**Book Blitz & Giveaway ~ Taking Back Forever ~ Karen Amanda Hooper**

I'm excited to be a part of the book blitz for Taking Back Forever. This is the second book in the Kindrily series by Karen Amanda Hooper. I have all the important details on this series, an excerpt from the book as well as TWO fabulous giveaways! 

To enter the tour wide giveaway for signed paper copies of Grasping at Eternity and Taking Back Forever plus swag, obey the rafflecopter.

To enter the giveaway for ONE ecopy of Grasping at Eternity and ONE ecopy of Taking Back Forever, leave a comment. This giveaway ends June 8th, is open internationally, and the winner will be chosen randomly.

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Taking Back Forever  (Book 2 of The Kindrily series)

by Karen Amanda Hooper

May 31st 2013 

by Starry Sky Publishing

Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.

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Excerpt

In the short week since Maryah’s momentary remembrance of him, Nate had come alive again. He smiled all the time. His eyes were brighter. I was happy for him, but it left me feeling more alone than ever. He had been my partner in suffering over our lost soul mates. But not anymore.

I gazed at the landscape of Sedona behind him. To myself, I could admit my jealousy of his and Maryah’s reunion, but I’d never say it out loud. “How’s it feel? To have her back after all this time?” 

“I don’t have her back. She hardly remembers anything. But I don’t have to hide who and what I am anymore, or that I love her. She knows who she was and where she belongs. I’m patiently waiting for her to figure out who she is now, and what she’s capable of.”

“She loves you. I can see it.” 

“I am ecstatically grateful for that. But I still feel the loss of her, of all the time we shared together. It’s like we’re getting to know each other for the first time all over again. We haven’t had to do that for hundreds of years.” His head drooped. “What if she doesn’t like what she discovers?”

“Oh, please. You two light up around each other. That girl is smitten, and so are you.”

His cheeks flushed. “It’s amazing how much more you appreciate someone after you’ve lost them. Her happiness means everything to me. I want to give her the world, the magical and beautiful one she can no longer see, but I worry that’s no longer possible.”

“Give it time. If there’s one thing Mary proved over and over, it’s that anything is possible.”

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About Karen Amanda Hooper

Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.

Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn't until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.

Karen Amanda's Links

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Review ~ Blind Attraction ~ Eden Summers**

Title: Blind Attraction
Series: Reckless Beat #1
Author: Eden Summers
Genre: Contemporary Romance

**I received an ecopy of Blind Attraction from the author in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:
He can seduce with a single glance.

Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes the opportunity to be her savior.
She’s been sheltered from the world.
Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.
Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear them apart.
He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the challenge.

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My Review

Blind Attraction, despite revolving around the life of a rock star, is such a tender story of love blossoming between two people NOT looking for love.

Mitchell Davies *sigh* can come to my rescue anytime...just saying. ;) He is the lead guitarist of Reckless Beat and after years in the limelight, getting any woman he wants, he's rather jaded about relationships and love. Then one night during a concert, he spots a beautiful, innocent and very non-groupie looking woman. And he senses something different.

Alana Shelton has led a extremely sheltered life. A life without any family, outside her mother...no father, no men at all. And she has been raised to believe that men cannot be trusted. On a rare trip away from home, at a concert way outside her comfort zone, she's drawn to an amazing pair of eyes. Eyes that seem to bore a hole through her soul. Eyes that make her wonder if maybe what she's always believed about men might be wrong.

Alana's trip to Richmond to visit a lifelong friend brings about several life altering events. Both of which leave her feeling vulnerable and it's not a feeling she's familiar or comfortable with. Especially the feeling of dependency on the kindness of Mitchell.

I love this story of the power of love - and all its redemptive qualities. I appreciated that fact that while there was an instant attraction between Mitchell and Alana, it isn't insta-love. Their relationship is allowed to progress naturally. I loved that Alana, although she was sheltered, is very independent, intelligent and wants very much to make her own mark on the world. I adored Mitchell, in all his self-doubt, being a gentlemanly hero...caring for Alana, protecting her, and wanting to do what is best for her. Even if it broke his heart. I enjoyed the coming together of these two souls who were bound together despite fighting it. 

I also loved the cast of supporting characters, whom I know will be featured in future books in the series. Meeting all the members of the band was fantastic. I'm anxious to know more about Mason, Ryan, Sean...I even hope Alana's bestie Kate gets a book. But no one touched me like BLAKE! I'm very much looking forward to his story. He's a hunk of hot, tattooed goodness! ; ) He's kinda like the yang to Mitchell's yin.

Overall, Blind Attraction was a fabulous read. The story flowed well, and I think the progression of events was realistic. There are lots of steamy scenes but they're balanced with the sweet and humorous ones. My only complaint is that there wasn't much resolution for Alana's family situation. However, as this is the first in the series, I'm sure I'll get more Alana and Mitchell. And Blake!

**Feature & Follow #22**

Welcome to the Blog Hop! 

Feature & Follow is a weekly blog hop hosted by the talented ladies behind AlisonCanRead and Parajunkee's View. The intent of 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:
Mad Hatter Reads
The Fiction Conniption

This week's question is:
Which blogger would you like to meet in real life?

My answer: There's no way for me to pick just one! But here's a list of some of those I'd love to meet!

Traci from Mad Hatter Reads
Lexxie from Unconventional Book Views
Jaclyn from JC's Book Haven
Robyn from robgirlbooks
Andrea from The Bookish Babe
Rachel from Fiktshun
Scandal from Scandalicious Book Reviews

I know there are many, many more! 

How about y'all? Which blogger would you like to meet in real life?

**Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ Fierce ~ Ginger Voight**

Dream big. Live large. BE FIERCE!

I'm so thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Ginger Voight's Fierce! My stop includes all you need to know about this fabulous book, my review, a tour wide giveaway AND a giveaway for one ebook copy of Fierce. 

To enter the tour wide giveaway, obey the rafflecopter. :) 

To enter my tour stop giveaway, leave a comment about something you dreamed of doing when you were a kid. Please include your email address in your comment. This giveaway ends June 6th and the winner will be chosen randomly.

This tour is presented by Brandee's Book Endings. To follow all the stops on the tour, click here.

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Fierce 

Book #1 in a Spinoff of The Groupie Trilogy – can be read as a standalone) 

Author: Ginger Voight

Expected Release date: June 4, 2013

In the first book in a spin-off series to her best-selling and highly rated 'GROUPIE' trilogy, author Ginger Voight introduces us to a new character named Jordi Hemphill.

All her life, Jordi Hemphill was told that she needed to change to fit in and be accepted. She talked too much, laughed too loud, and most definitely, indisputably and inexcusably weighed too much. In fact, she wore her size-20+ clothes without so much as an apology. She didn’t care to fit in. She didn’t want to be beautiful. Instead, she wanted to wear her hair in funky colors, she itched for tattoos and piercings, and dreamed of a life much bigger than working at the local Burger Palace for minimum wage. She had been born with the voice of a superstar, and something inside her told her it was OK to dream big, even if she had to do it in secret.

On her eighteenth birthday, she takes every last cent she has and buys a one-way ticket for Los Angeles. She is sure her talent will get her noticed by those more open-minded to see it. Then and only then will she show all the naysayers in her hometown that she was a somebody no matter what they say.

Unfortunately Los Angeles wasn't any more welcoming. Jordi didn't fit into their pop machine no matter how well she sang. Other pop princesses had the "full package," whereas Jordi still needed to change if she wanted her dreams to come true. It took a plus-size TV producer to take a chance on her, casting her for a reality talent show called "Fierce," which put attitude and talent far above the traditional pop star image.

Thanks to Giovanni Carnevale, the lead singer of "Dreaming in Blue" and “Fierce’s” rock star judge, Jordi gets a chance to fight for her place on a national stage.

But will America embrace this alternative diva? Or will they too expect her to conform in order to be accepted... to be loved? Despite the acceptance of new friends and supporters, old ghosts continue to haunt Jordi on her new journey. It will take handsome fellow contestant, Jace Riga, to finally help expose and exorcise the demons that drive her self-destruction.

"Fierce" continues the story introduced in the Ginger Voight novel, "Mogul," where Jordi joins a hodgepodge of other contestants to battle for the championship that dares every single hopeful to live large, to be FIERCE.

Ginger Voight, the author of the best-selling "Groupie" series, brings fame once again to the forefront with her new adult series, beginning with the novel, "Fierce." The characters you grew to love in the "Groupie" trilogy and "Love Plus One" are back to help the incomparable Jordi Hemphill carve a place for her as a pop princess despite the odds in this coming-of-age Rubenesque romance.

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My Review

Fierce is a reality talent show similar to American Idol. However, instead of trying to pick someone who fits a cookie cutter image of a popstar, Fierce champions those talents whom society would more than likely overlook. I really like this element of the book.

Jordi Hemphill is an 18 year old high school dropout who happens to have a voice that can move people to tears...in a good way. But Jordi doesn't fit the typical mold for a recording industry star. She weighs in at over 250 pounds and until Fierce,  her talents have been overlooked due to her size.

"This business is full of people who will beat you up for not being this enough or that enough. The only way they succeed is if you agree. Don't agree."  -Vanni Carnevale

Jordi has spent her life dreaming big...dreaming of that perfect singing career and the perfect guy. Landing a spot on Fierce has not only brought her dream of singing closer to fruition, but has brought her the attention of Eddie, that perfect boy she's spent so long fantasizing about. But Jordi finds his attention isn't quite the fantasy she envisioned.

Jace Riga is a young war veteran who lost his leg. He only discovered his voice during recovery and physical therapy following his injury. He's handsome and a hero. He becomes one of Jordi's most avid supporters. 

Both Jordi and Jace, as well as the other contestants we're introduced to, are in this competition to prove something...to their families, their friends, themselves. I delighted in watching Jordi and Jace learn about themselves, face their fears, become more confident...more fierce! Anyone who has ever felt held back because they didn't fit a certain image will have an immediate connection with Jordi...and will become a big fan!

"I was a thousand other things aside from my dress size. The only reason others could define me based on that very limited criteria was because I let them. The reason I never fit into the small box other people created for me was because I was never meant to. I was meant to stand out. I was born to be different. And it was okay." -- Jordi Hemphill

There are so many powerful moments in Fierce. And many profound and enlightening epiphanies as the characters make their way on this journey. I wasn't sure I could love Fierce as much as the Groupie books, but I needn't have worried. Ginger knows how to create substantive characters and engaging stories. And Fierce is her next star studded hit!

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Ginger

Ginger Voight is prolific author, freelance writer and optioned screenwriter. Her fiction is diverse, with novels like the edgy, coming-of-age drama DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, and the fun family adventure for kids of all ages, COMIC SQUAD.

Having grown up reading different authors like Danielle Steel and Stephen King, Ginger has always been drawn more to story than to genre. This shows up in her various stories. Titles such as MY IMMORTAL and TASTE OF BLOOD are a delicious, heady mix of horror, suspense, and romance.

Genre romance, however, has held a special place in her heart, ever since she read her first Harlequin novel when she was only eleven. As a result, Ginger is making a name for herself writing romances of her own, starring women who look more like the average American woman rather than those traditionally represented in the size-biased American media. Her Rubenesque romances were created especially for those heroines with fuller figures, who can still get the man of their dreams if only they believe they can. Such titles include UNDER TEXAS SKIES, LOVE PLUS ONE, GROUPIE and PICTURE POSTCARDS.

Ginger was included in the best-selling book by Smith Magazine NOT QUITE WHAT I WAS PLANNING, featuring her six-word memoir.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Fierce Facebook Page | Amazon | Twitter

**Release Day Spotlight ~ Blind Attraction ~ Eden Summers**

Happy Release Day, Eden Summers! 

Eden's novel, Blind Attraction, is officially on sale today! This is the first in her Reckless Beat series. And if you like rock star romances, this is not one to be missed! I haven't finished it quite yet (I'll have a review posted in the next week) but I'm telling y'all, this one sucked me in and didn't let go!

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He can seduce with a single glance.

Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes the opportunity to be her savior.

She’s been sheltered from the world.

Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.

Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear them apart.

He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the challenge.

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Teasers

To celebrate Blind Attraction's release, I have a few teasers for y'all. See if you can resist...

You can get Blind Attraction here:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

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About Eden

Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.

In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.
Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

Eden's Links:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

**Review ~ Eternal Service ~ Regina Morris**

Title: Eternal Service
Series: The Colony Series #1
Author: Regina Morris
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Suspense

**I received an ecopy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis:
Vampires exist among us. They can be our neighbor, best friend, our child's teacher ...

They alter their aged appearance based upon the amount of blood they consume. They move to a new area, drink a lot of blood, and appear young. Slowly they limit their intake of blood and age, right in front of our unsuspecting eyes. After decades, they fake their death, move, and do it over and over again.

Most live quiet lives in an effort to blend in.

Some however want power and control.

The Colony is an elite group of vampires sworn to protect the President of the United States from these rogue vampires.

When Raymond Metcalf, vampire coven master of the Colony, teams up with a federal operative of the human female persuasion-who has no idea that vampires even exist-will his mission or his heart be compromised first?

Career military woman, Alex Brennan, is being offered the promotion of a lifetime and with it a romance that she has desperately been seeking. Does she dare accept the position as Director of the Colony, an elite group of deadly creatures of the night and risk a dangerous romance with a man who isn't even human?

Together, can they save the President?

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My Review

Y'all know I love me some vampires. Hot, sexy, and very gentlemanly ones? All the better! I also believe I have said that I love it when an author takes vampire lore and makes it their own...puts a new spin on them. I am completely enamored with the premise of this series! A covert arm of the Secret Service comprised of vampires?!? Tasked with protecting the President from threats both mortal and immortal alike? Sign.Me.Up.

Eternal Service is the first in a new series. The premise alone intrigued me and the book did not disappoint. Eternal Service had the dubious job of doing all the world building for the series and Ms. Morris did an exceptional job. I can't say enough about how she took vampire lore and put her mark on it. The way vampires feed alters their appearance so they can blend into society. And an elite group is used to protect the President...Genius! 

I was also captivated by the action and romance. The romance between the central characters, Alex and Raymond, had a slow build up which reflects the time in which Raymond grew up. The action was also slow in developing but very suspenseful. That Alex is Raymond's new director poses a minor problem since they are attracted to one another. And they both must work quickly, along with their team, to stop the latest threat to the President.

I adore all the characters that inhabit this new world. Alex and Raymond were obviously the focal couple for this book and I love them both. Alex, with her strength and intelligence, and Raymond, with his power and Southern charm, are an excellent match.

As for the other characters, Sulie, who is Raymond's sister, Sterling, Raymond's son, Ben, Dixon, even William and Jackie, are all superbly drawn. I want to know what the future will bring for them entire team...but Sulie and Sterling in particular. *hint-hint*

Eternal Service is a splendid introduction to this new series. With a refreshing twist on vampires, well drawn characters and the right balance between romance and suspense, it is a very satisfying read. And I am anxious for the next installment...which I am happy to announce releases in September and is about Sterling! :)

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About Regina

Regina Morris is the author of the paranormal romances that make up the Colony series. Her books are light-hearted romances about Vampires that are humorous in nature - not dark, horrific or gory.

She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two children. She is active in critique meet-ups and local writing groups.

She has lived in many different parts of the world. She graduated from high school in Germany and received her degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She loved the town, married her college sweetheart, and stayed in Austin to have a career and family. After years of working in the software industry she discovered that writing was in her blood and had to take pen to paper!

Website | GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter

**Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ Unbreak Me ~ Lexi Ryan**

Happy Release Day, Lexi Ryan!! 

Yep, Unbreak Me is now available and I, for one, can't wait to read it! I have been looking forward to this one since the cover reveal. I have all the deets for y'all and an awesome teaser of an excerpt! :)

I'm also able to offer ONE ebook copy of Unbreak Me to a lucky commenter. This giveaway is open internationally and ends on June 7th. The winner will be chosen randomly. Good luck!

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Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan

Publication date:  May 27th, 2013

Genre: New Adult Romance

Synopsis:
“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”

I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…

“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”

But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17841451-unbreak-me

Purchase  

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

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Excerpt

Asher looks damn fine standing there, his dark shades blocking his eyes from the setting sun, a tiny silver hoop glinting in each ear. He is all hard muscle and tan in his fitted black t-shirt and faded jeans. I always said there’s no man as hot as my car. Now I’m not so sure. 

My first thought is that we could be naked and in my bed in twenty minutes. My second is of the story Lizzy just told me, a story that makes Asher the worst kind of bad boy—capital B, capital N, Bad News.

I pull my keys from my purse. “What are you doing here?”

His too-goddamn-perfect mouth quirks into that cocky half grin. “I wanted to see you.”

“Aw! That’s what all my stalkers say.”

He chuckles. “You owe me a date.”

“How’d you even know to find me here?”

“How’d you get the cash for such a sweet ride?” 

I drive a deep blue Mustang GT, a gift from my granny. She’s terrible with money and we love her for it. 

“Marry an old man for his money?” he asks.

“Sure. But I was screwing his brains out when he died, so he didn’t mind much.”

His smile never wavers. “I want to take you out.”

“We discussed this already,” I say, my traitorous gaze dipping back to the bulge of his biceps. Lord have mercy. “I don’t do dates.”

“So we’ll call it something else,” he says. “Try not to get hung up on semantics.” 

“And what if I say no?”

Asher’s smirk should piss me off. This is a man who gets what he wants, and it’s written all over his face. 

I sigh. “Fine, but only if you have a signed note from your wife that says it’s okay if you play with others.”

“It’s one night. What? Are you afraid you can’t resist me?”

Damn. That’s a challenge. “Dinner,” I say, punching my key fob to unlock my doors. “But none of this macho, He-Man, I-drive-the-lady crap. I have free will and I like to keep my vehicle at my disposal. You might be hot, and I might be joining you for a meal, but you don’t own me.”

“Are you done?”

I try to stop the smile that’s coming, but I can’t resist. I don’t meet many men willing to call me on my bullshit. “Yeah.”

“Do you like Cajun food, loud atmosphere, a good beer list?”

I look him up and down again—a visual journey that is worth it every time. “Goddamn, Asher. You keep going and I might just think you had my number. Cajun Jack’s?”

“I’ll see you there.” He heads toward his Jeep. When he turns back to slide his eyes over my body, I have to tell myself that the heat rushing through me is only a product of the scorching May afternoon sun.

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Lexi's Unbreak Me Playlist

Ani DiFranco—32 Flavors
Nine Inch Nails—Perfect Drug
P!nk—Slut Like You
Cold Play—Fix You
The Fray—How to Save a Life
P!nk, featuring Nate Ruess—Just Give Me a Reason
Muse—Madness 
Nine Inch Nails—Hurt 
Ani DiFranco—Gratitude 
Labrinth featuring Emeli Sandé—Beneath Your Beautiful
Rihanna featuring Mikki Ekko—Stay 
Ani DiFranco—Amazing Grace
Josh Radin—When You Find Me

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AUTHOR BIO

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and currently holds the title of assistant professor of English at her local community college. Lexi is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

Author Links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

**Book Blitz & Giveaway ~ Inspire ~ Heather Buchine**

Hey! I'm so happy to be sharing Inspire, by Heather Buchine, with y'all. I have all the pertinent details below AND I'm able to offer ONE ecopy of Inspire to a lucky commenter. This giveaway is open internationally and ends May 31st. The winner will be chosen randomly.

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Inspire  by Heather Buchine

Publication date: March 31st 2013

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:
18-year old Paige Rice, an exquisite beauty from East Hampton, NY, has just celebrated her high school graduation and is expecting to spend her summer living it up with all her socialite friends. But her parents have a different idea – she is being hauled away-literally- to the mountains of Vermont for the entire summer- in an RV!

Assuming she will be an outcast amongst the other teens at the campground still does not prepare her for the treatment she receives, which is far worse than she imagined. She also isn’t prepared for Travis, the campground owner’s son and the “Sexiest” guy she has ever laid eyes on. Travis is the only one who shows any interest in getting to know Paige. The only problem is that they have to explore what lies between them in secret. But once all the secrets are stripped away, the truth may be crushing.

***Intended for mature audiences due to language and sexual content***

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17725218-inspire?ac=1

Purchase Inspire here:

Amazon

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Interview with Heather 

1. Where did the idea for Inspire come from?

I was actually camping with my family when the idea for the story came to me.  We had just hiked through the woods down to a lake, and I was staring out at the boats when it hit me.  I spent the rest of the afternoon “daydreaming” away.

2. How did you come up with the name of the title?

My protagonist, Paige, has a tattoo that inspired the title “Inspire.” It’s also a key part of her character.

3.  What was the hardest part of writing Inspire? The easiest?

The hardest part of writing the book was writing the ending.  It took a couple of drafts before I was happy with the way I was leaving off.  (I’m trying not to give too much away, so I’ll leave it at that.) The easiest part was writing the dialogue between Paige and Travis, and the “LOVE” scenes. They were fun to write!!

4. Are you working on any other projects?

Yes. At least two of the other characters from this book are getting their own stories, and then there are a couple other projects in the works.  

5. Do you have a specific writing process?

I really consider myself a mix between a panster and a plotter. The first part of my process is visualizing the characters and the main scenes of the book.  My mind starts playing them out like a movie, and so I write it down exactly how I see it.  Then, I go back and fill in the story around those scenes until I have a book that I would like to jump into.  Although I outline my book ahead of time, things always change along the way as I get to know my characters better.  

6.  Do you have a certain time of day where you feel most creative?

Honestly, not really.  I usually always have a notebook nearby so that I can scribble down things as they come to me.  I could be in the shower, in the car, running through the check-out line, or making dinner and something may hit me.  

7. Do you have any favorite authors?

Yes, I have LOTS of favorite authors, but the two that stick out the most are: S.C. Stephens and Abbi Glines.  Their stories come to life for me, and I have a thing for their leading men!

8. What tips or advice do you have for other aspiring writers?

My first tip would be to write what you love! Second, edit, edit and edit some more. And third, if you’re a self-published author, let someone else do your formatting.  (Your time saved is so worth the money!)

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AUTHOR BIO

By no surprise my favorite hobbies are reading and writing. But beyond escaping into the written fantasy world, I love experiencing new things. Surfing, motorcycle riding, snow blading, glass blowing, parasailing, SUP boarding are just a few that I have checked off my bucket list, but there is still so much more to explore. Right now, being a mom is my biggest adventure and the best by far!! In the quiet calm hours of the night though, I can usually be found typing away creating a world of romance where drama still exists but love (hopefully!!) always prevails.

Author Links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook

**Feature & Follow #21**

Welcome to the Blog Hop! 

Feature & Follow is a weekly blog hop hosted by the talented ladies behind AlisonCanRead and Parajunkee's View. The intent of 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:
Book Junkie Joint
Bookingly Yours

This week's question is:
The #FF is 150 weeks old! And we want to hear from you. What would you change about the hop? What do you like about it? Or just suggest a question to be used for next week.

Hmm, I've really enjoyed the #FF. It's allowed me to meet lots of bloggers and make lots of book loving friends. I think the only thing I'd change is maybe getting the question earlier so that I have more time to try to come up with wittier answers! ;) Yes, it takes time for me to be witty! LOL

What do y'all think??

**Review ~ Lockout ~ Maya Cross

Hey y'all! I'm ecstatic to be reviewing the second book in Maya Cross' The Alpha Group series, Lockout. I reviewed the first book in the series, Locked, in April. If you missed that review, you can read it here. And I'll be (im)patiently waiting for July to get here now...read on and you'll see why. ;)

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Lockout by Maya Cross

The Alpha Group #2

Published May 19, 2013

Synopsis:

Who is Sebastian Lock?

Sophia had never felt attraction like that before. Raw. Electric. Irresistible. Swept off her feet by the dashing, enigmatic billionaire Sebastian Lock, she was taken on a journey of self discovery, taken to places she never dreamed she'd go.

But things are never as simple as they appear. Sophia's trust is a fragile thing, and Sebastian seems intent on testing it. He has his own demons to battle, and nobody has brought them to the fore like she has.

As their relationship deepens, and Sophia begins to break down his walls, all that greets her are more questions. Why is Sebastian fighting so hard to keep her at a distance? Who is the girl on his phone? And why does the strange tattoo on his chest seem so familiar?

These puzzles plague her, but as Sebastian's mysteries begin to unravel, she must face an entirely different truth. Staying in the dark may be painful, but knowing the answers could be deadly.

Buy Lockout here:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

Book 1 in the series, Locked, is available for 99 cents right now. So if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?!? ;)

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My Review

Wow! In Lockout, this series just gets better! It continues Sophia and Sebastian's story right where Locked left off. And I have to say I loved this second book even more!

In Lockout, we get a deeper look into Sebastian. And that man is deep. He's still elusive...hiding parts of himself but the things he does reveal to Sophia, well, it makes it so much easier to understand his aloofness and broodiness...and it broke my heart for him. We also get a little more back story on Sophia which helps to explain her trust issues. I continue to appreciate her intelligence and tenacity. She knows she's not privy to all the dark corners of Sebastian and she'll be the one to decide if she can live with that or not.

What I really adore about Lockout is the development of the relationship between Sophia and Sebastian. The sexual chemistry between them has always been off the charts and continues to be. But getting a front row seat as they get to really know one another better...to witness both realize their feelings are more than casual and to watch Sebastian as his walls crumble...that is the good stuff! ;)

Lockout ends with a cliffhanger...an even more suspenseful one than Locked. Luckily, we don't have to wait too long for the conclusion to Sophia and Sebastian's story as Unlocked is due out in July!

"Even through the phone I could feel him pulling at me like gravity."  -Sophia

"The way you taste, the way you smell, the feeling of your body underneath mine; I'm not ready to give that up."         -Sebastian

"He was a puzzle, and despite my best efforts, it looked like I'd get a little more time to solve him after all."  -Sophia

"You terrify me, Sophia. I've never felt so consumed by another person before."  -Sebastian

"This is the realest thing I know, Sophia."  -Sebastian

**I received an eARC of Lockout in exchange for my honest review.

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About Maya

Maya Cross is writer who enjoys making people blush. Growing up with a mother who worked in a book store, she read a lot from a very young age, and soon enough picked up a pen of her own. Her previous work spans many genres including horror, science fiction, and fantasy, and she has now started this pen name as an outlet for her spicier thoughts (they were starting to overflow). She likes her heroes strong but mysterious, her encounters sizzling, and her characters true to life.

She believes in writing familiar narratives told with a twist, so most of her stories will feel comfortable, but hopefully a little unique. Whatever genre she's writing, finding a fascinating concept is the first, and most important step.

The Alpha Group is her first foray into erotic romance, and she absolutely loved writing it.

When she's not writing, she's playing tennis, trawling her home town of Sydney for new inspiration, and drinking too much coffee.