Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Selling Scarlett (4 stars) by, Ella James



Click to Purchase

Synopsis

Elizabeth DeVille doesn't belong at a party like this - one where the gowns cost more than her Camry and cigars run higher than her grad school utility bills.  Dragged out of seclusion by her best friend Suri, Elizabeth is merely playing dress-up, rubbing elbows with a crown than banished her troubled family years ago. 

Hunter West is tired.  Tired of parties, tired of pretending, and tired of trying to right a wrong that haunts him every day.  Bourbon heir and professional poker player by day, by night Hunter is gambling with is life in a high-stakes game of crime and blackmail.

When Elizabeth stumbles into Hunter's den of vices, she's a light in the darkness, a flame in the void.  And, just like everything he touches, Hunter mars her in record time.  To rectify the damage done, Elizabeth needs money she doesn't have, and she's come up with a foolproof way to get it.

Follow Eilzabeth -code-named Scarlett - to the lush Nevada brothel where she'll auction her virginity and risk the only thing that's not for sale:  her heart.  The highest bidder is a familiar face, with wicked hands and the devil's mouth.  And a secret so dark that it could cost her life.

Review
4 out of 5 stars

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

When I started Selling Scarlett I wasn't sure what to expect.  I haven't read any other books by Ella James but the cover and synopsis intrigued me and honestly once I was approved I couldn't wait to dig in!

The book started a little slow for me, part of me contemplated putting it down but the other part of me (the part that won out) was intrigued by the mystery surrounding Hunter West.  I had a couple of theories in mind and in the end I wanted to see if I they were right.  The more I read, the more intrigued and attached to the characters I became.

Hunter and Elizabeth (aka Scarlett) were interesting characters with flaws and have been damaged by their pasts.  Hunter realizes it but Elizabeth is blissfully ignorant.  The story is told from both Elizabeth's and Hunter's perspectives.  Both are dealing with their own drama, so its like you are getting two different stories, but as their paths keep crossing they find themselves drawn to one another.  It's also interesting hearing the story told this way because you are getting different information from both perspectives that pertain to the mystery surrounding the blackmail being held over Hunter.  Will Hunter allow Elizabeth to get close enough to see who he really is?  Will Elizabeth ever be able to move on from her long-standing crush on Hunter.  While there isn't a lot of sex (Elizabeth, is auctioning off her virginity) in this book, when the two of them do get together sparks definitely fly.  

In the end I enjoyed the book, however, it's probably not one that I will read over and over again.  I appreciate the ending was wrapped up nicely with the characters getting their HEA and that no questions were left unanswered.  There is a second book in the series, Taming Cross, about Elizabeth's friend, which I plan to also read.



Sunday, October 27, 2013

Release Day Blast: Surrender My Love, by Lisa Eugene



Happy Release Day Lisa Eugene!!!

Synopsis

Patients are dying at Washington Memorial Hospital and no one knows why. When Nurse Chloe Bennett finds herself in the middle of yet another Code Blue, she questions the unexplained deaths. Dr. Brad Markson is a world renowned cardiac surgeon who is confident, brilliant, and sinfully sexy. He does not tolerate losing patients. When his patient suddenly dies, he looks for answers.


The two work together to unravel the mysterious events surrounding the deaths, and soon find themselves fighting for their lives in a fast paced, erotic thriller. When Chloe is accused of the murders, she is surprised to find she has an ally in gorgeous Dr. Markson. Shy, sweet, Chloe is unable to resist his wickedly sexy smile. His passionate kisses ignite her body, and his mere touch induces shivering pleasure. But she doesn't know if she’s ready to give away her heart after her traumatic past, and Brad is battling career demons of his own. Can the two learn to trust in each other? Will they live long enough to surrender to their love, or will they fall victim to their fears and lose everything?

Click to Purchase Amazon
Click to Purchase B&N
Goodreads

Teaser

“I want to touch you. Take off your clothes.”
Brad tsked and shook his head sternly. “That’s not my will right now.”
Her gaze lowered to where he opened his pants and pushed the edges aside. He delved in and drew out the throbbing length of his cock. She swallowed hard, her hips tilting instinctively, the muscles of her channel fluttering with greedy anticipation. His cock was beautiful. Visibly pulsing. Long and thick with a network of engorged veins climbing up the straining length. The mushroom head was overly fat and shiny, weeping streaks of pre-come. She couldn’t see his testicles hidden in the folds of his pants, but she imagined they were drawn just as tense as his shaft. A shock of black curls escaped the fabric, peeking around the wide girth. She stared, thinking she’d never get used to the raw power of his beautiful body or the clutching need he evoked in her.
 Brad’s gaze fixed on her face, hot and sultry and unreadable. His eyes were hooded, displaying a tiny crescent of color. Chloe felt locked in a haze of lust, a palpable thing that infiltrated her mind and clawed at her body for a physical connection to this man. She still couldn’t figure out what he wanted from her, why he’d tied her. It was patently obvious that she wanted him desperately at the moment, that she wasn’t going anywhere.
His gaze broke away from her face and made a leisurely stroll down her body, stopping between her legs to linger.  He used his palms on her knees to push back and roll up her hips, exposing her to his avid gaze. With a deep belly moan, he lowered his head and beat his tongue back and forth over her nub, deliriously lashing it to a tight bud. Chloe arched and called out, a vocal quiver that gave voice to the pleasure stabbing through her body.
Oh, God! God! That’s sooo good! Please!
Brad’s head shot up and he met her gaze. She had trouble focusing on his face, but could see a tiny grin split his lips and a dimple dig into his cheek.
“Just Brad will do, thanks. And save the amens for later.”
She bit her lip, trying to process his facetious comment but just then all thought spun away as he gripped his cock and dragged the bulging head slowly through her slick folds. He drew tight circles and scribbled his way along her sensitive flesh, torturing nerve endings to a screaming frenzy. Chloe jerked her hips, desperate for him to fill her. Whimpers and moans gurgled from her throat, but his hand kept urgently working his hot shaft against her, sliding and bumping, and making her mad with desperate lust.  
“What do you want, Chloe?” His rough voice broke through her haze. She saw tight strain on his face while dark desire soaked his eyes, and she was glad she wasn’t the only one griped with this brutal need.
“Please....”
Brad groaned, a feral rumbling, and she felt him nudge her opening, stretching her flesh with a delicious slide that pulsed bliss through her channel. His bloated tip slid in, and he pumped a few shallow beats, then withdrew with a snarling moan.
 “Fuck! That’s good!” He breathed harshly.
Chloe’s hips writhed off the bed. She closed her eyes and struggled for a breath, suffering the acute loss of his abandonment.
 Oh, God. This. Man. Was. Killing. Her.
Her nipples were hard and tingling, her skin overly sensitive, and a deep burn fired her sex. She was dripping wet and shaking with her need for him.
“Like that, Chlo? Is that what you want?”
She shook her head, unable to form words. More. She wanted much, much more.
“I see…” He held his shaft in his hand, slowly stroking from tip to base. Holding it out so she could peruse its magnificence. His cock was enormously distended, the wide head coated with their fluids. The carnal sight had her tugging hard on her bond. She craved him so desperately it physically hurt. “Hmmm…so you want my cock, is that it? You want me fucking you deep, am I right?” His gaze met hers and she was mesmerized with his intensity; his blue eyes were bottomless wells and she wanted to dive into the limpid dark pools. “You need me. Say it.”
Chloe blinked. What?
“Say it.”
“Fu..fuck me, Brad.”
“No! Say you need me. Say it, dammit!”


About Author Lisa Eugene

Lisa Eugene lives on Long Island, NY with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She's been a nurse for over twenty years and is still practicing. Between juggling a full time job and being a soccer mom, she enjoys a good romance. 

Friday, October 25, 2013

Shine Not Burn (4 stars), by Elle Casey

4 out of 5 stars

Click to Purchase

I read this book immediately after reading another hot cowboy story, which I should never do again!  It is really hard to compare similar characters back to back, especially when you are so mch in love with the first one.  That's actually why it has taken me so long to write this review.  I needed to reflect on it and give it a fair shake.

Shine Not Burn opens with the main character Andie, a hot shot lawyer who controls her own destiny and is following her life plan to the letter.  Nothing is going to get in the way of her schedule.  She is the ultimate type A, which is probably why I love her, I can relate so well to her.  Her best friends bachelorette party is in Vegas and despite her reservations about going she eventually gives in.  They say, "what happens in Vegas", but in Andie's case it catches up to her.  Days before her own wedding to Luke (aka Puke) she discovers she is already married.  How in the heck can this be?  The control freaks gets drunk one night 2 years ago in Vegas and now her whole life plan is hanging in the balance.

Freaking out, Andie leaves for Oregon to find her mystery husband.  Cue swoon worthy cowboy Mack.  I will admit it, Mack is pretty mean to Andie as first, but attraction and love causes us to do the strangest things.  After a short stint in Orgeon Andie is now more torn than ever.  Give up her organized planned out life as a lawyer and live spontaneously or go back to being hte person that controls everything.  Which will she choose?  Go check out Sine Not Burn for yourself and find out!

Do you know author Zoey Foster???

Author Spotlight

Zoey Foster ~ Her Love Ran Crimson

Teaser & Book Trailer

 
Maddie has been through more tragedy than most people would ever see in their life. She has given up on living, and only living to breathe. With nobody on her side, she has been marked as the cause of her mother’s death and lives with this guilt every day. She is close to giving up until she sets her eyes on the one person who doesn’t look at her with disgust.
Jase is the new guy in school, he was transferred to a new school after moving out of his father’s house into his mothers. But Jase knows about Maddie and knows about her past. He thinks he can keep this a secret. When the truth comes out will they be able to survive their worlds being turned upside down? Will their connection be strong enough to make it through?
    ________________________________________________________________________________

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BOOK TRAILER

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Author Bio

Zoey Foster lives in Southern California with her Husband and 3 Sons. When she is not writing, you can find her on Swoon Worthy Books posting updates on books and Authors, and let’s not forget about the Man-candy and just having a bunch of fun. She is taking her passion for books and making it her reality in writing her debut novel Her Love Ran Crimson. She loves interacting with others talking about great Books and Book Boyfriends. You can find her at the links below always encouraging people to have a fun time and live in the moment. She has a weakness for Sour Patch Kids and has inappropriate fun when she is having her wine at night tweeting her thoughts. She also likes to make up words. The best word to describe her is Winetastic!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorzoeyfoster?ref=hl
Twitter: @AuthorZoeyF
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7102575.Zoey_Foster
Goodreads Book Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17970981-her-love-ran-crimson
Blog: http://zoeyfoster.blogspot.com/
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Thursday, October 24, 2013

The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (4.5 stars), by Jessica Sorensen

4.5 out of 5 stars

Click to Purchase


I received an ARC via the publisher from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review...

Readers of the Ella and Micha series are familiar with Lila and Ethan from the previous two books.  But, if you haven't read the other two it's ok, I really believe you can read The Temptation of Lila and Ethan and not be behind.  Basically Lila is Ella's best friend and roommate and before this book all we really know about her is that she comes from a very wealthy family and seemingly has the perfect life.  Ethan on the other hand is Micha's best friend and grew up in the same neighborhood as both Ella and Micha.  Lila meets Ethan when she accompanies Ella home on a break from school.  In the other books it appears as though Lila and Ethan have a connection but we mainly assumes it in the form of friendship.  Lila and Ethan have kept in contact and seem to be growing closer now that Ella and Micha have moved together to California.

Early on in this book we learn Lila's live is very different than we could have ever imagined.  She has a very broken spirit, feels alone, has zero self confidence and isn't nearly as happy and put together as she would like everyone to believe.  Ethan on the other hand is also struggling with the reality of his past demons, he is looking for peace while at the same time running from any kind of relationship.

As friends Lila and Ethan confide in one another, showing more of their true selves to each other than to anyone else.  Lila's life may appear perfect but she is on a downward sprial and its going fast.  Will Ethan allow himself to get close enough to help or will Lila be left alone to hit rock bottom?

I have to say I truly enjoyed this book and their story.  Of course when I started reading I wondered if it would be as good as the Ella and Micha stories, and I'm happy to report that it was.  Their story starts out as friendship, both eventually realizing their true feelings run much deeper than friends.  These two characters have passion, chemistry and depth.

Jessican Sorensen peels back the layers of their past giving you pieces at a time until you have the whole story of how they came to their current states.  I never dreamed the back stories would be so heartbreaking and intense.  Throughout the journey she allowed each of them to come to terms with their pasts, account for their supposed mistakes, and make individual decisions on how and when to move forward.  It was such a natural progression, nothing felt rushed or too slow.  It's a sweet story and I loved watching them grow, watching them recognize love and eventually watching them make that leap together.

As an added bonus it was great to see a little bit of Ella and Micha as well as a sneak peak into the next book of theirs.  My recommendation, take a chance of Lila and Ethan, it really was a great read!

Cover Reveal: Destruction by, B.C. Burgess


Goodreads

Blurb
Release Date:  March 3rd, 2014
Book Five in the Mystic Series Fantasy

A Magical Journey of Epic Romance

Layla
After nearly losing her hero, Lyala Callaway vows to never be without him again, but when she learns the fate of humanity may rest on her shoulders, her world is turned upside down.

Quin
Quin Kavanagh thought dying would be the hardest challenge he'd face while fighting for love, but that was before he learned Layla's purpose is bigger than him.  When heavenly revelations come to light, he's forced to question everything he knows while facing the loss of everything he loves.

The Enemy
The Dark Guild craves the power of the Underworld and has the knowledge to release it, but before they can tear the veil, they must destroy the witch sent by the Heavens to protect it.

Stretching from coast to coast and teeming with loathed villains and beloved heroes, The Mystic Series is rich with emotion, magic and intrigue.  Whether the reader is laughing, crying or falling in love, they'll find themselves invested in Layla's fate through the rich dialogue and emotionally driven characters that weave the web of this fiery tale.


Exclusive preview and Pre-Order on Itunes



Mystic Series (Books 1-4)


Book 1:  Descension - Amazon, B&N, Itunes, Goodreads
Book 2:  Impassion - Amazon, B&N, Itunes, Goodreads
Book 3:  Deception - Amazon, B&N, Itunes, Goodreads
Book 4:  Retribution - Amazon, B&N, Itunes, Goodreads

Goodreads - link to the entire Mystic Series

About Author B.C. Burgess
I'm a small town girl with big dreams and a wild imagination. I'm addicted to coffee and writing. The combination is my idea of heaven. I read every day, if only to my young son, whom I hope to someday inspire with my passion for writing. I love hearing from my readers, so feel free to contact me through any of the links below.

Release Day Blast: Running in Place (Book #2 in The Mending Hearts Series), by L.B. Simmons


Happy Release Day L.B. Simmons!!!

Running in Place (Book #2, or can be read as a stand-alone)

Click to Purchase

Synopsis

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

Teaser

“You’re a worthless excuse for a daughter. I wish I never had you.”

Frantically, my eyes dart around the room for her. She’s here. I know it. I can smell the stench of alcohol in the air.  Whipping around, I search for any trace of her, my entire body shaking and the knot in my throat unbearable. Tears fill my eyes as they anxiously race around the kitchen, finally landing on the cabinet where she used to store her liquor.

Memories flood my mind, the immobilizing terror that I would feel every time she approached it.  The prayers I would send to no one in particular, just hoping that she wouldn’t open that fucking cabinet for just one night.  Prayers that fell on deaf ears.

Slowly I make my way to the white doors, crouching down in front of them.

“You killed him and I will make damn sure you spend the rest of your life paying for that. I’ll never again know true happiness because you fucking exist.”

Shaking my head to try to clear her voice from my mind, I set my trembling fingers on the silver knobs and yank the doors open. Nothing.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips as I close them.  Rising, I turn to take a step towards the sink when another memory strikes.

“Mama, don’t please.” I cry out loud as she approaches me with the scissors.
“I have to, Tatum.  Your beauty does not match the vile, revolting child that you really are on the inside. Everyone should see you for who you are.”  I try to run, but she grabs my long dark hair as I pass by her, swiping the blades so close to my neck that I can feel the cool metal against my skin. Laughing she chunks my tresses into the sink.  “You’re an ugly person, Tatum. Inside…and out, now.”

“God, Daddy.  Please help me,” I say out loud, lifting my shaking hands to my forehead, threading sections of hair through my fingers.  “Please, Daddy, I need you.” After a while, calmness spreads throughout my body.  I’m no longer shaking, but the voices are still there.

Turning the faucet on, I splash water on my face repeatedly, trying to drown out them out along with the memories.  After wiping my face dry with a dishtowel, I hear the crackling of gravel as Noah’s Jeep pulls up into the driveway. 

Breathing in deeply, I try to regain my composure as I walk to the door, straightening my shirt and running my fingers through my hair before I reach for the knob.  Hearing steps in front of the house, I barely crack the door and poke my head out to make sure it’s really him.  With all the crazy shit going on in this house I can’t be too sure.  But, much to my relief, there he is, standing on my porch in his classic white t-shirt, work jeans and boots, his fist raised about to knock.

And just like that, the voices are gone and my head is clear.

I release a comforted breath and feel the corners of my mouth slightly lift at the sight of him.

“What are you smiling at?” Noah asks, seemingly nervous.  Opening the door wider, I gesture for him to enter my house of horrors. The sight of his disheveled hair makes me grin even more.

“Your hair, it’s nice to see it like that.  I don’t know why, but it makes me smile.” I clear my throat.  His nerves must be contagious, because suddenly I feel that hummingbird feeling in my chest.

With him now inside, I close the door and head towards the kitchen, checking over my shoulder to make sure he’s following me.  “Want something to eat?”

Once I see he’s fallen into step, I turn back around and round the corner, making sure to avoid looking at the sink. The memory still lingering on the hinges of my mind, I try to push it as far away as I can. “I don’t have much, but I did manage to make it to the store over the weekend.”

“No, I’m good, Thanks, though.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks onto the balls of his feet.

Thinking about our last night together, I feel the frustration mounting within myself. I should kick my own ass for kissing him.  Everything seems so edgy between us now and I hate it.  Running my fingers through my hair, I twist it at the nape of my neck and bring it over my shoulder.

“Well, what’s up?  What couldn’t wait until tonight?”

His eyes widen. “Tonight?  What’s tonight?”

“I picked up Sadie’s shift.”

He grinds his teeth together as he leans against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.  “I told you to take the entire week off, Tate. You don’t need to work right now. You need to concentrate on healing.”

I know.

“No, I don’t.  I’m sick and tired of being cooped up in this depressing house.  I need to get out, to stay busy.  I feel like I’m losing it, honestly.”  My hands are still trembling and I’m not sure if it’s the sudden anxiety from being around Noah or the fact that I’m losing my mind. His eyes break from mine and land on them as they continue to shake like a leaf.  Pressing himself off the wall, he takes a small, timid step towards me. 

I want to tell him to stop.  To stay where he is.  To tell him to leave this house and forget about me.  That I could ruin his perfect life by just being near him.

But I don’t.

I let him continue taking those steps until he’s right in front of me and even breathe out a sigh of contentment when he wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his frame. The tears fall as he lightly traces my back with his fingers, and with each touch, my uneasiness lessens.  I know it’s selfish, but I would give anything to stay in this moment forever. 

Circling my arms around his waist, I press my forehead against his chest and watch the droplets as they plummet from my face towards his boots, dark spots forming as they strike.  After a couple of seconds, I replace my forehead with my chin, daring to look into his muddy brown eyes, full of their usual intensity as he studies me, peering into my soul.  In them, I find complete solace and protection, and the sudden desire to share things with him that I swore I’d never share with another living person.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Noah. I feel like I’m going fucking crazy. Ever since Friday, I can’t stop them.  The voices.  My mother’s leading their charge to my insanity.”   My throat closes almost completely shut.  “I hate this house. I hate being here, alone.  So many memories…” I trail off, my strength fading, no longer able to keep from bawling.

I close my eyes as the warm moisture cascades down my cheeks and runs down my neck.  Unwrapping his arms, he moves his hands to my face, wiping the tears away, but it’s useless.   They’re replaced instantly. 

“Tate, open your eyes.  Look at me, baby.”  I keep them closed, not ready to face the wary expression in front of me. 

“Let me in, Tate. Open your eyes.”  The heartache in his tone and the tremble of his voice prompts me to open them immediately.  As soon as our eyes catch, a breath hitches in my throat.  His eyes shining, he gently wraps his fingers around my shoulders, pressing his thumbs softly into my flesh as he speaks.

“You’re not alone.  I’m right here.” A slight smile of relief breaks through the tears on my face. 

I watch his mouth tip up in response.  “Now, tell the voices to shut the fuck up because it’s my turn.”

About Author L.B. Simmons

L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads


a Rafflecopter giveaway





The Mending Hearts Series

 Book #1 - Running on Empty

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?
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads
Book #1.5 - Recovery (a Novella)

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.
Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Goodreads

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Happy Release Day Jessica Sorensen - The Temptation of Lila and Ethan


Synopsis

On the surface, Lila Summers is flawless:  good looks, expensive clothes, and a big, beautiful smile.  But a dark past and even darker secrets are threatening to bubble over her perfect facade.  She'll do anything to keep the emptiness inside hidden-which leads her into situations that always end badly.  Whenever she hits bottom, there's only one person who's there to pull her out:  Ethan Gregory.

Ethan set the rules a long time ago:  he and Lila are just friends.  He doesn't do relationships.  Although his tattooed, bad boy exterior is a far cry from Lila's pretty princess image, Ethan can't deny they have a deeper connection than he's used to.  If he's not careful, he could be in serious danger of becoming attached-and he's learned the hard way that attachment only leads to heartbreak.

When Lila falls farther than she ever has before, can Ethan continue to help as a friend?  Or is he also getting close to falling...for her

Click to Purchase - Amazon
Click to Purchase - B&N

Teaser 

“Why do you think it’s so hard to be alone?” Lila asks, struggling to keep her eyes open as she gazes out at the night sky through the cab window.
I’m turned sideways in the seat, with my knee up, so I’m facing her, even though she won’t look at me. I lost count of how many shots we had hours ago and I can barely comprehend
how we got to a cab—stumbling, laughing, as she rubbed her hand up the front of my jeans. No, that can’t be right, can it?
“I think being alone is fan-fucking-tastic. . . well, maybe . . .sometimes . . .” I mumble, draping my arm on the back of the seat. I stare at her for a moment, taking in her bare skin in the
moonlight. I want to touch it. Lick it. Even bite it.
I’m bursting with sexual energy and I channel it to my foot on the floor, bouncing my knee. There’s something different about tonight, something out of the ordinary, this strange need
to keep getting closer to Lila. It could be the alcohol. Or it could be something else, but there’s no way my tequila-soaked mind is going to reach any sort of answer.
Lila turns her head toward me, her pupils wide and shiny. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
I keep tapping my foot on the floor, trying to think of a better answer than the first one that pops into my head, but I can’t find one. “Because I’m thinking about you.”
She glances at the cab driver, a thirtyish guy wearing a baseball cap, and then her gaze lands back on me. She sucks her lip into her teeth and I have to bounce my knee faster or I swear I’m going to fucking lose it. “Thinking what about me?” she asks, looking wary, interested, and exhausted.
Don’t say it . . . “I was thinking about what it would be like to lick you . . . or bite you . . . either one really.” It seems like I should regret it as soon as I say it, but regret is nowhere in my
reach at the moment.
Her breathing quickens and her voice comes out shockingly unsteady for someone who has sex so much. “Then do it.”
I blink, wondering if I heard her right through the massive amount of alcohol consuming my thoughts. “What?”
She holds my gaze steadily, even though she seems really nervous, her voice trembling. “Then bite me. Or lick me…whatever you want.”


About Author Jessica Sorensen



The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.




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Monday, October 21, 2013

Broken Beauty (Broken Beauty Novellas #1), by Lizzy Ford as Chloe Adams


Click to Purchase

Synopsis

**Contains graphic content and the sensitive topic of rape and its aftermath.  Not intended for teens under the age of 18.**

Sometimes bad things happen to beautiful people.

When socialite party girl Mia Abbot-Renou wakes up in a garden she has little recall of the previous night--except that she is naked...hurt...terrified.  Not only has she been raped, but she knows one of her assailants:  the son of a wealthy politician who happens to be her own father's political ally.

Mia wants and needs justice.  Except this privileged boy has an alibi and her father forbids her from going to the police.  It's a critical election year, one that his party might lose if his image as a doting father is soured due to Mia being labeled a lush or worse, promiscuous.

Devastated at not having the support of her family, Mia finds herself in a tug-of-war with her conscience over what to do, especially since she can't remember exactly what happened that night.  Worse, the men who attacked her have hurt several other girls, and Mia may be the key to stopping them.

Mia tries to forget, until the unthinkable happens, and she's left reeling once again, faced with a new challenge that will force her to take more control of her life.

Originally published in October 2012 as "No Way Back" by Chloe Adams

Review

4.5 out of 5 stars

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

First and foremost I think it's important to note that Broken Beauty is considered a novella, therefore please realize ahead of time that this book will be a quick read.  It's the author's intention to tell Mia's story over the course of 6 novellas, tentatively releasing another installment every two months.  It took me around 2 hours to read this first installment.

With all of that being said I was unprepared for how quickly I would be drawn into Mia's story or the overall impact it made.  In my opinion, that's the sign of a pretty amazing story teller.

Broken Beauty wastes no time jumping into things with the first chapter tackling the morning after Mia has been raped.  She wakes up scared, terrified and confused.  Slowly the reality of what happened hits her, she begins to remember details of the attack and then the remainder of this first novella follows Mia as she struggles to heal not only physically but also mentally.

The author does such an amazing job painting a very vivid picture of what I imagine victims of rape must feel like and deal with.  This first installment was heartbreaking.  Mia's rape not only completely destroys her self confidence but it also forces her to take a different look at everything she has been told by her Daddy in regards to rape.  She struggles with knowing the men who did this to her get to continue living their lives, unafraid, while she can barely leave the safety of her closet.

Broken Beauty is told completely from Mia's perspective, which allowed me to connect emotionally with her.  When I finished reading I felt as if she were a close friend, confiding in me her deepest fears, struggles and secrets.

I'm not normally a fan of authors releasing portions of a whole story in the form of novella's, but Broken Beauty is so good and made such an emotional impact on me that it didn't seem to bother me.  This first book is filled with so many important details that I imagine if the author told Mia's story in its entirety in one book it could be overwhelming and exhausting.  I imagine this way each time we get another novella we will be easily reminded the impact of rape on a person's life.  I cannot wait to jump back into the story when the 2nd book, Broken World, releases sometime in either November or December.

I cannot recommend this novella enough.  Do not hesitate to spend $.99...one click Broke Beauty today!  It's not often you come across a book which does such an amazing job tackling a harsh reality women all over the world have to deal with on a daily basis.  

Cover Re-Reveal: Bent, by H.B. Heinzer


Congratulations to H.B. Heinzer for having "Bent" picked up by Montlake Publishing




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Synopsis

If there’s one thing Julia Wilson has learned in life, it’s that you can’t push your own dreams to the background for anyone. Newly divorced, Julia returns to the hometown she once swore would never see her again. Her plan is simple; enjoy the cheap rent her friend is offering and stay just long enough to develop a plan to make her own dreams come true. It doesn't take long before Julia realizes she’s made a big mistake. Micah Anderson came closer to breaking Julia than anyone else ever had. After promising her forever, he broke her heart the week before she left for college. Now, Julia’s back in town and he’s going to have to tell her the truth about why he left her. It’s not possible to hide a twelve year old child when you live in a town of 5,000 people. Is following her dreams worth it if it means giving up on a second chance with her first love? Is trying to make a relationship work worth it if his past becomes a threat to her safety?

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Excerpt

The air around them crackled with anticipation as they silently walked to the living room. She sat on the couch and invited him to sit next to her. Micah removed his boots and pulled her from her seat. Once he was lying on the couch, he pulled Julia down to him, and she sank in between him and the back of the couch. They fell asleep in each other’s arms, legs intertwined. Some time later, she felt Micah stir beneath her. Without hesitation, she brushed his jaw with her lips. A low groan fell from Micah’s mouth as she trailed kisses from the edge of his goatee to the tender hollow below his ear. She pulled her head back to take in the serene look on his face as helay with his eyes closed. Micah sighed again, pulling Julia onto his chest as he shifted to his back. The full body contact sentshockwaves straight to Julia’s core. It had been years since such simple movements caused this type of reaction within her. She brushed the hair from Micah’s face and continued to deliverfeatherlight kisses across his forehead, then one to the tip of his nose. Her breath caught when she saw the longing in Micah’s eyes. The moment she brought her lips to his, the passion exploded. He gently bit her lower lip before sliding the tip of his tongue to meet hers. When she didn’t resist, he allowed his tongue to explore more, tenderly sweeping around hers before he felt her gently sucking his tongue deeper into her mouth. Micah’s calloused hands reached under Julia’s shirt, caressing her sides. Her back arched as she felt his thumbs slide over the top of her cotton bra. “You’re going to have to tell me when it’s too much,” Micah groaned through staggered breaths. “I’ve waited so long to touch you again, I won’t be the one to say no.” As he placed gentle kisses at the corners of her mouth, Julia whispered, “I’m not saying no either.” She tugged at the hem of his T-shirt, needing to feel his bare skin against hers. Micah shifted their bodies so he could sit up without breaking their embrace. Before leaning back on the couch, he slid his hands up her back to unclasp her bra. Julia leaned back as he slid the straps from hershoulders, allowing him to take in the sight of her swollen breasts. Micah kissed and nipped his way down Julia’s neck to her chest until he slowly took one taut nipple into his mouth. She moaned as his tongue teased his way around the sensitive tip. In anticipation, her panties were drenched. There would be time for taking it slow later. Right now, she needed him. Julia hurriedly worked on the stud on Micah’s jeans, “Do you still carry one … in your … wallet?” she whispered between deep kisses. Micah nodded in confirmation, and Julia reached under him. Micah sat on the couch with Julia straddled across his lap. “Baby, not here …” She swallowed hard at his words. “I swear, I’ll kill you if you stop now,” Julia warned. She was past the point of no return.  

Meet H.B.

With the exception of three years spent in the middle of Nebraska, H.B. Heinzer has called southern Wisconsin home. During that time in Nebraska, she imagined one of her favorite authors living on the far western edge of the county, just south of the highway. At the time, becoming a novelist was a distant dream for her. Now, she is the author living in that location. Ironically, she later found out that same favorite author lives just outside the town HB lived in for the first eighteen years of her life. Now, HB lives in the middle of nowhere but still close enough to the city to not feel isolated. It's the perfect place to let her two kids run and explore their huge yard, teach them about the food chain as they prepare their first-ever garden and debate building a chicken coop. It's one of those dreams that is only possible thanks to the amazing opportunities that have come through writing.  

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Hard to Handle, by Jessica Lemmon

3.8 out of 5 stars

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

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!

Love in the Balance

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Crickitt Day needs a job . . . any job. After her husband walks out on her, she's determined to re-build her life and establish a new career. When swoon-worthy billionaire Shane August hires her as his assistant, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. Despite her growing attraction to her boss, she vows to keep things strictly professional. No flirting. No kissing. Definitely no falling in love... 

Shane August is all business, all the time. He's a self-made man who's poured his heart and soul into his company, and he'd never allow himself to get involved with an employee. Then he hires sweet, sexy Crickitt-and he can't keep his mind or his hands off her. But no matter how much he wants Crickitt, Shane fears that painful secrets from his past will always come between them. With fate working against them, can these two lonely hearts learn that sometimes mixing business with pleasure is the perfect merger?



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Sadie Howard would never admit there's such a thing as love at first sight, but she can't deny the connection between her and sexy Adonis Aiden Downey. She also can't deny she loves to kiss him-his mouth might be his most precious asset. Despite every promise to herself not to get involved any deeper than a first date, she can't keep from seeing more of Aiden . . . in more ways than one. 

Aiden Downey had no idea the hot blonde from the club would trigger his protective, gentle nature, but the moment she drops her guard and he sees the real Sadie Howard, he's a goner. When a family crisis puts the brakes on their budding romance, can Aiden find a way to hold on to her? Or will he lose the best thing in his life just as quickly as he found her? 





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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 TEMPTINGAiden 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?