Friday, August 30, 2013

Villere House by Leslie Fear & C.D. Hussey ~ Cover Reveal and Giveaway




"Villere House" by Leslie Fear & C.D. Hussey

Coming Early Fall, 2013


Blurb:

The last thing college senior Lottie Boyd expected while on spring break in New Orleans was having strange, yet vivid dreams of a 19th century young widow, desperately trying to save her dying little girl. When doctors are unable to do more, the beautiful woman in Lottie’s dreams is forced to go beyond her beliefs for one last attempt.


Compelled to find answers, Lottie is drawn toward the historic Villere House of Voodoo, where she meets the owner, Xavier Villere. She is attracted to his intriguing creole good looks, but his skepticism of his family's century-old link to Voodoo and the occult keep pushing her away. It isn’t until Xavier begins experiencing unexplainable events from his own past that he begins to understand why he must help Lottie with hers.







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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Feel the Rush by Kelsie Leverich ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway







Synopsis:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Valentine’s Arrangement continues her sizzling series with a new novel of a plan that goes awry—in the arms of a soldier…

Picking the wrong men is a talent Meagan Mitchell has perfected. She’s sweet, confident, beautiful—and single. With her thirtieth birthday sneaking up on her, she needs a new plan. No more Mr. Wrongs or Mr. Bads, it’s time to find Mr. Safe…

Army Captain, Reed Porter, lives for the thrill—he’s an Airborne Jumpmaster with a rush addiction. He’s sexy and playful, and he quickly tempts Meagan with his rich Southern drawl and sinful looks. But slowing down and settling down are not in his agenda, making him exactly the type of man Meagan wants to avoid…

As their undeniable attraction heats up, Meagan has to decide if she’s willing to risk everything on a chance at love with a reckless charmer. Is she brave enough to bet her future—and her heart—on Mr. Thrill? Or will Reed finally learn that the feeling of a safe landing is just as addicting as the rush of the fall?
Release date 8/20/2013

Feel The Rush on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18130576-feel-the-rush


Review

"Sometimes, the things we're afraid of, the things that scare us the most, are the things that give us the biggest rush."

I'm not really sure what I expected going into Feel the Rush. I know I didn't really expect to like Meagan as much as I did, or feel for her emotions as much as I did, because I kinda didn't care for her in the Valentine's Arrangement, maybe because the whole time I was too busy cheering on Kale and Ronnie. You know I'm always honest in my reviews, I was a little worried with this book, because even though I liked Meagan, I just couldn't connect to the story but around 40 % in it happened! My emotions were all over the place and my stomach was clenching....it was gut-wrenching! I ended up really enjoying this story. 4 stars!

“Am I wife material?”

Feel the Rush is Meagan and Reed's story.  Meagan is looking for the safe guy, the right guy.  She is turning thirty and she is done with the bad boys, and friends with benefits.  She wants a family, she wants a house, she wants kids, a dog....she wants a place to call home.  She can feel her clock ticking and her life is not working out as she had planned it.  Then she moves with her friend and meets Reed.  Reed is an adrenaline rush junkie who wants no commitments, no-long term, just the here and now....and did I mention Meagan and Reed have a bit of a past? Their attraction to one another is undeniable, they can't fight the chemistry they have and so they start a carefree relationship, no strings attached.  What happens when Meagan realizes she is in way to deep to turn back? Is Reed ready to give the girl of his dreams everything she wants when it wasn't in his plans?


" I feel guilty because I want it. I want you. And I want to be the man who gives you everything."

I enjoyed this book, and I definitely recommend you read this series about sexy military men! Feel the Rush was a quick, sexy, sweet, sassy, well written romance!

*Review by Brandi

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Rush-Feelings-InterMix-ebook/dp/B00DD6YDVU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376443188&sr=8-1&keywords=feel+the+rush



Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feel-the-rush-kelsie-leverich/1115590114?ean=9781101639177&itm=1&usri=feel+the+rush+a+hard+feelings+novel
iBooks- https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/feel-the-rush/id660871909?mt=11



About the Author:




Kelsie Leverich lives in Indiana with her husband and two adorable monsters that are better known as her kids. Her life revolves around her family (to include two dogs and a cat) and most of the time, actually all of the time, it’s a crazy mess—but that’s the way she loves it! When Kelsie’s not writing, you can usually find her on the lake with friends and family or snuggling on the couch with her kids and a good book. Kelsie is not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil. You can find Kelsie on Twitter and Facebook, or visit her website at www.kelsieleverich.com

Kelsie Leverich Goodreads Author Page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590457.Kelsie_Leverich

Follow Kelsie on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/KelsieLev
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Something Great by M. Clarke ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway








Blurb

She didn’t know what she was missing…until he found her.

Maxwell Knight was positively trouble, dangerously good-looking, and seductively charming. He was everything Jeanella didn’t need in her life. Only Maxwell didn’t see it that way. His pursuit was relentless, making her even more determined to push him away.

Fresh out of college, life was simple and plain for Jeanella Mefferd. Every part of her life was smooth sailing; her friends, her job, and even the guy she’d started dating. Then one night, while at dinner, she spotted someone who made her feel things she’d never felt before—dangerous, heart pounding and breathless heat. Thinking she would never see him again, she brushed it off, but when she started to run into him unexpectedly, all she could think of was how he made her feel with his sweet flirtations. Everything about Maxwell Knight screamed trouble, especially when she found out he was her new boss’s son. Now, heading to a New York fashion show, would she be able to focus on her career instead of Maxwell, who had been scheduled to attend with her? As much as she tried to forget their encounters, his good looks, smooth words and determination to win her over gravitated her toward him. The next thing she knew, her mind was utterly consumed by him. Would she be willing to ignore all the dangerous signs and jump into his arms? Or would she miss out on the chance of finding something great?

Excerpt 

“Jenna, don’t do that. You are just too adorable when you do that. Okay…I need to cool off.” Max took sidesteps and splashed water on his face.

“Tired…hot,” I groaned.

“I know, but I need to cool you down first.” His eyes lit up with an idea. Reaching over, he pulled out several paper towels, folded them into squares, and ran them under the sink. After squeezing them somewhat, he placed them over my forehead, and a soft moan escaped my mouth.

“Don’t make that sound, Jenna. You’re turning me on,” he squirmed.

“Hot.”

“Yes…I know you’re hot, but you’re not as hot as I am right now, babe.” He sounded agitated, and a deep growl parted his lips. Reaching over, he ran the paper towel under water again. Instead of placing it back on my forehead, he placed it on my cheek, gliding it slowly down my neck, my shoulder, to my collarbone, and what he did next awakened my sex drive. He squeezed the water, letting it pour down the middle of my cleavage, which sent all sorts of crazy shivers through every part of me.


Review

Jenna doesn’t want to believe in love at first sight, especially when she’s got
Luke. But when their eyes meet across the crowded restaurant, Jenna is left
feeling things she didn’t know were possible.


With perfect timing his eyes caught mine, and they stayed locked for what
seemed like an eternity. As if he had somehow spellbound me, I couldn’t
move. My heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t breathe. Look away, I told
myself, but I couldn’t … Heat like I’d never known before flushed my face.
Dangerous tingles awakened every part of me. – Jenna


Jenna was in a rut … with her safe job, her safe boyfriend, and her safe life in
general. Maybe that’s why a second and a third chance encounter with the hot
guy from the restaurant lights a fire in Jenna she didn’t dare extinguish.


Max likes women and has no trouble attracting them. He has the reputation
of an incorrigible playboy with a revolving door to his bedroom. Despite his
reputation, Max showers Jenna with attention, thoughtfulness, and romance.
Jenna wants to believe he’s genuinely into her but can she trust what she feels?


And… somehow … you make me blush … and I’ve never blushed before. I
think I like how that feels … too much. – Max


Can Jenna step outside of the “safe” world she’s created for herself and take a
chance with Max? Can Max convince Jenna he’s left his playboy ways behind
and really cares about her? Can he convince her he’s her something great?


If you are a sucker for love at first sight, Something Great is definitely the book
for you! It’s a light, entertaining love story. The dialog is a little cheesy at times
but it definitely adds to the entertainment value of the book. Jenna’s circle of
girl friends is the best part of the book if you ask me … nothing like having the
love and support of your girls at the end of the day!


Something Great gets 3.5 easy-breezy stars from me!


Reviewed by Selene






Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/15bS6FY
B & N: http://tinyurl.com/ko4qr3w






About the Author

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed

Website: http://www.authormaryting.com/

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

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

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

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7181038.M_Clarke

Blog: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/

Twitter @MaryTing https://twitter.com/MaryTing

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Underestimated by Jettie Woodruff ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway








Book synopsis: 


Warning! This is not your everyday fall in love romance. This book contains disturbing situations, strong language, graphic, sexual content, some forced, some not. If it's your happily ever after love story that you are looking for, you should probably move on. If you are up for the ride, stick around and it may just turn into a love story after all.


Morgan starts her life in a bad situation, she doesn't really know what she wants out of life. She's never had anyone to look up to, or help guide her in the right direction. She had it rough, and never dreamed that it could get worse, however she finds that it can, and does.


She learns what real hell is when she meets the husband that she doesn't want to marry, but isn't given a choice. Can she escape? She can, and does only to wake up and find herself right back at square one


Excerpt 


I could not wait to land that plane. I even asked the stewardess if she could tell the pilot to speed up a little. I missed Dawson so much, and couldn’t wait to see him. I don’t know what my hurry was. We landed at eleven in the morning. I wouldn’t see him until he got off work at four.
I couldn’t wait. As soon as Star dropped me off at my door, I tossed my belongings inside the door and headed back into town.
“You have a really hard job,” I said, seeing him looking oh so fine in his uniform with his feet propped up on his desk. He almost knocked over his cup of coffee when he abruptly sat up with a smile. I loved that smile.
“Welp, guess I better go catch me some bad guys,” his Deputy Matt decided, excusing himself.
Dawson had me in his arms in a split second.
“Don’t you ever leave me like that again,” he demanded, kissing me. I mean really kissing me. My arousal went from zero to eighty in two point seven seconds.
I was panting. His hands seemed to be magical, causing sensations to places that he wasn’t even touching.
He let me go rather quickly.
“Your house or mine?” he asked, retrieving his cellphone.
I didn’t have time to answer before he was on the phone with Matt, telling him to get back there because he was taking the rest of the day off.
I followed him to his house and had to laugh when he accidentally hit the siren on his cruiser trying to get out of the car.
I was twenty five years old, and it was the first time ever in my life that I felt passion. I wanted Dawson more at that moment than I ever wanted anything in my life. It was also the first time that Drew had stayed out of our sex life. It was the first time that Dawson had ever gone down on me, actually it was the first time that anyone had gone down on me. Wow. That’s a lot of firsts. Drew wasn’t into pleasing me. He was into pleasing himself.



Review

4 Stars

Underestimated is the story of Morgan. Growing up deprived and poor in West Virginia she fears she will turn out like everyone else in her small town-on welfare and popping out lots of kids. All of this changes when she is forced into a marriage with a wealthy man, Drew. Drew spends the next 6 years abusing her in every way possible-sexually, physically, and emotionally. On the outside of their Las Vegas mansion everything looks perfect but looks are definitely deceiving. With no freedom at all, Morgan never thinks she will escape this hell.

Miraculously after a very long planned out escape with the help of others, Morgan has moved to Maine and goes by Riley. For months she is paranoid expecting Drew to show up and take her back home to torture her. Eventually, her walls start to come down. Riley has new friends, a new job, and has even fallen in love with the town Sheriff, Dawson.

When work takes her back to the place she escaped (yes, insert dumb movie moment where the girl goes upstairs instead of out the door-she WENT BACK TO LAS VEGAS!!!) she sees a monster from her past and ultimately cannot escape him. A traumatic accident happens and Riley has lost her memory and wakes up to a beautiful man claiming to be her husband. She knows something doesn't feel right, but can't put her finger on exactly what. 
 
Riley is released to the care of her husband and spends the next few months trying to piece her life back together. Is Drew still torturing her? Has he changed for the better? What happens to Dawson and her life back in Maine? Who is Riley and who is Morgan?

This story is not one I will forget for a LONG TIME. It is definitely not a mushy love story, although, it did have its romantic moments. Underestimated is hardcore, gritty, and emotional. You will sit there and think WTF?! the whole time reading it. 
 
I loved the complexity of this book. The things that made you think "What would I do?" "Is it really possible to move past this?" "What the hell is wrong with her?". 

Each of the characters were well thought out and planned. I do wish I knew what happened to the people that helped Riley plan her original escape from Drew-I feel like we never got closure on that one.

Overall this book was amazing! It worked your mind up, down, side to side, and backwards. Not for the faint of hearts, but amazing nonetheless! I can't wait for more books from this author in the future.

*Review by Lauren 


Purchase links:


Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/Underestimated-ebook/dp/B00DOH9WR8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1376748895&sr=1-1


Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Underestimated-ebook/dp/B00DOH9WR8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1376748895&sr=1-1










Author BIO 


Jettie Woodruff is a practicing physician and has been a Civil War buff for decades. No. Not really, she is not a doctor nor is she a Civil War buff. She is however a goof-off and has a hard time being serious for too long.


She does enjoy a challenge when it comes to her writing. She feels as though she needs to pull every emotion possible from her readers. She wants you to be pissed off, questioning your sanity, depressed, happy, and hopefully turn your mind from wanting to cut the villain into tiny little pieces to loving him by the end of the book.


Underestimated was her first dark endeavor. It was a goal alongside of writing a series, a standalone romance, a young adult, which she can’t check that one off. She tried she really did, but her mind just doesn’t work outside the gutter and it quickly became rated X.


Jettie lives on 163 acres in a rural part of Ohio. She loves living in Ohio, except maybe the snow, and the long winters, maybe the hot summers too, Ah, hell, she hates Ohio. She does love the land and the solitude of the country. She just wishes it was in a geographically in a better part of the country.


Jettie has two grown children and one who will be eighteen in a matter of days. YES!!! She has also recently just had her first, cutest ever, most adorable, granddaughter in the whole world. Her oldest daughter just hit her with the news that she will be adding another grandchild to the family in February. Although she is sure she will fall in love with the little creature, she still can’t say the G word.


Jettie enjoys reading as much as she loves writing. She has way too many favorites to list, but one of her all-time favorites from years ago was the Casteel series from V.C. Andrews. One of her new favorites is C.J. Robert’s, Captive series. Reading it gave her that needed push that she required to say the hell with what people think and write Underestimated.


By day Jettie is wearing business attire and managing a mattress store. By night she is in front of a keyboard or her Kindle, wearing, well let’s not go there. Underestimated was her fifth book published. The first one was just shy of a disaster, not that it was a bad book. People liked it. She just knew nothing about it, no revising, no editing, just a spur of the moment…. “Oh, I wrote a book, lets publish it.” Train wreck and a half. Her Star series was one of her favorites and is held dear to her heart. She is now working on an adult romance that should be live around the end of August, early September. She can’t seem to stay focused on it at the moment, due to a much needed Bahamas vacation coming up with Adam Levine’s walking around half naked, buying her drinks.


Author links:


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

Website - http://www.jettiewoodruff.com/

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jwood4105/books-worth-reading/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/JaywoodJettie

Amazon author page - http://www.amazon.com/Jettie-Woodruff/e/B00AYLK46K/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1376748880&sr=1-2-ent

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Beautiful Bombshell by Christina Lauren ~ Promo Post and Giveaway







Ahhhh! Who's excited for this book to release? I love this series!!! Thanks to Kristin at Simon and Schuster we have three paperback copies to giveaway to three of our lucky followers.  Be sure to enter the giveaway below and also be sure to pre-order your copy of Beautiful Bombshell today!




Synopsis:

Bastard, Beautiful Stranger, and Beautiful Player are out for a wild night on The Strip.

When Max, Henry, and Will steal Bennett away for a weekend of shenanigans and strippers in Vegas, the first stop of the night doesn’t go at all as planned. With their scheme for a Guys Weekend completely derailed anyway, Max and Bennett begin to play a wild game of stealth and secrecy in order to have their bombshells all over Sin City.


Pre-order Beautiful Bombshell here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Bombshell-ebook/dp/B00CGWSDK4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377724150&sr=1-1&keywords=beautiful+bombshell

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-bombshell-christina-lauren/1115182558?ean=9781476751733&itm=1&usri=beautiful+bombshell

Be sure to visit Christina Lauren's Amazon page here and don't miss out on the other books in the series:
Beautiful Bastard
Beautiful Stranger
Beautiful Bitch
Beautiful Bombshell - Releases Sept. 3rd, 2013
Beautiful Player - Releases Oct. 29th, 2013
Beautiful Beginnings - Releases Nov. 19th, 2013


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Arsen by Mia Asher ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway





Book Title: Arsen. A broken love story.

Author: Mia Asher.

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's fiction

Release Date: Friday, August 23rd 2013

Book Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17999935-arsen


Blurb:
One glance was all it took…

I'm a cheater.
I'm a liar.
My whole life is a mess.

I love a man.
No, I love two men…
I think.

One makes love to me. The other sets me on fire.
One is my rock. The other is my kryptonite.

I'm broken, lost, and disgusted with myself.

But I can't stop. This is my story.
                                                    My broken love story.


Excerpt:

Opening my legs with his hands, he enters me slowly, taking his time, making the moment last. When he’s all the way in, he pauses as we stare at each other, both of us breathing heavily. Slowly, he brings a hand to caress my naked shoulder. “I’ve wanted to do this since the moment I kissed you on the street.”

“Have sex with me?” I ask.

“No.” He bites my lower lip. “Make you mine.”

This time he makes love to me. There is no roughness in his treatment of my body, and I don’t miss it. This feels as if he is telling me with his body what he cannot voice yet. This feels like we are imprinting each other to our bodies and to our hearts. Moaning, I grab the back of his neck and pull him down for a kiss, getting lost in the moment.


Review

“Sometimes not being in control, not being able to think, just losing yourself in the moment, is the greatest feeling in the world. It's liberating. It's addicting. It's the most powerful high you'll ever get. It's a kind of freedom that tastes so sweet on your palate that you can't help but want more each time you have it.”


I don't even know where to start with this review.  I've sat on it for days, I've mulled over, I've dreamt about it...vented and still I can't get this book or this story out of my head! There were things I loved about this story...BEN and things I disliked about this story....Cathy (completely off topic, but really disliked the name choice) and Arsen. Cheating drives me insane, especially when married people do it but I just can't help reading books like these...books that suck you in and make you feel every emotion....love, hate, grief, anger...oh no the freak they didn't! That's what Arsen did to me, it just shattered me completely then somehow slowly managed to put me back together again, not all the way but enough that I felt whole again. 4.5 stars.


"Falling in love with the wrong person is easy. Falling in love with the right person is easier. But falling in love with your soul mate is easiest."

Cathy and Ben meet in college and through flashbacks we get to see them fall in love, and what a wonderful love story it is.  Presently, their marriage is in shambles and Cathy is already emotionally detached and withdrawing from Ben after a series of life altering events have just taken their toll on her and Ben's marriage. Cathy doesn't know how to deal with her emotional grief and instead of talking to someone or to her husband she has begun to resent the way Ben seemingly handles everything so perfectly. 


"I’ve grown to hate looking at his beautiful face and everything that makes him so perfect."


When Cathy is asked to pick up her new boss and his family at the airport, she meets Arsen.  This is when you know shit is going downhill in Cathy's marriage.  Arsen is arrogant, rich, beautiful, and a playboy and he makes it known right from the get go that he wants Cathy.  They develop this little "friendship" when Arsen comes to work under Cathy's supervison that quickly turns into so much more.....so much more....ugggghhhhh!


“He's the beautiful painkiller that my broken body and my shattered heart demand to stop hurting.” 


Ben is kind, considerate, sexy, and he loves his wife with a passion! He would do anything for Cathy. My god, you just feel for him and you literally want to insert yourself in the book and hurt Cathy. 


“I want to believe every single lie of hers so I can gladly continue living in denial. I love her that fucking much.” 

This book gutted me....from start to finish, I couldn't stop reading although I knew my heart was going to be broken. Arsen was beautiful, sexy, gut-wrenching, angsty, and emotional. Mia pushed the boundaries on her debut novel.....and what a fabulous debut it was!


“Love can destroy you.
Love can erase you.
Love can heal you.
Love can reinvent you,
And, if you are lucky enough,
Love can make you whole again."


*Review by Brandi





About the Author:

My name is Mia Asher.

I'm a writer, a hopeless romantic, a wanderer, a dreamer, a cynic, and a believer. And, oh yes…I might be a bit crazy - but who isn't?

Author Links:

Email: miaasherauthor@outlook.com
Website: www.miaasherauthor.comTwitter link: @miaasherauthor
Facebook link: www.facebook.com/miaasherauthor.


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Beneath the Surface by M.A. Stacie ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway








Summary of Beneath the Surface:

Kyran Reese is a man in control. Driven when it comes to work, focused when it comes to play. From his office to the chalk circle of Metro’s bare-knuckle boxing ring, his only thought is to win. That thirst heightens when Dale Porter enters his life. His brother’s assistant should be off-limits, but her witty comments and sarcastic comebacks have him desperate to get her between the sheets. After receiving an unexpected left hook, Kyran gets exactly what he wants, though he makes the rules very clear.
When Dale agrees to Kyran’s relationship stipulation of no labels, she’s sucked into a whirlwind of lust, money, and underground boxing.  The agreement to keep their lust away from the office is discarded when rules are molded to suit their ever-increasing attraction. Dale fights her growing affection, trying to hide it even when the world around them spirals out of control. All too soon she realizes she can’t hide her true feelings any longer.
Kyran begins to wonder if he’s finally met his match, and with his family falling apart before his eyes, he turns to the two things he knows will keep him sane: boxing and Dale. Those crutches can’t last forever, and when Kyran finds it harder to function he is left with a decision he never thought he’d have to make.
Could playing to win mean playing for keeps?


Guest Post Topic -

What is one of your favorite Sexy Kyran moments with excerpt.


I have a few favorite Kyran scenes, though one goes right to the top of my list every time. It’s nearing the end of the book where his world is crashing down around his ears. He goes to Metro for his clarity but doesn’t have the strength to fight. Everything has become too much; the punches no longer working as a way for him to process his feelings for Dale.
I liked writing his mental anguish as his opponent attacks him in the chalk circle. Kyran always wins his fights, so for him to lose on purpose conveys just how mixed up he’s become. The turmoil caused by Dale, his brother and his father have sent him spiralling.
I loved writing it.
M.A. Stacie


Excerpt:


The punch landed at the side of Kyran’s mouth, sending spit and blood flying into the air. He felt the skin of his lip split, and hissed at the pain, yet he welcomed it at the same time. The sting gave him something else to focus on. It snapped his head out of the loop it was currently on, offering him the alternative he needed.

Pain.

He was one sick fuck. His world outside the Reese Corporation was crumbling around him, and the only way he had of dealing with it was through the intensity of a fight and the pain of a fist. Taylor had screwed up so much that Kyran doubted there would ever be a way back for him. Dale hadn’t responded to his calls or texts, leaving him to wonder if that relationship was screwed, too.

It should be no great surprise to him. Dale had told him how she felt so many times, and he couldn’t bring himself to say the words. Kyran had tried to convey his emotions in other ways, but she had missed the signs, and now he couldn’t contact her. He was lost.

Another fist flew at his face, and he did nothing to stop it from connecting. His teeth rattled and his jaw ached, but even though his senses sharpened, the emptiness remained in his chest.

“Is that all you have?” he asked, goading his competitor.

Kyran held out his arms, his chest heaving from the exertion as sweat trickled down his torso. The loose bandages dangled from his palms. Sam hovered in his periphery. Kyran didn’t need to look at him to know the old man was flabbergasted by the way he was acting. How could he explain that he needed this tonight? Hungered for the agony.

He didn’t give a shit that he’d lose. It no longer mattered. Nothing did.

“Come on, then!” Kyran bellowed. The crowd cheered him on.

His head started to spin as his opponent’s fists flew. Kyran never blocked them. He took every single one and then waited for the next. Numbness overtook him, the alcohol he’d consumed earlier made it bearable. Blood trickled down his face—he could feel the tracks and taste the coppery tang. Unconcerned with how bad his face would look in the morning, he goaded his opponent again and beckoned him with his fingers. Sam yelled across the room, waving his arms wildly as he tried to get Kyran’s attention.

The churning in his stomach increased, and as another punch hit his temple, dots began to appear in front of his eyes. Kyran tried to blink them away unsuccessfully, which left him unprepared for another blow. Staggering back, a fist connected with his ribs. He gagged, the acid bile burning its way up his throat. The alcohol sloshed in his gut. The cramps took his breath away, and Kyran was about thirty seconds from vomiting when a pair of hands gripped his biceps from behind. Dizzy, sick, and wincing in pain, Kyran was dragged from the mob around the ring and shoved into the locker room.

He fell to the floor.


Review

I love me a hot fighter book.....this one had great potential....hot cover...check...hot alpha male fighter...check...hot sex....check and I did like the banter between the two main characters and the originality of the story, but it moved a little slow and I just wanted to connect to the characters and the story just a tad more.  Maybe feel Dale's emotions more when she caught her ex cheating or when her and Kryan had disagreements ...something...anything! That being said it was still a good story. 3.75 stars.

Beneath the Surface is Kryan and Dale's story.  Kryan is a rich, business man by day and a tatted up, bare knuckle fighter at night.  He keeps his fighting a secret, it's how he burns off his frustrations. He meets Dale, his brother Taylor's new assistant, and there is an instant spark and attraction between the two. Kyran is not really looking for a relationship and Dale has been burnt by her best friend and her ex so she is game for the sexual relationship Kyran wants without labels.  Things get complicated for the two when feelings get involved and family secrets are revealed that complicate the couples relationship.

“I have f*cked you. Numerous times, in fact. We will continue to do so because, seriously, Dale, it’s amazing....Now, get on the floor. I need to feel you wrapped around my d*ck. Now.

I did enjoy this story and I loved the ending. I'm interested to see if M.A. Stacie will give us Taylor's story next, there is something about the troubled bad boys that need fixed that I love!

*Review by Brandi





Author Bio:

M. A. Stacie is never without a book or her eReader. A voracious reader, with a love of sexy, yet angst ridden novels, she adores getting lost in new worlds. Her need to write did not grip her until after her second son was born, when her previous rambles became fully fledged stories.


She describes herself as one huge contradiction, and though not the most conventional of hobbies, she counts getting new tattoos as one of hers. Along with knitting, listening to loud music, and playing the Wii with her children. M. A. Stacie lives in the UK with her husband and three sons.
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Monday, August 26, 2013

A Graceful Mess by Nacole Stayton ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway



Title: A Graceful Mess

Author: Nacole Stayton

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica

Publication Date: August 27, 2013

Photographer: Toski
Cover Designed By: Perfect Pear Creative

Event organized by: Literati Author Services





Synopsis

Hiding behind the anguish from my past, my coyness seeps off of me like an aroma. I have felt like a stranger in my own skin, trying to claw my way out for far too long, allowing very few people to see past my façade…until my eyes met with his. I felt a sudden rush of energy all the way to my core. It jolted me in ways I never thought possible.

Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.

Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.

“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace

Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17268918-a-graceful-mess



Review

4.5 stars!!!

This was an absolute heart wrenching love story! I don't think Nacole left a stone unturned. Grace, who just wants things simple and peaceful, keeps up a facade for those who are not close to her. And there are very few who are really close to Grace. This is on purpose. Grace doesn't want to let anyone in because if she does, the ugly truth would have to be told and she wants to just forget. But then one night, Grace and her best friend go out and this is when she meets Parker. Oh my, what could I tell you about Parker? HOT, SEXY and VERY, VERY ALPHA MALE. Grace and Parker instantly connect. 


"He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed"

Grace and Parker lose themselves in each other and both are beginning to realize they have a deep connection neither have ever felt before. Even though they have both claimed they have been 'in love' before, what they are feeling now seems so much more. With Grace's broken past, can she let Parker in? Can she trust him enough? Every time Grace feels as though they take steps forward, Parker runs and is always leaving a note. Why? Grace is determined to find out...

Parker, he has a job to do....and his job is Grace. But once he lays eyes on her, there is no going back and his job could ruin everything. Determined, Parker continues the charade that everything will work itself out in time but things become more complicated and a freaking disaster. Grace's past collides with her present life and causes complete destruction. So many secrets and lies are being told and the only person Grace believes who can get her through this is Parker. But Parker has his own secret and lies. Will they both lose each other coming to terms with what has happened and the lies that have been told? 

Nacole Stayton did a fantastic job in 'A Graceful Mess'. The writing was superb and flowed from beginning to end. Each character was brought to life through her writing and you felt you knew each one personally. The conversations were so realistic. Nacole totally drew me in immediately and kept me constantly on the edge wandering what more could one single person go through. If I was Grace.......Shit, I would have been put in a mental institute. 

Congrats Nacole!!! Job well done.......


 *Reviewed by Kim


Buy Link

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/A-Graceful-Mess-ebook/dp/B00ES473BS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377550008&sr=8-1&keywords=a+graceful+mess+by+nacole


 
    
 About the Author


Christian “Nacole” Stayton is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass state. She spends her days working at a local hospital in the billing department and nights writing vigorously on her current novel. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle Fire. She is passionate about her faith, family and The Bachelor. Her hair color changes with the seasons and she has a weakness for tattoos, iced coffee, and happy endings.


Social Media Links


Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

 
 
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Hell's Knights by Bell Jewel ~ Release Event and Giveaway



Release Date: 20th August 2013


Synopsis


Sex. Who really knows sex? I mean, we've all had sex, great sex even but when you get down to the details, how many of us actually see sex for the raw, primal act that it is?

I thought I knew sex. I've had sex. Heck, I've felt lust. Once, I've even felt love. I thought I knew exactly what sex was.

Until I met Cade.

He's the meaning of sex.

He's a biker.

He's dangerous.

He's powerful.

He's dominant.

He wants me.

My world is about to change, for the better? I don't know. But here's my story, I hope you're ready for it because it's not the beautiful, heart wrenching story most people have to tell. It's passionate, forbidden, morally incorrect and downright, fucking beautiful.







Excerpt

I don’t know what I expected Cade to do, but what he does, has my head spinning. He takes me to a private bar out the back, and locks the door. It’s empty, and my guess, not used a great deal. I watch as he stalks over to the bar and walks around, picking up a bottle of whiskey. He flicks the top off, and puts it to his mouth, drinking. I watch as his throat moves, and oh my, I think my panties just went from soaked to drenched. When he puts the bottle down, he opens the nearby freezer and pulls out some ice. He shrugs off his leather jacket, grips the hem of his shirt and tears it off. I stare, eyes wide.
 Cade is f**king beautiful. Every inch of him would make any woman’s panties soaked in seconds. He comes around the bar and stops in front of me. His face is hard to read, but I can still see the lingering anger behind his stony expression. He’s angry at me, no, he’s fucking wild at me. Understandable, I suppose. I watch as he reaches down, gripping his jeans and popping the top button. I swallow and my palms become damp. When he lowers them and his c*ck springs free, I shudder. He steps forward, gripping my jaw and running his thumb over my bottom lip. His gaze is intense, fierce, even a touch feral. He grips a couple of ice cubes, and puts them towards my mouth.
“Suck these, then get on your knees sugar, and suck my c*ck.”



About the Author


Bella Jewel is an aussie girl through and through. She spent her life in Western Australia, growing up in many different areas of the state. She now currently lives in Perth with her husband, children and mass amounts of pets. She's crazy, fun, outgoing and friendly. Writing is her passion, she started at the young age of 18 but finally got the courage up to publish, and her first novel Hell's Knights will be released in August 2013.
 
Connect with Bella: Facebook | Goodreads

 

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Sunday, August 25, 2013

Life of the Party by Trudy Doyle ~ Promo Post




Life of the Party Synopsis:

Crimes & Misdemeanors, Book 2

Detective Doug Welland never got over the sexual obsession that was defense attorney Gina Bardone, even taking a bullet to numb her rejection two years earlier. Now the fiery Gina is Congressman Jack Falco's chief of staff, and she's back from D.C., in trouble and begging for Doug's help.

The last thing Gina ever wanted was to destroy the love of her life, yet faced with divulging a sordid truth that could crush them both, she chose to walk away. 

Suddenly they're given a second chance while chasing down a cyber-stalker, and Doug must once again confront their mutually erotic yet potentially fatal attraction. Gina knows she needs to bare herself in every possible way to get Doug past his bitterness long enough to give her the protection she so desperately needs, hoping the promise of love will make it all worth the risk.

A Romantica(r) erotic romantic suspense from Ellora's Cave Publisher's Note: This title was previously published elsewhere in 2009, and has been revised extensively for Ellora's Cave


Buy Links




Author Links



Saturday, August 24, 2013

Turn and Burn by Lorelei James ~ Review



Synopsis

Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.

Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy

Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs.

Review

OH MY....Who knew cowboy's could be so sexy? This is my first read about a cowboy and actually the first book I've read of Lorelei's.  I really enjoyed it, although I may have giggled out loud like a school girl every time that Fletch called Tanna "Sugar Twang"! Turn and Burn gets 4 Giddy Up, Ride Em' Cowboy stars from me!

Turn and Burn is Tanna and Fletch's story.  Tanna was a world champion barrel racer but a disastrous injury has left her not competing in her profession, and left her with an unfortunate phobia of horses. After her mother unexpectedly dies, then her father remarries and sells the ranch, leaving her feeling adrift with no real purpose and really no where to go. So, Tanna returns to Muddy Gap to work at a ranch there until she can determine what her next move in life will be.  Tanna meets August Fletcher, the local sexy veterinarian in a bar that leads to one hot night with off the charts chemistry that neither will soon forget. But that is definitely all it is supposed to be and all Tanna wants...one night. Until Tanna runs into Fletch again, and Fletch makes it his goal to crack the tough exteriors of Tanna's walls and convince her they should be together.  Can Fletch convince the fiery Tanna they are destined to be together or will Tanna let her fears get the best of her and run away from the one good thing in her life?

I loved this book, it was engaging, steamy, and the characters were endearing and you felt for them.  Although this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone, I recommend you grab the others in the series since we get to catch up some with old characters from the previous books, that's what I'm going to do! 

*Review by Brandi 

Shooting Scars by Karina Halle ~ Review





Synopsis:

Sometimes the right choice can be the deadliest.

When Ellie Watt made the ultimate sacrifice for Camden McQueen, she never thought it would be easy. But walking away with her ex-lover, Javier Bernal, in order to ensure Camden’s safety has brought a whole new set of dangers. With Javier’s plans for Ellie growing more secretive by the moment, Ellie must find a way to stay ahead of the game before her past swallows her whole.

Meanwhile, Camden’s new life is short-lived. Fueled by revenge and pursued by authorities, he teams up with an unlikely partner in order to save Ellie. But as Camden toes the line between love and retribution, he realizes that in order to get back the woman he loves, he may have to lose himself in the process. He might just turn into the very man he’s hunting.

Told in dual POV from Camden and Ellie.



Review

Holy Mother Of It All! I think I just switched teams!! Ahhh.....Javier, This girl has always been Team Javier but really? WTF is going on in your head dude? I just couldn't wrap my head around all the craziness that was spilling out of his mouth. Camden on the other hand...he shines in this book, he's so sweet and proves his undying devotion to Ellie even when she manages to let him down! 4 stars!


“Even at her worst, she made me want to be a better man. To be good enough for the both of us.”


Shooting Scars picks up right where we left off in Sins & Needles. Ellie is in the backseat of a car with Javier and she has no idea what Javier has in store for her.  Ellie thought she was doing the right thing, she sacrificed herself to ensure that Camden and his family were safe and she thought she was giving them their second chance at happiness.  All Ellie really did is leave Camden in the hands of a his ex-wife who is a she-devil. She immediately betrays Camden and Camden is on the run again, but this time he is running to save Ellie. Camden turns to the only person Ellie trusts and that's Gus, to help him in this new criminal world that he is not quite sure of.  So Camden and Gus set out to get Camden's girl back and the journey leads them to Mexico where Javier has Ellie.  And shit goes down from here.....a ton of questions are answered, secrets are revealed, and we are left hanging on the end of our seat until the very end and the next book!


“I'd be there no matter what she chose, even if she wanted another lover, another life, I would still be there when she fell. When she wanted to run. When she wanted to come home.”

I love this series! It is angst filled, heartbreaking, sexy, secretive, and crazy.....totally messes with your mind, and those are the best kind of books! I can't wait for the final installment Bold Tricks! Hmmm...Team Javier...Team Camden...who's gonna get the girl? I can't wait to see!

*Review by Brandi 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Diary of a Dieter by Marie Coulson ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway





Book Title: Diary Of A Dieter

Author: Marie Coulson

Genre: Contemporary Romance. A British Romantic Comedy.

Release Date: August 17th 2013







Synopsis

Curvy girl, Charlene Winters, had it all: the great career, wonderful friends and a dreamy fiancé.

With her wedding day just three weeks away, Charlene is dealt a devastating blow. Suddenly finding her life, hopes and plans in tatters, the jilted bride sinks into despair and a tub of Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough. With the heartache of her fiancé’s infidelity still fresh, Charlene’s whisked away by her friends on a life-changing holiday. But how will this big fish cope now that she’s back in the dating pond and surrounded by slender trouts with Botox lips?

Frustrated by best friend Adam thwarting her attempts at romance, and her girls Vanessa and Dana eager to set her up with a boy toy, Charlene decides the time for change is upon her. What she needs is a change of scenery, a change of dress size and maybe, a change of heart.



Review

5 Stars

All I can say is “Grab this book!” I was thoroughly entertained while reading Charlene’s story. And I cannot tell you how many times I laughed out loud. Trust me it was many.

Charlene was supposed to be getting married in 3 weeks to her boyfriend of 4 years, Brad. But what does he do?? He breaks it off with her while he’s away in Ireland visiting family during Christmas. Really? What a low-life! A lot is told during this opening chapter of the book and Charlene is heartbroken, devastated & feeling really low. Not to mention, she’s not feeling very good about herself at all. But she has her friends there to help her get through this embarrassing, humiliating “walk of shame”. There’s Vanessa & Dana, her friends since college and then we have Adam. Charlene & Adam have been friends for over 20 years. And I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading about how they met one another back in school.

Adam has always been there for her through everything in her life. He’s funny, honest, has a big heart & would do anything to make his best friend feel better about herself & what life has thrown her way. Oh…and let’s not forget he’s sexy as hell. I loved how Marie Coulson’s words made me feel just what Adam & Charlene have together. I envied the relationship they have. But how doe you go from being best friends for so long to crossing that line. Neither one of them expected things to go this way, but sometimes they happen for a reason. Will their friendship ever be the same? Do these two feel more for each other than just friends and are afraid to admit what is long overdue? This was such a wonderful journey with this group of four friends. Charlene is also a little overweight and lacks self-confidence. It was such a joy to see her pick herself up with the help of these friends in her life & become determined to shed the weight that she had gained over the years. And there are plenty of funny scenes while she attempts it. She also starts to see things about Adam that she hasn’t noticed before.

Adam & Charlene aren’t really sure what to do with themselves other than maybe enjoy the “friends with benefits” relationship while she‘s still looking for Mr. Right. At least this is what Charlene tells him. But Adam has been waiting for years to tell her how he really feels & when he does she doesn’t know what she should say back. Does distance make the heart yearn for what she has always wanted?

And Charlene’s Gran….I cannot forget to mention this elderly woman with such sass & she doesn’t hold anything back in what she thinks. I’m sure you’ll laugh as much as I did when you read the scenes this woman is in. She's a hoot!

Charlene’s ex, Brad, comes back into the picture at the end begging for forgiveness and telling her how sorry he is and that he messed up. Does she go back to him?

At first, reading the title, I wasn’t sure what I was going to be in for. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I love her and how she carefully crafted this enjoyable and fun book to read. Everything flowed so nicely, the characters and what they were experiencing seemed real to me. And they are some of the best ones I’ve been introduced to. I highly recommend this book to read.

Review by Jessie L.



Excerpt

Hauling my gym bag beside me, I pushed my way into the gym. The smell of sweat immediately wafted up my nostrils, and I gagged loudly. Dana cringed beside me.

“Oh my God. Charlene, it smells like crotch in here!”

Snorting a laugh, I held my hand over my mouth and nose. She wasn’t wrong. It wreaked, but the need to lose weight was overruling my need for fresh—or at least less clammy—air. Holding our breath, we made our way through the reception to the large aerobics hall at the far end. If there was ever a fear of us being blinded by old women and their cellulite … we were wrong. A sea of slim, fit, toned, and tall beauties turned and began scanning us up and down.

“I feel naked. Let’s go. We clearly don’t belong here.”

Spinning around, I moved toward the exit, but Dana blocked my path.

“Nope. You wanted to do this, and I bet they didn’t always look like that. Maybe this class really works!”

I furrowed my brow at her “Do you ever drop that optimistic glass you carry around?”

Dumping her bag on a bench, which was pushed against the white-washed wall, she smiled brightly. “Nope.”

Well, of course she was feeling good! As she slipped off her coat, I stared at her wide-eyed. Wearing a pair of tight leggings, a sports top that showed off far too much of her toned midriff, Dana was right at home amongst these women. I groaned in displeasure.

“Are you kidding me? Where did you get that body, and how much did you pay for it?”

She tilted her head to the side and tutted. “You had one, too, ‘til Brad started steamrolling your fitness regime. Remember?”

Did she always have to be right?

A loud clapping pulled me from my jealous glare at Dana and my attention was now focused on the petite, short blonde-haired, and clearly never-ate-a-cake in her life, fitness instructor at the front of the room.

“Hello everyone! It’s nice to see so many familiar faces, and I notice some new ones. Come up!”

I gawped at Dana who shrugged, grabbed my hand, and began dragging me to the front of the class.

“Hi, hello! It’s always nice to have new blood in our class. I’m the instructor, Francesca. Is this your first time at Zumba?”

I stood awkwardly as dozens of eyes stared at me. That’s right, ladies, I’m the fat girl. Every fitness class has one. And you all suddenly feel so much better about yourselves. That carrot you scoffed for breakfast doesn’t look so bad now. Does it?

“No, it’s our first class,” Dana answered.

Oh no. Didn’t she know she had just committed the cardinal sin of fitness class?

“Well, you ladies stay right here up front and follow the routine, you’ll be just fine.”

I was in hell. Not only was I the only chubby girl in the room, I was now the entertainment at the front of the class! Clapping her perfectly manicured hands again, Francesca encouraged people to move into a space as she hit the play button on the CD player. The Brazilian sounds of the lambada filled the room, and I felt sick.

Swaying her disgustingly tiny hips back and forth, Francesca began a routine that looked like it belonged on the stage; not a hall in one of the smelliest gyms in London. Dana, of course, was a natural. Swaying, bouncing, and shaking her pert little arse around the room like a pro, she put the rest of us to shame. Well, I say the rest of us, but I mean me.

I bounced, jiggled, and wobbled myself around that mat as though I had a feather tickler shoved up my arse. I wasn’t sure how this would help me lose a few pounds, but with the flailing of my limbs and sporadic movements of my hips, there was a good chance we’d have rain.


Buy Links


US link - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EKXURTM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EKXURTM&linkCode=as2&tag=thrchiandtheb-20


UK Link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Diary-Of-A-Dieter-ebook/dp/B00EKXURTM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1376651198&sr=8-6&keywords=diary+of+a+dieter



About The Author

Born and bred in England, Marie discovered her love for writing when she was a mere child. Beginning with poetry and short stories, she soon discovered her flare and passion for the written word.


After pursuing a career in childcare, education and the care of the elderly, she left her job in the summer of 2012. Embarking on a new career as a therapist, it was at this point that she finally sat down to write a novel that had been plotted for nearly three years. Only three months later…Bound Together was born.




Links
Diary Of A Dieter on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/17834699-diary-of-a-dieter

Blog: www.authormariecoulson.wordpress.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormariecoulson

Twitter: @marie_coulson


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