News

Love Me Not Release Day

December 30, 2013 by ReeseRyan

I honestly can’t believe it’s finally here. The day I get to say that I’m a multi-published novelist. I’ve been grinning so hard that I think I strained a jaw muscle and I’m pretty sure I twisted an ankle breaking out my tragically-awesome Snoopy dance. (Picture Snoopy with a busted ankle and a lot more hips.) Today is release day for my second novel, which also happens to be the second book in my Bad Boys Gone Good series published by Carina Press.

When it comes to fiction-writing, I’m a bit of a rule-breaker. (Which is odd, because I cling fanatically to rules in other areas of life. But, c’est la vie. ) So in this series you won’t find syrupy-sweet heroines clinging to perfection with nary a broken fingernail. My heroines don’t always follow expectations, and in the case of Jamie Charles, the heroine of Love Me Not, they sometimes give established rules the finger. But these women are very human, deal with very real issues and find a way to be happy despite them. As P!nk would say, they’re wrong in all the right ways.

To celebrate the release, I’m doing the Love Me Not Blog Tour from December 30th – January 10th which includes a fun giveaway. Get details on the giveaway below. Check out the full tour schedule here. Then visit other stops for more chances to enter the contest.

Thank you to all of the wonderful readers and authors who have supported my journey as an author. Lots of love and Happy New Year to you!

About Love Me Not

Tortured artist, Jamie Charles’ life is a careful balance between flashes of brilliance and self-loathing. Her art is as dark and dramatic as her painful past. Her resentment of the biological parents—who were too preoccupied with their addictions to bother with her—fuels her ambition to succeed as an artist, but also takes a heavy, personal toll.

Miles Copeland climbed to the top of his advertising agency because he isn’t afraid of taking risks and because he has something to prove to the father who betrayed his family. But when he falls for a moody, Gothic beauty with zero interest in anything but a purely physical relationship, he finds himself in dangerous territory.

Jamie prefers living hard and fast without the complications of love, but finds it impossible to resist the stunningly handsome, yet incredibly sweet man who is determined to have every piece of her–including her heart. Miles shows Jamie the beauty of being loved madly and deeply, but is it enough to make her finally learn to love herself, and open her heart to him?

Love Me Not Excerpt

“You’re not the only person who can read people, mister.” She crossed her arms and stared at him.

“Okay, so maybe I can afford pricey shoes and—”

“A black BMW.”

His mouth gaped open. “How’d you—?”

“It’s a gift,” she said proudly, leaning in a little closer. “I could tell you were a BMW guy two minutes after we met. Took me another fifteen minutes to figure out you’d probably go for classic black, probably a high-end five series…maybe the six series. Definitely not the seven, ’cause that’d just be flaunting it.”

He let out a low whistle and ran his fingers through his hair. “No way. The valet must be acting as your secret informant.”

“Nope. I told you, it’s a gift.” She rested her elbows on the bar and leaned even closer to him. Her voice was a husky whisper. “Don’t look now, but the older guy coming in the door with the chick in the tiny sequin skirt who’s young enough to be his granddaughter…bet he drives a wee little Corvette in some wildly inappropriate color like lemon yellow.” She backed away from him and headed to the other end of the bar to refresh another customer’s drink. When she was done she returned to Miles and whispered, “So whadya think? You think I’m right?”

He had that ridiculously sexy grin plastered on his face again, the wattage decidedly turned up a notch. “That guy is staying at my hotel. You’re only half right, though. He drives a nineteen sixty-five Corvette Stingray, but it isn’t yellow, it’s Incredible Hulk green.”

Jamie shuddered. “Even worse. And the guy should be taken behind a woodshed and beaten for mutilating an American classic like that. Not to mention the fact that he’s corrupting a minor.”

“Agreed.”

They giggled like naughty schoolchildren making fun of the substitute teacher’s ten-buck toupee, and something about it felt good. Familiar. Like having an inside joke with an old friend.

“You’re a bad influence on me.” She swiped underneath her eye with the heel of her hand, careful not to ruin her makeup. “I shouldn’t be making fun of the customers.”

“You’re telling me you wouldn’t have slammed that guy’s superhero-inspired midlife crisis on wheels if I wasn’t here?” He smiled at her. “Then I’m really glad I came. Face it, you might not want to talk about it, but you needed a good laugh tonight.”

About the Bad Boys Gone Good Series

Love Me Not explores the story of Jamie Charles and Miles Copeland. When these characters were introduced in Book #1–Making the First Move–they were already a couple, and Jamie had undergone a transformation. In that book we were given glimpses of what led to that change. Love Me Not steps backward, to tell the story of how Jamie met Miles.

If you haven’t already read Making the First Move…don’t. Read Love Me Not first.

Comment on this post, follow this blog, or choose one of the other available options to enter the Love Me Not blog tour contest below for your chance to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card, a $10 Starbucks e-Card and both books in the Bad Boys Gone Good series to date–Love Me Not & Making the First Move.

Bio:

Reese Ryan writes sexy, contemporary fiction filled with colorful characters and sinfully-sweet romance. She secretly enjoys torturing her heroines with family and career drama, reformed bad boys, revealed secrets, and the occasional identity crisis, but always rewards them with a happily ever after.

Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides in Central North Carolina where she has happily declared herself a Bohemian Southern Belle. Visit Reese online at ReeseRyan.com. Follow her on Twitter @ReeseRyanWrites. Connect with her on Facebook or Goodreads.

Love Me Not Blog Tour Grand Prize

$25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card
$10 Starbucks e-Card
Digital copy of Love Me Not by Reese Ryan
Digital copy of Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

a Rafflecopter giveaway

News: A Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet & Book Clubs United

September 27, 2013 by ReeseRyan

The final quarter of 2013 is quickly approaching, and for me, it’ll be a busy one.

I’ll be participating in my first two author events. The first is the Book Clubs United for Breast Cancer Fundraiser in Greensboro, North Carolina at the New Orleans Bar & Grill Restaurant on Saturday, October 5th from 1:30 to 5PM. The second is A Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet at Doubletree Fayetteville in Fayetteville, NC on October 19th from 7-10PM. It’s a perfect opportunity to get to know favorite authors and to discover new ones. So come out and join us!

In between those two events I’ll be attending a workshop hosted by my local Heart of Carolina RWA Chapter, and led by the brilliant Bob Mayer. So if you’d like to learn more about Outlining, Plot, Conflict, and Writing Scenes: The Events of Your Story or E-Pub, Self-Pub, Marketing & Selling the Book and Future of Publishing for Writers, I invite you to join us on October 12th at the Embassy Suites in Cary, NC from 9AM – 5PM.

The invitations and featured authors for both author events, and the flyer and registration info for the workshop are listed below.

What’s going on in your world?

Book Clubs United for Breast Cancer Fundraiser — Greensboro, NC — October 5th

Please join us as the Sistahs of Urban Literature Book Club, Sistahs of the Red Tent Book Club and the Round Table Readers Literary Book Club host a “Pink Literary Affair” with some extraordinary authors to benefit one of our book club sisters who is currently fighting the breast cancer battle.

Our book club sister has a wonderful loving spirit and a funny personality which brings so much joy to anyone who has conversed with her. Our hope is to raise enough funds to help relieve any financial stress; so she will be able to dedicate her time to healing and spending quality time with her family.

Authors in attendance:

K L Brady
Altonya Washington
Shawn Black
Deborah Mello
Suzetta Perkins
Cassandra Baker-Durham
China Ball
Reese Ryan
Author A. T. Hicks

Books will be available for purchase
*Authors list subject to change

The luncheon will be a book club social in which you will be able to ask the authors any questions, network and fellowship with readers. Our honored book club sister will be at the event. Come by to show her some love.

There are two ways you can participate is this event!
Option 1: Donation of any given amount.
Option 2: Book Clubs for Breast Cancer Entry: $5 donation to attend event with the authors * Please note that you will be responsible for your own meal.
Option 3: Pay at the door option has now been added. $5. * Please note that you will be responsible for your meal.

We will have raffles and door prizes. Spread the word.

Doors open at 1:15pm

Thank you to everyone in advance! Don’t forget to wear your pink.

A Hauntingly Sexy Meet and Greet — Fayetteville, NC — October 19th

It’s fall- leaves are falling, and Halloween is just around the corner. Come on out and enjoy great food, get to know other readers in the area, and meet some of your favorite authors! This event is free, but readers MUST register in advance.

Attending authors are:

Kianna Alexander
RaeLynn Blue
Cheris Hodges
Serenity King
Erosa Knowles
Jayla Leigh
Suzetta Perkins
Di Topaz
Pepper Pace
Reese Ryan

Reserve your space here today!

Bob Mayer Workshop Hosted by Heart of Carolina — Raleigh, NC on October 12th

Release Day Party: Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

July 22, 2013 by ReeseRyan

I can hardly believe it. Release day for Making the First Move is finally here! So a little partying is in order. Since Making the First Move is an e-book, it felt entirely appropriate to have the party online. So thank you for coming, and for helping me celebrate the release of my debut novel.

Party central will be on Facebook. Make yourself some hors d’oeuvres and an adult beverage. Coffee, tea, champagne, a mojito, champipple–whatever you like. We won’t tell, and you don’t have to share. That’s what makes online parties so awesome. 😉 Then feel free to mingle and chat here, on Facebook, and at as many of today’s party events (listed below) as you’d like. Don’t forget to register for the tour grand prize! You’ll find the description below.

Release Day Party Events

All Things Girl — Brief intro & excerpt
Contemporary Romance Café — Brief intro & excerpt
A Thought Grows — Book Highlight
Shaken But Not Stirred — Interview
Rhet Effects –Interview
Like a Bump on a Blog –Book Highlight
Ruth A. Casie Blog — Book Highlight
Writer & Cat — Interview (by Meankitty–an actual cat)
Kate Davies Blog — Book Highlight
Word Wranglers — Guest Post
Christi Barth’s Blog –Book Highlight
Facebook — All day, clothing-optional party 😉

Thank you again for celebrating this very special day with me!

Hugs & Kisses,

Summary

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan — *Making the First Move* is available at these fine booksellers:
Amazon | B & N | B-A-M | iTunes | Amazon United Kingdom | Audible

Melanie Gordon has spent the past five years obsessing over her career to dull the pain of a devastating breakup and the loss of her father. Her effort pays off when she receives the promotion that could be her big break. Only it means returning to her hometown to face her past while leaving behind the man who could be her future.

Selfless (and insanely sexy) philanthropist, Raine Mason, is committed to his cause. But his passion for rescuing high-risk young males from the road to disaster is fueled by his own dark and tragic past.

When Raine is ready to take his casual friendship with Melanie to sizzling new heights, her one-way ticket to Cleveland is already booked. But a steamy night of passion leaves them both wanting more, even if Melanie is afraid to admit it. She reluctantly agrees to a long-distance relationship with no promises and no commitments.

Melanie may finally be ready to give Raine her heart…but then she discovers startling news that causes her to question everything she knows about him. Worse, he’s harboring a dark secret from his past that threatens to shatter any hope of a future for them unless he can convince her that their love is worth the risk.

Excerpt

I rummage in the back of our tiny office refrigerator for the bottle of Perrier I promised Jax. A wicked grin spreads across my face as I imagine how delicious it would feel to smash this bottle upside his smug head. After the contract had been signed, of course.

I hand Jaxson the chilled bottle of lemon Perrier and smooth my skirt before sitting in my high-back leather chair. I’m glad my chair sits several inches higher than his.

“Thank you for considering Jasper & Gravel for your executive search.” I force a smile through clenched teeth. “As you know, I’m a long-time basketball fan. I’m thrilled that the WNBA has decided to bring another team to Cleveland, and about the prospect of working with your organization.”

Jax takes a sip from the bottle. “Basketball fan is an understatement.” He chuckles. “You still got that tattered old Mark Price jersey your dad gave you?”

My spine tightens. I place my feet firmly on the floor. The last thing I need is a stroll down memory lane. The memories are far too painful. For me, at least. I take a long sip of my tea then place my mug on a coaster. “So you were saying you need a new senior vice president of marketing and a vice president of sales and service.” I refer to the notes I scribbled on a napkin.

Jaxson gives me a conciliatory smile. My maneuver isn’t lost on him. “The candidates I hoped to go with were offered more lucrative positions with NBA teams.” He crosses his legs and scoots back in the chair. He looks comfortable, like he’s settling in for the winter. “I realize this may take some time, but it’s more important to me that we get the best possible candidates in these positions.”

“Of course.” I nod. “Our mission is to find candidates who are well-qualified and fit seamlessly into your organization. It appears Brett Hanson runs his organization like a tight-knit family and that he’s determined to make the Monarchs a title-winning franchise as quickly as possible. How would you describe the company culture?”

“I couldn’t have stated it better.” Jaxson steeples his long, slender fingertips. “Speaking of family…how about you? Are you married? Do you have kids?”

My patience is wearing thin just five minutes into our meeting. “Can we stay on topic here? That’s the only way this will work.”

“I’m sorry.” He straightens his purple and green Ermenegildo Zegna necktie. “It’s just that…the homemade coasters…it’s the kind of thing only a parent would bring to the office.”

“They were a gift from my assistant’s seven-year-old daughter.” I take a deep breath and try to pull it together. This is harder than I imagined, and believe me, I imagined it would be pretty damned hard. “Do you have job descriptions and job requirements for each position?”

“They’re back at the office, along with an entire file of information I should have brought for this meeting. Sorry I’m not better prepared. I didn’t expect to run into you today. It was quite a surprise to see you.” He leans forward in his chair again. “I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

“Neither did I.” There are a few choice statements I refrain from adding. “But here we are. Perhaps we should reschedule for a time when you have all the necessary documents. I can come to your office next week. I’ll have Leslie call you tomorrow with some options.” I rise to my feet and extend my hand to him, signaling the end of our meeting.

Jaxson casually climbs to his feet and takes my hand. He doesn’t shake it. He holds it in his.

My legs are unsteady and my head feels light. How can the simple touch of his hand still take me back to those intimate moments between us, despite everything we’ve been through? I yank my hand away and take a step back. My cheeks burn and my eyes sting with the tears I refuse to let fall.

Jaxson comes around the desk and sits on the edge of it, leaving a safe distance between us. “I’m sorry,” he says, his head down, hands folded between his legs. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s just…seeing you today brought back a lot of memories. It felt so natural, holding your hand like that. It wasn’t something I intended to do. Muscle memory, I guess.” He runs his hand over his hair.

I want to scream to the top of my lungs and tell him I don’t give a fuck about his unresolved feelings or muscle memory. But I’m a goddamned professional. I know what’s at stake here. I have to make this work.

Bio:

Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides in Central North Carolina with her husband and young adult son who tolerate her propensity to sing and dance badly. A self-proclaimed Bohemian Southern Belle, she treads the line carefully between being a Northerner and a damned Yankee–despite her insistence on calling soda pop. Reese gauges her progress by the number of “bless your lil’ hearts” she gets each week. She is currently down to two.

Visit Reese online at ReeseRyan.com. Follow her on Twitter @ReeseRyanWrites. Connect with her on Facebook.

Making the First Move Blog Tour Grand Prize

$25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Digital copy of Making the First Move by Reese Ryan
Digital copy of The Winning Season by Alison Packard
Digital copy of Knowing the Score by Kat Latham
Digital copy of Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning
Digital copy of Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Announcing the Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance Giveaway

July 1, 2013 by ReeseRyan

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve teamed with fellow Carina Press authors: Kat Latham, Tamara Morgan, Alison Packards, and Kelsey Browning to celebrate our sizzling summer contemporary romance releases! The Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance event runs July 15 – September 6.

As part of the Sizzlin’ Summer of Contemporary Romance I will be doing a Grand Prize giveaway in conjunction with my Making the First Move Blog Tour running Monday, July 22nd to Sunday, August 4th. I’m giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card and ALL FIVE of our contemporary romance titles listed below. Want to enter the giveaway or add your blog to the tour? For more information and scheduled tour stops, visit the tour page here.

Each author is running a separate giveaway. To learn more about the giveaway the others will be offering, visit the individual author websites listed below.

The Winning Season by Alison Packard

Publication date: July 15, 2013

Kelly Maxwell has finally landed her dream job, publicist for the San Francisco Blaze. But the team’s newest member, handsome bad boy catcher Matt Scanlon, is refusing every interview. She’s got to get him to open up before the season ends, or she may not be back next year. And after everything she overcame to achieve her dream, Kelly’s not about to let that happen.

Matt Scanlon just wants to be left alone to rebuild his life and his career. After a year of masking the pain of a recent loss with hard partying and fast women, he finally hit rock bottom and was traded to a team he’s loathed his entire life—a team with little or no chance at the post-season.

Butting heads is getting Kelly and Matt nowhere but annoyed, and with the team’s schedule on the road, they can’t avoid close quarters—or their surprising attraction to one another. As the season winds down, Matt finds his growing feelings for Kelly have brought his numbed emotions back to life. But when betrayal shatters their fragile trust, winning it all seems more impossible than ever.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Alison on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

Publication date: July 22, 2013

Melanie Gordon has spent the past five years obsessing over her career to dull the pain of a devastating breakup and the loss of her father. Her effort pays off when she receives the promotion that could be her big break. Only it means returning to her hometown to face her past while leaving behind the man who could be her future.

Selfless (and insanely sexy) philanthropist, Raine Mason, is committed to his cause. But his passion for rescuing high-risk young males from the road to disaster is fueled by his own dark and tragic past.

When Raine is ready to take his casual friendship with Melanie to sizzling new heights, her one-way ticket to Cleveland is already booked. A steamy night of passion leaves them both wanting more. But just when she thinks she is finally ready to give her heart to him she discovers startling news that causes her to question everything she knows about him. Worse, he is harboring a dark secret that threatens to shatter any hope of a future for them unless he can convince her that their love is worth the risk.

Read an excerpt.

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Reese on Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Knowing the Score by Kat Latham

Publication date: August 5, 2013

Book one of the London Legends

Rugby player Spencer Bailey is determined to win a spot on England’s World Cup team. But with a month break before the selectors start watching him, he’s eager to have fun with a woman who knows the score: the relationship will end when rugby season begins. The lovely American Caitlyn Sweeney seems perfect for the role of temporary lover, since her visa will run out soon anyway.

Caitlyn works for an international disaster relief organization and can handle the world’s worst crises, but she flinches from her own. Her past has left her with a fear of intimacy so deep that she has trouble getting close to anyone—until she meets sexy Spencer. His hot body and easygoing nature are too much for even her to resist.

Neither Caitlyn nor Spencer expects to fall hard for each other. But with their relationship deadline approaching, the old rules of the game seem less important than before…until past secrets surface, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Kat at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | katlatham.com

Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning

Publication date: August 26, 2013

Book one of the Texas Nights series

Sex therapist Allie Shelby has the professional credentials, but she could use a bit more practical experience. Finding the right man to bring out her inner bad girl is tough in a population-challenged Texas town. So when sinfully sexy Cameron Wright rolls back into Shelbyville, Allie wastes no time inviting him to join her in some hands-on research.

Cameron has come home to fulfill his dream of restoring classic cars. Back in high school, he knew the town princess, Allie Shelby, was way out of his league. Today he has even less in common with Allie, so he’s shocked as hell when she propositions him. Still, he’s only human, so he accepts her offer—and with each encounter, she shows him another, wilder side. Before long, he’s thinking about more than just sex.

But while her personal life heats up, Allie’s business is about to crash and burn. And she has to convince Cameron that she’s one princess who’s not looking for a prince to ride to her rescue.

Read an excerpt

Buy it at Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Carina Press | Books-A-Million

Follow Kelsey at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | KelseyBrowning.com

The Derby Girl by Tamara Morgan

Publication Date: August 26, 2013

Book Two of the Getting Physical Series

Roller derby girl Gretchen “Honey Badger” Badgerton lives in the moment, no apologies. Like every woman in Pleasant Park with a pulse, she finds Dr. Jared Fine irresistible, but she’s taken by surprise when her unattainable new neighbor asks her out.

On paper, Jared is the perfect man: gorgeous, wealthy and charitable. But his golden image is just that, and opening an upstate practice is a welcome chance to start a new life. When Gretchen stops to help him with a flat tire, he’s intrigued by her feisty attitude—and her sexy body art. There’s something refreshing about being with a take-charge woman who doesn’t expect him to be anything but himself.

Though Gretchen is hesitant to shatter Jared’s “bad girl” illusion of her, she has to face facts: she’s fallen for the good doctor. She’s used to putting everyone else’s needs before hers, but as their relationship heats up, can she handle having someone take care of her for a change?

Buy it at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Find Tamara at Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Interview with Arjay Smith of TNT’s Perception

June 25, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Arjay Smith from Perception. — Actor Arjay Smith from *Perception* on TNT.

Actor Arjay Smith undoubtedly looks familiar. No wonder. He has guested on a slew of top television shows including memorable roles on Malcolm in the Middle and The Bernie Mac Show. He played the title role in The Journey of Allen Strange and Jake Gyllenhaal’s best friend in one of my favorite disaster movies–The Day After Tomorrow.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview actor Arjay Smith over on All Things Girl. (Don’t be alarmed at the name difference. That’s definitely me.) I love interviewing other creatives. Regardless of which medium they pursue, there is so much one can learn. Especially from those who are insightful and generous with their knowledge and experience.

Though Arjay is still relatively young, he’s been in show business for two decades. And he’s made the tricky transition from child actor to a working adult actor. I had to know what he attributed to his ability to make this transition when so many who’ve come before and after him have not. His answer was simple and perceptive. Quite fitting since he plays Max Lewicki on the TNT drama Perception along with Eric McCormack and Rachael Leigh Cook.

Hop over to All Things Girl to find out why Arjay has been able to stay grounded in a business that can be quite tumultuous and how he’s managed to have a string of prolific appearances on top televisions shows. Then be sure to catch Arjay Smith tonight on Perception which airs Tuesdays at 10/9 Central on TNT.

Images: Marc Cartwright

Grooming: Bobby Wells

Who Would You Be for a Day and a Making the First Move Excerpt

June 19, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Today I’m over at Caribbean Accent Book Reviews (CABR) chatting with my gracious host, Sasha. I’ve interviewed lots of authors (actors, musicians, artists, etc.) over the years–most of them over on All Things Girl. It is strange, yet exciting, to be on the other end of the questions. Sasha’s questions were a great way to ease into this whole new world of being the interviewee.

We discuss what prompted me to tell Melanie and Raine’s story, a scene I found challenging to write, and who I would be if I could be anybody for a day. (That last one is probably my favorite.)

I’m also sharing a funny Making the First Move excerpt which features one of my favorite secondary characters from this story–Melanie’s mom, Ellie Gordon. I love Ellie’s character. She’s the matriarch of the Gordon Family and she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind. She loves her girls fiercely, but she also seems to have a gift for embarrassing poor Melanie. This scene is essentially a meet cute between Melanie’s love interest–Raine–and her mother who is immediately smitten with him–on behalf of her daughter, of course. 😉 The story takes place in my hometown and this scene occurs at one of my favorite spots in town–the Cleveland Museum of Art.

I’d love it if you’d stop by CABR to say hello. While you’re there, be sure to enter into a drawing for an e-copy of Making the First Move.

Cover Reveal: Making the First Move by Reese Ryan

June 11, 2013 by ReeseRyan

One of the first things that draws us to a book is its cover. So as a debut author (who may or may not be a teensy bit of a control freak) I was plenty nervous about whether or not I’d like the cover of my debut novel, Making the First Move.

So I’d been sitting on pins and needles for months. Hands were wrung. Floors were paced. And I was seriously stressed about how my cover would turn out.

I’d finally resigned myself to the idea that no amount of worrying (or panicky emails exchanged) would get the cover completed any faster. I would have to wait patiently (not very good at that) and hope for the best (much better at this). So whenever I started to worry about my cover again, I’d repeat the following mantra: “My cover will be done any day now, and I’m going to absolutely love it.”

So you can imagine my joy when the final concept for the cover showed up in my inbox a two weeks ago. I held my breath, clicked on the attachment and completely fell in love. The cover is everything I hoped it would be and more.

I expected to have a minor suggestion for changes, but I had absolutely zero. It’s perfect. I love everything about it. The hero. The heroine. The pink. The font. The entire package.

My plans for doing an exciting, rip-the-white-tarp-off cover reveal got derailed when I discovered the cover was already on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the Carina Press website. Yet I didn’t have time to be disappointed. I was too busy kermit-flailing over the fact my Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads book page now felt official. Maybe I felt a little more official, too.

So, I present to you Melanie Gordon and Raine Mason of Making the First Move. To read the summary and excerpt, visit the book page here.

Making the First Move by Reese Ryan is available for pre-order at these fine booksellers:
Amazon | B & N | B-A-M | iBooks | Amazon United Kingdom

Interview w/ THE IMPACT OF YOU Author Kendall Ryan

June 8, 2013 by ReeseRyan

One of the things I am constantly impressed with is the generosity of fellow members of the writing community. The competition to get our books noticed grows tougher as an increasing number of books hit virtual bookshelves each day. This phenomenon is both a pro and con of the ongoing self-publishing/digital publishing revolution.

You’d think that writers would become territorial, stake their claim, and sabotage fellow writers. Well, it happens. But such instances are quite rare. Instead the majority of writers are willing to reach down and extend aspiring and new writers a hand. They share their knowledge, wisdom, and hard-learned strategies. And they often do so without expecting a thing in return.

The explosion of digital and social media has also shortened the space between authors and their readers. Some authors don’t like this change. The majority have embraced it. This is particularly true of indie authors.

Rising indie author Kendall Ryan embodies both concepts. I met Kendall online after I posted a glowing tweet about her book Make Me Yours which I absolutely adored. This led to an interview which I did for All Things Girl and then a second interview for The Contemporary Romance Café that went live today.

The success Kendall is experiencing is no lucky break or happy coincidence. The woman has a serious work ethic that would put lots of corporate workers (and CEOs) to shame. She generously shares her knowledge and experience as an indie author in these interviews. Kendall is also graciously connects with her fans. Any author can learn a lot from what she has to say.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for a chat with Kendall Ryan.

In-depth Interview with Indie Author M. Malone

June 1, 2013 by ReeseRyan

Outside of writing fiction, one of the things I enjoy most is doing author interviews. First, there’s the excitement of getting to know authors whose work and accomplishments I personally admire. Then there is the thrill of introducing readers to an author they might not have read otherwise. As a reader I’m interested in their characters, stories, and what inspired them. As a novelist I sit as a student at the feet of masters, hoping to glean some knowledge that I can use in my own work and career. My recent interview with Minx Malone is no exception.

As an author of contemporary romance featuring multicultural characters that don’t quite fit into the typical “check here” box, I’m a huge fan of Minx Malone. Recently I had a chance to get the skinny on her current contemporary romance series–The Alexanders–and a chance to ask this hugely successful indie author about the inspiration for her stories and why going indie was right for her. She also gave us a glimpse into what she has planned for the future, and her writing process.

Join me over at the Contemporary Romance Café for an in-depth chat over coffee with indie publishing rock star, M. Malone.

Talking About Inspiration Over at the Contemporary Romance Café Today

May 7, 2013 by ReeseRyan

The theme this month over at the newly launched Contemporary Romance Café is “Inspiration.” It’s been fun hearing the inspiration behind the writing and novels of fellow Carina Press authors.

Today it’s my turn to host the Café and I’m chatting about my inspiration for writing everyday heroines, setting my stories in the my Midwest hometown of Cleveland, OH, and the specific idea that prompted me to write Making the First Move, my debut novel launching this summer.

Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a chat over at the Contemporary Romance Café. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter to win the weekly Amazon Gift Card giveaway and our Grand Prize. I’m saving a space on the couch just for you.