Release Day!

Finally!

The compilation of parts 1 & 2 of The Apartment is now available in one book! What's even better, this version has TWO extra stores at the end that give us a little peek into the future with Ethan and Lily (and any other little critters that might come along).

I've also heard that there is a rumor circling at my publisher (a rumor of a rumor, if you will) that this is the copy that will HOPEFULLY go to print. I'm crossing my fingers that this is true, because even though this is my third release now, I think it will really feel official once I have a copy that has pages I can flip through. I don't know why I feel that way, because I just adore how much more convenient my kindle is and how less expensive the digital books are.

Maybe it's because you can't autograph a kindle, and if this goes to print then I will have something to sign for all of my six adoring fans. Yay!

Anyway, go get yourself a copy of The Complete Affair. All of the links to retailers are on my books page. (And keep your fingers crossed with me that there will be a paperback of this some day as well!)

Also, check out the kickass teaser pics my publisher had made. Beats the hell out of that crappy one I posted on here back on my first post! 

Book Review: Eight Days a Week by Amber L. Johnson

Andrew Lyons has been running from responsibility his entire life. Returning home after a couple of years abroad, he finds himself jobless and living in close quarters with a sister he can barely tolerate. At her request, he searches for a job on Craigslist, but finds a room for rent instead. Or so he thinks. 

Gwen Stone is in a lurch. With a new promotion at work and two young children at home, she’s in dire need of a caretaker. When Andrew shows up on her doorstep, she thinks he may be exactly what she’s looking for. When she offers him the job, he’s more than interested and she’s confident she’s made the right choice. 

It shouldn’t be awkward at all. 

But Andrew isn’t exactly forthcoming about his intentions, and Gwen has some secrets she’s unwilling to share. When the mom and the “manny” don’t have a clue what they’re doing, things are bound to get messy. 

What do you get with two kids who don’t know how to be kids, a man who never grew up, Beatles Rock Band, and hundreds of hours of kids’ TV? A very interesting job, indeed. But when emotions get in the way, there's more at stake than just an occupation. 

Because life doesn't have clock-out button. And neither does love.

BUY IT HERE

REVIEW:

I really had a blast reading this book. I think Amber Johnson has created her own genre of... erotic comedy? Is that a thing? Well if it wasn't before, it is now. I laughed my ass off through so much of this story. 

This is actually told from Andrew's POV, which was a nice surprise and a pleasant change. We get to see inside the mind of a totally adorkable goofball while he finds himself falling in love and feeling like a grown up for the first time in his life. The story starts with Andrew crashing at his sister's place, putting off looking for a job that he sorely needs if he hopes to claim the rest of his inheritance from his grandfather. After his sister keeps prodding him to check Craigslist, he stumbles upon a dual ad: Room for Rent/Nanny for Hire. Wanting to get away from the prying eyes of his sister, he calls about the room, only to wind up in the middle of an interview for the position of live-in nanny.

Enter Gwen, frazzled and desperate, eager to hire Andrew on the spot just for a little peace of mind. She offers him free room and board plus salary to take care of the two young children who live there. Gwen is a bit secretive at first; Andrew can immediately tell something is a bit off about the kids and the entire family dynamic, However, he can't help but find Gwen sexy as hell, so he decides that he can sit back with a cushy job, earn his inheritance, and possibly seduce his boss in the process. 

Foolish Andrew, because he has no idea what he just signed up for. (This is where the comedy comes in.) His running commentary about trying to take care of two young children is hilarious, everything from the horrors of Nick, Jr programming to the emasculating hatchback that he has to drive them around in. That last one is a personal favorite of mine. He has so many scathing names for this car that each one is better than the last. There is even this amazing picture that I just had to share. 

Photo courtesy of We Like it Big Book Blog

The whole book isn't a comedy, however. There is plenty of drama, angst, and steamy hot lovin' mixed in as well. Both Andrew and Gwen have learning and growing to do; he needs to grow up and she needs to let loose. It doesn't take long before they realize that they might be good for each other, but it takes a lot longer before they start to believe it. 

I really loved this book. It was a fast, entertaining read that I didn't want to put down. It also had two of the sweetest children that I've ever read. I think my only complaint would be that the last little twist of angst felt slightly forced. It wasn't that it was written poorly or anything, it just felt like it was there because it had to be. That's just my own personal pet peeve, mostly because I saw it coming and I was left frustrated and wanting to throttle Gwen for blowing things out of proportion and being melodramatic. Then I wanted to throttle Andrew for letting her be that way for so long without demanding that she just shut up and listen to him. But hey, what good is a romance if you don't want to throttle at least one of the characters at some point? To me, the sign of a good author is one who can make me emotionally involved in any way at all. Believe me, though, once Andrew and Gwen finally do get past the last dramatic hurdle, grab some tissues and get ready for the sweetest book hangover when you're finished. 

About the Author

A true child of music, Amber's parents surrounded her with the loudest beats they could find, molding her into a girl who found inspiration and meaning in lyrics and chords. Raised on John Hughes movies, Luck Dragons, and pirate ships, she dreamed of love and adventure. When Amber began to create her own world, she envisioned a place where Happy Ever Afters do exist. Since then, she has authored several romance novels, all of which focus on songs and the way they can touch people's lives. Music may not be able to fix a broken heart, but it can provide one hell of a soundtrack for healing.

A full-time wife and mother with a full-time job, Amber finds her muse in everyday life and the people who bring her inspiration.

You can visit her blog here: www.amberlynnejohnson.com

Who is this beautiful Ethan?

Earlier this week I read a truly lovely book review of The Apartment by The Book Wranglers blog. You can read the whole review here if you like. Anyway, one of the things that I found really fun was that they actually cast models/actors as the characters when they talked about them. I have always loved sharing a little bit of pic-spiration, but I've never seen a book blog do it and I loved it.

Now, the girl they cast as Lily was a lovely photo of Jessica Alba. I had never pictured her as Lily before but hey, not gonna knock it, she's freaking hot. Don't you agree?

However, it is the mystery hotness who they cast as Ethan that is blowing me away. Now, I've never been shy about the fact that Ethan was originally modeled after Rob Pattinson, at least in the face. This old Vanity Fair pic was one of the biggest jump starters for my imagination. I just loved the broken, sad look on his face.

However, it's true that he doesn't quite match Ethan's looks physically. He's so tall and lanky and I had always pictured Ethan a little bulkier and more filled out. 

Enter this mysterious piece of yummy deliciousness that the lovely people at Book Wranglers cast as Ethan. I have no idea who it is! Is he an actor? A model? Enquiring minds want to know!! 

Sploosh!

Now tell me that he doesn't fit Ethan on ALL counts? His eyes even look green! (or close enough) Wouldn't you like to walk into an apartment and find this guy painting in nothing but some low hanging jeans? Sign me up. 

So for any of you who haven't read The Apartment yet but are planning on it(still on sale for $1.99 until next Wed, just sayin), picture this beautiful man, whoever he may be. (Seriously, who is he???)