Category Archives: Book Review

Happy Release: Back To You by Lauren Dane – Hurley Boys Series – Book 3

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Back To You

Hurley Boys Series – Book 3

By Lauren Dane

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Synopsis

What won’t he do for a second chance?

Former model Kelly Hurley has finally put the ashes of the past behind her. After a passionate but turbulent marriage to rock star Vaughan Hurley that ended in heartbreak and divorce, Kelly rebuilt her life in Portland, where she settled so their two young daughters could be close to their father. Just not so close Kelly couldn’t truly make her own way without interference from the man who shattered her heart. Now Kelly’s finally ready to move on, and she’s planning to marry another man.

But not if Vaughan has anything to say about it.

Vaughan knows he was a fool all those years ago. A young, selfish—and prideful—fool. Even as he buried himself in the fast, decadent rock-star lifestyle, he could never drown out the memory of Kelly’s beauty and love. Or the sweet, searing heat whenever they touched. For years, he’s had to deal with the pain of seeing her only because of their daughters, but it was never enough. Now Vaughan must prove that he’s the only man Kelly needs, before he loses her for good. And there’s only one way to do it…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

4StarSunMichel’s Review

Back To You by Lauren Dane is the third book in the Hurley Boys series.  It is a second chance romance.  It is also a romance that shows the importance of family dynamics. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

Vaughan Hurley has been a spoiled rockstar until he gets a wake up call that makes him re evaluate his life and previous actions.  His ex wife has announced that she is getting remarried after eight years of being single.  Eight years ago he didn’t value the love and relationship he had with her.  He always figured that she would always be around when he was finally ready to settle down.  It was never a question of loving her.  It was about his freedom and pursuit of his rock n roll career.  Now he is singing a different tune and it may be too late.

When their oldest daughter is admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery, Vaughn is determined to be around for his daughters.  He’s determined to be a better parent.  He’s determined to be partner with Kelley where his daughters are concerned.  He’s going to prove that he has grown up and changed.  He’s ready to put his family first.

Vaughan will have to prove himself over and over before Kelley begins to trust him once again.  After all she caught him cheating on her when she was pregnant with their second child.  He let her take the blame for their failed marriage.  He allowed his family to treat her badly for years.  Through it all Kelley persevered.  She put her daughters first.  She gave them a stable home and dependable parent.  She allowed them to have a relationship with Vaughan and his family without clouding her children’s judgement of them.  She wants Vaughn to be more in their lives but is she willing to risk her heart once again?

Kelley and Vaughan will have a tough journey in front of them.  They will have to learn to live together as a family.  Vaughn will have to learn the skills of daily parenting.  They will have to learn to communicate as lovers as well as parents.

I have to say I admired Kelley’s strength of character.  She never once allowed Vaughn to walk all over her.  She recognized her weaknesses and strengths.  I admired how she was able to move past the terrible treatment she has endured from Vaughan’s family for years.  She never allowed her personal feelings interfere with her childrens relationship with Vaughan’s family

Lauren Dane has a gift with expressing family dynamics in her books.  She shows the importance of these relationships while adding a beautiful romance.

I would highly recommend reading Back To You by Lauren Dane.

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The Hurley Boys Series

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She has complete control…and he’s determined to take it away

A librarian in the small town of Hood River, Natalie Clayton’s world is very nearly perfect. After a turbulent childhood and her once-wild ways, life is now under control. But trouble has a way of turning up unexpectedly—especially in the tall, charismatically sexy form of Paddy Hurley….

And Paddy is the kind of trouble that Natalie has a taste for.

Even after years of the rock-and-roll lifestyle, Paddy never forgot the two wickedly hot weeks he once shared with Natalie. Now he wants more…even if it means tempting Natalie and her iron-grip control. But there’s a fine line between well-behaved and misbehaved—and the only compromise is between the sheets!

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Beyond passion. And beyond their control…

Five years ago, Tuesday Eastwood’s life collapsed and left her devastated. After an empty, nomadic existence, she’s finally pieced her life back together in the small Oregon town of Hood River. Now Tuesday has everything sorted out. Just so long as men are kept for sex, and only sex…

Then she met him.

Musician and rancher Ezra Hurley isn’t the man of Tuesday’s dreams. He’s a verboten fantasy—a man tortured by past addictions whose dark charisma and long, lean body promise delicious carnality. But this craving goes far beyond chemistry. It’s primal. It’s insatiable. And it won’t be satisfied until they’re both consumed, body and soul…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

81hfvTedUKL._SL1500_Back To You – Book 3

What won’t he do for a second chance?

Former model Kelly Hurley has finally put the ashes of the past behind her. After a passionate but turbulent marriage to rock star Vaughan Hurley that ended in heartbreak and divorce, Kelly rebuilt her life in Portland, where she settled so their two young daughters could be close to their father. Just not so close Kelly couldn’t truly make her own way without interference from the man who shattered her heart. Now Kelly’s finally ready to move on, and she’s planning to marry another man.

But not if Vaughan has anything to say about it.

Vaughan knows he was a fool all those years ago. A young, selfish—and prideful—fool. Even as he buried himself in the fast, decadent rock-star lifestyle, he could never drown out the memory of Kelly’s beauty and love. Or the sweet, searing heat whenever they touched. For years, he’s had to deal with the pain of seeing her only because of their daughters, but it was never enough. Now Vaughan must prove that he’s the only man Kelly needs, before he loses her for good. And there’s only one way to do it…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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About Lauren Dane

lauren daneLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!

The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Happy Release + Review : Delivered Fast by Annabeth Albert – Portland Heat Series – Book 3

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Delivered Fast

Portland Heat Series – Book 3

By Annabeth Albert

Synopsis

Portland, Oregon, aka Hotlandia, where the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are ready to serve everything piping hot, fresh, and ready to go—like the hard-working, hard-bodied men behind the counters—with no reservations…
Sure, Chris O’Neal has problems. His restaurant is still co-owned by his ex. His flannel-and-tattoos style is making him accidentally trendy. He can’t remember the last time he went out and had fun. But he’s not lonely, he’s driven. And the hot bakery delivery boy is not his problem, no matter how sweet his buns.

Chris is old enough to know Lance Degrassi’s sculpted good looks and clever double entendres spell nothing but trouble. Lance is still in college—he should be hitting the clubs and the books, chasing guys his own age, not pursuing some gruff motorcycle-riding workaholic. Especially when he’ll be leaving for grad school in a few months. But Lance keeps hanging around, lending a hand, charming Chris to distraction. Maybe some steaming hot no-strings indulgence won’t hurt.

Then again, maybe it will…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

4StarSun

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
I’m undecided on the cover. I’ve liked the torso shots from the previous installments to the series, so this unclothed close-up seems unnecessary to me. The synopsis was, honestly, not important to me, I was looking forward to reading Lance’s story.
Looking Deeper:
First Person POV from Chris’s perspective. Chris has been solo and celibate since breaking off a not-great relationship with his ex-, who also unfortunately is half-owner of the coffee shop he runs. Lance is a vibrant and intelligent young man, preparing to start graduate school in the fall after his current semester of college is over. Lance has his eye on Chris and although Chris is mutually attracted, he fights it because of their age difference and how it reminds him of the damaging relationship he had with Randy.
In many ways, Lance came off more mature than Chris, maybe because of the support network Lance had and/or the lack of for Chris. Both characters were well-written, but I think I liked Lance’s vitality over Chris’s curmudgeonly ways. The secondary characters were just enough to add a little fun to the mix. Dialogue was great, the interactions were good. Most felt natural and believable. The plot was good, but it felt a little thin, like something was missing. The previous stories seemed fuller, but always, the flow of writing was smooth as melting butter on a biscuit. The conflict was resolved in a great way, not rushed or belittled. I did predict the outcome, but that did not detract from the story and the conclusion was fantastic. I hope there will be more books in this series. Although this novella can easily stand on it’s own, Lance’s cousin Vic is mentioned often and has a cameo or two. He’s one part of BAKED FRESH’s couple, so I’d recommend starting the series from the beginning, because even Robby (SERVED HOT) is given a quick nod in here.

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The Portland Heat Series

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Served Hot

Portland Heat Series – Book 1

Genre: GLBT, M/M, Gay

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By Annabeth Albert

Synopsis

In Portland, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hard-working men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hook-up—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?

First in the new Portland Heat series!

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

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Baked Fresh

Portland Heat Series – Book 2

By Annabeth Albert

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Synopsis

From its famous coffee to the mouthwatering fare at its cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, Portland, Oregon, has a lot to whet the appetite, including the hard-working men who serve it all up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Delivered Fast

Portland Heat Series – Book 3

By Annabeth Albert

Synopsis

Portland, Oregon, aka Hotlandia, where the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are ready to serve everything piping hot, fresh, and ready to go—like the hard-working, hard-bodied men behind the counters—with no reservations…
Sure, Chris O’Neal has problems. His restaurant is still co-owned by his ex. His flannel-and-tattoos style is making him accidentally trendy. He can’t remember the last time he went out and had fun. But he’s not lonely, he’s driven. And the hot bakery delivery boy is not his problem, no matter how sweet his buns.

Chris is old enough to know Lance Degrassi’s sculpted good looks and clever double entendres spell nothing but trouble. Lance is still in college—he should be hitting the clubs and the books, chasing guys his own age, not pursuing some gruff motorcycle-riding workaholic. Especially when he’ll be leaving for grad school in a few months. But Lance keeps hanging around, lending a hand, charming Chris to distraction. Maybe some steaming hot no-strings indulgence won’t hurt.

Then again, maybe it will…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio:

6477494Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

 

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Release Blitz: The Other Fighter by Lauren Hawkeye and Tawny Stokes- All Three Parts are Available

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All three parts in NYT Bestselling Authors Lauren Hawkeye & Tawny Stokes’ THE OTHER FIGHTER are available now! Make sure to get your hands on this sexy, intense read – you do not want to miss getting to know Tristan – and Part 1: Uncaged is just .99c

 

About Part 1: Uncaged

I want lots of things out of life, but this… this is what I crave most. And with a dead-end relationship in my rearview mirror and a new business ahead, that freedom is finally within reach.

Of course, fate is an evil bitch.

People I have nothing to do with expect me to settle my brother’s debt— and if I don’t pay with cash, I pay with my life. I’ll be dead very soon… but not if a certain sexy-as-sin fighter with a Prince Charming complex has a say in the matter. One who’s decided to help me out of this mess, whether I want him to or not.

I might escape all of this with my life. But I already know it won’t be so easy to hold on to my heart…

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks

About Part 2: Relentless

He needs to save me. It goes against everything I am to be saved.

My brother has dragged me right into the trouble I’ve tried to avoid my whole life. For the first time I don’t know if I’m going to be able to save myself… but I already have strong enough feelings for Tristan that I don’t want him to get caught up when my whole family goes down in flames.

I may not have known Tristan for very long, but I do know this… when it comes to what he wants, he’s completely relentless…

The Other Fighter is a novel told in three parts. This is part two of three.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks

About Part 3: Takedown

I’d never imagined that love was in the cards…

And I don’t know quite what to do with it. But it seems I’ve pushed him away one two many times, and now when I need him the most, he may not be there.

And the truth is, I don’t just love him. I need him.

But will that be enough to keep us both safe?

The Other Fighter is a novel told in three parts. This is part three of three.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble (coming soon) | Kobo | iBooks (coming soon)

Grab the complete bundle of THE OTHER BROTHER here!

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About Lauren Hawkeye

Lauren Hawkeye/ Lauren Jameson never imagined that she’d wind up telling stories for a living… though when she looks back, it’s easy to see that she’s the only one who is surprised. Always “the kid who read all the time”, Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she’d finished a book… and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.

Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter

About Tawny Stokes

Tawny Stokes has always been a writer. From an early age, she’d spin tales of serial killers in love, vampires taking over the world, and sometimes about fluffy bunnies turned bunnicidal maniacs. An honour student in high school, with a penchant for math and English, you’d never know it by the foot high blue Mohawk and Doc Martens, which often got her into trouble. No longer a Mohawk wearer, Tawny still enjoys old school punk rock, trance, zombie movies, teen horror films, and fluffy bunnies. She lives in Canada with her fantastical daughter, two cats, and spends most of her time creating new stories for teens.

Tawny also writes adult paranormal/urban fantasy fiction under the name Vivi Anna, and is an aspiring screenwriter.

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Pre Release Blitz …2015 Favorite… 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot – Princess Diaries Series – Book 11

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Princess Diaries – Book 11

Genre: New Adult / Contemporary Romance

By Meg Cabot

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Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding–but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia’s gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn’t need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother’s leaked “fake” wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia’s father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone–especially herself–that she’s not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Michel’s Review

I still believe in Fairy Tales. I still want the Princess to find her Prince Charming and live happily ever after. I think most females, young and old, appreciate this kind of fairy tale. We don’t care if the Princess may not be perfect, we might want our Prince Charming to be a little bit of a rebel, and we don’t care if their romance is a little rocky at times. We want the magic of the romance.

I began reading this series many years ago with my daughter right before she began middle school. Together we have followed Mia’s journey from a awkward tween to a confident young woman. We’ve watched her experience all the growing pains that go along with becoming a woman. We’ve also watched her go from your average American girl to royal princess. She has had many blunders but also had many triumphs. And like the country of Genovia, we have fallen in love with Princess Mia Thermopolis.

The Princess Diaries started out as YA and progressed to mature YA. The latest release, Royal Wedding, is New Adult romance.

Princess Mia Thermopolis is now 26. She has found her place in the world. She has embraced her royalty with grace (most of the time). She has gone from an awkward quiet girl to a woman with a voice. She has learned to step up and make decisions. She has learned that life isn’t a strait line. She has struggled along the way. She has learned life lessons. She has experienced heartbreak as well as joy. She has held onto her childhood friends and made new ones along the way. Through it all she has remained true to herself. She is still the same Mia Thermopolis we have always loved.

Princess Mia is marrying her first love Michael Moscovitz.

The events that lead up to the royal wedding will have the readers laughing, crying, and swooning. Michael will steal your heart. He makes Prince Charming pale in comparison. He has been dubbed “The World’s Greatest Lover” and his dad has dozens of magazines to prove it. The best part about Michael is that he loves Mia just as she is. He doesn’t care if she is a princess or a regular woman. She is his heart.

Whether you are a long time fan of the Princess Diaries series or have only seen the movie, you can easily pick this book up and become immersed in Mia’s story. This book is magical.

Once again Meg Cabot has charmed the readers with her beautiful, funny, wonderful Princess Diaries. Be sure not to miss the Royal Wedding.

The Princess Diaries will always be one of my all time favorite series.

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About Meg Cabot

MegCabotAuthor-2Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. There have been over 25 million copies of Meg’s nearly 80 published books sold in 38 countries. Her last name rhymes with habit, as in “her books can be habit forming.” She currently lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and various cats.

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Giveaway

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Color Me Crazy by Carol Pavliska

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Color Me CrazyColor Me Crazy

By Carol Pavliska

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Synopsis

Never fall for a rockstar…

Julian Wheaton views the world through a kaleidoscope of synesthesia, seeing the colors of every sound he hears. His life as an iconic rock guitarist was a stressful psychedelic trip that nearly destroyed him. Now he’s abandoned the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle for the peaceful sanctity of his recording studio, but when fiery Cleo Compton comes to work for him, she brings chaos with her.

Cleo Compton has had her flings with rockstars – and it’s left her wary and bruised. Julian may have those sexy bedroom eyes and drool-worthy tattoos, but Cleo is determined to keep things strictly professional – until Julian turns out to be every dream she’s ever chased. When he risks it all to hit the road with a band again, Cleo fears he’ll return as the one thing she can no longer abide – a rockstar.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

5StarSun

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover —
Catches the eye. Clever concept. Synopsis sounds interesting. I’m normally not an avid fan of Rockstar romances, but as a favor to a friend, I agreed to read this one. The fact that he sees sound as colors is what mostly intrigued me.
Looking Deeper —
Third-person POV. Imagine going through life hearing the world’s sounds in 3D HD living color. From the effervescent bubbly laughs to the annoying buzz of a fluorescent tube light, everything coming at you in color… now imagine the crippling effects it would have on a musical prodigy. That’s Julian’s lot in life.
Cleo’s hopelessly attracted to musicians. She left a great job to follow one. Took a dead-end job to be near one. When she finds herself unemployed and evicted, Julian’s sister steps in and announces her to be Julian’s new studio manager and loft-mate. She’s already drawn blood on Julian a few times, and worse, so HOW can this possibly be a GOOD thing?
I caught myself laughing out loud, literally, in several places in this book. Julian and Cleo’s conversations and interactions were priceless entertainment. He’s not your stereotypical rocker bad boy. She’s not the stereotypical country club snob.
“If you can get your big toe in front of the camera in that bunk, then we seriously have some new positions to try when you get home.” — Cleo, in Color Me Crazy by Carol Pavliska
Both are wonderful characters. The secondary characters are enjoyable add-ins as well, each adding another dimension to the story to create a lush and rich world. At about 75%, my opinions were drastically altered and I felt an overwhelming need to kick some teeth in, but… when it was all said and done, they managed to get their heads on straight and find their path to a wonderfully concluded HEA. Yes, the conflicts grew to epic proportions, but they forged their way through it all to find eventual resolutions, albeit not always in the best manner. There was little to no predictability. Overall, I am thrilled to have taken a chance on this novel. Congratulation, Ms. Pavliska, on a Debut Novel very well done.

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carol-non-head-tiltCarol Pavliska began her writing career as a family humor columnist and blogger, a pursuit she abandoned when her children grew old enough to realize they were being exploited. To save them from further embarrassment, she turned to writing fiction. Her debut novel is a steamy contemporary romance so, unfortunately, the children are still embarrassed.
Carol and her husband, both diehard Red Hot Chili Peppers fans, raise their vegan brood of mortified offspring on a cattle ranch in south Texas. No lie.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Color Me Crazy

 

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Getting Played by Mia Storm – Jail Bait Series – Book 2

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GettingPlayed Blue

Getting Played

Jail Bait Series – Book 2

By Mia Storm

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Synopsis

Rules of the game:
1) Never underestimate your opponent
2) Avoid personal fouls
3) Score early and often
4) Play or get played

Coach Marcus Leon has always played by the rules…until he meets Addaline Grace, the seventeen-year-old senior transfer on his Oak Crest High water polo team. Addie changes all the rules, mostly because she doesn’t play any games. But as off limits as she is, the more Marcus discovers about Addie, the more he finds himself…and the more he questions whether Addie Grace might just be worth risking everything for.

For Addie, water polo is anger management. She’s driven and focused because it keeps her mind off other things…like the fact she destroyed her family. Her game plan is to keep her head down and graduate so she can leave her father and the crappy town he dragged her to in her wake. But when what starts as friendly completion with Marcus turns into more than a game, Addie has to decided if she’s willing to face down her demons…and possibly ruin the man she may or may not be falling in love with in the process.

What happens when the only thing you need is the one thing you can’t have?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes 

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Excerpt

“One more thing I can check off my bucket list,” he says with a grin, then shoves half the slice into his mouth.

“What else is on your list?” I ask.

He gives me a long look as he chews. “I don’t really have one, now that you mention it.”

“They’re stupid anyway,” I say with a shrug. “It’s a waste of time thinking about all the things you want to do before you die. You could die tomorrow and a bucket list isn’t going to mean squat.”

I only realize how bitter that sounded when his gaze locks on mine and sharpens, as if he’s lasering in on my thoughts.

I shake myself loose from those eyes that could compel me to spill my darkest secrets if I were to gaze into them too long and take a bite of pizza. “But whatever. If you want a bucket list, go for it.”

“You don’t have anything you want to do before you check out?” he asks with raised eyebrows.

“Haven’t thought about it.”

“Well you should,” he says, going for another slice. “I want a bucket list.”

“Then make one.”

He leans back and takes a bite. “So where should we start?”

“You already have,” I say with a wave of my slice toward his.

He holds his up. “And you’ve gotten me off to a fine one. So now we need something to top anchovies.”

“We?” I ask. “I told you I don’t want any part of this.”

“Tough, because what if your idea turns out the be the Best Thing Ever and I would have missed it because I never thought of it.” He tears off a hunk of pizza with his teeth. “Like anchovies.”

I look at him a long second as he chews and a hot tingle runs under my skin. “So we’d do stuff from the list together?”

He nods as he swallows. “That would be the general plan. Call it moral support, call it peer pressure, all I know is we’re more likely to check stuff off the list if we’re both doing it.”

My heart starts to pound as the possibilities scroll in my head. “How are we going to do this?”

“A collaboration. We’ll each throw ideas out until we have a list, then we can rank them together.”

“How do you know I won’t put something like ‘lose my virginity’ on the list?” Heat radiates from my face, but I force myself to hold his gaze.

There’s a second that he just stares at me, but then his eyes grows softer. “I’d expect you would.”

For several beats of my racing heart, we sit here staring at each other, then he clears his throat. “I want to try one new food a week. And I’m open to suggestions.” He says with a nod at the pizza box. “Your turn.”

“I have to come up with another one right here on the spot?” I say.

He cocks his head in a question, but then the light dawns in his eyes. “Ah…virginity. Right…” He pulls out his phone and starts typing it like it’s no big thing, then shifts and hooks an elbow over the back of the bench as he thinks. “Swim with dolphins.”

I nod. “That’s a good one. Put that on top.”

He raises his eyebrows as she shoots me a glance out from under those long, thick lashes. “Above virginity?”

All the muscles south of my waist contract. “I guess I’ll leave that up to you, since I’ve never done either.”

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5StarSun

Michel’s Review

When I started reading Getting Played by Mia Storm, I was thinking uh uh…this is not a book I am going to like.  The reason why I thought I would not like it is because of the heroine’s and hero’s ages.  I have a daughter that is 17 years old.  I don’t want to read about a young girl getting involved with an older experienced guy, that is her teacher and mentor. I put the book down and moved on to another book.  But then I got to thinking about it.  I thought about my daughter and her friends.  I thought about their maturity levels.  I thought about how the social media has made them much more savvy than I was at that age.  I thought about their social network, the small community we live in, and the higher educational routes they are experiencing in high school. Girls this age have a more adult outlook on life.  They are embracing adult responsibilities, a broader level of worldly knowledge, and a more knowledgable concept of one’s sexuality. They are more informed and open minded. Taking all of this into consideration, I began reading this book again with an open mind and unbiased opinion.

A random meeting on a park bench sets the stage for Getting Played.  An intellectual conversation that is loaded with snarky wit and banter leaves Marcus Leon intrigued. He asks this captivating woman, Addie, out on a date.  When Monday rolls around Marcus is in for a shock.  Addie is one of the seniors on the high school water polo team he coaches.  He knows first hand what the ramifications can be for fraternizing with someone under the legal age.  He watched his sister and brother in law almost be destroyed by this. He is trying to find a full time teaching job in a profession that is overloaded with qualified professionals.  Addie is strictly off limits.

Although Marcus knows that Addie is off limits, he can’t help but be drawn to her.  She is different from the other girls on his team.  She is clearly a dedicated athlete and leader.  She has a sense of maturity most women don’t have at the age of thirty.  When he finds out what her home life situation is it makes staying away even harder.  He knows what it’s like to have a drunken father.  He knows what it’s like to be responsible for more than the usual demands made on teenagers.  He genuinely wants to help Addie out.  He wants her to be able to remain on the water polo team without having her home life drag her down.  He wants her to have the opportunity to receive scholarships so that she can have a better opportunity in life.  He wants to be her friend.  He wants her to have someone she can trust and turn to when she needs help.

Addie’s family has been torn to shreds.  After her mother died in a car accident when she was fifteen, their life spiraled out of control.  Her father got lost in his grief and became an alcoholic.  They lost their home and life they once had.  They were forced to move in with her aunt in a small community hours away from the only home she knew.  Her aunt travels quite a bit with her job but has opened her home to them until her father can get back on his feet.  It is an uphill battle.  Both are lost in their grief, their guilt, and their new place in life.  Addie is forced to become an adult.  When she meets Marcus she realizes that she has met someone that can understand her life situation.  Their friendship is her life line.

Marcus and Addie fight their attraction for one another.  Even though there is only five years difference in their ages they both clearly have a lot in common.  Even though Addie will be eighteen within a few months she is still underage. Those few months will make a huge difference on how their relationship plays out.  Marcus will be under the microscope by the community, his water polo team, and Addie’s father.  Addie will be forced to face her guilt and grief.  Addie’s father will have to own up to his failures and mistakes.  It will take a miracle for all of them to come out as whole people in the months leading up to Addie’s eighteenth birthday.

Mia Storm did an eloquent job creating a story of forbidden love in a very taboo situation.  She handled the socially unacceptable dilemma in a heart felt responsible way.  The reader does not walk away with a feeling like they were reading about a pedophile.  Both Addie and Marcus were young people that met at the wrong time in their lives.  How they handled the situation was remarkable.  The love they found in each other was beautiful.

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The Jail Bait Series

getting dirtyGetting Dirty – Book 1

Dirty
A poem by Blaire Leon

If sex is dirty, why would I do it with someone I love?
If sex is dirty, then didn’t we all come from the dirt?
What if I like the dirt?
What if I want to get dirty?
What if I want to roll in the mud until I’m so fucking filthy that I’ll never be clean again?

When twenty-five-year-old graduate assistant Caiden Brenner asked Blaire Leon how old she was, she said she was a senior. He chose to believe she meant in college. They connect over Lord Byron’s Don Juan and, as their conversations become increasingly thicker with sexual innuendo, Caiden finds himself obsessing over a totally off-limits undergrad who’s bold, beautiful, brilliant, and one of the most passionate poets he’s ever met.

But it turns out Blaire hasn’t been totally honest. She’s the seventeen-year-old valedictorian of her high school class, taking courses at Sierra State while awaiting her acceptance to Stanford.

Will Caiden get too deeply into Blaire to back away before he finds out the truth? Or will their connection be enough to seduce him into risking his entire future on Jail Bait?

“A thousand and one feels….Getting Dirty is a thrilling, tantalizing forbidden romance you do not want to miss! I not only devoured this book, it devoured me right back!”–Katy Evans, New York Times Bestselling author of REAL.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Getting Played – Book 2

Rules of the game:
1) Never underestimate your opponent
2) Avoid personal fouls
3) Score early and often
4) Play or get played

Coach Marcus Leon has always played by the rules…until he meets Addaline Grace, the seventeen-year-old senior transfer on his Oak Crest High water polo team. Addie changes all the rules, mostly because she doesn’t play any games. But as off limits as she is, the more Marcus discovers about Addie, the more he finds himself…and the more he questions whether Addie Grace might just be worth risking everything for.

For Addie, water polo is anger management. She’s driven and focused because it keeps her mind off other things…like the fact she destroyed her family. Her game plan is to keep her head down and graduate so she can leave her father and the crappy town he dragged her to in her wake. But when what starts as friendly completion with Marcus turns into more than a game, Addie has to decided if she’s willing to face down her demons…and possibly ruin the man she may or may not be falling in love with in the process.

What happens when the only thing you need is the one thing you can’t have?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

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Author Bio:

Mia Storm is a hopeless romantic who is always searching for her happy ending. Sometimes she’s forced to make one up. When that happens, she’s thrilled to be able to share those stories with her readers. She lives in California and spends much of her time in the sun with a book in one hand and a mug of black coffee in the other, or hiking the trails in Yosemite. Connect with her online at MiaStormAuthor.blogspot.com , on Twitter at @MiaStormAuthor, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiaStormAuthor

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz: Hades by Larissa Ione – A Demonica Novella

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Larissa Ione’s HADES! HADES is a novella in Larissa’s Demonica Series and part of the 1001 Dark Nights Collection. It is exclusively available as Amazon Kindle and Paperback. Grab the latest installment in this sexy series!

 

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Hades

A Demonica Novella

By Larissa Ione

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Excerpt:

Her luxurious mink-brown wings were gone, sliced off in a brutal ceremony, and with them, her source of power. She totally understood why an Unfallen would cross the barrier between the human and demon realms to turn themselves into True Fallen and gain new wings and new powers. But was the evil upgrade worth it? Cat didn’t think so.

“Cat!” Azagoth’s voice startled her out of her thoughts, and she nearly dropped the tray of dirty dishes as she looked up to see him striding down the hallway from his office.

In the flickering light cast by the iron wall sconces, he didn’t look happy. He also wasn’t alone.

Hades, Azagoth’s second-in-command and the designated Jailor of the Dead, was walking next to him. No, not walking. With the way his thigh muscles flexed in those form-fitting black pants with every silent step, it was more like prowling. His body sang with barely-leashed power, and she shivered in primal, feminine response.

Son of a bitch, Hades was hot. Hard-cut cheekbones and a firm, square jaw gave him a rugged appearance that bordered on sinister, especially when paired with a blue Mohawk she’d kill to run her palm over. But then, she’d kill to run her palms over all of him, and she’d start with his muscular chest, which was usually, temptingly, bare. Not that she’d complain about what he was wearing now, a sleeveless, color-shifting top that clung to his rock-hard abs.

She tried not to stare, but really, even if she’d stood in the middle of the hall with her tongue hanging out, it wouldn’t have mattered. He never looked her way. He never noticed her. She was nothing to him. Not even worth a glance. Those cold, ice-blue eyes looked right through her. And yet, this was a guy who laughed with Lilliana, pulled pranks on the other Unfallen who lived here, and played with hellhounds as if they were giant puppies. Giant, man-eating puppies.

Azagoth stopped in front of her. “Cat? You okay?”

She blinked, realized she’d been lost in a world of Hades. “Ah, yes. Sorry, sir. What is it?”

Hades Teaser 3

About HADES:

A fallen angel with a mean streak and a mohawk, Hades has spent thousands of years serving as Jailor of the Underworld. The souls he guards are as evil as they come, but few dare to cross him. All of that changes when a sexy fallen angel infiltrates his prison and unintentionally starts a riot. It’s easy enough to quell an uprising, but for the first time, Hades is torn between delivering justice — or bestowing mercy — on the beautiful female who could be his salvation…or his undoing.

Thanks to her unwitting participation in another angel’s plot to start Armageddon, Cataclysm was kicked out of Heaven and is now a fallen angel in service of Hades’s boss, Azagoth. All she wants is to redeem herself and get back where she belongs. But when she gets trapped in Hades’s prison domain with only the cocky but irresistible Hades to help her, Cat finds that where she belongs might be in the place she least expected…

Amazon US Kindle ** Amazon Paperback ** Amazon UK Kindle

 

Hades Teaser 1

 

Larissa IoneAbout Larissa Ione:

Larissa Ione is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. An Air Force veteran, she traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe.

 

 

 

Website** Facebook** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Pinterest ** Author Goodreads ** Novel Goodreads

 

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Release Day Blitz…Behind Your Back by Chelsea M. Cameron

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Today we are celebrating the release of BACK TO BACK by Chelsea M. Cameron. This is the first book in the Back to Back series. The next book, BEHIND YOUR BACK, will be released on June 9th. Be sure to check out the contest below — it includes 20 fabulous prize packs!

 

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BEHIND YOUR BACK Summary:

To get to him, I need to use her.
I’ll play her like a violin and have her falling in love with me before she even knows what’s happening.
It will be easy. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again.
She’s just a girl.
A tool to get what I want.
When I’m done with her I won’t think twice about walking away.
At least, that was what I thought.
Until I met her.

Add BEHIND YOUR BACK to Goodreads

BUY LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

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AUTHOR INFORMATION

 

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

 

FOLLOW CHELSEA:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

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#RunAwayBride…#Searching For Beautiful…#5StarReview…#Giveaway

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Today we are celebrating the release of SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Probst. This is the 3rd book in the Searching For series and it is published by Gallery Books. Check out the teaser and giveaway below for a chance to win a necklace and signed book.

 

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SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL Synopsis:

The highly anticipated third novel in the Searching For series from Jennifer Probst, “one of the most exciting breakout novelists” (USA Today), featuring a runaway bride and the man who wants to be more than just her best friend…

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

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PURCHASE SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

5StarSun

Michel’s Review

What do you get when you unite the Marriage To A Billionaire series with the Searching For series by Jennifer Probst?  You witness the birth of Searching For Beautiful.  Fans of both series have been waiting for Wolfe’s and Gen’s book.  The wait was well worth it.

We met both characters in previous books and watched them grow from college students to successful adults.  Gen is about to have her Fairy Tale wedding.  She is the Princess in the spotlight.  Minutes before she should be walking down the aisle she panics.  Her inner voice is telling her to run.  At that crucial moment she chooses to listen to her inner voice and out the window she goes.  Lucky for her that Wolfe was lingering outside the church and is ready to rescue her.

Gen got caught up in an manipulative and abusive relationship without even realizing it.  She has always had the need to be perfect, do the right thing, and always be a people pleaser.  Now that she has escaped her wedding she is slowly realizing that she lost herself in her perfect relationship with David.  She did not realize the true nature of David’s love.  She never foresaw the depths he went to.  He was weaving a path that would alienate her from her friends, make her family question her sanity, and make her completely dependent on him even though she is a successful, intelligent woman.

Wolfe has missed his best friend.  He slowly watched Gen pull away from her friendship while she was involved with David.  He’s watched her go from being a confident woman to a woman questioning her every move.  He will do anything to help her find herself once more.  He wants to see his best friend happy once again.

What starts out as an escape from a wedding turns into a journey of self discovery and ultimately the real Fairy Tale romance.  First Wolfe will have to come to terms with his tortured past and realize that he more than good enough for Gen. He will push Gen away and Gen will pull him back.  Gen will question her every move and Wolfe will show her that she has always had the right answers within herself.  Together they are something beautiful.

Once again Jennifer Probst has written a wonderful romance that is going to delight the readers.  I highly recommend Searching For Beautiful.

 

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Jennifer Probst

Jennifer Probst – Bio:
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at http://www.jenniferprobst.com.

LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Happy Release: What Lightening Sees – Part 3 by Louise Bay

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What Lightening Sees Part 3

By Louise Bay

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Synopsis

ake and Haven have finally found a way to be together. Haven realized that she is ready to trust Jake and wants to open up to him. For Jake, Haven isn’t an option, she’s not just another girl, she’s his future. He’s certain of that, or he was.
Jake has been delivered life-changing news that he is yet to share with Haven. Will he confide in Haven and if he does, is their bond strong enough to withstand the bombshell?

What the Lighting Sees – Part Three is the third part in a three part novella series.

Buy: Amazon

5Star

Tracey’s Review

Just when I was basking in the declarations of love between Haven and Jake, Louise Bay knocked me on my fanny with the mother of all cliffhangers at the end of Book 2. After having finally cemented their relationship with each other, Haven and Jake now have to deal with a not-so-pleasant surprise from Jake’s ex, Millie. Jake, being the nice guy that he is, feels compelled to do the right thing, and Haven, because she loves him, agrees. This situation had me gnashing my teeth and wanting to shake some sense into Jake more than once, even though I applauded his honorable intentions. And, while I also wanted to shake Haven and tell her to fight for what is hers, my heart hurt for her; having come so far by letting Jake in, Haven is really left to handle things on her own. Thank goodness for Ash and Luke, who I am always happy to see in these books, and for Beth, who spares no bit of brutal honesty when it comes to setting Jake straight.

The beauty in all of the angst is in seeing the growth that occurs for both Haven and Jake, but especially Haven. Her relationship with Jake has opened her eyes to what she really wants in life, and what she is willing to settle for. It is a pleasure to see her emerge as a stronger, freer, happier person.

This book is the perfect wrap-up for the series, and Louise has done a wonderful job once again. I am in love with all of the major players, and am looking forward to seeing more of Ash, Luke, and Beth (are you listening, Louise?!). Five ‘love these people, HEAs are my favorite, keep them coming’ stars for this one. This series is a must-read, so add it to your TBR!

*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ***

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Author Bio:

I write sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind I like to read. My books Faithful and Hopeful are stand-alone novels although there are some overlapping characters. The Empire State Series of novellas starts with A Week in New York.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.

I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Hearing from readers is the best thing in the world so get in touch!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

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