Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Review: Lila and Ethan: Forever and Always, by Jessica Sorensen

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Synopsis

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ella and Micha series comes a story of love, risks, and rewards . . .

Lila Summers just wants to know one thing for certain: that Ethan Gregory will be with her always. Once her friend, he's become so much more, melting the pain of her past away with each kiss. Now Lila is on a road trip with Ethan, in the wilderness under the stars, and she can't imagine her life without him. But when she talks about the future, something in Ethan changes . . .

Ethan has no doubts about his feelings for Lila. His life with her gets better every day-and that's the scary part. How can he walk into a future where he has everything to lose? With Lila, his whole heart is on the line for the very first time. But if Ethan can't give her the promise she needs, his greatest fear might come true: he'll lose Lila for good.


Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this short novella!  It was nice to see how things were going in Lila and Ethan's relationship now that they've had a chance to be a couple for several months.  It's obvious they bring out the best in one another.  Forever and Always, picks up 7 or 8 months later and joins them at the tail end of their road trip.  It's the road trip Ethan always dreamed of taking and asked Lila to join him once he realized he didn't want to be away from her for so long.  

The novella is told from alternating perspectives allowing us to see what's going on in each of their minds.  Its a great way to get a first hand look at not only how they feel about one another but also the insecurities each of them are dealing with.  As the story builds you know that eventually they are going to have to have an honest discussion before either of them is going to feel secure in one another.

Since it's a novella you can expect a quick read, but it was a really enjoyable one filled with love, hope and of course some good smut!  Thank you Jessice Sorensen for giving us a beautiful and happy ending for Lila and Ethan, I think it was the perfect one for this couple.  On a side note this novella is FREE so if you haven't ever read any of Jessica's books this is a great opportunity to check out her work! 

Cover Reveal: Accepted Fate, by Charisse Reid

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Synopsis
What do you do when everything you had planned out for yourself gets changed in one summer? Do you embrace the new or fight to keep things the same?
For seventeen year old Kinzleigh everything was going just as she always planned. She had great friends, went to a school she loved, and always knew she was destined for greatness. One step already completed towards acquiring the job she has forever dreamed of, a pro football cheerleader. Nothing and no one was going to stand in her way, especially not love. What she doesn't expect is for her parents to suddenly change everything and send her spiraling into a life she didn't want for herself, especially after meeting one blue eyed boy she can't stop dreaming about. Her life is changing at every turn. She is learning that sometimes life has different plans than our own. When she finally accepts the hand fate has dealt, everything is ripped from her once again. Can she accept the ugly fate that was chosen for her or will she fight to once again accept it.
 
Excerpt
I finally reach the end and sit, placing my legs over the side, but because of my height they do not reach the water. The night begins to replay through my thoughts. I can't believe everything I've worked so hard for is crashing down around me. Being squad captain of one of the top 5 squads in the country guaranteed me a spot on almost any college in the country. Even if this Hicksville town, Mississippi has a cheer leading squad, will they even have room for another cheerleader? Do they even compete? Now, I'm going to have to work harder just to get a tryout at the colleges I'm interested in.
Why would my parents just pick up and move us when I have one year of high school left? How do they expect me to just leave everything I know behind and start over? I have friends here, family, that has to mean something to them. This isn't fair. Maybe I can think of a way to stay behind. I just have to. My parents have got to understand what this will do to me. I just want to wake up and realize this is all a dream. All I can do is stare out at the ocean, lost in thought.
All of my emotions finally catch up to me and the tears start to fall, heavier this time. I can't stop them anymore. I don't know what to do. Everything was going great in my life and now the misery is about to begin. I don't even try to wipe the tears away anymore, I just let them flow. I don't understand out of all the states in the continental U.S., why my parents have to choose some po-dunk town in Mississippi. I can't imagine the kind of people that reside there. After that big hurricane, Katrina I think, they had people walking around barefooted and missing teeth. Do they even have shopping malls and designer clothes, I wonder, or is it full of trailer parks and cow fields. My stomach turns at the thought. I'm not sure how long I've been sitting there, staring at the water, but my back is beginning to hurt and I'm growing tired from crying, but the tears continue to fall. I should just go home and go to bed, but I'm not ready to face my parents yet. I lay back against the pier, looking into the sky. Its dark, but the sky is clear. There is not a cloud for miles. It's beautiful glancing out at all the stars, shining brightly. It's also a full moon tonight. A strange peacefulness begins to wash over me, causing me to close my eyes. Clearly my mind is not in normal territory, because I would never close my eyes late at night on a public beach. There are too many creeps out there.
I couldn't have been laying there but what seemed like a few minutes. I must have dozed off when, "Mind if I join you," flows through my ears in a deep, raspy voice. My eyes pop open and a tall familiar face is standing over me, looking down, with a smile on his face.
I begin to panic and sit up in a hurry, embarrassed. Embarrassment is a rare trait for me and this guy has brought it out twice in one day. "I'm sorry, I don't usually do this, it's been a bad night." I look back out at the water, gripping the side of the pier, as if the most beautiful boy isn't standing behind me. Right then, I can feel his breathing on the back of my neck, quickening my heart rate. In the short time, he has managed to squat behind me, the inside of each knee resting against my side.
He begins to whisper in my ear, "May I keep you company for a while? I'll be quiet if that's what you need." His breath is so light, it tickles my ear. I can barely breath, let alone speak, so I just nod. My head is fuzzy and I can't think when he's this close.
He sits beside me and removes his shoes, placing his feet in the water. I'm finally able to exhale the breath I've been holding. "How long have you been here?" I turn and glance at him, to find that he's staring at me. I don't know where this guy is from, I don't really care, but he's gorgeous. I never take an interest in a guy, it's one of my few rules, but following rules have gotten me nowhere, obviously. I'm not thinking clearly anyway, I guess I can break my rule and enjoy his company for a while. He is leaving soon anyway and right now I need a distraction from all this bad news.
He reaches out slowly, as if he's afraid I'll run away, placing his hand over my cheek, rubbing his thumb underneath my eye, freeing it from the wetness of the tears. Great, I have no idea what I look like right now. "I needed to clear my head and came to the beach, I saw you standing by the water earlier, are you okay?"
My eyes close at the warmth from his hand. I should be mad he followed me, but I can't. I just want him near me, but no personal questions. I don't need him to know me or what makes me tick. I don't need any complications. I open my eyes to him staring at my lips. "Can we just exist together without trying to obtain personal quota? Let's just enjoy casual company, two people needing nothing from each other. Clearly you're not from here, meaning you'll be gone soon. I'm not one of those girls that needs or wants to know everything about you nor do I want to spill my entire life to you. We don't have to pretend with each other, lets call this what it is. Can you do that?"
He just stares at me as if he's trying to figure me out, like I'm a book full of secrets. He seems lost in my eyes, amused, confused, I don't know. We sit there staring at each other as if we can't pull away. He doesn't say anything, just bites his lip as if he's trying to answer his own question, or to make a decision. I'm about to get up and walk away, when his other hand reaches behind my neck, pulling me closer. His lips stop in front of mine, close enough to touch, when he whispers, "Beautiful," and crashes his lips to mine.
His lips are so soft and full, but needy. His warm tongue slips through the opening of my lips, requesting entry. Our tongues taste, touch, and dance together. A moan, barely more than a whisper, escapes my lips. I run my hands across his arms and up his neck, into the back of his hair. My heart is beating wildly. Foreign emotions are running through my body. I have never felt this need before, but it's as if my body needs more. Suddenly, I feel like I need to cross my legs from the spasms down below. What is he doing to me? What does this mean? He turns, laying me against the pier. He has one hand on my waist, the other beside my head, holding his weight above me, like when we were at the beach. He continues to kiss me, taking my bottom lip into his mouth, lightly sucking. He makes a low growling sound from his throat. I'm not sure why until I feel his need pressed against the bottom of my belly, making my eyes go wide from surprise. Oh no, I can't go there. As if he can sense my panic, he stops. He kisses me one last time softly and releases my lips.
He looks me in the eyes, a smile growing across his face. He brushes his fingers through my hair, down my arm and grabs me by the hand, interlacing his fingers with mine. "Nothing personal huh, I think I can do that." His lips brush mine quickly before he moves back to his spot of the pier, pulling me by my hand to sit between his legs. "I promise I'll be good for the rest of the night. I've just wanted to do that all day."
I'm completely and utterly speechless. I have no idea what I'm doing. I never do reckless or unplanned things like this. I have no idea who this guy is, really, and now I'm sitting on the pier making out with him. I really need to get my head back in the game. I always think everything through before I make a decision. Being around him takes away my ability to process. Right now there are so many unknowns, but what I do know is that I'm not ready for it to end just yet.
 
Meet the Author
Charisse Author Pic
Charisse Reid lives in the small town of Purvis, Mississippi. She is married with a four year old daughter. She developed a love for reading through iBooks and Kindle app, on her iPad, a year ago she never would have imagined. She loves to escape for a while through the characters of a good romance. Any romance will do, but she has developed a passion for indie authors. They seem to usually develop the best stories in her opinion. Her personal favorite is Young Adult and rocker romance. Got to love those tattooed bad boys right? She never would have dreamed of writing until a fellow author friend mentioned she should try it through editing a work in progress for her. At first, she thought it was funny because editing was as close as she thought she would get to the creative side of book writing, but then came up with a storyline and decided to give it a shot. Now she absolutely loves to write and has several books lined up that she cannot wait to share with the world.
 
 

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Cover Reveal: This Regret, by Victoria Ashley

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Cover by CT Cover Creations
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Synopsis
Phoenix has been stumbling through life since her brother Adric's tragic death but after eight years, she is finally piecing what remains together. She has a nice apartment, a steady job and not to mention a fresh new 'relationship' with her childhood friend, Kade Haze. He's the sexy boy next door that she never even dreamed of falling for, but can’t seem to stop the pull she feels toward him.
Just when life began to make sense again and a feeling of normalcy was on the horizon, Phoenix's carefully constructed walls come crashing down.
When walking into the tattoo shop one day, the last thing that she’s expecting to see is Kellan Haze, Adric’s best friend that no one has seen or heard from since the day that they found her brother’s body. He’s nothing as she remembers him as a child, with his wild messy hair, tattoos that cover most of his undeniably sexy body and eyes so intense that it makes her legs quiver with one look. The one thing that even she can’t deny is the instant rush that she feels just by being in his presence.
But how can you choose between love and lust when one of these hold a dark secret, one that can crush your world to pieces and leave you gasping for air. Who can you trust when your mind is pulling you in two different directions and your heart has to choose for you?
The Haze brothers are sexy, daring and possibly . . . dangerous.
This Regret is a story of love, lust, betrayal and danger with an ending that no one saw coming.
Excerpt
I sit there fighting to catch my breath as I watch him run his hands over his face before running his fingers through his hair, tugging it.
“That’s all I’ll ever be to you, isn’t it? Adric’s little sister,” I say stiffly. “I’m not a child anymore and I have taken more pain than you know. You think you’ve been hurting over the years, well fuck you Kellan because I’ve been hurting worse.” I stand up from the desk and pull my skirt down. I’m in so much heartache right now, especially after getting to feel those lips on mine, just to take the feeling away and never give it again. It hurts like hell, but I refuse to show it. “Oh and don’t ever kiss me again. I don’t think your brother would like his lips to be where yours has been.”
The look on his face is as if I’ve just slapped him. It’s the same look that Kade had given me when I called him by his brother’s name. I don’t even know why I just said what I said. Maybe I want to hurt him just as bad as he has hurt me over the years.
He rubs a hand over his mouth and looks me in the eye. “You’re right. I don’t think he would like that either.” He stares me in the eyes while walking over to stand in front of me. His eyes trail down to my lips as he speaks again. “But I think I fucking hate his lips on yours more.”
Before I can speak, his lips crush mine again as he backs me up against the wall. This time he doesn’t even ask for entrance, he just takes it. He places his hand on my chin and pushes my head back, causing me to gasp as he slips his tongue into my mouth. His tongue hungrily caresses mine and this time, I feel the coolness of the steel in his mouth as he swirls his tongue around mine, before sucking it into his mouth. “Fuck the rules and fuck what Kade wants. Here’s to making this day better. Today, you’re mine.”
I look at his mouth as he runs his tongue over his lip and looks me in the eye. “Kellan, you don’t have to-“
“Come with me,” he breathes. “I have places that I want to take you.”
His Adams apple bobs as he looks at me waiting for a response. “What about the party and your family?”
“Screw the party, Phoenix. This day is about you and being sure that you never have to suffer on this day again. Give me a chance to change your mind.”
He looks at me pleadingly and I can’t help but to give in. A part of me doesn’t even care where he’s taking me as long as I’m with him. “Okay, take me anywhere you want.”
I hope this is the right decision or I’m in for a world of hurt.
Meet Victoria

Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion.
She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she’s not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows such as, The Vampire Diaries, Dexter and True Blood.
She is the author of Wake Up Call and is currently working on her next book, This Regret releasing in February 2014.
Please check out her author page https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaAshleyAuthor1.
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Monday, December 30, 2013

Blog Tour: Make Me, by Amanda Heath

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Synopsis
Make me, Channing. Make me fall. Push me, shove me, just make sure I get there.” I shout at him, taking a step back. His eyes clash with mine. I read the challenge there, making me take another step back. He stalks the few steps to me and grabs my arms slamming his forehead down on mine, “I’ll make you.” His lips skim against mine as he continues to speak, “And I’ll be falling right there with you.”
Paisley Vaughn grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. After finding her mother dead from an overdose, Paisley and her baby sister are shipped off to live with her maternal grandparents.
She always knew they were rich, she just didn’t realize how rich they were. Now she’s being forced to go to a prestigious high school. One where the tuition is more money then she’s ever seen.
Thinking these rich kids are going to be snobbish and rude, she’s surprised to find the Vaughn name means she is untouchable. Well unless your name is Channing Southerland.
Paisley has to navigate her new life and all the new people in it. While her mother might have lied about her grandparents, no one is lying about Channing. He’s beautiful, mean, arrogant, and turning her on.
Before long a war is fought, leaving Paisley wondering if she’ll be ruined or made. Though she might just fall irrevocably in love.

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Blog Tour Teaser #1
 

Excerpt
“Do you really want me to fall for you?” I whisper.
He gets up from the ground and runs his fingers through his hair. He seems frustrated but I don’t know why. “That’s what I want,” he whispers also. Looking back at me. I can’t see his eyes from here but I know what they look like. Full of fear and uncertainly. “I’m scared though. I’ve never been in a serious relationship. And I really don’t want to fuck this up.”
I’m scared too. Sometimes he consumes my thoughts and that was before I knew how he felt. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be with him and I screw up. But I know that I want to fall for him. I know deep in my soul that I will never have a love in my life like I would with Channing.
And that’s the scariest thought I’ve ever had.
“I don’t know if that’s what I want,” I tell him looking away.
He runs his fingers through his hair yet again. “Paisley, don’t fuck with my head. I’ve had enough of that in my life. I can’t do crazy bitches anymore.”
I flinch with the comparison to his mother. To my mother. “I’m not fucking with your head. Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”
I can see he’s pissed now. He’s unable to see my fear that I’m trying to push him away, like he was trying to push me away. “Stop. The. Fucking. Head. Games!” he yells, taking a deep breath after each word.
“I’m not!” I yell back. Who knows what the truth is anymore. I’ve been screwed by a lot of people, but I’m still here. I wouldn’t survive being fucked over by Channing. I wouldn’t survive him breaking my heart.
“Dammit Paisley! Open your fucking eyes! This is fucking real. You and me, that’s real. What we feel isn’t a fling. I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my life. Don’t take it from me,” his voice is pleading.
My body breaks out in a cold sweat and I wipe my palms on my leggings. My limbs shake and I don’t know if I’m mad or just plain fucked up. Maybe it’s me with the commitment issues. No, I know it is me. So I do something for myself, I let go of that fear. Though it comes out more like anger.
“Make me, Channing. Make me fall. Push me, shove me, just make sure I get there,” I shout at him, taking a step back. His eyes clash with me. I read the challenge there, making me take another step back.
He stalks the few steps to me and grabs my arms slamming his forehead down on mine. “I’ll make you.” His lips skim against mine as he continues to speak. “And I’ll be falling right there with you.”

About Author Amanda Heath
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I live in southern Arkansas with my husband and young daughter. There is also an insane Boston Terrier running around. I've always been a lone wolf and find my friends in books. I started writing at a young age and I haven't stopped since. Most days you can find me either glued to my laptop or my kindle. My first novel, This Beautiful Thing was an Amazon best seller for 11 weeks and a year later I'm still tickled to see people enjoy it. I may not be a huge seller but I have the best fans ever and I thank God everyday for every single one of them.

Giveaway

Release Day Blitz: Finding My Forever, by Heidi McLaughlin



Synopsis


Everywhere I look, my friends are settling down - marriage, children, white picket fences; but not me.  Marriage isn't in the cards for me.  I'm a ladies man.

A rock star. 


I was born and raised in the industry. 

I love everything about my life, especially the attention from the women that my status brings me. 
Women find me. I don’t chase. I know what they want and they know I’ll deliver. 


But after one look, one touch, one night... 
Now I’m the one doing the chasing. 


I need to find a way to show her that I’m serious, that I can change. 
I need to find a way to show her that I can love her fully, and only her. 
I need to find a way to show her that she’s my forever.


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About Author Heidi McLaughlin

Heidi is the author of USA Today, Kobo, Digital Book World, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling novelForever My Girl.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.
During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.
A USA Today Best Selling Author, An Amazon Best Seller, A Barnes and Noble Best Seller



The Beaumont Series

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Amazon Buy Link - Lost In You





Sunday, December 29, 2013

Review: Mine, by Katy Evans

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Synopsis

He's mine, and I'm his. Our love is all-consuming, powerful,
imperfect, and real...


In the international bestseller REAL, the unstoppable bad boy of the Underground fighting circuit finally met his match. Hired to keep him in prime condition, Brooke Dumas unleashed a primal desire in Remington "Riptide" Tate as vital as the air he breathes... and now he can't live without her.

Brooke never imagined she would end up with the man who is every woman's dream, but not all dreams end happily ever after, and just when they need each other the most, she is torn away from his side. Now with distance and darkness between them, the only thing left is to fight for the love of the man she calls MINE.

Review
3.75 out of 5 stars

Mine is the highly anticipated sequel to Remy.  I was really looking forward to this book and immediately snatched it up when it went on sale.  It picks up where Real left off so you may not want to read any further if you haven't read book #1.

When we left Remy and Brooke at the end of Real, Remy had just delivered Brooke's sister safely back to her and his real reasons for throwing the fight were brought to life.  They are back together and back on the underground fighting circuit.  Remy is as healthy as ever and nothing will stand in his way of being champion, with his love, Brooke, by his side he is unstoppable.  While her love is his greatest strength his love for her may just prove to also be his greatest weakness.

I really enjoyed Real, I loved watching the chemistry between Brooke and Remy continually grow stronger and stronger until it finally exploded.  This time around there was no build-up, they pick right back up where they left off.  Unfortunately, for me, it felt like this story was just watching the two of them professing their undying love for one another over and over through physical intimacy.  It felt as if it were a book of the many ways the two of them could have sex with a little story thrown in on the side.  Don't get me wrong, I love smut just as much as anyone else, but if its every other scene then it's just too much.

The other downside to this book for me was Brooke's character.  In Real, she seemed strong and in control where as in Mine, she came across as insecure and weak.  While I understand it's completely normal to feel insecure when your man is every woman's fantasy, at no point did Remy ever give her a reason to doubt his feelings for her.  She came across as super needy, and it seemed as though she picked fights for no other reason than to cause a little drama.

Those things aside I did however enjoy seeing where the two of them ended up and watching them get their HEA.  The writing is definitely good and Katy Evans can certainly write some steamy smut!  I think if you read Real then you cannot pass up the opportunity of reading Brooke and Remy's conclusion in Mine.  

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Cover Reveal: Ending A Torn Past

Ending A Torn Past
Melissa L. Delgado
Cover Reveal
Release Date: TBD





Blurb:
A present life worth moving on for. A past best left to memories tucked away.
Jaxon Dean has reached a point in his life where everything is as it should be. He has the personality, the looks, and the charm, to basically get whoever he desires—except Cassandra Tyce. She's immune to his playboy ways, quick wit, and over indulgence of himself. There is only one time he can recall having to work as hard to snag the one he had his sights set on…

At a much simpler time in life, all he had to worry about was passing classes, hitching a ride to places, and collecting phone numbers. Although on his first day of high school, Jaxon found not every girl was susceptible to his charms. Could one person truly change his overzealous ways? 

An unexpected turn of events can leave even the toughest ones lost without hope... Hope of ever recovering, of ever wanting to see tomorrow, of ever feeling true happiness again.


With the help of Cassandra Tyce, Jaxon will learn that sometimes, lying to oneself can be the sole reason a person stays torn.


Cover Model: Dan Tillery

Photographer: Lindee Robinson





Author Bio:

I love anything and everything pertaining to make up or beauty. I love to write and shop. I love going to the movies and spending time with my friends and family.I love to dance. I love to laugh and to make others laugh. I'm inspired by dance, music, poetry, and photography. I feel there is beauty in everything. I believe to get respect you have to give respect and to treat others how you want to be treated. I love everything and anything vintage. I love Jesus and believe in having faith in the unseen and unheard. I love to have fun and make new memories. But mostly, I love life. Enjoying the road I'm on and making the most of it.


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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Blog Tour and Review: Falling, by E.K. Blair



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Synopsis

Sometimes it takes someone else to show us what we are truly capable of becoming.

Suffering from years of violent abuse, Ryan Campbell has learned how to keep people from getting too close. But when you shut yourself off, people get hurt along the way. Never caring much about others, Ryan creates a world in which he doesn’t have to feel. 

When Ryan meets Candace Parker, all of his walls slowly begin to crumble. Not sure of the truth of who she is, he feels his mind is playing tricks on him. Unable to force out the thoughts that consume him, Ryan is haunted by visions that torment him every time he looks at her. He finds himself swallowed by guilt and blame, but he’s unwilling to turn his back on the one person that could possibly save him.

You’ve heard Candace’s story in Fading, now hear Ryan’s.





Excerpt

She sniffs and I know she’s crying. Having her like this, in my arms, is an intimacy that’s completely foreign but comfortable. I’m sure she can hear my heart pounding, but I need her to hear it. I need her to feel it as it thuds in my chest because I need her to hear me falling for her, ‘cause that’s what’s happening here—I’m falling. I never wanted to before, but with her, all I want to do is fall. Fall into her. Fall so deep inside of her heart so that I never have to be without her. That’s what this girl does to me. That’s how powerful she is even when she thinks she’s at her weakest. She’s broken. I see it clearly, but whatever it is that’s haunting her, I wanna make it fade. I wanna make it fade and make her fall too—with me.
When she begins to pull away from me, I selfishly want to tighten my hold on her and keep her like this for a little longer. I worry this was just a random need for comfort from her, that I won’t get this again, that she doesn’t feel what I know I’m starting to. Fuck, this hurts. 

Review
5 out of 5 stars

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review...

I'm not sure how to begin this review, how to give it justice.  I'm intimidated because  I LOVED everything about this book and I don't know how to fully express all my feelings.  I don't want to leave anything out.  So, if you don't read any further just know this is one of those books you absolutely do not want to pass up on, it's a story you won't regret spending time reading and it's worth every penny it costs!

I had no idea what to expect when I first read Fading.  But needless to say by the end I was a HUGE E.K. Blair fan.  By the end of Falling I became, if it's possible, an even bigger fan.  This is not just Candace's story told from a different perspective.  There's much more to Ryan's story than I had ever expected.  This book takes the Ryan and Candace's story to the next level.  It was pure perfection.

Life for Ryan growing up at the hands of an abusive father was anything but easy and as a result he is afraid of relationships, never allowing himself to get close to women.  He uses them as an escape, then one night he witnesses the unthinkable and it changes everything.  In the aftermath he cannot help but see his life and chosen distractions in a much harsher light and he doesn't like what he sees.

Upon meeting Candace things slowly begin changing, Ryan wants Candace in his life, he wants to "save" her from whatever is bringing her pain and the day he realizes she is the girl from that fateful night he fears losing her.  Candace changes Ryan, he grows up and becomes the man he was always meant to be.  I loved being able to see Ryan work through his feelings and fears, it gave the story and especially his character even more depth. We may have thought Ryan was the one to save Candace, but now we know her love and trust is also what saves him.

Not only did this book answer any lingering questions we may have had from Fading and Freeing but we were also treated to a look into the future.  Honestly I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to an absolutely outstanding series.  If you haven't read any of these books you are without a doubt missing out on an amazing experience.  E.K. Blair tackles some really tough subjects and she does it beautifully. All of the books in the Fading series are powerful and each of them will make an impact.  There is no reason not to buy them.  First start with Fading, then read Freeing and finish the series with Falling.









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Falling by E.K. Blair book trailer from Novel Idea Inc. on Vimeo.


About Author E.K. Blair

USA Today bestselling author and International Amazon bestselling author, E.K. Blair takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her FADING series. A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath.
Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She's a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.

Blog Tour: Save Me From Me, by Erika Ashby



Amazon
Goodreads

Synopsis

Dani refuses to lose another parent due to her absence from their life. After pulling herself back together following the death of her father, she moves back to her childhood town to live with her mom. She’s slowly pulled back into the lifestyle she worked so hard to get away from ten years ago. She accepts that this is the life she has always been destined to live. Getting a job at the store down the road and hooking back up with her first love Gage, seems to be the logical way to go…that is until Holden Reynolds shows up in town.

Now that Holden is finally back home from the Navy he plans on following in his father’s footsteps. Still trying to move on from the one woman who had his heart, he busies himself in work and returning to the country boy lifestyle he’s always loved. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone, right? That’s his mindset as he travels town to town with his job perfectly content with being a rambling man…that is until he meets Danielle Brooks.

When Dani isn't leaving and Holden isn't staying will they be able to keep themselves from getting too attached? Or will they be just what each other needs to cut all the strings that have them bound? 

“You can’t save me from me, Holden.” –Dani







Review
4 out of 5 stars

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review...

Save Me From Me begins with an introduction of Dani, a daddy's girl, who was so scared of never getting out of town that after gradution she cut ties, took off for college and has never looked back.  Unfortunately, her father recently passed away, which left her feeling more lost than ever before.  She has no idea who she really is or what she really wants in life.  In a way she feels responsible for his death, like if she had been around more she could have made sure he took better care of himself.  She vows to not make the same mistake with her mother and with no where else to turn moves back home and into her mother's house.

When you move back home it's inevitable that you're going to cross paths with your ex-flame.  You know the one you've loved since you were a kid.  The one whose heart you broke when you left him behind to persue your own destiny.  In this story he goes by the name Gage, and let's just say 10 years has done Gage good.  Not only does it seem he's matured but if its possible he has gotten even better looking with time.  It's apparent Gage is thrilled Dani has returned to town because even though she broke his heart he's never stopped loving her.  He desperately wants back into her life even if she will only have him as a "good" friend.

As if Dani isn't already confused and frustrated enough with her job, lack of social life, mixed feelings for Gage, and family drama she meets Holden.  Holden, the man she keeps running into and cannot seem to keep off her mind.  The mysterious, drop dead gorgeous character who Dani doesn't realize is also lost, working a job he hates, living a life he never wanted but isn't strong enough to walk away from.  What is the pull she feels towards him?  Is it love?  Is it just physical attraction?  Should she even allow herself to get close to him since he'll only pack up and leave in 6 months or less for the next job?

The stage is set, what will happen?  Will Dani settle with Gage, the boy she has always loved, but isn't in love with or Holden the man who touched her soul, who pushed her to live her life for herself?  Will she be strong enough to overcome all the obstacles  and realities life throws at her?  Will one of these men save Dani or will she end up saving herself?

One of the things I love most in a book is a strong female lead character.  Dani is the epitome of strong.  She stands up for herself, physically she can take one anyone and never backs away from a fight, she loves fiercly, she takes care of and constantly stand-up for her mother, and she never lets anyone or anything stand in the way of what she wants, if she could just figure out what that is!  I think what makes her relatable is that like many of us women, she carries other people's burdens on her shoulders, she always puts other people and their feelings above her own.  So much so that she gets to a point where she isn't living life for herself. 

The love triangle between her Gage and Holden was really good and Erika Ashby did a nice job detailing her feelings towards each of the men, making it to where you totally understood where Dani was coming from and never needed to question her actions towards either of them.  I of course stood my ground for Holden and pulled for the two of them to get their HEA.

This is the first book of Erika Ashby's that I have ever read and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, all though I didn't find myself feel any kind of strong emotional attachments to any of the characters.  Save Me From Me kind of felt like a classic Hallmark or Lifetime channel movie.  A predictible, full of drama, HEA kind of movie that you just don't want to flip away from. 
 



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About Author Erika Ashby
Being born an "Army Brat", Erika Ashby has been residing in Oklahoma the last 10 years finally putting an end to the nomad tendencies she had grown accustomed to. She's a happily married woman who has 5 kids between her and her husband. She has an insane passion for music and embraces her Inner Groupie any chance she has. It wasn't until the age of 29 that she realized she also had a hidden passion for reading; before then she claimed to have hated it. Six months after unlocking that deep desire she never knew she held, she turned the key to another chapter of her life which has become the desire to write. And the rest is still history in the making.  Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Blog Tour and Review: What's Left of Me, by Amanda Maxlyn







Synopsis
Life works in mysterious ways.

Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.

I refuse to cry.

And I refuse to give in.

A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything.

He is persistent, and he knows what he wants.

Me.

He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.

But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.

What if it changes everything?

Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.

Love found me when I was twenty-one.

My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.




Review
5 out of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review...

Several months ago we were invited to be part of a blog tour for Amanda Maxlyn's debut novel What's Left of Me.  After reading a brief synopsis we just knew this was something we had to be a part of and absolutely could not wait to get our hands on the ARC.  We were so intrigued by the fact that Amanda was taking on the subject of cancer because it's just not a common theme or element for a main character in most books.  I mean seriously the synopsis alone left us curious and wanting more.  What would the story be like?  Would cancer be the focus or would the focus instead be a love story?  Would our main character live or die?  Can a book about a character fighting cancer have a HEA?  Needless to say as soon as the ARC arrived we both dove right into the story.  

So, let's talk about the 2 main characters, Aundrea and Parker.  I was in love with Aundrea at the end of the first paragraph.  She is an amazing character who never gives up on life and believe me her's is a hard one.  Talk about inspirational!  She is strong emotionally, mentally and has fought cancer for years, so much so she feels like it's taken over her identity…she's just the girl who's sick.  People look at her differently, treat her differently.  It's as though people only see the sickness and not the real person.  Can you imagine?  How would I handle being treated differently, looked at differently?  Honestly before this book I hadn't even considered this "side effect" of cancer.  What would you do if given the chance to escape the reality of cancer for a chance to be "normal"?  Aundrea gets this type of opportunity when she first meets Parker.  The chance to just be herself, for someone to see her as a young, beautiful, healthy woman, and not a cancer patient.  

Parker, Parker, Parker!! Wow, I can say without a doubt he has easily become one of my all time favorite book boyfriends!  Like Aundrea, I felt drawn to him after just one run-in.  While Dre and Parker may consider their meeting accidental I'm going to describe it as divine intervention!  Their bathroom encounter was awkward, it was hilarious and there were sparks were flying all over the place.  Initially Parker was so mysterious I couldn't help but wonder if he was just another hot, "bad boy" out looking for some fun.  But, as the night goes on you realize there just may be more to him than eye candy and a good time.  He really is one of the most unselfish, amazingly generous fictional characters around.  Words cannot express how much I love him.  

Watching Aundrea and Parker's friendship blossom was beautiful, these two really brought out the best in on another and while they tried to fight the physical draw eventually their chemistry just couldn't be stopped regardless of any reasoning not to move forward!  But, darn you Amanda Maxlyn even though I knew the struggles Aundrea was facing, the reasons why she wanted to hold back you still made me fall so hard for these two as a couple I had no options other than to turn into a nervous wreck!  The tears couldn't be stopped as I desperately watched Aundrea struggle through her chemo treatments, the side effects, her doctors' diagnosis' all the while wanting nothing more than to comfort her, bring her peace, be strong for her.  I fully experienced each of her high's and every single low.  I was a train-wreck, but it was hands down one of the best rides I've ever taken!  Aundrea is super stubborn and I can relate to that part of her personality exceptionally well.  I thought was having a pretty stressful, all around crap week at work when I started this book, but it really forced  me to put my live in perspective. 

The writing, the plot and the character development were all superb.  What's Left of Me is not to be considered a fluff read.  This book is so much more than you will ever expect.  It's a love story, it's about fighting for your life, it's about facing your demons and finding a way to live through your darkest fears, it's about finding strength in a person you love and allowing those who love you support you.  I absolutely refuse to give anything else away, but let me say buckle in and hold on for the ride of your life.  Just when you think it's safe to breathe you are thrown into another "what the hell...did that just really happen" moment.  Seriously, Amanda Maxlyn you are positively brilliant and I loved every single line of What's Left of Me. 

So, will Dre be victorious over cancer? What will happen when Parker finds out her secret?  Have you one-clicked this book yet?  What are you waiting for?  This is a definite must read for anyone who simply loves a good story.  I can guarantee Aundrea's story will have an impact on you, her's is the kind that stays with you long after the last page is turned. 



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I am the mother of two little boys, married to the love of my life, and living in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota. When I’m not chasing or cleaning up after my boys (yes, all three), I can be found writing or snuggled up with my kindle, a glass of wine, and spending time with my fictional friends and family. 
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