Into The Night Book Reviews: Blog Tour Stop and Giveaway: Love Notes by Heather Gunter

Title: Love Notes

Author: Heather Gunter

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 2, 2013

How do you cope when the people you care for hurt you the most? When the way you feel on the outside, smothers you on the inside. And when you are left to face your demons alone, will you learn that only you have the power to overcome them? Charlie has never had it easy. Between the constant moving and the incessant fat comments and jokes from her father, her self-worth is nonexistent. Her reflection in the mirror shows her nothing but a plain Jane. Music is the only thing that keeps her sanity in check. Charlie catches the eye of the town star quarterback, Maverick. With her curves, her brunette hair, and the voice of an angel, Maverick has never met anyone like her. Everything that is different about Charlie just makes Maverick like her more. Unfortunately, Charlie doesn’t see it herself. Proving it to her may deem harder than he thinks, especially when tragedy strikes and tears them apart. Now standing on her own two feet she may finally learn exactly who she is, what’s she’s capable of and how very un plain Jane she really is.

I'm pressed firmly against him and place my hand on the hardness of his muscled chest. The nearness of him is intoxicating. My heart speeds up with the knowledge of what is inevitably going to happen next. Right now, I don't care how long I've known him or what the usual rules of dating dictate.

We are staring at each other eye to eye. “I’m going to kiss you now Charlie,” Maverick whispers.

At that moment, all I can do is nod. No words were going to be coming out of this mouth; it was going to be used for other things.

Maverick moves his arms from around my waist, gently cups my face with his hands and tips my head back some. He places his lips on mine, and it was as if time stood still. His kiss starts out oh so slowly, and as we find our rhythm, it begins to increase in pressure and intensity. My arms, having a mind of their own, begin to wrap around his neck and pull him even closer, although I'm not sure how that is even possible. I honestly didn’t think we could get any closer together than we already were. Maverick kisses me like I am everything, like I was his last dying breath. I have never been kissed like this before.

I finally draw away from him to catch my breath. “That was…”

Maverick looks me in the eyes. “Wow.”

Maverick – it’s a pleasure to meet you. I absolutely loved reading Charlie and your story.

So what was it about Charlie that first caught your eye?

Her eyes! She had the most incredible blue eyes, I’d ever seen.

If you had to describe Charlie in a few words, what would they be?

Beautiful, caring and funny hands down!

When did you know that you’d fallen in love with Charlie?

I knew that I had feelings for her when she was asked to come up to the front of the class and talk about herself. I knew for sure when I was over at her house for the very first time and her dad made the inappropriate comment that pissed me off. I felt a protectiveness that I’d never felt and knew I never wanted anyone to hurt her ever again.

I loved the note and rose left on her car – are you a bit of a romantic, and what other sweet things like that have you done for Charlie?

You’ve got to remember that I live with parents that can’t keep their hands off of each other and it’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve had a good example and I don’t know any other way to be. My dad’s always doing nice things for my mom.

I try to be spontaneous and surprise Charlie with special dates. It’s important that she always have some surprises in her life and always feel special and important. I never want her to question anything about our relationship.

What’s your favorite thing to do to relax?

Go to our spot at the lake with Charlie and relax.

Will has clearly got it bad for Tori – what’s the story with those two, do you think they’ll get together?

I honestly don’t know what the story is between these two, but they clearly have it bad for one another. I’d like to think that one day they’ll finally get over whatever it is and be together. I think they compliment each other well.

Do you have a favorite saying or motto in life?

Always be kind, honest and true to yourself. Something my parent’s have always instilled in me. Also the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Okay – so just to get a little bit more insight to you – pick one of the following:

- Football or Baseball?     football hands down but I do love baseball
- Home Cooked Meals or Fast Food?     home cooked meals, my mom’s an awesome cook!
- Beer or Soda?     I don’t drink. I have no use for it. Soda
- Sleeping in or Staying up late?      staying up late
- Summer or Winter?     Summer, I get to see Charlie in a bathing suit for the first time. I’m a guy, what can I say?
- Facebook or Twitter?     I don’t do either. All of the important people in my life, I talk to daily. No need for social media.

Maverick thanks again for taking the time and sharing with us – it’s been an absolute pleasure!

So Heather, thank you so much for taking the time out for this interview.

Let’s start with, what was your inspiration for Love Notes?

I always wanted to write a book but I wanted to write one that was as relatable as possible. One that someone could walk away from feeling not so quite alone and feel better for having read it. I’m sure this sounds crazy, but I wanted to inspire someone. Not sure I accomplished it but I’m so glad I wrote it!

There’s some great messages in Love Notes, what is the one thing you really want readers to take from it?

That nobody can make you feel good about yourself but you. I want girls to know that not a boy or a friend can make you feel good. Sure they can help but this is an internal thing and that it takes time. You are the only one that defines your self-worth!

What was the biggest frustration (or biggest achievement) during the writing process?

I made so many mistakes; mechanical ones. I learned a lot through this process, mistakes that won’t ever be repeated and some that I’m sure I will.

My biggest achievement was writing a scene and knowing deep down that I put my heart and soul into it. I like to think that people who’ve read it can feel certain scenes and chapters that were very heavy on my heart while writing it.

We hear stories about how some writers have to have certain things or be in certain places to get their writing mojo on – what are the things you have to have to able to write productively?

My iPod no doubt! I am a music person. I was a singer long ago and it’s still a huge part of my life as well as my writing process. When I write I have a huge cup of coffee and my Beat headphones on my head. I’m in lala land when I write. Oh and the oddest thing is I write better when I get up, take a shower and am dressed with make-up on. Go figure! No pajama bottoms for me like some Author’s.

We know that Heart Strings is coming next – can you give us any insight into Tori and Will’s story?

Tori’s story is darker and based on an actual experience. Tori and Will went out on a date one time and an incident happened leaving him confused and Tori forever scarred!

I know you are a passionate reader and supporter of authors/books – what would you say is your book/author of the moment?

I just finished reading a book called Falling for Hadie by Komal Kant that hit me hard and was powerful as hell. It made me cry, laugh and think. I love books that make me think! I will forever love Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A Tucker. I have a tattoo of TTB on my wrist as a reminder. Powerful story that will always be my #1 favorite!

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Loyal, sarcastic & funny

What about your family, how would they describe you?

My husband might say that I’m a pain in the ass but he would also say that I love fiercely and that I’m very protective of family and friends. If I’m your friend, I’m in it 100%!

I asked my kids this question and this was their responses:

Gabe said he would describe me as pretty, nice, loving and smart
Lucas-funny
Jacob-helpful, loving

Okay – so just to get a little bit more insight to you – pick one of the following:

- Paperback or e-book?     I love a paperback but I love the convenience of an e-book
- White, Milk or Dark chocolate?     Milk chocolate
- White or Red wine?     Depends on the mood, I love a good red wine
- Sleeping in or Staying up late?     staying up late
- Summer or Winter?     summer
- Facebook or Twitter?     Facebook

Heather thanks again for taking the time and sharing with us!

When not writing or updating her Into the Night Reviews book blog, you will find Heather curled on the couch reading, surrounded by her children and four dogs. Her cravings for music and books are insatiable. One of her favorite things to do is sing and she used to have a dream of becoming a singer. The dream has since changed and is now to become a full time writer. She holds a strong anti-bullying conviction and voices it regularly. She resides in Canton, GA with her husband, three boys, four dogs, one cat and two ferrets.