Monday, March 31, 2014

Cover Reveal: The Chronicles of Moxie, by Z.B. Heller



Title: The Chronicles of Moxie 
Author: Z.B. Heller 
Genre: Adult Romantic Comedy 
Publication Date: May 6, 2014 
Cover Designer: Carrie from Cheeky Covers 
Event Organized By: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis 
Moxie Summers is a curvy, twenty-six year-old teacher who has not had the best track record with relationships. In a drunken stupor at a bar, she meets Miles who turns out to be her sparing equal, until she vomits all over his shoes. Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, her dream man turns out to be the single father of the newest student in her class. While fighting an attraction for Miles, Moxie’s conniving stepmother tries to advise Moxie she needs to get in shape if she’s ever going to catch the man of her dreams. To make matters worse a Girl Scout plans Moxie’s demise, a surprise party makes everyone blush, and then there was the skunk… Can Moxie overcome all the Girl Scout cookies, food poisoning and a showdown at Costco to get to Miles?

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About Author Z.B. Heller
As a little girl it was always a dream for Z.B. Heller to become She-Ra Princess of Power. Since this dream was unobtainable, she spent what was probably way to long in college trying to "find herself". Becoming an artist scratched the creative itch until the stories in her head were getting to be to loud for her to get anything else accomplished. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, son and Flemish Giant rabbit Chloe. In her spare time she likes to read, stalk celebrities on Twitter and create the type of art that people scratch their heads about.
Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads
 

Blog Tour and Review: Dazed, by Kim Karr




Dazed is a Connections Series Novella but it not necessary to read Connected and Torn prior to reading this. Also it has a beginning, a middle, and an end!



Synopsis
Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.
To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…


Excerpt
Aerie Daniels
There’s something deliciously perverse about staring through the clear glass. All of
my senses engage as I wait in line—the fragrance that fills the air as the fire crackles
beneath the foil wrapped treats wafts under my nose, the beauty in each and every small
package as they line the shelves with tiny dots and colored sprinkles mesmerizes me, the
sound made as the silver sheet is peeled back to reveal the magnificence it holds
captivates me, and the anticipation of the taste makes my mouth water. Ummm… just
thinking of the first bite into the moist brown exterior with its bittersweet Belgian
chocolate complimenting the flavor of the Madagascar bourbon vanilla that oozes from
its inside has me trembling. The black and white cupcake—it’s simply perfection.
Amidst the skyscrapers in Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, Sprinkles is a
gem tucked away for those of us who seek out a small piece of heaven. I don’t come here
often, but when I do it’s for that one special treat. The menu describes it as, “Yin and
Yang.” An ancient proverb that says, “Complementary opposites, such as light and dark,
day and night, and masculine and feminine, seemingly may exist as contrary forces, but
are actually interconnected.” Simply put, it says one gives rise to the other and it’s true—
opposites attract. Without the vanilla inside, one could not possibly crave the chocolate
outside—looking at the two parts united has me drooling.
“You know what they say about staring through the glass,” a deep husky voice says
from behind me.
His words tingle my skin and my gaze snaps up. “Excuse me?” I stop short, in a
daze, not even sure what he just said I was so lost in my thoughts.
He chuckles. “You know what they say about staring through the glass,” he repeats. My eyes blink and come into focus on the upward tilt of his full lips. Then my eyes
move to his smooth pale skin flecked with a light stubble, his nose seemingly sculpted
even with a slight imperfection in its slope, large eyes with the most unusual gray color
swirling from within, and chocolate brown colored hair framing his face in pieces—I’m
not sure if he has just rolled out of bed or if product molds it just so. Either way, he is
utterly beautiful.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Just be careful so you don’t fall in like Alice.” He smiles, displaying his bright
white teeth.
“Again, I’m sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I notice his eyes
sweep over me and my heart starts pounding.
“Through the Looking Glass,” he responds in a dangerously husky voice.
This time when he speaks I catch an accent, ever so slight but extremely sexy.
It reminds me of how Robert De Nero talks, just not as loud or fast. I continue to stare,
unable to respond. I notice that his physique is long and lean. He’s dressed in worn jeans
that fit him perfectly. His orange laced hiking boots scream I don’t conform. A pair of
tortoiseshell sunglasses hang from the V of his gray sweater, which clings to his body
perfectly. And an outdoor vest tops the outfit. It throws me off. It makes him look more
like an Abercrombie model than a James Dean type. It’s a navy blue down and quilted
one with a silver zipper. I don’t know why, but something about his outfit, about this
man, captivates me.
“Number 98,” calls the girl from behind the counter.
He steps closer. His warm breath whispers across my neck. “Through the Looking
Glass is the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. When Alice gets too close to the glass, she
falls in and starts on a crazy journey,” he tells me as his arm waves in the air with a green
ticket on display. Stepping closer, his gaze cuts from mine to the glass case as he hands
his number to the clerk whose wearing a cute brown apron with the word Sprinkles
scripted across it.
“Can I have a dozen of the black and white cupcakes?” he asks. Suddenly alarmed, my eyes dart to the case as I watch the single remaining row of
beautifully crafted cupcakes diminish until there are none left. My irritation flares as I
glance at my number—97.
The beautiful stranger hands the clerk his credit card and waits to sign the slip.
“I was number 97, my number was before yours,” I say as he’s handed the bag that
holds his treasure.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Here let me get the sales clerk’s attention so you don’t have to take
another number,” he says.
I want to stomp my feet. I want to scream. I don’t want her attention. I don’t want
another number. I want the cupcakes that he stole from me.
“Miss,” he calls draping his perfectly fit body over the case. She looks his way and
with a charming grin he says, “Can you help this lovely lady? She missed her number
being called.”
“Of course, I’m so sorry. How can I help you?” the girl asks averting her eyes from
the man who looks like he should be on the cover of GQ magazine, over to me.
He smiles at me with a face that belongs on a billboard. “Don’t fall in.”
I swear he’s goading me. But then he tips his chin and a sexy, smoldering grin passes
over his lips and I’m not so sure anymore. He turns to look at me one more time before
he exits, and excitement flushes over my face. I nod a slight cursory acknowledgement,
then he disappears and disappointment washes over me—he’s gone. Crap. The cupcakes
are also gone. Double crap. And now I’m left wondering if he saw me staring at that
flavor? Did he distract me on purpose so he could purchase them first? Urrr…I’m so
angry right now I consider walking out, but when the clerk asks me what I’d like I settle
for the Vanilla Milk Chocolate cakes—they are the mirror reflection of the black and
whites, with vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, but they are not nearly as good.





Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of The Connections series and could not wait to dive into this novella.  I thought it was the perfect blend of emotions and loved every minute of being inside Aerie's head.  Of course I was already a fan of her character, in the two previous books she was such a strong yet comforting best friend to Dahlia.  I loved how she always seemed to know exactly what she needed, when to push and when to support.  Dazed open my eyes up even wider to what a wonderful character Aerie really is and now I'm an even bigger fan.

As it turns out Aerie has a Type A personality.  She likes control, structure and organization.  From keeping to a strict routine in work as well as exercise to always ordering the same dishes at her favorite restaurants to keeping her closet divided in half based off work vs. fun clothes.  Honestly, it's like she's a girl after my own heart!  On the flip side though she hasn't ever experienced true love or really even passion for that matter.  She's never felt sparks, or butterflies or really even emotions in general with the men she's dated.

Then one day, one chance encounter at a cupcake shop leaves her world turned upside down...

Jagger, River's cousin, has moved to LA in hopes to not only heal from his heartache over the woman he was in love with cheating on him and but he is also hoping to score the lead in an upcoming movie based off of the life of Aerie's uncle.  I imagine he was completely unprepared when on a chance encounter Aerie literally falls into the rabbit hole of his life.

Kim Karr is such an excellent writer, in allowing this story to be told strictly from Aerie's POV it was like I was falling in love with Jagger right along with her.  He was so sweet towards Aerie, and while she is the one who has always pushed Dahlia outside her comfort zones it was so nice to see Jagger do the same for her.  He really opened her eyes up to the world around her, gently forcing her to not just go through the motions of life, but instead to actually live it.  There's no doubt in my mind Aerie was perfectly happy on her own, but Jagger brings out a side of her no one has ever seen before.  He brings out a sense of happiness, peacefulness and fullness that she hasn't ever experienced.  It was really beautiful to read through her transformation, and even when things got rough, Aerie never lost sight of who she was at her core, she didn't change for Jagger, she just embraced more of herself when she was with him.  I really appreciated and respected that about her character.

This is an excellent addition to The Connections series.  It was beautifully written and while it was short I still found it to be full of passion and just the right amount of drama!  I'm so glad Aerie got her own story and that like Dahlia she too got a HEA.


About Author Kim Karr
I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I've always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing. 

I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don't need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There's nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore--it's time I love and cherish.

I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart. <3



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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Cover Reveal: Entice, by Rachel Van Dyken







Release Day : May 13, 2014


From #1 New York Times Bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes the third book in the bestselling Eagle Elite Series...

“As burns this saint, so burns my soul. I enter alive, and I will have to get out dead.”

Chase Winter let the love of his life slip through his fingers and into the hands of his best friend and mafia boss of the Abandanato family. Now that he's been given a second chance to right a wrong--he refuses to let his own selfishness stand in the way. The only problem? He's not fully in possession of his heart, so when Mil De Lange, the girl who's innocence he stole, and heir to the worst of the worst mafia families in the US, asks him for a favor. He actually says yes, not realizing that that one yes has the power to destroy them all.

Mil's been in love with Chase as long as she can remember, but as the years went by, the love turned to hate, and now that he's agreed to help her, she's wondering if she made a fatal error. Because Chase isn't a teenager anymore. He's a hot blooded male, bent on owning every part of her body and soul, and willing to kill anyone in his path who dares stand in the way.
It's time for secrets to finally be revealed...but make no mistake, it's going to take a lot of bloodshed for those truths to be discovered.

You've never read a New Adult Mafia story like this before...loyalties will be tested, lovers reunited, and friendships obliterated. Welcome to the Family. Blood in--No out.


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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...












Nixon
I checked the time on my cell and leaned against the wall. The desert heat was not in any way helping my already-tense mood and irritated disposition. A guy walked by, flicking his cigarette into the dirt. Note to self: you know you're tense as hell when you’re halfway tempted to grab said cigarette and suck the nicotine dry from the remains.
And I didn’t even smoke.
Shhhit.
My head hurt, my muscles were sore, and Trace was pissed. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the building.
“Hey there.” A flirty voice interrupted my self-inflicted torture session. I opened one eye, then two. A blond-haired girl in six-inch heels and something I can only assume at one point use to be a shirt, hanging over her shoulder, walked into my personal space. Her shirt-dress thing barely met her thighs.
“Yes?” I kept my sunglasses on. If I took them off and glared, she’d probably run screaming down the street, and I wasn’t into scaring females… at least not in that way. I knew I looked downright pissed as hell.
“Just thought you looked lonely.” She lifted her shoulder and offered a teasing smile. Did that really work on other guys?
“You thought wrong,” I said simply. “I’m holding the wall up like Samson.”
“Samson?” She looked around as if waiting for another man to appear.
“From the Bible,” I clarified.
“The what?”
“Gotta love Vegas,” I muttered under my breath. “Look, I don’t want any.”
“Any what?” She ran a manicured nail down my chest, biting down on her lip at the same time. I could only imagine her point was to get me to stare at her lips, but all I felt was irritation. Damn Chase and Mil. I just wanted to go to bed, but I needed to talk with him before tomorrow.
“Sex.” My voice clipped. “I. Don’t. Want. Any.”
“But” She twirled a piece of blond- hair in her fingers.
“I’m gay.”
“Right.” She snorted.
“I’m into men.”
“Oh really?” She closed the distance between us. Just as I was ready to seriously put my hands on her and push, I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder.
“Hey there, hot stuff.” Tex said in a low voice as his hand grabbed my ass, cupping it with a little too much enthusiasm. “You ready?”
I ground my teeth together and forced a smile. “Yup.”
“Oh…” The girl stepped back. “Um, sorry, you guys, uh, enjoy your night.” She pushed past Tex so fast I was afraid she was going to teeter off her heels and get hit by a taxi.
“Tex.” I seethed.
“Hmm?” He took off his sunglasses and tilted his head as the girl hurried away.
“You can take your hand off my ass now.”
“Why? Afraid you like it too much?”
I pushed against him.
“Just embrace your feelings!” He shouted, earning the attention of a family walking by with their two little kids.
I grabbed him by the front of his shirt and threw him few feet away from me, trying my damnedest not to smile.
“Admit it. You keep me around for comic relief.” Tex nodded with a smirk.
“I admit nothing.” I lost the war against smiling and started laughing. “But I do keep your ass away from Campisi, so remember that next time you start yelling about me being your lover.”
“True.” Tex grinned. “Oh, and P.S., don’t knock it till you try it.”
“P.S.,” I repeated in the same voice. “Still pissed at you for screwing over my sister.”
“Yeah well.” Tex sobered. “It’s for the best.”
“Breaking her heart and bringing in whores is what’s best for her?”
Tex lifted his hands into the air. “Look, I didn’t say my methods were sound or that they were intelligent, just let us deal with it, okay? We’re big kids.”
“Kids.” I snorted. “That about sums it up.”
A town car pulled up next to the curb. Chase got out and then held out his hand to Mil. My eyes narrowed; she looked different. Happier.
Her mom had just died, and she'd survived a bombing.
And she was smiling like the Taliban had just declared world peace.
Chase gripped her so tight that I saw the white of his knuckles.
I tilted my head, still watching them when Tex said. “Dude, you get laid?”
“Tex,” I snapped. “Go get something for their luggage.”
“But
“Go.”
Tex flipped me off, but ended up jogging over to the main entrance while I inspected both Mil and Chase. “I’m not saying this to be an ass
“Here we go.” Mil crossed her arms.
Chase waited.
I licked my lips and tried to appear indifferent. “But if you guys start screwing each other now, I may have to shoot one or both of you. It’s not the time to play house, got it?”
“Play house,” Chase repeated in a deadpan voice as he dipped his free hand into his back pocket, most likely clenching a pair of brass knuckles.
“I know it’s your honeymoon,” I continued. “But this [P1] little scenario you’ve got going on with the whole hot and cold is going to have to wait until everyone’s safe. So Chase, keep it in your pants for once in your life, and Mil, stop trying to seduce the poor kid, alright? It’s like dangling a damn fry in front of a seagull.”
“Who’s a fry?” Tex asked, pulling the luggage cart with him.
“Mil.”
“Are we eating dinner or something? Because I have to admit,” Tex leaned against the cart, “I’m freaking starving.” He eyed Chase and Mil. “Then again, I’m sure you both are too. All those extracurricular really take it out of ya.”
Chase took off his sunglasses, his face twisting in irritation and annoyance, no smile. Nothing. He was pissed.
“Chase,” I said slowly. “You know I’m right. You’re the best I have. I need your focus to be on The Family. Your family. Then you can screw all you want, okay?”
Mil looked like she wanted to punch me in the face. Chase took a step forward, but she stopped him.
“Good talk.” I exhaled. “Chase, I’ll see you down in the bar in a half-hour, okay? We have business to discuss. Mil, you can go find the girls. They’re having dinner out by the pool.”
Nobody moved.
After a few seconds of tense silence where I was pretty sure Chase was trying to convince himself not to strangle me to death, Tex cleared his throat and pointed to the luggage. “You guys need help, then?”
“Yeah,” Chase croaked. “Thanks.”
We loaded them up and sent them on their way.
“Tell me,” Tex asked once we were walking back toward the bar. “Is your only goal to see how far you can push Chase before he kills you in your sleep?”

Blog Tour: Dear Tabitha, by Trudy Stiles


Along with Trudy Stiles, we are very excited to share with you the Release of Dear Tabitha, the 2nd book in The Forever Family Series. If you have not read Dear Emily (Book #1) yet, now is the time to grab it while it is on sale for ONLY $.99 in celebration of the New Release.
Make sure to check out the Book Trailer, add this series to your Goodreads, enter the Giveaway below for a Kindle Paperwhite and Amazon Gift Cards and join the Facebook Release Party Event for more fun and giveaways!




Author: Trudy StilesBook Title: Dear Tabitha ~ Series: Forever Family #2
Genre: New Adult/Romance

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Synopsis
You know me. You know who I am. What I am.
Damaged. Confused. Alone.
You feel sorry for me. You pity me.
You know what I’ve done. What I’ve given up. Who I’ve given up.
You try to understand what I’ve been through and how I can possibly go on with my life.
But you can’t possibly understand.
I’ve lost too much. Sacrificed too much. Given up everything so that I can find myself.
Well I’m done.
I’m done walking away from everything that matters.
It’s time for me to heal.
It’s MY TURN to earn…
Redemption.
Love.
Family.

Book Trailer - Created by Becca at Bibliophile Productions



Review
5 out of 5 stars

In Dear Tabitha, Trudy Stiles gives us a beautiful conclusion to Tabitha's story, so make sure you read Dear Emily first.  It's been over 2 years since one moment of weakness lead to the destruction of her relationship with Alex, since she broke Seth's heart and since she made the difficult, brave and selfless decision to give Emily to Carly and Kyle.  In that amount of time a lot can happen and people can change.  

I really believe Alex leaving was the catalyst Tabitha needed to take charge of her life.  While it didn't happen right away, Tabitha slowly started taking the steps needed to take back control of her life, of her destiny.  Knowing she could never return Seth's love while her heart still beat for Alex yet terrified of being alone she still choose to be honest with him and ended their relationship once and for all.  Still reeling from the loss of Sara yet knowing Emily deserved a strong, confident mother and father who can provide for her she courageously choose to give Emily to Carly and Kyle.  At the end of Dear Emily you see Tabitha is already more strong.  It's as though through the destruction of the demise of her and Alex she finds herself at rock bottom, but at her core she is a fighter, a survivor and even heartbroken and depressed she finds herself choosing to fight, to never find herself in this position again, to be strong and to one day be able to have a family of her own.  She may not have any control over Alex or the decisions of her past but she does get a voice in her future, a voice she is finally ready to possess. 

In this second book Tabitha emerges stronger, more confident, at peace with her decision to give Emily away.  While she is living alone and single she has the support of some close friends, she really is making a better life for herself and she is finally happy.  The new Tabitha chooses to be honest, to express her feelings no matter how hard it may be.  She's no longer scared, at least not until Alex unexpectedly shows up at her door.  Why is he here?  What doe he want?  Will he leave again once the truth is revealed?

I loved hearing this story told in alternating POV's from Alex and Tabitha, both present day and past perspectives.  I feel like I learned so much about Alex.  You get to see the demons from his past, which he battles on a regular basis.  You learn why he left Tabitha and how his decision to end things affected his own life.  Honestly his story is just as heartbreaking as Tabitha's, and I believe its this common thread of suffering that allows them to speak to one another's soul.  Alex is struggling with Tabitha's betrayal yet he still cares about her, thinks about her all the time, wants her back in his life but isn't sure he can really forgive her for wrecking him and throwing his love for her away.  Since leaving her his life has been spiraling out of control.  Exhausted and on a break from tour he finds himself at her doorstep, but he isn't sure what he hopes to find when she answers the door.  Is he hoping she looks as miserable as he feels?  Does he want to lash out at her again for throwing away something so good and perfect?  Or is he there because he is still in love with her and is hoping to get her back?  

Needless to say when Tabitha answers the door Alex is completely shocked, all the hate and resentment he has been dealing with vanishes and his heart pushes him to win her back.  While he is surprised to see the new Tabitha he is also so proud of her and admires her strength, he cannot help but ache to be closer, to hold her in his arms once again.  But things aren't always easy and when the truth comes out neither one knows whether or not Alex will be able to forgive her and move forward with any kind of relationship.

When I sat down to start this book it was late and I planned to only read a few chapters and then pick the rest up in the morning, but let me tell you Trudy Stiles completely sucked me in and I read the entire book cover to cover, without putting it down even once.  I was so vested in the story, I couldn't help but to keep on reading to find out how Tabitha was going to deal with everything life kept dishing her way.  Alex's reappearance in her life isn't the only curve ball she is thrown.  Its as though the universe wants to test her strength, to find out if she is really ready for her own happily ever after and if she is going to fight for it.  I liked this new Tabitha, I was so proud of her and I rooted for her along every step of the journey.  I appreciated seeing her determination even in her moments of weakness, I think it made her character more "real."  

In hearing from Alex's perspective, of his past and his struggles with the truth in his present I really feel like I was able to experience his growth, I felt even more connected to him in this story.  I better understood him as a person and thus his actions.  I loved watching him step up and become the man Tabitha needed, the man she deserved.  I appreciated getting a firsthand look into his apprehensions and rejoiced when he finally took courage to go after the life he always wanted.  

At times this book brought me to tears, tears of both happiness and heartbreak.  It also managed to completely shock me, so much so that I had to stop and re-read a couple of times just to make sure I was reading it correctly.  Trudy Stiles doesn't hold back and isn't afraid to test her characters and push their boundaries, and I loved every minute of it!  All questions are answered and all loose-ends are nicely tied up.  Hearing the epilogue from Seth's perspective was an interesting turn of events and I found myself enjoying getting to see the scenario play out through his eyes.  This is a must read book for anyone who read Dear Emily and those who haven't what are you waiting on?  These stories are completely unique, heartbreakingly  beautiful and very well written. 




About Author Trudy Stiles
Trudy Stiles is a New Adult author, mom to two beautiful children, and married to the love of her life. She is the author of the Forever Family series including “Dear Emily” and “Dear Tabitha”. There will be many more stories from this series and you never know who may have a standalone or novella written for them. Stay tuned!
Trudy is a music junkie and you’ll know that she’s writing when you see her plugged into her laptop with her earbuds in. Her playlist is unique and is a must for her writing sprints.
When she’s not writing, she’s carting her children to their various activities while avoiding any kind of laundry or housework. She also loves to run along the boardwalk of the beautiful New Jersey shore.
She’s always been an avid reader and frequently escapes into the fictional worlds of the many characters that she has come to love. Well, now there are some fictional characters in her head dying to get out!
This first story is called “Dear Emily” and was released in December 2013. “Dear Tabitha” will be released in March 2014. The Forever Family series will continue with several companion/stand alone novels.

Email: authortrudystiles@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortrudystiles
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/trudy_stiles
Twitter: @trudystiles
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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Cover Reveal: Bender, by Stacy Borel

Bender Cover
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Synopsis
All Keegan wanted was a roommate who was quiet, minded their own business, and paid for part of the rent. Instead, she got Camden Brooks.
Camden, with his sinful body, sharp tongue, and the inability to stay out of Keegan’s personal business, couldn’t seem to curb his interest in the new girl who wouldn’t put up with his domineering ways.
Feelings were running rampant, sexual tension was thick, and both were struggling to let go of control.
To some people, getting a roommate simply meant living with another person. But to both Camden and Keegan it was a curveball that neither was prepared to swing at.


Excerpt
Standing up I began pacing. This was going too far. I could handle nice gestures, but coming into my room, and giving me things that I didn’t ask for was taking it too far. I wanted it out. I wanted it all out.
Now!
Marching downstairs, I was a girl on a mission. When I reached the bottom step, Camden turned around to look at me. Sure enough, there was that smug, satisfied little grin. I bet he was expecting a thank you for his diluted sense of generosity. Oh boy, was he in for a treat. I smiled back at him, but I had a feeling it didn’t look quite right. I was certain I had a crazed look in my eyes, and at this point, I didn’t care. My crazy was about to be hanging out all over the place. Now where in the hell was what it? My eyes drifted to the corner of the dining room. Up against the wall was the Louisville Slugger, just what I was looking for. I casually walked over to it and picked it up. I knew Camden’s eyes were tracking me. The grin on his mouth had slipped and now he just looked confused. I held the bat in my hand, testing its weight and deciphering my next move.
“What are you doing?” Cam asked.
I looked up at him, sending daggers at him through my eyes. “Practicing my swing.”
His confusion deepened. When I saw his eyebrows raise, I knew realization hit him. “Now Keegan, don’t go doing something you’re going to regret.”
The laugh that came from my mouth was pure evil. It sounded bizarre, even to me. “Oh Camden, I’m not going to regret this. I’m going to enjoy it very much.” With that I turned on my heels raced up the stairs. But not before heard him say “shit” and hurdle the couch coming after me.
I made it up to my room before he did. I took a brief moment to breathe in through my nose and back out through my mouth. I was centering myself for my grand swing. Standing before the beautiful bed he had no business buying me, I brought the bat up high and was about to bring it down as hard as I could, when it stopped mid air. Twisting my head around, I locked eyes with wild deep brown ones.
“Don’t you dare.” He growled, inches from my face.

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About Author Stacy Borel
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Stacy Borel currently resides in southeast Texas with her husband and two kids. She grew up as a military brat and has lived everywhere from California, Alaska, Azores Portugal, and Hawaii. She loves traveling and seeing new places, so being a military spouse is perfect for her. Stacy enjoys the adventure of moving every 2-4yrs. It's refreshing to experience a new place.

Stacy is a self proclaimed reading addict and Facebook addict. If she's not doing one of those two things, she can be found writing, or playing with her kids. Some of her hobbies are listening to new music, going fishing, being active outdoors, and she always loves spending time with her out of state family.


Stacy discovered Indie Authors in early 2012 after reading Fifty Shades of Grey, and there began her passionate love affair with books. She always wrote stories and journals growing up, but she decided in December 2012 to really dip her toes in the water with a romance novel. She now has three full length novels under her belt, and a whole new series for the 2014 year.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Blog Tour: Gabby Revealed, by Amy Gregory




Title: Gabby Revealed (Finding Perfect #2) 
Author: Amy Gregory 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Publication Date: March 25, 2014 
Event Organized By: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis
Gabby James didn’t have the idyllic childhood many in her little hometown of Renlend, Kansas had. High school was a living hell, but when she graduated she couldn’t bring herself to leave Renlend. The town was her prison, but her family’s bookstore, The Looking Glass, was her one true love. It was the place she could run to, and escape the prying eyes of the ones who taunted her. Shane Compton was a literary agent in one of the most prestigious publishing houses in New York City. He found no greater rush than finding the next big talent, someone who could take the written word and turn it into an art form. In the span of one rude phone call Shane was drawn into the mystery of just who the fiery new author from Kansas was. When everyone else in the office refused to deal with her, Shane willingly accepted the challenge. There was no logic to the madness, but every time he had contact with her, she drove him wild. Gabby tried every trick in the book to keep Shane at arm’s length, but he had made good on his promise to come to Kansas. He wanted to pull her out of anonymity, he wanted her in the public eye. Now here he stood, on the sidewalk in front her bookstore, and one look told her he was everything she was afraid he’d be. Too bad she was anything but who he thought she was. Gabby quickly discovers Shane has more on his mind than just books and with a little help from an ornery matchmaker, he shows her a whole new life through her looking glass.


Purchase Links


Gabby Revealed: Not Available at this time
Mike’s Way Back: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Author Amy Gregory

When asked ‘when do you have time to write’, Amy Gregory simply laughs. The real answer is, “in bits and pieces”. She and her husband live in Kansas City with their three fantastic kids that keep them running in three very different directions. Because she sits so much, she always carries a notebook with her at all times. She has an off the wall, snarky, off the cuff sense of humor that often shocks even those who’ve known her for years. And she loves that her children have all been blessed that ability to make others laugh as well. At least she’s grateful most of the time! Her husband often teases her about how she “makes this stuff up” when he’s reading a piece of her work. … The answer—“it just comes to me when I’m typing”. Scary thought, huh!
Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Book Blast: Beautiful Ties, by Alicia Rae



Title: Beautiful Ties (The Beautiful Series #4)
Author: Alicia Rae
Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+
Publication Date: March 25, 2014
Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis
While watching her brothers find their happily ever afters, Abbey dreams of falling in love. Smart, fun, and sexy, Abbey is also independent and works hard alongside her brother, Kyle. When Kyle joins his business ventures with his wife’s cousins, Jason and Damon, Abbey struggles with keeping things professional.
Jason is instantly enamored with Abbey, and he becomes determined to win her over. Although she does not want to mix business with pleasure, he uses his good looks and sweet charm to work his way into her heart. All the while, Abbey begins building a friendship with a neighborhood child, Pearl. Abbey’s heart warms to Pearl, and their friendship quickly blossoms into a loving relationship.
Can Abbey find a way balance her growing feelings for Jason and her need to take care of Pearl? Or will Abbey need to sacrifice one relationship for the sake of the other?

About Author Alicia Rae
Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.
Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo
Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.
Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...
Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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Release Promo: Hard to Handle, by Jessica Lemmon

Today we are celebrating the release Jessica Lemon's Hard Handle  in paperback!


Synopsis
ONCE BURNED
Sadie Howard never dates a guy more than once-but Fate has other plans for her when it comes to Aiden Downey, the one that got away. Aiden loved her, left her, and broke her heart. Yet suddenly she's bumping into him at every turn, driven to distraction by his wicked grin and rock-hard body. Now she can't resist finishing what they started-as long as she doesn't let herself fall in love . . .
TWICE AS TEMPTING
Aiden Downey threw away the best thing he ever had when he let Sadie go, and now he's determined to win back the woman he's always wanted. Sadie agrees to let him into her life-and her bed-as long as there are no strings attached. But Aiden's not about to make the same mistake again. Can he convince her to take a second chance on a once-in-a-lifetime love?

Excerpt
“Sadie!” He caught her easily, snagging her elbow and pulling her into the one of the open, unoccupied rooms along the hallway. The room was dark, the only light came from the hall and sliced across the floor at an arc. Aiden steered her behind the open door, out of sight from any passersby.
He released her arm. She wouldn’t look at him. “Sadie.”
It took every drop of her dwindling courage, but she finally lifted her eyes to his.
“That’s it?” he asked, his mouth a grim line.
She blinked at him, feeling a flash of fear and regret that soon morphed into anger. “You asked, I said no,” she said, her voice shaking.
“Actually, you said you were sorry.”
She sighed. “I am.” Because she couldn’t marry Aiden. She couldn’t marry anyone. She was a hopeless wreck where men were concerned and—
“So my only options are to take you to bed or lose you forever?”
She blinked at him. “Are you quoting Top Gun?”
“Maybe.” The corner of her lip tipped into a cautious smile. “Are those my only options?” he asked, his voice quiet.
“I can’t marry you, Aiden,” she whispered, closing her eyes so she wouldn’t have to look at the disappointment swimming in his.
She felt his hand caress her shoulder and a moment later was enveloped in heat as he stepped into her comfort zone. Only, when Aiden was in it, she felt more comfortable, not less.
“Okay,” he said, stroking her face.
She opened her eyes.
“You win.”
His eyes held no clue as to what he meant by that. “What?”
“Did you mean it when you asked me to take you to bed tonight?”
Her heart slammed into third gear. He wasn’t serious…was he? She made the mistake of challenging how serious he was moments ago. She’d been dead wrong. Now he was suggesting…oh. Wow. But that was before…before he’d proposed to her. Before he’d forced her into a tight, dark corner where she couldn’t breathe. “Aiden—”
“I want you to ask me again.” He walked her one step backward. Then two. She allowed him to advance until her butt bumped against the wall.
She shook her head, but there was no conviction in it.
“Ask me again,” he repeated, looking scarily serious. His hands were heating her hips through the material of her dress. He kept his stormy eyes on hers, refusing to allow her to escape. “But only if you still want me.”
Her breaths came in short pants. “I do.”
“Then ask.”
When he was this close, she couldn’t fight. But maybe…maybe she didn’t want to fight. Not about this. She wanted him; she hadn’t lied about that. And he’d be worth it, she knew. Being with Aiden here, or anywhere, would be better than going home alone and reliving the pain of turning him down. But Aiden wasn’t arguing about his proposal. Which made this decision that much easier.
Sadie licked her lips, took a breath, and asked the damn question. “Will you…take me to bed?”
His hold tightened on her hips. “Yes” came his gravelly response. “To bed.” He kissed her lips. “To your car.” He kissed her neck. “Up against this wall.” He leaned into her body, his erection pressing firmly against her belly.

Review
3.8 out of 5 stars

I began this book without reading the synopsis and barely looked at the cover.  Truthfully, that never happens.  Not knowing what to expect at all, I was pleasantly surprised!  After reading this, I realized Hard to Handle was the 2nd book in the series.  Oops!  That's what happens when you don't research before you read!  

The book begins with Aiden Downey and Sadie Howard attending and being in the wedding party of their best friends and cousin of the groom for Aiden.  There is definitely some tension surrounding these two.  I feel like I should have read the first book in the series adn I probably would have enjoyed this book more than I already did.  So, now I have to one click the first book, Can't Let Go, and read it too!

Following the wedding and a drunken confession by Sadie, both go on with their lives expecting to get over the other.  Fate intervenes and forces them to face their feelings for each other much sooner than either one imagined.

Aiden, is on of those characters that you love because of their flaws.  The things in his personality that caused heart ache in the first place are also the qualities which make him a fantastic character.  He is a motorcycling riding, tattooed, rebel kind of guy with a huge heart.  What's not to love??

As for Sadie, she is headstrong and a driven type A person. Since, she and I have similar personalities it was easy to relate to her character.  As a result of the serious heartache and betrayal she has been dealt in her life, you can see exactly why she is gun shy about love.

I really enjoyed this book and I think readers will find it entertaining and heartfelt.  I also love that this book is only $2.99.  By now, I am sure you are aware of the fact that price points are a huge deal for us.  There are some books out right now that I want to read but refuse to pay $8.00 for an ebook unless it's a huge deal.  Kudos to Forever Romance for always keeping their authors books affordable.  Give this new author a chance and one click the entire Love in the Balance series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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About Author Jessica Lemmon
Jessica Lemmon has always been a dreamer. At some point, she decided head-in-the-clouds thinking was childish, went out, and got herself a job . . . and then she got another one because that one was lousy. And when that one stopped being fulfilling, she went out and got another . . . and another. Soon it became apparent she'd only be truly happy doing what she loved. And since "eating potato chips" isn't a viable career, she opted to become a writer. With fire in her heart, she dusted off a book she'd started years prior, finished it, and submitted it. It may have been the worst book ever, but it didn't stop her from writing another one. Now she has several books finished, several more started, and even more marinating in her brain (which currently resides in the clouds, thankyouverymuch), and she couldn't be happier. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want. (While eating potato chips.)