Articles

Nov 02 2013

The Devil’s Tattoo Blog Tour & Review

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 2 Comments

Synopsis

The Highway to Hell or the Stairway to Heaven?

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

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

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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

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

Now,

Step 1. Buy it

Step 2. Read it

Step 3. Love ♥ it

Happy Reading ♥

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

About the Author

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

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

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

Book Trailer:

Grand Prize Giveaway:
(Open Internationally)

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

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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 31 2013

Impossibly Love Excerpt & 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?

About the Author

Shane Morgan is a lover of “interesting” books. Her imagination is always running wild so it’s best to collect and organize them into separate stories.

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

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Excerpt

Moya’s eyes widened when I spun her around to face me. It was obvious what I was about to do and I knew very well she wouldn’t let it happen without a fight. Her attempts at being freed were futile as my hold increased the more she squirmed in my arms.

“Let go!” she demanded.

I blew hard, eager to drown myself in the sweetness of her lips. Dismissing her protest—and the little voice at the back of my head telling me not to—I shoved my mouth to hers and kissed her hungrily.

Moya lifted her hands to my chest and pushed tentatively, and just as fast they began to lower. I knew she couldn’t resist the deep passion evoking between us. Finally, she yielded, and I wrapped my arms even tighter around her as Moya parted her lips and allowed me to enter.

We groaned as our tongues collided, touching each other wildly as if the kiss was not only our first but our last. Moya placed her hands on my lower back, touching me sensually with her fingertips as she worked her way up my spine. She caressed the back of my neck, and then combed her fingers seductively through my hair.

By the time the kiss ended, we were both panting, trying to breathe steadily.

Moya wobbled as she backed away. “I have to get to class,” she whispered shakily as if under a trance.

I released her with regret and watched as Moya turned and started up the path, staggering along the way.

Afterwards, I dragged my thumb lightly along my lips, eyes fastened on Moya as she walked away. I could still feel the heat of her skin on mine, giving light to a fire of pleasure that threatened to make my hands shake in memory of her taste.

Motivated by the promise of her presence, I walked up the path as well, following behind the girl I was indisputably falling hard for and fast.

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Oct 25 2013

Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan: Book Trailer Reveal

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Release date: October 29th, 2013
Publisher: TSW Books
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Available in Paperback, Kindle

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

About the Author
Shane’s love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, divulging in a variety of genres; from comedy, drama, to horror and romance. She’s quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed “impossible.”

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TRAILER

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Oct 20 2013

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

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Tattoo Thief Synopsis

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

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

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

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

My Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Author

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

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

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

She loves to hear from readers via messages

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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.

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Oct 13 2013

Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Blog Tour

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: 1 Comment

Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Synopsis

Last summer, Emma discovered that true love never dies.
It can return.
It can give you hope.
It can pull you from darkness.

Until it’s ripped from you.
Again.

As her 22nd birthday approaches, Emma Donohue finds herself back at school and utterly alone. Hours away from family and friends, her solitary days are spent contemplating what never should have been. James should never have died, but he did. He should never have been assigned as her Guardian, but he was. And she should never have allowed Dane to get too close to her heart.

But she failed.

Desperate to fill her time, Emma is intrigued by her mysterious new neighbor, Garrett. She’s never met anyone quite like him before, and, curious, she attempts to discover his past. Little does she know his presence will pull her into a world she could never imagine. A world that follows an ancient doctrine. A world built on loyalty, yet plagued by secrets and lies.

A world that will threaten everything – and everyone – she loves.

Allegiant is the second story in The Guardian Trilogy.
The third novel, Reborn, is complete and due to be published in February 2014.

My Review

Well, I can’t say that I am surprised…Sara Mack is lucky I live in New York, otherwise I would’ve resorted to kicking and screaming for a copy of Reborn…full on tantrum! That’s right Sara…how could you do this to me again? How? LOL.

To say this book is amazing is an understatement. Sara Mack continues to draw the reader into this complex world of love, loyalty and confusion. The characters all experience their own trauma at one point or another but they are all conflicted and all connected in some way. I had a few jaw dropping moments and I must say this is a cleverly crafted book. I could not believe the connections, the decisions made and the turn this book takes! The ending will leave you in a state of shock, but definitely craving more.

I love, love, love this book and I cannot wait for the final installment. I already know it is bound to be great. This is a fantastic follow-up to Guardian. The author has managed to…painfully…leave me hanging…again….I will reiterate my earlier sentiments from my review of Guardian that Sara Mack is indeed evil…yeah I said it…again 😛

All jokes aside this is a phenomenal book. I seriously recommend this trilogy to any Paranormal Romance lover…it is one of the best paranormal series I’ve read to date. You will be kept in suspense. The concept is beyond anything I could’ve imagined. The characters are faced with some incredible obstacles and tough decisions. Emma has one hell of a choice to make and although the book ends in a way that leaves me wondering if this can possibly go in a different direction later, I absolutely have no clue. I am astonished that Sara Mack might actually surprise me. It isn’t often that an author can do that to me so I must give credit where it’s due. I love that I am so unsure of what the final outcome will be and shocked at what has already come to pass.

What a story and boy do I love these characters…each and every one of them have managed to weasel their way into my heart and I am still torn between the love interests. This is a series that I can tell I have NO idea which way it will go and I can’t say I’d be angry with either outcome as all of these characters have been through hell and back. I just don’t know.

And now for some shouty capitals to express myself with a little oomph….THAT ENDING!!!! Brace yourselves!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVE GUARDIAN AND I’LL BE BOLD AND SAY I CANNOT WAIT TO READ REBORN!!!!!!! Sara…you’re still evil!

I didn’t want to give away too much from this book just know there will be plenty of James AND Dane in this book and a whole host of new wonderful characters (and some not so wonderful)!!! This is a series you truly have to experience to understand how great it is.

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

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About the Author

Sara Mack is a Michigan native who grew up with her nose in books. She is a wife and a hockey mom on top of being trapped in a windowless office forty hours a week. Her spare time is spent one-clicking on Amazon and devouring books on her Kindle, cleaning up after her kids and two elderly cats, attempting to keep her flower garden alive, and, of course, writing. She has an unnatural affinity for dark chocolate, iced tea, and bacon. Guardian is her debut novel.

Connect with Sara:

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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.*

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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.

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Giveaway:

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

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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.

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Oct 10 2013

Riptides: A Lengths Novella (LENGTHS #4.5) Exclusive Excerpt

Author: Bibliowhore • Discussion: No Comments

Release Date: October 15, 2013

RIPTIDES Synopsis:

Enzo Rodriguez doesn’t take much seriously–unless it involves waves, boards, or good beer. When too-hot-to-handle Jessica Mills strolls into his life, Enzo is willing to forego all of those things for every second he can spend with her. But Jessica has a huge secret–and when it’s revealed, it not only crushes Enzo, but has the last person he wants to ask a favor of–his brother-in-law Adam–bailing him out of jail. Enzo is convinced that the only way to mend his bruised ego and heart, is to pack his bags and leave the turbulent waters of Silver Strand…for good.

Exclusive Excerpt

I pull her into my arms and, now that we’re done talking, we keep ourselves busy with other things. Like stripping each other naked.

“What if I get another customer?” Jess asks, her breath skipping and her words stuttering. “What if someone comes to the door?”

“Want me to lock up?” I offer.

“You’re naked, Enzo,” she giggles, gazing down at my body appreciatively. I’m glad I’ve been able to work less and surf more lately, even if she did call me a bum for it. “The entire front of the store is plate glass.”

“I have zero body issues.” I hold my arms out at my sides. “Give me the keys.”

She chews on that lower lip. “I don’t think anyone is coming. Don’t worry about it.”

“Ah. You’re afraid other ladies might get a glimpse? Storm the place?” I nod. “Want to keep me trapped back here in your…love bakery?”

Her laugh rings out. “You’re ridiculous. But, since you’re in my bakery, I should probably do a little work on you.”

“A little work?” I watch her saunter to the fridge and rifle around.

Author Bios:

Steph Campbell grew up in Southern California, but now calls the Northeast home. She has one husband, four children and a serious nail polish obsession.

She’s repped by Kevan Lyon at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.Steph’s works include Delicate, Grounding Quinn and Beautiful Things Never Last; My Heart for Yours and My Fate for Yours (with Jolene Perry); A Toast to the Good Times (with Liz Reinhardt) and the bestselling new adult LENGTHS series with Liz Reinhardt: Lengths, Depths, Limits and coming soon: Riptides & Drift.

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Liz Reinhardt was born and raised in the idyllic beauty of northwest NJ. A move to the subtropics of coastal Georgia with her daughter and husband left her with a newly realized taste for the beach and a bloated sunscreen budget. Right alongside these new loves is her old, steadfast affection and longing for bagels and the fast-talking foul mouths of her youth.She loves Raisinettes, even if they aren’t really candy, the Oxford comma, movies that are hilarious or feature zombies, any and all books, but especially romance (the smarter and hotter, the better), the sound of her daughter’s incessantly wise and entertaining chatter, and watching her husband work on cars in the driveway.She is the author of the Brenna Blixen series (Double Clutch, Junk Miles, Slow Twitch), the Youngblood series (Fall Guy, Perfectly Unmatched), and co-writes with the awesome Steph Campbell in the Lengths series (Lengths, Depths, Limits, Ties, Riptides).

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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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.