Release Day Launch: Kendall Ryan's SINFULLY MINE!

She was forbidden.

I didn’t care.

As my best friend’s little sister, Macey Hale was off-limits, but the girl was tempting as sin and forbidden as fuck. I wish I could say that stopped me. I wish I could tell you I behaved like a gentleman.

I didn’t.

When she waltzes back into my life with that same spark I fell for, looking every bit the beautiful woman I knew she’d grow into, I have to force myself to remember I’m different from the man she once knew. I’m colder. Harder. And for good reason.

With my heart on lockdown and my hands aching to touch her, I set out to prove that I can keep myself in check this time.

No strings. No attachments.

And definitely no falling for her again.

If you love steamy romance, you won't want to miss this older brother's best friend romance.

This is book two in the Lessons with the Dom series, following The Gentleman Mentor. Both are complete standalone novels featuring sexy Dominant men you're sure to fall in love with. Enjoy!

AMAZON US  AMAZON UK   iBooks  Barnes & Noble

Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels, including Hard to Love, Unravel Me, Resisting Her and When I Break.

She's a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss. She lives in Minneapolis with her adorable husband and two baby sons, and enjoys hiking, being active, and reading.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com  for the latest book news, and fun extras

Subscribe to Newletter

Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Excerpt!: THE FELIX CHRONICLES: FRESHMAN by R.T. Lowe!

Hello all! Please help me welcome author R.T. Lowe, who has provided an amazing excerpt of his novel "The Felix Chronicles: Freshman" - click the title to go straight to Goodreads to add it to your TBR piles! Below you will find an excerpt, and at the bottom, there is a link to Amazon so you can snag a copy of your own. Read on and enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 18

The Ghost and St. Rose

 The glowing red digits on Felix’s clock informed him that it was 3:15. Lucas’s desk lamp was making an island of light in the darkened room. He didn’t remember turning it on. He rubbed his eyes, then looked over at Lucas’s bed. Still unmade. But no Lucas. He lay there for a while trying to go back to sleep, but it was an exercise in absurdity. He was wide awake, uncomfortable (he was still wearing his clothes from the day before), and feeling terrible. He’d let the sadness go too far and it had carried him away. Now it was like a physical sickness; it was sticking to him, coating him. If he didn’t get it off, it would burn right through his skin and eat at him for days.

His spine popped like dominos when he stood up and stretched. He threw on a hooded sweatshirt and a baseball hat and slipped out of the dorm, emerging into a cool misty drizzle. There wouldn’t be another warm day until May—just another thing to be depressed about. No one was hanging out in the Freshman Yard except for a clutch of kids smoking cigarettes under a tree on the north end by Satler, where it looked like the party was still raging. Music was pouring out through open windows on the top two floors. He thought his friends must still be there, and wondered if they were having fun. Of course they were having fun. Why wouldn’t they be?

I should’ve gone to the party, he thought miserably, giving himself a swift mental kick to the ass. Now he was missing out on a good time and he still wouldn’t get any sleep before the game. Instead, he was about to wander the campus like a loser when he could be…what? Hooking up with Harper? Not likely. But he felt like he had a shot. Of course he had no shot at all if he didn’t try. He was telling himself that he wasn’t at the party because of Coach Bowman’s dumb rules. But the rules were just that: dumb. He could get around them; Bowman didn’t have a spy network reporting back to him on rule-breakers. So did that mean he wasn’t trying? But why wouldn’t he try? He wanted to hook up with Harper. Desperately. Thinking about ravaging her perfect body occupied almost as much time as football practice; it was how he made it through his classes when he grew bored or couldn’t focus. But if they did hook up—big if—it wouldn’t end there. She would want to get to know him. Of course. And it wouldn’t take long—maybe five minutes—for Harper to realize he was a total wreck. And once she discovered that she would reject him. Just like Emma had rejected him. He couldn’t handle that. Despite how much he liked her. Not even Harper was worth that risk.

With a very melancholy soundtrack playing in his head, he dug his hands into the pockets of his sweatshirt and headed toward The Yard. He turned and walked backward for a spell, letting his feet feel their way along the cobblestones in the soft glow of the pathlights. From a distance, Downey looked peaceful—the rooms were dark, the blinds drawn—a tomb compared to Satler. Everyone in Downey was asleep . . . or getting lucky. But not Felix. Luck had a strong aversion to him.

He passed by the first few lecture halls on the north side of The Yard without seeing a soul. There was nothing but empty paths and lawns drifted with wet heavy leaves. Alone with his thoughts, he began thinking about the guy he’d caught staring up at his room. The guy. It didn’t have to be a guy, of course. Girls could be stalkers too. Either way, he couldn’t understand why anyone would wait out in the rain just to catch a glimpse of Lucas with his shirt off. So what if he was on TV. What was the point? He just didn’t get it.

Voices off to his right made him jump. His eyes flitted up to a sheltering overhang at the entrance of the Culver building where he found the culprits: two kids making out. Felix wasn’t alone after all. He watched them for a moment and a puddle of cold water that submerged his sneaker right up to the shoelaces was the reward for his voyeurism.

The Yard looked as desolate as a stretch of farmland. Dew frosted the grass, sparkling beneath the haze. He drew in a deep breath as he rolled the kinks from his neck. He liked the way everything smelled. It was as if the trees and plants were giving off some wonderful floral scent in appreciation of the long drink the elements had bestowed on them. The cold was depressing, though he didn’t mind the rain. When you grow up in a town where it’s sloppy wet 250 days a year you have one choice: get used to it.

He wasn’t sure where he was going. But that was the plan. He didn’t care where he ended up. The night air felt good; it was already having a soothing effect. He passed another shadowed lecture hall and found a path that wound its way north as it hugged a dense thicket of sculpted shrubs. It split into two paths to accommodate a specimen tree of some sort, then reconnected on the other side at the edge of an English garden tucked in behind the building. He’d never been this way before. He didn’t stop to admire the plantings, though he was sure they were quite lovely. Horticulture wasn’t his thing. The mist was thickening, creating a haloing effect with the pathlights. Just past the garden, he came to a clearing where five trees were standing guard like monstrous sentinels—the Star Trees. The towering goliaths formed the shape of a five-pointed star, each tree acting as a point. He’d heard some kids talking about it at the dorm, but he didn’t know where it was. Until now.

As he neared the southernmost tree, he stopped to have a look around. He tilted his head back, trying to see the tops, but swirling curtains of fog covered them up. The rain lightly spritzed his face like a spray bottle set to mist. It was refreshing. Coming outside had turned out to be a good idea; it was just what he needed. He looked back down and started toward the—

A woman, her back turned to him, stood in the center of the clearing. The sight of her startled him, freezing him in place for a moment. He was sure she wasn’t there just a second ago. He kept his eyes on her as he reached out for the tree next to him, feeling the rough bark brush across his fingertips as he slid slowly past it. Her clothes were really odd; it looked like she’d gotten lost on her way home from a costume party—Cinderella came to mind. She was wearing a flowing blue dress that bunched up on the ground all around her. The dress was sleeveless, and her arms, so pale that they shone, hung loosely at her sides. Her hair was dark and long—he couldn’t tell if it was brown or black—and it cascaded in lustrous gentle curls to her narrow waist.

“Hey,” Felix called out, approaching the woman. “What are you doing out here?” The rain stopped all at once. Of their own accord, his eyes flicked up to the enormous branches of the Star Trees which all met in the center of the clearing, forming a canopy that kept everything beneath them comfortably dry.

She cocked her head and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheek and the visible part of her jaw were so white it looked like she was wearing stage makeup. If it wasn’t 3:30 in the morning, he would have thought she was about to perform at the school theater.

“Hey,” he said again. She was close now, no more than ten feet away. Her arms were disturbingly pale, and he wondered if she was standing next to a light he couldn’t see. Something had to be making her appear this way. Or was something wrong with her? Was she sick?

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded twice, stiffly.

“Are you hurt?” He took another step. He was close enough to smell her perfume if she was wearing any—she wasn’t. Another step. If he reached out he could touch her.

She shook her head. Her shimmering hair—it was dark, but not quite black—swayed elegantly over her shoulders and across her back. His eyes followed the contours of her slender arms down to her fingers, long and delicate, ending in fingernails that were flawless, and somewhat pointy. Her fingers were white. Too white. Bone white. Vampire! he thought suddenly, his heart lurching to his throat. An icy fear swept over him as he looked up, expecting to see the face of a monster.

But the person in front of him didn’t have fangs. And she wasn’t a monster. Far from it. The beautiful woman before him was staring at him, the traces of an inscrutable smile hovering at the edges of her red lips. Her green eyes blazed like smoldering emeralds, roaming over his face, measuring him. She looked older than the girls on campus, but not that much older, and it was hard for Felix to gauge her exact age because his brain had shifted into panic mode like the time he went camping in the fourth grade and discovered he was sharing his sleeping bag with a garter snake.

And then—without warning—she turned and ran.

Felix felt his feet lift off the ground and take flight after her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Review: DOCTOR-PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY by Eme Strife

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Type: Serial Novel, Series, Book 1, New Adult, New Adult Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Need Book 2 Asap

About the Book: Two very different people. 
One scandalous proposition. 
Endless possibilities... 

*** 

I can't believe how different things are now; how complicated my life has become in such a short amount of time. 

It was never supposed to be like this. 

He's off limits. 

He's always been off limits. 

I keep telling myself that; that being here with him is not supposed to feel this good. 
God, he's not supposed to feel this good. 

I wonder what my life would have been like now if I had gone to the clinic on a different day, or if I had just insisted on going with the physician I was initially referred to. 

Never in my life would I have thought that in the events that followed the beginning of a regular school week, a random checkup would end up spawning a highly angst-filled, incredibly confusing, and quickly-unfolding mess. 

*** 

This story unfolds over multiple serials and this is the first book in the series. 

Rated 17+ 
This series contains mature and adult content (nudity, graphic sex, and strong language). 
Because of its explicit nature, it is intended for mature audiences only. Reader discretion is advised. [Description from Amazon.com]

My Review: I'm a New Adult junkie, I just can't get enough. Maybe because I'm a New Adult myself, and it's fun to read about characters that are near my own age. So of course I jumped on the chance to review this when the author asked. And I was glad I did! I had a great time reading "Doctor-Patient Confidentiality." I liked the characters - they felt real. And already, I could feel the zing between the main character and the hero.

"Doctor-Patient Confidentiality" is a serialized novel. So prepare yourself going in - this first book is actually just 1/5th of the story. That said, this story definitely has potential and will suck you right in. I read this all in one sitting, and no, not just because it was shot. I was enjoying myself while reading it. I will definitely be looking into the rest of the series. Can't wait!

Cover Lovin': What a tease this cover is! I know I would look into it if I saw this while browsing the store or Amazon.

Recommendation: For fans of steamy new adult contemporary romance. But be prepared to desperately need the next one!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Writing is excellent, the story had me hooked. I just wish there had been more!

Series Order:

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Laura Kaye's SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

From the author of the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Hard Ink Series, comes a special announcement sure to excite readers everywhere! Don't miss what Laura Kaye has to say...

A Hard Ink Special Announcement from Laura Kaye!

As I celebrate the release last week of Hard to Let Go, the finale in my Hard Ink romantic suspense series, I’m super excited to share some more news about Hard Ink! I’m going to do another book in this series. And not just any book. I’m going to write a wedding novella for one of the couples in the series!! And I’m so flippin’ excited!!! This is how this idea came about: I happened to see another author celebrating the release of a follow-up wedding book, and I’ve never written any follow-up stories about any of my characters—once they’ve gotten their happily ever afters in their original story, I just moved right on to the next couple. But that author’s book got me thinking about who I would even do a follow-up story on. Who is it that would get married? My initial thoughts went right to the Hard Ink series, of course, because I’ve been immersed in this world for the past two years and absolutely adore these characters. Seriously – I know many of us have joked about the title of the last book being apropos, and trust me when I say I’m feeling that, too. I want more Hard Ink myself. And then I had to ask – which couple? My gut instinct was to say Nick and Becca. They started the series, have been together the longest, and the personal issues they each have and struggles they each face are less than some of the other characters. BUT… But then my brain started to think about all the other couples. And as I thought through all of them, I could make a case why any of the Hard Ink couples might be the first to get married.

And that’s where YOU come in.

I can’t decide which couple to write.

I could make the argument for Nick and Becca for all the reasons above. I could make the argument that Shane would be eager to take care of Sara in every way he can. I could make the argument that Easy and Jenna’s bond would be so tight because of the hell Easy’s come through and him having saved Jenna’s life. Marz has never wanted anything more than a family, so I could see him being eager to make Emilie his forever. Jeremy and Charlie had the bond of best friends before becoming lovers, and I could see the two of them wanting to prove the depth of their love by committing to forever. And Kat so knocked Beckett on his ass that I could see him wanting to hold her tight and, well, never let go – and finally have a family that valued him.

So, yeah, I can’t decide!

Which means you guys get to.

For real.

I’m letting you pick.

Have you read and met all the Hard Ink couples yet? If not, now’s the time!

Because between now and July 31, you get to vote on which couple gets the bonus wedding novella.

Eeep! Can you believe it? I’m nervous! And excited! And eeep!

Whoever wins, the book will be called Hard Ever After and will release January 19, 2016. How freaking awesome is that title, by the way? I’ve been giggling over it for months! *winks* Down below, I’ve got some wedding invitations for you to share around to encourage other readers to vote for the couple you want. So grab your favorite couple’s invitations and help spread the word! You can also grab one of the smaller avatar images for your Facebook and Twitter avatars. Have fun with it and vote, vote, vote! And I figure we should have ways for you to win prizes, too, right? After all, weddings do have gifts! So see below for two big ways to win! Now, please spread the word and vote! I cannot wait to see who I’m going to be writing about! Thanks for reading, Laura Kaye

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE HARD INK COUPLE HERE!

Vote by clicking on the link above and then grab the Avatar below for the couple you chose. Change your profile pictures on social media to show who you voted for!

The Hard Ink Series

HARD AS IT GETS (on sale for $1.99!): Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

HARD AS YOU CAN (on sale for $1.99!): Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

HARD TO HOLD ON TO: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

HARD TO COME BY: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

HARD TO BE GOOD: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

HARD TO LET GO: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Pre-order HARD AS STEEL (Raven Riders Crossover): Amazon only to start

Pre-order HARD EVER AFTER: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Add Hard Ever After to your Goodreads

  GIVEAWAYS: TWITTER HASHTAG CONTEST, 7/9 – 7/12 Tweet about the novella, the voting, and your favorite couple for a chance to win your choice of any one signed paperback from the Hard Ink series and lots of Hard Ink swag including stuffed animals! Open to international. One winner will be picked from tweets that use each of the following six hashtags: #VoteNickandBecca #VoteShaneandSara #VoteEasyandJenna #VoteMarzandEmilie #VoteJeremyandCharlie #VoteBeckettandKat Check your spelling when you tweet because I will be picking winners only from those that use one of the six above hashtags! I will announce winners from the Twitter Hashtag Contest on Monday, July 13. Feel free to keep using the hashtag after the contest closes to connect with other readers who want your favorite couple to win, too!

And don't miss this second fantastic giveaway from Laura Kaye!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Review: APOLLO: THE BRILLIANT ONE by George O'Connor

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: January 26, 2016

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic Books, First Second Books, Mythology, Series, Book 8, Teen/Young Adult, Just Call Me The Brillaint One

About the Book: George O'Connor's popular Olympians graphic novel series continues with Apollo. Told by the Muses, readers will encounter some of the most famous Greek myths featuring the god of music and prophecy.

My Review: Another good Olympians book! I originally picked this series up a few years ago when I needed a nonfiction graphic novel book for my Library Services to Young Adults class - and I have not been disappointed since. George O'Connor clearly knows his mythology, and does an excellent job bringing it to life in this full color book.

Apollo is often linked to the Muses, and O'Connor uses that in this book. Each of Apollo's stories is told by one (or more) of the Muses, further linking them together in the reader's mind. What I like best about these graphic novels is that they are great for visual learners. Mythology is a fun topic for a lot of middle schoolers, and can even be a great gateway into reading. But for those that might struggle with the stories, the Olympians series is a great go-to. I've pimped these books out plenty at my own library to middle grade and young adult readers.

Cover Lovin': Nice one. The image of Apollo fighting the serpent is one of the stories in the book - and definitely makes for a rockin' cover.

Recommendation: For fans of Greek Mythology, this series is a definite go to. I also think this series would be great for a reluctant reader struggling with Greek Mythology.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). A great read! The illustrations are great, and the story structure presents the myths in a fun way.


                                       Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction~!~

Release Week Blitz: EASY CHARM by Kristin Proby!

 

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Kristen Proby's EASY CHARM! EASY CHARM is a Contemporary Erotic Romance novel and is the 2^nd book in The Boudreaux Series. It is due to be released on July 7, 2015!

 

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo

        ABOUT EASY CHARM: Gabrielle Boudreaux, the youngest of the Boudreaux clan, is a single mother of her young son, Sam. Running a Bed and Breakfast at the family plantation house at the edge of the Mississippi River, Gabby loves her inn, her boy and her family. She meets new people every day, and takes pride in the house and land that has been in her family for more than five generations. Blessed beyond measure, she’s also lonely, although she would never admit that to anyone. Until Rhys O’Shaughnessy walks through her door, brooding and wounded and the sexiest thing she’s ever laid eyes on. Rhys has been at the top of his game as a major league pitcher for the Chicago Cubs for more than ten years. Baseball is in his blood. But when he tears his rotator cuff and has to sit a season out, he retreats to Inn Boudreaux at the recommendation of his cousin, Kate, to heal and work toward building his shoulder back to perfect shape with only one goal in mind: to return to the game he loves. But he didn’t plan on being utterly charmed by a devastatingly beautiful woman and her baseball-loving son. When Rhys’ shoulder has healed and he’s given the chance to return to his team, will he leave the family he’s come to love behind, or will he stay with Gabby and Sam?     And don’t forget to grab the first book in the Boudreaux Series!  

EASY LOVE

  About KRISTEN PROBY: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.        

Website**Facebook**Twitter**Author Goodreads**Novel Goodreads

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

EXCERPT:

“Good, but you should have called me,” Eli says, then sighs when Rhys kisses my hand. “Are you going to continue to touch my sister for all of us to see?”

“Yes,” Rhys replies simply, making Kate grin.

“I’m not sure how I feel about this,” Eli says.

“You don’t have to feel any way about it,” I reply in frustration. “I’m a grown-ass woman.”

“It’s my job to protect you,” Eli says, as if I’m being difficult.

“But it’s not your job to be an ass,” Kate says, but softens the blow by kissing his cheek. “It’s Rhys. You know him. And they’re cute together.”

“Hurt her, and—”

“Seriously,” I interrupt, not wanting to hear the hurt her and I’ll kill you speech. “We’re fine.”

“I get it,” Rhys says to Eli. “I feel the same about Kate; you know that. We’ve had that conversation. I almost decked you when you showed up in Denver.”

Eli sits back in his chair, and his eyes calm a bit, but he looks no less foreboding.

“Don’t make me regret trusting you,” Eli says calmly, just as our meals are delivered.

“Back at you,” Rhys replies with a cold smile. Kate catches my eye, and we both sigh, and shrug as if to say, what can you do? They love us. They’re worried about us.

Damn it, sometimes they’re idiots.

But lunch is delicious.

“Beau said this morning that you need a new dishwasher,” Eli says.

“I do. I’ll find time to pick one out in the next few days.”

“Just come to the office with me after lunch and sign off on one, and I’ll have it delivered. It’s your inn, but damn it, we can help with that shit. You’re busy enough.”

“Too busy,” Kate agrees.

“I think I’m going to hire some help,” I reply. “Rhys might have talked me into it.”

Eli’s eyebrow shoots up in surprise. “We’ve been trying to talk you into it for over a year.”

“I didn’t need it a year ago.” I shrug and twirl a long string of cheese around my fork. “But I’m much busier now, and Sam is getting more involved in things, so it’s time to have some help.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Eli says, as if there is no room for argument, and I simply laugh at him.

“No, you won’t.”

“Gabby, I have a whole HR staff that can easily find someone qualified to help you.”

“I’m perfectly capable of finding someone to help me,” I reply. “You run your business, and I’ll run mine, big brother.”

He sits back in his hair and tilts his handsome head, watching me. “Okay. You handle it.”

“I will.” I nod once and sip my Coke. “I wonder if I should specify in the ad that felons aren’t welcome to apply.”

“Gabby, let me handle this!” Eli exclaims, and I can’t help but dissolve in a fit of giggles.

“I’m teasing. It sure is fun to get you all riled up.”

“Most wouldn’t dare,” Kate says good-naturedly. “I wonder what people would say if they knew that he’s nothing but a big softie.”

“I will take you over my knee, Kate,” he murmurs to her, and Rhys tenses up beside me, but Kate just laughs and leans her head on Eli’s shoulder.

“Right. Except you have this thing against spanking me, so I don’t think that’ll happen.”

Eli’s lips twitch as he buries them in Kate’s hair and kisses her head.

“I don’t mind being spanked,” I add and eat a chip loaded with cheese and beans, just as Eli’s eyes go cold again, pinned on Rhys, who simply laughs beside me.

“I don’t need to know this,” Eli growls.

“It’s not like he leaves marks. Well, they don’t stay for long.”

Kate is laughing like a loon into her hand, Rhys is smiling widely, and Eli looks like he’s about to spit nails.

Or spank me himself.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Guest Post: ADVENTURES ABROAD blog tour!

Novel Addiction is part of the blog tour for Adventures Abroad! Author Jen McConnel is taking over my blog for today with a guest post. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inspiration and “Somewhere Else”

Early on in my writing career, I was describing one of my books to my sister, and she pointed out that all my work takes place “somewhere else”. For my fantasy titles, that means another world, but even my contemporary titles tend to be set in places outside of my everyday existence. I think part of that is because I’m a travel junkie, and I build my “to visit” list the way some people make their shopping lists: obsessively and regularly.

Over the years, I’ve been surprised at the way going “somewhere else” can spark my creativity. My current New Adult series, the Adventures Abroad books, were inspired by the summer I spent abroad after my sophomore year of college. I kept a travel journal while I was in Europe, but it never occurred to me at the time that the experience could result in fiction: I think I was more fixated on the idea of eventually crafting a memoir based on the experiences, although looking back, I’ve realized that other than happening to me, there wasn’t anything about that summer that really sets it apart from the thousands of other study abroad experiences American students have every year.

Still, spots I visited and memories I cherished made their way into my writing as I crafted the series; I only wish I’d had traveling companions like Sarah, Joelle, and Camie to make the experience complete. Traveling alone is an intense, amazing experience, but so is traveling with friends. I’m lucky to have been able to do both over the years, but other than classmates I met during the study abroad program, I was relatively on my own during that first trip to Europe. Near the end of the summer, I navigated the Italian train system to spend a day at the beach. I’d only swum in the ocean once before, when I was a teen visiting family in Virginia, and I wasn’t prepared for how deeply I would fall in love with the crystal blue waters of Cinque Terre. If I close my eyes, I can still experience the sound of the waves, the site of huge beach umbrellas and chairs dotting the beach like something from a vintage travel ad, and the salty, buoyant water. Despite a wicked sunburn (which totally makes an appearance in What Happens Abroad) that day at the beach remains one of my favorite memories from my first trip to Europe.

As writers, it’s important that we remain open to adventure, whether that means a trip abroad or taking a back country road instead of your usual route. Inspiration waits around every bend, and one of my favorite parts about writing fiction is being surprised when my experiences and memories sneak into the stories I craft. You never know when “somewhere else” will be just the place your characters are looking for.

I’m so excited for the opportunity to join y’all “somewhere else” later this summer: I’ve never been to Emerald Isle, despite living in North Carolina for seven years, and I know that stepping away from normal, even for a long weekend, usually leaves me with more inspiration than I know what to do with. And besides, I’m always happy when I can stick my toes in the ocean.

ABOUT JEN MCCONNEL:

A Michigander by birth, Jen McConnel now makes her home in the beautiful state of North Carolina. She writes NA, including the Adventures Abroad series (Bloomsbury Spark), the award winning YA novel Beautiful Curse (Swoon Romance), and various other works. When she isn’t writing, she can be found on her yoga mat or wandering off on another adventure. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time. Visit www.JenMcConnel.com to learn more!

Connect With Jen

| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Facebook | Blog | Website |