Articles

Dec 07 2013

Fix You Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

Synopsis

When Kelly Reynolds’s husband died, he left her—the awkward, cautious one—to raise their two young boys. She’s pieced herself back together, barely. Now she takes refuge in her routine: running her kids around and running the trails near her Idaho home.

Two years after her husband’s death, a chance encounter on a run brings Andrew into her life. But Andrew is Andy Pettigrew, the Andy Pettigrew, famous actor. Kelly hates risk, and a love affair with Andrew is certainly tempting fate. She doesn’t fit into his Hollywood world. She doesn’t own a pair of Louboutins, and she couldn’t walk five paces in them if she did. Andrew oozes cool. She reeks of dork.

But despite this, they click. It may be inexplicable, but it works. However, it’s also becoming clear that Andrew struggles with the pressures of his fame. Kelly’s hold on a so-called normal life is already tenuous, and as much as she might want to indulge the fantasy, she doesn’t know how either of them is supposed to cope with stalkerazzi and tweet-happy fans with camera phones. She and Andrew both have secrets that seem impossible to keep.

Beck Anderson’s witty, engaging writing yields an emotional tale of love, loss, and all the little things that make up a life. In the end, what is it that really holds us together? Kelly must decide if love can fix two people who might be broken beyond repair.

Review

I enjoyed this sweet and heartfelt read. Fix You introduces the reader to Kelly Reynolds, a woman mourning the loss of her beloved husband. As she attempts to continue on with her life with a semblance of normalcy, she struggles and it’s clear that her friends and family are concerned. She hasn’t truly been living, she’s simply been getting by. She’s got herself in a routine, but she mostly takes on mundane tasks to keep herself busy instead of venturing out and finding happiness.

Kelly Reynolds and Andrew Pettigrew share a common ground that unknowingly allows them to form a pretty strong bond in a rather short period of time. When Kelly travels to California to visit her folks, she never imagines a chance encounter will bring her face to face with celebrity Andy Pettigrew. But when Andrew comes to her aid, something ignites inside of her. She opens up to him and discusses the loss of her husband. He listens intently and compassionately. Andy rushes off unexpectedly leaving Kelly confused. Though their encounter is brief, it certainly isn’t their last. In fact, it is the start of something pretty special between these two, but as their worlds collide, will they be able to brave the storms that come their way? What can two broken people learn from each other?

Andrew’s past haunts him, he struggles daily to hold himself together. Sometimes the past isn’t as far behind as you’d expect. Andrew’s living in the public eye only makes it worse; though he cares deeply for Kelly his struggles are the turning point for these two. His life begins to unravel and while Kelly helps pick up the pieces, she discovers something she never could have imagined. How much is too much for someone battling their own demons? Can these two seemingly broken people help each other heal?

This book goes a lot deeper than I expected. It is enjoyable and even dealt with grief and the processing of grief. Both characters suffered losses and had to deal with these losses daily. The methods in which they dealt with their grief are very different, but undeniably an ongoing process for both of them. I really enjoyed the ending. It leaves you completely satisfied while still giving the author the opportunity to continue the story should she choose. I recommend this read to fans of new adult/adult fiction/contemporary romance. If you are a fan of Tina Reber’s Love Unscripted series you will definitely enjoy this read.

Purchase:

About the Author

Beck Anderson believes in the power of perfectly imperfect women and in the healing power of love. Her new novel, Fix You, grew out of those beliefs and the time to write afforded by the worst Thanksgiving blizzard she’s ever witnessed in West Yellowstone.
For Beck, the path to published novelist has taken lots of twists and turns, including a degree in anthropology, a stint as a ticket seller at a ski resort, a much-loved career as a high school English teacher, and a long tenure as a member of the best writing group ever, hands down.
Beck balances (clumsily at best) writing novels and screenplays, working full-time as an educator, mothering two pre-teen males, loving one post-40 husband, and making time to walk the foothills of Boise, Idaho, with Stefano DiMera Delfino Anderson, the suavest Chihuahua north of the border.

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Giveaway

• (7) eBook copies of Fix You provided by Omnific Publishing – International
• (1) $25 USD Gift Card to Omnific Publishing (to purchase any of their titles) – International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here or the tour banner below.

Dec 02 2013

Only for You Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent. It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!”

All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.

When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar by her best friend, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, a tempestuous relationship is born.

Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate—that fickle shrew—continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant. The only complication…Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.

Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption—brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.

*Note: Although this is series, each novel can be read as a stand alone.

My Review

Genna Rulon’s debut novel Only For You is a exceptional, extraordinary, fantastic and all that other good stuff! Some of this may be redundant, but for those of you who have not read Only For You I sincerely suggest that you take a moment to order yourself a copy!!! This is a book you’ll fall in love with, you’ll likely cry and you’ll certainly want to know more. The follow-up novel Pieces for You is slated for release this month.

There is always one book that absolutely blows your mind when you finish, you sit back for a moment to reflect but all you can think is…”wow.” After reading Genna Rulon’s Only For You I must say, I was rendered speechless. I was completely taken by surprise. The authors use of clever and witty banter, sarcasm and general humor made me fall in love with this book.

I actually discussed with her briefly via email how a lot of new adult books were beginning to disinterest me as too many had similar plots and even dialogue. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a die hard fan of new adult books, but I am at a point where I read so many books in a week that when I read an ARC or even a book I purchase of my own accord it needs to completely blow me away to stand out. This book does that and more. I found a gem amongst stones in Only For You. This book is unique in plot, dialogue, and it completely shocked the hell out of me at times. I am usually very good at figuring out how a book will end or what direction the author will likely take things, and I usually figure everything out midway through, but Only For You sure as hell surprised me. This book took so many twists and turns it was difficult to know where it would end. My jaw literally dropped close to the end at some revelations that were made. I was suspicious of ever person in this book at one point or another. I won’t give away any spoilers, but it ended beautifully and made me scream that I had to wait until December for the next installment…but yay we’re finally here and the release is only a few short weeks away!

This book is a complex blend of romance, mystery, friendship and anguish. There are moments that will have you cackling while other moments will leave you in tears, though some of those tears may have been induced by laughter. The blooming friendship/romance, witty dialogue, inner monologues and suspicions will have you holding your breath and leave your heart racing. I experienced all of these emotions while reading Only For You. I have no doubt that most readers will likely have a similar experience which will result in a rather emotional journey.

Only For You is classified as a new adult book, but I firmly believe it could fall outside of the romance genre bordering mystery, suspense and even sociology/abuse. The book is REAL. I mean it has some really raw, fucked up moments that made you want to cry out for the people afflicted. I certainly cried, but I also laughed…a lot. The witty banter between characters is unmatched to any book I’ve ever read and I’d go so far as to nominate Genna Rulon’s writing and one of the wittiest and most sarcastic…

I adore this book. I devoured it and love the characters. I am completely smitten with Hunter AND Griffin!!! I’ve officially slitted myself out to them mentally! Yeah, that’s right they don’t call me a Book Whore for no reason! Genna…I want more…no, I need more!!!!

With that said, Only For You is probably one of the best new adult books I’ve read to date. I give it 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, 10 fingers and toes lol. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a suspenseful romance with twists, turns and some heartache along the way while leaving you with an ending that will make your jaw drop, your heart smile and your stomach flutter.

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

Buy the book:

Amazon | AmazonCA | Amazon UK

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.

Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr | Website

The second book in the series, Pieces For You (For You Series #2), is scheduled to be released this month (December 2013).

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dec 01 2013

Keep Me Still Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

Layla Flaherty had the perfect life, or close to it. Until a stranger gunned her parents down right in front of her, leaving her with seizure inducing PTSD. After years of trying to pass as normal and failing miserably, she resigns herself to being invisible. But new to town Landen O’Brien sees her, and he likes what he sees. Much to Layla’s surprise, he doesn’t freak out when she has a seizure in front of him. He does the exact opposite, calming her until the tremors subside. But Landen has secrets of his own. Secrets that both bind them together and tear them apart.

Scarred by loss, Layla leaves her hometown of Hope Springs, Georgia, hoping to put her painful past behind her and start over in college in California. When she runs into Landen at freshmen orientation, she has a choice to make. Reinforce those steel walls she’s built up around herself or give the only boy who can keep her still a second chance.

Landen’s more than ready to tear down those walls but this time when they come crashing down, they might bury her.

Review

This book is by far one of the best books I’ve read in the New Adult genre. This will make my must-read list and will live on in my head and heart for a long time. It was a very emotional journey for me. For someone who is new to Caisey Quinn’s writing let me say she is truly talented. I stepped into this story and I felt every emotion. I laughed, I cried, I was infuriated…quite often, especially with the latter part of the book. I also spent a great deal of time rooting for these two broken and fragile individuals. They both went through a great deal, both carried secrets. The difficulties they faced up until their meeting is nothing in comparison to when they enter each others lives. Finding each other whether it was fate or some other force pulling them together it was truly beautiful, but it proves to be a challenge in many ways; one of the greatest challenges filled with joy and pain they never could have imagined. The truth is once I picked up this book it was incredibly difficult to set it aside. I loved every minute of this book and I had quite a few scares along the way. I will not give away any spoilers, but it is well worth the read and very much a New Adult readers dream come true.

Layla is broken and simply living, going through the daily motions, but not truly alive, that is until she meets Landen who slowly begins to chip away the pieces of her somewhat impenetrable wall. This book goes from young, sweet and innocent love, albeit complicated to something more raw, something more vulnerable, sexy, and overall much more adult. It makes you believe in love and how powerful love can be despite the tribulations that surely follow. I am amazed at how much these two grew and the amount of strength they find to stand by one another through all the bumps along the road. This is a beautiful and moving story and I love the growth you see with each character throughout the course of the book. There are even a few secondary characters who I’m sure readers will love to know more about. Although this was my first CQ book it certainly will not be my last. I am officially a fan! I highly recommend this book and this author!

Purchase:

About the Author

Caisey Quinn lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series as well as several New Adult Romance novels featuring country girls finding love in unexpected places. You can find her online at

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Follow the Tour

Blogger Button

Nov 15 2013

Genna Rulon’s Only For You – Hunter’s POV

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

If you read Only for You by Genna Rulon, you may have wondered what Hunter really thought of Ev when they met.

According to Genna, “Well, I’m excited to share with you all that I will be releasing a free excerpt from Hunter’s point of view on November 15 that will answer that question! You will get the chance to climb into Hunter’s head and hear what he really thought about Everleigh during their first several encounters. Let’s see if Mr. Self-control is as ‘honorable’ in his mind.”

Author Genna Rulon will post this exclusive excerpt on her Blog from Hunter’s POV.
The exclusive will be posted at 12:00 p.m. EST

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.*

Buy it Now:

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.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page | Pinterest | Goodreads

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Kindle (US Only) signed paperbacks, ebooks, and gift cards.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.*

Buy Impossibly Love Now

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?

WordPress | Goodreads

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nov 01 2013

November BOTM

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

November Book of the Month Synopsis

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view .. until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Tomboy Scout Finch comes of age in a small Alabama town during a crisis in 1935. She admires her father Atticus, how he deals with issues of racism, injustice, intolerance and bigotry, his courage and his love.

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South ― and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred.

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.

Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill A Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior – to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos. Now with over 18 million copies in print and translated into forty languages, this regional story by a young Alabama woman claims universal appeal. Harper Lee always considered her book to be a simple love story. Today it is regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.

Oct 18 2013

1000 FB Likes Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 8 Comments

A big thank you to everyone! As promised it’s time for a giveaway.

Be sure to enter for a chance to win one of the awesome prizes!

Giveaway will run from 10/18 – 10/25 and winners will be randomly selected through Rafflecopter.

Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oct 12 2013

I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Synopsis

When it comes to tattooed bad boys, Chase Gartner is the real deal. Partying, engaging in meaningless sex, getting into fights—Chase indulges in it all during his late teen years, thus firmly solidifying his status as a heartbreakingly gorgeous but way-too dangerous-to-trust guy in his hometown of Harmony Creek, Ohio. Then, following one fateful night of reckless decisions, Chase’s actions finally catch up to him and land him in prison.

Now, four years have passed and Chase finds himself a free man. He returns to Harmony Creek, ready to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding his shattered life.

Things are off to a promising start when he meets Kay Stanton, a young woman with a tragic past of her own. Despite a powerful attraction, Chase and Kay are naturally hesitant to become involved. That’s why friendship feels like the safest option. But when passions ignite and love blossoms, a relationship that is destined and meant to be can only be resisted for so long. When Chase and Kay finally succumb to their feelings they realize being together feels more right and true than anything they have ever experienced.

But their love is soon tested. Chase’s wild past still haunts and tempts him, and Kay is keeping a secret that could tear them apart.

I Stand Before You is a journey of hope and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past and moving forward. But mostly it’s a story of two damaged people who take a chance, open their hearts, and find true love.

Warning: Contains Graphic Sexual Situations, Drug Use, Some Violence, and Profanity

My Review

I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot recently but this book is intense AND WTF with the ending come on!!! LOL. I am starting to think I’ve been set up with these endings…jeez stop leaving me in suspense. I mean I appreciate a good story but damn lol. It is an excellent read I just hate that I have to wait for book two lol.

This book takes on some very heavy, very real topics. You name it, the book has it. I honestly really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the romance and how it developed. Chase and Kay’s relationship is beautiful and they both bring out the best in one another while continuously helping keep each other grounded. They both have demons and together they work through them, building a solid friendship first with a passionate romance to follow. The secrets they share with one another are deeply personal, but the trust they build between one another is admirable. It makes you covet this relationship.

A few things to know…Chase’s mom, after the loss of her husband didn’t do much to protect her sons and keep their relations strong. Chase gets himself caught up in the wrong crowd and for that he pays the consequences. Four years later he meets Kay, the woman who will change his life. I think Will (Chase’s little brother) will play an important role in the second installment. I can’t wait to read book two. I really want to know more about Will and Cassie. I refuse to read the synopsis for the next book…I’d like to be equally surprised with this one lol. I loved the significance of Chase’s tattoos. As serious as the book is at times, it is equally steamy, so there is something for everyone with this read.

I Stand Before You makes you reflect on all the judgments you’ve ever passed in your life, and the danger of preconceived notions. It makes you take a serious look at how you perceive others whether it be your first encounter, your fiftieth or simply if you gain your knowledge via the rumor mill. This book delves deeply into a few different, heavy subject matters — drugs, addiction, struggles, consequences and recovery. I loved every minute of it. This is an excellent pick for New Adult/Contemporary Romance fans. I highly recommend it, but know that you will be left in suspense on that last page 😉

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

Buy it Now:

About the Author
S.R. Grey is the author of Harbour Falls and Willow Point, first and second novels in A Harbour Falls Mystery series. She is also the author of I Stand Before You, first novel in the Judge Me Not series (New Adult/Contemporary Romance).

Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Robert Morris College, as well as an MBA from Duquesne University.

She is currently working on Wickingham Way, the third installment in A Harbour Falls Mystery series, to be released in January 2014, as well as Never Doubt Me, second novel in the Judge Me Not series.

Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Giveaway:

(1) $50 Amazon Gift Card – International
(5) eBook copies of I Stand Before You – International

Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

OR link to the giveaway if you cannot post javascript: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NGE1MDEyNTkzNmEzMjcwYWY1N2NlODA1YWVlMmE3OjI2Ng==/

Oct 11 2013

Left (Still Standing, # 1) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 3 Comments

Synopsis

Your own two feet are all you have when you’ve been left.
A naive Baylee loves Colt, her boyfriend of four years, more than she ever thought possible. After a little snooping, she’s convinced she’s well on her way toward hearing an once-in-a-lifetime proposal and starring in the wedding-of-the-year event. Instead, she’s blindsided by a very public breakup and the crushing news that Colt is marrying someone else… someone more befitting him and the role his father expects him to take in his law firm.
Baylee may have spent years resenting Ariana, her mother, and her suicide, an intolerable show of weakness in Baylee’s opinion, but after Colt leaves her just short of the altar, Baylee sees the world through her mother’s eyes. She sympathizes with Ariana’s actions and realizes that some things—soul-deep aches—can irreparably damage you and make moving on nearly impossible.
At least that’s how she feels until she meets Ryker. With his help, Baylee discovers there is life after Colt, and she prepares to move on by pulling herself up by the bootstraps, holding her head high, and standing on her own two feet. Unfortunately, a new jealous and hateful Colt has his own plans for her, and they are plans no one—especially Baylee—ever saw coming.

My Review

The prologue begins with some pretty heavy issues. I was immediately hooked. The story drew me in and by the end I was biting my nails to know what happens next. Heavy as it gets it is a great read with real issues that people will either relate to or empathetic towards the situations that are presented.

Baylee’s had a tough life, her mom committed suicide when she was only ten but she’s moved on. She’s found love and is dedicated to keeping her man happy, even if it means sacrificing her own wants and desires to please him. She ignores the telltale signs that trouble is brewing and has no clue she’s about to be in for one hell of a ride.

How far would you go to be with the one you love? Would you sacrifice your own happiness? Baylee loves her boyfriend Colt. She’s uprooted her entire life to be by his side. She’s even accepted a job she hates to appease his controlling father. Although she’s made many sacrifices, it isn’t enough and although Colt appears torn, he’s a coward. He cares more about pleasing his father than being with the woman he claims to love. Baylee arrives to dinner believing Colt is about to propose instead he chooses a very public setting to inform her that he’s leaving her. To top it all off, he makes it clear he’ll be marrying another woman, one within his affluent circle. Colt’s behavior and treatment is so shocking Baylee becomes infuriated and flips out commanding the attention of the entire restaurant. When a handsome stranger comes to her aide, Baylee must enlist his help to get away from Colt, but she has no idea her world will forever change.

Rucker…oh Rucker I love him…he is the handsome stranger that intervenes. Their romance is a whirlwind and though it progresses quickly they seem genuinely perfect for one another. The issues they face however will be what makes or breaks these two. This book is intense, sexy and utterly terryfying at times. I kind of have mixed feelings about this book. Hear me out though. On one hand, I loved it, but on the other hand, this book ends with a bang. I was left an emotional wreck and had a total WTF moment!!!! T. R. Graves is a cruel, cruel woman for leaving me hanging like that lol. The content in the book can get heavy at times, but the message is clear. I was left breathless after reading Left (Still Stading, #1). I can’t say the ending is actually a cliffhanger, but it definitely left me wanting more. I cannot wait for the second installment.

About the Author

T. R. Graves, the author of The Warrior Series and The Secrets Series and The Underwater Series, is a 2012 NaNoWriMo Winner.
She lives along the Texas coast with her husband. Together, they raise T. R.’s beta reading daughter and their football-loving son. Besides being blessed with a supportive family, she counts her career as a registered nurse in not-for-profit hospitals high on her list of fulfilling accomplishments.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oct 09 2013

Say When (Something More #1) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Publication date: July 19th 2013

Synopsis:

He told me to say when, but I can’t. Not with Andrés. It’s so hard to say anything when he’s trailing feather soft kisses down my neck, or when his touch sends hot currents of lust rippling across my skin.

Then there’s the way he smiles and offers soft words of encouragement when I’m creating art, almost like he believes I have talent.

He’s not like any guy I’ve ever met. Not like my ex-fiancée. Not like my father. He’s got me thinking that maybe we can have something more. More than just lust, degradation, and abuse.

And now I’m scared, because that means I’ll have to trust him with more than just my body, but with my heart, too.

Christina Duval

Excerpt

“So it’s your birthday?”

            I gasp as I look up to see Andrés standing between two dilapidated candy shelves. How had I not noticed he’d come into the store? He walks forward, his boots clicking on the grimy tiles. He slants a smile at me as he joins me inside the beer fortress.

            “Yeah.” I shrug, feeling the blush creep into my cheeks and unable to do anything about it. Mechanic or not, the boy is smokin’ hot. Images of random stranger sex flash through my mind.

            “Happy birthday, Christina,” he says. I love the way my name rolls off his tongue and sends a ripple of heat across my skin, like pouring warm chocolate fudge over cool vanilla ice cream .

            “How’d you know my name?” I ask as my pulse quickens. I also love that he says my entire name and not some made-up shortcut. Christina. Not Teenie, Tina, or Christy, I think. The name on my birth certificate. The name I wish everyone would call me.

            His smile widens, revealing two perfectly white rows of teeth. “I heard your friend call you Christina. It’s a beautiful name.”

            “Thanks.” Even though I consider myself a relatively fun loving person, my smile feels contrived. That’s when I realize I’m in trouble. This guy unnerves me. I force myself to break eye contact, missing his warm chocolate gaze almost instantly. I focus on the first thing that catches my eye, his gleaming silver belt buckle.

            This is a very bad idea, because my gaze instinctively travels lower, and I notice the bulge beneath his zipper. Despite the fact that my back is chilled from the refrigerated wine section behind me, I feel a bead of sweat on my temple.

            “This isn’t the best side of town,” Andrés says to me, in a voice that carries a note of concern.

            I pull my gaze from his crotch and nod. My head bobbles maybe a bit too hard, and I feel like my brain is stuck in an earthquake. “I know.”

            “I’ll wait with you until your friend gets here.” He takes a seat on a beer display, never taking his gaze off me.

            The chill from the fridge causes me to shiver. My nipples feel so hard, they could probably cut glass. I resist the urge to look down and confirm it. I realize they’re probably already poking through my lacy bra and sheer dress fabric. Knowing Andrés is getting an eye-full mortifies and excites me at the same time. Still, modesty forces me to cross my arms over my chest.

            “She was at Dylan’s,” I say, trying to sound casual and not all hot and bothered, “so it shouldn’t take long.”

            “That’s where I was going,” he says as he motions toward his boots. “Maybe I’ll see you there.”

            Weird, how just a few moments ago, I didn’t feel like celebrating anymore. Now I’m thinking about dancing with Andrés at Dylan’s. I’m not a very skilled dancer, but I can follow someone else’s lead if I have a good enough partner. I wonder if Andrés is a good dancer. I wonder how it would feel to have his rough denim pressing against me.

            My knees wobble at the thought. I look down at my stupid stilettos and realize I’m not dressed for dancing.

            “I don’t have my boots,” I say as my lip turns down in a pout.

            “We’ll slow dance. Come on, Christina.” My name slides off his tongue in a sensual purr. “It’s your birthday.” He jumps down from the beer display and bridges the distance between us in a few easy strides.

            Having Andrés this near me sends a jolt straight up my spine. My flesh buzzes and I feel it all the way to the core of my body. He smells like leather and spice, and right now the only dancing I want to do with Andrés is between the sheets.

Purchase:

About the Author

A former Texas high school teacher, I enjoyed coaching the writing team and even the hectic deadlines that came with running the school publications. After taking a break to raise my baby girl, I now work from home as a cover artist.
In my spare time, I loves to read, exercise and spend time with family and friends. I contribute the cover art for my Whispers Series and have designed covers for over 500 other books.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Grand Prize Giveaway
Prize (open internationally): a 50$ Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oct 06 2013

Façade (Games, # 2) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

No one knows who twenty-one year-old Adrian Westfall is behind his façade. After what he’s done, he deserves to live alone with his pain, even if he’d do anything to forget. Anything for a moment of quiet without his past haunting him.

Eighteen year-old Delaney Cross wants nothing more than to absolve her family from her father’s sins. To keep her suicidal mom off that ledge, and help her brother Maddox get the light back in his eyes. She thinks their road to freedom is through Adrian. Adrian and Delaney are bound together by tragedy… Only Adrian doesn’t know it. As their lives intertwine, they find a solace in each other they never knew existed. Laney knows she needs to tell him-to come out from behind her smoke screen, but to say the words could mean losing him.Two people. Two disguises. True love. Will it be enough to save them when all secrets are bared?

My Review

My first experience reading Nyrae Dawn’s work was when I read the book Charade. It is book one of the Games series and I was hooked. Façade is the second book in the Games series and I am still reeling from the emotional roller coaster ride. Of course Colt and Cheyenne make appearances in Façade, but the book is about Colt’s best friend Adrian and Delaney, the new girl who’s come to town looking for forgiveness only to find she’s falling hard and fast for Adrian, the only one who can unknowingly absolve her. These two tortured souls find solace in one another, but as with any great love story the road is never easy. The secret Delaney harbors is one that could drive a wedge between the two not only breaking her heart, but ultimately shattering Adrian’s world. This book is emotional, raw, sexy and utterly captivating. I found myself crying and not just a tear or two, but those big ugly tears that make you an emotional train wreck. I’ve found this to be the case with both books in this series. I was deeply touched by this story and although I had my suspicions about the direction the book would take. I never imagined how affected I’d be if what I suspected were actually true. I can’t stress enough how much I loved getting to know Adrian and Delaney. Their stories were both beautiful and heartbreaking. Something about Adrian is so deep and all you hope is that he finds a way to heal. Delaney has the biggest heart and you seriously hope these two can weather this storm. This is an excellent follow up to Charade. It was great to see Colt and Cheyenne still going strong and meeting Delaney and Maddox (her brother…who I hope to get better acquainted with in the future). I can’t wait to read Masquerade…yay Maddox’s story!!!

Excellent read…I definitely recommend this to my New Adult/Romance fans! If you haven’t read Charade I also highly recommend that book!!!

Buy it Now:

Excerpt

When I see my sister, Angel, walk over to Ash’s grave I don’t get out of the car. When some guy walks up and grabs her hand, I don’t know who he is and yet, I don’t bother finding out. They hug and I don’t walk over and do the same thing to her. It’s not our thing to stand around having some group, mourning session over the two year-old boy who died too soon.
Nope. This is real life. Not like all the stupid fucking books I read or the movies people watch or the reality shows that couldn’t be farther away from reality.

            Without moving an inch, I watch her. Watch as she sets flowers on Ashton’s grave. As the guy pulls her into a hug. As they kneel on the ground, probably talking to him in a way I’ll never have the balls to do.

            The guy says something to her and then gets up and walks away. I duck further down in my seat, but no one is paying attention to me. He heads back to a little car and waits.

            Angel’s hands go to her face and I know she’s crying in them. Know she’s mourning the loss of Ash, the boy she loved so much. The boy she took care of better than any mom could. I know she sent the guy away because she’s like me and needs to handle shit on her own. Only unlike me, she’ll never run.

            She cries out there for probably thirty minutes. The whole time my chest is tight. Aching. It’s hard to breathe and I want to turn away, but I don’t. I deserve to feel this way and deserve to see this.

            A fist squeezes tighter and tighter around my heart. My face is wet, but I don’t bother to wipe away the tears, either. Real men don’t fucking cry. That’s what dad always said before he hit me in a series of body shots, until I couldn’t stop myself from doing just what he said I shouldn’t do.

            Then he’d beat me harder for being weak.

            Angel’s shoulders are shaking. I can tell from this far away.

            I’m not an idiot. Never have been. I know it wouldn’t make me weak to walk over there and hug her. To hold her and tell her it’ll be okay, but I still won’t do it. What right do I have to try and console her, when I’m the one who destroyed everything?

            When I’m the one who let Ash die?

            So I sit here and watch her, just so I’ll never forget the pain I caused.”

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.