Thursday, February 28, 2013

**Blog Tour ~ The Second Sign ~ Elizabeth Arroyo**


Hi y'all! I'm very pleased to be a stop on the blog tour for The Second Sign by Elizabeth Arroyo. This tour is presented by SupaGurl Tours. 




Title: The Second Sign
Author: Elizabeth Arroyo
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

**I received an eARC of this book for review for the blog tour in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis: Bred to believe in the war between angels and demons, Gabby has come to the conclusion that love is responsible for war, jealousy, and all the other deadly sins she can think of. So when she’s exiled to the middle of nowhere for getting kicked out of her fifth school for fighting, she doesn’t expect to meet Jake. Much less fall in love. But Jake is quickly drawn to the eerie beauty of her violet eyes while Gabby is unsettled by their undeniable connection.

When a demon guardian comes to collect her soul, she refuses to give it up. She’s not a demon. She can’t be. Her father and twin brother are angels. The demon gives Gabby twenty-four hours to decide her allegiance, and then starts killing her short list of friends, leaving a message behind: She is the Second Sign.

As Gabby and Jake begin to unravel the mystery behind the Second Sign, she learns Jake may be the key to saving her soul. But it means a sacrifice has to be made that will change their lives
forever.

********************
My Review
Wow! I was immediately drawn to The Second Sign because of the angel/demon angle of the story and the biblical references. The plot was fantastic. It has plenty of mystery, intrigue, and action. A girl brought up knowing about angels and demons becoming a focal point of sorts in the war between them. The bond formed between that girl and a boy she meets unexpectedly. The mystery of special gifts and the events that always seem to coincide with her birthday. 

Gabby, the heroine of our story, is seriously struggling with the question "why am I here?" And all signs are pointing to her position as the Second Sign. She's been sent to live at her father's lake house due to her inability to control her anger. Here she meets Jake, a very handsome adrenaline junkie, who's been sent to live here due to his inability to control his daredevil ways. The two form a quick and tight bond, although both try to deny it. Trust is a main roadblock for the two - Gabby can't exactly reveal she's the daughter of an angel and Jake doesn't want to let someone in that might end up hurting him. That, combined with the killings going on around them and the weird things happening to them...well, not an easy road for these two.

As I said, this book has a fantastic plot. I was drawn to the characters. I was enthralled with the religious references and iconography. And the action! But here's the thing...I felt like the story kinda meandered for awhile. I'd kinda got lost in what was going on...and not in the good way. I was worrying I was going to have to do a 3 worm review. And then BAM! Ms. Arroyo kicked me in the gut! And the story came into focus for me.

It all started with some rather graphic detail...this book should come with a warning about graphic material. It definitely has attributes of a horror novel, in my opinion. But hey, war is never a neat affair. And war between angels and demons? No punches pulled here.

I was so thrilled once the plot sharpened and I got some answers to a few of the mysteries. There were some "Aha!" moments as well as some "Ohh..." moments. And it was all good. So despite having wanted a bit more cohesion in the story to begin with, I ended up loving this book. It is dark, gritty, and at times graphically violent. It also has love, hope, and redemption. I especially enjoyed the highlighting of free will in the story. It is fascinating to think that even angels and demons - who you would think are born to serve their respective sides, still have free will and can choose. I very much look forward to reading the next installment in this series so I can learn where Gabby and Jake go from here and whether the angels or the demons win the war?


*********************************

About Elizabeth Arroyo

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of five, Elizabeth spent most of her younger years as an avid reader with a wild imagination which led her to write her first manuscript at the age of fourteen.

Her fascination with the paranormal was influenced by the vivid ghost and demon stories of her father, scaring the crap out of her. It also led her to ask the "what if" question that propelled her down the path of the fantastical.

But, life got in the way. Elizabeth completed a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice at Northeastern Illinois University and works in the community strengthening families.

But her love of stories held, and in 2008 she found herself back into her storytelling roots and began writing again. Since then she's published a short story in SQ Magazine, countless musings on her blog - Chandara Writes (her muse), and completed three manuscripts.

In 2012, Elizabeth signed with Sapphire Star Publishing to release her debut novel, THE SECOND SIGN, a Dark YA Paranormal Romance, slated for an early 2013 release.

Elizabeth still resides in Chicago’s south west side with her family, a household of kids, and the bliss of chaos. The good kind. She continues to work in the community. You can follow her journey on her Blog chandarawrites.blogspot.com

Find Elizabeth here:

Twitter- https://twitter.com/#!/EArroyo5 or @earroyo5
Website- www.elizabetharroyo.com

Get The Second Sign here:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon PB
B&N

SupaGurl Books Tours


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly #6


The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a meme brought to you by the fabulous Lectus. It allows you to showcase 3 books you plan to read and discuss this week. Here's how it works:

The Good: it could be a book that you just started reading and it is sooo damn good! Or, a book you've been waiting for and finally got.

The Bad: it could be a book that you are going to read because of its hype, it was recommended to you or any other reason BUT you are not sure you are going to like it because it's not your usual type of book/story/genre/thing.

The Ugly: it could be any book and for any reason. It's up to you! 

So, spread the word and invite friends!!


My Good, Bad & Ugly for this week are shown below. You can click on the cover to jump to GoodReads for a synopsis. I chose The Second Sign because I love stories of angels and demons. I'm also a blog tour stop for The Second Sign this Thursday, the 28th. I chose Ruining Me because it's received lots of great buzz so I want to see if it's really all that AND I'm also reading it because my friend, Brandee (Brandee's Book Endings) asked me to read it. :) I chose Bring Me Back because I apparently can't get enough rock star bad boys and this one has a completely different spin. :)

The Second SignRuining Me (Ruining, #1)Bring Me Back

Monday, February 25, 2013

**Character Interview ~ Brooks & Laura ~ Destiny Ever-Changing**

Hi y'all. If you've read my review of Tasha Ivey's Destiny Ever-changing, you might have noticed I kinda liked it! :) If you haven't read my review, you can scroll down. :) 

Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Brooks and Laura Tucker (Brooks Tucker and Laura Carey), the two main characters from Destiny Ever-changing. Stick with me here - we're doing a bit of time-travel. :) I'm interviewing Brooks and Laura 2 years into the future. Let's see how their lives have progressed....

BB: Hi, Brooks & Laura. Thanks so much for joining me today.

Brooks: Thanks for having us, Brandee.
Laura: We're so excited to be here.

BB: Can I ask how married life is treating you?

Brooks: Married life is awesome and it certainly has some perks.
Laura: *nudges Brooks & shares a secretive smile* Yeah, awesome describes it well. Except for the last few weeks...I've been a little hormonal.

BB: Ohh - *nods knowingly* Is your party of 2 going to become a party of 3?

Laura: Brooks, do  you want to tell her what we did yesterday?
Brooks: *beams with pride* Okay, so do you know about our special place? Our cave?

BB: Yes, I know about your cave.

Brooks: Well, yesterday was our 2nd wedding anniversary, and it's sort of become our tradition to go there to celebrate and remember all that we've been through, and how we got there.
Laura: And Brooks like to go there to make out.
Brooks: Well, that too. *Brooks winks* Anyway, Laura asked me if I wanted to go, so we did. We sat down at our usual spot and looked over to the painted hearts, like we always do. And I noticed something was a little different. I asked Laura if it looked weird to her, and she just shrugged, so I knew something was up.
Laura: *laughing* And it only took him 20 minutes of looking at it to realize something was different.
Brooks: Anyway...I got up to check it out, and realized our heart had something different on it. It still said "Laura and Brooks" but underneath it said "+1".
Laura: So, to answer your question, Brandee. Yes, we're having a baby. I'm about 2 months pregnant! We told Nana last night and she's been sewing all day! She's so excited!

BB: Aww...*wipes under eye* That's so sweet. Congratulations! I'm so excited for y'all. I can only imagine how excited your Nana is...and all the things she'll be sewing! :) When will you break the news to your parents, Brooks? And how will having a baby change things for the two of you?

Brooks: My dad, Will and Ashton are at our house, as we speak. We're breaking the news to them tonight during dinner. My mom won't be making it, but I'll call her and let her know after that. 
Laura: I can't wait for everyone to find out about the baby! To be honest, I don't think the baby will change things much for us. Brooks works from home, and I don't work. So that's one less thing to worry about. He does have to travel some, but Nana will be around to help me out.
Brooks: I can't wait. Not many men would admit it, but I've always looked forward to this time of my life...finding the woman who makes me whole and having a family.

BB: *sits back up in chair after swooning* Ahem...Well, Brooks, I bet your parents will be thrilled. And I bet Aunt Ashton will be happy to babysit! :) Laura, you're so lucky to have your Nana to help. I bet she's making plans to feed you a lot! :) Will y'all share your special spot with your child - and explain the significance of it?

Laura: We'll have no shortage of help...or 
food, that is for sure! Just like Brooks' dad took him to the cave a lot as a child, I'm sure that will happen with us, too. I mean, we still go there quite a bit, so I'm sure the baby will go with us. And when he or she is old enough to understand, we'll show them the journal and tell them the stories.
Brooks: Well, if it's a girl, she'll never know about it. I'm sure I won't need any more reasons to worry about my teenage daughter with access to a secret hideaway. No way.

BB: *smirks* Spoken like an overprotective dad...already! In what ways do you think your experiences will help you in guiding your son or daughter onto their path? Or will you be more like you Nana, Laura, and let them "sort it out" on their own?

Brooks: An overprotective DAD? *stars in his eyes* I AM going to be a dad, aren't I?

Laura: Yes, sweetheart, you are. *shakes head and laughs* The main thing I've learned from everything that happened with us is to follow your heart. It knows what you want and what will make you happy. It's just that sometimes you have to fight for it. That's what I'll teach my children.
Brooks: Children?
Laura: *again laughs patting Brooks' shoulder* We're starting with just one, or at least I think so.

BB: *giggles* One last thing and I'll let you guys go...before we give Brooks an aneurysm :) Laura, if you could talk to your mom right now, what would you say and what do you think she'd say to you?

Laura: That's a tough question. If I could say anything to my mom right now, it would be "thank you." Without her, I don't think Brooks and I would be sitting here together right now, if she hadn't written that journal. And as far as what she would say to me? I hope she would say she's proud of me and who I've become. I really think she would be.

BB: Me too. *sniffs* Thank you both SO much for chatting with me. You're welcome anytime. :) Congratulations again and good luck! Oh, and keep in touch!

Brooks: Thank you again, Brandee.
Laura: Yes, thank you!

***********
And there you have it. Thanks so much to Tasha Ivey for sharing her characters with me! 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Review ~ Destiny Ever-changing

Destiny Ever-changingTitle: Destiny Ever-changing
Author: Tasha Ivey
Release Date: February 19, 2013

** I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from GoodReads:
Some are destined for greatness . . . others for pure unadulterated misery.

After catching her boyfriend with another woman, Laura struggles with beginning again, knowing deep down that she is destined to be unhappily out of love for her entire life. Needing some time to recoup and formulate a game plan, she decides to visit her notoriously wise grandmother. But once there, a curveball in the form of a deliciously attractive stranger has her falling again.

Brooks is another story altogether. He is quite content with his life until his father forces him into a business decision that will ruin the rest of his life. As if his relationship with his father isn’t tumultuous enough, his new fiancé is making every waking moment a living hell and loving every manipulative minute of it.

When Laura stumbles upon her mother’s old journal, she opens a door into a long forgotten past. A past that somehow leads both Laura and Brooks into unfamiliar territory and changes everything they ever knew about fate. 

Destiny is ever-changing, after all.


*************************
Destiny Ever-changing is a heart-warming read! There are several elements that blended together make such an enjoyable story. Several days after finishing it, I'm still thinking about this story, these characters...it was touching. It's a beautiful rendering of two people set on separate paths, finding their way to one another as their destinies change and their paths merge into one.

Laura Carey finds herself on a path in life she is not happy with. She's just found out her boyfriend cheated on her and is leaving him. As she makes her way out of Baltimore not knowing where she's heading, she decides two things: she's going to go stay with her grandma to get some non-judgmental life advice and she's going to get her life on track. Her grandma is more than happy to help her along on this quest. One of the tools in this quest is Laura's mom's journal. Laura's mom (both parents, actually) died tragically when Laura was young. This journal will enable Laura to get to know her mom in a way she wasn't able to. The first night after reading a journal entry, Laura dreams of her mom. In the dream, Laura's mom, Regina, seems to be asking her to follow her. Thus, Laura embarks on a mission of sorts. She sets out to re-create the activities her mom lived as recorded in the journal. Through this mission, Laura hopes to figure out the path her mom seems to be trying to point her towards.

Brooks Tucker meets Laura as she rolls into town...with a flat tire. (She just happens to stop in front of his house.) Brooks has been living a life he is happy with. But he's recently found himself blown off that path - and not by his choosing. His father is forcing him into a marriage for financial reasons. And Brooks is less than thrilled but has agreed to it in order to protect his siblings. Meeting Laura seems like the perfect distraction from his own problems. But as he helps Laura along on her mission and gets to know her better, he find his predicament quite painful.

However, through Regina's journal and some revelations contained therein, Laura and Brooks realize they are more in control of their futures than they believed.

As I said, all the elements of this story combined for an interesting read. I liked the "supernatural" element of Laura's mom seemingly communicating from beyond. I liked the idea that every love a person experiences teaches about the nature of love as well as revealing something of ourselves. I also liked the notion that although fate may have a hand in our lives, our destinies are our own. And I delighted in the fact that Brooks and Laura, despite thinking their paths diverged, stumbled onto the right path to end up together...where they belonged. Overall, I loved this debut novel and look forward to future reads from Tasha.

Favorite Quotes:
"Love doesn't have anything to do with where you go together or what you buy one another. Love is spending time with each other and wanting to know every hope, desire, and dream...you want nothing more than to learn everything you can about the other person. And when you have that, nothing else matters."
"...no matter where life takes us, no matter where we end up, you will be the one I'm thinking of...you will be the one that I will always love. Don't ever forget..."
** 4 1/2 Worms

Friday, February 22, 2013

Beautiful Bastard

Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard, #1)Title: Beautiful Bastard
Author: Christina Lauren
Genre: Contemporary Romance


** I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from GoodReads:
An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other. Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release.


*******************
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I'm going to admit that I have no clue about all the controversy surrounding this book outside the fact that there is controversy. I'm also aware that Beautiful Bastard is supposedly Twilight fan-fiction, however, I didn't really draw those comparisons. (much more apparent in Fifty Shades...) So I'm only reviewing this book based on the story itself and my love of it! :)

Beautiful Bastard is a love story between two characters who outwardly seem to hate one another. Chloe Mills is an MBA student and intern at Ryan Media Group. She has worked for the company for 6 years, become very close to the Ryan family, and works/interns under the youngest Ryan - Bennett - a.k.a. Beautiful Bastard. Bennett worked outside the country when Chloe began working at Ryan Media. So they don't actually meet until the day he's being introduced in the company.


"Another bout of laughter hit me, and I stumbled backward a bit until I collided with something hard and warm. Spinning around, I was mortified to see that I had just ground my ass onto my new boss' thigh."  -Chloe Mills


For 9 months, the two have had a very prickly yet professional relationship. They even refer to one another as Ms. Mills and Mr. Ryan. That all changes one day - a "disaster" day according to Chloe, when Mr. Ryan punishes Chloe for being late by making her stay late and do a mock board presentation. Well, that day their relationship changes as they become intimately acquainted with a conference table, a window and each other.

From there, we follow their journey to falling in love - through jealousy, doubt, worry over careers, and lots of raw, panty-ripping sex! Chloe believes Mr. Ryan is a womanizer. She also worries that a relationship of any sort with the Beautiful Bastard could hurt her chances at the career she has earned on her own merit. Bennett worries mostly that Chloe doesn't take him seriously where the relationship is concerned.

The journey is a roller coaster ride full of adrenaline pumping highs and stomach-knotting dips and drops. But in the end, they find their way to one another.

Again, I absolutely delighted in this story. I quite liked the writing style, the change in POVs between Chloe and Bennett. I loved seeing the strengths and vulnerabilities of both Chloe and Bennett. The authors did WELL developing the characters and the story. As I've said before, I need a good story with the sex. And it was delivered here. I cared about Chloe and Bennett and I was thrilled with their ending. The side characters also come across strongly despite limited exposure to them. I loved Chloe's friends Sara (who works for Bennett Ryan's older brother, Henry) and Julia. And I adored Bennett's family - particularly his brother, Henry and his wife, Mina. But reading Bennett's Dad, Elliott, telling his son to behave around Chloe...that was giggle inducing! :)


** I rate this 4 1/2 worms

BTW, Beautiful Stranger, a companion novel to Beautiful Bastard, is scheduled for release on March 13. It's Sara's story...can't wait!

Jerk of My Dreams #1



The Jerk of My Dreams is a weekly meme hosted by Taryn at My Secret Romance. It's a meme I've been meaning to participate in as there are so many jerks in the books I'm reading lately...anywho, I'm participating this week. In conjunction with my review of Beautiful Bastard, here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book.  Enjoy!

"Just tell me." He leaned forward, sucked my earlobe between his lips and then gave it a sharp bite. "I promise I'll give it to you."

"Nine months. Nine f*cking months of morning wood, jacking off, and endless fantasies about someone I didn't even want. Well, that wasn't entirely true. I wanted her. I wanted her more that any woman I'd ever seen. The big problem was I also hated her. And she hated me too. I mean, she really hated me. In all my thirty-one years, I had never met someone who pushed my buttons like Miss Mills."

"I knew I had to get out of here soon, before something happened. For some sick reason, fighting with this woman always ended with her panties in my pocket."

"When he looked up, the smirk on his face let me know I had been caught ogling him. 'See something you like?' he asked."

"You know," he began with a dark stare, taking a single step toward me, "I didn't hear you complaining."

"Yes, it's absolutely amazing having Miss Mills under me. She always gets the job done."

"Besides missing her body, which I did desperately, I also missed the fire between us. She knew I was a bastard, and she put up with it. I had no idea why, but she did..."

"Let's call a truce for one night," I said, pressing three small kisses on her lips, one on each side and a lingering one in the middle, in the heart of her mouth. "Give me all of you for one night, no holding back. Please, Chloe, I'll leave you alone after that but I haven't seen you in almost two weeks and...I just need tonight."

"Tell me what you want." My voice was rough with need. "Tell me the things you want me to do to you." "I don't know," she whispered into my mouth. "I just want to see you come apart."I wanted to tell her that she was witnessing it now, and in all honesty she'd been watching it happen for weeks..."

"...I suddenly had no idea what I was doing waiting for her like an anxious spouse. I only knew I couldn't be the one to decide we wouldn't work, because deep down, I wanted to figure it out."

"I was starting to see that this wasn't just sex, and it wasn't just working something out of my system. Sex was just the fastest route to the deeper possession I needed. I was falling in love with her, and falling too fast and hard to easily find any footing."

"...I wanted to tell her, 'This, what we have, is the most amazing thing I have ever felt. Do you feel it too?'"

"Totally serious. I want to be the only guy who f*cks you against windows, and also the first person you see in the morning - from where you lie, having stolen my pillow. I'd also like to be the person who gets you lime Popsicles when you've had bad sushi..."

"This flirting is all well and good, but I mean it when I tell you, I can't have you leaving me again. It almost broke me."

*sigh*

And there you have it...Beautiful Bastard!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Feature & Follow #14


Welcome to the Blog Hop! And check out the amazing new button! :)

Feature & Follow is a weekly blog hop hosted by the talented ladies behind AlisonCanRead and Parajunkee's View. The intent behind this blog hop is to get out there and meet other bloggers and gain new followers yourself. What sets this blog hop apart is the Feature. Each week, two blogs are featured, one at AlisonCanRead and one at Parajunkee's View. So make sure to hop over to those blogs to check out this week's Features.



This week's Features are:
Jelly @Jelly's Insider
Reading...Dreaming

This week's question is:
We are always talking about the books we want. Let's turn it on its head. What books have you given to other people lately?

The last books I gifted were Christmas gifts. I gave Killing Kennedy to my Mom, America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't to my hubby, the Leviathan series to one of my daughters, Drama to my other daughter, and The Universe in a Nutshell to my son. I do come from a family of readers...with extremely diverse interests! :)

How about you? What books have you gifted lately?




The Stranger ~ Just One Night ~ Part 1

The Stranger (Just One Night, Part 1)Title: The Stranger
Series: Just One Night #1
Author: Kyra Davis
Genre: Contemporary Romance

** I received this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from GoodReads:

Kasie knows who she’s supposed to be. But one passionate night with a mysterious stranger will teach her who she wants to be.

You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it’s the dress, much shorter than she’d ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she's ever done with a man before.

It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she’s thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that’s engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality...and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom.


***********************
Holy sh*t!!
This book is HOT and more than a little suspenseful! All I really have for words at the moment are naughty exclamations! Give me a moment.....  *fans self*  *guzzles ice water*

Okay, I think I can handle this now...

First off, I'm just gonna say that I LOVE this book. I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. And that's not even a strong enough word...but there you have it. It's a short book, but it's intense and brilliant and so much more than I was expecting. I've read reviews that dissed this book because of the cheating element. I'm right there with those who don't like cheaters...I don't like them either. BUT I'm going to ignore that element here - to the extent I can - because 
a) although Kasie is in a long-term relationship, she's not engaged or married
AND
b) she's clearly in this relationship for all the wrong reasons
AND
c) I strongly agree with Kasie's friend Simone's advice that you should make sure - explore all options BEFORE committing to forever with someone...especially if you're with that someone simply because it's comfortable and safe

Now, don't yell at me...I'm not advocating a night of wanton sex in Vegas...but that might work out for you. OR it might blow up in your face. But you may find your soul-mate and it would be a tragedy to miss meeting your soul-mate...right??

Anyhow, Kasie is in Vegas with her friend Simone onstensibly to enjoy a last hoorah before getting married. (You'll recall I said she's not engaged - her boyfriend simply stated they should go ring shopping.) Now Simone, she is proposing Kasie spend the night with a stranger. Kasie, however, is a good girl - she follows all the rules and she's determined to spend the night doing a little harmless flirting and leave it at that. Ah...the best laid plans.

While Kasie is playing blackjack, a handsome stranger joins her at the table. He decides they should make the game more interesting and bets a drink - alone - with  him should he win the next hand. Kasie had no idea how far off her straight and narrow path accepting that bet would take her. She ends up spending, well at least part of a night with Mr. Dade - her handsome stranger. But she believes that moment will live forever buried in her memory.

A few days later, Kasie is handed her professional dream - leading a project for a major company - all on a silver platter...by none other than Mr. Dade. As she and Robert Dade begin working together and playing together, Kasie has a dilemma. Should she choose stable, sensible boyfriend? Or explore the previously uncharted parts of herself with Robert? She waffles quite a bit. Then, when she's finally made a decision, the choice is take away...and that's really all I'm gonna reveal.

Kasie has some yet unrevealed secrets - mostly to do with her sister. And Robert is an enigma. Oh, and Dave, the steady, safe boyfriend? Well, he may not be as safe as Kasie thought. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel! (Luckily, its release date is March 18 - happy anniversary to me! :)

This book is extremely well-written. The prose is so very lyrical and Kyra Davis does a phenomenal job of using beautiful language to tell a maybe not so beautiful story. I'm thoroughly enchanted by these characters - the little nuances in their behavior, the exploration of self Kasie is attempting...how she seems to fear letting her true self free. Kasie is struggling against expectations - those she places on herself and those placed on her by her parents, her boyfriend, and coworkers. No one seems to know the real Kasie - not even Kasie. Robert Dade, however, seems to see through her facade and wants, even demands, she be true to herself. Can she find the strength to do that?

Back to that cheating element I'm ignoring...I don't see it as Kasie cheating so much as it being the beginning of a voyage of self-discovery for Kasie. Should she have broken up with her boyfriend beforehand? Well, maybe...but she really didn't set out to cheat. And the heart wants what the heart wants...

**Cover Reveal ~ The Truth About Letting Go**

Hi y'all! I'm pleased to be able to reveal the GORGEOUS cover for The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore. The cover design is by B Design. I think it is just lovely! What do y'all think?

Get me
A companion to The Truth About Faking (not a sequel;
the books can be read out of order), The Truth About Letting Go (link) takes readers back to Shadow Falls, or more specifically Shadow Creek, with Ashley Lockett as she learns about real friendship, love, and letting go.

The Truth AboutLetting Go (link)
by Leigh Talbert Moore

Ashley wants to smash everything in her once-perfect life.
Charlotte wants to walk in Ashley's seemingly charmed shoes.
Colt wants to turn Smalltown USA on its ear--with Ashley at his side. Jordan wants to follow his heart... but Ashley is the one sacrifice he never expected to make.

Up until now, Ashley Lockett has always followed the rules. She's always done the right thing, played it safe, and then her ideal life is shattered when her dad dies suddenly.

Fueled by anger and grief, she vows to do everything opposite of how she lived before.
She rejects safety, the rules, faith, and then she meets Jordan.

Jordan has big dreams, he's had a crush on Ashley for years, he's a great kisser... but he's
also safe.

Enter Colt. He is not safe, and he's more than willing to help Ashley fulfill her
vow.

Get it today on Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo

Add it on Goodreads.

Excerpt:

I feel Colt laugh, and he looks down into my face. That’s when he seems to realize
what I’ve been acutely aware of for the last several minutes—our bodies are pressed
together.


“It’s awesome, yeah?” he says. “Adrenaline rush.”

“Yeah,” I breathe. “I guess.”

I’m not sure if he’s going to kiss me until he does. His mouth covers mine, and
energy mixes with the alcohol flooding my body. Our tongues slide together, and I grip
his shirt so I don’t collapse. 


Every single bit of this is wrong, and there’s no way I’m stopping it. It’s back,
that good feeling. The sadness has been pushed out again, and in its place is this rush, this
rush of adrenaline like Colt said. 


He pulls back and smiles at me. “We’re going to start dating. Now. You’re my
partner in crime.”




About the Author:

Moore
Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a former journalist and editor, a chocoholic, a caffeine addict, a lover of YA and new adult romance (really any great love story), a beach bum, and occasionally she sleeps.

-The Truth About Faking is her debut young adult romance (on Amazon, Barnes & NobleiTunes, and Kobo)
-Rouge is her first New Adult romantic suspense novel (on Amazon).

Leigh loves hearing from readers; stop by and say hello!

Blog * Facebook</ a> * Amazon
Author page
 * Goodreads * Twitter * Tumblr





Wednesday, February 20, 2013

**Cover Reveal ~ Straddling the Edge by Julie Prestsater ~ Giveaway**

Today, I'm very pleased to reveal the super sexy cover for 
Straddling the Edge by Julie Prestsater.
Straddling the Edge is the final book in the Against the Wall series.







Summer McGallian … the scandalous home wrecker from Against the Wall and Between The Sheets.   The one who stole her co-worker’s fiancé, the other woman, the one people whisper about and stay away from. Only for Summer, things aren't always as they appear and she knows that better than anyone. She hasn’t been herself since she was in high school, when life was less complicated and relationships weren’t about making compromises to land the guy. When her heart is broken, there's only one thing left for her to do … prove she isn't who everyone thinks she is. And maybe, just maybe, she can get back to being comfortable in her own skin again, without input from a man. But when she encounters Hot Guy, Dean Michaels, everything Summer has ever known about the opposite sex is about to change.

Dean Michaels knew he’d seen her somewhere before. What he never imagined was that the gorgeous woman in a baseball cap and hooded sweatshirt tossing back a beer in his favorite spot could be Summer McGallian—the woman who always looked like she’d stepped off the pages of a glamour magazine when he’d seen her from afar at work. And to make matters worse, she’s Chase Marino’s ex, the one guy who gets under his skin like no other. If the thought of being someone’s bitch in jail wasn’t enough to scare him, he would’ve strangled that bastard years ago and tossed the body in the Mojave Desert. But forget about Chase … Dean knew from the moment he saw Summer’s sexy smile and heard her cute laugh, she had to be his. And he won't let anything get in the way of that.

The Against The Wall series isn’t just about steamy sex scenes and swoon-worthy romance, but about new friendships, undying love, and a ton of laughter. Enjoy the ride as you get to know and love Summer and Dean, just as you did Shelly and Matt, and Melissa and Tyler, in the final book, Straddling The Edge

Julie is giving away TWO $25 Gift Cards to Amazon. To enter, obey the Rafflecopter below.  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

** Blog Tour ~ Fender Bender Blues ~ Excerpt & Giveaway **

PhotobucketI'm very excited to be a part of the blog tour for Fender Bender Blues by Niecey Roy. In this post you'll find an excerpt, my exclusive interview with Niecey, AND 2 giveaways! That's right...2 chances to win! 

Fender Bender Blues sounds like such a fun novel. I can't wait to read it!



FenderBenderBlues_w7492_750 (1).jpgHer life took a wrong turn. He's driven by success. They didn't count on crashing into love...

Rachel Bennett loved her job until the day she finds herself doubting her choices.  Now she's hunting for a new career, but starting over isn't easy.  Her plan is simple—no distractions until she finds her dream job.  She didn't plan on fate throwing her a curveball in the form of a fender bender with a sexy guy in an expensive suit.

Craig Larsen is a wealthy, successful business owner with a plan of his own: survive his current PR nightmare and stay away from his overly determined ex-girlfriend.  His need for control and personal success is turned upside down when he meets Rach, a sassy redhead who can't drive.

Soon they find themselves battling with Rach's grumpy old neighbor, toilet-papering the trees of a high school nemesis, and fighting over the last slice of pizza.  Can two very different people plus one fender bender equal a chance at forever?

Get your copy Fender Bender Blues here
Amazon


**********************
EXCERPT

“Now what?”
“Nothing.”Rach sniffed.
Craig shifted to eye her warily. “Since when do you answer me with single words?”
“Since I decided I’m not talking to you,” she answered with a shrug, crumpling up the white paper wrapper from her sub.  
Craig leaned his face in close to her neck and enjoyed the startled jerk of her shoulders. Her eyes opened wide in surprise. His breath shifted a few strands of hair at the nape of her neck as he whispered, “Why, because you want me?”
“You’re incorrigible,” she said, breathless, her cheeks flushed.
She’s enjoying this. The thought pleased him. Rach was on her back beside him now, her eyes closed. He glanced around the park to see if anyone was watching. No one was. He could swoop in for a kiss and no one would catch him. No one would care, he told himself. She won’t mind
“I can feel you staring.”
Craig smiled down at her. “So what.”
She peeked at him with one green eye. “So stop it.”
“And if I don’t?” Maybe she’d tackle him, push him down on the blanket and…
She didn’t. She promptly closed her eye and went back to pretending indifference. “I’ll hit you, that’s what.”
“Not if I do this, you won’t.”
He’d only meant it to be a short kiss, but the pleasure of touching his lips to hers kept him there longer. Her tongue was velvet soft and warm against his and the slow mating of their mouths quickened his heartbeat even as he told himself, It’s no big deal, just a kiss.
She nipped his bottom lip and sent heat sliding through his body. The woman could kiss.
She whispered soft against his lips, “Now why don’t you admit that it’s you who wants me.”

**************
MY INTERVIEW WITH NIECEY ROY


BB: Why are readers going to love Fender Bender Blues?

Niecey: I laughed while writing most of Fender Bender Blues. When I wrote it, I would close my eyes and picture the scenes unfolding just like they would on the big screen. I’m a huge Rom-Com flick fan. Can’t get enough of them! I intended the reader to fall in love with the characters just as much as with the story. Rach and Craig from Fender Bender Blues have real people problems. They struggle with real people issues. So when they fall in love, it feels real. I think the reader will appreciate these things.

BB: What was your favorite part about writing this book?

Niecey: I loved every part about writing this book, but probably the best part was writing The End. It was a great feeling!

BB: Is there any specific inspiration behind Rachel and Craig?

Niecey: Rach’s character is really very important to me. Not only does she remind me a lot about myself, but she’s very down to earth, which is something I hope the reader sees. Aside from all the chaos surrounding Rach’s life, she’s just a woman struggling to find the right path in life.

BB: What do you do when you're not writing?

Niecey: I quit writing for a long time—I got married and pregnant at 24 and life got really busy for me. But I remember sitting at home with a Kate Perry book in my hand, it was actually her first published book, and after I finished it I thought to myself, I want to write again. I can do this. I can be a published author! And so I sat down and started writing. Kate has been a great mentor to me. I tell her often how she inspired me to start writing again, and she tells me often to never, ever quit. If you haven’t read a Kate Perry novel, I suggest you start with her Laurel Heights series. You’ll love it!

Thanks so much for being here today!

Niecey: It’s been really great being a guest on your blog today.



**************************
GIVEAWAYS

Jannice (Niecey) Roy is awarding a tour grand prize of a $15 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


ALSO, one lucky commenter will win a digital copy of Fender Bender Blues!


**************
Find Niecey Here

Niecey Roy author bio photo jpeg.JPG
nieceyroy@gmail.com
http://www.nieceyroy.com/ 
http://www.facebook.com/NieceyRoyRomanceAuthor
https://twitter.com/#!/NieceyRoy


Don't miss the other stops on this tour:

2/18/2013
Harlie's Books
SnifferWalk Books 
Flirting With Romance 

2/19/2013
Sunset Reader Reviews 
My Fiction Nook  
Blackraven's Erotic
Bookworm Brandee 
Musings From An Addicted Reader

2/20/2013
Italian Brat's Obsessions  
Way Too Hot Books
Lebooksquirrel

2/21/2013
My Life Beyond Labels


2/22/2013
Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!!


2/25/2013
First Class Books


2/26/2013
Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More


2/27/2013
Simply Ali
Sugar and Spice Book Reviews


2/28/2013
Guilty Pleasures


3/1/2013
Manic Readers Guest Author Blog
Flirty and Dirty Book Blog





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