Jojo will be signing at Books & Greetings in Northvale, NJ.
Goodreads Blurb
Signed to a major recording deal at just 12 years old, JoJo catapulted to the top of the pop-and-R&B-infused charts in the mid 2000’s. The relatability of her youth and the appeal of her cool-girl mystique earned her millions of fans around the world. JoJo was an undeniable superstar and pop culture fixture, spanning roles in major studio films, omnipresence on Top 40 radio, frequenting magazine covers, and appearing on national TV. Then, out of the blue, everything came to a halt and JoJo seemingly stepped out of the spotlight, leaving many fans to What happened to JoJo?
In OVER THE INFLUENCE, JoJo holds nothing back as she brings her against-the-odds story of adversity and triumph to center stage. From being raised by parents who were both battling addiction and depression, to emerging victorious in a never-ending lawsuit with her record label, to putting the fragmented pieces of herself together after a maddening period of rebellion and self-betrayal, she takes the reader through the turbulent years that led her to where she is releasing new music under her own imprint, performing in shows and festivals around the world, headlining a Broadway show, and beyond. In this raw, behind-the-scenes look at her life, both personal and professional, JoJo’s unflinching vulnerability allows readers to connect with her on a whole new level through stories of success, heartbreak, redemption, and resilience.
More than a victory lap from an artist with over two decades in an ever-changing entertainment industry, OVER THE INFLUENCE is an unapologetic rallying cry to anyone who’s ever been terrified to fail and still said, “Count me in.”
Tide Together by Melanie Summers (Paradise Bay, #7) Publication date: August 22, 2024 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
What happens when a stressed-out bridesmaid and a laidback pilot are stranded alone together on a sun-kissed Caribbean island?
Paige Chadwick is having the worst day of her life. Her tyrant boss has made her three days late for her sister’s destination wedding trip, and now she’s stuck on the wrong Caribbean island with the wedding just hours away.
Enter Mac Gamble, a brooding yet irresistibly attractive pilot, who reluctantly agrees to get her to the church on time.
When a fast-moving storm leaves them stranded on a deserted island, they’re forced to rely on each other to survive. As they navigate their new surroundings, tempers flare and an undeniable attraction grows.
Amidst the stunning sunsets and white sand beaches, Paige starts to see that underneath Mac’s gruff exterior is a heart of gold.
Can these two opposites find a love as deep as the ocean, or will their differences stir up a hurricane of heartbreak?
Tide Together is a STAND-ALONE hilarious and heartwarming, banter-filled tale of two complete opposites stranded together in a tropical paradise.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Opposites attract Stranded together on a tropical island Forced proximity/only one bed Fish out of water Deliciously witty banter A whole lot of tension, plenty of steam, and a hint of spice
Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.
Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.
In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally – then she’ll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for ‘K’ Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn’t require makeup and/or nylons).
Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she’s not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken ‘from above’. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something–more like just staying until they turn the lights off.
She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.
The 12th Annual Harrisburg Book Festival will be held from October 9-13. The event is free and open to the public. Please check out the featured author and children events. Here is the link https://www.hbgbookfest.com/
Beautiful Dark Temptation by Roxas Winters Published by: Evernight Publishing Publication date: September 27, 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Dark Romance, LGBTQ+, Romance
Synopsis:
Tomás
I’ve lost everything.
Forced into a prison masking as a school, I find myself in the crosshairs of more than one killer. My savior? The arrogant prick who wants to control me. Kieran is a nightmare wrapped in a seductive package and when he sets his sights on me I don’t know whether to fight him or kiss him.
Kieran
I am the eldest bastard of one of the four founders of Arcadia University, and I will do anything to see my family fall.
The secrets I’ve kept hidden behind my heart now threaten to bury me alive with the arrival of Tomás. He consumes my space, my thoughts, my nightmares. I hate him for how he makes me feel. This toxic attraction between us forces me to question what matters most—vengeance, power, love. But Tomas doesn’t fit into my world of lies and violence and I’m not ready to lose it all for a beautiful dark temptation.
The street a young girl lives on is made up of families from all over the world. Her family shares with her their stories of journey and struggle. Her own story begins here in this country, but she is sometimes made to feel she does not belong. She listens to her family’s voices. They tell her she will soar, they tell her she is beautiful. She listens and she says I, too, am here.
A multigenerational story of immigration, racism, and what it truly means to belong. Inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, “I, Too.”
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
It is a story about belonging and how we all come from different backgrounds. Our communities consist of multicultural families, yet racism remains an issue in today’s society. The little girl’s family talks about the time they migrated and the problems black families face with racism in the country. Each family member talks about the struggles they went through. Each one had a particular moment that made them feel like they didn’t belong. The little girl herself encountered racism while in school with another classmate. The story sheds light on the struggles black families encounter and continue encountering by telling a story that teaches children they do belong here. I loved the illustrations used throughout the book, and the colors were so beautiful. I also love the book cover.
Author Biography
Morgan Christie’s work has appeared in Callaloo, Obsidian, Prism International, Room, Hawai’i Review, Sports Literate, and other journals. She is the author of a full-length short story collection ‘These Bodies’, which was nominated for the Hurston Wright Legacy Award in fiction, and four poetry chapbooks. She is the winner of the 2022 Arc Poetry Poem of the Year Award, the 2022 Digging Chapbook Series Prize (Jan 2024), and the 2023 Howling Bird Press Book Award (Nov 2023). Her picture books ‘I, Too, Am Here’ (Second Story Press, 2024) and ‘Counting Cho Cho’ (Groundwood Books, 2026) are forthcoming. Morgan’s work has been featured in such outlets as Buzzfeed, NBC News, Poets&Writers, LA Weekly, The London Post, Yahoo News, NY Weekly, Broadway World, the National Poetry Day exhibit, and others.
Dangerous Pursuit Bethany Rosa (The Pursuit, #2) Publication date: October 2024 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
Mia Nightingale Marcos is more nightmare than nightingale.
I’m handed the reins to the family business along with an inexperienced assistant barely out of high school. Not to mention, she’s distractingly beautiful and completely off-limits. I plan to be so unbearable she’ll quit, but she’s tougher than she looks. Now she appears to be hiding something and the deeper I dig, the more invested I become, causing my world to spin.
Just when I think I’ve got her figured out, she vanishes, leaving a trail of unanswered questions, sending me on a dangerous pursuit.
Jackson Soloman is the boss from hell.
But I can handle him. Balancing work by day and poker by night was a breeze until Jackson stepped in. It was easier when he was making my life hell, not trying to play hero. Now, I can’t shake him off, and with the growing attraction between us, I’m not sure I want to.
Just when I think I’ve hit the jackpot, I’m forced to fold, leaving everything behind for a chance at salvation.
Will Mia and Jackson survive the trials of deceit and danger that lie ahead? In a heart-wrenching climax that tests their love and commitment, every decision could be their last bet.
Bethany Rosa has been passionate about romance since her teenage years. After raising four wonderful daughters, she embarked on a writing career, channeling her love for the genre into crafting captivating stories. Bethany enjoys creating sexy tales featuring alpha males who fall for strong, independent women, making the chase irresistible. Besides writing, she loves to travel, especially to visit her two (soon to be three) daughters living in Europe. When not globetrotting, she enjoys time at home with her husband, dividing her days between the serene mountains of Montana and the sunny landscapes of Arizona.
The street a young girl lives on is made up of families from all over the world. Her family shares with her their stories of journey and struggle. Her own story begins here in this country, but she is sometimes made to feel she does not belong. She listens to her family’s voices. They tell her she will soar, they tell her she is beautiful. She listens and she says I, too, am here.
A multigenerational story of immigration, racism, and what it truly means to belong. Inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, “I, Too.”
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
It is a story about belonging and how we all come from different backgrounds. Our communities consist of multicultural families, yet racism remains an issue in today’s society. The little girl’s family talks about the time they migrated and the problems black families face with racism in the country. Each family member talks about the struggles they went through. Each one had a particular moment that made them feel like they didn’t belong. The little girl herself encountered racism while in school with another classmate. The story sheds light on the struggles black families encounter and continue encountering by telling a story that teaches children they do belong here. I loved the illustrations used throughout the book, and the colors were so beautiful. I also love the book cover.
Author Biography
Morgan Christie’s work has appeared in Callaloo, Obsidian, Prism International, Room, Hawai’i Review, Sports Literate, and other journals. She is the author of a full-length short story collection ‘These Bodies’, which was nominated for the Hurston Wright Legacy Award in fiction, and four poetry chapbooks. She is the winner of the 2022 Arc Poetry Poem of the Year Award, the 2022 Digging Chapbook Series Prize (Jan 2024), and the 2023 Howling Bird Press Book Award (Nov 2023). Her picture books ‘I, Too, Am Here’ (Second Story Press, 2024) and ‘Counting Cho Cho’ (Groundwood Books, 2026) are forthcoming. Morgan’s work has been featured in such outlets as Buzzfeed, NBC News, Poets&Writers, LA Weekly, The London Post, Yahoo News, NY Weekly, Broadway World, the National Poetry Day exhibit, and others.
I got to meet John Stamos last October at Books & Greetings in NJ, when he was doing his book tour for If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir.
Goodreads Blurb
If you would have told a young John Stamos flipping burgers at his dad’s fast-food joint that one day he’d be a household name and that, at the height of his success, he’d be living alone, divorced, with no kids, high on a cocktail of forgetting, he might’ve asked, “You want fries with that?”
John burst onto the scene in General Hospital, propelling him into the teen idol stratosphere, a place that’s often a point of no return. But Stamos beat the odds and over the past four decades has proved himself to be one of his generation’s most successful and beloved actors. Whether showing off his comedic chops on Full House or his dramatic skills on ER, pushing the boundaries on Broadway or living out his youthful dreams as an honorary Beach Boy, John has surprised everyone, most of all himself.
A universal story about friendship, love, loss, and the courage to embrace love once more, John Stamos’s memoir is filled with some of the most memorable names in Hollywood, both old and new. Funny, deeply poignant, and brutally honest, If You Would Have Told Me is a portrait of a boy who went from believing in Disney magic to a man who learns that we have to create our own magical moments in life.