Face Time by S.J. Pajonas: A Book That CANNOT Be Missed

Never have I been so happy to write about someone else's incredible work. Sometimes I sign up for these things on a whim, figuring, "Yeah, sure, I'll help out." This was one of the most rewarding whims I've ever had. So, without further ado, let me tell you about Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by S.J. Pajonas.

Book Blitz:

Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1)

by SJ Pajonas

Today is my stop during the book blitz for Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1) by SJ Pajonas. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. This blitz takes place on 25, 28 and 30 April, you can view the whole blitz schedule here: http://lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-face-time-by-sj-pajonas/

Face Time (Love in the Digital Age #1)

By SJ Pajonas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Release Date: April 25, 2014

Blurb:

After the best first date ever, Lee thought Laura was funny, intelligent, and impulsive; a whirlwind of bright laughter and happiness. Laura loved Lee's sweet smile and the way he expertly filled in every awkward pause. He held her hand and then pulled her in for the most perfect kiss she’s had in years. What could possibly be wrong? Just the 7000 miles that separates them the next day.

Even though Lee has gone home to Seoul, Laura can't stop thinking about him. What starts as an innocent text thanking him for their dinner date becomes something much more: someone either of them can't live without. But Laura's got a live-in mother going through a midlife crisis, and Lee's stressful traveling schedule means they'll be apart for some time. Life, family, and a complicated past also get in the way, and they're both going to need actual face time to figure it out.

Does that sound enticing enough? Want more? I bet you do! So, here is an excerpt. You know, just a taste to wet the whistle but leave you wanting more...

I guess I’m sick of New York because I haven’t been away from here in five years. Most people need a break from the city. Mary, my boss, keeps pushing me to take a vacation, but I always wave her off. Shit, I would love to leave — am dying to leave — but I have been saving every spare penny so I can move out someday soon. My mother moved in saying, “Oh honey, it’s only for a few months, and then I’ll buy my own place.” That was over three years ago. When six months passed and she was on her second boyfriend and hadn’t looked at any real estate in the city, I knew she was never going to leave.

Taking out my iPhone, I aim the camera at the sun setting on my street. If I tilt it around, I can catch a sun glare off the tops of the cars and another couple walking towards me holding hands. Click. I attach the photo to a text to Lee and hit send before picking up my bag and heading inside.

The door creaking open to my apartment is the only noise I hear when my phone buzzes in my purse.

Lee Park

I love your street. Looks like a beautiful day.

Laura Merchant

It is. Let me get my iPad set up in the kitchen and we can talk.

Lee Park

Ok. Call me when you’re ready.

I grab my iPad out of my bag and stand it up in the kitchen, but then remember what I’m about to do. Third date. I run back down the hall to the bathroom, stumbling over my shoes in the hallway, and quickly touch up my makeup and wash my hands. I should try to look good for Lee, right?

He lives in Seoul.

Fuck, he lives in Seoul.

I pause and examine myself in the mirror. Why do I fall for the unavailable ones? He seems to like me too, but with seven thousand miles between us, we can’t be physical. What if this goes somewhere, we finally get together, and the sex is horrible? But the kiss was great. The kiss was legendary, the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve kissed at least thirty boys. The sex will be good, right? What am I thinking? I’m skipping way ahead. Screw it. If the sex is bad, I’ll figure out what to do about it later.

In the kitchen, I initiate the call, and wait until Lee’s face pops up on my screen. He was handsome in a suit, heart-stopping in a sweater, but, full-on gorgeous in a t-shirt. His arms and chest stretch the tight black shirt over every curve of muscle, and I have to close my eyes and turn my head away. I may be so turned on that I’m nauseous.

“Hi,” he says, and I turn my face back to the iPad. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, fine. It’s nothing.” Nothing at all. Just that you’re so hot and so far away. It kills me that I can’t touch you. “I’m hungry. Just got home from Connecticut.”

He nods and sits down in his chair at the table where he took the last call. I don’t think he’s done anything with his unruly hair since he woke up, but bedhead suits him.

“Well, eat and tell me about your day.”

And here is a glimpse of the crazy talented author:

S. J. Pajonas loves all things Asian and has been in love with Japan and the East for as long as she can remember. Writing about Asia and Japan came naturally after studying the culture and language for over fifteen years. She studied film and screenwriting first and eventually segued into fiction once she was no longer working a full-time job.

Face Time is the first novel in the Love in the Digital Age series, and Pajonas's first foray into Korean culture and families. Along with Removed and Released in the Nogiku Series, she continues to take the cultures of Asia and weave them into stories that appeal to people from around the world. Her writing is described as unique and unpredictable. Expect the unexpected.

Stephanie lives with her husband and two children just outside of New York City. She loves reading, writing, film, J- and K-dramas, knitting, and astrology. Her favorite author is Haruki Murakami and favorite book is The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.

Learn more at www.spajonas.com

REVIEW:

This book should come with a disclaimer--WARNING: EXCELLENT BOOK AHEAD. YOU WILL NOT SLEEP UNTIL YOU FINISH READING. This story grabbed me right in and I could not put it down. It is modern and romantic and different. The writing was so captivating. I was immediately drawn into both Laura and Lee's worlds, rooting for the to succeed despite the odds. There is no predictability; no cliched love story here. It is real life. How we put others' need before our own. How family does not live up to expectations. How ancient culture can affect our modern world. Ms. Pajonas' writing is a breath of fresh air, unique and flavored with the spices of the Far East. It may be different than what is out there, but that is what sets it far ahead of other contemporary romances. I very rarely give books five-star ratings, and almost never to romances. However, this book deserves all five-stars. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, and all the ones thereafter. Bravo, Ms. Pajonas. Bravo.