Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Cover Reveal: Guardian, by Courtney Cole

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Cover Reveal for Courtney Cole's GUARDIAN! 
GUARDIAN is a YA Paranormal Romance, and a book close to Courtney’s heart. 

Guardian 
Release Date:  August 28, 2014

Synopsis
Sometimes, things that go bump in the night are real. My name is Whitney Lane. I’m sixteen years old and at first, I thought I was crazy. I kept seeing shadows move along walls, and hearing whispers around corners, but whenever I looked, there was never anything there. Until one day, there was. Our world isn’t what we think. There are things around us, good things, bad things, scary things. Things that we tell ourselves aren’t real, but they are. They’re very real, and they’re terrifying. I’ve been swept up now, in a battle of good and evil, confused about love and what is supposed to be love, but isn’t. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t trust my emotions and I don’t know what is true. There’s only one thing I know for sure. Nothing is what it seems.


About Author Courtney Cole 
Headshot Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people. Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.        

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

PBA Release Event

       

   
Synopsis
 When seventeen-year-old Ashley Watson walks through the halls of her high school bullies taunt and shove her. She can’t go a day without fighting with her mother. And no matter how hard she tries, she can’t make her best friend, Matt, fall in love with her. But Ashley also has something no one else does: a literal glimpse into the future. When Ashley looks into the mirror, she can see her twenty-three-year-old self. Her older self has been through it all already—she endured the bullying, survived the heartbreak, and heard every ugly word her classmates threw at her. But her older self is also keeping a dark secret: Something terrible is about to happen to Ashley. Something that will change her life forever. Something even her older self is powerless to stop.

About Author Aimee L. Salter

Aimee L. Salter writes novels for teens and the occasional adult who, like herself, is still in touch with their inner-high schooler. She never stopped appreciating those moments in the dark when you say what you're really thinking. And she'll always ask you about the things you wish she wouldn't ask you about. Aimee blogs for both writers and readers at www.aimeelsalter.com. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.  FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS | AMAZON    






   
Synopsis
 Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now. When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw-out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?

About Author Heather Hildenbrand
Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. Since 2011, she's published more than eight YA & NA novels including the bestselling Dirty Blood series. She splits her time between coastal Virginia and the island of Guam and loves having a mobile career and outrageous lifestyle of living in two places. Heather is also a publishing and success coach bent on equipping and educating artists who call themselves authors. She loves teaching fellow writers how to create the same freedom-based lifestyle she enjoys. For more information visit www.phoenixauthorink.com and find out how to create your own OutRAGEous Life. You can find out more about her and her books at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com   



    

Synopsis
The Dominion of Atalanta is at war. But for eighteen-year-old Aris, the fighting is nothing more than a distant nightmare, something she watches on news vids from the safety of her idyllic seaside town. Then her boyfriend, Calix, is drafted into the Military, and the nightmare becomes a dangerous reality. Left behind, Aris has nothing to fill her days. Even flying her wingjet—the thing she loves most, aside from Calix—feels meaningless without him by her side. So when she’s recruited to be a pilot for an elite search-and-rescue unit, she leaps at the chance, hoping she’ll be stationed near Calix. But there’s a catch: She must disguise herself as a man named Aristos. There are no women in the Atalantan Military, and there never will be. Aris gives up everything to find Calix: her home. Her family. Even her identity. But as the war rages on, Aris discovers she’s fighting for much more than her relationship. With each injured person she rescues and each violent battle she survives, Aris is becoming a true soldier—and the best flyer in the Atalantan Military. She’s determined to save her Dominion . . . or die trying.

   
About Author Tracy Banghart
 Tracy Banghart is a cheesy movie-loving, fantasy football-playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began "practicing" her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story. She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family's cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat. When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake. 
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS | AMAZON                

Cover Reveal: A Beautiful Purpose, by Alicia Rae

I am so excited by this cover reveal! Alicia Rae’s new cover is absolutely gorgeous, AND she’s sharing an excerpt with us!! So without further ado:   ABP AmazonGRSW 
Title: A BEAUTIFUL PURPOSE 
Author: Alicia Rae
Release Date: October 21st
Genre: New Adult Romance 
Cover Design: Sarah of Okay Creations    
Goodreads   

Synopsis
Book 6 in The Beautiful Series or Standalone All Blake Johnson knows is the life of a Marine. After serving his country for eight years, he returns to his family for some rest and rehabilitation. Fighting an internal war, he battles sleepless nights as images of his former military days haunt him. From the moment Audrey Hampton walks into his life, he is drawn to her. Her beauty leaves him breathless and weak in the knees. She kindles a spark of hope deep within his soul, igniting a part of himself he feared was missing. Her never-ending compassion for others opens his heart in a way he never dreamed. But Audrey is hiding wounds of her own. Returning to Lake Tahoe to care for her ill mother triggers painful childhood memories of her parents’ loveless marriage, reminding her there is no such thing as true love. Will Blake’s resolve be powerful enough to open Audrey’s sealed heart? Or will Audrey fear the past and risk losing the man who could give her life a newfound purpose? Can two wounded souls become one?
  

Excerpt
~Audrey~ “What about you?” Blake asked gently. “I’m home to see my family.” I shifted on my feet, not wanting to go into too much detail either. I refrained from laughing at observing how we seemed to share that minor detail. “However, I now live in San Francisco.” Blake’s dark eyebrow curled, slightly lifting, and his lower lip twitched in amusement. Gosh, he was just so damn sexy, it was distracting. “You gave up the country life for the city?” he finally teased. I let out a laugh at his expression and nodded. “Yeah.” “How’s that working out for you?” I tilted my head his way, failing to stifle my humor. “If you ignore all the absurdly confusing highways, traffic and noise, then it’s not so bad.” Blake laughed, deep and throatily. The sound sent an undeniable shiver down my spine. I chastised myself for letting a simple conversation with a man affect me so, as he replied, “That’s a lot to ignore.” You have no idea, I thought, referring to not being able to deflect his effects on me. I felt my inner strength wavering. “It is,” I responded in more ways than one, realizing that I needed to get away from here. Being here was too much. He was too much. I swallowed deeply before saying, “Well it was a pleasure to meet you, Blake. But I do have to be going now.” I felt guilty for dismissing myself, so I added, “But maybe I’ll see you around with the other’s another time?” His gaze turned speculative, and he parted his lips to speak. But he didn’t. The look he was giving me felt as though he could see right through me. It was unnerving. Within seconds, his eyes shifted again, appearing to let me off the hook. I released a silent sigh, thankful for his respecting my privacy, and not asking for any explanation. “Since my two brothers are marrying your friends, I would say there is a good chance.” Blake grinned at last, revealing a sexy dimple at the corner of his mouth. My eyes were captivated by the faint movement. Stop thinking about his mouth! He definitely had a good point, which only made me even more nervous. “I’ll see you later,” I waved with a pleasant smile and excused myself before my nerves melted into a puddle at his feet. I quickly found Abbey, Gail and Lily, and then each of their significant others to congratulate them and say my goodbyes before racing to my car. All the while feeling like I could not breathe, as though I was being suffocated by thoughts of how breathtakingly handsome Blake was. After stopping at the store for my mother’s saltine crackers, I sped home, yearning to step through the front doors, so I could be reminded of all the reasons to stay clear away from that man. All it took was sixty seconds of seeing how my father treated my mother, and it was a reality slap that love does not exist. I would not allow myself to be so effected by a man, and weakened by the idea of having one of my own. I shook my head. Being around Gail, Abbey, and Lily with their men today had just played tricks on my mind. Sure, each of my friends had found great, loving men. But it was a risk I would never take a chance on. And I would never cave to temptation. It could only lead to a broken heart.  

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00071]


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


Blogs Participating in the Cover Reveal:
It's a book affair LuLo Fangirl Hot Guys in Books Bookcrastinators Cofffee Books & art Unknown Books Review Random Redheaded Ramblings Making it Happen The Fairest of All Book Reviews Bibliophile Mystery Forever Me Romance WOrkS of FiCTioN Typical Distractions The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club Born To Read Whirlwindbooks Lit Junkies Book Blog Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, Inc. Give Me Books and Boxes Becky on Books Tissues and Tomes Book Blog I Dare You To Read For Whom The Books Toll The Phantom Paragrapher beyond boyfriend reviews Book Freak I Heart YA Books Fandomly Bookish A Book Addict's Delight Deliciously Wicked Books daydream books Romance Obsessed Book Blog Kats Read Flirty Fiction Blog Sassy Divas Book Blog Short and Sassy Book Blurbs Adventures in Writing In Between The Pages Crawling Over The Pages Roxy's Reviews Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews Bittersweet Book Love Judging Books By Their Covers Amazing Reading Experiences Biblio Belles Bridger Bitches Book Blog Naughty Book Eden Hooked On Books Forever This Mom Loves Alphas Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews Romance Rewind The Whispering Pages Book Blog Rumpled Sheets Blog A Beautiful Book Obsession Zili in the Sky Valley of the Book Doll We Art Books Living in a Bookworld  

Release Day Blitz: Before You, by Amber Hart

beforeyou-releaseday

We're so excited to celebrate the release of BEFORE YOU by Amber Hart from Kensington Teen! 

Before You revised


Synopsis
Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it is both.
Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying in exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it’s all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn't stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past—a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.
At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely.

Love—it will ruin you and save you, both.
 
Excerpt
“Hi, I’m Faith Watters.” Those are the first words I speak to the new Cuban guy in the front office. He grimaces. He’ll be a tough one. I can handle it, though. He’s not the first. I can’t help but notice that he looks a lot like a model from the neck up—eyes the color of oak, strong bone structure. Everywhere else, he looks a lot like a criminal. Chiseled, scarred body … I wonder for a second about the meaning behind the tattoos scratched into his arms. One thing’s clear. He’s dangerous. And he’s beautiful. “I’ll show you to your classes,” I announce. I’m one of the peer helpers at our school. It’s not my favorite thing to do, but it counts as a class. Basically I spend the first two days with new students, introducing them around and answering their questions. Some parents with kids new to the school voluntarily sign their students up, but it’s only mandatory for the international students, of which we have a lot. Mostly Latinos. This Cuban guy towers over me. I’m five six. Not tall. Not short. Just average. Average is good. This guy’s not average. Not even a little bit. He must be over six feet. I glance up at him, kind of like I do when I’m searching for the moon in a sea of darkness. “Looks like you have math first. I’ll walk you there,” I offer. “No thanks, chica. I can handle it.” “It’s no problem,” I say, leading the way. He tries to snatch his schedule from my hands, but I move too fast. “Why don’t we start with your name?” I suggest. I already know his name. Plus some. Diego Alvarez. Eighteen years old. Moved from Cuba two weeks ago. Only child. No previous school records. I read it in his bio. I want to hear him say it. “You got some kinda control issues or somethin’?” he asks harshly, voice slightly accented. “You got some kind of social issues or somethin’?” I fire back, holding my stance. I won’t let him intimidate me, though I’ll admit, he’s hot. Too bad he has a nasty attitude. The side of his lip twitches. “No. I just don’t mix with your type,” he answers. “My type?” “That’s what I said.” “You don’t even know my type.” No one does. Well, except Melissa. He chuckles humorlessly. “Sure I do. Head cheerleader? Date the football player? Daddy’s little girl who gets everything she wants?” He leans closer to whisper. “Probably a virgin.” My cheeks burn hot. “I’m not a cheerleader,” I say through clamped teeth. “Whatever,” he says. “Are you gonna give me my schedule or not?” “Not,” I answer. “But you can feel free to follow me to your first class.” He steps in front of me, intimately close. “Listen, chica, nobody tells me what to do.” I shrug. “Fine, suit yourself. It’s your life. But if you want to attend this school, it’s mandatory for me to show you to your classes for two days.” His eyes narrow. “Who says I want to attend this school?” I take the last step toward him, closing the gap between us. When we were little, Melissa and I used to collect glass bottles. Whenever we accumulated twenty, we’d break them on the concrete. When the glass shattered, the slivered pieces made a breathtaking prism of light. I cut myself on the glass by accident once. It was painful, but worth it. The beauty was worth it. It’s funny how the bottle was never as beautiful as when it was broken.

About Author Amber Hart
Amber Hart grew up in Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. She now resides on the Florida coastline with family. When unable to find a book, she can be found writing, daydreaming, or with her toes in the sand. She's the author of BEFORE YOU, AFTER US, UNTIL YOU FIND ME, and sequel to UNTIL YOU FIND ME (untitled as of yet). Represented by Beth Miller of Writers House. 




Thursday, July 24, 2014

Cover Reveal: Burying Water, by K.A. Tucker

Burying Water

Synopsis
The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away. Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him? Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried. The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

Pre-Order BURYING WATER Now!
Amazon    Barnes and Noble    iTunes
AUS (eBook) - Apple   Amazon   Google 
AUS (paperback) - Bookworld
UK (eBook) - Amazon   ibooks   Google   Sainsbury's
UK (paperback) - Amazon   Waterstones   Foyles   WHSmith 


  In Her Wake cover (1)
You can read Chapters 1-4 of BURYING WATER in the back of IN HER WAKE, the Ten Tiny Breaths prequel novella from Trent's POV! IN HER WAKE is out September 1st. Pre-order your copy today!

About Author K.A. Tucker
  Author Photo Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.      

Cover Reveal: Rhett in Love, by J.S. Cooper


RHETT IN LOVE JS COOPER KINDLE EBOOK COVER
Releases September 23rd, 2014
Goodreads

Rhett in Love is a new standalone book coming by New York Times Bestselling author J. S. Cooper. Rhett in Love is the sequel to the bestselling book, Rhett, but can be read without having read the first book in the series. Thanks to Louisa of LM Creations for designing the beautiful cover.

Synopsis
Rhett Madison and Clementine O’Hara were best friends for years before they decided to give dating a shot. Everyone around them thought they were perfect for each other, but neither one of them realized just how much their relationship would change once they got together. They’d only been dating for a couple of months when they decided to move across the country and live together. Neither one of them were prepared for all the trials and tribulations they would face as a new couple living in sin, as Clementine’s Nanna called it. Rhett’s still acting like he’s a bachelor and Clementine’s not sure if going from friends to lovers was the best decision they ever made. So they decide to enroll in a relationship course to see if they are meant to be together. Only it seems like Rhett’s more interested in the passionate side of their relationship, as opposed to the deeper more emotional side. Hilarity and chaos ensues when Tomas and Jake come to visit and Rhett and Clementine are both faced with questions that could change their relationship status once again. Neither one knows what’s going to happen, but no-one ever said that the pathway from friends to lovers was going to be an easy one.


Also, you can join J. S. Cooper's mailing list to be notified when new teasers are posted and when the book is released. Join the mailing list here.


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Cover Reveal: When You Were Mine, by Elizabeth Reyes



Title: When You Were Mine ( A Moreno Brother's novella)
Author: Elizabeth Reyes
Age Group: NA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Fall 2014

Synopsis
When her head was screaming “enough,” her hopeful heart continued to whisper “wait.” 
It's the only way Valerie Zuniga can justify her ongoing addiction to the amazing but ever, elusive Alex Moreno. Mesmerized by the profound connection neither has ever quite understood, Valerie  accepts their crazy relationship for what it is—non-exclusive. 
That is until the incredible highs no longer numb the sting of the intense lows.   
 As tasteless and slippery as pride can be, for Alex it's always been the hardest pill to swallow.  
Faced with a final ultimatum, the choice is a no-brainer for Alex. Despite his insanely busy life he's determined to prove to Valerie, that not only is he ready to commit, it's what he's always wanted—to claim Valerie as his exclusively.  
But just as it kept him from admitting his real feelings all those years, will his obstinate pride once again step in and ruin things just when they're finally getting it right?  

Excerpt
"Why are you here?" she demanded.

"I wanna talk to you?" he asked hopefully.

"No," her response was too quick—abrupt. "I'm busy now. Try me another time."

Okay maybe he deserved that. But he knew she wasn't busy. He knew he had to convince her to hear him out. Alex was determined to say everything he came here to say to her tonight. And then he saw it. The movement behind her. His eyes zeroed in on a guy sitting at her small kitchen table looking equally as relaxed as Valerie texting something on his phone and there were two glasses of wine on the table. 

Alex took him in for another second from top to bottom as the slow boil inside him began to bubble. The guy put his phone down then reached for the bottle of wine and poured them each a little more. 

On instinct Alex put his hand on the door in case she even thought of trying to slam the door on his face. That wasn't happening now. And any hope of this night ending amicably like he'd been optimistic about was instantly squashed. He turned to Valerie whose earlier incensed eyes looked a little panicked now. "Who the fuck is that?"  


About Author Elizabeth Reyes
"I write because I must. It's not a choice or a pastime, it's an unyielding calling and my passion."
~Elizabeth Reyes

USA Today Bestselling Author, Elizabeth Reyes continues to answer her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel FOREVER MINE (MORENO BROTHERS #1) in 2010 she has since published five more in that series, FOREVER YOURS, SWEET SOFIE, ALWAYS BEEN MINE, ROMERO and MAKING YOU MINE, with more stories about the Moreno family and their friends to come. She's also published a second series, 5th Street which includes, NOAH, GIO, HECTOR, ABEL. FELIX the fifth in the series is scheduled to release November 13th 2014. Her Moreno Brother's spinoff series FATE includes FATE, & BREAKING BRANDON, there is also more of this series still to come. Her latest release and first in a brand new series is DESERT HEAT about the diverse but equally sexy Santiago Brothers living in Las Vegas.

When she's not writing (which is rare)she spends as much time as she can with her husband of over twenty years, two teen children, Great Dane, Dexter and big fat lazy cat, Tyson.

Keep up with all her upcoming books/events/signings by visiting her
website.

You can also keep up by liking her fan page on
Facebook 

Following her on
Twitter and follow her Instagram


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Review: His Secrets, by Lisa Renee Jones



Synopsis
An Inside Out story, Chris's POV

In a world where my only escape has been my art, Sara has been the light in my darkness. And there is darkness, the kind of inky black that can bleed from my life to hers.

She doesn't see it. She doesn't understand what I've shown her. And my biggest fear is that soon...she will.



Review
4.25 out of 5 stars

When I finished Revealing Us, I was hungry for more Chris and Sara.  I wasted no time one-clicking and reading this novella.  In the first three books I didn't really feel like I was missing out not hearing Chris' POV because every single one his actions towards Sara have always spoken loud and clear.  I never for once doubted he didn't care for and love her deeply.  But being inside his head, hearing the thoughts behind those actions...it was just beautiful and further cemented my love for his character and this couple.

His Secrets picks up days after Sara's agreed to become his wife.  They are hours away from returning to San Francisco, and Chris finds himself tormented with having only given Sara the opportunity of seeing a portion of his secrets before accepting his proposal.  He knows she deserves to be let in all the way, to see his past with eyes wide open before agreeing to a future, but he cannot bear the idea of losing her.  When the phone rings and it's Tristan calling with news of danger for Amber, Chris' fear of Sara's reaction to the whole truth are suddenly forced front and center.  It's now or never, he knows once she's seen where he's leading she will either run away or stay forever.

I enjoyed being inside Chris' head.  I feel as though this book only takes us even deeper into their story and while I also believe their road to HEA will be bumpy I do believe these two will do whatever it takes to fight for one another.  It's clear neither one will be able to walk away, they've been through too much together and only fallen further in love, in turn their connection has impacted their lives on so many levels.  It's impossible not to be sucked into this series and I cannot wait to get my hands on No In Between and see where Lisa Renee Jones takes Chris and Sara next.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Blog Tour and Review: Redeemed Love by M.S. Brannon





Synopsis
“Who am I? For all intents and purposes, I am the nice guy; the loyal brother and decent citizen. I am quiet and non-confrontational. I am the brother nobody worries about and can always depend upon. To my family, I am the good one. However, that’s only what they see on the outside.” ~ Jeremy Evans

Outwardly, Jeremy Evans is a typical guy, the calmest of the Evans brothers. He’s obsessed with cars, enjoys the company of beautiful women, and is devoted to his family. Inwardly, however, Jeremy is a ticking time bomb. Torn between what’s right versus what’s wrong. When the attempted rape on Darcie occurs, Jeremy finally loses the battle within himself. The pure hatred for Sulfur Heights consumes him and escape is all he thinks about. 

Three years later, he is secretly engrossed by the drug-infested underworld. Jeremy’s double life leads him on dark and sinister paths of drugs, violence and rage. 

The Evans family is destroyed after Presley’s murder and consequently Jeremy’s arrest. He’s sent to prison where he’s forced to survive with the mistakes he’s made on his conscience. However, only one thought lingers. It consumes the years he spends locked in a cell. Retribution. 

Cami Ryker used to have a picture perfect life. She was loved by her family and happy with her life until her brother’s sudden death tore her family apart. Cami is forced to care for her ailing mother and assume the responsibilities of a normal adult. However, when the bills are paid and her mother is tucked away for the night, Cami likes to cloud her mind in order to escape her daily struggles. Late one night, a stranger trolling the streets rescues her in a dark alley. The mysterious stranger will become one of the most important people in her life until the day he’s sent to prison. 

Four years later, Jeremy is released and seeking redemption for his mistakes, but the betrayal is still thriving amongst the Evans family. 

Will Jeremy finally find the solace within to gain the forgiveness from his family that he desperately craves? And is it possible for Jeremy to save those he loves and exonerate himself in the process? 
**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content**




Excerpt
“Really?” Jake screams and steps closer. “You’re not sorry for getting Presley killed? All of that had to do with you. You know that, right?”
“I was trying to protect her!” My belly is touching Jake’s and we are going to blow up on one another. I can sense it.
“How were you protecting her? She’s fucking dead, Jeremy! Take some goddamn responsibility for what you’ve done!” Jake pushes on my chest, but I don’t waver.
I stand my ground and wait for him to hit me. Once he hits me, then my switch will be fully turned over. The beast is pacing like a rabid animal inside of me. He’s screaming and clawing, trying to get out of me, but I can’t allow that to happen. Jake will be dead if it does. The red is seeping into my line of sight, and soon, it will consume me. Soon, there will be no stopping it. I need to assess what’s really happening right now. I am on the verge of killing my brother, my twin. I will never be able to live with myself if I allow that.
I take a step back and expel deep gasps of air. I turn my back and thread my fingers behind my head. I need to walk. I have to get as far as I can away from this situation before it moves from bad to worse. I slowly walk away from Jake, hoping he doesn’t pursue. Yet the more I move away, the more my inner beast beckons me to attack. I am fighting to keep him inside, but it’s impossible when I’ve been that horrible person for so long.
My skin is lit on fire, and I feel like I’m boiling from the inside. Sweat is generating and makes my skin slick. I grab ahold of the back of my shirt and rip it over my head. My bleeding arm is aching, but I ignore it. I toss my shirt to the ground and walk to the garage. I stalk back and forth, trying to keep myself from losing it when suddenly the anger is too much to bear. I pull my fist back and slam it into the wall. My knuckles crack loudly. Instant pain shoots through my hand and up my arm.
I want to feel the pain, though. I need to feel the pain. I deserve to feel pain. I torture myself some more and start laying blow after blow into the wood. I smash my fist into the unforgiving building until I cannot stand another second of it. Then, I release a loud, guttural scream. It’s a scream in anger and agony.
When I turn to face my brother, I’m looking at two of them. Reggie is standing beside Jake, arms crossed and indifferent. Jake, on the other hand, is staring at me in disbelief. He is studying me and trying to see if I’m the brother he used to know. However, the look in his eyes is telling me I’m a stranger. They’ve never seen this side of me before, and it’s the part of me I’ve been living for years. I’m familiar with and comfortable in this mind’s state.
My breathing is labored and the pain in my arm is growing to great heights. I can no longer stand the intensity as it burns my entire arm. I fall to my knees and hold my wounded hand against my sweaty chest.
As Reggie looks to me, his indifference finally fading, he sees me for the brother he once loved and falls to my side. I hold my head up and connect my eyes to his. They are filled with worry and concern. I’ve done an amazing job destroying my family, but the little part of me that’s left hopes my family can see I really do want to be with them. It will just take me time to shed my past.
“What happened to the brother I used to know?” Reggie’s voice is quiet and scared. Not since Darcie’s situation with Robert have I ever seen Reggie this frightened.
I glance down at the ground and try to think of what happened to his brother. I rack my brain, digging in the depths of my memory to find out what the hell happened to him—to me. Nothing comes to mind other than my execution. The Jeremy Evans they knew and once loved is dead.

I look back to Reggie and answer as honestly as I can. “He died a long time ago.” 


Review 
4.5 of 5 stars

As you all know I have been reading May way through the Sulfer Heights series. With each book, I am amazed. I greatly enjoy the writing style of the author and grow to love every single character. 

Redeemed Love is one book I just wasn't sure I was going to like though. If you've read the other books, (which you should!), you know all about the tragedy that the Evans family is contantly enduring. Jeremy is not a huge character until the 3rd book and once his secret is spilled, I'm not gonna lie, I couldn't stand him. So you can see why I was unsure of how I would like this book.

The first part of the book begins with parts from the other books, before Presley goes to rehab and is murdered. It was hard for me to read about the underground drug world. I know it exists but I sometimes like to live in a bubble but these books do not allow that. I was internally begging Jeremy to now go down the drug dealer road and ruin everything. However, I knew it was an inevitable part of the story. It was so hard to read, but it does make a little more sense to me and I tend to understand Jeremy's intense desire to get out of Sulfer Heights. 

We also meet Cami Ryker, the niece of infamous drug lord, Matt Ryker. I feel so bad for her and hate that she had to grow up in a world of drugs, violence and hatred. But she is such and strong character and continues to prove that she can make it through anything. I love her!

The second part of the book is after Jeremy is released from prison. Will his family be able to forgive his ultimate betrayal? Will he and Cami ever get a chance at a normal life? You have to read this amazing book and see for yourself. Well done, MS Brannon


About Author M.S. Brannon
M.S. Brannon was born and raised in the Midwest. She still resides there today with her wonderful husband and son. When she is not writing or reading, M.S. Brannon spends time with her family, watching movies, and discovering new music. She writes romance because she believes love and heartache is the rawest emotion one can experience.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Review: Blind Love by M.S. Brannon


Synopsis
“She is magnetic to me. Every emotion she feels pulls me that much closer to her charm and energy. For reasons unbeknownst to me, I want her to know what she means to me.” ~Jake Evans 


For Jake Evans, life was as it should be. No responsibilities. He was the master at embracing his reckless lifestyle whenever it presented itself. Surviving on his ability to expertly hustle, fight and womanize, Jake could do it all; lived it all. 



Raised in a rundown city, filled with crime and drugs, he had survived the death of an abusive mother and a life with an absent father while only having his brothers to depend on. His lifestyle became fast and Jake had lived it the only way he knew how, until the day he met Delilah. 



Delilah St. James was the epitome of flawless. Brought up in an affluent southern household, Delilah’s life had been planned from the moment she was born. She was raised to be the perfect socialite and daughter, and groomed to be the ideal wife. When a school internship moved her to Sulfur Heights for the summer, Delilah collided with the bitter reality of life outside her comfortable gated community when Jake Evans upset her perfect world. 



Over the next two years, Jake and Delilah became best friends, embracing a friendship neither one was prepared to have, although they soon found it to be a relationship that neither one of them were willing to sacrifice. 



A tragic turn of events brings Jake and Delilah together once again. Only this time, the feelings are different. Lines within their friendship are blurred. Everything they vowed never to do, becomes the very thing they cannot deny. Will Jake and Delilah’s relationship withstand the changes surrounding them? Or will the emotions sever the two year friendship they’d fought so hard to keep?


Review  
4.5 of 5 stars


As you know, I have been reading through the Sulfer Heights series by M.S. Brannon.  So far, I have really enjoyed the series.  I knew that when I read the synopsis to Blind Love that I was going to love it the most (at least out of the first 3).  I already loved the characters that the story revolves around, Jake and Delilah.  That being said, please do not read any farther unless you have read the first 2 books in the series, as this review will contain spoilers to them.


Jake Evans has got to be the biggest, man whore and egotistical guy around.  But dang it, you can't help but love him!  He is cocky, arrogant and doesn't have a clue how to have a relationship with anyone other than his brothers and "adopted" sisters. Now, since you have read Tragic Love, I was happy to discover that Blind Love is the same timeline.  It begins with the summer Delilah interns in Sulfer Springs.  I was always itching to know what was going on with Jake and Delilah while I was reading about Drake and Presley and now I do.  They have such a unique relationship and they make me laugh because they are so open and honest with each other. 

Delilah St. James is the rich kid from Memphis, but the girl has a heart of gold.  She never looks down on people and really wants to help others to a better life.  I don't think I expected that she would show so much love and compassion.  I know that she loves Presley but since you don't know the whole person in Tragic Love, it is hard to figure her out.  I do feel sorry for Delilah though, it has to be hard growing up with a mother that expects a perfect child and only wants status not love.  I have to say that I really can't stand her mother and they way she looks down on others who may not be as well off.  Thankfully, Delilah is nothing like her.  Delilah's main problem is that she tries to make everyone happy and in turn it makes her miserable.  The only person that she can be herself with is Jake.  How the heck does that happen? Jake Evans, of all people!  

Since you know the story from Tragic Love you will know what some of the events are as they occur.  However, I am happy to report that the book does not feel recycled at all and you learn so much more about what is happening while Drake and Presley are going through their horrible things.  

I really loved this story.  Honestly, it sort of reminded me a little of Noah and Allie from The Notebook.  Just the story of the rich girl and the perceived white trash boy.  It was a really fun read, but also had a lot of horrible tragedy.  I highly recommend you pick this up, along with the other books in the series.  Now I am off to read Surviving Love!

Promotional Post: Tempting Tatum, by Kaylee Ryan

Tempting Tour Banner
Title: Tempting Tatum
Author: Kaylee Ryan
Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2014

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Synopsis
What do you do when your whole life crashes and burns? How do you get through the flames?

Tatum Thompson is living the dream. Her life is perfect; with a loving boyfriend, loving parents and a soon to be college graduate how can life get better? Life is good until it isn't. When tragedy strikes Tatum runs to Josh only to find him in a compromising position with someone else. Turning away from the only life she knew, Tatum is forced to alter her life plan.

Blaise Richards is a tattoo artist who moonlights as a volunteer fire fighter. Lies and deception leave his broken heart closed until the beautiful green eyed girl casts her spell over him. She’s making him feel things he’s never felt. Making him want things he thought he would never want.

Tatum wants Mr. just for tonight.

Blaise wants Tatum to be his forever.

Can Mr. Just for tonight convince Tatum that she’s the one? How long can Tatum resist Blaise’s determination to make her his?

Tempting Tatum Cover

Excerpt
Tatum POV   Blaise has stepped up his seduction tactics. He’s constantly touching me, giving me sweet gentle kisses. His attention has me on fire. I’m ready to take him to the nearest storage closet or bathroom and take full advantage of what he’s offering. He’s marking his claim for the night, and really, he doesn’t need to. I plan to allow him to seduce me. My earlier thoughts coming to mind. I know I shouldn’t since he is Ember’s brother, but I want him. I want to know what it feels like to feel his weight on top of me. To be able to trace his ink with my tongue. I can no longer resist his charms, or seduction techniques, whatever you want to call it. I just don’t want to resists him any longer. I want one night with him. One night of passion and no thoughts of what I lost. I just want him. With that thought, I relax against him. Blaise releases my hand and slips his arm around my waist to hold me against him. I need a drink!  


About The Author
Kaylee Ryan has had a passion for reading since she was a little girl. That passion has slowly led to spinning romantic tales, and a one-click addiction. When she doesn’t have her nose stuck in her kindle or fingers glued to the keyboard, you can find Kaylee hanging out with friends and family. She loves all genres of music, and enjoys scrapbooking. She lives in Ohio with her husband (her real life happily ever after) and their rambunctious little boy.




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