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Amy Matayo | LOL (Lots of Love)
January 31, 2014
So I like weddings. Mainly for the cake, but also for some other things. Like
the food, the (bad) dancing, the free-flowing alcohol that I rarely drink but am
super-entertained by when other people do. You know, the guy who's had so many
Whiskey Sours that he talks super loud and tells really bad jokes only three
inches from your face. The woman on her fifth margarita who struggles to balance
on her high heels like a newly hired circus clown walking around on five-foot
stilts. The grandpa that asks you to dance and holds you a little closer than is
physically necessary or appropriate (has this only happened to me?). And then there's the love. Like almost every other romance writer I know, I like
love. Especially wedding love. It gets me thinking back on my own wedding that
took place a whole lot of years ago. It makes me remember the look of terror on
my now-husband's face that he was actually going through with marrying me...that
he would be shackled to me forever. It makes me remember the two-piece
bridesmaid dresses that all got switched around at the dry cleaners, so the
afternoon of the wedding all the girls were frantically trying to figure out
what part fit which girl while I sat in the floor crying. It makes me remember
my three-year-old nephew who tossed his ring-bearer pillow on the floor and
stood in the aisle sobbing because the two-year-old flower girl wouldn't walk
with him. It makes me remember my dad's last minute offer to "run with me out
the front door," and my brief hesitation at the top of the steps,
because...should I? I didn't run that day. And I can honestly say I'm glad. Because I love love. I love weddings. I love marriage. Even ones of convenience (not mine, my characters). If you have a chance, check them out! Hopefully you'll love them too.
I graduated from John Brown University with a degree in Journalism. After graduation, I went to work for DaySpring Cards—a division of
Hallmark—where I worked for seven years as Senior Writer and Editor.
After the birth of my first child I became a freelance writer before pursuing
novel-writing full time. My first contracted novel—The Wedding Game—won the 2012 ACFW Genesis
Award. It released on November 16, 2013. My next book, Love Gone Wild, releases
March 1. As the mother of four children with a husband immersed in political life, I have
very little free time. I prefer to spend that time enjoying intellectual
pursuits such as: watching television with my feet propped up, watching movies
with a bucket of popcorn, and watching my laundry pile high—with no desire
to do anything about it. It's a fun life. Visit her on her website
Cannon James has a plan: Sign on as a contestant for his father's new reality
show, marry a blonde hand-picked by the producers, and walk away two million
dollars richer. It's all been arranged. Easy. Clean. No regrets. Until Ellie
McAllister ruins everything by winning the viewer's vote. Now he has to convince
America that he's head over heels in love with her. Not easy to do since she's a
walking disaster. Ellie McAllister has her own problems. She needs money, and she needs it now.
Despite her parent's objections and her belief that marriage is sacred, she
signs on to The Wedding Game...and wins. Now she's married to a guy she can't
stand, and if she wants her hands on the money, she has six months to make
voters believe she loves him. Not easy to do since he's the most arrogant man in
America. It doesn't take long for Ellie and Cannon to realize they've made a mess of
things...even less time for their feelings for one another to change. But is it
too late for them? More importantly, can the worst decision they've ever made
actually be one of the best? 
One commenter will win a copy of THE WEDDING GAME
Comments
43 comments posted.
Re: Amy Matayo | LOL (Lots of Love)
Hello there,Amy. How are you? Well,I must say,you are a very busy lady!
A mother of four children,a husband,and a full time writing career. WOW!!!
Anyhow,I love the title of your latest book,and it should be a good read.
Thank You,Amy,for giving all of us,the opportunity to win a copy!
(Elizabeth Calligan 2:00am January 31, 2014)
This book sounds so very interesting, just as interesting as your personal life does. I love weddings, cake and the thought of happy ever after. Please keep writing so we can enjoy your books
(C Culp 7:01am January 31, 2014)
Amy,
Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with all of us. I'm in awe of your ability to balance everything!
I'd love to read THE WEDDING GAME. I can see Ellie desperately needing the money. 6 months doesn't seem too long. I'm curious why Cannon would do it for 2 million. He sounds alpha, independent and you mentioned arrogant too. I'm sure he works as hard as he plays. Women must find him attractive. I'm looking forward to reading your book to find out why he needed the money.
(Laurie Gommermann 7:16am January 31, 2014)
Would love to win and read this book as weddings are so romantic. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Kathleen Beale 7:49am January 31, 2014)
Wow--The Wedding Game sounds like an amazing book. I'd love
to see what they do to mess it up--and how they try to fix
it.
(Robyn Roberts 8:15am January 31, 2014)
I am intrigued by this one and can't wait to read it. Thank you for the
giveaway.
(Melanie Backus 8:40am January 31, 2014)
I love weddings too. Especially because each one usually is so unique to the couple. And it is always a great way to see friends and family. The wedding game sounds interesting, especially in the world of the bachelor.
(Pam Howell 8:49am January 31, 2014)
Who doesn't love weddings? I would love to read this book, it's a great giveaway!! Thanks
(Bonnie Capuano 9:18am January 31, 2014)
I love weddings too. Thanks for a chance to win your books.
(Linda Hall 9:36am January 31, 2014)
The Wedding Game sounds just like the right kind of book to read with Valentine's Day being here soon.
(Kathy Morrison 9:42am January 31, 2014)
sounds like a great book for valentine's day.
(Carolyn Overholser 10:04am January 31, 2014)
This novel sounds unique and compelling. Thanks for this
post.
(Sharon Berger 10:14am January 31, 2014)
Sounds like a great read!
(Richard Proctor 10:28am January 31, 2014)
I like weddings too, but don't get out to enough of them. I live too far away, and it would be too expensive for my Husband and I to come into town for one. There's so many variables in my life that really make it next to impossible, anyway, and I miss seeing the family!! Anyway, your book really sounds like a fun read!! Where I live, we only get Canadian tv, and they don't show the Bachelor programs, so I don't keep up on the latest couples. Your book, however, would make for a fun read to break up my stack of books that I have for the rest of the Winter!! I have some good romances, and a book like yours would be a welcomed change!! It's a great cover, too!! Congratulations on your latest book, and on your future book. With 4 kids and everything else on your plate, I don't know where you find the time!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:42am January 31, 2014)
I love weddings. I have planned several for my sons and
friends (my daughter eloped!). Your book sounds very
interesting.
(Mary Hay 10:52am January 31, 2014)
I love the title! Can't wait to read it!
(Maria Proctor 11:15am January 31, 2014)
love great book
(Kent Cook 12:28pm January 31, 2014)
Wow! Not sure how you balance it all. It is a huge job with
Four children, husband and writing.
(Barbara Wells 1:04pm January 31, 2014)
Weddings can make you happy or sad. I have felt both at weddings. I would love to win this book and have a chance to feel the words come through. Thanks for the chance.
P.S. Our intellectual pursuits are similar.
(Lin Berda 1:48pm January 31, 2014)
The Wedding Game sounds great... thanks for sharing and for the chance to win a copy of your book!
(Colleen Conklin 2:08pm January 31, 2014)
I just want to say "Good Luck" to everyone. Who ever wins I
wish joy and happiness with your prize.
(Therese Abdali 2:42pm January 31, 2014)
I love weddings, too. Your book sounds like such fun! Congratulations,
and thanks for the chance to win!!!
(Linda Brennan 3:05pm January 31, 2014)
Sounds fun! Who doesn't love a wedding. Thanks for the contest - I'd love a shot at this!
(Lisa Grant 4:12pm January 31, 2014)
My son got married in May. It wasn't the wedding I had hoped for but he's happy & that's all that matters, isn't it?
(Susan Coster 4:40pm January 31, 2014)
I love the premise. Nothing is quite as fun as watching two people who can't stand each other fall in love.
(Allison Moyer 5:36pm January 31, 2014)
I also enjoy watching tv with my feet propped up!
(Denise Austin 5:58pm January 31, 2014)
I'd love to have a real wedding one day. I was married at the county clerk recorder's office ... and later divorced, so I have another chance!
(Christine LaRue 7:13pm January 31, 2014)
I love weddings and The Wedding Game book sounds like an AMAZING read! I can't wait to read it and Thank You so much for the contest!
(Courteney Moore 7:24pm January 31, 2014)
Wow, Congrats on your new book: THE WEDDING GAME. I like the
book cover and title too! Yes, Weddings are Fun and we have
been married for 25 years now and would love to win and read
it this New Year in 2014. Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:13pm January 31, 2014)
Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to reading your book.
(Amy Kincade 9:51pm January 31, 2014)
Sounds like the proverbial comedy of errors. Would love to
see how they clean up the mess. What fun!
(Irene Menge 10:05pm January 31, 2014)
Your book sounds very good. I would love to read it.
(Cynthia Cook 10:20pm January 31, 2014)
Thanks for a chance to win.
(Judy Ferguson 10:25pm January 31, 2014)
I like weddings and reality TV, so your book sounds like something I'd love. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. :)
(Marcy Shuler 11:43pm January 31, 2014)
I like watching people at weddings too.
(Maureen Emmons 6:08pm February 1, 2014)
Good books make me happy. Thank you for the giveaway!
(Melanie Backus 9:49pm February 1, 2014)
I love weddings. I like examine the decorations, gifts, dresses and even the venues of will work.
(Kai Wong 12:53pm February 2, 2014)
I have a fascination with weddings too...I can't wait to read Cannon and Ellie's story! Thanks for the chance to win! :-)
(Anita H 4:14am February 2, 2014)
I love weddings. They're each different and so romantic and beautiful. It's such a happy time, just like reading a romantic story about a wedding is joyful. Would very much love to read your book!
(Linda Luinstra 5:51pm February 2, 2014)
I love weddings too. I don't see any more family weddings on
the horizon though.
(Mary Preston 6:09pm February 2, 2014)
Love the premise of this book and would love to win it.
(Carol Woodruff 7:07pm February 2, 2014)
I love attending weddings and being close enough to the bride and groom to meet with them ahead of time and remind them to simply breathe. There can be so much stress when you're arranging your own wedding that they get completely overwhelmed. I think every bride should have candid photos done and at least one video tape of the reception so she can laugh and smile and even cry about it if she wants, then move on into the happy marriage.
(Donna Holmberg 10:14pm February 3, 2014)
I do love weddings - and crying at weddings! It has been so wonderful to watch my daughter's childhood friends get married and remember when they were all so young. I hope my children also get married so I can cry at their weddings too! I'm on the marriage counseling committee at church and have loved meeting the couples before they marry....
(Beth Fuller 6:52pm February 7, 2014)
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