I’m really excited to share my short story, Summer Healing, out today!
Title: Love Unlimited Anthology
Authors: Bryana Beecham, Geralyn Corcillo, Laura Chapman, Katie Leonard, Kelly Cain, Anne Hamilton, Zainab Muhammad Shahid, Samantha Bryant, Lizbeth Durano, Therese Gilardi, Amy Gettinger
Release Date: August 23, 2017
Genre: Women’s Fiction
About LOVE UNLIMITED
Explore the unlimited nature of love and its many incarnations in the Love Unlimited Anthology, featuring eleven stories that cross generations, cultural backgrounds, and borders. Love Unlimited will warm your heart, tickle your funny bone, and envelop you in the wonderful and complex human emotion the world calls “Love.”
I’ve read this author before and he writes great sports romances. More than that, he actually makes obscure sports interesting and a wonderful backdrop to the romance happening between the main characters. Not to say that open-wheel racing (yup I learned a new term) is obscure. I know it isn’t however it is obscure to me having never watched a race in my entire life… and I’m a mega sports fan. After reading this story though, I actually watched racing that happened to be on when I flipped the television on Saturday. That’s the thing with this author – he doesn’t hit you over the head with the sport, but he does effortlessly weaves the action into the story where by the end, you’ve learned enough to be dangerous.
Cangany writes sweet romance so I’ll lodge my long-standing complaint there wasn’t enough heat for my liking, but there was passion between the main characters, and love. Their backstory was unique enough to pique my interest and although this was certainly guaranteed to be a HEA, I was a little concerned with our lovers’ fate.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes any romance, sweet, sports, or otherwise.
Oh, a warning. Do NOT finish this book the night before you have a 3-hour road trip. You may or may not break some speeding laws.
Full disclosure – I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Time Out is the third book in the Irving University series and although I have read the previous two (see my reviews here and here), I believe this could be read as a standalone. There are characters from the other books, but the author does a great job giving enough background to catch you up to speed quickly.
The main character, Karen, is a middle-grade teacher and basketball coach, not unlike her older brother, Greg, who coaches women’s basketball at fictional Irving University. She was once a promising player until her ulcerative colitis got in her way. She isn’t bitter about it, but chooses to use her gifts however she can. She is laid off from her teaching job at the end of the term, so Greg is able to get her a temporary job at Irving running the girls basketball camp over the summer. He also secures her temporary housing. Enter her landlord and neighbor, Terry, and his energetic daughter, Hanna. Hanna, a middle-grade student who wants to play basketball, makes instant friends with Karen who becomes a big help for Terry, a single father who’s struggling to make ends meet.
I’ve mentioned before (probably in my other Irving reviews) that I’m not big on sweet romance. However when reading this series, I never feel like I’m missing out on something. The author does a great job of giving us the satisfying romance. He also shows us a different slice of life we may not be familiar with. Terry’s mom is Native American and we learn some new things in that area. He’s in building construction and a single dad – again we can feel what that likes from his perspective. Karen has a condition I’d not heard much about before, and now I know so much more. The author does not shy aware from racial issues and prejudice, however I do believe he lets Marie off the hook a little easily (you’ll have to read to know what I’m referring to).
Overall, another very solid offering from Jim Cangany which I enjoyed very much. It was a little lighter on the sports this time, but of course it was still running in the background. I would recommend to anyone who likes romance, especially on the sweet side.
I read the first book in this series, and mistakenly thought the second book would be about the male main character’s sister (that’s book three which I’m looking forward to). When I found out it was about the female main character’s best friend, I internally groaned. I barely tolerated Ciara, and mostly disliked her because she was always listening to her mean best friend. I couldn’t imagine sitting through a whole book about this woman.
Whelp, I think I may like this one more than the first. There’s a little backstory, of course, which has shaped Marie into the woman she is and how she presents herself to the world. I think what makes her more likeable is how Cangany brilliantly gives us a nemesis we really dislike. Helen is reprehensible and sadly, believable, because I’ve personally experienced people like her.
The love interest is quite likable, attentive, hot, and everything a love interest should be. He has an interesting job and reason for being on campus which was fun to follow. Sports is truly my life, but I don’t usually follow triathlons (nor triathletes), but that angle was never boring.
And to really knock it out of the park for me… not one, but TWO Jason Mraz song references. Enough said.
Author: Jim Cangany Release Day: January 26, 2016 Genre: Sports Romance Publisher: Penner Publishing
SYNOPSIS
On The Rebound is a sweet, sports romance set on the campus of fictional Irving University. It’s a story about second chances and features a women’s college basketball team. Here’s a teaser for you.
After he’s caught in a grade fixing scandal, men’s college basketball coach Greg Miller is thrown a lifeline when an old friend offers him a job with the small-school Irving University women’s team.
Academic Advisor Ciara Monaghan knows first-hand the heartbreak and havoc a cheating man can wreak. She wants nothing more than to protect the University’s reputation by seeing to it that Greg’s stay at Irving is short.
The last thing either of them wants is the attraction they can’t deny. Can a struggling member of the basketball team bring them together to see how wonderful a second chance at life, and love, can be?
ABOUT JIM CANGANY
Jim Cangany was forty pages into his first manuscript when he realized it was a romance. He went with it and has great joy writing sweet, contemporary love stories. A lover of things that go fast, when Jim’s not writing, you can probably find him checking into the latest from IndyCar or pro bike racing. He lives in Indianapolis with his saint of a wife Nancy, his sons Seamus and Aidan, and the princess of the house, kitty cat Maria.
I’m not sure where to even begin with Jim. Whenever I’m on some sort of self-deprecating or woe is me roll, he “puts his dad hat on” and straightens me out. Mind you, we’re pretty much the same age, but it works every time. He’s the nicest person in the world and a great writer to boot. I’ve read a couple of his books (see my review) – you should do yourself a favor and pick one up. His newest, On The Rebound, will be out tomorrow.
Background Info
Author name: Jim Cangany
Book title: On The Rebound
Tell us a little about yourself and your background: My wife, Nancy, and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this May. We have two teen aged sons, Seamus and Aidan, and cat, Maria, who is the princess of the house. After years of dabbling in writing, I got serious in 2011 and had my first book published in 2013.
Tell us a little about your novel: On The Rebound is a sweet, sports romance set on the campus of fictional Irving University. It’s a story about second chances and features a women’s college basketball team. Here’s a teaser for you:
After he’s caught in a grade fixing scandal, men’s college basketball coach Greg Miller is thrown a lifeline when an old friend offers him a job with the small-school Irving University women’s team.
Academic Advisor Ciara Monaghan knows first-hand the heartbreak and havoc a cheating man can wreak. She wants nothing more than to protect the University’s reputation by seeing to it that Greg’s stay at Irving is short.
The last thing either of them wants is the attraction they can’t deny. Can a struggling member of the basketball team bring them together to see how wonderful a second chance at life, and love, can be?
Have you written anything else (including novels, short stories, novellas, etc.): I’m the author of The North Star Series (Fallen Star, Lucky Star, and Wish Upon a Star), a sweet contemporary trilogy that follows the adventures of Annie Wilson and E.J. McCarty.
On The Rebound is the first installment in the three-book Irving University Series. Take Two and Time Out are the next two books in the series.
I’ve also written a holiday-themed short story called The Christmas Angel.
Q & A
What romance books would you recommend to readers who will love your book: As a sweet, contemporary romance, I think fans of Kristan Higgins and Karen Rock, especially Karen’s A League of Her Own, would love On The Rebound.
How did you decide on the setting for your book: I’m a fan of women’s college basketball and don’t think it gets the publicity it deserves, so I wanted to write a story that gave women’s college hoops it’s due.
Do you have any writing rituals: I have a full-time day job, so I try to write at least 500 words per day. It kind of slow, but the progress is steady.
If you were writing a book about yourself, what would the title be: Well, given that my wife’s a breast cancer survivor, my older son attempted to take his life and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2013, and I’ve battled depression for years, probably something like Hold on Tight because life is never boring in the Cangany household.
What character was the most difficult to write and why: Ciara was probably the toughest to write. I wanted her to be no-nonsense, but she initially she came across as quite bitchy, so I had to “soften her up.”
What’s next for you: Take Two and Time Out will be out later this year. I’m just starting a sci-fi novel, which is a major departure from my contemporary romance. I grew up a sci-fi fan, so it should be fun.
Do you have any pointers or advice for aspiring writers: Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to write the stories in your head, those stories you want to write. As I was told once, the stories you love are the ones that sparkle.
Favorite song: “One” by U2. An incredible song that becomes more relevant every day.
Favorite movie/tv show: Movie- Field of Dreams; TV show – Star Trek, The Next Generation
Chosen superpower: Superspeed
Toilet paper: over or under: Over
Real book or tablet: Both
Star Trek or Star Wars: Trek
Excerpt
Greg turned to Ciara. She was practically glowing with pride and exhilaration. It was only fair since these were her girls, too.
Which gave him an idea.
“Thanks. Do you have a minute? I need to ask you something about tomorrow’s game.”
Marie looked at her watch. “Iron Man and I will give you five minutes. If you’re not back by then, the party train leaves the station without you.”
Ciara gave a quick nod and followed him into the basketball office. Rather than settling into one of the chairs, she leaned against a desk.
“I know Marie’s not kidding about five minutes, so I’ll cut to the chase. Would you say a few words to the team before the game tomorrow night?”
“Me? I’m just an academic advisor.” Her brow had creased. “What could I possibly have to say?”
He didn’t have much more time. Every word needed to count. “You’re in a unique position. After what happened to you ten years ago, you understand better than anybody on this campus that this moment won’t last. The players have to seize it and embrace it, but most of all, enjoy it. Because it could all be taken away in the blink of an eye.
“This is a huge game for this school. A win tomorrow night will make history. But there’s more to life than wins and losses. What matters most is taking the time to treasure those special moments and the special people who make them happen, because if we’re not careful, both the moments and the people are gone before we know it.”
Ciara ran a hand through her hair. It was all Greg could do to keep himself from reaching out to run his fingers through it too. Her lips curved downward as she glanced around the room in what seemed to be a concerted effort to avoid making eye contact.
She finally looked at him. “What do you mean by what happened to me ten years ago?”
“I know what happened during the conference championship game your senior year.” He shrugged. “When Sharon told me I’d be working with you, I researched you. The recruiter in me, I guess. To have that happen to you must have been one bitter-as-vinegar pill to swallow. Since you never brought it up, I never did. Didn’t think it was my place. But now—”
“Is this speech thing your idea?”
“Yes.” That part was true. “Coach Leonard’s totally on board with it.” That part was a big fat lie, but he’d figure out a way to talk Sharon into it.
There was a knock on the door.
“I know you need to go. Think it over and let me know tomorrow. Please?”
“Fine. But let me ask this, why should I do this for you?”
“I’m not asking you to do this for me. I’m asking you to do this for them. And for yourself.”
Author Bio
Jim Cangany was forty pages into his first manuscript when he realized it was a romance. He went with it and has great joy writing sweet, contemporary love stories. A lover of things that go fast, when Jim’s not writing, you can probably find him checking into the latest from IndyCar or pro bike racing. He lives in Indianapolis with his saint of a wife Nancy, his sons Seamus and Aidan, and the princess of the house, kitty cat Maria.
On The Rebound is a sweet, sports romance set on the campus of fictional Irving University. It’s a story about second chances and features a women’s college basketball team. Here’s a teaser for you.
Jim Cangany was forty pages into his first manuscript when he realized it was a romance. He went with it and has great joy writing sweet, contemporary love stories. A lover of things that go fast, when Jim’s not writing, you can probably find him checking into the latest from IndyCar or pro bike racing. He lives in Indianapolis with his saint of a wife Nancy, his sons Seamus and Aidan, and the princess of the house, kitty cat Maria.
