manufactured drama, or extended and frustrating waffling. It was all very organic. I really really enjoyed it from start to if finish." – Vikki via Goodreads

"I though this book was not only well written, but it captured the emotions from both the protagonist and the male lead perfectly. I loved the raw feelings in this. The whole teacher/student affair thing is becoming pretty common, yet this hit the mark. The interactions, the love, the sexual tension - it was all there and it made this a wonderful book! Worth the money!" – Anah via Goodreads

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write a review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble of your own review site. Reviews are an invaluable gift to authors and I appreciate every single one! If you have not reviewed The Low Notes yet, please take a moment to do so.

This week I'm on a blog tour for the anniversary of The Low Notes! Check me out over at Boekie's Book Reviews today and stop back here tomorrow for more celebration and the links to my next stop!

Book Spotlight : Christina's Bear by Jane Wakely

Welcome my fellow Rebel Jane Wakely today as she shares a little about her new release, Christina's Bear.

Christina Mills’ loud, bubbly personality gains her numerous friends and dating opportunities. Unfortunately, being labeled a “party girl” and dating a lot can give people the wrong impression. When Christina’s dates learn the truth about her, they soon move on.

James “Bull” Johnson is a restless bear shifter ready to settle down. At the urging of his friend, he relocates to the mid-sized town of Chestnut Rock. Bull hopes the nearby forest and being near his best friend will help soothe his bear and cure some of his loneliness.

When Bull and Christina meet, he recognizes her as his mate. However, their first two encounters leave Bull thinking Christina is afraid of him and Christina is confused by her feelings toward the stranger. Both Bull and Christina have secrets and insecurities that keep them guarded, but if they can trust one another, they’ll discover they’re made for each other.

And now an excerpt...

James “Bull” Johnson sniffed outside the cave before lumbering inside and shifting back into his human form. Because he was new to the area, he had taken a long hike through the woods, checking for danger and hiding places in case he needed them.

Matt had told him that the town of Chestnut Rock, and the connecting forest, would sooth his restless bear, but he honestly hadn’t known what to think. With nothing to lose and very few belongings, he’d packed up his tiny apartment and moved to the mid-sized town.

Matt and Bull had met in college and when they quickly recognized the other as a shifter, they’d formed an unbreakable bond. After college, they each went their own way, traveling and exploring the country. They’d met up once or twice a year until Matt put down roots in Chestnut Rock. Bull had continued to look until he decided he didn’t want to look anymore. He was tired and he wanted a permanent place to call home. Matt constantly raved about his home and convinced Bull to make it his home, too.

Bull pulled his shirt, jeans and flip-flops out of the crevice in the cave wall where he’d stored them earlier. Being a bear shifter meant he needed to take precautions when he allowed himself to shift. If a wolf, bunny or deer was spotted near the hotel, most likely not much would happen. The wolf would be mistaken for a dog and the bunny and deer would charm people with their cuteness. A bear, however, brought a much different reaction—usually involving screaming and the loading of shotgun barrels.

Over time he’d learned to take safeguards against those types of situations.

Christina's Bear is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble Nook, and

All Romance Ebooks

A little about author Jane Wakely...

Jane has always been a writer. Even when she took a break from it for a few years, she couldn’t keep the stories from filling her head. As an avid romance reader, she finally decided her stories needed to be free, and she started writing again. 

Reading and liking all genres of romance; it makes sense that she would write that way too. Her stories range from sweet to erotic, contemporary to paranormal, and a bunch in-between. She loves all romance genres, and all levels of spice.

Jane lives on the east coast of the United States with her loving husband, daughter and their Miniature Dachshund.

Find more about Jane on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads

Thanks so much for joining us, Jane! And best of luck with this new release!

Blog Tour : A Review of Between These Lines by Jennifer Murgia

Let me start by saying I am so thrilled to be a part of this blog tour in celebration of Jennifer Murgia's newest release, Between These Lines, from Playlist Fiction! Jennifer is a fantastic author and her talent in young adult fiction is one you should take note of. Check out my personal review of the book below....

When a class assignment brings quiet Chase Mitman and the stunning Evie Cunningham together, a mutual attraction ignites. There’s only one problem—Evie already has a boyfriend—one who practically OWNS Whitley Prep, and her.

Knowing their relationship comes at a price, Chase’s life collides with Evie’s, and after entrusting her with a tragic secret, the last thing he’d ever expect is to learn she keeps a few of her own.

An innocent prank turns ugly. An anonymous note changes everything. And lives at Whitley Prep will never be the same.

Chase is the quiet guy holding it all in and walking the halls of Whitley Prep feeling alone and invisible. His tragic past as well as his intellect keep him in the shadows of arrogant school-rulers like Shane. But Chase has his eye on Evie. The sweet but popular beauty who just happens to also be Shane's girlfriend. Chase's lucky day arrives when a teacher pairs him with Evie and her best friend Tara for a project. But little does he know...Evie's had her eye on him too.

Still new to Whitley Prep, Evie seems to have a charmed life on the outside. But behind her shy smile she's dealing with Shane, the controlling boyfriend who has recently been showing her just how dark his true colors are. Chase is the opposite of Shane and the idea of having the noble, caring guy at her side is all Evie can think about as their interactions become more frequent and they realize all they share in common.

When social standing no longer holds meaning and you aren't afraid of the scary things in each others past, what can keep two people apart?

Between These Lines was a complete roller coaster of emotions. A bittersweet love story told from both sides, this book delves into heavy topics and doesn't shy away from the dark and gritty. Evie and Chase's connection was believable and progressed in the natural way you would expect given the extended storyline. Every plot point had purpose and was dealt with carefully, from Evie's parents' crumbling marriage to Chase's ultimate revelation.

A fast read but full of deep conflict, this book would easily be enjoyed by a teen or adult reader. Murgia does a fantastic job of keeping you connected to the young lovers and rooting for love to conquer the halls of Whitley Prep School. With picturesque scenery from the movie Cruel Intentions flashing in my head I zoomed through to the ending that I was completely shocked by and was left feeling yet another stomach-dropping-wind-in-the-hair loop from the emotional roller coaster that was Between These Lines.


Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Smashwords

Find Jennifer on her website and be sure to enter the raffle for some awesome prizes!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day Celebration : Three's A Crowd by Melissa Keir

The lovely and talented Melissa Keir has a new release from Rebel Ink Press out today! Have a look at Three's a Crowd is all about as well as an excerpt.

For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

Buy it (and Melissa's other work) now on All Romance E-books, Barnes and Noble or Amazon

And now an excerpt...

Sipping a glass of ice water while I waited, I looked forward to seeing Chloe. We’d been co-workers and friends for years.

When Chloe walks in, I watch as all the men’s heads turn to stare as she approached our table. Her beauty always drew gazes and left me feeling like a weed planted next to a stunning flower.

After Chloe and I make a bit of small talk and order, I ask the question I’ve been dying to ask since I ended our phone call. “What is going on, Chloe? What can I do to help?”

“Mike’s quit his job at the college and decided to open his own catering business and the stress of having no money coming in is taking its toll on us. All we do is fight. I can’t stand that I have no say in how our money is spent. Would you believe he bought a delivery truck for his business but hasn’t even gotten the brakes fixed on my car?”

“I’m sorry, Chloe. What does Mike say when you talk to him about this?”

“He really doesn’t understand. He has stars in his eyes about what the future holds and can’t see what’s happening right in front of his face. My salary is the only thing paying the bills. With the way Mike’s spending money, it’s going out as fast as it’s coming in. You know, Lissa. You’re so lucky to have Alex. He’s a wonderful provider. What I wouldn’t give to have him back in my life.”

Ouch. Chloe’s words hurt. I knew Alex was a wonderful husband, but he was mine now. Was she really indicating she wanted him back?

“Alex is a fabulous husband, father, and friend. I’m lucky to be his wife.” Needing to establish my territory, I made sure to point out Alex was mine.

“Yes, he is. I’d give anything to have him back. Just to make it clear, if you ever hurt him or let him go, I’m going to be right there to pick up the pieces. After all, we have a child together. We’ll always be in each other’s lives.”

“Well, Alex is very happy and I’ll do anything to keep him that way.”

The rest of lunch passed in a blur. I couldn’t keep my mind off her ultimatum. Maybe Chloe was just reacting to all the problems in her own marriage by lashing out at me. I was willing to give her the benefit of doubt. However, all I wanted to do was to escape the original lunch from hell and get home to Alex to reassure myself of his love. For me.

A little about Melissa...

As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing.  She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and EPIC.  Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars.  She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time.  She’s always keeping busy.  Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like The Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.

This is what readers are saying about Melissa’s books:

Amazon 5 star review for Second Time’s the Charm- “Such a sweet and heart warming story. As I read it, and the details unfolded, I was engrossed to see if that I thought was going to happen, would really happen.” – Lacey Wolfe, Romance Author.

Barnes and Noble 5 star review for Protecting His Wolfe- “Great read. I couldn't put it down. I really liked the characters, especially Betsie and the Pigg brothers. A love story with suspense and surprise.” – Anonymous

Melissa loves hearing from readers so check her out!

www.melissakeir.com

Facebook Author Fan Page

Twitter

Congrats on the new release, Melissa!