Articles

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 05 2013

The Edge of Always Excerpt & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

We have an excerpt and giveaway to celebrate the release of

THE EDGE OF ALWAYS

The highly anticipated release by New York Times Bestselling Author

J.A. Redmerski!

Publisher: Forever Romance
Release: November 5, 2013

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. A. Redmerski brings us the second book in her heart-wrenching series about two 20-somethings who find each other in their darkest moment.

Camryn Bennett has never been happier. Five months after meeting on a Greyhound bus, she and her soul mate Andrew Parrish are engaged-and a wedding isn’t the only special event in their future. Nervous but excited, Camryn can’t wait to begin the rest of her life with Andrew, a man she knows in her heart will love her always. They have so much to look forward to-until tragedy blindsides them.

Andrew doesn’t understand how this could happen to them. He’s trying to move on, and thought Camryn was doing the same. But when Andrew discovers Camryn is secretly harboring a mountain of pain and attempting to numb it in damaging ways, there is nothing he won’t do to bring her back to life. Determined to prove that their love can survive anything, Andrew decides to take Camryn on a new journey filled with hope and passion. If only he can convince her to come along for the ride…

Excerpt

I turn to Andrew again, waiting for him to spit it out. A cold breeze rushes through my knitted sweater, and I hide my hands inside the sleeves.

“You have five minutes to throw all of your stuff in your bag,” he says, and my heart is beating erratically before he finishes the sentence. He taps his wrist where there is no watch. “Not a second more.”

“Andrew—”

“This isn’t up for debate,” he says. “Go get your stuff.”

I just look at him, face blank.

My theory was right, but I didn’t want it to be. I don’t want to go on the road…I mean, I do…but it’s not right. It’s just not right.

“You have four minutes now.”

“But we can’t just leave like this,” I argue. “It would be rude.” I point at Asher. “And Asher just got here. Don’t you want to visit with—”

“I can visit my big brother anytime,” Asher counters. “Right now, I think you better do what he says or you might end up on the road wearing the same panties for a week.”

A few more seconds pass and I still haven’t moved. I’m in a state of mild shock, I guess.

“Three minutes, babe,” Andrew says and is looking at me with a serious face. “I’m not kidding. Get up there, throw our shit in our bags, and get in the damn car.”

Oh hell, he’s back to his old self again…

When I start to argue again, Andrew’s eyes get all feral-looking, and he says, “Hurry up. Time’s running out!” and he points to the house.

Finally, letting down my guard and going with the moment as much as I can allow myself, I glare at him and say, “Fine.” I’m only agreeing to it because I know he’s trying make things better. But I feel guilty as hell.

Disregarding his playful five-minute demand, I turn on my heels and walk very slowly back toward the house, purposely taking my time, partly my way of silently arguing the situation.

I push open the bedroom door, set my bag on the bed, and start stuffing everything inside of it. Then I go into the bathroom and grab our toothbrushes and various bathroom necessities. I yank our phone chargers from the wall and then my phone from the nightstand and chuck it all into my purse. I make my way around the room, hoping that I’m not missing anything.

Looks like Andrew already packed his stuff at some point and I never noticed.

Then I just stand here, scanning every inch of the place around me but not really seeing any of it. I don’t want to do this, but maybe it’s the right thing.

I hear the horn honk three times, and it snaps me out of my thoughts. Grabbing my bag, I swing it over my shoulder and grab my purse from the bed.

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About the Author

J.A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children, two cats and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

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Nov 05 2013

At Any Price by Brenna Aubrey Cover Reveal

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00071]

Publication date: December, 2013

Synopsis:

Achievement Unlocked: Geek Virgin

When Mia Strong, proud geek-girl and popular gaming blogger, auctions off her virginity online, she knows she’ll make waves. But what she will not be making is a love connection. Her rules are set in stone: One night. No further contact.

It’s a desperate step, but it’s the only way she can go to medical school and pay her mother’s mounting hospital bills.

Difficulty Level: Millionaire CEO

Adam Drake, the enigmatic auction winner, is a software prodigy who made his first million at seventeen. Now, in his mid-twenties, he’s sexy, driven and–as CEO of his own gaming company–he’s used to making the rules. Before Mia knows what’s happening, he’s found the loophole in the rules of her auction. Every stipulation she’s made to protect her heart gets tossed by the wayside.

She can’t tell if he’s playing her…or if he’s playing for keeps.

About the Author

Brenna Aubrey is an author of New Adult contemporary romance stories that center on geek culture. Her debut novel, AT ANY PRICE, releases in December, 2013.She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna’s favorite author is Jane Austen and favorite novel is PERSUASION. Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. A mommy to two little kids and teacher to many more older kids, she juggles schedules to find time to pursue her love of storycrafting. She currently resides on the west coast with her husband, two children, two adorable golden retriever pups, two birds and some fish.

Brenna’s short story “The Love Letter” was the Grand Prize winner of the JANE AUSTEN MADE ME DO IT Short Story Contest. As such, it was included in the anthology of the same name (Ballantine, 2011)

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Giveaway ends Dec. 6, 2013.

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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.*