Five Loves

Out of Mind by Jen McLaughlin…Blog Tour top & Review

Synopsis:

Reaching for sunlight…

Finn survived the ambush and came home to me, but in his head, the battle is still raging. He’s falling apart and I’m trying my best to pick up the pieces of him, to find the us we used to be. I love him as much as I ever did, but love isn’t enough to fix this. I thought telling my father about our relationship would be the hardest thing we’d ever have to face. I was wrong.

Lost in shadows…

All I wanted was to be worthy of Carrie. One mission, just one, and I’d be able to give her the future she deserved. Then everything went wrong, leaving me tainted and broken. Carrie wants me to be who I was, but all that’s left is what they made of me. I’m no good for her. No good for anyone like this. I have to figure out how to move forward. Alone.

Sometimes love isn’t enough…

My review:

*dreamy sigh* Out Of Mind is the last book in author Jen McLaughlin’s Out Of Line Series and if I’m being honest, I am so sad to see this series end. But, in the same token, this was as perfect an ending as I could have ever imagined for Finn and Carrie!

If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, I really wouldn’t read any more of this review until you do! Seriously.

Finn is finally back home. He may be broken, but he’s home. It’s been an agonizing wait for Carrie just to be able to see that he was, in fact, ok. But is he? OK?

All of the undercurrents of unworthiness Finn had felt before he left to go overseas will resurface with a vengeance when he returns home…less than whole. Sure, the outward appearance says he’s whole but deep down he knows he’s not. His memories begin to torment him and he has no idea how to handle all of it. All of the past, all of the future, all of the “what ifs” and “should have beens”. He tries to rationalize that he can overcome anything with Carrie by his side. Soon enough though, he has doubts. Will their relationship stand the test of stress and loss?

From relief one minute to confusion and pain the next, Carrie isn’t sure which way is up anymore. Yes, she’s beyond happy to have Finn home and safe. Yes, she will do anything she can to help him recover. No, she isn’t sure she’s enough to help him fight his inner demons. And damn if that doesn’t kill her inside. Surely the love they share is enough to fight even the darkest times, right? Carrie isn’t so sure anymore…

This journey is what matters most. This journey is what will define Carrie and Finn’s relationship and truly test the love they share. This journey is what will make or break them…

If you know me and my history with this series, you know I adore Finn. So much so that I got a tattoo in his honor. There’s just something about this surfer Marine that I have loved from the very beginning. It’s that love that made this book so damn hard for me to read. Finn is a mess. He’s mentally and physically broken and I wanted nothing more than for him to be whole again. This was really rough to read. The emotions were high and intense. I think what hit home most was that real veterans go through this every damn day and I hope they have their own versions of Carrie to help them through their darkest hours. Of course Carrie was amazing. She stood by Finn and never gave up. Even when she really wanted to, deep down she never truly gave up on him. Thank God for Carrie. He may have pushed her away, but Finn knew deep down that he needed her….eventually. I can’t give away too much of the story because there are a few spoilers but know this: you will need a whole lot of tissues and you will LOVE the way the book ends. Trust me!

Again I say that I’m sad to see this series end but I know Jen will have some fabulous works for us in the future and I can’t wait to read them!

Thank you, Jen, for Finn and Carrie and the entire Out of Line Series.

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:

Jen is giving away a FINN necklace and a signed set of the OUT OF LINE series. US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy Links

Amazon – http://amzn.to/1lqa3cw
B&N – http://bit.ly/1mSkmpP

About the author:

Jen McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, came out September 2013. She also writes bestselling Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts.Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website ~ Facebook Fan Page ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

His to Keep by Katee Robert…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

He’s always wanted her. Now’s his chance to claim what’s his.

School teacher Marceline Bellini gave up everything—men, sex, anything resembling a social life—to raise her young daughter. To be the perfect parent. But when she attends an engagement party in her standard stick-in-the-mud mode, her friends begin plying Marcy with shots. Just enough to convince her that a little fun doesn’t sound like a bad idea… and having some naughty fun is an even better one.

Like finding herself deliciously pressed against a dark alley wall by the very familiar and very hot body of her best friend’s older brother.

After years of waiting in painful silence, police officer Aaron Robinson finally has Marcy’s attention. And man, does he have it. But nothing could have prepared either of them for the rush of fiery lust between them. So he’ll just have to convince Marcy he’s for real. And that a rainy, lust-fuelled romp is the first step to a lifetime of completely imperfect happiness…

My review:

His to Keep is story number 1.5 in author Katee Robert’s Out of Uniform Series and oh…my….yum. I couldn’t put this book down. The heat and chemistry were apparent form the very first chapter and only got better and better from there.

Marcy Bellini would much rather be at home, on her couch, with her daughter watching a princess movie than hanging in this bar. She wasn’t exactly the going out type anymore and that suited her just fine. What didn’t suit her just fine is when she finally starts to loosen up, and possibly dance with a handsome guy, Aaron Robinson stepping in and chasing her dance partner away. Sure, she and Aaron had known each other since they were practically kids, and sure she had an undying school girl crush on him, but he never thought of her “that way” and didn’t have any right to tell her that dance dude wasn’t right for her. So to say she was shocked when he suggested HE was the one for her, would be understatement of the year. Not wanting to second guess what he said, she decides to act on her slightly buzzed impulses and make Aaron put his money where his mouth was and show her why he was right for her. Marcy soon realizes she’s in way over her head with Aaron….

Aaron Robinson had waited entirely too long for a chance with Marcy Bellini. He has wanted her for as long as he could remember but it was never the right time to act on it. Now, while she flirts with some dude at this bar, he has never been surer that THIS is the right time. It was time to act on it. He had no way to know Marcy would be beyond what he could have dreamed of that night…or that she would kick him to the curb the next day. But Aaron was a persistent man and always gets what he wants in the end. And he wanted Marcy. For the long haul.

With so many years of friendship between them, Marcy and Aaron have the luxury of skipping all the new dating small talk and formalities and can get right to the good stuff…and oh my, is it good!

This book rocked. The fact that we were able to jump right into this section of Aaron and Marcy’s life was like skipping the long and boring meal and heading right for dessert. Sometimes, you just want the damn dessert. The chemistry between these two was instantly recognizable and there was just enough push and pull between them. Aaron and Marcy both went for what they wanted, when they wanted it and both were pretty honest characters. Sure, there was a bit of conflict but it was just enough to round out their story perfectly. Aaron is deliciously alpha and had waited long enough or Marcy. The predator after his prey…only his prey was just as predatory which was a bit of a surprise to him a real treat to read. Marcy is quite the feisty one when she lets herself go and it was in beautiful contrast to the mom and teacher she also is. Together they are combustible and I loved every minute of it! Oh, and the ending? Simply freaking picture-perfect!

If you’re looking for a sweet and sexy read with plenty of heat, get His to Keep on your list! Thank you, Katee, for one hell of a story.

Five Loves

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Entangled

Entangled Brazen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrazenBooks

Twitter: @BrazenBooks Steals and Deals

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter

East of Ecstasy by Laura Kaye…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

Annalise Fallston made peace with postponing her big-city dreams to care for her ill father, but lately she’s been filled with a restlessness not even her beloved painting dispels. Worse, the colors don’t speak to her as they always have, and all her efforts produce dark, foreboding images of a dangerous man and a terrifying future.

Devlin Eston, black-souled son of the evil Anemoi Eurus, is the only one who can thwart his father’s plan to overthrow the Supreme God of Wind and Storms. But first, Dev must master the unstable powers he’s been given. Distrusted and shunned by his own divine family, he never expected to find kindness and passion in the arms of a mortal.

But Devlin’s love puts Annalise in the path of a catastrophic storm, and in the final Armageddon showdown between the Anemoi and Eurus, sacrifices will be made, hearts broken, and lives changed forever…or lost.

My review:

East of Ecstasy is the fourth and final installment in author Laura Kaye’s Hearts of the Anemoi Series, which is one of my favorite paranormal series to date. I am terribly sad to see the end of this series but the happiness I feel with the way the series ended far outweighs the sadness. This book was incredible.

Before I begin my sure-to-be-long-winded review, I will say that if you haven’t read the entire series, I don’t think you should jump right into East of Ecstasy…if for no other reason than the relationships that have been built throughout the series really shine in this book and I would hate for anyone to miss out on truly feeling the emotions associated with having gone on the journey with these characters since the first book, North of Need.

Ok, here goes….

Artist and painter Annalise (Anna) Fallston was used to seeing the beauty in things. Even in the most bleak of circumstances, she could usually find something of beauty to carry her through. She had lost her mother and brother years ago and had been the sole caregiver to her ailing father for a few years now but even in all of that, she could find beauty in her memories of when her father was whole and healthy and when her family was all still alive. She could even find a bright spot in being colorblind…because when she painted, she could somehow see the colors. But finding the good was really getting tough to do lately. She was getting more and more tired and had been having these unexplained urges to paint certain scenes. Dark scenes. And when the man from those dark scenes shows up in her studio one night, she truly believes she’s finally lost her grip on reality and the stress has taken over. He’s real though, and after he informs her he isn’t going anywhere because he needs her help and after she panics a bit, she decides that maybe there really is a reason behind the frantic urges to paint the scenes. Maybe there’s more to her ability to see colors when she paints, but not any other time. Maybe she’s meant to help this darkly handsome stranger. Time to do what Anna does best ….jump in with both feet and look for the positive in this strange situation.

Devin Eston isn’t exactly in good standing with the rest of the Anemoi and he didn’t blame them. Not when his insane and manically power hungry father had done his best to make Devlin look like he was responsible for so much death and destruction. Growing up knowing only pain and torture, Devin could say he was used to the feelings of hatred and anger. Those were the only things he’d ever known. But now, with the storm raging between his evil father and the Anemoi he realizes he’s had enough. He can’t let more death and destruction happen. No more blood on his hands and no more sins to atone for. He would help destroy his father once and for all. Trouble was, it was a whole lot easier said than done. Deviln still hadn’t figured out how to leash and wield the tremendous amount of power within him and he had no one who would believe he wanted to end his father. Until he meets Anna. He had no idea that sneaking into an old barn for shelter would lead him to the one person he may be able to count on and who may be able to help him and the Anemoi. Now, if Devlin could only believe he was worthy of that help.

With things between Devlin, Eurus and the Anemoi coming to this final conflict, where lives will be lost, bonds will be forged and family will be strengthened, Devlin will finally have a chance to prove he isn’t anything like his father….and he will need Anna every step of the way.

If you follow me on twitter, you may have caught the convo I had with Laura Kaye after finishing this book. If you didn’t I will recap it simply by saying that I was an emotional wreck while reading this story….of course I loved every minute.

I have loved this series since Owen’s book and cried my ever-loving eyes out on a flight home last year reading South of Surrender. I was dying to get to this book. Well, I’m actually at a loss for how to describe how much I loved Devlin’s story. Devlin has been painted as one of the bad guys since the beginning and I pretty much hated him…until we got a teeny peek at some goodness within him in the last book. And that did it. I wanted to believe he could be saved and that he wasn’t Team Evil after all. Devlin is broken and hurt and had been tortured and abused all at the hands of his father. He was forced to live a life he wanted no part of and had major trust issues because of it. He didn’t believe himself worthy of any kindness and when he shied away from Anna in the beginning, I cried. He was the battered puppy that had grown into a fearful but powerful animal. He carried so much guilt over his father’s actions and it broke my heart. He so needed someone like Anna. She is strong and giving and willing to help Devlin get over his personal demons. She is a brilliant match for him and they make a beautifully balanced couple. There were more than a few moments shared between them that were beautiful and touching and it was a gift to read.

Beyond their growing relationship there is the fight with Eurus that has risen to a fevered pitch. Of course, that means we got to see the entire cast: Owen, Megan, Zeph, Ella, Chrys, Laney…and a few more that I can’t mention because I don’t want to ruin anything for you. The situations are intense and highly emotional but it’s one of the things I admire most about Laura’s writing. She has that gift to make the reader feel everything. Case in point: me sobbing uncontrollably during a scene with Owen and Megan. That scene is the most touching scene I have ever read….in any book….ever. And it will stay with me for years to come. (of course, I’m crying while typing just thinking of it!)

If you take one thing away from this admittedly long-winded review I hope it’s how much I loved this entire series. I recommend this for any romance fans, paranormal or otherwise. Thank you, Laura, for the Hearts of the Anemoi. You will continue to be one of my go-to authors and I can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for us next. Oh, and Team Boreas!

Buy at Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Catch up on the whole series with the Hearts of the Anemoi box set featuring the first three books: North of Need, West of Want, South of Surrender!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Giveaways:

There are TWO fabulous giveaways happening with this tour!

~ The first is a set of four signed books (each book in the Heart of Anemoi Series) and swag in a basket. (enter in the rafflecopter)

~ The second is for a tote bag and swag, open to international, and based on blog comments – Please comment on this blog post to enter to win and have include your email addresses to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Finding Serenity by Eden Butler….Blog Tour Stop & Review

Title: Finding Serenity

Series: Seeking Serenity series, Book #2

Author: Eden Butler

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 7, 2014

Tour Organized by: As the Pages Turn

Synopsis:

Mollie Malone’s mom skipped out on her. Her biker dad, always loose and easy with the law, still was able to make her feel loved, and to keep her safe. But thirteen years ago, when his luck finally ran out and he landed in prison, Mollie found herself a new family – a group of friends in the sleepy little college town of Cavanagh, Tennessee, where now they all attend the local university. These girls know about the rotten roots of her family tree but accept her anyway, and the bond between them is so strong and supportive that Mollie is finally able to see past graduation to a future that is bright and secure.

But sometimes the past doesn’t stay buried.

Suddenly, inexplicably, there’s a shadow behind every step Mollie takes. Someone is lurking in that shadow, threatening not only Mollie, but also the new family she has claimed for herself.

And it isn’t just the past that has Mollie’s life in upheaval. Hunky former Marine Vaughn Winchester – who Mollie really would like to get to know much better – thinks Mollie is just a kid; he’s made it clear she wouldn’t ever be able to understand the demons haunting him. But if that’s what he believes, then why does he keep sticking his nose in her business? And if he thinks she’s such a kid, why does he keep trying to kiss her?

Vaughn’s mind games are frustrating, especially since Mollie knows enough about secrets to be convinced that there’s something he isn’t telling her, something he’s so far been able to keep hidden. But when that secret is revealed, Mollie is forced into a situation that tests her loyalty and threatens even her closest friendships – just when the shadow of her past returns, and she’s going to need them the most.

My review:

Finding Serenity is the second book in author Eden Butler’s Seeking Serenity Series and after reading, well, more like devouring, the first in the series I was so excited to read Mollie and Vaughn’s story and I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it.

Mollie Malone didn’t have what you’d call a normal childhood. There were no white picket fences or tea parties with pretty dresses. She grew up in the hard biker lifestyle without her mother and a dad who taught her the importance of knowing how to fight and to be able to save yourself out of any situation. Other girls may have hated it, but not Mollie. She loved her life. Sure it had been hard at times but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. She loved her dad…which made him landing in prison really tough for her. Still Mollie wouldn’t trade her life for another’s. She had made three great friends that were like sisters to her. Of course it was one of these friends that led her to meet Vaughn. The king of mixed signals and former Marine who she couldn’t stop thinking about no matter how hard she tried. Just Mollie’s luck that things in her life and enemies of her father would start to surface and she would end up relying on Vaughn for help and protection. There was no way she could get him out of her head now. Not being in his company day in and day out. Man, she was so screwed…

Vaughn Winchester knows very well that he should be staying away from Mollie. He knows he shouldn’t even be entertaining the notion of having any kind of relationship with her other than to make sure she was safe. But damn if he can’t help himself. Wanting any kind of relationship only brings him back to his past and reminds him of all the reasons he doesn’t deserve a second chance at love. He would do well to remind himself of that. Easier said than done. Especially when his latest mission includes being glued to Mollie’s side 24 hours a day until the threats can be identified and eliminated. Man, he was so screwed….

Each with their own wounded pasts; Vaughn and Mollie are thrown together with tensions mounting and emotions high. Will they be able to realize they deserve a bit of happiness in this dark time? The bigger question is, will they realize they can find that happiness in each other.

Well, Eden has done it again. This book was freaking amazing from start to finish. Mollie Malone is one of the toughest and most real and honest characters I’ve read in quite some time. She’s had a pretty rough life but has always made the best of things. Sure, she doesn’t really have a sunny disposition but that’s what makes her real. She is not one to sugar coat things. She says it like it is and on more than one occasion during this book her words were so very touching to me. The world isn’t a nice place a lot of the time and no one knows it better than Mollie. She’s smart mouthed, witty, sarcastic and tough but she is also the true meaning of loyal and loves big when she decides a person is worthy of it. I adore that girl. Vaughn is her perfect match in the sense that he’s also seen and been through his own share of hellish situations and reading them broke my heart. I totally understood why he was closed off and why he wanted to deny his growing feelings for Mollie. He’s the ultimate protector and wants nothing more than to keep Mollie safe. Of course the sparks fly when Mollie doesn’t believe she needs any help keeping safe and oh my, those sparks are amazingly hot. The tension between them is palpable and the attraction is undeniable. It’s push and pull at it’s best with Mollie and Vaughn. Of course adding to all of this is the suspense of the unidentified threat to Mollie and trying to figure out who is responsible. Eden wrote that aspect of the story beautifully and we were really kept guessing through the entire book.

Add to that more than a few twists and turns along the way and Finding Serenity was the total package for me.

Oh, and getting to see the whole gang again was the icing on the cake! Declan, Autumn, Sayo and the rest of the crew are always there to support Mollie and each other.

I will be adding this book to my list of recommendations to anyone who asks me what they should read next and will be anxiously awaiting to see what Eden has in store next!

Five Loves

Amazon:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Serenity-Seeking-Eden-Butler-ebook/dp/B00JIIUGB8http://amzn.com/B00FUQ6580

Amazon UK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Serenity-Seeking-Eden-Butler-ebook/dp/B00JIIUGB8

Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-serenity-eden-butler/1119126792

Kobo:http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/finding-serenity

Smashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/426704

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20636475-finding-serenity

Giveaway:

Giveaway is international and ends at 11:59 PM CST 04/28/2014. Eden is offering up the following prizes:

(5) eBook copies of either Chasing Serenity, Behind the Pitch or Finding Serenity (Winner’s choice)

(1) Signed set of the series – Chasing Serenity, Behind the Pitch or Finding Serenity

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of New Adult Romance and SciFi and Fantasy novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum. Her debut novel, a New Adult, Contemporary (no cliffie) Romance, “Chasing Serenity” launched in October 2013 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller.

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football.

She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.

Please send help.

Author Contact Info:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/eden.butler.10

Twitter:https://twitter.com/EdenButler_

Blog:http://edenbutlerwrites.wordpress.com/

GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21011324-eden-butler

Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/edenbutlerwrite/

Tumblr:http://edenbutlerwrites.tumblr.com/

Good Girls Don’t Date Rock Stars by Codi Gary…blog Tour Stop & Review

Title: Good Girls Don’t Date Rock Stars

Author: Codi Gary

Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance

Publish Date: April 22, 2014

Publisher: Avon Impulse an Imprint of HarperCollins

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

~ Book Synopsis ~

Gemma Carlson didn’t plan on waking up married.

She also didn’t count on running into her old flame—and her son’s father-turned-country-rock star—Travis Bowers, followed by a night of drunken dares. Apparently one of those involved a ring on her finger and a vow…neither of which she intends to keep. Now with a hangover from hell, this good-girl-gone-bad knows there’s just one thing to do: run.

Travis has been all over the world, but Gemma has never been far from his thoughts. So when he had the chance to catch up over a few drinks, he didn’t hesitate. Of course he didn’t expect it would lead to marriage, or a runaway bride! Travis finally has a second chance and doesn’t plan on losing Gemma again—or the son he didn’t know he had. He proposes—albeit belatedly—a date. Or rather, a few. If they can make this marriage work by starting over, he stays. If not…

Gemma’s not interested; she’s got a son to protect and a heart to heal. But having Travis around could make both a little easier. Still, good girls don’t date rock stars…right?

My review:

Good Girls Don’t Date Rock Stars is the second book in author Codi Gary’s Rock Canyon Romance series and the first in the series I have read. I know there are a lot of rock star books out these days but I have to say, this one was different. This story held a whole lot of heart and I absolutely loved it from start to finish.

Single mom Gemma was enjoying every second of her weekend away in Las Vegas. She was here for a romance book convention of sorts and had been having an amazing time. Sure, she missed her son like crazy, but getting away in the past 9 years since he’d been born wasn’t an option to she was going to savor every second of this trip. The last thing she ever expected was running into Travis. The country rock star god who also happened to be her ex high-school boyfriend….and father of her son. The even bigger problem was that he had no idea he even had a son. She shouldn’t be worried though. She would just go along with the pleasantries, say her goodbye, and go back to living without him. He, of course, had other plans and she’d never been good at saying no to Travis. Agreeing to a night out didn’t seem like a terrible idea but when she wakes up the next morning, in Travis’ bed, wearing a wedding ring, she knew she should never should have said yes. In a blind panic, Gemma leaves Travis in Vegas and heads home. Back to her son and her normal life. Imagine her surprise when Travis shows up at her front door….to give their marriage a real shot. What. A. Mess.

Gemma had never been far from Travis’ thoughts. Even all these years later he knew he let “the one” slip away and now that he had gotten a second chance, there was no way he would let her go. Even if she did give him a “Dear John” letter and his ring back. He had been prepared for the fight to convince her that they were meant to be. He wasn’t prepared to find out he had a son. With Gemma. That she never told him about. He was also unprepared for the immense feelings of hurt and betrayal he now harbored toward her or the instant love her felt for his son. He had come to save his marriage. Now he was here to become the father his son had never known. Would he ever be able to forgive Gemma and could they ever be a real family?

The obstacles Gemma and Travis have to overcome are great and many but if there’s one thing I’ve learned about reading a great book, is that where there’s even a bit of will, there’s a way. And this book surely didn’t disappoint!

Oh, how I loved this book. I said earlier that it was different than all of the other rock star books I have read lately and I meant it. The rock star part was really secondary to the journey Gemma and Travis had gone on and the road that lay ahead. This was one hell of an emotional read and Cori did a kick ass job at getting me to feel the emotion in both points of view. I understood why Gemma didn’t tell Travis she had been pregnant. Travis had a pretty sad childhood and his talent was his ticket to a better life. She didn’t want to be the one to hold him back from that and end up resenting her one day. On the flip side, I really felt for Travis and I hurt for him and the betrayal he felt and I was angry right along with him at Gemma. It was really a push and pull of emotion and I think it’s a huge talent that a writer be able to get the reader to feel that. I was cheering these two on from the beginning and really, really wanted them to have a happy ever after. There were a lot of times I didn’t think they would and I was a worried mess! I won’t ruin it for you, but know that I wouldn’t recommend a book that ended badly and I totally DO recommend this book. (so you can take that as a hint!)

Thank you, Cori, for an amazing and emotional book. I will absolutely be keeping up with this series and can’t wait to see what you have in store for us!

Add to Goodreads:

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | HarperCollins | iBooks

Excerpt from GOOD GIRLS DON’T DATE ROCK STARS by Codi Gary

How many glasses of champagne did I have last night?

Gemma Carlson groaned, gritting her teeth against the stabbing pain that seemed to be spreading through her brain. She didn’t want to open her eyes, afraid of what she would find. Right now she was only sure of two things. One, her head hurt like a son of a bitch and two, she was very, very naked.

Prying open her right eye, she tried to focus on her surroundings, but instead of seeing intricate, golden wallpaper, she found the walls were now light colored. A couch sat in the corner of the room, though her room had had a tiny office chair and desk. The landscape on the wall was new, too.

She opened both eyes, blinking rapidly at the dryness, and realized she had no idea where she was.

Which meant she obviously wasn’t in her hotel room.

A light snore behind her caught her attention and she stiffened, turning her head slowly to look at her bedmate. She sucked in a breath at the sight of dark curls and a broad back, the only things visible above the heavy comforter.

What have I done?

Sitting up, she swallowed down the rolling nausea and fought the splitting headache, catching her face in her hands. And then she felt it. Something cool and metal on her finger. Something that definitely shouldn’t be there.

Pulling her hands back, she stared at the large three-stone diamond ring on her left index finger and froze.

Playlist

About the Author

An obsessive bookworm, Codi Gary likes to write sexy small-town contemporary romances with humor, grand gestures, and blush-worthy moments. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading her favorite authors, squealing over her must-watch shows, and playing with her children. She lives in Idaho with her family

Authors Social Media

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Entry -Form

Dash of Peril by Lori Foster…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Book links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

A no-nonsense female cop reluctantly teams up with the one man who makes her lose control in a deliciously sensual new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…

To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is 6’4″ of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own.

Beneath Margo’s tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he’ll have to prove he’s all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter.

My review:

Dash of Peril is the fourth book in author Lori Foster’s Love Undercover series. I was so excited to get to Dash’s story and oh my, this by far was to hottest book of the series to date and I loved it!

Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson is used to down playing the fact that she’s a woman. She has worked damn hard to get her position as lieutenant and being a bit hard assed came with the territory. She had more to prove as a female and her fellow officers respected that about her. But sometimes being a woman had its advantages and right now, working on the type of case she was currently, was one of those times. She was on the hunt for the people responsible for repeat crimes involving the drugging and raping of innocent women. She realizes she is getting closer when she’s almost killed…most likely by the people she’s trying to catch. Now she’s injured and pissed. Pissed at the dirt bags responsible but also because she finds herself in need of help while recovering and getting that help from Dash. She has been desperately trying to ignore her attraction toward him and his advances toward her but now with him in her house, staying with her night after night, she realizes it may be a losing battle. Surely he would go running for the hills if he ever learned what she liked in the bedroom…right? It didn’t matter though because she wouldn’t let things get that far. Or would she?

Dash Riske has had a thing for Margo for far too long and now she needs his help. Even if she won’t admit it. There was no way he would let her stay alone to recuperate. Not with her life on the line. He knew she was tough as nails and was more than capable of taking care of herself, hell, it was one of the things he loved about her, but he wasn’t going to leave her to face this debacle alone. And maybe, just maybe, this would be the opportunity he’s been needing to prove that they could be great together. This could be the chance to get her to open up to him and let her walls down and to let him in. He wanted that so damn badly he could taste it. She’s everything he wanted. Smart, tough, ballsy, and no-nonsense all wrapped up in a beautiful package with a killer body. One thing was for sure: when Dash had his eye on something, he got it. And he would get Margo. She was the ultimate prize for him.

Dash and Margo go through a boatload of drama which brings them closer than either one of them could have imagined. When all is said and done though, will what they’ve found in each other be enough to take a chance on? For the long haul?

I will say it again, this book was insanely hot! The chemistry between Dash and Margo is scorching and their personalities play beautifully off of one another with so much heat and intensity that I was practically panting while reading. Margo is a tough gal. She’s had to be and I totally get why she has a really hard time letting her hair down, so to speak. But underneath her tough exterior is a woman. It’s hard for her to almost lead two separate lives. The tough lieutenant vs the woman she is…and what she wants when she’s with a man. But leave it to Dash to figure her out. He’s had her number from the very first chapter and there was no way she was going to escape that man. He’s smoking hot, caring, attentive and knows exactly what she needs. And when he gives it to her? Oh my yum. Of course beyond all the steamy hot time spent together, they are working on solving one hell of a crime and if there’s one thing Lori does so well, it’s write suspenseful nail-biting moments. There was also a bit of a shocker at the end when they figure out who is really behind the drugs and rapes. My lips are sealed but be ready for a “whoa” moment!

And of course another thing to love about this book is seeing the rest of the gang: Rowdy, Cannon, Reese, Logan…and did I mention Cannon? I do love me some Cannon and I am DYING for his book!

Overall, Lori Foster fans will love this latest installment and if you aren’t a Lori fan yet, get your hands on a copy of Dash of Peril. You won’t be disappointed!

Five Loves

About the author:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a Waldenbooks, Borders, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. She also received the Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy and Contemporary Romance.
Lori believes it is important to give back to the community as much as possible, so she routinely arranges events among authors and readers to gather donations for various organizations.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Fix You by Christine Bell…Blog Tour Stop & Review

“Fresh, sexy, and addicting–you won’t want to put it down!“—New York Times Bestselling Author Jen McLaughlin

FIX YOU is part one in the new adult McDaniels Brothers serials from USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Christine Bell. Fans of Monica Murphy, Jen McLaughlin, and H.M. Ward will be seduced by Bash and Olivia’s story and will look forward to a new installment in this ongoing family saga every month!

Buy from Amazon

Synopsis:

Olivia Beckett’s once-charmed life is falling apart. Her family is about to lose everything, and she has almost no chance of continuing her college education. She can’t even seek solace from her high school sweetheart. He’s changed. She doesn’t recognize the boy she used to know— his violent behavior is escalating and it scares the hell out of her. Her whole world is crumbling, and she has no one to turn to……

Sebastian “Bash” McDaniels is an up and comer in the boxing world working nights at the local college bar until he can land the fight of his dreams that will get him the hell out of Boston and away from his family’s tragic past. He’s weeks from his goal when Olivia Beckett comes tumbling into his life in a flash of silky dark hair and haunted eyes. When he saves her from a potentially brutal beating, they begin to grow close, but Olivia’s ex isn’t ready to let her go so easily.

Bash can’t bring himself to walk away, but fixing Olivia just might leave him broken…

My review:

Fix You is the first book in author Christine Bell’s Bash and Olivia\McDaniel’s Brothers Series and I will warn you, has a bit of a cliff hanger ending. Now, I don’t mind those type of endings and even if you do, I totally say read this book anyway…it was THAT good! (and the second book comes out soon)

College student Olivia Beckett has entirely too much weight on her shoulders. Her family is going through a major rough patch and is losing all financial stability and she’s starting to realize her boyfriend since high school is turning into someone she doesn’t want to be with. His temper is getting out of hand and the excuses she’s been making for him come to an end when she is saved from a violent situation in a bar bathroom. As embarrassing as that was, it was the turning point she needed. There were no more excuses to be made for his behavior and her bartender in shining armor savior, Bash, is just what she needs to help her through this. But adding insult to injury, Bash loses his job over saving her. He insists it was just a job to tide him over until he gets in the ring, but she knows better. Seizing the opportunity, Olivia decides Bash is the perfect teacher for the self-defense lessons she fears she will need when she breaks things off with her boyfriend. Hopefully it will also help ease her guilt over getting him fired…the bigger question is, will is ease her wicked strong attraction to the gorgeous boxer?

Sebastian McDaniels, aka Bash, does not need this kind of distraction or complication in his life right now. He just needs to keep his focus on training and getting ready for his fights. He does not need to be involved in a clearly effed up relationship between some douchebag college kid and his girlfriend. Nope. Too bad there’s no way he could ever allow a girl to be hurt by a guy. Especially someone as beautiful as Olivia. Now he’s lost his job, thanks to his heroics, and she shows up asking for self-defense lessons. He wouldn’t be any better than her ass of a boyfriend if he turned her away and didn’t help her again. Now, if he can just convince himself that as soon as the lessons are over, he will be able to let her go….

What starts out as two people thrown into a situation by chance turns into a sizzling hot and undeniable attraction that will prove too strong to ignore. But with so many forces working against them, will they be able to make things between them work? Or will Olivia’s ex turn out to be more dangerous than just in the physical sense?

Oh man, I loved this book. Again, I will say that it has a kinda cliffy ending but please don’t let that turn you away from Bash. He is too delicious to ignore. He’s the strong, silent type that comes from the wrong side of the tracks but has a true moral compass and could never let a man hurt a woman. His hard edged looks are at odds with his soft heart and who doesn’t love that?! The bad boy boxer with a soft side is always a win for me and Bash was all that and a bag of chips. Olivia is in a pretty tough spot and I feel for her. She’s starting to realize her “boyfriend” isn’t who she thought he was and is changing right before her eyes. But she’s decided to get rid of him and knows it may become dangerous so she’s trying her best to prepare for the worst. I’m worried for her but knowing that she has forged a friendship with Bash comforts me a bit. I say a bit because something happens at the end and Olivia may be on her own for a little while, without Bash, and the boyfriend is mighty pissed. But the spark between Olivia and Bash can’t be denied and they are positively delectable together! (so HA to you, loser boyfriend!)

I cannot wait for the next installment in Bash and Olivia’s story and will be anxiously awaiting its release! Thank you, Christine, for one hell of a story!

Five Loves

Add FIX YOU to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

Want to learn more about FIX YOU? Be sure to check out this exclusive interview with Christine Bell!

Follow the tour and win some awesome prizes!

Prizes:

A $50 e-giftcard to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice, open internationally) and an opportunity to have a character named after the winner in serial #3 of The McDaniels Brothers series!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Christine Bell

Christine Bell is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances, and one half of the happiest couple in the world. She doesn’t like clowns or bugs (except ladybugs, on account of their cute outfits), but loves movies, football, and playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Writing is her passion, but if she had to pick another occupation, she’d be a wizard. She loves writing fun, sexy romance and deep, emotional new adult novels, but also hopes to one day publish something her dad can read without wanting to dig his eyes out with rusty spoons.

Subscribe to Christine’s mailing list for exclusive content, ARCs, giveaways and more!

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Unfixable by Tessa Bailey….Blog Tour Stop & Review

Synopsis:

He’s the last thing she wants…but the only thing she needs.

Willa Peet isn’t interested in love. She’s been there, done that, and has the shattered heart to prove it. Ready to shake the breakup, she heads to Dublin, Ireland. But there’s a problem. A dark-haired, blue-eyed problem with a bad attitude that rivals her own. And he’s not doling out friendly Irish welcomes.

Shane Claymore just wants to race. The death of his father forced him off the Formula One circuit, but he’s only staying in Dublin long enough to sell the Claymore Inn and get things in order for his mother and younger sister. He never expected the sarcastic American girl staying at the inn to make him question everything.

But even as Willa and Shane’s fiery natures draw them together, their pasts threaten to rip them apart. Can Shane give up racing to be with the woman he loves, or will Willa’s quest to resurrect the tough-talking, no-shit-taking girl she used to be destroy any hope of a future together?

A new adult novel from Entangled’s Embrace imprint…

My Review:

Unfixable is the newest work from author Tessa Bailey and is Willa’s story. I had been dying for Willa’s story since we first met her in Protecting What’s His and it was so worth the wait. This book, in true Tessa fashion, blew me away.

To say Willa Peet has given up on love and happy endings would be a gross understatement. Willa had a childhood made up the complete opposite of gumdrops and rainbows. Her mother was a junkie prostitute, bringing home unsavory men and constantly putting her and her sister Ginger at risk of the dangers that come with the underbelly of society. The only person she could ever rely on was Ginger and when Ginger got her happy ending, Willa couldn’t be happier. That still didn’t mean she believed in all that love and happiness for herself. She’d given it the old college try recently with a nice guy who was good to her and said he loved her but in the end she only proved herself right: she wasn’t meant for love. Life and the baggage that came with it was just too much recently and she needed to take a step back and get away. The perfect opportunity arises when she wins a photography contest and an all expense paid trip to Ireland for a month. Ever since Ginger bought her a camera when she was little, it was the one escape she had. The one thing she truly felt at peace doing. And now it had given her a chance to escape. Escape her inner turmoil, her too familiar town, her personal chains, her ex-boyfriend. Ironic that the minute she lands in Ireland she will meet a ruggedly handsome, dark-haired, blue-eyed, ornery Irishman whose family just happens to own the inn she’s staying at. He gets under her skin immediately and she’s scared to death that it may not exactly be in a bad way.

Shane Claymore begrudgingly spends his day running his family’s inn and is counting down the minutes until he can get out of there and return to what he loves. Racing. He was between a rock and a hard place at the moment and was pissed as all hell about his situation. He had left his family, thanks in part to his disapproving father, and never wanted to see the insides of this inn again. Yet here he was. Since his father had died he had been back at the inn helping his mother and sister run the place but he was itching to get back on the track….and just biding his time until he was behind the wheel again. So here he is, at the airport, waiting for some contest winner to take her back to the inn where his family would host her for the next month. Almost immediately thought he realizes he’s in trouble. He never counted on the smart mouthed, understatedly beautiful girl who walked off the plane. And he sure as hell didn’t count on being attracted to her.

You know what they say about finding love when you least expect it, right? Willa and Shane both have zero desire to get attached…. especially not to each other. But the undeniable attraction and chemistry will win out in the end. The questions that will remain are: will a month be enough time to scratch the itch? With both Willa and Shane having plans to move on with their lives after the visit ruin what they’ve found?

So, you may know that I’m a huge Tessa Bailey fan. I love all of her Line of Duty books and I was so sad to see that series end, but also excited for Tessa to write something different and new. Willa’s book was just that…different and new. Willa is a complicated gal and when we first met her I knew she was going to be an amazing character. And she truly is. She has every right to feel the way she does about flowery love and colorful happiness. It’s also just not who she is. She’s a heroine that doesn’t do girly crushes, writing doodles with hearts and “Mrs. Willa (insert guy crush last name)” and I totally love her for that. I can relate to that. I knew there would be someone out there who would love her for being that way. For being her. And oh my, was Shane the freaking perfect match! He’s almost like the guy version of her. He’s been hurt before and gets the whole messed up family thing. He also calls Willa out when she needs it and that’s what I loved most about him. He made her face things she wouldn’t have otherwise and made her admit there was something between them. And what they have between them is a combustible spark that heats up hotter and hotter every scene. Damn, Tessa can write some chemistry! I will admit I was worrying that things wouldn’t work out for them because, let’s face it, their time came with an expiration date. But don’t you worry. If there’s another thing Tessa does so freaking well it’s write some killer endings. This ending? Had me crying, laughing, palms sweating, reading wide-eyed, nervous, and ultimately so freaking happy. It stands out in my mind as one of the best book endings I’ve ever read….and I’ve read a whole lot of book endings.

I will always recommend Tessa’s work and Unfixable is now the newest member of my rec list. Thank you, Tessa, for continuing to give us amazing stories with tremendous characters. You freaking rock, girl!

Five Loves

Buy links:

Entangled | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Entangled Embrace:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbraceImprint

Twitter: @EPEmbrace Steals and Deals

Giveaway:

An Irish-themed/Unfixable themed swag pack and a Kindle Fire.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio: Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.

ARC Review…The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose

The Collector of Dying Breaths releases today

Synopsis:

A lush and imaginative novel that crisscrosses time as a perfumer and a mythologist search for the fine line between potion and poison, poison and passion…and past and present.

Florence, Italy—1533: An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become Catherine de Medici’s perfumer. Traveling with the young duchessina from Italy to France, René brings with him a cache of secret documents from the monastery where he was trained: recipes for exotic fragrances and potent medicines—and a formula for an alchemic process said to have the potential to reanimate the dead. In France, René becomes not only the greatest perfumer in the country but the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Rene doesn’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.

Paris, France—The Present: A renowned mythologist, Jac L’Etoile, is trying to recover from personal heartache by throwing herself into her work, learns of the 16th century perfumer who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. She becomes obsessed with René le Florentin’s work—particularly when she discovers the dying breaths he had collected during his lifetime. Jac’s efforts put her in the path of her estranged lover, Griffin North, a linguist who has already begun translating René le Florentin’s mysterious formula. Together they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection. A woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir… a purpose for which she believes the ends will justify her deadly means. This mesmerizing gothic tale of passion and obsession crisscrosses time, zigzagging from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first century France. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, The Collector of Dying Breaths illuminates the true path to immortality: the legacies we leave behind.

My review:

The Collector of Dying Breaths is the sixth novel in author M.J. Rose’s Reincarnationist series and admittedly the first in the series I have read. However, not having read the previous stories did not leave me loving this story any less. It was a work of art.

This novel is essentially two stories happening centuries apart being told in tandem all leading up to an emotional and fascinating end.

The early tale being of René le Florentin, perfumer to Catherine de Medici, and his life from orphan to alchemy apprentice to de Medici’s personal perfumer, friend, and loyal subject and importantly, collector of dying breaths. René had been fascinated and compelled to learn about the possibility of reincarnating souls using the dying breath captured on one’s deathbed. Ever since his mentor and teacher, Brother Serapino, had died and René collected his last breath, he had been attempting to complete the proper mixture of ingredients to make reincarnation possible. He was a renowned perfumer and cunning adversary to de Medici, using his knowledge of scents and poisons to help keep her reign intact. René had no way of knowing then that eventually his loyalty to Catherine would tragically cost him the only love he’d ever known. Fortunately, a bond of true love had been formed and would end up spanning centuries, looking for a chance to grow and blossom without being cut short.

The later tale being of mythologist Jac L’Etoile and her journey of healing after the devastating loss of her brother. It’s because of that loss that she finds herself in the middle of a project her brother had been working on before his death. The project involved a wealthy heiress and her obsession with immortality. The heiress had amassed an impressive collection of items needed to complete an elixir and finally harness the properties of the dying breaths that had been captured all those centuries ago. But Jac would need help and calls on her former love, Griffin, to aid in her quest. While working on the project, Jac has experiences that tell her that this is much more than an eccentric woman’s latest obsession. This could be the chance for two lost souls to finally be reunited after hundreds of years of trying to get it right. Could she and Griffin be fated to be together in this life?

The two stories weaved together to make one harmonious and entertaining read. On top of the rich and beautiful storytelling with detail that made me believe I could smell the scents being so richly described, there was deceit, mystery, and murder. I felt a connection to René from the very beginning and was so emotional reading the end to his part of the story. Jac was smart and full of emotion being torn between not wanting to believe she had a connection to the past and opening up to the notion that it was possible. The heiress, Melinoe, reminded me of an old porcelain doll. The kind that looks beautiful at a glance but if you really look closely, and stare long enough, becomes unnerving and frightening.

My favorite parts of this experience were how gorgeously author Rose described everything from the perfumery workspaces to the décor in rooms to the scent in each moment. And finally, how it all culminated into a heartbreaking yet beautiful ending.

This is quite different from the books I’ve been reading lately, and I’m grateful I had the chance to read The Collector of Dying Breaths….it was the coffee beans to my reading palate. Thank you, Ms. Rose, for a stunning read.

Five Loves

About the author:

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice… Books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

She lives in Connecticut with Doug Scofield, a composer, and their very spoiled dog, Winka.

Rose is a the Co-President and founding member ofInternational Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz. She runs the blog, Museum of Mysteries.

In 1998, her first novel Lip Service was the first e-book and the first self-published novel chosen by the LiteraryGuild/Doubleday Book Club as well as the first e-book to go on to be published by a mainstream New York publishing house.

Rose has been profiled in Time magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Business 2.0, Working Woman, Newsweek, andNew York Magazine.

She has appeared on The Today Show, Fox News, The Jim Lehrer NewsHour, and features on her have appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and abroad, including USAToday, Stern, L’Official, Poets and Writers, and Publishers Weekly.

Rose graduated from Syracuse University and spent the ’80s in advertising. She was the Creative Director of Rosenfeld Sirowitz and Lawson and she has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Immortal Hunter by Kait Ballenger…Blog Tour Stop, Review & Giveaway

Synopsis:

Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but at what price?

As an exorcist, David Aronowitz grew up the target of demonic assassins. Now he’s a member of the Execution Underground and hellspawn everywhere fear his name. But when a demon slips into the seductive body of the only woman he’s ever loved, David must confront the heartbreak of their past to save her.

The piece of her heart Allsún O’Hare gave to David so long ago left her trapped between two worlds: the Fae and the human. And when David comes to her rescue, fate reunites her with her greatest temptation—and her biggest mistake. Now, as they’re swept together into a wicked game with the demon who controls her, David must decide if saving Allsún’s life is worth sacrificing his own—and the future of humanity itself

My review:

Immortal Hunter is the second book in author Kait Ballenger’s Execution Underground Series and admittedly the first book I have read. First let me say that I wasn’t lost at all while reading even though I hadn’t read the first book. Second I have to say….I loved this book and will be reading all of the installments from here on out!

Exorcist and Execution Underground member David Aronowitz is used to seeing some pretty gruesome things. In his line of work he’s come across some of the most heinous demons imaginable and all sorts of things that go bump in the night. But the particular demon he just killed has him scared the most he’s ever been. Not because the demon was particularly terrifying but because the demon told David something that left his blood running cold….that other demons knew about Allsún and that she was the last fae in this world. She was valuable and vulnerable to the demon world and had remained hidden until now. Allsún, the love of David’s life. Once his fiancé, he would still do anything to protect her and right now she was in dire need of that. Right now she was in a hospital bed recovering from the last time he couldn’t protect her and there’s no way he’d let that happen again.

Suddenly awakened out of a drug induced coma and being pulled by an indescribable force, Allsún O’Hare knew something bad was happening in the demon world. She didn’t know what or where, exactly, just that she had to follow this feeling to where it led her and fight whatever evil lay ahead. She never expected to see David at the house her feelings led her to. It shouldn’t surprise her, really. He was an exorcist after all. But the horror that she encounters at the scene was truly a shock. This wasn’t like anything either of them had seen before and instantly they both know things are bad.

With Allsún in danger and David on the hunt for the most diabolical demon he’s ever encountered, they will be forced to work together to end this reign of terror. Of course spending time together after years of being apart is bound to bring up all of the feelings they once shared. Feelings that never truly went away.

Oh man, I loved this book! I think one of the things I loved most about this book, and the series, is that it takes a different approach. Yes, it’s paranormal and deals with demons and the underworld, but the rituals and weapons they use are different than others I have read. There is a lot of Judaism in the methods David uses to exorcise and I found that really refreshing. One of the other things I loved about this book was the love story between David and Allsún really took a front row seat instead of being on the back burner. I really enjoyed that. The have a whole lot to work through and I wouldn’t have been happy if their issues were resolved in a chapter or two. Luckily, Kait gave us plenty to read and time to understand the feelings fro both David and Allsún’s POVs. It made the connection to the characters so much stronger, which for the ending of this book was imperative. I was a nervous wreck for the last few chapters because I was so worried for David, Allsún and the whole Execution Underground crew! They have one hell of a fight on their hands (no pun intended) and I had no idea what the outcome was going to be. I loved that feeling!

I also loved getting a peek into Damon’s very guarded emotions in the end and I am really hoping we get to see his story soon! I can imagine it’s going to be gut wrenching.

Thank you, Kait, for your take on good vs. evil and for giving me a series to look forward to reading more from!

Five Loves

Book links:

IH on Amazon | IH on Barnes and Noble

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Kait Ballenger is a full-time paranormal romance author, wife, professional bellydancer, and graduate student. She lives in Central Florida with her husband, their doggie-daughter Sookie (like Charlainne Harris’ character), and two kittens, Elliot and Olivia (like the SVU characters). Kait believes anything is possible, and one day, she hopes people name their pets after her characters, too.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Gabby Revealed by Amy Gregory…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Welcome to my stop on the Gabby Revealed Blog Tour!

Title: Gabby Revealed (Finding Perfect #2)

Author: Amy Gregory

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Event Organized By: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Gabby James didn’t have the idyllic childhood many in her little hometown of Renlend, Kansas had. High school was a living hell, but when she graduated she couldn’t bring herself to leave Renlend. The town was her prison, but her family’s bookstore, The Looking Glass, was her one true love. It was the place she could run to, and escape the prying eyes of the ones who taunted her.

Shane Compton was a literary agent in one of the most prestigious publishing houses in New York City. He found no greater rush than finding the next big talent, someone who could take the written word and turn it into an art form. In the span of one rude phone call Shane was drawn into the mystery of just who the fiery new author from Kansas was. When everyone else in the office refused to deal with her, Shane willingly accepted the challenge. There was no logic to the madness, but every time he had contact with her, she drove him wild.

Gabby tried every trick in the book to keep Shane at arm’s length, but he had made good on his promise to come to Kansas. He wanted to pull her out of anonymity, he wanted her in the public eye. Now here he stood, on the sidewalk in front her bookstore, and one look told her he was everything she was afraid he’d be. Too bad she was anything but who he thought she was.

Gabby quickly discovers Shane has more on his mind than just books and with a little help from an ornery matchmaker, he shows her a whole new life through her looking glass.

My review:

Gabby Revealed is the second book in author Amy Gregory’s Finding Perfect Series. I read and enjoyed the first book but had been dying to get my hands on Gabby’s story. We met Gabby briefly in the first book and there was something about her that I knew would make a great character. Well, I wasn’t disappointed…this book was amazing.

Gabby James has come to terms with small town life. Well, as much as a girl that had been tormented by the “in-crowd” all through high school could be. The thing was, if she could have moved out of this town, she would have been able to let it all go. But she could never leave this town because this town held the very thing she loved the most….her book store. Within the shelves of this store, among the typed pages, she could let go of those years of hurt and live in her own skin. Sure she still had to deal with the uppity mean girls when they came in from time to time to buy the latest bestseller from the current most popular author, but she could deal with them because she had a secret. A secret that kept her smiling inside and giving those mean girls the silent “eff you” every time she sold one of those best selling books from that über popular author. It’s also the secret that lands literary agent Shane Compton on her doorstep. The same agent she’s been trying to keep firmly outside of her emotional barriers for the last five years. Now that he’s here, she realizes she’s in big trouble and in danger of those very carefully erected walls to come crumbling down.

Lit agent Shane Compton was always up for the challenge and the chase of finding the next big author. He’s found more than a few but the one he is most proud of, and the one he’s determined to meet, is the one he’s travelling to small town Kansas to see. She has piqued his interest for the last five years he’s worked with her and as crazy as it sounds, he’s pretty much resigned to that fact that he’s fallen for her. A woman he’s never seen in person. But he knows her and he knows her amazing mind. He also knows her smart mouth and somewhat abrasive personality…a personality he truly adores. Now, standing on the doorstep of the address the checks have been coming to, he can’t believe his eyes. The beautiful storeowner was one in the same as his amazingly talented and smart-mouthed author.

In reality, they’ve known each other for years. They’ve talked on the phone millions of times and know a lot about one another for the most part. But meeting in person for the very first time proves to be life changing for Gabby and Shane. The feelings that have Shane convinced that Gabby is worth moving across the country to be with are the same feelings that had Gabby running for the hills and hiding behind the hurt she suffered years ago. Will Shane have what it takes to convince Gabby that love is worth taking a chance on? Because Shane is convinced what they have is real and worth everything.

Before I start the (probably) long-winded part of this review, I just have to say that I’ve been talking about this book to anyone who will listen since I finished reading it two days ago. Oh, how I loved it!

As I said earlier, there was something about Gabby that had me anxiously waiting for her story. She was the broken butterfly. The kind-hearted artist that just wanted to see the good in life and was knocked down at every chance. A victim of the mean girls in high school, Gabby tried for years to get over all of that hurt…but just couldn’t. It was always there, that nagging feeling of unworthiness. I hated that she felt that way. But as much as I hated what those girls did to her, I had to thank them because they turned Gabby into an amazing person. Yes, she’s foul-mouthed and far from sweet and fuzzy, but damn that’s why I loved her. I am not a fan of the fluffy heroines so Gabby had me from the very first time she called Shane a jackass. I want to go out and share a beer with her…cause she’s so awesome. I relate a lot to her because I’m not a warm and fuzzy gal myself (seriously, just ask Mr. Read-Love-Blog, he’ll tell you).

As for Shane? Damn. That guy paid such careful attention to all of Gabby’s personality traits for five years and when he shows up in person, she has no case against why they can’t make it work. He knows her inside out and backwards before they even laid eyes on one another. And he’s got a fight in him that kept going. He’s amazing and just what Gabby needed when she needed it most. What a catch he is!

I also have to mention (and give a shout out to a certain 4^th grade teacher for having tissues in her room at school) that there was a part that had me crying my eyes out. If you know me, you know I love that and that just added to how awesome this story was for me.

Amy, thank you for Gabby. This story is one that will stay with me for quite some time and one I will continue to recommend!

Five Loves

Add to Goodreads

Purchase Links

Gabby Revealed: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Mike’s Way Back: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

When asked ‘when do you have time to write’, Amy Gregory simply laughs. The real answer is, “in bits and pieces”. She and her husband live in Kansas City with their three fantastic kids that keep them running in three very different directions. Because she sits so much, she always carries a notebook with her at all times.

She has an off the wall, snarky, off the cuff sense of humor that often shocks even those who’ve known her for years. And she loves that her children have all been blessed that ability to make others laugh as well. At least she’s grateful most of the time! Her husband often teases her about how she “makes this stuff up” when he’s reading a piece of her work. … The answer—“it just comes to me when I’m typing”. Scary thought, huh!

Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway