Nov 30 2013

For Real Book Review & Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

Two people. One fake relationship. What could go wrong? When virgin Shannon Travers gets fed up with her friends demanding that she find a boyfriend, she enlists the help of tattooed, mohawk-rocking graphic design student Jett. He’s more than happy to play along with their Fake Relationship, including the Ten Rules of Fake Dating that control-freak Shannon comes up with. Even if he likes to violate them. Repeatedly. But what happens when Fake Dating starts to feel… not fake anymore? Will Shannon be willing to let go and embrace the first thing in her life that’s ever felt REAL?

Review

Chelsea Cameron’s For Real is a short and sweet read about two people who commit to fake dating so their friends will get off their backs. Shannon Travers is dedicated to school and laying low when it comes to dating. Her “friends” (and I use the term loosely) are constantly nagging her to give up her V card. I despised her so called friends, but there comes a point in the book where Shannon stands up for herself and I really enjoyed that.

Jett Nguyen is a design student, complete with mohawk, tattoos and a penchant for origami cranes, he agrees to help Shannon out and play her fake boyfriend. Both have been pushed by their friends to “get out there.” In order to avoid their overeager, sometimes annoying friends they agree to fake date for a period of 30 days, but when both Jett and Shannon begin to enjoy each others company, the line begins to blur. Will these two end up hurt and alone or will they own up to their growing feelings?

I really enjoyed this story. Shannon and Jett’s story is sweet and humorous. Shannon often struggles with her feelings and her inner monologues are hilarious at times. I couldn’t stand her friends for a good portion of the book and felt they were immature and their advice was often horrible. I had a problem with their meddling and cattiness, but by the end that is also resolved and you also understand them a bit more. This is a quick and enjoyable read and by the end I actually want to know more about two of the secondary characters and if there will be a book dedicated to their stories. I don’t want to give away much more, but I would definitely recommend this book to my new adult readers and although there are mature moments I’d even recommend it to mature young adults.

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

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About the Author Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world’s worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is. Her New Adult Contemporary Romance titles include My Favorite Mistake, which has been bought by Harlequin along with a sequel, Deeper We Fall and Faster We Burn (April 20, 2013) Her Young Adult books include Nocturnal, Nightmare and Neither, the first three books in The Noctalis Chronicles. The fourth and final book, Neverend will be out in 2013. Whisper, the first in The Whisper Trilogy is also available, with the second book in the series, Silence and the final book, Listen coming out in 2014.

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Nov 16 2013

Intermix Nation Tour & Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis:
Intermix: to mix together, blend

North America, paragon of diversity, is gone. From its ashes, a new nation has arisen – Renatus – where the government segregates the surviving population into races, forbidding interracial marriage, mating, and love.

Eighteen-year-old Nazirah Nation is a pariah, an intermix, born of people from different races. When her parents are murdered in the name of justice, Nazirah grudgingly joins the growing rebellion fighting against the despotic government.

Overwhelmed with grief, consumed by guilt, Nazirah craves vengeance as a substitute for absolution. But on her journey to find the girl she once was, Nazirah must learn the hard way that nothing … no one … is purely black or white. Like her, every human is intermix, shades and hues of complex emotions. And those who can take everything away are also the ones who can give everything back.

Review

Intermix Nation is a unique book and a really interesting take on race relations and society. I love dystopia reads and this is an exceptional story with a remarkable take on futuristic society. Interracial mixing is banned in Renatus and those like Nazirah, who are intermix must fight to survive in a system of segregation and domination. This book resonates a powerful message, one that stays with you long after you close the book.

From the opening chapter I loved everything about this book, the writing style, the storyline, the loss, the message. This book is phenomenal.

Nazirah Nation has suffered a terrible loss. As a result, she joins her brother and the rebellion party. The memories of her loss eat at her, she wants revenge, but she is terribly unhappy standing with the rebellion and terribly lonely. She longs for the days of simplicity. Instead she’s filled with grief and guilt day in and day out. Nazirah struggles to find a balance and adjust to this new life. Just as she’s beginning to come to terms with everything that’s happened, her world is completely altered by the one person she’d never imagine she’d come face to face with. As she struggles with her anger and fears she soon realizes that everything is not always black and white.

I don’t want to give too much, but I will say this is one of the best dystopia books I’ve read since The Hunger Games. I love everything about it. The story captivates you and you become engrossed with the characters and what will happen next. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially to dystopia and new adult fans. Happy Reading!

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About the Author

M.P. Attardo is a twenty-something, part-time writer, full-time daydreamer. She has a college degree … is still trying to figure out what ever to do with it. She loves amateur baseball commentating, heckling, and overindulging. And putting her bizarre, gritty thoughts into words for all to read.

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Nov 15 2013

Love Waltzes In

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Synopsis
To her millions of fans, ballroom champion Selena Marcil seems to have the perfect life: a great dance partner, a hit reality show, and celebrity perks. But underneath the glamorous ball gowns, Selena longs to find someone to share her life with when the stage lights dim.
Selena’s childhood sweetheart, Bret Lord, hung up his dance shoes after winning two national titles with her as a teenager, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He never saw his former fiancée again, except on television and on the cover of men’s magazines. Ten years and three deployments later, Bret gets an offer to audition for Selena’s dance show. When the Marine Corps gives him temporary leave to appear on the series, Bret can’t refuse the quick cash that will enable him to provide financially for the widow of his buddy, even if it does mean coming face to face with his past.
When Bret shows up at her national championship, Selena is shocked. For years she searched for him to no avail. After spending time with Bret, Selena realizes despite their past romance, they have no future. He has no desire to live under a spotlight and she has no desire to leave it. Can Selena and Bret recognize when Love Waltzes In?

Excerpt

Staff Sergeant Bret Lord sat on the dirty floor of his tent, going through the day’s mail: the latest Men’s Fitness magazine from his sister, a care package from his mom. He ripped open the package—socks, lip balm, sunflower seeds, and a thin letter that contained an old magazine clipping.

Dear Bret,

I miss you very much. Benny asked me to send you this article. I really wish you would consider his offer. Please stay safe.

Love, Mom

He swallowed hard. A neon sticky pressed on the wrinkled page had a note scrawled on it from his former master dance coach.

Bret, m’boy,

We’ll make it worth your time.

Cheers, Benny.

Thumbing the edge of the article, Bret stared at the sixteen-year-old boy in the picture and could barely recognize himself. His shoulder length, wavy blond hair was slicked back, not shorn in a “high and tight” like his current haircut. No signs of the tattoos or muscles that currently defined his body. Golden skin stained from a bottle, not the harsh sun of Iraq. His arms were wrapped around a gorgeous, curvy young girl with long jet-black hair. The jade Latin gown she wore matched the color of her almond-shaped eyes.

Bret tossed the article aside and removed his nine-mil pistol from his holster to clean it.

Lance Corporal Hernandez walked by Bret and snatched the article off his cot. After staring at it, Hernandez’s face brightened.

“Hey, Staff Sergeant, this you?”

“No, it’s my clone who’s also named Bret Lord.” Bret slid the rail back on his weapon and began disassembling it.

“Staff Sergeant, you know Selena Marcil? Did you hit that?”

“Shut up, Hernandez, or the one getting hit will be you—with the butt stock of my rifle.” Bret grabbed the paper out of Hernandez’s hands, and smacked him on the side of the head. The kid didn’t flinch.

“Staff Sergeant Twinkle Toes. Hey—can you hook me up with Selena? I’ll be her boy toy. I love her. Man, she’s smoking. Has the nicest ass. Not like all those skinny, Russian chicks on that show.” He nodded to himself with an eyebrow dancing. “Selena’s on my list. She’s Latina, too. We’d be perfect together. What was she doing with a gringo like you?”

“Hernandez, you’re way out of line.” Bret reassembled his pistol.

“My bad, Staff Sergeant.”

Bret grabbed the article, his pack, and his rifle. It was impossible to get some privacy in the tent. His only option was to sit outside in a sandstorm but even that sounded like a welcome retreat from his immature men. He walked about five hundred feet, then plopped down in the hot sand.

The red sky hung above him, thick from smoke from the nearby town. Bret struggled to catch a glimpse of the distant mountains. Sand seemed to pelt down from the heavens, blinding him and settling into every crevice in his body. He closed his eyes against the sting of the sand, and turned his thoughts to Selena. Was she the diva the tabloids made her out to be? Even after ten years, he could almost smell her buttery-coconut scent. A welcome change from the overflowing shitters, toxic diesel, and stench of his fellow Marines who hadn’t bathed in three weeks.

Review

Love Waltzes In is a great read about first love and second chances. It shadows the lives of both Selena Marcil and Bret Lord two ballroom dancers and former flames. The story covers a bit of their past, their present and a hopeful yet uncertain future.

The story begins with Bret who is deployed as a marine in Iraq. He is currently a staff sergeant and has been requested to appear on a reality show by a former dance coach. Bret loves his job and doesn’t want to get back into the world he hated. He doesn’t want fame or money, but when he loses a buddy in battle he begins to consider the offer. He promised his friend if anything ever happened to him that he’d look after his family. Bret is a man of his word and he intends to do everything in his power to help. While he has no desire to reenter the world of ballroom dancing, he agrees knowing the financial support he’d gain by dancing on the show would significantly help his friend’s family. He vows to do one season, in and out, but as simple as he believes it will be he has no idea what awaits him. He knows being on the show will bring him in contact with his first love and former flame, Selena Marcil.

Selena called off their engagement nearly ten years ago and while he has been haunted by her decision Bret has never fully understood what caused her to pull back and leave him. Selena has a secret one she knows might change the way Bret sees her and although she fears his reaction, she never got a chance to explain. Although she sought him out he didn’t want to be found. He threw himself into his job and was proud to serve as a Marine, but her decisions have haunted her and she wants an opportunity to discuss the past while Bret is looking forward to moving on and leaving the past behind. Will it be that simple or will the past and present collide?

This book is a beautiful story, but I found that some moments moved a bit too fast paced and some things were abrupt leaving me little chance to react. The book is a quicker read, so I also think this is why some moments were a bit rushed, however, I found the book to be an overall good read. I found myself entranced by the story, the characters, the competition, the build up and rooting for these two. Selena’s decisions at times made me want to shake some sense into her and while I do love her character, I felt she is a bit naive at times.

As I neared the final chapters I felt as though I were actually watching a reality show. I wanted to know who would win and what would happen. I wasn’t disappointed, this story is everything you look for in a good romance novel. It has love, loss, a touch of drama and even some funny moments. The relationships between the characters is an interesting blend and although I expected a lot more competition and hatred, the dancers all seemed like one big (dysfunctional at times) family ℓσℓ

I highly recommend this book to romance/contemporary romance readers especially those who appreciate dancing, It’s fun, fresh and you’ll fall in love…especially with Bret!

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About the Author
Alana Albertson is the former President of both Romance Writers of Americas’s Young Adult and Chick Lit chapters and the founder of Academe Advantage, a college admissions & test preparation company. Alana Albertson holds a Masters of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, Alana currently writes contemporary romance and young adult fiction. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two young sons, and four dogs. When she’s not spending her time needlepointing, dancing, or saving dogs from high kill shelters through Pugs N Roses, the rescue she founded, she can be found watching episodes of House Hunters, Homeland, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.

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Nov 12 2013

Mr. Right Now Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 3 Comments

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Synopsis
When her celebrity boyfriend of three years dumps her and claims he’s now gay, unlucky-in-love author Casey Cash decides to get out of New York. A cruise seems like the perfect escape: everyone onboard will be locked away from television, newspapers and internet gossip pages, allowing her some much-needed relaxation. There’s only one problem: her oh-so-helpful agent has hired a male escort for her…and a big NYC paper has sent a pesky reporter on-board, vowing to get the dirt.

Mason Drury doesn’t want to write an expose on Casey, but he’s in a bind. After a source flipped on him, he’s persona non grata at his newspaper. Celebrity trash or not, this story will put him back on top. Too bad he finds himself breaking the first rule of reporting by getting attached to his subject and letting bias influence his story.
Casey’s much more interested in sexy Mason than the annoying escort who’s bunking in her room. Mason might even have romantic potential if she can shake her well-meaning—but nosey—fans. Oh, and that reporter. She’s got to avoid him at all costs…

CONTENT WARNING: A smattering of sass, sex and a heaping happily ever after.

Review

Mr. Right Now is a quick and fun read. To be perfectly honest with you, I found this to be the perfect beach read. It’s a book you can sit back or rather lounge and escape reality for a couple of hours. I found the content warning most accurately describes this book…“A smattering of sass, sex and a heaping happily ever after.”

The story is about Cassandra Cash, a self-help author whose recent and very public breakup has her fleeing New York, seeking some privacy and peace of mind. The paparazzi is relentless and wants the scoop on the rumors behind the breakup. Casey decides to get out of dodge and head on a seven-day cruise. While away she plans to begin writing her next book. Jane Brunner her agent, however, has other plans for Casey. She’s hired an escort to help Casey get some much needed R & R, but Jane’s plan is a fail the moment Casey meets journalist Mason Drury. He’s already under her skin and although Tyler (the escort) is attractive, he isn’t what Casey wants. She’s forced to room with Tyler while on the cruise and a “comedy of errors” ensues.

Mason and Casey’s first encounter is filled with shameless flirting and Mason finds himself attracted to the woman he’s supposed to be interviewing. Their encounters quickly lead to some steamy moments of passion, but will Mr. Right Now become her Mr. Right?

I wouldn’t necessarily rate this book erotica, but its pretty damn close. The storyline jumped rather quickly from flirtatious moments to intimate encounters, but like I said before the story is a short read so I give it a pass. I think some may feel things are rushed throughout the book, but keep in mind that since it is shorter read things will progress faster. This is a good book for my erotica fans and those seeking a fun, sexy read.

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About the Author
Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. Kristina writes contemporary romance with a smattering of sass, sex and (of course) drama, and she loves hearing from readers. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.

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Nov 10 2013

Disclosure of the Heart (Beside Your Heart, #2) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: OmniFic Publishing
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Sixteen years is a long time to wait for your true love to reappear, and, anyway, Nicki Johnson couldn’t wait for the impossible to happen. Hard life lessons have taught her that fairy tales are children’s stories, and fate is cruel. Burying her hopes, she’s spent the last sixteen years focused and driven toward her career, and it’s landed her with a job at the White House with a gem of a boyfriend. But when her high school love, Adam Kincaid, walks into the White House as a BBC reporter, Nicki’s world is thrown into turmoil as she relives their past. Adam has come back for her, but has he arrived too late?

Review

If you haven’t already read book Beside Your Heart (Book #1) I HIGHLY recommend checking it out first. This is a continuation of Book 1 and I would not recommend reading out of order as things fall into place and will make more sense if you read both.

This book is phenomenal. Months ago I read Beside Your Heart (book one of this series) and while many events that occurred in book one left me torn and heartbroken, I seriously loved the book and couldn’t put it down. Similarly, I find myself in the same boat with Disclosure of the Heart. In fact, I may even love this book more than the first, although it’s a pretty tough call…both books are incredible in their own right. I had some difficulty reading certain topics covered in this book, but that is merely a reflection of some personal things that have happened over the last few months in my own life. I empathized a great deal with the characters and their tragedies, it brought the story to life so much more for me. I was deeply moved by their stories and I honestly would be the first in line for a book 3 about Adam and Nicki!

Their lives somehow come together when they met, they fell in love fast and hard, but it is with great difficulty that they must part ways. Each holding a special place in the others heart. No matter where they go in life they have never forgotten the other. This book skips sixteen years into present day. Both Nicki and Adam are grown and their lives are oddly in sync. Both work in some capacity for the government and they find themselves face to face after sixteen years and memories of promises they’d made. While Adam knows what he wants Nicki is torn between the life she’s built and the man who has held her heart for what feels like a lifetime. Can these two find a way back or is it too late to repair what was once broken?

Nicki is in the midst of a booming career. Her boss is the President and while she loves what she does she never imagined Adam would work in such close proximity to her as a reporter for the BBC. Adam’s agenda is simple. He wants Nicki in any way he can get her, be it a friend or lover, he’s missed her and he’s determined to make things right. When the opportunity to work closely with Nicki appears, he jumps at the chance of seeing his old flame. He requests a transfer to the white house as a correspondent and things get interesting. This begins a very beautiful, very complicated romance. Has Nicki moved on completely or is she still head over heels in love with the one that got away?

I highly recommend both Beside Your Heart and Disclosure of the Heart, both books are incredible! There are a lot of political moments in Disclosure of the Heart, I actually really loved the direction the author took. This is an excellent follow up and a phenomenal series! I can’t wait for more. Grab this book ASAP. You won’t be sorry!

Happy Reading 🙂

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

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About the Author

Even before she graduated from law school, Mary Whitney knew she wasn’t cut out to be a real lawyer. Drawn to politics, she’s spent her career as an organizer, lobbyist, and nonprofit executive. Nothing piques her interest more than a good political scandal or romance, and when she stumbled upon writing, she put the two together. A born Midwesterner, naturalized Texan, and transient resident of Washington, D.C., Mary now lives in Northern California with her two daughters and real lawyer husband.

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Nov 09 2013

Wild Chase (Vengeful Honor #1) Blog Tour & Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

“Music is a Moral Law, It Give Soul to the Universe” – Plato

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how long you know a person. The effect they can have on you can happen after four seconds or four years.

In Chase Taylor’s case – it’s both.

Avery McGuire doesn’t just flip on a light inside of her – he set a blaze to everything holding her back. After only a week together he has to leave, but he strikes a match before walking away that won’t easily burn out.

Four years later, Chase finds herself face to face with the boy – now rock star – who changed everything. The same one she still can’t admit to falling head over heels in love with. She has no idea that her world is about to get rocked, in more ways than one.

Review

Holy shit what did I just read??? This book is…wow….I’m…wow.This book is insane and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a couple of hours and I’m still sitting here writing this review with my jaw dropped. I’m going to focus on the positive because I do believe there are things people will love and things they might be upset or dislike about the turns this story takes, BUT I’m sure readers will still see this for what it is, an absolutely AMAZING book! I do believe it is the authors debut novel which is mind blowing because this book is…yeah I know I said it already, but this book is insane! That’s probably the best way I can describe its intensity. It’s an incredible story. I went through a roller coaster ride of emotions reading this. I was swooning, heartbroken, displeased, happy, sad jeez u name it I felt it! Ooooh and guess what? It has some of my favorite things…Rockstars, Piercings and Tattoos! *sigh* yeah, I’m totally drooling!

Where do I begin? Chase is a girl who has been raised by two deeply religious parents. She isn’t allowed to do much of anything, but she’s got an incredible gift. She sings like an angel and while she believes she’ll never be anything more than a missionary after graduation, her best friend Victoria pushes her to sing in public. One night she gets an incredible opportunity and knowing she may never have a chance like this again she seizes the opportunity. That night she meets Avery and her world is forever changed. He’s wild, intense and sexy as hell! He’s in a band and they are drawn together like magnets from the start. They can’t get enough of each other and hearing each other sing seems to be their undoing. They fall hard and fast and while the pace of their courtship is pretty quick, it’s pretty intense and not wholly unbelievable. The thing is what brings them together is something I could totally buy would make someone fall…music. Their mutual interest and love of all things music bonds these two in such a beautiful way. Circumstances draw them apart, but neither will ever be the same. It’s heartbreaking, but the impression they leave on one another is one that will last a lifetime.

Listen, I seriously don’t want to give away too much so I’m just going to say this book is a must read. There are some fucked up moments, some heartbreaking moments and people will be hurt. The book isn’t a cheesy romance, it’s raw and gritty and makes you think what would you do if you landed in a similar situation? It’s drama filled, you’ll be angry, sad, happy and swoon for more than one man…yeah I did mention the rock stars before, right? Yum, so hot…sigh…

Anyway, if you’re a Rockstar romance fan, a new adult fan, an of romance with a touch of drama…yeah, you’ll seriously love this read! It will take you on one hell of a ride with both Chase, Avery and a few characters in between. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the follow up! I know that will be one hell of a story to tell!

Check it out…seriously, go now
Happy Reading

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About the Author

L.A. Bressett is a simple, city-country girl that love chocolate chip cookies, Erik Northman, and laughing until her stomach hurts. Her love for books began in diapers and has only grown over the years. She spends her days listening to music, watching her two kiddos grow up way to fast, and watching an obscene amount of TV with her main man. You can catch her on Facebook, avoiding her household chores, anytime.

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Wild Chase – Book Trailer from Christine on Vimeo.

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Nov 08 2013

Love & Relativity Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.

Marine biology student Emma Pierce lives in paradise—geographically speaking, anyway. Stranded on Sanibel Island, Florida, she works at a nursing home by day and spends her nights dodging the island’s infamous bad boy, Jackson Taylor, at her favorite karaoke bar. Trying to heal from the loss of her sister and a failed relationship she rerouted her life for, she’s ready to graduate and finally leave Florida behind.

When a run-in with Jackson and his rowdy crew goes sour at the bar one night, sparks fly and irreversible damage is done. It’s no secret that Jackson loves to get underneath her skin, but this time he’s gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she’s gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart.

Review:

Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade is one of those books that stay with you long after you’ve completed that last page. The depth of the loss/tragedy coupled with the beautiful love Emma and Jackson share for one another is something that makes you sit back and reflect.

A few years ago a friend introduced me to Brandi Carlile and I must say I’ve been hooked ever since! I knew this book would be EPIC after reading the author’s note in which she states, this story was inspired by one of my favorite Brandi Carlile songs! The author recommends listening to the song “The Story” before reading and this book is as amazing as the song!

I love love love Love and Relativity. I could not put it down. The dynamic between Emma and Jackson is intense and their relationship isn’t an easy one. They have a lot of bumps along the way, but the most undeniable thing is their love for one another! These two drive each other to the brink of madness at times, but it is so blatantly obvious how deeply they care for one another.

Emma wants to be a marine biologist but she’s stuck in her small hometown at community college. She has applied to a school as far away from Sanibel Island, FL as possible in Washington state, but things are changing in her life and the dreams she built may be changing but can she hold on to both her dream job and a budding romance? Jackson’s been through a lot in his life and Emma never imagined the depth of his character. Sure they joke around with one another at their local watering hole, but they’ve been friends…their relationship is complex, but one thing is for sure Jackson loves the hell out of Emma and Emma hesitantly feels the same. Jackson will make you swoon and a minute later you’ll be absolutely infuriated with him…all in the same chapter! Can these two find a way to find happiness together or will the road blocks be too much for them to handle?

This book is a story about love, tragedy and all the complications life can throw your way. It’s a story that shows how complex life can get the minute you think you may have it all together, the minute you think you’ve found a shred of happiness. It also shows how life changing a love like theirs can be. I love how the author takes time to share their stories in a way that gave each character a bit of depth. It makes you understand a lot of their choices.I love this book! I recommend it to EVERYONE!

Now, go forth and read…seriously, go now.

Happy Reading!

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

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About the Author

Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The Preservation Series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, The Keepers Trilogy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. Visit her at www.RachaelWade.com and www.LightsOnOutreach.com, or come chat with her on Twitter.

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Nov 06 2013

Impossibly Love Book Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Synopsis

All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn’t have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn’t believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it.

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.
A selfless romantic who’s had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya’s personality and hopes to develop something real with her—a connection so strong it’ll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.

Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

Review

Just in case I haven’t mentioned it before…I adore this book cover…and the book!

Where do I begin? This book is something I read and felt as though I knew the characters personally. It is a sweet and well nurtured romance, but it is definitely more clean than most new adult romances. However, this does not take away from the story. It focuses more on the emotional side of a romance than the sexual and I really enjoyed the book just the same.

Initially, you will feel that Moya is a really angry person, but you don’t know exactly why. Her experiences and disappointments have left her bitter and unwilling to attempt dating. She’s headstrong, beautiful and unwilling to commit to anyone. She’s decided it’s best to stay away for any and all men. She pushes away anyone that tries to get close to her and refuses to date…until Branden.

Branden is completely taken by Moya and he doesn’t know why. He feels a sort of pull to her and wants more than anything for her to open up to him. He tries to gain her attention and refuses to give up until she agrees to a date. Moya fights her growing feelings for him, but eventually he wears her down and she begins to show bits and pieces of a kinder, gentler Moya. The real Moya who has been hurt and is looking for someone who won’t leave. I loved that things weren’t simple for these two. Branden stole my heart. The problem is…Branden has a secret, one that could hurt an already deeply scarred Moya. He’s determined never to hurt her, but he cares so deeply for her it’s tearing him apart. He’s unsure if exposing his secret will ruin everything they’ve tried to build. Slowly he finds the hardest decision he may ever make is having to let her go. How can he keep her in his life when he isn’t sure what direction his will take?

The best part of this read is watching these two fall…and hard. I loved that we got dual perspectives. It’s always nice to get a glimpse into the minds of multiple characters. These two went through a lot and the book leaves you rooting for their happy ever after.

I have to say one of my favorite characters in the book aside from Moya and Branden is Nessa, Moya’s best friend. She is one of those characters that everyone can laugh at and say I have a friend just like her. She made some moments pretty funny, but she also upset me a few time in the book, BUT you can tell she truly loves Moya and just wants her to be happy. This book takes not only Moya, but also Branden, on a journey of love and self awareness/discovery. I really loved reading their story and I can’t wait for more!

I found this to be a quick read for me. The book left me completely satisfied, but the teaser for book two left my jaw open. Shane, you left me hanging! I am eager to get my hands on book two. I was happy to both beta read and tour this book it is a great read and I can’t wait for part two of Branden and Moya’s story! I highly recommend this read to all my New Adult/romance fans.

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

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About the writer:
Shane Morgan’s love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, delving into a variety of genres: from comedy and drama, to horror and contemporary romance. Shane’s quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed “impossible.” Well, in her opinion, people never really grow up, do they?

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Nov 04 2013

Attempting Elizabeth Review & Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Synopsis:
Kelsey Edmundson is a geek and proud of it. She makes no secret of her love for TV, movies, and, most especially, books. After a bad breakup, she retreats into her favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice, wishing she had some of the wit and spirit of Elizabeth Bennett.

One night at a party Kelsey meets handsome Australian bartender Mark Barnes. From then on, she always seems to run into him when she least expects it. No matter how Kelsey tries, she always seems to say the wrong thing.

After a particularly gaffe-filled evening around Mark, Kelsey is in desperate need of inspiration from Jane Austen. She falls asleep reading Darcy’s letter to Lizzy and awakens to find herself in an unfamiliar place that looks and sounds suspiciously like her favorite book. Has she somehow been transported into Pride and Prejudice, or is it just a dream?

As Kelsey tries to discover what’s happening to her, she must also discover her own heart. Is Mark Barnes destined to be her Mr. Darcy? In the end, she must decide whether attempting to become Elizabeth is worth the risk or if being Kelsey Edmundson is enough.

Review

As many of you already know Pride & Prejudice is my absolute favorite book ever written. When I read the synopsis for Attempting Elizabeth I knew I HAD to read it. I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed. This was a fun and fresh approach involving a beloved classic. I highly recommend this for all Austen fans!

Here are a few things I gathered from reading this book. Jessica Grey and I are kindred souls…no seriously, I swear I think she’s about as obsessed with Pride & Prejudice and all things Austen as I am. I can tell she is probably a book worm (totally not an insult), definitely a movie buff…completely obsessed with Star Wars and she loves the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice as much as I do. Yes, Colin Firth is the ONLY Darcy that counts! I loved every minute of this book. I won’t lie, there are a few moments that dragged, BUT overall I found the story to be exceptional and unique.

Attempting Elizabeth is a book about a young woman named Kelsey Edmundson who is quite simply put, a nerd. She meets hottie Mark Barnes at a party one night shamelessly insulting him and embarrassing herself. A series of back to back moments of awkwardness ensue and Kelsey finds herself struggling to find her footing. Her love of all things awesome (hehe)…Pride & Prejudice being at the top of that list causes her to fall into the world of Austen, seeking an opportunity to find her own Mr. Darcy, but discovering so much more than she bargained for.

This book took a surprising twist and I loved the spin. From reality to fiction and back again. I found there were some truly hilarious moments, especially for fans of the classic novel Pride & Prejudice. There are some notable references from movies, television and even books. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the twists on the classic that Grey was able to construct. I felt she delved into areas of Austen’s original novel and found a way to bridge that gap. Her explanations of questions readers may have had after reading the original work is explained in a completely believable manner. I thought the character tie ins were brilliant.

I really loved this book. It made me re-read Pride & Prejudice…and of course I immediately had to see Colin Firth in action…all five hours and change of him lmaooooo. Seriously though, this is an exceptional piece of work. Kelsey’s journey is interesting. Her struggle to find a balance between fiction and reality shows how there is always something someone may want to change, but in the end what would you be willing to give up to attain the seemingly impossible and would it be worth it? This has a great ending. The story plays out well and the romance is sweet and simple. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author and again, I highly recommend this book.

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

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About the Author

Jessica Grey is an author, fairytale believer, baseball lover, and recovering Star Wars fangirl. A life-long Californian, she now lives in Montana with her husband and two children where she spends her time writing, perfecting the fine art of preschooler-wrangling, and drinking way too much caffeine.

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Nov 02 2013

The Devil’s Tattoo Blog Tour & Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Synopsis

The Highway to Hell or the Stairway to Heaven?

Zoe Granger picked up her first guitar the day her heart was smashed into a billion pieces. It was a way to keep her mind off her inevitable downward spiral, but music soon became her escape. She’s been burned too many times to tell and is just happy to coast through life, never putting herself out there. That’s until her best friend Dee suggests they start a band and suddenly she finds herself not just a part of it, but fronting the whole outfit.

They call themselves The Devil’s Tattoo and when they release their debut EP, it rockets to the top of the charts and it’s like an overnight fairytale. Contracts, photo shoots, royalties and interviews are heaped onto the shy Zoe and it’s like she’s finally found her place. Then comes the phone call that changes everything. They’ve been asked to co-headline a tour with one of the hottest bands of the moment, The Stabs and Zoe will never be the same again.

Will Strickland is one-fourth of the hottest indie rock band to ever grace the airwaves. He’s the bass player in The Stabs, hot as hell and could have his pick of any girl who flings herself at him. But he’s only got eyes for Zoe and she has no idea why he’d bother. She’s got one hell of a trust issue and an attitude to boot and Will seems to be the one who wants to tame her, but is he game enough?

The Devil’s Tattoo and The Stabs go on the road and it’s either going to be a highway to hell or a stairway to heaven. Only time will tell who will come out on top and Zoe’s determined to do it without getting her heart-broken… again.

Review

I love rock star romances, but seriously, who doesn’t?

This book has a bad ass rock chick and a super hot celebrity rockstar…what’s not to love?
Zoe Granger has been playing guitar for three years, but never publicly. When Dee, Zoe’s best friend decides they should start a rock group she begins to slowly come out of her shell. They never imagine the fame and attention they’d gain. She plays as though she’s been playing for a lifetime and while she doesn’t recognize the extent of her talent…or beauty, Will Strickland certainly does. Will is one-fourth of The Stabs, a big name Aussie group that’s been around the block a few times. Will notices Zoe at one of his shows, but having the reputation of a man whore her defenses go up. Will can’t shake the feeling that Zoe is someone he wants to know better, but he has no idea how to gain access to her. From their first encounter, there is a spark, something neither of them can deny…it’s “undeniable,” but who will make the first move and will their pasts come back to haunt them?

I really enjoyed this read it was slow building, but enjoyable. Zoe and Will each have had some painful history when it comes to their past relationships. It definitely explained a lot about their bizarre behavior and reluctance. They both have been hurt before, and it has made them fearful of ever giving their heart to someone again. That is until they get to know one another better, each of them possessing the ability to be the others downfall or redemption.

It was fun watching their rise to stardom and the blooming, awkward at times romance. This is a great read for those who enjoy a good rock star story with a bad ass chick and a bit of an edge. This had a bit of Aussie lingo, but I loved it. I was grinning like an idiot at most of Will and Zoe’s encounters. I did get frustrated by how dense these two seemed at times. Zoe seemed so broken to me but by the end of this book my level of respect for her went up a notch!

I really enjoyed watching these two come out of their shells and open up to one another. The dynamic between characters in each band and the romantic aspect of this book are all really well written. It’s fun and makes you feel like you’re reading about people you actually know. They seemed more real than rock stars yet the musician angle was dope and the connection these characters built through music was incredible. I love Dee and his encouragement. He loves Zoe deeply and it’s his love that pushes her to join a band and realize her potential. I really enjoyed this book and I wish there was more I could say to explain why, but since I want you all to go and read it I’ll stop here.

Now,

Step 1. Buy it

Step 2. Read it

Step 3. Love ♥ it

Happy Reading ♥

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

About the Author

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser.

She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first.

The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is available in e-edition and print from March 20th 2013

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1 x Swag Pack – inc. The Devil’s Tattoo band t-shirt (choice of size/either vest, men’s tee or women’s fitted tee), tote bag, badge, signed postcards and sticker
2 x Signed Postcard Pack and The Devil’s Tattoo Band Sticker
5 x Ebook Copies of The Devil’s Tattoo (mobi or epub)

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Oct 22 2013

Reckless Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Synopsis:

‘Are you going to ask me in?’ he replied, a cheeky smile forming on the edges of his lips. Then he leaned towards me conspiratorially. ‘We aren’t strangers, you know.’

Milly Benton wants it all to go away. Wants to flip the bird to the nightmares and her parent’s grief and the incessant questions about when she’s going to make something of herself.

But when her parents exile her to the country, Milly has to cope with her annoyingly helpful aunt and three cousins instead. Bitter at the hand she’s been dealt, Milly has stopped dreaming of a future.

In steps Jerome with his tormented blue eyes. Familiar from her childhood and as broken as she. They need each other. But how can they forget?

My Review

Reckless is an interesting story. First I need to give fair warning…if you’re not Australian the verbiage in the book might be a bit difficult to comprehend, but you catch on after time. I didn’t understand some of the slang, but I read the book and enjoyed it just fine. I did really enjoy the book, but it dragged a bit in the beginning. The story is about nineteen year old Milly. She’s suffered a terrible loss and it’s that loss that’s made her into a careless, reckless girl. I actually felt she was much more careless than reckless. She has a terrible attitude and doesn’t hold herself accountable for anything. She blames everyone and everything else without ever really looking at the part she plays in the decisions she makes. The big problem I had with this story was her online interaction with a stranger, she shared photos and even allowed him to come visit and become a part of her life knowing very little about him. Her family just accepted it and didn’t intervene until much later. I felt like if I ever attempted anything like that under my parents household that would never fly but hey to each his own. It’s still an interesting read and made me think about how Milly really saw herself to allow some of the people she did into her life as easily as she did. The book gets really good halfway through. I know it seems like a lot to get through but I felt it was worth it. Milly is a very angry and lost individual. She’s having a terrible time adjusting and keeps finding trouble at every turn until her parents finally intervene sending her to live with her aunt until she can sort her shit out. This experience becomes the first of many life changing moments for Milly. This was a great read. I loved Jerome and his influence on Milly’s life. I loved her aunt and the boys and even Sheila. They all helped MIlly to make better decisions at some point or another. I won’t give too much away about Jerome because I feel like his role is one that might give too much of the storyline away. I recommend it for Mature Young Adult and New Adult fans.

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About the Author

Danielle Weiler loves all things written. She has her best story ideas in the middle of the night when there’s no chance to remember them the next day. Her first YA novel, Friendship on Fire, was published in 2011. Reckless is Danielle’s first novel for new adults. She has lived and taught high school in New South Wales and Victoria but prefers the sunny weather in Perth. She is kept company by her husband, son and naughty cat, Ginger.

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Oct 20 2013

Tattoo Thief (Tattoo Thief #1) Blog Tour & Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Tattoo Thief Synopsis

22-year-old Beryl doesn’t know why Gavin Slater trashed his penthouse, abandoned his dog and fled the country. But as his house sitter, she must pick up the pieces for the front man of the white-hot rock band Tattoo Thief.

When ultra-responsible Beryl confronts the reckless rock star, she wants to know more than just what to do with his mess. Why is he running? What’s he searching for? And is he responsible for the death of his muse?

New York newbie Beryl must find her footing in Gavin’s crazy world of the ultra-wealthy to discover her own direction and what can bring him back.

Steamy, sassy and tender, Tattoo Thief is a story of breaking from a comfort zone to find a second chance.

My Review

Tattoo Thief is an interesting read. Books like this remind me why I love doing this. I’ve read a handful of books within the last few months that have done an excellent job walking the reader through a phenomenal courtship. The author executes this perfectly in Tattoo Thief. The best parts of this book are watching these characters grow, individually and together. The romance isn’t built over night and the build up is remarkable and all via email which I seriously loved. I know it is unconventional, but enjoyable.

This story is about two people who are lost. Two people who are searching for the right path to follow.

Beryl is from a small town in Oregon afraid she’ll be stuck in a dead end job resenting everything and everyone in her life if she doesn’t find a way out. She doesn’t know what to do until an opportunity to leave Oregon and head to NYC presents itself. While Beryl is excited she’s afraid she made the wrong decision and talks herself in and out of accepting the offer before she finally settles on leaving. When she arrives in NY things spiral out of control and her plan falls apart leaving her to fend for herself. Just as she begins to lose hope another opportunity presents itself, throwing her into a world she’s never imagined, one that brings her closer to Tattoo Thief’s frontman Gavin Slater.

Gavin is out of the country running from his own demons. Beryl is an ear to listen, but she doesn’t make it easy for him. She challenges him and they grow closer, but their communication is limited to email. Their correspondence bonds them in a way they could never have imagined and Beryl slowly finds herself caring for Gavin as more than a friend. Can two people who are so different and so far apart actually find a common ground? Can this ever be more than email tag?

I found this book incredibly interesting. Being a native New Yorker I really enjoyed reading how a transplant took in the city. Beryl’s experiences and her transition from rural life to a bustling metropolis is interesting. I never really think about how a newbie’s experience may differ from someone who is a native. I never realized how many things we take for granted or simply never considered how different the experience of an outsider could be. I didn’t like some of the comments made about New York, but that’s just my own NYC pride haha. It definitely put things in perspective. I enjoyed seeing Beryl grow and thrive. The relationship she built with Gavin through email is impressive and though I wished there was more face time I think it was cleverly executed. It goes to show how much trust you can build with someone through correspondence alone. They go back and forth a lot and its comfortable. The fact that they are essentially strangers seems to give them both free reign to openly disclose things most people wouldn’t off the bat. I think that aspect in particular is something that people may or may not understand, but I felt it allowed them to speak candidly. Each felt free of judgment though after time they cared more and more about the others opinion. The heaviness of Gavin’s departure sits with you and while Beryl remains honest with him, she remains supportive. She isn’t afraid to point out his flaws or bring him back to reality when his ego gets in the way. This is a fun and refreshing read. I enjoyed it and hopefully you will too. I’d recommend this to my New Adult/Rock Star loving fans.

There were a number of things I really enjoyed about Beryl’s actions throughout the book but one event in particular stuck out and I think it deserves mention. Beryl handled herself with exceptionally well and I really enjoyed how she handles Peter – when you get there you’ll understand!

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

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About the Author

Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

She loves to hear from readers via messages