The Brightest Star By B Cranford - READ IT NOW

Title: The Brightest Star

Author: B. Cranford

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 13, 2017

Blurb

The last thing Brighton Starling needed on one of the most humiliating days of her life was to run into her ex…

Naturally, she did. And two years after he walked away, leaving her hurt and broke, he somehow managed to look better than ever. Of course.

She didn’t want to see him, let alone speak to him, but apparently, he wasn’t going to give her a choice.

All Sebastian Figures wanted was to talk to the one that got away…

No, scratch that. The one he drove away with poor decisions and lies, big and small.

She might have been having a bad day, but she was still the bright, beautiful girl he’d been missing for far too long. His brightest star. Still the only girl he’d ever want. If only he could convince her of that.

Is it too late to say sorry?

Sebastian wants a chance to win back Brighton’s trust—and her future.
Brighton wants to be able to move on from the past, once and for all.

But neither of them want to say one final goodbye…

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Review

What happens when the man who took a gamble with your heart shows up at your Panera? The imprint he left on your heart still bears the very sharp grooves caused by his abrupt departure. Do you forgive him? Or shove that Italian down his throat? That my reading buddies is what you get when you enter the world of Sebastian and Brighton in The Brightest Star. 

Second chance romance is my favorite trope, and from reading the synopsis I was 'all in'. Ms. Cranford keeps the reader engaged with all the necessary ingredients for a fabulous novel. It's clever combination of a little bit sad, sprinkled with outrage, just enough spice, a hefty serving of humor, and a ginormous portion of love. Often times with debut authors, I give them the widest berth to find their voice in storytelling. Never have I been so enchanted from the start and willing to devour a tale in an afternoon. 

The characters had me rooting for each one separately for different reasons. At times I hoped that Brighton would yell and scream at him for what he deserved after two years. Then Sebastian would seem genuinely sorry - I mean I KNEW he was so sorry and just wanted hug him. And tell Bright to give him a break. Until no - you encouraged her to stand firm - make him prove he is the right choice. And that my friends - all those emotions - B. Cranford can evoke from you as you read is why you want to consume this story, and ask for more. 

Which is where I ask B. Cranford for Declan and Jade's story. Because come ON there is a story there dying to be told. 

I am often shrewd with my reviews on debut books. There is place for improvement. This story I just can't find flaw. 
 🌟 It's beautiful. 
 🌟 It's brilliant. 
If you love contemporary romance as much as I do, you'll fly your fingers to click on this fabulous story. 
5 out of 5 stars 

Author Bio

B. Cranford is a proud Australian living in the USA, a lover of books, breadsticks and bed, and the mother of two children who are far too similar to their father for her liking. A lifelong reader, she dove into the romance genre on the recommendation of her best friend and hasn’t looked back since. After three years as a blogger, she decided it was high time she finally finished one of the 12,002 books she’d started writing, and the end result was The Brightest Star.

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Confessions of a former ARC Team Reviewer

Let me get this out there first: I rather sighed a huge breath of relief when I figured out my time was up for a large review team. 

I meet a lot of bookish type people. Yeah, yeah I know - that was rather the point of this blog.  

*eyeroll* << you saw that coming

However, one of the topics of what I call 'social media newbies' ask me is how to get on ARC review teams, beta read, etc. Well, to be honest...they find me. I don't go seeking this out. (More on this subject later).  To continue with this thread of honesty, I have rules to abide by if I do join an ARC team.

Wait? There are rules?  No, these are my personal rules that I feel that readers should abide by when agreeing to the commitment. Emphasizing the commitment. 

Rules According to Yours Truly:

1. You read ARCs first: That means whatever you have on your TBR or in the middle of gets dropped like a hot potato. You said you'd read it - now do it. 


2. You complete your review on Goodreads/Blog/Reader Group ASAP: Now, eRetailers do not always allow you to post right away. Authors depend on early feedback for exposure. Do your due diligence by reviewing where able promptly.


3. Write a positive but honest review: Okay this is tricky. Not every story is for every reader. However there is ways to draft a review without crucifying the author. If you can't give more than 3 stars, contact the author with constructive comments privately. 


4. Buy the book: Yes, you buy the book or gift the book. You were gifted the early review privilege. The authors have to eat. You love it and I'm guessing you would have purchased it so keep them writing. 


5. Complete your review forms for the authors promptly: Do not be a douche and have them track you down. 


6. Post your reviews to all social media outlets:


• Amazon
• Nook
• Kobo
• iBooks
• Google Play
• Reference your Goodreads review on:
• Pinterest
• Google +
• Tumblr
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Reddit
• StumbleUpon
• Email

See number 5? Yes, every review - every time. I may copy and paste my original, but its part of the privilege to early reading. You may not be technology savvy or want to have your Aunt Mae knowing your social media interactions.  Do what you can and where - but let the author know you do have limitations on commitment.  

And to be honest, for a multiple author review team, well...

It is a lot of scheduling and organizational skills to keep up where, when and how.  So, why yes, I did duplicates, but overkill is better than not at all. Not everyone follows similar rules and for that ugly truth I'm sad.  Some people have less than genuine reasons for wanting to be a part of review teams or receive ARCs.  They give those of us a bad name, but it is what it is. My final thought: Don't be a douche if you can't commit to the time to read and review. 

Okay that's a bit creepy meme. But seriously the look on my face when an author approaches me to provide an ARC review.  

Yes, you read it. I have them approach me. 

This isn't a popularity contest. And you saw the rules. The rules that I need to commit to in order to give back to the author. That's why I don't enter every contest for every ARC or even sign up for review teams. The task is a time commitment and I want to give 100 percent. There are lots of individuals who are committed to the process as I am (and gladly call friends).  If I can't give 100 percent, then I don't want to take up a spot that someone is deserving. 

Now my time is over, now what? 

I have time to read what I want.  Did you see rule 1? Yes, the responsibility of putting the ARC review team first meant I had to swap out the time for my personal purchases. Don't get me wrong  - the opportunity to do this for the last year was interesting. I got to read some books I might not otherwise have chosen on my own. Now I can spend my time on those books I want to purchase myself.  Kinda sounds a bit selfish. But in keeping it real, when you join a review team, you lose some of that right to choose.  And I'm giddy that I have my personal time back to dedicate to those I want to rather than need to. 

There you have it. Do you have more questions? Hit me up in the comments.  

Next Installment: Books that Wrecked me for other Books 2016 - The Contract by Melanie Moreland

Do you have an expectation of a book based on the synopsis or trope?  Are you usually right on the money with your preconceived notion?  Let me tell you a story when all my preconceived notions were BLOWN AWAY.

I followed Melanie after my book pimp at Panda & Boodle recommended I read Over The Fence.  This story had contemporary romance themes that I enjoy. The novel was told with an engaging, surprising storytelling twist that I gifted this book as part of an exchange. I loved it and felt others should too. As a follower of Melanie's author page, I pre-ordered The Contract. I read the blurb and thought:

"Okay this will be a contract-for-love-boss-to-lovers story. I like those." 

Now, read the above with a large amount of smugness that I've been-there-read-this. Not saying that is a bad thing. But saying that I, the reader, thought I knew what it was going to get.  Now, imagine my surprise when Ms. Moreland sends me a personal message inquiring if I'd like to read an ARC.  Well, sure.  I was between reading so why not. Right? As I turn the pages, I'm thinking:

"Man, if this is the hero, this guy is a douche."

(couple more chapters)

"Okay, that was too kind. This guy is an asshole of epic proportions."

(more reading)

"Seriously, can this man be a bigger JERK? And why won't the heroine tell him to shove his attitude up his ass? "

Then the story takes me here:

The Contract is beautifully woven in dual point of view with just the right insight at just the right time for Richard and Katy.  To be honest, I've never hated a hero as much as I did with Richard at the start.  He so needed his ass kicked. And Katy- well, you wonder why the heck this kind, gentle woman puts up with his bullshit.  That, my dear readers, is the beauty of Melanie's ability to captivate  the reader to fully investing in the storyline.

She hands over her characters to hold your hand through an emotional and unexpected journey. This reader right here went through them all.  I hated, tolerated, empathized, mourned, wanted to kick his ass again, then rejoiced with Richard. I wanted Katy to get out, really get out, teach him a lesson, okay maybe he is not so bad then...well, you need to read for yourself.  For an interview with Melanie for our Facebook reader group after release, she unapologetically explained that she had to drag Richard through the mud and muck of emotions to get him to the happily ever after that would only work for him. And after reading the book this spring over 5 times in a row, I agree with her whole heartedly.

Do not mistake. I loved the character of Katherine, and secondary characters, Penny, Graham and Laura.  Melanie Moreland does not give you a story of two people. Her stories always encompass a family of individuals to mold the leads in being better humans. Each character, whether primary or secondary, are unique, interesting and ability to hold the reader's interest to follow them to the end. But it's Richard and his arc that really drove the story for me and those who I read with.  

Now why did this story wreck me for others?

What is my one word for The Contract: Soul-Searching. So often in this trope, the author offers a desperate, playboy hero in need of a 'fix' in order to get that promotion/deal/trust payout. These narcissistic power players often are charming to engage the reader that you learn to love and there we end.  Ms. Moreland takes that reader expectation and spins it on its head. You hate Richard- he isn't likable at all. You wonder if he'll learn to be 'a real boy'. He doesn't disappoint you - he is a jerk at every turn seemingly not getting a clue. You become vested in Richard and how the heck is he ever going to get that you can't be this way to be a good human being. And then it's the change his character needs to make to be worthy of Katherine and those who's lives he impacts through the story that keeps you turning each page. As I've learned with all Melanie Moreland's characters, these are people who do not live 'up there on pedestals' or have interactions we will never have. But are real, not plastic, people not afraid to show you their flaws as they share their story. You can relate to them. As I fangirled and basically DEMANDED people read this book, I re-read it with them.  I enjoyed each person and their reactions as they trekked along with Richard - this man we loved to hate. It was one of those stories I could re-live again and again. 

Where can you get a copy of Richard of your very own to hate then love? 

Audible
Amazon US
iBooks
B&N
Kobo

Now, what is the best part about getting wrecked by a book other than my typical fangirling and stalking the author? Well, yes that always occurs but in this case the author asks you to help promote a charity chapter (see the blog entry here). I was amazed and impressed by the book community not only embracing The Contract, but one-clicking on this chapter for charity to raise money for mental health awareness. 

Just to let you know, my love for Melanie does not end here.  I've read all her stories and many of her fanfiction pieces. This year she released It Started With a Kiss.  After I read a story like Richard's, I'm in the mood for light, funny and guaranteed happy unicorns with rainbows.  Daniel and Avery offer you that and more. By the way - this book has the best, complete Epilogue ever you need in your HEA. #getyourkisson

Amazon US
iBooks
B&N
Kobo

Getting to Know: Tori Madison - author, mother, breast cancer survivor

October is Breast Cancer Month.  It's important to me.  Several women in my family have been stricken with this awful disease. You know about this illness.  You are inundated with information  each October.  However, very few books, especially romance genre, deal with the main character having breast cancer.   There is one romance book series that is on my "YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK" list.   If you friend me on Facebook, you know it is the Beneath Series by Tori Madison.  The main character is dealing with the journey from initial diagnosis to treatment of breast cancer.  It is everything you want in a book that evokes all sorts of emotions.

How about you get to know Tori- the author - first.  You can read about her bio on Amazon and Goodreads, but let's share now:

Happily married and the mother of two, Tori Madison is active in the world of philanthropy and finds joy in making a difference in lives of others. She is an avid reader, lover of life and a breast cancer survivor. Currently residing with her family in Minnesota, she can often be found at Caribou Coffee or at the dance studio with her kids. With a well-known weakness for dark chocolate with sea salt and cheesecake, she also has a fondness for chips and fresh salsa.

Writing a book was never on her radar. After a challenge from a friend to write 1,500 words the story came to life and a new opportunity to make a difference was born.   

I had the honor of interviewing Tori for a book readers group, Darlene & Dexter's Book Nook, for Author Spotlight on October 1st.  If you don't belong to this group, please consider joining this awesome bunch of fellow bookworms.  There is a lot of posting of book love there.  I need to make finding the interview easy to find, so here is the author spotlight with Tori: 

Author Interview

1.  Most often in this genre, the reader will identify with the Heroine. Many women associate part of their sexuality with their breasts.  They can’t imagine being without them.  Victoria’s story could have still unfolded but had a secondary character have breast cancer.  Maybe a parent, sister or friend.  Why was it important to have Victoria be the one with the diagnosis?  What considerations did you take when crafting the intimate scenes? 

When I was considering writing a book, I felt it was important to tell the story of a woman with breast cancer directly and for me writing in the first person was the easiest. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but it still feels like yesterday. It was necessary to write Victoria while going through it because I wanted to give people the emotions of being in her shoes. I applaud authors who write a character with breast cancer, but most of the time it is a secondary character or a family member of that secondary person. It was time for the woman battling breast cancer to tell her story. The intimate scenes were a challenge for me. I needed to make their physical relationship hot at the beginning to allow the reader to see and feel the changes that occurred throughout the process of losing her breasts. When a woman loses her breasts it affects her physically, but often the mental aspect isn’t seen by those around her. It was important to share those moments of doubt when she was naked and vulnerable. 



2. Secondary characters always bring a catalyst for the main characters to react.  Maybe a push in the right way, a ‘stern’ conversation, needed interference, etc.   Although Jillian has a small part, her character has a lingering value in the storyline. Jillian is definitely gives Victoria a push in the right direction.  This could have been Bobbie Jo, Jen or Dana that did the ‘push’. Why Jillian? What is her importance to you in telling Victoria’s story? 


Jillian wasn’t on my radar when I finished Beneath it All. I was about 25,000 words into Beneath, You’re Beautiful when she made an appearance and wanted to share her story, within the story. In hindsight, Jillian gave me another platform to tell the story as a person supporting someone diagnosed with breast cancer. It allowed me to build a really strong character whose presence spoke volumes in a small amount of time. I had a Jillian in my life and I feel like she was speaking to me to tell this part. I couldn’t have Bobbie Jo, Jen or Dana do it, it needed to be her.



3. Has your family read the series?  If yes, which ones and did they learn anything maybe they didn’t know before? Do you hope someday your daughters will read the series? 


Yes. My mother-in-law actually did some proofreading for me. She was a language arts teacher in Minneapolis for years, and I knew she would do a good job. I made it clear that it was fictional and that I wouldn’t discuss the intimate scenes with her. She actually told me she loved the books and was proud of me. 

My husband read Beneath it All while we were on spring break.  

“Hello?” he fumed when I walked back to our beach chairs with our daughters.                

“Huh?” I asked unsure what he was talking about.                

“You ended it with Hello. Who does that?”                

I began laughing, it was his first fictional romance novel and he wasn’t used to cliffhangers. 

I told them they can read it when they are 18, I’ve got four years. They were four when I was diagnosed so they don’t remember much, other than eating chocolate cake in my bed and coloring on my bald head.



4. You’ve given the reader two stories:  #one- Romantic HEA and #two- Solid Friendships.  Are there any plans to give any HEA’s to Bobbie Jo, Jen or Dana? 



Yes. I’m slowly working on The Martini Series. The girls will each get a book of their own, with Victoria sprinkled in there. Bobbie Jo is first and I’m about 12,000 words into her story. My goal is to have it finished in early 2016.


5. You’re a daughter, mom, wife, work-life refrigerator monitor, and author.  How do you balance it all? Twin teenage daughters would run me ragged.  When do you find time to write?


Between working full time, raising teenage girls and helping care for my mom who has terminal cancer, my writing time has been limited lately. I hope to hit it hard soon. Writing, like reading, is a nice escape from real life and I enjoy disappearing into another world for a few hours.



6. Favorite beach you want to have the Cabana Boys service you is? Tell us if you’ve been there or would like to someday. 


Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. It is my home away from home as I’ve been traveling there since the early 90’s and we have many friends there. We haven’t been for a few years, but hope to go back for our 20^th anniversary next year…if I can sell a few more books! ;)



7. How many cups of coffee before we can coherently have a conversation in the morning? 


I need at least one 16 oz. cup of French vanilla coffee with sugar-free Italian Cream or Peppermint Mocha creamer. 



8. You compose an email campaign to right a wrong.  The CEO of Cheesecake Factory has discontinued the following cheesecake.  Which cheesecake is it? 

Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake. It would be a travesty! I eat half of it right away and save the other half to eat in the morning with my coffee. However… I did try the new Salted Caramel Cheesecake on Saturday night and it was Ahhhhhhhhhmazing. 

How did I find Tori?  That's an interesting story.  We met thru another author's webpage through mutual admiration society.  As Tori got to know me, she asked through another mutual friend PM'ing if I would consider giving her book a read.  I click on the link and stared.  You see, Amazon had put this book on my "Recommended for You" several times.  I scrolled on by.  I had read the synopsis. Breast. Cancer.  I lived it, breathed it, and had heartache over it.  Why oh why would I subject my precious escape time to such a rotten disease?  What if the author brought back more painful memories by mimicking my own experiences?  I pulled on my big girl panties and said yes, I'll try to give it a read.  I figured at most, if it was too much, it would be my first DNF.  Not only did I finish, but pretty much had the same reaction as her husband at the end of book one.  If you want my entire reviews,  please hop on over to Goodreads for Beneath It All and Beneath, You're Beautiful. 

Now through October 31st, Tori is offering the Beneath series in a boxed set on Amazon.  

For every boxed set that is sold, Tori will donate $1 to a local breast cancer charity, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer. Their mission is to provide the quickest access to help for the most urgent emergency needs of local financially challenged breast cancer patients. Programs include providing emergency funds, such as rent, utilities, transportation, and deliver nutritious meals for individuals during their breast cancer experience.

Want a chance to get the box set and not spend a dime? There will be the donation of $1 per set.  Each Friday on myownbookshelves Facebook page, there will be one lucky winner via random.org chosen during the month of October.  You just need to find the post with **GIVEAWAY** with the above picture and comment.  Just once.  If you don't get picked that first Friday you have entered, all previous unpicked commenters go into the pool for re-draw.  That means a total of four chances of you comment by October 9th. 

Does a book on Breast Cancer scare you?  Do you think you can put the fear aside to give it a chance? If you've read this series, give me your comments below.  Please join in the conversation. 



Author Tori Madison, Facebook, Google or Amazon are not responsible for this giveaway.