Articles

Dec 15 2013

REVIVING IZABEL (In The Company of Killers #2) Release Event

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

REVIVING IZABEL (In The Company of Killers #2)

By Bestselling Author J.A. Redmerski

An Adult Suspense

Killing Sarai (In the Company of Killers, #1) is on sale for .99 cents for the release of Reviving Izabel!

Killing Sarai: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

SYNOPSIS

Determined to live a dark life in the company of the assassin who freed her from bondage, Sarai sets out on her own to settle a score with an evil sadist. Unskilled and untrained in the art of killing, the events that unfold leave her hanging precariously on the edge of death when nothing goes as planned.

Sarai’s reckless choices send her on a path she knows she can never turn back from and so she presents Victor with an ultimatum: help her become more like him and give her a fighting chance, or she’ll do it alone no matter the consequences. Knowing that Sarai cannot become what she wants to be overnight, Victor begins to train her and inevitably their complicated relationship heats up.

As Arthur Hamburg’s right-hand man, Willem Stephens, closes in on his crusade to destroy Sarai, she is left with the crushing realization that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. But Sarai, taking on the new and improved role of Izabel Seyfried, still has a set of deadly skills of her own that will prove to be all she needs to secure her place beside Victor.

But there is one test that Izabel must face that has the potential to destroy everything she is working so hard to achieve. One final test that will not only make her question her decision to want this dangerous life, but will make her question everything she has come to trust about Victor Faust.

Check out my review of Killing Sarai & Reviving Izabel

Excerpt

Victor’s car stops at the mouth of the alley, the brakes squealing to a halt on the street. He gets out leaving the door open and rushes toward us.

“I’ve got it under control,” I say and I look down at Andre next to my feet.

I’ve knocked him out, but not for long because he begins to stir awake when Victor grabs him by the backs of his arms and pulls him to his feet.

“You were supposed to lead him to the parking lot,” Victor snaps.

Andre begins to struggle as Victor drags him toward the car.

“I said I had it under control,” I snap back. “You see I’m not the one that ended up on the ground.”

“What the fuck’s going on?” Andre calls out, trying to fight his way out of Victor’s arms.

Victor shoves him in the backseat, face-down, and plants his knee in his back as he secures his hands behind him with a plastic zip tie.

“Get in,” Victor demands.

I do as he says, rushing around to the passenger’s side and shutting the door.

“Who the fuck are you?! What’s going on? Answer me!”

Andre’s voice is vociferous behind me, filling the small space in the car.

Victor turns around against the seat, leans over it at the stomach and punches Andre so hard he knocks him out cold.

“Thanks,” I say as Victor sits back down and puts the car in Drive. “I was about to go deaf.”

“I didn’t hit him for shouting,” Victor says without looking at me.

I glance over at him as he carefully weaves the car down the thin streets lined with tightly packed cars on either side.

“I hit him because he put his hands on you,” he says.

I turn my face toward the side window, hiding my smile from him.

BUY REVIVING IZABEL NOW:

About the Author

Born November 25, 1975, J.A. (Jessica Ann) Redmerski is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

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Giveaway:

(3) Signed print copy sets of Killing Sarai and Reviving Izabel – International

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Dec 10 2013

Keep You From Harm (Remedy, # 1) Book Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

Secrets…

They weigh you down. I’ve kept a secret all my life. It’s my mother’s secret, too. I inherited it from her along with a unique ability that only we possess. She’s gone now, another victim of addiction. If her death isn’t enough to bring me to my knees, her betrayal flays me to the bone. Because the secret my mother and I have been keeping is just one of many she’d kept. She never told me I have an older brother. And now he’s here, eager to be my guardian.

There is no one else. So I move across the country to live with this stranger, my brother. But experience has taught me that most situations are temporary and forming attachments only leads to hurt in the end. That’s why I’m determined to keep to myself in this new place, struggling to seem aloof while I’m quietly breaking apart.

Then I meet Lucas…

His magnetism is hard to resist, and most girls at school aren’t resisting. I don’t fall so easily though, especially not for guys who use their good looks as a weapon. From the start, our interactions are tense and volatile. I know it’s because I’m denying the unwelcome desire that grips me when he’s near. I think he feels it, too. He looks at me with an intensity that threatens to unhinge my resolve. Soon he’s trying to break through the walls that past hurts have built.

But I’m not what I appear to be, and it wouldn’t be fair to get involved with him. At least that’s what I tell myself. Until a terrible act of violence reveals that Lucas has a secret, too. It’s a secret that links us together and ties us to an evil history I never could have imagined.

Review

Keep You From Harm had me hooked from the first page. It is completely addictive, intense and the paranormal aspect gives it an added edge. If I hadn’t read the genres associated with this book, I never would’ve imagined what I was in for. I don’t think I was adequately prepared for this ride. The way the author inserts the unique paranormal gift into an already brilliant read is both surprising and thrilling. I am already eager to read the next book in this series.

Raielle is a seventeen year old girl who has lived with her mom in California her entire life. They’ve been through a lot. Raielle has even been in and out of foster homes, through the good, the bad and ugly, she’s managed to survive. She is an accomplished student and refuses to end up like her mother who is a recovering addict. They’ve been through a lot and just as they begin to get their lives back on track, her mother is gone. After her death, she learns she has a brother in New York. With no prior knowledge of his existence, she’s suspicious, but technically still a minor. She has no other family and not much of a choice, she heads from San Diego to New York to begin her senior year in a new school with strangers all the while concealing a secret that is both a gift and a curse.

Upon her arrival she meets her brother’s wife and daughter, she’s cautious of his wife who doesn’t seem as welcoming as she appears. Raielle is very perceptive and though she is grateful to have a home to live in, she can’t help but remain wary. She befriends the neighbor and creates a small circle of friends in this new town. Everyone seems to know everyone and Raielle seems like the odd woman out, though she is unfazed by it all. Her arrival in Fort Upton is somewhat of a mystery. She just wants to keep her head down, graduate and head back to the west coast where she belongs. Until she meets Lucas…

Lucas and Raielle share a moment the first night she arrives in Fort Upton, NY. Though they don’t speak, there is a spark that is palpable. Raielle fights her feelings, Lucas behaves like an ass, but soon they find themselves interacting. Lucas is intense and intimidating, but one of the most wanted guys at school. He evokes strong feelings that make Raielle uncomfortable at time, as she fights these feelings she realizes she’s never felt this way before and she’s not so sure she wants it to stop. They share many quiet moments like this and slowly form a bond, free of labels, but no less complicated than a full blown relationship. They both are holding back secrets and until they can trust one another, they’re stuck trying to figure out what they feel. Will these secrets tear them apart or bring them together?

I’m not going to lie, this book has a crazy cliffhanger, you are guaranteed to be in a state of disbelief! I like the depth to the characters and the relationships they ultimately form. I can’t wait to see where things go.This book has romance, suspense and will leave you in utter shock. Now I just have to wait for book two which I’m sure will be as fabulous! This is a Paranormal/Contemporary Romance/Mature YA. I highly recommend this read!

About the Author

Debra Doxer has always loved to write. She also loves to read, often finishing several books a week. Debra works as a writer in the network and software security field. For fun, she writes fiction novels.

Debra lives with her family outside of Boston and is currently working on her next book.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

Dec 04 2013

Killing Sarai & Reviving Izabel Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

From the author of the New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling novel, THE EDGE OF NEVER, comes a story of passion and survival…

Sarai was only fourteen when her mother uprooted her to live in Mexico with a notorious drug lord. Over time she forgot what it was like to live a normal life, but she never let go of her hope to escape the compound where she has been held for the past nine years.

Victor is a cold-blooded assassin who, like Sarai, has known only death and violence since he was a young boy. When Victor arrives at the compound to collect details and payment for a hit, Sarai sees him as her only opportunity for escape. But things don’t go as planned and instead of finding transport back to Tucson, she finds herself free from one dangerous man and caught in the clutches of another.

While on the run, Victor strays from his primal nature as he succumbs to his conscience and resolves to help Sarai. As they grow closer, he finds himself willing to risk everything to keep her alive; even his relationship with his devoted brother and liaison, Niklas, who now like everyone else wants Sarai dead.

As Victor and Sarai slowly build a trust, the differences between them seem to lessen, and an unlikely attraction intensifies. But Victor’s brutal skills and experience may not be enough in the end to save her, as the power she unknowingly holds over him may ultimately be what gets her killed.

This is their story…

Purchase Killing Sarai, (In the Company of Killers, #1) for only 99 Pennies!!!

This book is slated for release December 10, 2013

Synopsis

Review

It appears J.A. Redmerski and I share the same birth month! Perhaps that is why I am such a fan…hehe. I can appreciate a fellow Sagittarius’ creativity. With the upcoming release of Reviving Izabel, the second installment in the In the Company of Killers series, I wanted to provide a brief review of both Killing Sarai and Reviving Izabel.

I don’t think I can adequately put into words my feelings on Reviving Izabel, (In the Company of Killers, Book #2). In fact, I don’t think I can even do so with Killing Sarai. I received Reviving Izabel as an advanced copy from the author and I dropped everything I was doing to read it…I finished it in a few hours and I am still going through withdrawal hehe. This book is a complex blend of dark and dangerous, sexy, earth shattering, toe curling, and lustful desire. I don’t know how J.A. Redmerski did it, but she managed to make a brutal, action packed book into one of the sexiest novels I’ve read in a while. This book has a little something for everyone and I…LOVED…EVERY…MINUTE…OF…IT!!!!

Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt love for Killing Sarai, (In the Company of Killers, Book #1). The book is so far from what I would’ve expected from J.A. Redmerski, especially after reading The Edge of Never series…yet another book I fell head over heels in love with! I digress. Anyway, after reading Killing Sarai, I never posted a proper review…so I will give you my thoughts on it briefly…it fuckin rocks!!! However, it isn’t all roses and sweet words and a happily ever after! It’s raw, brutal and gritty! The main character Sarai has been sold to a drug lord. She becomes his “favorite” girl and though she is living in hell, she’s certainly treated better than most. She’s protected in a way because of his attachment to her, but Sarai wants out, she yearns to escape and never look back so when an opportunity presents itself via Victor Faust, she jumps at the opportunity. Sarai knows her chances with Victor are about as good as living on the Mexican compound but she needs to take a chance if there is any way she can escape. Things get a bit…messy between the two, but slowly they come to a mutual understanding. Their attraction to one another is intense and the build up is insane, but these feelings are problematic for someone in Victor’s line of work, with Sarai’s life in danger and Victor risking his neck to help her, will these two find a way to help one another while staying in each others lives?

Killing Sarai is an absolute must read. I cannot express to you enough how much I loved it. The only problem I encountered reading it was Reviving Izabel wasn’t even in the process of being written so I had to patiently wait on the continuation of this beloved story! If you haven’t already done so, you have the opportunity to read both beginning December 10^th!!!! I highly recommend this book to all readers there is something for everyone.

Now, moving on to Reviving Izabel…. this book is PHENOMENAL! The story continues with Sarai who is trying to pick up the pieces of her life in a somewhat normal manner, her thoughts of being Izabel Seyfried haunt her daily. She’s out for blood and a chance to prove she’s cut out for the life of an assassin. She wants more than anything to prove she can handle herself, especially to the one man that consumes her thoughts daily – Victor Faust. Her commitment comes with a price, will Sarai aka Izabel be up for the task or will she realize this may not be the life for her after all?

I feel if I go any more in depth with my review, I may reveal too much. I was definitely surprised at a few things that happened throughout the book. There are a lot of twists and turns, scary moments, drama, violence and then there are some ahem..some really hot, really, um :::fans self, opens window, takes a deep breath:::, let’s just say this book is as hot and steamy as it is brutal and dark. I don’t know how, but J.A. Redmerski was able to capture the essence of both a romance and a dark work of fiction. She blended the two together perfectly creating a masterpiece and the perfect follow-up to an already amazing Killing Sarai. These books are must-reads on my list and I recommend them for all readers (ok…except young adults and children…this is definitely a mature read…so make sure you can hang before opening this one!)

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

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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:

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

Giveaway

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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!

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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

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Nov 30 2013

For Real Book Review & Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

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

Review

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

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

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

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

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

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Grand prize winner receives a $100 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet. 5 Runners up receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet. US Only!

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Nov 16 2013

Intermix Nation Tour & Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis:
Intermix: to mix together, blend

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

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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

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About the Author

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

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Nov 15 2013

Love Waltzes In

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

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

Excerpt

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

Dear Bret,

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

Love, Mom

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

Bret, m’boy,

We’ll make it worth your time.

Cheers, Benny.

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

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

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

“Hey, Staff Sergeant, this you?”

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

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

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

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

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

“My bad, Staff Sergeant.”

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Purchase Love Waltzes In:**

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

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Nov 14 2013

For Real Release Day Blitz

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Synopsis

Two people. One fake relationship. What could go wrong?

When virgin Shannon Travers gets fed up with her friends demanding that she find a boyfriend, she enlists the help of tattooed, mohawk-rocking graphic design student Jett. He’s more than happy to play along with their Fake Relationship, including the Ten Rules of Fake Dating that control-freak Shannon comes up with. Even if he likes to violate them. Repeatedly.

But what happens when Fake Dating starts to feel… not fake anymore? Will Shannon be willing to let go and embrace the first thing in her life that’s ever felt REAL?

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About the Author

Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world’s worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.

Her New Adult Contemporary Romance titles include My Favorite Mistake, which has been bought by Harlequin along with a sequel, Deeper We Fall and Faster We Burn (April 20, 2013)

Her Young Adult books include Nocturnal, Nightmare and Neither, the first three books in The Noctalis Chronicles. The fourth and final book, Neverend will be out in 2013. Whisper, the first in The Whisper Trilogy is also available, with the second book in the series, Silence and the final book, Listen coming out in 2014.

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GIVEAWAY

Grand prize winner receives a $100 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet.
5 Runners up receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet. US Only!

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Nov 12 2013

Mr. Right Now Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 3 Comments

Tasty Book Tours

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

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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

Purchase:

Lyrical Press | Amazon

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

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Nov 10 2013

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

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

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

Synopsis

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

Review

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Reading 🙂

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

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About the Author

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