{Summer Read} Photo Highlights from the @WendyWilliams #HoldMeInContempt #Book Signing #burlingtonootd

I got several of my summer reads early this year, but haven't had a chance to start on them yet, yes it's been THAT busy. But with the debut of the trailer today of 50 Shades of Grey (which I also haven't read by the way) it made me realize that those hazy days of summer will soon come to an end, and me and this book still haven't had our much needed 'me' time.

About the Book:

Move over 50 Shades, there’s a new romance in town. Television Personality and Author Wendy Williams brings on the heat in her first ever, no-holds-barred, down and dirty, romance novel.

Kimberly Kind is trying to get beyond her roots. A successful, beautiful, smart lawyer, she’s finally finding direction in her life and getting out of the streets. But a terrible accident threatens to throw her carefully laid plans off course. Now Kim’s hiding a huge secret… one that could threaten everything.

Enter King. A perfect mix of Justin Timberlake and David Beckham, the man oozes sex and has more swagger than anyone Kim’s ever met. Their chemistry is off the charts. But after passion-filled nights, the intensity of their emotions takes both of them by surprise.

Love was not supposed to be an option. Now it’s the only thing holding them together. When their pasts come back with a vengeance, can love possibly be enough?

Photo Higlights from The Book Signing:

Event Sponsor Burlington offered 2 signature cocktails

Two Signature Cocktails were in effect:

Burlington Blush: Russian Standard, Aperol and Fresh Grapefruit

Sparkling Style: Prosecco, Elderflower and Cranberries - With my love of all things Sparkling when it comes to Wine, guess which one I chose?

Left:  Denise Albert Center: Author/TV Personality Wendy Williams Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein 

This particular Mamarazzi event was held at Hudson Bond in New York City and sponsored by Burlington.

It was great getting another book signed by Wendy, I was also able to catch her book signing last year for her book, Ask Wendy, in case you missed that recap, press HERE.

My Take:

I haven't had a chance to read this one yet, so this book and me and the sand have a beach date coming soon! In the meantime, no spoilers please from those who have already read it!

Do you enjoy Romance Novels Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, no compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage, all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Mamarazzi® with @WendyWilliams & @themoms "Ask Wendy" book signing & launch @Tavern29 in New York City!

Ask Wendy Book Cover Art

You know just how much I love sharing the great events I attend both in and outside of New York City, this has been the summer of book launches that's for sure and I got to attend another fun one for none other than the 'friend in everyone's head' Wendy Williams, host of the popular Wendy Williams Show, where audiences join her in a fun 'HOW YOU DOIN'?' and also get the chance to ask her a question of advice.  And audience members have asked her all kinds of questions throughout the course of the show. Questions submitted to her by audience members and fans are now in her latest book!

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein at Ask Wendy Book Signing Mamarazzi Launch Event at Tavern 29 in New York City

Her new Book, "Ask Wendy" Straight-Up Advice for All the Drama in Your Life, launched at a fun book signing and Q&A at Tavern 29 in New York City hosted by The Moms. What I love about Wendy is that what you see is what you get, she is exactly the same person you see on her show, she tells it like it is and she pulls no punches!

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein

What I enjoyed best was that she shared so much of her own life with everyone there, and she shared about a wide variety of topics including her own marriage, her friendships and how she is keeping her life drama free!

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein

If finding out the answers to questions like these sounds intriguing:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My husband is always commenting on how hot the babysitter is. Should I be Worried?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My teenage daughter is a Klepto. I found a bunch of stuff with tags in her closet, and I know she didn't buy them. What should I do?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My guy stays in touch with his exes on Facebook. He says it's not cheating, but it makes me really angry. What Should I do?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I feel like all I do is run around and take my three kids to school, soccer, swim team, and gymnastics. I have no life. Help!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Then you definitely want to check out this book!

Wendy Williams fields audience questions at Ask Wendy Book Signing Launch Event

My Take:

Ask Wendy is definitely a great summer read that you can knock out poolside or beach side this summer and you will definitely get some good laughs because you know Wendy is going to tell it like it is and give the advice you are thinking as soon as you finish reading the questions! So slip this one in your beach bag and take it with you!

Wendy Williams Signs her new Book "Ask Wendy" for Ascending Butterfly at the Mamarazzi launch event at Tavern 29 in New York City

There are a few more pictures on our Ask Wendy Pinterest Board that didn't make this post so be sure to check them out!

What is your reading standout favorite so far this summer butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, no compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage, all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Alison Sweeney (@Ali_Sweeney) 'the star attraction' #Book Signing Event @makemeaningUSA cc @GabrielasNYC #thestarattractionmamarazzi

Alison Sweeney at 'the star attraction' book signing event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

I have a special (Not Entirely Wordless), Wordless Wednesday Edition this week! I just got back from the City from a super fun book signing and thought I'd share my photos with you!

It's no shocker I'm a Soap Opera Fan (I'm pretty sure the General Hospital Blogger Campaign, and my recent posts on behalf of All My Children and One Life to Live coming back online were a huge tip off), and today I got the chance to attend a Book Signing Event for Alison Sweeney's new book 'the star attraction'.

Alison Sweeney has portrayed the character 'Sami Brady' since she was 16 years old on the NBC hit daytime drama Days of our Lives, and is also the host of NBC's reality series The Biggest Loser. She is also the Author of 'The Mommy Diet' and she has penned another book titled 'the star attraction'.

The new book 'the star attraction' was released yesterday by Hyperion Books, and is about a Hollywood Publicist who scores her PR firm's most important actor client, and after a steamy make out session in a restaurant alley with her big name client, lines start to blur and one woman's daytime soap comes to life.

Sounds 'Tres Steamy' to me and I can't wait to read it! I'm thinking a day at the beach, a pina colada, me and this book have a date soon!

Here are some more pictures from the Book Signing Today:

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: Mama Butterfly, Right: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

Left: It's ME! Ascending Butterfly, Right: Actress/Author Alison Sweeney, at 'the star attraction' book signing MAMARAZZI event at the Make Meaning Store in New York City

My Take:

The Moms always take the time to really put thought into their events, the lunch was catered by Gabriela's Restaurant in New York City who put out a wonderful spread, and the Make Meaning Store where the event was held is a space in New York City where you can do crafts (and there is even a 'Wine' night, so I definitely need to go back there and create something fun and kick back with a glass of wine!).

In addition to the lunch and book signing where we got to meet Alison, she also answered questions from the audience and spoke about the difficulties of the work/life balance, and how important it is to truly love what you do. When you love what you do and are excited by it, your children will feel that. You do need to be professionally fulfilled, but if it's not at something you love doing it makes staying energetic for them AND for you, that much harder!

Mama Butterfly asked Alison about her weight struggles and how it was handled by the producers of Days of Our Lives, and Alison said that the Producers were always behind her, but she did read negative comments throughout the years, and that brought me right back to the Strong Moms Empowerment Summit and how important it is not just for press (print or digital) but for all moms to be supportive of each other! Alison was super down to earth and it was a pleasure meeting her! As Mama Butterfly is the one who got me hooked on 'Soaps' on my very first sick day from school as a pre-teen, it was only fitting somehow that we attended this event together!

I will post a full review of the book once I have read it (and I'll try to reach out to publisher and see if they'd like to host a giveaway in an upcoming Ascending Butterfly Book Club, hopefully for the summer as this looks like a great summer read!). I will also create a Pinterest Board for this event on Ascending Butterfly's Pinterest Page!

Here is the video from the Questions and Answers Session:

Video credit: Fredy Mfuko, Mission 101 Media

You can nab the book at a great price below:

What are you reading right now Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. No monetary compensation has been received to share our recap coverage of this event. A meet and greet and signed book were provided for editorial consideration, however all opinions are 100% my own! The book banner is an affiliate link.