**Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ Without You ~ Brooklyn Skye**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Brooklyn Skye's Without You. My stop includes all the pertinent details about the book, my review, and a giveaway.

**Special Announcement: A Limited Edition of Without You will be available for release week only which includes a bonus interview between Torrin and the author!

Special Deal: Both Stripped and Without You will be on sale for $0.99. If you purchase both and forward the receipt to the author at brooklynskye1@gmail.com, she will send you a handwritten letter!**

This tour is presented by YA Bound Book Tours. You can follow along the tour by clicking here.

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Without You by Brooklyn Skye

Release Date: 10/22/13

Summary from Goodreads

*A novella to the best-selling New Adult novel STRIPPED*


She was broken when I met her, shattered from the death of her sister and running from love. Not to sound like an egotistical douche or anything, but I fixed her. Put her back together, filled in the cracks, and made her whole. A true fairytale in her eyes.

But now real life is getting in the way: school, jobs, and the unexpected opportunity to travel the world under a legendary photographer. This internship will open doors not even my father’s influence could. It’s something I’ve been waiting all my life for. But so is Quinn, and accepting this internship will mean leaving her.

And breaking her all over again.

Links for Stripped

Without You is the followup to Stripped. (You can read my review of Stripped here.) It picks up where Stripped left off and the amazingly wonderful thing about it? This is Torrin's POV!

The relationship between Torrin and Quinn has progressed and they seem strong. But Torrin is wrestling with a decision - one that might have devastating repercussions for their fledgling relationship. It was very enlightening being inside Torrin's head. He is a guy and guys approach problem-solving in a completely different way than girls. Torrin seemed able to help solve others' problems - namely Quinn's - but when it came to himself, he was at a loss. I was surprised at the way he went about at first and was happy when he realized it was the wrong way. As for Quinn, she tried to slip back into old habits when dealing with something difficult, but Torrin made her confront it head-on.

I delighted in seeing Torrin and Quinn once again struggling with very realistic issues and decisions. Their strengths and vulnerabilities were brought to light again as they attempt to navigate this decision -- and figure out a way to deal with the possible ramifications. I was thrilled with the way Torrin and Quinn matured as well as with the direction their lives were headed.

Without You is the perfect 'period' at the end of this portion of Torrin and Quinn's story. One that made me believe in all those endless possibilities lying ahead for them.

**I received an eARC of the book, as part of the tour, in exchange for an honest review.

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Brooklyn Skye grew up in a small town where she quickly realized writing was an escape from small town life. Really, she’s just your average awkward girl who’s obsessed with words. You can follow her on Twitter as @brooklyn__skye or visit her web site for updates, teasers, giveaways, and more. www.brooklyn-skye.com

***Author Links***

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter

**Blitz & Giveaway ~ Tears of Tess ~ Pepper Winters**

I have read so many wonderful things about Pepper Winters' Tears of Tess. So I am thrilled to share with y'all that Tears of Tess is *ON SALE* for a limited time.

Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters

Genre: New Adult Dark Romance

Release Date: August 28, 2013

Synopsis

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect. Then it all changed. I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility. 

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic

trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror. 

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

**Book Trailer**

**Excerpt**

This was it. My new beginning. My new ending. I didn’t know what 
beheld my fate, but I sucked in a breath and stepped over the threshold. “Bon soir, esclave.” My eyes soared up to the first landing of a giant blue velvet staircase. Massive works of art hung like armament on gold gilded walls. A man in a grey chequered suit, with black shirt, silver tie, and slicked back hair watched me from the landing. His gaze unclothedme, terrified me. I stepped back, bumping against guard who didn’t let me go any further. He bent his head and whispered in my ear, his breath tickling my neck. “Say hello to your new master.”

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Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex. ;) She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. Her debut book Tears of Tess will be followed with Quintessentially Q. You didn’t think Q could stop so soon, did you? Her other two titles, Last Shadow and Broken Chance will be coming soon.

You can find Pepper here

Blog ~ Email ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter

**Release Day Blast & Giveaway ~ Running in Place ~ L.B. Simmons**

Release Day Blast

Running in Place by L.B. Simmons

Book #2 in The Mending Hearts Series

(can be read as a stand-alone)

Hosted by: Brandee's Book Endings

Be sure to read the Teaser & enter the GIVEAWAY below! Make sure to join us on the Facebook Blog Tour Event for more GIVEAWAY chances! Click Here

Book Title: Running in Place (Mending Hearts Book #2)

Author: L.B. Simmons - Facebook, Twitter, Blog

Tatum O’Connell:

Some call me a party girl. People see me as happy, full of life, with absolutely no cares in the world. They see what I want them to see. But no one knows me - really knows me. Not even Noah Reese. Mr. Perfect is always watching me, most likely judging every single imperfect thing I do. But, if Noah wants to keep an eye on me, that’s just fine. I definitely don’t mind. I just hope he doesn’t have any plans to save me from my new-found life of self-destruction because in order to
save me, he will have to see me…And I’m never going to let that happen.

Noah Reese:

Perfect.
That’s me. That’s the only acceptable way to be, according to my father. Perfect grades. Perfect
manners. Perfect athlete. Perfect SAT scores. Perfect college. And recently, I was accepted into the perfect med school. My future has already been mapped out for me and there’s nothing that can change that. Not even Tatum O’Connell. That girl is out of control, yet for some reason, I can’t seem to keep my distance from her. I watch her closely, hoping that one day she’ll let me in, but watching her lead her life down the dangerous path she’s on right now isn’t easy…I have a feeling I’m about to find myself swept away by the hurricane that is Tatum O’Connell.

“Two fleeting souls,

Unknowingly tethered.

Too slowly drawn,

Impatient fate calls.

The jolting collide intertwines their lives

And splinters their walls.”

“Catalyst” – Noah Reese

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*** Teaser ***

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

Frantically, my eyes dart around the room for her. She’s here. I know it. I can smell the stench of alcohol in the air. Whipping around, I search for any trace of her, my entire body shaking and the knot in my throat unbearable. Tears fill my eyes as they anxiously race around the kitchen,
finally landing on the cabinet where she used to store her liquor. Memories flood my mind, the immobilizing terror that I would feel every time she approached it. The prayers I would send to no one in particular, just hoping that she wouldn’t open that fucking cabinet for just one night. Prayers that fell on deaf ears.

Slowly I make my way to the white doors, crouching down in front of them.“You killed him and I will make damn sure you spend the rest of your life paying for that. I’ll never again know true happiness because you fucking exist.”

Shaking my head to try to clear her voice from my mind, I set my trembling fingers on the silver knobs and yank the doors open. Nothing. A sigh of relief escapes my lips as I close them. 

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

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

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

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

And just like that, the voices are gone and my head is clear. I release a comforted breath and feel the corners of my mouth slightly lift at the sight of him.

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

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

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

“Want something to eat?”

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

“No, I’m good, Thanks, though.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks onto the balls of his feet. Thinking about our last night together, I feel the frustration mounting within myself. I should kick my own ass for kissing him. Everything seems so edgy between us now and I hate it. Running my fingers through my hair, I twist it at the nape of my neck and bring it over my shoulder.

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

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

“I picked up Sadie’s shift.”

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

I know.

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

But I don’t.

I let him continue taking those steps until he’s right in front of me and even breathe out a sigh of contentment when he wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his frame. The tears fall as he lightly traces my back with his fingers, and with each touch, my uneasiness lessens. I know it’s selfish, but I would give anything to stay in this moment forever. Circling my arms around his waist, I press my forehead against his chest and watch the droplets as they plummet from my face towards his boots, dark spots forming as they strike. After a couple of seconds, I replace my forehead with my chin, daring to look into his muddy brown eyes, full of their usual intensity as he studies me, peering into my soul. In them, I find complete solace and protection, and the sudden desire to share things with him that I swore I’d never share with another living person.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Noah. I feel like I’m going fucking crazy. Ever since Friday, I can’t stop them. The voices. My mother’s leading their charge to my insanity.” My throat closes almost completely shut. “I hate this house. I hate being here, alone. So many memories…” I trail off, my strength fading, no longer able to keep from bawling. I close my eyes as the warm moisture cascades down my cheeks and runs down my neck. Unwrapping his arms, he moves his hands to my face, wiping the tears away, but it’s useless. They’re replaced instantly.

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

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

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

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

_______________________________________________________

Running on Empty (Book #1) 

I had the perfect life.

Beautiful and loving husband.Three gorgeous little girls.

Successful career.

The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence.

Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse.

But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.

There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down.Absolutely no way.

The question is…

How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?

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Recovery - a Novella (Book #1.5)

I have the perfect life.

I’ve finally found my happy ending.

I fought through the loss of one husband, lucky enough to be given a second chance at a lifetime of happiness. Settling into our new lives, however, may not be as easy as it seems.

What really happens after the fairytale ending? What happens after the prince rescues the princess? After he sweeps her off her feet and carries her off into the sunset? Do they truly live happily ever after?

Well…

This is our story.

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Author Bio:

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

Connect with L.B.:

Website: http://www.lbsimmons.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lbsimmonsauthor</ a>

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbsimmons33

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6580347.L_B_Simmons

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**Spotlight ~ Remembering Joy ~ Jenni Moen**

Hey y'all! In advance of releasing its sequel, Finding Joy, Jenni Moen's Remembering Joy has been spruced up! AND it's on sale for only 99 cents. That's an amazing deal for a 5-Star rated read!! Also, it comes highly recommended...*ahem, Andrea @TheBookishBabe said that she "loved, loved, loved" Remembering Joy! I, of course, one-clicked it immediately. I haven't read it YET, but it's high on my priority list. :) Anyway, check out the new cover.

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Remembering Joy by Jenni Moen

The Joy Series #1

Release Date: June 5, 2013

Genre: NA/Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis
Alexis doesn’t believe in fairytales. She knows first hand that life can turn on a dime – that one stupid mistake can shatter dreams and irrevocably shape the future. Even though her memory of that day is hazy, she has spent the last ten years trying to put it behind her and focus on the future.

Armed with the knowledge that her career will be her only legacy, Alexis works night and day to prove that she is more than just her last name. It’s not only that she doesn’t have time for love – she doesn’t have the heart for it. After all, there’s no point in starting something that you can’t finish. 

However, when she meets Adam, she’s drawn to him in a way even she can’t deny. The film student is dark and brooding and strangely charming. He’s the perfect distraction from the mundane life she’s created for herself. And, as if fate is pushing them together, he seems to be around every corner. It’s enough to almost make her entirely forget about her past and take a chance. 

Unfortunately, Adam’s memory isn’t hazy . . . not in the least. And, what she doesn’t remember, he can’t forget. 

*Mature New Adult/Adult novel – contains adult situations and sexuality and is suited for ages 18 and up*

Jenni Moen lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three crazy, exuberant kids that have the potential to burn the house down at any moment. 

When she’s not chauffeuring kids around town, performing her mom duties as a short order cook and maid, or vacuuming for her fastidious husband, she hammers away at her keyboard at her big girl job as a patent attorney. While vodka and exercise have provided some relief from the daily grind, it is reading … and now writing … that are her true escapes.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

**Blog Tour Review ~ The Demon Mistress ~ Jordan K. Rose**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for 

Jordan K. Rose's The Demon Mistress. 

This is the first book in Ms. Rose's Eva Prim series.

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The Demon Mistress by Jordan K. Rose

Release Date: October, 2013

Genre: Paranormal Romance

What’s a girl to do when she discovers her husband, who happens to be the Master Vampire for the New England Region, has been lying to her for, oh, say a hundred and eighty years? 

Well, it all depends. If she’s accidentally released forty demons from some creepy old book, unintentionally announced the existence of vampires on The Internet, kidnapped a werewolf, enraged a lovesick vampire by stealing his approved mate, and attracted the attention of The High Commander for The Vampire Federation, not to mention gotten stoned and mastered the forbidden art of demon calling, she might be willing to call it even.

Or, she might plead her case at an Inquisition and hope like all hell, she isn’t staked before sunrise. Eh, a slightly busier night than usual, but nothing Eva Prim can’t handle.

The Demon Mistress is a well-written, evenly pace, fun read! 

"Sometimes I'm well-meaning and misguided too." Chryssie, Loc 3817, eARC

Chryssie can't catch a break. She'd do, and has done, anything and everything in order to win a friend. But something always goes wrong. Luckily, she's married to the Master Vampire of the New England region, who does what he can to ensure her happiness. Such as buying her a new laptop which she then uses to create a blog and her alter-ego, Eva Prim. Chryssie find it's easier to make friends online and she's feeling helpful and useful for the first time in quite awhile. But inevitably something goes wrong.

I enjoyed the first person, present-tense delivery of Chryssie's story. And Chryssie as a character was reminiscent of characters such as Chrissy from Three's Company, or Rebecca on Cheers, or even Lucy from I Love Lucy. I did enjoy Chryssie's growth as a character in The Demon Mistress. I felt she learned a few things - like that maybe she did have a few friends. My only real complaint about the book is that the humor seemed too deliberate at times.

This is the first book in the series and over the course of the story, where we are introduced to Chryssie's world. Her husband, Stefan, is the vampire leader in the Northeast. Stefan is somewhat one-dimensional through most of the book but we start learning more about him towards the end. And I look forward to learning more about this man, who puts up with Chryssie's well-meaning misguide-ness, as the series progresses. We are also introduced to a colorful ensemble including other vampires, werewolves, and demons. We also learn a few details about the creatures inhabiting Chryssie's world - such as the length of nose hair and putrid-smelling breath of a shifted vampire.

The Demon Mistress was a fun read - full of campy humor. The hijinks Chryssie gets into - all in a well-meaning attempt at making and keeping friends - was entertaining. I appreciated the development of the side characters too, as I'm sure we'll be seeing more of them. :) This isn't high-brow literature but if you're looking for a light read with camp enough for lots of giggles, you'll enjoy meeting Chryssie and company.

**I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Jordan loves vampires. But if you know anything about Jordan, you already knew that detail. What you didn’t know was it wasn’t long ago that she began writing about them. 

A few years back Jordan received a copy of Twilight from her husband as part of her anniversary gift. By the end of that week she’d read the entire series and moved onto Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. Eight weeks and eighteen vampire books later the idea for her first book, Perpetual Light came to her followed very quickly by Eva Prim.

In October of 2013, The Demon Mistress, the first Eva Prim Novel is available along with four short stories. For continual updates on Eva please join the Snack Of The Week Club at www.evaprim.com. 

Coming November 2013 Black Magic Rose, Book One of The Alliance Series. Join Jordan’s newsletter for updates.  

Jordan is a member of the national Romance Writers of America organization and several chapters. 

When she’s not writing about one vampire or another Jordan enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken and their lovable Labrador, Dino on the beautiful beaches of New England.  

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

**Cover Reveal ~ Entrusted ~ Connie Ann Michael**

I'm excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Connie Ann Michael's Entrusted. What do y'all think? I really like the colors and I think it reflects the mystery of the synopsis.

This reveal was organized by Entranced Publishing.

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Entrusted by Connie Ann Michael

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

Release Date: 18 November, 2013

Synopsis
Thrust into a world of Native American legends about Skinwalkers and Ancient Ones, Emma Hunter finds herself in the middle of a battle for a heart holding great powers – A heart hidden within her. 

Seventeen-year-old Emma wants what every teenage girl wants: a life that revolves around school, her friends, and a boyfriend who only has eyes for her. Little does she know that in order to get one, she must sacrifice the other two. After a series of events put into motion by Luke, the boy she thought loved her, Emma is kicked out of her group home and her school. Her best friend mysteriously vanishes and now she’s forced to move to a secluded coastal town, where she hopes to escape Luke’s obsessive control. Instead, she finds her dreams invaded not only by Luke, but Solomon, a mysterious Native American warrior sent to protect her.

But when Solomon shows up in her reality to explain he’s her protector, she soon learns that he’s so much more. As Emma struggles to understand what’s happening to her, she must also deal with her undeniable attraction to Solomon. Their connection is stronger than anything Emma has ever experienced before and now she must decide: can she trust him with her heart? And just how far will she go to protect it?

Connie Ann Michael was raised a city girl, but was converted to a country girl after college and now resides in a speck of a town in Central Washington State. She is married to her former boss as she worked at the local Pizza place and has two college age boys that provide endless material for her books. She loves the outdoors and can be found mountain biking, kayaking, or camping with her family. Being a busy family, she can be found working on her newest novel while on long road trips.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Google+ ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads