Book Review: Locke (Corps Security #5) by Harper Sloan

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Blurb
Darkness is the only thing I see. Ever since the day my life changed. The day that everything and everyone I held close to me ceased to exist. The day I lost it all and the demons of my past consumed my every waking moment.
 
I tried to keep others at arm’s length. Tried not to let my darkness taint them. Ruin them. Harm them. And whether I want to admit it or not, as much as I wish I could keep them locked out, they refuse to leave. Refuse to let me suffer alone.
 
If I hadn’t been so focused on keeping those demons from flying free, I wouldn’t have missed how one perfect angel was able to sneak her way under my skin—refusing to let go. Making me want things I don’t deserve.
 
She consumes me. Her beauty knows no end. The love she promises tempts me every time she’s near. But that pure heart that makes her MY Emmy is the one thing I’m convinced I’ll destroy if I ever let her close.
 
I’m a broken man. A broken man with too much darkness in his soul to ever let her light shine upon me. But even that doesn’t stop me from craving her with every single breath in my body.
 
**This is the final book in the Corps Security series. This book is not suitable for younger readers. There is strong language, adult situations, and some violence.*
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Review 

Locke, the fifth and final book in the Corps Security series is probably my favorite. I’ll be honest when Harper Sloan released Axel I was hooked, I never imagined the book I’d fallen in love with would become a series of 5 books that I’d ultimately swoon over. My curiosity about Maddox Locke only grew with each book release…something about him just made me want to know more. I’ll admit all the books in the series at some point brought me to tears and I just want to reiterate as I do whenever I mention the waterworks that this is no easy task. I can only name a handful of authors that have successfully brought my emotionless ass to tears. I don’t know that I would recommend reading these books as a standalone because I feel like you need to experience all their journeys in order to fully appreciate each book individually. You need to see what each person has endured and how each character plays a role in their happiness. I urge you to read this series in order! If you have never read any of the Corps Security books…shame on you go on and buy them now. If you’re with me and have read all or close to all then you can agree Harper knows how to write one hell of a book. This is, as with most of my reviews spoiler free.

 

Maddox Locke has lived with some demons, his scars run deep. He is shackled by the chains of his past and pulled himself so far down he doesn’t know how to get back up. He’s managed to deal with his pain by never allows anyone completely in. He’s become an expert at hiding his emotions. The only person who has ever been able to slightly scratch the surface is Emmy. Something about beautiful, sweet Emmy touches him deep to his soul. He cares for her deeply, but Maddox refuses to acknowledge or act on his feelings. They have an intense connection and longstanding history. Emmy’s patience and undying loyalty to Locke is admirable, but even I got frustrated for her. How much rejection can one person take before it’s just too much. I don’t want to spoil any of the books for you so I’ll just say this one picks up close to where we left off, but also delves into Locke and Emmy’s past so we get to understand their upbringing and their struggles. Emmy went through so much and she is one tough as nails chick. She’s probably my absolute favorite alpha chick. She’s pretty bad ass. 
Locke’s story is one that will cut deep and break your heart, but Emmy’s story is one you’d never imagine. These two have both suffered. They’ve endured pain, loss and betrayal like you wouldn’t believe. Harper Sloan has a way of shocking you, touching you and making you whole all in the same chapter. Her stories are raw, intense, passion filled and deeply personal. The family she’s created through the corps security series is one that makes you wish you had the kind of support these characters provide one another. They are a family and although they have all gone through their share of struggles they are always there for each other through the good, bad and ugly. 

 

Locke has kept everyone at an arms length for as long as we’ve known him. Briefly we get a glimpse of some emotion, but those moments have been few and far between. We know how much he cares whenever we hear his brief, but powerful advice. He’s unknowingly been a rock to everyone around him and getting to hear his story is one that will touch you and make you hope beyond hope that these two finally gets their happily ever after. This book is incredible. I loved every minute of it, there are some pretty fucked up moments, but overall everything they endure makes their bond stronger and this book and the series is well worth the read.

 

I don’t really know how else to say this is an awesome book without giving much away so I’ll just say this is an awesome book and a great conclusion to the series. The best thing about it is Harper has opened the way for a couple more stories to be told in what I’m hoping may be a new series or a few novellas in the works? At least I’m hoping that is the case haha…either way, these books have weaved their way into my heart and will forever have a place there. 

 

I’d highly recommend this book and the series to any Contemporary Romance/Military Romance fans. 

 

*This 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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Check out all the Alpha Men and their stories:

Axel (Book 1)  |  Cage (Book 2)  |  Beck (Book 3)  |  Uncaged (Book 3.5)  |  Cooper (Book 4)

 

harper

About the Author:
Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero–the super alpha kind! 
Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.
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Book Review: Temper For You (For You, #3) by Genna Rulon

Temper For You ebook cover

Temper For You

For You Series, book #3

By Genna Rulon

Synopsis:
 
“Life is messy. Love is messier.” – Catch and Release
Meg Adeio has led a life of isolation—not by choice, by necessity—until one act of heroism forces her out of seclusion. Despite a past shrouded in mystery, Meg is “adopted” by an eclectic group of friends that become the family she never had. Life was good for the first time in…ever.
Or it was until Westly Black reappeared on her doorstep. She knew he was the last man any woman should give her time to—only good for one thing—yet a temptation no woman could deny. Wes might make her life messy, but Meg’s eyes were wide open and she had it under control. At least she thought she did.
When past and present collide, loyalties are tested, forcing Meg to sacrifice her future to protect those she loves.
Temper For You is a gripping story of regret, deception, and redemption – filled with raw emotion, sarcastic wit, intrigue, and love’s propensity to forgive.

• Though Temper For You is a part of the For You Series, it can be read as a stand alone
• This story is appropriate for readers 18+

 

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REVIEW 

Wow. Just W-O-W….
I don’t even know where to begin. As I sit writing this I have come to the conclusion that the For You series is probably one of my favorite series and Genna Rulon has expertly weaved her way into my heart as one of my favorite authors! Temper For You, if you are familiar with the series is Meg’s story. If you are not familiar with the For You series, I urge you to get acquainted with these characters. You will adore them and cherish them just as I do. Although this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the books in order. It just allows you to better connect with the characters and follow references from the past two novels. I don’t know that I can truly rank the books in any specific order as I feel Genna Rulon has undoubtedly stolen my heart every single time. I do believe I am a fan for life. She has an impressive ability to weave words in such a way that allows the reader to step into the book and experience every emotion with these characters. Her expert writing and flawless satire is incomparable to any author I’ve ever read. The closest comparison I can give is that her descriptive abilities are similar to that of Colleen Hoover and her humor close to that of Alice Clayton, however, she is truly unique when it comes to her sarcasm and no one in my opinion has come close to matching the quick wit of her characters.
 
We meet Meg in Pieces For You and immediately we know she’s hiding things. We learn that she has endured some struggles, but her honesty remains questionable. In Temper For You we learn why. Her shrouded past has caused her great pains and she has managed to steer clear of love and friendship. That is until she meets Ev, Sam, Griffin and Hunter. They as Genna claims “adopt” her into the family, and although she adores them, her past still has a tight hold on her. She is sure that she will eventually lose them. She is waging an internal war and although she appears fine on the surface she won’t allow anyone close enough to break through those walls. She knows the dangers of allowing anyone to get too close. So she remains guarded, that is until Westly Black re-enters her life and here begins the struggle. There is an undeniable attraction between these two and their chemistry is off the charts causing a surge of emotions that will forever alter the two. When Meg’s past collides with her present her future seems nothing more than a bleak prospect. Will her newfound family and potential romance allow her to break free from the chains of her past or will she be forced to lose everyone and everything she’s come to know and love?
 
Temper For You is told in dual perspectives. You will get to experience both Wes and Meg’s POV – which I absolutely loved. Wes is a man that on the surface appears to be nothing more than a pompous asshole, but as I read and learned more about his own story, I realized I might not have given him a fair chance. I, like Meg, had not allowed myself to look beyond whom we met in Pieces For You. When I was able to look past the little I knew of Wes I was enamored by this man and his many layers. My only advice to the reader is that you go into this judgment free…give him a chance as I did, you won’t be disappointed.
 
I was so deeply enthralled by this book that I forewent sleep just to finish it. Yes, it is that good!!! I’m not going to lie, there were moments where I wanted to grab Meg and shake her, but most of the book I spent curious and let’s just say her story is quite unlike anything you’d expect. It is quite a compelling read and while each of the characters in this series has experienced their share of struggles and hurdles, Meg’s story touched me in a different way. I felt for her and wanted her to have a happy ending despite the obstacles. I wanted to know more about her past and hoped she’d be able to find a future she deserved, but most of all I wanted her to realize her potential and worth. This story is magnetic. It draws you in and tugs at your heartstrings. You will hope and wish for the best outcome for these two despite the odds.
This book also gets incredibly steamy.  I seriously thought my kindle was going to explode from the chemistry! Talk about passion.The descriptive language also caused me to blush a few times! Temper For You has the perfect blend of romance, drama and humor. Hot, dramatic, sexy, raw,  intense, inspiring and of course witty. I loved everything about this book and now I must buy all three books in print. These are books you need in your library! I highly recommend this to all new adult, romance, contemporary romance, omg who am I kidding, I recommend this to ALL readers (at least those 18 and older…due to the…ahem…content. haha) 

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


 EXCERPT

“Look…Sam is ever-so-slightly insane.  It may be a new form of Tourette’s, but I’m waiting to hear back from the Psych department for confirmation.  Despite her best intentions, she has an astounding propensity to embarrass me.  You are just one in a series of cringe-worthy moments so don’t think you’re anything special, and whatever you do, don’t read too much into anything she said.  Nothing is going to happen between us.”
She was so certain, I almost believed her—almost.
I grabbed the edges of her stool and spun until we were face-to-face, the change of position creating the illusion of privacy and removing the deliberate need for her to speak to me over her shoulder.  I expected a protest but was pleasantly surprised when the only reaction I received was a raised brow.
“That’s better.  Now, was Sam telling the truth?  Are you interested in a no strings…friendship?  Because I can promise I am a very accommodating friend.  And you won’t find anyone less capable of strings than me,” I finished with a salacious smile full of carnal promise.
She leaned into me, her body already buying what I was selling.  It was a moment of weakness I needed to capitalize on.
Splitting the distance between us, I locked my eyes onto hers, my mouth mere inches from her pouty lips.  It was my last chance and I damn well knew it.  Time for the most persuasive closing argument of my life.
“There aren’t many things I’m truly exceptional at.  I’ll never be husband material.  I’m a shit friend most of the time.  I believe the ends usually justify the means.  My moral fiber is questionable, at best.  I will never be the person you call when you’re in a bind or need a shoulder to lean on.  I don’t express my feelings, mostly because I don’t have any that aren’t shallow.  I don’t like animals as a general rule, and children—no, just no,” I paused, asking myself what the hell I was saying as the same question echoed in her eyes.  Too late now—in for a penny, in for a pound.  “The only steadfast rule I have is I do not sleep with someone else’s woman—ever.  Other than that one display of principles, I have few redeeming qualities.  There are two areas I excel, the law and sex—and when I say I excel, I mean I’m a fucking god.  You will forget your own name because all you’ll be able to do is scream mine…over and over again.  You want no-strings, mind-blowing sex?  There is no one better qualified.”
Her eyes were wide as saucers and her mouth slightly open, which I took as an invitation.  Without warning, I closed the gap between us, brushing my lips against her silky pink ones.  I took advantage of her shock and slid my tongue inside, tasting and teasing.  It was a kiss meant to entice, not conquer—that would come later.  I gently nipped her plump lower lip with my teeth and was rewarded with a sharp inhale of desire.  She was so close to surrender I could taste it—sweet and hot, with a hint of vanilla and cranberry.
Her resistance collapsed, marked by the alluring breasts suddenly pressed against my chest—victory.  I grasped her hips, pulling until she was pressed firmly against me, undoubtedly able to feel the steely effect of her kiss.  As I subtly rocked my hips against her core, warm fingers twined through my hair, tugging me closer, causing a groan of pained pleasure to escape from my mouth into hers.
Unwilling to continue my exploration with a bar full of witnesses, I attempted to pull away—an attempt met with unintelligible protests.  I couldn’t risk giving her an opportunity for second thoughts, so I did what any sane man would do.  I slid my hands down to cup her lush ass, lifting until her legs wrapped around my waist, and without breaking the kiss, I carried her out of the bar.  Perhaps I was more of a gentleman than I’d given myself credit for.

 

Westly (cast) Meg (cast) 

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Genna 2 hAbout the Author:
Genna Rulon is a contemporary romance author with a passion for blending comedy, tragedy, suspense, and hope to create her “book babies.”
During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna—inspired by her love of reading—fantasized about penning her own stories.  Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursue her aspirations of writing her own novels.
Genna was born in California and raised on Long Island in New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends.  She’s married to a wonderful man who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on—even feigning 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 books are brought to you courtesy of coffee and Disney Junior.

 

You can find Genna online at:
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Part-time Princess (Ladies in Waiting #1) by Pamela DuMond

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Part-time Princess by Pamela DuMond 
(Ladies in Waiting #1) 
Publication date: Spring 2014

Synopsis

 

Two Princes are in love with her. Too bad she’s an imposter…
Hold tight to your tiara, grab your scepter and be prepared for the New Adult hilarious, modern-day romantic-comedy ride of your life!
Rated PG-13 and mildly R for:
Sexual innuendo.
Hot Guys.
Hot Guys who are Princes.
Flirting.
Romance.
The occasional naughty word.
The occasional naughty royal fantasy.
The occasional naughty deed.
Romance.
Castles.
Ladies-in-Waiting.
Parties!
Cocktails.
A puppy.
Gowns.
Intrigue.
Chocolate.
Champagne.
A Royal Wedding!
Comedy.
Sexiness.
More Romance.
And—a Happily-Ever-After Ending (Just not the way you expected it!)
Lucy Trabbicio’s a down-on-her-luck, young, American, former biker-bar cocktail waitress desperate to find a job. Lady Elizabeth Billingsley hires Lucy to travel to Fredonia, the tiny jewel of a country in the Alps, for ten days ‘tops’ to impersonate her.
Say what? How the heck is that going to happen?
In the mother of all makeovers, Elizabeth’s people teach Lucy how to dress, walk, talk, eat, be coiffed and even get naked like a European Lady.
The goal?
To keep Crown Prince Cristoph Timmel interested in Elizabeth until she finishes her unexpected, pressing personal business in the States.
But fate intervenes… Lucy meets and is wildly attracted to sexy, bad-boy Nick on the oh-so-long flights to Fredonia. Unfortunately for Lucy—Nick and Elizabeth have a hot sexual history, which Nick wants to immediately resume.
Prince Cristoph proposes marriage. What’s an imposter girl to do? Elizabeth insists that she’ll make it back home in time for the wedding. Lucy accepts Cristoph’s proposal and is on the fast track to becoming a Princess but continues to fall for the wrong Prince of Fredonia—Nick. When another tiny glitch arises—someone’s trying to kill her.
The only folks helping Lucy are her wild, party hard, take-no-prisoners Ladies-in-Waiting.
When the real Lady Elizabeth decides she’s not marrying Cristoph and never returning to Fredonia, Lucy’s faced with an uncomfortable decision—continue her deception, marry the prince she’s not in love with and live a dream life albeit without Nick, her dream guy? Or tell the truth and return to poverty and oblivion?
A modern day sexy fairy tale with romance, twists and turns, LOL moments, a few tears and an empowering ending.
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 Excerpt 

We noshed on sandwiches in my bedroom and the Ladies drank champagne from crystal flutes. I turned down the bubbly—I didn’t want to meet Cristoph’s family for the first time (for real) even a bit tipsy.
I encouraged Cheryl and Joan to invade Elizabeth’s closet, rifle through her clothes and pick the crucial meeting-the-royal family-outfit. I sat on the floor, leaned back against my bed and downed the last of that lamb/venison Fredonia sausage. It was freaking delicious.
“The key word here is—” I said, “—informal. I’ve already met Cristoph’s family so many times in the past.”
I could practically feel my nose growing.
“And yes, my sleep has sucked for the past three nights.”
Make that the past three weeks since I’d taken this part-time job.
“Every night Carolina brings me herbal tea before I go to bed. She’s so sweet,” I said. “Such a lady! What a catch for Elizabeth’s Da-I mean Papa. But I still toss and turn. And every morning Helga brings me fresh coffee. But it never really wakes me up. I don’t feel like myself. I think it’s all the stress.”
Maybe it was all the lying. Or maybe I missed Nick. I hadn’t heard boo from him since that day in the park.
“What stress?” Cheryl asked. “You’re engaged to a hot Prince, you’ll want for nothing ever again and all you really have to do to cement the deal—post-wedding of course—is pop out an heir someday. I delivered two. Hubby is quite content with his little Ladies who adore him. Of course he travels five days out of the week and only has daughter duty on weekends. Sign me up for a boob lift, a tummy tuck, a ten-pack of facial peels and valerian root tea.”
“Oh cut the crap, Cheryl,” Joan said. “It’s called Xanax.”
“I’d like to see you handle two little ones under the age of five who already snark at each other like high school mean girls,” Cheryl said. “Xanax, valerian, reikki, yoga, watching too much tennis on TV—love that Rafa—whatever it takes to keep my sanity, I’ll do it. Mommy Makeover here I come.”
“I read an article in Euro Cosmopolitan that said getting engaged was right up there on the top twenty list of major life stresses,” I said. “I come by my eye circles the old-fashioned way—too much stress.”
“Or perhaps your lack of sleep is from all the clandestine sex you’re finally getting.” Esmeralda waltzed into my bedroom. “Great job you’re doing with Elizabeth’s under eye circles, Joan. You’re gifted.” She threw herself onto her back on my bed. “Can someone pour me a glass of champagne?” She propped herself up on her elbows and held out one hand. “Por favor?”
“What do you mean, ‘clandestine sex?’” I poured a glass of Perrier Whatever and passed it to her.
“What do you mean ‘finally getting?’” Joan asked. “Good Lord, Elizabeth’s been getting more than her share for years. I’m a single barrister and I work a forty-hour week. When do I have time to meet men, let alone date?”
“You meet men all the time,” Cheryl said.
“I meet men ‘all the time’ who are married, incarcerated or married and soon to be incarcerated. My ‘getting’ pool is in the shallow end,” Joan said.
“Trust me, all the clandestine sex will be screeching to a stop after Elizabeth gets married and pumps out two heirs. Color me happy if we have sex once a week.” Cheryl guzzled what remained in her glass and held it out. “And even then it’s usually in front of the TV during a soccer match. Top me off, please.”
Clandestine, Joan. Secret. Not out in the open. On the QT,” Esmeralda said.
Nothing’s happening on the QT,” I said.
“You’re engaged to a royal, darling,” Esmeralda said. “The good citizens of Fredonia assume you’re doing the horizontal hokey-pokey, and while most of them fantasize about it, everything still must remain hush-hush for etiquette’s sake. Excuse me while I multi-task as we chat. I have a date tonight. Yoga keeps me limber.” She downed the champagne and handed me back the glass. “Gracias.”
“You’re welcome. Can I get you another—”
“I’m good.” She widened her legs high up in the air over her head, clasped onto her big toes with her thumbs and forefingers and stretched her thighs wide apart.
Joan winced and then squinted up at the ceiling. “Esmeralda! I see London, I see France. I see that you need underpants!”
I glared at the smart-mouthed Lady-in-Waiting, rolling all over my bed like a kitten in heat. And I wondered how much dry-cleaning a down comforter in Fredonia would cost in euros.
“You’re going commando again, aren’t you?” Cheryl frowned. “I thought those days were over.” She sighed.
Esmeralda rocked from side to side as she displayed almost everything but her private half-Spanish parts. “I just follow Elizabeth’s lead. She’s always been the trend setter in our group.”
“Me?” I sputtered. “I’ve never been big on trends. And I always wear undies.”
That was kind of a lie but sounded appropriate and somewhat chaste. Besides, who would call me on it?

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PamelaAUTHOR BIO
Pamela DuMond is the author who discovered Erin Brockovich’s life story, thought it would make a great movie and pitched it to ‘Hollywood’.

She writes romantic comedic mysteries, romantic YA time travel and New Adult romance.

Her book The Story of You and Me was a Quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakout Novel Award (ABNA) 2014 in Romance.

Cupcakes, Pies, and Hot Guys was a Quarterfinalist in ABNA 2013 in Mystery .

She’s addicted to TV shows — The Voice and Reign. The movies Love Actually and The Bourne trilogy (with Matt Damon — not that other actor guy,) make her cry ever time she watches them. (Like — a thousand.)

When she’s not writing Pamela’s also a chiropractor and cat wrangler. She loves reading, the beach, working out, movies, TV, animals, her family and friends. She lives in Venice, California with her fur-babies.

She likes her coffee strong, her cabernet hearty, her chocolate dark, her foods non-GMO and she lives for a good giggle.

Website   |   Goodreads   |   Facebook   |   Twitter

 


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$20 Amazon Gift Card
3x eBook copy of Part-Time Princess
2x eBook copy of The Messenger
2x eBook copy of The Story of You and Me

 

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Song of the Fireflies Paperback Launch Day Blitz & More…

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 SONG OF THE FIREFLIES by J.A. Redmerski (September 2, 2014; Forever Trade Paperback; $14.00)


Synopsis

THE TRUTH WILL SET THEM FREE
Brayelle Bates has always been a force of nature. Even as a child, Bray’s wild and carefree spirit intimidated everyone around her. The only person who’s ever truly understood her is her best friend, Elias Kline. Though every fiber of her being wants to stay with Elias forever, Bray can’t bear the thought of him discovering her agonizing history. She’s done everything she can to keep him at arm’s length, including moving away. But their undying bond was too strong a pull to deny, and Bray couldn’t survive without him. Now she’s back home with Elias, and things have never felt more right–until one night changes everything.

 

Elias vowed never to be separated from Bray again. So when she decides to flee in a desperate attempt to escape her fate, Elias knows he must go with her. As the two try to make the most of their circumstance, taking up with a reckless group of new friends, Elias soon realizes there’s a darkness driving Bray he can’t ignore. Now in order to save her, he’ll have to convince Bray to accept the consequences of their reality–even if it means losing her.

 

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Excerpt

When I made my way back to the top, I found Bray wasn’t sitting near the edge of the ridge where I had left her I moved farther out into the clearing with our blankets draped over one shoulder.

“Bray?” I said, looking around.

I brushed it off for a second, thinking she was probably just taking a piss behind a tree somewhere, and I set our blankets on the ground.

But then I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I walked quickly toward the edge and looked over. My heart started to bang against my rib cage. I peered down as far as my sight could penetrate the darkness, but took a step back upon realizing that if she had fallen there was no way I’d be able to see from way up here.

She had to be somewhere around close by. She had to be.

“Bray?” I called out again. “Where the hell did you go?”

Still no answer.

Panic set in quickly. I stood there as still and as quiet as I could for several long seconds in case she was coming through the woods, but I heard nothing. I arranged both hands around my mouth and shouted, “BRAY!” and my voice echoed through the wide-open space. But still nothing. I felt sick to my stomach. She wouldn’t have left like that way out here. And if she did, I would’ve seen her on the path coming down as I was making my way back up.

I ran toward the tree line, searching for any sign of her, for another path she might have taken. I refused to believe that she had fallen off the edge.

Just as I noticed another path through the woods that seemed to head south and I started to go toward it, I heard footfalls in the leaves. I didn’t wait to see if it was her, I ran blindly straight into the woods. A skinny branch slapped me across the forehead on my way, but I didn’t stop.

Bray and I nearly crashed into each other.

“Shit, baby! Where the hell did you go? Scared the hell out of me!” I started to pull her into a hug, but something about her was off and I stopped. She didn’t respond or even raise her head to look at me.

“Are you all right?”

I took her hands into mine. Hers were shaking. Her whole body was shaking.

I cupped her face in my palms and raised her head so that she’d look at me. She was crying, and something in her eyes…I couldn’t place it, but it haunted me. I wondered if she even knew I was standing right in front of her. Her hair was messy, with pieces of leaves stuck within a mass of strands. Dirt was smeared across her left cheek. She looked like she’d been in a fight.

I touched her split lip, where a thin line of blood glistened near the corner. “Bray, you’re scaring me. What happened to you?” I shook her gently and then more aggressively when she still didn’t respond. “What happened? Talk to me!”

Her lips trembled and more tears seeped from the corners of her eyes. And then as if a floodgate had been opened, she started screaming through her tears, “It was my fault! Elias! Oh my God!”

What happened?” I roared, scared for her and for myself, my heart about to burst through my chest.

 

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COMING SOON

Redmerski_TheMomentofLettingGo_TP[3]
THE MOMENT OF LETTING GO by J.A. Redmerski (April 14, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback & E-Book)
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author J. A. Redmerski brings us a heart-wrenching, stand-alone new adult novel that fans of her blockbuster The Edge of Never are sure to fall in love with.
In THE MOMENT OF LETTING GO Sienna Murphy finally lands her dream job. It’s everything she’s ever wanted…or so she thought. When she’s sent on a business trip to Hawaii, she meets Luke Everett, a guy who makes her want to forget all her responsibilities and give in to the promise of all the happiness they could have together. As their passion grows, Luke makes Sienna start to question whether the carefully constructed life she leads is really as perfect as it seems. 

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Excerpt 

He kisses me passionately for three brief seconds, his hands gripping the sides of my face, and we’re both breathless when he says, “I wanted to tell you about Landon. I wanted to tell you a lot of things, but I knew you had to go home and none of it would’ve mattered.”
I touch his lips with two of my fingers. “You can tell me whenever you’re ready. I’m here to listen, and I’m not going anywhere. There’s nothing you can say to scare me away. I won’t leave again unless it’s what you want. I still have four days left of my vacation and I want to spend them with you.”
“I want you to stay.”
“Then I’m staying.”
“What about after that?”
“We’ll figure it out.”
He gazes into my eyes, searching for something, I could never know what, but I think he finds it because his lips smash against mine and he kisses me hungrily. I feel my body being lifted into the air, my legs wrapped around his waist, and the air in the room hitting me as he carries me quickly through it, never breaking the kiss. In seconds I feel the comfort of his bed beneath my back and his lumpy pillows I missed so much, around my head.
We strip off each other’s clothes clumsily and Luke is on top of me before I can even catch my breath. But I don’t need my breath when I have his, and his kiss is deep and forceful and it alone makes my body dizzy with need.

 

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 jredmerski12About the author:
J. A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today andWall Street Journal bestselling author lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children, two cats and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead.
Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads

 

 

 


 

Giveaway 

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SALES & Recommendations!!!

 

The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan – All three e-books in this incredible series are currently on sale for $1.99 for a limited time!  
Reason for Breathing  |  Barely Breathing  |  Out of Breath

 


 One Pink Line by Dina Silver – One of my favorites and an absolute must read! This book is all about love and only $1.99 for a limited time!!!

 


 The Bronze Horseman by Paullinna Simons – A love story that has been described as EPIC by many, grab this title while it is still on sale for just $1.99!!!

 


BARGAIN PRICED titles by Jessica Park
Flat-Out Love – one of my absolute favorite series. Flat-Out Love is witty, entertaining and incredibly beautiful. The e-book is on sale for just $2.00 for a limited time! If you’d rather the paperback this title can be purchased for just $5.99 and added to your collection!

 

Left Drowning – another must read. Left Drowning is intense and heartbreakingly beautiful. Grab the e-book for just $1.99

 


Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye – $1.99
Tall, dark, and lethal…

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey’s tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome–pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He’s left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander’s daughter. Loyalty won’t let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn’t expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge…

 


The Final Piece by Maggi Myers$1.99
Life shouldn’t be about picking up the pieces. Beth Bradshaw has spent her life hiding from her tragic past. From the moment a trusted family friend steals her innocence until the moment another rescues her, she struggles to just survive. Surrounded by the comfort and protection of her extended family, Beth embarks on a journey of healing far from the horrors of her home. In her darkest moments, she meets a boy named Ryan. For one incredible summer, Ryan shows Beth what it’s like to act her own age. To feel free and let go. If only for a while. Years later, another tragedy threatens to shatter the life Beth has carefully crafted. When faced, yet again, with more pieces to pick up, Beth begins to question what her choices have cost her. Leaving her old life behind, she sets forth on a pilgrimage that will bring her back to the boy she could never forget. He wants to help her pick up the pieces of her life, but is she willing to do what it takes to become whole again? Can she trust him with a piece of herself? 

Rule: A Marked Men Novel by Jay Crownover – $1.99 
In all fairness I read this book before it was edited and released through HarperCollins so I had issues with the editing BUT it is still an amazing story and I am sure the issues have since been corrected They were a bit of a distraction for me while reading, but I won’t lie, I still devoured the book and I look forward to completing this series.  

Additional Recommendations under $3 

 

Tempting the Ringmaster  |  Losing Control  |  Take Me For Granted  |  My Clarity  |  Wallbanger |  Night Owl  |  Slade  |  The Broken Angel Series  |  Wrecked  |  Scoring Wilder  |  Beautiful Oblivion  |  Ten Tiny Breaths  

 
 

BLOG TOUR: Night Owl (The Night Owl Trilogy #1) by M. Pierce

Night Owl Paperback Cover 

Paperback Release Date:   July 1, 2014

 

Synopsis:

“Tautly written, complex, and vibrating with a dark sensuality that will have you at once blushing and anxious. You’ll think you have this book pegged . . . but you’ll be wrong.”—Christina Lauren, New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors of The Beautiful Bastard series. 
 
From bestselling ebook author M. Pierce comes the first novel in a provocative erotic trilogy where an anonymous online writing partnership turns into an uncontrollable, passionate obsession
 
At twenty-eight, Matt Sky has the perfect life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, a massive inheritance, and four national bestsellers — all penned under his airtight alias, M. Pierce.
 
At twenty-seven, Hannah Catalano is a train wreck. Her boyfriend is a deadbeat and her job is abysmal.
 
Matt and Hannah meet online as writing partners. Their relationship is safe, anonymous, and innocent…
 
Until Matt sees a picture of Hannah. Hannah’s picture sparks an attraction Matt is powerless to ignore. When circumstance brings Matt and Hannah together, the strangers begin a love story that’s passionate, poignant, unforgettable, and unstoppable. 

 

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Review

 

I strongly believe one of two things will happen when you, yes you decide to read Night Owl
a) You’ll be hooked instantly and fall madly in love
b) You’ll be hooked instantly, BUT the book may not be for you
Either way, you’ll be hooked. I don’t think anyone will actually put this book down once they begin reading. I just think the content may not be for all readers and that’s ok, but the undeniable thing is M. Night is brilliant and the writing is extraordinary. You will laugh, you will swoon and you will likely be heartbroken.
 
This book is smoking hot…I swear my kindle sizzled and sparked as I turned page after page of this steamy and passionate novel. Although the erotic element is evident, this book offers a great storyline, one that will intrigue you and leave you wanting more. Night Owl is a book that quite frankly, took my breath away. It is a story that captivated me from the very first page and left me reeling for quite some time after reading the last lines. 
 
The synopsis already explains the relationship between Hannah and Matt, but for those who may have skimmed it, let’s recap, Matt and Hannah meet as Night Owl and Little Bird on an online forum. They partner up and begin writing a novel together, during this time it is agreed that there is to be no personal contact between the two. They write and that is all…at least that’s the plan, but fate steps in and throws these two a curveball they never saw coming.
 
Matt is sort of an asshole at times. When you begin reading you won’t know what to make of him. This is what intrigued me the most…he’s unpredictable. There are so many different layers to his character. He truly is a complex character, but you can’t help but fall in love with him. Hannah is as sweet as they come, naïve at times, but incredibly sweet and eager to please Matt. She is a character you’ll fall deeply in love with. She is loving and supportive and also endures her share of drama.  
 
The circumstances in which they meet left me unsure of my feelings. There is an element of deception in this book of different capacities, but the “cheating” aspect is rather complicated. I’ll keep it brief and hopefully spoiler free…Matt is in a relationship at the time of their meeting and I am still not sure how I feel about that part of the book, but I do love Hannah and Matt together so I can’t lie, I got over it quickly. It is a bit more complicated than I am willing to share because I truly don’t want to ruin this for you. All I can say is, read the book, share your own thoughts, I’m sure there will be plenty of people with differing opinions. For me, this may have been the most difficult thing I struggled with emotionally while reading. 
 
Nevertheless, Matt Sky managed to weave his filthy, kinky mouth and mind into my heart. He is a complex blend of several personalities and I loved every single one of them. Talk about a complicated yet deliciously sexy man. Excuse me while I fan myself.  This book will emit powerful emotions from the reader; mostly swooning, but you’ll certainly experience the joys and pains both Hannah and Matt endure. There is a depth to these characters I’ve never before encountered in an erotic series. For some, there are elements of this book that may strike a cord. As you get further into the novel more layers are revealed and the battles waged will leave you unsure of the final outcome, but the journey you take reading this book will be unlike any you’ve ever experienced. M. Night is clever, witty and devastatingly devious. I am longing for more. 
 
The only warning label I’ll give is that the ending will leave you perplexed or pissed, either way this does not take away from the exquisite writing and incredible story that is Night Owl. It is angst filled, raw, steamy, sexy and utterly addictive. I cannot wait for the release of Last Light! I highly recommend this book to all erotic romance fans and all those who love a good steamy read.   

5 STARS

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Giveaway:

 
LELO Elise 2 
– 3 signed SMP Night Owl paperbacks
– 1 signed original/indie Night Owl Paperback
– 4 sets of signed bookmarks
– 3 Night Owl Ebooks
– 2 Last Light Ebooks (delivered on release day)
– Oh Whimsical Me Night Owl bracelet (with original cover)
– Oh Whimsical Me Night Owl bracelet (with new ebook cover)
– Night Owl Inspired Necklace
– Night Owl bottle cap magnets (set of 4)
– Night Owl Trilogy Bookmarks & Night Owl paperback cover magnet
– Night Owl Trilogy ribbon bookmarks (set of 3)

 

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lawrenceAbout the Author:

M. Pierce is the bestselling author of Night Owl, book one in the erotic Night Owl Trilogy. The author lives in Colorado and owns a rabbit named Laurence.
Website/Blog   |   Facebook   |   Goodreads   |   Twitter   |   Pinterest   |   Tumblr   |   Amazon

 

 

 

 

Excerpt 

 

Panic set in as I listened to the ring.
I’m about to talk to Matt.
I’m about to hear his voice.
I don’t even know this guy.
What the hell am I doing?
He could be a psycho stalker.
We shouldn’t cross this line.
I can hang up.
I can hang up now.
Yeah, I’m going to h—
“Hannah?”
I swallowed and slid down the bathroom wall.
“Hannah, is that you?”
Matt’s cool, clear voice swirled in my ear. It was distantly accented—New Jersey, maybe New York—and a little husky.
He sounded sleepy.
He sounded sexy as hell.
I had the overwhelming urge to ask him to keep saying my name. Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. Help me come. Warmth bloomed between my legs.
“Okay then.” He laughed softly. I felt my reason melting at the sound. “We’ll play the one-sided conversation game. I’m Matt, it’s nice to—” Again, he broke into quiet laughter. His voice was rich with amusement, but not warm. He sounded contemptuous. He sounded ready to laugh at anything, simply for the pleasure of laughing with his silky voice.
I couldn’t help but picture the devilish eyes that must have accompanied that voice.
Green eyes, I decided. Dark green, secretive and deep like a forest.
“I was going to say it’s nice to meet you,” he went on, “but I guess we’ve technically met online. Now we’re meeting on the phone. Maybe…” He trailed off. I heard some shuffling. “God, if this is you trolling me Nate, I swear I’m going to break your fucking—”
“Hey! Sorry, I—” I scooted over to the bathroom door, opened and closed it, then sat back against the wall. Brilliant. Sorry, I was soaking my underwear while I listened creepily to your voice. “—sorry, yeah. I had to go in the bathroom. My sister is asleep.”
Matt was silent for a moment.
“Is that why you’re whispering?” he said.
“Yeah. She’s really tired. We’re at a motel, we just stopped. Pretty sure the wall between this bathroom and her bed is a piece of plywood, so.”
“Well… damn. I wanted to hear your voice. I mean, your regular volume voice.” He chuckled. “Do you think you could risk a few words? I’ll deal with your sister if she wakes up.”
I smirked, imagining a conversation between my hotheaded sis and this glib personality.
“I think that would be a bad idea. But, um. Sure. What  should I say?”
“With your normal voice? How about, the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
“Okay.” I cleared my throat. I was suddenly painfully self-conscious about my voice. “Um. Okay. The… the quick brown fox—”
Laughter exploded on the line. It was loud and sharp, nearly cruel.
“Oh… my god Hannah.” I heard a clatter, then some scuffling. “Oh fuck. You were really saying it. The quick… brown fox… oh god.” Matt dissolved into laughter again.
I glared at my knees.
“What’s so fucking funny?” I whispered.
“Hannah. Hannah, I’m sorry.”
I heard him take a few calming breaths.
“Okay,” he said. “I’m sorry. Ignore me, seriously. I have a weird sense of humor. That… that struck me funny. You have a lovely voice. Go figure.”
Go figure? What did he mean by that?
“Look, is there a reason you wanted me to call, or were you just looking for some late night entertainment?”
“Pretty sure this classifies as early morning entertainment, Hannah.”
“Okay. Well whatever. Look, I’m not sure why I—”
“I can’t stop thinking about you.”
His words stopped me cold.
His words, and something in his voice. Honesty.
“What we did,” he continued. “Or what you did to me…”
My throat went dry. What I did to him. It should have grossed me out, the thought of a stranger beating off to a few details about my body, but it didn’t. It intrigued me. The heat between my legs pulsed.
“You know what I’m talking about,” he insisted. An edge came into his voice at the slightest provocation.
“Y-yeah,” I managed. “Yeah.”
“You enjoyed it.”
“Yeah.”
“You said you wished I were pounding into you.”
“Yeah…”
I couldn’t believe this smooth-talking stranger was dictating to me how I felt.
I couldn’t believe I was blindly agreeing.
And I couldn’t believe my considerable vocabulary had suddenly been reduced to “yeah.”
“Hannah, you made me come so hard. And I did it again, thinking about you. Let me return the favor.”
His words hung in the silence between us.
Return the favor. Help me come.
“Yes,” I whispered.

 

Playlist:

 

NIGHT OWL by M. Pierce on Grooveshark   

 

July Flame — Laura Veirs
Blue Caravan — Vienna Teng
Body Electric — Lana Del Rey
The Ghost On the Shore — Lord Huron
A Message — Coldplay
A Love Song — Amanda Blank
Blinding — Florence + The Machine Dog
Days Are Over — Florence + The Machine
In the Sun — Joseph Arthur
Not Dark Yet — Bob Dylan
Ride — Lana Del Rey
The First Days of Spring — Noah & The Whale
Flowers in Your Hair — The Lumineers
Oh Take Me Back — M. Ward
10 Mile Stereo — Beach House
Blood — The Middle East
Man in the Long Black Coat — Joan Osborne
Damnit Anna — The Morning Benders
Jigsaw Falling Into Place — Radiohead
Billie Holiday — Warpaint
Civilian — Wye Oak
Love Is Blindness — Jack White
Only Now — JBM
Born to Die — Lana Del Rey
Gods & Monsters — Lana Del Rey
Burning Desire — Lana Del Rey
Blue Jeans — Lana Del Rey
When I Grow Up — First Aid Kit 

 

[Notes: July Flame — Chapter 16, M & H on The Fourth. Blue Caravan — Ten Thousand Nights. The First Days of Spring, Oh Take Me Back, & When I Grow Up — Matt in Geneva. Only Now — Chapter 19, M. Pierce’s Identity Unveiled. Beach House, The Lumineers, & Warpaint — songs M & H listen to in the car. Love Is Blindness — Chapter 21, trying to get Hannah back. Civilian — Hannah going to NY. The Ghost On The Shore, Not Dark Yet — Hannah’s hollow life, Chapter 22. Jigsaw Falling Into Place — Dancing at Lot 49, Chapter 6. Gods & Monsters, Blue Jeans, Ride, Born to Die — M & H getting it on. (Unspecified songs contributed to or relate to themes and atmosphere throughout the book.)]

 

 

Last Light (Book #2) 

Last Light Paperback Cover

 

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After Dark (Book #3) 

 

After Dark Paperback Cover

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RELEASE BLITZ: Beloved (Belonging, #1) by Corinne Michaels

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Synopsis

 

Not enough.
Catherine Pope has never been enough. Every man she has ever loved abandoned her—from her father to her fiancé. She finally accepted the fact she would never be enough to hold any man’s heart and soul.
Then Catherine met Jackson Cole.

 

When her world literally collided with the sexy former Navy SEAL, everything she always believed is turned upside down and left scattered. He made her feel alive and desirable, consumed her with fierceness and loyalty—which completely unnerved her. Jackson got her in a way no one ever had, giving him the power to destroy her.

 

If she breaks down and gives him what’s left of her battered heart—will he protect it? Or will Catherine become an irrelevant part of yet another man’s life?

 

Will she get the one thing that has always evaded her – to finally be someone’s beloved?

 

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EXCERPT

He weaves his fingers with mine and guides me toward the windows.
“I used to come up here after my run in the mornings,” he says quietly as we look out at the horizon.
“So you worked out and then climbed the stairs? By choice?” I ask with a raised brow.
His throaty laugh echoes through the building as he steps closer to me. “Not all of us find exercise dumb. There are lots of activities that can be”—he coughs and smiles—“enjoyable.”
Jackson’s playful grin causes my eyes to widen and my cheeks to flush. Him and his mouth!
“Well, only if you do it right.” I smile and slap him across the chest.
“I always do it right,” he says as he walks past me.
“I’m sure you do.” I mutter beneath my breath hoping he doesn’t hear.
“What was that?”
Of course he heard me.
“Nothing. Just admiring the view.” I lie and stare out the window. 

 

someonescrime Beloved Teaser CM

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Playlist

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Author Bio

Corinne is an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun loving mom of two beautiful children. She’s happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife. After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. Beloved is her first novel due in June of 2014.

 

 

 

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Giveaway

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(2) Swag Packs
(1) $20 Amazon Gift Card

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Book Review: Never Doubt Me (Judge Me Not #2) by S.R. Grey

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Release April 27, 2014

(recommended for readers 17+ due to mature content)

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Synopsis

Can a tattooed, former bad boy leave his past behind? Can he find lasting happiness with the love of his life?
Gorgeous and sexy Chase Gartner hopes to do just that with Kay Stanton. But when Chase’s troubled teen brother, Will, stays on in Harmony Creek, Ohio—-after an unexpected arrival-—Chase and Kay’s bonds of love and commitment are soon tested.
Chase finds himself caught up in secrets—-and revisiting a past he thought he’d left behind—-when Will makes a number of irresponsible decisions. Despite Chase’s attempts to keep his brother out of trouble, Will’s reckless behavior continues, affecting not only Chase and Kay, but other residents in town…one disastrously so.
But it’s the final, potentially deadly decision Will makes when his girlfriend runs into trouble back in Las Vegas that leads Chase to make a fateful decision of his own. A choice that threatens his relationship with Kay.
Never Doubt Me is a touching, poignant story of love, redemption, and coming to grips with the fact that escaping the past is never easy.
New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres. 2nd novel in the Judge Me Not series.
***warning: contains explicit sexual situations, drug use, some violence, and profanity*** 

 

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Book Review 

 

Never Doubt Me is book two in the Judge Me Not series and picks up where I Stand Before You left off. To say I am impressed with Never Doubt Me would be an understatement. This book is outstanding. S.R. Grey is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her ability to draw the reader in through her descriptive writing allows you to step into this story as though these are your friends, your family, your loved ones. The words she pens will touch you to your core. You feel the love, the anger, the passion, the fear; every emotion is carefully crafted to make you relate to the respective character and their emotions. 

 

Chase and Kay’s story continue, though there are many bumps along the road. These two continue to inspire me. Their relationship is one I will root for until the very end. Their struggles bring them closer, though there are a few secrets in Never Doubt Me, I think these two may be able to overcome every hurdle thrown their way. With the arrival of Chase’s fifteen year old brother Will, Chase and Kay’s relationship is put to the test.

 

Will shows up at his house with his sixteen year old girlfriend Cassie in tow. The two have fled Vegas to put distance between Cassie and her stepfather Paul who has continuously made advances towards her unbeknownst to Cassie’s mother. In order to protect her, Will thinks asking Chase for help is a good solution, but this only creates a number of problems leaving Chase and Kay to deal with the fallout. This book starts off rocky, but the beauty of it is the rebuilding of relationships between several key characters — Will and Chase, Cassie and her mom, Kay and her mom, and even Missy and Kay. Addiction still plays a significant role in this book and Chase is hell bent on keeping Will away from the life he has fought so hard to leave behind. 

 

This book is heavy at times, the love scenes are scorching and the relationships are equally endearing and heartbreaking. There are a few unexpected twists and turns and the book ends in a similar fashion as I Stand Before You — with you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to know what’s to come. I have hope that this story will turn out well and that the characters I’ve grown to love will find their happily ever after. I doubt their happy ending will come easy, but I can’t wait to enjoy the ride. This book is unputdownable and I am eagerly awaiting the third installment, Just Let Me Love You . I highly recommend this to all New Adult/Contemporary Romance fans. 

 

*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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 I Stand Before You (my review)

 

About the Author
 
S.R. Grey is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble Top 100 bestselling author. Harbour Falls, Willow Point, and Wickingham Way are novels in the completed Harbour Falls Mystery trilogy. She is also the author of New Adult novels I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1) and Never Doubt Me (Judge Me Not #2). Ms. Grey’s novels have appeared on Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller lists in multiple categories.
New novels slated for publication in 2014 are Inevitable Detour, a New Adult novel with a Romantic Suspense edge, as well as Just Let Me Love You (Judge Me Not #3).
Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, as well as an MBA. Her background may be in business, but her true passion lies in writing. When not writing, Ms. Grey can be found reading, traveling, running, or cheering for her hometown sports teams.
 
Author’s Social Media Links:
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GIVEAWAY 

 

(3) eBook copies of NEVER DOUBT ME – Gifted – International
(1)  $50.00 Amazon Gift Card (international if they can accept a gift from the US Amazon site via email)

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Book Review: Your Perfect Life

YOUR PERFECT LIFE
a novel by
Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke 

 

Your_Perfect_Life

 

Release Date June 10, 2014
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Synopsis
With “a delicious, page-turning premise, and sweet and surprising insights” (New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster), Your Perfect Life (Atria Books; On-Sale June 10, 2014; $15.00) perfectly illustrates that old adage: Sometimes, you have to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to see what’s in her heart.

Best friends since childhood, Casey and Rachel couldn’t lead more different lives. While workaholic Casey rubs elbows with celebrities daily as the host of Gossip TV and comes home nightly to an empty apartment, stay-at-home mom Rachel juggles an “oops” baby, two fiery teenagers, and a husband who barely seems the man she fell in love with two decades before. After an argument at their twentieth high school reunion, Casey and Rachel throw back shots to get the night back on track. Instead, they get a life-changing hangover.

Waking up in each other’s bodies the next morning, they must figure out how to navigate their altered realities. Rachel is forced to face the broadcasting dreams she gave up when she got pregnant in college, and Casey finally steps out of the spotlight to face the real reason why she’s alone. And they soon discover that they don’t know themselves—or their best friend—nearly as well as they thought they did.

Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke bring their “witty, winning style” (Sarah Pekkanen, author of The Best of Us) to every page of this novel that is sure to please fans of In Her Shoes and The Opposite of MeYour PerfectLife is a story of humor and heart about two best friends, what they didn’t know about each other, and how, by switching lives, each learns to appreciate her own. 

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Review 

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

Wow. I was completely blown away with this book.  After reading a blurb, I just knew I had to read it. Sometimes in life, we become so engulfed with our routines that we often forget to live. We often forget that others may be going through their own issues, fears or waging a battle you can’t even begin to fathom, even those closest to us. We tend to focus on what’s wrong with our lives rather than what’s right. Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke take the reader on a journey that will change the way you view others as well as yourself. They reinforce the powerful adage, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” This book is the perfect blend of wit, humor and insight. It will make you laugh, cry and reflect on your own life and that even you may be guilty of taking something in your life for granted.

 

Your Perfect Life tells the story of two women, Rachel and Casey, who have been friends since the 7th grade. They’ve stood by one another through every major milestone and accomplishment, yet they don’t know the innermost fears each harbor. Their twenty year high school reunion brings a few issues to the surface and Rachel and Casey get into an argument over success and lack thereof. Rachel feels like she gave up all her dreams to become a stay-at-home mom and Casey feels she’s given up on love choosing her career above all. With the help of a magical drink their bartender assists in bringing these two closer than they’ve ever been….so close, they actually switch lives and bodies, but can they get back to their old lives or will they want to once they walk a mile in the others shoes? Resentment, regret and fear cause a divide, but experiencing life through the others eyes allows them an opportunity to see all the things they’ve taken for granted. Has everything they’ve ever needed been right in front of them the entire time and will they ever be the same again? This story is wildly hilarious, heartwarming and unforgettable.

 

Five stars, two thumbs up and all ten toes 😉
This is an entertaining and insightful book and I recommend this to anyone who likes a good tearjerker. Contemporary, Women’s fiction and chick lit fans will love this book. 

 

About the Authors:
Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have been best friends for 25 years and survived junior high, high school and college together. Liz lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and two children. Lisa, a former talk show producer, now lives in Chicago, IL with her husband, daughter and two bonus children. Your Perfect Life is their first novel. 

 

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Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke’s Appearances for YOUR PERFECT LIFE

Sat/Sun June 7-8 Printers Row Lit Fest
Chicago
Monday, June 9, 7pm ET BOOKTALKNATION
Virtual booksigning via Google Hangout
with Allison Winn
Booktalknation.com
Tuesday June 10, 7pm LAKE FOREST BOOKSTORE
Vernon Hills at Sullivan Center
A conversation with Jen Lancaster
635 Aspen Drive
Vernon Hills, IL
Wednesday, June 11, 7pm ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP
Naperville A conversation with Tracey Garvis Graves
123 W. Jefferson
Naperville, IL
Thursday, June 12, 7pm BOOK CELLAR
Chicago 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
Monday, June 16, 7pm BARNES & NOBLE
Huntington Beach 7881 Edinger Ave. #110
Huntington Beach, CA
Tuesday, June 17, 7pm PAGES BOOKSTORE
Manhattan Beach 904 Manhattan Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA
Thursday, June 19, 7:30 pm WARWICK’S BOOKSTORE
San Diego 7812 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA
Friday, June 20, 6pm LAGUNA BEACH BOOKS
Laguna Beach A conversation with Anita Hughes
1200 S. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA
Sunday, June 22, 2pm LAGUNA NIGUEL LIBRARY
Laguna Niguel A conversation with Anita Hughes
30341 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA

 

Tour Stop: Frenched by Melanie Harlow Review & Giveaway

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Released March 18, 2014

Synopsis 

 

Mia Devine plans over-the-top weddings for a living. So when it comes to her own nuptials, she spares no expense—hand engraved invitations, Vera Wang gown, luxury honeymoon in France. And since her fiancé is Tucker Branch, playboy heir and notorious flirt, local media is obsessed with every little detail.

 

Which is why it really sucks when he jilts her a week before the wedding.

 

Mortified, Mia wants nothing more than to crawl under her newly monogrammed sheets and plan a funeral for her dignity, right after blabbing to the world how fitting it is that Tucker will inherit a bolt and screw company, because that’s all he wants to do—screw, and bolt. And he doesn’t do either with much finesse.

 

When her friends convince her that bitter tastes better when it’s drowned in Bordeaux, she grits her teeth and packs her bags, determined to make the best of a week in Paris alone.

 

She never planned on meeting Lucas Fournier.

 

The free-spirited musician’s scruffy good looks and less-than-sympathetic ear annoy her at first, but when she takes him up on his offer to show her around the city, she discovers that the romance of Paris isn’t just a myth.

 

Nor is the simultaneous O.

 

The last thing Mia needs is another doomed love affair, but since she only has a week, she figures she might as well enjoy La Vie en O with Lucas while she can. But each day—and night—with him is better than the last, and suddenly her heart is telling her this is more than a rebound fling.

 

Is it just the seduction of Paris…or could this be the real thing? 

 

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Review

 

Frenched is a book that makes you believe in love and all the possibilities a new relationship can bring. It makes you believe in that earth shattering, passionate, all consuming love.  The chemistry in this book is insane and highly addictive! You won’t be able to put this book down. You’ve been warned. 

 

Mia Devine is an expert planner and one of Detroit’s most sought after event planners. She’s made a successful career and business with her best friend. She has everything she’s ever dreamed of. Her “plans” have all come along nicely, that is until Tucker Branch, her fiancé decides to leave her a week before their scheduled wedding. Embarrassed by the highly publicized breakup Mia spends a week in hiding making lists (her favorite pastime). She locks herself at home in the lush flat she shares with Tucker. Desperate to help Mia face reality and begin to move on her friends devise a plan to make Mia use her preplanned honeymoon vacation. They persuade Mia to travel to Paris alone, but she never imagines a solo trip to Paris will result in a whirlwind romance with Lucas Fornier…drool…sigh…can I keep Lucas? Lucas is just perfection. This book is excellent, if you’re a Melanie Harlow fan you’ll enjoy this read, but if not for any other reason….do it for Lucas. Trust me when I say he WILL be your new book boyfriend.  When Mia meets Lucas he pushes boundaries and makes her forget about lists and plans. All the things Mia needs in life to actually live. But how far can an international fling go and what exactly happens when lines begin to blur?

 

This book is steamy hot, you’ll blush, you’ll laugh, you’ll enjoy the magic of Paris as if you are there. Melanie Harlow’s descriptive and sensual writing bring the reader into a world of passion and beauty while capturing the essence of love and romance. This is a great feel good read and definitely erotic. I personally hope this isn’t the end of Mia and Lucas’ journey. I enjoyed the book, but I definitely want more. I highly recommend this book to Adult Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance fans. 

 

 

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About the Author 

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. I write New Adult historical and contemporary stories.
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(1) Signed Copy of FRENCHED and bookmark
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Book Review: Underestimated (Underestimated #1) by Jettie Woodruff

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Synopsis

Morgan starts her life in a bad situation, she doesn’t really know what she wants out of life. She’s never had anyone to look up to or help guide her in the right direction. She had it rough and never dreamed that it could get worse. However, she finds that it can and it does.

She learns what real hell is when she meets the husband that she doesn’t want to marry but isn’t given a choice.

Can she escape? She can and does, only to wake up and find herself right back at square one.
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Warning! This is not your everyday fall in love romance. This book contains disturbing situations, strong language, graphic, sexual content – some forced, some not. If it’s a happily ever after love story that you are looking for, you should probably move on. If you are up for the ride, stick around and it may just turn into a love story after all.   

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Review

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

Wow.

It’s not often that a book renders me speechless, but Jettie Woodruff’s Underestimated certainly did. I am still unsure how to describe my feelings about this book. Let’s just say, never could I have imagined what I signed up for. I was glued to Underestimated. I could not put it down! I practically lost a day reading…yeah, this was definitely a one sitting read.  

It’s incredibly difficult for me to describe the roller coaster of emotions I experienced while reading Underestimated, but ultimately I fell completely in love with the authors ability to draw me in. I was sad, angry, frustrated, overwhelmed with emotions I didn’t realize I could experience. The warning that the author clearly includes with the synopsis should not be taken lightly. This is not for the faint of heart. This book is raw and completely fucked up at times. It is a read that will make you question your own judgment and possibly your sanity. This book….wow…that’s all I keep coming back to. That one word sums up my thoughts on it. 

This is a bizarre story that will bring you through a world of emotions. Frustration topped my list on how I felt and midway through I wasn’t sure who I was rooting for anymore. This isn’t an ordinary romance and as Jettie Woodruff warned me, it’s “effed up.”

Where do I begin? Let’s start with Morgan…the book begins in the world of seventeen year old Morgan’s eyes. She’s had an incredibly difficult upbringing and has grown up too fast. She’s been raised in a trailer home with a drunkard father and a mother who abandoned her. She cared for her little brother as though he were her own; taking on the responsibilities of a mother at an early age, but eventually losing him to social services and left to fend for herself.

At seventeen she meets the handsome and powerful Drew, who will become her husband. Exciting as the prospect sounds Morgan is terrified and soon finds out she’s been sold to a monster. She marries Drew against her will and endures years of submission among other heinous acts. Morgan finally escapes and begins a new life with a new identity only to be haunted by her past. She can’t escape the nightmares and daydreams. Drew is in her and as much as she hates him, he’s gotten under her skin. 

Morgan just wants to lead a simple life far away from the chaos and abuse she endured for so long, but can she ever truly be normal again? Is love in her future or only pain? When she meets a handsome man who takes an interest in her, she dodges any attempt at dating. She is damaged and doesn’t want or need the drama, but can she steer clear of falling in love with someone who thinks the world of her? 

This story took some unexpected turns and the romances were downright frustrating. I began to question my own sanity for the feelings I began to develop for certain characters while reading this book. Morgan frustrated me…a lot. Her indecisive nature drove me to the brink of insanity. There were times where I understood the struggle, but other times I wanted to yell at her for being so incredibly reckless. Regardless of how much she frustrated me, I felt for her. She had a rough life that seemed to get harder with time and although she was brought into a world of wealth by marrying Drew, she rarely ever enjoyed it. She was a prisoner in her own home and experienced trauma and abuse no one should ever have to endure. The outcome of this book may or may not shock you, but the ride will definitely be bumpy.  

Underestimated is dark, twisted and may not be suitable for all readers. It is raw and brutal at times exploring many aspects of abuse — psychological, physical, sexual and even verbal. The best way to describe the type of book you are about to read is to tell you if you’re a fan of CJ Roberts Dark Duet series I think there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with this book. This is an excellent read for my Dark Erotic Romance readers. Please take note that the warning is very real and if you cannot handle a book of this magnitude, steer clear, if you’re interested in one hell of a ride…pick it up today!

 PURCHASE UNDERESTIMATED

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UNDERESTIMATED TOO RELEASES SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014 

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Tour Stop: Lean on Me (Take My Hand, #3) by Nicola Haken

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Synopsis

Rachel Mason oozes confidence. She’s outgoing, adventurous and would chop off her right arm before caring what other people think of her or her disability.

Right?

Jared Mattheson on the other hand, is more than a little goofy and a whole lot of carefree. He’s happy living the bachelor life on his father’s credit card, takes nothing seriously and wouldn’t know difficulty if it slapped him in the face.

Right?

With Emily and Dexter away in the States, Rachel and Jared are left behind to keep each other company. They share the same sense of fun, their personalities bounce off one another perfectly and perhaps inevitably, they become best friends. But what happens when the lines of friendship start to blur? How will they cope when the sides of themselves they’ve kept hidden from the world for so long begin to show?

Their journey together may have started with fun, games and alcohol – but it seems the future has other ideas.

Turns out, even the strongest of people need someone to lean on sometimes.

(Not suitable for under 18’s due to adult language and sexual content)

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BOOK REVIEW

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

She’s done it again!

You all know how much I love Nicola Haken’s books. I have to say, I think Lean on Me is my favorite of all her books.

This is Book 3 of the Take My Hand series and takes place in the UK while Dexter and Emily are in the US.   In my head while reading Hold on Tight I knew Rachel’s story would be interesting and unpredictable. While I had my suspicions I  never imagined the story would take the turns it did.

This book is special. If you’ve read the previous books you will likely laugh at Rachel and Jared’s antics, but you will absolutely fall in love with them, especially after reading Lean on Me. This book and these characters made my heart melt. I fell hopelessly in love with Rachel and Jared from the moment I read Take My Hand. I never imagined their brief appearances in Hold on Tight would lead to what was revealed in Lean on Me. I really can’t compare their relationship to Dexter and Emily’s because both go through their own sets of trials and tribulations and although their struggles are different each story is beautiful in its own right. I think for me though, I connected with these two on a deeper level than I did with Dexter and Emily.

When I first started the series all I wanted was for these two to get together and get on with it. I mean, how could two people who are so perfect for one another not see it? Well, these idiots made me wait long enough haha. Rachel is a complex character and although she appears strong and confident on the surface there are so many layers beneath the persona. It’s hard for her to trust or rely on others. When Jared starts to break down those walls it’s then that you really begin to see who they both are. I never imagined how deep and meaningful a relationship between these two would be, but boy did I enjoy getting to know them. Rachel and Jared both have secrets and getting close only begins to make each of them unravel. The beauty in this story is their commitment to one another as friends and as lovers, but how far will this relationship get? Both Rachel and Jared steer clear of relationships…can they possibly build more than a fling? Or will they ruin a perfectly good friendship trying?

Lean On Me is a beautiful story about two incredible people who learn being different isn’t always a bad thing and sometimes having someone to lean on is all you need. This is an excellent read. I highly recommend this series to New Adult/Contemporary Romance fans. 

 

Nicola HakenAbout the Author

Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children and she is the author of New Adult/Contemporary romance novels Inevitable, Saving Amy and the Take My Hand series. When she is not busy playing with her imaginary book friends (or talking about them with real life friends!) she can usually be found studying or carrying out her ordinary mum/housewife/all round slave duties!

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BOOK TRAILER

 

EXCERPT 

Day 5 ~ Your future boyfriend x

 

Day five? What the hell was that supposed to mean? Seemed I was about to find out when a few seconds later, Jared let himself into my flat, waving his key proudly in the air and looking too hot for his own good in black jeans and a white shirt with just the right amount of buttons undone at the top.

“Fucker.”

“Good afternoon to you too, saffy. I see you got my flowers?”

“Day five?”

“Today is the fifth day you’ve still not said yes. If I were smarter I’d have started sending them on day one. But I’m not… so we’re starting at day five.”

“Well as long as you know you’re going to end up bankrupt,” I said dismissively, trying to ignore the warm feeling cocooning my heart.

“Nah. It won’t take that long,” he replied confidently. I simply shook my head, amused at his sureness. “You ready?”

“My hair is wet. Do I look ready?”

“You look beautiful.” A smile emerged on my lips without permission, even though I knew he was probably bullshitting me as part of his master plan. “Let me do your hair.”

“My hair. You… want to do… my hair?” What the…

“Sure,” he said, shrugging nonchalantly.

“Um… let me think. How about, fuck no!”

“I’m doing your hair.”

“You are not doing my hair!” I protested, gripping my hand-rims and wheeling away from him.

“I’ll catch you, saffy. I can run faster than you can wheel,” he teased.

“Seriously, I don’t get what’s gotten into you lately!” I stopped, throwing my hands in the air. Damn, I was laughing. I was supposed to be acting pissed off.

“Well I know what’ll be getting into you soon enough.” He strode over to me with a wicked grin illuminating his irritatingly gorgeous face. Then he bent down so his mouth was level with my ear, and when his breath swept across my heated cheeks my breath caught. Damn. “Me,” he whispered throatily.

Ah, fuck. I’m so screwed. 

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February 24

Debbie The Book Vixen / Whirlwindbooks / Bookworm Betties / Amazeballs Book Addicts

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The Biblio-Files: Confessions of a Book Whore / Miss Little Book Addict’s House Of Books / Ramblings of a Book Lunatic

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