Sunday, June 30, 2013

Review: HOW HE REALLY FEELS by Lisa Suzanne


Synopsis
Julianne Becker is desperately in love with her boss, Nick Matthews. She has daydreamed about him since the day she first met him a year earlier, but she is firmly stuck in the friend-zone until New Year’s Eve, when the game completely changes and she finds out how Nick really feels about her. They embark on a sexy affair that’s everything Julianne ever dreamed of... except she can’t tell anyone about it. What will happen if anyone finds out about their secret relationship? And how will her lifelong best friend, Travis Miller, react when Julianne begins a relationship with someone who isn’t him? How He Really Feels is a novel that explores relationships and love between coworkers and friends. It contains some adult situations and is intended for mature readers.


About the author...
Lisa Suzanne is a high school English teacher who lives at home in Arizona with her amazing husband and adorable yellow lab.

Author Social Links




Review ~ 4 Stars
I really enjoyed Nick and Julianne’s story! At first I had a hard time getting into it, but as the story progressed, I connected with the characters. Nick was, for me, a Prince Charming type of guy. He is sweet, loving and every girls dream. Then you have Travis. He and Julianne have been best friends for years. The way he was treated broke my heart but I won't go into detail. Once you read it you will see what I mean. This book was vividly descriptive and other than the beginning flowed quite well. I found myself completely lost in the story and hated when it had to come to an end. I am hoping to see Travis's story written one day. Oh, and the love scenes were hot and steamy as well, which added to the impact of the book. Romantic and steamy, a perfect combo. 

                                                                                                           ~Nikki S.

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PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Emma Hart ~ Book Blitz & Giveaway



From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Emma Hart, comes the second book in The Game series, and the story everyone wanted after The Love Game…



Blurb:
She's in love with him. 
He's trying not to love her. 
One night changes everything.


Aston Banks never meant to get close to Megan Harper – not even for that one night. Haunted by a childhood he refuses to face, he knew she could break through every wall he’d ever built and tear them down without even realising she was doing it.


Betraying Braden by starting a relationship with Aston wasn’t on Megan’s to-do list, but the second she sees a glimpse of someone other than the arrogant ass she’s come to know, she can’t walk away.


Aston’s childhood is worse than Megan ever guessed, but as he tries and fails to push her away, it’s clear her love is stronger than the demons that cling to him every day. And now, because of it, he finally has to deal with what he’s buried deep down.


What he doesn’t want to face. What he’s fought against for so long.


And they have to do it all without Braden finding out.

Keeping a relationship secret has never been harder.



Purchase Links:


**This book can be read as a standalone novel, but reading The Love Game (The Game, #1) beforehand is advised.**


Excerpt:


ASTON:


“You okay?”
I shake my head. “No. Every time. Every fucking time he brings her up. I thought he wouldn’t in front of you, but he did.”
“He has his own pain,” she says softly. “It doesn’t excuse it, but he does. He feels guilty for what happened to you – that he couldn’t stop it.”
My mind reels for a second and I look down at her. “He told you that?”
She nods, letting her hand drop from my back and standing in front of me. I stop.
“You’ve never let him tell you.” She reaches up and cups my face. “He hurts, too, Aston. You both hurt. It’s not something that will go away, but you can’t let it rule your lives. If you let pain rule you you’ll get lost in it.”
“What if I’m already lost?”
“You’re not lost. You’re hiding, but you’re not lost. I won’t let you get lost.”
I let my hands come up and rest on her back, pulling her into me. “What if there’s no map?”
“Then I’ll get lost with you,” she whispers. “I won’t let you let them win, Aston. I won’t let you get sucked in by those demons. I won’t let that happen. I care too much.”
And she does. I can hear it in her voice.
She wraps her arms around my neck, and I hold her to me tighter, our foreheads resting against each other.
“I’ll try, Megs,” I promise. “I can’t say I won’t, but as long as you’re here, I think I’ll be okay.”
“And you’ll talk to your Gramps? Just once?”
“I’ll think about it. How about we just focus on stopping me from getting lost for a bit?”
“You just need a place to aim for, that’s all. You need a place to go to.”
“Go on then.” I smile. “Give me a place.”
“Okay.” She pauses for a second, closing her eyes and chewing her lip.
“I’m waiting…” I tease her.
Her blue eyes open, shocking me with their vitality. “Aim for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
“I don’t need to aim for the sky. The only star I’ll ever need is standing right in front of me.” I brush my lips over hers. “Maybe the place I need to aim for is nowhere other than where I am right now.”
“Maybe I’d go with you wherever you ended up.”
“Maybe I’d never ask that of you.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t need to ask. Maybe you’ll never need to ask me for anything, because I’ll always be here.”

Read chapter one of PLAYING FOR KEEPS here.

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                                                          About the author...
By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.


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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Author/Book Spotlight & Giveaway ~ ENVISIONED (The Elemental Prophecy) by Nikki Narvaez


Synopsis
Brielle De Luca thought she was just an average girl, despite her nightly dreams of an impending apocalypse, along with a gorgeous man that pulls at her soul.
However, on the night of her 18th birthday, everything changes when she is thrown into the Elemental World, a world where she is supposedly the One that is spoken about in an ancient Prophecy; a Prophecy that states she is the key to preventing an apocalypse.
Now she must learn to control her power over the four elements, all while dealing with the love and intense passion of her bond to the man from her dreams, Jace Vasquez.
Piece of cake, right?



Excerpt

He stepped closer, only a couple of feet away from me. He smelled heavenly, like rain and citrus. “Every night. I've been trying to figure out a way to find you, to save you, and here you are, so close all this time, and I never knew,” he sadly said.

It was my turn to step closer. Tears pooled in my eyes as I said, “I didn't think you existed. I hoped that you did, but I thought I was crazy to believe that I could find you.”

I reached out my hand to touch his face. When I did, a jolt of electricity sparked between us, spreading what felt like burning honey throughout every inch of my body. What was happening to me? Whatever it was, I didn't want it to stop; it was one of those pains that felt amazingly good, almost addictive. Jace's eyes widened as an astonished smile spread across his face. “Unbelievable,” he said as he grabbed a handful of my curls at the back of my head, pulling my face to his to crush his lips to mine.

His kiss was desperate, just like his gaze in my nightmares, only multiplied. I opened his mouth with my tongue, tangling with his as our passion increased. I had never had a kiss come close to this one, and it had just started. He tasted exotic, a subtle sweetness present as he caressed my tongue with his. I clutched his shirt, twisting it in my hands as I tried to pull his body to become one with mine. Heat rushed in-between my thighs and pooled there, sending tendrils of burning warmth up my stomach. I never wanted this to end; the world could stop turning right now, and I would be oblivious, deliriously happy in Jace's lips.

BUY LINKS
 Amazon
 Nook
 Smashwords



About the author...

My name is Nikki Narvaez. I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, where I currently live with my husband, our two dogs, Bella and Oreo, and our cat, Cupcake. I have been teaching for four years, but I hope to become a full-time writer and stay at home mom one day. I am 27 years old, and have three older sisters who have blessed me with four nephews and one niece. In my free time, I love to write and play Texas Hold 'Em poker. I just released my first novel, a New Adult Fantasy/Paranormal Romance titled Envisioned. It is the first in the trilogy of The Elemental Prophecy Series. I am currently working on Book Two, titled Emblazed, as well as another Adult Paranormal Romance trilogy and a Contemporary Romance.

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Review: OCTAVIAN'S UNDOING (Sons of Judgement) by Airicka Phoenix


Synopsis
No good deed goes unpunished.

Riley Masters learns this the hard way when she finds a wallet and decides to do the right thing. But returning it will cost her much more than she bargains for.

Abandoned by her mother, raised by an indifferent father, Riley has accepted the fact that she would be alone always. She has no idea that a single act of kindness would propel her into a world where creatures that shouldn’t exist guard the human race from the demons that lurk in the shadows. That it will cost her the lives of those she loves while unearthing a destiny she never imagined with a man who is forbidden to love her. She finds passion, romance and the family she’d been searching for her entire life, but at what cost and what is she willing to sacrifice to find answers and happiness?

Octavian Maxwell has always known his place. He is a Caster, a Son of Judgment. His job is to protect the mortal world from the creatures plotting to destroy it. Instead, his world is shattered when a human girl walks into Final Judgment, a girl he has been searching for his entire life, a girl he is forbidden to ever touch. Being with her will break the oath he’s sworn to never love a mortal. But his heart has already found its mate and it refuses to let go.

Final Judgment… a place undetected, a gateway to evil and a legend that will undo everything anyone has ever known about our world.



About the author...
Airicka Phoenix is the best-selling author of The Touch Saga and Games of Fire with short stories in Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology and Midnight Surrender Anthology. When she's not hammering away at the keyboard, she can be found banishing pirates or crawling through the attic looking for lost treasure with her kids. She loves baking, gardening and reading. She also likes to travel and take pictures of everything she comes across. When asked, Airicka describes herself as a sarcastic basket case that has an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, old movies and really bad jokes. She loves to laugh, make friends and write. If she could have one wish granted, it would be to spend one day as a fly-on-the-wall inside Stephen King's mind. If she could have two wishes granted, she would ask for a castle dedicated entirely to her overwhelming collection of books. 

For more about Airicka, also on how to win giveaways, read author interviews and reviews, visit her website at: http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/


Review ~ 4 Stars

*This review contains spoilers* 

I had the pleasure of reading Octavian's Undoing by Airicka Phoenix, one of my favorite authors. I started reading around 8 PM last night and had to force myself to go to sleep at 3:15 AM because I didn't want to put it down. When I woke up this morning, I finished it without even getting out of bed or putting my contacts on, which was probably a hilarious sight - me with my Kindle in my face as I squinted with one eye open to read the last 20% of the book. Yep, it was that good. 

Our main characters are Riley Masters and Octavian Maxwell. I loved both, and Airicka did a fabulous job creating genuine characters that readers can relate to, even though its a paranormal book. Riley is a nineteen year old girl who was abandoned by her mother and forced to drop out of college to take care of herself and her unemployed bum of a father. She finds a job at a reclusive restaurant/bar named Final Judgment after returning a wallet full of cash that she found at a visit to the post office. Little does she know, the bar is a gateway between Hell and Earth, and the family that guards it are paranormal demon hunters known as Casters. The eldest son, Octavian, is totally against Riley working there, despite their immediate attraction to each other, and he has a good reason why. We find out that Riley is Octavian's mate, which is almost unheard of because she is human and he is not. Humans are forbidden to Casters, so the fact that Riley is Octavian's mate presents many problems, including not being able to touch each other without risking Riley's life. 

One of the things I loved was that Octavian and Riley didn't drop the l word right away, even though their feelings for one another are apparent as their relationship develops. Their devotion to one another is what everyone wishes to have in real life, and they have moved to one of my all-time favorite book couples. The fact that Riley actually took time to think about her choice to be with Octavian and plunge herself into the world of Angels and Demons, including the danger it would put her in, is refreshing. Many books have the heroine making rash, dangerous decisions in a span of hours without even thinking when it comes to the hero. Octavian is fierce, protective and loyal, and has become one of my top book boyfriends. Not to mention that he's smoking hot with the perfect touch of smart-ass. 

This is Airicka's first NA novel, and while I wished there were more steamy scenes, the ones that were present were well-written and tasteful. The story more than makes up for the lack of sex(can you blame a girl for wanting more Octavian?)and I can't wait to see what happens in the next Sons of Judgment book. 
                                                                                                                     ~Nikki N.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Tour Stop: SHATTERED by C.C. Brown







Book Title: Shattered

Author: CC Brown

Hosted by:  The Little Black Book Blog



Blurb:
When it rains it pours….
Hard-nosed and self-reliant Dallis O'Brien has had her fair share of devastation. Her father's tragic accident sparked what seemed like a domino effect of heartbreak and loss. Unable to shake the fear of enduring any more pain, she builds walls around her heart, hoping to heal on her own.
Dallis' road to recovery is disrupted when she meets Grayson Rivera, a tattooed, coffee shop owner who, by appearances alone, isn't her typical match. Stubborn and hesitant to let him in, Dallis finally succumbs to Grayson's persistence, where he challenges her to face her loss while also having the walls of her heart broken down.
With Grayson's assistance, Dallis must decide if she is willing to learn how to be weak in order to be strong.




About the author...

Just a book reading, writing loving, mommy and USMC wife! :)
I love to write, even if it isn't what is conventional and makes everyone feel giddy inside. I usually pull from dreams, or ideas that just thrust themselves into my head. I have what some would describe as a dry sense of humor, and I think its conveyed in my writing. I like to think I am a kick ass chick, but I can also be sensitive. I'm learning to grow thick skin, and in this field, it is definitely needed!
I won't put anything out that I am not absolutely proud of, but like E.L. James said, "I can't own people's reactions to it." Thanks for reading my work... I do appreciate it!


BUY LINKS


Review ~ 5 Stars
Five amazing stars, that says it all right there. There is hardly ever a book that I absolutely do not want to put down, but this one was it. Shattered follows Dallis, a young photographer starting at a tragic loss in her life. This girl is tough as nails, but also very kindhearted. She is with the wrong guy for half of the story and with one chance meeting, her world is flipped upside down with confusion. What she doesn't realize is this tattooed up charmer is her ticket to finally getting over her horrible past. Grayson seems like someone Dallis should avoid but there is an undeniable chemistry between the two, and once she opens up slightly to him, she realizes they have more in common than you would think. These common threads have Grayson pushing Dallis to finally mourn and heal her soul. Grayson says, "But you're not alone, Dallis. I'm trying to show you that. I'm right here. I've been where you are. I want to help you get through this, but you've got to be willing to let me in." Who wouldn't want this guy helping them heal?? C.C. Brown certainly brought all the characters to life for me and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Amazing book, and I look forward to any future work from Brown.
                                                                                                          ~Kelly


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MID LIFE LOVE by Whitney G. Release Day Event






Release Date: June 28th
Author: Whitney G.

Synopsis:
If you'd asked me what love was two years ago, I probably would've said, 'It's this amazing feeling that obsesses and possesses you; it's what me and my husband currently have.' If you ask me that same question today, I'll say, 'Please get the hell out of my face.’'
Claire Gracen's life is picture perfect. Her career as a marketing director is on the brink of being legendary, and her marriage to her high school sweetheart has never been stronger. No, wait. It has. It used to be amazing and fulfilling, but one day Claire realizes that she's been living a lie and her best friend and husband have committed the ultimate betrayal. 
Broken and depressed, Claire is in need of something new—new city, new job, new friends
When she happens to attract the interest of the sexiest man she's ever met, a man significantly younger than her, she immediately turns him down—only to later discover that this man is Jonathan Statham, self-made billionaire and CEO of Statham Industries. Her boss.
Jonathan Statham is unlike any man she's met before. He's used to getting whatever he wants—whenever he wants, and he isn't about to take no for an answer. 
Sexy, unpredictable, and charmingly clever, Mid Life Love is a story that will captivate you, entertain you, and force you to fall deeply in love with the characters.



BUY LINKS



Excerpt
“Hmmm.” Jonathan leaned back in the chair and narrowed his eyes at me. “You know, I was having a pretty good weekend too. I was spending my nights talking to an extremely beautiful woman. I believe I talked to her every night and we made an arrangement... But then she stood me up on Saturday, so my weekend ended quite terribly.”
“Oh really?” I cleared my throat. “Well, that stuff happens sometimes. It’s all a part of life, young man. Live a little more and then—”
“I’m not sure what I should be more upset about—the fact that you keep insulting me by using my age against me, or the fact that I sat in an empty restaurant waiting for you for two hours.”
He waited two hours?
“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t call you. I just—”
“The last time I was stood up for a date was…” He stood up and walked over to me. “Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever been stood up on a date. It’s such a juvenile thing to do, don’t you think?”
“Yes. It’s quite juvenile. I can’t imagine why someone would ever do that.”
“Hmmm.” He reached down and removed the elastic band from my ponytail, letting my hair fall to my shoulders. “You have no idea why a beautiful woman would stand me up for a date?”
“Maybe there’s a lack of chemistry?” I nearly stuttered.
“No, she and I have plenty of chemistry…”
“Could it be that you two have nothing in common?”
He ran his fingers through my hair. “We talked for quite a while last week…I think we have more than enough in common.”
I shrugged. “Maybe she’s just not that into you then.”
“Oh, she’s definitely into me.” He smirked. “She just won’t admit it for some reason.”
“Well, if it were me, I would just give up and pursue someone else. She did stand you up.”
He tilted my chin with his fingertips so that I was looking directly into his eyes. “I’m not going to give up. She is. And I don’t want to pursue anyone else.”
We stood gazing into each other’s eyes and I realized that I needed to get him out of my house and get back to my bubble bath.
I should use him for inspiration…
“Look,” I said. “I was in the middle of something very important before you came over, so if you could leave right now so I can get back to it, that would be great. Maybe we can talk about what happened over the weekend at work tomorrow? For the record, I really am sorry I stood you up. I had every intention of being there but—”
He silenced me with a kiss and I kissed him back with a passion I’d never felt before. He reached down and untied my robe, pushing it off my shoulders and onto the floor.
Smiling, he assaulted my mouth with his tongue again, using his hands to tug at the drawstring on my pants.
All of sudden, I felt a vibrating sound going off in my pocket. Before I could reach down and shut it off, he reached into my pants and pulled out my favorite purple friend.
He examined it for a few seconds, blinking. Then he held it front of my face and smirked. “Is this what I was interrupting?”
It’s been four years….Four. Long. Years…
“Claire?” He cupped my chin and held my face so I wouldn’t be able to turn away. “Is this what you were doing?”
“I…” I swallowed. Then I went for it. “What if it was?”
A slow, sexy smile spread across his lips. “Then I think I should finish what you started.”





Author Bio:
A self-diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them.
She is the "imaginary bestselling" author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul.
When she's not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here: http://www.whitneygracia.com
She also loves getting emails from her readers, so if you want to tell her how much you loved (or hated) her stories, email her at whitgracia@gmail.com

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