Release Day Blitz and Giveaway: Make Me, by Amanda Heath

Title: Make Me

Author: Amanda Heath

Release Day: November 15, 2013

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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Teaser

His black hair is plastered to his face and his clothes are soaked. I look down his body, taking in the clothes, dripping wet and sticking to his body like a second skin. That’s when I notice I was about to go into the pool before he saved me.

It’s hard to figure out what happens next. My thoughts are scattered and making no sense. I just know he did something nice for me and I want to thank him. So I lift up on my toes and place my lips against his, super soft. I let off just as quickly, thinking how soft his lips are and I want to kiss him again. “Thank you.”

He doesn’t let me go, and he doesn’t say anything. He just stares at my lips. I’m mesmerized by the look in his eyes. Its all heat and male. Primal. Oh sweet Jesus. The rain is freezing but I don’t notice, I’m too drunk and too turned on.

Heat blasts from his body, keeping me close to him. He doesn’t stop staring and I don’t know what to do. My thighs are tingling and my body aches for him to touch me. It seems like I’ve waited years for him to touch me. I lift back up on my toes and right before my lips meet his, I say, “Kiss me.” It’s a demand and it’s a plea.

I notice his breathing is heavy, just like mine. His fingers tightened when I demanded he kiss me, and it seems like forever before he moves. Those amazing lips slam down on mine and I erupt. My arms go around his neck and right into his hair. He’s too tall for me, so I jump up and wrap my legs around him. His palms immediately go to my thighs, and then under my dress.

It’s not long before he’s using his tongue to pry my mouth open. The warmth and taste of him, hits me like a ton of bricks. I moan around his lips and clutch him tighter to me. Then I’m being set down on something cold and wet.

I open my eyes and break away. I didn’t even notice us moving but now I’m sitting on the hood of my car. Channing though, he doesn’t let me get away for long. His lips are back on mine and his tongue is demanding my submission. His taste is so powerful it nearly knocks me over. Warm spice, mint, and whiskey. Mmmmm.

He breaks away from my lips, and starts trailing his up and down my neck. I’m panting so hard; it’s a wonder I don’t pass out from lack of oxygen. My hands leave his neck to go under his shirt. We both groan when my hands touch his skin. His abs are toned and a little more packed than they looked.

I’m growing impatient, so I try to rip the thing off of him. Then I realize it has buttons so I do rip it open. Buttons fly everywhere but I don’t care. His golden skin is on display and I want to touch him. So I do.

His chest is broader than it looks, blocking out the rest of the world while I’m pressed to it. His lips start sucking deeply at my neck, before he bites me, gently. I moan and press against him. The softness of me meets the hardness of him. That makes him bite hard, so I start grinding on it.

Boy does that feels good.

His lips come back up to mine, and then his tongue is there, thrusting against mine. I moan when his hands reach my panties. They never left my ass. He was just sitting there squeezing it. That felt amazing too. I think he is going to stop me, or at least touch me, but he doesn’t.

He lets my lips go, only to set his forehead against mine. I’m lost in the way he looks right now. There is total rapture on his gorgeous face. Like he’s never done anything better than this. I don’t really blame him, because I feel the same way. 

About Author Amanda Heath

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.

Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook, Blog

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Cover Reveal: Falling, by E.K. Blair

Releasing December 9, 2013

Genre:

Contemporary Romance

Coming of Age

Drama

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.

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Cover Reveal: Touching Scars, by Stacy Borel

"I may seem crazy and I'm tired of feeling so numb.  I'm alone and cold here in my mind, and I don't know ho to know how to heal myself...until her."

Touching Scars

by

Amazon Bestselling Author

Stacy Borel

Coming December 2013

About the Author

Stacy Borel lives in southeast Texas with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.  She is a military wife, and prior to that, was a military brat.  She lvoes picking up and moving somewhere new every two to four years.  Stacy is a self-proclaimed Facebook addict.  If she isn't online, she is either writing or being a mom or wife.

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Cover Reveal: Come To Me Softly, by A.L. Jackson

COME TO ME SOFTLY by A.L. Jackson has a cover and we get to share it with you today! Isn't it gorgeous! Read all about Book 2 in the Closer to You Series coming SUMMER 2014!!

Title: Come To Me Softly (The Closer to You Series, Book 2)

Author: A.L. Jackson

Expected Release Date: Summer 2014

Genre: New Adult Romance

Cover reveal organized by: Shh Moms Reading, Literary Mania Reviews, and Brandee’s Book Endings

  SYNOPSIS

From the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Me Quietly comes

a scorching new adult romance in the Closer to You series.

 

A second chance at life…

A second chance at love…

  Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed? To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process.   EXCERPT

I gasped when strong. arms wrapped around me from behind. Then I melted when he buried his face in my neck. Jared spun me around and pressed me up against the cool metal of my car door. His hands were on my face, in my hair, slipping down my sides before he brought them back up to force me to look at him. “Thank you.” Desperation poured from him, his hold increasing as he stared down at the shock I felt lining my face. “Thank you for fucking believing in me, Aly. For getting me.” Fear lashed across his face. Or maybe it was remorse. He swallowed hard, his voice hardened with strain. “I’m scared to think of where I’d be right now without you.” That fear that had flashed on his face coiled in my stomach. Because I didn’t know where he’d been. Had no idea where the last three months had taken him. How far. How low. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. “You’re here with me now.” I had to believe that was all that mattered. He grimaced. Gripping my face, he leaned down and kissed me, hard and demanding. There was no soft affection, none of the playfulness from upstairs. This was a seal. A branding. He jerked back. A storm raged in the blue of his eyes. “Don’t think I can’t see all those questions burning in your mind, Aly. And I may not have all the answers right now, but we are going to figure this out. Do you understand me? I promise you that.” And I saw it all there, the torment that plagued Jared, this beautiful man who had lost his way, the one desperate to find his way home.

 

Join us for the COME TO ME SOFTY Cover Reveal Party happening all day today! A.L. will be hanging out talking books, boys, and giving away a ton of special prizes from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm MST! Join the Party HERE!!

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Pulled, When We Collide, and If Forever Comes. She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life. Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children. Look for Come to Me Quietly and Come to Me Softly coming soon.

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GIVEAWAY And don’t miss the COME TO ME SOFTLY Cover Reveal Giveaway. Prizes include an A.L. Jackson Ultimate Signed Paperback Collection, signed COME TO ME QUIETLY paperbacks, treats from Sweets by Steph, and prize packs from Molly McAdams, Gail McHugh, Raine Miller, Gretchen de la O, Kim Karr, and Madeline Sheehan! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book 1 - Come to Me Quietly releasing January 7, 2014

Synopsis Aleena Moore is content with her life. She has goals and dreams and an easy smile. She also has a secret she holds locked inside. Jared Holt believes he doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. He destroys everything he touches. Haunted by the mistake that shattered his life, he’s fled from the memory of that pain. Jared doesn’t know why he’s compelled to return, but finds himself drawn back to the place where it all began. The exact place where it ended. When he runs into his childhood best friend, Aleena’s older brother Christopher, he agrees to share Christopher and Aleena’s apartment while he looks for a place of his own. Aleena is no longer the little girl Jared remembers from his past and evokes feelings in him he never wanted to feel again. Terrified of destroying her, he fights to keep her away. But her touch is something he can’t resist—the touch that sealed his fate. Their pasts are intertwined and their futures uncertain. The only truths they know are the secrets they whisper in the night. || Amazon Paperback || Amazon Kindle || Barnes & Noble Paperback || Barnes & Noble Nook ||

Cover Reveal: Mended, by Kim Karr

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Title: Mended (Connections #3)

Release date: June 3, 2014

Synopsis

MUSIC HAS THE POWER TO HEAL ALL…BUT NOT ALL BROKEN HEARTS CAN BE MENDED.

Always in control, Xander Wilde considered life on the road to be a perfect fit for him. But when disaster strikes on the Wilde Ones’ latest tour, fate intervenes…and a newly single Ivy Taylor, the only girl he has ever loved, steps back into his life.

After moving past her painful breakup with Xander years ago, Ivy was poised to become the next big name in pop music…when suddenly she withdrew from the limelight—the same day she announced her engagement to her controlling agent, Damon Wolf.

Xander knows he should keep his distance. But once they’re on the road, he can’t resist pursuing her for a second chance. Yet a jealous Damon can’t let her go—and he’s keeping dangerous secrets that could destroy them all.  

When the three of them come together, everything falls apart. But if Xander and Ivy can hold tight to the bond that connects them, they just might have a chance at reclaiming the powerful love they thought they had lost forever....

Mended Excerpt

Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRJPlEw_vqY

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Connections Series

Connected (Connections #1)

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Synopsis

What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice? 

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate. 

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her. 

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

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Torn (Connections #2)

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Synopsis

Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entwined history is about to test the strength of that love…

Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.
                                                                                                             
River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain! But how many times can one broken heart be mended?  Will River and Dahlia be able to face the turmoil together or will they be torn apart?

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Blog Tour: Surrender To Me, by Monica James

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Title: Surrender To Me

Author: Monica James

Release Date: October 21, 2013

Genre: New Adult

Synopsis

Ava Thompson left the love of her life, Jasper White, to unearth her destiny. Even though the decision was the toughest of her life, it was the only way for Ava to grow into the woman she’s always wanted to become.

Sadly, that destiny has led her back to the place that broke her.

Singapore.

And more importantly, it has led her back to the man who broke her.

Harper.

But Ava is no longer the scared, lost girl she once was. Ava is stronger, and she will not allow her past, taint her future.

Six months later, Ava travels back to Los Angeles for an event that embraces the true meaning of love. Sadly for Ava, her meaning of true love has been lost.

And that’s because of one life changing event that has altered her life forever.

Los Angeles is not how Ava left it. Things have changed. People have changed. She has changed. But what has remained untouched is her passionate love for Jasper White.

But does Jasper feel the same?


Excerpt

Searching the venue for a couple of minutes, I don’t see Jasper anywhere, but I have an inkling as to where he will be. Exiting the building, the fresh breeze off the lake hits me in the face, and I sigh contentedly, because after the heated evening I’ve just had, I embrace the coolness.

Walking through the enchanted gardens at night is simply stunning, and it really will be breathtaking for V’s wedding tomorrow. I can smell lavender, lemongrass and fresh pine needles the further I extend into the gardens, and the smell is heavenly, and somewhat calming. I need all the serenity I can get at the moment, and will treasure anything to calm my racing heart.

Approaching the grassy hill, I find him where I thought he would be. He is standing near the red boathouse, overlooking the lake, while taking a drag of his cigarette.

Advancing cautiously, not wanting to startle him as he looks to be deep in thought, I watch the love of my life closely. His messy hair is catching in the gentle wind, ruffling it further, and I chew the inside of my cheek when I stop to take him in. He is simply beautiful. I know the word handsome is usually better suited to describe the opposite sex, but Jasper, he is nothing short of mind blowing.

He senses my approach, and turns around to face me. The hurt in his eyes drowns my heart in grief, and I mumble, “I’m sorry.”

But he doesn’t reply, he is merely motionless, searching my face.  I shuffle slightly when I witness him raking over my body, from head to toe.

“You're mine,” he sneers after a minute of silence, meeting my eyes.

Nodding quickly, slightly stunned by his possessiveness, I whisper, “I am. I always have been.”

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Surrender To Me Playlist

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About Author Monica James

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson. Listening to the likes of Elvis to Fiona Apple and everything in between has been her inspirational tool to write. Her varied musical and literary tastes have shaped her into the writer she has become. Monica partook in extra Literature and Writing studies in High School. She studied a Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at La Trobe University Victoria, Australia, majoring in Philosophy and Cinema Studies for three years. When she is not writing she is running her own business, but always finds a balance between the two. Monica enjoys reading honest, heartfelt and turbulent stories that leave an imprint on her. She put pen to paper because she wanted to write a book that she would want to read. She draws inspiration from her surroundings, hopeful others enjoy reading about the world as she sees it.

Connect with Monica - Facebook, Twitter:  @monicajames81

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Blog Tour: The Perfect Distraction, by Melissa Rolka and Giveaway

Blog Tour Hosted by:  Love Between the Sheets

Title:  The Perfect Distraction (Book #1)

Author:  Melissa Rolka

Genre:  New Adult

Release Date:  October 1, 2013

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Book Description

When Katherine “Kate” leaves for her freshmen year at college, a grounded and stable piece of her is missing.  She pushes away the ghosts of her past, determined to start her college life single, carefree and distracted. 

Throughout high school Kate was reserved and shy, with little experience.  Now, on her own, with little holding her back, Kate is ready to branch out.  She bonds with a tight knit group of friends and even starts casually dating.  What starts out as innocent flirting on the tennis courts slowly turns into a friendship and eventually something more complex.  Reed comes into her life giving her the distraction she craves more than anything; but is she ready to give her heart away so easily?

Things get complicated when Kate’s ex-boyfriend and first love continues to pursue her.  Kyle deeply regrets breaking her heart when he left for college the year before and is now on a mission to reclaim her.  Kyle’s persistence and relentlessness is nothing short of obsessive.  He will stop at nothing to win her back and prove his love.

Kate finds herself torn between her past and the unknown of the future.  Her determination to stay distracted may just be her downfall or the beginning of something new and wonderful.  

Teaser

I don’t even care that there are now three different girls talking to Reed.  I sneak up behind him and tap him on the shoulder.  He turns around and the look of shock and surprise on his face causes me to start giggling.  He turns completely around with his back to the other three girls and gives me a smile that touches his blue eyes.  His squared jaw highlights his smile perfectly.  In this instant of a moment I decide I want to kiss Reed even if it’s just for fun and to forget.

“You’re kidding me.  Wow!  I can’t believe you came here.”

“I told you we would.  You didn’t think I would do it, did you?”

“Honestly, no, but I was hoping.  I never see you out on the weekends anymore, so this is a great surprise.”

We stand there for a minute and then he orders me a beer.  I take it, but nurse it.  I’ve had a bit much already and don’t want the spins.  He asks me and Quinn to play a game of pool with him and Matt.  Matt wants to play girls against guys, but Reed says no way that he wants me on his team.  I warn him that I am not that good, but alcohol may help my case. 

We play the game and I actually do pretty well.  Reed touches me every chance he gets and is very flirty.  It’s my turn and I have to bend over to make a shot, but to be honest I forget that I have a dress on. 

“Shit, Katherine,” he lets out in a bit of gruff tone and walks up behind me to cover me. 

I laugh at him.  “Oops, I forgot about my dress.”

“You look good enough as it is and now with a dress on.  Jesus, I don’t need to get in a fight.”  He is still pressed behind me as I continue to make my shot.  I miss completely because to be honest I’m completely distracted.

“I doubt anyone noticed, but thanks for protecting me.”  He steps back and I turn around.  I decide to be bold and kiss his cheek.

“Trust me, you were noticed.”  He moves a piece of hair from my face and the touch sends a chill through me.  “God, you are so beautiful.”

Playlist

 

Book Trailer

Review
4.5 out of 5 stars


When I started The Perfect Distraction I had no idea it was actually going to completely distract me from everything else!  This book and author totally sucked me in and once I started I didn't put it down until the end.  I don't know if it was one thing alone or a combination of great writing, awesome characters, good plot and a heartwarming and very sweet love story.

The Perfect Distraction begins with an introduction of Kyle, Kate's ex-boyfriend who broke her heart when he ended things so he could go off to college single.  Now that freshman year is over he's decided the grass isn't greener on the other side and he wants nothing more than to have Kate back in his life.  He is persistent and will stop at nothing until he succeeds  The only problem....Kate's getting ready to start her freshman year and doesn't want to be tied down, not to mention she is still very hurt and angry with Kyle for breaking her heart.  Kate goes off to college with high hopes of making new friends, escaping her problems at home and hoping the distance will help her to continue avoiding the many calls and texts from Kyle.    
  
I love Kate's character.  I think she is easy to relate to.  She's had her heartbroken by the only boy she has ever loved, a boy she has given too much of herself too.  Not to mention, she is also struggling with picking up the pieces of her life as as result of her mother leaving.  She's grown accustomed to sticking her head in the sand, no longer dealing with her emotions or the problems in her life, using school, running, tennis and friendships to keep her distracted because its too hard to deal with the really big problems.  She soon finds herself stuck in an unhealthy relationship cycle as a person she no longer recognizes.  Eventually she opens her eyes, starts to make changes and I couldn't help but cheer her along.    

Now let's talk about Reed Harper, her close "friend" and tennis buddy.  It's evident these two have a spark, of course Reed's got a playboy reputation and Kate figures he will never see her as anything more than a friend.  The story is told completely from Kate's perspective.  Most of the time it's like you're reading her thoughts and occasionally she flashes back.  Therefore, you have no idea if Reed is interested or not, but of course you hope.  So what happens when Reed puts himself on the line?  Will Kate take a chance on him?  Will it be enough to leave the past in the past?

Talk about a swoon-worthy character!  I LOVE Reed Harper.  He is honest, fiercely protective, confident, compassionate, romantic, sexy...the list could go on.  His parts of the book were hands down my most favorite.  I have no idea what's in store for these two but one thing I do know is that when book #2 is released I'm going to buy and read it ASAP!

Do not hesitate with this book, give author Melissa Rolka and The Perfect Distraction a chance, it certainly didn't disappoint me!    

About Author Melissa Rolka

Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.The Perfect Distraction is her first full length novel. A second continuation of this story is in the works with hopes for a third. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.   

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Release Day Blitz and Giveaway: Finding Home, by J.W. Phillips

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Synopsis

Julie Emison never believed in demons, ghouls, or things that go bump in the night. Trucker Castleman never believed in love. Imagine their surprise when they discovered each other. 

Eighteen-year-old Julie denied her attraction for seventeen-year-old Trucker for as long as she possible could, but in time formed a connection that felt almost unworldly. From the day he first laid eyes on her, the charismatic, and reclusive Trucker had been consumed with Julie, a big-hearted and frustrating girl—who Trucker loved beyond reason. The only problem with that was Trucker had no right to love. After all, love is a foreign concept to a demon.

Things are complicated by the fact that Trucker was not only a demon, but the prince of an elite band of demons. His life had already been laid out for him, and Julie didn’t fit into those plans at all. Julie was a complication. A complication Trucker was not willing to give up. Trucker was ready to fight and turn his back on everything he knew to be with her.

Julie wasn’t so easily convinced. With Trucker, Julie found isolation, unbearable pain, and that happily ever afters do not exist. However, she also never felt more alive. After a tragic accident, Julie faced a hard decision. Did she endure it all for the sake of love? Or was the price of sin more than she could afford to pay?

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Blog Tour: Running in Place (Mending Hearts #2), by L.B. Simmons

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Synopsis

****NA Contemporary Romance, can be read as a stand alone. Due to theme of Child Abuse, Explicit Language, Mild Violence, and Sexual Situations - Recommend Readers 18+******


Tatum O’Connell:
Some call me a party girl. People see me as happy, full of life, with absolutely no cares in the world. They see what I want them to see. But no one knows me - really knows me. Not even Noah Reese. Mr. Perfect is always watching me, most likely judging every single imperfect thing I do. But, if Noah wants to keep an eye on me, that’s just fine. I definitely don’t mind. I just hope he doesn’t have any plans to save me from my new-found life of self-destruction because in order to save me, he will have to see me…
And I’m never going to let that happen.

Noah Reese:
Perfect. That’s me. That’s the only acceptable way to be, according to my father. Perfect grades. Perfect manners. Perfect athlete. Perfect SAT scores. Perfect college. And recently, I was accepted into the perfect med school. My future has already been mapped out for me and there’s nothing that can change that. Not even Tatum O’Connell. That girl is out of control, yet for some reason, I can’t seem to keep my distance from her. I watch her closely, hoping that one day she’ll let me in, but watching her lead her life down the dangerous path she’s on right now isn’t easy…
I have a feeling I’m about to find myself swept away by the hurricane that is Tatum O’Connell.


“Two fleeting souls, 
Unknowingly tethered.
Too slowly drawn,
Impatient fate calls. 
The jolting collide intertwines their lives
And splinters their walls.”
“Catalyst” – Noah Reese

Review
5 out of 5 stars

After reading Running on Empty and Recovery, I had to read Running in Place.  If you have read the other 2 books in the series, you will be familiar with Tatum and Noah.  Tatum is Trace’s little sister and Noah is the bar manager of “The Office”. 

Tatum is such a broken, damaged and overall fantastic character.  I felt every emotion that she did in the book.  When she was pissed, so was I.  I really wanted to be jamming to Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and cheer her on but hold her back at the same time.  I love the depth of emotion that Tatum feels over everything and am so happy I shared in the magic of her story.  She does everything in life with passion and that is not often found in books. 

Noah is one of the most swoon worthy book boyfriends ever!  I do not give the compliment lightly.  He is absolutely wonderful.  From cover to cover, I loved everything about him.  Even if I was frustrated with a choice he made, I still loved and understood his reasoning.  Not to mention, he is gorgeous, drives a jeep, wears aviators and has manners!  Oh, one more thing, he writes the most fantastic songs and plays guitar!!!  Can’t you just picture him?  Yum!  Noah is a broken man and has many dark secrets he is hiding and running from as well.

Can Noah and Tatum help heal each other or are their pasts too broken for rescue?   

I was prepared for excellence with Running In Place thanks to the prequels, I got perfection.  Every song lyric, journal entry, chapter and sentence was amazing. From cover to cover, I can’t think of a single thing I would change about this book.  Do not miss out on reading it.  It has been such a long time since I felt such powerful emotion in a book, but WOW LB Simmons you floored me with this series.  I cannot wait to read more books from you soon!

The Mending Hearts Series

Running On Empty (Mending Hearts #1)

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Synopsis

I had the perfect life. 

Beautiful and loving husband. Three gorgeous little girls. 
Successful career. 

The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence. 

Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse. 

But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.

There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down.Absolutely no way. 

The question is…

How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?

Review

4.5 out of 5 stars

We received an invite to participate in a blog tour for LB Simmons latest book, Running In Place.  When we signed up they asked if we had read the previous 2 books in the Mending Hearts series.  Honestly,  we had never even heard of the author or the series, but the covers were good and the synopsis interesting so we received ARCs for all 3 books.  They can all be read as a stand alone book, but I really prefer to commit and read the entire series.  Sometimes with the unknown you are disappointed or sigh and say, that was an average okay book. You will not do that with this series.  I never expected the absolute breathtaking journey these books took me on! 

Running on Empty is the story of Alex and the journey she takes to find happiness again.  Her husband, Derek died in a horrific car accident and she feels the need to be in charge and in control of everything even if she is doing a crazy job at it.  Everyone can see her unhappiness but herself.  One day, fate brings Blake Morgan (OMG, he is AMAZING!) back into her life.  Blake and Alex grew up together and were best friends their entire childhood until Derek moved to town. Will Alex be able to let her past go and love again?  Or will she let fear control her instead?

I love every character in this book.  Harlow is an amazing best friend to Alex.  (Although she does piss me off a time or two.)  She helps Alex see things better and forces her to face reality, which is something no one else seems to be able to do.   I love that Harlow is there for her no matter what, always.  That is a true best friend and they are hard to come by.  The other secondary characters in the book are Alex’s 2 girls, Nycole, Kyndal and Rylie.  They are hilarious!  And they bring perspective to things in ways only they can.  It is looking at it through a childs eyes and that makes the story much more powerful. 

I cannot say enough good things about this book.  I devoured it in one sitting and immediately started the next book.  You will laugh, cry, scream and love every moment you are engrossed in the story.  Well done, LB Simmons.  You are officially on my favorite author list!  

Revovery (Mending Hearts #1.5)

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Synopsis

I have the perfect life. 

I’ve finally found my happy ending. 

I fought through the loss of one husband, lucky enough to be given a second chance at a lifetime of happiness. Settling into our new lives, however, may not be as easy as it seems. 

What really happens after the fairytale ending? What happens after the prince rescues the princess? After he sweeps her off her feet and carries her off into the sunset? Do they truly live happily ever after?

Well…

This is our story.

Review

5 out of 5 stars

This was the perfect conclusion to Blake and Alex's story.  I loved every single line!  We are left at the end of Running on Empty with our favorite couple getting their HEA.  But what happens after you declare your love to one another and choose to live life together?  How do two people who have been living their own lives for so long adjust sharing everything?  What happens when Bake becomes the girls step father?  Will everything go smoothly, will Alex let Blake completely into her life or will things explode?  Recovery answers all these questions and gives you so much more.  If you've read Running On Empty you absolutely have to read this novella.

L.B. Simmons did an astounding job detailing the reality of Blake and Alex after they grasped a hold of their happy ending.  I loved watching the two become husband and wife, it was romantic and beautiful, full of love and happiness.  The writing in this novella is superb.  I felt as though I was sharing in both their joys as well as their trials.  L.B. Simmons made it easy to understand how hard it was for Alex to give up control (I could totally see myself having her same struggles if I were in the same position) but at the same time I completely understood where Blake was coming from and I felt just as frustrated as he was.  When this book is complete you know without a doubt Blake and Alex are the perfect couple and are going to have a life full of love and joy.  Another thing I loved about this book...all the infinite wisdom L.B. Simmons sneaks in you you.  For example I love this quote..."So, when things don't make sense to you, try not to waste time being upset about it.  Stuff works out the way it's supposed to.  Some things just take longer than others."

Do not hesitate to read any of the books in the Mending Hearts series, they are all wonderfully written, beautiful, genuine heartfelt stories of characters you cannot help but love.

Connect with author L.B. Simmons - http://lbsimmons.wordpress.com/

Tantalizing Teaser Thursday: Touching Scars

Speaking of close up, he moved ever nearer to me and I directed my gaze from his full lips that were surrounded with dark scruff, to his eyes. Those blue eyes that I could get lost in, they wrinkled slightly at the corners and I realized that he was grinning at me.

                As he approached me he said, “Get a good look? I can do a twirl if you’d like me too.”

                I’d been caught. Fine. If he wanted to act like an arrogant ass, I’d play too. Slowly moving through the water I got up close to him. The water was hitting me around my belly button, while it was only hip level for him. Reaching up I touched the tattoo around his collar bone. He was holding completely still, allowing my perusal. I wasn’t sure if I shocked him because I was touching him, or if he was pacifying me. Trailing my fingers from one side of his broad chest to the other, I reach his right shoulder. Adding a couple more fingers to the mix, I slowly allowed them to slink down to his elbow. My fingertips were on fire just from touching his beautifully marked skin. Placing my hand under the bend of his arm, I lifted it so the artwork that marred him was almost eye level to me. I had started this quest initially to attempt to make him as uncomfortable as he made me. I wanted to see him squirm. Instead, I found myself genuinely intrigued by the bright colors, the meanings behind the designs, and why he decided to brand his body. Having tattoos myself, I knew they meant something. Inspecting every little inch that there was ink I saw an octopus, flowers, a demon, and a koi fish similar to my own. I was about to put his arm up to make him twirl and make a smart ass comment, since I had only made myself uncomfortable, but something caught my eye. Hidden in the depths of the color were small raised marks. No, not just marks, they were scars. My eyes shifted to his, silently asking where they came from.

                Timber cleared his throat and pulled his arm out of my grasp. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

                Not sure of what to make of his change in subject, I let him have this one. For whatever reason, he didn’t want to talk about it. I knew that if I pushed and him questions, it would only open it up for him to ask me questions that I’d never answer.

                Turning my body so that I was faced away from him I said, “Yeah, it’s perfect.”