Wednesday, April 30, 2014

COVER REVEAL: Familiar Ground – Michelle Lynn

This book sounds freaking ah-may-zing!!!

Familiar Ground
By Michelle Lynn

ad·dic·tion noun \ə-ˈdik-shən, a-\
: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something or do something

: an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something



Leah and Adam have never met.
However, they live parallel lives.
Lives plagued by addiction.

When a tragic, but common demon, surfaces between their siblings, Leah and Adam’s worlds collide, never to be the same again.

Adam loses his sister forever.
Leah’s brother returns.
Both gain a niece, neither knew existed.

Now they face an obstacle to raise a niece together while Leah’s brother struggles to free himself from the grip of drug addiction as Adam’s family grieves for the sister and daughter they lost.

A commonality is discovered.
Deep wounds begin to heal.
Lines blur as their lives entwine.


Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.  She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write.   With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends.  But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

Check her out in these sites:

 
AND HERE'S THE NEW COVER!!!

Front

Jacket

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This reveal was brought to you by Book Plug Promotions.

Monday, April 28, 2014

REVIEW: Beyond Me (Sex on the Beach Series) – Jennifer Probst

Released: March 4th, 2014

CAN FUN IN THE SUN TURN INTO LASTING LOVE?

Spring break in Key West with my besties was supposed to be casual fun. But I never expected to meet James Hunt. Sex and frolic? Yes! A relationship? No. But his hot blue eyes and confident manner drew me in. And when he let me see the man behind the mask, I fell hard, foolishly believing there could be a future for us. Of course I never considered our relationship might be based on lies…or that his betrayal could rock my foundation and make me question everything I believed in…

OR WILL A LIFE BUILT ON LIES RUIN EVERYTHING?

The moment I saw Quinn I knew I had to have her. She hooked me with her cool eyes and don’t touch me attitude. I had it all, money, social status, and looks. I could get any girl I wanted…until her. When my friends challenged me with a bet to get her into bed by the end of the week, I couldn’t pass it up. But sex wasn’t supposed to turn into love. She wasn’t supposed to change me, push me, and make me want more for myself. She wasn’t supposed to wreck me in all ways. And now, if I can’t turn my lies into truth, I just might lose her forever…
"I wanted it to be just sex. It would be easier. But you're more."
**ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR**


Last but most definitely not least, Beyond Me in my opinion was the best out of the whole series. I loved this novella and despite its short length, it managed to show such fantastic character development with a fucking great structure. With the alternating point of views, we have a glimpse into both their minds and know how strong their connection is.

Wow, Jennifer Probst stole my heart with The Marriage Bargain but I must admit the rest of the series wasn't that good so I'm happy to read this novella and see that she's a freaking fantastic author.

The characters in the novella did have quick connection but I love the plot and the drama, the angst especially. Most of all, I love how they both just don't fall in love with each other. I wanted the build-up, the actual chemistry. That's exactly what I got.

James is a character who's lived his whole life with wealth and fake friends. And here, we see him with actual dreams and desires. It's different because he's never really cared about all of that but because of Quinn, he realizes what he wants and goes for it.
With Quinn, it was different. I'd go anywhere with her, because her presence made me feel good.
Quinn is the more innocent character but I love her way of thinking. I love how she gives James to process everything, to assure himself of what he wants. She's very patient and sweet. Gotta love that about her!
And i knew something had changed. A portal had opened within my soul, and it was all for him as long as he wanted me.
Definitely one of my favorites. 

MY RATING:

4.5 APPLES!!!!!


I had a character interview with Ty and Cassie (Before You) during the blog tour, so you can check it out here!
✭ BOOK LINKS ✭
  
(Click book cover for Goodreads link)


The Sex on the Beach series:
♕ Between Us by Jen McLaughlin ♕
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | My Review

♕ Beyond Me by Jennifer Probst ♕
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo

♕ Before You by Jenna Bennett ♕


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 is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of The Marriage Bargain. She is published both erotic and sexy contemporary romance with Entangled, Decadent, Red Sage and TWRP. She has also written a children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story, "A Life Worth Living." Visit her website for more info!

Check her out in these sites:

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Saturday, April 26, 2014

BLOG TOUR: The Resistance – S.L. Scott + Review, giveaway & excerpt!

Released: April 28th, 2014

You don't choose when.

You don't choose where.

And you don't get to choose who you fall in love with.

The minute he opened his sexy mouth, Holliday Hughes should have known Jack Dalton was trouble. His smooth pickup lines, broad shoulders, and ridiculously handsome face charmed her right out of her clothes. She gave into her desires, the instant attraction blinding her to the obvious.

One night. That was all it took for Holliday’s world to be flipped on its axis. Jack Dalton was cocky. Smug. Volatile. Demanding. He ignited something deep inside her like no other, but there was something more to this brooding bad boy. There was a dark side to him she couldn't help but be drawn to.
Torn between what she knew about him and a mysterious side he tried to hide, could she walk away or was he simply too hard to resist?

"You're the calm to my storm."
*COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*


The Resistance is one of my favorite romances. Jack Dalton is smoking, crazy good in bed, a wooing expert, and also complicated. Then there's Holliday Hughes who's successful, sweet, and sexy as hell; the triple threat. Together, they have an electric connection that you can't possibly break apart. This novel was sweet, funny, thoughtful. A delicious combination!

WHOOO!!! Wow, oh wow, I finished this book in a day. I managed to squeeze in time during car rides to finish up this book and didn't shower until late just to finish the last pages. This book was WOW!!!

In the beginning of each chapter, we have quotes by this Johnny Outlaw. I thought this dude was like some famous musician I didn't know but well, he wasn't. Anyways, it was pretty evident what was going on there. Nice work, Ms. Scott, nice work.

But I loved the instant connection they had. It wasn't the "love at first sight" kind of thing. But they actually connected despite the short time period. They talked and revealed more to each other than they do with others, even with the simple stuff. It was sweet and extremely thoughtful.

I mean, we've got a terrific combo.

Jack Dalton, who is an expert, swoon-worthy ladies man.
"If you want the food that's currently getting cold inside, you can have it. You want to have sex, let's fuck. You can have anything you want."

He's such a cutie when he's all innocent though. Trust me. I couldn't stop grinning until my face hurt whenever there was a part when he was vulnerable and worried. Too adorable!

Then we have Holliday Hughes, who's initially a cynic and a hardworking businesswoman. But then we see the sweeter side come out of her thanks to Dalton. (Oh and I loooove how they call each other Holliday and Dalton instead of Holli and Jack)
"So four hours is not enough time to memorize the two million, three hundred and fifty-six thousand other things that I wanted to learn about you."
God, but towards the end of the book, it was all so intense. With Dalton's more protective side and jealous streak acting up and the drama that unfolds. Not to mention that tiny plot twist that could allow S.L. Scott to compete with J.K. Rowling. Well, it wasn't that bad but definitely unexpected. Hot damn yo.

However, I thought that the book was lacking slightly in real romantic connection. I mean, yeah, their sexual attraction is sizzling, their emotional bond is palpable, but their romance, I wished they had more of that. Yes, it was probably due to occupational hazards but still…

Nevertheless, everything else was pure perfection! 

MY RATING:

4.5 APPLES!!!!!


✭ BOOK LINKS ✭
(Click book cover for Goodreads link)

The Resistance ♕
Amazon


Wait. Don’t go. Stay. Whether we have sex or not, I just want your company.” His expression appears sincere, but he seems to have several sides to him.

With my back against the door, I keep my eyes on his. “Look. I don’t sleep around… much. But I have slept with someone just because it was Wednesday.” I shrug. “So I’m not innocent over here, but I work hard and I have a pretty crappy social life because of it. Sometimes it’s nice to feel a warm touch that vibrates with excitement instead of a cold one that’s battery-operated.” I step forward as if I owe him more, more of an explanation, or more of me, I’m not sure. “Judge me if you must, but I’m in Vegas and now officially on vacation. And despite what you may think, I’ve only had the one drink so far today, so I’m not drunk. I’m a grown woman who appreciates a handsome face and the artistry of a tattoo that has meaning to the person wearing it. I actually thought we’d have dinner and a good time. All that came from somewhere pure, somewhere that now feels dirty, a little tainted. So I’m going now and if one day you find yourself not so lost in Los Angeles, you know my information.”

I don’t wait for a response or apology. I don’t know Dalton well enough to know if he’d offer one anyway. So I go without looking back, passing the room service waiter on the way, and hop in an elevator that’s for the exclusive use of the two penthouses.

Half expecting to hear him call after me, my finger hovers over the Lobby button, but I count to ten and when I don’t hear anything, I push it. The doors start to close when a hand reaches in, stopping them. Dalton peeks around the corner with a big smile in place, and says, “Can we start over? Stay for dinner?”

“Why?”

“Because I like you. I like your honesty and I don’t get much honesty in my line of work.”

“You’re an undercover narc. Of course you don’t get much honesty. Isn’t that why you got into the business?”

A sly smile crosses his face, revealing a small dimple in his cheek. A light sparks from within, reflecting in his eyes, and with a nod of his head, he says, “Come back. I’ll feed you and give you the sex you came up here for. Because it’s a Friday and while Friday may not be hump day, it’s still a damn good day of the week.”

My mouth drops open. “The sex? You’ll give me the sex because it’s Friday?” I roll my eyes while huffing, and then push the lobby button twice.

Stepping inside, he blocks the doors from closing and a buzz is heard from overhead. With his arms stretched wide, he looks into my eyes. “No. I mean, if you want the food that’s currently getting cold inside, you can have it. If you want to have sex, let’s fuck. You can have anything you want.”

The elevator starts buzzing even louder, escalating its level of warning. Dalton spreads his feet apart to hold the doors open and reaches for me. “I’ll even call you Holli since that’s what you prefer.”

He’s sexy and when he’s flirting with me, even sexier. I can’t give in too easily though. I should make a few ground rules, or at least one. “I’ll only come back on one condition.”

“Name it.”
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.

Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.

Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

Her novels include Naturally, Charlie, Good Vibrations, and A Prior Engagement.

She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.

Check her out in these sites:

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This tour was hosted by InkSlingerPr.

Friday, April 25, 2014

REVIEW: Out of the Shallows (Into the Deep #2) – Samantha Young

Released: April 10th, 2014

From the New York Times bestselling author of Into the Deep

LIVE YOUNG. LIVE HARD. LOVE DEEP.
Charley and Jake’s story concludes in Out of the Shallows…

Somehow, after everything they’ve been through, Jake Caplin and Charley Redford made their way back to one another. But finding each other and staying together are two completely different things.

When Charley’s world is flipped upside down, she begins to question the choices and decisions she’s made since her arrival in Edinburgh, and in an effort to grip onto what she holds most dear she believes she must sacrifice her love for Jake.

Returning to the States for her senior year, Charley struggles to find peace and happiness. While everyone else seems to be finding themselves in college, Charley is terrified that, along with almost everything else that’s important to her, she’s lost herself.

While friends and family deal with their own tumultuous lives, there is one person resolved to uncover the reason behind Charley’s sudden defection and unhappiness. Refusing to give up without a fight, Jake believes he is the only one who can truly understand what Charley is going through, and this time he’s determined to prove he’s there for her no matter what obstacles are thrown in their way.

However, as Charley strives to make it through the biggest personal journey of her life thus far, there is no guarantee that the woman she is becoming will still need Jake as much as the girl she once was did..
"The people are one of our dreams too. Sometimes you just can't chase them all. So you've got to choose."
Just like Samantha Young's other books, this novel was absolutely moving and fueled with emotion and heartache. In this book, it's Charley's turn to deal with demons from her past and present, and along the way we see the development of more of the characters as well as a look into their pasts. Out of the Shallows took me on a journey that I'll never forget, a journey that twisted my stomach but tugged on my heart.

Although I must honestly admit that this book came off as a disappointment compared to the previous one, it was still one of the best books I've read this year. Samantha Young is one of those authors who, even though it's her worst work, it's still one of the best. She's still going to be one of my favorites of all time because I've followed her from On Dublin Street and I've never been disappointed once.

We met Charley in Into the Deep and we see her as this strong, sarcastic and hilarious character. I loved Charley in that novel so deeply because she was so vulnerable and fragile but at the same time, strong and sassy. I love those kinds of heroines who can pick themselves up after a horrible tragedy and push themselves forward. 

However in this book, Charley is faced with an even harder decision. She has to decide whether to follow her heart or her mind. As Charley explores her options, she ends up hurting those around her unconsciously. Even after she realizes, she seems to want to stick to her "honorable" side and cave to her parents' wishes and her promise. 

But, Charley is extremely stubborn in this book. I can't put myself in her shoes, especially after what she's been through, but I understand where she's coming from. But, I felt like this issue was too prolonged in the novel.

And then there's Jake Caplin. 

He's turned into this wonderful, wonderful character. God, I love how he actually chases after her and he knows exactly what she needs to push her through. He knows how to pull on her strings and how to manipulate her, as sinister as that sounds. But Jake understands her and he knows when he's pushed her too hard.

Jake is extremely patient in this book that I was so surprised. He's always been the jealous type – hell, he still is – but waiting for Charley to come around? For her to deal with her demons? It takes some serious guts and patience… and love, to deal with all that. 

But he knows it'll be worth it. He knows she's worth it.
"I'd never met a girl like you and i'd never met anyone who I connected with so quickly. At the end of that party, I knew that everything had changed. I couldn't give a shit about any other girl. I wanted to get to know you better. I wanted to deserve to get to know you."
And their relationship reminds me of Caleb and Olivia's in the Love Me with Lies series by Tarryn Fisher, albeit less extreme and destructive. But, that was it, they knew that they were each other's perfect pair (don't believe in the soulmates idea, complete bullshit). No matter what obstacles life threw their way, they were always going to find their way back to each other.

Charley: “Can’t you just be angry with me, resent me, hate me, and then leave it at that?”
Jake: “Oh, I’m angry, But I also love you, so the answer to that question is no.”

But the structure of the story was undeniably frustrating but brilliant. You could draw so many parallels and contrasts from the past and the present. It helps compare where they were then and why it was that they were in that situation at that present time. It gave us an insight to the past. This novel is what you – and Charley and Jake – can describe as "delayed gratification". Frustrating but worth it.

MY RATING:
4 – 4.5 APPLES!!!!!

✭ BOOK LINKS ✭
 
(Click book cover for Goodreads link)

♕ Into the Deep (Into the Deep #1) ♕
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | My Review

♕ Out of the Shallows (Into the Deep #2) ♕


Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance and has sold in twenty-five countries.


Check her out in these sites:

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