Links by Lisa Becker ~ Re-release and New Cover!

Happy Release Day!!

Links

Links by Lisa Becker
ebook, 237 pages
Published September 18, 2018

In high school, Charlotte Windham was a typical student going through an awkward phase -- glasses and all. She harbored a crush on Garrett Stephens, the teen heartthrob everyone can’t help but fall for during that unfortunate ugly duckling phase of one’s teen years. Flash forward fifteen years later, and Charlotte and Garrett have a second chance encounter at a Los Angeles restaurant.

However, this time around, Charlotte has leveled the playing field. She’s a bestselling novelist and no longer “Glasses,” the humiliating nickname Garrett called her in high school. In short, she’s a catch now and, thanks to corrective eye surgery, it’s not just her eyes that see better…so does her heart!

Garrett hasn’t fared poorly either, transforming from teen heartbreaker to adult lothario. A now successful professional golfer, he’s recently suffered a major setback in the form of a possible career-ending injury. With the upper hand, can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and for his more recent Don Juan lifestyle? Will she even want to? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be the perfect fit for him?

Congrats Lisa, 
on the re-release today

of your wonderful book, Links!

I read and reviewed Links when it first came out in August 2017. I loved it and I'm so excited to announce the re-release of this fun and fabulous book with a stunning new cover. Isn't it just amazing? 

I've re-posted my thoughts below and if you want to check out an interview with Lisa, hop over to my original post here. 

My thoughts about Links ~~ (originally posted August 1, 2017)

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Charlotte Windham did a quick check of her teeth in the small compact mirror hanging from her key ring before knocking on the oversized wooden door. She undoubtedly had some remnants from lunch trapped within the metal wires of her braces."

Once again, Lisa has written an engaging story that we can all probably relate to in some way. Charlotte is a young girl, a very plain girl, who has a major crush on a very cute boy in high school. And.... she's his tutor. Now that's challenging, to be that close to the guy you dream about and he doesn't even know you are alive, in that kind of way, anyway. Haven't we all been there at some point in our lives?

Fifteen years pass and their lives cross again. Charlotte is a successful writer now and is still attracted to Garrett. But can they get past the way things were in high school? And can Charlotte trust Garrett to not break her heart and leave her when he is ready to move on? I immediately loved Charlotte and was rooting for her as she puts Garrett in his place for the way he treated her in high school. She grew up to become a strong, beautiful woman who deserves to be treated right.

Links is a fun, delightful story that I devoured on my vacation. It is the perfect get-away book that leaves you with a good feeling. Thank you, Lisa, for another very entertaining story!

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About the author

Lisa Becker is am award-winning romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money - on books and margaritas.  In addition to Clutch: a novel, she is the author of the Click trilogy, a contemporary romance series about online dating and Links, a standalone, second chance romance readers call witty, heartfelt and emotionally satisfying. 

As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at www.lisawbecker.com.

Connect with Lisa

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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Book Blitz: Links by Lisa Becker ~ Excerpt and a Giveaway!

Links 

Links by Lisa Becker
Publication date: August 1st 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance

In high school, Charlotte Windham was a typical student going through an awkward phase—glasses and all. She harbored a crush on Garrett Stephens, the teen heartthrob everyone can’t help but fall for during that unfortunate ugly duckling phase of one’s teen years.

Flash forward fifteen years later, and Charlotte and Garrett have a second chance encounter at a Los Angeles restaurant. However, this time around, Charlotte has leveled the playing field. She’s a bestselling novelist and no longer “Glasses,” the humiliating nickname Garrett called her in high school. In short, she’s a catch now and, thanks to corrective eye surgery, it’s not just her eyes that see better…so does her heart! 

Garrett hasn’t fared poorly either, transforming from teen heartbreaker to adult lothario. A now successful professional golfer, he’s recently suffered a major setback in the form of a possible career-ending injury. With the upper hand, can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and for his more recent Don Juan lifestyle? Will she even want to? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be the perfect fit for him?

Goodreads | Amazon | Kobo

I recently read Links and posted my thoughts about this fun book. You can read them HERE. 

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Excerpt

As I race to the restaurant, I scowl knowing Mom’s going to have my head. Actually, she’s probably used to it by now. I’m surprised they don’t give me fake arrival times knowing I’m always ten minutes behind.

I rush through the revolving door of the restaurant, through the bar, and smack into a woman. She brushes against my bum shoulder and the pain burns right through me. Minding the manners Mom hammered into me from a young age, I mutter, “Sorry,” when I’m honestly not. I look down and notice something familiar about her.

“Hi, Garrett,” she says, sharing a small smile. “It’s been a long time. How are you?”

“Um. I’m fine.” My brows furrow as I wrack my brain trying to figure out who the hell this woman is. She’s short, about five two and roughly my age. I glance down and notice full, round breasts, slightly wide hips and thick thighs. Not my usual type, so I’m pretty sure I haven’t slept with her. At least I don’t have to worry about that embarrassing scene. She’s got chocolate brown eyes, looking at me with warmth. “And…how are you?” Shaking my head I am still trying to place her.

“I’m doing well,” she replies, her smile growing.

“I’m glad to hear that,” I say, trying to be polite and end this awkward reunion that clearly has me clueless.

“Well…I guess I should go.” She turns back and waves to a woman sitting in a far booth of the restaurant. On further inspection, she’s waved to Lindsay, my sister, who of course made it to our family lunch on time. Seated with her are my parents, with Mom frowning at me and shaking her head. Like she didn’t expect I would be late. Marcus isn’t here yet either. Guess the twin thing really does run deep.

“You know Lindsay?” I ask her.

“Uh, yeah,” she says, with a small chuckle and a noticeable hint of sarcasm.

“My parents?”

“Of course,” she says, shaking her head slightly like it’s hitting her I have no damn clue who she is. Then she confirms my suspicions and just lays it on the line. “You don’t know who I am, do you?” Her eyes are alight with humor.

“Umm. I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage,” I splutter, rubbing my hand behind my neck—my tell—before flashing her my most charming, dimpled smile. Before she can respond, a lady in her mid-sixties with salt and pepper hair wearing an outfit appropriate for someone twenty years younger—but this is LA after all—walks over.

“Pardon the interruption,” she begins. “I would just be kicking myself if I got home and didn’t take advantage of telling you what a big fan I am.”

“Oh, thank you,” I say, turning on the faux charm I reserve for situations such as this.

“My husband and I loved your book.” The lady turns fully toward this mystery woman. “I wish I had it with me for you to sign. Maybe I could get your autograph on something else?” I cock my head to the side and watch Mystery Woman. She turns back toward the elderly lady and smiles sincerely.

“Sure. I’d be happy to sign something.”

The lady reaches into her oversized zebra-print bag and produces a pen and small notepad. She hands them to Mystery Woman and turns to me, smiling.

“Who should I make this out to?” asks Mystery Woman.

“Donna and Frank. Your dear friends, Donna and Frank.”

“My…dear…friends…Donna…and…Frank,” Mystery Woman murmurs aloud as she writes a note. Watching her autograph the note, I can’t help the grin spreading across my face. Once she finishes, Donna reads through the note, her eyes widening with delight.

“Thank you, Charley,” she says.

“My pleasure,” replies Charley—Charley?—who looks tickled.

“Charley?” I say, racking my brain to no avail.

“Yes,” replies Donna with pride. “You are standing with the brilliant novelist Charley Windham.” She turns back to Charley before walking away. “Thank you again, dear.”

“Charley Windham?”

“Uh-huh,” responds Charley, giving me a look like I should piece it together.

“Charley Windham. Why does that name sound so familiar?” I rub my hand on the back of my neck while Charley looks at me with amusement. “Wait, you’re Charley Windham. Who wrote The Crossing Guard?” Charley shakes her head and laughs.

“That’s me.” Charley giggles, unable to control the wide smile spreading across her face.

“Yes. Now I know. I read your book. In fact, everyone on the tour read it. You couldn’t walk around a locker room or airport terminal without seeing someone with it in their hands.”

“That’s nice to hear.” She grins at me with her head tilted and nodding her head slightly up and down, giving me the impression she’s waiting for me to say more.

“That explains who you are, and I get you would know who I am, but how do you know my family?”

“That is the question of the moment, isn’t it?” she says, smiling smugly.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Immensely.” She is grinning unabashedly.

Author Bio

Lisa Becker is a romance writer whose previous novels include Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click. The books, about a young woman's search for love online in Los Angeles, have been called, “a fast read that will keep you entertained,” “a fun, quick read for fans of Sex and the City,” and “hard to put down.” The first in the series was optioned for a major motion picture.

Lisa’s writings about online dating have been featured in Cupid’s Pulse, GalTime.com, Single Edition, The Perfect Soulmate, Chick Lit Central and numerous other book blogs and websites.

As Lisa's grandmother used to say, "For every chair, there's a rush." Lisa is now happily married to a man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone!

Connect with Lisa

Website | Goodreads | Facebook
Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Release Day: Links by Lisa Becker ~ My Thoughts, Q&A, and the Trailer

Happy Release Day!!

Links

Links by Lisa Becker
ebook, 229 pages
Published August 1st 2017 by Desert Breeze Publishing

In high school, Charlotte Windham was a typical student going through an awkward phase -- glasses and all. She harbored a crush on Garrett Stephens, the teen heartthrob everyone can’t help but fall for during that unfortunate ugly duckling phase of one’s teen years. Flash forward fifteen years later, and Charlotte and Garrett have a second chance encounter at a Los Angeles restaurant.

However, this time around, Charlotte has leveled the playing field. She’s a bestselling novelist and no longer “Glasses,” the humiliating nickname Garrett called her in high school. In short, she’s a catch now and, thanks to corrective eye surgery, it’s not just her eyes that see better…so does her heart!

Garrett hasn’t fared poorly either, transforming from teen heartbreaker to adult lothario. A now successful professional golfer, he’s recently suffered a major setback in the form of a possible career-ending injury. With the upper hand, can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and for his more recent Don Juan lifestyle? Will she even want to? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be the perfect fit for him?

Purchase Links @ Kobo

My thoughts about Links ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Charlotte Windham did a quick check of her teeth in the small compact mirror hanging from her key ring before knocking on the oversized wooden door. She undoubtedly had some remnants from lunch trapped within the metal wires of her braces."

Once again, Lisa has written an engaging story that we can all probably relate to in some way. Charlotte is a young girl, a very plain girl, who has a major crush on a very cute boy in high school. And.... she's his tutor. Now that's challenging, to be that close to the guy you dream about and he doesn't even know you are alive, in that kind of way, anyway. Haven't we all been there at some point in our lives?

Fifteen years pass and their lives cross again. Charlotte is a successful writer now and is still attracted to Garrett. But can they get past the way things were in high school? And can Charlotte trust Garrett to not break her heart and leave her when he is ready to move on? I immediately loved Charlotte and was rooting for her as she puts Garrett in his place for the way he treated her in high school. She grew up to become a strong, beautiful woman who deserves to be treated right.

Links is a fun, delightful story that I devoured on my vacation. It is the perfect get-away book that leaves you with a good feeling. Thank you, Lisa, for another very entertaining story!

I received a copy of Links from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Congrats Lisa, on the release today

of your wonderful book, Links

************************

Q&A with Lisa

Tell us about your newest release.

A light-hearted, second chance romance, Links explores what happens when nerdy girl Charlotte Windham reconnects with her unrequited schoolgirl crush, star athlete Garrett Stephens, 15 years after high school.

Did you have an unrequited crush in high school?

I'm not too ashamed to admit I had such a fierce crush on a boy, I willingly sat with him in the bathroom at parties while he puked up wine coolers, just so I could spend time with him. Thankfully, that soul-crushing time in my life in over, but I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I came upon that secret crush today as a confident, successful woman.

Can you tell us more about the main character(s)?

Charlotte Windham was a typical ugly duckling in high school -- glasses and all. Highly intelligent and immensely talented, she's become a breakout success with her best-selling novel, The Crossing Guard. In school, she harbored an unrequited crush on Garrett Stephens, the teen heartthrob and star athlete who's gone on to become a professional golfer suffering a possible career-ending injury. The book explores what happens when these two former classmates have a chance encounter in a Los Angeles restaurant, 15 years after high school. With the upper hand, can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and for his more recent Don Juan lifestyle? Will she even want to? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be the perfect fit for him?

Imagine Links would be turned into a movie, who would you cast for the main characters?

I would love to see someone with the emotional range and depth of Maggie Gyllenhaal to play Charlotte. I think she could make her come across as vulnerable, successful, intelligent and passionate. For Garrett, we would need someone who is classically handsome and oozes charm. Matt Bomer, who pulled that off perfectly on White Collar comes to mind. If he's not available, let's just say, I would love to be at the casting call for that role.

You have also published other books, can you tell us more about them?

I'm most known for the Click trilogy comprised of Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click. The series follows a young woman's search for love online in Los Angeles with the entire series unfolding in emails between our heroine, her friends and her hilarious dates. Fraught with BCC's, FWD's and inadvertent Reply to All's, readers will cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends. And ultimately, they will root for Renee to "click" with the right man.

What do you have in the works?

I've just wrapped up a contemporary romance called Starfish, which examines the unlikely relationship between a regular girl and a touring guitarist in a band. When it comes to romance, you just can't pass up the idea of falling in love with a rock star.

How can readers connect with you?

I love hearing from readers, especially when I've brought some humor, heart or happiness into their worlds with my writing. You can find me here:

Website | Facebook | Twitter |Instagram | Goodreads

Trailer

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About the author

Lisa Becker is a romance writer whose previous novels include Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click. The books, about a young woman's search for love online in Los Angeles, have been called, “a fast read that will keep you entertained,” “a fun, quick read for fans of Sex and the City,” and “hard to put down.” The first in the series was optioned for a major motion picture.

Lisa’s writings about online dating have been featured in Cupid’s Pulse, GalTime.com, Single Edition, The Perfect Soulmate, Chick Lit Central and numerous other book blogs and websites.

As Lisa's grandmother used to say, "For every chair, there's a rush." Lisa is now happily married to a man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone!

Connect with Lisa

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 24, 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

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Well, it's Monday and it's back to work for me. Hubby and I went out to The Black Hills on Thursday and got back last night. I got a little bit of reading done but it's never as much as I hope to read. I took two print books with me and my iPad loaded with e-books. You just never know and egads, to be without a book—unthinkable!!

I am only working 2 days this week (at my job) and then I'll be working (sort of) the last 3 days taking care of our 8 year old grandson and our 7 month old granddaughter. It will be fun but I'm pretty sure I'll be more tired than if I was at my job. 😉 Luckily, I'll have the weekend to recover. 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a great week. Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading/listening to

Emerald Coast
by Anita Hughes 

A Wild Fright in Deadwood (Deadwood #7)
by Ann Charles
(audio-book)

What I recently finished

Links 

by Lisa Becker

Loved it! My thoughts will be posted tomorrow.

The Almost Sisters
by Joshilyn Jackson
Another wonderful story by Joshilyn. My thoughts will be posted later this week.

The Woman in Cabin 10
by Ruth Ware

What I am going to read next

Me & Milo the Great
by Michelle Schlicher
Love this author's stories!

I really love my reading life!

What are you reading this week?

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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!