Tuesday, February 25, 2014

BLOG TOUR: Fifty First Times – Various Authors + Review & giveaway!

Released: December 8th, 2013

You always remember your first time...

Whether it's the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren't ashamed, the newlyweds whose wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level--or, of course, the two young lovers fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong. These are the memories that will never fade.

Join nineteen fantastic authors as they pull back the curtain and give you a peek inside that one intense moment in their characters' lives when everything changes and nothing will ever be the same again.

Featuring stories from some of the hottest names in New Adult, Young Adult, and Romance including New York Times Bestselling authors J.Lynn/Jennifer Armentrout, Molly McAdams, Sophie Jordan, and Carrie Ryan.

NOTE: These stories are works of fiction. If you want to know about our first times, you'll have to buy us a pet monkey first.
"Some things stick with you. Like this moment . . . I'm never going to forget."
**COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR**


Wow oh wow. I loved it! Some of the stories were absolutely captivating and it just hooked me in and forced me to keep going. Stories of first times, not necessarily the first time they had sex, but mainly the first time they did something that meant something to them. Such a sweet collection!

I'll go story by story and give a short review of each with ticks for each plus a quote from each. Four ticks (✓✓✓✓) is the highest I'm giving. NOTE: TICKS INDICATE MY FAVORITES AND NOT MY RATING OF THE STORY. By no means do the ticks define the quality of the work because I honestly, swear to God, liked them all, but some more than others, which are indicated by the check marks.

✽ ✽ ✽

The Corner of First and Second by Gennifer Albin
"I've been looking up at that moon and dreaming of you, Jacqueline Kelly."
I actually really liked the idea of the story and the characters were pretty cool. Unfortunately, I didn't really like how there was no intensity, because well I'm a huge fan of angst-filled stories. Nevertheless, it was actually pretty good.

- - -

Daylight by Julie Cross ✓✓✓
"We're a symphony – our limbs and lips and skin making up the instruments, working together to create a beautiful piece of music."
Man, I really liked this one. Jack's character was just so fucking sweet and alwekrjlwkejr indescribable! He's one of my favorites from this collection. And Audrey's character is also refreshingly different, and so is her family. Not the stereotypical Christian family who's so strict about rules. They're very easygoing and understanding but not lenient. LOOOVED IT!

- - - 

A Little Too Scarred by Lisa Desrochers ✓✓✓
He makes me feel beautiful. He makes me remember who I am, out from everything that's happened. And most of all, he makes me want to live.
Ooh, I really liked A Little Too Far by this author (REVIEW HERE)! And I loved this one! This one actually starred one of the characters I didn't really like from the novel but I found him to be so sweet because he's matured now. A lovely story about how love isn't defined by beauty.

- - - 

Once Bitten by Cole Gibsen 
"I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you–every second of it, I swear. Just give me a chance."
It was really sweet and simple. A romance about reconnecting with an old lover. It also had an air of mystery and thrill to it, which is a total bonus!

- - - 

Crash by Sophie Jordan ✓✓
"Maybe I just want to get to know you. Maybe I don't want to say good-bye right now."
Apparently, this is kind of a short prequel to the author's novel and this really made me want to read it. It was simple and short, absolutely lovely. Hunter's such a fantastic character and a complete gentleman and so is Brooke, who's very determined.

- - - 

Under the Seryn Moon by Melissa Landers ✓✓
"This is your home. What's mine is yours."
This one reminded me of Khal Drogo with Khaleesi from Game of Thrones (which you should totally watch but it's so gory, but still so gooood!). I don't know why but there's this sweetness in Kai that just hooked me in ;) He's very charming.

- - - 

How to Be a Heart Breaker by Lauren Layne ✓✓✓
It's irresponsible, and stupid, and . . . I want that. […] Even more than that, I want to be the girl that drives a guy so crazy that he pins me up against a wall and kisses me because he can't help himself. I want to be so absorbed with a guy that I forget i'm in public so that someone shouts, Get a room!
MY FAVORITE!!! This is my favorite selection out of the whole collection. It was more gritty and more heart-breaking. More angst! I really like these kinds of stories so I may be kind of biased but still. This is the first I've read from the author and I loved it! Maybe this is because I'm empathizing with Annie and I can relate to how she's feeling. But still, FAVORITE!

- - - 

Two in the Morning by Roni Loren ✓✓
In that moment, we weren't best friends or roommates or even two guys sharing their first kiss. We were the real Bates and Malcolm, meeting each other for the first time.
This is actually a very good one. I really liked it. It's an M/M but I enjoyed it nevertheless. They're best friends turned lovers by the end and, ugh, it was just so fucking great. I was just hoping that the author developed their relationship more. Loved the twist though!

- - - 

Believe in Me by J. Lynn 
Being here with her, both of us naked, suddenly wasn't about the sex. Hell, i thad never been about the sex and I was just now realizing that. This was a first for me, totally uncharted.
AAAH!!! J. Lynn has always been one of my favorites and for her to give us Ollie's "first" is just, God bless you. Ollie is the comedic character in the Wait for You series and I loved him then and I loved him in this book. I was just hoping for more intensity in the plot.

- - - 

Sharing Firsts by Molly McAdams ✓✓
"You shared all my firsts with me, Kinlee Ann, and I'm gonna make sure every last experience will be shared with you too."
Sharing Firsts is adorable and different from the others in the collection, because in this one, it's about their first ever fight. It was intense and I came close to crying so many times. But sometimes I felt like it was a little too rushed. I liked Kinlee's confession though!

- - - 

Strike Out by Myra McEntire 
"I believe that. What i can't beleive is how long it took em to do it."
Aaah, love me some athletes! Ben is a handsome gentleman and a very generous one. He's so selfless and sweet. While Liza is more sassy and she's built up walls around herself, which Ben will eventually break down. Loved it!

- - - 

This Is My Sign by Hannah Moskowitz
This is my sign.
This is my
fucking
Deaf heaven.
This one wasn't a prose but more like a slam/poem. Maybe it's because I wasn't a huge fan of the structure that I didn't really like it. But it was more intense because feeling without hearing? It just intensifies your senses and emotions.

- - - 

Going for Broke by Lyla Payne 
There's too much past, too little present, and the idea of an endless supply of future undoes me.
Wow, this one was surprising actually. I liked the heroine because she had a slight flaw that reminded me of Alayna from the Fixed series by Laurelin Paige. It was a great story though about rekindling old flames ;)

- - - 

For the Sake of Science by Mark Perini
"Si claro que si, that was really perfect. Te amo para siempre."
I have to honestly say that this wasn't one of my favorites. The story was too rushed and I have no idea where the connection came from. I think it was all lust and maybe that was what the author intended. But still. I liked the structure though, it's unique.

- - - 

Love in an Elevator by Carrie Ryan 
"Let me walk you home, let me take you out, tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that."
I have to honestly say that this wasn't one of my favorites. The story was too rushed and I have no idea where the connection came from. I think it was all lust and maybe that was what the author intended. But still. I liked the structure though, it's unique.

- - - 

Bunga Bunga by Andrew Shaffer
"Some things stick with you. Like this moment . . . I'm never going to forget."
Honestly, I have no idea what the fuck was going on throughout like 90% of the book. But I liked this quote so much as it totally represented this whole collection of short stories, about always, always remembering your first time.

- - - 

With the Lights On by Alessandra Thomas 
"It damn well was. It was my first time with the lights on."
This one was really sweet, like really really sweet. Anna's always been so insecure about her body due to past pressures so this one time with Tal with the lights on, it becomes kind of a first for her because she's finally exposing herself to that vulnerability and enjoying it.

- - - 

Field Emotions by Melissa West 
"I won't promise you that we'll never be apart, but I can promise you that I'll never leave. No matter where I am, my heart will be with you."
EEEE!!! Another best friends-turned-lovers kind of romance. This one was so sweet because they're both virgins even though Blake is the smoking one and you can imagine girls throwing themselves at him. But, nope, he's staying clean for Summer.

- - - 

Grind by Tracy Wolff 
"Let me try, Dyani. That's all I'm asking. That you let me try."
Grind was sweet because it was a story about rekindling old flames again. I loved how the guy at least felt some amount of guilt. What I didn't like was how Dyani forgave him so easily, it made her come off as a pushover/weaker character.

MY RATING:

4.5 APPLES!!!!!



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

Fifty First Times: A New Adult Anthology 

Check out the other blogs on the tour hosted by BookSlapped.

Monday, February 24, 2014

BLOG TOUR: All of Me (All of Me #1) – Gina Sorelle + Review, giveaway & character interview!

Released: December 8th, 2013

One year after undergoing a unilateral mastectomy, twenty-eight year old ER nurse Stella Ciaramitaro is working on healing all wounds, visible and invisible. And it’s going pretty well. Sure, she has four pain-in-the-butt sisters, an occasionally suicidal dad, and some serious trust issues. And, yes, all dreams of soul mates, mind-blowing sex, and everlasting love have gone the way of her left breast. But overall, she’s hanging in there. Doing just fine, actually.

Or at least she was until HE showed up.

Nathan Drazek is a hot mess and he knows it. The laundry list of things contributing to his dysfunction includes, but is not limited to: a childhood full of mental and physical abuse, four tours in Afghanistan, and ten years policing one of the toughest beats in East Cleveland. Adding insult to injury, he’s ridiculously straight-laced, beyond aloof, and nearly incapable of interpersonal relationships. But that’s okay, because Nathan isn’t interested in anything more than just getting by.

Or at least he wasn’t until SHE showed up.

From the moment Nathan nearly arrests Stella on, sparks fly, limits are tested, and boundaries are shattered. A tenuous, tender friendship quickly evolves into something powerful and passionate they cannot wish away or control. But as they grow closer, new issues arise and old hurts resurface, threatening to destroy their fragile new beginning.

With everything at stake, Nathan and Stella must ultimately decide which runs deeper: their scars or their love.    
"We're all fucked up, mio caro. Some of us are better at hiding it than others."
**COPY PROVIDED BY AUTHOR**


This book is honestly one of my favorites from this year. The characters were intense and definitely unique. The plotline itself was simple but the author develops the characters so well that we are pulled into the story and forced to experience their emotions, actions and reactions. A story about overcoming fears and pasts. Fucking wonderful. I don't have the words that will do this book justice.

MY GOOOOD. I was so glad when I got the copy for this book. When I went into it, i honestly wasn't expecting that much. Sure, we've got Nathan who's this really quiet, seemingly-OCD guy who's trapped in a world after his horrid, yet some honorable past. And then Stella who's loud and exciting with a family that becomes the world's weight on her shoulders, yet she loves it all.

It was so fucking adorable. They're two such different characters. Loud, quiet. Messy, OCD. Straightforward, keeps losing words.

Ladies first. I loved Stella Ciaramitaro. She was such a strong character who affected me (and Nathan too) deeply. She's always so scared of what people might think of her after her unilateral mastectomy, yet she keeps on living her life strongly instead of turning into isolation within the comfort of her own home. She isn't selfish. She always puts her family first and then always tries to understand what the hell's going on with Nathan when he's shutting down.

And the fact that she's Italian and so blunt makes it so hilarious when she's trying to deal with Nathan sometimes.
"No harm done. I get mad quickly, but I can't stay mad long. Too short of an attention span. Unless, of course, you do something really bad. And then I'm liable to tear you apart limb-from-limb and never forgive or forget. It's an Italian thing."
It's so funny when Stella tries to crack a joke but Nathan probably didn't understand it, or he's just trying to be the poker-faced man that he is, and she gets all awkward. Ugh, she's adorable!

Then there's Nathan Drazek.

Nathan is, currently (in the book), a police officer who was sent to control Stella when she goes all Rambo on this guy who hurt her sister. He's a very intense character with plenty of demons inside of him due to the events in his past. He's very quiet and awkward (especially awkward around Stella! Cutest thing ever). He doesn't know how to deal with his newly-found emotions towards Stella, because he's never once felt something as intense as what he did for her.

Before, sex to him was only a tool for him to feel some sense of normalcy. He got head and had sex with people but it was like for a sense of fulfillment instead of pleasure. But he never really got it. Until Stella.

But, Nathan is a surprisingly selfless character too.
But that was life. And a lot of people had it a lot worse than Nathan did.
He doesn't try to self-pity himself, which I really admired. Yet, he tries to reign in his demons when he deals with people because he doesn't want other to know of, and try to deal with, his fucked-up-ness. And the first night he went over to Stella's. SO FUCKING CUTE. He had run out of things to say so he gave her Danny's number because Danny was "interested" in her, which he wasn't because he knew Nathan was.
Or drive back over to Stella Ciaramitaro's and tell her his visit had had nothing to do with Danny…that it had just been his pathetic, fucked-up way of communicating. That he was sorry he had bothered her and how he really wished she wouldn't open the door to strangers in the future.
How do you not fall in love with this man?

This book honestly surprised me from beginning till end. It was heart-breaking, intense, hilarious as fuck, saccharinely sweet romantic, and it was just an emotional roller coaster that I definitely had the pleasure of riding.

A must read!

MY RATING:

5 APPLES!!!!!



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

♕ All of Me (All of Me #1) 
Hi there, readers! Today, I have a little something special for you guys. Because I loved the characters so much, I signed up to interview them! So, I had a list of questions and I shipped them off to the lovely, Ms. Gina Sorelle to ask our duo to answer! And I loved this interview immensely. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did! Here it is:

Samantha charged me with getting an interview out of Nathan and Stella and, so, here I am.  Naturally, Stella is beyond game, but Nathan…well, sufficed to say, Sergeant Stickler does not approve of interviews.  Interviews, misusage of his time, and anything at all involving feelings.

I resist the very great urge to stick my tongue out at him as I sink into the armchair across from them. 

Gina:  “Hey, guys, thanks for letting me drop in on you today.” 

Nathan leans back and slips an arm along the back of the couch, around Stella, and quirks a brow.  This means he wants me to know – in no uncertain terms – that he had very little say in the matter.

Stella: (grinning) “No problem!  We’re so glad to have you!” 

Nathan’s scoff is nearly imperceptible, but Stella and I have excellent hearing.  So we both stick our tongues out at him.

Gina (I huff):  “You know, Nathan, if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t even have Stella, so let’s just play nice, okay?” 

Nathan’s expression softens a little as he shoots Stella’s beaming face a quick glance.  He winks at her before turning back to me, miniscule smile fading.

Nathan:  “Fine.”

Stella and I exchange knowing glances and grins.

Gina:  “Okay, so, Stella…does Nathan have any odd quirks that you like?”

Nathan:  “Dear, god…” (exhales a hard sigh)

Stella: (grinning)  “Love the question…okay, let me think…” (taps her finger to her lips)  “There are just so many…”

Nathan’s brows lift.

Stella:  “He’s just so damn quirky, in general.  It’s hard to pinpoint.”  (she claps her hands together) “I know one – and you already know this, Gina – the man hangs up everything!”  (she throws her hands up)  “Who hangs up mesh workout shorts?”  (Stella shakes her head)  “He hangs up my bras, Gina.  My bras.  Throws ‘em on a hanger and puts them in the closet.  He’s hanging up belts – oh!  The other day I caught him trying to hang up a spare sheet!”  (she glances up at him, adoringly)  “I know, I know, I should be grateful I have a husband who puts away the laundry, but still…” (she playfully pinches his side and he grunts)  “Such a weirdo.”

Nathan:  “Stella, maybe you should explain to Gina – and whoever the hell else – why I do that.” 

Stella:  “Because you are an anal-retentive, OCD stickler?”

I laugh and Nathan shoots me a dirty look.

Nathan:  “No, because if I don’t, I can’t find anything.  And neither can you.  Your habit of shoving stuff into whatever drawer, closet, or cupboard is closest to you is infuriating.  And illogical.  And-”

When Stella and I fail to contain our twitching lips, Nathan shakes his head.

Nathan:  “You know, Stella is bad enough…but the two of you together…” (he scoffs softly)  “But, okay.  Fine.  Whatever.  Stir shit up, Gina.  It’s what you’re good at.”

Gina:  (rearing back)  Me?”  (Nathan grunts and Stella and I laugh again)  “Okay, Nathan.  We can leave the quirk question at that…even though Stell and I both know that list could go on forever.”  (he shifts in his seat, expression wiped clean, and I know I’m pushing my luck) 

Stella: (lips still twitching)  “Yes, let’s move on.”

Gina:  “Nathan, what is the hardest part of a relationship for you?”

Stella:  “Oh, I can answer that one.  He-”

Gina: (shaking my head)  “Can’t answer for him, Stell.  I know you’re dying to – and so am I – but he’s gotta answer it.” 

Nathan: (shrugs)  “Go ahead.  Stupid-ass question, anyway.  Feel free to make up whatever shit you’d like.”

Gina:  “Why is it a stupid question?”  (Nathan stares at me blankly for a few long seconds before I point at Stella)  “Uh, gave you her, remember?  Spit. It. Out.

Nathan:  (glances down at Stella’s expectant face and his eyes crinkle a little at the corners.  He looks back at me, clearing his throat)  “I don’t feel comfortable talking about that, Gina.  Not with you.  Not with anyone.  My relationship with Stella is between her and me.  Nobody else.”

Stella:  (slips her hand into Nathan’s and squeezes)  “I think – and correct me if I’m wrong, caro – the hardest part for Nathan is trusting that things won’t change.” 

Nathan swallows hard and stares straight at me, his expression wiped totally clean.

Stella:  (looks up at him, brows low, as she studies his profile)  “I think sometimes he worries my feelings will change or that one day I’ll wake up and decide he’s too much to handle.  Which, of course, is beyond ridiculous.  I’ve handled him just fine since the moment I laid eyes on him and I plan on handling him just fine for the rest of our lives.  Plus, I’m the huge pain-in-the-ass, so why he worries about that is beyond me.”

Nathan’s expression doesn’t change, but his posture is suddenly very stiff. 

Gina:  “Is that true, Nathan?  You worry that Stella’s feelings will change?”

There is a long, stilted pause before Nathan nods once.

Nathan:  (clears his throat, again)  “The thought has crossed my mind, yes.”

Stella:  (turns and throws her arms around him.  “That would never, ever, ever, ever happen!”  (she pulls his face down and kisses his cheek a bunch of times, making him wince.  But then a tiny smile tugs at the corner of his mouth)  “And he knows it.”  (Stella gives him one more big kiss on the cheek before settling back down next to him, patting his arm)  “He just likes to get dramatic sometimes.”

Nathan scoffs.  He glances down at her and his entire face softens.  He searches her beaming face, a wondrous look on his.  Nathan tucks a dark, loose wave behind her ear, his eyes still glued to Stella’s.   

I’m suddenly dying to get out of there, because Mr. Emotionally-Stilted looks like he’s having some feelings he’d like to express physically.

Gina:  (clearing my throat)  “Okay, just two more quick questions.  Stella, tell me the first word that comes to your mind when you think about Nathan?”

Stella:  (grinning) “Sex machine. I guess that’s two words, but, yeah…that.”

I laugh as a flush creeps up the collar of Nathan’s tee shirt. 

Stella: (her grin fades to a soft smile as she studies his hard profile)  “Sex machine and best friend.  And funny.  And kind.  And gentle.” (She threads her fingers through his again)  “And love, love, love.” 

Nathan:  (grunts, but his eyes crinkle) “As if Stella could limit her answer to one word.  Gina, you - better than anyone else - should know that.”

Gina:  “Yeah, I know…but it was worth a shot.  Alright, Nathan, how about you?  First word that comes to mind when you think of Stella?”

Nathan:  “My whole world.”

Stella:  (Her eyes well.  She squeezes his arm tightly, gazing up at him – as Nathan once put it – like her “fucked-up Superman.”  Stella suddenly looks at me, eyes wide, and points at Nathan)  “Can you believe this guy, Gina?  Is he killing us with his adorable sweetness right now, or what?”

Gina:  (My eyes suspiciously damp, as well)  “Yeah, killing us.  As usual.”  (I shake my head, trying to get back on task)  “Okay, one more question.  For both of you.  If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?”

Stella:  “Hmmm…”  (she nods, a grin slowly splitting her face)  “I would have made him arrest me that first night.  But, when we were in the cop car on the way to the station, I would have charmed his pants off then and there.  That way, I wouldn’t have had to wait so long to get in them.”  (when Nathan’s brows shoot up, Stella laughs.  She glances at me and I give her an emphatic thumbs-up)

Nathan shakes his head, a smile tugging at his lips…and a very noticeable flush rising, yet again, up over his shirt collar)   

Gina:  “Okay, Nathan, your turn.  Last question and then I’m out of your hair.”

Nathan:  “In the interest of getting you the hell out of here, I will say…I wish I had handled the, uh…situation…better.”  (his expression blanks again)  “You know what situation I’m talking about.  Obviously, I wish I had…” (Nathan glances at Stella and swallows hard, a tight, wry smile appearing) “…done things differently.  Every day I wish I could get that time back…”

Stella:  (She pats his arm reassuringly)  “But it’s all fine now.  And things happen for a reason.  I truly believe things had to go that way for us to get here.”  (she squeezes his bicep, smiling up at him)  “It all worked out just fine, my love, and that’s all that matters.” 

Nathan eyes start smoldering again and I know it’s way past time to skedaddle.

With quick good-byes said, I leave - so ecstatic for them, but missing them both, again, so very much. 

Good thing I can still irritate the hell out of Nathan while I’m writing Danny and Kat’s follow-up story.  Which makes me smile very wide. ;)

WHOO!!! Wasn't that a fantastic interview? Thank you so much, Gina, for giving us a chance to get to know these characters a little bit more. God knows I love them to bits. AND YAY! We get a clue that the next book will be on Danny and Kat, which I will definitely be reading when it's out!
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I like nice guys...I always have and I always will. I married one and now I write about them. :)


When I'm not torturing my stoic, stalwart heroes with strong, witty heroines, I enjoy reading, drinking way too much coffee, trying to be the best wife and mom I can be, and procrastinating (especially when it comes to cleaning the house). I am also a part-time student, a lover of history, and hopelessly addicted to Lifetime movies. Do not judge me. :)

I also like smiley faces. A lot. :)

Check her out in these sites:

To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here.
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Saturday, February 22, 2014

REVIEW: Mystery Man (Dream Man #1) – Kristen Ashley

Released: July 12th, 2011

While drinking cosmopolitans, Gwendolyn Kidd meets the man of her dreams. Then she takes him home. Then she wakes up alone. But her fear that she lost her dream man turns into a relationship with a mystery man when, night after night in the dead of night, he comes back for more. Hoping it will blossom into something real, she lets him.

But she doesn’t even know his name.

Gwen’s struggling with the decision to end their crazy non-relationship when her sister-from-hell, Ginger’s best friend pays a visit and warns Gwen that if she and her sister don't get smart, they'll both get d-e-a-d, dead. Gwen has no clue what’s going on but she’s used to Ginger’s antics and decides to lay the problem on her sister’s biker boyfriend's doorstep. Bad choice. She hits the Denver Underground radar with a big, loud ping.

This means Gwen’s Mystery Man, Cabe “Hawk” Delgado has to step in to keep her safe. But when Hawk gets a dose of Gwen in the daylight, he makes the decision that he finally wants real with Gwen. However when Gwen gets a dose of badass, bossy, straight-talker Hawk in the daylight, she decides she’s done.

Thus begins the head-to-head of the Commando vs. Cosmo Girl as Hawk woos Gwen in his own unique way, Gwen survives firebombs, drive-bys, kidnappings, hot pursuits by biker hotties and gorgeous police detectives and discovers the heartbreaking reason why Hawk kept her at arm’s length.

And as all this happens, Gwen finds that her sister’s troubles are serious trouble and she must decide who to keep alive: her sister-from-hell or the man of her dreams.
"I'm gonna ride that attitude wave of yours, see how things work out."
Holy moly! ANOTHER HOT ALPHA!!! Kristen Ashley blows me away again with another dream man off her Dream Man series. This is actually the start of it all where Cabe "Hawk" Delgado meets a woman who can finally stand up to him with attitude, Gwen. They both have this sassy, sexy, and spunky relationship that's just hilarious to read. Plus, we get intense sex and dramatic moments that you just cannot miss.

EEEP!!! Hawk definitely makes it to my list of top book boyfriends, but then again that list is skyrocketing quickly with Kristen Ashley creating soooo many possessive alpha males who I fall in love with. 

Like the other dream men, Hawk is a straightforward, no-bullshit kind of man. He sees something he likes, he goes after it.
"I'm here 'cause when you come, you come hard, you don't hold back but you do hold on and you do it tight. I'm here because when you call me baby in this bed, I feel it in my dick."

And that includes Gwen, who initially only had sex with him and didn't even know his identity (Weird? Tell me about it). Anyways, so when he finally gets ahold of her sassiness, he's into it.

“Don’t call me baby when you’re pissed, Sweet Pea.”

“Don’t call me Sweet Pea at all, baby.”
These two are the bomb. I swear to God, they banter so much that it's fucking hilarious for us to read. They're like an old married couple, bickering all the time.

But Gwen is also such a great woman. I mean seriously, like few chapters into this book, and she's got three hot guys fawning over her. Tack (the leader of a motorcycle gang), Mitch (a uber-hot officer) and, of course, Hawk (the super badass, hot guy with dimples to die for).
"The point is, you're the kind of woman whose furnace breaks down, she calls you, you haul your ass over to her house to fix it, even if you're in the middle of a game."
Damn, you say it like it is, Hawk. AND OHMYGOD HE IS JUST SO THOUGHTFUL. I mean, what guy would listen to a girl ramble on and on? Christ, he is just the cutest fucker and I want to tap that hot piece of meat.

Basically, just read the book, I assure you if you like alpha males, you will definitely enjoy this series. HOT DAMN THEY'RE SO HOT.

MY RATING:
4 — 4.5 APPLES!!!!!

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

♕ Mystery Man (Dream Man #1) ♕
Amazon | Barnes&Noble

♕ Wild Man (Dream Man #2) ♕
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | My Review

♕ Law Man (Dream Man #3) ♕
Amazon | Barnes&Noble

♕ Motorcycle Man (Dream Man #4) ♕


Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).


Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Check her out in these sites:

 ✻ ✻ ✻

Friday, February 21, 2014

COVER REVEAL: Just Breathe – Tamara Mataya

OHMYGOD OHMYGOD [fangirls] hot new cover for an awesome-sounding book!!!

Just Breathe
By Tamara Mataya
New Adult Romance
Date to be Published: May 2014

Twenty-one-year-old Elle Granger’s boyfriend broke up with her like a coward. He moved to another city without so much as a "goodbye." Devastated and embarrassed, Elle told friends the break-up was mutual and she endured the heartbreaking split without support from the people she's closest with. Instead, she embraced her librarian job as therapy and spent her nights medicated by a thick cloud of pot smoke. With her lungs, and heart, screaming for a break, Elle quits smoking cold turkey. Just when she's about to ask for support from her friends, and let them in on the truth of Jason's humiliating betrayal, her best friend moves to Spain.

Enter sexy-as-hell library patron Dominic, who literally knocks Elle off her feet during a memorable first encounter. Can he help her forget Jason's very existence? He can sure try, and Elle is more than ready to let him. Dominic makes Elle feel wanted and special, and puts effort into coming up with dates that don’t set off her Synaesthesia. Just when Elle is starting to feel whole again, Jason returns, determined to reunite. His effusive apology and reasons for leaving are a balm to her battered ego, but she rebuffs his attention.


But nothing good can last forever, and Elle catches Dominic in a devastating lie. How could she have been so wrong about both Jason and Dominic? Is letting Jason back into her heart a safe bet since he has already proven he can't be trusted? The wrong choice could see Elle's happy ending go up in smoke. But when your only choices are the devils you know, all you can do is JUST BREATHE.
 

Tamara Mataya is currently a librarian; she lurked there for so long recommending books to patrons and shushing people, that she suspects they only hired her so it would be less creepy. Now she’s armed with a name tag, and a thin veneer of credibility. She’s also a musician with synaesthesia – which isn't an issue until someone plays a wrong note, which makes her want to squirm inside out. It makes for a good live show.

Check her out in these sites:
AND HERE'S THE NEW COVER!!!

Front Cover

Just Breathe is published by Swoon Romance.

This reveal was brought to you by AToMR Tours.