Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version
Similar books and TV shows to Crushing It
Canadian
Crushing It Book Mood Board
I had fun looking for pictures that made me think of the book Crushing It.
And I thought, why not share it with you?
Summary
After an epic grounding for some bad decisions with even worse friends, Tommy is lucky to even go to the Door Tech March Break camp. There, he crosses paths with Carter Batudev, and chemistry isn’t just for the classroom. With love and a renewed interest in STEM, Tommy returns home to Parry Sound, where, to the relief of his parents, he makes better friends, and joins the STEM club.
When the club goes to the province-wide competition in Toronto, he’s reunited with Carter, whose team is also competing. Thus ensues a wild long weekend full of romance, hijinks, STEM, and singing.
Includes a novelette from Carter’s POV at the dinner theatre show Knights of Everdome.
The first book in the Lucky in Love series.
Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version
Carter Mood Board
I had fun looking for pictures that made me think of the secondary protagonist of Crushing It, Carter Batudev.
And I thought, why not share it with you?
Carter Batudev
Age: 15
Date of Birth: March 5, 1988
Appearance: Curly brown hair, grey eyes, tall, bronze skin
Grade: 9
Favourite class: Science
Parents: Sam and William Batudev own a bakery in Westmeath, Ontario
Siblings: None
Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version
Introducing Protagonists
The two protagonists of Crushing It are Tommy Fairfield and Carter Batudev.
Tommy Fairfield
Age: 14
Date of Birth: May 11, 1988
Appearance: Short blond hair, green eyes, tall, white
Grade: 9
Favourite class: Math or Science or Music
Parents: Lilah and Gerard Fairfield live on a farm in Parry Sound, Ontario
Siblings: Older brother Phillip, married and has one son (15 months old). Twin older sisters Eliza and MacKenzie. Older sister Kennedy, engaged to Jason Johnson and lives in Westmeath (seen here).
Carter Batudev
Age: 15
Date of Birth: March 5, 1988
Appearance: Curly brown hair, grey eyes, tall, bronze skin
Grade: 9
Favourite class: Science
Parents: Sam and William Batudev own a bakery in Westmeath, Ontario
Siblings: None
Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version
Tommy Mood Board
If you missed the cover reveal video post last Friday, due to the email mess up, you can go see it here!
I had fun looking for pictures that made me think of the main protagonist of Crushing It, Tommy Fairfield.
And I thought, why not share it with you?
Tommy Fairfield
Age: 14
Date of Birth: May 11, 1988
Appearance: Short blond hair, green eyes, tall, white
Grade: 9
Favourite class: Math or Science or Music
Parents: Lilah and Gerard Fairfield live on a farm in Parry Sound, Ontario
Siblings: Older brother Phillip (who lives in Parry Sound), married and has one son (15 months old). Twin older sisters Eliza (who lives in Toronto) and MacKenzie (who lives in Ottawa). Older sister Kennedy, engaged to Jason Johnson and lives in Westmeath (seen here).
Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version
Crushing It cover reveal video
OMG I CAN FINALLY SHARE THIS!
Seriously, the first time I saw this cover was in SEPTEMBER.
On to the cover reveal:
The actors in this film are Dragon and Dragon’s friend. Pegasus attempted to assist.
They were given the task of completing an obstacle course similar to the one in the book. (Simplified, obviously, as these are not 14-15 year olds.)
The music was written by me (with heavy assistance from Bruce Gordon for the chords! I was so lost as to how to put chords to the tune in my head!), sung by me, and recorded by Éric.
Crushing It by Jen Desmarais is available now!
Physical from Canadian indie bookstores, physical from Indigo, electronic version
Aurora Awards Update
Hello family, fans, people who randomly read this blog, and friends (both real and imaginary),
Just a reminder that the nominations close on April 22, 2023 just before midnight.
One of the questions I was asked about this was “When will I receive the package of downloadable works?” and I had no idea and thought it was an excellent question, so I reached out to ask. Here is their response:
“We hope to have the voter’s package out around the 20th of May. With nominations not ending until the 22 of April, we expect it to take about a month. We first have to confirm who is on the ballot, then it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for us to get the works for the package and put it together and test. If it’s ready earlier then it will be announced but at this point later in May is the best time to expect it.”
Thank you all for your time, attention, and support. Wish us luck!
The Aurora Awards, which are for Canadian science fiction and fantasy writers and artists, are open for nominations! This means the LONG lists of eligible works are being narrowed down to 5-6 per category.
Once they have a list of nominated works, every single person who signed up and paid the $10 membership fee gets ALL the nominated works as downloads. That’s all the adult novels, YA novels, novellas, short stories, graphic novels, and related works (usually anthologies), so about 36 works, for just $10 CAD, which is a great deal.
Getting nominated for an Aurora Award is a BIG DEAL in the writing community. You get a nomination pin (only once, so I’m terrified I’ll lose mine!), and you’re part of an elite group of people.
How do you nominate?
- Go to this website
- Join, pay membership fee
- Nominate up to 5 works per category
It would mean a lot to us if you’re willing to nominate us! (Categories are in alphabetical order by work)
- Category 1 – Best Novel
- Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers by Jen and Éric Desmarais
- Category 3 – Best Novelette/Novella
- Birth of the Aetherverse by Éric Desmarais
- Category 4 – Best Short Story
- Ringing In The New Year by Jen Desmarais
- Choose Your Own Adventure – Welcome to Westmeath by Jen Desmarais
- Category 7 – Best Related Work
- Nothing Without Us Too by Cait Gordon and Talia C. Johnson (Jen has a short story Semper Ubi Sub Ubi in this one!)
- Category 9 – Best Fan Writing/Publication
- JenEric Movie Reviews by Éric Desmarais
- The Travelling TARDIS by Jennifer Desmarais
In case you’re wondering why Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers is not included in the best cover art category, it’s because our cover artist is Vietnamese! Only Canadian creators are eligible, unfortunately.
Thank you so much for your time, attention, and support!
Jen and Éric
Discussion Questions for Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers
Download the printable Discussion Guide
- Do you think that with half a martial arts class, a magic jewel, and a new suit, Jason should have been okay with Kennedy joining him for superhero work? Why do you think he agreed?
- Jason falls fast for Kennedy. Does his vocalization of that come off as honest or creepy? How would it differ if their positions were reversed?
- Kennedy is underestimated by both her boss and Jason’s uncle. Why do you think that is and how does she handle it?
- We meet several Aetherborn, both with and without powers, some who look human and others who don’t. How do you think the political power dynamic is balanced? Are some better off than others? Why or why not?
- Is Kennedy’s job at a boutique lingerie store empowering or fetishizing? When she chooses her outfits for the fashion show, do you think she felt pressured to wear certain items? How does her viewpoint make a difference?
- Jason is not shy about showing his emotions. Do you find that realistic? Why or why not?
- This book mixes urban fantasy and romance genres. Do you think it worked? Why or why not?
- Jason’s behaviour varies depending on who he’s around. Does this make him seem disingenuous? With whom, other than Kennedy, do you think he is most himself?
- Do you have a favourite secondary character? Who do you wish got more attention in the story?
- Suppose Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers became a movie or a TV show. Who would you pick to play the roles? (You can check out our dream casting for ideas) What aspects of the book would you want to see more of? What would be the most difficult part of filming?
Read Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers by Jen and Éric Desmarais
Physical version, electronic version AVAILABLE NOW!
Nominate us for the Auroras please!
Hello family, fans, people who randomly read this blog, and friends (both real and imaginary),
The Aurora Awards, which are for Canadian science fiction and fantasy writers and artists, are open for nominations! This means the LONG lists of eligible works are being narrowed down to 5-6 per category.
Once they have a list of nominated works, every single person who signed up and paid the $10 membership fee gets ALL the nominated works as downloads. That’s all the adult novels, YA novels, novellas, short stories, graphic novels, and related works (usually anthologies), so about 36 works, for just $10 CAD, which is a great deal.
Getting nominated for an Aurora Award is a BIG DEAL in the writing community. You get a nomination pin (only once, so I’m terrified I’ll lose mine!), and you’re part of an elite group of people.
How do you nominate?
- Go to this website
- Join, pay membership fee
- Nominate up to 5 works per category
It would mean a lot to us if you’re willing to nominate us! (Categories are in alphabetical order by work)
- Category 1 – Best Novel
- Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers by Jen and Éric Desmarais
- Category 3 – Best Novelette/Novella
- Birth of the Aetherverse by Éric Desmarais
- Category 4 – Best Short Story
- Ringing In The New Year by Jen Desmarais
- Choose Your Own Adventure – Welcome to Westmeath by Jen Desmarais
- Category 7 – Best Related Work
- Nothing Without Us Too by Cait Gordon and Talia C. Johnson (Jen has a short story Semper Ubi Sub Ubi in this one!)
- Category 9 – Best Fan Writing/Publication
- JenEric Movie Reviews by Éric Desmarais
- The Travelling TARDIS by Jennifer Desmarais
In case you’re wondering why Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers is not included in the best cover art category, it’s because our cover artist is Vietnamese! Only Canadian creators are eligible, unfortunately.
Thank you so much for your time, attention, and support!
Jen and Éric
Ringing in the New Year – Part 8
This is a short story set at Christmas after Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers. If you haven’t read that yet, you can find it at all major book retailers, including Chapters Indigo.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
Tuesday the 31st of December, 2002 – Westmeath, Ontario
“Five, four, three, two, one!” Jason, Kennedy, Zoe, and Gabrielle counted down with the TV. “Happy New Year!” The couples exchanged kisses, and then hugged the others.
“I can’t wait to see what year two thousand and three will bring,” Kennedy said, cheeks flushed with the champagne they’d opened.
“Plenty of good things,” Zoe replied, smiling at Jason, and squeezed Kennedy’s hand.
Jason grimaced anxiously at his sister, who he could see was trying not to laugh. “I know what’s in your immediate future,” he said to her. “Sleep.”
Gabrielle checked the clock. “For another hour at least. Brooke usually wakes up at one or one thirty for a boob.”
“Then we’ll get out of your hair and let you get as much sleep as possible,” Kennedy said, wincing in sympathy.
More hugs were given once they were dressed in their winter gear. Jason tucked her under his arm and they headed next door, back to their house.
“Do you mind if we go into the backyard for a minute?” he asked, his stomach tying itself in knots. “I’m not quite ready for tonight to end.”
“I’m up for anything as long as I’m with you,” Kennedy replied, giving his arm a squeeze.
I really hope she is, Jason thought anxiously. He led her up the driveway to the back of the house and plugged in the cord that turned on the fairy lights he had set up the week before, while she’d been at her parent’s.
“Ohhh!” Kennedy gasped, clasping her hands to her chest. “Jason! Did you do this for me?”
“I did.” He took her hands in his and admired the way the little lights reflected in her eyes. “You’re so beautiful,” he breathed.
Kennedy blushed. “Is this when you’re finally going to tell me what’s been on your mind? You’ve been distracted for weeks.”
Jason gaped at her and then laughed ruefully. “I should have known you’d notice.” His carefully prepared speech vanished from his mind and he gulped nervously. “You haven’t felt upset about it, I hope?”
“Not at all!” Kennedy replied cheerfully. She kissed him gently. “You don’t keep secrets from me without a very good reason. I look forward to hearing about this one, whenever you’re ready.”
He nodded. “I’m ready.” He took a deep breath. “But it’s okay if you’re not.” He smiled at her confused expression. “I had a whole plan, but now that it’s time, I’ve forgotten everything I wanted to say. So I’m going to keep it simple.”
Her eyes widened as he let go of her right hand, pulled out a box from his jacket pocket, and dropped to one knee. “Kennedy Fairfield, you make me happier than I ever thought I could possibly be. You are my light and I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?” He opened the box with a flick of his thumb, revealing the emerald ring.
“Jason!” she gasped, her hand trembling in his. The other rose to her mouth. “We’ve only known each other a few months!”
“I have never been more sure about anything in my life.” He swallowed hard, steeling himself for her refusal.
Kennedy looked thoughtful. “I have fought assassins, robots, aliens, gang members, and monsters of all shapes and sizes with you.” She collapsed into a straddle on his knee and kissed him, lips trembling. “I will gladly keep doing that as your wife.” She kissed him again, more firmly this time.
Jason could hardly believe his ears. He pulled back to look her in her eyes, heart beating what felt like double-time. “Wait, sorry, is that a yes?”
“Yes!” Kennedy laughed. “Yes, yes, yes!”
I hope you enjoyed this year’s Christmas story! Have a great New Year!