Release Blitz ~ Getting Lucky Number Seven ~ Cindi Madsen

Cindi Madsen's Getting Lucky Number Seven is now available! If you missed my review, you can read it here. I have an excerpt for y'all today, along with a giveaway!

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Getting Lucky Number Seven

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 27, 2015

Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Bookworms

Goodreads

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Synopsis

What's your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student it out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7...

**TRAILER**

Einstein came up to me and rubbed his furry head on my jeans. I’d only met the cat a few times, but I swore he sensed I was allergic and decided that meant he should rub hair all over me. With his long wiry gray and white fur, he was kind of cute—or maybe I’d just been looking at cat pictures too long. Great, now I was developing a fondness for felines. 

This is what I get for being friends with a girl. I patted the furball’s head despite myself and then moved to Lyla’s bedroom. I knocked, and when there was no answer, I pushed inside, Einstein so close I nearly tripped over him. “Lyla?” 

When her cat meowed at me like I’d personally offended it, I picked it up. He purred and rubbed against me as I scanned the room. Lyla’s closet looked like it’d exploded. Shoes were scattered across the floor, there were a pile of shirts off to the side, and several long, colorful skirts hung on her desk chair. Her laptop was open, and I noticed the list up on the screen. 

Of course she typed it up. 

1. New edgier look

2. Do a keg stand (Remember to not wear a skirt that night)

3. Make out with a beautiful stranger (Exact level of making out TBD as the kissing happens)

4. Sing karaoke 

5. Dance on a bar (Learn to sexy dance, so I don’t make a fool of myself when the bar dancing happens.)

6. Get a tattoo

7. Have mind-blowing sex 

What the— 

“Hey,” Lyla said. “I didn’t hear you come in. I was just finishing my hair and… Beck?” 

I turned around and Einstein dug his claws into my arm, apparently wanting down now. I let him go and took in Lyla standing in the doorway. She had her hair in a side ponytail, several loose strands framing her face. The simple white V-neck showed off her curves and hinted at a lace bra underneath, and she had on one of her long hippie skirts. The pink, peach, and red fabric hugged her hips a few inches below where her shirt cut off, leaving a sexy stripe of skin on display. 

And all I could think about was mind-blowing sex, mind-blowing sex, mind-blowing sex.

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USA Today Bestselling author Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters.
Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she'd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair,especially if they're sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Visit her at www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter and learn about upcoming releases.

Cindi is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, Rift, Resolution, and Demons of the Sun, and adult romances Falling for Her Fiancé, Act Like You Love Me, Resisting the Hero, 
Cinderella Screwed Me Over and Ready to Wed.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Getting Lucky Number Seven ~ Cindi Madsen

We're excited for the release of 

Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen! 

My post includes all the details on the book, a couple of teasers, my review, and a giveaway! Enjoy and good luck!

You can join the Facebook Release Day Party on April 30th, too.

***

Getting Lucky Number Seven

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 27, 2015

Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Bookworms

Goodreads

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Synopsis

What's your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student it out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7...

**TRAILER**

I'd never read Ms. Madsen before but had always wanted to since my blogging friend, Andrea (formerly The Bookish Babe) always gushed about her. So when this came up for review, I jumped on it. And I can absolutely see what all the gushing was about. What a delightful combination of sweet and serious this was! 

I love the friends-to-lovers trope, and it is well done in Getting Lucky Number Seven. Sure, Lyla was the typical 'babe in nerd's clothing', but her social awkwardness, love of cat memes and chemistry jokes were adorable and endearing. And Beck was absolutely the hot hockey player (in both senses of the word) who saw Lyla for who she is, and I couldn't help falling for him.

They started out as chemistry lab partners but quickly struck up a strong friendship. Lyla, after a 'blind date' gone wrong, decides to reinvent herself and being a nerd, she creates a to-do list in order to accomplish it. Beck, being the good friend he is, sets about helping her accomplish those goals.

Beck seems like the stereotypical jock/player. He actually is a young man with quite a bit on his plate, so to speak. He makes some mistakes where Lyla is concerned, of course, and he has some skewed ideas about love. But he really has a heart of gold.

This story is the perfect blend of humor and sweetness, and seriousness. I was giggling and sniffling in turns. Lyla and Beck are so much fun together and I enjoyed how they supported one another, as friends do, and also how that comfort they felt together led to something more.

Getting Lucky Number Seven was my first Madsen read, but it certainly won't be my last!

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USA Today Bestselling author Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters.
Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she'd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair,especially if they're sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Visit her at www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter and learn about upcoming releases.

Cindi is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, Rift, Resolution, and Demons of the Sun, and adult romances Falling for Her Fiancé, Act Like You Love Me, Resisting the Hero, 
Cinderella Screwed Me Over and Ready to Wed.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Past Heaven ~ Laura Ward

We're celebrating the release of Past Heaven by Laura Ward!

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Past Heaven by Laura Ward

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Designer: Okay Creations
Scheduled to release: January 26, 2015
Source: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis:
Not every love story has a happy ending. Some just change your life.

Liz Atwater’s happily ever after was torn from her the instant her 

husband, Jack, was murdered. She is forced to pick up the shattered pieces of her life and raise her three young sons alone.

Reynold Carter’s picture perfect Hollywood life ended the moment the paparazzi got hold of his girlfriend’s cheating scandal. As he watches his life unfold in the tabloids, he comes to a crossroads in his career and his purpose.

When Reynolds takes on the challenge of a new project, his world collides with that of Liz. Neither of them expected their professional relationship to evolve into friendship, or love.

But life is never simple.

Faced with complications from family, friends, and colleagues, Liz and Reynolds are left to decide whether two people from such different worlds can find happiness together.

Can they get past the pain, fear, and guilt and risk their hearts to love again?

Not every love story is just a happy ending. Some completely change your life.

***Trailer***

"The idea is that once you really love someone, and I mean the kind of love that fills you up from head to toe, it never leaves you. A love like that surrounds you, always. Time, distance, and even death can't end it. That love is past heaven."

Past Heaven is quite an emotional read. It's a touching story of loss and second chances at love.

The beginning of this book tore my heart to bits. I felt Liz's pain and wondered how I would handle the same situation. I don't know that I'd have her strength or grace. Bit I have 3 children as well, so I did understand getting up and putting one foot in front of the other every day - for them.

Liz is coping the best she can when Reynolds Carter shows up at her door. Reynolds is an A-list actor tired of the 'fake' of Hollywood. He wants to do something 'real' and a revelation from his parents puts him on the trail of Jack Atwater's story. Together, Liz and Reynolds set out to memorialize Jack. And they find a second chance at love along the way.

Past Heaven is told in dual POV. I really adore this format because getting Liz and Reynold's POV as they work together, fall in love, care for Liz's boys, and deal the the trappings of Hollywood made the story all the more compelling.

Ms. Ward did an incredible job at fleshing out Liz's boys, Griffin, Grayson, and Hayden. Their reactions and words felt so spot on - they made the story that much more authentic. I smiled, laughed, and cried several times. Cindy, Liz's best friend, was also a character that added to the story's authenticity. Cindy had been with Liz every step of the way through Jack's death and life afterwards. She's rather filter-less and provided comic relief.

The chemistry between Liz and Reynolds was palpable. Nothing was for them and their burgeoning relationship. But in the end, they were stronger for it. Liz had the love her life. Reynolds had thought he might have had his. They both get a second chance at a love of a lifetime. It was a bumpy but ultimately stunning journey.

A beautiful story of loss and second love found, Past Heaven was a poignant tale with great characters. And Ms. Ward even wove in social awareness to injustices towards a particular part of our population. This was my first read from Ms. Ward but it definitely won't be the last.

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LAURA WARD is the author of PAST HEAVEN and the New Adult novel, NOT YET.

She lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband.

Laura married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not picking up toy trucks, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.

Contact Laura at:

www.facebook.com/LauraWardAuthor


Twitter — @laurarosnerward


Instagram — _Laura_Ward


Email — laurawardauthor@yahoo.com

**Blog Tour Review ~ Here, Home, Hope ~ Kaira Rouda**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Kaira Rouda's Here, Home, Hope. My stop includes all the details for the book, my review, and a giveaway!

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Here, Home, Hope

by Kaira Rouda

Genre: Women's Fiction/Chick Lit

Release: May 1, 2011

Source: I received a complimentary copy, as part of the blog tour, in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 3 Bookworms

Goodreads

Synopsis

Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors' seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly's own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.

*National Indie Excellence Book Award for Chick-Lit (2011), Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Award Nominee for Mainsteam/Literary Fiction (2011), USA Best Book Awards for Fiction: Chick Lit/Women's Lit (2011)

Purchase Here, Home, Hope

Amazon ~  B&N ~ iTunes

I picked up Here, Home, Hope thinking it was a story I could identify with...one I'd really relate to. The MC, Kelly Mills, is close to my age, married with children, and at a point in her life where she's needing a change. I did connect with Kelly, to a certain degree - but not completely. As Kelly is a list-making kind of girl, I thought I'd share my feelings in a list.

• I liked the premise as of Here, Home, Hope as I think many women go through a mid-life crisis and should know it's normal and okay
• I like a story set in a small town with a large cast of characters
• I enjoyed seeing how Kelly's personality was reflected in how she discovered her passion and made the change she was seeking
• I admired that Kelly made a decision to affect change in her life and she did it
• I like that Rouda is trying to empower women through her writing - both to make changes in their lives and to know they can start their own businesses
• I adored that Kelly's husband, Patrick, always supported her

But...

• I felt the pacing was off - too fast - as everything seemed to happen so quickly
• It upset me that Kelly didn't discuss anything with Patrick until after the fact
• I didn't necessarily feel Patrick's reactions were realistic - he was never upset - and maybe he was just used to her acting in the manner but I, as a reader, wasn't
• The conflict - cancer scare, depression, anorexia, divorce, death - all resolved so quickly and easily as to make it not much of a conflict
• The quick/easy conflict resolution meant that several characters were rather one-dimensional

Overall, this was a pretty good read. It had its good points but it could have been a much richer experience. And that was disappointing to me considering the 'bones' Rouda was working with and her good intentions.

About the Author:

Kaira Rouda is an Amazon #1 bestselling, multiple award-winning author of three women's fiction novels including HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and INTHE MIRROR.

Tule Publishing Group's Southern Born imprint is publishing her new contemporaryromance series set on INDIGO ISLAND: WEEKEND WITH THE TYCOON, Book 1; LINES IN THE SAND, Book 2; and THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS, Book 3. Four more books in the series will be out in 2015.

Her nonfiction title, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, continues to inspire women internationally.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and four almost-grown kids, and is atwork on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, @KairaRouda, and on Facebookat Kaira Rouda Books. For more about Kaira and her books, please visit wwww.KairaRouda.com.

**Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ Obliterate ~ Autumn Grey**

Happy Release Day, Autumn Grey! Obliterate, the second book in the Havoc Trilogy is now available! I've got all the details about the book, an excerpt, and a giveaway below. Also, you can read my review of Obliterate here.

Obliterate (Havoc #2)

Autumn Grey
Adult Contemporary Romance

Release date: January 5, 2015

Goodreads
Amazon | BN | Kobo

Synopsis
"I knew the moment I gave in to pursuing Selene that trouble would follow me. It always does. I should have resisted."

Remington St. Germain is at a crossroads. He can either go after the one person who makes him feel as if he matters—the only person to ever calm the demons that roam his mind—or forget about her. The latter is not an option, even though there is a chance she might reject him. But, damn it all to hell, he will convince her. He has to. Otherwise, he will be right back where he was before she came into his life.

Selene Michaels' stay in Paris is only temporary. She shouldn't get too attached to Remington and his son, Adrien. But, Remington makes her feel alive and reckless, and Adrien makes her loss almost bearable. They complete her. She has a feeling there is more to Remington than a doting single father and her overprotective Prince Charming. Besides, the risk of being with them still looms closeby and she will do anything to keep them safe.

Sometimes life gives you a second chance. But what happens when danger threatens that chance?

Sultry, seductive French music played in the background while I posed in different positions on the wide, four-poster, canopy bed. Sheer white curtains were draped on the black frame with large white pillows tossed haphazardly on the bed.

We'd been shooting for the past thirty minutes when the photographer, a tall, spindly guy with a ponytail, announced we were taking a break. He glanced at me, a frustrated look on his face. I heaved a breath, tossed aside the large pillow I'd been holding against my chest, and slid off the bed. This session had been a bust. From the moment Remington dropped me at Curves, my mind was in total chaos, and kept wandering back to the flowers and the person in a trench coat. Even the Chardonnay I'd been sipping to loosen me up hadn't worked.

I fluffed my hair, before grabbing a ribbon from a table and tying my hair as I walked toward one of the women who were assisting with the shoot.

"Thank you," I said, smiling, and took a white silk robe from her hand and slipped it on.

I caught sight of Remington, standing beside Grace, talking in low tones. His eyes were focused on me as I padded barefoot toward them.

"Hey, baby," I greeted him, pressing my lips to his cheek, but he moved his face so our mouths collided. One of his hands slid around my waist and pulled me to him. One thing I enjoyed about Remington was he wasn't shy about showing his affection in public. No one seemed to mind anyway.

By the time I pulled back, my body felt alive with this man's attention and kisses. I glanced at Grace to find her smiling hugely, giving me a thumbs-up, and fanning herself.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Remington asked, his deep voice teasing the lust in me as his hand traced circles on my lower back, sending tingles down my spine.

"Um. . .yeah. Sure, I am."

He narrowed his eyes and I could imagine the wheels of his mind turning.

"This girl needs to relax. Let herself go," Grace said, waving her hand. "I have never seen you this nervous, Selene."

Remington's hand halted its soothing motions. "I just need a few minutes. I didn't think I would be this nervous, getting back into modeling."

"Please excuse us, Madame Dresner," Remington said, flashing Grace a smile.

Grace patted her flushed cheeks and I rolled my eyes at Remington's blatant use of charm. "Certainly, and please call me Grace."

"You're incorrigible, St. Germain," I said as he led me into the hallway, his arm a steel band of heat around my waist.

He grinned at me, hitting me with a smile more potent than he had given Grace. "The room," he murmured. I frowned up at him, wondering what he was talking about.

"Your dressing room."

"Oh, yes. I need to freshen up a bit. . ."

"Not what I have in mind." He squeezed my butt to make his point.

"Oh!" My face heated at the suggestion. "So what do you have in mind?" I tossed a flirtatious smile over my shoulder as I opened the door, letting us in. He kicked it shut with his foot as soon as we were inside and swung around, pushing me against the door, and pressing his body against mine. He gripped my hips, pulling me to him.

"This."

GET HAVOC NOW!

Amazon | BN | Kobo

The Series continues!

Mend (Havoc #3)

Release date: February 9th, 2015

Goodreads

Covers designed by Louisa Maggio~~ LM Creations

$15 Amazon Gift Card

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Autumn Grey is the author of the soon to be released contemporary romance, Havoc, Obliterate, Mend (Havoc series). And just like her characters, she is quirky, sometimes funny and definitely flawed. She writes sexy contemporary romances full of drama, steamy kisses and happy ever afters.

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog ~ Goodreads

**Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ The Darkest Part ~ Trisha Wolfe**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Trisha Wolfe's The Darkest Part. Below you'll find all the details for the book, my review, and because I think this book is so fabulous, I'm giving away a copy! So don't forget to enter the giveaway.

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The Darkest Part
Living Heartwood #1
by Trisha Wolfe 
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Goodreads

Synopsis
Pressing the boundaries of both the psyche and the heart, Sam and Holden embark on a dangerous journey that will test the limits of love.

Sam Wintry’s life used to be almost perfect. She was engaged to her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler Marks, planning an amazing cross-country honeymoon during her college break. But after a hit-and-run leaves her in ruin, she begins seeing Tyler’s fractured, ghostly presence, and her family believes she’s losing her mind. Not until she completes their journey, stopping along the way to scatter Tyler's remains, will Tyler be able cross over. Only...is Sam ready for him to leave her?

When the black sheep of the Marks' family, Holden Marks, returns to check on Tyler's case, Sam convinces him to give her his brother's ashes. Despite their shaky history, she needs him...plus, he owes it to Sam and his brother. What she doesn’t count on is Holden’s relentlessness to go on the trip. 

On the road, Holden realizes just how unhinged Sam has become. Dealing with her psychosis forces him to confront his dark past, making it harder to keep secrets hidden that should remain buried. Especially from Sam, the only woman he’s ever loved. And as Sam starts to unravel the truth, she begins to question if the brother she's unwillingly falling for again is in an even darker place than her.

The Living Heartwood series 

The Darkest Part (Book 1) – Amazon / Goodreads

Losing Track (Book 2) – Amazon / Goodreads

Fading Out (Book 3) – Goodreads (Coming 2015)

Bad Road (Book 4) – Goodreads (Coming 2015)

Man! What a story! I agreed to participate in this blog tour because I'd already one-clicked the first 2 books in the series on Naomi's recommendation. (Nomi's Paranormal Palace) At 15% in, I messaged her to say I now understood what all her gushing was about. And it only got better from there.

The Darkest Part - Ms. Wolfe did a fantastic job of weaving in the actual definition of 'the darkest part', the heartwood of a tree,  and the imagery it evokes into Sam and Holden's story.

"It's the darkest part," I say, and a mock laugh tumbles from my mouth. "I can relate. It's dark, stubborn, callous, dead on the inside."..."That's only one perspective. The way I see it, the heartwood is strong, beautiful, and resilient. It can fight off any outside threat that tries to invade, and in rare cases...is alive. It may be the darkest part, but a living heartwood is a force to be reckoned with."  Sam & Holden, Loc 1713

Sam is struggling with her fiance's death. She and Tyler had been inseparable for most of their lives. She can't seem to figure out how she's going to live without him. She does devise a way to herself, and Tyler, the peace they need. 

Holden, Tyler's older brother, has always been his protector. Even after Tyler's death, Holden is protecting him. They had so many secrets between them. And now he's joining Sam in her mission to let Tyler go - and he has to keep his cool and not expose any of those secrets.

Holden and Sam have history - something Sam has kept close to her chest. And their road trip together is dredging up feelings Sam thought long buried, and forcing Holden to deal with feelings that never went away. The way things unfolded, how feelings were exposed, how they were on a physical journey but also an emotional one - Ms. Wolfe really gave me the feels. Getting both sides of the story, Sam's and Holden's POVs, kept me riveted. What each of them had gone through and suffered - it was quite the emotional journey. But one they needed to travel.  I loved the honesty between them once all the walls were brought down. I could feel Holden's fear over what Sam's reaction to the Marks' brothers' secrets might be. And I could feel Sam's love and understanding towards Holden. I also understood Sam's need to keep Tyler with her and appreciated her struggle to let him go. Holden was right about her being strong and resilient, like heartwood.

The Darkest Part was incredible. Even though I'd put some of the puzzle pieces together, it didn't take anything away from the emotional impact of the story. I know Holden and Sam's story isn't over and I'm a little anxious about what life's going to throw their way. But I'm also eager to find out.

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From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself.

For more information on Trisha Wolfe and her works, please visit: www.trishawolfe.com.

To be the first to hear about new releases and sale events, sign up for Trisha Wolfe's Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1rXTKI7.

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