Articles

Jan 19 2014

Love Water Memory Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Publisher: Gallery Books

Cover: Jae Song

Synopsis:

If you could do it all over again, would you still choose him?

At age thirty-nine, Lucie Walker has no choice but to start her life over when she comes to, up to her knees in the chilly San Francisco Bay, with no idea how she got there or who she is. Her memory loss is caused by an emotional trauma she knows nothing about, and only when handsome, quiet Grady Goodall arrives at the hospital does she learn she has a home, a career, and a wedding just two months away. What went wrong? Grady seems to care for her, but Lucie is no more sure of him than she is of anything. As she collects the clues of her past self, she unlocks the mystery of what happened to her. The painful secrets she uncovers could hold the key to her future—if she trusts her heart enough to guide her.

Review

Love Water Memory is an excellent read and I’ve discovered a new author in the process. This book is a bit different from my usual reads. It covers a wide range of issues, focusing primarily on mental illness and self discovery.

Lucie Walker experiences amnesia prompted by an initially unknown event — traumatic in nature. She can’t remember much about her life prior to being found knee deep in the San Francisco Bay waters. As she begins to unravel the mystery that is “Lucie” she finds out she has a fiancée — Grady Goodall. They begin working on Lucie’s recover, but soon also begin to work on rekindling their relationship. All Lucie is sure of is she feels a sense of comfort around Grady and this comfort is the closest feeling to love Lucie can imagine. She takes a chance and begins to rediscover who she was and who she is now. The differences are night and day.

Grady Goodall is everything a woman would want, but he has trouble expressing himself. His frustrations, his anger, his love, everything — he bottles his emotions. Lucie soon discovers that before the amnesia she behaved in a very similar fashion. She shared very little information about her past and rarely discussed her feelings. She was content with Grady’s companionship but the new Lucie was seeking a partner someone to share her feelings, someone she could trust. Her uncertainty of Grady’s feelings and bashfulness prevents them from moving into intimate territory but for most of the book the reader experiences what it’s like to love, lose and how things can be different when given a second chance at love.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt the ending fell a little short — mostly because I wanted more. I understood why it ended in that manner though which in a way made it perfect especially for the pace and tone of this book. There were a lot of beautiful parts. The dynamic between Grady and Lucie is interesting as well as the interactions with other characters. The book is told from three character perspectives and gives you a look at the person experiencing the illness as well as two others who are both affected by her diagnosis and recovery.

This book is thought provoking and carefully crafted, creating a beautiful and powerful love story while unearthing the mystery of mental illness and how it affects all involved. This book moves slowly at times, but I was never bored. It isn’t action packed, erotica or a book filled with cliché lines. It’s fresh and well written providing you the ability to think and reflect. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend this read to my women’s fiction/adult fiction/contemporary romance/chick lit fans.

About the Author

Jennie Shortridge has published five novels: Love Water Memory,When She Flew, Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe,Eating Heaven, and Riding with the Queen. When not writing, teaching writing workshops, or volunteering with kids, Jennie stays busy as a founding member of Seattle7Writers.org, a collective of Northwest authors devoted both to raising funds for community literacy projects and to raising awareness of Northwest literature.

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Jan 17 2014

Layers (Stark #1)

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 3 Comments

Synopsis:

According to Hayley love is a subject of ridicule, a myth created by hopeless romantics.

When Hayley makes a resolution to declare her loose lifestyle era R.I.P, it’s all good in theory…

That is until she meets Daniel Stark, a well-respected, mid-thirties business man who is known for his short temper, lack of steady relationships as well as his strict preserve of his private life.

Opinionated, sharp tongued Hayley accidentally steps into his office leaving Daniel resolved to put Hayley in her place and have her in his bed.

Both Hayley and Daniel can’t avoid the immediate instigation of the attraction between them.

In a unanimously agreed upon verdict by Hayley and her two best friends, Ian the gay self-absorb, aspiring model and Natasha the witty, borderline neurotic soul mate, Daniel Stark is to be Hayley’s pure physical attraction, emotions aside era closure.

Will it indeed be a closure, or a beginning to something neither Hayley nor Daniel ever bargained for…

Review

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

I’m still coming off of my Layers high as I write this! I read this and thought, Wow, a female “player”…this is going to be interesting and it certainly lived up to my expectations. Layers is sexy, sassy and utterly addictive. It is an erotica/romance…let’s just say this falls into my Fifty Shades-ish files which for some can be a bad thing, but for me is a great thing! The one thing I did find funny is the authors writing style is very European in nature and at times I didn’t feel as though the story did take place in California. Her style is similar to many UK writes which I personally enjoy. This in no way takes away from the story. I found a lot of the language endearing.

First of all the fact that the female protagonist has a sordid past with a bunch of notches on HER bedpost made me enjoy this read even more. The author broached a complex subject where men and women are seen differently for their “conquests,” yet she did it in a way that made Hayley seem untouchable…until Daniel comes along. This isn’t your typical read there is no man chasing a virgin. This book elicits a carnal yearning; an undeniable attraction coupled with a deeper connection that made me love both Hayley and Daniel and all their crazy. It also goes to show both men and women can have pasts that aren’t so different and the author was very free of judgment when it came to Hayley taking on the “player” role.

Daniel Stark is a bit of a mystery. He’s got a short temper and an even shorter list of people he trusts. With few friends and a company to run his first encounter with Hayley is pretty humorous. I laughed quite a few times while reading this book, but was as perplexed by the state of his emotions throughout this read. He’s got some pretty wild mood swings surprisingly Hayley was usually the person who helped him relax. Daniel seems a bit bi-polarish yet I absolutely adore him.

This is a MUST read for Erotica/Contemporary Romance/Adult Fiction fans. Let’s just say I was up until 4am and devoured this book in one sitting. I desperately searched for more pages, sigh I am in need of more Daniel and Hayley…Luckily Inner Core will be released soon and we won’t have to wait much longer for their story to continue.

Purchase:

Author Bio
By teen age, Sigal already lived in three different continents where she had the luck to experience and visit varied places, meet unique people, which only helped fuel her overly developed imagination. Currently, Sigal calls Estonia home where she lives with her husband and three kids.

Not exactly sure where they will end up next…

When she is not hiding in her office, writing, she enjoys music, reading and taking care of her little clan. With a great believe in “don’t wait for things to happen – make them happen,” she enjoys anything exciting life has to offer.

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Prizes:
– 5 signed paperbacks (INTL)
– A Kindle

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Jan 14 2014

Cora Carmack’s Seeking Her Excerpt Blast

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

This book is slated for release January 28, 2014.

SEEKING HER Synopsis:

Jackson Hunt gets his turn in this Finding It prequel novella …

Jackson Hunt hasn’t been out of the military for long, but he needs to get a job and find a sense of normalcy if he is going to keep his demons at bay. The job that falls into his lap, though, is anything but normal.

Becoming bodyguard (and babysitter) to spoiled rich girl Kelsey Summers isn’t exactly what he had in mind, but it’s a chance to travel, to get away. The catch: Kelsey’s father doesn’t want her to know she’s being followed.

She’s vibrant and infuriating, exciting and reckless, mysterious and familiar. When Jackson sees her falling into the same patterns he suffered years ago, he decides it’s time to stop watching and help her instead. But getting to know Kelsey is more difficult than he thought, especially because the more he knows her, the more he wants her.

Excerpt:

Exclusive Excerpt of Seeking Her by Cora Carmack by WilliamMorrowBooks

Pre-Order Links:

Cora Carmack Bio:

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She’s done a multitude of things in her life– boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

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Jan 11 2014

Masquerade Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

A biker. A tattoo artist. A love to last a lifetime.

Maddox Cross has always had to be tough. When his father went to jail for murder, the teenager took care of his sister and mother. Now on his own and working security at a night club, Maddox wants to become a tattoo artist-a dream that comes closer to reality when he falls for the hottest, most tatted woman he’s ever seen. She’s wild and beautiful, and Maddox will do anything to be with her.

Bee Malone came to town to open up her new tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Since being kidnapped as a young girl, Bee has had trouble getting close to anyone. But when she meets Maddox, she sees that under his hard biker’s body is the sensitive soul of an artist. What starts out as a sizzling one-night stand soon becomes so much more.

Bee wants Maddox to join her tattoo business, but letting him into her life means revealing all her most intimate secrets. And as the past begins to intertwine with her present, Bee fears their love may not be as permanent as their ink . . .

Excerpt

What gives me an ache in my chest is the fact that she has what I want. I haven’t cared enough about anything to feel jealous in a long-ass time, but that’s exactly what comes to mind when I look at her.

“You coming to the party?” I ask her.

“I’m here to see you.”

She doesn’t give me a chance to reply as she pushes her way around me and inside. What I would give to kick her out of this room just because I can, but since I don’t really know if she’s giving me shit or if she came for the party, I hold back. It’s not like Trevor to let someone in here for no reason.

Right on her heels, I follow her until she rounds the corner and pulls to a stop once she can see inside. Not having enough time to go around her, my body lines right up against hers, Bee’s nice little ass tucked right against me. On reflex I reach out, my hand grabbing her slender waist to make sure she doesn’t stumble forward. Damn it if that doesn’t bring up all sorts of thoughts about how it felt to strip her naked and touch her everywhere.

“You have your hands on me.” There’s a sexy huskiness in her voice that tells me she’s turned on too. It should make me rip my hand away from her as fast as I can, but I’m so pissed at her about Masquerade that I can’t stop myself from being a dick.

“If I remember correctly, you liked the feel of my hands on you. You were very enthusiastic about how much you liked it.”

Nyrae Dawn_Photo Credit - Cherished Memories Photography[1]

About the Author:

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn’s passion. Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she’s a total romantic at heart and proud.

Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids.When she’s not with her family, you can be pretty sure you’ll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her. Nyrae also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo.

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Jan 10 2014

Hold On Tight (Taking Chances, #2) by Nicola Haken

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

A figure from Dexter’s past has uprooted all the memories he has tried so desperately to bury… to forget. The terrible events of his past have been blown wide open once again, immersing him a pool of guilt deeper than he’s even experienced before.

Dexter feels powerless. The future he foolishly allowed himself to conceive is falling apart around him and there’s nothing he can do about it. But there’s one thing he can control – one thing he’s an expert at… blocking everything out. Losing all control, Dexter copes the only way he knows how – he dives so far into the well of addiction, the only thing that matters anymore is where his next fix is coming from.

Mission accomplished – there’s no one left. He’s successfully pushed everyone away. Nobody left to care about means no more guilt, right? You can’t hurt people who aren’t there…

But has he really pushed Emily as far away as he thinks he has? She’s given up everything for him – her home, her friends… her whole life. And she doesn’t regret a single thing. But can she save him from drowning, or has he finally sunk too far?

(Not suitable for those under 18 due to language, sexual content and explicit drug use)

Review

Nicola Haken has undoubtedly taken my breath away with both Take My Hand (Taking Chances, #1) and Hold On Tight (Taking Chances, #2). I have fallen under her spell and am completely committed to finishing this series and any other books she releases!!! These books are raw and gritty. They’re incredibly real and oftentimes ugly. The struggles both Emily and Dexter endure make these books both beautiful and heartbreaking. I went through a roller coaster ride of emotions while facing some ugly truths about addiction and self worth. This book gives you a hard and fast reality check. It goes to show you just how easy someone can go from 0 to 10 and just how far one can be pushed before they wake up and say enough is enough. This is no usual love story though their romance is one you cling onto…tightly while hoping for the best. You won’t be sure of the outcome and I will say Nicola cleverly leaves this book in a similar fashion as Take My Hand…with your mouth open searching for the next page!

So what did I really think?

Let’s start with Emily shall we? She is undoubtedly one of the sweetest, most loving people, but she is also incredibly stubborn. She’s so wrapped up with Dexter and his problems that she fails to see her own shortcomings. She pushes everyone aside to tend to Dexter forgetting they may in fact need her as well. I understood her need to stand by her man and all, but she hid from everyone while trying to be the supportive and loving girlfriend. I didn’t actually feel the problem was that she did these things, in fact, I think it is actually what makes her human. My issue is that a lot of her issues were still unresolved. I know, I know, there will be a third book, but Emily just had a way about her that got to me. I loved how the author exposed Emily’s faults while still remaining committed to Dexter and his troubles.

Most people become so engulfed with their own lives, they often fail to recognize the problems others are experiencing. I think this is what I like about Nicola Haken’s writing. She’s raw and not afraid to speak truth. She isn’t afraid to push boundaries and is able to create a passionate and beautiful romance amid turmoil. Her characters are often incredibly flawed with real issues that affect not only them, but everyone in their lives.

Dexter, boy oh boy, did Dexter do a number on my head and my heart. I fell in love with him, but then he went and trampled all over my heart. Somehow he redeemed himself and I managed to fall in love all over again…FYI – I forgive you for the trampling, but I still worry about you. Dexter has an incredibly difficult and dark past. His life has been one tragic turn after another and his choices have led him to what can only be viewed as rock bottom. In Take My Hand, you learn a bit about Dexter’s troubled past and his struggles, but in Hold on Tight you actually experience these struggles first hand and let me tell you, it isn’t pretty. Things get ugly and the author does and excellent job bringing the reader into the world of addiction. This plays a heavy role in this book and I am still in awe of how I was able to envision every single detail as described. This makes me love Nicola Haken’s writing all the more. She took a very heavy, very difficult problem and made you walk through it from all sides…as Dexter, as Emily and even all the supporting characters and how they were affected. This is an incredible follow up to Take My Hand and I cannot wait for books three and four — Lean on Me (#3) and Never Let Go (#4). The story ended in a way that is going to drive you nuts and though I had my suspicions, the ending still got to me.

I highly recommend this book for my new adult/adult fiction/contemporary romance fans. This is an intense book and not recommended for readers under 18 due to language, explicit drug use, and sexual content.

Author Bio

Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children (six if you include the dogs!) She is the author of New Adult/Contemporary romance novels Inevitable, Saving Amy and the Take My Hand series. When she is not busy playing with her imaginary book friends (or talking about them with real life friends!) she can usually be found carrying out her ordinary mum/housewife/all round slave duties. Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…

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Other Books by Nicola Haken

January 6

Reading Rainblog / The Book Enthusiast / Rookie Romance /Literary Meanderings / HEA Book Shelf

January 7

MissLittleBookAddict’s House Of Books / Rumpled Book Blog / Wolfel’s World of Books / Sam’s Book Basket / My Daily Romance / Will Read for Coffee / Book Fanatic

January 8

2 Friends, promote your book with us / Whirlwindbooks / The Book Obsessed Momma / Amazeballs Book Addicts / Book Babblin / Angee’s After Thoughts / Cruising Susan Book Reviews

January 9

Ramblings of a Book Lunatic / Mia’s Point of View / Bookaholics / Tiffany Talks Books / I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews / Debbie The Book Vixen

January 10

Sticky Reads / The Biblio-Files Confessions of a Book Whore / Once Upon a Dream Review / Deal Sharing Aunt / Who You Callin’ a Book Whore?

Jan 08 2014

Kindle Steals $3.99 and Under…Plus Upcoming Releases

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Here is a list of kindle steals priced between $0.99 and $3.99 as well as a few anticipated book releases and their pre-order links.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

.95 – .99 Pennies

$1.00 – $2.99

$3.00 – $3.99

UPCOMING RELEASES AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

Pre-orders (Covers not available)

Play by Kylie Scott

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Rush Too Far by Abbi Glines

Breakable by Tammara Webber

HAPPY READING!!!

Jan 07 2014

Renée Carlino’s Sweet Thing Paperback Release

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Renée Carlino’s Sweet Thing has officially released in paperback today!!!

For fans of Colleen Hoover, an emotional new adult novel of first love and self discovery about a young woman torn between the sensible life she imagined and the messy but thrilling one she’s living after she takes over her father’s East Village café and falls for her musician roommate.

A USA Today self-published bestseller, now available in paperback from Atria.

Synopsis

“You have to teach your heart and mind how to sing together…then you’ll hear the sound of your soul.”

Mia Kelly thinks she has it all figured out. She’s an Ivy League graduate, a classically trained pianist, and the beloved daughter of a sensible mother and offbeat father. Yet Mia has been stalling since graduation, torn between putting her business degree to use and exploring music, her true love.When her father unexpectedly dies, she decides to pick up the threads of his life while she figures out her own. Uprooting herself from Ann Arbor to New York City, Mia takes over her father’s café, a treasured neighborhood institution that plays host to undiscovered musicians and artists. She’s denied herself the thrilling and unpredictable life of a musician, but a chance encounter with Will, a sweet, gorgeous, and charming guitarist, offers her a glimpse of what could be. When Will becomes her friend and then her roommate, she does everything in her power to suppress her passions—for him, for music—but her father’s legacy slowly opens her heart to the possibility of something more. A “heartbreaking and romantic” debut (Aestas Book Blog), Sweet Thing explores the intensity and complexities of first love and self-discovery.

Buy Now:

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About the Author

Renée Carlino lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog, June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.

Renée & Sweet Thing In Barnes & Noble!

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Jan 07 2014

Release Day Blitz: Jessica Sorensen’s The Destiny of Violet & Luke (The Coincidence #3)

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

The Destiny of Violet & Luke Synopsis

Luke Price’s life has always been about order, control, and acting tough on the outside. For Luke, meaningless relationships are a distraction-a way to tune out the twisted memories of his childhood. He desperately wishes he could forget his past, but it haunts him no matter what he does.

Violet Hayes has had a rough life. When she was young, she was left with no family and the memory of her parents’ unsolved murders. She grew up in foster homes, living with irresponsible parents, drugs, and neglect, and trying to fight the painful memories of the night her parents were taken from her. But it’s hard to forget when she never got closure-and she can’t stop dreaming about what happened that tragic night. To make it through life, she keeps her distance from everyone and never allows herself to feel anything.

Then Violet meets Luke. The two clash instantly, yet they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Although they fight it, they both start to open up and feel things they’ve never felt before. They discover just how similar they are. But they also discover something else: The past always catches up with you . . .

Author Bio

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives with her husband and three kids. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

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Excerpt

Luke

She reaches for my fries with an undecided look on her face. “So I have a question.”

“Okay…”

“About you.”

I slowly chew my food. “I’m not really sure I want to hear your question now.”

She picks a pickle off of her burger, pulling a repulsed face. “Well, I’m still going to ask it.”

I grab a handful of fries from the tray that’s on the table between us. “Go ahead and ask but it doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”

She props her elbows onto the table with her burger in her hand. “Why haven’t you ever talked to me before? I mean, we’ve walked past each other probably a hundred times, but never so much as acknowledged each other and then suddenly you’re stalking me.”

I pick up my soda and sip from the straw. “First off, I’m not stalking you. I just can’t seem to get rid of you.”

“You didn’t have to stop to pick me up.”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Why? You don’t know me—you’re in no way obligated to help me.”

“I know, but I wanted to.”

“Why?”

I shrug, setting my drink down. “Why not?”

She gives me a funny look, like I’m the most confusing person in the world, when really she should be looking at herself like that. “I don’t get it. Why would someone like you help someone like me?”

I open up the bun of my chicken sandwich to pick the tomato off. “What do you mean someone like me and someone like you?”

She points at me. “You as in a football player who has friends.” Then she points at herself. “And me as in the loner girl who could probably kick your ass.”

I choke on a laugh and my mouth full of food almost shoots out of my nose. “You could not kick my ass,” I cough, and then take a swallow of my drink.

She scans me over while scooping up some fries. “I beg to differ. I think you’re not as tough as you try to look.”

“Do you really?” If only she knew what really lay inside me. “Because most people think I am and for a good reason.”

“I think it’s all for show,” she replies nonchalantly and I can’t tell if she’s being serious or not. “I think that deep down you’re just a softy.”

“Are you trying to pick a fight with me right now?” I set my sandwich down on the tray and crack my knuckles. “Because I’m not going to fight a girl.”

“That’s such a typical guy answer.” She hurries and takes a drink, but I detect a hint of a smile before her lips wrap around the straw.

“You know what I think?” I cross my arms on the table and lean in, cocking my head to the side as I observe her closely. “I think you like arguing with me and that’s why you’re bringing this up.”

Her shoulders lift and descend as she takes a bite of her hamburger. “Maybe, but maybe I’m being serious.”

“You know that as a football player I have to tackle guys, right? It takes strength to do that.”

“Maybe you just run, though,” she counters. “Maybe you’re just good at running.”

The way she says it reminds me so much of my past and it’s like a kick to the stomach. “Maybe I’m not, though. Maybe I suck at running.” I sound choked and I decide it’s time to cut this conversation short, my brain seeking that potent taste of Jack and Tequila mixed with nicotine. I glance at my watch, pretending to check the time. “I just remembered that I have to meet Kayden somewhere in like a half an hour, so I’m going to have to take you back.”

She balls up the wrapper for her hamburger, acting nonchalant, but her shoulders are stiff. “Sounds good to me. I was done anyway.” She seems irritated and I have no idea why, other than she seems to be able to read through my bullshit and test me, which most people can’t and won’t even try. I’m supposed to be a closed book. A mystery. That way no one can see who I really am. It’s the way I’ve been living for years and it’s comfortable. Not ideal, but nothing is ideal.

We don’t talk as I collect our garbage and then walk next to her as she limps out to my truck. I try to offer her my arm and open the door for her, but she denies my offer, moving to the opposite door and pushing it open.

During the car ride, she barely says two words to me. I should be happy about it. That way there’s no room for sudden questions and statements that will set me off, however I find myself missing the bantering thing we had going and the way she pushed my buttons. By the time I drop her off, all I want to do is ask her to stay, talk some more, let me get to know her. But I don’t understand why. I’ve never wanted to get to know anyone before. I’ve never even been out on a date. Each woman I’ve been with, I’ve only been with once. Just sex. That’s all it’s ever about. And I’ve never wanted anything more.

Until now.

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Jan 04 2014

That’s a Promise (Promises, Promises #1)

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 3 Comments

Publications Date: December 10, 2013

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Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000035_00030]

Synopsis:

This book is book one in a three part series, so not all matters are resolved at the end of the novel. It is also meant for ages 18+ due to yummy adult content 😉

Happily ever after doesn’t exist. Not just in the romantic sense, but in the sense that there will never be a point in life that will contain no more obstacles.

Josie Sommers is a nerdy twenty four year old, elementary school teacher who has always considered herself a strong person. But with the loss of a loved one and the return of someone she vowed to never see again, her strength starts to break.

When he betrayed her in the ultimate way, she never thought she would let him back into her life, let alone open herself up to falling back in love with him.
Plagued with resentment and the burden of her own dishonesty,

Josie has to decide if forgiving and coming clean is worth the risk of losing him again. With so many hurdles, we know that Josie’s story is no fairytale.

That’s a promise.

Review:

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

That’s a Promise is a pretty powerful read. It deals with some heavy issues and reminded me slightly of Ten Tiny Breaths. I really enjoyed this book and completed it in one sitting. I am impressed that this is the author’s debut and extremely grateful to have been asked to read an ARC. I did have some issues with the editing, but that didn’t take away from the story as those were minor issues. I’m going to be as vague as possible because I do feel this is a great story with the potential to be a great series, but I don’t want to take away from the experience for anyone so I will give away as little as possible.

Now, where do I begin? This is a book that consists of a lot of conflict. Honesty plays a vital role with many of the relationships forged as well as forgiveness. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the direction the author took with the romance/love triangle…partially because I myself am confused. I’m not entirely sure who I want Josie to be with, but I am partial to one individual. Let me say, I did fall in love with both men BUT I am leaning towards one of the guys more so than the other and I’m not sure many readers would agree with me here. In fact, I’d really like some feedback after you guys read this one so shoot me an email or comment below. I’d love to know who you’re rooting for!

Josie is conflicted, confused and deeply scarred, but the more you get to know her, the more you understand her dilemma, the more you love her and want to see things turn out well for her. She’s young and yet her life experiences have aged her. Things are complicated and nothing comes easy or simply for Josie. She’s doing exactly what someone her age should be doing, she’s living, making mistakes, loving hard, experiencing loss and trying to figure shit out. She’s convinced that she’s found her soulmate yet her decisions make the reader question her certainty and as you learn more about each character involved in her life, you begin to peel back layers and learn much more than what’s on the surface. I have to reiterate the fact that I found this book deep. Perhaps I am a bit biased in having experienced some of the same loss Josie had but the story overall is one that just makes you relate to it in one aspect or another. Josie is a strong woman that has endured a lot of pain and by the end of this book you will be in awe of her resilience. There will be times when you are angry, sad, hurt or simply unsure of how to feel, but you will get emotional at one point or another as there are quite a few moments that may strike a chord for you as many things in this book are relatable. This book is real, raw and utterly addicting.

By the end of the book matters are certainly not resolved, but I enjoyed the fact that this wasn’t the usual happily ever after and that things were more realistic, the protagonist is flawed as most of the characters are. This makes the them more realistic. You will fall in love with them and they will weave their way into your heart. Although the final book may have a happy ending, this book leads me to believe that journey definitely won’t be an easy one.

This book goes between present day and past/flashbacks. I enjoyed how the author tied everything together, but from the beginning you pretty much know something bad happened to Josie. It’s just a matter of time before you get the full story and even then things get crazier. There is a bit of a cliffhanger…eh not really a cliffhanger, but definitely an, “OMG I can’t wait to see what happens next” moment. I really enjoyed this read and I think you will too. I recommend this for new adult/contemporary romance fans.

The purchase and goodreads links are at the top of this post, an excerpt is below along with the author bio/contact info and of course an awesome giveaway!

Excerpt:

“You are gorgeous, as always, Josie.” He turned me around and brought his lips to mine. He kissed me slowly, and I could feel myself getting heated. He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the bed. I was a little embarrassed when he started undressing us, unable to believe that I agreed to do something so risqué. He position me in a particular way, and went back to his cameras to make sure his shot was right and to set up timers on them.

“Okay, don’t think about the cameras,” he said, coming back to me.

He started sucking on my neck as his hands roamed my thighs, stomach, and then my chest. I tried to ignore the cameras and focused on his tongue and mouth on me. Click. He brought one of my breasts into his mouth and sucked on my hard nipple. His tongue always knew how to make my body feel good. Click. I moved my hands into his shaggy sandy blonde hair, and arched my back, needing more of him. Click. Seth aligned his chest with mine, and went back to assault my neck as I moved my hands to rub his shoulders and arms. Click. His other hand that wasn’t fondling my breast, moved its way in between my legs, and rubbed me. I gasped at the feeling of increased pressure on my clit. Click. His fingers really were magical. It didn’t take me long before both the pressure of his mouth on my neck and breasts and the rubbing of his fingers against me, made me come. Click. “So sexy,” he whispered, before putting on the condom he had ready on the bed. His eyes were hooded with desire. He positioned himself in front of me and moved my long hair in a way that covered my breasts. Click. He eased inside of me gently, and then pulled back out fast. Click. He teased me like that for a while, as I whimpered with need. I decided to sit up and grab onto his back, nearly clawing him to finally give me what I needed. I started to raise my hips to his at a better rhythm, loving the small whimper that came out of his mouth. Click.

Author Bio:

Victoria Klahr (pronounced like “Claire”) lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina with her husband and daughter, Stephen and Alexis. She loves her chug (Pug/Chihuahua), Bandit, and three year old to pieces. She loves to stay home and take care of them, even if they do drive her insane at times. She is a huge and proud book nerd who looks at her bookshelf in admiration daily. She has her Associate’s degree in Business Administration, but her passion has always been the stories that talk to her in her head. One day she decided to take a chance and let the voices write her story. She has never felt more certain or comfortable about who she is than when she writes.

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Dec 24 2013

Pieces For You (For You #2) Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

“The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies,
and still defying fortune’s spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats.

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance begin to plague Sam, it is Griffin she is forced to turn to.

This story is appropriate for readers 18+
Though Pieces For You is a part of the For You Series, the book can be read as a stand alone.

Review

I don’t even know what to say other than…..

This book is flipping phenomenal, amazing, superb, excellent, superior, intelligent, purposefully written, sparkling cider…ok, now I’m just being silly, but it really is a spectacular read and a wonderful follow up to Only For You. It has the same vibe as Only For You in that it keeps you guessing until the very end, the author maintains her wit and humor while dealing with some heavy subject matter. I loved the character development, the introduction of new characters and I loved how invested I became in Griffin and Sam’s relationship as with Hunter and Ev!

Let me take a step back and say if you have NOT already read Only For You…what are you waiting for????

Read my review of Only For You —–> HERE

So, back to Pieces For You…AND Griffin….

Yeah, I’d take a Hunter-Griffin sandwich any day hehe. Seriously smitten…Genna Rulon easily grabs your attention, holds it and makes you fall in love with most of her characters in the process. I say most because there are some you won’t like very much…may even hate, but she will absolutely make you feel!

This book is heavy and deals with Sam’s issues primarily, though other characters are introduced and past relationships developed (and well developed I might add). This is a book about taking charge of your life and moving forward, finding love, growing, healing and living! I love Sam, I am in awe of all she went through and how she got through it. She was broken in Only For You and she becomes this amazing woman in Pieces For You. I don’t want to spoil the read, there’s lots of heavy, lots of witty and definitely lots of sexxxxxy! My eyes bulged quite a few times while reading. This is a book that will captivate you. I finished in one sitting and I don’t doubt you will be unable to put the book down until it’s done. I CANNOT wait for the next book. Genna Rulon has easily become one of my favorite authors of 2013 and this series has stuck with me in many ways and sadly for some of my favorite authors I have to say these two books are probably the best new adult books I’ve read to date!

I don’t know if I should go into too much detail about the characters, but for those who have read Only For You, there is plenty more Ev and Hunter! You will be completely satisfied! For those, like me who fell in love with Griffin in book one, you will fall even deeper this time around. I may love him more than any other book boyfriend. He is the perfect. If you’re in the mood to fall in love….I highly recommend this read. You’re sure to swoon….

Favorite Quote

“Lo, you could never disappoint me. If you’re honest with me and yourself, you have no reason to worry. No one’s unblemished, we all have our scars — some are just easier to hide. The right man will navigate the minefield and bring you to the other side safely. He will find a way to give you the pleasure you deserve, no matter what it takes. You are worth the effort,”

Buy Pieces for You (For You, #2)

A portion of the proceeds from Pieces For You will be donated to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)

Buy Only For You (For You, #1)

About the Author:

After 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, an avid reader, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by the success of her favorite authors, many of whom are self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations.

Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most extraordinary family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on (he even feigns interest relatively convincingly). Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

All of Genna’s novels are brought to you courtesy of coffee and Disney Junior.

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Dec 22 2013

Behind His Lens

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

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Synopsis:

Twenty-three year old model Charley Whitlock built a quiet life for herself after disaster struck four years ago. She hides beneath her beautiful mask, never revealing her true self to the world… until she comes face-to-face with her new photographer — sexy, possessive Jude Anderson. It’s clear from the first time she meets him that she’s playing by his rules. He says jump, she asks how high. He tells her to unzip her cream Dior gown; she knows she has to comply. But what if she wants him to take charge outside of the studio as well?

Jude Anderson has a strict “no model” dating policy. But everything about Charley sets his body on fire.

When a tropical photo shoot in Hawaii forces the stubborn pair into sexually charged situations, their chemistry can no longer be ignored. They’ll have to decide if they’re willing to break their rules and leave the past behind or if they’ll stay consumed by their demons forever.

Will Jude persuade Charley to give in to her deepest, most forbidden desires?

**Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual situations.**

Review

Hot, steamy, sexy and completely unputdownable!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this erotic read. Jude, Jude, Jude….oh I need him in my life!
This book is a fun and sexy debut.

Charley has a tragic past and has tried to busy herself with modeling gigs and painting to fill the void. When she walks on set of her newest assignment and locks eyes with Jude all hope is lost. She’s completely smitten, but Charley has secrets that haunt her. They’ve consumed her thoughts and caused her to put up walls. She’s closed herself off to most of the world for the better part of four years, but something about Jude draws her in. He’s hot, but his moods shift from full on asshole to full on hearthrob within minutes. He’s a puzzle and though Charley longs to know more about him, he’s got his own barriers up.

Jude’s past is one filled with pain and has forever changed him. He uses women for his own pleasure and moves on. He’s not the monogamous type yet no matter how hard he tries to shake his feelings for Charley, he can’t. The attraction is undeniable and he’s drawn to her like a magnet. From his first encounter with Charley he can’t rid his thoughts of her and the growing feelings each new encounter produces.

Both struggle to contain their feelings and a new assignment forces the two together placing them in dangerously close proximity. Will these two face their issues head on and admit their growing attraction?

This is a lovely debut. The romance is hot, fresh and gives the reader something to hope for while keeping you guessing. I loved the artistic perspective and descriptive language. This is a great read for romance/new adult and erotica fans.

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

About the Author

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, metaphors and similes, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

I was born and raised in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors are Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m a comedy geek and love all things “funny”. Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.;)

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Giveaway:
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Dec 20 2013

Sex. Love. Repeat.

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Publication date: December 1st 2013

Synopsis:

I love two men. I screw two men. I am in a relationship with them both, and they are both aware there is another. That is all they need to know, that is all I let them know. They don’t need to know a name; they don’t need to know anything but that they are not alone in my heart.

They have accepted the situation. Stewart, because his life is too busy for the sort of obligations that are required in a relationship. Paul, because he loves me too much to tell me no. And because my sexual appetite is such that one man has trouble keeping up.

So we exist, two parallel relationships, each running their own course, with no need for intersection or conflict. It works for us, for them, and for me. I don’t expect it to be a long-term situation. I know there is an expiration date on the easy perfection of our lives.

I should have paid more attention, should have looked around and noticed the woman who watched it all. She sat in the background and waited, tried to figure me out. Saw my two relationships, the love between us, and the moment that it all fell apart.

She hates me.
I don’t even know she exists.
She loves them. I love them.
And they love me.

EVERYTHING else hangs in the balance.

Excerpt

I grew up a charmed child of La Jolla. Nannies wiped my dirty ass, Christmas was spent in Aspen, and school uniforms shared closet space with miniature lines of Dior and Versace. I lived a privileged line between surfer chick and spoiled brat, sandy cheeks and wet bikinis chafing the leather seats of my ice blue BMW convertible. I smoked weed with friends in million dollar mansions with ocean views while our parents cruised the Black Sea. I fucked preppy boys who wore Lacoste and Rolexes and played lacrosse. I was in a bubble of ridiculousness, and grew up thinking that life never said no, credit cards were never declined, and happiness was a given.

Then my father, a hedge fund manager with a minor addiction to cocaine, drove off the manicured edge of a Malibu cliff, to the polished astonishment of a restaurant full of Orange County’s upper society. The fact that his mistress, a surgically enhanced blonde three years older than me, was in the front seat, was hid from no one, and embraced by many of my mom’s arch enemies. They both died, drowned or killed by the cliffs. I didn’t ask for particulars and none were offered up.

Perfection, in that moment, became flawed and fragile. I never took anything for granted again.

Our money lasted another ten months, ‘til the fat mortgage, civil lawsuits and attorneys took it all. I spent my senior year in the public high school, my BMW repossessed, my school uniforms left in the closet of a home that the bank quickly seized. I was unceremoniously dumped into normality, courtesy of a mother fighting her own depression. If I had still had a cell phone at that moment in time, I can assure you that my lifelong ‘friends’ would not have answered my call.

Looking back, I see the turning point that occurred at that moment in time. I miss my father, despite his shortcomings and mistakes. I loved him, I have pieces of him throughout my personality. But the person that I was becoming? The type of individual that easy wealth and never-told-no parenting breeds? I was a bitch. A self-assured, my-way-or-the-highway, bitch. I didn’t appreciate what I had and demanded more at every turn. I am grateful that I got kicked in the ass. That I had a taste of reality before I traveled too far and that persona became permanent.

That happened to my mother. She was raised in those twenty-thousand square foot mansions, she was given everything she ever wanted, right up until the moment that it all disappeared. She drowned herself in top-shelf martinis we couldn’t afford, refusing to cook, clean, or pay bills – her breeding too great for such blue-collar work. I became the adult, she became the child, and we sank further and further in life until I moved out and she found a man. Now she is the wife and full-time dependent of Maurice Fulton, an old man who she can’t possibly love, one who keeps her groomed and outfitted in his big house and keeps her glass filled. I speak to her occasionally, when I get the sadistic urge to see what an society-bred alcoholic sounds like.

Family is one thing I have in common with my men. We are all loners, floating through life unattached, except to each other. We don’t talk about our pasts, our lack of familial ties. There is no point in dwelling on the darkness. Not when our new life is full of such life.

About the Author

Alessandra Torre is a new author who focuses on contemporary erotica. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was published in July 2012, and was an Erotica #1 Bestseller for two weeks. The sequel to Blindfolded, Masked Innocence, will be released in February 2014.Alessandra lives in the Southern United States and is married, with one young child. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. Her favorite authors include Lisa Gardner, Gillian Flynn, and Jennifer Crusie.