Giveaways

STEALING HIS HEART Wasn’t Easy! Review and Giveaway

SHH_BlogTour
Hi there! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for a sexy contemporary romance from Diane Alberts, STEALING HIS HEART! This is the 2nd book in the Shillings Agency series. I loved TEMPORARILY YOURS, the first book in the series, and jumped at the chance to read the second installment.
ShH_500
Book Summary:
A sexy category romance from Entangled publishing’s Brazen imprint…
Shillings Agency employee Jake Forsythe is not happy to discover that the thief who he has to track down is none other than his ex-partner from his past. Now he’s forced to blackmail her into submission…or throw her in jail.

Tara Harris steals from the rich and corrupted, returning objects to their rightful owners one case at a time. When Jake shows up in her life, at first, she’s thrilled. But then when she finds out that she has to help the man she stole from or go to jail…it’s the choice between two evils.

These two can’t deny the burning passion between them, but when push comes to shove, they’ll have to lay their hearts and their lives on the line.

My Review:
Tara is the modern day catburglar equivalent of Robin Hood–she “recovers” stolen possessions, returning them to their rightful owners, for a fee. Her latest mission, however, goes astray when she’s apprehended at the scene by a private security agent–Jake Forsythe. Tara and Jake have history–they were childhood sweethearts/theft partners–at least until Jake left her unfulfilled on his last night before reporting to basic training. Since then, Tara’s been on her own, and doing quite well.

Jake is a shell of a man. Wounded in battle, and scorned by his fiance, he’s sure no woman will ever feel for him again–so he won’t allow anyone close. Especially not Tara. She had gotten in before, and he’s never quite forgotten her, but he won’t let his attraction get in the way of his job. He has to figure out how she was able to get past his security protocol to steal a precious vase, and if she doesn’t? Prison.

Thing is, neither Jake nor Tara can deal with this reunion. Tara hasn’t had a steady lover in all the years Jake’s been gone, and Jake hasn’t been with a woman in more than a year. The passion they ignite is both fiery and familiar, with Tara’s shenanigans thawing the ice in Jake’s heart until all he can imagine is the life he could have had, should have had, if only he wasn’t battle worn and scarred.

But, Tara is strong, stalwart and crafty. She knows Jake will turn her in if she doesn’t comply–and yet she doesn’t hold back on her affection. She won’t give up her secrets, but she’s not going away without getting what she also wants: to see Jake laugh with abandon before she’s rotting in a jail cell.

I really loved Tara. She was funny, and fearless. Her heart was so open and she held her convictions so tight–there was no way she was sharing any secrets that would benefit a gangster, even if he was Jake’s client. Jake, too, was stubborn, unwilling to send Tara to jail, but caught in the need to do his job–even after recognizing his client was a bad dude.

I had a hard time warming to Jake. At points he was really intriguing, but his control freak nature was…too much, perhaps. I found him much more interesting once Tara started breaking through his walls. Partly, at fault was Tara’s innate stubbornness; Jake knew that he’d never get Tara to reveal her thieving secrets and had to really push to make her give it up–even if it totally pushed her away–knowing it was the only way to save her.

I appreciated having some input from Cooper Shillings, of TEMPORARILY YOURS, in here. His sound advice helped put these two double-crossed lovers back on collision course. Some nice smexytimes, and a solid, if darker, romance in the series.

Interested? You can find STEALING HIS HEART on Amazon and B&N.

****GIVEAWAY****
Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win
one copy of TEMPORARILY YOURS and a $20 gift card
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DianeAAbout the Author:

Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. She’s hit the Top 100 lists on Amazon and Barnes and Noble numerous times with numerous titles. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Catch up with Diane on her website, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

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She Had to Free Their TORTURED SOULS–Review and Giveaway

Hi all! Glad to be a part of the blog tour for Kimber Leigh Wheaton’s new YA paranormal romance, TORTURED SOULS. For other stops on the tour please click here. This rollicking ghost romp is a fun read and okay for the kiddos.
 

Tortured Souls
The Orion Circle #1
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
YA Paranormal Romance
Available now from Sea Dragon Press
Sometimes Rest in Peace isn’t an option.

Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it’s ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can’t keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.

When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie’s longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.

But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he’s never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.

Kacie can’t ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.

My Review:
Kassandra has had a rough life. She was born a psychic, and her parents were frustrated and angered by all of Kacie’s “imaginary friends.” Her mother left years ago, claiming she couldn’t deal with Kacie’s antics any longer. This left her father resentful to the point that Kacie has buried her psychic abilities so he won’t be reminded of his broken marriage.

One night at a party, Kacie senses a powerful spiritual presence–and she isn’t the only one! Logan, a boy from school that Kacie has admired from afar, actually approaches the spirit and forces it away, not before it scratches Kacie, however. Logan, it seems, is a psychic, too. In fact, he’s a member of the Orion Circle, a group of “talented” kids and adults who work against in it’s many forms–corporeal, and not.

Working with Logan is as empowering as it is enticing; Kacie is enamored, and the feelings are mutual. But, more than having a boyfriend, Kacie treasures being understood, being accepted for having her psychic powers. In fact, it soon becomes clear that Kacie’s nightmares are more than scary images, they are visions that hold the key to destroying the soul torture of thirteen murdered children.

With the help of Logan and the team of Orion Talents, Kacie has new friends she can depend upon when the evil Foxblood Demon spirit attempts to possess her. Even Kacie’s mother is in on the help–turns out she has some pretty awful reasons for abandoning Kacie all those years ago, and this Foxblood Demon threat has turned mom into an informant.

So, lots of changes for Kacie in a very short period. She embraces her psychic powers and learns to speak with the dead, releasing them to eternal rest, when possible. Logan is a great stand-by, offering whatever support Kacie needs, even if it’s just a soft shoulder to cry on. Kacie’s dad also recognizes that Kacie’s powers aren’t the insane nonsense he’d written them off as all those years ago, and her relationships (on the whole) become stronger and more healthy.

This was an interesting YA read, with well-developed primary and secondary characters and an intriguing plot line. It is the beginning of a series that will undoubtedly feature Kacie and Logan and the rest of the Orion paranormal hunter gang in new and exciting cases. I’d like to take a moment to note that the ebook was beautiful–well-edited and with great internal elements and chapter headings. I know this won’t matter to most readers, but when you read as many books as I do, I really appreciate formatting that goes above and beyond. So, bravo for writing a beautiful book as well as an interesting one. If I had one complaint, it would be that I thought the romance between Kacie and Logan blossomed a little two quickly. I had wished there was a bit more time between the meet-cute and the making out. Still, there was little more than kissing between the main love interests, so I’d go ahead and recommend for all YA readers.

Interested? You can find TORTURED SOULS on Amazon and Goodreads.
About the Author

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.


Website * Twitter * Goodreads Author Page
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Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Happy Book Birthday to DESIRED by Bianca Giovanni–Review and Giveaway

Hi all! So glad to bring a super HEA extraordinaire New Adult romance releasing TODAY!! DESIRED by Bianca Giovanni is the third installment of the VICE, VIRTUE AND VIDEO series featuring Lola and James. She’s a (relatively) innocent college grad, he’s a porn superstar and they’ve been BFF’s for years. Butnow? Now they are to-geth-er…and it’s HOTTT!

Desired (Vice, Virtue, & Video #3)About the book:

Porn superstar James Laird has devoted himself to a new romance with his lifelong best friend, Lola Caraway. James’s retirement has prompted the industry to honor him at the annual Adult Film Awards in Las Vegas. He’s up for the biggest prize of the night: Man of the Year. With the love of his life by his side and the recognition of his peers, it seems James has it all.

Lola is head-over-heels in love with James, but has no idea what to expect when she accompanies him to the biggest porn industry event of the year. She finds herself torn between being proud of James’s success and shaken by flaring insecurity as a result of her immersion in the world of porn.
She knew James’s former career would be a challenge, but nothing could prepare her for the epicenter of all things porn. Debauchery wars with devotion as they struggle to save their
relationship, their love, their hearts’ desire.

“Bianca has once again skillfully combined nail-biting angst with humor andenough sexual tension to fuel a small country to come up with one great series!”
-Autumn, Agents of Romance

How ’bout we break off a piece of James… ‘cuz he makes me swoon!

“Lo, look at me when I say this to you, okay?” I begin. “I 
like  being gentle with you. I like going slow and being 
tender. I like doing stuff just because it makes you happy, 
even if there’s no endgame for me. Maybe it’s vanilla sex, 
but I’ve found that vanilla sex can be more fun than crazy 
sex if the person you’re doing it with is someone you love.
You make me love vanilla, baby. It’s my favorite flavor now.”

My Review:

So, I’ve followed this series from the beginning. Lola and James are really fun, but a bit of an odd couple in terms of sex–he started young, and did well with all the ladies. So well, he’s now a world famous porn star. She’s only ever been with James–and that happened only recently. They’ve known each other nearly their whole lives and now that they are together, James says he’s done making porn. I have to love James for making this decision. Really–because he’s making bank on the movies, but he’s so over the moon for Lola he won’t even consider being with anyone else. Who COULDN’T love a guy like that? He has found love, and he shouts it from the rooftops.

Lola, on the other hand, is freaked. And with excellent cause. She “knows” James has had it all, and then some, but that’s such and abstract concept. The stark reality of his sexual exploits–both on and off camera–gives Lola a bit of the creeps. Really. She’s barely ever had sex–how can she possibly sate James’ hunger? What if he wants some of that crazy bondage stuff like in his films? Or, threesomes? Or….uh, yes, Lola’s vexed.

Attending the Awards, where James has been nominated for about seven thousand honors, is a peculiar challenge and Lola’s Fifth Circle of Hell–watching James on screen over and over and over, pleasuring one woman after the next, is…excruciating. and nearly sends that beautiful gal running back to the Hollywood Hills.

There’s some by-play with Lola, James and some of their rivals–imagine jealous porn stars still wanting a piece of James and trying to snatch a little of Lola’s virtue–but the end is as sweet as a ripe watermelon. Well, except for Lola’s mother calling to give James what-for on account of his most recent impetuous decision.  I had a great time with this book. Though it’s part of a series, it can stand alone. And the smexytimes are as sensual and generous as James’ third leg.

Interested? You can find DESIRED on Goodreads, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. This can be read as a standalone book, but if you’re interested in this steamer, you might want to check out REVEALED (Book 1) [Amazon eBook or Barnes and Noble] and CAPTURED (Book 2) [Amazon or Barnes and Noble].

Revealed (Vice, Virtue, & Video Book 1)

V3_Captured_Cover_alt2REVEALED introduces us to Lola and James just as Lola’s about to graduate high school, and James is outed to his parents as a porn star. He’s disowned and she’s his rock in the storm. Check out my review for more info.

CAPTURED brings us back to Lola and James when she’s graduated college. She’s in a relationship with a sleazebag who mistreats her for being friends with James, meanwhile James is locked into a bad contract with a sadistic director. These two cling together and learn their hearts are linked. Here’s my review.

***GIVEAWAY***

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win
One of TEN ecopies of DESIRED or
One of FIVE epacks of the VICE, VIRTUE and Video Trilogy
(courtesy of Omnific Publishing open internationally)
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author:

Bianca Giovanni was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. She grew up with a single mother and Italian grandmother, who was an avid reader. She has had a love of writing since childhood, but self-published her first short stories in 2012. Bianca’s strong female characters and witty dialogue have struck a chord with readers and lead to her popularity on self-publishing platforms.

In 2013, Bianca signed with Omnific Publishing to bring the ‘Vice, Virtue & Video’ series to readers. The series contains First Dance (free introductory short story), Revealed (book #1), Letting Go (book #1.5), and four more novels to be released in 2014. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado, where she can often be found jotting down story ideas in a notebook.

You can connect with Bianca on her website, Facebook and twitter.

She Turned Out to be ONE SMART COOKIE–Review and Giveaway!

Hi all and welcome to my stop on the ONE SMART COOKIE blog tour hosted by AToMR Book Promotions. For other stops on the tour click here. Today’s book is a YA romance from newly published author, Kym Brunner.

In the interest of “keeping it real,” Kym and I met in a writer’s critique group years ago and have been friends ever since. I recently reviewed her debut novel WANTED: DEAD OR IN LOVE, where the spirits of Bonnie and Clyde come back. In THIS book, Kym went back ‘to her roots’ and wrote a contemporary romance about a first-generation Polish immigrant girl finding love and making peace in her family. I’m so excited to share this with all of you!

One Smart CookieAbout the book:
Sixteen year old Sophie Dumbrowski, is an adorably inept teen living above her family-owned Polish bakery with her man-hungry mother and her spirit-conjuring grandmother, who together, are determined to find Sophie the perfect boyfriend.

But when Sophie meets two hot guys on the same day, she wonders if  this a blessing or a curse. And is Sophie’s inability to choose part of the reason the bakery business is failing miserably? The three generations of women need to use their heads, along with their hearts, to figure things out…before it’s too late.

My Review:
Sophie Dumbrowski is a typical teenage girl. She wants to have a fun summer, meet a cool guy, and avoid working in her family bakery as much as possible. Her grandma, Busia, offers to help Sophie find a good boy–with a small “spell”. Not really, more of a bargain with Dola, a Polish spirit. Sophie thinks it’s just Busia’s usual eccentricity–her grams is always praying for something, and agrees to the charm, against her mother’s orders. See, Sophie’s mom things her mother’s Polish charms are a whole lot of hoo-ha.

Of course, in order to ask Dola to help Sophie, Sophie must agree to not fight with her mom. Which, if you are a teenaged girl, is next to impossible. Besides, her mom is total slave-driver! Almost immediately after the charm is cast, Sophie and her mom argue, to Busia’s (and Dola’s?) dismay. In fact, Sophie gets FIRED! How does a girl get fired from her own bakery?! Her mom doesn’t budge and Sophie’s on her way out to cool down/find a new job when she meets not one, but TWO! attractive boys. Giovanni is a landscaper working on a newly opened business down the block from her home, and Nick is a sales boy at the pet shop where Sophie gets hired.

What Would Dola Do? you may ask? Well, whatever Dola thinks, Sophie decides to try both guys on–to see which is the best fit for her. See, she’s only ever had three dates, and the prospect of two suitors is pretty enticing. Not that she wants to ruin a good thing, either. It’s kinda too soon to decide which guy would be better. One is kind, steadfast and fun, and the other is flashy and exciting–but not in a legal way.

One the other hand, Sophie’s new job is not working out, and her mom is spending money they don’t have to get new customers into the shop. A new International supermarket is stealing away their business, and Eliza, the girl she hired to replace Sophie, thinks transforming their Polish bakery into an organic eatery will bring in a whole new clientele. Still, the bakery is failing and, with all that drama and juggling two boys, it seems Sophie’s in big trouble.

Busia is sure Dola is to blame. Sophie breaking her word and arguing with her mother has caused a rift they need to repair–and having two boyfriends is also bad luck, according to Busia. It takes some hard work, and some serious apologizing, but Sophie manages to repair her relationships–and build better stronger ones moving forward.

I adored this book! The Polish immigrant backdrop is so lovely, and works beautifully with the Chicago environment. The war between American assimilation and cultural identity is so lovingly detailed. Sophie is a funny narrator–she has a potty mouth at times, but she sounds like “Anygirl,” to me. The mess she gets entangled with–between Gio and Nick–is realistic and well-considered. There are instances of teen experimentation–including alcohol and drug use–that also ring true, as well as frank discussions about sex, and sexual activity. I really liked how Sophie got her priorities together and made the best choices. In the end, I was so rooting for her, the bakery, and of course, Busia. Who doesn’t love a mystic-charming granny who bakes all day long?

So fun! Plenty of humorous moments–Sophie is a classic klutz with the bruises to prove it, and the brunt of more than a few cracks on her last name. I could so imagine her, out there in the north side of Chicago hawking kolatchkies, I almost lamented not getting a recipe. 😉

Interested? You can find ONE SMART COOKIE at Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Kym BrunnerAbout the Author
As the saying goes, I’m pretty much an open book. What do you want to know?

HOMELAND: I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois (Woo-hoo! Best city in the world!), but currently live in a northwest suburb that’s still close enough to get to the city in 40 minutes. Almost all of my stories take place in and around Chicago since it’s the only region where I’ve lived. I wish I could write a story that takes place in Greece, but I’d need to go there first. (Hint, hint, Husband)

SPARE TIME: I love to read and write obviously, but I also LOVE movies and reality TV. There, I said it. Point fingers all you want, laugh at me, but my brain wants what it wants and I’ve never been a good disciplinarian. Just ask my students or my lovely daughters, who laughed all the way out of the house after they did a few loads of laundry as “punishment.” 

FAMILY: I’ve been blessed with three beautiful daughters, a very tall, intelligent, and debonair husband (who might read this so I have to be really nice so I can get that trip to Greece), and two adorable dogs. Life’s pretty damn good, for which I am super thankful. 

WORK:Starting at the tender age of 14, I’ve been employed. First, as a hot dog wrangler (Sammie’s in the Portage Park area of Chicago), then an old-fashioned sign maker and cashier for PG Berland’s Paints, then in high school as an A-Accurate Answering Service operator (loved the job – hated the perverts who used to call and breathe heavy) and finally, for most of my life. . . a teacher. I’m teach 7th grade reading and writing all day long! And they pay me! What could be better than that?

Connect with Kym on her blog, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook.

***GIVEAWAY***
Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win
one of 3 ebooks of ONE SMART COOKIE
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

AToMRTours_mdm

Tripped Out at WORLD’S END–Review and Giveaway

Hi all! Today’s book, WORLD’S END, is contemporary (?) historical (?), uh, look–I KNOW it was a M/M FANTASY (!), but let’s just say the timeline is subject to whimsy. It’s out now, from a new-to-me author M. LeAnne Phoenix. Jump on the Book Blog Bus, with me.

Worlds End_MediumAbout the book:

Kiyoshi awakes from a fever aware of two things. One, he is not in the home he can for some reason only vaguely recall. Two, he has fallen for Shelly, the man who cared for him through his fever. Shelly is as enigmatic as the island he has found himself on.

With few answers about who he is, Shelly’s own identity, how he came to be there with Shelly, and just what this strange place is, Kiyoshi comes to accept just one thing. He and Shelly are meant to be no matter what befalls them. They are tied together by fate, all the way to what just may be the end of their world.

My Review:
Well, me hearties! This be a…

Okay, okay. I can HEAR your eyes rolling. No more Pirate-speak. (Beware of bad puns, however!)

So, this book took me on a ride from the historic netherworld to Sunny California.  Kiyoshi is a slight Japanese man on a deserted island with one other soul–Shelly Gwynne. In World’s End, it’s the 18th century, and Shelly is a reformed pirate who spends his days making swords. He nursed Kiyoshi back to health when he washed ashore suffering amnesia and a fever.

Kiyoshi and Shelly have just come to terms with their isolation (and mutual attraction) when some of Shelly’s pirate comrades show up. Shelly had made a vow to bring back the soul of Capt. Cam Morgan, and he will get no rest until he does so. The thing is, Shelly doesn’t want to leave Kiyoshi behind, but taking Kiyoshi from the island results in tumultuous storms.

The thing is, Kiyoshi’s having strange dreams about an alternate life. A “modern” life he doesn’t understand. And, the unnatural darkness closing in on Shelly and Kiyoshi’s idyllic island is soon tearing these men apart.

It’s an interesting book–lots of twists. I had wished for a little bit more build-up in the romance, because we essentially meet Shelly and Kiyoshi at the point where they have fallen for each other. I do love how passionate they are, and their anxiety surrounding their separation feels real–but I hoped for a bit steamier smexytimes. I struggled a little with tense in the book–because we shifted from past to present in dreamscapes and then reality. I did enjoy the historical scenes, mostly because I’m a sucker for vernacular.

Bonus chapter!

Day Three, The Island:
I don’t know where this place is that I find meself. I’d wager that it’s no hell place, because I fear that a hell place would be hotter and with much less water and vegetation. I’d also wager it ain’t heaven because I figure heaven would be in possession of more souls’n just this one. It cain’t be purgatory because even pirates don’t truly believe in a middle ground when it comes to the afterlife.

I sighed, pausing in my musings as the tide tickled my toes, squinting my eyes at the light from the rising sun. It’d been two days since I coughed all the water out of my lungs and dragged myself onto dry land. I remembered waiting for Hunter on the deck of the Kingston, and I remembered the sharp pain in my side, reaching down a hand to find blood staining my vest. I remembered turning around to see Hunter standing behind me, her face set.

“I’m sorry about this. You must understand that I don’t want this. You can’t come with me now and you cannot tell Cam what I know you long to tell him when we find him.”

“Ye’d rather me die? Hunter… have ye truly turned pirate?”

“I’d rather spare you the pain of living alone than being left again—”

“I’d rather ye didn’t kill me—”

“Too late, Shelly Gwynne.”

She’d pushed me over the railing and I’d fallen into those frigid waters, certain that the blood from my wound would call all manner of hungry animals, but the cold had sent me to sleeping and I only vaguely remembered slipping beneath the waves.

I furrowed my brow as I saw something riding the tide coming to shore. Getting to my feet, I walked towards the shape, finding it to be the first of what would be many supplies. Wrapped in nets I would later use to catch fish, I found a bushel of apples, a case of straw packed green bottles containing rum and wine, and as I dragged them in, the next wave that nearly swept over me sent a heavy wooden chest slamming into the sand, creating a deep furrow next to my feet. Seeing the lock on its front, I frowned.

How in hell am I s’posed to get into that? I reckon it needs a key—

Something cold tumbled over my feet in the froth washing over my feet and I looked down to see a two-pronged iron key lying in the sand by my right foot. Picking it up, I lifted my gaze to the sun and squinted again as I thought, What is this place?

Kneeling before the chest, I inserted the key and gave it a twist. The lock opened and I removed it, lifting the heavy lid to find it full of smithy’s tools. A small smile touched my lips when I lifted one and found the initials S. G. burnt into the handle. I shook my head and took a look around me.

“Well, m’boy… looks like we might be here for a time.”

Interested? You can find WORLD’S END at Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

***GIVEAWAY***
Click the Rafflecopter link below for you chance to win

one of 2 ecopies of WORLD’S END

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

M LeAnne PhoenixAbout the Author:
M. LeAnne Phoenix would tell you that the worst time of her life was the two years that she attempted to take off from writing. If you asked her to explain exactly why she did such a thing, you would most likely get the mad attempt to arch an eyebrow like her dad and then a shake of the head as she told you it was unlucky to speak of such things. Suffice it to say, it will never happen again!

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas in the mid-1970’s, Ms. Phoenix was young and wild (and even free!) during the crazy wondrous decade known as the 1980’s and the even crazier but now grungy decade of the 1990’s. Music is second only to the muses that live and breathe to fill her mind with beautiful men, and music always helps them to tell their stories. She is never without her iPod or her computer no matter where she goes, although, she does like to hike and take pictures of the sky and the moon, and even the occasional shot of the sun through the branches of a tree.

An avid cat lover, Ms. Phoenix has been owned by many throughout her life, though her current owner is one Lily-Rose, who really would like for her to step away from the keyboard and pay her some attention! After all, hasn’t she earned it?

M. LeAnne Phoenix can be found on Facebook. As this is her first real foray into the professional world of writing, there will be more social media to come.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!
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THE RED SHEET To The Rescue!–Review and Giveaway

mia Red Sheet award ImageThe Red Sheet by Mia Kerick
About the book:
One October morning, high school junior Bryan Dennison wakes up a different person—helpful, generous, and chivalrous—a person whose new admirable qualities he doesn’t recognize. Stranger still is the urge to tie a red sheet around his neck like a cape.

Bryan soon realizes this compulsion to wear a red cape is accompanied by more unusual behavior. He can’t hold back from retrieving kittens from tall trees, helping little old ladies cross busy streets, and defending innocence anywhere he finds it.

Shockingly, at school, he realizes he used to be a bully. He’s attracted to the former victim of his bullying, Scott Beckett, though he has no memory of Scott from before “the change.” Where he’d been lazy in academics, overly aggressive in sports, and socially insecure, he’s a new person. And although he can recall behaving egotistically, he cannot remember his motivations.

Everyone, from his mother to his teachers to his “superjock” former pals, is shocked by his dramatic transformation. However, Scott Beckett is not impressed by Bryan’s newfound virtue. And convincing Scott he’s genuinely changed and improved, hopefully gaining Scott’s trust and maybe even his love, becomes Bryan’s obsession.

My Review:
This book brings to light so many issues gay teens face, out or not. Bryan is a victim of homophobia, as well as a victimizer. At the beginning he “awakes” with an overpowering urge to be a hero–to save any and all brings who need help.

This new attitude is more than exceptional. His mother is startled as much as Bryan. See, he’d been both a Superjock, and a Superjerk. His story will talk to you. Really. As Bryan endeavors to figure out what provoked his complete mental flip-out, he’s constantly addressing the audience in “Plain Teen Speak” which–my teen son tells me–is ‘foul-mouthed and direct’. So, expect cursing. Also, expect to move past it quickly. Bryan’s an engaging narrator–for all that he doesn’t know WTF is happening in his brain.

And that becomes readily apparent when he encounters Scott at school. Scott is strangely enticing. Is Bryan gay? He doesn’t know–and that’s troubling to him. Especially as pretty girls tend to swoon over him. Why don’t they excite him like Scott does? And why does Scott hate him?

Bryan’s confusion over his sexuality, his attraction to Scott, and their hostile relationship are all well-described. Bryan isn’t only messed up over Scott. He’s seriously torqued-off with his dad, who abandoned him and his mother for a very much younger woman, with whom he has another child. Bryan wants to hate his dad–and he’s been pretty steadfast at it for years–but the new, “kinder gentler” Bryan responds to his mom’s urging to build a relationship, even if it’s not perfect.

Bryan is convinced that the key to his mental issues lay with Scott–and he hounds his schoolmate until he learns bits and pieces of the truth. He and Scott had been dating on the “down low” until Bryan did the unforgivable. He caved to some serious pressure from his Superjock/Jerk pals and humiliated Scott in order to hide his own attraction. And Scott’s not likely to forget it.

There was this part, where Bryan realizes all his teammates already knew about himself and Scott–and wonders what it was he was hiding for…

RS 5 Promoand he recognizes the futility of all his bullying shenanigans. In the end, coming out is just what he has to do, even if Scott will never accept him as a boyfriend. In fact, Bryan’s willing to take any friendship that Scott will offer in order to be close to him.

This causes more issues, and prompts Bryan to move his alliance from the Superjocks to Scott–and build all new friendships in the process. The level of intolerance spans from simple taunting to all-out battery, something the new Bryan won’t tolerate. I was glad to watch Bryan “get it”. I was also glad to see Scott really consider all that Bryan does to prove his loyalty and friendship. It was refreshing that Scott wasn’t a dishrag–he has a spine, complete with heavy armored plating–Bryan really has to work to gain forgiveness for all his wrongs, and he does it all with a sense of style–even joining a flash mob for a teacher to hang with Scott.

By the end I was so rooting for Scott to accept Bryan–the New Bryan–that I was reading as fast as I possibly could to get to the end–and was relieved to find the resolution excellent. 

How about a little taste:
“Hey, you guys!” Marley plunked her ass down on the chair across the table from me. As usual, Kathy followed closely behind and hovered by her shoulder when Marley sat down. “I’ve got big news!”

We all turned to her at once. Josh even put down his walnut-grape-granola-goat-cheese-chicken-salad sandwich on focaccia to give her his full attention. “What’s up?” he asked between enthusiastic chews.

“I just heard some teachers talking in the hall. And they said that Friday is Miss
Libby’s thirtieth birthday.”

Kathy pursed her green lips. “We can’t let it pass without doing something for her. She’s the coolest teacher at Appleton.”

“You know what would be so funny?” It was Josh again. “It would be such a riot if we set up a flash mob for her.”

We all laughed, just imagining it in our heads.

“No, seriously,” Josh said. “We should set up a flash mob for her. Doesn’t she have lunch duty on most Fridays?”

Is this the Josh I know?

But, then, what did I have to lose? “I’m in.” It was the least I could do for Miss Libby, who’d given me a chance to redeem myself with Scotty.

“You’d do that?” Scott appeared absolutely scandalized. “What about those guys?” He again nodded toward the Superjocks. “They’ll never let you live it down.”

“Ask me if I care?”

Scott just sat there, his full spoon frozen just beneath his lips.

When Scott didn’t voice the question, David did. “D-do y-you c-care?”

I looked squarely at David. “Not even slightly. Plus, you should see me dance. It
is something to behold.”

Josh rolled his eyes, because he’d seen it a time or two, but everyone else seated
at the Social Justice League Table nodded and grinned.

“I’ll get together as many kids as I can and I’ll find some music. We can practice at the community center right after school on Thursday. I’ll reserve it.” Marley was always on top of those kinds of things.

That posed a problem for me, though: basketball practice. But I had new priorities. I would work it out. “I’ll be there. How about all of you?”

Everybody nodded again. Scott had turned an enticing shade of pink.

I looked right at him and said, “Then Thursday after school is a date.”

Interested? You can find THE RED SHEET on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Dreamspinner Press.

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About the Author:
Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five non-pedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.

Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Themes Mia always writes about: Sweetness. Unconventional love, tortured/damaged heroes – only love can save them. You can find Mia on her website, Amazon, Facebook, and Goodreads.
I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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Book Blitz and Giveaway! CHALLENGING DESTINY by Cherie Colyer

Challenging Destiny

Release Date: 03/27/14
Summary from Goodreads:
Logan Ragsdale and his younger sister, Ariana, have been marked, chosen to be unwilling participants in a war between angels and demons.


Logan can sense something’s not quite right. Like an unexpected chill on a summer’s day, he can feel the unseen closing in. He’s had these feelings before and, each time, someone close to him died. He’s afraid this time it might just be Ariana.


Logan’s fears are soon confirmed when he discovers their new friends aren’t human, but rather representatives from Heaven and Hell sent to Earth to ensure he and Ariana accept their roles in an ancient prophecy. Demons want Logan to open the gates of Hell. Ariana has the power to stop them, but if she chooses to side with Heaven to spare the lives of thousands of innocent people, she’ll damn her brother for eternity.


Together, they must derail the biblical event if they hope to save themselves and the future of mankind…but what price are they willing to pay to keep the other safe?

My Review:
In this contemporary YA paranormal romance Ariana and Logan Ragsdale are orphaned siblings who happen to have mind-control powers. Logan is 18 and Ariana is 16, both born on All Saints Day, two years apart. Their parents died in an house fire 8 years ago, and their aunt and uncle, who had been guardians, were killed in an auto wreck two years ago. After bouncing to a couple foster homes and finding those caregivers being strangely injured, Logan convinces the Illinois State Foster system to let them live alone…

When we begin the story, Logan and Ariana are staying under the radar of the authorities. Ariana has a BFF, Becca, but they mostly keep to themselves–out of fear that any people close to them are targets for the tragedy that seems to follow them.

Of course, they are teens, so it’s impossible not to notice the two new students in their small high school. Ben is in Ariana’s art class, and interested in dating her. Strangely, he is immune to Ariana’s mind-control. Likewise, Logan meets Kira in Foods class. The attraction simmers, and yes, she can resist Logan’s mind powers.

Starting fledgeling relationships is foreign, but exciting. Still, they are wary due to the lack of effect of their powers on their potential beaux. Especially so when Kira begins to reveal more of her history to Logan. She’s been 16–for a real long time…and most of that was spent in agony. Seducing Logan to her purpose will satisfy the requirements of her boss, but could mean the end of civilization.

Not as though these kids didn’t suspect foul play in the deaths of their caregivers, but who’s really ready to accept celestial explanations? Surely not Logan. He thinks Kira’s off her nut, and rightly so. A little physical demonstration promptly makes him a believer, however.

And Ben? He’s on the other side of this equation. He’s anxious to get Ariana to join his team, even if doing so condemns Logan to a fiery fate.

With new knowledge behind the sinister plot that isolated Ariana and Logan from anyone who could help them, they must choose who to trust. According to a prophesy, a war is coming between the Blessed and the Fallen, and the winner will be decided when Ariana, or Logan, chooses a side to assist.

In either case, accepting their destinies means they will lose each other. Or, not. See, Ariana and Logan are determined to beat the Blessed and Fallen at their own games–and set themselves free of this cataclysmic prophesy.

Not that they go about it right. Outsmarting beings that can read your mind is pretty tough, after all. Escape Plan A soon devolves into Survival Plan C.2 when one of their guides changes teams mid-game and the casualties are dear.

It’s a wild chase with pretty steady tension throughout as Ariana and Logan search for the answers that will divert their fate. The end is tied up, but leaves room for a sequel. It’s an innocent read and suitable for lovers of paranormal YA fiction.

Available from:
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo Books

About the Author

A little about myself: I write young adult and middle grade novels. I love finding new stories that keep me up late reading. While my favorite genre is fantasy, if the book is beautifully written with characters that come alive I’m all over it.
My debut novel EMBRACE is now available from Omnific Publishing.

Author Links:
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Book Blitz Organized by:

Launch Day Book Blitz and Kindle Giveaway: A BEAUTIFUL THOUGHT

Beautiful Thought RDL

NOW AVAILABLE

Book 4 in the Beautiful Series by Alicia Rae!

ABT Amazon GR SW

A Beautiful Thought Synopsis:

As a physical sports therapist, Gail Bennett is accustomed to working with gorgeous athletes every day, but after falling for a few of these attractive men, she has been left heartbroken one too many times. When Gail’s hours at work are unexpectedly cut, she must find a way to continue helping her parents pay for her sister’s education. Reluctantly following her best friend’s advice, Gail takes on a roommate—with the one man she has been avoiding since the first time she laid eyes on him.

Damon Johnson loves a challenge, and he is not the type of man to back down when he wants something. From the first moment he meets Gail for dinner, he feels an inexplicable pull between the two of them. In his determination to have her, he finds himself helping her in any way he can.

Can Damon break through all the barriers Gail has so carefully placed around her heart and prove that he’s different? Or will Gail’s reservations keep her from falling in love?

One thought could change everything….

Interested? You can get A BEAUTIFUL THOUGHT on Goodreads and  Amazon.

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a KINDLE Paperwhite!
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AliciaRaeAbout the Author:

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

“Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams…”

You can find Alicia on her Blog,  Twitter   Facebook  and Goodreads.

Inkslinger

New Release! HUDSON by Laurelin Paige with Super Giveaway!!!

From Bestselling Author

Laurelin Paige

Book 4 in the FIXED series

Hudson (Fixed, #4)

Summary:

“I can easily divide my life into two parts—before her and after.”

Hudson Pierce has led a life few others could even imagine. With money and power at his fingertips, he’s wanted for almost nothing. He’s never experienced love, however, and he’s seen few examples of it in his dysfunctional family. The ridiculous notion of romance has always intrigued him. He’s studied it, controlled it, manipulated it, and has yet to understand it.

Until he meets Alayna Withers.

Now, the games he’s played in his quest for comprehension can finally come to an end. Or are they just beginning?

Told from his point of view, Hudson fills the holes in his love story with Alayna Withers. His past and relationship with his long-time friend Celia is further revealed and light is shed on his actions during his courtship with Alayna.

MUST BE READ AFTER THE FIXED TRILOGY.

Book One: FIXED ON YOU FREE!!!
Book Two: FOUND IN YOU
Book Three: FOREVER WITH YOU

Get yours today! Available on Goodreads and Amazon

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Release Week Special!!!

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Join today’s Facebook Party from 4-11pm EST for more chances to win, and sneak peeks!

Or upload a pic of yourself in a tie for another chance to win!

imageAbout Laurelin: Laurelin Paige is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She’s a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine.
You can catch up with Laurelin on Facebook, Twitter, her website, you can sign up for newsletter or Pinterest.
Thanks for dropping in and keep reading my friends!

 

She Finds Her HEART SHAPED ROCK–Review and Giveaway

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Hi there and welcome to my stop on the HEART SHAPED ROCK blog tour sponsored by YA Bound Blog Tours. For other stops on the tour click here. This YA Romance is the debut novel from Laura Roppe–and it’s a heartbreaker.

5ea0a-heart_shaped_rock_ebook_cover_finalSummary from Goodreads:

“If you liked the music collaboration of Maybe Someday, you’ve got to check out Heart Shaped Rock.” — New York Times best-selling author of Maybe Someday, Colleen Hoover

“Laura Roppé has written a moving and emotional novel of first love, accurately capturing the voice and mind of a dramatic and emotional sixteen year old girl caught in a maelstrom of grief and loss, love and heartbreak. And then there’s Dean…you’ll just have to read the book, ‘cause I can’t do him justice in a few short sentences.” –Jasinda Wilder, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of Falling into You

Sometimes a shattered heart needs to sing to love again . . . Sixteen year old singer-songwriter Shaynee Sullivan hasn’t so much as touched her guitar since her mom died six months ago. In fact, Shaynee hasn’t felt like doing much of anything lately, except maybe playing Whack-a-Mole on her “emotionally intelligent” brother’s head. But when she meets a gorgeous and surprising rocker named Dean, her shattered heart begins to mend . . . and then burst at the seams. Heart-wrenching, heart-warming, and sometimes even heart-racing, Heart Shaped Rock will leave you laughing through tears and rooting for love in all its forms.

My Review:

My heart absolutely broke for Shaynee! Six months ago her mom died of cancer. Her mother was one of those magical people–the kind who can coax a smile out of a sulky teen. She was a vibrant woman–a singer and songwriter. In death she is mourned steadfastly. Shaynee’s father grieves terribly–working too much and enlisting Shaynee to care for herself and her younger brother, Lennox. Lennox is 11, and vastly better at coping with his mother’s death. He delights in listening to her recordings and openly discusses their mother–as if she’s keeping watch over the family.

Shaynee, on the other hand, can’t bear to even speak of her mother. She’s so angry–she lashes out at Lennox, her dad and even her BFF Tiffany.  Nor can she pick up her guitar. Shaynee’s always been into music. Has written countless songs and performed since she was little, but the music died with her mom, and so did Shaynee’s social life. Tiffany has tried to be there, but Shaynee won’t let her in. So, Tiff tricks Shaynee into getting a job at the coffeehouse where she works.

The freedom of finding new social connections–people who know nothing about about her personal tragedy–liberates Shaynee’s spirit for the first time in months. Meeting first surfer Jared, and then singer Dean, sparks the long-dead beat of Shaynee’s heart. She falls for Dean hard–but Dean has secrets that shatter the tenuous peace Shaynee had established. Jared alternates between confidante and c*ckblock. He’s every bit as smitten with Shaynee as Dean is–and thinks his affection is returned. Well, not so much, but Shaynee is quick to tell Jared she’s mean. So, when she acts mean, he’s been properly warned.

Truthfully, Shaynee knows that Dean is her better match. He’s a singer and plays three instruments. Oh, and he’s kind and understanding. If only he’d been honest from the start. Then again, Shaynee hasn’t been honest much, either. In fact, her denial is crippling her. It’s a long road to acceptance–but it’s great to see Shaynee walk it under her own power.

Shaynee could clearly play the grieving child card to win Dean’s forgiveness–but she wises up, and ‘fesses up, too. I was grateful. In lots of parts of the book, Shaynee’s struggles are so suffocating, she falls into panic attacks. By the end this girl walks tall and strums a bold tune. Lennox (and her mom) would have been proud to see it. I liked it. You might too.

Interested? You can find HEART SHAPED ROCK on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes. Hear the original music performed in Heart Shaped Rock at http://www.LauraRoppe.com. All music available on iTunes.

d8910-lauraroppeAbout the Author

Laura Roppé is an award-winning singer/songwriter, author, audio book narrator, speaker, and former attorney from San Diego, California. In 2011, Billboard Magazine ranked her as Number Three on its chart of the Top 50 “uncharted” artists in the world. In May 2013, Laura began hosting Amazon’s weekly podcast, “Kindle Love Stories,” for people who love hearing about love stories, romance, and happily ever afters.
Her first book is the non-fiction memoir, Rocking the Pink. Her latest is a YA-teen romance novel entitled Heart Shaped Rock, featuring a soundtrack.

You can find Laura on her website, Goodreads, twitter and Facebook.

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1 $50 Gift Card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (INT)
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Good luck and keep reading my friends!

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