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Word Play
Smut sells.
Michael Rourke learned this the hard way.
Struggling to make ends meet as a mystery writer, he sold his soul - and his pride - as he pedaled sex and lust writing under the pen name Christoph Strong.
No one knew he was the one behind the steamy stories on the bestsellers lists. And he planned to keep it that way.
Until he met her.
Monica Singer, an infamous blogger, is keen to discover the truth of his secret identity.
During a chance meeting at a book convention, Michael and Monica form an instant connection. And soon, an industry rivalry becomes something else entirely.
But as Michael starts to let his guard down, he doesn’t realize that the person he's learning to trust may be hiding secrets of her own.
Secrets that could ultimately destroy everything.
Michael Rourke learned this the hard way.
Struggling to make ends meet as a mystery writer, he sold his soul - and his pride - as he pedaled sex and lust writing under the pen name Christoph Strong.
No one knew he was the one behind the steamy stories on the bestsellers lists. And he planned to keep it that way.
Until he met her.
Monica Singer, an infamous blogger, is keen to discover the truth of his secret identity.
During a chance meeting at a book convention, Michael and Monica form an instant connection. And soon, an industry rivalry becomes something else entirely.
But as Michael starts to let his guard down, he doesn’t realize that the person he's learning to trust may be hiding secrets of her own.
Secrets that could ultimately destroy everything.
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2014
93 people are currently reading
2870 people want to read
About the author
Amalie Silver
9 books298 followersI spend way more time on social media than I care to admit. Find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/amaliesilver
https://www.facebook.com/amaliesilver
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
July 10, 2014
FIVE SMEEP STARS.
"I wanted to feel her. I needed it."
I have been taken completely by surprise by a book that seems to have captured the interest of readers all over, and now I'm gladly joining the queue to sign up as an official Amalie silver fan girl. I'm not sure I have the right words to conjure up how special, unique and downright hilarious this book is. Amilie Silver has delved right into the all the quirks, highlights and pitfalls of the writing community and produced a romantic comedy that gives a hugely insiteful nod to the world of book enthusiasts and quite honestly I could not get enough. As an avid reader of romance there are not many books that can deliver something new to my reading time and Amalie silver not only provided originality but buckets of fun and sexy too. Nothing is more pleasing than finding an author that suits your reading tastes and I'm already waiting to read more.
What's it all about?
Mistaken identities, secrets, romance and more, 'Word play' is the story of one struggling author selling his mystery writing soul to the world of smut and romance. Add into the mix a chance meeting, a blogger and a famous award winning author with plenty of attraction and the possibility of love and you have one hilarious tale of rivalry and seduction. Welcome to the story of two characters that you won't ever want to forget.
What did I love?
A sexy romance that can make me swoon and laugh in equal measure will always be winning huge brownie points in my eyes. For me Amalie Silver has created the perfect blend of sexy, fun, romance and humour. I never wanted this book to end there wasn't a single moment throughout this story that I didn't either smile, laugh or swoon at and my only complaint is that I'm left waiting for this author to release more. The characters were lovingly relatable their insecurities and drama were endearing and humorous with not even a niggle of annoyance any where near. The book was filled full with witty one liners and clever banter with moments that gave the term 'tongue in cheek' real meaning. From beginning to end this author turned her writing skill into pure entertainment and it didn't harm that she has an obvious talent to stir up a fantastic love story with red hot hanky panky. If you love a well written and witty romantic comedy then you won't need to look further than this novel, 'Word Play' had all I needed for a cute, laugh out loud romance and I'm convinced that most readers of this genre will fall instantly in love with this quirky story.
Final thoughts ...
I'm always on the look out for a new must read author and I can say with confidence that ive found one here. From start to finish I was hooked, 'word play' is one of those books that is so fresh, original and cute that you'll want to go a search for books just like it. If you love a book created by an author who has an obvious fantastic sense of humour then you don't want to miss out on this fabulously brilliant story by the lovely Amilie Silver. There was not one thing that i didn't love about this novel and I can't sing this 'new to me' authors praises any higher. From the moment I started to see reviews for this book I had a feeling that it would be just my cup of tea and gladly my instincts were right this author has produced a book that was right up my street and I can happily recommend this novel to all those readers that can't resist a fantastically written romantic comedy. Don't miss out, enjoy ... Kisses.
*ARC generously gifted directly from the author, Amalie Silver in exchange for an honest review.*
"I wanted to feel her. I needed it."
I have been taken completely by surprise by a book that seems to have captured the interest of readers all over, and now I'm gladly joining the queue to sign up as an official Amalie silver fan girl. I'm not sure I have the right words to conjure up how special, unique and downright hilarious this book is. Amilie Silver has delved right into the all the quirks, highlights and pitfalls of the writing community and produced a romantic comedy that gives a hugely insiteful nod to the world of book enthusiasts and quite honestly I could not get enough. As an avid reader of romance there are not many books that can deliver something new to my reading time and Amalie silver not only provided originality but buckets of fun and sexy too. Nothing is more pleasing than finding an author that suits your reading tastes and I'm already waiting to read more.
What's it all about?
Mistaken identities, secrets, romance and more, 'Word play' is the story of one struggling author selling his mystery writing soul to the world of smut and romance. Add into the mix a chance meeting, a blogger and a famous award winning author with plenty of attraction and the possibility of love and you have one hilarious tale of rivalry and seduction. Welcome to the story of two characters that you won't ever want to forget.
What did I love?
A sexy romance that can make me swoon and laugh in equal measure will always be winning huge brownie points in my eyes. For me Amalie Silver has created the perfect blend of sexy, fun, romance and humour. I never wanted this book to end there wasn't a single moment throughout this story that I didn't either smile, laugh or swoon at and my only complaint is that I'm left waiting for this author to release more. The characters were lovingly relatable their insecurities and drama were endearing and humorous with not even a niggle of annoyance any where near. The book was filled full with witty one liners and clever banter with moments that gave the term 'tongue in cheek' real meaning. From beginning to end this author turned her writing skill into pure entertainment and it didn't harm that she has an obvious talent to stir up a fantastic love story with red hot hanky panky. If you love a well written and witty romantic comedy then you won't need to look further than this novel, 'Word Play' had all I needed for a cute, laugh out loud romance and I'm convinced that most readers of this genre will fall instantly in love with this quirky story.
Final thoughts ...
I'm always on the look out for a new must read author and I can say with confidence that ive found one here. From start to finish I was hooked, 'word play' is one of those books that is so fresh, original and cute that you'll want to go a search for books just like it. If you love a book created by an author who has an obvious fantastic sense of humour then you don't want to miss out on this fabulously brilliant story by the lovely Amilie Silver. There was not one thing that i didn't love about this novel and I can't sing this 'new to me' authors praises any higher. From the moment I started to see reviews for this book I had a feeling that it would be just my cup of tea and gladly my instincts were right this author has produced a book that was right up my street and I can happily recommend this novel to all those readers that can't resist a fantastically written romantic comedy. Don't miss out, enjoy ... Kisses.
*ARC generously gifted directly from the author, Amalie Silver in exchange for an honest review.*
July 15, 2014
★★★★☆ 4.5 Stars! ** Now LIVE on Amazon.
Word Play by Amalie Silver was an absolute gem to read. It was a fun, sexy, original and downright hilarious read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The fact that the author has dedicated a huge part of the book to the world of authors, readers, bloggers and everyone/everything associated to the reading community made the story all the more fun to read and easy to relate to.
Word Play is the story of Michael Rourke; originally a mystery author who's decided to set aside his writing preferences and submerge himself in the world of smut. Under the pen name Christoph Strong, his erotica novels are a huge success and he's happy to keep up the mystery of who's the author behind all of those bestsellers. But all of that changes after a chance encounter with a tough as nails, sassy blogger named Monica Singer...
To say much more about the story line would spoil too much, so I won't elaborate any further. The less you know beforehand, the more you can let the story surprise you.
I will say though, that as the story progresses, more and more secrets are revealed and I can honestly say I was caught of guard quite a few times by some of the revelations that were made. But that also made up a big part of the charm of this book, the fact that the author keeps you guessing and trying to figure out the final truth of the story. That, along side with all the witty banter, steamy encounters, hilarious references to the reading/blogging world made for a perfect combination that kept me glued to the pages from the moment I started reading this book.
If you're looking for a fun, sexy, romantic comedy, look no further and give this gem of a book a try! You won't regret it. ;) As for me, I already know I'll be keeping a close eye on this author's future work. Her bedut novel was an absolute winner for me and I'm looking forward to more of her talented work.
**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review**
May 30, 2014
Michael Rourke (good Irish name) writes under the pen name of Christoph Strong. He wants to sell Mystery/Thrillers but the market is not too big for those sort of books. Instead he writes erotica because SMUT sells. He wants to remain anonymous.
Any of you who are on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads etc., those of you who Blog, those who review will enjoy this one.
Betty Black is an erotic author too who is always top of the Bestsellers list. There is a bit of rivalry between Christoph and Betty.
Monica Singer is a Blogger, she only gave Christoph’s latest book. 3.75 stars.
There is an attraction between Michael and Monica. There are misunderstandings along the way.
There were some LOL moments in the book. I laughed at that quote. My poor dad, bless him, that was all he used to get for Christmas 30 or 40 years ago. I am telling you, you young ones especially, there was very little choice for aftershave. Not like nowadays where you are bombarded with tons of lotions, creams and gels.
I was a bit late to the Buddy Read. Thanks to Carol and Wendy for organisinig it. Thanks too to the author for providing an ARC.
I don’t know about that. OK, they probably won’t win the next Booker Prize but romance writing has its place and it keeps me entertained for hours on end. So thank you very much Romance Writers.
To all my Twatters, I will try and get the hang of Twitter one of these days…
Any of you who are on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads etc., those of you who Blog, those who review will enjoy this one.
Betty Black is an erotic author too who is always top of the Bestsellers list. There is a bit of rivalry between Christoph and Betty.
"For all I know, Betty Black was a man in his mid-fifties who wore women’s underwear and jerked off to Bukake porn."
Monica Singer is a Blogger, she only gave Christoph’s latest book. 3.75 stars.
”What it lacked in plot, it made up for in steam.
The narrative was weak and unrealistic,
and Mr Strong proved just how well men misunderstand women.”
During a chance meeting at a book convention, Michael and Monica form an instant connection.
There is an attraction between Michael and Monica. There are misunderstandings along the way.
The man was a walking Old Spice commercial
There were some LOL moments in the book. I laughed at that quote. My poor dad, bless him, that was all he used to get for Christmas 30 or 40 years ago. I am telling you, you young ones especially, there was very little choice for aftershave. Not like nowadays where you are bombarded with tons of lotions, creams and gels.
I was a bit late to the Buddy Read. Thanks to Carol and Wendy for organisinig it. Thanks too to the author for providing an ARC.
"Look, I know:
romance authors aren’t respected in the literary community."
I don’t know about that. OK, they probably won’t win the next Booker Prize but romance writing has its place and it keeps me entertained for hours on end. So thank you very much Romance Writers.
To all my Twatters, I will try and get the hang of Twitter one of these days…
July 12, 2015
FREE for a limited time! * Amazon US * Amazon UK *
(Check price before purchasing!)
Word Play took me by surprise. It's a delicious mix of sweet romance and satirical humour, poking good natured fun at our reading community. I laughed out loud, I swooned over Michael and generally had the best time reading this romantic satire. Let me tell you why....
The premise
Michael Rourke, wannabe mystery writer, discovers that Smut sells, and it sells big!
A winning formula.
Michael struggles to make a living as a mystery writer but, with an erotica pen name of Christoph Strong, he's hot property and a book superstar. His identity is secret and he plans to keep it that way?
Enter Monica Singer, blogger extraordinaire, who's not Christoph's biggest fan, and has secrets of her own!
Romance
The heroine is likable but nothing special which sounds harsh, but it really doesn't matter because it's Michael who's the star character! The page completely lights up with Mr smut-tastic and you want the romance to work out because of him!
Lovely, beautiful romance
***
There's always been a snobbery about erotic fiction from certain readerships and writers, and Michael's story wonderfully demonstrates the irony and, dare I say, idiocy of this snobbery.
Anyone who uses social network sites will get a giggle out of this story, no doubt about it. Word Play stands back and takes an ironic and satirical look at the social world we all love, it's intricacies and oddities.
The blog posts of Monica's Musings give a unique quality to the story and are at the center of the humour giving perfect fluidity and pacing. The musings hilariously poke a little fun at us, myself included, but it's all in good humour and, as with all satire, there's an element of truth to the musings, which is what makes them so funny.
That may or may not be me, lmao!!
Sometimes when people trash a book that I love, it makes me feel a little sad inside, I'm only human readers and you know that feeling, right? Well, since reading Word Play, those reviews make me smile because they take me right back to Monica's Musings! hehe
I think the way it made me smile and laugh throughout is my favourite aspect! The satire and Monica's Musings are the absolute star of the read, outshining even the romance.
A lovely part towards the end highlights the greatness of our community, the love and mutual respect we share. It's really touching and gave a perfect balance to the story.
If you're a romantic, a book blogger, a reviewer, a lover of social media and can take good natured satirical humour with the fun it's intended to be, then I believe you would LOVE this book. I have not stopped thinking about it, and it's been well over a week since I read it!
Standalone fun
♥ BR with a great group of ladies
ARC was supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review
(Check price before purchasing!)
Word Play took me by surprise. It's a delicious mix of sweet romance and satirical humour, poking good natured fun at our reading community. I laughed out loud, I swooned over Michael and generally had the best time reading this romantic satire. Let me tell you why....
The premise
Michael Rourke, wannabe mystery writer, discovers that Smut sells, and it sells big!
A winning formula.
Michael struggles to make a living as a mystery writer but, with an erotica pen name of Christoph Strong, he's hot property and a book superstar. His identity is secret and he plans to keep it that way?
Enter Monica Singer, blogger extraordinaire, who's not Christoph's biggest fan, and has secrets of her own!
Romance
The heroine is likable but nothing special which sounds harsh, but it really doesn't matter because it's Michael who's the star character! The page completely lights up with Mr smut-tastic and you want the romance to work out because of him!
Lovely, beautiful romance
***
There's always been a snobbery about erotic fiction from certain readerships and writers, and Michael's story wonderfully demonstrates the irony and, dare I say, idiocy of this snobbery.
Anyone who uses social network sites will get a giggle out of this story, no doubt about it. Word Play stands back and takes an ironic and satirical look at the social world we all love, it's intricacies and oddities.
The blog posts of Monica's Musings give a unique quality to the story and are at the center of the humour giving perfect fluidity and pacing. The musings hilariously poke a little fun at us, myself included, but it's all in good humour and, as with all satire, there's an element of truth to the musings, which is what makes them so funny.
That may or may not be me, lmao!!
Sometimes when people trash a book that I love, it makes me feel a little sad inside, I'm only human readers and you know that feeling, right? Well, since reading Word Play, those reviews make me smile because they take me right back to Monica's Musings! hehe
I think the way it made me smile and laugh throughout is my favourite aspect! The satire and Monica's Musings are the absolute star of the read, outshining even the romance.
A lovely part towards the end highlights the greatness of our community, the love and mutual respect we share. It's really touching and gave a perfect balance to the story.
If you're a romantic, a book blogger, a reviewer, a lover of social media and can take good natured satirical humour with the fun it's intended to be, then I believe you would LOVE this book. I have not stopped thinking about it, and it's been well over a week since I read it!
Standalone fun
♥ BR with a great group of ladies
ARC was supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review
Want to read
July 12, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (7/11/2015)
Stand-alone.
BLURB:
Smut sells.
Michael Rourke learned this the hard way.
Struggling to make ends meet as a mystery writer, he sold his soul - and his pride - as he pedaled sex and lust writing under the pen name Christoph Strong.
No one knew he was the one behind the steamy stories on the bestsellers lists. And he planned to keep it that way.
Until he met her.
Monica Singer, an infamous blogger, is keen to discover the truth of his secret identity.
During a chance meeting at a book convention, Michael and Monica form an instant connection. And soon, an industry rivalry becomes something else entirely.
But as Michael starts to let his guard down, he doesn’t realize that the person he's learning to trust may be hiding secrets of her own.
Secrets that could ultimately destroy everything.
http://www.amazon.com/Word-Play-Amali...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 430 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
May 31, 2014
Book – Word Play
Author – Amalie Silver
Publication Date – July 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance/Humor
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
So enough ribbing Amalie….I promised you a review and by god…I will give you a review! Why have I waited so long to write this? Honest to fuck…I have no clue cause I do have so much to say about this little diamond! (yup, not a gem…but a big ole diamond)
When Ms. Silver first came to me and asked me to review this book, just like I always do – I jump right on it since she is one of my favorite authors and friends! (smushy feelings) ---- she warned me, I mean she was worried how I would react to the book and the satire about our community. She also thought it might cause some controversy and along the way pick up some haters. But after reading the book and laughing at myself and others, I honestly didn’t think she had anything to worry about. So I expressed to her that she really needed to share this – just a review by me wasn’t enough to get the word out – I wanted to do something SPECIAL for her. She was such a sweetie to let Wendy and I use this book as a guinea pig in our experiment with a focus group concentrating on giving the author some honest feedback, have fun with games, and chat it up with old friends and new. And so that is how GReat Buddy Read Promos was born. A very special thanks to my friendand lover ----- *ahem sorry I lost myself for a minute but God’s honest truth…she did offer some sexual favors. ♥
First I want to say that this is a top read of 2014 for me. There are just too too too many bits of humor tucked in here to share them all with you ----- but I will be honest and I have to compare this to a Tara Sivec’s knee slapping type of humor but add into that a satire about us…yes, I did say US.
Ms. Silver delivers some tongue in cheek humor about the writing community…not just authors, but reviewers, bloggers, trolls, blog tour coordinators (I laughed my ass off on that one – see I can laugh at myself), book signings etc. In sense, Ms. Silver delivers a story within a story – we have the main story of our MCs while we get blog posts which consist of interviewing the reading/writing community from Monica’s Musings.
In our character list we have Betty Black (the erotica writer), Christoph Strong (male erotica writer) – both of these using pen names – add into that Monica (Monica’s Musings), Jeffrey (token gay friend), Claire (PNR author) and you have the perfect ingredients for slapstick humor, steamy sex, heavy flirting, angst, and romance.
What can I say about this book? I have so much I want to share but I seem to have hit a mental block because all I can think of is summer sausage, bathroom sex, scrabble, Nicholas Sparks and M&M’s. Yeah, you have to read this book to get an answer to those fantasies swirling around my brain! Oh and the sex? Ah yeah…that was honest (best scene in the bathroom stall) but it was the build up to the sex that made this story….flirting while playing scrabble – the foreplay and build up to the act was the icing on the cake.
So give this a chance….see if you can figure out the mystery of who everyone is…cause I haven’t seen one person completely guess the little twist Ms. Silver adds to this story!
Wrap-Up
Fast funny read….sucks you in to a world we all know and love! Can you laugh at yourself? Can you say, “Yeah, I know someone like that.”? Can you guess what summer sausages has to do with this story? Seriously folks….I recommend this book to EVERYONE who loves a good laugh!
I want to personally thank all the wonderful ladies who helped get this focus group off the ground and running! You are the backbone to this community.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Amalie Silver
Publication Date – July 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance/Humor
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
So enough ribbing Amalie….I promised you a review and by god…I will give you a review! Why have I waited so long to write this? Honest to fuck…I have no clue cause I do have so much to say about this little diamond! (yup, not a gem…but a big ole diamond)
When Ms. Silver first came to me and asked me to review this book, just like I always do – I jump right on it since she is one of my favorite authors and friends! (smushy feelings) ---- she warned me, I mean she was worried how I would react to the book and the satire about our community. She also thought it might cause some controversy and along the way pick up some haters. But after reading the book and laughing at myself and others, I honestly didn’t think she had anything to worry about. So I expressed to her that she really needed to share this – just a review by me wasn’t enough to get the word out – I wanted to do something SPECIAL for her. She was such a sweetie to let Wendy and I use this book as a guinea pig in our experiment with a focus group concentrating on giving the author some honest feedback, have fun with games, and chat it up with old friends and new. And so that is how GReat Buddy Read Promos was born. A very special thanks to my friend
First I want to say that this is a top read of 2014 for me. There are just too too too many bits of humor tucked in here to share them all with you ----- but I will be honest and I have to compare this to a Tara Sivec’s knee slapping type of humor but add into that a satire about us…yes, I did say US.
Ms. Silver delivers some tongue in cheek humor about the writing community…not just authors, but reviewers, bloggers, trolls, blog tour coordinators (I laughed my ass off on that one – see I can laugh at myself), book signings etc. In sense, Ms. Silver delivers a story within a story – we have the main story of our MCs while we get blog posts which consist of interviewing the reading/writing community from Monica’s Musings.
In our character list we have Betty Black (the erotica writer), Christoph Strong (male erotica writer) – both of these using pen names – add into that Monica (Monica’s Musings), Jeffrey (token gay friend), Claire (PNR author) and you have the perfect ingredients for slapstick humor, steamy sex, heavy flirting, angst, and romance.
What can I say about this book? I have so much I want to share but I seem to have hit a mental block because all I can think of is summer sausage, bathroom sex, scrabble, Nicholas Sparks and M&M’s. Yeah, you have to read this book to get an answer to those fantasies swirling around my brain! Oh and the sex? Ah yeah…that was honest (best scene in the bathroom stall) but it was the build up to the sex that made this story….flirting while playing scrabble – the foreplay and build up to the act was the icing on the cake.
So give this a chance….see if you can figure out the mystery of who everyone is…cause I haven’t seen one person completely guess the little twist Ms. Silver adds to this story!
Wrap-Up
Fast funny read….sucks you in to a world we all know and love! Can you laugh at yourself? Can you say, “Yeah, I know someone like that.”? Can you guess what summer sausages has to do with this story? Seriously folks….I recommend this book to EVERYONE who loves a good laugh!
I want to personally thank all the wonderful ladies who helped get this focus group off the ground and running! You are the backbone to this community.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 14, 2014
3--It Didn't Make Me Smeep--Stars!!!
I am sure this is a case of it's not you, it's me. But I really struggled with this one.
I KNOW it's supposed to be a satire. A funny look at the online/reading world.
Twitter/Twatter, Goodreads/Greatreads, Facebook/Faceplace, Amazon/Amazonia.
And it was at times funny....but most of the time...
The underlying story itself just wasn't plausible. Maybe that was the point. IDK! Maybe it was way over my head!
The characters:
Michael/Christoph--the mystery turned erotica writer. He's embarassed by the fact that he's "sold out" and written erotica to pay the bills.
Betty Black/Lauren Harlo--one of the best selling erotica writers. Christoph's competition.
Monica Singer--blogger. Friend of Betty Black. Not a fan of Christoph--gave his latest book a 3.75 rating.
What ensues is lies, lies and more lies!
About who they are. What they do. What they want. Running away. Pretending. Denying.
Christoph and Betty don't like each other. Michael and Lauren do.
I didn't think it was plausible that no one could know the true identity of the characters. As "famous" as they were, how had their identity not been revealed? Attending author events and whatnot.
And bottomline, I just did not buy the INSTA connection between the main characters.
I wasn't feeling their connection at all. I didn't even find Michael/Christoph all that likable or swoon-worthy.
There was just too much running away from the truth and miscommunication for my liking.
And poor Michael....how did he not figure everything out? It sure didn't take me long.
And I have to give an automatic deduction for the following:
Maybe this was part of the satire too??? I don't know but it drives me crazy!
I think...this one just wasn't for me.
I am sure this is a case of it's not you, it's me. But I really struggled with this one.
I KNOW it's supposed to be a satire. A funny look at the online/reading world.
Twitter/Twatter, Goodreads/Greatreads, Facebook/Faceplace, Amazon/Amazonia.
And it was at times funny....but most of the time...
The underlying story itself just wasn't plausible. Maybe that was the point. IDK! Maybe it was way over my head!
The characters:
Michael/Christoph--the mystery turned erotica writer. He's embarassed by the fact that he's "sold out" and written erotica to pay the bills.
Betty Black/Lauren Harlo--one of the best selling erotica writers. Christoph's competition.
Monica Singer--blogger. Friend of Betty Black. Not a fan of Christoph--gave his latest book a 3.75 rating.
What ensues is lies, lies and more lies!
About who they are. What they do. What they want. Running away. Pretending. Denying.
Christoph and Betty don't like each other. Michael and Lauren do.
I didn't think it was plausible that no one could know the true identity of the characters. As "famous" as they were, how had their identity not been revealed? Attending author events and whatnot.
And bottomline, I just did not buy the INSTA connection between the main characters.
I wasn't feeling their connection at all. I didn't even find Michael/Christoph all that likable or swoon-worthy.
There was just too much running away from the truth and miscommunication for my liking.
And poor Michael....how did he not figure everything out? It sure didn't take me long.
And I have to give an automatic deduction for the following:
"Shit! Lauren? I don’t have a condom,” I chuckled.
“I don’t care,” she whispered back.
I’d never had sex without a condom before, and this was just another tick off my list of firsts with Lauren. It was completely consuming, raw, slick, and warmer than I’d imagined it being. It was the closest thing two people could share, and I was grateful it was with her."
Maybe this was part of the satire too??? I don't know but it drives me crazy!
I think...this one just wasn't for me.
August 1, 2015
I received a recommendation from friends to read Word Play which is the hilarious story of a bloke who writes erotica. I am so glad I listened to them. I haven't laughed so hard or related to a book so well. It was comforting to know that I am not alone in my love for romance and quite normal (mostly) to discuss the characters decisions good or bad and whether the book made me "smeep".
The main characters, Michael and Monica, were funny and sweet with a touch of geek thrown in. I loved the chemistry and connection between them. While their misunderstandings and lack of communication were hard for them, I couldn't help but laugh.
The side characters were funny and made the story even better.
I love it when I can finish a story with a big smile on my face and I definitely did with this little gem. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
The main characters, Michael and Monica, were funny and sweet with a touch of geek thrown in. I loved the chemistry and connection between them. While their misunderstandings and lack of communication were hard for them, I couldn't help but laugh.
The side characters were funny and made the story even better.
I love it when I can finish a story with a big smile on my face and I definitely did with this little gem. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
February 10, 2017
3.5 STARS
Word Play is full of hilarious one-liners, crazy situations, entertaining and lovable characters and enjoyable smut-with-plot storyline. All these features are skillfully blended together in order to make this novel stand out among other books in this genre. There is no denying how original this story is and I would recommend it to all those who are looking for something funny and witty to read!
Word Play takes readers on a journey of successful but unhappy author Michael Rourke. While he sits on the top of bestselling erotica stories list, his aspirations and happiness lie in a mystery genre. But what he would not do to pay a rent, right?
And so we meet his alter ego, his pen name-self Christoph Strong, who is designed to please masses and earn plenty of money. Sounds like a good plan. But only until his true identity is revealed...
Word Play paints bookish world in satiric, slightly caricatural way. If you are uptight readers/bloggers/publishers/authors who take themselves too seriously, you probably won't enjoy this book. For all others, I can say one thing - this is one brilliant idea for an entertaining story! And I'm very hard to please when it comes to funny novels.
I loved the world of GreatReads, FacePlace, Twatter and Instaguru that author created in this book. So close to the reality, yet it was clear all the time that this was not a realistic fiction. Either if it was "The king of kink" Christoph Strong, a shy and secluded Michael or luscious and sassy Monica Singer as narrators, story never lost its magic.
This was my first book this author and I was pleasantly surprised. Now I cannot wait for more by this talented and witty writer. Definitely keeps your eyes open for her future projects!
*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
Word Play is full of hilarious one-liners, crazy situations, entertaining and lovable characters and enjoyable smut-with-plot storyline. All these features are skillfully blended together in order to make this novel stand out among other books in this genre. There is no denying how original this story is and I would recommend it to all those who are looking for something funny and witty to read!
Word Play takes readers on a journey of successful but unhappy author Michael Rourke. While he sits on the top of bestselling erotica stories list, his aspirations and happiness lie in a mystery genre. But what he would not do to pay a rent, right?
And so we meet his alter ego, his pen name-self Christoph Strong, who is designed to please masses and earn plenty of money. Sounds like a good plan. But only until his true identity is revealed...
Word Play paints bookish world in satiric, slightly caricatural way. If you are uptight readers/bloggers/publishers/authors who take themselves too seriously, you probably won't enjoy this book. For all others, I can say one thing - this is one brilliant idea for an entertaining story! And I'm very hard to please when it comes to funny novels.
I loved the world of GreatReads, FacePlace, Twatter and Instaguru that author created in this book. So close to the reality, yet it was clear all the time that this was not a realistic fiction. Either if it was "The king of kink" Christoph Strong, a shy and secluded Michael or luscious and sassy Monica Singer as narrators, story never lost its magic.
This was my first book this author and I was pleasantly surprised. Now I cannot wait for more by this talented and witty writer. Definitely keeps your eyes open for her future projects!
*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
June 5, 2014
4.5 Clever, Smart Banter and Insightful Stars * * * * 1/2
Satire... is a tricky thing... It must juggle and balance the fine line of being sometimes brutal yet still show affection and care for what it is poking fun at. We love to see it... giggle and laugh but when it could be directed at us... close to home... are we up to the task of seeing it for how it is given... with tongue planted firmly in cheek and loads of humor and smarts??? Well, in Word Play by Amalie Silver... I think we can and should...as she has taken the romance industry... put up a reflective mirror and surrounded a love story with all of the elements found in our reading community.
We have a "real writer of Mysteries" who is not making it. He is talented but somehow his work is just not connecting to make a financial living for him. In order to do the basic things needed in life like eat, pay rent and handle his bills, his agent advises him to write a "smut" novel. Because he has a reputation to protect... he creates another persona, Christoph Strong. He is the man who launches the tale of Armond and Jasmine. He is the one readers think is this romance God... able to woo and do all sorts of gymnastics in bed; up against walls and over tables... because really... one would have to be able to do all of that to write it, right? Well...since our writer does not want anyone to know how he is supporting himself... he insists to his agent... no photos, no information, Nothing about Christoph, period.
Now just because he doesn't want anyone to know about his success doesn't mean he isn't proud of his work in a twisted way... after all... he is a best seller... and the ego does exist even in this situation... and every time a terrifically popular romance novelist comes out with her new books, he gets bumped off the top selling position causing this immediate dislike for her and her books. He also has to deal with reviewers and bloggers... and we all know how cut throat that can be... those star ratings... those comments about whether this should have happened or why did that happen... It can just cut to the quick... so he tries to stay away from it all...hiding in his little apartment, living his life.
The turning point and set up for this fun is an Author Event. Somehow his agent has manipulated our guy into doing it. He has no idea about these things...he thinks he will sneak in.. sit, sign a few books and be gone.. saving his Mystery writer rep and no one will be all the wiser. WRONG...His photo has been released... he was in the air traveling to the location and the next thing he knows, the airport is surrounded by fans and paps wanting pictures and pieces of his hair. After a call to his agent... and figuring out what is happening... our guy makes a decision; he will give them what they want... he will become Christoph Strong and play it till he makes it as that is the only way he will come out of this alive. Security has been arranged... the stage is set.
There is another element to all of this... the intense adversary of the other romance author... She will be there... but she is another curious personality, too. She is a pure romantic... and writes because she loves it. She has had a history of falling for writers since college and right now she is trying to stay clear of all of them romantically. She is best friends with a renowned blogger, Monica Singer; their relationship goes way back. Each is supportive of the other. Both were supposed to have been at the event, however, the blogger came down with a terrible cold. When our two writers meet, both somehow end up pretending to be persona's and not who they really are... yet underneath it all... they do share everything they are to each other... and that is the beauty and pain of it all.
All of this is bumpered by the fantastic blog of Monica's Musings. This is the genius of this tale. We are treated to these posts which highlight all the many things about readers, authors, reviewers and how they see themselves. It is really important to note... these types of readers etc. described could be for any genre... and also transferred to any type of fan...sports, entertainment, music, I feel... because it is the type of behavior which is highlighted... and these sections of the book are JUST THE BEST... no, really. They poke at the readers, reviewers, bloggers and authors alike. No one is safe nor should they be. Most importantly, there is a moment later in the book which really reflects the true meaning of all the devotion of all that were teased...it is a thing of beauty.
Now this wouldn't be a romance book without romance... and it is there front and center. Both writers are very good together... the quick back and forth... the chemistry works and you root for them to get it together. He is a wordsmith... which means ... be prepared to swoon and just melt with the things he says. She has her own insecurities which are really easy to relate to... and we want the both of them to figure out this whole thing.
I now am going to tell you... I have never in my life laughed so hard while reading... no really... there are moments in this book which the classic spit take would be appropriate... Real authors are co mingled with the pretend; scenes which are standard in romance are enacted with commentary from him which will make these types of scenes when you read them next more real. I cannot say enough about the quality of timing for the humor and we all know how important that is.
The secondary characters are perfection. Loved all of the relationships each one had with the main people. They did their jobs in providing insight to our leads perfectly and added that element of reality, too.
There is one last thing I want to address... Ms. Silver put the spotlight on the hypocrisy of the publishing and writing community regarding erotic and romance writers. It has been a shame the "writing community" has looked down their noses at the authors in this field. They have continually taken the stand of Romance and Erotica as the Bastard Child. Well, that Bastard Child has been the one which has financially supported all of the publishing houses for decades. It has only been openly discussed with the advent of e-readers and the perfect storm of Fifty Shades and timing. We get to experience our fella go through the arc of hiding his success from his family and co mystery writers to finally seeing and appreciating his skill in this other field. Thank you for incorporating this in Word Play, Ms. Silver.
So as you can see I loved the book...there were a few things which happened which just made me cross eyed... but then... this is a story and we must move the plot...
If you like smart writing... chemistry... a swoon worthy regular guy, sweet romance and some zing too... then take a moment and enjoy Word Play.
A special thank you is warranted to the BR Group read... it was amazing!
Here is a trailor for the book out there... NOT my work:
http://studio.stupeflix.com/v/VxZm4q9...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Satire... is a tricky thing... It must juggle and balance the fine line of being sometimes brutal yet still show affection and care for what it is poking fun at. We love to see it... giggle and laugh but when it could be directed at us... close to home... are we up to the task of seeing it for how it is given... with tongue planted firmly in cheek and loads of humor and smarts??? Well, in Word Play by Amalie Silver... I think we can and should...as she has taken the romance industry... put up a reflective mirror and surrounded a love story with all of the elements found in our reading community.
We have a "real writer of Mysteries" who is not making it. He is talented but somehow his work is just not connecting to make a financial living for him. In order to do the basic things needed in life like eat, pay rent and handle his bills, his agent advises him to write a "smut" novel. Because he has a reputation to protect... he creates another persona, Christoph Strong. He is the man who launches the tale of Armond and Jasmine. He is the one readers think is this romance God... able to woo and do all sorts of gymnastics in bed; up against walls and over tables... because really... one would have to be able to do all of that to write it, right? Well...since our writer does not want anyone to know how he is supporting himself... he insists to his agent... no photos, no information, Nothing about Christoph, period.
Now just because he doesn't want anyone to know about his success doesn't mean he isn't proud of his work in a twisted way... after all... he is a best seller... and the ego does exist even in this situation... and every time a terrifically popular romance novelist comes out with her new books, he gets bumped off the top selling position causing this immediate dislike for her and her books. He also has to deal with reviewers and bloggers... and we all know how cut throat that can be... those star ratings... those comments about whether this should have happened or why did that happen... It can just cut to the quick... so he tries to stay away from it all...hiding in his little apartment, living his life.
The turning point and set up for this fun is an Author Event. Somehow his agent has manipulated our guy into doing it. He has no idea about these things...he thinks he will sneak in.. sit, sign a few books and be gone.. saving his Mystery writer rep and no one will be all the wiser. WRONG...His photo has been released... he was in the air traveling to the location and the next thing he knows, the airport is surrounded by fans and paps wanting pictures and pieces of his hair. After a call to his agent... and figuring out what is happening... our guy makes a decision; he will give them what they want... he will become Christoph Strong and play it till he makes it as that is the only way he will come out of this alive. Security has been arranged... the stage is set.
There is another element to all of this... the intense adversary of the other romance author... She will be there... but she is another curious personality, too. She is a pure romantic... and writes because she loves it. She has had a history of falling for writers since college and right now she is trying to stay clear of all of them romantically. She is best friends with a renowned blogger, Monica Singer; their relationship goes way back. Each is supportive of the other. Both were supposed to have been at the event, however, the blogger came down with a terrible cold. When our two writers meet, both somehow end up pretending to be persona's and not who they really are... yet underneath it all... they do share everything they are to each other... and that is the beauty and pain of it all.
All of this is bumpered by the fantastic blog of Monica's Musings. This is the genius of this tale. We are treated to these posts which highlight all the many things about readers, authors, reviewers and how they see themselves. It is really important to note... these types of readers etc. described could be for any genre... and also transferred to any type of fan...sports, entertainment, music, I feel... because it is the type of behavior which is highlighted... and these sections of the book are JUST THE BEST... no, really. They poke at the readers, reviewers, bloggers and authors alike. No one is safe nor should they be. Most importantly, there is a moment later in the book which really reflects the true meaning of all the devotion of all that were teased...it is a thing of beauty.
Now this wouldn't be a romance book without romance... and it is there front and center. Both writers are very good together... the quick back and forth... the chemistry works and you root for them to get it together. He is a wordsmith... which means ... be prepared to swoon and just melt with the things he says. She has her own insecurities which are really easy to relate to... and we want the both of them to figure out this whole thing.
I now am going to tell you... I have never in my life laughed so hard while reading... no really... there are moments in this book which the classic spit take would be appropriate... Real authors are co mingled with the pretend; scenes which are standard in romance are enacted with commentary from him which will make these types of scenes when you read them next more real. I cannot say enough about the quality of timing for the humor and we all know how important that is.
The secondary characters are perfection. Loved all of the relationships each one had with the main people. They did their jobs in providing insight to our leads perfectly and added that element of reality, too.
There is one last thing I want to address... Ms. Silver put the spotlight on the hypocrisy of the publishing and writing community regarding erotic and romance writers. It has been a shame the "writing community" has looked down their noses at the authors in this field. They have continually taken the stand of Romance and Erotica as the Bastard Child. Well, that Bastard Child has been the one which has financially supported all of the publishing houses for decades. It has only been openly discussed with the advent of e-readers and the perfect storm of Fifty Shades and timing. We get to experience our fella go through the arc of hiding his success from his family and co mystery writers to finally seeing and appreciating his skill in this other field. Thank you for incorporating this in Word Play, Ms. Silver.
So as you can see I loved the book...there were a few things which happened which just made me cross eyed... but then... this is a story and we must move the plot...
If you like smart writing... chemistry... a swoon worthy regular guy, sweet romance and some zing too... then take a moment and enjoy Word Play.
A special thank you is warranted to the BR Group read... it was amazing!
Here is a trailor for the book out there... NOT my work:
http://studio.stupeflix.com/v/VxZm4q9...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 15, 2014
♥♥♥ 3.5 Stars ♥♥♥
smeep (smep) v.
1. To give forth a short, shrill cry or sound. 2. To utter in a thin, shrill voice in extreme fandom.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"I would have loved to know what it would be like to have her always--"
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
What can I say? When I read the blurb, I couldn't help but want to read this book. I'm glad I did, because the idea of it was quite original and entertaining.
The book was freaking funny. I enjoyed the fact that it kind of made fun of the online romance reading community. I was a few chapters in and I couldn't help but laugh. The name plays of all the social media outlets had me chuckling. I liked the blog posts that were placed throughout the book. I also liked the exaggeration of how blogger/reviewers, readers, and authors acted. It was highly amusing.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
'Never in a million years had I really considered that once my identity was uncovered, they'd come flocking. I'd apparently misunderstood the sexual deprivation and borderline psychotic fantasies of this country's romance-reading community.'
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
The story was about an author who's only wish is to make it as a writer in the mystery genre. However, when his series is not garnering as much as his publishing house and he would like, he decides to try in the genre that keeps rising in popularity, erotica. He does this under the pen name of Christoph Strong. No one knows that his name is Michael Rourke, or how he looks like. And he wants to keep it that way.
He heads to Houston for a book convention in hopes of seeing his nemisis Betty Black. But the unthinkable happens, someone has leaked an image of him. Now, everyone knows who he is, but his real name still remains unrevealed. Pandemonium ensues and all his fans have become crazies in lust with him. It is during this convention that he meets Monica Singer. She is a blogger who gave the first book of his erotica series a 3.75. Since then, he hasn't liked her for what was said in her review. But he was not expecting her to be so attractive. Now, he can't seem to stay away from her. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize that Monica is keeping a secret from him.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"I want him for life. I want him for forever."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Like I said the book was really funny. It was unique and lots of fun. I had a good laugh at the romance community and myself. Still, the only part I didn't enjoy as much as I was hoping to, was the romance aspect between Michael and Lauren. I couldn't feel them 100% on that level. It took a while for something to happen between, and when it did, it felt rushed. Some things that Lauren did annoyed me. I'm not sure if this was all purposely done to poke fun at romance novels or not. But, I wanted more. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to anyone who reads romances, follows authors and/or bloggers on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and WordPress, and who doesn't mind laughing at themselves.
P.S. Sorry Michael, I don't round off my ratings either lol.
May 28, 2014
4 "Smeeping" Stars
A Cute, Sweet, Angsty, Romantic, Funny Love Story......A story that involves authors, bloggers, fans, book signings and social media. It is a great satire on this whole community. It was a really fun read, kept me interested, was romantic and angsty, and there was steamy sex too- *Smeeps*
Michael Rourke/Christoph Strong- a writer at a crossroad in his career. He wants to be a mystery writer but instead he writes erotica. He has a pen name so no one knows his secret but as his career takes off, it's time for the literary community to know who he is. While at a book signing event in Houston, all hell breaks loose as he is discovered. The ladies all think that Micheal/Christoph are one in the same but in reality, nothing could be farther from the truth. But the one thing he does know, in order for him to continue being successful, he would have to become like his suave, charismatic, sophisticated, swoomy character he writes about, Armond. He does it so well that he get a little action in the restroom from a woman at the convention. She's a blogger unbeknownst to Christoph and well she proceeds to blog about their little tryst.....
He will have to meet his nemesis Betty Black at the convention. She's the best in the business and manages to bump his books when hers comes out. She is a no show but he does meet Monica, Monica Singer, one of the top bloggers in the industry, who gave his book 3.75 stars. There is a familiarity between the two but they both ignore it. When a room mishap occurs, a spark ignites, and they are drawn to one another and this time they can't ignore.
What should be easy for these two becomes complicated and misconstrued. There is no way to continue without spoiling the rest of the story.
There are times when you need a story that takes you to a perfectly blissfull place where you laugh, get mad, you smile, you blush, you get angsty, and then you get happy. This book delivers all.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
BR with GReads Buddy Reads (a great group of ladies lead by Carol and Wendy- thanks girlies, had so much reading with all of you)♥♥♥
A Cute, Sweet, Angsty, Romantic, Funny Love Story......A story that involves authors, bloggers, fans, book signings and social media. It is a great satire on this whole community. It was a really fun read, kept me interested, was romantic and angsty, and there was steamy sex too- *Smeeps*
Michael Rourke/Christoph Strong- a writer at a crossroad in his career. He wants to be a mystery writer but instead he writes erotica. He has a pen name so no one knows his secret but as his career takes off, it's time for the literary community to know who he is. While at a book signing event in Houston, all hell breaks loose as he is discovered. The ladies all think that Micheal/Christoph are one in the same but in reality, nothing could be farther from the truth. But the one thing he does know, in order for him to continue being successful, he would have to become like his suave, charismatic, sophisticated, swoomy character he writes about, Armond. He does it so well that he get a little action in the restroom from a woman at the convention. She's a blogger unbeknownst to Christoph and well she proceeds to blog about their little tryst.....
He will have to meet his nemesis Betty Black at the convention. She's the best in the business and manages to bump his books when hers comes out. She is a no show but he does meet Monica, Monica Singer, one of the top bloggers in the industry, who gave his book 3.75 stars. There is a familiarity between the two but they both ignore it. When a room mishap occurs, a spark ignites, and they are drawn to one another and this time they can't ignore.
What should be easy for these two becomes complicated and misconstrued. There is no way to continue without spoiling the rest of the story.
There are times when you need a story that takes you to a perfectly blissfull place where you laugh, get mad, you smile, you blush, you get angsty, and then you get happy. This book delivers all.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
BR with GReads Buddy Reads (a great group of ladies lead by Carol and Wendy- thanks girlies, had so much reading with all of you)♥♥♥
June 7, 2014
GAH!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK! it was original, witty, romantic, and incredibly funny! It made no issue in making fun of itself, poking fun at the colorful world of the literary community and in the end proving to be almost satirical in nature. It was well written, beautiful and had me mourning it's loss when I turned the last page. Told in dual pov's, this book rocked.
Michael Rourke is struggling under the pressure to write in a genre he never intended to. Under the pen name Christoph Strong, he writes erotica when he'd rather be writing mysteries. But smut pays the bills and Michael plays along.
At a book convention he meets 'Monica Singer', an infamous blogger that had previously flayed his work. Despite an instant attraction and unusual connection, these two have a hard time trusting each other. She's trying to figure out who he really is while he's trying to keep his identity a secret. Through a mix up of hilarious hijinks and deceptive identities, 'Christoph' and Monica keep getting thrown together. There's something more to their connection and they both know it, but insecurities get in the way and doubts prevent real trust from taking flight. Can they get past their masks and embrace who they are?
This is a book that's better read knowing very little. I literally couldn't put it down and loved every second of it! Monica was a great character, I loved her. She was smart and funny, hiding behind her insecurities. Michael was incredible! I adored this man. He connected with Monica over scrabble, how awesome is that?? His desperation to be with her was palpable and I loved seeing him put his pride aside to do so.
This was a very fresh take on CR, it didn't get weighed down with excessive drama and useless plot developments. It was fun, intelligent, hot and addictive to read. I love finding books like this. It was a fantastic story that had a sweet epilogue and had me misting up at the end, highly recommended!!! Loved it!
** copy graciously provided by Amalie Silver for review **
Michael Rourke is struggling under the pressure to write in a genre he never intended to. Under the pen name Christoph Strong, he writes erotica when he'd rather be writing mysteries. But smut pays the bills and Michael plays along.
At a book convention he meets 'Monica Singer', an infamous blogger that had previously flayed his work. Despite an instant attraction and unusual connection, these two have a hard time trusting each other. She's trying to figure out who he really is while he's trying to keep his identity a secret. Through a mix up of hilarious hijinks and deceptive identities, 'Christoph' and Monica keep getting thrown together. There's something more to their connection and they both know it, but insecurities get in the way and doubts prevent real trust from taking flight. Can they get past their masks and embrace who they are?
This is a book that's better read knowing very little. I literally couldn't put it down and loved every second of it! Monica was a great character, I loved her. She was smart and funny, hiding behind her insecurities. Michael was incredible! I adored this man. He connected with Monica over scrabble, how awesome is that?? His desperation to be with her was palpable and I loved seeing him put his pride aside to do so.
This was a very fresh take on CR, it didn't get weighed down with excessive drama and useless plot developments. It was fun, intelligent, hot and addictive to read. I love finding books like this. It was a fantastic story that had a sweet epilogue and had me misting up at the end, highly recommended!!! Loved it!
** copy graciously provided by Amalie Silver for review **
August 1, 2014
4 Playful Stars.
Christoph Strong, the pen name of Michael Rourke , is one of the best-selling smut authors and girls love his books. They keep reaching the NYT best-seller list. The problem? Michael, the author behind them, hates what he writes. He just want to write mystery novels but he can’t make money out of it, so as he says, he sold his soul to the devil.
In one book convention he meets the infamous book blogger, Monica Singer, the one he stills holds a grudge after she rated his first book only with 3,75 stars.
But the grudge doesn’t hold long and soon things between them get pretty heated. But as the romance grows not only inside the books but also in real life, Michael realizes that Monica is also keeping secrets… and an identity that can jeopardize their entire relationship.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: A sweet and funny romance with a refreshing plot. Everyone (like us, GR readers) that live a little inside the literally world will love this. I loved how a writer who hated romance turned his own life into a romantic drama book.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. Easy flowed, funny and engaging.
Character Development: Although from keeping their identities “private” and both of them being a little stubborn and dramatic, I liked both of them and they had a great chemistry as a couple. It had a nice supporting cast and I definitely would like to read a second novel about them.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
Christoph Strong, the pen name of Michael Rourke , is one of the best-selling smut authors and girls love his books. They keep reaching the NYT best-seller list. The problem? Michael, the author behind them, hates what he writes. He just want to write mystery novels but he can’t make money out of it, so as he says, he sold his soul to the devil.
In one book convention he meets the infamous book blogger, Monica Singer, the one he stills holds a grudge after she rated his first book only with 3,75 stars.
But the grudge doesn’t hold long and soon things between them get pretty heated. But as the romance grows not only inside the books but also in real life, Michael realizes that Monica is also keeping secrets… and an identity that can jeopardize their entire relationship.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: A sweet and funny romance with a refreshing plot. Everyone (like us, GR readers) that live a little inside the literally world will love this. I loved how a writer who hated romance turned his own life into a romantic drama book.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. Easy flowed, funny and engaging.
Character Development: Although from keeping their identities “private” and both of them being a little stubborn and dramatic, I liked both of them and they had a great chemistry as a couple. It had a nice supporting cast and I definitely would like to read a second novel about them.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
July 17, 2014
****FOUR STARS*****
(BR with Dee and Mel)
Michael Rourke is a mystery writer, who, in order to pay the bills, has been writing Erotica books on the side. He goes by the pen name, Christoph Strong, to keep his reputation in tact.
No one knows what Christoph looks like, but he has many fans because of his popular romance series featuring Armond and Jasmine.
The story opens up with a very steamy excerpt from Christoph's latest book and I was already in need of a cold shower!!
Michael is very gorgeous but also a bit of a nerd.
He's about to go to a huge book signing event and decides that he is going to look and act the part of the dashing and handsome author, who can melt the panties off of any lady.
He meets Monica aka Lauren, at the signing and is instantly drawn to her. She is supposedly a blogger who once rated one of his books a 3.75 and had some negative comments about his writing.
So there is a bit of tension between them at the beginning but things soon change when there's a mix up at the hotel and they end up sharing a room.
Monica/Lauren has a few secrets that she is keeping from Michael, but I'll not mention them so as not to ruin the story for anyone. She fears that one of her secrets is so damaging that there is no possible way for her to have a lasting relationship with Michael.
The first half of the book was just a tab bit boring. There were brief hilarious moments but I did doze off several times. Then once the sexy time commenced, the story started to pick up.
The angst ensues when there's a misunderstanding between the two which keeps them apart for a while.
BUT, I loved the little twist with Lauren and Michael's past!!!
I didn't see that coming and it was what kept me fully invested in the story.
I couldn't wait for the truth to come out and that Epilogue was just PERFECTION!!!
I fell a little in love with Michael and his sweet & romantic gestures.
Word Play is a cute and sexy story which I'd definitely recommend!
(BR with Dee and Mel)
Michael Rourke is a mystery writer, who, in order to pay the bills, has been writing Erotica books on the side. He goes by the pen name, Christoph Strong, to keep his reputation in tact.
No one knows what Christoph looks like, but he has many fans because of his popular romance series featuring Armond and Jasmine.
The story opens up with a very steamy excerpt from Christoph's latest book and I was already in need of a cold shower!!
Michael is very gorgeous but also a bit of a nerd.
He's about to go to a huge book signing event and decides that he is going to look and act the part of the dashing and handsome author, who can melt the panties off of any lady.
He meets Monica aka Lauren, at the signing and is instantly drawn to her. She is supposedly a blogger who once rated one of his books a 3.75 and had some negative comments about his writing.
So there is a bit of tension between them at the beginning but things soon change when there's a mix up at the hotel and they end up sharing a room.
Monica/Lauren has a few secrets that she is keeping from Michael, but I'll not mention them so as not to ruin the story for anyone. She fears that one of her secrets is so damaging that there is no possible way for her to have a lasting relationship with Michael.
The first half of the book was just a tab bit boring. There were brief hilarious moments but I did doze off several times. Then once the sexy time commenced, the story started to pick up.
The angst ensues when there's a misunderstanding between the two which keeps them apart for a while.
BUT, I loved the little twist with Lauren and Michael's past!!!
I didn't see that coming and it was what kept me fully invested in the story.
I couldn't wait for the truth to come out and that Epilogue was just PERFECTION!!!
I fell a little in love with Michael and his sweet & romantic gestures.
Word Play is a cute and sexy story which I'd definitely recommend!
July 14, 2014
2.5 Stars
This book was something different.. I think the idea is original, no doubt.
But
I couldn't take the story serious. It was too unrealistic. Maybe it was intended by the author.
Still I had little use for this particular writing style.
At first this was my only complaint. But then average NA stuff came in addition:
- dumb heroine
- unprotected sex
BTW I believe it was only their 3rd meeting
- the reasoning behind some actions didn't make sense to me.
- the whole pen name thing and keeping their identities anonymous
I can't even give you a short summary of the storyline because
This book was something different.. I think the idea is original, no doubt.
But
I couldn't take the story serious. It was too unrealistic. Maybe it was intended by the author.
Still I had little use for this particular writing style.
At first this was my only complaint. But then average NA stuff came in addition:
- dumb heroine
- unprotected sex
“Shit! Lauren? I don’t have a condom,” I chuckled.
(...)
“I don’t care,” she whispered back
BTW I believe it was only their 3rd meeting
- the reasoning behind some actions didn't make sense to me.
- the whole pen name thing and keeping their identities anonymous
I can't even give you a short summary of the storyline because
May 4, 2017
***3.5 SMEEPING Stars***
For anyone on GR, Twitter, Facebook, Wordpress, Instagram, who follows their favorite author on all social media outlets, reads reviews, follows bloggers, is a blogger, knows a blogger, wants to be a blogger....ANY of the above...this book is for you!
It is a laugh-out-loud and laugh-at-yourself satirical look at the online romance reading community. If you make it to 25% of the book and haven't laughed out loud at least once, close the book and move on.....YOU DON'T GET IT. Or maybe you do....but just don't have a sense of humor? Or take things too seriously? Either way...if you haven't laughed....move on. This book has gone over your head.
The author did a fantastic job of capturing the little nuances and intricacies of our little online reading community. Is it sunshine and rainbows? No. Can a day on GR turn into a scene from Mean Girls? Yes. Do you make friends that you wouldn't otherwise have met if it wasn't for an online gathering place or a common interest in porn on paper? Yes.
For me, the setting is the real star of this novel.
Now, the romance.
Unfortunately it fell flat for me.
I didn't connect. I couldn't get on board with some of the leading lady's decisions and actions, which led me to feel disconnected and distanced from the relationship being built. Also, it was a bit insta-love, which I don't always frown upon, but if I can't connect with a character then I certainly can't connect to any of the emotions. Jeez....could I use the word "connect" any more?!?! I should really get a thesaurus.
I will say that if you take the romance out, this is a thought provoking book about the romance reading community. Equal time is spent looking at the perception from both the reader and author's eyes. I think I was so focused on all of those little nuances, that the romance felt secondary and I just wasn't as interested. When it comes to that, this book may fall into the "it was me" category.
So, overall I liked it but didn't love it.
Also, a big THANK YOU to the lovely ladies that I was able to do this BR with!
This review is based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through GReat Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.
For anyone on GR, Twitter, Facebook, Wordpress, Instagram, who follows their favorite author on all social media outlets, reads reviews, follows bloggers, is a blogger, knows a blogger, wants to be a blogger....ANY of the above...this book is for you!
It is a laugh-out-loud and laugh-at-yourself satirical look at the online romance reading community. If you make it to 25% of the book and haven't laughed out loud at least once, close the book and move on.....YOU DON'T GET IT. Or maybe you do....but just don't have a sense of humor? Or take things too seriously? Either way...if you haven't laughed....move on. This book has gone over your head.
The author did a fantastic job of capturing the little nuances and intricacies of our little online reading community. Is it sunshine and rainbows? No. Can a day on GR turn into a scene from Mean Girls? Yes. Do you make friends that you wouldn't otherwise have met if it wasn't for an online gathering place or a common interest in porn on paper? Yes.
For me, the setting is the real star of this novel.
Now, the romance.
Unfortunately it fell flat for me.
I didn't connect. I couldn't get on board with some of the leading lady's decisions and actions, which led me to feel disconnected and distanced from the relationship being built. Also, it was a bit insta-love, which I don't always frown upon, but if I can't connect with a character then I certainly can't connect to any of the emotions. Jeez....could I use the word "connect" any more?!?! I should really get a thesaurus.
I will say that if you take the romance out, this is a thought provoking book about the romance reading community. Equal time is spent looking at the perception from both the reader and author's eyes. I think I was so focused on all of those little nuances, that the romance felt secondary and I just wasn't as interested. When it comes to that, this book may fall into the "it was me" category.
So, overall I liked it but didn't love it.
Also, a big THANK YOU to the lovely ladies that I was able to do this BR with!
This review is based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through GReat Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.
July 17, 2014
***3.5 Witty Stars***
(BR with Mel & Patty)
This book is a written tribute to our beloved reading community. A romance between two authors with a vivid and sexy imagination. The story involves not only authors but bloggers, street teams and the interactive reading websites; all the things we readers love when it comes to sharing our books.
While I admit this book was enterteining and it had a a lot of potential the plot fell flat for me. I was aggravated by the way both characters would handle the bad situations they were creating, really intense lack of communication. I wasn't able to connect with this characters until the very end, which brings me to my favorite part of the book; the epilogue. The way this story ended was super sweet and witty and made up for the rest of the things that didn't sit well with me.
(BR with Mel & Patty)
This book is a written tribute to our beloved reading community. A romance between two authors with a vivid and sexy imagination. The story involves not only authors but bloggers, street teams and the interactive reading websites; all the things we readers love when it comes to sharing our books.
While I admit this book was enterteining and it had a a lot of potential the plot fell flat for me. I was aggravated by the way both characters would handle the bad situations they were creating, really intense lack of communication. I wasn't able to connect with this characters until the very end, which brings me to my favorite part of the book; the epilogue. The way this story ended was super sweet and witty and made up for the rest of the things that didn't sit well with me.
August 3, 2016
This was a super FUN read! If you are comfortable enough in your own skin and can laugh at yourself, you'll enjoy this immensely!
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
July 24, 2014
4 Smeep Stars!
(BR with Patty & Denisse)
Michael Rourke is a 31 yr. old writer who lives in Portland, and enjoys writing mysteries. He is just a single, average guy living a normal quiet life. He is running low on money, and not too successful as an author. His first couple books are failures. Fifty Shades & erotica are the rage, & he needs a paycheck, so he decides to give in to what is currently in demand.
Michael begins writing erotica under the pen name Christoph Strong. Nobody knows his true identity except his agent. His friends and family don't even know he is Christoph Strong. He doesn't share his success with anyone, and his writing of erotica becomes his dirty little secret.
He hits it big time with his erotica series Jasmine & Armond. This series puts him on the New York Times & USA Today best seller lists, & his name is known around the world as an international best seller. His sales continue to skyrocket as Christoph Strong, and he is known around the globe as The King of Kink! ;))
Michael is currently working on the final book in the Armond series. He considers himself plain & ordinary, & just nothing special, yet females everywhere are fascinated with him. His readers think he "is" Armond. In reality he is a guy who isn't too put together, drinks too much, and hasn't been with a woman in almost a year. He finds out he has to attend a big book convention in Houston, & is nervous he will have to reveal the face of Christoph Strong to the world. This will be his first public appearance as Christoph.
Michael decides to get into character and become the Christoph Strong. He is going to be the confident, sexy author everyone is expecting. He tries to find the perfect balance between Armond & Christoph. The problem is his photo is leaked to the press & on the internet, and he is afraid his real identity will be linked to his fake one.
At the book signing Christoph meets a popular, ruthless blogger from Vancouver. Her name is Monica Singer, and she is known for giving harsh criticism on her blog post. She has one of the top blogs around, and gave Christoph's book a poor review. Michael is stunned by how beautiful she is. He spends time with her, and circumstances keep throwing them together.
Turns out Monica also isn't who she appears to be. They both have a lot of secrets, but they really enjoy each others company. This turns out to be a nice love story with some great twists & a beautiful epilogue.
-With overbearing authority, this woman commanded attention; she owned it, and she dominated the room with her monopolizing presence.
-I coveted her beauty; I could've stared at her all night.
-It was as if I'd been living in a cave all my life and saw the sun for the first time. It was a nourishment only she could bring that I'd never knew I craved.
(BR with Patty & Denisse)
Michael Rourke is a 31 yr. old writer who lives in Portland, and enjoys writing mysteries. He is just a single, average guy living a normal quiet life. He is running low on money, and not too successful as an author. His first couple books are failures. Fifty Shades & erotica are the rage, & he needs a paycheck, so he decides to give in to what is currently in demand.
Michael begins writing erotica under the pen name Christoph Strong. Nobody knows his true identity except his agent. His friends and family don't even know he is Christoph Strong. He doesn't share his success with anyone, and his writing of erotica becomes his dirty little secret.
He hits it big time with his erotica series Jasmine & Armond. This series puts him on the New York Times & USA Today best seller lists, & his name is known around the world as an international best seller. His sales continue to skyrocket as Christoph Strong, and he is known around the globe as The King of Kink! ;))
Michael is currently working on the final book in the Armond series. He considers himself plain & ordinary, & just nothing special, yet females everywhere are fascinated with him. His readers think he "is" Armond. In reality he is a guy who isn't too put together, drinks too much, and hasn't been with a woman in almost a year. He finds out he has to attend a big book convention in Houston, & is nervous he will have to reveal the face of Christoph Strong to the world. This will be his first public appearance as Christoph.
Michael decides to get into character and become the Christoph Strong. He is going to be the confident, sexy author everyone is expecting. He tries to find the perfect balance between Armond & Christoph. The problem is his photo is leaked to the press & on the internet, and he is afraid his real identity will be linked to his fake one.
At the book signing Christoph meets a popular, ruthless blogger from Vancouver. Her name is Monica Singer, and she is known for giving harsh criticism on her blog post. She has one of the top blogs around, and gave Christoph's book a poor review. Michael is stunned by how beautiful she is. He spends time with her, and circumstances keep throwing them together.
Turns out Monica also isn't who she appears to be. They both have a lot of secrets, but they really enjoy each others company. This turns out to be a nice love story with some great twists & a beautiful epilogue.
-With overbearing authority, this woman commanded attention; she owned it, and she dominated the room with her monopolizing presence.
-I coveted her beauty; I could've stared at her all night.
-It was as if I'd been living in a cave all my life and saw the sun for the first time. It was a nourishment only she could bring that I'd never knew I craved.
May 28, 2014
Ability...
1. The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.
2. A natural or acquired skill or talent.
3. The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment; capacity.
The skill or talent, the quality of being suitable or to do something, is not something everyone can have.
Amalie Silver amazed me with her art... simply FANTASTIC .
If you read this book you'll see she wrote about more than one genre, and to be able to do it... is not at the reach of everybody!
She wrote something with romance, erotic, fun, sarcastic, drama... in two words... PURE EMOTION . And she made it BRILLIANTLY .
The conversations are so smart and funny, you'll read twice just to laugh again! And every character on this book had a funny side!
But Michael... ohh Michael...
"Why a flower had become that, I had no idea. Something about flowers always made me think about the reproductive system.
The scent of a rose—and any other flower—was like stuffing your nose into a vagina. What attracts bees to the aroma is
the very reason flowers pollinate and continue to flourish. Smelling a flower was the equivalent to sniffing its
reproductive organs.I shrugged and plucked the flower from its vase, pinning it to my lapel. This’ll do.
I feel like such a pussy."
"Now, I’ll admit, he’s nothing of which I was ashamed, but these girls were not only acting is if I was going to take each one of them into my bed,
but also that my dick sported a red cape with a very large triangle-enclosed ‘S’ on its shaft."
“Are you going to keep writing mysteries and thrillers, or is erotica your thing now?” He eyed me speculatively, as I’m certain he was still on the fence
about whether or not my masculinity had been stripped away with the creation of Armond and Jasmine. He probably thought I would start tap
dancing in the middle of the bar at any minute, or bellowing the electronic version of anything by Cher."
And when you put Michael versus Jeffrey... EPIC
But who are you, Jeffrey? Does Shumaker & Gates represent you as well?”
“Oh, yes! Of course. Why else would I be here?” Jeffrey laughed
“And do you write under your real name or a pen name?”
“Oh. A pen name,” Jeffrey said quickly.
“And what name would that be?” asked Michael.
With his gears turning, I recognized the instant he got an idea.
“Nicholas Sparks,” Jeffrey replied.
The sex scenes are explosive, letting you waiting for more!
"Tell me I can kiss you,” he whispered, tearing his eyes away from mine briefly to appraise my body.
When our mouths fit together, I was a goner. His tongue rolled in sync with mine, keeping a constant rhythm.
His kiss alone gave me enough material to write a series about
I watched his eyes survey me, looking like a kid in a candy store. “I couldn’t even write a woman like you if I tried."
I wanted him closer.
Deeper.
Harder."
I loved our heroine, she was different... in her own way! She's fierce but at the same time insecure... and she loves M&M! How not to love her? :D
And Michael... he is just Perfect ...
***
***
"...this is our literary community. And we’re all a part of it—every last one of us."
I'm not a blogger, i'm not a author... i'm only a vivid reader, that loves to read more than anything, but the author made me feel like I was part of the story,
like part of this family!
smeep (smep) v.
1. To give forth a short, shrill cry or sound. 2. To utter in a thin, shrill voice in extreme fandom.
This was me the whole book!
And for that... It deserves the 5 and one million more stars!
***
BR with a bunch of WONDERFUL LADIES! :D
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of a honest review*
1. The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.
2. A natural or acquired skill or talent.
3. The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment; capacity.
The skill or talent, the quality of being suitable or to do something, is not something everyone can have.
Amalie Silver amazed me with her art... simply FANTASTIC .
If you read this book you'll see she wrote about more than one genre, and to be able to do it... is not at the reach of everybody!
She wrote something with romance, erotic, fun, sarcastic, drama... in two words... PURE EMOTION . And she made it BRILLIANTLY .
The conversations are so smart and funny, you'll read twice just to laugh again! And every character on this book had a funny side!
But Michael... ohh Michael...
"Why a flower had become that, I had no idea. Something about flowers always made me think about the reproductive system.
The scent of a rose—and any other flower—was like stuffing your nose into a vagina. What attracts bees to the aroma is
the very reason flowers pollinate and continue to flourish. Smelling a flower was the equivalent to sniffing its
reproductive organs.I shrugged and plucked the flower from its vase, pinning it to my lapel. This’ll do.
I feel like such a pussy."
"Now, I’ll admit, he’s nothing of which I was ashamed, but these girls were not only acting is if I was going to take each one of them into my bed,
but also that my dick sported a red cape with a very large triangle-enclosed ‘S’ on its shaft."
“Are you going to keep writing mysteries and thrillers, or is erotica your thing now?” He eyed me speculatively, as I’m certain he was still on the fence
about whether or not my masculinity had been stripped away with the creation of Armond and Jasmine. He probably thought I would start tap
dancing in the middle of the bar at any minute, or bellowing the electronic version of anything by Cher."
And when you put Michael versus Jeffrey... EPIC
But who are you, Jeffrey? Does Shumaker & Gates represent you as well?”
“Oh, yes! Of course. Why else would I be here?” Jeffrey laughed
“And do you write under your real name or a pen name?”
“Oh. A pen name,” Jeffrey said quickly.
“And what name would that be?” asked Michael.
With his gears turning, I recognized the instant he got an idea.
“Nicholas Sparks,” Jeffrey replied.
The sex scenes are explosive, letting you waiting for more!
"Tell me I can kiss you,” he whispered, tearing his eyes away from mine briefly to appraise my body.
When our mouths fit together, I was a goner. His tongue rolled in sync with mine, keeping a constant rhythm.
His kiss alone gave me enough material to write a series about
I watched his eyes survey me, looking like a kid in a candy store. “I couldn’t even write a woman like you if I tried."
I wanted him closer.
Deeper.
Harder."
I loved our heroine, she was different... in her own way! She's fierce but at the same time insecure... and she loves M&M! How not to love her? :D
And Michael... he is just Perfect ...
***
***
"...this is our literary community. And we’re all a part of it—every last one of us."
I'm not a blogger, i'm not a author... i'm only a vivid reader, that loves to read more than anything, but the author made me feel like I was part of the story,
like part of this family!
smeep (smep) v.
1. To give forth a short, shrill cry or sound. 2. To utter in a thin, shrill voice in extreme fandom.
This was me the whole book!
And for that... It deserves the 5 and one million more stars!
***
BR with a bunch of WONDERFUL LADIES! :D
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of a honest review*
June 17, 2014
5 Smeep, Peanut Butter M&M, Angsty Stars!
Word Play by Amalie Silver was on my TBR for a little while and I was lucky enough to score an ARC for an honest review, so after hopping in on a buddy read, I was all set to go. What I did not expect was to be BLOWN away by this book. It had everything in it, love, a little mystery, some serious angst, satire and some serious Laugh out Loud moments!!
The book starts off and catches you right away, we are reading an excerpt from Christoph Strong's book. Michael is looking to pay the bills, so when his mystery novels are not making the rent he jumps on the erotica band wagon and writes himself a best seller. Since Michael loves getting that rent paid so much, he decides to make his best seller a trilogy. One major problem, his publisher now wants him to promote his books, the issue is that Michael writes his erotica under the pen name Christoph Strong. Christoph is a mystery in the literary world, no one knows him, no one can associated a name to the story. So, when his handsome face is blasted across the world as Christoph he is immediately thrust into world of a superstar.
Michael's inner dialogue and mannerisms are so funny. He is just happy being himself and locked away in his apartment. But he truly embraces the Christoph image which may be good or bad, depending on who is benefitting. Their is some serious hotness going on as Michael embraces his pen name's personality. When Christoph finds himself in the clutches of a blogger and gives and intimate interview, the buzz only gets worse for him!
Michael finds himself a fellow author and buddy in Claire and sets his friend up to trip up a woman that knocks Michael/Christoph on his feet. Christoph gets to meet Monica of Monica's musings, a blogger who didn't rate Christoph's book where he felt it needed to be. Immediately we have sparks with Monica and Christoph and the attraction between them is thick. When a mix up pushes Monica and Christoph into the same room, they do the only thing they can think to do.
Play scrabble:
Their banter and back is forth is so easy to read and you can't help but watch Christoph put his guard down with Monica and show his true self. The one major issue, Monica too is hiding a secret of her own. I don't want to give anything away, but there is some definite angst and back and forth- but you are so drawn in by the fantastic writing that you have to keep reading and not put down. I read this in one day and now I want more. This is one of those books were you catch yourself highlighting things over and over- for example "Channing-fuck-my-face Tatum." Then add on top of that the blog posts by Monica Musing's and you can not but laugh at everything in this book. Its a romance, satire with some swoon worthy moments. I am seriously SMEEPING!! Add on top of that, a great epilogue and you have the whole package!
Word Play by Amalie Silver was on my TBR for a little while and I was lucky enough to score an ARC for an honest review, so after hopping in on a buddy read, I was all set to go. What I did not expect was to be BLOWN away by this book. It had everything in it, love, a little mystery, some serious angst, satire and some serious Laugh out Loud moments!!
The book starts off and catches you right away, we are reading an excerpt from Christoph Strong's book. Michael is looking to pay the bills, so when his mystery novels are not making the rent he jumps on the erotica band wagon and writes himself a best seller. Since Michael loves getting that rent paid so much, he decides to make his best seller a trilogy. One major problem, his publisher now wants him to promote his books, the issue is that Michael writes his erotica under the pen name Christoph Strong. Christoph is a mystery in the literary world, no one knows him, no one can associated a name to the story. So, when his handsome face is blasted across the world as Christoph he is immediately thrust into world of a superstar.
Michael's inner dialogue and mannerisms are so funny. He is just happy being himself and locked away in his apartment. But he truly embraces the Christoph image which may be good or bad, depending on who is benefitting. Their is some serious hotness going on as Michael embraces his pen name's personality. When Christoph finds himself in the clutches of a blogger and gives and intimate interview, the buzz only gets worse for him!
Michael finds himself a fellow author and buddy in Claire and sets his friend up to trip up a woman that knocks Michael/Christoph on his feet. Christoph gets to meet Monica of Monica's musings, a blogger who didn't rate Christoph's book where he felt it needed to be. Immediately we have sparks with Monica and Christoph and the attraction between them is thick. When a mix up pushes Monica and Christoph into the same room, they do the only thing they can think to do.
Play scrabble:
Their banter and back is forth is so easy to read and you can't help but watch Christoph put his guard down with Monica and show his true self. The one major issue, Monica too is hiding a secret of her own. I don't want to give anything away, but there is some definite angst and back and forth- but you are so drawn in by the fantastic writing that you have to keep reading and not put down. I read this in one day and now I want more. This is one of those books were you catch yourself highlighting things over and over- for example "Channing-fuck-my-face Tatum." Then add on top of that the blog posts by Monica Musing's and you can not but laugh at everything in this book. Its a romance, satire with some swoon worthy moments. I am seriously SMEEPING!! Add on top of that, a great epilogue and you have the whole package!
October 19, 2014
3.5 Fun and Smeepy Stars!
OH Michael Rourke...I love a good murder mystery...but you got caught up in the propaganda, the FSOG movement, the "what everyone woman wants now" genre!
Losing sales and swagger, he has become Christoph Strong, writer of erotica, author of the swoon worthy male, keeper of smut, lol! He writes the stuff we horny women love, but he does it all while hiding his identity.
It is a competitive world out there and when the readers, the publishers, the bloggers all want a piece of Christoph, well it is time to embrace that role! Too bad there are those out there who can see right through that façade! Who you say? well, other writers mostly, especially the sassy Betty Black or is she Monica Singer, or Lauren Harlo? See, so many facades!
What a great ride as this author takes you on a trip of irony and satire and delivers a well scripted love story within an setting of writing romance stories! Set in a whirlwind of social media, Christoph and "Monica" find a real connection, a real "want to be with you" emotion that is filled with witty banter and personal comfort.
It may seem like the "one" has finally been met...or have they always been there? Well, you will just have to read the book to figure that out!
OH Michael Rourke...I love a good murder mystery...but you got caught up in the propaganda, the FSOG movement, the "what everyone woman wants now" genre!
Losing sales and swagger, he has become Christoph Strong, writer of erotica, author of the swoon worthy male, keeper of smut, lol! He writes the stuff we horny women love, but he does it all while hiding his identity.
It is a competitive world out there and when the readers, the publishers, the bloggers all want a piece of Christoph, well it is time to embrace that role! Too bad there are those out there who can see right through that façade! Who you say? well, other writers mostly, especially the sassy Betty Black or is she Monica Singer, or Lauren Harlo? See, so many facades!
What a great ride as this author takes you on a trip of irony and satire and delivers a well scripted love story within an setting of writing romance stories! Set in a whirlwind of social media, Christoph and "Monica" find a real connection, a real "want to be with you" emotion that is filled with witty banter and personal comfort.
It may seem like the "one" has finally been met...or have they always been there? Well, you will just have to read the book to figure that out!
July 13, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You deserve a good laugh and Amalie Silver most certainly delivers! Get your FREE copy of Wordplay ☞ <"FREE" and pre-order the Prequel, Four Play ☞ here
This funny satire about the romance book community is FREE! I promise it'll get some straight out laughter out of you, at least a good chuckle and oh... Some blushing too. Sexy times ahead!
More reviews and book talk at :
You deserve a good laugh and Amalie Silver most certainly delivers! Get your FREE copy of Wordplay ☞ <"FREE" and pre-order the Prequel, Four Play ☞ here
This funny satire about the romance book community is FREE! I promise it'll get some straight out laughter out of you, at least a good chuckle and oh... Some blushing too. Sexy times ahead!
More reviews and book talk at :
August 8, 2014
2-2,5 Disappointed Stars
I began this book with every intention to love it but it didn't work out as I wanted. You know what they say... High expectations make for great disappointments.
It's not that the book was such a disaster, but I just couldn't connect with the characters and the whole thing felt shallow. Honestly the 2.5 thing is mostly because I didn't actually want to DNF the book while reading. It wasn't boring, it was just kind of... silly? As you can see I don't have the words to describe exactly what the book lacked.
My biggest WTH moment came with this scene...
"So I decided to come up here and use the bathroom and I didn't know you were here- honest. I've been looking for you all morning." He paused, looking embarassed by his admission. "And well... anyway, I ran into the bathroom and zipped down my panths, and since the curtain was closed I hadn't realized anyone was in the with me!"
I nodded, really trying to keep my smile to a minimum.
"I'd just zipped down my fly, and I sorta- well, I... um. I guess I kinda," his shoulders slouched, "pissed on myself."
Was I supposed to find this funny? I just couldn't. My 3 year-old nephew can pee without wetting his pants and I honestly can't find anything funny or goofy to a grown up guy who can't go to the bathroom and come back unscathed. And even if I could find this funny, how was I supposed to think that the guy is hot after this?
I won't even go to his alcoholism issues that came and went at will. Or his obvious lack of depth and standards when he fucked the sluttish blogger in the bathroom. Yeap... I won't go there!
Anyway, the book just wasn't for me. There will be no smeeping from this corner!;)
I began this book with every intention to love it but it didn't work out as I wanted. You know what they say... High expectations make for great disappointments.
It's not that the book was such a disaster, but I just couldn't connect with the characters and the whole thing felt shallow. Honestly the 2.5 thing is mostly because I didn't actually want to DNF the book while reading. It wasn't boring, it was just kind of... silly? As you can see I don't have the words to describe exactly what the book lacked.
My biggest WTH moment came with this scene...
"So I decided to come up here and use the bathroom and I didn't know you were here- honest. I've been looking for you all morning." He paused, looking embarassed by his admission. "And well... anyway, I ran into the bathroom and zipped down my panths, and since the curtain was closed I hadn't realized anyone was in the with me!"
I nodded, really trying to keep my smile to a minimum.
"I'd just zipped down my fly, and I sorta- well, I... um. I guess I kinda," his shoulders slouched, "pissed on myself."
Was I supposed to find this funny? I just couldn't. My 3 year-old nephew can pee without wetting his pants and I honestly can't find anything funny or goofy to a grown up guy who can't go to the bathroom and come back unscathed. And even if I could find this funny, how was I supposed to think that the guy is hot after this?
I won't even go to his alcoholism issues that came and went at will. Or his obvious lack of depth and standards when he fucked the sluttish blogger in the bathroom. Yeap... I won't go there!
Anyway, the book just wasn't for me. There will be no smeeping from this corner!;)
September 16, 2014
Michael is a struggling mystery writer who discovers a hidden talent writing erotica under the pen name Christoph. Heading to a book signing, Michael’s identity is exposed and in a moment he decides to embrace the idea that he can be Christoph – channeling the swagger of the character he created – he ventured into crazed fan-girl world of romance and erotica readers.
When he meets.... well let’s just stick with Monica, a blogger that gave his book and writing a less than favorable review. And although he wants to be snarky and spiteful he finds that he is enjoying her company far more than expected.
She is walking a fine line of lies – but she’s taken it too far to back down now. Telling Michael the truth now won’t change anything and it could cost her the brief moments that she is getting to spend with him. As she pushes him away, Michael is forced to discover what she’s hiding and what he finds is shocking.
This romance was a fantastic mix of humor and sweetness. Both characters were given solid voices and I loved how their lives intertwined. The premise of this book was original and fun. I loved the sass of these two, the snarky inserts of the blog posts from Monica and the way that Michael was that perfect cross of a bit nerdy and aggressive.
Word Play was one of those reads that gave me a chance to just sit back and enjoy the ride. The humor was perfectly timed and the characters were witty. The characters, both main and supporting were developed well and although we only got bits and pieces of the supporting casts – they shined in this.
The twist of their past was an added bonus to this story. This was my first read from this author, but if this book is the example of what to expect – then I know for certain it won’t be my last. If you like your romances drizzled with a little drama and a lot of humor, this is one you should pick up.
July 14, 2014
This book gets a BIG SOLID 4 STARS!!
Here is the breakdown:
Stars for satire: 4.5
Stars for story/plot: 4
Stars for writing/pace/characterization/flow: 3.5
So, satire is really hard to write (which is why I don't write it). Amalie Silver, however, should write ONLY satire. Because the satire in this book was so good, it was Leprechaun levels of magically delicious.
The story was really good! I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. The plot was solid.
Where this book needed attention was the pacing and characterization. Some sections felt truncated and rushed, which reduced my enjoyment and investment. As well, because of the rushing, I never felt 1 million percent invested in the characters. Yes, this is a satire; therefore, the characters will be-- to a certain extent-- caricatures of an idea of a person. I get that. But truly excellent satire (think Bonfire of the Vanities) also makes these caricatures human. Because... we have to relate. Right?
At this point I should note that, at best, I am an adequate wordsmith. Therefore, take or leave my advice.
My advice is as follows: slow down, enjoy the words as you write them, don't rush to get from point A to point B. Love the characters and the scenes, the tension you create. Enjoy your imagination and telling your story.
Regardless, I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT SATIRE!!!
Here is the breakdown:
Stars for satire: 4.5
Stars for story/plot: 4
Stars for writing/pace/characterization/flow: 3.5
So, satire is really hard to write (which is why I don't write it). Amalie Silver, however, should write ONLY satire. Because the satire in this book was so good, it was Leprechaun levels of magically delicious.
The story was really good! I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. The plot was solid.
Where this book needed attention was the pacing and characterization. Some sections felt truncated and rushed, which reduced my enjoyment and investment. As well, because of the rushing, I never felt 1 million percent invested in the characters. Yes, this is a satire; therefore, the characters will be-- to a certain extent-- caricatures of an idea of a person. I get that. But truly excellent satire (think Bonfire of the Vanities) also makes these caricatures human. Because... we have to relate. Right?
At this point I should note that, at best, I am an adequate wordsmith. Therefore, take or leave my advice.
My advice is as follows: slow down, enjoy the words as you write them, don't rush to get from point A to point B. Love the characters and the scenes, the tension you create. Enjoy your imagination and telling your story.
Regardless, I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT SATIRE!!!
July 14, 2014
4 hilarious and romantic Stars
‘They wanted to read about the slurping, slapping, colliding, and thrusting that damn near leaves the heroine cross-eyed, stunned and with slight concussion.’
G&J: For everyone who ‘lives’ in book world through social media platforms this story will mostly have your sides splitting from laughter and nodding your head at the fantastically sarcastic take on it all. Yes there’s a gorgeous swoon worthy and sexy romance running through it which we absolutely loved. But….the sarcastic humour and satirical take on the before mentioned book world is what had us aching from the belly laughs and loving this story. In actual fact, as bloggers ourselves, we were laughing because yes, we got it and we are quite happy to take the piss out of ourselves too! The romance element was really sweet and sexy and we wondered if this has ever truly happened, if so….awwww!!! ♥
‘Suddenly everyone was an author. And although there was a certain pride that still came with at title, it certainly didn’t carry the same weight it did years ago.’
Now, to say we were devouring this is an understatement. We were loving every laugh out loud minute and every sigh worthy romantic moment. We were sporadically fanning ourselves at the heat factor too. The characters were gorgeous, lovable, sexy, vulnerable and sweet. Word Play is brilliantly written with such a unique and original concept. Taking the mick out of what we know to be partially if not mostly true in book world.
‘I’d apparently misunderstood the sexual deprivation and borderline psychotic fantasies of this country’s romance-reading community.’
So, why only 4 stars? Well, two thirds through it was a solid 5….then something disappointing happened. The story became apologetic to what it had originally set out to be and what it was excelling at so far. It’s as if either an outside influence called a halt or ‘balls’ went bye bye’s. Until then it was fabulous…funny….satirical and sexy. Sadly it became a bit soft, it seemed as though the story began to apologise for what it had been and the voice altered. The romance though remained brilliant in all its intrigue, seductiveness and mystery.
“You’re something to be savored…….Jesus, I couldn’t even write a woman like you if I tried.”
Gitte: Hey J, how many times did we laugh as we related to the book world elements covered in Word Play, like street teams, trolls and the repercussions from honest reviewing?!
Jenny: OMG G! We sure could relate! I think our heads nearly nodded off when we kept having those ‘aha’ moments. We’ve heard about and lived through it all and it became especially giggle worthy when, on the day we read this book we received a PM from a Street Team Member abusing us for not posting our review for a certain author’s book on Amazon. Only problem was we hadn’t actually read or reviewed it at all. Ummm yep, we probably laughed more because we could relate and the tongue in cheek manner in which it was delivered in was priceless hahaha….
‘I’m collecting signed paperbacks as we speak. All the ones I’ve given five stars to. I mean, it’s not like those authors want honest reviews, they just want to see those stars. Half the books I’ve reviewed I haven’t even read.’ – A Blogger
Gitte: So we sure loved it alright, but there was no squee-ing or even smeeping from us…we cringe and shudder whenever squee is used to describe a brilliant story. It somehow devalues the written work in our opinion and also we’re not 10 years old anymore are we, Jenny??
‘I sighed and stuck my hands in my pockets. Smeep. Now officially a word. I shook my head. I weep for this country’s literary future. ‘– Michael
Jenny: Oh dear god! I’m with you and Michael wholeheartedly on that one! Although ‘smeep’ is preferable to ‘the other word! When I see ‘that word’ used to describe their feelings about a book it immediately makes me think the person has read something that’s not to be taken too seriously.
Jenny: The book signings were handled hilariously! I’ve only been to one book signing, you’ve been to two! Anything you’d like to spill G? Any dirty little shenanigans go on as they did in Word Play? If there are, I need to go to more!
When an author is asked how they handle bad reviews:
‘Last month I got back-to-back one star reviews. But I say at least I’m evoking emotion! Not everyone can understand intelligent humor. It’s like I’m British’
Gitte: I haven’t seen any at the signings I’ve been to so I’m clearly missing out! I’m seriously stealing someone’s name badge at the next one I go to…Let’s see how long it takes before someone susses me out hahahaha. Who should I pretend to be???
‘I couldn’t have been further from their perception of who I was.’
Jenny: Haha! Use Michaels name, you might get action. Loved this quote Michaels – this is a regular occurrence for us bookworms G…well, except the teeth cleaning thing…that always gets done ;)
‘I read until three o’clock, completely forgetting about the world around me. I hadn’t showered, shaved, brushed my teeth, or eaten.’
Gitte: Yep absolutely! And this is why WE blog…for the love of the book – the story- the characters. THAT is worth being a smelly hungry reader living in a sometimes messy house for.
G&J: Word Play gave us a chance to laugh at a few of the things which sometimes get us down and we all know laughter is the best medicine. At a time when it sometimes appears as though the quality of the story and the reader’s enjoyment comes second to that much revered spot on the NYT list, where ‘he who markets and street team best’ wins, Amalie Silver captured this unique world to perfection with wit, sarcasm, passion and romance – what a combination!
Word Play satisfied our cynical sides, it tickled our funny bone, it made us laugh at ourselves a few times, it completely satisfied our romance needs and it reminded us that as long as authors keep writing quality stories we’ll keep reading them because despite everything …reading is a passion, a drug and we, its willing romance addicts!
‘She read my thoughts, she embodied my desires. But most importantly, she returned my kiss. I coveted her beauty; I could’ve stared at her all night.’
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
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August 26, 2016
If chocolate were a book, it would be called Word Play. This delicious story consisted the perfect blend of essential ingredients; it was romantic, witty, sweet, tasty, melty, swoony, wicked, steamy, with just enough deeper moments to make my heart flutter.
Michael Rourke
Michael Rourke is a swoony, cocky, charming, sexy as all hell, confident, sweep-you-off-your-feet book boyfriend we all dream about, or is he really?
Monica Singer
Monica Singer is refreshingly sweet yet feisty herione who has a few little secrets of her own.
I don’t want to give too much of the storyline away - but, this is a story about two characters who come from the “Book World” and are both hiding who they really are. I think what I loved most about this book, is the truth to it. It relates to us book lovers, right here, on Good Reads and Facebook. All the book boyfriends we adore, the authors we love, and how easy it is to really get lost in the fantasy of it all. It is so rare to come across a novel with a refreshing take on romance comedies nowadays. Most of our reads consist of angst, love triangles, jealousy, more often then not - putting us through an emotional wringer . I loved that this wasn’t just a romance novel, it had an actual story to it, with little puzzles that needed to be pieced together. If anyone knows me well, they know I love a good romance suspense book with lots of twists n turns. While this was not a romance suspense by any means, it certainly did have a few dirty secrets that needed to unfold, which gave the story backbone.
“But who are you, Jeffrey? Does Shumaker & Gates represent you as well?”
“Oh, yes! Of course. Why else would I be here?” Jeffrey laughed.
“And do you write under your real name or a pen name?”
“Oh. A pen name,” Jeffrey said quickly.
“And what name would that be?” asked Michael.
With his gears turning, I recognized the instant he got an idea.
“Nicholas Sparks,” Jeffrey replied.” <----------- ((( I Almost Died Laughing! THAT was GOLD!!)))
Amelia Silver captured the perfect essence of sexy and funny. She mixes in a touch of angst to pull the whole thing together for a well-rounded unique experience. I never once felt the urge to throttle a character, no eye rolling. Nothing. If anything, it made me laugh at the truth behind the romance book industry. She has become one my favorite authors and I can't wait to read more of her future work!
A big two thumbs up. Loved it!! *smeep*
“smeep (smep) v.
1. To give forth a short, shrill cry or sound. 2. To utter in a thin, shrill voice in extreme fandom.”
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