Good by S. Walden ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Blurb:


Cadence Miller is a good girl. She just happens to make one terrible mistake her junior year in high school which costs her ten months in juvenile detention. Now a senior, she’s lost everything: her best friend, the trust of her parents, driving privileges, Internet access. It’s a lonely existence.

But there is one bright spot: Mark Connelly, her very cute, very off-limits 28-year-old calculus teacher. She falls hard for him—a ridiculous schoolgirl crush headed nowhere. She can’t help it. He’s the only good thing at Crestview High. She doesn’t expect him to reciprocate her feelings. How inappropriate, right? But he does. And he shows her.

And that’s when her life goes from bad to good.

(New Adult romance)



Review

I'm so torn on how to write this review, I'm such a big fan of forbidden love stories and I enjoyed this book BUT there were a few parts that literally made me cringe, but obviously not enough to stop me from reading the book. I must say that I do not approve of the age difference in this relationship. Am I getting old? I like to think not...I'm only 35 but I have a 16 year-old daughter and that part just kept creeping into my brain as I was reading. I don't know....maybe that's the whole point of the book, maybe that's what drawls you to it...the temptation....you know it's wrong, but yet I just couldn't stop reading. S. Warden's pushes the boundaries in this forbidden romance and her writing was spot on and had me clinging to every last word until I finished. 4 stars.

Candace's life has been hell. She made a wrong decision one night, ended up with the wrong crowd and has spent almost the last year of her life in trouble and in Juvie playing for her mistakes.  While in Juvie and fulfilling her work duties, picking up trash along side the road, she runs into a hot guy changing a flat tire who is nice to her even when she is humiliated by one of the officers. When she is released from Juvie her religious parents keep a very tight rein on her, she has no freedom at all. She heads back to school and of course, she is the outcast being bullied by students who used to be her friends. To make matters worse, that very hot guy changing his tire walks into her first period class and happens to be her Calculus teacher, Mark Connelly. Mark sees how sad Candace is and he just wants to make her happy, and Candace is happy when she's with Mark. The more time they spend together, they can't deny their attraction and pretty soon they give in to their attraction even with the threat of getting in trouble. What happens when boundaries are crossed between student and teacher?


"You're the saddest thing I've ever seen, Cadence. The loneliest thing I've ever seen. And any chance I get to see you smile, I'm gonna take it."


Do I think this series is for everyone? No. Will I be reading the next book in the series? Definitely! I need to know what happens to these flawed characters and if their love will survive it all.


*Review by Brandi



Buy Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Too-1-ebook/dp/B00ESG4TLS/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1


B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-summer-walden/1116800558?ean=2940148624264


Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/4358263


Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/351241

Bio


S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. Her dreams include raising chickens and owning and operating a beachside inn on the Gulf Coast (chickens included). When she's not writing, she's thinking about it.


She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and visit her website at www.swaldenauthor.com to get up-to-date information on her current projects.


Author Links

Website www.swaldenauthor.com


twitter username @swaldenauthor


Facebook page www.facebook.com/swaldenauthor


Goodreads Page


Goodreads Book Link 






Additional Contest ~ Find Mark Connelly Book Cover Contest

Fans, I need your help! I cannot find a picture of the perfect Mark Connelly to go on my cover of BETTER. I've given up and am handing the matter over to you. Here' the deal: find me a picture of Mark and you may win a signed copy of both GOOD and BETTER. Oh yeah, and you'll be acknowledged on the copyright page of BETTER, too!

The Rules:

1. ONE submission per person. Email me THE LINK to your perfect pic at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com (I gotta know where to purchase it)
2. The pic must be a stock photo with a model release (pics on sites like dreamstime.com and shutterstock.com have model releases. They actually say it.).

Contest will run from 9/30 – 10/21. Make sure you get your submissions in before 12 A. M. on 10/21.
He's out there. I know it. Now someone find him for me!
Note: I reserve the right to cancel this contest at any time if I stumble across the perfect pic. I don't think that's gonna happen, though.


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The Wager by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Release Day Blitz and Giveaway

THE WAGER
By Rachel Van Dyken
Genre: Contemporary

Summary


Lose a bet, lose your heart...



What is it about a junior-high crush that can send an otherwise intelligent woman into a tailspin? TV reporter Char Lynn wishes she knew. Jake Titus is too rich, too handsome, too arrogant: a trifecta that once lured Char into the best night-and worst morning-after-of her life. Now they've been thrown together in a wedding party. It's awkward, but survivable . . . until Jake stops acting like a jerk, and starts acting like the man she'd always hoped he could be.



If watching your brother marry your best friend is weird, being attracted to your best friend's other best friend is downright bizarre. Unfortunately for Jake, Char hasn't forgotten how he once tossed her aside. Worse still, Jake's already-nutty grandma is even crazier about Char. Cue meet-cute shenanigans and all manner of meddling, and somehow, Jake's falling. For Char. Now all he has to do is make her believe it . . .




Excerpt


“Jake!” Grandma peered around the mannequin and yelled. “Help her out of that dress! We have a wedding emergency! Hurry!”


“Right.” Jake released Char’s hand and shook his head as he took a step away. “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve helped you out of your clothes, huh, Char?”


And special moment gone.


Ignoring the burning sensation on her face, Char walked into the dressing room and pulled the curtain.


“Don’t you need help?” came Jake’s voice.


“I think I know how to undress myself, Jake.”


“Yes.” His warm chuckle made Char want to smack him. Shivering, she reached for the zipper. “But when I do it, it’s unforgettable. That’s all I’m saying.”


Fine. She’d had enough. Refusing to let him think she was afraid of him touching her, she took his challenge. With a huff Char pulled open the curtain. “Prove it.”


His eyes widened and then a wicked smile curved his lips. “My pleasure.”


The way the man said “pleasure” did really unfortunate things to Char’s body, things that made her re-think her rash decision.


“Where’s the zipper?”


“Aww… can’t find it? That happen to you often, Jake? Can’t find the zipper, where does my equipment go…”


“Oh that, I never have problems with. You should know.”


Her eyes narrowed into slits as she watched him close the curtain and then do a turning motion with his finger.


She turned around and faced the mirror. Jake placed his hands on her shoulders then ran them down both of her arms. She would not shiver, she would not react!


He placed his hands on her hips, then unzipped the dress. Slowly he ran his hands back up the sides of her body, all the way until he hit just below her breasts. Her breath hitched as he winked at her in the mirror, bypassing her breasts and finding the fastener behind her neck.


Char chewed on her lower lip as she watched him delicately undo the fastener and then held the dress to her body so it wouldn’t fall.


“You have beautiful hair.” He ran a few pieces through his fingers and sighed, locking eyes with her in the mirror.


He wasn’t smiling. Was he seriously paying her a compliment? To her face? Or her reflection?


“I, uhh—”


“It’s just a compliment, Char. Not a proposal.”


She blushed profusely. “Thank you.”


The way he looked at her made her feel naked. And now she remembered why things had gone haywire in the first place. She never knew which Jake she was talking to. The one who had been her friend when she was little, or the millionaire playboy who had no soul.


Char doubted he even knew which one he was. She just needed to make sure she remembered, lest she end up with a broken heart again.


“Everyone decent?” Grandma called from the other side of the curtain.


Jake stepped back and winked. “Unfortunately.”


Char felt her face heat.


“Damn,” Grandma called. “You’ve lost your touch, son.”


“Don’t I know it.” He licked his lips and nodded one last time at Char before stepping on the other side of the curtain.




Buy Links:



Amazon: http://amzn.to/1bMQ9Wa



Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1bMQisp


ibooks: http://bit.ly/1eNaknV

Author Bio:


Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at http://rachelvandykenauthor.com/




Author’s Social Networking links:


Blog: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com


Twitter: @RachVD


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


Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882127.Rachel_Van_Dyken



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Cole by J.B. Hartnett ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Release Date: September 21st 2013. Adult Contemporary Romance

Purchase Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1gKcstn

B&N Link: http://tinyurl.com/pbhycqs

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18332384-cole


Book Two in the Leaves Series. Adult Contemporary Romance

Blurb


Cole Carlyle, successful hotelier, has lived his life on his own terms.

Burned by a gold digging ex-wife, he never expected to find his soul mate in Anika “Inky” Redding.


Anika Redding, talented artist, overcame her past to live her life free of shame.

Betrayed by people she thought she could trust, the last thing she expected was to find true love in Cole Carlyle.


Their love for each other has helped them overcome their demons before, but now faced with an unimaginable challenge, Cole must turn to the last person he wants involved in his life, and hope that those demons don’t once again try to swallow them whole.


Inky and Cole’s romance and passion ignite and in the sequel to “Inky” we follow their journey to overcome their pasts once and for all, while building their love into something everlasting.



Review

4 Stars

I freakin' love when I get to finish a series and Cole didn't let me down!

Cole picked up at the huge cliff hanger at the end of Inky. It's hard to review this without giving anything away but let's just say YOU HAVE TO READ IT!

Inky and Cole are both amazingly strong people and endure so much to fight for their love. Throughout the book I laughed, worried, and even teared up at the obstacles they faced-both emotionally and physically.

Once again the supporting characters kept me intrigued, but I do wish we saw more of them. The first book definitely had them more involved in the story then this book. We also met new characters in this story that I wish we learned more about, but it appears that there will be other books in the series so maybe it will be about them!

Cole definitely lived up to the first book and made me fall in love even more with this couple. This series so far has kept me completely intrigued and loving the characters! Cole Carlyle is a hot piece of ass and I'm so sad his story is over. I can't wait for what appears to be Nico's story next!!

*Reviewed by Lauren 

TEASER 

“Don’t move, baby.” He said gently.
“I’m not going anywhere.” I sat Indian style on the bed and hugged my knees up to my chest letting my head rest against them. “You know what?”
“What?” I heard from the direction of the bathroom.
“I always called Evan ‘baby’. My Dad called me ‘baby’ and I wanted to save it for the man I would marry. I’m sorry I wasted it on him when I have you.” He was behind me, pulling my hair back when I felt a brush against my scalp…heaven. “That feels wonderful…what are you doing?”
“I’m getting you ready for bed.” I could hear his smile.
“You’re brushing my hair.” I sighed happily, stating the obvious. “Wouldn’t you rather be having hot-drunk-no holds barred-sex?”
“Does this feel good?”
“It feels incredible.”
“Then we can have hot-drunk- no holds barred-sex another night. But tonight, Christmas Eve, I want you to remember this. I want it to be special. Both of us in our cupcake pajama’s, me holding you, taking care of you…this is the beginning of our life together…baby.”

Buy Links

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.

Website: http://www.jbhartnett-author.com/

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

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


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Desperation of Love by Alice Montalvo-Tribue ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Book Info:
Title: Desperation of Love
Author: Alice Montalvo-Tribue
Series: Of Love #2
Available: September 22, 2013
Cover Design: Distorted Edge Designs https://www.facebook.com/DistortedEdge


Book Links:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17699093-desperation-of-love?from_search=true
Amazon: http://amzn.to/18pqvp0
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/desperation-of-love-alice-montalvo-tribue/1116911333?ean=9781492157090
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/358113

Synopsis:

To the outside world, Jordan Burke appears to have the perfect life. A fulfilling career, family and great friends, but looks can be deceiving. Events from her childhood, and a painful secret, keep Jordan isolated and unwilling to commit to any man. For her, every relationship comes with its own expiration date.

Alex Garza has lived in the shadow of his brother’s fame for most of his life. He's an outcast in his own family and never able to put his own needs first. When his brother gives up his career to settle down, Alex is forced to reevaluate his life plans too. Over the past year, his friendship with Jordan has developed into a source of comfort. Now that he has the time to devote to a relationship, can he convince her to take a chance on love or will their painful pasts and a tragic event destroy their future?




Review

I loved this book! If you haven't read Translation of Love make sure you do, then read Desperation of Love! Alex definitely gives Victor a run for his money as the sexiest Garza brother! Desperation of Love was agnsty, sweet, and sexy. 4 stars

Desperation of Love is Jordan and Alex's story.  Jordan is a commitment phobia, whenever she feels commitment she runs. When she sees Victor and Ellie's relationship and how happy they are, she questions whether she even wants that or if it could even be in the future for her.  Enter Alex, Victor's brother...he is older, sweet, and smoking hot and interested in Jordan.  These two both have issues that threaten to break them both, can Jordan and Alex find their HEA together?

If you looking for a emotional, sweet romance with lots of twists and turns then Desperation of Love is just the book for you.

*Reviewed by Brandi

About the Author:

Alice Montalvo-Tribue lives with her husband and daughter in New Jersey. She has a bachelors degree in communications and is currently working on her masters degree. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, and when the weather permits lounging out on a beach.



Author Links:

Website: http://alicemontalvotribue.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMTribue
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alice-Montalvo-Tribue/216980565108887
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6949931.Alice_Montalvo_Tribue


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Omnific Character Smackdown ~ Vote for our character Caleb Cochran (Giveaway)

Vote your favorite Book Boyfriend! The talented authors of Omnific
Publishing are putting their best male characters head-to-head in a
March Madness-style competition where you can vote on your ultimate
guy! 39 characters will compete through several rounds until there is
only one man left standing.

Sugar and Spice Book Review is sponsoring Caleb Cochran. Check out his bio and vote for
our guy! The winning blog will have some special giveaways for
followers. And don't forget to enter the giveaway we are running right
now!!! Go to Love Between the Sheets to vote, and to check out the
other Book Boyfriends who are in the running.
http://www.readlovelust.com/omnific-smackdown

Omnific Character Smackdown

Character Name: Caleb Cochran

Personality Type: Alpha and Protective

Author: Linda Cunningham

Book Title: Small Town Girl

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12675462-small-town-girl?from_search=true

Author Website: www.lindawcunningham.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lindac4251

Book Synopsis:

When Lauren Smith begrudgingly returns to the small Vermont town where she grew up to arrange for the sale of her late grandmother's old farmhouse, she has everything she's always worked for. Lauren drives a Mercedes. She's engaged to one of the most powerful businessmen in the country and wears a three carat diamond ring to prove it. She lives in a penthouse on Central Park West. Yes, Lauren has everything she considers important. She is smugly prepared for any eventuality in dealing with these country people so Lauren isn't surprised when the hot water isn't working at the old house. No problem. She simply looks in the phone book and calls the local plumber.


The moment Caleb Cochran steps through the old screen door to fix the hot water, the glittery facade that masquerades as Lauren's life begins to crumble around her. Though she tries hard to deny their mutual, magnetic attraction, Lauren is finally forced to reevaluate her focus and come face to face with her true self. “Small Town Girl” is a story of emotional maturation and the recognition and triumph of true love even in the face of repeated denial and awkward timing.

Book Excerpt:

 “I'm not sorry I came.  We had to work it out.  I know what's important to you, but I've got things that are important to me, too.  I've got some standards that I don't compromise.  You don't give up anything for true love.  Love gives you everything.  I will always remember this time we had together and I'm pretty good at living with memories.”

Character Casting Photo:

Character Bio:

Caleb Cochran was born in Clark's Corner.  His family has been there for generations, active members of their community as blue collar small business owners of what is now Cochran Plumbing and Heating.  Instead of going to college, Caleb decided early on to join his father in the family business.  He pursued his education as master plumber and since his father's retirement, has become owner of the company as well as chief of the volunteer fire department.  Caleb is 38 years old.  His calm, friendly demeanor and ability to take control of seemingly any situation has endeared him to nearly everybody in town, but these same qualities also belie his ever present heartbreak.  As a young man, he married his childhood sweetheart Julie.  Together, they bought a small, classic New England style white Cape on Church Street.  Three years later, she was dead from cancer.  With the help of his father, he learned to carry his grief with dignity, the only acknowledgment of his emotional agony, the picture of her in his kitchen where he could see it every morning.  She was in her white dress, caught in the moment of laughing into the camera, her dark hair swirling around her.  Caleb would look at the picture and consciously put all thoughts of marriage and family behind him.  That is, until he met Lauren Smith.  She triggered something in him and all his pent up emotions burst forth in an intensity that swept them both to new heights.

Caleb, here are a few questions we'd like to ask you.  Gives us a little peek into the inner man.

1. What is your ideal woman like?

My ideal woman is feminine.  I guess by that I mean, she's not afraid to be female.  She likes to see me coming and she appreciates my masculinity.  Hair color, height, weight, those things aren't that important.  It's the essence of her that makes her attractive to me.  Somebody who loves who she is and smiles alot, loves to make love, loves me, makes me laugh.  Somebody who will put the harness on with me and shoulder to shoulder, go through life with me, supporting me as I support her.

2. What do you like the least about yourself?

Hm.  I guess I don't spend too much time thinking about my strengths and weaknesses.  I just find a way to do what has to be done.  If I have to name something, I guess I'm kinda clumsy, physically and emotionally.  I feel like I'm sort of an oaf.

3. What are the three most important things in life to you?

That's pretty easy to answer.  My wife Lauren is the most important thing to me.  Number two would be the rest of my family and number three would be my responsibilities, to my family, my business, and my community.  I have a lot of pride in being a responsible person, somebody you can always depend on.  Oh, and a really good, really cold beer is right up there on the list, too!

4. What music is on your playlist right now?

I have different music for different situations, I guess.  When we're on the job working, the guys and I like Jason Aldeen, Eric Church, Sugarland.  If I'm feeling kinda introspective, I've got Of Monsters and Men, and Mumford and Sons.  And, when I'm riding around in my truck by myself, I guess I kinda revert to type.  I listen to the stuff my Dad used to listen to when I was a kid.  The best of Johnny Cash, and some good old fashioned Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.  Who doesn't love an American girl!

5. What is your favorite curse/dirty word?

Haha! That's a funny question.  I don't swear much.  I don't know why.  I just don't.  Guess I don't lose my temper very often.  Probably, son-of-a-bitch would be it.  I learned it from my father!  Pretty tame, huh!

6. How do you seduce and/or excite a woman?

I think you've got to start by getting her to feel relaxed.  I mean totally relaxed, so she's feeling safe and secure, enough to give honestly of herself.  I like to drink a beer and talk, and let her talk.  A few well placed kisses usually gets things started.  I find women liked to be kissed.  Alot.  Everywhere.  Oh, and on the practical side, keep her warm.  Women like to be warm!

7. Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever made love?

I'm kind of an old fashioned guy.  I've made love lots of places, and I don't know if it's the most interesting or not, but it's one of my favorite places, in the field below our house at sunset.  Ofcourse, that's seasonal, but maybe that's what makes it special.  The other thing to keep in mind, is not the place, but how it's carried off.  You can't beat spontaneity.  When you're both feeling it, find a place and do it.  I've acted on impulse in the house, in the fields, in vehicles, and up against the wall in the horse barn.  It's electrifying!

To vote for this book boyfriend, go to Love Between the Sheets, find this character, and place your vote: http://www.readlovelust.com/omnific-smackdown

Buy Links

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/small-town-girl-linda-cunningham/1106781227?ean=9781936305926

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Room For You by Beth Ehemann ~ Cover Reveal

Room for You Synopsis:

Four years ago, my dreams were shattered in an instant.

I tried to pick up the pieces and glue them back together the best I knew
how, but something was always missing.

A father for my two girls.

But then, Brody Murphy landed on my doorstep, literally. He was a carefree,
playful hockey player who barged into my life and messed with my head. He
left me more confused than I had ever been.

What if the one thing I thought I needed was the only thing holding me back?

Author Bio:

Beth Ehemann lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her 4 crazy
kids and her husband, who’s also a big kid most of the time. She loves
reading, photography, martinis and all things Chicago Cubs.

Author Links

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/BethEhemann

GOODREADS:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18069353-room-for-you?from_search=true

TWITTER:
@bethehemann

Spitfire by Kate Mathias ~ Release Day Blitz and Giveaway

Book Title: Spitfire

Series Name: Silver Oaks Series

Author Name: Kate Mathias

Release Date: 09/28/2013

Blurb:

Arie Reynolds is a strong willed, independent woman. Her life as a stuntwoman in movies is enough to keep her fulfilled. After nearly losing her life in an accident, she finds that she has a new “ability” – one that allows her to cross into a parallel reality. When she’s once again faced with her mortality, she must decide how she’ll use her ability — will it save her life or will she end up losing the one thing that matters most?


Cole Mercer is a charming firefighter who’s used to getting what he wants out of life, until he fell for Arie. Through the difficulties of her career and a seemingly impossible choice, can Arie make the right choice? Can Cole tame this spitfire’s heart or will he be the one that ends up getting burned?


Buy Link

.

Author Bio:

Kate Mathias is former elementary teacher and real estate agent. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three children.




Fun Facts about Author:


I've been skydiving and have flown a small airplane.

My dad's a pilot and I've taken a plane off numerous times.

I'm an adventure junkie and love the thrill of roller coasters and anything that moves high and fast.

I can't get enough of sweets and often have dessert after breakfast.

I don't drink coffee or tea.

I'm a night owl and tend to stay up every night until midnight even during the week.

My family and friends always come first and I'm dedicated to other's happiness almost to a fault.





Social Media Sites:



Facebook: Author’s Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/WorldsApart.KateMathias



Goodreads: Author’s Link: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6441297.Kate_Mathias



Goodreads: Spitfire Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17787536-spitfire



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