Upcoming Release and Review: The Opposite of Right (Bad Decisions #1) by Christi Barth

The Opposite of Right (Bad Decisions #1) by Christi Barth

Expected publication: November 3rd 2015 by Amazon Digital Services

Purchase Link: Amazon  |  Kobo  |  Barnes & Noble

Kylie Stafford has spent her whole life doing exactly what’s expected. The right major, the right sorority, the right guys, just like her mother and her sister before her. But when everything falls apart for her, Kylie wonders if doing everything right has been utterly wrong. There’s only one way to find out.



She decides to try making all the wrong choices for three months. Hit on a tattoo-covered rock musician? Check. Go back to his dressing room for a hot hook-up against the wall? Gulp. Drop everything to be a roadie for him to binge on more of the best sex of her life? Maybe. Start falling for him despite her better judgment? Um….yeah. Figure out why doing everything that seems wrong feels so darn right?

My Thoughts

Kylie Stafford just graduated from Northwestern University and had the ideal post graduation job lined up that fit perfectly with her well laid out plans. Mind you, these are the plans that have been expected of her by her family; so when everything beings to fall apart, Kylie decides to start making her own decisions. However, she’s going to try a new approach. Instead of doing the right thing, what everyone expects of her, she’s going to start doing the opposite of right to see if she can add some excitement in her life.

That’s where the fun begins… Kylie lands a job with one of her favorite bands as a goodie girl selling their swag. That’s not all, though. Immediately the sparks start to fly between her and the lead singer Cam, which doesn’t sit well with the other band mates after his previous relationship almost cost Riptide their fame and fortune.

Overall, The Opposite of Right was a fun and quick read that falls under a category I like to indulge, which is “rock stars need love too.” I always enjoy reading about a famous lead singer getting caught up in a romance that leaves him speechless and hopelessly in love, and Cam fell perfectly into that mold. He seemed to know what he wanted, yet he never let go of that edgy bad boy side of him, which was pretty sexy and hot.

Kylie was fun to get to know. We never really experience her perfectly poised, good girl nature. The only side we see is the daring, sexy Kylie that goes after what she wants, which I can’t complain about one bit.

The Opposite of Right knows how to draw you into the story and take you for a quick and exciting adventure with two likable characters that definitely have chemistry and a clear connection. Enjoyed it much!

3.5 Suns

About the Author

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. 

 
A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance. 

 
Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

Social Media Links

Website  |  Goodreads  |  Twitter

Review: Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth

Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth
Expected publication: December 5th 2013 by Carina Press
Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Becca Huntley's produced the Lyndale Park Players' over-the-top Christmas show for ten years. It's a beloved Minneapolis tradition, and the theater's main fundraiser. But this year's production is in danger of being canceled when their director disappears into rehab. Good thing his directing partner steps in to save the day. Except for the minor fact that he hates everything about Christmas.

Jack Whittaker wiped this town off his shoe with his graduation tassel and never looked back. But duty compels him to fulfill Tyler's promise to direct the show. Even though it means working with Becca, the girl he always wanted, lost to Ty, but never forgot.

It'll take more than a few handfuls of tinsel to soften Jack's heart toward Becca's favorite holiday. Steamy kisses that melt the snow right off his boots are a step in the right direction. They'll both discover that Christmas is about making each other's dreams come true. But will it require sacrificing their chance at a happily-ever-after together?

My Thoughts
One of my favorite times of the year to read is definitely during the winter season, and when Christmas comes around I enjoy jumping into a good holiday story. So, thank you to Christi Barth for sending me an eCopy of Tinsel My Heart, as it marks my first holiday book for this season. What a perfect holiday romance to kick off my Christmas reading.

In Tinsel My Heart, Jack Whittaker comes back to his Minneapolis hometown to help rescue the annual holiday production of Season of Christmas, which is the town’s claim to fame. Jack has strained memories of this town and left as soon as his high school diploma was handed to him. However, because his directing partner Tyler Peterson, who was hired to direct the show, disappears to rehab, Jack is forced to face the town that looked down on him because of his poor beginnings, and save the annual production.

When he takes on the directing project, he also comes face to face with his long time high school crush Becca Huntley, who also happens to be the producer for the show. When sparks fly and production hits high gear, Becca and Jack begin to explore their feelings for one another that started over 15 years ago.

I really enjoyed this holiday love story of long time love and Christmas miracles. Becca was an easy character to fall for because of her dedication to her production staff and most importantly her grandmother. I enjoyed her backstory and hoped for a happily ever after for this loveable character.

I liked the twist on Jack’s story, seeing as he had a bit of a Christmas Grinch attitude. It was enjoyable to see his holiday icicles melt and finally come to enjoy the season.

Overall, Tinsel My Heart was filled with a good cast of characters that was supported by an interesting plot and all around enjoyable dialog. Well done!

3.5 Suns

Book Excerpt

 She picked up the end of her braid and tickled his cheek. “Told ya.”

The silken hair set off a chain reaction in his body. Blood pounded south in great, galloping leaps and bounds to pool in his crotch. Jack hadn’t experienced an insta-hard-on like that in years. He quickly shifted the black script binder across his lap.

“You’ve changed, Becca.”

“Since high school? I would hope so.” Then her lips pursed. “Okay, you’ve piqued my curiosity. Exactly how have I changed?”

“You’ve grown from a pretty girl into a beautiful woman.”

“Oh.” Her pale cheeks turned the color of ripe strawberries. It made Jack wonder if her nipples were the same color. Or would turn that color after he used his lips on them. “Um, thank you. And let me just say that adding a few pounds of pure muscle didn’t hurt you any, either.”

Interesting. Might as well push a little harder, see what developed. “Here I thought you were going to comment on my righteously masculine goatee.”

As if lifted by marionette strings, her hand rose, scraped along the end-of-day stubble on his cheeks to trace the outline of the goatee. “It, ah, makes you look devilish.”

“Want to dance with the devil?”

“What?” Her gaze flew up to meet his as her hands dropped to her lap. “You want to dance?”

Super literal people made flirting much more difficult. Jack sighed. “Metaphorically.” When she still looked bewildered, he continued. “Forget it. Do you want to have dinner with me?”

She blinked, rapidly. Looked down at her hands twisting together. “That depends.”

It wasn’t a complicated question. Jack didn’t want her take on the crisis in Syria. Why would a simple dinner invite come with conditions? “On what?”

Becca looked over both shoulders, as if to check they were still alone. Or as alone as you could get in a threehundred-seat theatre full of people milling about from the lobby to the dressing rooms. “Are you just lonely, Jack? Because of Ty?”

“I’m a grown-ass man. I can eat by myself,” he growled.

“I know. I guess my real question is, do you want to have dinner with just anyone? Or do you want to have dinner with me?” She fluttered her hands up to cover her heart.

Now he got it. Well, he didn’t get why she had the crazy female insecurity, but at least he knew what she was driving at. “I want to have dinner with you. Only you. Not because we used to be good friends. Not even because we’ve slid pretty well back into those roles. And not just dinner.” Jack grasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “You’re a beautiful woman who heats me up every time you slide those cool lake eyes over me. With enough talent and know-how and passion for my business to make for interesting conversation. So what I want from you, Becca, is a date.”

To his utter surprise, she didn’t blush again. Or look away. Or for that matter, look flustered at all. Instead, she mimicked his pose, putting her hand to his mouth. Rubbed her soft thumb in a slow glide across his lower lip. Her eyes darkened from the clear blue of Lake Harriet in the summer to the darkness of a winter’s night.

“Well, why didn’t you say so? Of course I’ll go out with you.”

No matter how many he tried on for size, women never failed to confound him. Jack didn’t know what he’d said to peel off her timidity. Didn’t care, either. Just looked forward to an evening filled with more surprises from the woman he was discovering he liked even more than the girl he used to adore.

About the Author

Christi Barth earned a Master’s degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance. She is the award-winning author of the Aisle Bound series. Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

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Author Spotlight: Chrisit Barth of Ask Her At Christmas

Today, Waves of Fiction is excited to spotlight Christi Barth author of Ask Her At Christmas.

Ask Her At Christmas by Christi Barth
Published December 3rd 2012 by Carina Press
Purchase: Amazon

About the book

Caitlin McIntyre’s heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee and proposes. Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she’s in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she’s never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he’s only practicing—he’s about to propose to someone else.

A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle’s determined to win the respect of the dying father who’s never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle’s always depended on Caitlin’s friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever.

This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him…for good.

My Thoughts
Ask Her At Christmas is a holiday story about two best friends that take a chance at love after ten long years of friendship. This novella has the perfect Christmas background wrapped around a timeless tale of friends falling in love that will keep you both entertained and engaged.

Caitlin McIntrye and Kyle Lockhart have been there for each other for many years. So when Kyle is put in a position to enter a marriage of convenience for the sake of his families business, Caitlin hides her growing feelings for him to help him plan the perfect proposal. As the time draws near and their attraction becomes difficult to ignore, Kyle must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice to be with the one he really wants.

I love holiday stories and even more, I adore happily-ever-afters. I really liked both Caitlin and Kyle's characters, so it was sweet to see that it all eventually works out for this pair. This story does require a minimal amount of reality suspension, but when you're dealing with a short story, it just comes with the territory. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and finished it in one sitting. Very sweet Christmas story about love and friendship.

3.5 Suns

As an added bonus, Ask Her At Christmas can also be purchased as part of a Christmas Anthology.

Romancing the Holiday
Contributing authors: Jaci Burton, HelenKay Dimon, and Christi Barth
Purchase: Amazon

Author Interview

Waves of Fiction had the pleasure of interviewing Christi Barth! Check out what she had to say about her writing and future projects.

What do you hope readers will come to like about your main characters Caitlin and Kyle in this story?
That their friendship is the bedrock of both their lives. I think that makes a huge difference to a relationship. You have to genuinely like someone in addition to being in love/lust in order to last for decades together.

Your novel is also included in the book "Romancing the Holiday." How did you come about teaming up with Burton and Dimon to publish this Christmas anthology?
Great good luck. When Carina Press contracted my Aisle Bound series, my editor also tossed in the request that I do a Christmas novella. It scared the pants off of me. Everything I’d ever written was 98,000 words. I had no idea how to even contemplate a novella. But then she told me that there’d be two New York Times bestselling authors in the anthology, and I knew it was an opportunity not to be missed. So I stopped my whining, thanked my editor profusely, and dove right in. With some help on how to structure something such a different length from my brilliant chapter-mate Stephanie Dray.

What influenced you to start writing and publishing your novels?
I always wanted to be an author. As a bookworm and a speedreader, I’ve had a deep and undying love for writing forever. To stave off boredom during the summer between 8th & 9th grade (I was 12), I wrote a 60 page opus entitled Alyssa’s Last Look. It was a historical, and I’m very glad I can barely remember it. What with not being allowed to watch much television, writing gave me something to do over vacation. Of course, I also wanted to be a princess, just for the pretty clothes and tiaras. The chances of either career goal coming to pass looked slim. However, I first realized that I actually could be a writer five years ago, when I completed my first book (which I sold!). Having a complete manuscript under my belt made it real.

What is it about the contemporary romance genre that attracts you the most? Would you ever consider writing in a different genre?
The smart-aleck answer is that I'm too lazy to do research. Except I do still end up doing a surprising amount! Honestly, I enjoy how relatable all the characters and situations are. A contemporary books gives you an escape, but one you can easily picture participating in yourself, for real. I do have a contemporary trilogy I'm kicking around that has a paranormal subplot, but that won't happen for a few years.

When you're not working on your novels, what do you like to spend time doing?
Reading – I’m a huge bookworm. And I adore cooking. Love throwing dinner parties (at which I always try out new, complex recipes). I read cookbooks for fun!

Can you share with us a little something about your next project?
Last week I finished (whew) writing book 3 of the Aisle Bound series, Friends to Lovers. It follows Daphne the florist and Gib the British lothario as they journey from—well, friends to lovers! But after only taking two days off to recover, I started writing next year’s Christmas novella. I wrote Ask Her At Christmas in March, and discovered it really isn’t any fun thinking about Christmas festivities then. So I tweaked my schedule in order to write about the holidays during December.

So what book wish do you hope will be granted to you this holiday season? :)
Lots of foreign translation sales!!!

What are you excited to read next?
Sooo many good things coming out next year. Christie Ridgway's Beach House No. 9, Stephanie Draven's It Stings So Sweet, Victoria Dahl's Too Hot to Handle, and the 1st in Nora Robert's Irish magic trilogy.

About the Author

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.

A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.

Christi lives in Maryland with her husband.

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