Showing posts with label Hollywood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hollywood. Show all posts

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Star Crossed by Christine Ashworth



Star Crossed

By: Christine Ashworth

Since she was thirteen, Jenna Stone had an over bearing mother, one who freely bartered her daughter, marketed her and even pimped her. Yes you read this right, Elaine Stone was not the perfect mother, and yes, she did this, all for her own fortune and fame. Jenna felt like she was just an object to her mother, nothing more.

Jenna however, did enjoy once being a star herself. But the thing she truly missed about it, was being special. However now with her upcoming movie deal, this might make her big time famous, or at least she hopes it will. It doesn’t hurt a girl to dream.

Now there may be a further problem, there is a co-star from WWII, period drama that she let get close to her, and she knows she can’t let that happen again. He wasn’t right then, he couldn’t be right this time. She needed to stay focused.

Dane Hadley loved his success as rock star, until his band broke up, and returning to acting seems like the best way to keep the money rolling in. The thing is, now his co-star is the only girl he ever loved-the only woman who crushed his heart- the beautiful Jenna Stone.

Dane and Jenna must once again work together. In the beginning, it is nothing but business, that is, until it just isn’t.

Jenna wants a true chance at something better than the ever famous Hollywood style love stories. She wants the cake and eat it too, and live happily ever after. 

This is a book about having a past, and making a change from the past, and making a difference. A successful difference, and becoming someone and something, and making yourself proud. This book, “Star Crossed” is a five star romantic read. I felt pulled in, involved with the characters, and I could truly relate with them. Mothers make mistakes, Children don’t come with a manual, but this mother? She used her child to benefit herself. In the old days, this happened a lot, especially in the acting careers, look it up. Joan Crawford, for example. 

I have had the pleasure of the research of these types of events where parents used their children to enable their own career advancement. And I find it upsetting, but like I said, not unusual.
But luckily, Jenna doesn’t let things like this hold her back. She knows the best way to succeed, is to keep pushing forward. 

Dane Hadley, also knows to not stop, but keep striving forward. Just because his band has ended, he doesn’t want to fall flat on his face, he knows he needs money to succeed. His choice was wise, which some have done differently when their bands have ceased to exist, and chose drugs, and to give up. I was pleased Dane kept his chin up, and kept moving forward. He even kept his focus straight ahead, and his head in the game, and knew he still loved Jenna, and felt that he could rekindle their relationship.

“Star Crossed” was beautifully written by Christine, and I truly enjoyed it. I always love how Christine writes, she has a beautiful talent that I have always enjoyed since I first read her work. She always pulls me into her writing, and I am right there within the pages. You need to read this, you’ll totally enjoy every minute of it!
Here are my questions for Christine:
1. What led you to write this book and how long did it take?

I wrote Guarded Star first, and when I was looking to pitch it, I realized that I needed two more books to round out a series, which would make it more appealing to a publisher. So I came up with the back-of-the-book blurbs for Star Crossed and the next one, Rising Star.

2. Jenna Stone's own Mother? Seriously? What kind of Mother does that!?

Some stage mothers are horrible. Some parents are horrible. I do not, however, know anyone personally who was so inflicted with a mother like Elaine Stone.

3. Do you have photos or descriptions of Jenna or Dane?

Jenna is a natural blonde - okay, just think Pamela Anderson in looks, but without the surgically enhanced boobs. For Dane? Think a cross between Bret Michaels of Poison and Adam Levine. I know. Sorry.

4. What are you working on now?

Soon I'll have edits on Rising Star, which is the story of a stand-up comedienne, Maria Theresa Juanita Martinez-Coleman and a wealthy black ops club owner named Randall Blue. It's a funny, heartfelt story that I love.

5. What can you suggest to anyone wanting to become a writer? Is it really hard to do?

Writing is discipline. Pure and simple. Just like anything else you want to get really, really good at - speaking a foreign language, or painting, or learning to code in Ruby, or totally winning at Mass Effect. It all boils down to discipline. Second? Be humble. Learn your craft. For me, not being humble (thinking I knew it all already) cost me several years.

6. What led you to be a writer?

My father, Chet Cunningham, has been writing since he sold his first novel in 1968. He has over 350 novels published by most of the major publishers since then; I hope to pass his mark. Which means I'd better write faster.

7. What all education have you had?

Um. ?? Varied and sundry, and none of it has led to a degree. So.

8. What did/do you want to be when you grow/grew up?

I wanted, very much, to be first a ballet dancer, which I was until I was 19. When the Romanian Ballet Master teaching class that day yelled at me for yawning during plies at 10 in the morning, I promptly screamed back at him, stalked out of the room, and quit. Needless to say the entire company was shocked. I moved to musical theater, then moved to Los Angeles (and married an actor), and finally found myself in the business world.

9. Where is your favorite place to write?

I have several. First, my office - which is the laundry room. Second, any Starbucks. Third, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in my town.

10. Please provide for us your social and book links:

Star Crossed

Face Book

Twitter


11. Anything to add:

I'm looking for people who are interested in reviewing and being a part of a Street Team. I'm fairly new to the game, so the perks aren't great right now...but hopefully the rewards in the future will be fabulous.

About the Author:

Christine Ashworth grew up in San Diego, fell in love with another dancer, and married him. She has two tall sons and lives in the Los Angeles area of California. She has been writing with an eye to publication since 2000, and has no plans to stop. Still 17 at heart, she is a romantic and a former ballet dancer, and hopes to one day match her fathers' record of over 350 published fiction books.





Star CrossedStar Crossed by Christine Ashworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since she was thirteen, Jenna Stone had an over bearing mother, one who freely bartered her daughter, marketed her and even pimped her. Yes you read this right, Elaine Stone was not the perfect mother, and yes, she did this, all for her own fortune and fame. Jenna felt like she was just an object to her mother, nothing more.

Jenna however, did enjoy once being a star herself. But the thing she truly missed about it, was being special. However now with her upcoming movie deal, this might make her big time famous, or at least she hopes it will. It doesn’t hurt a girl to dream.

Now there may be a further problem, there is a co-star from WWII, period drama that she let get close to her, and she knows she can’t let that happen again. He wasn’t right then, he couldn’t be right this time. She needed to stay focused.

Dane Hadley loved his success as rock star, until his band broke up, and returning to acting seems like the best way to keep the money rolling in. The thing is, now his co-star is the only girl he ever loved-the only woman who crushed his heart- the beautiful Jenna Stone.

Dane and Jenna must once again work together. In the beginning, it is nothing but business, that is, until it just isn’t.

Jenna wants a true chance at something better than the ever famous Hollywood style love stories. She wants the cake and eat it too, and live happily ever after.

This is a book about having a past, and making a change from the past, and making a difference. A successful difference, and becoming someone and something, and making yourself proud. This book, “Star Crossed” is a five star romantic read. I felt pulled in, involved with the characters, and I could truly relate with them. Mothers make mistakes, Children don’t come with a manual, but this mother? She used her child to benefit herself. In the old days, this happened a lot, especially in the acting careers, look it up. Joan Crawford, for example.

I have had the pleasure of the research of these types of events where parents used their children to enable their own career advancement. And I find it upsetting, but like I said, not unusual.

But luckily, Jenna doesn’t let things like this hold her back. She knows the best way to succeed, is to keep pushing forward.

Dane Hadley, also knows to not stop, but keep striving forward. Just because his band has ended, he doesn’t want to fall flat on his face, he knows he needs money to succeed. His choice was wise, which some have done differently when their bands have ceased to exist, and chose drugs, and to give up. I was pleased Dane kept his chin up, and kept moving forward. He even kept his focus straight ahead, and his head in the game, and knew he still loved Jenna, and felt that he could rekindle their relationship.

“Star Crossed” was beautifully written by Christine, and I truly enjoyed it. I always love how Christine writes, she has a beautiful talent that I have always enjoyed since I first read her work. She always pulls me into her writing, and I am right there within the pages. You need to read this, you’ll totally enjoy every minute of it!

View all my reviews

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Typecast By Kim Carmichael



Typecast


By Kim Carmichael

You may have heard and read bits and pieces here and there about the book: “Typecast”, because it was something we were all able to vote on, through Amazon and Kindle Scout, and the best part- this book is one of the Winners! 

So firstly, let me begin with a huge congrats to Kim for winning the Kindle Scout contest! Woot! Woot! 

Next, let me start with my raving review: Kim still truly inspires me with her story telling ability. I love how this book goes from the “Play writer” to the “Story telling” scenarios. This part is what is I find truly inspiring. No other book is like this, least wise that I have read…yet.

And the characters, as you read them you can’t help but visualize them in your mind and want to meet them. Especially their eyes, blue. And when I see blue eyes, I always see into their soul. Blue eyes are just so sexy. To me, anyway, and yeah, I’m entitled to my opinion. Whose review is this?!

‘“I kissed Logan Alexander.” Ivy stared at the television even though it wasn’t on. She didn’t need to watch reruns any-way . The kiss replaying in her head over-shadowed anything else.’

She kissed Logan!  Ivy kissed Logan! That lucky beautiful woman kissed Logan! Okay, I read that line and now I’m jealous. No. Wait what?! I am getting jealous of a character in a book. I looked over at my husband, he asks me what. I started laughing. I proceeded to tell him what I read, and what Logan looked like (to me) and that I was jealous of Ivy. My husband rolled his eyes at me, and said I need help.

I than told him, no really, I think I was getting so involved in this book, I felt like I was a character right there, while Ivy is announcing that she kissed him, and I am listening, and I am one of those …(must watch my mouth…) women standing there. Normally I call myself something else, actually I call most of us women something else, because let’s face it, most of the time, we are. Especially, when it comes to jealousy, but I am a tell it all kind of person.

While reading "Typecast" at first, I wasn't sure if Ivy was really going to be able to pull it off, sometimes her shyness, seemed a little stronger than usual. And the fact that Logan wanted to make a name for himself again, I knew he could. He still had the looks. But in the distance I felt he sometimes doubted himself, or wanted to. But together, I felt they were each others anchor in the long run.

On point….reading this book, I thought it was a very strong book. A very romantic book, with a lot of really interesting acting, and the inside scoop of actors and acting. I loved the fact, that while I was reading, unlike while reading the “Jackie Collins” books, this book  had more sex appeal, and the people even looked better, in the wording alone!

I found this book, well worth reading, and enjoyed every minute of it, including the fabulous list of characters! Like I keep saying, I love the writing style, with the play write, and then back to story line. I think it makes it even more interesting. It makes you feel like you are right there with them as they do their thing too!

A definite five star review, no wonder it made it onto the Kindle Scout Awards! It is well worth it! It will keep you entertained in your chair, sipping a glass of wine, and thinking, “This book would make for an excellent Movie!” Kim Carmichael has the writers touch, and “Typecast" proves it!

"Typecast" Youtube video: 

Here are my Questions for:





1. What made you decide to want to write the book "Typecast”?I am a kid of the 80’s a fan of all things John Hughes.  I was sort of fascinated about what happened to teen actors 20 years later, where did their lives take them.


2. How long did it take you to write this book?  I had started two years ago but got side tracked by another project. I returned to it and it took about four months to finish.


3. Other then the cover art- do you have any photos or descriptions of your characters?

Yes!

Logan - Bad boy, shoulder length blonde hair pulled back in a pony tail, proverbial bad boy.


Ivy - Sweet, looks like a Disney princess but quirky in vintage clothes.  Brunette.


4. What are you working on now?

I am working on Draw the Line which is a take off the trope of a marriage of convenience.

I just finished Facade which is inspired by The Phantom of the Opera


5. What are your hobbies?

Shopping
Crochet


6. What is your up-most favorite book? (This includes from your childhood!)

The Monster At The End of This Book starring Lovable Furry Old Grover


7. When you were younger, did you always want to be a writer when you grew up?

No I wanted to be a rock star

8. Have you met any other writers along your path?

Yes I have a group of writer friends.  Writers are an interesting bunch and its fun cause we get each other.

9. Do you hope this book will be turned into a Movie or a play?

Every author hopes that :-)


10. Please share with us your links to your social media sites and where to find your books:


Hollywood Stardust Website:  www.chargge.com


Twitter:  @kimcarmichael4



11. Anything to add:

Typecast was a Kindle Scout winner and is published through Kindle Press and you helped me get votes so I thank you so much.  This month (January 2016) Typecast is on sale for 1.99

Please check this out which is a screen shot from the book itself:
**If you didn't notice "MY" name then please go back and reread! I was in the acknowledgements!**
Nothing makes me prouder then to be recognized!
And no, I don't play favorites, I just "KNOW" great work when I read it!



TypecastTypecast by Kim Carmichael
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You may have heard and read bits and pieces here and there about the book: “Typecast”, because it was something we were all able to vote on, through Amazon and Kindle Scout, and the best part- this book is was one of the Winners!

So firstly, let me begin with a huge congrats to Kim for winning the Kindle Scout contest! Woot! Woot!

Next, let me start with my raving review: Kim still truly inspires me with her story telling ability. I love how this book goes from the “Play writer” to the “Story telling” scenarios. This part is what is I find truly inspiring. No other book is like this, least wise that I have read…yet.

And the characters, as you read them you can’t help but visualize them in your mind and want to meet them. Especially their eyes, blue. And when I see blue eyes, I always see into their soul. Blue eyes are just so sexy. To me, anyway, and yeah, I’m entitled to my opinion. Whose review is this?!

‘“I kissed Logan Alexander.” Ivy stared at the television even though it wasn’t on. She didn’t need to watch reruns any-way . The kiss replaying in her head over-shadowed anything else.’

She kissed Logan! Ivy kissed Logan! That lucky beautiful woman kissed Logan! Ok, I read that line and now I’m jealous. No. Wait what?! I am getting jealous of a character in a book. I looked over at my husband, he asks me what. I started laughing. I proceeded to tell him what I read, and what Logan looked like (to me) and that I was jealous of Ivy. My husband rolled his eyes at me, and said I need help.

I than told him, no really, I think I was getting so involved in this book, I felt like I was a character right there, while Ivy is announcing that she kissed him, and I am listening, and I am one of those …(must watch my mouth…) woman standing there. Normally I call myself something else, actually I call most of us woman something else, because let’s face it, most of the time, we are. Especially, when it comes to jealousy, but I am a tell it all kind of person.

While reading "Typecast" at first, I wasn't sure if Ivy was really going to be able to pull it off, sometime her shyness, seemed a little stronger than usual. And the fact that Logan wanted to make a name for himself again, I knew he could. He still had the looks. But in the distance I felt he sometimes doubted himself, or wanted to. But together, I felt they were each others anchor in the long run.

On point….reading this book, I thought it was a very strong book. A very romantic book, with a lot of really interesting acting, and the inside scoop of actors and acting. I loved the fact, that while I was reading, unlike while reading the “Jackie Collins” books, this book had more sex appeal, and the people even looked better, in the wording alone!

I found this book, well worth reading, and enjoyed every minute of it, including the fabulous list of characters! Like I keep saying, I love the writing style, with the play write, and then back to story line. I think it makes it even more interesting. It makes you feel like you are right there with them as they do their thing too!

A definite five star review, no wonder it made it onto the Kindle Scout Awards! It is well worth it! It will keep you entertained in your chair, sipping a glass of wine, and thinking, “This book would make for an excellent Movie!” Kim Carmichael has the writers touch, and “Typecast" proves it!



View all my reviews