If Ever Release Day Blitz

Title: If Ever

Author: Angie Stanton

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 21, 2017

Blurb

Fiercely independent Chelsea Barnes has caught a rare break and been cast as the first non-celebrity on the hit show Celebrity Dance Off. Chelsea is coined ‘America’s Chance to Dance,’ but her partner planned on an A-lister, not a nobody.

Clashing with her partner, she’s ready to go home; but during an emotional dance, her heart-breaking past as an abandoned, homeless teen is revealed. Not only do the viewers fall in love with her, so does the flirty British guest singer, Broadway star Thomas Evan Oliver.

Tom is struck by this feisty girl who complicates his over-structured life, and pursues her in a romantic cross-country courtship until she’s voted off and joins him. Their sexy whirlwind love affair blossoms in New York as she navigates the big city and his exhausting eight shows a week, but most important, her scarred heart begins to heal. Perhaps happily ever after might be a possibility after all. 

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Purchase Links

99c for release day ONLY!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Available at other retailers soon

Author Bio

Angie Stanton is a life-long daydreamer who grew up with her hands on a book and her head in the clouds. As an adult, she’s put her talent to use writing contemporary fiction about life, love, and the adventures that follow. 

Angie is the bestselling author of nine novels. Her work has been translated into French, German, and Bulgarian. In her spare time, Angie sneaks off to New York City to enjoy the best live entertainment experience--Broadway. She is a contributing writer to Broadway World is currently working on another Broadway-themed book. 

Author Links

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Giveaway

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Review

* * *

In If Ever, Angie Stanton bridges two worlds together - reality tv and Broadway. I myself occasionally watch reality tv shows and I've seen some off Broadway shows so it's nice to go behind the scenes to find stories there.

Chelsea Barnes wins the chance of a lifetime when she is picked as a contestant on Celebrity Dance Off. She had previously quit her job and was dumped by her boyfriend so doing something like this should help her break free of her old self. Except that the show is more than she bargained for. She feels completely out of her depth as far are her dancing skills are concerned. Her hottie of a dance partner, Dominic isn't making things any easier with his gruff attitude towards her. Yet this is Chelsea and even if she is an outsider amongst all the celebrities, she'll work through her insecurities and make something of this cazy, unbelievable moment in her life. When Broadway performer, Tom Oliver is invited to come on the show to sing one of Chelsea's favourite songs during her dance number, he's not expecting to be meet anyone. It's a one-off opportunity to bring his current Broadway musical to the national spotlight. But Chelsea is different and he likes that. They do the long distance thing for a while, a few visits here and there but neither knows what's happening for them in the long run. 

As with other of Stanton's books I've read before, her romances are always charming. Both Chelsea and Tom are at a crossroads in their careers, attempting to figure out exactly what they want their next step to be. Her stint on Celebrity Dance Off gave Chelsea the confidence that she can conquer anything and Tom finds inspiration in that. It's the "what's next for them" question that's temporarily tripping them up. There's some magic time thrown in but it's mostly a syrupy sweet, cozy read that we yearn for every once in a while. I can always count on Angie Stanton for that and if what you need right now is a fairytale romance and to know that everything will fall into place, then If Ever should be your next read!

~ Bel

If Ever Cover Reveal

Title: If Ever

Author: Angie Stanton

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations

Release Date: August 21, 2017

Blurb

Fiercely independent Chelsea Barnes has caught a rare break and been cast as the first non-celebrity on the hit show Celebrity Dance Off. Chelsea is coined ‘America’s Chance to Dance,’ but her partner planned on an A-lister, not a nobody.

Clashing with her partner, she’s ready to go home; but during an emotional dance, her heart-breaking past as an abandoned, homeless teen is revealed. Not only do the viewers fall in love with her, so does the flirty British guest singer, Broadway star Thomas Evan Oliver.

Tom is struck by this feisty girl who complicates his over-structured life, and pursues her in a romantic cross-country courtship until she’s voted off and joins him. Their sexy whirlwind love affair blossoms in New York as she navigates the big city and his exhausting eight shows a week, but most important, her scarred heart begins to heal. Perhaps happily ever after might be a possibility after all. 

ADD TO GOODREADS

Author Bio

Angie Stanton is a life-long daydreamer who grew up with her hands on a book and her head in the clouds. As an adult, she’s put her talent to use writing contemporary fiction about life, love, and the adventures that follow. 

Angie is the bestselling author of nine novels. Her work has been translated into French, German, and Bulgarian. In her spare time, Angie sneaks off to New York City to enjoy the best live entertainment experience--Broadway. She is a contributing writer to Broadway World is currently working on another Broadway-themed book. 

Author Links

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM

Waking in Time by Angie Stanton

* * *

Still mourning the loss of her beloved grandmother and shaken by her mysterious, dying request to “find the baby,” Abbi has just arrived at UW Madison for her freshman year. But on her second day, she wakes up to a different world: 1983. That is just the first stop on Abbi’s journey backward through time. Will is a charming college freshman from 1927 who travels forward through time. When Abbi and Will meet in the middle, love adds another complication to their lives. Communicating across time through a buried time capsule, they try to decode the mystery of their travel, find the lost baby, and plead with their champion, a kindly physics professor, to help them find each other again ... even though the professor gets younger each time Abbi meets him. This page-turning story full of romance, twists, and delightful details about campus life then and now will stay with readers long after the book’s satisfying end.


*Source: e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Abbi arrives at her new home for the next four years - UW Madison, a school that her beloved late grandmother went to. She feels strongly connected to her in this place and is glad that she chose to do this. As she's settling in, she receives a mysterious box that belonged to her grandmother and within it, finds a note from her that makes no sense at all. One night she goes to bed and the next morning she wakes up in a different time. Completely disoriented, she attempts to understand what is happening, even going to classes to behave as normally as possible without arousing suspicion. However, it gets more complicated as she keeps travelling further back in time. At some point, she comes to the realization that there's a mystery to solve and that she is somehow connected to it. Finding this connection becomes the goal and with some help, she hopes to solve this mystery and return to her own time.

Stories about time travelling can be tricky. Some can get too science-y and lose your attention while some can be too flippant. At first, the time travel moments reminded me of another novel from over a decade ago except this isn't as convoluted and hard to grasp. I mean that in a good way! The straightforward premise in Waking in Time meant that I could participate in the mystery and the friendships and romance that were developing without feeling like the story was over my head. Because ultimately, you want to enjoy the story, right? I also delighted in Stanton's description of the college campus. I've only ever been to Madison once a long time ago and I got to visit the campus then. It was summertime and the city was so vibrant and the campus simply breathtaking. So when Stanton added a bit of history to it, I was excited. 

I'd like to add that from reading Stanton's books in the past (Royally Lost being one of them), I've noticed that her stories remain relatively chaste and with Will, chivalry is safely intact. Last thing I'd like to add is that at the end of the book, Stanton mentions the story that inspired Waking in Time. It's kind of bittersweet and I like that Staton's spin on it has a happy ending. So there you have it. If you're up for a bit of time travel, romance and a mystery to boot, check out Waking in Time.

~ Bel

A Peek In The BiblioBin #228

Photo source: Bel/Bibliojunkies

Welcome to our Stacking the Shelves post! Stacking the Shelves (or as we like to call it, A Peek in the BiblioBin) has been created by the folks at Tynga's Reviews. It's a way for bloggers to share what books they've won, received for review, purchased, borrowed from the library or friend, received as a gift, grabbed off the bookshelf, etc.

What's in your bin?

+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Happy New Year!! It seems we kind of fell off towards the end of 2016. Life just got so busy, you know? So it looks like we're making up for it in our first BiblioBin of 2017. 




For Review:

Rise of Fire (Reign of Shadows #2) by Sophie Jordan

Blade Bound (Chicagoland Vampires #13) by Chloe Neill

Safe Bet (The Rules #4) by Monica Murphy

Afraid to Fly (Anchor Point #2) by L.A. Witt

Waking In Time by Angie Stanton

Under Rose-Tinted Skies by Louise Gornall


Purchased:

Marked By Fire (Sons of Britain #1) by Mia West


Borrowed:

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton


Off the Bookshelf:

The Color of Magic (Discworld #1) by Terry Prachett

Under The Spotlight Tour by Angie Stanton

As you know, Under The Spotlight, the third book in The Jamieson Collection came out last week. This series about three musician brothers is adorable and sweet! We're lucky today to have author Angie Stanton share with us her soundtrack for her book. And when you're done checking it out, be sure to click here to enter Angie's giveaway to win one $25 Amazon gift card!

After an embarrassing stint on a reality-TV music competition years ago, Riley vowed never to sing again. Now she's behind the scenes, working at the prestigious Sound Sync recording studio, and life is looking up. But then Garrett Jamieson, the oldest brother in the famous Jamieson brothers band, crashes into her world.

Garrett has hit rock bottom, and he is desperate to reinvent himself. After calling in a few favors, he ends up working at Sound Sync to learn the ropes of record producing from the industry's best. And he can't believe his luck when he discovers that Riley has been keeping a secret—she is an amazing singer. By producing her album, he's sure to top the record charts again. But Garrett is forced to use every trick in his arsenal to persuade the sassy girl to record.

Riley refuses to sing—or even entertain the thought of it—and sparks fly as Garrett finally meets his match. But in the heat of the moment, one stolen kiss changes everything. Will Riley be the first person to finally rein Garrett in, or will Garrett succeed in getting Riley back under the spotlight?

Buy Links: 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Under the Spotlight Goodreads 

Under the Spotlight Playlist

By Angie Stanton

Many authors write or brainstorm to music, including myself. Music can transport us to another place, coaxing us to feel every emotion from great joy to devastating grief. Here is my playlist for Under the Spotlight.

All of Me by JohnLegend

I still remember the first time I heard this song one day while writing. It came on the radio, and the lyrics jumped out at me.

What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out.

Our heroine, Riley, is a spitfire and Garrett is attracted to her like a moth to a flame.

We are Young by Fun.

YOLO! Remember when this song came out? It was everywhere and the perfect anthem for living large, which is what Garrett does.

We are young, so let’s set the world and fire, we can burn brighter than the sun.

People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson

Don’t you love Kelly Clarkson? This song is great. It’s about people who have a tough situation in life, like our heroine, Riley Parks. Sometimes we want to throw in the towel because we’ve hit rock bottom, but this song gives such hope.

Fall for You bySecond Hand Serenade

The best thing about tonight is we’re not fighting…

Garrett and Riley knock heads a lot and this song shows the journey from fighting to finding true love.

Teach Your Childrenby Crosby Stills Nash and Young

I came across a version of this song done by Hanson. Teach Your Children by Hanson

It’s the three brothers singing around one microphone. I actually put this song in the book at a really emotional time. I’ve watched it many dozens of times while writing Under the Spotlight.

Back to December byTaylor Swift

Garrett is a handful to say the least. Eventually he comes to realize he’s a jerk and this song epitomizes his apology.

This is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you, saying I’m sorry for that night. 

Enter Angie's giveaway to win one $25 Amazon gift card!

Angie Stanton Bio: 

Angie Stanton never planned on writing books—she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural America with her brothers’ 4-H pigs as pets, she found that dance didn’t quite work out. Instead, she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history. When not writing, she loves watching natural disaster movies, going to Broadway musicals, and dipping French fries in chocolate shakes. 

Links: 

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Instagram     

Under The Spotlight Release Day Launch

We’re having a release day launch for Angie Stanton’s Under the Spotlight! I am so excited about this young adult romance!! Angie is sharing an excerpt and fantastic giveaway with us, so be sure to check out all the festivities!   

Exclusive Excerpt:

Garrett’s head pounded, and not from the hangover that would greet him with the sunrise, but from being slammed against the wall. Or maybe it was from the few punches that came later when he crashed to the floor of Ye Ole Boston Brew Pub and knocked his head on the beer-stained tile. 

He rubbed his unshaven face, and dried blood flaked into his hand. Great. He needed a shower and an aspirin, but the Boston city jail offered neither. Where the hell was Peter? It had been over an hour.

The sharp edge of the narrow bench he lay on cut into his back, making his already battered body even more sore. He only hoped the other guy felt worse. The jerk had the audacity to call him washed up. For Christ’s sake, he was only twenty-two. He’d accomplished more in the last five years than that asshole would in a lifetime. 

Reaching for his phone, he remembered the cops had taken it, along with his wallet and keys. Damn it. 

“Garrett Jamieson,” a bored cop with thinning hair announced, unlocking the cell. “You’re free to go.” 

“About damn time,” Garrett huffed, rising slowly. He tugged his shirt into place, smoothed back his hair, and followed the officer down a long corridor past several cells with other perps. He couldn’t wait to get away from this hellhole. The officer opened a solid metal security door, and Garrett walked through, relieved to be free. 

In the far corner of the waiting room, studying the Most Wanted posters, his brother waited, wearing faded jeans and a gray T-shirt.

“Hey Peter,” he called. “See anyone you know?” 

Peter turned with a smirk on his face and his hair still ruffled from bed. “Just checking to make sure your ugly mug isn’t up here.” 

Garrett sneered. “It wasn’t my fault.” 

“Never is.” Peter sighed. “You realize this is becoming an annoying habit. You’re lucky your Jag is still in the shop from your crash last week, otherwise you might have added drunk driving to your record.” 

“Stop acting like an old woman.” 

“You have more to worry about than me. Dad isn’t going to be happy about this.” 

“No reason Dad needs to hear about it.” 

“You’re kidding yourself if you think you can keep this under wraps. A couple of photographers are outside. You’re busted. Again.” 

Garrett stepped to the counter and signed his discharge papers. 

“At least I know how to live a little. You’re tied down to a ball and chain.” 

His brother grinned with a smile that melted millions of young girls’ hearts.

“Well, I happen to have the hottest ball and chain on the planet.” 

Under the Spotlight Synopsis: 

After an embarrassing stint on a reality-TV music competition years ago, Riley vowed never to sing again. Now she's behind the scenes, working at the prestigious Sound Sync recording studio, and life is looking up. But then Garrett Jamieson, the oldest brother in the famous Jamieson brothers band, crashes into her world. Garrett has hit rock bottom, and he is desperate to reinvent himself. After calling in a few favors, he ends up working at Sound Sync to learn the ropes of record producing from the industry's best. And he can't believe his luck when he discovers that Riley has been keeping a secret—she is an amazing singer. By producing her album, he's sure to top the record charts again. But Garrett is forced to use every trick in his arsenal to persuade the sassy girl to record. Riley refuses to sing—or even entertain the thought of it—and sparks fly as Garrett finally meets his match. But in the heat of the moment, one stolen kiss changes everything. Will Riley be the first person to finally rein Garrett in, or will Garrett succeed in getting Riley back under the spotlight? 

Buy Links: 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Under the Spotlight Goodreads 

Angie Stanton Bio: 

Angie Stanton never planned on writing books—she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural America with her brothers’ 4-H pigs as pets, she found that dance didn’t quite work out. Instead, she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history. When not writing, she loves watching natural disaster movies, going to Broadway musicals, and dipping French fries in chocolate shakes. 

Links: 

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Instagram     

Enter Angie’s Giveaway!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Royally Lost by Angie Stanton

* * * 

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

Being stuck in the Midwest, epicenter of the craziest winter weather in a long time, has me longing for summer like you wouldn’t believe. Of course, if I’m going to mentally escape, I’m going to choose a spectacular destination to distract me from reality. Royally Lost fits that bill easily.

It’s very straightforward – Becca wants to be anywhere but with her parents on vacation in fabulous Europe while her brother manages to find ways to disappear and do his own thing. Becca, who is very unimpressed with Europe, (seriously what is up with that?) would rather hunt down the nearest McDonald's than have to suffer through another historical tour. Nikolai has run off in search of anonymity for as long as he can have it. It's refreshing for him to be the master of his own schedule for a change. When Becca and Nikolai meet, they take an instant liking to each other and it’s good times from there. Nikolai knows his temporary emancipation from his royal duties is short-lived especially with his disappearance and face plastered all over the headlines making his time with Becca urgent and bittersweet.

While the events that transpire are predictable and Becca and Nikolai are cute together, the real star of this book is the breathtaking Danube River and the various stops they make on the river cruise. I enjoyed looking up pictures of the many locales and dreaming that I was there as well, though unlike Becca, I would have happily soaked up all the historical information I encountered. See what I mean?

Picture courtesy of welldesignedjourneys.com

Picture courtesy of cruiseshipholidays.blogspot.com

Royally Lost belongs in the “happy” section on your bookshelf. If you’re looking for an escape, a cute romance or something that’s not overtly melodramatic, this one will suit you well!

~ Bel