Aug 05 2015

Book Review: Racing the Sun (Where Sea Meets Sky, #2) by Karina Halle

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

RACING THE SUN

Karina Halle

On Sale July 28^th!

From the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky comes a new adult novel about a young woman who becomes a nanny in Capri and falls for her charges’ bad-boy brother.

When I’m traveling, I feel like the secret to my life, to myself, to really becoming, is one step ahead. It’s in thenext destination, the next town I get lost in, the next stranger I talk to. It’s always next but never here . . .

After six months of backpacking and soul-searching across the world, Amber MacLean is flat broke. There are worse places for a twentysomething to be stuck than the Amalfi Coast, but the only way she can earn enough money for a plane ticket home to California is to teach English to two of the brattiest children she has ever met.

It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, the young master of the crumbling villa tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.

When her position turns into a full-time nanny gig, Amber grows dangerously closer to the enigmatic recluse. But can she give up the certainty of home for someone whose closely guarded heart feels a world apart from her own?

Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Wow, Racing the Sun is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I fell in love and I fell hard. I was hooked from the very first page and I didn’t even realize how quickly I went through the book until I glanced at my kindle and realized I was 91% in. I still have no idea how that happened. I mean I dove in hard and nothing else around me existed, but a part of me still grew sad knowing the story was so close to the end. I loved every complicated bit of this story. The romance is that once in a lifetime love that leaves you swooning and hoping for a HEA. I felt every heartbreak and every joy. The accomplishments each character experience make you connect with them in a unique way and you begin to feel as though you are experiencing their growth with them. Karina Halle’s expressive writing draws you in and brings this story to life in a way that made it so real, it was heartbreaking at times, alluring and it will definitely leave you with a bit of wanderlust.

The story is beautiful and there are so many different layers. It is a love story where you begin to fall in love with not only the romantic aspect of the story, but also with each characters growth, the travelers discoveries, their woes, but every complication creates a perfect story that leaves you in awe. I felt every word and the descriptive elements made me feel as though I was in a foreign city experiencing every new revelation with them. I sat and read and could feel and see clearly even the tiniest of details.

Racing the Sun tells the story of Amber MacLean who finds herself broke after months of travel. She secures a job as an English tutor for two children, but the families complicated story leaves her wondering if she’s cut out for the job. Amber buckles down and rises to the challenge, but when she begins to take on more responsibility and finds herself growing fonder of the brooding older brother Derio, things get beyond complicated. She’s falling, but Amber’s heart is not the only one that remains guarded. Their time together draws them closer allowing each of them to slowly open up, but will the past haunt them or will this be nothing more than another stop on Amber’s world tour?

Beautifully romantic, exotic and complex Racing the Sun will leave your heart racing and keep you utterly mesmerized. You’ll fall hard for Derio, Amber will amaze you and you’ll love every minute of it. I’m already counting down the days until Karina Halle’s next release! 5+ exceptional stars for an extraordinary book! This is a must read!

Happy Reading Lovelies xo

RACING THE SUN by Karina Halle

Atria Books | July 28, 2015 | Paperback ISBN 9781476796444, $15 | eBook ISBN 9781476796482, $7.99 | 384 pages

Learn more at S&S.com

Get Your Copy!

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ABOUT KARINA HALLE

Karina Halle is the New York Times bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky, The Pact, Love in English, and other wild and romantic reads. A former travel writer and music journalist, she lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails, and devours a lot of books.

Find Karina Online

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Atria Indie Authors and Karina Halle are giving away:

(1) grand prize of a $50 AMEX Gift Card + 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN and 1 copy of WHERE SEA MEETS SKY….PLUS: (6) Runner Up Prizes of 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN.

Enter to win at: http://gvwy.io/ok5i5nc

Jul 28 2015

Book Review: Sinful Intent (ALFA Private Investigations #1) by Chelle Bliss

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Title: Sinful Intent
Series: ALFA PI Book #1
Release Date: July 14th
Author: Chelle Bliss

AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

Synopsis

The moment I saw her, I wanted her.
I tried to resist her, but Race had other plans.
One night, in a moment of weakness, I gave in to my desires.
I still had a job to do before her world collapsed.
If I failed at finding the person behind the threats, I could lose her forever.
Temptation can be dangerous.

Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Chelle Bliss became a favorite author when I was first introduced to her Men of Inked series featuring one of my favorite fictional families, The Gallos. I fell hard and fast for her writing and how she easily brought you into this world that made this family so real that you wanted to crawl into the books and live there. As the series and family grew so did my love for her art of storytelling. She became an author who was able to capture all the perfect elements of love, passion, humor and a true sense of family all in the same book. I have a love for her books and will likely enjoy anything she dips her hands into. Naturally, Sinful Intent, the first book in her newest series (and Men of Inked spin-off ::happy dance::) – ALFA Private Investigations won me over instantly. Not gonna lie to Chelle or the readers and I mean no offense or disrespect when I say this because while I understood the choice to use the name Race True, it is quite possibly my least favorite named character of all the books I’ve read by Chelle thus far. However, as I got used to the name and got a better understanding of the choice I continued on with enjoyed the story as much as I did the Men of Inked books. This book had everything you look for in a good romance/erotic romance – love, passion, friendship, mystery, action and of course family – yup, that’s right, the Gallos are back and you will definitely get plenty of updates on the happenings of their lives as well as the introduction of some new faces which I absolutely love.

Sinful Intent introduces Morgan DeLuca and the story of how he came to join ALFA PI. His story is real enough where it could be someone you knew growing up, he’s a kid from the “wrong side of the tracks” that was fortunate enough to get his life together in most ways, but now he’s trying to figure out…what next? I love how he came to join the ALFA PI family and the story that leads up to him meeting Race True. We are introduced to Race True who becomes Morgan’s first client and after their initial meeting, it is clear they are both attracted to one another. Race suffered insurmountable loss in her life and it only made her work harder. Morgan is a distraction she isn’t sure she can afford to welcome into her life, but she feels hope when he’s around. Lines become blurred one night and their walls come down allowing the two to give in to the overwhelming need they’ve felt since their first encounter, but can they get beyond the reasons that initially brought them together or will everything fall apart before they have a chance to begin?

As much as I loved Sinful Intent, Chelle did what she does best – gives you a taste and makes you want more. I’m salivating for the next book in the series, Unlawful Desire. I am so curious about Frisco and I can’t wait for his story. This series, as with the Men of Inked series is perfect for Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance/Erotica fans. It is the perfect blend of romance, intrigue and the steam factor, as always, remains off the charts! You won’t be disappointed!

Happy Reading Lovelies xo

Excerpt

“You’re really purdy,” she slurred with a lopsided grin, running her finger down my cheek.
“That’s it. No more drinks for you,” I said, dragging the glass away from her.
“No! I’ve only had three,” she said as she lurched forward, pulling the drink out of my hands.
“I’m enjoying myself. I’ve had a bitch of a week and I deserve to let loose a little.”
I held my hands up. “You’ve actually had four martinis, but anything you want, princess.”
Her eyes grew into little slits. “I’m not your princess,” she slurred, sounding completely adorable.
My cheeks hurt as I smiled. “I’m going to take you home now. I think you need to sleep it off.”
“Last time I checked,” she said before hiccupping, “you’re not my daddy.” A slow smile crept across her face. She scooted closer and whispered, “Unless that’s your thing.” She tried to wink, but both eyes closed, one after the other.
I leaned into her space, a breath away from her lips. “It’s not my thing, but I’m happy to act out your fantasies. But I don’t think you want to cross that line. Once you go there, there’s no going back.” I stared into her eyes.
“Oooh.” Her eyes grew wide. “Is that supposed to scare me, Mr. DeLuca?”
I didn’t move. “I’m just giving you fair warning. You’ve had a few drinks, and I won’t take advantage of that. I’m just telling you how it is.”
“You’re full of yourself.” Her warm, sweet breath caressed my lips as she spoke.
All I wanted to do was reach out, pull her face to mine, and kiss her full, beautiful lips. “I’m sure of myself and confident in my abilities, yes. That’s entirely different than being full of myself.” I licked my lips, testing her.
Her eyes dropped to my mouth as her lips parted.
“Another?” Lisa interrupted.
“We’re good,” I replied, keeping my eyes pinned to Race and waving Lisa off.
“Pfft,” Lisa scoffed, stomping away.
Race glared in Lisa’s direction. “She wants you,” she whispered.
Was she jealous?
“I don’t want her.”
“She’s a sure thing though.”
I leaned closer, leaving very little space between us. “I never liked easy.”
“All men like easy.” Her body swayed, moving so close our lips almost brushed.

Purchase Sinful Intent
AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

Unlawful Desire – ALFA PI #2 is available for pre-order
Special pre-order price of $2.99

AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

Giveaway

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About the Author

Chelle Bliss is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the Men of Inked series.

She loves to write happily ever afters filled with alpha males and sexy women.

Chelle spends her days writing, chatting on Facebook, and working on her craft.

The ALFA PI series a spin off of her Men of Inked series and she’s excited
to introduce a new world of characters to readers.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – TWITTER – GOODREADS – NEWSLETTER

Jul 21 2015

Book Review: Bleeding Love (Hope Town, #2) by Harper Sloan

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Meet Liam & Megan in the newest stand alone

in the Hope Town Series by Harper Sloan!

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble (Nook)

Blurb

(Stand alone)

I’ve loved once. I gave everything that I had to that love. Blindly believing that nothing could ever take that feeling away from me. Away from us. And when my little world of happiness was ripped from my fingers, I felt a loss that still haunts me to this day.

Now I use that lingering grief as a shield to keep my heart from loving again. It’s that fear that keeps me from letting anyone, except my daughter, get close enough to make it hurt. To make my heart bleed when I inevitably lose again.

Until the day I met Liam Beckett and everything I thought I had protected myself from was shoved back in my face.

He’s on a mission to prove to me that a love worth having is a love worth fighting for.

Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

“When you grow up with parents like mine, you know without a shadow of a doubt that a love worth fighting for is a love worth keeping. The fight—that drive—the desire to have the person you love, love you back just as fiercely? That’s all it’s about. They showed me that when you want something, you don’t stop until it’s yours.”

Harper Sloan never ceases to amaze me. Bleeding Love the second book in the hope town standalone series is a beautiful story that at times gutted me. The raw intensity and passion you feel as you read Megan and Liam’s story will leave it’s mark forever branding a place in your heart. As far as I’m concerned, Harper Sloan has never disappointed me with any of her books and this is just another example of how she brings her characters to life making you love them all.

Megan was dealt a rough hand in life, but when she meets Liam she sees how getting close to him can possibly disrupt the order she’s created for herself. She’s basically living in a bubble made to protect herself and keep away any pain. All the things that scare her, all her uncertainties come rushing to the surface when Liam is around. She can’t handle his desire to let him in, but his persistence is wearing her down. Will she allow him in or will she push him to his limit?

Megan and Liam’s story is reminiscent of Beck and Dee’s. I loved every second of getting to know these two. As usual with Harper Sloan’s books, this one was hot and my kindle sizzled from the very first page…no seriously holy shit this book was hot. I thought Unexpected Fate had its moments, but Bleeding Love O-M-G. Liam I didn’t know you had it in you…majorly crushing on him now. Never a dull moment, Harper.

I fell in love with not only Liam, but also Megan. She had been through more than her share of pain and I understood her. I even found myself tearing up at times. This book makes you feel and if you’re not laughing, you might cry, if you’re not swooning, you might want to yell, either way you’ll feel something. The culmination of emotions will leave you hopeful and completely sated. Although these series are standalone books, I do recommend reading both the Corps Security and Hope Town series in the order they were published. Reading Unexpected Fate got me acquainted with Megan and Liam,but reading Bleeding Love brought their stories to life in a way that made me appreciate all the hurdles they met along their journey. The story is beautiful and as with all of the authors stories this one brings to life “realistic” characters that make you feel as though they could be your own friends or family. The struggles they face are not only in love, but all areas of life and how they look to one another for love and support only makes me love her books and characters more with each release.

The blurb holds back so much of the story that I’m afraid to reveal too much so I’ll just leave it at this, Harper Sloan is amazing, this book rocks, this series rocks, I need more….no seriously I need more and I recommend this book to all New Adult, Contemporary Romance and Erotic Romance fans. You won’t regret it.

Happy Reading lovelies xo

“A love worth having is worth fighting for.”

Excerpt

His mouth leaves mine and with his hand still on my leg, he demands, “Dig your heels in deep, baby.”

I give him what he wants, but not because he told me to. I give him what he wants because when his hand leaves my leg and pushes into the mattress, bringing his body up he goes even deeper into my body and those heels push hard.

Just as he demanded earlier, my hands go to his shoulders on my own accord and as he takes my body hard, my nails dig in with my heels still pushing hard against the small of his back. Our eyes never leave each other’s probing gaze. Never once do I take my eyes away from his, so full of lust that I know there isn’t an ounce of control left in his body.

He drops his head and I lift up to meet him in a kiss so sweet it doesn’t match the powerful way that he’s taking my body. A kiss that gives me more than words ever could at this moment. His hips slow and as his tongue rolls against mine, his hips start to take me in slow, deep rolls. He doesn’t pull back, just rocks his hips against mine.

I push up and cry out when he slips even deeper.

His lips come from mine and his hooded eyes open a sliver. “Feels like heaven,” he says softly. “Everything, darlin’. Feels like everything.”

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 husband’s 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.

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Jul 17 2015

Book Review: TOXIC by Kim Karr

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Will they or won’t they? #ToxicLove

Meet Phoebe & Jeremy in this second chance romance!

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | GooglePlay

RELEASE DATE: July 7th, 2015

New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr turns up the heat in a smoking hot, emotionally compelling romance that takes you into the world of Manhattan’s elite. Meet Jeremy McQueen, a sexy, intense, brooding entrepreneur who goes after what he wants, and Phoebe St. Claire, a socialite-turned-CEO who’s been drifting through life searching for something she thought she’d never find again–the right man to share her future.

Phoebe St. Claire has devoted herself to saving her family’s hotel empire–but her best efforts have not been good enough. With her whole world in turmoil, the tenacious go-getter turns to the once love of her life. Far from innocent, Jeremy McQueen was the guy from the wrong side of the tracks who her parents would never have approved of. Their years apart have only made the sexy bad boy more irresistible than ever–and their reunion is explosive.

When she asks Jeremy to help her salvage her family business, he agrees immediately, with only one condition–he wants her in his bed.

But soon surprising circumstances leave Phoebe reeling. Was this fairy tale romance just too good to be true? Will Jeremy’s secrets pull them apart all over again?

THIS IS A STANDALONE SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE WITH NO CLIFFHANGER ENDING.

Toxic Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

This second-chance romance will have you swooning. I fell in love with Jeremy and Phoebe’s chemistry, but I had moments of frustration and doubt. Phoebe and Jeremy met one summer and quickly became hot and heavy. Things were intense and the fire that once burned never seemed to fully extinguish. Years later Jeremy and Phoebe have a run in and although there is an uncertainty between the two, their attraction to one another is undeniable, but the mistakes of their past have a way of coming back to haunt them. Can they trust one another and find a way to rebuild what was once lost or will they allow outside forces to create a wedge between them?

Toxic is my first Kim Karr read (I know, I’m ashamed!) I don’t really know what I was thinking putting off her books until now, I’ve always been interested, but I hadn’t gotten around to reading any of them yet. Let me just say, I should’ve been reading every Kim Karr book ever published and stalking her for any unpublished work. This book is hot, steamy, mucho caliente and completely addictive. The story is engaging. You will get sucked in from the very first page. I felt as though I were watching a film where flashbacks were featured to weave the pieces of the story together. I loved every minute of it. It was incredible how easily I visualized everything. (It might also be because I’m a native New Yorker that I was able to picture everything.) Either way the story grabbed my attention and held it until the very last page. I was ashamed of myself for having thrown Kim Karr books onto my TBR list without having read one. I’m sorry Kim from here on out I’m reading every release the minute I can one-click them.

I can honestly and unequivocally say Jeremy is my newest book boyfriend and shall forever remain on my list of favorite swoon worthy men. Phoebe at times frustrated me, but so did Jeremy. Although these two drove me nuts at times and I wondered which direction this story would take, I absolutely loved them together. I wasn’t certain these two would ever find a way, but I hoped they would. I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, I even shouted at my new fictional friends, but in the end these two taught me some very valuable lessons and made me take a look at how easy it is to allow not only your internal doubts to affect your decisions, but the voices of all those around you. Sometimes you just have to believe in not only the love you have for one another, but in yourself. Excellent book, excellent author. I cannot wait for more books by Kim Karr. This book is definitely steamy with substance and is an absolute MUST read. It is a perfect summer read for Contemporary Romance & Erotic Romance fans.

Happy Reading my lovelies.

Excerpt

Phoebe St. Claire

Feeling a bit drunk and overwhelmed with so many and so few choices at the same time, I needed some time alone and snuck off toward the beach path.

I ran toward the ocean and twirled in the sand as the wind blew around me. Once I started to feel dizzy from twirling, I still wasn’t ready to head back to the party, so I took the path that would lead me to the large Olympic-sized pool. I tugged my sandals off with thoughts of putting my feet in the water to rinse the mud and sand away. As I approached the pool, I noticed how it glowed like it was lit by small pale fires. Lost in the enchantment of it, the sudden movement beneath the surface startled me.

A fair-haired boy emerged from the water. He pulled himself up and out so quickly that I was momentarily stunned. And then when he drank me in with his eyes, I shuddered.

I couldn’t help it, the way he looked at me just made me shiver. No one had ever looked at me like that before and I found myself gazing back into his intense eyes.

He was utterly beautiful. His bare chest was sculpted but not overly bulky like Danny or Jamie. They worked out every day pumping obnoxious amounts of iron to look the way they did. In contrast, the boy standing before me had a swimmer’s build.

He stood stoic and a cautious look crossed his face. He was long and lean in a pair of bright green neon swim trunks.

Right away I could tell he didn’t care what anyone thought about him.

I loved the idea of that.

So I smiled at him.

He shook his head and his hair fell into his eyes.

I wanted to reach out and push it away. It wasn’t long, but it wasn’t short. It was perfect.

“Hey,” he said, grabbing a towel off the ground.

It didn’t belong to the club. It was small, beige, and a bit worn—not the large hunter-green fluffy ones monogrammed in white I’d always gotten when I used to come here to swim as a kid.

“Hey,” I said back, swinging my sandals nervously.

He grabbed a pair of jeans that lay next to where the towel had been and walked right by me.

I turned to watch him as he strode into one of the cabanas and dropped his trunks. I froze and squeezed my eyes shut, thinking I shouldn’t be watching him but then opened them quickly when I couldn’t resist maybe catching a glimpse.

“Didn’t your parents ever tell you it isn’t polite to stare?” His voice was low and sexy, and it tugged me out of my own head.

I put my hands on my hips. “Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to undress in mixed company?”

He pulled his jeans on and laughed. “My mother might have mentioned that once or twice but I’ve never been good at following the rules.”

And it didn’t escape my notice that he didn’t put any underwear on first.

Hot. Totally and completely hot.

I didn’t see anything I shouldn’t have seen, it was too dark, but something inside me electrified at the thought of seeing him naked and I stepped closer. That’s when I noticed the scuffed-up black work boots on one of the lounges with a T-shirt thrown next to them.

I raised a brow. “Is this your changing room?”

He laughed again but this time added a smile and put his hands up. “Okay you caught me. I better get out of here before anyone else does.”

He was adorable and charming and my heart skipped a beat or two.

Then I stepped even closer and entered the cabana entrance, effectively blocking his way. “Why? You’re not doing anything wrong.”

He shrugged but he didn’t try to move around me. “I usually swim in the ocean but when the water is too rough, like tonight, I come here.”

I bit my lip in contemplation before speaking. “Does it really matter if you get caught?”

He crossed his arms over his bare chest. “Let’s just say it’s not just the swimming. It’s more that I’ve been caught doing a few too many things that I shouldn’t have been doing in the past.”

A bad boy.

The thought made my pulse thunder. “So you’re not a member at this club?”

He cleared his throat and shifted from foot to foot. “No,” he laughed but his laugh was anything but genuine. “Are you?”

I hesitated as I considered my answer. “No, I was just walking the beach and wanted to rinse my feet. I’m Phoebe,” I said extending my hand. Technically, I wasn’t lying. I wasn’t a member, my parents were. I hadn’t even been here in years. And I was out for a walk.

Amusement danced in his blue eyes. “Jeremy,” he said back.

When I chewed on my lower lip, I noticed how his eyes focused on it.

Mine focused on the entirety of his mouth—his strong, firm jaw, his sensuous lips, and his tongue that had snuck out to lick his lips.

That mouth.

It was almost too much.

Almost.

About the Author

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

Stalk Her:

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Jul 15 2015

Book Review: Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

ABOUT MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE:

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college, but on the heels of a disastrous breakup, she has finally returned to her hometown of Los Angeles. To celebrate her first night back, her best friend, Gabby, takes Hannah out to a bar—where she meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

It’s just past midnight when Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. Ethan quickly offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay.

Hannah hesitates.

What happens if she leaves with Gabby?

What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into surprisingly different stories with far-reaching consequences for Hannah and the people around her, raising questions like: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. She is the author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and her dog, Rabbit. You can follow her on Twitter @TJenkinsReid.

FIND TAYLOR ONLINE:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Life is long and full of an infinite number of decisions. I have to think that the small ones don’t matter, that I’ll end up where I need to end up no matter what I do. My fate will find me.”

I have to say this is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. I was enamored with it and could not put it down. From the minute I started reading until I was so tired my eyes got blurry because I needed to know how things would end. This is an incredible book, one that will make you question fate and how our paths may not be entirely avoidable. It examines how things may happen for a reason and exactly as they should. I fell in love with the authors writing style and the uncertainty I had while reading. Either way I knew I was screwed because quite frankly I had fallen in love with the possibilities and didn’t think I’d be able to pick a side. The wonderful thing about this book is the fact that is written in concurrent storylines showing two likely possibilities for Hannah and all those around her. The concept is actually pretty brilliant and I have to give the author credit where credit is due because she nailed it. It makes you ponder all of your own life choices and what led you to every moment of your current existence. It’s actually pretty deep because you spend a good portion of the book not on not only engrossed in a wonderful story, but also reflecting. It is not just about one romantic relationship, but the culmination of several life changing moments and how every choice leads us to where we “belong” and the people who remain through it all. Maybe in Another Life is a wonderful book by an exceptional author. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. 5 flawless stars for this brilliantly poignant, pensive and utterly unique read. I recommend this book to all Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction fans. It is a MUST HAVE!

An infinite number of versions of ourselves are living out the consequences of every single possibility in our lives. What I’m getting at here is that I know there may be universes out there where I made different choices that led me somewhere else, led me to someone else.”

MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atria Books/Washington Square Press Paperback | 352 pages | ISBN: 9781476776880 | July 7, 2015 | $16.00

eBook: Atria Books/Washington Square Press | 352 pages | ISBN: 9781476776897 | July 7, 2015 | $11.99

ORDER NOW:

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&nsbp;

Jul 10 2015

Book Review: That One Night (That One Series, #1) by Josie Wright

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Blurb

All it takes is just one moment to change the course of your life. For me, it was one perfect night.
I have always had a thing for my brother’s best friend, Ben. When I found him on my parents’ couch, drowning his sorrows in a whiskey bottle, my attempts to comfort him quickly turned into a night of raw and intense passion.
My foolish heart hoped he might feel the same way I do.
But Ben wasn’t there to stay and I woke up the next morning alone with a broken heart.
I attempted to forget the guy with a smile to die for and a touch that sets me on fire.
I thought I was over him.
I thought he was gone forever.
Until, eighteen months later Ben returns and learns my secret. Now, he is hell-bent on winning me back.
He plays dirty.
And he won’t stop until he gets what he wants—me.

But he has secrets of his own.
Secrets that could destroy everything we might have and everything we are.

Not suitable for under 18’s due to strong language, violence and sexual content
This book is an interconnected standalone and first in the series.
Approx. 86,000 words

About the Author

Josie Wright has always been a bookworm, spending every free moment with her nose buried in a book. While others were out partying, she spent her evenings with Heathcliff, Sydney Carton or Snape. Romance, fantasy, thrillers – you name it, she read it.

Thanks to the Kindle, she finally arrived in the 21St century and discovered the Indie literature world. Josie has been lost to it ever since. With her love for the written word and her promiscuous feelings for countless book boyfriends, the next logical step was to start writing. The voices in her head and her imaginary friends wanted out to play and so she wrote her debut novel “That One Night”, that’s to be released early summer 2015. And the good news is, there are more voices and imaginary friend where Ben and Frankie came from.

Josie is a financial expert by day and a writing junkie by night. The rest of the time she’s a bit of a hippie, a bit of a goth and many things in between. Josie loves to spend time with her husband when she can tear herself away from her book boyfriends. She loves video games, movies, good food and even better music. She’s addicted to chips, long baths and shoes. Oh, and books of course. Definitely books.

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Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Josie Wright’s debut novel That One Night was a pleasant surprise and I could not put it down. It had me hooked from the very first page and I was dying to know what would happen next. The characters are witty and snarky and I caught myself laughing out loud quite a few times. The story is also emotional at times and makes you feel for both Ben and Frankie. I won’t give away too much of the storyline, but lets just say these two have serious chemistry and the sexual tension I felt while reading this book nearly set my kindle aflame. These two shared a special night that was ruined by Ben’s mysterious disappearance that left Frankie heartbroken and 18 months later still trying to mend the wounds. Ben is set on gaining her trust and hoping she will forgive him, but there are secrets that Ben is hesitant to share with Frankie. Secrets that cause a greater divide between them. As both have been broken down and are trying to find a way to recover, they lean on one another, but Frankie is hesitant to open her heart again and Ben fears his secret will destroy the trust he’s fought so hard to rebuild.

I found myself deeply invested in this story and wanted to hug both Ben and Frankie for all they’d been through — together and separately. They both struggled with trust issues and restraining their feelings for one another. Frankie for fear of being hurt again and Ben mostly feared judgement. This book makes you feel, it makes you think how second chances may be difficult, but not impossible. You will root for these two and hope they find a way to overcome all that has stood in their way and find their happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I was sad when this ended, but ecstatic with how the story unfolded. The secondary characters also helped make this story even more enjoyable and I hope to see how these characters develop in future stories. This was a solid 4 star read and I recommend it for New Adult, Romance/Contemporary Romance fans. The book is funny, emotional and at times a bit of a tear jerker. I think this is a great feel good summer read. Happy Reading lovelies.

xo 💋

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Jun 17 2015

Book Review: Amber to Ashes by Gail McHugh

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

AMBER ^toASHES

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

GAIL McHUGH

They were a storm I never saw coming, an unforeseen heartbreak on the edge of a dangerous cliff.

In AMBER TO ASHES (Atria Paperback; June 9^th, 2015), Amber Moretti’s life changes in the span of minutes. An orphaned outsider, she is desperate to start fresh the moment she walks onto campus. In the time it takes to cross the university’s dining hall, she meets two men who bring color, air, and light to her darkened world.

They became my addiction, each a needle to my next hit, my high.

Brock Cunningham’s appeal is dizzying, a potent force Amber can’t deny. A green-eyed smooth talker, he instantly attracts Amber. It doesn’t take long for him to consume her every thought, her every breath.

Ryder Ashcroft, a blue-eyed, tattooed, and pierced bad boy, turns Amber off immediately—that is, until he kisses her, stealing a piece of her heart, her soul.

They were as opposite as fire and ice, yet I ached for them equally.

Never knowing she could be broken down in so many unexpectedly beautiful yet petrifying ways, Amber finds herself falling for both men.

Immoral? Maybe. I say undeniable. Uncontained.

But one devastating event changes everything, shattering each of their lives…and Amber isn’t sure she can recover from it.

Book Review

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

My favorite thing in the world is picking up a new book and reading through all the words an author has penned together creating a new journey for me to embark upon. Words are powerful and can reveal the most beautiful or even the ugliest inner workings of someones mind. Gail McHugh has a gift with words and through it they reveal a story in which she has claimed contain many layers of her own reality. Parts of her own story woven together with fictional elements to create a gem that will captivate you from start to finish.

This is the first book I’ve read by Gail McHugh and it definitely won’t be my last. I don’t think I have EVER read a story like Amber to Ashes. I was completely spellbound. I could not put it down. I read it in one sitting by the final page I was dying for more. Addiction, obsession, desire, love, lust, pleasure, pain by the end you’ll have fought a battlefield of emotions and even question your sanity. The physical and emotional turmoil all three characters experience will tear at your heart. Their desires overwhelming at times, torturous and completely unlike any story you’ll ever read. It is not an erotic fantasy come to life, it is a dangerous and desperate yearning that plague these three and may be the beginning of the end for all of them. I was intrigued and as I delved deeper into the story it was hard to form an alliance or choose. I almost felt like I was Amber because I became as torn as she was. Parts of this story at least the arrogance of the two leading men made me a bit suspicious of their intentions at times. This book will mess with your head. Gail’s poetic style of writing leaves you to ponder many painful yet harsh realities of love, life, death and everything in between.

Amber to Ashes is a raw and artfully crafted masterpiece that takes you on a bumpy, deeply emotional, chaotic and passionate journey through the lives of three people whose stories culminate in the mother of all cliffhanger endings. This is a dark and gritty story that will rip you to shreds rendering you absolutely speechless . It is a book you won’t soon forget. One that will seep its way into the depths of your soul and completely own you. It is an all-consuming, fiery, get your heart racing, question your sanity kind of ride. I loved every minute of it and I cannot wait for more. Check out an excerpt here.

Buy NOW

AMBER TO ASHES by Gail McHugh

Atria Books Paperback | On sale: June 9, 2015 | 480 pages

ISBN: 9781476766010, $15.00 | eBook ISBN: 9781476766041, $7.99

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About the author:

Gail McHugh is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Collide and Pulse. She is the mother of three beautiful children and has been married to her husband for fifteen years.

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Giveaway

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Apr 28 2015

Book Review: BLACK IRIS by Leah Raeder

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

BLACK IRIS by Leah Raeder

Atria Books Paperback | 384 pages | ISBN: 9781476786421 | On sale: April 28, 2015 | $15.00

eBook: Atria Books | 384 pages | ISBN: 9781476786438 | On sale: April 28, 2015 | $5.99

ABOUT BLACK IRIS:

It only took one moment of weakness for Laney Keating’s world to fall apart. One stupid gesture for a hopeless crush. Then the rumors began. Slut, they called her. Queer. Psycho. Mentally ill, messed up, so messed up even her own mother decided she wasn’t worth sticking around for.

If Laney could erase that whole year, she would. College is her chance to start with a clean slate.

She’s not looking for new friends, but they find her: charming, handsome Armin, the only guy patient enough to work through her thorny defenses—and fiery, filterless Blythe, the bad girl and partner in crime who has thorns of her own.

But Laney knows nothing good ever lasts. When a ghost from her past resurfaces—the bully who broke her down completely—she decides it’s time to live up to her own legend. And Armin and Blythe are going to help.

Which was the plan all along.

Because the rumors are true. Every single one. And Laney is going to show them just how true.

She’s going to show them all.

REVIEW

Mindfuck. This book is a total mindfuck.

That perfectly describes Black Iris and the psychological turmoil I experienced while reading.

I thought my first experience reading Leah Raeder’s Unteachable was intense, but this book displays a whole different level of her literary genius. It’s powerful and deeply personal which makes the reader connect in an indescribable way.

The novel captivates you from the moment you begin reading. I am generally not a fan of making highlights in books. When I started reading more e-books I rarely took advantage of the highlight feature on my Kindle. I loved that I was able to highlight and flag things without marring the book, but I’ve still remained a bit conservative in that respect. Something has to really speak to me for me to highlight. Black Iris seems to be the exception. I found myself constantly highlighting wanting to savor and remember every moment, marking the words that moved me so I could go back to them later and relive the experience. The writing is profound, lyrical and undeniably haunting. There is a pain and complexity to this book that I’ve never experienced before as a reader. It is as though you are watching someone come to terms with their very existence and how they begin to accept every part that makes them a whole. The book is sexual, but doesn’t fit in any particular mold. The romantic aspect of this book is complex and at times troubling. I worried about how toxic some of the relationships in this book had become at one point, but there was such immense beauty in Laney’s coming to terms with who she was. Bit by bit, piece by piece, as disturbed as I was at times by her actions I understood them in a way that made me question my sanity.

There are writers I dislike, writers I like and then there are the writers that I love. The ones who I know will repeatedly produce outstanding content. The author whose writing seeps its way into my veins, searing their name into my soul. Leah Raeder managed to win me over with Unteachable, but Black Iris gripped my heart solidifying my love for her writing and a deep respect for her as an author. It is addictive, flawlessly unique and oddly refreshing. It is unlike any book I’ve ever read. Black Iris is raw, wild and completely unpredictable. It crosses boundaries and takes you through a journey of acceptance, revenge and pain unlike any book I’ve ever read. It examines human sexuality on a deeper level than I’ve ever contemplated. It describes how fierce love between human beings can be, the effects of non acceptance from society as well as self and how deep an individuals experience can brand them and to what lengths someone will go for retribution. Love is love — Reader’s brilliant, dark and poetic writing capture this message beautifully. I voraciously devoured Black Iris and I hope you will too.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leah Raeder is a writer and unabashed nerd. Aside from reading her brains out, she enjoys graphic design, video games, fine whiskey, and the art of self-deprecation. She lives with her very own manic pixie dream boy in Chicago. Visit her at LeahRaeder.com.

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Apr 17 2015

Book Review: Without Me (Men of Inked #5) by Chelle Bliss

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

THE LAST MEN OF INKED BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Synopsis:

I’d led a selfish existence.

I liked who I was. Hell, I loved myself.
Women threw themselves at me and I took what they offered without remorse. I promised them nothing.
I sank my teeth into life, holding on to the bitch like my very existence depended on it.

Time passed.
Women came and went.

The second I let my guard down and released the hold I had on life… What was my award for such carelessness?
A love so spectacular and heart wrenching that it threw me for a loop. When I was in too deep to escape, my greatest fears became reality.

This is my story. My downfall. My salvation.

REVIEW

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Tears! Chelle, you brought me to TEARS!!!! God, I loved this book. It is by far the best in the series, but I suspected it would be since I’ve always had a soft spot for Anthony. I knew he would be knocked down when love finally came his way. Chelle did not disappoint.

Without Me is a raw, deeply moving and heart wrenching account of a love so deep it inspires you. Anthony’s story is as tumultuous as I’d envisioned. Despite all the obstacles Without Me is a beautiful story. As with all the Men of Inked books, this one felt familiar, like you were experiencing everything through the eyes of friends or family. There’s something about Chelle’s writing that makes you feel so connected to these characters and their stories. Without Me gutted me at times. I was so invested in this story and the outcome I read it in one sitting…COULD NOT put it down! The story is told in dual POV which I absolutely loved. Chelle nailed both characters. Before the release of Without Me I had my suspicions about Anthony’s love interest and I nailed a few things which made me happy, other things were unexpected curve balls that just made this story come to life for me.

I found it incredibly difficult to write this review because as much as I adore this book I don’t want to spoil one moment for you when you pick up a copy. The synopsis is vague enough that I feel I should leave the love interest out of my review. I think experiencing what Anthony does as it happens is the best way to read this book. I swear I never thought I’d see the day where Anthony Gallo would be knocked out by love. To say he was persistent when it came to this story is an understatement. You will see a kinder, softer, more caring side of him, but you will also see an angry, dark side one that is at times overcome by the emotions sizzling between the two. You’ll experience both their feelings and desires. I think I connected with this book on so many different levels. Chelle never failed to bring the heat we’ve grown to love and swoon over from the Gallo clan. When I wasn’t going through emotional turmoil, I was fanning myself and attempting to stop my kindle from bursting into flames….man oh man was this book HOT!

Warning, this book may cause tears…big fat ugly ones, or maybe just a few, but it will get to you. You know that one stray tear that falls down your cheek as you read a story so beautiful you can’t help but feel for the characters…even as you try to avoid it, it happens. One teardrop that you quickly swipe away and continue reading only to get hit again and again by all the emotional ferocity and fire that is Chelle Bliss…yeah, it just might happen.

This story hit me hard because of the content and I know if you have experienced similar things as Anthony or the other characters you’ll understand that this was an emotional journey for not only the reader, but also Chelle. I urge you to read the Letter to Readers at the end so you understand just how personal this story is. It was beautiful. I loved every minute of it and I’m glad that although this is the end of the Men of Inked series, we won’t be seeing the last of the Gallos. A definite must-read for Erotic Romance/Contemporary Romance readers.

Grab your copy today!

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss is an American author who writes stories about real-life scenarios with fantasy Alpha males. Her works include humor as well as steamy sex.

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Start Reading the COMPLETED Men of Inked Series!

Throttle Me ~ Book 1
Hook Me ~ Book 2
Throttled ~ Book 3
Resist Me ~ Book 4
Resisting ~ Book 5

Uncover Me ~ Book 6
Without Me ~ Book 7

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Apr 15 2015

Book Review: Deep (Stage Dive, #4) by Kylie Scott

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

SYNOPSIS

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins’ ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben’s the only man she’s ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn’t looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She’s his best friend’s little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he’s not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible…but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

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REVIEW

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

All thoughts and comments are my own.*

As far as rock star romances go, Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive series is the cream of the crop. She absolutely nailed this series. I fell in love with Lick, then Play stole the show and had me in stitches not to mention hot and bothered, Lead made me fall in love with love and now Kylie pulls together a remarkable ending to a much-loved series. Ben and Lizzy’s story comes to life in the best possible way with Deep.

My heart broke a little by the end of this book and not because the story ended badly, in fact, I think I loved the ending a little too much because I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. My disappointment or heartbreak was related to the series coming to an end. It has been a much beloved series and I will definitely revisit when I need my rock star fix. It’s hard for me to pick favorites in the series, Deep hit me on a different level. The connection between Ben and Lizzy frustrated me at times, but the combo was absolutely perfect for so many ways…I got it and I loved it. I was upset, enchanted and utterly smitten all at once. I laughed a lot (as I did with all the Stage Dive books.) Lizzy is loveable and fierce. I fell in love with her bravery and ferocity. I fell hard for Ben the minute I heard about the bearded bass player…. must’ve been the B 😉

Lizzy Rollins has had a crush on bass player Ben Nicholson since the day she laid eyes on him, she attempted to pursue him only to be repeatedly shut down, but one night in Vegas will irrevocably change their lives. Sorry Ben, what happened in Vegas won’t be staying in Vegas after all. Ben, the man we knew never wanted to be tamed. He’s got a thing for Lizzy, but keeps her at an arms length, but will their connection bring him to his knees?

This book had me crushing on Ben something fierce. He was a brooding mess at times, but there was also such a tender side to him. He was always the mysterious one to me so it was interesting to finally learn more about him. His relationship with Lizzy is anything but smooth and the two compliment one another well. They have a ton of hurdles to work through, but by the end you’re completely smitten and satiated with the outcome.

Deep weaved its way into my heart and left a lasting imprint. The Stage Dive books are hands down my favorite rocker series. Ben and Lizzy’s story will take you on a witty and emotional journey, with plenty of magical moments. There are interconnected stories featuring the other stage dive members and their significant others, plus new characters are introduced. I must mention Mal because he has been one of my favorites from day one and he made this book an even better experience for me. He always adds just a little something extra and his presence in this book is absolute perfection. This book is entertaining, humorous and off the charts steamy. I hope Kylie finds a way to bring back my favorite characters in the future.

EXCERPT

His laughter, it didn’t really sound the smallest bit amused. “Christ. You’re done here.”

“Ah, no. I’m actually not. Now see, this is where we have a problem.” I folded my arms. Then unfolded them because like fuck I’d look defensive. He was the one in the wrong, not me. “You’re not prepared to take me, or my feelings, seriously. What you want is to hide away in Mr. Too Cool for Commitment land and just play with my affections when it suits you. Okay, I’ve accepted that. But none of that means it’s okay for you to come in here and act like you’re the boss of me. None of it.”

“That so?” he asked, leaning down so that we were almost nose to nose.

“That’s so, baby.” I play-punched him in the shoulder, which it should be noted, I barely came up to. Okay, so maybe the alcohol on a mostly empty stomach had made me slightly/lots braver/sillier. “So why don’t you take your little caveman jealous tantrum bullshit somewhere else. See, I do this funny thing I like to refer to as whatever the fuck I want. Understand?”

He just stared.

“And as pretty as you are with your beard and your muscles, you are too damn tricky and . . . complicated and shit for me.”

“I am?”

“Yes, you are. Are you finally seeing my point here?”

“You bet.”

“Excellent. So take your hotness elsewhere, kind sir. I want no part of it!” Huh. I had so told him. Drunken bravado was the best.

About the Author

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott:

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Stage Dive Series Reading Order

Lick (Book One)

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Play (Book Two)

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Lead (Book Three)

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Deep (Book Four)

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Mar 25 2015

Book Review: A Stone in the Sea (Bleeding Stars #1) by A.L. Jackson

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

“A passionate ride of secrets, surprises and steaming hot sex. Baz and Shea’s story is vividly brought to life through words in A.L Jackson’s signature way that is like pure music.” – Penelope Ward, NYT Bestselling Author

Synopsis

He wanted nothing at all…

Until he found she had everything to give…

Sunder lead singer and guitarist Sebastian Stone has everything—fans, fame, and fortune. He also has a heart full of bitterness and a reputation for a short-fused temper. But an outward reputation rarely reveals the true man inside. Facing assault charges after trying to protect his younger brother, Sebastian is sent to Savannah, Georgia to lie low until the dust settles in L.A.

Shea Bentley is beautiful, kind, and hiding from the very lifestyle Sebastian has always embraced.

When the mysterious, tattooed stranger begins hanging out at the bar where she works, Shea is quick to recognize he is nothing but trouble, but she’s helpless to the way her body lights up every time his intense gray eyes tangle with hers.

They both soon find themselves drowning in a sea of desire and passion that won’t let them up for air.

Sebastian knows firsthand secrets never die, and he’s not the only one who’s hiding them.

Loving someone always comes with a price. But will it be Shea’s past that costs them everything?

“Sebastian and Shea have a love that is powerful, passionate, and so perfectly flawed that you’ll crave more. Jackson’s best work yet!” -Molly McAdams, NYT bestselling author

“A Stone in the Sea is both sexy and powerfully emotional. Baz and Shea’s story left me breathless!” -Mia Sheridan, NYT bestselling author of Archer’s Voice

Review

There is just something incredibly captivating about A.L. Jackson’s writing. She grabs the reader’s attention and you become consumed with her characters. From the minute I heard about this release I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. The cover reveal threw me over the edge and I was practically salivating until release day! I stalked Amazon until I was finally able to buy a copy…which may or may not have happened seconds after the link went live…I will not confirm or deny anything 😉

The minute I started reading I was hooked. The thing I loved most was the dual POV. Her poetic style immediately grabbed my attention and I hung on every word. A Stone in the Sea is poignant, precise, and utterly beautiful. It tore my heart up in the best possible way and I am still reeling from the high. I absolutely adored everything about Baz and Shea’s story, BUT, the cliffhanger ending nearly killed me. Seriously, it’s one hell of a cliffhanger. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you.) I am waiting with bated breath for the release of Drowning to Breathe. I’m sure A.L. Jackson will find new, soul-shattering ways to continue torturing my already wounded heart. I swear I still loved everything about this book, it’s a phenomenal beginning to a new series.

Sebastian Stone stole my heart. I ached with him, for him and I wanted nothing more than to see him happy. Sebastian is the lead singer of the band Sunder. He’s dealt with many battles in his life, some tragic, some challenging, but his latest confrontation ends badly forcing him to disappear for a while. He and his band mates head to Savannah, Georgia to try to stay as inconspicuous as possible until things get smoothed over in L.A.. Sebastian has no idea that his visit to this small town will turn his world upside down.

What I wasn’t expecting was her. That fucking gorgeous girl who’d swallowed me whole with just a glimpse.

Shea is a sweet, kind-hearted woman who has no desire to let anyone new into her life. She’s been through enough and getting involved with Baz would just complicate things, but the chemistry between Baz and Shea is undeniable. Shea and Baz have a love so intense it’s hard to know where one begins and the other ends? Their love is breathtaking, but as beautiful as this complex story is, it’s equally heartbreaking. Everything between these two is intense and magnetic. The problem is, both Shea and Baz are holding back; they both have secrets, but secrets can’t stay buried forever…they always have a way of unraveling.

I’d always remained immune. Until him, Baz. The guy who looked at me as if he wanted to sink inside me, searching for a place to drown. I wanted to let him.

I adored this story and I cannot wait until June for the continuation. I just want to reiterate how insane the ending is, be ready to fall in love and have your jaw drop by the last page!

Every muscle in my body coiled with reverence. Gripping me in the tendrils of her storm, the hurricane surrounding her grew fast and fierce.

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About the Author

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Come to Me Quietly, Come to Me Softly, Pulled, When We Collide, and If Forever Comes.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life. Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.

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Mar 11 2015

Book Review: CONFESS by Colleen Hoover

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

CONFESS

BY COLLEEN HOOVER

Atria Books | Paperback
On-Sale: 03/10/15
Paperback ISBN: 9781476791456, $16.00
eBook ISBN: 9781476791463, $7.99
320 pages

Get Your Copy Now!

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping some major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

REVIEW

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Some secrets should never turn into confessions. I know that better than anyone.

There are a million reasons why I love reading and Colleen Hoover is one of those reasons! Authors like her grab your attention from the very first line and keep you hanging on to their every word. To say I experienced emotional turmoil reading Confess is an understatement. I cried big ugly tears, but what else is new when it comes to Colleen? I think she is the only author that consistently makes me cry and for some reason I read and repeat the process with every release. She’s figuratively punched me in the gut time and time again and yet I keep coming back for more. All I can say is, so far every book has been well worth the tears. She brings the reader into a very realistic world with relatable issues (for the most part). When I read Colleen’s books it’s as if a piece of art is being painted in my head (how apropos) or puzzle pieces coming together, either way, she’s ingenious. Her creativity knows no bounds, she’s made a book with an accompanying album, one that included slam poetry and has even co-authored a book with Tarryn Fisher. Now she’s teamed up with the amazing UK based artist Danny O’Connor. Together, they have created an absolute masterpiece. The art in Confess creates the perfect visual for the reader. Danny O’Connor’s work is brilliant. His art adds so much intensity to this novel. I spent time looking at his work and I absolutely fell in love. I understand why Colleen decided to work with him. The joint effort was well worth the wait!

I’m not a fan of spoilers, never have been, never will be. I’ll attempt to give you as much information about Confess without giving away too much of the storyline. Confess is the story of Auburn Reed and Owen Gentry. It reveals how their lives intersect and the upheavals they experience following their first interaction. There is an attraction that begins as curiosity, but slowly builds to an indescribable desire and a connection that makes you feel as though you’ve just witnessed a fairytale match coming alive, but all fairytales experience trials and tribulations before they ever make it to the HEA and boy did Auburn and Owen get a run for their money. This book will give you angina. I hurt for these two. I cried for them and I wanted to throw this book against a wall at times.

I don’t watch much television and people like to look at me like I’m crazy for admitting I prefer to read, but to me, I am visualizing everything as if it were TV or a movie. I like to tell people when I read I AM watching a movie (in my head). With Confess you’re living the movie with Auburn and Owen. Every emotion, every heartrending incident, every breathtaking moment you LIVE with them. I wasn’t sure what direction she would take with the storyline and I have to admit I grew nervous as the ending grew closer. ANGINA I’m telling you! I kept looking at my kindle like, “Why are you at 80% and all the things I need to happen aren’t coming together yet? Please tell me this will be a HEA or I really will throw this kindle.” Yes, I had this internal monologue. Don’t judge me because trust me, you will too! I have to admit Colleen vividly and flawlessly captures the emotions and behaviors of all the characters. And although I was heartbroken for a while I felt as though I were truly witnessing an accurate portrayal of control, helplessness and genuine heartfelt love.

This is one of those novels that make you enjoy every step of the reading process. It is utterly heartbreaking at times, yet incredibly beautiful. This book gutted me and I wasn’t sure I’d ever recover. So many things were happening and as usual Colleen kept the surprises coming. I laughed, I cried and held my breath waiting patiently for my demise at the hands of a book. I was captivated by the realistic and complex characters, the multilayered plot and emotionally charged storyline. This book is the epitome of unputdownable. I was addicted from the minute I started reading and I COULDN’T stop, until I begrudgingly turned that final page. Confess is an incredible read with plenty of bumps along the way, but the final outcome is well worth your time ahem and tears. Oh, and did I mention this book is written in dual POV!!!!

Colleen has Confess prints for sale at her online store HERE and if you’re interested in viewing or purchasing art from Danny O’Connor you can find his work HERE.

My Confession:

Comment with yours.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win! Visit Atria’s Tumblr page from 3/9 – 3/22 to enter to win and a grand prize of a signed framed print of one of the images in the book plus a signed copy of CONFESS or one of the runner up prizes of one of four signed copies of CONFESS.

About the Author:

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Maybe Someday, Finding Cinderella, and Ugly Love. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Please visit ColleenHoover.com.

The Biblio-Files

Confessions of a Book Whore

Rants & Raves

The Biblio-Files

Confessions of a Book Whore

Book Review: Racing the Sun (Where Sea Meets Sky, #2) by Karina Halle

RACING THE SUN

Karina Halle

On Sale July 28th!

From the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky comes a new adult novel about a young woman who becomes a nanny in Capri and falls for her charges’ bad-boy brother.

When I’m traveling, I feel like the secret to my life, to myself, to really becoming, is one step ahead. It’s in thenext destination, the next town I get lost in, the next stranger I talk to. It’s always next but never here . . .

It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, the young master of the crumbling villa tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.

When her position turns into a full-time nanny gig, Amber grows dangerously closer to the enigmatic recluse. But can she give up the certainty of home for someone whose closely guarded heart feels a world apart from her own?

Book Review

Happy Reading Lovelies xo

RACING THE SUN by Karina Halle

Learn more at S&S.com

Get Your Copy!

Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Blio | Books-a-Million | GooglePlay | iBooks | Kobo

ABOUT KARINA HALLE

Find Karina Online

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website

GIVEAWAY – Enter to Win!

Atria Indie Authors and Karina Halle are giving away:

(1) grand prize of a $50 AMEX Gift Card + 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN and 1 copy of WHERE SEA MEETS SKY….PLUS: (6) Runner Up Prizes of 1 signed copy of RACING THE SUN.

Enter to win at: http://gvwy.io/ok5i5nc

Like this:

Book Review: Sinful Intent (ALFA Private Investigations #1) by Chelle Bliss

AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

Synopsis

Book Review

Happy Reading Lovelies xo

Excerpt

Purchase Sinful Intent AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

Unlawful Desire – ALFA PI #2 is available for pre-order **Special pre-order price of $2.99**

AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

Giveaway

Chelle Bliss is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the Men of Inked series.

She loves to write happily ever afters filled with alpha males and sexy women.

Chelle spends her days writing, chatting on Facebook, and working on her craft.

The ALFA PI series a spin off of her Men of Inked series and she’s excited to introduce a new world of characters to readers.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – TWITTER – GOODREADS – NEWSLETTER

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Book Review: Bleeding Love (Hope Town, #2) by Harper Sloan

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble (Nook)

Blurb

(Stand alone)

I’ve loved once. I gave everything that I had to that love. Blindly believing that nothing could ever take that feeling away from me. Away from us. And when my little world of happiness was ripped from my fingers, I felt a loss that still haunts me to this day.

Now I use that lingering grief as a shield to keep my heart from loving again. It’s that fear that keeps me from letting anyone, except my daughter, get close enough to make it hurt. To make my heart bleed when I inevitably lose again.

Until the day I met Liam Beckett and everything I thought I had protected myself from was shoved back in my face.

He’s on a mission to prove to me that a love worth having is a love worth fighting for.

Book Review

Happy Reading lovelies xo

“A love worth having is worth fighting for.”

Excerpt

His mouth leaves mine and with his hand still on my leg, he demands, “Dig your heels in deep, baby.”

I give him what he wants, but not because he told me to. I give him what he wants because when his hand leaves my leg and pushes into the mattress, bringing his body up he goes even deeper into my body and those heels push hard.

I push up and cry out when he slips even deeper.

His lips come from mine and his hooded eyes open a sliver. “Feels like heaven,” he says softly. “Everything, darlin’. Feels like everything.”

About the Author

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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

GIVEAWAY

$50 Amazon Gift Card (2 Winners)

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Book Review: TOXIC by Kim Karr

Will they or won’t they? #ToxicLove

Meet Phoebe & Jeremy in this second chance romance!

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | GooglePlay

RELEASE DATE: July 7th, 2015

When she asks Jeremy to help her salvage her family business, he agrees immediately, with only one condition–he wants her in his bed.

But soon surprising circumstances leave Phoebe reeling. Was this fairy tale romance just too good to be true? Will Jeremy’s secrets pull them apart all over again?

THIS IS A STANDALONE SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE WITH NO CLIFFHANGER ENDING.

Toxic Book Review

Happy Reading my lovelies.

Excerpt

Phoebe St. Claire

Feeling a bit drunk and overwhelmed with so many and so few choices at the same time, I needed some time alone and snuck off toward the beach path.

A fair-haired boy emerged from the water. He pulled himself up and out so quickly that I was momentarily stunned. And then when he drank me in with his eyes, I shuddered.

I couldn’t help it, the way he looked at me just made me shiver. No one had ever looked at me like that before and I found myself gazing back into his intense eyes.

He was utterly beautiful. His bare chest was sculpted but not overly bulky like Danny or Jamie. They worked out every day pumping obnoxious amounts of iron to look the way they did. In contrast, the boy standing before me had a swimmer’s build.

On Sale July 28^th!

Purchase Sinful Intent
AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

Unlawful Desire – ALFA PI #2 is available for pre-order
Special pre-order price of $2.99

The ALFA PI series a spin off of her Men of Inked series and she’s excited
to introduce a new world of characters to readers.