5 Star Rating from Readers' Favorite

**Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite**

Things are looking up for Bryn Charles as she is in a relationship with Shane Smith, the charming NFL superstar. However, Shane is involved in a legal battle for his kids with his manipulative ex, who will stop at nothing to get him back. Bryn feels she needs assurance that the NFL superstar is serious enough to stay with her and not run back to his ex when he gets worn down by her. To achieve this, she gets Shane to sign a love contract as she dreams about the exotic wedding they might have together in the future. Is Bryn's dream too far-fetched and unrealistic? Find out in Sidelined: The Contract by Bianca Williams, a glamorous and electric page-turner.

First, let me assure you that The Contract is enjoyable and understandable with no knowledge of the other books in the series. With that clarified, the third book in the Sidelined series is an absolute gem! It had me completely glued, from start to finish, for every surprising, sensual scene and infectious conversation buried within its pages. The plot and characters are staggeringly realistic; I found myself nodding as I recalled some of my experiences that are similar to some particular scenes in the book. Along with the fun and sparkly storyline, Bianca Williams shares some invaluable opinions about money and relationships worth saving and highlighting. Potential readers should prepare for curse words and sexually explicit scenes. I have been completely won over by Bianca Williams' greatly entertaining yet deep and insightful book and would definitely love to read her other works.

Bianca Williams is the award-winning author of the sports romance series Sidelined. Book One, "The Draft", was released in 2017 and won the USA Best Book Award and was a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards. To the delight of readers everywhere, Book Two, "The Penalty", was released in 2018. Sidelined is the story of event planner Bryn Charles and her unexpected romance with her client NFL superstar Shane Smith. The contemporary novels are inspired by Williams' dating adventures in her hometown of Baltimore County, MD.

The Reactions You Get When You Write About People You Know

When I shared with friends and family that I’d written a book inspired by true events, I received a variety of colorful reactions. It kinda went like this…

“I wrote a book inspired by true events.”

Discover & share this Word GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

“And you’re the inspiration for one of my characters.”

Discover & share this Originals GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

Initially, no one was sure how to react. But, after they read an early edition of SIDELINED: The Draft , I received lots of feedback. One flat-out disliked their character. Others found theirs humorous. One actually provided commentary and requested changes. And there were a few that just ‘got it’.

So I asked Jas, the inspiration for the infamous character Jen Thompson, to share her thoughts on what it’s like to be written about. Check out her interview below!

BWB: Jas, what was your initial reaction when you found out you were the inspiration for a major character in my upcoming book series?

Jas: When you first called me and gave me the outline (at that time, all four books) I was so genuinely thrilled and excited for the story that I never thought about myself. It wasn’t until I started reading some of the chapters and realizing ‘oh this is really going to reflect me.’ At that point, I was still really excited for you but it was hard for me to distinguish literary license from reality.

BWB: (*eyes widen ) Were you terrified?

Jas: I wasn’t terrified because I trusted you, you’re my best friend. I didn’t think you would do anything to cast me in a bad light. Not that there’s anything in reality that would put me in a bad light anyway.

BWB: But it’s not you. Jen is a character that I created that was inspired by you.

Jas: You’re right, it’s not me. Since I’m very conservative, I definitely cared about how the character was going to be portrayed. Even though it’s not me, people that know us would assume the fiction was fact. But I would say that I’ve read all of your books and I’ve never had to really worry.

BWB: In what ways are you and Jen alike and what are some major differences?

Jas: The depiction of Jen’s friendship with Bryn was accurate. Also, I think Jen’s work ethic and desire to build something quality was spot on. Where we differ…I was personally attached to my clients. I feel like Jen lacked empathy and she was always business first, whereas I always lead with my heart putting my clients first. It was never just business for any of us. We were family. Also, I’m very charity focused and extremely passionate about civil rights. However, I don’t think there was an opportunity to highlight that in the series. Platinum Events didn’t just throw parties. We started a lot of campaigns, outreach efforts to at-risk youth, and donated money to local key causes that made a difference in Baltimore. That’s something I’m really proud of.

BWB: The third installment is due out in 2020 to close out the series. What is your one last wish for Jen?

Jas: I wish for Jen to have someone looking out for her the way she looks out for everyone else.

BWB: If you could choose between a spin-off or a prequel, what would it be?

Jas: There is so much story left, definitely a spin-off.

BWB: For our readers who want to know what’s true and what isn’t. What is something that happened to Jen in the book was true that you are willing to admit?

Jas: The venue crisis and the following vodka scene really happened. (laughs) I’m not a drinker. But. (pauses) The vodka scene was true.

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan.

SIDELINED: The Contract, the third and final installment of the SIDELINED Series, is coming to a book store near you. #2020 #shareblackstories

Catch up on parts 1 & 2 Today!

Get Motivated to Write with 5 Easy Tips

“How do I get motivated to write?” It’s the number one question I get asked from new authors and other creatives. I’m not surprised when I’m asked this because I too struggled with this same issue for many years. And after writing and publishing two books, I still can’t claim complete victory. However, I can share a few tips which I’ve learned along the way that help get me over the hump each and every time I get #writersblock.

Tip 1 - Turn up the music.

It’s said that music gives the soul to universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything. I find this to be so true. Especially since I believe that music holds memories. When I’m creatively void and can barely get a sentence or two written, I turn to my playlist. Listening to my favorite song and belting out the lyrics to a catchy hook gets the emotions going and the ideas flowing. Extra Tip : Curate a playlist for each one of your projects.

via GIPHY

Tip 2 - Watch your favorite movie.

Nothing generates the warm and fuzzies like an old classic! It brings back the nostalgia of the good days when we were young and free. We all have a movie in the vault that we watch on repeat where we cry and or laugh at the same exact unforgettable moments. For me, it helps me bring my characters to life. What do they look like? What do they sound like? How do they react to conflict? How do they interact with each other? Shameless plug: I can’t wait until SIDELINED becomes a movie or mini series. Extra Tip : Start each project with dialogue and build around it. That way you can hear and feel the conversation and then visualize what is happening to and around your characters.

via GIPHY

Tip 3 - Read a book by your favorite author.

After much comparison and then berating yourself for not being born with their natural talents or have the creative genius that they’ve been blessed with (and you realize that you will never be able to write like them), you begin to find your own voice. Remember, no one can write like you. And as the great poet Maya Angelou said, “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” So dry your tears and just write! Extra Tip : Read books in your genre. Research how they navigate their characters when they get in a sticky situation. You may get inspired.

via GIPHY

Tip 4 - Brainstorm with your bestie.

Writing is very personal and the scariest thing ever is to share with your friends simply due to the fear of being judged. No one wants to feel like they’re not good enough or feel like they’re being talked about in a negative light. But if you’ve been blessed with a true friend, you should share your ideas and or projects with them. They know you best and can sometimes make suggestions that can grease the skids to get you writing. Extra Tip: Create an outline for your work and run it by them (especially if your book is inspired by true events). LOL

via GIPHY

Tip 5 - Write drunk, edit sober.

Best advice I’ve ever received. You’ll thank me later.

P.S. You can reach me @bwillbooks on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. :)

via GIPHY

Happy Writing!

3 Reasons to Never Give Up

I’m a planner. So needless to say, I had everything set for my second book launch. Release date…check. Budget…check. Marketing plan…check, check. This book was going to be the tipping point! I could feel it.

Then EVERYTHING went to Sh!T!

Literally overnight.

My book designer took a hiatus. My house flooded and caused thousands of dollars in damages. Layoffs at my professional place of business had begun. My distributor FUBAR’d my Kindle Countdown which impacted my first week of sales.

I actually cried.

Everything I had worked so hard to accomplish was falling apart in front of me and it couldn’t be fixed. It was out of my control and I just had to sit there and take it. I had to keep going so I smiled through the pain…because at the end of the day…I had books to sell. I showed up with a smile on my face for my readers who were interested in the series. Book signing after book signing, I’d sit for many hours and share how awesome my story was.

But what I didn’t know was that while I was stressing at night trying to figure out what to post on Instagram, Sidelined II was making waves. That’s why you can never give up and here are three reasons why.

1. Where there’s life there’s hope.

via GIPHY

Although I wanted to quit, I remained hopeful and started writing again. I used that crazy energy and wrote a new prologue for Sidelined: The Contract (from Shane’s POV). You guys are going to love it. Then my book designer resurfaced (PRAISE HIM)! Not only did he complete the design of my last book, I was inspired to polish the final book synopsis. It’s posted in my Sidelined Series Book Discussion Group on Facebook.

2. You never know who’s watching.

via GIPHY

A few weeks ago, Sidelined: The Penalty was honored as a finalist in the 2018 Best Book Awards. I was ecstatic considering my first book, Sidelined: The Draft, won the prior year.

Then I got an email from BOOKBUB! They selected Sidelined: The Penalty as a feature! WHAT!??!?!? This like doesn’t happen for indie authors. They have millions of subscribers!

3. Don’t despise small beginnings.

via GIPHY

My distributor reported 7121 copies sold as of 9.30.18. NOOOO freaking way. I didn’t believe it at first. When I think about my last book signing, that was during a torrential downpour, although only a faithful few showed up, little did I know thousands of people were downloading my book.

I wanted to share this experience because I was very discouraged after my series of unfortunate events. I couldn’t see how things were going to turn around. What I didn’t realize is that GOD was working it out the entire time. Not only did I learn a few lessons, I received the idea for my fourth book! Subscribe to my email list for updates.

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan. Learn more about Bianca at https://www.bwillbooks.com.

Author Scores Second Honor with NFL Romance Inspired by Her Life

Sidelined: The Penalty written by Bianca Williams is honored as a Finalist in the 2018 Best Book Awards – Fiction: African American

The coveted award competition had over 2000 entries in various literary categories from large publishing houses and hundreds of independents. See the full listing at www.americanbookfest.com.

“To receive the 2017 Best Book Award for my debut novel, Sidelined: The Draft, was a special honor. To be recognized for my second book, was simply fantastic! I stayed true to myself and wrote the book that I wanted to read. I’m pleased that it’s resonating with people,” said Bianca Williams.

Sidelined: The Penalty is the second installment of a sizzling trilogy about love, friendship, and half-truths. The fast-paced, page-turner is currently available on Amazon.com. The much-anticipated series finale, Sidelined: The Contract is due out in the fall of 2019.

Editorial Reviews

“By stepping outside the typical romance style, Williams has created a uniquely structured and unexpected novel of love and betrayal.” -The BookLife Prize

About the Author

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan. Learn more about Bianca at https://www.bwillbooks.com.

5 Steps to Overcome a Breakup

Getting over a breakup is definitely easier said than done. I should know. I literally cried every day, multiple times a day, for about two years before the pain stopped. Two years? Yes, two years!! But we all experience pain differently. Can you recall how you handled your last breakup? Does it cause you to cringe?

My constant weeping was embarrassing, but it was needed. It was during that tragic period that I learned patience, unconditional love, and most importantly, forgiveness. You want to know how I did it? See below, the 5 steps I used to overcome a breakup.

via GIPHY

1. Spend time loving yourself. Redirect your focus from the heartbreak to things that you enjoy. Book a trip, go to the spa, read a book, or binge on a fun series with your favorite cup of tea. Whatever makes you happy, do that.

via GIPHY

2. Give yourself some time to grieve. Don’t rush the process. Don’t beat yourself up because you can’t ‘just get over it’! Cry, get mad, and scream if you have to. Repeat the five stages of grief until you’ve conquered acceptance. Time really does heal all wounds.

via GIPHY

3. Be brave, open, and honest with yourself. Face the ugly truth and accept that you’re hurting. Don’t feel ashamed. It’s okay to admit that you still love your ex. It’s the only way to truly let go and move on.

via GIPHY

4. Take accountability for your actions. Analyze your mistakes and let them serve as a reminder for when you get that phone call (because you will get that phone call). Don’t sacrifice your path to healing for more hurt. Stay strong.

via GIPHY

5. Turn your pain into your purpose. Go through the pain and grow from it. Dig deep and let the disappointment of the failed relationship fuel you. Write a book, a song, or a script. The best creative work throughout history was born out of suffering.

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author of the Sidelined Series. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan. — *Bianca Williams is an award-winning author of the* ***Sidelined Series.*** *Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan.*

Five Love Tips from Five Amazing Women

When people hear my signature slogan, Know the Plays, or get Sidelined, they think I'm a love expert. The truth is my work is a product of my own search for answers from women who looked like me and could relate to my experience. I wrote Sidelined because it was the story I wanted to read as I navigated my way through this thing called love. Great love advice can sustain you during your relationships most challenging moments. Hopefully, these candid love tips from five amazing women will resonate with you and give you guidance on the love you want to attain.

1. Love doesn’t look the same for everyone: “People love in different ways. You may have a man who brings you flowers every Monday but doesn’t give two hooty-hoots about Valentine’s Day. Just because he doesn’t give you a Valentine doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you!" - Jada Pinkett Smith

oprah-winfrey-alerta-a-sus-fans-de-que-estn-usando-su-nombre-para-estafar-1.jpg

2. Love allows you to be true to yourself: "If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay. Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that’s not meant to be. Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy." - Oprah Winfrey

3. Love requires openness: "Love is love, and a lot of times, people might be in the situation they're in because they put barriers up. Like, some people only want to date a model or an actor or an athlete. You're only limiting yourself. Open up to what's out there because God made us all." - Tamera Mowry

4. Love entails ebbs and flows of understanding and willingness: "As a newly married person, as much as I would love for my husband to buy into the 'my way or the highway' philosophy, you realize it's all about compromising and finding some sort of middle ground that everyone can live with." - Gabrielle Union

beyonce-vogue-september-2018-tyler-mitchell-instagram.jpg

5. Love prompts growth, together and as individuals: "If you’re with the right person, it brings out the best version of you." - Beyoncé

New Author Scores Award with NFL Romance Inspired by Her Life

— “Sidelined: The Draft” written by Bianca Williams wins 2017 Best Book Awards – Fiction: African American —

Nationwide — The sizzling contemporary romance, Sidelined: The Draft written by Bianca Williams, scores a win for 2017 Best Book Awards in their Fiction: African American category in the 14th Annual Best Book Awards. The coveted award competition had over 2,000 entries in various literary categories from large publishing houses and hundreds of independents. See the full listing at www.americanbookfest.com.

“To receive the Best Book Award for my first book is a special honor. Critics and readers have been so warm and welcoming!” exclaimed Bianca Williams.

Sidelined: The Draft is the first installment of a sizzling trilogy about love, friendships, and half-truths. The fast-paced, page-turner is currently available on Amazon.com. The much anticipated second installment, Sidelined: The Penalty is due out in the spring of 2018.

Editorial Reviews

“No time is wasted in Williams’s fun, fast-paced page-turner. The love interest is introduced on the first page, and things only get hotter from there until the thoroughly satisfying conclusion.” — The BookLife Prize

“Going down easy like scrambled eggs, pancakes, syrup, bacon and orange juice on a Sunday morning, William’s literary flow is effortless, like a real pro. For all readers who love a great, old-fashioned girl meets boy story, Sidelined is your perfect match.” — Omar Tyree, New York Times Bestseller Author

“Sidelined: The Draft by Bianca Williams is a page-turning, stress-filled romance, with tries, fouls, and of course goals, or in this case, perhaps agendas would be more to the point. Ms. Williams shows poise and talent for creating atmosphere throughout her plot. This is the first book in the series and, given the ending, it’s easy to understand why.” — Reviewed By K.J. Simmill for Readers’ Favorite

About the Author
Bianca Williams is a Baltimore native who discovered her love for creative writing while at college. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, she began penning her auto-fiction series. Sidelined is her debut novel. Learn more about Bianca at www.bwillbooks.com

A Warm Literary Welcome

Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Romance - Contemporary book "Sidelined" by Bianca Williams, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998514608.

Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

"Reviewed By K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

Single mother Bryn Charles can't believe her luck when she signs Shane Smith, Nighthawk player and NFL superstar, to organise a kick ass event. She's never been one for jocks, but there is no denying that Shane has a body to die for, and Jen, Bryn's friend, has hooked designer Oris Odili and intends to ensure he knows exactly how to show off all of his best features. Shane seems to find himself drawn towards Bryn, his advances becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. But dating an athlete is way down there on Bryn's list; besides, when he's not flirting, he's yelling, cursing, or acting like a spoilt rich kid. A relationship with the pompous man was the furthest thing from her mind. Then it happened, she found herself and Jen in his room, in his bed. Although it was innocent enough, Bryn couldn't forget the image of him removing his shirt, and from that moment on this picture ran like a sporting event replay. Just when it seems she's about to win, there comes a game changer, one that may leave her forever on the sideline.

Sidelined: The Draft by Bianca Williams is a page turning, stress filled romance, with tries, fouls, and of course goals, or in this case perhaps agendas would be more to the point. Written in the present tense, it follows Bryn and her surprising infatuation with NFL superstar Shane Smith, a spoilt man-child. The story is heavily character driven and easy to follow, whether you're a fan of sports or not. The characters are developed, and I often found myself getting frustrated at some of their actions. Ms Williams shows poise and talent for creating atmosphere throughout her plot. This is the first book in the series and, given the ending, it's easy to understand why."

You can learn more about Bianca Williams and "Sidelined" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/sidelined where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers' Favorite LLC

Media Relations

Louisville, KY 40202

800-RF-REVIEW

support@readersfavorite.com

https://readersfavorite.com

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME

"A book is a gift you can open again and again" - Garrison Keillor

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Sidelined

by Bianca Williams

Giveaway ends November 18, 2017.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

Move Those Chains

Click link below to see monthly newsletter

ENTER TO WIN! Goodreads Book Giveaway - SIDELINED The Draft

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Sidelined

by Bianca Williams

Giveaway ends June 25, 2017.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

"Sidelined was an AMAZING read. I was hooked after reading the first page..."

"Addictive! I wonder whats true and whats not..."

"This book is a page turner! It kept me wondering where the story was going next!"

The SIDELINED Sweepstakes

Have you ever been SIDELINED?

How to Enter

1. Take the poll.
2. Like the post.
3. Share on social media with the #SidelinedTheDraft or comment below.
**Become eligible to win an advanced copy.**

I dedicated this book series to the SIDELINED. Whether you were knowingly or unknowingly benched, I wrote this book for you. It's the book I wanted to read. It's the book I wish I had to turn to when I was too embarrassed to call a friend.

I hope the SIDELINED series gets the conversation started in a mature fashion. Please, please like, share, or comment. Any and all vulgar or offensive comments will be deleted. If you'd like to share in private, please email your feedback to BiancaWilliamsBooks@gmail.com. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, June 9, 2017.

A Dream come True

My First Novel

I've always wanted to write a book but never had a story. I'd hear about JK Rowling or Susan Collins speak about their stories being given to them, I would literally get depressed. I was jealous, yet inspired. Then I'd ask, 'when will I receive my story'?

Seven years later to be exact. I'll never forget it. January 11, 2013, I was sitting at my desk at the office crying my eyes out. I'm talking about the ugly cry. A sobbing, snotting, heartwrenching cry that traveled through the office walls. My boss and co-worker at the time tried their best to console me, but there was nothing anyone could do. A piece of my heart had broken off and was lodged in my chest. Comfort, healing, or better days were unimaginable. I was hopeless.

After that, I sat back down and returned to sobbing with my head in my hands, when suddenly I felt nothing. The pain stopped. It was like the clouds parted and the light came shining through. My aha moment! I could see it! My story was playing out in front of me. My cries turned into screeches of joy. I frantically grabbed a pen and wrote the outline for the entire SIDELINED series.

The first book was written in six months. It was 80,000 words and in bad shape. Who said that writing was easy? My first novel needed a lot of work. I needed to grow as a writer and to do a lot of research and writing, writing, and more writing. Forty drafts, countless rewrites, and numerous proofreads later, I'm finally releasing the first installment of the SIDELINED SERIES.

Writing a book was the hardest thing I've ever done. It was so therapeutic. I laughed, cried, and healed as I relived the memories and created the story.

Hats off to all authors whether you sell one book or a trillion, you've accomplished something great. And to those of you who feel like it will never happen, hang on just a little bit longer. Live a little more, make some more mistakes, fall, and get back up. Pray, pray, and pray some more. Center yourself, get in touch with God and keep moving forward. Dreams do come true.

BWB