Monday, September 30, 2013

Tour Stop: A BEAUTIFUL MESS by T.K. Leigh ~ Review/Giveaway

 
 
 
Title: A Beautiful Mess
Author: T.K. Leigh
 
Synopsis
What happens when you lose everyone that promised they would always be there for you? How can you protect the few pieces of your shattered heart that remain?

 
Olivia Adler is a woman with a troubled past. After losing her parents at the young age of six and being raised by an uncle who she lost years later, she refuses to get attached to anyone, including friends. For the past decade, she has been able to remain unattached to any man, too worried about losing someone to get too close. Until Alexander Burnham walks into her life one night and changes everything. But he has issues of his own. And he’s keeping a secret that could change everything. Will Olivia let Alexander in enough for him to get close and protect her from a force threatening her very existence, or will she push him away, scared of letting Alexander in, in order to protect her heart?

A Beautiful Mess is the first installment of a three part series sure to captivate the heart with a story of secrets, courage, and love.
 
 
 
 
Excerpt
"People only have to call me Mr. Burnham in the bedroom," he whispered in her ear. She gasped, her eyes growing wide. He smiled, rubbing his thumb over her bottom lip. "Call me Alexander...For now."
 
 
Review
I’ll start by saying it’s my own fault – as soon as I saw “Book One of the Beautiful Mess Series” I should have known that it wouldn’t be wrapped up neatly with a bow at the end of the book… but it didn’t stop me from hoping!

Olivia certainly is a beautiful mess, and while she is able to form close attachments she always runs (even from friendship) before someone else can leave her. She’s carrying a lot of baggage from losing her parents in a car crash when she was just a little girl.

After a night out with her friends, she is attacked by an ex boyfriend in an alley on the way back to get her stuff from work. Along comes Alexander… massively wealthy, super hot ex SEAL guy that owns the building she works in. Enter love… but it turns out there is a history with these two – Alexander is the boy with the green eyes that Olivia has dreamt about her whole life. Alexander figures out the connection first but chooses not to tell Olivia. Olivia knows he is keeping something from her – something important – but obviously doesn’t know what.

This is a beautiful love story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It’s well written with an excellent sub plot. Can’t wait for book two! I give A Beautiful Mess 4.5 Stars!!
~Dee



About the author...
T. K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a producer / attorney by trade. Born and raised in New England, she now lives in Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she’s run over 15 fulls and too many halfs to count), or trying to convince her husband that it’s time to give yoga another try. Unlike Olivia, the main character from her debut novel, "A Beautiful Mess," she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.


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BUY LINKS
 

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Read Pink® in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Read Pink® in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness


What’s black and white and pink all over?  The initiative by the Penguin Group (USA) called Read Pink® in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)!


This literary embrace of a life-saving cause last year resulted in more than 400,000 best-selling romances shipped with Read Pink seals and information about the charity it supports – The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF).  Penguin is thrilled to partner once again this year with BCRF, as 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF is directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs.


The $25,000 donation that Penguin Group USA contributes, regardless of sales, provides vital funds to support the mission of BCRF.


In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Penguin Group (USA)’s Read Pink® editions, we are featuring a few participating authors and what Read Pink® means to them…


Karen White (2013 Read Pink® Spokesperson), The Beach Tree
"To all of those who have fought the fight, or are in the middle of the battle, here’s a two-thumbs up for you.  You are not alone.  We are all in this together.”


Erika Robuck, Hemingway’s Girl
“As one whose life has felt the shadow of breast cancer through two friends’ illnesses this year, it is an honor to be included in Penguin’s READ PINK campaign. It is my greatest hope that this contribution may be a part of raising awareness and finding a cure.” ~Erika Robuck”


Jodi Thomas, Just Down the Road
“Breast Cancer is something all women fear. I’ve walked with two dear friends through the battlefield and both survived. We all must fight until the day comes when no one knows anyone who has had breast cancer.”


Carly Phillips, Perfect Fit
“So many of us have been touched by cancer, either personally, or through a family member or a friend's diagnosis.   I'm honored to be part of the Read Pink! program.  Purchasing a Pink book donates money to the The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Buy and Read Pink! and together we can do our part to eliminate this dreaded disease.”


Catherine Anderson, Lucky Penny
“Breast cancer is a killer that robbed me of one friend and threatened the life of another.  One out of four women may get this dreaded disease.  I am honored that this is my fourth title to be featured in the READ PINK campaign, and I am proud to be writing for a publishing house willing to engage, year after year, in the battle to save the lives of women.”


LuAnn McLane, Pitch Perfect
“Shortly after my mother’s diagnosis with breast cancer, I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child, a risky pregnancy that wasn’t supposed to happen. I believe that during the treatments my mother drew strength from the determination to see her granddaughter born. That was twenty-two years ago and my mother still refers to Cara as ‘her gift’.  Cara’s birthday is a lovely reminder that my mother is cancer free.  I am thrilled to have Pitch Perfect as part of the Read Pink program. Any small part I can play in the fight against cancer is a huge honor for me.”


Liane Moriarty, What Alice Forgot
The last three generations of my family have been affected by breast cancer. We, like so many other families, understand all too well the importance of research.
So I feel very moved and privileged to be a part of such a wonderful initiative as Read Pink.”


Alyson Richman, The Lost Wife
"My own life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer just before the publication of "The Lost Wife" in 2011, so it is incredibly meaningful that the book is now helping to find a cure for other women who have been afflicted with breast cancer.  Read Pink is helping to unite readers and authors for an extremely important cause.  Please buy a book for a mother, a daughter, or a friend to show your support for this disease that takes too many lives. My children lost their grandmother to breast cancer, so I know I'll be buying the other books included in the program, to honor this woman we all loved.”


Sarah Jio, The Last Camellia
"Breast cancer is a villain more sinister than any shadowy figure in my stories. I know someone with an advanced case of the disease, a woman who is bravely fighting, but who has been given a short time to live. She will leave behind three children, a husband and a truly beautiful life. All I can says is that if there is hope to end this horrific disease, to bring this villain to justice, I want to be part of it. And I'm so very honored that The Last Camellia was chosen to be a part of Penguin's Read Pink campaign. Together, we can help write a new story for breast cancer and hopefully give more women the happy endings they deserve."


Full List of 2013 Participating Authors:
Karen White, The Beach Trees
Nora Roberts, Chasing Fire
Erika Robuck, Hemingway’s Girl
Jodi Thomas, Just Down the Road
Carly Phillips, Perfect Fit
JoAnn Ross, Sea Glass Winter
Karen Rose, Did You Miss Me?
Catherine Anderson, Lucky Penny
Kate Jacobs, The Friday Night Knitting Club
LuAnn McLane, Pitch Perfect
Liane Moriarty, What Alice Forgot
Alyson Richman, The Lost Wife
Sarah Jio, The Last Camellia
Penelope Lively, How It All Began


Mark your calendars and remember to join in the conversation with @BerkleyRomance and @PenguinGroupUSA on Twitter in October.  Make sure to use the hashtag #ReadPink!


For more information follow @BerkleyRomance and @PenguinGroupUSA, and visit www.us.penguingroup.com/readpink.


Read Pink® Blog Tour Schedule
Please support the blogs taking part in this special, Read Pink® Spotlight Tour!


October 1 – Guest post and entire Read Pink 2013 collection giveaway by spokesperson Karen White on Chick Lit Is Not Dead


“Spotlight” Blog Tour
September 23            Bridger Bitches Book Blog; Wicked Little Pixie
September 24            A Tasty Read Reviews; My Daily Romance
September 25            The Allure of Books; Ticket to Anywhere
September 26            Bookish Babe; Swoon Worthy Books
*
October 1            Eye on Romance; Books, Books, and More Books
October 2            Books-N-Kisses; Reviews By Tammy and Kim
October 3            Urban Fantasy Investigations; The Book Cellar
October 4            Supernatural Snark; Got Fiction? Books
*
October 7            Theresa’s Reading Corner; Romantic Book Affairs
October 8            Book Addicts Not So Anonymous; The Romance Dish;
October 9            Bitten By Love Reviews; Kindles & Wine
October 10            The Book Bellas; Stuck in Books
*
October 14            Boekie's Book Reviews; The Romance Studio
October 15            Paranormal Book Club; Ruby’s Reads
October 16            Stuck in YA Books; Caffeinated Book Reviewer
October 17            Always YA at Heart; Fiction Vixen; The Reading CafĂ©
October 18            Fiction Fare; My Book Addiction and More
*
October 21            Adria’s Romance Reviews; Cocktails & Books
October 22            Reality Bites! Let’s get Lost!; Literal Addiction
October 23            G Reads Books!; Reading Between the Wines
October 24            The Book Binge; SheReads.org
October 25            The Irish Banana Reviews; Harlequin Junkie
*
October 28            Readers Live A Thousand Lives; The Delighted Reader
October 29            Reviewing Wonderland;
October 30            Smexy Books; Hesperia Loves Books

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Tour Stop: BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE by K. Langston



 
Title: Because You're Mine
Author: K. Langston
Hosted by: Just Booked
 
Synopsis
Madison Waters knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She was already working for one of the most prestigious law firms in Boston as a research assistant, and in a few short months, she would finally graduate from Harvard and collect her law degree. Everything Madison had worked so hard for, was well within her reach.

But when Madison has to take an unexpected trip back home, she's blindsided by the one thing she'd never planned on.

Desperate to escape his wicked past, Holden Brooks moved to Madison's hometown five years ago. It was a struggle at first, but he eventually overcame the demons that nearly destroyed him back in Texas. Holden is in a good place in his life and love is the very last thing on his mind.

Everything changes the moment their two paths collide and they soon find out, fate has a plan of its own.

You never know when love will come along and change...everything.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
About the author...
I've worked in property management for the last decade. Married to my soul mate and gentle giant for 12 years, the man has never been, nor will he ever be, the romantic type. However, we still have a very passionate marriage and we love each other fiercely. We have two beautiful children who drive us absolutely insane, but we love them dearly and we are certain our life would suck without them. 
I love music. I have a broad range of taste so I listen to all genres, but I love country the most. 
Most of my friends and family will tell you that I'm a bit loud. I take that back...I'm very LOUD. I tend to always say what others are thinking and I never sugarcoat anything. 
Writing has given me the release I've been craving all of these years. An outlet to express myself the way I want to, the way I need to. It's like therapy for me and my life was forever changed the moment I typed that first line. 
 
Author Links
 
BUY LINK
 
 
Review
 
This is the first book from this author and I'll say this, she nailed it. The story starts out when Madison is in law school in Boston. She's having an inter office affair with the lawyer she works for. Tragedy strikes at home in Mississippi and Madison has to leave Boston. What she finds in Mississippi is a lot more than she bargained for.

Enter Holden Brooks. He's a southern gentleman who knows just what to say to piss a woman off. Holden and Madison immediately butt heads and the sexual tension builds, and builds. The tension was so intense at this point I was ready to scream. That my friends is good writing. Having the ability to engage your reader, have them feeling the emotions of the characters. I now have a new book boyfriend, I'm introducing him to my Mom this weekend *wink wink* 

The story flows nicely, the only thing I can say is, I would have liked to see more of it. I hate when I'm reading along and loving it and then, Bam!! The End. I am really starting to hate those two words. Anyway, I don't want to ruin it for you but I'll say this. I really liked this book. I couldn't wait to finish it and was hoping it wasn't a cliffhanger, I don't think I could've taken that. The last few chapters were torturous enough. Story line was great and the sex was H.O.T! I'm giving this book 4 Stars! 
 
~Jen

 
 
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