Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Review of Truth in Wildflowers by Kimberly Rose

Synopsis: Truth, love finds you.
Truth, love leads you.
Truth, love heals you.
Truth, love breaks you.

For college student Kensie, finding love hasn’t been easy. With a father she’s estranged from she finds it difficult to trust men, and with a past she’s ashamed of she is unable to trust herself. Kensie feels irrevocably stagnant with an unending desire to move. That is, until she meets August, and her life is set into motion.

After a tragic accident, August gave up on living. A captive to his guilt, he is unable to move on from his past. Then he finds a reason in Kensie. She awakes every dormant fiber of his being, but will she want him once she discovers he is everything she fears most?

Can Kensie let herself love August, or will the truth destroy her?
 
4.5 Stars!
 
Review: I am a pretty big fan of the NA genre, so this story was easily something I was interested in reading. Kensie is such a beautiful character because she is flawed. She is not that typical young adult or even new adult character that is so hard to believe in because they are kind of perfect but see themselves as not perfect. For instance, the character that has a hard life, but always keeps it together, is a virgin, is the best friend anyone could ask for, loves animals, volunteers, gives away her last dime, even though she is poor, makes perfect grades, etc. We have all read about that character, right? Well, praise the lord, Kensie is not like that. Don't get me wrong - she's not the opposite of all of those things, but she has definitely made bad choices, she has a difficult time letting anyone in, she is not a virgin, although she is celibate when she meets August, and the rest - well, she just seems to freely admit where she has made mistakes or not. I really loved that. She also freely admits that she does not know what she wants to do out of life - she feels that she is just floating along on the breeze.
 
Then, enter August. Wow, August just seemed like a really great guy. Again, he was flawed, and he seemed to have embraced that he did not have the best past, either, but he also wasn't trying to come across as the "bad boy". He has a past, but he is slowly trying to build towards a strong future, and he kind of knows how he wants to get there. These two meet, randomly, when Kensie and af riend are in a tattoo shop. Kensie notices August as he is getting his tattoo, and she is instantly attracted to him, which surprises her, as she has not been open to an attraction to a guy in several years. He, likewise, is attracted to her, and they later run into one another again and find out they have a mutual connection - August's sister.
 
Kensie and August's relationship builds in a very realistic manner, which I appreciated. She has a lot of mistrust in men because of her relationship with her father, as well as a past boyfriend. Not to mention, after a bad breakup with the ex-boyfriend, she threw herself into a lot of meaningless sexual situations, and she was further hurt because of this. August has a long road to travel to help Kensie through some of this hurt. She has to learn that some men can be trusted, even when you have never really seen that. So, in that manner, I appreciated that Kensie did not just immediately fall in love with August. She was definitely interested, but she observed how he was with his friends, at his job, and with his sister.
 
August also has a past, though, and his past includes a major heartache. When I finally figured out what had happened, I cried, because my heart just went out to him. August was not completely honest with Kensie, however, which he should have been, so they do have to go through some rough waters, as they slowly get more and more honest with one another. I loved how the author weaved in the them of the game "Truth or Dare" into this, however, as the truths and the dares would show how much August and Kensie were getting to know one another or starting to trust one another. It was a very sweet addition to the story.
 
I really hope to see more of Wes and Capri in the next book, but I would also love to read more about August and Kensie - especially how Kensie continues to move along in her relationship, or lack of, with her father. That was heartbreaking to read. I have a young daughter, and one of my favorite things is to watch my husband interact with her, and to read about Kensie's father's...just...disregard of her, was so slowly heartbreaking. It was so well written that I really felt her heart breaking with that. It's not just an extra detail in the story that makes Kensie flawed - it really is part of her story that you get to live with her. It makes the process of her trusting August seem more realistic and wonderful to see. I think we will see more great things from this author!
 
Jessica

Monday, December 29, 2014

Review of Let Love In by Melissa Collins

Synopsis: What would happen if you lost everything? If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how would your world change?

Madeleine Becker lost everything when her parents died when she was ten years old. Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again. The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can't get hurt if she doesn't fall in love.

That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy's pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world. Maddy's inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.

Together they find out what happens when they let love in.  

3.75 Stars!

Review: Wow. My heart definitely broke for Maddie. To lose your parents at such a young age, and then to also move in with an older relative and to a different town and school - I just really felt for her and all that she had to go through. It was so hard for her to open up and trust people after that - mainly because she was afraid that she would lose them, too. Maddie was a little bit frustrating to read, though, because of this factor. She held so many people at arm's length, but was also so unwilling to do anything to change that.

That is, until she meets Reid. In Reid, she immediately seems to see a reason to let someone in. Is that because he is the most attractive guy she has ever seen? Not sure, but it did kind of seem like that. Don't get me wrong - this is not an insta-love kind of story, but I think it's only like that because Reid was also very careful to stay away from Maddie. He was the one that was slowing things down for a while, and I was glad of that. When they do finally start moving forward, it was a little comical to see how hard they both made it - letting little things get in the way of their communication, etc.

I did like that they both pushed each other to work on their pasts and on letting love in, even though it was definitely like the blind leading the blind, at times. When things seem to finally be going a little better, Maddie runs away, again, but Reid also pushes her to do so. She then finds out some pretty important news and uses that and Reid's reaction to it to punish him. In many ways, she reacts like any immature, emotionally stunted 18 year old probably would react, but it was frustrating to read about. Overall, I think Maddie and Reid have a good story, and I would like to read the next part to see how they resolve their issue, but it does move somewhat slowly, at times. I will have to wait to see, but I'm wondering if this should have possibly been one book?

Jessica

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Review of Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J.R. Ward

Synopsis: In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

 4 Stars!

I really enjoyed this book for several reasons: I liked the take on this author's version of Vampires, it's not all hearts and flowers and eternity; it's war, and Wrath, as an imperfect King, was different to read about. The point of view changes very abruptly, at times, so that took some getting used to, but I do enjoy having multiple points of view. As I am just starting this series, and there are already quite a few books written, it is nice to start seeing bits and pieces of the other characters, so that you already feel invested in their stories.

We first meet Wrath when he meets with Darius, one of his brothers in the Black Dagger Brotherhood, an elite group of vampire warriors, bound to protect their civilization. Wrath is the King, and he is also mostly blind, as well as being the last purebred Vampire left. Darius wants Wrath to help him with his half-human daughter, as she is getting close to her transition into becoming a Vampire. At first, Wrath is unwilling to help, as he has little use for humans, but several events lead to his path running across Beth, anyways. At that point, he can't help but to be drawn to her.

Beth, who is unaware of her half-Vampire status, and certainly unaware of the fact that her life is about to completely change, is a reporter that is constantly chasing after police officers and crime in their town of Caldwell, NY. After a scary incident, she comes across a very intimidating man that keeps popping up in her life, though she is not certain if he is safe or dangerous. Wrath is there for Beth, however, when she truly needs him, and her life is forever entangled with the Brotherhood after that.

There is definitely more to come with this story, which I am excited to read about. All of the Brotherhood are such flawed characters, despite how strong they are, so it's a nice difference from the typical, perfect and flawless Vampire story. There are a few grammatical errors, as well as shortened words or slang that the author uses that don't quite seem appropriate for big, bad warriors to use, so I keep noticing them. Otherwise, I am hooked on these guys.

Jessica

Monday, December 22, 2014

Review: An Underestimated Christmas by Jettie Woodruff


An Underestimated Christmas by Jettie Woodruff


SYNOPSIS:
For all of those who are wondering what Morgan and Drew are up to these days, this is for you. You followed Morgan through her life of pain and then happiness in Underestimated. You followed Drew through Underestimated Too with his own trials and tribulations where he too found happiness in the end.
Now read along with An Underestimated Christmas to find out if the happiness is still going strong. We pick up the story with Nicholas being nearly five and Wes being three. How do Morgan and Drew handle everyday life with a family? Will this Christmas be the best one ever, or the last?
Never underestimate the ability to lose it all.


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REVIEW:



Do you remember that feeling you got as a kid waiting on Santa to come and how you couldn't sleep because you were so excited to see what he brought you??

Yeah that's how I felt when I first heard this book was coming out.

If you read about Drew and Morgan Kelley in Underestimated then you understand completely. If you haven't it's a MUST read before reading this one.

I knew from the start that these two would always hold a special place in my heart after the wild, emotional and trying ride they took us on. However, I didn't realize just how much I needed them...how much I've missed their crazy chemistry. The way they challenge each other every step of the way only to get lost in steamy sex all over again.

I should have seen the emotional roller coaster coming but I didn't. But I did feel an incredible connection-as a wife, as a mother who wants so badly to be "better" than her own past upbringing.

But as good as all that way for me what I loved the most about this story was just how "real" it was. This could totally happen to anyone of us on any given day. Life isn't hearts and flowers-it's pain, struggles and learning to not only cope but to live through them. It's not something money can buy-it's something you have to dig deep within yourself to find.

Thank you Jettie Woodruff for yet another amazing story that will live within me for years to come.

5 SHUT THE FRONT DOOR STARS !!!

Against All Odds by Angie McKeon

***Limited Time Only***

Against All Odds by Angie McKeon  is

ONLY $0.99




Book Summary

 

Our lives shattered... Our hearts broken... Our souls torn to pieces...

He was my world, my whole life. My reason for breathing. I had a perfect marriage, a baby on the way, and I felt fulfilled—almost invincible.

Until the day life hit, leaving me broken, vulnerable, and alone.

She was my life. My ray of hope on the cloudiest day. With her, I thought I had the ultimate safety. A love that would never hurt or betray me. I gave her my heart, my body, and my soul.

Until she broke me, destroying every dream and illusion I had about life, love, and marriage.

In our grief, we made a mistake. A mistake I'm not sure we can come back from.

**Content warning: Please be advised that this novel is for ages 18+. It may contain themes and subjects upsetting to readers. This is NOT a light read.**


Blog Tour/Review: Before Ryan was Mine by Kahlen Aymes

The Mad, Mad Love Begins….




The highly anticipated pre-quel to The Remembrance Trilogy is NOW AVAILABLE!

Amazon US:
Amazon UK:
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/POPrequelBN
iTunes Pre-order:  http://bit.ly/1wJsiRx
RELEASE DATE: December 16th, 2014
Review By Lynn

4.5 Stars

I have to say that this is one of the sweetest story I have ever read.  It is one that weaves and ebbs into a story of two friends struggling with their true feelings towards each other and the line beyond friendship neither one would cross. I have not read the Remembrance Trilogy so I am new to the works of Kahlen Aymes. It is my understanding that Julia and Ryan make an entrance and that is where their love story begins. I will continue reading this series to it finale to see where their story goes.  

I must say that as much as I loved seeing them evade their relationship and true feelings for each other, I was frustrated with how Ryan was insecure about not pushing the limits of the friendship with Julia.  Because of Ryan, Julia suffers greatly due to the mixed signals, Ryan's endless hookups with other girls, while Julia's love is unwavering.  I really just wanted to shake both of them and say, "Wake up, and just tell each other how you feel!" Each day it becomes harder to separate the friends only with the feelings of love she has for him. They are inseparable, where one is the other is or they are texting. Can they become more than friends? Or will fate intervene? 



 Blurb
When Ryan Matthews meets Julia Abbott for the first time at Stanford University, he immediately knows she will change his life.  They have an instant, unbreakable connection that goes beyond partying and palpable attraction.  Although his intelligence and good looks land him any girl he wants, Ryan hesitates to cross that line with Julia because she quickly becomes the best friend he’s ever had.

Both secretly in love, Ryan and Julia are terrified to take the chance that could mean the loss of the very person they don’t want to lose.  As the bond between them grows stronger, they are both miserable as they are forced to watch as they each date other people.  But will Ryan’s all-consuming jealousy and Julia’s deeply broken heart torment them enough to make one or both walk away?

Join Ryan and Julia on the beginning of the journey that has made Kahlen Aymes’ Remembrance Trilogy an international bestselling favorite among her readers.  This book was written after The Trilogy was finished due to an abundance of reader requests for more of Ryan and Julia’s story.

And so…
The Mad, Mad Love Begins…

Excerpt #1
Excerpt from Before Ryan Was Mine, The Remembrance Trilogy, Prequel, Copyright 2014, Kahlen Aymes, All Rights Reserved.

My beer slipped from my fingers, and I scrambled to catch it but it was being lifted by another set of slender fingers without the blazing red nails.  By the time my eyes shifted up and focused, Julia was leisurely taking a drink from my bottle.   Her hooded green eyes appraised me, with my date almost on my lap.  I barely noticed Leah because my attention was on Julia, and then her eyes shifted twelve inches right, landing on Leah.  Julia hated beer, but still here she was, stamping her ownership with something as simple as a pull on my beer bottle.   She probably didn’t even know the effect it had on me at such a base level, but I fucking loved it.  Something tightened deep inside my chest, and my dick twitched inside my jeans.
“Ryan!  Are you gonna let her do that?”  Leah demanded indignantly, her eyes flashing haughtily up at Julia.
My lips raised in the slightest smirk.  Julia echoed it when her eyes locked with mine.
“Yeah, she… uh, she can do that,” I confirmed without emphasis.  Amusement at Julia’s confidence made me want to laugh out loud.  I felt fucking elated.
Leah huffed beside me and angrily flung herself back against the cushions of the couch, removing her leg from mine.  “Well, do you know her?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I know her.”  Boy, do I know her.
Julia wobbled a little, and I could see she’d had more to drink than she needed.  Still, she grinned at me, her arm bent at the elbow as she curled my beer close to her chest, not drinking, just holding it in place.  My instinct was to reach out or stand up to steady her.
Angrily, Leah pushed on my shoulder and spewed venom in Julia’s direction.  “Are you going to introduce us?  Is she your sister?”
Julia started to giggle.  “Pffft!  Do I look like his sister?”
 “Then who are you?” my date demanded, her expression hard.  I watched the exchange, anxious to see what Julia would say.
“Oh, we’re ….”  She handed back my beer and walked behind me to sit on the top edge of the back of the couch and slid her hand over the shoulder Leah had shoved.  “Well, let’s see… we’re…  mmmm...”  Her words were nonchalant but her eyes widened, waiting for me to finish the sentence.  “What exactly are we, Ryan?”
“This is my best friend Julia.  Jules, this is Leah.”  I said the words carefully, but couldn’t tear my eyes from Julia’s face.  Her features were filled with laughter and devilry.
“His date,” Leah spat.
“Congratulations.”  Julia focused on Leah and wagged a finger in her direction.  She was clearly tipsy.  “You need a donut.”
A laugh burst from my chest because I couldn’t help myself.  You need a donut. I thought it was fucking hilarious, but Leah was clearly pissed.
“What did you say?”
“You seriously need a donut.”
Leah looked indignant and furious, but my shoulders were visibly shaking with laughter when Julia turned her attention to me. “Can I talk to you for a sec?”
“Excuse me,” I murmured to Leah then immediately rose to follow Julia a few feet away.  “Are you being careful?”
“Is it just a coincidence that you and Twiggy are here tonight?”
I swallowed at the accusation in her tone.  She was tipsy, but her eyes still burned into mine.  “Yeah.  I had no idea you were even going out, but I’m glad I’m here.  Who is that guy?”  I wanted to ask why she let him touch her in such a familiar way but clamped my jaw shut.
“He’s a guy.  Collin, I think?  No big deal.”  She shrugged nonchalantly, and her hand came to rest on the front of my shirt.  I should have been reassured as her deep green eyes looked up imploringly.  “Don’t worry, Ryan.”
It was all I could do not to cover her fingers with my own.  “I worry.”
“I know.”  She leaned in and wrapped her arms around my waist in a brief hug and the scent of her perfume engulfed me.  “I’m glad to see you.  I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Excerpt #2
~Ryan
The biggest moment of my life found me unexpectedly.  It crept up softly, and settled around me like a fuzzy blanket.  A mere whisper; it hit me like a sledgehammer.  At the time, I knew it was significant, but I didn’t realize just how those few seconds would change absolutely everything: how one brief glance could leave such an indelible stamp on the remainder of my life.  It would become a contradiction; an unstoppable force that would send me reeling out of my control, churning and shredding my emotions, but create the most incredible contentment I’d ever feel.  Contentment that could wrap me up in a warm, safe place or devastate me to the core and leave my heart in shambles.  It would become years of want and pain, lust and love… It would hurt like the deepest hell, but become the most euphoric and precious ecstasy I’d ever know.  I’d never forget that day, that moment; that glance.
It would wreck me.  It would make me.   
 

The Remembrance Trilogy Reading Order


Before Ryan Was Mine (Book 0.5)
Amazon US:
Amazon UK:
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/POPrequelBN


The Future of Our Past (Book One)

Don’t Forget to Remember Me  (Book Two)

A Love Like This (Book Three)

The Remembrance Trilogy: Books 1-3
Not currently available on Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1HixD5I
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1F1BCl4

About the Author:
Kahlen Aymes



I'm a single mother of one daughter, Olivia. She's amazing in every way.

I was born in the Midwestern United States and educated at a private university where I received a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

I've always been creative with art, music, theater and writing. I decided to write a story as a way to build a network for a business venture. The reader support of my stories and my overwhelming desire to find out where my characters would take me, soon had the writing morphing the business. No one was more shocked than I. When readers began nominating my work for online awards, it took my breath away and only made me love it more. It soon became clear that writing was, and should be, my focus.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
5 Signed Paperbacks w/$10 Gift Cards (Open Internationally)

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THANK YOU!

Release Blitz: Angel by Kelli Maine

Angel    

  Synopsis red   

  On the run, Luc gets word from LLMC that the cartel has agreed to return Angel to them instead of killing her, but they need a replacement. If Luc hands over Lilith, trained and ready to be delivered to the cartel, the club will forgive him his betrayal and welcome him back into the fold. Luc must decide where his loyalty lies—with the club that saved his life and Angel who almost broke his resolve to never keep anyone for himself, or with Lilith, the crazy bitch who got inside his head and knows him better than anyone ever has.   

       Buy Links red  
All available now.
 

  About the author red  

 Kelli Maine is the erotic romance author of USA Today Bestseller and #1 Nook book, Taken, and the Give & Take series, along with the Dolls & Doms novellas and Chains. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, Kelli enjoys watching reality T.V., getting lost in random Wikipedia pages and searching online ads for vintage muscle cars. 

 Favorite Author: Diana Gabaldon 
 Favorite Food: Japanese Favorite 
Superhero: Spiderman 
 Favorite Place I’ve Been: Yucatan Peninsula 
 Writing Must Haves: Coffee and chocolate 
 Plotter or Pantser: Proud Pantser 
 Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/0v8A5          

Cover Reveal: Jade by S. Reynolds

jade

Title: Jade (Special Operations Command Series #2)
Genre: Romance/Erotica with Action
Author: Stephanie Reynolds
Release Date: Jan 12, 2015
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jade teaser


Synopsis:
Jade Conner is taking a big risk, working undercover as a drug buyer. His team is desperately trying to intercept and stop the importation of a wicked new drug into South Florida. In the middle of a buy, he meets a young woman, who seems utterly out of place. Alli Reed is helplessly trapped, having foolishly made the wrong choice. Now, she must deliver the drugs or die.Worse, she the sister of one of the team members: the case just took the worst possible turn!
 
♦About The Author♦

steph
Bio:
I am a new author and hope to publish many of my books. I have been working on my first book for some time now, but I am finally making that leap. I have many stories that I want to put to paper and hopefully you all will follow me on my journey. I currently live in Charleston, WV with my two beautiful children. I do work a full time job and I have a passion for writing. My only hobby is reading. I like to write whatever is on my mind but I like to explore with my writing. I like to have my books feel like your inside them as the actual characters. I like my characters to be strong. Sex is important between loving people therefore all my books contain graphic scenes but are not classified as erotica. The character's themselves have more basis. If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact me, I would love to hear from you.
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♦Social Media Links♦
♦Purchase First Book in the Series♦

kalil cover

Kalil(Special Operations Command #1)
Author liaisons promo pic
 

Carnal Persuasion Release Blitz

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Book: Carnal Persuasion
Series: Severed MC #4
Author: KT Fisher & Ava Manello
Genre: MC
Cover Design: Margreet Asselbergs
Cover Model: Asher Collins
Cover Photographer: Richard Hunter of RIHUPHOTO

Synopsis

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The fourth instalment in the Severed MC series finds Cowboy wrestling with his demons. Can he go on, or is he too broken after everything he's endured?

Meanwhile the citizens of Severed are caught up in a war, and it's down to Severed MC to try and save them.

This book is going to blow your mind.


TEASERS

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PURCHASE LINKS


Other books in this series:

Severed Angel (Severed MC#1)


Carnal Desire (Severed MC#2)


Severed Justice (Severed MC#3)


About the Authors 

KT Fisher

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I love reading, it's my favourite hobby. I've always had ideas for my own books packed into my head so I thought I would write them out for people to enjoy.



Stalk KT Fisher:




Ava Manello

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Passionate reader, blogger, publisher, and author. I love nothing more than helping other Indie authors publish their books be that reviewing, beta reading, formatting or proofreading, 

I love erotic suspense that's well written and engages the reader, and I love promoting the heck out of it over on my book blog.

I'm a mother, but most of all I'm me!

Stalk Ava Manello:


Sunday, December 21, 2014

SALE: What's Left of Me by Amanda Maxlyn

***Limited Time Only***

What's Left of Me by Amanda Maxlyn  is

ONLY $0.99





Book Summary

 

Life works in mysterious ways.

Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.

I refuse to cry.

And I refuse to give in.

A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants.

Me.

He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.

But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.

What if it changes everything?
Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.

Love found me when I was twenty-one.

My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.