Temporary Superheroine

Temporary Superheroine
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: IRene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 244
Release: 2015-03-07
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0986125202

Chloe Cole wants to stop her crazy dreams that she's a costumed superheroine battling a supervillain, but when her comics fanboy ex throws her into a bizarre escapade involving the New York City comic book scene, suddenly she's having wild, superpowered adventures in an oddly retro mirror universe. To fight a real supervillain, she's forced to meet the father she never knew, dodge the suspicious courtship of a powerful publishing boss, and embrace her destiny as a superheroine. PG-rated nonstop comic book style adventure novel set in two universes, with plenty of super-powered battles and recognizable classic comic book scenarios—and some iffy romance thrown in. CHARACTERS IN THIS NOVEL Chloe Cole: Reluctant female superhero, strong female protagonist, possessor of super powers, snarky twenty-five-year-old with parent and boyfriend issues Roland Kirby: Eager comics fanboy, dependable partner in other world adventures, ex-boyfriend who won't go away, sweet geek who believes in comic book science Eric Wood: Suspiciously charming comic book company CEO, possible secret villain, questionably honest potential lover and confidant Jovial Jerry Fine: Beloved elderly icon of the comic book world, benign but skeptical participant in fast-paced adventures, knows more than he tells Diabolical Dave McCay: Maverick comic book artist, man who wants the modern world to be what it was like in 1962, troublemaking genius Bodacious Barb: Knows the secrets behind the comics, doesn't give a hoot The Purple Menace: Supervillain, mad scientist, wants to take over the world—make that two worlds Keywords: Strong female protagonist, superheroes, female superhero, chick lit, satire, superhero adventure comedy, comic book parodies, super heroine romance fiction

Hollywood Superheroine

Hollywood Superheroine
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 177
Release: 2020-07-31
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1734080744

How am I supposed to keep my new job in Hollywood when my father insists on summoning me to his universe over and over? I'm a storyboard artist, not a bodyguard, but Diabolical Dave McCay demands that I protect pioneer feminist actress Judy Anthony as she campaigns for women's rights in his retro society. Why are clowns attacking an activist actress, anyway? Are these mere pranks, or something more serious? Why aren't there other superheroes in Dave's universe? And in my own universe, how can I fend off the advances of my charming but pushy new boss, a powerful Hollywood director? PG-rated nonstop comic book style adventure set in two universes, with plenty of super-powered battles and recognizable classic comic book scenarios—and some iffy romance thrown in. This novel can be read as a stand-alone story. Other adventures in the Temporary Superheroine series are also stand-alone stories. CHARACTERS IN THIS NOVEL: Chloe Cole: Reluctant female superhero, possessor of superpowers, snarky 26-year-old with parent, career, and love life issues. Diabolical Dave McCay: Maverick comic book artist, man who wants the modern world to be like it was in 1962, troublemaking genius who has access to great power. Jason Dellon: Hollywood success story, entirely too focused on starting a personal relationship with his new young employee—Chloe. Judy Anthony: Oscar-winning actress running for the presidency of the Screen Actors' League, she's campaigning for women's rights. Michael Ellsworth: Studio head opposed to Judy Anthony and to women's rights, could he be the secret instigator of the Sad Clowns? The Sad Clown Society: Supposedly Hollywood actors against Judy Anthony's campaign for women's rights. They disguise themselves as clowns and disrupt her speeches. Are they for real? FBI Agent Shelly: He's the agent in charge of protecting Judy Anthony. Behind his stoic facade, what is he thinking? Whose side is he on? Jovial Jerry Fine: Beloved elderly icon of the comic book world, benign but skeptical participant in fast-paced adventures, would any superhero story be complete without him? The Temporary Superheroine series of novels all feature Chloe's super-powered adventures: Book 1 Temporary Superheroine Book 2 Crisis at Comicon Book 3 Hollywood Superheroine

Crisis at Comicon

Crisis at Comicon
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2015-11-16
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0986125245

Can't a superheroine catch a break? Chloe Cole wants to cosplay in her Temporary Superheroine uniform at the Chicago comicon, but when the evil Mistress Miraculous threatens massive disaster, Chloe has to step up and fight. She's the only one who can control the Dimensional Diamond and save the comicon. Chloe flings herself into superheroine mode again in another comic book–style adventure novel featuring mysterious superpowers, fast action, and a long list of suspects with grudges against a comic book company celebrating its 75th anniversary. This was supposed to be a fun weekend, but there's far too much drama—especially in Chloe's personal relationships. CHARACTERS IN THIS NOVEL Chloe Cole: Reluctant female superhero, possessor of the Dimensional Diamond, strong female protagonist, snarky 26-year-old with boyfriend and career issues Roland Kirby: Eager comics fanboy, dependable partner in superhero adventures, ex-boyfriend who keeps pushing Eric Wood: Ruthless comic book company CEO, questionably honest lover and confidant, man with a past Jean Westover: Veteran comic book artist now relegated to drawing in Artists' Alley, prime suspect Norman Krigstein: Troublemaking comic book writer Howard Hogarth: Comic book personality—nobody's quite sure what this old guy ever did in the comics biz Ray Herriman: Discontented young comic book company employee Leslie Evans: Naive female comic book artist, possible frenemy Sarah Manning: Cosplayer, off-duty cop, heroine's friend Ardis Tenniel: Cosplayer, granddaughter of an artist cheated out of his rights, heroine's friend Damien Nast: Sword salesman, grandson of an artist cheated out of his rights, hot tattooed guy Jovial Jerry Fine: Beloved elderly icon of the comic book world, benign but skeptical participant in fast-paced adventures Mistress Miraculous: Tries to destroy the comicon any way she can. What's her problem, anyway? Marie Severin: Real-life brilliant comic book artist and all-round great gal who asked to be in this book PG-rated, fast-paced comic book–style adventure featuring super-powered battles and recognizable classic comic book scenarios—and some iffy romance thrown in. Keywords: superheroes super heroine chick lit strong female protagonist new adult romance super powers female superhero satire comic books humorous adventure comedy coming of age

Education and the Female Superhero

Education and the Female Superhero
Author: Andrew L. Grunzke
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2019-12-17
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1498596851

Considering a variety of female superhero narratives, including World War II-era Wonder Woman comics, the 1970s television programs The Secrets of Isis and The Bionic Woman, and the more recent Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Education and the Female Superhero: Slayers, Cyborgs, Sorority Sisters, and Schoolteachers argues that they share a vision of education as the path to female empowerment. In his analysis, Andrew L. Grunzke examines female superheroes who are literally teachers or students, exploring examples of female superheroes whose alter egos work as schoolteachers or attend school during the workday and fight evildoers when they are outside the classroom. Taking a broader view of education, Grunzke argues that the superheroine in popular media often sees and articulates her own role as being an educator. In these narratives, female superheroes often take it upon themselves to teach self-defense tactics, prevent victimization, and encourage people (especially female victims) to pursue formal education. Moreover, Grunzke shows how superheroines tend to see their relationship with their adversaries as rehabilitative and educative, trying to set them on the correct path rather than merely subdue or dominate them.

A Daughter's a Daughter

A Daughter's a Daughter
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 370
Release: 2016-02-02
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0996840338

When Pam Ridgeway loses her job in a mass Wall Street layoff, her reporter daughter offers a chance to heal their estranged relationship if Pam will go on television to talk about the firings. Pam's fiercely ambitious daughter is romantically entangled with her hot co-worker on cable financial television and prone to equally hot temper tantrums. She ruthlessly pushes Pam out of her comfort zone, so Pam seeks the aid of her retired social activist mother at her Long Island beachfront home. Her mother's handsome new neighbor and friend, Bruce, and his cute dog are a welcome distraction. Bruce pursues Pam, although he's hiding a secret agenda about her mother. Pam's elderly mother is having some trouble with her memory lately, and she wonders why Bruce reminds her of a dear friend's tragic story from World War II days. A Daughter's a Daughter is stand-alone women's fiction with satisfying endings to all the major plot threads.

Second Chance Reunion

Second Chance Reunion
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 202
Release: 2016-12-12
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0996840354

Beware of second chances! Gothic romance in the classic tradition: an isolated mansion, a brooding hero, a strong heroine—and another man equally haunted by the tragedy of the past. Which man holds the key to the heroine's future happiness? Hollywood film editor Sara Finer has loved brilliant movie director Lucas Steel from afar for years. She finally has a chance to win his heart when she's sent to his New Mexico desert retreat, but there's a catch. Lucas abandoned his career after the accidental death on location of his ex-wife. Sara's mission is to convince him to finish the film—a hot-button issue made hotter by the sudden appearance of his bitterest rival. Two tortured men fighting over the haunting memory of a long-dead lover—and over Sara's love and loyalty today. This stand-alone sweet contemporary romance tackles predatory Hollywood behavior past and present. Contemporary Hollywood angst in the Gothic tradition of Daphne du Maurier's classic Rebecca—with a much happier ending.

Dance at the Beach

Dance at the Beach
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2022-07-31
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1736384821

Aerospace engineer Linda Winthrop loves her post-divorce life. Her kids are grown and her ex is someone else's problem, so she's free to live as she chooses, dividing her time between her career at NASA and surfing on the Florida coastline. But when she goes to Cape May, New Jersey, to urge her elderly mother to move to a safe retirement complex, Linda runs into unexpected opposition. And what might be romance with another surfer. Dan Decatur, surfer dude grown up into a respectable business owner, is tired of the Los Angeles beach scene, but he never expected a visit to family in Cape May would lead to an argumentative relationship with feisty Linda. And something more. But what? They're both just visiting Cape May. They live on opposite coasts. How can they be together? Should they be together? Linda and Dan are both supposedly free, but are they? As surprising new family obligations pop up, Linda and Dan each have to reconsider their priorities and their next steps. Is it possible for them to be happy and also do the right thing? The Romantic Mid-Atlantic series of romantic women's fiction titles in chronological order (each is a stand-alone story): Cleaning Her House How They Met (And What Happened Next) Life Is Too Short Dance at the Beach

Celia's Challenge

Celia's Challenge
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 69
Release: 2021-09-15
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1736384805

A novella. When rich, reclusive, cat-loving Celia Thorsen is forced by her mother’s will to interact directly with the world, her life changes in a big way. As she takes her first reluctant steps, she constantly consults her priest and rails against her situation. She also seeks advice from the redoubtable Long Island activist, Dorothy Duncan, about how to create the no-kill cat shelter the will demands. Celia navigates setting up a nonprofit business with handsome new employee Noah Spangler, also a pet lover. When she discovers her Manhattan co-op board intends to oust all the pet owners in the building—including her with her two cats—Celia forges a friendship with another co-op resident, attractive Randolph Whitney, who has a large dog. Together, they plan to foil the board. New work, a new battle to fight, and two new men in her life. Because of a will. A novella. Celia’s Challenge is a novella sequel to Summer in the City and a prequel to A Daughter’s a Daughter. After Summer in the City: Remember Celia Thorsen, the sulky grown daughter of Senator Thorsen in Summer in the City? Remember how outraged she was that her elderly (he was seventy!) father had taken up with another woman soon after his wife’s death? Celia was a sad case: divorced and alone (except for her cats), without a career and living on a trust fund, and angry at her father for wanting to find happiness late in life. She didn’t present a pretty picture. Celia obviously was unhappy. In Summer in the City, as long as she got out of the way of her father’s plans and didn’t make a public scene, that was enough. But couldn't Celia find a better future for herself? Celia's Challenge is the next chapter in her life story. Before A Daughter's a Daughter: Remember Dorothy Duncan? She was Pam Ridgeway's difficult mom in A Daughter's a Daughter. Before Dorothy retired from her busy life as an activist, she helped many people. In this novella, Dorothy is still in her prime, mentoring Celia. Every life story has an arc. Celia's is finally on the ascendant in Celia's Challenge. Summer in the City Celia's Challenge A Daughter's a Daughter

Life Is Too Short

Life Is Too Short
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 341
Release: 2020-09-30
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1734080760

Lifelong friends facing the future after cancer, Kathy, Eileen, and Charlotte are each dealing with complex family relationships and emotional issues. Kathy’s husband is a serial cheater. Eileen’s mother keeps telling her she’s not wonderful like her sister. Charlotte still aches from losses of years ago. This is their second chance, the moment when they can make important life changes before it’s too late. As they take up the challenge of finding hidden treasures at a family beach house in Cape May and back home in the affluent Washington, DC, suburb of Bethesda, Maryland, these best friends discover shocking family secrets as well as new strengths in themselves. Their story entwines with those of Steve, an old friend with a mystery he’s trying to solve, and much younger Brian, whose army career has been his whole focus until he faces a life-changing dilemma. What must each of them do to take the next bold step to happiness?

Friendzoned Soprano

Friendzoned Soprano
Author: Irene Vartanoff
Publisher: Irene Vartanoff
Total Pages: 190
Release: 2018-01-29
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0998526908

“I have a girlfriend,” he said. “Several, in fact.” He didn’t pretend to misunderstand what I’d asked. “What I need is a friend. Will you be my friend, Abbie?” My heart sank. The friendzone speech. I withdrew my hand. I should have known better. Sean might have some genuine interest in friendship, or he might be the kind of guy who denies he could ever be hot for a curvy girl. I’d met both kinds. I’d seduced my share, too, but today I didn’t have the heart for the struggle. I didn’t want to start myself down the same old path of wanting more than a man wanted to give me. Plus-sized soprano Abbie Fisher has a great opera career and a lousy love life. Dieting down a hundred pounds hasn’t changed her luck with men. Sexy baritone Sean Grant friendzones her—dashing her hopes for a romance—as they intimately rehearse the opera Tosca in Baltimore. Lots of touching to raise her temperature, and yet she’s supposed to keep her hands off. But then Sean snatches kisses and flirts with her, anyway. Is he pursuing a romance with her after all? What does he want from her? Confused and angered by Sean’s sexy overtures, Abbie consults her trusted Tarot cards before taking a bold step that could resolve her romantic dilemma—or break her heart. This novel is a stand-alone story and also Book 2 in the Singers in Love series about love, opera, and (maybe) the supernatural. A sweet contemporary romance with a hint of steam, much talk of food and dieting, and an upbeat happy ending. Enter the world of opera through the eyes of a woman in love. The Singers in Love Series: Haunted Tenor Friendzoned Soprano Defiant Diva