Blog Tour & Reviews….The Beast Within Series by Melissa Crowe

 

 

Title: The Beast Within
Series: The Beast Within novellas #1
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 5th June 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Karina’s world is turned upside down when she meets the sexy and mysterious Xavier. Something powerful and sensual is unlocked from inside her that she cannot explain and seems to have little control over.

With Xavier’s help, Karina discovers she is a Tuatha De Danann, celtic faeries long thought to have been eradicated. Xavier’s insistence on making her believe troubles Karina, what dangerous secret is he keeping from her? Can her ex partner Ian save her before it’s too late?

**This novella contains violence, and sexual situations which may not be recommended for readers under fifteen.

My review:

The first in The Beast Within Series by Melissa Crowe starts us off on a journey into a world Karina had no idea existed.  Fast paced and full of mystery, this is a fantastic beginning to the series.  Karina suddenly finds herself torn between two very different men.  Ian, the safe bet Kind-of-boyfriend, and Xavier, the dark and sexy stranger. The allure and pull toward Xavier turns into a revelation when she learns secrets about her family history and that she is a Tuatha De Danann.  Now, while trying to make sense of the new world she is introduced to, she also finds herself fighting for her life.  Will it be Xavier or Ian she can trust?  Although this story is short in length, it isn’t short on action, heat and secrecy.  I really enjoyed this installment and am looking forward to finding out what is in store for Karina and the choices she is faced with.


Buy your copy- 

Amazon

Kindle or Paperback
 
 
Title: Haunted
Series: The Beast Within novellas #2
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 25th December 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Karina has now discovered her abilities, but this only puts her in further danger. With a 600 year old lycanthrope thirsting for her blood, Ian must summon the help of his brother Ronan. The keeper of the Spear of Victory, a treasure sacred to the Tuatha De Danann.

Can the two Guardians protect Karina, or will her secret ultimately bring destruction upon them all?

My review:

Hunted picks up immediately where The Beast Within leaves off and thank goodness for that because things are really getting exciting for Karina.  Now certain with Ian is where she belongs, Karina is starting to learn more about her bloodline and what exactly it all means.  Of course, if that wasn’t hard enough, Ian senses a very powerful lycanthrope is way too close for comfort.  Extremely concerned for her safetly, Ian decides he has no other choice but to call on one of his brothers to help him defeat this dangerous shape shifter. However, in doing so, Ian is also risking getting in major trouble by exposing his relationship with Karina.  A guardian is forbidden to have a relationship with his charge.  So when Ian’s brother reports him to the Queen for his transgressions, it appears that defeating a powerful lycanthrope may be the least of their worries…..

Fast paced and full of emotion, this second installment in the series is a great continuation of the story.  Karina is really growing as a character and is showing how strong she is becoming, both physically and emotionally.  It’s a treat to watch her turn into a kick ass warrior and stand up for herself and those she loves.  Ian is so loyal and loving and I adore him more and more with each novella.  I cannot wait to see what happens with them and their relationship and am worried sick that they will have to be separated forever.  Gah!  The suspense is equally enjoyable and painful!  Onto the next novella…..

 

Buy your copy- 
Amazon
Kindle or Paperback 
 
Title: Journey
Series: The Beast Within novellas #3
Author: Melissa Crowe
Publication Date: 20th September 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Ian has been summoned by the Goddess Danu to the Otherworld, and Karina will not let him go without a fight.

With a Tutha De Danann that is unable to cross water, getting from Australia to Ireland will make for an interesting journey. Supernatural beings, sworn enemies and the full moon are only half of the risk as they try to cross three continents. Drug smuggling, guerrilla kidnapping and lycans on the prowl will hamper their travels.

Davarus, self-proclaimed King of the lycanthropes is building an army and on the move. Danger faces these forbidden lovers at every turn.

Would you travel to the ends

My review:

Again, thankfully, Journey picks up where Hunted left us and the nail-biting adventure in this novella was crazy intense, fast paced and really enjoyable.  Ian has been summoned to face the Queen and answer for his actions in his relationship with Karina.  Karina refuses to let him go without her.  She has come to realize she is very valuable to the Tutha De Danann race and she intends to use that value to bargain for her and Ian’s relationship.  Great idea in theory, there’s only one problem….as a Tutha De Danann, she is unable to cross over water.  Refusing to let that stop her, she accompanies Ian on a journey to Ireland that will end up pushing everything she is in mind and body to the very limits.  Will it all be worth it in the end?  Can she convince the Queen that what she and Ian share is worth breaking the rules for?

Talk about a white-knuckled read!  There wasn’t a dull moment in this entire novella.  One obstacle after another, Ian and Karina don’t catch even one break on their way to Ireland.  Their resolve is strong and is tested to the max but in the end, Karina fights the good fight and I was really happy with the way this chapter ended for them.  I also enjoyed getting to meet some fierce and loyal characters along the way.  Again, just because this story is short on pages, doesn’t mean it’s short on emotion and excitement!

 

Buy your copy-

Amazon- Kindle or Paperback
4LovesRLB

Four Loves for All

 
 
About
the author: Melissa Crowe
 
I am from Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. I have been a lover of
Paranormal and strong powerful women all my life and now am lucky enough to put
the two together and share it with the world. In 2009 I started writing and
have not looked back.
Author
links

 

ARC Review….Friends to Lovers by Christi Barth

Friends to Lovers releases October 14

Friends to Lovers COVER

Book Links:

Amazon  ~  Barnes & Noble  ~  Goodreads

Synopsis:

Book three of Aisle Bound

As florist and co-owner of a successful Chicago wedding planning business, Daphne Lovell has been there for the happiest days of other people’s lives. As for her own life? Well, it’s hard to be perfectly happy when you’re carrying a torch for your sexy, womanizing and oblivious best friend. So when the lights go out on New Year’s Eve, she seizes the opportunity to kiss him senseless.

British expat Gibson Moore has a lot on his plate. The hotel he manages is being bought out, his family is crazy and someone just kissed him in the dark. When the lights go on, he searches the room, trying to find the mystery pair of lips. Only, he never thinks to ask the woman standing by his side. He’s shocked when he discovers that Daphne is the woman he’s been searching for. But Gib’s also eager to act upon the attraction for her he’s always fought to ignore.

It takes trust to move from friends to lovers, and as Gib’s work situation worsens, he is no longer sure he can risk the friendship he relies on most. It’s up to Daphne to convince him that some things are worth fighting for…

 

My review:

Friends to Lovers is the third book in Christi Barth’s Aisle Bound Series and admittedly the first in this series that I have read.  Well, clearly I have been missing out because this book was so enjoyable!

Successful business co-owner and florist Daphne Lovell has been admiring her best friend, Gib, from afar for quite some time now.  She has promised herself that one of these days she will make something out of it.  So when the lights go out on New Year’s Eve at a wedding she is running at the hotel Gib manages, she knows with a clear certainty that THIS is the moment she has been waiting for.  Without a moment’s hesitation, she grabs Gib and kisses him senseless.  The only problem is, when the lights go back on, he has no idea it was her that had just rocked his world.  Will she get up the courage to tell him he’s what she’s been longing for all this time….without the anonymity of the darkness?

Known for his prowess with the ladies, Gibson Moore’s world is completely rocked with the kiss that happened during the power glitch at a wedding being held in his hotel on New Year’s Eve.  He’s never had a kiss affect him like that.  Now it’s his mission in life to find his Kissing Cinderella and make her his.  The question is, will finding out it was his best friend Daphne ruin everything?

Once the mystery is solved and the Kissing Cinderella has been revealed, Gib and Daphne decide to go with the attraction they feel and make the move from friends to lovers.  But, with everyday stressors and when issues beyond their control arise, will they be able to stay the course and give their relationship a real shot?

The thing I like best about Christi’s writing is that the story always plays out really well and feels like you could be watching it as a movie with your girlfriends on a Saturday night.  Gib and Daphne’s story is no exception.  Daphne is a really relatable and likable gal with an honestly about her that I enjoyed.  She takes a chance with Gib and I really admired that.  Gib is dashing and handsome with a cheeky sense of humor and strong loyalty to his friends.  He’s got a really effed up family life and has learned to appreciate his friends as his family now and genuinely cares for them.  Together, the sexual longing and tension between Gib and Daphne is palpable and was done really, really well.  Their first kisses were as hot as some sex scenes….total yum.

My absolutely, positively favorite part though was the very end….talk about an emotional high and a cry your eyes out moment!  Totally lived up to every expectation for a happy ending I had for Gib and Daphne.  Simply perfect!!

If you’re looking for a feel-good, true-blue romance, then get this book on your list.  You will not be disappointed!  Thank you, Christi, for a fun, flirty and enjoyable read!

4LovesRLBFour Loves

 

About the author:

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.

A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning.  Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.

Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

 

Website  ~  Goodreads  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

 

Read-Love-Blog’s Cowboy Summer….Selene’s Review of Kissin’ Tell by Lorelei James

Cowboy Summer

The summer may officially be over, but we’re still having fun with our cowboys…..

Today, Selene reviews Kissin’ Tell by Lorelei James.  Enjoy!

Kissin Tell Cover

Book links:

Amazon  ~  Barnes & Noble  ~  Goodreads

Synopsis:

She once led him around by a string. Now he’s the one holding the reins.

Georgia Hotchkiss swore wild horses couldn’t drag her back to Sundance, Wyoming. So it’s ironic she’s forced to take a rodeo PR job in her former hometown—right before her ten-year class reunion. The only thing worse than facing her cheating ex-husband and his pregnant wife? Showing up to the reunion without a date. Fate smiles on her when she runs into her former classmate and current cowboy hottie Tell McKay. With his infectious smile and fun-loving ways—not to mention his banging body—he’s the perfect solution to her problem.

Tell McKay had it so bad for Hot Lips Hotchkiss during high school that he let her run roughshod over him. But he is no longer that easily manipulated boy—these days he’s earned a reputation with the ladies that lives up to the McKay last name. He agrees to escort her to the reunion with one stipulation; that Georgia proves she has left behind the goody-goody cheerleader of the past—by sharing his bed.

Their sexual chemistry flashes so bright, they barely notice that the reunion has come and gone, and now they’re tangled up in another dreaded “R” word—relationship. But if Tell wants to get the girl this go-around, he’ll have to come up with a whole new set of knots to tie up her heartstrings.

 

 

Selene’s Review:

While reading through Lorelei James’s Kissin’ Tell, I asked myself if I’d ever had that one high school crush that always seemed to be just a little too out of my reach. And embarrassingly enough, I could think of about ten! What makes this story between Tell McKay and Georgia Hotchkiss such a pleasure to read is that their situation is probably relatable for the majority of readers. If any of us had that chance to be with the person we’d pined for for years in our youth, wouldn’t we take the opportunity even if it was to just settle some curiosity?

Of all the McKay men, I must admit that Tell is the one that wears his heart right on his sleeve – which makes him that much more irresistible. He doesn’t hide his feelings for one Ms. Georgia Hotchkiss now just like he couldn’t do so then. Fortunately for Tell, Georgia is much more open to reciprocate those feelings… and fortunately for us readers, that sets off their swelteringly hot romance.

What Tell does so well is delaying gratification – but what he does even better is satisfying his woman. The little high school fantasies he plays out with Georgia, such as the basketball game, the nekkid trampoline sesh, and that *erm* little scene at the reunion, are so incredibly delicious that I absolutely had to go back then and there to reread them! And the fact that they make her crazy for wanting his kool-aid and not getting to have a drink was just that much better. I love me some man that can make me all hot and bothered without even touching me.

The emotionally touching parts are just as wonderful to read as the budding romance and playful friendship between the two. Georgia faces her demons regarding her ex and her father’s support of said ex while Tell finally receives the recognition he deserves from his family. Also, both of them try to come to terms with the loss of family members and it helps them to further seal their bond.

All in all, I have to say that this was probably one of the more enjoyable reads from the series and I look forward to much more from James!

4andahalflovesFour-and-a-Half Loves

 

 

From author website:

A bit about me: When I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blog Tour & Interview….Hunted by Emlyn Rees

Banner ~ Hunted

Happy Saturday and welcome to my stop on the Hunted by Emlyn Rees Blog Tour!

I have part four of Emlyn’s four part interview for you to enjoy below and you can find part three HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cover ~ Hunted

Title:   Hunted

Author:  Emlyn Rees

Genre: Thriller

Publication Date:  October 1, 2013 an e-book original

Publisher:  Witness Impulse, an imprint of HarperCollins

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

 

Synopsis:

In HUNTED an innocent man on the run faces down the biggest manhunt in history in a thrilling tale from international bestselling author Emlyn Rees.

When Danny Shanklin woke up in a strange hotel, he never expected the rest of his day would be spent running for his life. But the high-powered rifle strapped to his hands and the unknown dead man on the floor say otherwise. It’s only when the sirens start wailing outside that Danny realizes this day will be different. Today will be the worst day of his life—and maybe his last.

Framed and forced on the run, Danny sets out on a heart-pounding race against time to escape and track down the terrorists who set him up… and make them pay. But with 500,000 CCTV cameras, 33,000 cops, 9 intelligence agencies, and dozens of television news channels hot on his trail, how long can one innocent man survive?With only his tech support friend, the Kid, for backup, Danny sets out on a nail-biting odyssey though the panicked city streets, in a desperate bid to escape, protect the people he loves, and track down the terrorists who set him up – and make them pay.

But with 500,000 CCTV cameras, 33,000 cops, 9 intelligence agencies, and dozens of TV news channels all hot on his tail, just how long will THIS one innocent man be able to survive?

Add to Goodreads: 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12001743-hunted

 Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Interview part 4 of 4:

 

What does your Danny Shanklin think about you? 

Would Danny want to hang out with you, the author, his creator?

I know he’d enjoy a chili or two. But I like to wash mine down with a beer and Danny doesn’t drink anymore. We share the same taste in music too: Townes Van Zandt, Dylan & Shawn Mullins. But I think Danny would find my home life  – which I love -too restricting for him. He’s much more of a restless soul.

 

What was the hardest scene in Hunted to write, and what was the easiest?

The toughest was a scene where Danny realizes that he has failed to save someone very dear to him. Protecting those weaker than himself is right at the core of his character, so I needed to judge the impact of such a failure just right. The easiest part of Hunted to write was the sequence of scenes where Danny is being chased by hundreds of cops through central London in broad daylight. I basically ran him through all the streets I know best,  past places I used to work and hang out, so I very much felt that I was there with him every frenzied step of the way.

 

When can we expect the continuation of the Danny Shanklin series to be available in the US.  Can you give us any hints of what’s up for Shanklin.

I’ve just finished Wanted, the sequel to Hunted. It will be out in the US next year. All I’ll say is that life doesn’t get any easier for Danny. Maybe I should be kinder to him in the third book? Instead of having him on the run, I could just describe him having a really nice meal and watching TV?

 

 

 

About the author:

Author PictureEmlyn Rees was brought up in Cardiff and studied English at Southampton University. His first novel, ‘The Book of Dead Authors’, published in 1997, was written while he worked as an assistant to the literary agent Vivienne Schuster. Emlyn and his wife Josie Lloyd each had novels of their own published before teaming up to write the bestsellers Come Together, Come Again, The Boy Next Door, Love Lives, We Are Family, The Three Day Rule and The Seven Year Itch

Website | Twitter

 

 

Get it on your Bookshelf Giveaway…Forbidden Love by Ellis Carrington

Getitonyourbookshelfgiveaway
Happy Friday, guys!  I’ve got a great book to give away today…and one I have on my own to-read list!  
Forbidden Love by Ellis Carrington.
Enter to win in the rafflecopter below.
EllisCarringtonCOVER

Book links:

Synopsis:

Previously released as Amor Prohibido by Amber Quill / Amber Allure Press.
Jacob Freehan has no job, no man, and no motivation. In pain both from ending a long-term abusive relationship and a severe back injury, he escapes to the sunny seaside town of Puerto Morelos, Mexico for a little yoga, a little R&R, and possibly a place to quietly end his own life.

Pakal is a centuries-old immortal Mayan spirit guide who has been charged with getting Jacob on the path toward healing. Romantic involvement with a spirit charge is strictly forbidden, and it has never been a problem…until now. Pakal sees something special in Jacob, but failure to keep a rapidly growing attraction at bay could result in Jacob losing his life and Pakal being condemned to the Underworld forever…
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal….My Today by HJ Bellus

Cover Reveal: My Today 

(My Way Series, Book 2)
by: HJ Bellus
 
                        
Synopsis:
 
Lacey’s Story…
 
Covering up pain is easy. It’s keeping it tucked away that’s hard. I’ve always needed the cover of tattoos to hide the nasty past that leached its way into me, tainting me beneath my skin. Not the shiny, trendy tats, but the ugly broken kind, meant to keep the world at bay. If they weren’t enough, then my piercings, foul mouth and crazy hair usually did the trick. Life had taught me to never follow the rules, because when you do, you get burned.
That philosophy served its purpose, until I met someone who turned my life upside down. Milly, the little hoochie, stormed into my life and changed everything with her undying faith in me, her love and her shitty coffee concoctions. I found a family in Milly, and her sexy farm boy, Cree. She accepted me without hesitation, and never ran from the dark and dangerous secrets that I harbored. My new family loved me unconditionally, with their showers of sprinkles and impromptu dance parties. 
My life was perfectly imperfect until Tripp and his crazy-ass ideas of princesses. Our relationship is what most would describe as fuel meeting fire. We were both hell bent on burning each other to the ground. Tripp, fresh out of rehab, moved in with Milly and Cree to try and make a new life for himself. Tripp, the sexy as hell, charismatic beast, soon became one of my best friends. We shared our love of ice cream and tattoos as we blazed our own path that could only lead to a beautiful train wreck. The only question left is, will we set the countryside ablaze with our hot tempers and foul mouths, or will we paint our own happy ending filled with all the gushy shit normal people crave?
 
 
 
Cover Designer: Five Fish Press
Cover Photographer: A Beautiful Cover

 


SURPRISE!!!!
 
 
 
Join the PRE-RELEASE EVENT on Facebook!!!! Oct. 18th! Click here!!!
 
 
 There will be GIVEAWAYS and EXCLUSIVE Announcements!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Teasers!!
 
 
 
We meet Lacey and Tripp in book ONE in the My Way Series, My Now & Forever
 
 Meet HJ Bellus:
I’m just a simple girl who loves the country life.. .oh yeah! & a good corn dog! Throw in a little Vanilla Ice, and shits bound to get crazy! Be brave…
 
-Loves country life & music 
-Gets the case of the “fuck-its” often 
-Loves Big 
-Hurts Big 
-love corn dogs & candy…. & (sex & candaaay) 
-My heart is happy writing!!!

 

Social Media:

Facade by Nyrae Dawn….An Interview with Adrian

Happy Thursday!

Ok….I am BEYOND excited to have Nyrae Dawn here on the blog and be able to bring you a recent interview she had with Adrian from Facade.

*dreamy sigh*

Oh, and I am also giving away an eCopy of Facade to one lucky winner.  Enter in the rafflecopter below.

Facade Cover

Nyrae: Hey, I’d like to thank Jillian for inviting Adrian and I to her blog today. I thought it would be fun to get to dig around in Adrian’s head a bit…

Adrian: Wait. This was your idea? I thought it was Jillian’s.

Nyrae: Um…well…

Adrian: Because my book wasn’t enough torture. I see how you are.

Nyrae: Hey! It wasn’t torture. It led you to—

Adrian: Laney…yeah, I can’t regret anything that led me to her.

Nyrae: Aww, that was sweet. Since you mentioned Laney, let’s talk about her a little bit. What is it about Laney that you love so much?

Adrian: rolls eyes You’re killin’ me here, Nyrae. I think that’s sort of a ridiculous question. What is it about her? I don’t think that’s something a person can put into words.

Nyrae: Well if anyone can do it, I think it would be you. The poetry you write is incredible.

Adrian: Shit. I never should have let you in on that piece of information about me… About Laney, I guess it’s just the way she makes me feel. She made me feel good when there hadn’t been a whole lot of it in my life. Because she’s good. She’s been through hell and back but she doesn’t let herself see the world negatively because of it. That takes a special kind of person. I sure as hell couldn’t do it before her. Let’s be real, I still don’t always but she makes me want to see things differently. She makes me want to keep going despite the fact that there’s so much darkness out there. shifts uncomfortably in seat

Nyrae: See? I knew you could do it. She’s a very lucky girl.

Adrian: Nah, I’m the lucky one. But I’m also going to throw in the fact that she’s gorgeous as hell, too. I don’t want to miss that one.

Nyrae: laughs Of course. We wouldn’t want anyone to think you’re all heart in there Adrian. Speaking of heart, I have to admit that’s one of my favorite things about you. You might not see it, but you do the same things Laney does. You’ve lived through some horrible things but you have a poet’s heart. There’s more to you inside than people see on the surface.

Adrian: Yeah, the whole “façade” thing. You got real creative on the title there, Nyrae.

Nyrea: Hey! Don’t tease me! It fit.

Adrian: I’m just giving you shit. So what was your question?

Nyrae: I guess I want to know about your writing. What it does for you.

Adrian: I think I kind of described that in the book. What does your writing do for you? It gives an outlet. We all know I’ve had a fucked-up life. There was so much shit inside me that needed to be free but it didn’t have a way out. It was trapped, locked away but then…I don’t even know how it happened but the pen became my key. That key was the only way to unlock my feelings, to get them out of me, even if I was only leaving them on paper. I sure as hell couldn’t talk about it. Definitely not about Ash and when I was a kid…I guess I thought I didn’t have a voice.

Nyrae: Holy crap you are hot. Laney didn’t stand a chance. A guy as gorgeous as you and who talks like that? Wow…

Adrian: winks That’s what all the girls say.

Nyrae: LOL. I’m sure they do. But you’re all committed, and in love now so they don’t stand a chance.

Adrian: Nope.

Nyrae: Okay… I hate doing this but we have to talk about Ash. I know he isn’t something you’ll ever get over, but how are you doing now?

Adrian: closes eyes. Takes a deep breath We take it day by day. Are there still days I wish I could burn the whole fucking world down because we’re all still here and he isn’t? Hell yes…. But I’m happy now too. I’m happy most days when I never was before. I see things and think how he would have liked them or Laney brings something up and it reminds me of a story about him. I can talk about him now and I could never do that shit before. I’m living for him. Next question.

Nyrae: wipes eyes Okay, let’s talk about something fun now. Tell me how everyone is doing.

Adrian: Laney and I are good. We’re both working and going back to school. Colt and Cheyenne are doing their thing. I have to put them in their place once in a while and let ‘em know mine and Laney’s book was way better than CHARADE—

Nyrae: Hey! I resent that! BOTH your books are special. They both hold a special place in my heart. And if I hadn’t met Colt first, I wouldn’t have gotten to meet you….

Adrian: I see how you are. Rubbing it in my face again that I wouldn’t have Laney without you. Laughs Yeah, Charade was good but I have to give him shit. We wouldn’t be friends, if I didn’t.

Nyrae: True. You guys are crazy. How about we leave things off with you telling us your favorite part of the book?”

Adrian: eyebrows go up Can I say the sex?

Nyrae: How did I know that would be your answer?? Okay, what is your favorite part of the book besides the sex?

Adrian: You’re no fun. I guess one of my favorite parts was when Laney and I went away for a few days.

Nyrae: Don’t make yourself think I don’t realize what you just did but I’ll allow it. Thanks for letting me pick your brain a little Adrian. I know this isn’t really your thing so I appreciate it.

Adrian: No problem. Hell, maybe I’ll even do it again sometime… Jillian’s cool people.

Nyrae: Yes, she is. Thanks, Jillian!

 

Thank YOU, Adrian and Nyrae!  What a treat!! XO

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn’s passion. There have been times in her life where she wasn’t able to chase that dream the way she desired, but she always found her way back to telling stories.

One of her loves has always been writing about teens. There’s something so fresh and fun about the age that she loves exploring. Her husband says it’s because she doesn’t want to grow up. She doesn’t think that’s such a bad thing and luckily for her, he doesn’t either.

Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she’s a total romantic at heart and proud.

Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids.

When she’s not with her family, you can be pretty sure you’ll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her.

She writes for Entangled PublishingGrand Central Publishing and is self-published.

 Website  ~  Goodreads  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter

Worth the Fight by Vi Keeland…Launch Day Event and ARC Review

It’s release day for WORTH THE FIGHT by Vi Keeland and I am so happy to be a part of the fun!

Along with some teasers and the rafflecopter for a fab giveaway, you will find my review…I loved this book!! 

Enjoy! 

Worth the Fight -It's Live

Add Worth the Fight to your TBR list on Goodreads HERE 

Synopsis:

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same.

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

 

My review:

Worth the Fight is the first book in author Vi Keeland’s MMA Fighter Series and the synopsis had me completely hooked.  Oh boy, did this story live up to my expectations…..it was excellent.

Attorney Elle James’ life is pretty good and relatively normal these days.  A great job in a small firm with a great boss, a handsome and successful boyfriend and a nice apartment.  Pretty normal and pretty bland. A big difference from the childhood she lived through. Those are the years she would love to forget.  Those are also the years that shaped her into the woman she was today….and also why she craves normal and bland.  It was safe and that meant a lot to her.  Of course, just when she is settled in her normal, safe life, MMA fighter Nico Hunter walks into her firm and immediately she knows things aren’t going to be normal and boring where he was concerned.  Suddenly safe and bland aren’t what she yearns for….

Nico Hunter hasn’t been in the cage for eighteen months.  It was in a fight eighteen months ago when his life changed forever, and not for the good.  Now, he’s gearing up for his return into the MMA fighting world.  His body is fine-tuned and ready to go….his mental state?  Not so much.  When he meets Elle, he can’t deny the instant connection he has with her.  Boyfriend or not, he has to have her.  After spending some time together, he soon realizes she may be the one to help him tame his inner demons.  He has no idea how right he is and can’t even begin to imagine the kind of connection they end up sharing.  Will they both be able to let go of their haunted pasts and move forward into the future….together?

When I hosted the cover reveal for Vi, I was immediately drawn in with the teasers she shared for the post and was so excited to get a chance to read this book.  Well, I didn’t just read it…I devoured it. Nico is the ultimate contradiction…a hard-bodied alpha male with a heart as big as the cage he fights in and a soft side that would make a teddy bear jealous.  His sex appeal is second to none and his personality leapt off the pages.  Damn that man is fiiiiiiiine!  Elle is a gal I admired greatly.  She’s worked really hard to move past the nightmare she lived as a child and she really has a good head on her shoulders.  She’s smart and knows herself really well.  She also was amazing at taking a chance on Nico.  She didn’t balk at his advances, instead she recognized there was a thrill she felt with him and wanted to grab it and explore where it took her.  Together, they hold each other up when each needs it most.  So many touching and tender moments happen between them.  It was an emotional ride for sure!

I have to say, I think Vi did a fantastic job at giving the reader pieces of information throughout the story that all fit together perfectly in the end.  It was as if we lived Elle and Nico’s growing relationship right along side them.  I also adored what she did at the very end!  A very cute way of wrapping things up.

Thank you, Vi, for an amazing start to a series I will absolutely be keeping up with!  I cannot wait for book two!

5LovesRLBFive Loves

 

Worth the Fight excerpt pic - Nico on Elle

Worth the Fight Excerpt - Elle on Nico

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Worth the Fight Dream Cast

About the author:

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work.  She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting USA Today Best Selling smut author by night!

Facebook  ~  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Goodreads

Email: vikeeland@gmail.com

Blog Tour & Guest Post….Beautiful Broken by Nazarea Andrews

BeautifulBrokenBANNER

It’s my stop on the Beautiful Broken Blog Tour and I am so happy to have Nazarea Andrews on the blog this morning with a fab guest post!

Nazarea is also hosting an amazing giveaway (be sure to enter to win in the rafflecopter below)…..ENJOY!

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Buy links:

Amazon  ~  Paperback  ~  Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

She’s been broken by her past. He’s been breaking for as long as he can remember.

Together, they can make each other whole–or destroy each other.

When his best friend asks for something, Dane rarely says no. But babysitting a newly sober Scout Grimes for three weeks isn’t exactly a normal request. And with their history, it’s a recipe for disaster. Not to mention, she’s drop dead gorgeous and he can’t touch her.

There are few people Scout trusts as much as Dane Guillot. He’s always been her safe place, where nothing can hurt her. He’s also been the only man she’s never let herself want–screwing up their friendship isn’t worth one amazing night together.

 You can find my review HERE

Guest Post:

BOOK COVERS

I love book covers. It’s one of my favorite things about self-publishing. Talking to my cover artist is one of my favorite things in the world. I spend a lot of time before I send my thoughts to Melissa (The Illustrated Author)—trying to determine what theme and overall feeling of the cover. Eventually, I quit and send her something incredibly basic like “Can it be sexy and set in the fall??” and she gives me the text equileveant of a pat on the head. A few days later, she sends me back something so perfect, it blows me away.

So what do I love about this cover? Everything? Specifically, there are no eating faces kisses (win!) but the embrace is sexy and almost desperate—something that is very true of the characters. The colors of the trees and the beams of sunlight are particularly gorgeous and eye catching. But what totally sold me on the cover was the font. I loved how it was stark and beautiful and a little bit twisted and turned around. It fit the mood of the story perfectly.

You tell me—what’s your favorite cover and why?? I’d love to hear from you here or on Twitter @NazareaAndrews

 

Giveaway:

One lucky winner will get a loaded MP3 player, 2 signed bookmarks, bookplates, and the first 25 pages of Beautiful Broken with editing marks and special extras from Nazarea.

Follow the rest of the tour HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:
photo-11Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

Site  ~  Blog  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

 

Cover Reveal & Giveaway….Let Love Heal by Melissa Collins

I am happy to be able to bring you the cover for Let Love Heal by Melissa Collins….

Enjoy and be sure to enter the giveaway Melissa is hosting below!

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Synopsis for Let Love Heal:

Perfection.  We all strive for it, but what happens when the desire to be perfect consumes you?  What happens when the need to bury your mistakes blinds you?

Melanie Crane has always been the perfect daughter, friend, student – she’s been perfect at everything, in fact.  But when she lets her insecurities, the ones that she keeps hidden from everyone, get the best of her, she falters in her pursuit of perfection.  Melanie crumples under the pressure and buries her pain.  Numbed by sadness and guilt, she is determined never to let anyone find out how broken she really is.

Bryan Mahoney may appear to have everything in order.  He’s charming, witty and completely swoon-worthy. In short, Bryan has life all figured out, but appearances can be deceiving.  When the landscape of Bryan’s family changes in an instant, he’s left to pick up the pieces.

Not all bruises leave a mark. Now, weary and afraid, Melanie and Bryan must find a way to let love heal their broken and jaded hearts.

 

Link to Prologue:

http://www.wattpad.com/25653055-let-love-heal-prologue#.Uj-DxoasiSo

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other books in this series:

Synopsis for Let Love In:

What would happen if you lost everything?  If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how would your world change?

That’s exactly what happened to Madeleine Becker when her parents died when she was ten years old.  Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again.  The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can’t get hurt if she doesn’t fall in love.

That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy’s pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world.  Maddy’s inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.

Together they find out what happens when they let love in.

Book Trailer for Let Love Inhttp://vimeo.com/68016203

Synopsis For Let Love Stay:

If you’re lucky, you’ll fall in love – truly, madly and deeply in love.  But what happens when that honest and pure love isn’t enough to erase your fears?  What happens when your past rears its ugly head and threatens your future?

Maddy and Reid had that kind of love – the all-encompassing, Earth shattering, once in a lifetime kind of love.  Then life happened.  Old wounds that were thought to be long healed and scabbed over are ripped opened and they are forced to face the possibility that, maybe, they are not strong enough to fight their demons and embrace the light.

Together, they found out what love is, but now they will each need to heal on their own before they can ever be together again.  They must face their fears and beat down their pasts in order to find their way through this crazy uphill battle called love.

They’ve let love in, but now, they need to find out how to Let Love Stay.

Purchase links for Let Love In and Let Love Stay:

For Let Love In  ON SALE FOR 99 CENTS UNTIL 9/30:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Love-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00CPE10JY/

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Love-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00CPE10JY/

Apple iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/let-love-in/id646604599?ls=1

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1046637564?ean=2940016671178

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Let-Love-In/book-CADu6AR31EqasVWUJ9jYPQ/page1.html?s=5z1FZ__9BkyuWMcnSyk_2A&r=2

For Let Love Stay:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Love-Stay-Series-ebook/dp/B00E5TQ0CY/

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Love-Stay-Series-ebook/dp/B00E5TQ0CY/

Apple iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/let-love-stay/id678728030?mt=11

Barnes & Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/let-love-stay-melissa-collins/1116225393?ean=2940148456940

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Books/let-love-stay

Goodreads links:

Let Love In: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17684880-let-love-in

Let Love Stay: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17902155-let-love-stay

Let Love Heal: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18148888-let-love-heal

About the author:

I’ve always been an avid reader.  Majoring in English Literature was a no brainer.  Becoming a teacher and instilling my love for reading into my students was also a no brainer.  I’ve spent the last ten years teaching and I’ve loved (mostly) every minute of it.  When I was home on maternity leave for my third son, I discovered a new genre that sparked my creativity.  My passion for writing sprang from my love of reading and once I knew I had a story to tell, I couldn’t wait to get it out there.  I only hope that my readers enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Facebook  ~  Twitter   ~  Web

Cover Reveal….Drowning by Rachel Firasek

I am so excited to bring you the cover of DROWNING, the first in a new series by Rachel Firasek!

Drowning

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“I dare you.”

Those words would change adrenaline junkie, Alice Harrison’s life forever. She’s a party girl that doesn’t believe in love until she meets a man that only writes about it.

Seth James escaped his overbearing father and moved into one of the James family’s vacant condos, hoping to create the music he loves in peace. But the fragile calm he’s envisioned shatters when a tiny woman with a world full of energy bounces out of the elevator and nearly takes him out.
With the patience of a saint, Seth seeks the dark that keeps Alice from enjoying life. He challenges her to exorcise the demons in her past in order to discover the true meaning of love. But when the walls fall down, the hidden deceptions will bare the ugly truth about a woman drowning in sorrow and a man who may not know how to be her hero.

 Add DROWNING to your to-read list on Goodreads

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-young-girl-stands-edge-cliff-image21397768

Giveaway:

Rachel is hosting a great giveaway with prizes that include:

3 swag gifts, 2-$10.00 GC, and 10 EArcs

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

  About the Author: 0012 Rachel Firasek spends her days daydreaming of stories and her nights putting the ideas to ink. She has spent a dull life following the rules, meeting deadlines, and toeing the line, but in her made up worlds, she can let the wild side loose. Her wonderful husband and three children support her love of the written word and only ask for the occasional American Idol or Swamp People quality hour. She has a philosophy about love. It must devastate or it isn’t truly worth loving. She hopes that you all find your devastating love and cling to it with all your heart!

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