Muffin Top by Avery Flynn: Blog Tour – Review and Excerpt

Muffin Top by Avery Flynn: Blog Tour – Review and Excerpt

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“Smart, sassy, and utterly delightful! Get ready to fall head-over-heels in love with Lucy, one of the wittiest and most inspiring heroines I’ve ever met!”

– Annika Martin New York Times bestselling author

Muffin Top, a hot romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn is available now!

Muffin Top 1600px Resized 200x300 Muffin Top by Avery Flynn: Blog Tour   Review and ExcerptMuffin Top by Avery Flynn is the second installment in The Hartigans series and from the first page proves it’s one-click worthy. It’s time to add books to your shelves and e-readers as the winter shortly approaches. I’m always on the search for a book that can stand on its own with a plot that is worth my time, money, and soul. 

Frankie Hartigan is best described as a passionate man both professionally and personally. A dedicated fireman who can’t imagine doing anything else is less than thrilled with a forced three week vacation. Rest and relaxation aren’t part of his vocabulary. One night at his brother’s bar will change everything. With a reputation for being a sure thing and a caution sign that warns women to keep their expectations low. Is that who he really is? Is it possible that he wants something more? One woman will have him on the edge of the flames and this need to be with only one woman will give way to one of my top reads this year!

Lucy Kavanagh is tired of the assumptions, innuendos, and horrible things people say because of her size. The only people who seem to be offended or bothered by her weight are the people who vocalize their thoughts. A chance encounter at a local bar leaves her once again defending her size to a less than charming patron. Out of no where an unexpected knight rescues her without any expectations in return. Readers I need to state that Lucy isn’t a fair maiden in need of rescue rather a heroine who can handle herself just fine despite the emotional toll it’s taken. Is there a man who can love and appreciate her for who she is? Will this handsome knight show her heart that she too can be someones fairy tale ending?

Lucy is headed home to attend her high school reunion but attending without a date only proves what everyone has believed about her. Will Frankie’s idea provide the resolution she’s been seeking? If Lucy and Frankie can survive three weeks together, they will discover that holding on to bitterness and anger isn’t always a great idea. Will they finally come to peace with their past and pave a path to a happy ending?

Family is everything when it comes the core of Avery’s books, and this family is anything but typical. The characters are layered and any reader can connect with their past, present, and heart. The little insecurities we cling to don’t matter to those that love the “total package” and will defend against those who think otherwise?

The dialogue is genuine, full of emotions and will cause most readers to appreciate all our partners have to offer and give us courage to stand up and defend what we believe We have all second guessed someone’s motives wondering what if, or is “this thing” real. Hold on tight, this book adventure is worthy of a lifetime movie!

Again this must read tackles the biggest issues we face, we all have something we dislike about our bodies and try to hide behind. Avery takes that insecurity and delves into uncharted territory as Frankie and Lucy tackle their own skeletons to find a happy-ever-after. It’s raw, tender, and has a ton of sparks and delivers one heck of a burn readers! I can’t wait to read more!

4 Scorchin Larger Image Final 300x300 Muffin Top by Avery Flynn: Blog Tour   Review and ExcerptIf you’re looking in the mood for a hot read this book is scorchin. Caution readers, consuming this story might lead to an unexpected need to turn on the A/C.

While this is part of The Hartigans series, it can be read as a standalone.

Pick your e-retailer, download your copy today!

Amazon US ~ iBooks ~ Amazon Worldwide ~ Nook ~ Kobo ~ Google Play ~ Add to GoodReads

 

Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on the link and purchase the featured book and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small percentage between 2-6%. Any profit earned from this transaction is given directly back to readers via giveaways (gift cards, books, etc.) Thank you in advance.

Thank you in advance for your continued support.

 

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Excerpt:

The temptation to say “Yes, Frankie, please squash him like a bug while I clap and watch” was so, so strong—like, the guys who pull semi trucks with their teeth strong. Instead, Lucy played along with her best friend’s fiancé’s brother— OMG, that was now the name of her imaginary all-girl ska band—and smiled sweetly up at him.

“He was bothered by my dinner order, honey.”

“Really?” Frankie looked down at her plate, over to the dips#*t, and then right at her. There was no missing the devil in his eyes right before he turned his attention back to the other man. “What’s wrong with what my girl’s eating?”

Mr. In Her Business blanched. Literally. The color drained out of his face so fast that he resembled one of those swipe right before and after photos on makeover blogs. How in the hell she managed to not laugh out loud she had no frickin’ clue.

“N-n-nothing,” the man stuttered.

Nope. He was not getting off that easily.

She looked up at Frankie, still standing next to her chair, his big hand braced on the back of it, and said in the clueless voice that anyone with a brain would know meant there was danger ahead, “He said I should have ordered a salad, then I might have a chance to move from a five to an eight. I’m a five because I have great tits.”

Thunderous didn’t begin to describe the dark look of pure vengeance that crossed Frankie’s face, making even the freckles that crossed over the bridge of his nose look scary. Mr. Buttinsky made a little squeaking noise that reminded Lucy of the sound of air coming out of a balloon when someone pulled the tip taut as it was deflating. Frankie took a step forward, menace vibrating off of him in waves. The other guy didn’t bother to say a word, he just took off, weaving his way at a fast clip through the crowded bar and out the front door. Lucy liked to imagine that he peed his pants a little as he did so.

“Thanks, Frankie,” she said to the man still staring at the departing figure of Mr. Peed His Pants. “I owe you one.”

Her ginger knight in well-fitting jeans and a T-shirt made some kind of noise that maybe was a response in the affirmative. It sounded kinda like “no problem.” Whatever. She was used to that from guys. She was only of interest until a hotter, skinnier, or prettier woman came along. It was the universal fat chick cloaking device.

Determined not to let it annoy her as much as it usually would, she turned back to her jalapeño cheeseburger, spicy fries, and soda. Now she could finally enjoy her dinner in peace.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Frankie clunked down a three-fourths filled mug of beer on the other side of her table, pulled out the chair across from her, and sat down. Before she could even ask what he was doing, he waved the waitress over and told her he wanted whatever Lucy was eating, plus an extra order of fries and another beer. Once she’d left, he turned his attention to Lucy and gave her what could only be described as a vibrator smile. She named it that in her head—thankfully only in her head—because she now had a desperate need for her vibrator and maybe a fresh pack of batteries.

“You’re not gonna make me eat alone now that we’re on a date, are you?” he asked, swiping one of her fries.

About Avery

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USA Today bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Connect with Avery

Instagram: @AveryFlynn

https://www.instagram.com/averyflynn/

Website: http://averyflynn.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/avery-flynn

Mailing List: http://averyflynn.com/newsletter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AveryFlynnAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/averyflynn

GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2f1waY4

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/averyflynnbooks/

Join the Flynnbots: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flynnbots/

Coffee With Digital Producer and Journalist Nathalie Basha

Coffee With Digital Producer and Journalist Nathalie Basha

Nathalie Basha V 2 150x150 Coffee With Digital Producer and Journalist Nathalie BashaRae: Thank you for hanging out with me. First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Mocha Latte with Coconut Milk. It’s time to switch to something a bit warmer. What would you order?

Nathalie: A dirty chai!

Rae: First, congratulations on the 2018 Gold Telly Award for “Colombian Women’s Prison” story. Everyone needs to watch this – what you show us is so powerful and moving. Despite how exhausted you said you were in a behind the scenes video it tugged at my heart long after I watched it. If that program is so successful, I wonder if other countries might start something similar? I don’t want to spoil it for readers so if you’re interested go here.

Nathalie: Actually this program is a copy of a similar program that started in prisons in Milan, Italy. So, clearly, the model works. I just wish more countries and justice systems approached criminal reform this way.

Rae: How did you get your start in journalism? A while back you shared clips from your earlier days of reporting on social media and I hope it was well received.

Nathalie: I studied broadcast news at University of Colorado, Boulder, and started off in entertainment reporting in my hometown of LA. I hated it, though, so I moved onto reporting for local tv stations in lifestyle content, as well as traditional reporting when they needed it. It’s a long process to get started in broadcast journalism – all in all I was hustling in those two arenas for about four years.

Rae: I discovered you on YouTube as The Travel Muse where you shared some inspirational, informative, and exciting videos from your travel adventures. I’ve also added a few destinations from your video, thank you :).

Nathalie: Yaaay! That’s a labor of love and the thing that started this whole digital travel direction in my career. It’s tough to maintain with my real job, though. I wish I had more time to dedicate to it.

Rae: I look forward to watching more videos from The Travel Muse. What sparked your desire to start your own channel?

Nathalie: I had always wanted to do travel journalism, and when I was working for CBS in San Diego I got really fed up with traditional broadcasting, so one day I quit my job. I started The Travel Muse channel right away, hoping that it would position me in the travel space moving forward. It indeed worked that way, but even that process took a really long time! I worked a side job at a dental office and simultaneously ran The Travel Muse for three whole years before anything happened in my career.

Rae: How much writing do you do before you film your segments as a travel journalist for Circa? When you are traveling, do you take an interpreter?

Nathalie: My job is 90% video based, and I only do writing on the back end for the circa.com website, after the story has been edited together. Before I go, though, I research A LOT. I have general ideas and storyboards for how I want to accomplish a story before I do it, but you can’t plan too far ahead. Shoots very often don’t go the way you planned or envisioned, so you have to be adaptable on the fly. And yes, I hire what’s called a fixer for international shoots. Fixers are people who help and facilitate every step of the production process, including translating. They also find sources, conduct pre-interviews, arrange transport, make sure the team is fed…basically, they’re my right hand people. They are the experts in their own countries, and without their help I’m totally dead in the water.

Rae: I love how you connect with travel enthusiasts on social media. I love your Instagram stories, especially the ones with all the animals. Are you ever worried that something will go wrong, animals are not predictable ;)?

Nathalie: No they’re not! But not really. The interactions I have with animals are usually through my fiance Evan, who is a veterinarian and super duper animal expert. After 11 years with an animal expert I’ve gotten used to animals, but still I keep in mind they could decide not to cooperate.

Rae: How often do you travel?

Nathalie: So this varies A LOT. For Circa, I used to travel a ton – maybe once every 6 weeks. That has slowed down as Circa is going through some huge transitions, so it’s been many months since they sent me out anywhere. I’m hoping that changes soon! For my personal travels, I usually do two international trips a year (provided I have enough vacation time!). This year, I’ve already done two (quick) trips to France, and will be doing Spain in a few weeks!

Rae: Any tips on packing or how to prep for a trip?

Nathalie: I have a packing tips video on my channel, but it’s old now. I actually have plans to shoot an updated version, based on how I pack for Paris!

Rae: I look forward to that video. I love Paris and hope to return for another trip soon. Recently you offered up the chance for a handful of people to travel with you on a trip to India if I recall, will you be documenting that trip? 

Nathalie: This trip didn’t end up happening, unfortunately. It’s tough to partner with outside companies for travel – in this case, it was a charity. For many reasons, the trip fell through, but it has always been my goal to do this kind of thing where I invite people to join me on a trip. And yes, I document all my travels!

Rae: I hope one day I can join you on a group trip. I find your trips to be everything and more. When you sit down to write for your segments, do you have a writing ritual or secret location to get the work done?

Nathalie: Nothing special – my desk. If I have no other distractions it tends to come out more easily. I’ve tried writing at home in front of the TV or when I’m just lounging around, but I get easily sidetracked that way. Sometimes I get brainstorms in random places, like on a plane, and then I start jotting down script notes in my phone. But generally, having the set intention of sitting down at my desk TO DO WORK is the best bet for me.

Rae: How do you tackle plotting your videos? Is it on a massive board, sheets of paper or just write as you go with a simple outline?

Nathalie: I do what’s called “writing to video” meaning, I review what video elements I have after a shoot, and write based off that. It makes it much more streamlined and makes sure that the story is entirely driven by the visuals. If I’m having trouble seeing a story structure, I like to use color coordinated post-it notes and put them up on a wall, with each color representing a different stage of the story. That’s a SUPER efficient way to see if you have holes in your story structure, because the colors show you where you need to flesh out or pull back.

Rae: I belong to a few Facebook groups for planners and organizing to stay focused and succeed in my personal goals for 2018. How do you keep it all from spiraling out of orbit? Are you a planner girl or digital calendar queen?

Nathalie: I’m an obsessive to-do list person! I feel like I can’t function if I don’t have my lists. I try to be a calendar person, plotting out my events and tasks in a cute calendar book I buy every year, but I always end up not using it. I have to-do lists of every kind: big life goal to-do lists, daily to-do lists, Circa to-do lists, personal to-do lists….I feel like if it’s not set out as an intention on paper, my mind can’t organize it. I do them before I go to bed, or when I feel stressed out. Someone once said to me that it would actually cause them stress to write a to-do list before bed, but for me it’s the opposite. It’s like putting it on a to-do list frees it up from swirling around in my brain, so I no longer have to remember it or stress over it. It’s on the paper, therefore my mind can let it go.

Rae: What can we expect in 2019?

Nathalie: My goals in 2019 are to get more focused on my personal projects through The Travel Muse. I want to breathe new life into my Youtube channel, which is sorely neglected. I have ideas for merch, and possibly holding journalism workshops. I’d love to also partner with other journalists who are many steps ahead of me and learn more from them and grow my craft. Evan and I have plans to work together. And much more traveling! I have three destinations for personal travel already kind of planned out. Lots to look forward to! And then of course, there’s all the other unplanned stuff that will happen, because life really couldn’t give a damn about our plans!

Rae: That sounds amazing! I look forward to hearing more about your merch, workshops, and watching your videos to add to my ever expanding travel destination wish list. Thank you again for hanging out. Safe Travels :).

 

Tasty Tidbits 300x169 Coffee With Digital Producer and Journalist Nathalie Basha

1. What is a must read book and why? Eat, Pray, Love. Don’t roll your eyes! It’s the bible of all ambitious women with a bug to explore the world and themselves. Elizabeth Gilbert is one of the most gifted writers of our generation.

2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Malibu! There’s so much nature and stunning view points to visit. I think most people don’t associate LA with nature, but we’re a very outdoors-y city.

3. Do you take-in or cook? If so, what is your “go-to” dish? I do not cook, but I used to. When I had more free time outside of work, I loved to cook dishes I discovered during my travels. Italian is the best food on earth. But today, I don’t eat meals, just snack on all kinds of prepared foods or salads I buy from Trader Joe’s.

4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? Hmm. I’m super shy, and it used to be a big problem when I was younger. It’s something I’ve had to consciously work on and it gets easier as I get older (I”m 33 now) but still there are times when all I want to do is melt into the wallpaper! Also….I used to be a ballet dancer. How’s that for a non-sequitur!

5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? Classical. I don’t have a favorite band or artist, I kind of listen to all of it. I love 60’s Motown, Bossa Nova, early 90’s hip hop, lots of electronica.

6. What is your guilty pleasure? Some trashy TV shows 🙂 I LOVE a show called 90 Day Finance on TLC, plus a whole slew of Bravo shows. I really do feel guilty after I watch them, though, so I usually follow them up with CNN or Vice News. HA.

7. What are you afraid of? Other people. Break-ins, and the like. I both love and hate change, but I usually approach initial change with fear. It’s not good, and I’m trying to change that.

8. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? No tats for me 🙂

9. Organized or Free Floating? Both. Life is all about balance.

10. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Binge! If I love something, I can’t break away from it.

11. What’s on your playlist? Right now? I’m rotating Marian Hill, Maluma, J Balvin, Tove Lo, Big Black Delta, Lil Silva remixes….

12. What play or musical do you want to see next? I’m really not into musicals or plays 🙂 I prefer concerts, especially those at the Hollywood Bowl. They have gorgeous summer concerts under the stars. The last I saw was a classical concert with pieces from Spain.

13. Are you a crafter? Not arts and crafts, if that’s what you mean. My craft is solely in video, professionally and personally.

14. What’s your favorite TV show and why? My all-time favorites are Mad Men and Downton Abbey. Both are poetry in their perfection of writing, casting, acting, etc. They hit every mark on the head. I’ve watched both through so many times I can remember lines now.

15. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be? Oh geez that’s a tough one. I can’t remember reading a book that I haven’t adored that hasn’t already been made into a movie/tv show…

16. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? There’s a rotating crop that includes Raiders of the Lost Arc, Star Wars (eps. 4 and 5), Dances with Wolves, Midnight in Paris

17. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? At home. I like to get cozy with blankets and pillows and my favorite snacks.

18. What is the one thing you can’t live without? The ability to travel! It’s so cliche, but it’s true. I feel stiffed and uninspired when I don’t travel.

19. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) who would be at your table? Where would you eat? This answer changes on my mood. Oprah, Anderson Cooper, Lisa Ling, Mozart, Christiane Amanpour. We’d eat at some gorgeous Italian restaurant on a gorgeous outdoor patio with gorgeous views, warm sun, birds chirping, and endless handmade pasta and bread that didn’t add a single pound no matter how much we ate.

20. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? Funny thing – I’ve never once fantasized about a different career. I don’t even know how to answer this question!

21. Person you admire and why? Evan. He is drive, a total go-getter, and he sees his dreams through to fruition. It’s very inspiring.

Author Bio CW 300x169 Coffee With Digital Producer and Journalist Nathalie Basha

Nathalie is trying to get dual citizenship with Spain! .

Nathalie is a digital producer and journalist with a beat in travel and human interest. She tells stories of travel through the behind-the-scenes human experiences on the ground, in countries like Thailand, Colombia, Japan, Georgia, and New Zealand. Besides filming on the ground, editing is her favorite part of the process because that’s where a story really comes to life!

A country that Nathalie hasn’t been to, but is dying to explore and report on, is Morocco (…and Peru, and Zanzibar…the list is long!).

Before working as a travel journalist, Nathalie was a news reporter for TV stations in Dayton, Ohio, and San Diego, California. She briefly worked in entertainment reporting for companies like E! and Entertainment Tonight, but always knew she’d follow her dream of travel journalism. She lives and works in her hometown of Los Angeles.   ** Bio from www.circa.com ** Picture from The Travel Muse

A Skinny Shot – American Asshole by Tara Sue Me

A Skinny Shot – American Asshole by Tara Sue Me

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American Asshole by Tara Sue Me is a fast read if you’re looking for Scorchin hot read that delivers a satisfying story. Two matchmakers, a family death, and a debt that needs to be repaid add fuel in this enemies to lovers romance.

Mia Matthews is about to be tested and one misunderstanding will threaten to destroy everything she’s worked for. Will she be able to protect what matters most and guard her heart? What happens when the matchmakers find themselves in cupids seat? Will it meet the gold standard? Oh, hang on readers, it’s going to be a wild ride!

It’s time for a new bookcation with an author who delivers a romance that sizzles as the story uncovers family secrets, an awareness of desires, boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed, and a love that is destined to be. 

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This scorchin read may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C. I received an ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I look forward to the next installment in this new series.

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About Tara Sue Me

TSM Author Photo 200x300 A Skinny Shot   American Asshole by Tara Sue MeTara Sue Me wrote her first novel at the age of twelve. It would be twenty years before she picked up her pen to write the second.

After completing several clean romances, she decided to try her hand at something spicier and started The Submissive. What began as a writing exercise quickly took on a life of its own. An avid reader of all types of fiction, she soon discovered she enjoyed writing a variety as well.

Tara lives in the Southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.

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