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Interview with Bella Andre about her best-selling series, The Sullivans
Chick Lit Authors

Interview with Bella Andre about her best-selling series, The Sullivans

1. You create characters beautifully and are an absolute master of plot twists. It seems like you could write in almost any genre and do a bang-up job of it. What made you decide to devote your efforts to the romance genre in particular?

Thank you so much for the compliments! I’ve always been a huge romance fan – I’ve been reading nearly a book a day since I was a teenager – so it was a natural fit for me when the characters starting appearing in my head one day. 🙂

2. How did the idea for this interconnected contemporary romance series first come to you? What was your inspiration?

I love the family series that have always been popular in historical romance – like Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series and Nora Roberts’s MacGregors – and I was also inspired by my husband’s large family. It seemed like a natural fit to combine the funny and sweet family dynamics into an overarching series of sexy contemporary romances with the alpha heroes that I love so much.

3. Everyone seems to have a favorite Sullivan. Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but who is your favorite? And who’s most like you?

I’ll have to plead the fifth and pick Mary Sullivan – the family matriarch – as my favorite Sullivan. She’s the heart that keeps the family together and I get emotional whenever I write a scene with her. In fact, in COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER (Smith Sullivan’s story), the scene where he calls his mother to ask for love advice is one that so many readers have told me is their absolute favorite scene in any Sullivan book.

As for who is most like me – maybe Sophie Sullivan from I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU. She loves to read (and is a librarian) and when she wants something (in her case: bad boy Jake McCann), she goes for it! Of course, I’m also a lot like Lori Sullivan (aka “Naughty”) with her big mouth and constant laughter.

4. In your opinion, what ingredients are needed to make up a good love story? Is life the same as fiction in this respect? Why or why not?

I love to love my characters and when I write a story I need two heroic, nice, good people (and why not gorgeous, too?!) who deserve love and have a lot of love to offer in return, but who are flawed partially because they haven’t found that perfect someone who complements them like no other. I like my fiction to be a little bigger than life – the Sullivans are extraordinarily hot, sensitive and attentive – but at their heart, they’re all very real.

5. How has your own love story with your husband informed the Sullivan series? Are there any scenes that are directly taken from your own life?

I have the best husband in the entire world. Sweet, loving, sensitive…and super hot! He’s always supported me in everything I’ve ever done and I think his strength and capability to love is at the core of every hero I write.

With that said, none of the scenes are ever taken directly from my own life. I have a very active imagination. 🙂

6. Let’s pretend for a second that you are a single woman living in the world of the Sullivans, which of the six brothers would you be most likely to fall in love with and why?

Ohhhh, now THAT is a fun fantasy! I would fall in love with each and every single one of them – and do, while I’m writing each of their stories! If I had to pick one, I might have my eye on Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) – because while all of my Sullivans are sweet, sexy and sensitive – Marcus is the only one with his own endless supply of wine from his winery. And there’s just something about the oldest brother…. Then again, Zach Sullivan is such a great combination of cocky and sweet. And Ryan Sullivan has all those muscles. And Gabe is such a hero as a firefighter (and I love his dirty talking between the sheets). And Chase is so sexy and protective. And then there’s Jake McCann (who falls in love with Sophie Sullivan) with his tattoos and big muscles. Not to mention Lori’s hero in the upcoming ALWAYS ON MY MIND which will be out this spring. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Lori’s hero just might be the hottest hero I’ve ever written.

See, what did I tell you earlier? I’m no good at picking just one. So let’s just say, yet again, ALL OF THEM!

7. The Sullivans and their beaux have some pretty interesting careers. From photographers and sculptors to professional actors, musicians and ball players all the way to firefighters, librarians and business owners, they lead very exciting lives! What type of research did you have to do to capture these jobs so well? Do you have any interesting research anecdotes to share?

I’ve written firefighters and athletes in previous series which helped with my firefighter, Gabe (CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE) and my baseball player, Ryan (LET ME BE THE ONE). I also live in Sonoma and have a lot of experience with wine and wineries which was ideal for winery owner Marcus (FROM THIS MOMENT ON) and as a writer I’ve been blessed to work with many librarians who served as information points for Sophie (I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU.)

For books where I need inspiration, the internet has been amazing and when needed, I also call on the help of professionals. Even though I’d written firefighters before, I still sent all my firefighting scenes to a professional and for Smith’s book (COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER) I sent all the acting-set sequences to a local film producer.

8. I was very touched by the inclusion of Yorkie puppy, Cuddles, and Great Dane rescue, Atlas, in book five, If You Were Mine. Are you a dog person yourself? If you have pets, I’d love to know more about them!

I *love* animals. I had the best time writing the two dogs in IF YOU WERE MINE. They had their own little love story in that book, which pleased me to no end. There’s a cat that plays a very important role in ALWAYS ON MY MIND (Lori Sullivan’s story, coming Spring 2013). My whole family loves animals, and we’ve recently adopted a beautiful cat. Or more accurately, the cat has adopted us, smart little minx.

9. The Sullivan series is currently seven volumes long. How many more books do you have planned, and which other family members will get the spotlight in their own books?

Lori’s book (ALWAYS ON MY MIND) is up next, and there are 5 Seattle Sullivans who are ready for love – I will start with Rafe Sullivan’s book this summer! Plus, I have something *very* special planned for Mary Sullivan, their mother, planned to release for the holidays in 2013.

10. And lastly (for a bit of random fun), what has been the most amazing/ touching/ validating interaction you’ve had with a fan of your books?

Everyone who has ever written to me on Facebook or Twitter or Goodreads or via email to tell me how much they love my books and that the Sullivans have moved them in some way has touched me. I love my fans, so, so much! I have the very best time in the world writing about my Sullivans… and knowing that I have so many absolutely wonderful people waiting to read them as soon as they’re released is a total thrill every single day.

January 10, 2013
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Brownie Points by Jennifer Coburn
Chick Lit Review

Brownie Points by Jennifer Coburn

I received a copy of Brownie Points by Jennifer Coburn in exchange for an honest review.

Brownie Points follows the Taylor family as they move to Los Corderos, a small suburban paradise. Lisa knows that the move from San Francisco will take a toll on her family but she doesn’t expect them to fit in right away considering they will be the only interracial family in the area and her 13 year old son Logan … is gay. But, what she doesn’t expect is that things might be more difficult than she expected. After Logan is incessantly bullied at school, he soon makes nice with his twin’s Girl Scout troop. But, when he tries to join, they refuse and he sues them for discrimination. What ensues is national news story that only makes things worse for him and the Taylor family. Adding that on top of all of the complications Lisa is facing, and she is close to losing it all. Will the Taylor family be able to survive living in Los Corderos? Or will they regret that they ever moved?

When I first received the review request for this book, I instantly said yes. I have been such a fun of Coburn since her earlier works and usually devour each and every one of her books. Typically, she brings the heart and the humor to each book, and this one is no exception. This book is unlike anything she has ever written and I actually enjoyed that about it. Definitely uncharted territory, I feel like Coburn handled this topic gracefully and with tons of poise. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and was sad to see it end. It is definitely tons of full of plot twists, so stay sharp!

[Rating: 4.5/5]

January 10, 2013
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Come A Little Closer by Bella Andre
Chick Lit Review

Come A Little Closer by Bella Andre

Bella AndreI was provided with a copy of COME A LITTLE CLOSER by Bella Andre in exchange for an honest review.

Come A Little Closer is the most recent book in the Sullivan family series, and it stars movie star Smith Sullivan. At an important time in his career, Smith can’t afford any distractions. He is taking a risk bigger than anything he has ever done before but he just can’t seem to keep his head in the game. He is distracted by Valentina Landon and no matter what he does, he can’t get her off his mind. But, things are more complicated than they seem. Valentina is a business manager and has seen one to many women fall victim to actors and their ways. So, Smith knows that she will be a tough cookie to crack but he thinks that she will be worth it. So, after sparks fly after weeks together, Smith knows that he will stop at nothing until he can convince her that he isn’t like the rest of them. But, will he able to steal her love and change her mind?

To be honest, this is the first book in the Sullivan series that I have ever read. Actually, I had never heard of them before I dove into the latest from Bella, and I am completely smitten and am so excited that I found this series! I loved everything about this book: I loved the romance and the sparks between Smith and Valentina and I fell head over heels for Smith early on and was only waiting for Valentina to follow suit. I always suspected that she would though and I couldn’t have been happier with the ending. This book had heart, great character development, a believable story, fun and humor … and sexy steam! Woo-wee! What a read! I am definitely going to dive into the other books after this one!

[Rating: 5/5]

January 9, 2013
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Kismetology by Jaimie Admans
Chick Lit Review

Kismetology by Jaimie Admans

I received a copy of Kismetology by Jaimie Admans in exchange for an honest review. Kismetology by Jaimie Admans starts off stating two truths: finding…

January 8, 2013
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In My Mailbox: Week of January 6
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: Week of January 6

In Samantha’s Mailbox:

Brnig Me BackTitle: Bring Me Back

Author: Karen Booth

Received: Via CLP Blog Tours

Synopsis: Music critic Claire Abby is a single mom dreading her daughter’s departure for college and worried that turning forty will leave her career running on fumes. She’s floored when she lands a Rolling Stone cover story on 80s British rock legend Christopher Penman. She spent her teenage years fantasizing he was her boyfriend.

In person, Christopher is everything Claire feared he’d be—charming, witty and unwilling to address the rumors he’s dodged for a decade. Still, she contains her adolescent fantasies and manages to earn his trust, unearthing the truth and the devastating secret behind it. His blockbuster story is her first priority when she returns home, a nearly impossible task when Christopher starts calling and flirting. She knows she should maintain a professional distance. She knows she should focus on the story. She knows it would be best to simply walk away. But how can she say “no” to the man she could never forget?

forever yearTitle: The Forever Year

Author: Lou Aronica

Received: Via Lou Aronica

Synopsis: Jesse Sienna doesn’t believe that love can last. His parents’ marriage was caring but passionless, and his own romantic history tells him that love can burn bright, but that it cannot burn for long. So when his elderly father, Mickey, moves in with him and seems unable to understand Jesse’s no-strings-attached relationship with Marina, his current girlfriend, Jesse barely pays attention. It’s just another example of how different they are – and more evidence that he and his father will never connect on any meaningful level.

But the truth is, Mickey Sienna knows more about love than most people learn in a lifetime. More than half a century ago, he discovered the endless rewards of investing your heart and soul in someone…and he knows the devastating costs of letting the perfect someone slip by.

When Mickey sees Jesse taking an extraordinary woman for granted, he decides it’s time to tell Jesse his story – a story he’s never shared with any of his children before. It is a story that will change both of them profoundly.

At once a stirring family drama and a touching romance, The Forever Year is filled with richly drawn characters and powerful situations. You will respond personally to the people you meet in this novel, and you will find yourself deeply enmeshed in their stories. And you might find yourself looking at love in a new way.

bella summerTitle: Bella Summer Takes a Chance

Author: Michele Gorman

Received: From Michele Gorman

Synopsis: When is enough not enough?

Bella’s career and relationship are her life’s foundationwear: not glamorous and perhaps a bit binding, but supportive enough… until she realizes that they are not enough. Her life is sagging badly. She’s never been in love with her boyfriend, despite a decade together. And somehow she stopped being a musician-with-a-day-job and became a consultant-who-was-musical. So she takes a terrifying leap of faith, leaving her relationship and resolving to follow her musical dreams no matter what.

But the life you walk away from doesn’t always let you walk away.

With a wonderfully warm and witty cast of friends, all navigating between their ideals and the realities they face, together they’ll find out what love and compromise really mean in this empowering tale about grasping life with both hands.

the good daughterTitle: The Good Daughter

Author: Jane Porter

Received: BookSparks PR

Synopsis: Love was given to all, except herself . . .

Kit Brennan has always been the most grounded of her sisters. A Catholic school English teacher for seventeen years and a constant giver, her decisions have been sound—just not very satisfying. Her fortieth birthday is right around the corner, causing Kit to consider some wilder notions, like skipping right past the love and marriage to raising a child all by herself . . .

A girls’ weekend away is just the reprieve Kit needs from school, Mr. Wrongs, and life-changing decisions. It’s there that she meets a man who’s dangerous; a man who challenges who she thought she was, or rather should be. Kit wants to indulge herself this once, but with one of her students in crisis and the weight of her family’s burdens weighing heavy on her heart, Kit isn’t sure if now is the time to let her own desires take flight . . .

When I fall in loveTitle: When I Fall in Love

Author: Miranda Dickinson

Received: Avon/ Unsolicited

Synopsis: The brand new release from the Sunday Times bestselling author that bought you Fairytale of New York and It Started With A Kiss.

What happens when your happy ever after is suddenly and painfully taken away from you?

Elsie Maynard has a whole new life she never expected to have.

From inadvertently founding a choir like no other with former 80s rock star Woody Jensen, to daring to date again, Elsie steps out into an unknown future – a future that could include gorgeous designer Olly Hogarth, a man who seems intent on winning her heart. Overcoming problems, challenges and the occasional frustration – namely overconfident Torin Stewart who seems to be everywhere – Elsie believes she is making the most of her life.

But then a heartfelt request brings her to Paris – and the last item on a very important List.

Can Elsie take the final step and lay her past to rest? Join Elsie as she battles to start again, with the help of a disastrous, newly-formed singing group and her father and sister armed with dating hopefuls.

In Sara’s Mailbox:

cursedTitle: Cursed

Author: Lynn Ricci

Received: Lynn Ricci

Synopsis: When Sarah Carter moves to Boston to escape her past she realizes there’s more than meets the eye with the landlord and her mysterious new best friend. What happened to the owner of this Boston brownstone and what secrets lie within its walls and continue to torment? And is she actually running back to her past instead of from it?

Playing AlongTitle: Playing Along

Author: Rory Green

Received: Rory Green

Synopsis: Two Lives. Two Continents. One Song…

Then: George Bryce was an awkward, English schoolboy fantasizing about being in a band.

Now: George is frontman of Thesis, an overnight indie scene sensation. Intense, creative and self-deprecating, his childhood dreams have all been fulfilled – so why does George still feel so lost?

Then: Lexi Jacobs was a confident Californian high school cheerleader, planning her future marriage and a meaningful career.

Now: Lexi is searching for substance in a life full of mishaps. Cautious, bemused and rapidly losing the control she used to rely on, none of her teenage dreams have delivered and she’s left wondering, “What next?”

Follow George and Lexi as they navigate their days thousands of miles apart. Fly with them from London to LA and back again, as George copes with the dynamics of his tight knit band and loose knit family, while Lexi juggles her eccentric new boss, bored best friend and smother mother.

Even though there’s an ocean between them and their worlds couldn’t be further apart, George and Lexi are pulled together through music, and their paths appear determined to cross.

The question is – when?

January 6, 2013
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All the Lonely People by Jess Riley
Chick Lit Review

All the Lonely People by Jess Riley

I was provided a copy of ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE by Jess Riley in exchange for an honest review.

I was immediately hooked when I read this: “WANTED: a whole new family to share holidays with. Please have a good heart and be a thoughtful, polite person. No sociopaths, no pedophiles, no fans of the Kardashians. We’re not weirdos, I promise. I love old Steve Martin movies, new Steve Martin banjo tunes, Indian food, and reruns of Bob Ross painting happy little trees. So if you’re looking for something other than the typical family dysfunction this Christmas, drop us a line.” After losing her dear mom to cancer, Jaime realizes that her death has not brought her and her siblings any closer, it only makes her realize that they don’t actually like each other. So, in lieu of being able to spend time with her family for Christmas, she decides to post an ad on CraigsList asking for a new family. But, will Jaime actually get what she is looking for?

I found this novel surprisingly funny. I mean, what does Jaime expect to happen when she solicits a new family for the holidays?!? I definitely had fun reading this novel and it definitely made me appreciate my crazy family more during the holiday season. In addition to a good laugh here and there, this book is also heartwarming and I definitely found Jaime’s journey to forgiveness sweet and charming. Overall, this book is a great read, especially for those people who have a hard time with their own family during the holiday season.

[Rating: 4/5]

January 4, 2013
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Back To You by Priscilla Glenn
Chick Lit Review

Back To You by Priscilla Glenn

I received a copy of Back To You by Priscilla Glenn in exchange for an honest review.

Back To You by Priscilla Glenn follows Lauren Monroe. When she first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she instantly knew that he was trouble. But, she challenged herself and saw something in him that made her really question whether or not he was truly a bad boy. Against her better judgement, she took a chance and they formed an unlikely friendship. And although she should have known better, it still ended badly. Eight years later, Lauren encounters Michael once again as she embarks on a new career. She refuses to rehash her devastation from the past but that seems more difficult than she thought it would be. Will she be able to forgive and forget? Or will he end up hurting her again just like he did in the beginning?

Back To You is a poignant and charming look at the idea of second chances. I absolutely fell in love with Lauren and Michael from the get go and found myself rooting for a chance encounter after the first ended so badly. Like me, Priscilla is a big believer in second chances and I absolutely loved the way that she handled this one. Poetic yet intense, this relationship definitely has its ups and downs, but who hasn’t believed in someone even though they knew they shouldn’t? I’ve had many girlfriends who have had instances like this one, and some work out, some don’t. But, none have been as heartwarming or heart wrenching as this one. I loved every second. Who can deny what the heart really wants?

January 3, 2013
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Blog Tour Sign Up: Love in Translation by Sara Palacios
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: Love in Translation by Sara Palacios

Still reeling from an unexpected breakup, Emily nurses her broken heart by spending time with her best friends and taking one-too-many vodka shots. After one long night, she takes a hard look inside herself and doesn’t like what she sees. She realizes that she has sacrificed too much in her failed relationships from the past and vows to never settle for anything less than almost-perfect again. As she picks up the pieces and regains her confidence, a sexy Spanish chef moves in across the hall and knocks her off her feet. What ensues is an unexpected and tantalizing affair that opens her eyes – and her heart – to a whole new world and leaves her feeling sexier than she has ever felt. Emily finally sees how easy love is supposed to be. Is happily-ever-after actually possible? Just when she starts to think so, she realizes that sometimes life gets more complicated before it gets easier. And complicated is an understatement when Steven (her best and oldest friend in the world) confesses his love for her. Everything spirals out of control as Emily must make a choice between love and friendship, and in doing so, possibly risk it all.
LOVE IN TRANSLATION is a modern day love story about following your heart to unexpected places and taking chances in life … because sometimes you will find exactly what you are looking for.

December 29, 2012
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2012 Favorite Reads: Sara’s Picks
Chick Lit Review

2012 Favorite Reads: Sara’s Picks

The Tragedy Paper Elizabeth Laban White Jacket Required: A Culinary Coming-of-Age Story Jenna Weber Twelve Months Steven Manchester The Midwife of Hope River: A Novel…

December 29, 2012
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