Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Promo: Confessions of a Queen B by Crista McHugh


Synopsis:  
Alexis Wyndham is the other type of Queen B—the Queen Bitch.
After years of being the subject of ridicule, she revels in her ability to make the in-crowd cower via the exposés on her blog, The Eastline Spy. Now that she's carved out her place in the high school hierarchy, she uses her position to help the unpopular kids walking the hallways.
Saving a freshman from bullies? Check.
Swapping insults with the head cheerleader? Check.
Falling for the star quarterback? So not a part of her plan.

But when Brett offers to help her solve the mystery of who’s posting X-rated videos from the girls’ locker room, she’ll have to swallow her pride and learn to see past the high school stereotypes she’s never questioned—until now.



Excerpt:
“By the way, I brought something from home that you might find helpful.” He pulled a black contraption from his backpack. “This is an infant carrier—very useful when you want to keep your hands free while carrying the baby.”
I tried to make sense of all the straps and fasteners, but after a few seconds, I was completely lost. I gritted my teeth. I would have to ask Brett for help. “How does it work?”
“Here, I’ll show you.” He looped two of the straps around my shoulders and snapped them into place. “The X goes in the back, and the pouch goes in the front like so. Then, you put the baby here and lock into place.”
Five seconds later, the doll was pressed against my chest, and Brett was conveniently helping it rest its head comfortably on my boobs. And much to my horror, I kind of liked him standing this close to me, touching that part of my body. It was far from actual groping, but every little brush of his fingers sent a little shiver through me. I was running dangerously close to giving into my hormones and letting him continue.
I slapped his hands away before it was too late. “Hands off!”
He backed away, hands up in front of him. “What? You have a nice rack.” His gaze lingered on that part of my anatomy. “In fact, I’m a little envious of Junior there.”
“I can’t believe you just said that.” I turned around and tried adjusting the doll so it wasn’t being smothered in my cleavage. The reprieve also gave me a moment to pull myself together. My cheeks were still burning from the realization that I was suffering from a bad case of Brett-itis. “Actually, I can. You’re a bonehead jock who’s too busy thinking with his dick.”
“God gave men both a brain and a penis and only enough blood to use one at a time,” he replied matter-of-factly.
“Well, start thinking with your other head before I take the lower one out of commission.”
“And we’re back to the ball-busting.” The amused glint in his dark brown eyes told me he’d witnessed my moment of weakness, that he saw the flush that still lingered in my face (and other parts of my body I refused to acknowledge). “So, back to getting your phone number…”
I closed my eyes to clear my head. “Just for exchanges, right?”
“Sure, if that’s what you want.”
“Yes.” So far, every conversation I’d had with Brett ended with me alternating between wanting to punch him in the face or jump his bones.
“No worries.” When I opened my eyes, he was focused on his phone. “Anytime now.”
I gave him my number, which he entered into his contacts. Part of me wanted to snicker. How pissed off would Summer be once she discovered my number in his phone?
“Do you want my number?” he asked when he was done.
“Kind of hard to get to my phone with this doll strapped to my chest.”
His eyes flickered to my chest again. This time, I managed to limit my response to pure annoyance and snapped my fingers in front of his face. “Eyes up here, bucko.”
“Fine, let me write it down for you.” He tore a scrap of paper off something in his backpack and scribbled his number on it. He pressed it into my palm, reviving that irritating shiver I got every time he touched me. “I’m sure you’re just dying to conveniently misplace this, but please wait until after the project is done.”
The slip of paper reminded me of the one I found yesterday, but the bell rang before I could confront him about that. He was gone, and I was left with an eight-pound computerized doll and a growing sense of confusion when it came to Brett Pederson.

About Crista McHugh:
Crista McHugh is an award-winning author of fantasy and romance who writes heroines who are smart, sexy and anything but ordinary. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.
She is an active member of the Romance Writers of America (including the Greater Seattle Chapter and the Seattle EastsideChapters), and Romance Divas.
Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.
And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

Find Crista Online:

Friday, July 24, 2015

Cover Reveal: Bereft, by Jennifer Foor

A NEW STANDALONE IN THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH SERIES RELEASING ON SEPTEMBER 21 







We'd been married seven years, and for the most part, I thought we were happy. Little did I know my other half wasn't. He'd been screwing around on me for the past six months. Now, on the verge of divorce, I've found myself in a conundrum.

He's half my age, with a body that won't quit. I keep telling myself it's payback, but who am I kidding? Instead of getting even, I've now made things irreparable. I have a choice to make, and it's going to be a lot harder than I imagined.

Give in to Temptation
Fulfill your deepest Desires











Jennifer Foor is an award winning Contemporary Romance Author. She's best known for the Mitchell Family Series, which includes ten books.
She is married with two children and spends most of her time behind a keyboard, writing stories that come from her heart. 





Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Review: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah




Synopsis
In love we find out who we want to be.

In war we find out who we are.


FRANCE, 1939

In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France...but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When France is overrun, Vianne is forced to take an enemy into her house, and suddenly her every move is watched; her life and her child’s life is at constant risk. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates around her, she must make one terrible choice after another.  

Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets the compelling and mysterious Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can...completely. When he betrays her, Isabelle races headlong into danger and joins the Resistance, never looking back or giving a thought to the real--and deadly--consequences.

With courage, grace and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah takes her talented pen to the epic panorama of WWII and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women’s war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France--a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime. 


Review
5 out of 5 stars

I had no idea when I began this book that the journey would be so memorable.  I knew going into the story it was getting some amazing reviews, I knew it was historical and set during WWII, and I knew it was optioned to be a movie.  But, that's about it.  I read the synopsis and honestly wasn't sure I was going to fall in love with it.  I have read some historical novels, which I've loved, The Outlander Series, Gone With the Wind, etc., but nothing related to World War II.  

The Nightingale is mostly told from a narrative POV and not the main characters POV.  I typically prefer the POV of the character so I can gain a better connection with them, however in this book it was very well done and I still felt an incredible connection to the characters.  We see the war and its effects playing out in parallel lives-sisters, Vianne and Isabelle.  The sisters are like night and day in approaches to situations and in life in general.  Both girls were mistreated and "unloved" by their father after their mother died when Isabelle was 4.  Age is also a factor, as Vianne is many years older than Isabelle.  The likelihood that they will ever be close sisters becomes slimmer with every passing day. 

Vianne is married and has a daughter named Sophie.  When her husband, Antoine, is drafted to the French Army she only wants to remain optimistic.  She never wants to believe that things will be horrible and would almost rather stick her head in the sand than face facts.  I can see exactly why she behaves this way since she wants to remain sane and if she gives into her true feelings she fears everything will come crashing down on her. 

Isabelle is full of sassiness and is bold to a fault.  She acts without thinking but is passionate about life and living it free.  I love her character and her bravery.  She would rather die fighting for what she believes in that live a life she hates.  She makes some poor decisions at times, but don't we all.  Her passion is an inspiration to anyone.  

To say I am thrilled this is going to be a movie is an understatement.  I was fully expecting a love story to take place during a war when I opened this book.  I was not prepared for the type of love story I actually received.  This is so much more than love between a man and woman.  It is a love story for the ages.  It reaches beyond romance and includes family, country and so much more.  I sobbed during this book, especially the last chapter or two.  I recommend it to anyone that is searching for a book that is not a cookie cutter story, but a journey of heroism, women's equality and bravery, and a love than encompasses a generation. 

Teaser Tuesday: The Wife, by S.P. Cervantes





Title:  The Wife
Author: S.P. Cervantes
Genre: Women's Fiction/Contemporary
Release date: August 18, 2015


The Wife.
The Mother.
The Truth.

The Wife. Alexa is drifting through life, trying to be the person she thinks she should be. She’s made a loving home for her family, but with each passing day, she watches her husband’s heart slip away, and feels more isolated and alone.

The Mother. Determined to keep her family together, Alexa submerges herself in her new business and begins to find her independence again. She takes every opportunity to show her husband the wonderful family they've built together, hoping to win back his heart.

The Truth. When a ghost from her past enters Alexa’s life in the most unexpected way, she' s left questioning everything she believes. Lies will be told and secrets will be unveiled, leaving Alexa fighting for her life.

The End. There's no way for Alexa to know what's awaiting her.


About Author S.P. Cervantes
S.P Cervantes lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, reading, and running, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.

S.P. Cervantes is the author of the highly rated New Adult Romantic Fantasy series Secrets of Shadow Hill. "Always and Forever", "The Prophecy", and "War of Wizards" are available now.

S.P. Cervantes also has a contemporary romance series, A Broken Fairy Tale, "Dust to Dust", "Wished Away" and "His Jar of Hearts" are now available. 

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Review: Maybe in Another Life, by Taylor Jenkins Reid



Synopsis

From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Liferaises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.


Review
4.5 out of 5 stars

The story you find within the pages of this book is completely different and incredibly unique.  It's almost as if you are getting two stories.  Hannah, 29 and still searching for a place to plant some roots, finds herself back in LA living with her best friend and her husband.  Looking for a fresh start she finds herself at a crossroads her first night back.  Should she return home with her friend Gabby or should she say yes to spending more time with her ex Ethan.  This seems like such a simple question, but as the story plays out, exploring both options, you find each of the roads will lead Hannah down different paths.  They both result in a HEA but each one is quite different.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is without a doubt a compelling storyteller.  I found myself completely entranced with both story lines, finding it hard to put the book down because I just wanted to know what was going to happen next.  She cleverly tells Hannah's story with alternating chapters, and don't worry I never found myself struggling to remember which path was being travelled, clearly a result of flawless writing.

The ending left me somewhat surprised, not to mention a little confused as to my feelings on the overall story.  But after several days of reflection I realize in choosing to close out the story in the way she did was quite brilliant.  I believe Taylor Jenkins Reid wants to push our limits as readers, to challenge us to think outside the "norm."  Even now, 2 weeks from finishing Maybe in Another Life, I am STILL thinking about this story.  Seriously!  The characters are interesting and complex and nothing about this story is cut and dry.  I recommend you make the time to read this book, it's truly an unforgettable one of a kind escape!


Friday, July 17, 2015

Cover Reveal: Pushed by AF Crowell

☆¸.•*¨*★☆ Cover Reveal ☆¸.•*¨*★☆
Pushed (Book 1 in The Torn Series) by AF Crowell
Release Date: July 28, 2015



Synopsis: 
Trauma RN Leila Matthews has seen it all and nothing phased her anymore. Until that morning. Her whole world came crashing down around her when she entered Trauma 3. In the midst of that chaos, an unfamiliar, yet drop dead gorgeous, face appeared.
Leila had no time for relationships, not that she wanted one to begin with. Her parents’ example left her with serious trust and commitment issues. She hadn’t wanted anyone enough to let down her guard. Until he walked into that waiting room.
Brody Davis was an attractive, wealthy, bed-hopping player. No woman would ever conquer his heart. After losing the only two people he loved at an early age, he built a wall. A cold, heartless, love ‘em and leave ‘em wall. As a real estate developer and mogul, Brody traveled and never sat still. He didn’t need or want anything more than a quick conquest. That all changed the moment he laid eyes on his best friend’s baby sister.
Can Leila trust Brody with her heart? Can Brody stay faithful and make his best friend see, that to him, she’s different?
Or will she be pushed too far.



Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Cover Reveal: The Wife by S.P Cervantes

Check out this gorgeous cover and excerpt for THE WIFE by S.P. Cervantes! 


Title: The Wife
Author: S.P. Cervantes
Genre: Women's Fiction/Contemporary
Release date: August 18, 2015
Cover designed by: Indie-Spired

Book description:
The Wife.
The Mother.
The Truth.

The Wife. Alexa is drifting through life, trying to be the person she thinks she should be. She’s made a loving home for her family, but with each passing day, she watches her husband’s heart slip away, and feels more isolated and alone.

The Mother. Determined to keep her family together, Alexa submerges herself in her new business and begins to find her independence again. She takes every opportunity to show her husband the wonderful family they've built together, hoping to win back his heart.

The Truth. When a ghost from her past enters Alexa’s life in the most unexpected way, she' s left questioning everything she believes. Lies will be told and secrets will be unveiled, leaving Alexa fighting for her life.

The End. There's no way for Alexa to know what's awaiting her.

Excerpt:
Before my thoughts become sucked back down into the tunnel of despair that has taken over far too often, I focus my attention at the calming scene before me. I watch as a flock of white-tailed kites swoop gracefully over the grand oaks lining the majestic golf course below, wondering how they’re all able to move in perfect unison with each other without any sort of communication. It makes me think how there was once a time in my life when my husband Mike and I did the same. We used to be so in sync with each other. There was a time when he would’ve sensed my sadness tonight and have come right to my side and done anything to make me happy again.




About the Author:


S.P Cervantes lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, reading, and running, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.

S.P. Cervantes is the author of the highly rated New Adult Romantic Fantasy series Secrets of Shadow Hill. "Always and Forever", "The Prophecy", and "War of Wizards" are available now.

S.P. Cervantes also has a contemporary romance series, A Broken Fairy Tale, "Dust to Dust", "Wished Away" and "His Jar of Hearts" are now available. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Review: Forget by N.A. Alcorn




Brooke Sawyer is a successful record producer living in L.A. She has endured a lifetime’s worth of pain, but despite everything she’s been through, she still has the biggest heart. She’d do anything for the ones she loves, even putting their needs above her own. 


When she visits Paris for one month, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with gorgeous musician, Dylan Bissette. But he doesn't know about Brooke's life back home. He doesn't know about Jamie. 


The best way to keep a secret is to pretend there isn't one. 


Falling in love was not part of the plan. 
He broke down my walls. 
And the moment he whispered, "You've wrecked me, Little Wing," I was done for. 
I didn’t mean to fall in love, but Dylan made it too easy. 
Meeting her was fate. 
Pursuing her was a choice. 
But falling in love with her was out of my control. 
Brooke ruined me for everyone else. 
Music connects them, but secrets may keep them apart. 
This is just the beginning. Changing Colors, Part One 



Changing Colors is a two book series. 
At the end of Forget, there is a sneak peek of Blur (Changing Colors, Part Two). 

Review:  4.75 of 5 stars

I first fell in love with N.A. Alcorn when I read Avoiding Amy Jackson.  She had me laughing so much in the book that I knew people thought I was mad while I was reading it.  I wasn't completely sure what to expect when I opened Forget, because I knew it took a more serious tone and I just wasn't sure how I would feel about it since she is so amazing at writing comedy.  However, I knew that it had gotten some really great reviews and I just had to read it.

I opened this book while sitting on the beach and was immediately sucked into the story from page one.  Brooke Sawyer, AKA Little Wing, has one of the most beautifully written stories I have ever read.  It is heartbreaking, of course, but aren't all of our lives full of some sort of drama and heart ache?  The first chapter is a letter that Mille, Brooke's grandmother, wrote her as she is dying of cancer.  Millie knows that Brooke needs to start living for herself and not for others and so she sends her to Paris for a month, the day after her funeral, with a bucket list of items to cross off.

On day one in Paris Brooke attempts to sneak a picture of a hot, french man to send her BFF and to say it was a "flashing" disaster is an understatement.  However, she meets Dylan Bissette in the process and her journey in Paris begins with one of the best "meet-cutes" ever.  I swear, I will never look at sharpies again without thinking of this book.

Brooke and Dylan start an amazing romance in Paris.  They have so much fun together and I am happy to report that I still found myself laughing at their antics in the book, regardless of the more serious undertones.  Lindsey, one of Brooke's best friends is a lot of fun and I love when she makes appearances and forces Brooke outside of her comfort zone.  Jamie, her other best friend, that happens to be a guy is back in LA. You really don't get to know him well as they exchange texts and phone calls, but I gather he is a nice guy too.  I know that Jamie and Brooke have an unbreakable bond with some sort of major history, but I don't know the details yet.  I am sure he has something that is going in the background that I can't see yet that is affecting Brooke and her decisions in this book.

The book is quite a journey and I don't want to give a lot of details away because I love to read them first hand myself.  I will tell you though that the end of the book really leaves you with a cliffhanger. And even though I really want to be pissed off at some of the characters, I am really holding out hope that everything will be explained in the next book and will end with a fantastic HEA.  The storyline and plot in this book is really amazing and you shouldn't miss out just because you don't like a cliffy.  So read it anyway and fall in love with this book and characters like I did.  And then we can count down to the Blur (Changing Colors, Book 2) release together!  Job well done, Ms. Alcorn!