Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts

Listen to Author Neil Gaiman Read 'A Christmas Carol'


Listen to author Neil Gaiman read the classic A Christmas Carol. 


Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman performs a memorable dramatic reading from NYPL’s own rare copy of "A Christmas Carol," which includes edits and prompts Charles Dickens wrote in his own hand for his unique public readings 150 years ago. Dressed in full costume and joined by writer and BBC researcher Molly Oldfield, Gaiman performs the classic tale as its great author intended.


Avon On The Air: A New Podcast for Romance Readers





You’ll Love to Listen!
INTRODUCING AVON ON THE AIR,
A New Podcast for Romance Readers Hosted by Avon Books

Press Release: New York, NY (September 24, 2015) – With increased demand for podcast content in niche markets, leading American romance publisher Avon Books (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) is taking to the airwaves with “Avon on the Air,” part of the HarperCollins global podcast network. The first author featured is none other than New York Times bestseller Susan Elizabeth Phillips, a queen of the romantic realm. 
(Direct Link to launch episode on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/susan-elizabeth-phillips/id1038922089?i=352225665&mt=2)

This new podcast will showcase fan-favorite romance authors being interviewed by Lucia Macro, VP/executive editor of William Morrow/Avon Books. New “Avon on the Air” podcasts will post on iTunes and Soundcloud every Thursday. All episodes will be archived online at www.avonontheair.com. Listeners can follow the “Avon on the Air” Soundcloud page for alerts via newsfeed of new content; and via iTunes, listeners can subscribe to the podcast for email updates, and automatic downloads.

Programs feature enticing interactions with reader-favorite romance authors. The “Avon on the Air” podcast is always lively, sometimes provocative, and never afraid to ask the question, “What really happens between the covers…of your novel?”

Ana Maria Allessi, HarperCollins VP of Digital Innovation and Publisher of Harper Audio, identified a special opportunity in the digital broadcast arena…for more romance! She began working with the Avon team to create interviews and episodes featuring some of the biggest and most beloved voices in the genre – content that readers would love to listen to! “It’s well known that romance readers consume content voraciously, and they share a special connection with their favorite authors,” says Allessi.

Liate Stehlik, Senior Vice President and Publisher of Avon Books, says, “Weekly podcasts, available anytime and anywhere, that take readers beyond the book – and make them feel more personally in tune with beloved novelists: this is a new platform that all of us at Avon feel passionate about.”

“Readers will have as much fun listening to Avon on the Air as I did being interviewed,” says New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn. “I love that Avon is always coming up with inventive new ways to support and promote their writers.”

“Avon on the Air” already has an impressive array of interviews scheduled, with Macro and the Avon team recording new content weekly:

  • 9/24/2015: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Heroes Are My Weakness
  • 10/1/2015: Sophie Jordan, All The Ways to Ruin a Rogue
  • 10/8/2015: Tessa Dare, When a Scot Ties the Knot
  • 10/15/2015: Jennifer Ryan, Her Lucky Cowboy
  • 10/22/2015: Tessa Bailey, Make Me
  • 10/29/2015: Lisa Kleypas, Cold-Hearted Rake
  • 11/5/2015: Lori Wilde, Back in the Game
  • 11/12/2015: Wendy Corsi Staub, Blood Red 
  • 11/19/2015: Helen Kay Dimon, Facing Fire
  • 11/26/2015: Julia Quinn, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton
  • 12/3/2015: Tonya Kappes, A Ghostly Murder
  • 12/10/2015: Megan Erickson, Dirty Talk
  • 12/17/2015: Lizbeth Selvig, The Bride Wore Red Boots
  • 12/24/2015: Beverly Jenkins, Forbidden
(Schedule subject to adjustment)

For information and updates, visit www.avonontheair.com.

About HarperCollins Publishers:
HarperCollins Publishers is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 18 countries. With nearly two hundred years of history and more than 120 branded imprints around the world, HarperCollins publishes approximately 10,000 new books every year in 17 languages, and has a print and digital catalog of more than 200,000 titles. Writing across dozens of genres, HarperCollins authors include winners of the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Newbery and Caldecott Medals and the Man Booker Prize. HarperCollins, headquartered in New York, is a subsidiary of News Corp (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) and can be visited online at corporate.HC.com.

Book Release: Interview with Author Molly McAdams + Podcast

http://www.aleisuremoment.com/category/podcast/

Trusting Liam
Taking Chances #2
Author: Molly McAdams
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: June 9 2015
Review Source: William Morrow Paperbacks

From the New York Times bestselling author of Taking Chances, From Ashes, and Stealing Harper, comes the new unforgettable adult romance Molly McAdams’ fans have been waiting for—the sizzling story of a young woman who must place her trust in the one man who can break through her defenses.

A night they will always remember…a connection neither can deny…a secret that could destroy it all…

When Kennedy Ryan moves to California, she never expects to come face-to-face with Liam Taylor—the intriguing man who has haunted her thoughts for a year. A man who led her to breaking every one of her rules for a single night of passion that ended up meaning more than it was ever supposed to. Accustomed to disastrous experiences with men, Kennedy shields herself before he can break down more of the carefully built control she’s clung to for the last four years. But every time she sees Liam, she feels her resolve weakening.

Liam Taylor has been asked to help socialize his boss’s nieces. But what he thinks sounds more like a babysitting job ends up leading him to the only girl who ever slipped away before morning—a girl he thought he’d never find again. And now that she’s within reach, Liam’s determined to never let her go.

But when a secret from her past tests their relationship, will they be able to cling to the trust Liam has worked so hard to build?

Two ways to listen!


Book Review: Beautiful Secret by Christina Lauren | Podcast




Beautiful Secret
Beautiful Bastard #4
Author: Christina Lauren
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: April 14th 2015
Review Source: Gallery Books

AN UPTIGHT BRITISH EXECUTIVE. AN ADVENTUROUS AMERICAN NEWBIE. A SEXY INTERNATIONAL SCANDAL IN THE MAKING.

New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author Christina Lauren’s Beautiful and Wild Seasons series hook up in Beautiful Secret for an erotic intercontinental romp that celebrates the best of both worlds!

When Ruby Miller’s boss announces he’s sending her on an extended business trip to New York City, she’s shocked. As one of the best and brightest young engineers in London, she knows she’s professionally up to the task. The part that’s throwing her is where she’ll be spending a month up close and personal working alongside—and staying in a hotel with—Niall Stella, her firm’s top urban planning executive and The Hottest Man Alive. Despite her ongoing crush, Ruby is certain Niall barely knows she’s alive…until their flirty overnight flight makes him sit up and take notice.

Not one for letting loose and breaking rules, recently divorced Niall would describe himself as hopeless when it comes to women. But even he knows outgoing California-girl Ruby is a breath of fresh air. Once she makes it her mission to help the sexy Brit loosen his tie, there’s no turning back. Thousands of miles from London, it’s easy for the lovers to play pretend. But when the trip is over, will the relationship they’ve built up fall down?


Let’s get one thing straight, if you haven’t picked up ANY Christina Lauren books you need to get up and go and get them, you’re only hurting yourself by missing out. So now that we’ve got that covered, let’s talk about this series. First of all how can these guys keep getting better!? First we get Bennett and I’m like “there’s no way anyone could top my beautiful bastard” and then BOOM they hit us with Max, the oh so extremely sexy Brit, like holy crap sexy. Of course I’m like “sorry Bennett, Max is cutting into your shine.” And then they hit us with Player, seriously Will won that race, had a beer, and took a nap before Bennett and Max caught up. And then of course my thoughts continued with no one will ever, ever, EVER, top Will (I’ve got a thing for Will’s when it comes to fiction). Then we’re slammed in the face with another Stella, who is completely different than any of these other Bastards, Strangers, and Players. And I am completely smitten!

Ruby is everything you love in a character, she’s smart, driven, sexy, bluntly honest, and falls for a Stella. Ruby is interning in London at for an engineering group at Richardson-Corbett, where Niall Stella is ‘Vice President, Director of Planning, and, Holy Hell, The Hottest Man Alive.” I believe that is the official title. Ruby has pinned after Niall for months, stealing glances, making mental charts of every kind of interaction, and Niall has no idea who she is; until they’re both sent out on a business trip in New York, where anything can happen.

Then Niall, who is so completely different from any of the guys Christina Lauren has written, but we love him just the same. He’s just recently divorced from his wife of 10 years, she was the only woman he’s loved, kissed, shared his life with, so being newly single things aren’t as easy for him as they were for the others. Niall is gentle, smart, an over thinker, and so damn sexy.

I feel like I could go on forever talking about this book. All the snarky comments, the gentle touches, CHAPTER 6, and all the love I have for these two characters. Also Pippa, Pippa was pretty much my fictional homegirl. But you need to experiences all those for the first time for yourself, while reading the book, not my review.

I was grinning and laughing after the first page of this book and didn’t stop until the end. So please do yourself a favor and pick up this series (Beautiful Bastard), this book, and the Wild Seasons series, you won’t regret it. What you will regret is waiting so long do so.







www.aleisuremoment.com


Podcast: A Casual Conversation with Anna Todd a.k.a. Imaginator1D







So here is the moment that many of us were waiting for, the release of our casual conversation with Author Anna Todd.  Anna is the author of the ever so popular After series.  As readers go through a mega rollercoaster experience of the relationship between Hardin and Tessa, you really can't stop reading! 

Not only does the release of this casual conversation come on the release of the last book in the series, After Ever Happy, it's also Yara's birthday.  So be sure to show her some bookish love in the comments sections and let us know what you think about the casual conversation.  It's never too late to get started on the series!


Listen as OUaT and ALM team up to bring you all the awesome happenings of the, Anna Todd.  
Choose the below listening platform that works best for you. 







Author: Anna Todd
Release Date: February 24th 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books




Book Review: After Ever Happy by Anna Todd | #Hessa Playlist + Giveaway





After Ever Happy
After #4
Author: Anna Todd
Reading Level: New Adult
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 24th 2015
Review Source: Gallery Books

Book Four of the After series—now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself!

Tessa and Hardin have defied all the odds, but will their fairy tale ending be turned on its head? After Ever Happy…Life will never be the same. #HESSA

It’s never been all rainbows and sunshine for Tessa and Hardin, but each new challenge they’ve faced has only made their passionate bond stronger and stronger. But when a revelation about the past shakes Hardin’s inpenetrable façade to the core—and then Tessa suffers a tragedy—will they stick together again, or be torn apart?

As the shocking truth about each of their families emerges, it’s clear the two lovers are not so different from each other. Tessa is no longer the sweet, simple, good girl she was when she met Hardin—any more than he is the cruel, moody boy she fell so hard for. Tessa understands all the troubling emotions brewing beneath Hardin’s exterior, and she knows she’s the only one who can calm him when he erupts. He needs her.

But the more layers of his past come to light, the darker he grows, and the harder he pushes Tessa—and everyone else in his life—away. Tessa’s not sure if she really can save him—not without sacrificing herself. She refuses to go down without a fight. But who is she fighting for—Hardin or herself?



Where does one begin when a book brings out so many different emotions? Do I begin with the good ones or the painful ones? Do I tell you how I cried or how I smiled bigger than the sun or do I tell you about the moment I needed to punch someone or when I took a moment just to exhale? Those are just a few moments I felt as I read After Ever Happy. The story and its characters had me experiencing every single one of their emotions as I read (that's writing magic). As far as something negative, not one thing can I point out that I didn't like or disagree with in the book, what one reads from the pages of the After series is something realistic, not the usual cookie-cutter fantasy only found in fairy tales. All these emotions should be part of a story, to experience sadness, anger, pain, happiness, love, forgiveness, betrayal and the list could go on and on. THAT IS WHAT MADE THIS BOOK INCREDIBLE!!! 

After Ever Happy is hands down my favorite in the series followed closely behind by After. I'm not comparing the stories when I bring up the Twilight Saga, what I'm going to compare between the After series and Twilight series is that the After series made me feel the same things I felt when I read all the Twilight books. So I'm not comparing one story to the other, no. What I expressing here is that everything I felt when I fell in love and obsessed with the Twilight books, the After series brought it all back. I didn't want it to end and the withdrawal is brutal because of how much I am invested in the After series. I want to scream from the top of the tallest building that anyone and everyone that is of age to read this series, TO DO SO! Anna finished the series STRONG and I Thank Her for that. 

I will not go into detail of what was contain inside the pages of After Ever Happy, because no matter what I say, I know I will spoil such an important scene or moment. You just have to trust us and believe that you'll will love (and hate, lol) everything that happens in the end. #Hessa for Ever!


Check out our reviews for:



One thing is for sure… when I first started this series I wasn’t a major fan, but then all of a sudden I’m sitting here wanting to get back to Hardin and Tessa, and get back to their roller coaster of a relationship. And just like Hardin had his claws in Tessa, #Hessa had their in claws in me. I hated the characters, I loved the characters, I rooted for them and I cried for them. This series took me for a surprising ride and didn’t hold back on anything. The feels people, the feels are real.

After Ever Happy is definitely my favorite in the series. I would rate it a ten, but we only rate up to a five. Hardin and Tessa go through so much in this book, so much growing together and apart. They grow into the person they were destined to be. Anna doesn’t hold back on us, it’s like taking the band aid off, you ask to count to three and she rips it off right after you say one. The After series may not be for all, heck I didn’t think it was for me at first, but then I was consumed by #Hessa and couldn’t get enough of them. Now three weeks later I’m still hung up on them, thinking about them, wishing I could get more of them. Bravo Anna, Bravo. Now can we have more? Just a novella, I’m not trying to be greedy.




There are no words...I have this huge hole in my life that is from #Hessa. I am in love with how their story ends, don't get me wrong. I just miss them, I'm not sure I've completely accepted that their story is done. I need more #Hessa. After Ever Happy is the exact way I would've wanted this series to end, even if I didn't realize it until I read the book. It has all the emotions of everything that we're use to when it comes to the After books. There's push and pull between Hardin and Tessa, but now they are both growing -- and that is GREAT!

To see Tessa becoming a stronger character is brilliant, I'm sad it happened towards the end because I would've liked more strong Tessa moments. And to see Hardin continue to grow is amazing. Every cliffhanger that is left open ended in After We Fell is closed up in After Ever Happy. I may be the only one who was worried about the Landon/Hardin relationship after the bombshell that ended After We Fell, and I was thrilled with where that went. All I can say is prepare yourself for the feels. I was a mess halfway through the book, I was literally a puddle of tears. So if you're a crier when it comes to books grab your tissues.




Guys! Anna Todd is on tour right now, visiting several cities. Below you can see the remaining stops she has on her calendar. 


And don't forget tomorrow is the day!!! We will share the casual conversation podcast we recorded with Anna few weeks ago in celebration of today's release!!! So come on back tomorrow an listen to all the things we talked about regarding your favorite series and #Hessa!!!


And last but not least we created a #Hessa play list we wanted to share with you all. During the reading process, Shannon, Bri and I kept talking about #Hessa and songs that would remind us of Tessa, Hardin and the After series. So we wanted to share with you all and see if you agree these songs are perfect to go along with the series, roller-coaster moments and love-hate characters. Let us know in the comments. Enjoy!!! 




And since we are celebrating tomorrow's release of After Ever Happy, a giveaway would be perfect to include now. So one lucky reader will win the complete set of the After series written by Anna Todd. This means you get the book that started it all After, then the one that continue our obsession After We Collied  then the book that knock us off our feet After We Fell to finish it up with the book that took our breaths away but then sealed it with a kiss After Ever Happy! All 4 books to one reader! 

If your not familiar with our giveaway policy, please check it out HERE. This giveaway is open to US/CA only. Let us know in the comments what you thought of this review and our play list.



Coming Soon: A Casual Conversation with Anna Todd! + Signed Book Giveaway



The podcast has been recorded and we are excited to share it with everyone on After Ever Happy's book release day 2/24/15!!! So mark your calendars!!! - Yara



It's important to be connected with the world of blogging. Either by reading book blogs, following books blogs, being BFFs with other book bloggers, and the list goes on. Why, might you ask? For one, for all you avid readers out there, what's the #1 problem we face? There is never enough time to read everything on our shelves. Second, while we are reading one book, another one slips by. That's why it is so important to build your connections either face to face or virtually.

Imaginator1d who? #Hessa who? WattPad what? All totally foreign to me, until I came across screaming, yelling, “This is so different, this is so not right, this is just too addicting’” and the list goes on, from my circle of co-blogger. I had to get in on the excitement and quick. So if you are still one of the number who has no idea who author Anna Todd is, it's ok, remember that's what we are here for. Her books are huge, her storylines are enormous, and the story elements build with every single book.

So here is the good news for you. With the help of Anna’s awesome publicist at Simon and Schuster, Once Upon A Twilight and A Leisure Moment are teaming together to have a Casual Conversation with Anna. To get ready, we are giving away a signed copy of book one in the series. You already have a copy? No problem! If you win let us know and we will send to that super friend who needs an entertaining book to read, on your behalf. Like paying it forward! So be sure to stay connected with us. This interview will be via podcast, so no matter what part of the world you live in, we will have a listening format available for you.

Lastly, we want to get you involved. We will choose a few unique questions, that do not lend to spoilers of any of the books in the series, to ask Anna on your behalf. If you have a question click this link and leave your question. We will squeeze in a few. Please do not leave your question ideas in the comment section, they must be on the form. Now enter this giveaway and prepare yourself for a casual conversation with Anna Todd coming soon in February!

{Deitre} 


Submit your question for Anna Todd here! (Ends January 24)
(We are no longer taking questions but you can still enter the giveaway!)




Book Review: Into the Night by Suzanne Rigdon



Into the Night
Author: Suzanne Rigdon
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: December 2nd 2014
Review Source: Spencer Hill Press | Netgalley

When Selina Baker, a coordinator for a Boston non-profit, goes out on the town with her friend Jess, she never expects to meet the man of her dreams. And she certainly never expects him to be undead.

When things go from flirty to majorly flawed on her first date with James Lawton, he is forced to save her the only way he can--by killing her. Selina suddenly finds herself in the mix with the creatures she thought were made up solely for late-night TV. Into the Night follows Selina’s transformation from a wallflower into an impulsive and dangerous new vampire. With no choice in the matter, Selina becomes trapped between a new man, his wary brothers, and his cruel and controlling Queen, who wants nothing more than to watch her suffer. Selina must walk the fine line between adjusting to her new powers, life after death, and following the rules--all while avoiding disaster.


“Don’t believe everything you read. Anne Rice wasn’t a vampire, Selina... although I head a few rumours that she dated one”

If you like vampire novels the good old way then dig into Into the Night.

Selina is your average person. Works for a living, explores the night clubs and has the daily struggle of finding something decent to watch on TV while eating. A night at the newest, hottest club in town sets in motion everything what is going to change her life.

James is a hot hunk. Simple as. And he’s interested in Selina. On their second meeting he asks her out on a date, which may possibly have turned out to be the worst date in history (depends on how you look at it). At the end of a good first date, the pair go to get ice cream. Worst comes to worst and Selina is stabbed. Fading fast, James does the only thing he can do--he changes her into a vampire.

This fast-paced story had me interested from the beginning, the first bar scene, to be specific. It was such high energy and held a hint of mystery which I wanted to explore. From the simplistic wink from one bartender to the smooth attitude of the other, I knew there was more to them than what met the eyes. And James. That dude makes very good first impressions. I loved him from the first second I met him.

While Into the Night didn’t offer anything new in the vampire world, it wasn’t a boring read. In fact, the mortality of James was nice to read. Too often are vamperitic characters portrayed as these indestructible creatures who cannot be fought or defeated. That wasn’t the case with this book. Vampire versus vampire, they aren’t indestructible. They can be defeated. They are only as immortal as their enemy.

Overall it was a good read! A second book hasn’t been announced as of yet, but there will definitely be a second installment.




Visit our sister site ALM for an interview with author Suzanne Rigdon.  
http://www.aleisuremoment.com/2014/12/01/podcastepisode…suzanne-rigdon/
{Podcast|Episode #20} A Casual Conversation with Suzanne Rigdon

A Mid Week Moment with Deitre


So I’m really feeling the need to write tonight.  Summer is upon us.  Our kids are out of school.  Staying at home, having  fun.  Or out and about at a summer camp that we signed them up for.  Reading a book is on the to do list.  For many of us simply for pleasure or a required summer reading assignment, like Lord of the Flies.  (I’m currently listening to the audio).  All in all, summer is here.  We will embrace it.  We will enjoy it (even on our days off from work).  We will read until there are no more books left on the shelf to read.  Speaking of no more books left on a shelf.  Let’s try no more space left on my book shelf.  It’s time to do some summer organizing.  I’m staring at several awesome titles that I have double of, that I need to pass on to some eager reader. Big thanks to OUaT for their guidance and  thanks to all of you for the support that you have showed A Leisure Moment and our Podcast over the last 6 months of existence.  This giveaway is for you!

Have you checked out our Casual Conversation with Stacey O'Neale?

{PODCAST EPISODE 12 |Giveaway} A CASUAL CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR STACEY O’NEALE

Do you have a Facebook Account?  Like and share our Teen Reviewer's Smile on Facebook! She needs your like!


   Giveaway 

Blog Tour | Giveaway | Podcast Mortal Enchantment By Stacey O'Neale



Mortal Enchantment
Author: Stacey O'Neale
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Released: May 20, 2014
Review Source: Blog Tour


“Mortal Enchantment spins a unique twist on elemental mythology. This series is not to be missed.” Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author In Kalin Matthew's world, elementals control the forces of nature. They are divided into four courts: air, woodland, fire, and water. At sixteen she will leave the life she's built with her mortal mother. Kalin will move to Avalon to rule with her father—the elemental king of the air court. Along the way, she's attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, a swoon-worthy elemental with a questionable past. Worst of all, she learns her father is missing. To rescue him, Kalin will have to work with a judgmental council and a system of courts too busy accusing each other of deceit to actually be able to help her. But, they aren’t her biggest challenge. With the Midwinter’s Ball only five days away, Kalin must take over her father’s duties, which includes shifting control of the elements—power Kalin has yet to realize. As Rowan attempts to train her, a war looms between the four courts. If Kalin fails, her father will die and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more...

Before you read MORTAL ENCHANTMENT, make sure you check out the FREE prequel novella, THE SHADOW PRINCE!

A Casual Conversation with Stacey O'Neale and Deitre



ABOUT Stacey O'Neale


Stacey O'Neale lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.
Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

Stacey loves hearing from readers. Follow her on Twitter @StaceyONeale, look for her on Facebook, Pinterest, and GoodReads. You can also visit her blog at http://staceyoneale.com/.




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