Download or read book America s Next Reality Star written by Laura Heffernan and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2017-03-07 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book America s Next Reality Star written by Laura Heffernan and published by Lyrical Press. This book was released on 2017-03-07 with total page 355 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SEEKING THE SMART ONE Twenty-four-year-old Jen Reid had her life in good shape: an okay job, a tiny-cute Seattle apartment, and a great boyfriend almost ready to get serious. In a flash it all came apart. Single, unemployed, and holding an eviction notice, who has time to remember trying out for a reality show? Then the call comes, and Jen sees her chance to start over—by spending her summer on national TV. Luckily The Fishbowl is all about puzzles and games, the kind of thing Jen would love even if she wasn’t desperate. The cast checks all the boxes: cheerful, quirky Birdie speaks in hashtags; vicious Ariana knows just how to pout for the cameras; and corn-fed “J-dawg” plays the cartoon villain of the house. Then there’s Justin, the green-eyed law student who always seems a breath away from kissing her. Is their attraction real, or a trick to get him closer to the $250,000 grand prize? Romance or showmance, suddenly Jen has a lot more to lose than a summer . . .

Download or read book The Triumph of Reality TV written by Leigh H. Edwards and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2013-01-09 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Lights Camera Attraction written by Laura Heffernan and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This boxed set contains all three books of the Reality Star series: America's Next Reality Star, Sweet Reality, and Reality Wedding. America's Next Reality Star: Desperate for money, Jen competes for a $250,000 prize on reality TV. But is her connection with swoon-worthy Justin authentic -- or is he only interested when the cameras are on? Sweet Reality: Life after reality TV is going great. New state, new business, new hope. Until a killer competitor moves in across the street, and Jen finds herself going back on TV to protect her bakery. Can she get a show-winning cupcake recipe and save the day? Reality Wedding: Jen is so done with reality TV. Completely over it. Until the Network blackmails her into agreeing to get married on the air. Okay, fine, it's a free wedding. But with the network throwing a wrench in the plans every step of the way, this made for TV drama just might follow Jen all the way down the aisle! Praise for America's Next Reality Star: "Smart, witty, and really freaking good, America's Next Reality Star is a fun read that has you cheering from the first paragraph through the last page. Laura Heffernan spins an entertaining tale, expertly mixing the main character's real life events with the reality show's challenges. With enough drama to not only satisfy fans of reality TV shows, but readers who thrive on a good story with humor and romance, this book is a perfect read." --Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author "Reality TV fans, this is your book! Laura Heffernan captures all the drama and over-the-top craziness in this fun and flirty romance." --Amy E. Reichert, author of Love, Luck, and Lemon Pie "America's Next Reality Star is one sweet, sexy brain-candy read! You won't be sorry you indulged." --Leah Marie Brown, USA Today Bestselling Author Praise for Sweet Reality: "If you like sweet contemporary romances with a reality show theme, then you are going to enjoy Heffernan's Reality Star series...Jen and Justin.are likeable and relatable characters....Heffernan does a wonderful job with character development and painting vivid scenes. There are also some cute and funny moments that makes this book a worthwhile and entertaining read. If reality shows are your guilty pleasure, give Heffernan's Sweet Reality a try." - RT Book Reviews

Download or read book True Story written by Danielle J. Lindemann, PhD and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. This book was released on 2022-02-15 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Named a Best Nonfiction Book of 2022 by Esquire A sociological study of reality TV that explores its rise as a culture-dominating medium—and what the genre reveals about our attitudes toward race, gender, class, and sexuality What do we see when we watch reality television? In True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us, the sociologist and TV-lover Danielle J. Lindemann takes a long, hard look in the “funhouse mirror” of this genre. From the first episodes of The Real World to countless rose ceremonies to the White House, reality TV has not just remade our entertainment and cultural landscape (which it undeniably has). Reality TV, Lindemann argues, uniquely reflects our everyday experiences and social topography back to us. Applying scholarly research—including studies of inequality, culture, and deviance—to specific shows, Lindemann layers sharp insights with social theory, humor, pop cultural references, and anecdotes from her own life to show us who we really are. By taking reality TV seriously, True Story argues, we can better understand key institutions (like families, schools, and prisons) and broad social constructs (such as gender, race, class, and sexuality). From The Bachelor to Real Housewives to COPS and more (so much more!), reality programming unveils the major circuits of power that organize our lives—and the extent to which our own realities are, in fact, socially constructed. Whether we’re watching conniving Survivor contestants or three-year-old beauty queens, these “guilty pleasures” underscore how conservative our society remains, and how steadfastly we cling to our notions about who or what counts as legitimate or “real.” At once an entertaining chronicle of reality TV obsession and a pioneering work of sociology, True Story holds up a mirror to our society: the reflection may not always be pretty—but we can’t look away.

Download or read book How to Get on Reality TV written by Matthew Robinson and published by Random House Reference. This book was released on 2005 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Insider Matthew Robinson shows you what it takes to get on America’s most popular reality TV shows, including The Real World, Survivor, American Idol, Extreme Makeover, and America’s Next Top Model. For auditioners and fans alike, this guide delivers: * The scoop on each show’s selection process * Tips and techniques to beat the competition * Interviews with casting agents, producers, and former contestants * Facts and statistics * Behind-the-scenes gossip and trivia

Download or read book A Royal Farce written by Laura Heffernan and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2021-11-22 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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

Download or read book Reality Wedding written by Laura Heffernan and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2021-07-01 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Sweet Reality written by Laura Heffernan and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2021-06-15 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Friction written by Laura Heffernan and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2021-02-01 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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?

Download or read book Time of My Life written by Laura Heffernan and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2019-06-03 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Lights Camera Attraction written by Laura Heffernan and published by Empress Books. This book was released on with total page 798 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lights, Camera, Attraction contains all three books of the Reality Star series: America's Next Reality Star, Sweet Reality, and Reality Wedding. America's Next Reality Star: Desperate for money, Jen competes for a $250,000 prize on reality TV. But is her connection with swoon-worthy Justin authentic — or is he only interested when the cameras are on? Sweet Reality: Life after reality TV is going great. New state, new business, new hope. Until a killer competitor moves in across the street, and Jen finds herself going back on TV to protect her bakery. Can she get a show-winning cupcake recipe and save the day? Reality Wedding: Jen is so done with reality TV. Completely over it. Until the Network blackmails her into agreeing to get married on the air. Okay, fine, it's a free wedding. But with the network throwing a wrench in the plans every step of the way, this made for TV drama just might follow Jen all the way down the aisle! Praise for America's Next Reality Star: “Smart, witty, and really freaking good, America’s Next Reality Star is a fun read that has you cheering from the first paragraph through the last page. Laura Heffernan spins an entertaining tale, expertly mixing the main character's real life events with the reality show's challenges. With enough drama to not only satisfy fans of reality TV shows, but readers who thrive on a good story with humor and romance, this book is a perfect read.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author “Reality TV fans, this is your book! Laura Heffernan captures all the drama and over-the-top craziness in this fun and flirty romance.” —Amy E. Reichert, author of Love, Luck, and Lemon Pie “America’s Next Reality Star is one sweet, sexy brain-candy read! You won’t be sorry you indulged.” —Leah Marie Brown, USA Today Bestselling Author Praise for Sweet Reality: "If you like sweet contemporary romances with a reality show theme, then you are going to enjoy Heffernan's Reality Star series...Jen and Justin.are likeable and relatable characters....Heffernan does a wonderful job with character development and painting vivid scenes. There are also some cute and funny moments that makes this book a worthwhile and entertaining read. If reality shows are your guilty pleasure, give Heffernan’s Sweet Reality a try." - RT Book Reviews

Download or read book How Real Is Reality TV written by David S. Escoffery and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2014-12-03 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: American viewers are attracted to what they see as the non-scripted, unpredictable freshness of reality television. But although the episodes may not be scripted, the shows are constructed within a deliberately designed framework, reflecting societal values. The political, economic and personal issues of reality TV are in many ways simply an exaggerated version of everyday life, allowing us to identify (perhaps more closely than we care to admit) with the characters onscreen. With 16 essays from scholars around the world, this volume discusses the notion of representation in reality television. It explores how both audiences and producers negotiate the gulf between representations and truth in reality shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice, Big Brother, The Nanny, American Idol, Extreme Makeover, Joe Millionaire and The Amazing Race. Various identity categories and character types found in these shows are discussed and the accuracy of their television portrayal examined. Dealing with the concept of reality, audience reception, gender roles, minority portrayal and power issues, the book provides an in-depth look at what we see, or think we see, in "reality" TV. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Download or read book Reality Wedding written by Laura Heffernan and published by Lyrical Press. This book was released on 2018-03-06 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SAY ‘I DO’—OR ELSE When Jen Reid escaped a reality TV cruise with her relationship intact—if not her hair—she swore she was done with the cameras for good. Sure, she and Justin met, had their first kiss, and got engaged with tape rolling, but manufactured drama and ruthless producers have shaken them up more times than she can count. With Jen’s reality-themed bakery just getting started and her brand-new lawyer fiancé in a pile of debt, they’re a long way from glitz and glamour, and that’s fine by Jen. Until the Network calls and tells her that unless she says “I do” to a wedding special, Justin will be out of a job. Now Jen has two weeks to plan an all-expenses-paid “dream wedding”—and dodge the tricks and traps of a showrunner happy to mess up her future in the name of ratings. Luckily for Jen, she’s got plenty of experience with cake and popcorn. But when real-life drama and reality TV twists collide, the cliffhangers may just follow her right down the aisle . . . Praise for America’s Next Reality Star “Smart, witty, and really freaking good, America’s Next Reality Star is a fun read that has you cheering from the first paragraph through the last page. Laura Heffernan spins an entertaining tale, expertly mixing the main character's real life events with the reality show's challenges. With enough drama to not only satisfy fans of reality TV shows, but readers who thrive on a good story with humor and romance, this book is a perfect read.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author “Reality TV fans, this is your book! Laura Heffernan captures all the drama and over-the-top craziness in this fun and flirty romance.” —Amy E. Reichert, author of Love, Luck, and Lemon Pie “America’s Next Reality Star is one sweet, sexy brain-candy read! You won’t be sorry you indulged.” —Leah Marie Brown

Download or read book Unfinished Witchness written by Ada Bell and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2023-03-01 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book The Scry s the Limit written by Ada Bell and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2021-03-08 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Enjoy this small town paranormal cozy mystery series with an amateur sleuth by author Ada Bell. Just when Aly thinks she understands her psychic powers, a new mystery puts them to the test. Life in Shady Grove is looking up. Aly’s excited to start classes at Maloney College, she loves her job, and her unrequited crush might be starting to turn into an actual flirtation. If only she could figure out how her sister-in-law died and help her brother move on, everything would be awesome. Then, Aly’s academic advisor and favorite professor turns up dead. Professor Zimm was a beloved teacher. Who would want to kill her? There’s the colleague who could make tenure in her absence; the athlete who resents having to retake the class; the husband who’s never around; the rich girl who’s determined to get an A at all costs. With no shortage of suspects, if Aly can’t narrow it down, the campus killer may never be brought to justice. PRAISE FOR THE SCRY'S THE LIMIT: Welcome to Shady Grove: where science meets seances. The Scry's the Limit is the second book in the Shady Grove Psychic Mystery series, which is perfect for readers who like small towns, antiques, supernatural sleuths, and slightly nerdy STEM heroines. Okay, really nerdy heroines. Fans of Stella Bixby, Annabel Chase, Amy Boyles, Lily Harper Hart, and Samantha Silver will definitely fall under this small town's spell. "The Scry's the Limit is a delightful mystery with a blend of charm and humor that brings to life a coming-of-age journey with psychic abilities, murder, and the struggles of college life." - Reader's Favorite "Be enchanted as the small town of Shady Grove comes to life in Ada Bell's The Scry's the Limit. " - Literary Lioness

Download or read book The Psychic s the Thing written by Ada Bell and published by Empress Books. This book was released on 2024-03-01 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Enjoy this small town paranormal cozy mystery with an amateur sleuth by award-winning author Ada Bell. Much Ado About Murder When the local college announces the spring play, Aly’s roommate Amy proposes trying out together. Amy’s a drama major, so it should be fun. Aly’s surprised to be cast as understudy to the lead. Erica’s a real diva, so Aly vows to learn her lines and stay behind the scenes. But when a stage light falls onto their star, it’s curtains for Erica. Her death looks like a tragic accident until Aly receives a vision of murder. Initially, the police think Aly killed Erica to take her part, but what they don’t know is how badly Amy wanted the role. Or how much she hated Erica. When Amy takes center stage as the prime suspect, Aly takes on the detective role once more to prove her friend’s innocence. She just needs to do it without further implicating herself. Erica treated the entire cast and crew with contempt; who hated her enough to kill? Was it the ex-boyfriend forced to share the spotlight with the woman he once loved? The costume designer whose hard work wound up in tatters? Or was it the rival furious that Erica got cast as the lead? With Aly’s help, maybe the play’s the thing to catch the conscience of the killer. The Psychic's the Thing is the seventh book in the Shady Grove Psychic Mysteries series. This small town paranormal mystery with an amateur female sleuth will appeal to fans of Annabel Chase, Amy Boyles, and Lily Webb.