Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Spotlight, Review, & Exclusive Giveaway: How-to Tips for Aspiring Writers and Love Lessons Learned in The Italian’s Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward


Welcome to the special three day Harlequin book tour on Thoughts!!!

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Title: The Italian's Deal for I Do
Author: Jennifer Hayward
Published: March 17th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
The Irresistible Italian: Married for Business

He's conquered global markets and immeasurable hearts, but to regain control of the fashion empire that's rightfully his, Rocco Mondelli must prove his playboy days are over. His secret weapon? Supermodel-in-hiding Olivia Fitzgerald…and the power to ruin her if she refuses to play his loving fiancée!

But returning to the world stage revives Olivia's old demons, and instead of walking down the aisle toward her gorgeous groom—she flees! The world holds its breath: Can the indomitable Rocco get his wayward bride to the altar on time?

The world's sexiest billionaires finally say "I do"!

My Thoughts:

This is, I believe, my second Harlequin Presents novel, and from what I've seen, this imprint is amazing! The Italian's Deal for I Do definitely kept my attention, and I was drawn in by the character's innermost feelings and desires.

Rocco is under the impression that Olivia was taking advantage of his grandfather, so he attempts to call her out on it, which doesn't exactly go as planned. She tries to explain herself, but he's unwilling to listen. Then it so happens that he needs to get a fiancée, so he gets Olivia to play along, else she loses everything. As time goes by, an actual wedding date in a matter of weeks, the two of them give into their desires and discover more than meets the eye.

The Italian's Deal for I Do was a sweet and romantic tale that you fall for before you even realize it. Even though you're a bit mad at Rocco at first, it doesn't take long for him to melt your heart. And you empathize with Olivia's struggles in the modeling world. All in all, I'm very much interested in the future Society Weddings books, as well as more by Jennifer Hayward!

My Rating:


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How-To-Tips for Aspiring Writers: Advice on how to break into the series-writing business

#1 – Let your voice shine. I didn’t sell when I wrote the books I thought my publisher wanted. I sold when I wrote with my full personality and voice engaged - without self consciousness. When I wrote the book I’d want to pick off the shelf. Yes some series lines have required elements but you have to be an individual within those reader promises and bring something new to the table.

#2 Go to as many conferences and courses as you can. Learn as much as you can, soak up what the experienced authors/teachers have to tell you, take what works for you and let the rest go. And that last part is key. For every rule, there is a writer who can break it, creating their own personal style readers love. But remember, rules are there because they often make your writing more effective, so think about a rule before you break it. Ask yourself why you’re breaking it. Luckily, there are so many great resources out there in this digital age, you don’t even have to leave your house to learn!

#3 Write a high concept story – I knew if I had a great concept for a story that stood out, such as the divorce party that happens in my debut novel, The Divorce Party – I would have a better chance of selling. Knock an editor’s socks off. Find a compelling twist on a story that’s never been done.


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Love Lessons Learned: Real life romance lessons learned from the book

When you meet the right one you will know – I’ve done it when I was dating and I’m sure many of you have…you hang onto a relationship after it’s due date has passed. You think maybe this is the one and it’s just me as Olivia did for years in her long-term relationship with photographer Guillermo Villanueva. But the harder Olivia falls for Rocco the more she just knows he’s the one. And it doesn’t take long. Her feelings are that all-encompassing.

Love heals – There is a scene in The Italian’s Deal For I Do where Olivia is confronting her demons and it’s the moment where she either slays them or allows them to rule her forever. By helping Olivia walk through the fire, Rocco will also heal himself by finally allowing someone in. You are actually stronger when you learn to let someone in. Writing this scene gave me the chills.

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Giveaway

There's a SIGNED paperback copy of The Italian’s Deal for I Do up for grabs! 
 

Sound good? Good! Here's the official rules/guidelines for the giveaway:

1. You must be a follower.
2. You must be over 16 years old.
3. This is open to US residents ONLY.
4. This contest runs from April 29th to May 12th.
5. Winner will be selected at 12:01 a.m. on May 12th via Rafflecopter random selection.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Jessica

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