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2013, A-Minus Rating, Contemporary Romance, Heather Thurmeier, Posted by Katie, Reality TV Trilogy
Raise your hand if you like reality TV. Okay, everyone’s hand should be up. There’s no way that any of you have gotten by this far without a fondness for at least one of the MANY reality shows out there. My current personal favorites are Project Runway and The Amazing Race, but I remember being in college during the boom of reality shows—I had to watch them, I was practically forced! This is why I was so excited to read Falling for You, which is set around the happenings of a reality dating show!
Katie‘s Mini-Review
I am a firm believer that anyone can be hooked on almost any reality TV show as long as they see it from the beginning. That’s what happened when I used to watch The Bachelor anyway. I got so invested in the people that I had to keep watching to see what happened! This book was just like a season of The Bachelor, only the show was called The One.
Cassidy, who has been single for about six months, gets tricked into auditioning for the show. When she gets picked, she figures she might as well try it. She’s up for trying new things and having some adventures. Little does she know the bachelor she will be competing for is her ex-boyfriend who left her high and dry to move across the country and be a surfer.
Evan, Cassidy’s hot personal cameraman on the show, is determined to remain professional, follow the rules, and is absolutely not looking for a relationship. Evan and Cassidy are immediately attracted to each other, but Cassidy stays on the show dating another guy, while Evan stays behind the camera catching all of her awkward and hilarious moments. I absolutely loved Evan’s inner monologue trying to convince himself that he doesn’t like Cassidy:
Falling for You was a whole season of a reality dating show smushed together without any of the waiting! It’s all there—the fun, the adventurous dates, the eliminations, the cattiness of women living in the same house and competing for the same man. The characters are all very believable and it’s fun to see what is in store for all of them!
Bottom LineI really have no qualms about this one—it’s a quick and fun read. It’s lighthearted, funny, and romantic. If you’re looking for something deep and symbolic, this probably isn’t for you. But for everyone else, I’d recommend it!
Rating: A-
Wine/Beverage Pairing: Chardonnay – a complex one!
Buy Print: Amazon | B&N Buy Digital: Kindle | NookInterview with Heather Thurmeier
Katie from K&W: Thanks for being on Kindles & Wine, Heather! I really liked the reality TV theme throughout this book! Are you a big reality TV lover? Which one is your favorite?
Heather Thurmeier: Thank you so much for having me here today! I am a big reality TV junkie. I watch a lot of different shows, but my favorites have to be The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad, The Amazing Race, and Survivor. Those shows were the inspiration for the three books in my Reality TV Romance trilogy.
Katie: I LOVE The Amazing Race! I can’t wait to read your book based on that one! I loved trying to figure out what kind of challenge the contestants were going to be faced with next. Some of them seemed so fun and adventurous! What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Heather: That’s a tough question! What’s adventurous to one person might not be to another. But what comes to mind is zip lining in Mexico. That was a blast! I would jump at the chance to do it again. Most recently, I held a tarantula. I real one! That’s pretty adventurous for me considering I’m seriously arachnophobia and have been since childhood. I don’t know what possessed me to do it, but I did. My kids go to an after school program where a guy brings all kinds of different animals to the school for the kids to learn about and interact with. I knew spider week was coming and had been psyching myself up for a little sensory therapy. When the spider was there at pick up, I figured I had to be strong to show my kids they don’t need to be afraid just because I am. Well, my 7 year old had no problem and even put the tarantula on her head. Her. Head. My hands were good enough for me!
Katie: Yikes! I would definitely go zip lining, but I don’t think I want to hold a tarantula. It was really interesting to learn more about the behind-the-scenes aspect of a TV show. When I watch, sometimes I forget about all of that! What made you decide to write about this theme and give a cameraman such a leading role?
Heather: The inspiration for Falling for You came from watching reality dating shows. I wondered what made these people go on a very public show to find love. And then I wondered what would happen if they found it, but with someone they weren’t supposed to. So I built the show in the book around that idea. Cameraman Evan was an easy choice for the hero. He’s the one with the most access to Cassidy and the one who is the most off-limits. I was excited to write a book about a reality TV show since I love watching them so much, but writing about what happens behind the scenes was even more exciting! I’ve always wondered what really happens when the cameras aren’t filming and it was so fun to play producer and get to make up whatever I wanted for my show and the contestants!
Katie: Evan’s inner monologue was one of my favorite parts of Falling for You! I caught myself laughing out loud more than once! Is Evan based on anyone you know? 
Heather: I think all of my characters have a tiny hint of people I know in some way with some little characteristic or another. But I can’t say that Evan was based off of anyone in particular. I really enjoyed putting myself into a man’s point of view and guessing what he might be thinking at any given time. I’m glad you enjoyed Evan!
Katie: I definitely enjoyed Evan! The epilogue hints at another adventure reality show with Paige, Cassidy’s friend and fellow contestant on The One. Is that something we can expect from you in the near future?
Heather: Oh yes, Paige is going on another adventure! And it releases in just two days on Feb. 11th! Stuck on You is Paige’s story. Now she’s in the spotlight on a new reality TV show. And we get a little Cassidy and Evan update as well. Here’s the blurb:
And how about a little teaser excerpt?
Footsteps pounded down the slope after her then Miles was down on his knees in the dirt beside her.
Well hello there, Mr. Muscles. Let’s get dirty together.
The image of getting dirty in the forest with Miles was a little more sex kitten than her usual train of thought. Did I hit my head on the way down?
Or maybe it was the influence of the super hot, super built man hovering over her with concern in his eyes that caused the shift in her mental state.
“Are you okay?” Miles asked, touching the side of her face and turning her head first one direction and then the other. Her eyes never left his.
“I’m fine. Just dirty—muddy,” she clarified. Not that he could read her mind, but still. “I’ll get up now.”
“Let me help you,” he said, standing over her and wrapping his large hands around her upper arms, pulling her up to stand in front of him. His hands dropped to her waist and she found hers groping his chest again. Seemed she couldn’t keep her hands off of him. Not that the rest of her complained in the least.
“Thanks,” she whispered, looking up to meet his gaze. The mix of concern and…something else made her breath hitch in her throat. Damn.
“My pleasure.”
Her feet went out from under her again, but this time she didn’t slide down the slope. Possibly because she’d managed to drag Miles down to the ground with her. Perhaps his body weight pressing her into the soft dirt was enough to stop her from going anywhere.
Definitely every inch of his tall, muscular body against hers was enough to cause the lightheadedness she now felt.
Or possibly the lightheadedness could be from his leg pressing against the junction of her thighs. He’d managed to anchor them both to the ground as she straddled his leg. Yes, that could cause lightheadedness to hit full force.
As could the length of something else currently pressing into her.
Either he suddenly had less blood traveling to his brain or he’d managed to shove a tree branch in his pocket on the way down the hill. A very large tree branch.
Katie: Zoe’s back too! Wow, I’m glad I won’t have to wait long to read that one! So you’re from Canada, eh? Can you give us some Canadian trivia we non-Canadians may not know?
Heather: This was a hard question! What trivia do I know that you may not? I’ll admit I had to look it up to see if there was anything fascinating to share. There isn’t. LOL. So here’s my version of Canadian trivia:
- The $1 coin is called a Loonie because it has a picture of a loon on it.
- The $2 coin is called a Toonie because…why? Why on earth did we pick that name??? Because it’s worth $2 and rhymes with the loonie, I guess.
- Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world. Yes, that means it’s bigger than the USA, although we have a fraction of the population. We have plenty of open space to spread out and get comfy. Of course, most of that space is covered in snow for 6 months of the year.
- Canada is an officially bilingual country with French and English both getting equal billing, though most Canadians do not speak both languages fluently. I can only say a few things in French after years of French class in school. Je m’appelle Heather. (My name is Heather.) Il fait tres froid. (It’s very cold outside.) And in Paris, my hubs and I learned to ask for two white hot chocolates every afternoon as we explored the city. It’s chilly in November in Paris! Deux blanc chocolat chaud, s’il vous plait.
I never said my French was good!
- Many famous actors/actresses are from Canada: Michael J. Fox, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Pamela Anderson, Donald and Keifer Sutherland, Evangeline Lilly, Rachel McAdams…the list goes on and on.
- Poutine fries should be considered their own food group and put on the food pyramid so I have an excuse to eat them as often as I want. For those who don’t know, poutine fries are French fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy. Sounds disgusting until you try it. My mouth is watering…
Katie: I definitely didn’t know all of those facts. The Toonie is my favorite one! Everyone interviewed on Kindles & Wine has to answer these last two questions: If you had to choose: Kindle/eBook or print? (Don’t worry, we don’t discriminate on the basis of preferred book format!)
Heather: ABSOLUTELY KINDLE!! I love reading on my Kindle. I’m currently reading a paper book and it is not nearly as enjoyable as reading on my Kindle. I have to hold this book with two hands, the text is too tiny, and my room is always too dark, even with both lamps on. Sigh. Or I’m getting old…I blame paper.
Katie: And finally, what’s your favorite kind of wine? Or, if you’re not a wine drinker, what’s your beverage of choice?
Heather: I’m really not much of a wine drinker. Red hurts my stomach (I don’t know why) and a lot of white is too sweet for me. The one wine I really enjoy a glass of every now and then is Santa Margarita Pinot Grigio. My drink of choice is a frozen strawberry margarita! We even have a margarita machine at home. Best gift we ever received! LOL.
Thank you so much for having me! It was a lot of fun answering your questions. If any of your readers have a question for me, leave it in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer!
Cheers and happy reading!
Falling For You Giveaway
Heather is generously offering a digital copy of Falling for You to ONE lucky Kindles & Wine reader.
To enter for your chance to win, you must:
- Be a follower of our blog (click the floating Follow button in the lower-right corner of your browser), AND
- Hit the comments and ask Heather a question. She will be hanging out on K&W all day and is ready to answer anything you’ve got for her!
Please note: This contest will close on Sunday, February 10 at 11:59 PM (CST) and the winner will be notified via email on Monday, February 11.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders, and a reality TV junkie. She was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses. When she’s not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather’s hard at work on her next romance novel.
You can learn more at Heather’s website and connect with her on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
I broke out in a sweat looking at you holding that spider. Ugh!!! I love reality shows. My favorite right now is Project Runway. I also like Next American Model. But I could never have a camera follow me around.
I like both of those shows too, although I don’t watch them faithfully. And I too get the shivers looking at the picture of the tarantula. I still can’t believe I did that.
I don’t know how you stood there with that piper on your hand and not drop it and run fom the room screaming. Because really that’s what I would of done. Lol
In the beginning of this post you said how we all would have our hand up about liking Reality TV. I hate it! I just don’t understand how people can stand to watch people act like such jerks and so on.
My husband loves them and can always find a marathon of one of the House Wives shows or something like it and drives me from the room. Maybe that’s why he oes it…hmm. Lol
Your series sounds really good and I’d love to read it. You are a new author to me. Thanks for the contest.
Hi Lori, The only reason I didn’t drop the spider was because the spider handler was right there with his hands ready to grab it. I actually only held it for about 3 seconds, then it started to crawl and I started to freak out so he grabbed. I must have shook for another 2 hours before I finally calmed down!
I also have book about other, none reality TV show books. If you’re interested in checking them out, just look up my name on Amazon!
OMG, I should not answer comments first thing in the morning before coffee! Please excuse the spelling errors! LOL.
Hi Heather and Katie! Heather, you are a very brave person to stand with a spider in your hand!
The reality shows in our house consist of Pawn Stars ( pawn!) and American Pickers, and occasionally Storage Wars. I admit to watching a few Real Housewives shows, but it’s hard to watch people make fools of themselves on TV. Heather, did you observe any reality shows “backstage” to get the real feel? Your books look like so much fun, I love romances with plenty of humor!
Thanks for the review giveaway!
Hi Pat! I’ve watched Pawn Stars and American Pickers here and there and they are pretty good! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Pat, all of my reality TV show ‘knowledge’ is completely fictional. I made up scene the way I imagine it would be, but have no real backstage insider info. I’m glad it felt real to readers!
Ugh…I don’t fear spiders but I wouldn’t willingly hold one. Brave lady. I haven’t read anything by you yet but will add your book to my TBR stack(s) *winks* I recently had a baby and so am really behind in my reading.
Thanks,
Lori H
Hi Lori, Congrats on the new baby! When you have time to read again, I hope you’ll check out one of my books! Not all are reality TV inspired, but all are fun, light-hearted reads. Thanks for stopping by to chat with me!
I am with everybody else I hate spiders! Heather, I love your books and I can’t wait to get my hands on Stuck on you! I am so excited:) Hope you ladies have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for stopping by Allyson! Nice to chat with you again!
I remember my kids being at a show where they held snakes and spiders. I was not interested in joining in at all. I do like reality TV and The Amazing Race is a favorite although I could never do a lot of what the contestants have to accomplish.
I say I’d like to be on The Amazing Race, but I know I’m actually too chicken to go on it. I guess I’d just like to travel and experience different cultures. And I’d like to try some of the crazy things they do. Although, I think I’d prefer doing them on my own and not with a bunch of cameras around!
I am a follower of this blog…I don’t know how you had that spider in your hand. I would have freaked! I don’t mind if they are “over there”… but not on me….no way! book sounds like it would be a fun read; especially on a weekend like this…
I haven’t watched The Bachelor since season one or two, I’m embarrassed by what those women do when they drink. I love the Real Housewives and some of the little people reality shows. Is each book in this series going to be about the same reality show or will it be a different show each week?
Hi Leanna, I’m always amazed at how much the people on the shows drink knowing that they’re going to act stupid on national TV! But it makes for entertaining shows to watch.
Each book in the series is inspired by a different reality TV show. Falling for You was the Bachelor style show, Stuck on You was inspired by The Amazing Race and Lost Without You is inspired by Survivor. My three favorite shows!
Hi Heather! I think your book sounds awesome and I can’t wait to read it. I was wondering what inspired you to become a writer? If I had that creative, imaginative side I would love to write as well but I am horrible at story telling. LOL Thank you for the interview and giveaway!
Wanda
Hi Wanda, I think I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but it took a long time to think of an idea worth writing. And then I had to get the guts to try it. Falling for You is actually the first book I ever wrote!! But I ended up rewriting it a few times and making massive changes to the story while I learned how to tell a story. I’m thrilled with how it turned out, but this book was definitely a learning process for me. I say, if you have a desire to write, just try it. Everyone always say, “write what you know.” I say, write was you love and the journey will be so much more fun for you!
I could never hold a spider that size. Why? Anyway, the most adventurous thing I’ve done to date, is river rafting the snake river for several days. Fun, but scary at times. Thank you for sharing your work. Looking forward to reading.
River rafting for several days sounds awesome Kyla! You sound quite adventurous to me!
I agree with Katie! Rafting for days sounds way more adventurous than I’ve been.
I don’t necessarily have a question. I just wanted to say that as a Canadian I loved your info about Canada that people should/wouldn’t know. I don’t think people understand just how important poutine is lol
Congrats on the book it looks really good!
Hi Veronica! It was surprisingly hard to think of Canadian trivia! I miss poutine. They don’t serve it here in the states.
Spiders are disgusting, so I will ask you about travel! What did you enjoy most in Paris and what city do you recommend I visit in Canada?
Hi Vicki, I really enjoyed seeing the art galleries in Paris. I saw so many masterpieces! I also miss walking around the city. It’s definitely a beautiful city to see. As for Canada, if I could only recommend one place it would be British Columbia. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. I also really love Montreal! Old Montreal looks like Paris!
I think the thing that would have bothered me the most while holding that spider is that it would tickle my hands and I would drop him! I have no fear of spiders. And stick with the Pinot Grigio…my fav!!!!
Why were you holding the spider? I would freak out having to hold it.
Why was I holding the spider… Well, my kids are in an after school program where a guy brings in animals to interact with and learn about. This was spider and insect week. I wasn’t going to hold it because I’m very terrified of spiders. But I figured if I was ever going to try to conquer my fear, it should be with a very safe spider. And what is safer than a spider that is so safe, the kids can put it on their faces and heads? Serious. My oldest daughter put the spider on her head. Her. Head. I decided then that I needed to prove to my kids that sometimes it’s okay to do something that’s a little scary. And I don’t want to pass my fears on to them. I tell them often that they don’t have to be afraid of spiders just because I am.
Great review, Katie and I loved the interview, ladies! We really have the best interviews on K&W (in my totally biased opinion
).
Heather, I didn’t realize Falling for You was the first book you wrote! If you could give any advice to a first-time writer (other than write what you love), what would it be?
I should clarify, Falling for You was the first book I wrote, but it was the 3 book I contracted.
My advice to a first-time writer would be:
1. Keep writing! The more you write, the more you learn about how to write. Anyone can put words on a page, but it takes time, practice, patience and skill to make those words into great sentences.
2. Be open to criticism. As a writer, you have to grow some thick skin. The first words you write will not be perfect but sometimes that is really hard to realize yourself. You need to have a critique partner you can trust to tell you when you’ve gone astray in your book or when you’re lacking skill in some area. Preferably, it would be great to get a partner who is strong in the areas where you are weakest.
3. Take the time to learn your craft. You will not do yourself any favors to write something and stick it up on amazon without any consideration as to whether or not it’s good. Take classes. Read books on writing. Join writing groups where you can learn from more experienced writers. And if you’re writing something and you don’t know if you should use their, there, or they’re, then take the time to look it up and learn the rules. I learn something new with every single book!
Heather, you mentioned liking Amazing Race. That’s my favorite reality show. You enjoyed zip lining, which is a task often used on the show. How would you feel about eating some of those disgusting foods that contestants often have to experience (for example, animal testicles)?
I could never eat the crazy stuff! I have to be very careful of what I eat so I’d make my partner take a the food challenges!
Poutine! Definitely deserves a star spot on the food pyramid. How could anyone think it sounds gross?
I don’t watch that much TV–mostly hockey games, really–because watching more would cut into my reading time
I’ve seen parts of the Amazing Race and Survivor at my mom’s though, and can understand the appeal. What reality show will be the basis for book three?
Hi Becky! Book 3 — Lost Without You — is inspired by Survivor, only it takes place in the Montana wilderness instead of on a tropical beach.
I love Survivor and I was born and raised in Montana, so book 3 is a must-read for me! I love reality TV, so will definitely read 1 and 2 in the meantime. Thanks for a great review, Katie and thank you both for a wonderful interview.
Dark or milk chocolate?
My dad had a tarantula, so I had to hold it at least once. Ew. Though, I loved the old B movie TARANTULA. Lol.
Hi Denise, Milk chocolate! I haven’t seen Tarantula, but the movie Arachnophobic totally scared me!
Freaked me out, too. Worse for my husband–my boyfriend at the time.
I prefer dark, but I’ll eat either.
Must admit, that spider pic gave me the willies. My oldest loves creepy crawlies though. We have a picture of her with a huge snake slung around her neck!
So, do you miss living in Canada? I don’t think i would ever willing leave BC
Hi Carrie, I do miss living in Canada. My family is still there and we visit every year.
Heather,
I’m not a writer, but I think I’d have to do that, just for fun. With lots of coffee, of course. And a beret.
My husband and I are making our first trip to Europe soon, and Paris is definitely on our list of stops. We’re planning to see as much as we can, but what is the one absolutely-cannot-be missed sight? Any that aren’t your standards (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc) Bonus question – please tell me you sat at an outdoor cafe and wrote, even for just an hour.
We saw typical sights in Paris. Probably the most unusual things we did was tour the catacombs. They were super creepy! We also took the train out to Versailles. It was beautiful. And no, I didn’t sit and write in any cafes. I wasn’t a writer back then!
What is your favorite way to relax?
Oh, and the book sounds really good! I don’t always like reality shows, but recently found one that I like (King of the Nerds). I’m looking forward to this one!
My favorite way to relax is hanging out with the family during the day and reading at night!
Sounds fun! Thanks so much for sharing and for the fun interview! I guess my question is: what do you have to do/have while writing?
All I need to write is a comfy, quiet place with my laptop. And caffeine. Lots and lots of caffeine. LOL.
I follow this blog through my email. I am wondering where Heather got the idea for the book? Was it just from reality shows or did something trigger it, like being on one herself? Also, are Canadians as reality crazy as us Americans?
Thanks for the great interview.
Marlena
Can’t believe you held that spider! Never ever ever ever could i do that!