This International Romance Was Voted NewYorkTimes #100NotableBooksof2018

Image courtesy Avon Books

There’s a reason this book was selected as New York Times 100 Notable books of 2018!

I have never read an Alyssa Cole novel but found A Princess in Theory’s blurb to be interesting enough to purchase the paperback. Go Amazon Prime!

Here’s a snippet of the blurb and my reaction to the book:

From acclaimed author, Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

 

I was so sorry to have the close this story at the end. I felt like I read a beautiful romantic rom-com with a bit of the fictional Wakanda in it. The character that made me feel- that made me say YAAASSSS was Prince Thabiso. Even when he pretended to be Jamal, he was so sweet and awkward but he knew how to treat a lady in and out of bed. I swear, the yummy hot scenes will stick with you all this Winter.

Ledi, an epidemiologist(studies diseases) was so used to being cast away in life that she called herself “defective Velcro”, no one sticks around. Sure her self-deprecating talk and manner could be off-putting but she had her reasons.

The setting of Thesolo and the description of the seeming “odd” weather in South Africa places you right there in the midst of the cool terrain and the royalty of beautiful black skin.

If you are looking for a book with international romance and adventure this book is a great place to start. I enjoyed the book from start to finish.

Five luscious hearts!

A Princess in Theory is part of the Reluctant Royals Series, Book #1

Also, Last week I reviewed a delicious historical by Beverly Jenkins. Let’s just say I’ll never look at the Revolutionary War the same again.  Please visit my review on Amazon today.

Have you read any good books lately?

Soon, I will post pics of what I’ve been really doing after work… 😉

 

*Oh get your minds out the gutter. I’m talking about something else- LOL*

Presenting L.K. Rayne’s ‘Silk and Thorne’ #Books2Read

Every once in a while, an author gifts me with amazing books and I feel horrible sometimes that I have sooooo many books in queue to read, that I could never read the ARCs in the allotted time… However, I deal with this by reading the blurbs and a few chapters and if I feel good about them, I present them here. For instance, today I present to you L.K Rayne’s Silk and Thorne(which I will be reading and reviewing soon), here is the juicy blurb..

Some promises are made to be broken.
Some memories are better left forgotten.
Some thorns are not meant to be touched.

What do I remember most about Ethan Thorne?
The stupid games we used to play.
His scrawny legs as he struggled to climb the old willow tree.
How we raced back to the dock from the middle of the lake on a hot summer day.

What does the world say about Ethan Thorne?
Well, the tabloids call him a playboy. A lady-killer. Some sort of maverick. 
The business circuit calls him ruthless and cunning. An unrelenting competitor. A titan of industry.

But do you want to know who the real Ethan Thorne is? 
The truth is, I have no idea. 

Fifteen years ago, we were only children. For one short summer, we were pure and innocent, unspoiled by the cruelty of the world. But the funny thing about the world is that it has a way of taking what we hold closest to our heart and tearing it away.- Blurb from Amazon

The makings of a real romance seem on the horizon with this one.

I’d like to thank the author for sending me the ARC and to my blogger friends and those reading, if you are interested in a contemporary romance about old friendships turning into new flaming passionate love- pick this one up.

Have any book recommendations for me?

Let me know in the comments below!

I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving Holiday was bright with love and feasting! 🙂

6 Things That Happened While Trying to Write #NaNoWriMo

6 Things  Happened While Trying to Write My NaNo Novel…

1. I was robbed. Meaning instead of writing,  I had to file a police report for stolen goods😠
2. Broke out in hives after 10 years. I keep Cortizone on standby.
3. Ordered some much-needed knitting books.

   

   Plush pumpkin I made this week 🙂

4. Completed a beautiful big, knitted pumpkin for my home.
5. Got hit with the “series” bug under my other pen name and will have to continue those stories…
6. Some of these distractions were good. I would browse Amazon to see if I can find amazing nonfiction works or knit books.  I actually completed this huge knitted pumpkin on Nov. 1^st just in time to focus solely on my writing addiction.

Other distractions were just that- distractions. Thieves should have their hands cut off, I swear and this allergy thing affecting my skin-ugh, like what else can happen?

Let’s not forget my Netflix and YouTube addiction. It seems that some imp of social media has increased my need to tune into these things at a bad time.

Anyway, I hope your month is starting off great!

XoXo, Ericajean

Tempest Review #BeverlyJenkinsBooks

Sorry it’s been a while but I have been reading, I took up knitting recently, and I am preparing for this NaNoWriMo thing.

I finished reading the final installment in the Rhine Fontaine/OldWest Series. It was so

Tempest Book Cover Courtesy Avon Books/HarperCollins Publishers

good and it got me wondering about some of the historical events I never learned about in school.

Here’s a blurb from Amazon and find my reaction below!

“From USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins comes a new novel in a mesmerizing series set in the Old West, where an arranged marriage becomes a grand passion . . .

What kind of mail-order bride greets her intended with a bullet instead of a kiss? One like Regan Carmichael—an independent spirit equally at home in denims and dresses. Shooting Dr. Colton Lee in the shoulder is an honest error, but soon Regan wonders if her entire plan to marry a man she’s never met is a mistake. Colton, who buried his heart along with his first wife, insists he only wants someone to care for his daughter. Yet Regan is drawn to the unmistakable desire in his gaze.

Regan’s far from the docile bride Colton was expecting. Still, few women would brave the wilds of Wyoming Territory for an uncertain future with a widower and his child. The thought of having a bold, forthright woman like Regan in his life—and in his arms—begins to inspire a new dream. And despite his family’s disapproval and an unseen enemy, he’ll risk all to make this match a real union of body and soul.”

As for romance and endearing moments that is classic Beverly Jenkins, this book scores high. There were several pivotal moments that reached my heart, like when Aunt Minnie makes little Anna(Regan’s stepdaughter) believe she is the cause of her biological mother’s death.

Then there is the sad state of affairs of what happened to the Chinese in Rock Springs. The author was kind enough to offer additional information in the back of the book and she encourages us, readers, to learn more about it as well.

Overall a good book and if I were to give the series any stars at all, on average I would say about a 4.5.

Have you read any good books lately?

Tell me in the comment section 🙂

Top 5 Reasons Why I Love Textbroker

*After a genuine comment I received last week concerning the awful site Blogmutt, I’ve decided to do a post of a really good write- for- pay site that so far has been rewarding me for my efforts. Remember, I keep it 100% honest on here about writing gigs and I’ve included real images! 🙂

I hope this online writing relationship lasts because content sites could do much better for their writers and pay them a tiny bit better.

However, after watching a video on YouTube about Textbroker, from a real Textbroker user, I tried it out myself in August and now, on to what I love about it.

If you Have a PayPal Account, You’re Good

Some sites require your bank account and I specifically was searching for a site that requires a PayPal.

Choices

Textbroker allows you to choose topics. If they are available, you can write for them. For example, in the Business category there may be 300 assignments- to choose from;  choose the one you want, read the client’s instructions, and start writing.

Also, you can write for Direct Orders and Team Orders, please visit the site to learn more about these options.

The Process- Getting Paid!

The process of getting paid is easy. So, once you select a topic, or rather before you hit “I Accept Article” link, you will see the dollar amount you’ll get paid. 250 words=$2.50.

After you write and submit the article, the client has 96 hours to accept it. So far, every article I have written, I’ve been paid for and they are not difficult to write at all. I typically shoot for the 2 and 3-star level writing assignments.

Some assignments are worth more.

And even better- you are paid every Friday if you reach $10 or more. It is sent directly to your PayPal. I love it.

Statistics and Regular Feedback

If you’re like me then you know how important it is to always write and improve your writing. Textbroker has a Statistics tab where you can gauge your writing prowess and Texbroker emails you occasionally to let you know your star rating.

Total Freedom

Even though I work a 9-5, it feels good to know I can write some articles and earn a little cash on the side for my efforts.

With any content site there are cons. I have not found many with Textbroker yet, besides there being some “slow” days where there are no assignments available. I’ll be sure to add updates here.

Any questions or comments, let me know!

Your Passion is Worth the Investment: My Frugal Thoughts

Commercial Plug(affiliate link attached):  To start off, I’d like to mention a product you should try, Gold Bond Ultimate Pedi smooth foot cream with 7 , yes! 7 moisturizers and 4 exfoliators. I use this every 2 weeks, so my feet are soft and looks gorgeous while curled up on a couch reading a book. I give it 4.5 stars. Now, on to blog stuff…

Blogging is like an old friend I enjoy returning to. Work and other obligations allowed me just enough time to read your blogs when I can but when I try to write my own, I draw a serious blank. Like, brain fart kind of blanks.

I’ve been thinking of the Writers Markets books and why are they so freaking expensive! I mean, there is a wealth of information in there and perhaps my frugal brain is getting worse.

My husband and I went into Barnes and Noble where he found an interesting book on Spiritual Warfare , meanwhile, I asked a nice associate: ” Where are the Writers Market Guides?” She walked me to the back where the reference books were.

When she pointed out the Writers Market books, I thanked her and saw the prices and thought- Nope!

Then I saw the Novel & Short Story Market **book and thought, “Eh, it’s smaller so maybe cheaper..?”

Nope.

I may have the $29.99 but a better idea would be to go to Amazon and pray for a better deal.

Then again, isn’t our passion worth the investment? *Shrugs*

Wanna know a secret?

I have been getting by with the 2013 Poet’s Market and lovin’ it. Seriously! I paid good money for the Nook eBook and still use it as a guide. Typically I research the markets in the book by Googling them and verifying if they are still relevant. Voila!

Another matter. The job I do is nowhere near creative, however, I find that I am most creative once I get home, which is why I am so glad I do not have a “creative” career yet. I read somewhere that having a non-creative job is important for your moonlighting activities.

And yes, NanoWriMo is on our heels and yes I am outlining and no I will not get my hopes up about completing a novel, I will enjoy the outlining and enjoy the writing with not too much pressure.

Where are you with your writing? Do you use Writers Market Guides as well or just research contests or use hybrid strategies like me?  🙂

Have a Wonderful Day/Evening!

~Ericajean

**This affiliate link will direct you to the discounted price for the Kindle version.

Creativity Opens Doors for Poets

Keywords: publishing poetry, writing poetry, poetry agents

So someone asked Anna Ghosh of Ghosh Literary, why agents for publishing poetry books, are nearly nonexistent.

Before reading the agent’s response , I already knew the answer: poetry has evolved and is accepted in its modern form of rap, ballads, or slogans to sell t-shirts.

However, Ghosh responded by stating the obvious- there are no high selling markets for poetry anymore, and publishers are not willing to take a chance on a book of poems that will not sell. “Book publishing is ultimately a business, “Ghosh states. “Where book sales largely drive what book editors acquire.”

Publishing books of poems is sadly not the vehicle to drive anymore(if it ever was, to begin with).

I will never downplay poetry because poetry is in my heart and it flutters with haiku, free-verse, onomatopoeia and inspired verses from pictures I find on Pexels.  On March 20 this year, Haiku Journal published my poem in Issue #57 of their journal and paid me. So, there are markets but you as the poet who can see yourself writing nothing but, you have to get creative.

Poetry is a creative art on its own, but you have to be even more so to get others to read it- if that is your goal. I don’t have all the answers and I surely will not lie and say poetry will get you rich, but here are my thoughts on re-packaging poetry.

• Don’t think of selling it. That’s right. Don’t do it. An article by Meghan Rogers on Welltoldstory.com opened my eyes when she asked the question: Are we writing for the right reasons? If your goal is only to be published, you may not enjoy the journey. This is very true for me, which is why I just write now. I am still a writer whether I am published or not.
• Ever thought of taking music lessons? I don’t know if anyone ever thought of this, but singer Lorine Chia said when she picked up a guitar, she was finally able to put her words to music. All we need is a beat right?
• Pick up Poet’s Market. I still have my 2013 Poet’s Market Guide and it remains fresh and useful today. It gives tips, samples, and thousands of markets you can choose from.  Also, PW.org  is how I found Haiku Journal! My advice is to look for a unique market first, see what their guidelines are and what they want, visit some samples from their site and then create your own based on their guidelines.

I’m not sure what other ideas are floating around. Do you have ideas for poets trying to expand their marketability?

Let me know, down below!

~The Write Web