Release Me by A.C. Marchman ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Blurb:

Prequel to overwhelm me & stay with me.

Donovan Callahan started a relationship with the married Claire Dubois as a teenager. He was attracted to her beauty and raw sexuality, letting his hormones take control of him. He couldn’t resist the woman all the guys at school could only dream about.

As time went by, she sank her claws in deep, keeping his heart in a vice grip and toying with his emotions. He longed to be free, but was terrified of what this crazy woman was capable of. She had a way of keeping him in line, either by physical or mental force. She is manipulative, conniving, and just plain evil. She pulled him back in as he tried to push away. Donovan felt trapped in a web of lies and deceit. If Donovan was in a web, just call Claire the proverbial black widow.

Find out why Donovan is the way he is and how Claire screwed him up in more ways than one. Donovan has to take back control of his life. He wants Claire to release him, for good.


Excerpt

I sat down at the table to drink some coffee and read the paper. I’m turning into my father.

That’s when I saw the headline.

TV Producer, Frank Dubois, age 55, found dead in his Atlanta home

Oh my God! My brain was trying to catch up with what the headline said. I kept reading.

Early this morning, the famous TV producer, Frank Dubois, died at his Atlanta estate. His distraught wife, Claire Dubois, the star of reality show Atlanta Society, called 911 when she found her husband unresponsive in their bed.

“Frank wasn’t feeling the best, so we called it an early night. He was complaining of severe stomach cramps and back pain. So Frank and I went to bed together. I woke early to use the restroom. When I came back to bed, I cuddled next to my husband and realized he wasn’t breathing. I called 911 immediately and told them to hurry. But it was too late. My Frank is gone and is never coming back to me.”

Mr. Dubois was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Along with his wife, he leaves behind a son, Frank Dubois, Jr. and a sister-in-law, Regina Rankins. The television company Frank worked for released a statement to the family, expressing their sympathy and condolences.

“The network just won’t be the same without Frank around. He will be sorely missed,” Vince Galloway, CEO of RTN Network, stated.

I couldn’t read anymore. I threw the paper on the table. Frank was dead and the first thing that came to mind was the conversation Geniese and I had years prior to this. “But that couldn’t have happened. There was no talk of foul play, no bullet wounds or ligature marks. Just that he was dead, in bed.” I started pacing the floor, trying to decide it I should even call Claire right now. That wouldn’t sound good if her lover called right after her husband is found dead. I put the phone down and waited for her call.

It took two days. Two days of insane worrying. Two nights of sleepless nights, tossing and turning. Two full days of mental torture.

The phone finally rang.



Review

I really loved Release Me.....Prequels are just eye-openers that help us understand so much of the history of characters and the story better and that's what Release Me did for me, I definitely understood Donovan and his actions better.  4 stars.


Release Me is the prequel to Overwhelm Me and Stay with Me we get Claire and Donovan's story. Claire is  a older married woman who wants Donovan.  Their relationship is full of lust and forbidden temptation.  They are having a great time until Claire turns manipulative.....she will stop at nothing to keep Donovan.  This is where their relationship because extremely unhealthy and turns sour.


This was a quick read for me but a great book and a definite must read story and series!



Buy Links

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Release-Me-Callahan-Series-ebook/dp/B00E3LDNDS/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1374605164&sr=1-5&keywords=Release+Me

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Release-Me-Callahan-Series-ebook/dp/B00E3LDNDS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1374605265&sr=8-3&keywords=AC+Marchman

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/Release-Me-Callahan-Series-ebook/dp/B00E3LDNDS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1374605297&sr=8-3&keywords=AC+Marchman

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116152972?ean=2940148628231





About the Author



AC Marchman lives in Virginia with her husband Dan and their three children, Hannah, Jacob and Sarah. By day, she is a wife, mommy, and an x-ray tech for a doctor’s office. By night (and nap time) she is a writer. She loves spending time with her family. She also loves to read. Her favorite authors being EL James, Sylvia Day, James Patterson, and Tess Gerritsen.

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Inky by J.B. Harnett ~ Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Release Date: August 3rd
Genre: Adult Contempary Romance



INKY BLURB


Anika “Inky” Redding is passionate about two things; her love of painting and her fiancé Evan. While working as a bartender to pay her bills, she meets Cole, a sexy divorcee. She denies their mutual attraction and tries to put him out of her mind.

When an abusive person from her childhood makes an unexpected visit, Inky’s world is turned upside down. Secrets are revealed and truths are exposed leaving Inky devastated and questioning what she thought was love. As she picks up the pieces and tries to move on, she finds her path crosses with Cole once again and this time, she cannot deny the passion between them.

Once she opens her heart again, will she be able to move forward or will her past find a way to stop her?


Teaser

“Please…” I begged. The way he spoke and the words he used, I wanted him more than ever. I felt him move to my feet, straddling the end of the chaise. He was stroking his cock harder and hissing between his teeth. “Come for me. Come for me so I can put my cock in you and fuck you hard and finally make you scream, Anika. Come for me.” His words were like fire igniting my flesh. I came at his urging and as soon as the first shudders of my orgasm began, he thrust himself into me, hard and deep. “Ah, Cole, yes…please, please.” I felt the second wave begin as he rammed against me, his sweat dripping onto my face as we came together. He cried out my name, almost a roar and I’d never heard anything more erotic and sexy in my life. I wasn’t sure if I did indeed scream but it was beyond amazing. He collapsed against me, panting and breathless. “God, what you to do me. How did you know I’d like that?” “Lucky guess?” I replied trying to catch my breath.



Goodreads Link for INKY:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18161148-inky









About the Author



Julie is a Southern California native, a fan of a really good story (preferably romance with a happily ever after), really good pie (preferably pumpkin) and copious amounts of coffee (preferably Folgers).



She has always enjoyed writing and at one time thought she could be a singer songwriter...the 'writer' part is the one that stuck.



Julie is obsessed with pi...the equation(and the food). She's allergic to cats and cantaloupe and hates mushrooms...so if you ever want to give her a gift, those are out for sure.



She currently lives with her own romance hero husband and two boys in Melbourne, Australia.



Connect with the Author


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JBHartnett

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7160908.J_B_Hartnett

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Not at First by Phalla S. Rios ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Synopsis

Falling for two men at the same time was something Angel Mabbott never expected to happen.


Leaving a past full of pain and loss in California, Angel is determined to make something of her life when she starts college in Minneapolis. But life takes a turn when she finds herself torn between Kevin and Roman.




Kevin Hawken is a domineering man who forces himself into Angel's life and changes everything she thought she knew. But how much can he be trusted when he is so secretive about himself?



Angel was instantly intrigued when she first laid eyes on Roman Conti, an Investment firm owner. He was everything she ever wanted in a man: romantic, loving, and protective over her.


As Angel begins to weave a bitter web of desire and deceit, will she find herself consumed, or will she be able to find her way out and follow her heart?

Buy Links

Goodreads
Amazon
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble



Review

I have to be honest, I wasn't quite sure about this one.....of course I love a good triangle but it just didn't grab me at first and I had a hard time connecting but around 30 % the hooks were sunk in and I was hooked! I couldn't wait to see what happened in the story and it had a great plot twist that I didn't see coming. 3.5 stars.

Angel has not had the easiest life and after losing her father, she feels even more lost.  Feeling hopeless, she makes the decision to try and end her own life.  After her recovery, she is sent to Minneapolis by her uncle to try and start over, begin college, and start fresh and move on with her life. Unknown to her, she has a mystery man that is in love with her.  Her mystery man follows her to the new town to watch over her and keep her from getting hurt and hopefully steal her heart.

Not long after moving, Angel finds herself involved with two men. She has Kevin.....the hot, tattooed college student who makes sure she is safe, comfortable, and seems to genuinely care about her, who is getting to her heart.  Then there's Roman......the sexy, alpha, business man, who will stop at nothing to have her, and who owns her body.  Both of these men are keeping secrets, some more deceitful than others, when the truth comes out who will win Angel's heart?

I enjoyed this story and will definitely be reading book 2.  This is a good debut novel, with a little more character development and descriptive writing Phalla will continue to grow as an author and I can't wait to read more from her.

About the Author

Phalla S. Rios lives in California with her husband and two goofy pit bulls. She loves to read and write drinking her favorite tea, Joy, from Starbucks. During her spare time she is usually at the movies or looking for the next best place to eat. She often refers to herself as a foodie. Right now she is finishing up her debut novel, Not at first.


Facebook | Goodreads Author


Enter the Giveaway

Breaking the Rules (Back to Brooklyn #2) by HB Heinzer ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Synopsis:


Growing up in small town Wisconsin, Carly Turner couldn't wait to escape when she graduated high school. Now, she's living the life in New York City, even if she isn't seeing her name in lights like she used to dream about at night. She's living paycheck-to-paycheck, working behind the scenes in small theaters off Broadway. When there's an equipment malfunction the week before opening night, Carly makes a call that winds up changing everything.


Life in the city isn't all it's cracked up to be. While she feels like she's getting closer to making the move from behind the scenes to center stage, she misses being surrounded by people who understand the quirks that come from living in a town of five thousand people. That, and the fact that he's sexy as sin, make Adam everything she feels like she's missing.


The only problem? He's her best friend's kid brother...


Adam Sanders wants to settle down, find a good woman and start a family like he sees so many of his friends doing. But how is he supposed to meet Ms. Right when he's constantly on the road for work? When he's sent to New York to handle a repair that would typically be contracted out as a favor to his boss, he's just about to his breaking point.


Everything changes when the stagehand sent to open the theater for him is none other than his big sister's childhood friend. The same girl he lusted after as a teenager. Could this be fate's way of showing him that he was looking in the wrong place for love?


As Adam and Carly's friendship develops, lines will be crossed and rules will be broken. Will they be able to come out the other side without destroying everything they had back in Brooklyn?



Adam and Micah Bonus Scene



“Nice to see you could show up,” Micah grumbled as Adam walked into The Oasis. “What the hell happened to you last week?”


Adam felt bad for missing the first night of summer pool league, but he wouldn’t have done anything differently if he had it to do all over again.


He had only been back in Brooklyn for a day and he already missed Carly. The last thirty-six hours of his trip definitely ranked high on the list of best days of his life. At dinner, Carly told him she wanted to continue seeing one another. In typical Carly fashion, she said she was interested, only if he could prove he was a good kisser. So, Adam did what he did best; he spent the rest of the night showing her just how proficient he was.


His boss was less than pleased when he called to say there had been a problem with his travel plans and he hadn’t been able to make his flight home. He neglected to mention that the problem was that his girl wasn’t ready to say goodbye. That worked for Adam because he wasn’t ready either.


And then, when he thought his trip to New York couldn’t get any better, he spent the night making love to Carly.


“Dude, what’s gotten into you?” Micah asked, smacking Adam in the back of the head.


“Sorry, what?”


“I asked what happened to you last week. You swore it wasn’t going to be a problem for you to be here and I wound up having to call Reyes to shoot for you.” Adam cringed, knowing better than to ask how the night went if Micah had to call Austin in. He might be one of the best guys in town, but he sucked at pool.


Adam took a long draw off his beer. He wanted to tell Micah about running into Carly, but they had decided to keep things quiet for now. Carly worried about what Julia would say if she found out. It made no sense to not say anything to Micah seeing as he hadn’t talked to Julia in nearly thirteen years, but she still made him promise.


“Work’s been crazy,” Adam said with a shrug. “They needed me to stay out in New York a bit longer.”


“Over the weekend?” Micah asked, knowing Adam was full of crap. ETS didn’t get to be one of the top companies in the state by paying for their salesmen to spend weekends out of town.


“Yeah, over the weekend. It was cheaper than flying me home and back out,” Adam fibbed.


“Bull,” Micah blurted out. “You wanna tell me what’s really going on?”


Yeah, I do. Too bad I can’t.


“Just let it go, man.”


“Whatever. Not like you have to answer to me,” Micah joked.


Adam could tell his buddy was annoyed by his evasiveness, but grateful that Micah wasn’t pushing. Over the years, he had become like a big brother to Adam.


With every bottle of beer Adam drained, it became more and more tempting to let Micah know what was going on. He didn’t want to screw things up with Carly and the distance was already bothering him. He wanted to go home and call her just to hear her voice but he knew that would come across as desperate. Maybe if he could talk to someone, he wouldn’t feel like quite such a pansy.


“Hey, I gotta head out,” Micah said about an hour after they finished shooting pool. “Gran’s cool with keeping an eye on Caleb, but that’ll change if I hang around drinking.”


“Cool,” Adam said calmly. “Tell her I said hi.”


Adam thought about asking Micah if he could come out to the house sometime. Even though Micah and Caleb were staying out at the farm, Adam knew Carly worried about her grandmother. It was something small, but maybe he could spend time with the older woman and ease Carly’s mind a bit.

The ten days before Adam got on a plane to New York couldn’t go by fast enough…



Review


3.75 - 4 Stars


This is story is connected to Bent. I fell in love with Julia & Micah’s story and I’m so glad to read about Carly Turner, one of Julia’s best friends growing up & Adam Sanders, Julia’s younger brother.


Carly left Brooklyn, WI around the same time that Julia did after graduating high school. Both of them couldn’t get away from that small town of 5,000 fast enough. Carly is a set designer for a theatre company in NYC. Someday she’d like to become a director. This story opens with Carly having to deal with a problem with the stage lighting during Hell Week. The week of rehearsing & making sure everyone & everything is ready for the the show’s opening night. She places a call with ETS to find out what the problem is & who shows up to the rescue…..Adam Sanders, her best friend’s little brother. Only he’s not the gangly looking teenager she remembers. He’s grown up & makes Carly think & feel things she shouldn’t be having for him. This totally goes against the rules she’s set in place for herself.


Things start slowly, they reminisce & rebuild the friendship they had growing up. But the attraction is there for both of them & neither one wants to be the first one to cross the line, so to speak. After time, they decide to cross it & see what may develop. Carly has been on her own most of her life & doesn’t trust anyone with her heart. She has abandonment issues even as an adult. But how do you make a relationship that’s just starting out work when you’re in NYC & he’s in Wisconsin? They take every moment they can to be together. Adam travels a lot to the city & now he has more reason to want to be there. Neither one of them has told anyone back home about them being together. Secrets?? Feeling like Carly’s dirty little secret? I felt bad for Adam when he wants to tell his sister, but Carly isn’t ready yet. She thinks that Julia will be upset. Really?? I found Carly to be somewhat immature at times, but I took into account that she was abandoned by her mom when she was a toddler & it had a lasting emotional/painful effect on her as an adult. Adam is patient and surprised by the deep feelings he’s beginning to have for Carly. And he wants more. Will Carly give him that or run for the hills?


This was an enjoyable story of breaking down the walls around your heart to finally let someone in & taking chances. I also loved Gran Turner, Carly’s grandmother and the one who raised her. I can picture her out on the porch, on her farm, in her rocking chair at the end of the day. And even though Gran is getting on in years, not much gets by this woman.


All in all…this was a great book to read & I will continue to grab this author’s books!

Review by Jessie L.



Buy Breaking the Rules on Amazon

Buy Breaking the Rules on Barnes and Noble



Meet the Author:


With the exception of three years spent in the middle of Nebraska, H.B. Heinzer has called southern Wisconsin home. During that time in Nebraska, she imagined one of her favorite authors living on the far western edge of the county, just south of the highway. At the time, becoming a novelist was a distant dream for her. Now, she is the author living in that location. Ironically, she later found out that same favorite author lives just outside the town HB lived in for the first eighteen years of her life.
Now, HB lives in the middle of nowhere but still close enough to the city to not feel isolated. It's the perfect place to let her two kids run and explore their huge yard, teach them about the food chain as they prepare their first-ever garden and debate building a chicken coop. It's one of those dreams that is only possible thanks to the amazing opportunities that have come through writing.


Get Connected:


Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads Author


http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17259213-breaking-the-rules

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Axel by Harper Sloan ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Blurb:

Fate hasn’t always been friends with Isabelle West. In fact, fate has been a down right bitch.

Isabelle has learned the hard way how hard life can be when fate isn’t by your side. It can hand you dreams on silver platters, but it can snatch them right back and hand you nightmares. One thing Isabelle knew for sure fate was consistent with was taking away everything she ever loved.

For the last two years Isabelle has been slowly clearing the clouds of her past. Happiness is finally on the horizon. She has a thriving business, great friends, and her life back. All she has to do is jump over the last hurdle…her ex-husband.

When problems start causing her to fear her new life, and memories that are better left forgotten start rushing to the surface the last thing she needs is a ghost from her past to come knocking on her door.

Axel never thought he would look into the eyes of Isabelle West again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. He’s carried his anger for so long he isn’t sure he can just turn it off, but when he is faced with protecting her and an unexpected desire to have her again, life gets a little more complicated.

How will Axel and Isabelle deal when all their cards are put on the table and everything they thought was true blows up in their faces?

Review

5 Amazing, hot, panty dropping stars!*

There are books that I love, and books that I LOVE enough to reread over and over again.  This book is one of the privileged few that will be a re-read when I need a pick me up!

"Fate might hate me, but that doesn't stop me from hoping one day she forgets about her favorite chew toy.  When that day comes I hope karma has some fun with that bitch, fate."

Isabelle West had it all in high school.  Loving parents and boyfriend of her dreams that she knew she'd spend the rest of her life with.  What she never expected was for all of them to be taken from her suddenly-leaving her nothing but a shell of her former self.  

For the past two years she has been rebuilding herself and her life and thinks she's finally finding happiness.  She seriously has the two best friends, Dee and Greg, anyone can ask for that support her and help her through all of her breakdowns and setbacks.  

The story develops around Izzy trying to get her bastard of an ex to sign divorce papers.  When she starts to receive threats Greg takes things into his own hands (and company) to protect her by hiring the best help possible. Turns out the protection is all of her past hopes and dreams wrapped in a beautiful package-Izzy FREAKS OUT.

Axel never understood why Izzy left him without ever hearing anything from her.  For years he's been pissed at her and now he's supposed to protect her?!  

So many misunderstandings have caused these two to be apart for years, and they finally have a chance to find the truth out and if this is their chance at forever.

What I Loved:

First:  Axel is seriously hot, hot, hot. Tall, dark, handsome, and alpha-male; Hot.As.Hell.  Just the way he talks makes me want to re-read everything he says over and over.

Second: All of the supporting characters in here are beyond intriguing.  The book did take a little long to get to the point, but it didn't feel drawn out because it built up a small background on each of the other characters. The men make me want to be a character in the books just so I can take a turn (in the bed) with each of them.  Dee is hilarious and changes so much throughout the first book.  I can't wait to read her story.  Even the girl's hairdresser was amazingly funny.

Third: The hot steamy sex!! The sexual tension was so thick throughout the book, but once it came to a head-MAN WAS IT ON.  

"Baby, it is fucking hilarious.  You really think that once I bury myself deep within your pussy and feel your tight walls squeezing the come right out of my dick, that I will ever let you go again?  You must be out of your mind, Princess.  I won't even be able to let you out of my bed until we make up for every single day we have lost."

The bad:

Uh..NOTHING! The story line had parts that were definitely predictable, but everything else made up for that.  There seriously wasn't anything about this book that I'd change..unless you can make it a picture book!

*Review by Lauren

About the Author:

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed 'Estrogen Ocean', much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero--the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn't take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

Author Links:

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/Harper_sloan

Amazon:   (will send out once it is live)

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/harpersloanbooks

Twitter:  harpersloan

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/HarperSloan/

Instagram @harper_sloan

Email authorharpersloan@gmail.com

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Lost for You BJ Harvey ~ Review and Giveaway

Lost For You by BJ Harvey (Lost #2)

Expected release: July 23, 2013

Add to Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17731531-lost-for-you

Blurb:


What would you do if you were told that everything you had ever believed in and everything you had ever known, was a lie?


Elle’s life is altered forever after an unexpected phone call and an unwelcome visitor. Trying to put her life back together, Brax’s last words continue to echo through her mind. Why she is being followed and why is she suddenly in danger? The fact that Brax knew about it all and still left her alone, breaks her fragile heart all over again.


Brax will never forgive himself for leaving Elle at a time when she needed him the most, even if he believed it was the only way to protect her. As he makes his way back to her life, he is determined to win her back, regain her trust and help rebuild her for the second time. His return proves he is the same man, yet Elle sees in his eyes a haunted look she knows all too well.


When a confession leaves Elle reeling, her entire life unravels around her. She begins to understand that the people she trusts the most have put her in grave danger and the people who have been protecting her actually want to cause her harm.


Elle soon discovers that the old adage is true, you have to become lost before you can be found.



Review

Lost for You - BJ Harvey

4 Stars

“Darlin’, I was bewitched well before I met you and not once have I ever lied to you about my feelings. My heart started beating the moment you came into my life.”

I have fallen in love with Braxton (Brax) James. He’s protective, hunky sweet, tortured on keeping things from Elle, and has fallen hard for this young woman that he’s supposed to be protecting from harm.

For almost a year now, Brax and his partner, Shay have been protecting Elle from the person/people who are after her. Harry Brimstone was her father’s best friend, business partner and he’s Elle’s godfather. Is it him that’s behind hurting Elle? Or someone else? Harry is the CEO of Brightlight Industries, the company that Elle has inherited since her parents and younger sister were murdered. He’s asked her to sell the company to him; Elle is against selling; but if something were to happen to Elle, he then would get the first option to buy her stake in Brightlight.

Is Harry the only threat to Elle’s life?

Will the secrets end this love in it’s early stages?

“Don’t write me off, sweetheart. Don’t give up on us. Please, don’t decide anything until you hear the full story. When you’re ready to hear it, I’ll be here.”

If you’d like a summer read that has romance, a lot of suspense, who’s really after Elle & many surprises/secrets revealed….then this is the book to read. I didn’t expect what this book uncovered for me throughout reading it. Sometimes, I found myself saying “Wow….didn’t see that coming!” This story flowed and I really liked it. Brax can no longer keep the secret from Elle that he’s come into her life because he was sent to protect her from harm. Will that mean the end for these two? Elle is still a very fragile young woman who has experienced a horrible tragedy with the deaths of her parents and sister. She doesn’t allow people to get close to her. I think that may be because of the fear that she may loose them, too. But Brax has wormed his way into her life.

Along with the suspense, there is romance……..it’s sweet, true and deep. I loved the way this author mixed everything together. She added a little dab of this and a little dab of that. And I wasn’t prepared for what takes place near the end. And that’s all I’m going to say besides “Enjoy this book as much as I did!”
I highly suggest reading “Lost in Distraction” first before this book. It gives you the background of how Brax and Elle meet and under what circumstances.

Review by Jessie L.




Buy links for LID:


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6ZQ8XA/ref=kar_mr_158574011_28


Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/303053


KOBO: http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=LOST+IN+DISTRACTION

Author Profile:


Having always loved reading, and having been befriended and inspired by some awesome self published authors and book lovers alike, I decided to start writing my first novel, Lost in Distraction in December 2012. It was a conscious decision that started with a song, then the prologue and then catapulted from there. I love music too, like REALLY love music, if there isn't music playing, something is wrong. Out and Proud Vampire Diaries fan as well.


I'm also a wife, mother, full-time university student and I do contract work for myself from home



Author Links:


Blog: http://bjharveyauthor.blogspot.co.nz/


GR Author Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6886702.B_J_Harvey


FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BJ-Harvey/471226826268697?fref=ts




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Skin Deep by J.M. Stone ~ Review and Spotlight

Blurb:

Oh, who was she kidding? Emma knew that going to the tattoo shop with her best friend, Allie, would result in getting badgered until she ended up with some sort of needle piercing her flesh in one way or another. What she didn’t plan on was ending up face-first on the floor of the shop with a busted lip. Or doing it in front of the hottest guy she’d seen since…well, ever.

Mortified, Emma never thought she’d ever step foot back in Skin Deep again. But fate, with a little help from Emma’s flighty best friend and a chance encounter with a fudge bar, steps in. Now Emma’s torn between taking a chance on getting her heart broken by the enigmatic, gorgeous Lucas, and playing it safe with good ol’ trusty B.O.B.

Lucas lets Emma know that he gets what he wants, and what he wants is her. When Emma gives in and quits pushing him away, she’s surprised at how quickly the walls around her heart crumble. She’s even more surprised that her unconventional, zany family just endears her even more to him.

But no one knows there’s someone that wants her more, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her.

*Recommended for readers 18+ due to HOT sexual encounters, adult situations, and language.

Review

3.5 Stars

There’s Emma … she's extremely likable because she’s, well, normal.  Her biggest struggles in life are being a size 12 on a good day (her words not mine!) and having a bit of emotional baggage after an asshat ex-boyfriend does a number on her.  She’s left insecure, self-conscious and intolerant of controlling guys.  Oh, and she’s 29!  YEA, a book about grown-ups (although these characters don’t always act like grown-ups!)!

And then there’s Luke.  Tatted up and hot as hell, he and his equally hot brother Brandon co-own a successful tattoo shop.  Luke and I got off to a rough start.  Early in the book, his need to dominate left me screaming “oh HELL no!” but the next minute I’d be like “oh Sweet Cheeses YES!”  when his sweet, sexy side surfaced.  Luke hasn't had the easiest life but he’s worked hard to make the most of it and get what he wants.  And what he wants is Emma.

After Emma’s face plant grand entrance into Luke’s tattoo shop, their attraction is mutual and instant.   Despite Emma’s hang-ups and insecurities, they get busy early on and never look back. There’s lots of sex … and their chemistry is hot.

“I’m going to lick every inch of your body, eat you til you come, and then f*ck you so hard you’ll still feel it next week.  But for now, you’re gonna strip.  Then your (there’s a typo!) gonna undress me, and then you’re gonna take me in that sweet, sassy mouth.”  Luke
Sir, yes Sir!

Even though she’s extremely attracted to him and wants to explore a relationship with Luke, Emma struggles with his controlling tendencies and fights his advances.  Luke, however, is relentless in his pursuit of Emma.

My phone beeped and I looked at it.  It was a message from Luke asking where I was.

Out.  We’re done, remember?  I typed and hit send.

No.  We’re not.  Where are you?

I sighed before responding.  I said I was out.  Luke, you can’t just barge into my life and take over.  You can’t just get it into your head that I’m yours, either.  We f*cked.  That’s it.

You know, for such a cute little thing, you’re a real pain in the ass.  Where are you Emma?

Emma doesn't stand a chance!  In addition to Luke’s patient persistence, Emma’s best friend Allie and her sister Leah are pushing her to accept Luke into her life.  Everyone is Team Luke (me included!).

 “You. Are. Moving. In. With. Me.  I want you in my bed, every night.  I want to wake up with you in my arms every morning.”  Luke

Poor Emma … Not. A. Chance.

Did I mention there’s a lot of sex in this book?  Oh yeah, I did but it’s worth mentioning again!

“You don’t know what you’re asking for Emma.” 
I moaned into his mouth.  “I want it Luke.  I can see it in you, can feel your restraint.  I want your darkness.”

Careful what you wish for Emma ...

They teeter on the brink of BDSM and voyeurism but it never gets to an uncomfortable level if that’s not your thing.

One of the things I liked most about this book is the secondary characters.  Emma’s big, crazy family is ever present as is her best friend Allie who has her own thing going on with Luke’s brother Brandon and their friend Jackson.  Sit tight because book #2, Under My Skin, will center on Allie, Brandon and Jackson.  Oh, and I love Doug.  You will too.

No spoilers here but Emma and Luke face a pretty big hurdle toward the end of the story.   It’s a bit shocking and graphic and seemed to be a little rushed but I suppose every love story needs that one big obstacle to be complete.

I really enjoyed Emma and Luke's story.  All in all, Skin Deep is a good first book from Ms. Stone. I really want to give it four stars but I found myself re-reading some parts to better understand her point and got distracted by the typos at times.  No doubt though, this love story is charming enough to overcome those minor shortcomings and is definitely worthy of your time.

 Review by Serene 

Buy Links

Skin Deep on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Deep-ebook/dp/B00CJ1ICH6

Skin Deep at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skin-deep-jm-stone/1115219206?ean=2940044495586

Skin Deep on Smashwords:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/309966



Author Bio:

J.M. Stone is a legal assistant by day, and a writer by night. She started writing at a young age, mostly poetry and song lyrics, some of which were published. She currently lives in Ohio where she's lived for most of her life, and enjoys spending time with her other-half, their mouthy daughter, two spoiled and crazy dogs, and the rest of her abnormal family. (Don't worry, abnormal is good!) In her spare time, she loves to read, write, sing, and make people laugh, which usually happens at her own expense! Skin Deep is her first novel, and is the first in the Skin Deep series.

She loves to hear from her readers, so drop her line at jadelynna23@yahoo.com

Author Links

Goodreads Link:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17668078-skin-deep

J.M. Stone’s Goodreads Author Page:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4560885.J_M_Stone

J.M. Stone on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JM-Stone/622443461116902?fref=ts

Slow Surrender by Cecilia Tan ~ Review

He pushes her sexual boundaries . . .

From the moment waitress Karina meets him in a New York bar, she knows James is different. Daring. Dominating. Though he hides his true identity from her, the mysterious, wealthy businessman anticipates her every desire and fulfills her secret fantasies. Awakened by his touch, Karina discovers a wild side she hadn't known existed and nothing is off limits.

She aches for more . . .

What begins as an erotic game soon escalates to a power play that blurs the line between pleasure and pain. Even as she capitulates to James's sensual demands, Karina craves more. She wants his heart, his soul. She wants his love . . . and she'll break all the rules to get it.

Buy Slow Surrender on Amazon


Review

Slow Surrender is a very exotic read. Not much of a story line here and I did catch my mind wandering a little BUT I have a feeling more story is coming in the next book. This book was very mysterious and that's the way it's supposed to be.  It starts with a game....a cat and mouse game....the rules are very simple, he asks her to do something and she is supposed to do it....if Karina performances well she is rewarded sexually, if not she is punished sexually....it's all about exploring sexual fantasy. 3 - 3.5 stars.

Karina is an Art History graduate student who is in debt due to her student loans and not quite sure what she wants to do with her future. She agrees to help her sister and temporarily fills in as a waitress at a restaurant that her sister manages, because the restaurant is extremely busy due to the last concert of a legendary musician being in the area. When she agrees to do this, she blows of her new thesis advisor telling him she is sick.  While working Karina sees her thesis advisor, whom she just lied to and a man who she recently had a job interview with.  Trying to avoid them, Karina takes the gentleman that just came into the bar and seats him upstairs.   He is mysterious, sexy, dark an older man and she instantly feels drawn to him.  They begin an innocent game of flirtation that soon turns to kinky very quickly. Karina is astonished that this attractive man is interested in her, she is tomboyish and doesn't put much of an effort into her appearance but he sees Karina's sensual side. From there, an unconventional relationship forms that is very exotic but her "lover" is very secretive, he keeps Karina in the dark and she is at his beck and call.  He pushes Karina to the limits of her sexual boundaries and she enjoys every second of losing her inhibitions until she pushes back too far and even bigger secrets are revealed that send him fleeing. 

This book was interesting, erotic, and steamy....I'll never look at pearls the same way again! Although some parts were a little boring and predictable and I guessed the big secret before it was revealed, even though the author did a good job trying to cover it up, I still found the book enjoyable.  I will most definitely be reading book 2 even though Slow Surrender ended on quite the cliffhanger (that left me disappointed) and Slow Seduction is not slated for release until January of 2014. I'm in too deep now, I have to find out what happens in this relationship and I really hope it turns into more of a love story between this couple!


*Review by Brandi 


ARC of Slow Surrender provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Pulse by Gail McHugh ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Book Title: Pulse
Author: Gail McHugh
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 9th 2013
GoodReads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17267122-pulse

Blurb:

How do you keep existing when your heart is so splintered, so completely torn to shreds, your pulse is fading?

You’re…broken. How do ou move forward when every breath is nothing more than a constant ache? Living becomes and insidious reminder that you threw away the single largest part of yourself. Your…soul. No amount of distraction can pull you from the torture of losing your…life.

Now that Emily Cooper has walked away from her first love, she finds herself running toward her only love. Unraveling fast, bust clinging to hope, Emily risks all she has left on the man that has consumed her every thought and dream since the day they met. Will Gavin take her back? And if so, will their reunion be a collision of two hearts destined to complete one another and rekindle a love that knew no boundaries? Or will scars from their past rip open, tearing slowly at what each of them was meant to be? Can fate, the ultimate game changer, mend the shattered road it laid out from the start?

Only time will tell…

Tick-Tock…

Review

I have to hand it to Gail, sequel's are just so hard to follow and after Collide rocked our worlds, Gail had her work cut out for her in Pulse.  I think that Gail pulled Pulse of wonderfully, although parts were a bit anticlimactic for me personally. This is one of those series were I have become so invested in the characters, watching them evolve and grow, I felt like I was living every emotion with them. 4 stars


"Our past is imperfect, but our future's breathtaking."


Pulse starts off exactly where Collide left off. Emily walks out of Dillon's apartment and his life, deciding to call of the wedding and to follow her heart.  Of course her heart leads her to Gavin, but Emily's too little too late.  Gavin had laid his heart on the line at Emily's engagement party only to have it ripped from his chest.  After this happens, Gavin heads out of town and away from real life to take a break and heal his wounds.  Gavin has no idea what's going on at home, he avoids all phone calls and contact from everyone.  When Emily and Gavin reunite, it's Emily's turn to lay her heart on the line......but is she too late? Will the man that she shattered forgive her, and can they move forward and forget the past or will the past rear its ugly head and compromise their future.


"Please forgive me for fighting against us in the beginning, Gavin. Please forgive me for not fighting for us when I knew we were supposed to be together. Forgive me for not fighting for us when I knew we were supposed to be together."

 This is a definite must read series.  Collide and Pulse are exhilarating, breathtaking, and dramatic.....an unforgettable love story.  Pulse was the perfect ending to Gavin and Emily's story....we really couldn't ask for more of a beautiful conclusion. Can't wait to see what Gail has up her sleeve next!


"We were written for one another, and I wouldn't change one line in our romance novel. The good, the bad, the in between. It's ours. We own it."
 

*Review by Brandi



Pam's review will be posted soon, she had to have two unexpected dental surgeries that have delayed her reading schedule


Buy Links

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Collide-Volume-2-ebook/dp/B00DULA3B2/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373485395&sr=1-2

Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pulse-Collide-ebook/dp/B00DULA3B2/ref=sr_1_12?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1373434243&sr=1-12&keywords=pulse+gail+mchugh

Amazon CA - http://www.amazon.ca/Pulse-Collide-ebook/dp/B00DULA3B2/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1373434375&sr=1-3&keywords=pulse+gail+mchugh

Barns and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pulse-gail-mchugh/1115966961?ean=2940148178668

Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Books/pulse-13



Pulse Trailer Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kxx77bk5YQ
 

About the author - Gail’s info:

I've always been a lover of writing, but mostly dabbled in creating poetry while raising my three beautiful children. I am grateful my husband of fifteen years has supported me—albeit sometimes kicking and screaming—as I pursue this "hobby" of mine. Without his help, writing would be an impossible endeavor.
In late June 2012, I felt an urgent tug of my pen, and I began writing one of my first novels, Collide. Although I thought it might never see the light of day, it gave me the courage to plunge headfirst onto a path I had never considered before.

Author Links

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGailMcHugh
GoodReads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860574
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Gail_McHughAuthor Email:  Author.Gail.McHugh@gmail.com

 

 

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Sweet Thing by Renee Carlino ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Title: Sweet Thing

Author: Renee Carlino

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Link: http://tiny.cc/cm97zw

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets

BOOK DESCRIPTION


Mia Kelly is a twenty-five-year-old walking Gap ad who thinks she has life figured out when her father’s sudden death uproots her from slow-paced Ann Arbor to New York City’s bustling East Village. There she discovers her father’s spirit for life and the legacy he left behind with the help of an old café, a few eccentric friends, and one charming musician.


Will Ryan is good-looking, poetic, spontaneous, and on the brink of fame when he meets Mia, his new landlord, muse, and personal heartbreaker.


A story of self-discovery and friendship, Sweet Thing shines light on the power of loving and letting go.




Review


I really enjoyed this book! Sweet Thing was refreshing and original.....a beautiful story about loss, self-discovery and finding true love. 4 stars


“Sometimes it takes the love of others to show us who we really are.” 


Upon her father's death, Mia moves to New York City to take over her his cafe. On the flight from Ann Arbor to New York, she meets the charming Will Ryan, a talented musician who is funny and attractive, and Mia instantly feels a connection to Will. When Mia runs into Will again, she agrees to rent one of her rooms to him.  They become roommates but Mia is determined to keep their relationship as strictly friends even though the obvious attraction between the two.  This begins their friendship, they enjoy spending time together and music plays a big part of their relationship. Will makes his intentions pretty clear but Mia fights him in every way possible, she is hung up on her idea that she wants a man with a plan, not a starving artist....which Will is not, but Mia is judging. Misunderstandings lead to hurt feelings and broken hearts. This is where Mia really infuriated me! But as their relationship evolves Mia experiences some personal growth of her own. Can Will make Mia see that what they have together really is a sweet thing?


 “You have to teach your heart and mind how to sing together... then you'll hear the sound of your soul”



Sweet Thing is Renee Carlino's debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from her.  The writing was great and the story was amazing.  A definite must read, a page-turner I couldn't put down.


*Review by Brandi


BUY LINKS

Amazon US - http://tiny.cc/4p97zw


Amazon UK - http://tiny.cc/zr97zw


Barnes and Noble - http://tiny.cc/bt97zw


Kobo - http://tiny.cc/pu97zw


Smashwords - http://tiny.cc/pv97zw

ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Renee’s first friends were the imaginary kind and even though her characters haven’t gone away, thankfully the delusions have. She admits she’s a wildly hopeless romantic and she blames 80’s movies staring Molly Ringwald for that. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on the next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.



AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS



Website - http://www.reneecarlino.com


Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReneeCarlino?fref=ts


Twitter - https://twitter.com/renayz


Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6994731.Renee_Carlino

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Searching for Tomorrow by Katie Mac ~ Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Add to your shelf!

Blurb:

What happens when you find the one person who completes you, and then life conspires against you? How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?


Katie and Tripp met on the playground the first day of third grade when Tripp tried to rescue Katie from Zack, her twin brother. A lifelong friendship that later blossomed into love began that day.



Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Katie boxes her grief up and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Katie relives her times with Tripp while struggling most days to even get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.



Zack is Katie's twin brother and was Tripp's best friend. Having lost his own love, he dedicates himself to helping Katie put her life back together. Throw in a mother-in-law who torments at every turn and poor Katie can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for tomorrow.

Author Interview:

Tell us 5 surprising things about yourself.

• 1.     I am a PK. If you know what that means, then you know what that means.
  2.     I have always wanted to be a red head with long, beautiful corkscrew curls.
  3.     No matter what I’m doing, I would rather be outside, day or night, hot or cold, rain or shine.
  4.     I was awarded two separate scholarships when I graduated high school. One was a teaching fellowship and the other was for writing.
  5.     I love to cook, almost as much as I like to eat. I spent a couple of years as a private cook for a local family and loved every minute of it
  
  
  What is your writing environment?

At the moment, I have a makeshift office in my pantry! If need be, I can shut the door and cut off part of the noise. I hope to have a more permanent space soon.

One of your favorite quotes.

                  To whom much is given, much is required.          

Random things about my novel.

Just a bit of nonsense. I am Kathryn Anne, and my two sisters are Rebekah Elizabeth and Sarah Margaret. My husband is Channing, and my son is Zachary. One of my daughters is Elizabeth, and I still have to work my daughter Brittany into the book. Highlands is my most favorite place in the world to go when my soul need refreshing. Last, but not least, I actually had a great-grandma Tiddy!

Flirting Questions

What does love feel like? 

Warm, fuzzy, secure, safe, sheltered

How did you meet your significant other? 

In the lobby of the bank that I worked in. I was on all fours under a Christmas tree tightening the screws in the base. What can I say? Baby got back!

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be? 

Any trip I take with Hubs is romantic. One of his favorite things to do is to whisk me away to wine and dine me.

Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Absolutely! Ask me how I feel about my grandson Grayson!

Author Links

Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Bio:

About this author If you are reading this, I think you should know that "About me" sounds so very pretentious to me. I guess that is what I am supposed to write about, so here it goes!


Katie Mac is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her hubba, hunka hubby, her three kids and her friends. She loves to cook and really loves to eat! During the spring and summer, you will more than likely find her outside puttering around in her garden. When the veggies start coming in, she will probably be sweating over a hot canner in the kitchen, canning all the goodies she is blessed with. Katie likes to hike and go camping, and as a Girl Scout leader, she gets to do this pretty often! On cold winter nights, you will probably find her wrapped in a warm blanket, lost in a good book, while sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch!


Katie was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can't imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. Not a day goes by that Katie doesn't thank God for abundantly blessing her. He has been so good to her, and she is very grateful. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Katie loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she's had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she's always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head (yes, be scared) and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!

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