America's Next Reality Star
America's Next Reality Star

Author: Laura Heffernan

Publisher: Empress Books

Published: 2017-03-07

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13:

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Life after college isn't as seen on TV: Jen's low-paying job is uninspiring, her boyfriend won't commit, and she just got evicted. The most exercise she gets comes from dodging debt collectors. Then she spies an ad seeking competitors for a new reality show with a $250,000 prize. She desperately needs money and the lottery isn't looking good, so she applies, never expecting to get the call. Until she does. With nothing to lose, Jen packs a bag and heads for the Hollywood hills to star in The Fishbowl. Most of the contestants want to create drama to gain viewer votes, but Jen is all about the joy of the game. Unfortunately, she becomes embroiled in a love triangle and battling another woman for the attention of a fellow contestant. It's tricky balancing act to hold onto viewers without lying, cheating, or backstabbing--things that don't bother her opponents. When Jen discovers that she's on the verge of elimination, she must decide whether "winning" means sacrificing the money, love, or her sense of self. --- The Reality Star series will appeal to readers who love reality TV, witty romantic comedies, and quirky heroines. Fans of Melanie Summers, Becky Monson, Tracie Banister, Whitney Dineen, and Annabelle Costa will love this first season of Jen and Justin's adventure. “Smart, witty, and really freaking good” - Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale.

The Triumph of Reality TV
The Triumph of Reality TV

Author: Leigh H. Edwards

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2013-01-09

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 0313399026

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This book provides an up-to-date account of how reality TV has developed, why it has become the most popular genre on television today, and how the explosion in reality TV signals new developments in American media culture. The reasons behind reality TV's continued popularity go beyond the sensationalism and low production cost of these programs: there is much more to the genre's continued success than just escapism or "guilty pleasure" TV. The Triumph of Reality TV: The Revolution in American Television identifies and explores five key media trends reality TV has used to continually draw in viewers and ensure success. These media trends include innovations in storytelling, making emotional appeals to viewers, and applying content from television to other media such as films, music albums, webisodes, online games, and smart phone apps. Author Leigh H. Edwards also analyzes how reality TV shows target themes of social conflict, such as changing ideas of the American family, and address common anxieties and tensions in American society such as gender, race, class, and economic struggle. A wide variety of reality shows—including American Idol, Celebrity Rehab, Jackass, Run's House, Survivor, and The Hills—are profiled. An appealing read for students, scholars, and general readers alike, this book provides fascinating insights into the complexities of a seemingly simplistic form of mass entertainment.

A Royal Farce
A Royal Farce

Author: Laura Heffernan

Publisher: Empress Books

Published: 2021-11-22

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13:

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Enjoy this hilarious Boston-based romantic comedy series by award-winning author Laura Heffernan. Lila needs to pay her soul-crushing debt. Pierre needs a wife. Maybe they can help each other. Once she finishes these renovations, Lila can finally sell her money pit and get back on her feet. But on box store wages, that’ll take decades. Then her friend Pierre proposes the perfect solution: he needs a green card. If Lila marries him, he'll pay for the job. One problem: who is going to believe the gorgeous, brilliant investment banker fell for little Lila? Everyone, if they have any say. Not even their closest friends can suspect the truth. Lila fakes the walk of shame, feigns shock at Pierre's staged public proposal, and plans their wedding with a single-minded determination rivaled only by her Yorkie begging for treats. Their fake relationship is so perfect, Lila starts to wish it was real. Then Pierre's brother drops a bombshell: they are royalty, princes to a tiny island nation, and Lila isn't princess material. Now, instead of studs and sandpaper, Lila finds herself worrying about titles and tiaras. Will she get her happily ever after, or will Lila's prince decide she's not so charming after all? A Royal Farce is the first book in the charming new Retail to Riches series. Get ready for a fun fake engagement romcom with a royal twist. This series is great for people who love Bostonian charm, heroes with accents, down-on-their luck heroines, secret royalty, and friends-to-lovers stories. Fans of popular comcom authors Ali Hazelwood, Christina Lauren, Melanie Summers, Becky Monson, Whitney Dineen, and Annabelle Costa will swoon for this delightful duo. Praise for A Royal Farce "Heffernan has a way with the back-and-forth banter that I love to read between characters...This really was a sweet, funny, five-star experience!" - Sara, Chick Lit Central "Wonderful banter and I loved all the quirky characters." - Comfy Chair Books "Heffernan has a way with the back-and-forth banter that I love to read between characters, and what I really like is when the protagonist discovers new things about themselves that really creates the character evolution I hold so dear to my heart." - The Book Bag "If you enjoy the hugely popular royal romance genre then you will enjoy this :) ...Laura is a 'new to me' author and I really enjoyed her writing style." - Jo, Reading is My Bliss

Reality Wedding
Reality Wedding

Author: Laura Heffernan

Publisher: Empress Books

Published: 2021-07-01

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13:

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Enjoy this witty, charming romantic comedy series by award-winning author Laura Heffernan. SAY 'I DO'--OR ELSE Life as reality royalty rocks: Jen’s bakery is booming, Justin’s got his dream job, and they’re saving for a wedding. Then the producers call with an offer Jen can’t refuse: hold the wedding on national TV, or they’ll make sure Justin loses his job. Oh, well. It’s just a few weeks, and the wedding will be paid, so how bad could it be? Dumb question. The producers don’t want a show about love, they want ratings and drama. From a wedding “dress” made of body paint to vegan cake, they’ve chucked Jen’s wishes out the window. Worse, Justin’s stuck in Florida, and the producers want the show to go on without him. Walking away from the show means a $100,000 penalty. If she can’t find a way to make her own ratings smash, Jen & Justin’s Big Day may turn into Jen’s Financial Fiasco. --- The Reality Star series will appeal to readers who love reality TV, witty romantic comedies, and quirky heroines. Fans of Melanie Summers, Becky Monson, Tracie Banister, Whitney Dineen, and Annabelle Costa will love this final installment of Jen and Justin's adventure.

Sweet Reality
Sweet Reality

Author: Laura Heffernan

Publisher: Empress Books

Published: 2021-06-15

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13:

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Enjoy this witty, charming romantic comedy series from award-winning author Laura Heffernan. Life after TV is looking up: Jen moved to Florida and her themed bakery is prepared to open with a bang. Then a major competitor threatens to put Sweet Reality out of business before they sell their first goodies. She’s going to need a smash hit to keep the store afloat. Then she has a brilliant idea: Jen joins a filmed cruise to convince fellow reality star Tammy Rae to give her the secret recipe for her baking-show-winning cupcakes. Problem is, Tammy Rae watched Jen on The Fishbowl, and she thinks Jen faked her relationship with Justin to trick the viewers. To get the key ingredient, Jen must convince Tammy Rae that their love is real—-right when the Network puts it to the ultimate test. Saving the bakery means nothing if Jen loses Justin. She must find a way to remain true to herself, protect her relationship from her arch-nemesis, and save the bakery-all within the confines of a one-week cruise. Because once the ship docks back in Miami, she’s sunk. The Reality Star series will appeal to readers who love reality TV, witty romantic comedies, and quirky heroines. Fans of Melanie Summers, Becky Monson, Tracie Banister, Whitney Dineen, and Annabelle Costa will love this second installment of Jen and Justin's adventure.

Friction
Friction

Author: Laura Heffernan

Publisher: Empress Books

Published: 2021-02-01

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13:

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Britt has always loved first dates. But she has zero interest in second dates. Until she meets Colin. With six weeks of school to go before she gets her degree and moves to D.C. to start her dream job as a food scientist, Britt’s focused on studying, partying, and spending as much time as possible with her family. She doesn’t anticipate meeting a guy who makes her want to stay. To her surprise, even after settling into her new life, Britt can’t stop thinking about the one who got away. When she goes home to visit, their connection is stronger than ever. Sure, they live 450 miles apart, but it won’t be long before he graduates. Britt finds herself increasingly tempted to go all-in, despite the fact that she and Colin come from different worlds. The fact that he’s the first guy she’s ever wanted a relationship has to count for something. But is he the real thing, or is she chasing heartbreak?

Time of My Life
Time of My Life

Author: Laura Heffernan

Publisher: Empress Books

Published: 2019-06-03

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13:

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She's a poor dance teacher. He's her rich student. If they can overcome their differences, this could be love. Legend says everyone who boards the Oceanic Aphrodite finds love. Janey's on the ship to teach dance, not for romance. Then she meets Frank. He's everything Janey isn't--refined, classy, rich--but his good looks and charm make him undeniably appealing. Unfortunately, he's also a passenger, which makes him off-limits. When Janey's partner can't perform in the end-of-cruise talent show, Frank offers to fill in. He's never done pole, but she's got time to teach him. As they grow closer, Janey finds herself hoping the legend is real--but if she gives in to temptation, she could lose her job.Fans of Dirty Dancing will love this charming gender-swapped version set on a cruise ship.

Something to Talk About
Something to Talk About

Author: Meryl Wilsner

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2020-05-26

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 0593102525

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A showrunner and her assistant give the world something to talk about when they accidentally fuel a ridiculous rumor in this debut romance. Hollywood powerhouse Jo is photographed making her assistant Emma laugh on the red carpet, and just like that, the tabloids declare them a couple. The so-called scandal couldn't come at a worse time—threatening Emma's promotion and Jo's new movie. As the gossip spreads, it starts to affect all areas of their lives. Paparazzi are following them outside the office, coworkers are treating them differently, and a “source” is feeding information to the media. But their only comment is “no comment”. With the launch of Jo’s film project fast approaching, the two women begin to spend even more time together, getting along famously. Emma seems to have a sixth sense for knowing what Jo needs. And Jo, known for being aloof and outwardly cold, opens up to Emma in a way neither of them expects. They begin to realize the rumor might not be so off base after all…but is acting on the spark between them worth fanning the gossip flames?

All This Could Be Different
All This Could Be Different

Author: Sarah Thankam Mathews

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2023-08-01

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 0593489144

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2022 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST ONE OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES' TOP 5 FICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR ONE OF TIME AND SLATE'S TOP 10 BOOKS OF THE YEAR Named one of the BEST BOOKS OF 2022 by NPR, Vogue, Vulture, BuzzFeed, Harper's Bazaar, and more “One of the buzziest, most human novels of the year…breathless, dizzying, and completely beautiful.” —Vogue “Dazzling and wholly original...[written] with such mordant wit, insight, and specificity, it feels like watching a new literary star being born in real time.” —Entertainment Weekly From a brilliant new voice comes an electrifying novel of a young immigrant building a life for herself—a warm, dazzling, and profound saga of queer love, friendship, work, and precarity in twenty-first century America Graduating into the long maw of an American recession, Sneha is one of the fortunate ones. She’s moved to Milwaukee for an entry-level corporate job that, grueling as it may be, is the key that unlocks every door: she can pick up the tab at dinner with her new friend Tig, get her college buddy Thom hired alongside her, and send money to her parents back in India. She begins dating women—soon developing a burning crush on Marina, a beguiling and beautiful dancer who always seems just out of reach. But before long, trouble arrives. Painful secrets rear their heads; jobs go off the rails; evictions loom. Sneha struggles to be truly close and open with anybody, even as her friendships deepen, even as she throws herself headlong into a dizzying romance with Marina. It’s then that Tig begins to draw up a radical solution to their problems, hoping to save them all. A beautiful and capacious novel rendered in singular, unforgettable prose, All This Could Be Different is a wise, tender, and riveting group portrait of young people forging love and community amidst struggle, and a moving story of one immigrant’s journey to make her home in the world.

Unfinished Witchness
Unfinished Witchness

Author: Ada Bell

Publisher: Empress Books

Published: 2023-03-01

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13:

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Introducing, Haunted Haven, the bewitching paranormal cozy mystery series featuring Emma, a small town sleuth with a talking cat and a haunted bed and breakfast. Since inheriting her grandfather’s hearth magic, Emma's life has been anything but ordinary. Her house sparkles, dishes wash themselves, and her pancakes…well, she's a witch, not a miracle worker. When her new chef turns up dead and the police shut down her bed and breakfast, Emma takes matters into her own hands. With the help of her ghostly grandfather and a talking cat, she sets out to solve the murder and clear her name. But things aren't as easy as they seem, and Emma soon finds herself in over her head. Can she find the killer before it's too late, or will she be forced to start over yet again? Join Emma on her thrilling journey filled with magic, mystery, and mayhem. "Ada Bell delivers top-notch humor that is upbeat, eccentric, and charming, stemming from the attitudes of the characters and clever dialogue...Unfinished Witchness is the ideal read for those that enjoy cozy mysteries, comedy, magic, witches, and prominent cat characters." - Reader's Favorite UNFINISHED WITCHNESS is the highly-anticipated first book in the upcoming HAUNTED HAVEN series, a paranormal cozy mystery series with an amateur sleuth, a small town, and a talking cat. Fans of Angie Fox, Amy Boyles, and Annabel Chase will love these bewitching books.