The Play Mate by Kendall Ryan…Blog Tour & Review

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the-play-mate-kendall-ryanSmith Hamilton has it all—he’s smart, good-looking and loaded. But he remembers a time when he had nothing and no one, so he’s not about to mess up, especially with his best friend’s little sister. That means keeping Evie at arm’s length … even though the once pesky little girl is now a buxom bombshell. A sexy blonde who pushes his self-control to the limit the night she crawls into bed with him.

Evie Reed knows she’s blessed—with an exclusive education, a family who loves her, and a new job managing social media for her family’s lingerie company. But she wants more, like a reason to wear the sexy lingerie herself. She has just the man in mind to help with that. She’s crushed on Smith forever. Surely tricking her way into his bed will force him to see her in a new, adult way.

Except that when Evie’s plan leads to disaster, she and Smith must decide—ignore the attraction sizzling between them, or become play mates and risk it all.

 

 

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3.5 Stars

Ok – So I don’t think I have ever given a 3 star review to Kendall. And 3 stars isn’t bad by any means. This book is good, just for me it wasn’t my favorite from her. There were parts that were harder for me to believe and that took away the connection I usually get with her books.

The Play Mate is the 2nd book in Kendall’s Roommates series but can be read as a standalone. Every book features a new couple and nothing overlaps; no previous characters or needing to know about the previous book.

As with all Kendall Ryan books, I know to expect a quick, sweet, sexy and fun read. And The Play Mate is nothing short of that. Kendall writes her characters so they are relatable and honest and that helps makes her stories even more enjoyable.

The Play Mate is another brother’s best friend romances. Yes, I know this is starting to get played out a bit, but Kendall keeps it light and enjoyable. Evie attempts to seduce Smith one night and everything backfires. But she refuses to hang her head in shame and moves on.

Then they are stuck working together. Evie and Smith can both sense the tension and growing attraction that neither can hide. But Smith made it clear that he doesn’t want to move past the friend-zone. He’s her brother’s best friend and things would just ugly between all of them if they did. That is until he realizes it’s almost impossible to work with Evie on a daily basis and not die of slow death of blue balls.

These two try to keep it casual but we all know that won’t happen. As much as they keep their relationship a secret, they both fall for each other a little more during their time together. I enjoyed watching these two get to know one another in a new way. However, my biggest gripe is the whole no sex during most of that time. I’m sorry, I just don’t buy it. He’s a grown man who has needs. And seeing one another every day and night and it never once leads into sex after all that foreplay – that’s some really good restraint. Hell, I think I got blue balls a few times reading this. Geez. But enough about that.

Overall, the book was really enjoyable. I loved watching these two go from friends, to coworkers to lovers. The story moves at a great pace and there isn’t any huge drama. It’s a light and sugary story!

 

 

 

 

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Kendall Ryan author picA New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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The Wright Brother by K.A Linde….Blog Tour & Review

 

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I’d dated his brother.

He didn’t remember and I wish I could forget.

I may have sworn off the Wright family a long time ago. But when I returned home, Jensen Wright crashed into my life with the confidence of a billionaire CEO and the sex appeal of a god. Even I couldn’t resist our charged chemistry, or the way he fit into my life like a missing puzzle piece.

Too bad he’d forgotten the one thing that could destroy us.

Because Jensen Wright doesn’t share. Not with anyone. And if his brother finds out, this could all go down in flames.

When it all was said and done, was he the Wright brother?

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The Wright Brother started off so great for me. And then there were parts that made this book fall flat for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good book, I just had some issues with particular scenes that had me feeling “meh” on.

I always know to expect a very well written book from K.A. and The Wright Brother holds up that expectation for me. It’s just certain scenes, regardless of how well written they are, that I didn’t like and felt were unnecessary, but that’s me. How something like that is a secret for 7 years and yet Emery’s best friend knows about it and doesn’t view it as a huge secret, just sort of baffles me altogether.

Emery has returned to her hometown and is looking to figure out a fresh start somehow. Emery is dragged along with her best friend to a Wright wedding – the one family she has sworn off. She doesn’t expect to capture the eyes of Jensen Wright, the older brother of Landon Wright, her high school sweetheart.

While things are working out between Jensen and Emery, Landon does not play the part you are expecting, but his life is quite interesting, to the say the least. It’s one that has me itching to see what happens in the next book.

Overall, aside from my few problems in the book, K.A. starts this series off well. I am definitely intrigued by this family and look forward to reading more about them all.

 

 

 

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KylaK.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifteen novels including the Avoiding series and the Record series. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, geeking out over Star Wars, binge-watching Supernatural, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

Sweet Venom by Kirsty-Anne Still….Release Day Blitz & Review

Title: Sweet Venom
Author: Kirsty-Anne Still
Release Date: Feb 28, 2017
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There are two sides to every story.

Until there are three.

And ours isn’t for the faint of hearts.

***

SWEET VENOM is a crazy in love novel set in three point of views – crazy, crazier and craziest. This is a love triangle that is not made for those looking for an easy love story or an obvious end.
If I were you, I’d be careful who you fall for.

This is STANDALONE.
Meant for mature readers due to murder, violence and sex.

 I have read Kirsty’s books in the past and have had mixed feelings on them. One I have enjoyed, while others I just ok with. This one, I am not sure where I find myself.

I loved the plot – it was great. But it’s how everything played out that took some of the excitement out of it for me. The characters I struggled connecting to. While at certain points I found myself really getting into the book, other times I found myself saying “do I really want to continue this book?” And I hate that. Let me try to explain further.

The characters. Ashley – I didn’t really care for her at all. One minute she was all feisty and not afraid of anything and the next, she was this timid mouse. And that just drove me nuts. I won’t give away any spoilers but at no point, beginning, middle or end, did I ever like this character. Eden I liked. She was fighter. She too had her moments of weakness, but you understood where those came in. As with Ashley, you just couldn’t grasp why one minute she was strong and the next she was weak. She just became an annoying gnat that wouldn’t go away. Then we have Lawrence – I really liked him. He’s a killer, a ruthless one at that. But Ashley and Eden have a way of weakening him in different ways. And it’s their ability to weaken him, that brings out different sides to him.

The plot. Love the concept! Hated how it played out. It seemed to take forever to get from one moment to the next. I get you want some suspense, but damn – don’t drag it out. You lose the point and the readers interest. This is where I found myself skimming parts because I just wanted to get onto the next scene and what would happen next. There was too much inner monologue amongst the characters. I understand wanting to see what the characters are thinking, but sometimes it gets to be too much. If we have a good understanding of who they, we pretty much know why do they things. And the backstories of these characters – holy shit. Yes, I understand we need to know things that happened because it sets other parts in motion, but again, don’t drag it out – there were multiple scenes jumping around explanations and then we finally find out the backstory. That was super annoying. It was just unnecessary filler. Sometimes it’s just best to give a quick synopsis of backstory.

Yes, it sounds like I am tearing this book apart, but I’m not. I did enjoy reading this or I wouldn’t have read it the whole way through. I think part of my issue is that this author is very detailed in her writing. And for me, personally it’s too much. As an editor, this book would have been cut much shorter. Or possibly made into two books. But that’s me.

Overall, the plot in itself was great. The book, while very lengthy was good. Don’t expect for anything to stand out. It’s one of those reads where you find yourself interested enough to continue, but it may take a few days to complete because there is not urgent need to finish other than flat out curiosity. There was portion near the end that redeemed this book a little and upped it to a 3 star rating for me.

I know that there are some who will love this book. As I said, that plot was awesome. Loved it. The characters were just ok – nothing to excite me and none that will stick with me. I am going to buy this book once it releases, but mostly for the reason of I need to see the final version of this book. I had an unedited ARC and I found LOTS of editing issues, which I think also hindered parts for me. I will re-read this and give an updated review on the released book if any of my opinions change. I will never critique an unedited book on editing issues – the answer to why is obvious.

Author, graphic designer, book worm, peppermint tea obsessive.

Kirsty-Anne stumbled across her love for writing as she started university. Over the last couple of years she’s found the style of writing that best defines her and her work. Her favourite genres to write are romantic suspense with dark themes, but loves to push her boundaries.

  

Lucian Devine by Renée Carlino….Blog Tour & Review

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luciandivine_03-1-1-1“My guardian angel is a drunk.”

Evelyn Casey’s life is at a standstill. She’s in her mid-twenties, struggling with the dating scene in San Francisco. Nothing seems to be working out, and she’s starting to think that she’ll live out her days in her crummy apartment with her overbearing roommate, Brooklyn. It’s absurd, but sometimes Evey longs for a guardian angel to show up and save the day.

And then he does. Seriously. His name is Lucian and he’s a guardian angel, been on the job for two thousand years. His sudden presence in her life is both good—he’s brilliant, witty, and warm—and bad—he’s brilliant, witty, warm, and hot as —-. But as perfect as Lucian seems, he’s got problems of his own. He’s taken up drinking and he’s brazenly inserted himself into Evey’s life, going against the greatest cosmic law ever created.

For Evey, the rules are simple: You are not allowed to hook up with your guardian angel. But sometimes fulfilling your destiny requires a leap of faith, a confrontation with God.

Yes, God as in God.

 

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I enjoy Renee Carlino and her writing.  However, this book didn’t feel that it had the depth of her other books.
What I did love about this book was the different aspects it brought.  Yes, it’s about angels but the way Renee tells the story is quite interesting.  She has a unique take on guardian angels and God and the unknown.  I truly loved the added humor in this book. It helped give the story that quirky view and that what’s kept me interested.
Renee tells this story from Lucian and Evelyn’s POV.   Lucian definitely made this book for me.  I enjoyed his view on things and the way he challenged everything.  His love for Evelyn was astounding.  Evelyn was just ok for me.  I couldn’t really connect with her but that sometimes happens.
Overall, it’s how this story played out that entertained me.  While I had figured out how things were going to happen, it’s the characters reactions that made the book interesting.  These angels do things I don’t expect most angels to do.  And the unexpected in always enjoyable to read.

 

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EARLY REVIEWS

“I was utterly and completely swept away by Lucian Divine. This story is sweet, swoony, so funny and unique and just downright magical. It’s pure delight.”
-Mia Sheridan
New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author

“Lucian delivers all the feels and heart in a beautifully clever, blissfully winged package. This story was the absolute best way to start my New Year.”
-Staci Hart
Bestselling Author

“A love story like we’ve never seen…witty and so utterly charming, Carlino’s humor shines thought in Lucian Divine. I have been swept away.”
-R.S. Grey
USA Today Bestselling Author

“Lucian Divine has redefined and set a new standard of what a must-read book is for me.”
-Carey Heywood
New York Times Bestselling Author

“Carlino pulls all the stops and gives us not only something emotional that will touch your heart and soul, but will also give readers something to think about long after reading the very last page.”
-Christina Shh Moms Reading

“This author has ASTOUNDING talent and every romance reader out there needs to experience at least one of her incredible stories. Unique, addictive, beautiful, and faultlessly written, LUCIAN DIVINE by Renée Carlino was an incredible DELIGHT to read!”
-Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads

“A love so deep, so strong, one that will melt your heart and have you devouring word after word. Lucian Divine consumed me and I have to say that I am in awe of Renee Carlino’s talent and her ability to create a tale that brings this story and these characters to life.”
-Jen Shmexy Girl Book Blog

“This book delivers on so many levels. It questions but also reaffirms faiths. It makes you love harder and sends a hopeful message.”
-AC Book Blog

“I adored the neurotic but lovable Lucian. Everything about this book was perfect for me.”
-A Literary Perusal

 

Renee-121Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women’s novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher’s Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com

Freeks by Amanda Hocking…Blog Tour & Review

 

 

 

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EXCERPT

5. carnival

Unlike many of the other members of the sideshow, I didn’t have a specific job. My mom was a fortune- teller, Gideon did a magic show, Zeke had his tigers, Brendon and his family did acrobatics, Seth was a strongman. My best friend Roxie Smith was in two acts— she helped out Zeke, and did a peepshow revue with two other girls.

I had no talent. No special ability, making me essentially a roadie. I did what was needed of me, which usually involved helping set up and take down, and various menial tasks. I cleaned the tiger cages and emptied out latrines when I had to. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but it was crucial to our way of life.

Since Roxie worked with the tigers, Mahilā actually tolerated her. Roxie was helping me clean out the tiger cage they traveled in. The cage was open to a fenced-in enclosure Seth had built, so the tigers could roam as they pleased.

Safēda lounged in the grass, the sun shining brightly on her white fur. Whenever we stopped, Safēda seemed content to just lay in the sun, sleeping the entire time, but as the older tiger, it made sense.

Mahilā paced along the fence, occasionally emitting an irritated guttural noise in between casting furtive glances back toward Roxie and me. Her golden fur was mottled with scars from her past life in the abusive circus, including a nasty one that ran across her nose.

“So where did you go last night?” Roxie asked, her voice lilting in a sing song playful way. She was out in the run, using a hose to fill up a blue plastic kiddie pool so the tigers could play in it, while I was on my hands and knees scrubbing dung off the cage floor.

Her bleached blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and the sleeves of her white T- shirt were rolled up, revealing her well-toned arms. The cut- off jean shorts she wore barely covered her bum, and her old cowboy boots went up to her knees— her chosen footwear anytime she was at risk of stepping in tiger poop.

With fair skin, full lips, large blue eyes, and a dainty nose, Roxie was pretty and deceptively tough. Being a beautiful carnie was not an easy job, and dancing in the revue under the stage name “Foxy Roxie” didn’t help that. But she made decent money doing it, and Roxie never put up with anybody’s crap. I’d seen her deck guys much bigger than her and lay them out flat on their backs.

“I was just at a party,” I said as I rinsed the brush off in a bucket of bleach and warm water.

“A party?” Roxie looked over at me with a hand on her hip.

“How’d you get invited to a party so fast?”

I shrugged. “I was just exploring town, and I saw some people hanging outside of this big house party, and they invited me in.”

“So what are the people like here? Are they nice?”

Safēda had gotten up and climbed into the pool, and then she flopped down in it, splashing Roxie as she did. Roxie took a step back, but kept looking at me.

“I don’t know. The people I met last night seemed nice, and they were superrich, so that bodes well for the town, I guess.”

“Like how rich?” Roxie asked.

“Like their house is practically a mansion.” I dropped the brush in the water and sat back on my knees, taking a break to talk to her. “It was the nicest house I’ve ever been in, hands down.”

“Is that why you spent the night there?”

Roxie understood my fascination with houses. Well, “understood” wasn’t the right word. It was more like she knew of it, but didn’t understand it all. She’d grown up in an upper- middleclass family, in nice houses with basements, and thought they were about as boring and lame as she could imagine.

“Partly.” I nodded. “It was a really amazing house. There were pillars out front, and the front hall was bigger than my trailer.”

“It’s just a house, Mara.” Roxie shook her head.

“I know but . . .” I trailed off, trying to think of how to explain it to her. “You know how you felt when you first joined the sideshow two years ago? How everything seemed so exciting and fun, and I was like, ‘We live in cramped trailers. It kinda sucks.’”

Roxie nodded. “Yeah. But I still think this life is a million times better than my old life. I get to see everything. I get to decide things for myself. I can leave whenever I want. There’s nothing to hold me back or tie me down.”

She’d finished filling up the pool, so she twisted the nozzle on the hose to shut it off. Stepping carefully over an old tire and a large branch that the tigers used as toys, she went to the edge of the run and tossed the hose over the fence, before Mahilā

decided to play with it and tore it up.

She walked over to the cage and scraped her boots on the edge, to be sure she didn’t track any poop inside, before climbing up inside it.

“So what was the other reason?” Roxie asked.

I kept scrubbing for a moment and didn’t look up at her when I said, “Gabe.”

Gabe?” Roxie asked. “That sounds like a boy’s name.”

“That’s because it is.”

“Did you have sex with him?”

“No.” I shot her a look. “We just made out a little.”

“What what what?” Luka Zajiček happened to be walking by just in time to hear that, and he changed his course to walk over to the tiger cage. “Is that what you were up to last night?”

“That’s what sucks about living in a community so small. Whenever anything happens, everybody knows about it right away,” I muttered.

Luka put his arms through the cage bars and leaned against it, in the area I’d cleaned already. Since he was rather short, the floor came up to his chest, and his black hair fell into his eyes.

His eyes were the same shade of gray as mine, but his olive skin was slightly lighter than mine. We first met him when he joined the carnival four years ago, and the first thing my mom said was that she was certain that we were related somehow.

Unfortunately, Mom knew next to nothing about our family tree to be able to prove it. All she could really tell me was that we were a mixture of Egyptian, Turkish, and Filipino, with a bit of German thrown in for good measure.

Luka had been born in Czechoslovakia, but he’d moved here with his family when he was young, so he’d lost his accent.

He had recently roped me into helping him with a trick. He’d stand with his back against a wall, while I fi red a crossbow around him. Originally, Blossom had been the one to help him, but she kept missing and shooting him in the leg or arm, so he’d asked me to do it because I had a steadier hand.

“So you made out with some local guy last night?” Luka asked, smirking at me. “Are you gonna see him again?”

“He’s a local guy. What do you think?” I asked, and gave him a hard look.

Luka shrugged. “Sometimes you bump into them again.”

“And that goes so well when they find out that I work and live with a traveling sideshow,” I said.

The floor was spotless, or at least as spotless as tiger cages can get, and I tossed my brush in the bucket and took off my yellow rubber gloves.

“We can’t all meet our boyfriends in the sideshow,” I reminded Luka as I stood up, and it only made him grin wider. He’d been dating Tim— one of the Flying Phoenixes— for the past three months.

“But you didn’t see Blossom anywhere in town last night?” Roxie asked, and Luka’s smile instantly fell away.

A sour feeling stirred in my stomach, and I looked out around camp through the bars of the cage, as if Blossom would suddenly appear standing beside a trailer. As I’d been doing my chores all morning, I kept scanning the campsite for her, expecting her to return at any moment with a funny story about how she’d gotten lost in town.

But so far, she hadn’t. And the longer she went without coming back, the worse the feeling in my stomach got. I shook my head. “No. I didn’t see her at all last night.”

“She’s gotta turn up, though, right?” Luka asked. “I mean, it’s not like there are really that many places she could’ve gone considering she has no money or car and she’s in a small town.”

The tigers were still down in the run, so I opened the side gate and hopped down out of the cage. Roxie got out behind me, then we closed the door.

“I should talk to Gideon,” I decided as Roxie locked the cage up behind me. “It’s not like Blossom to do this.”

“It’s not totally unlike her, though,” Roxie pointed out.

“When we were in Toledo six months ago, she dis appeared for a few days with that weird commune, and came back just before we were leaving, totally baked out of her mind.”

Blossom had grown up with parents who pretended to be hippies but were really just a couple of drug addicts. That— along with her unexplainable telekinesis— led to her dabbling with drugs and alcohol at a young age, before the state intervened and shipped her off to a group home.

My mom tried to keep her clean of her bad habits, but sometimes Blossom just liked to run off and do her own thing. That wasn’t that unusual for people who lived in the carnival.

“But if you’re worried, you should talk to Gideon,” Roxie suggested. “Luka’s right in that Blossom really couldn’t have gone far. Maybe you can scope out Caudry.”

“Since that sounds like a mission that may take a bit of time, can you help me and Hutch with the museum before you talk to Gideon?” Luka asked. “The exit door is jammed, and we can’t get it open, and Seth is busy helping set up the tents.”

“Sure. Between me and Mara, I’m sure the two of us can get the door unstuck,” Roxie said.

I dropped off the bucket with the other tiger supplies, and then followed Roxie and Luka away from our campsite to the fairgrounds on the other side of a chain- link fence. We always stayed close to the rides, the midway, and the circus tent, but we didn’t actually sleep there. It was much better for every one if we kept our private lives separate from the crowds.

Many of the games were already set up, and the Ferris wheel was in the process of being erected as we passed. Near the end of the midway was a long black trailer painted with all kinds of frightening images of werewolves and specters, along with happier pictures of mermaids and unicorns, and the sign was written in bloodred:

Beneath that were several smaller signs warning “Enter at your own risk. The creatures inside can be DISTURBING and cause NIGHTMARES.”

The entrance to the left was open, but the exit door at the other end was still shut. Wearing a pair of workman’s gloves, Hutch was pulling at the door with all his might. His neon green tank showed that his muscles were flexed and straining in effort. The bandana kept his dark brown hair off his face, but sweat was dripping down his brow.

“Let me have a try, Hutch,” Roxie said.

“What?” He turned to look back at her. “Door’s stuck.”

“I can see that. That’s why I said let me have a try.”

“Okay.” Hutch shrugged and stepped back.

Hutch’s real name was Donald Hutchence, but nobody ever called him anything but Hutch. He didn’t have any special powers, unless you considered being really agreeable and easygoing a super power, so, like me, he was left doing whatever else needed to be done.

Roxie grabbed the door and started pulling on it, and when it didn’t budge, I joined her.

“Luka, go and push from the inside,” Roxie commanded through gritted teeth.

Both Luka and Hutch went inside, pushing as Roxie and I pulled. And then all at once, the door gave way, and we all fell back on the gravel. I landed on my back, scraping my elbow on the rocks.

Roxie made it out unscathed, and Hutch fell painfully on top of me, so he’d avoided injury. Luka crashed right on the gravel, though, and the rocks tore through his jeans and ripped up his knees and the palms of his hands pretty badly.

“Do you need me to get a Band- Aid or anything?” Hutch asked as he helped me to my feet.

“No, I’ll be okay.” I glanced over at Luka and the blood dripping down his knees. “What about you? Do you want anything?”

“Nah. Just give it a few minutes.” Luka waved it off and sat down on the steps leading up to the museum door.

No matter how many times I saw it, I couldn’t help but watch. His knee was shredded, with bits of gravel sticking in the skin. Right before my eyes, the bleeding stopped, and the rocks started falling out, as if pushed by his flesh, and the skin grew back, reattaching itself where it had been little mangled flaps.

Within a few minutes, Luka’s knee was healed completely.

Copyright © 2017 by Amanda Hocking and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Griffin.

 

 

I loved Amanda Hocking and her books.  And when I read the blurb to this book, I was immediately hooked.  However, I did not enjoy it as much as I was expecting.

The overall story of this book was great.  That’s what kept me glued to the pages.  I love the idea of the sideshow and all the characters involved.  They were very interesting and I wish we could have gotten to know more about them.  But I get that this book revolved around Mara and her family in the carnival.

While I enjoyed the characters and their abilities, I had a hard time connecting to any of them.  And it’s not that because this is a YA book, but I just don’t think any of them were as well developed as her other books.  And the whole insta-love thing between Gabe and Mara just seemed to far fetched for me.  I understand they have unique gifts and that’s the underlying part of how they connect so quickly, but without feeling any connection to them, everything just felt off and hard to believe.

Overall, the book is a good read.  There wasn’t a point that I wanted to walk away.  As I said, the overall story kept me glued and had me wanting to know what was going on.  Just don’t expect to get too attached to any characters or anything along those lines.

AMANDA HOCKING Q&A

 Your characters are sent into the Hunger Games. Who wins?

If it’s just the characters from FREEKS, and only one could win, I would put my money on Luka or maybe Roxie. Luka because he can heal from injuries, which gives him a crazy advantage, but Roxie is smart and she’s a survivor. Plus, she has the power of pyrokinesis, which I think I would come in handy in a battle to the death.

  What do you listen to while you write? Or do you prefer silence?

I almost always listen to music when I write, unless I’m writing a really difficult scene. Sometimes the silence helps me focus, but most of the time, I prefer music. For FREEKS, I got to make a really fun 80s playlist, so I especially enjoyed working to that.

  What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve looked up in the name of research – or what do you think the government has maybe flagged you for?

There are sooo many things. For FREEKS, I had to do fun stuff like, “What does a dead body smell like?” and “How much blood can a human lose?” And then after those macabre questions, I did a bunch of googling on fireflies and tarot cards. My search history when I’m working can be pretty exciting like that.

  What was your favorite part of writing FREEKS?

I love Southern Gothics and I love pulpy 80s horror movies, so I was excited to be able incorporate those things in FREEKS. But my favorite part was actually Mara and Gabe. I think they complement each other well, and it was fun writing their banter and flirtations.

  Which actor/actress would you like to see playing your main characters from FREEKS?

For Mara, I envisioned Cassie Steele from the start. I used to be a hardcore Degrassi fan, and I loved Cassie Steele on that. For Gabe, I like Ryan Guzman. I saw him in a Jennifer Lopez movie, and I was like, “Yep. That could be Gabe.”

  Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

I usually write between 11 am and 7 pm. I’ve tried to write earlier in the day and have more of a 8-5 type schedule, but I am not a morning person. My brain just doesn’t want to work much before noon.

  Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?

I usually have a goal in mind before I start writing, but it varies. Some days, it’s slow going and I hope to get at least 500 words out. Other days, I fly through with thousands of words. So it depends on where I’m at in the book, when it’s due, and how I’m feeling about the whole thing.

  When you develop your characters, do you already have an idea of who they are before you write or do you let them develop as you go?

With all my main characters, I have a really good idea of who they are, and it’s just a matter of showing that to the readers. With the side characters, they tend to be rather one-dimensional, and they grow into the story as they’re needed.

  How did writing Freeks differ from your writing your previous novels?

FREEKS was the first thing I had written in awhile that was started out just for me. For most of the past ten years, I have been writing my books with the intention of publishing them, with the audience and readers and trends in mind. I think I had gotten a little burnt out on trying to make everyone happy (mostly because it is impossible to please all readers all the time), and I just wanted to write something that for the sake of writing it.

And that turned out to be a gothic love story about a teenage girl travelling with a band of misfits in the 1980s. It was a very cathartic writing experience for me, and it reminded me of exactly why I loved writing in the first place – I love getting lost in the world, with the characters.

  If Freeks had a theme song what would it be?

Either “Hush” by Limousines or “Head Over Heels” by Tears For Fears.

 Can you please tell us a little bit about Freeks and where you got the inspiration to write it?

I was going through a rough patch, creatively speaking, and so I just sat back and tried to think of my favorite and what I loved most that I would want to write about.

When I was a kid, I used to get old books at garage sales all the time, and I distinctly remember getting Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King and a few old V. C. Andrews novels, which are pulpy Southern Gothic-esque novels. I also watched The Lost Boys and Pretty in Pink over and over again (I think I literally ruined the old VHS of The Lost Boys from watching it too much).

So I basically threw all those things together in a soup, and I picked apart the things I liked and wanted to explore more. That became a travelling sideshow in the 80s stopping Louisiana, where a supernatural monster is afoot, and a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who is smith with a local boy with secrets of his own.

  Freeks is full of many amazingly talented characters and I imagine it was really fun to create some of them, but which one was your favorite and why?

Mara and Gabe are my obvious favorites, since they’re the main characters because I was drawn to them and their story the most. Both of them of them have complex feelings about family and personal identity, and their instant chemistry was fun to write.

But I think Gideon – the namesake and head of sideshow – was actually the biggest surprise, which made him fun in a different way. In the original outlines of the story, he was much a different character – very one-note and cruel – but he completely changed and evolved as I was writing.

  The book is based off of a type of traveling circus that is full of many mysterious acts. If you were to attend a Freekshow, which act would you want to see most?

My favorites are usually the acrobatics, but I think if I attended Gideon Davorin’s Traveling Sideshow, I would be most excited to see Gideon’s magic act. With his skills and knowledge, I think it would be a really amazing show.

  What do you hope readers will take away from FREEKS after reading it? 

With some of my other novels, I deal with heavy themes like life and death, identity, honor, mortality, classism, and family. And while I do definitely touch on those themes in FREEKS, I mostly wrote it as an escape for myself, and that’s what I hope it is for other readers. Life can be hard and frustrating, and I just wanted to write a fun book that readers could get lost in for awhile.

  What is something people would be surprised to know about you? 

Probably how chronically shy I am. Writing is a weird profession, because a good 90% of it is perfect for introverts – you sit alone by yourself and make up imaginary friends to go on adventures. But the last 10% – which involves introducing the whole word to your imaginary friends – is the most exciting and rewarding part, but it’s also the most difficult when you’re as shy as I am.

Social Links:

Author Website

Twitter

Facebook

Author Blog

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GoodReads

Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson…Blog Tour Stop, Review, & Excerpt

The fire she once mastered so easily has become her greatest adversary 
and is now slowly burning her alive . . .

 

OF FLAME AND LIGHT
Weird Girls #7
Cecy Robson
Releasing Oct 18th, 2016

 

Taran Wird holds the unique ability
to conjure fire and lightning. She is mated to Gemini, Second in Command to
the Squaw Valley Pack of the Lake Tahoe Region, and the sole werewolf to
possess the ability to split into two wolves. And although they are mates, Taran’s
insecurities have driven them apart. 
Devastated by an injury that left
her with a zombie-like limb, Taran struggles to regain command over her magic.
But when her arm and her power turn against her, lashing out on those she most
loves, she knows she can no longer carry this burden alone. Not that she likes
the alternative.
The only way to regain control of
her magic is to align and learn from the local coven of witches―the very ones
who sought to banish her when she and her three unique sisters first moved to
the mystical region. But although Taran is trying, the teachings don’t come
easy, and the tasks leave her weak and emotionally shattered.
Yet Taran must learn and learn fast.
Time is running out. The fire she once mastered so easily has become her
greatest adversary and is now slowly burning her alive . . .

My Review:

Okay, so I was a little nervous when I first picked up Of Flame and Light. It’s in first person POV, not my favorite, and it’s book seven for the Weird Sisters, but my first book in the series. We’re already at two strikes and I’m only on page one!

I shouldn’t have worried. I mean, you do lose a bit of continuity and backstory if you’re not reading them in order, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment of this story too much and I was able to keep up.

I loved the world –building. Enough to want to go back to the beginning of the series and start from there. Taran was fun. Thrown into a situation where she has to train with a coven of witches that she’s not exactly friendly with in order to regain control of her magic, Taran is forced to admit she’s not always the tough guy. I really liked watching her grow and learn. She’s a fighter.

The romance with Gemini was at turns incredibly annoying and incredibly fun and satisfying. Two stubborn people who can’t see what’s in front of him can get tiresome after awhile, but it all worked out in the end and I was invested in them as a couple.

Nice pacing, very cool world-building, and a whole cast of interesting characters = a good read.

3andaHalfLovesRLB

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Stacey Sig

 

Excerpt:

I hurry forward when I realize I’m just standing there, gaping at them.

I don’t think I take more than a few steps when something crunches beneath the sole of my left boot. I think it’s a stick, but the sound seems off, especially since the ground is so moist. I lift my foot only to jump away.

“T, you coming?” Shayna calls when I don’t move.

“T?” she asks again.

I swallow hard, hoping I’m imagining things as they run back to me.

“What’s wrong?” Emme asks. Unlike Shayna who’s fired up for all the action about to go down, I can sense the worry in her voice.

“Bren . . .” I begin, pointing to the spot near my feet. “Is that a, um, toe?”

He cocks his head. “Nah.”

Emme places her hand over her heart and sighs. “Oh, good—”

“It’s a thumb,” he answers. He sniffs the air. “Right hand, male, and the poor bastard’s been dead a long time.” He looks ahead. “Yeah, this shit’s not good. Call it in, Shayna, but type it. Don’t use voice-to text.”

“Why, dude?” Shayna asks, reaching for her phone in her back pocket.

“Because I’m not sure how well this bitch can hear, or if she has other things listening for her,” he responds.

He motions ahead to a crow. It squawks twice in our direction and flutters away.

Shayna lifts her phone to show us the blank screen. “Phone’s dead, kids.” She quickly pockets it and places a handful of toothpicks in her palm. “I wouldn’t bother, Emme,” she adds when Emme reaches for her phone. I doubt any of our phones are working.”

“She’s right,” Bren says. He shoves his phone into the backpack Emme is carrying and peels off his white T-shirt.

“This keeps getting better and better,” I mutter.

Bren strips out of his jeans, leaving only his underwear and shit-kickers on. “Em, stay behind me,” he tells her. “Shayna, you’ve got the rear.”

Which leaves me in front of Shayna and the most protected. I’ll be honest, this helpless damsel in distress role does nothing for my morale.

I march ahead, forcing myself to snap out of the shock of finding some guy’s thumb, push aside my fear, and tap into my inner diva. I remember a little too late that my inner diva is louder and usually sashays in platform stilettos. I slow my steps, careful not to disturb the creepy things hiding in the bushes.

Let me be the first to tell you, woods are bullshit and top of the scales of the scary meter, second only to graveyards. It’s the reason so many horror movies are based here, and why I’m watching out for psychos with machetes lurking behind trees. But given our past experiences, where danger lurks, so do the dark ones. I’ve had my fill of alleyways, construction sites, abandoned structures, but especially these damn eerie woods!

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Cecy Robson is an award-winning
author of magical realms, to-die-for Alpha heroes, and young adult
adventure. A double RITA® 2016 finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, and published
author of more than fifteen titles, you can 
typically find her on her laptop or stumbling blindly in search
of caffeine. 

 

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Broken God by Nazarea Andrews…Blog Tour & Review

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BROKEN GOD by Nazarea Andrews is now live!
This is an adult, contemporary fantasy novel.
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Buy it now!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/BrokenGodAMZ
iTunes: http://bit.ly/BrokenGodIBOOKSBLURB:

Power is a strange and broken thing.

He was the sun god, the god of healing and song.

And prophecy.

Apollo has lived alone for centuries, content to spin out the years wandering a new and strange world, lost in the past and endless versions of the future. He has cut all ties with the remains of Olympus and his power, and hidden himself in humanity.

His twin thinks he’s depressed, spending his time in coffee shops, hospital waiting rooms, and concert halls…and nothing matters. Not really.

Until her.

Iris. With her teasing mouth and soulful music and eyes that remind him of the past.

He can’t resist her smile.

A girl as wild as he was, once, with a poet’s tongue and the body of a siren, who for one night makes him forget all the years and everything he gave up.

And he can’t stop fate.

Gods knows he’s tried.

He can’t help taking her.

Even if he knows better.

When Iris wakes up screaming, caught up in visions of the future, Apollo realizes that he didn’t leave his power quite as far behind as he thought.

He’s the god of prophecy and he’s been running from it, for centuries.

Iris is everything he has to avoid.

Now he has a furious Oracle on his hands, his sister trying to fix him, and someone is killing the gods.

It’s not just his tenuous sanity that hangs in the balance this time.

It’s all of Olympus.

Godhood really wasn’t supposed to be this hard.

my-review

I love Nazarea and her writing.  She has always been able to capture me with her words and take me to different place and want to live there. But with this book, I had a hard time staying focused.  But I truly believe that’s because I read this book pre-edit and will be re-reading it once it’s published to see if the issues I had are fixed.

So this review is based on the plot and nothing else.  The rating could change once it’s released and I will edit my review also.  So please take all this into consideration as you read my review.

The concept of this book is phenomenal.  I love Greek mythology. Apollo is seen as slightly crazy and the only thing that keeps his together is music, poetry and his connection to the sun.  And when he meets Iris, things get even more interesting.

I have to say I had a hard time getting through this book quickly because I kept finding myself lost or confused and having to go back and re-read things.  Now I am not sure if that’s where the editing will help this out or if that’s how the book is intended to be read. But it happens quite and a lot and that made me lose focus and a few times, almost not care to finish.

Overall, I definitely need to re-read this when it’s released to see the differences between my unedited version and what readers will truly get.  It’s the only way I can give the book a true review. 

With all that said, I would recommend giving this book a go. Nazarea is a truly talented writer.  She’s always able to take you away with her words and place you in her magical worlds.

3LovesRLB
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Nazarea Andrews’ Bio:Nazarea Andrews (N to almost everyone) is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. Which means she writes everything from zombies and dystopia to contemporary love stories. When not writing, she can most often be found driving her kids to practice and burning dinner while she reads, or binging watching TV shows on Netflix. N loves chocolate, wine, 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, spoiled cat and overgrown dog. She is the author of World Without End series, Neverland Found, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. Stop by her twitter (@NazareaAndrews) and tell her what fantastic book she should read next.

Author Links:

Site – http://www.nazareaandrews.com/
Blog – http://www.nazarea-andrews.blogspot.com/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/NazareaAndrews
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NazareaAndrewsAuthor/
Street Team – https://www.facebook.com/groups/427502530700422/
Newsletter – http://eepurl.com/MtHwj

Just One Week by Alice Gaines…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Meet Alice:

Alice Gaines loves her romance hot. She’s been writing since forever and has no plans to give it up.

Alice lives in the San Francisco Bay Area in a fixer-upper she never fixed up. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her knitting, crocheting, cooking, or vegetable gardening. Her main companions are her pet corn snake, Casper, and a collection of neglected orchids.

She loves to hear from readers at authoralicegaines@gmail.com. You can join her newsletter at http://alicegaines.blogspot.com. She periodically gives out her handmade items to people on her mailing list.

Connect with Alice: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
About the Book:

 

“Alice Gaines will tantalize your romance taste buds with a book you can’t put down until the very last page.” NYT bestselling author Jasmine Haynes

Her brother’s best friend is not only the hottest man Michelle Dennis has ever seen, he’s the one man she hopes to avoid after leaving town eight years ago. Of course he’s the one waiting at the airport. Worse, he made sure they’re staying in the same house.

Pro football player Alex Stafford is expecting to pick up his friend’s kid sister, not a full-fledged bombshell. He was planning to apologize for their past, but the feelings he had years ago come roaring back…and this time, there’s no denying them.

Keeping his hands off is a test he’s bound to fail—especially when they’re stuck in close quarters. But falling in love with Michelle, living in her world, isn’t an option for a guy like him. And remembering that will save them both a lot of heartache…

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My Review:

There are romance tropes that I just can’t get enough of and this story had some of my favorites. Best friend’s sibling? Check. Forced together or stranded? Check. (Even if it was contrived by out hero.) Opposites attract? Check. Second chance romance? Check. I also really liked the premise – that after having her heart broken by our hero, Alex, eight years earlier before leaving home for college, Michelle decides that she can muster up the strength to return home for the first time to attend the anniversary party for Alex’s parents who she’s very close with.

Michelle figures she can handle just one week with Alex.

Except she can’t. And thank god or we wouldn’t have much of a story! Just One Week was a fun, sweet, light-hearted romance. Alex is a professional football player and Michelle is a brainy, nerdy type. I loved watching them overcome their differences in personality as well as their past to get to their happy ending.

Just One Week is an enjoyable read with a likable couple you want to root for, some great secondary characters in Alex’s family, and just enough humor and chemistry. Bonus points for thoughtfully working in a learning disability plot line.

3andaHalfLovesRLB

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Stacey Sig

 

Excerpt:

Later that night, Alex found the opening he’d been looking for ever since deciding he’d surrender to the inevitable and make love to Michelle. He’d sat in his bedroom after everyone had gone to bed, digging up enough courage to go out and knock on the cottage door. Instead, he watched as she emerged into the moonlight and walked slowly toward the pasture.

An invitation? She couldn’t be sure he hadn’t gone to sleep. On the other hand, she would know that she’d be visible from his window. She could have simply taken a chance he’d realize she was out there. She’d won.

He stuck his feet into his slippers and put on his robe. Before he left the room, he grabbed the condoms and put them in his pocket. He’d need at least one tonight. Then he left his room and went downstairs as quietly as he could manage.

No sound came to indicate he’d awakened anyone. The house was silent except for the hum of the refrigerator as he let himself out the back door. A little mental geography told him the direction to go in, and before long, he spotted Michelle where she stood with her face lifted toward the moon.

She wore something of a filmy, white material that glowed in the soft light. A breeze ruffled the material around her legs. With her graceful limbs and her hair falling down her back, she resembled a character from mythology—a creature you could only find in the moonlight and could never truly call your own. Someone who’d evaporate like mist in the heat of day and only return in your dreams.

Poetic and probably silly, but real in his heart. He stepped on something that made a snapping sound. Most likely a twig. She turned and spotted him, and a smile tugged at her lips.

“Following me?” she said.

“Did you come out here to invite me to join you?”

She shrugged. “I thought you’d gone to bed.”

Yeah, sure. Everything about her smile said she’d planned this encounter to invite him into her web. But then, he’d come of his own will, needing nothing more than an opportunity.

He’d make love to Michelle Dennis tonight. As surely as the moon spilled silver light over both of them, they’d be joined before the morning came.

“Lovely, isn’t it?” she said. “I’ve missed this.”

“You must have full moons in Massachusetts.”

“I don’t mean the moon,” she said. “I mean being with you.”

Of course, their togetherness could be nothing like their earlier, innocent friendship. She’d never come to him wearing a negligee, and he’d never had condoms in his pocket. She shivered a bit, and he got up close behind her. When he opened his robe and wrapped it around her, she fit against him like pieces in a puzzle. When he bent to place the side of his face against her, the perfume of her hair surrounded him. He almost groaned out of pure pleasure.

“What am I going to do with you, Dr. Dennis?”

She gave him a wicked laugh. “I can think of three or four things off the top of my head.”

“Evil woman.”

“You have no idea how evil.” She turned in his arms, and now her softness pressed against him everywhere. He wouldn’t be able to hold her this way for long before he became completely aroused. The stirrings had begun when he’d first spotted her out here and the reality about what he was going to do registered.

She became even bolder, lifting her face to nuzzle the tip of her nose against his jaw. She followed that with a kiss to the underside of his chin.

“You know what’s going to happen if you keep doing that, don’t you?” he said.

“I do.”

“And you’re giving me permission?”

“Complete and total.”

Tour Schedule:
9/12/2016
Lucia’s Book Reviews – Feature and Review
Splashes Into Books – Feature and Review
The Starred Review – Q&A and Review
9/13/2016
FMR Book Grind – Feature and Review
What I’m Reading – Feature and Review
Between Books – Feature and Review
9/14/2016
The Lusty Literate – Feature
Romance Novel Giveaways – Feature
StarAngels Reviews – Feature and Review
9/15/2016
Two Sassy Chicks – Feature
Romance Reviews Today Blog – Feature
Ramblings From This Chick – Guest Post
9/16/2016
Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Top 5 Post
CUDDLES PLEASE – Top 5 Post
What Is That Book About – Feature
Fiction Fangirls – Feature and Review
9/19/2016
The Bookworm Lodge – Feature
Romancing the Book – Top 5 Post and Review
Book briefs – Feature and Review
9/20/2016
Dena Garson-Real… Hot… Romance – Top 5 Post
Becky on Books – Guest Post
Tantos Livros Tão Pouco Tempo – Feature
Nose Stuck in a Book – Feature
OMGReads – Feature
9/21/2016
U.S. – Brazil Book Review – Feature and Review
Josie Ann’s Books – Feature and Review
Diana’s Book Reviews – Top 5 Post
9/22/2016
Read-Love-Blog – Feature and Review
Smexy and Fabulous – Feature and Review
Quesarasera Book Blog – Feature and Review
9/23/2016
Short and Sassy Book Blurbs – Feature and Review
Wickedlittlebooks – Feature and Review
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Guest Post

Giveaway:

  • $25 Amazon Gift Card
  • Knitted Wrist Warmers

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Daring the Bad Boy by Monica Murphy…Blog Tour & Review

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Daring the Bad BoyDaring the Bad Boy by Monica Murphy

Published by Entangled Crush

Published on August 22nd, 2016

Genre: YA contemporary/romance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30332862-daring-the-bad-boy?ac=1&from_search=true

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daring-the-bad-boy-monica-murphy/1124207006?type=eBook

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Bad-Boy-Monica-Murphy-ebook/dp/B01JGMCCGM

Entangled Teen: http://entangledpublishing.com/daring-the-bad-boy/

Truth or Dare was never this much fun…

 

Annie McFarland is sick of being a shy nobody. A session at summer camp seems like the perfect opportunity to reinvent herself—gain some confidence, kiss a boy, be whoever she wants to be. A few days in, she’s already set her sights on über-hottie Kyle. Too bad her fear of water keeps her away from the lake, where Kyle is always hanging out.

 

Jacob Fazio is at Camp Pine Ridge after one too many screw-ups. Junior counseling seems like punishment enough, but the rigid no-fraternizing-with-campers rules harsh his chill. When a night of Truth or Dare gets him roped into teaching Annie how to swim, she begs him to also teach her how to snag Kyle.

 

Late-night swim sessions turn into late-night kissing sessions…but there’s more on the line than just their hearts. If they get caught, Jake’s headed straight to juvie, but Annie’s more than ready to dare him to reveal the truth.
Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains references to drinking, sexual situations, adult language, and an intense bad boy hero who will melt your heart.

 

my-review

This is a very sweet and cute YA romance.  And I read it quite quickly. 

This story is based around summer camp – ghost stories, arts and crafts, lake activities, etc.  Along with the forbidden romances.  All very cutsie. 

I enjoyed the overall story of this book.  Monica does a great job keeping this book moving at the right pace.  The characters are young and the drama that goes down is perfect at their age.  However, my biggest issue is that sometimes, not all the time, their mannerisms and they want they talked was almost too young – like 13/14 instead of 16/17. 

Monica does a great job of building the scene and visualizing all the camp ground activities.  The interactions are entertaining and will make you feel young again.  Awww…young love.

But overall, its a good read for young readers or for anyone who wants a storyline that is not full of angst and has that young love vibe.  It’s a refreshing and quick read.

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3LovesRLB

About the Author:

Monica

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is a traditionally published author with Bantam/Random House and Harper Collins/Avon, as well as an independently published author. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance. She is also USA Today bestselling romance author Karen Erickson.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives with her family in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere, along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through many angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy

Twitter: @MsMonicaMurphy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicamurphyauthor/

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

Newsletter: http://monicamurphyauthor.us6.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=f1ced7b830&id=f985eea9cd

 

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Read Below for an excerpt from Daring the Bad Boy:

Annie

“Don’t forget to pack extras of everything,” Mom stressed, her voice high, her entire demeanor anxious. She really didn’t want me to leave, though she was the one who’d suggested I go to camp in the first place. And I guess I can’t blame her, since I am her only child, but it’s just for a few weeks—I had to be wait-listed, and when a spot opened up for the second session, I begged my parents to let me go.

But with the way she’s fretting over my leaving, I realize she needs to cut the umbilical cord sometime. At least I’ll be outside getting fresh air, not stuck in the air-conditioned house with my nose in a book. That’s how I usually spend my summers.

Well, no more.

Not that there’s anything wrong with reading, but…it was my escape, my safe place. I’m tired of living in someone else’s imaginary world—I want to live in my world for once. But it’s hard making a new impression on people you’ve known your entire school life, some of them since preschool.

To them I’m quiet little Annie McFarland. The girl who cried so hard on the first day of kindergarten that she blew a bubble of snot out her nose. The girl who was so petrified to perform in the third-grade Christmas play that her knees literally knocked together and everyone could hear them. The girl who had a major crush on Wade Johnson in sixth grade and wrote him a heartfelt Valentine’s Day poem—and he shared it with all his friends.

I endured their teasing for the rest of the school year. Sixth grade was definitely not my favorite year.

Yeah. I could go on and on.

I’d just finished my sophomore year, and while everyone was busy pairing off, being social, actually doing something with their lives, I was stuck. Stuck in my quiet shell, stuck with the nerd-girl label, stuck as the teacher’s pet. I hated it.

More than anything, I was beyond ready for a change.

“Extra T-shirts, extra shorts.” Mom ticked off the items with her fingers, her gaze meeting mine. “Extra, um, feminine products.”

My cheeks went hot. “I’ve already packed extra everything.” I waved a hand at my open but mostly stuffed duffel bag.

“Okay, good. Good. Wouldn’t want you to run out of necessities. Though I fully plan on sending you care packages. And there’s parents’ weekend, too, so I can always bring you whatever you might need.” Mom was rambling. A sure sign she was upset.

“Mom.” I went to her and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. “I don’t leave for another twenty-four hours. It’s not time to cry yet.”

“I’ll just miss you.” She brushed a stray hair away from my forehead, her gaze soft. “You’ve never left us like this before, for this long. A whole month, hundreds of miles away. With strangers.” She stressed the last word.

That was my favorite part of the plan. Being with strangers, people who don’t know the real me. I could totally reinvent myself. Be whoever I wanted to be. I could demand they call me Ann, tell them I’m the most popular girl at my school, and win the attention of all the hot boys within hours of my arrival.

Though I doubted any of that would really happen. Just because I’m with people who don’t know me doesn’t mean my real self won’t make an immediate appearance. It’s hard for me to open up to new people. Plus, I really don’t like it when someone calls me Ann—I think Annie’s a much cuter name. And I’ve never gotten the attention of a hot boy in my entire life. Well, I have—hello, Wade Johnson—but that was unwanted attention. That I’m great at.

I’d like to change that particularly annoying trait of mine.

Okay, I’m not drop-dead gorgeous with a bubbly, flirtatious personality, not by a long shot. I’m not a hideous troll, either, but come on. Hot guys have never noticed me—unless they’re six and I’m blowing snot bubbles out my nose. Or I write really bad poetry that makes adolescent boys howl with laughter. And that’s not the way I want boys to notice me.

“I’ll be fine,” I reassured Mom, offering her a smile in return, which somehow only seemed to upset her more. Her chin got all wobbly, and she yanked me into her arms, holding me close. I let her smother me with Mom love for a few minutes before I disentangled myself from her embrace. “Seriously, it’s going to be okay. I’ll write you and Dad as much as I can.”

“Which shouldn’t be very much at all. I want you to meet new people and try new things. You need to stay busy and have fun. Don’t worry about us.” She wagged her finger at me before her hand dropped to her side. “I know you feel a little stifled here, so this will be good for you.”

Mom understood. She always had. We moved here when I was two, back to Dad’s hometown; he felt right at home because he was home. Mom, on the other hand, was still considered an outsider, and they’d always treated her that way. So she knew what it was like, to feel like you didn’t fit in. She understood my problems at school, when Dad always blew them off. Not that he was mean about it. He just didn’t get it.

“It’s going to be great,” I told Mom with a genuine smile. My heart did a funny little flip in the center of my chest and I breathed deeply, telling myself everything really would be great.

Going to camp was going to change my life.

***

Jake

One month earlier

“You’re going. I know this is a last-minute decision and you’re probably pissed that you have to leave tomorrow, but too damn bad, Jacob. You’re out of here.” Dad’s voice was firm, simmering with anger. His eyes blazed with barely withheld fury as he glared at me. He was super pissed, but what else was new? “And that’s final. No arguments, no defiance, no threats that you’ll run away. The second you leave this house without my permission, I’m calling the cops. And they will lock you up. Thanks to your latest mishap, that’s guaranteed.”

I stared at him, my arms crossed in front of my chest, my jaw clenched so tight I felt like I could crush my teeth into powder. My uncle’s summer camp held good memories. Back when I was a kid and had no cares in the world, and my main priorities had been swimming in the lake and hanging out with friends.

But those days were a long time ago.

Now I didn’t want to go back. There was no point. I was a different person. Not just older, but freaking wiser.

Well. Maybe not wiser. I kept fucking up, like I couldn’t help myself. That latest mishap Dad was talking about? Stealing hubcaps off fancy cars in the middle of the night with my so-called friends. We’d been drinking. I’d been dared. The moment the cops showed up, they all bailed on me. Every last one of them, and I was royally busted. They booked me like a real criminal, taking my photo, getting my fingerprints. I’d nearly pissed my pants I was so scared.

Never let them see it, though. Just kept my mouth shut and glared at everyone. When Dad showed up to bail me out, I almost went weak with relief. I believed I was home free—until he got me into the car and proceeded to yell the entire drive home.

That was the first clue that I’d have to finally pay for my sins.

Dad went with me to my court appearance and asked to speak to the judge. I thought he would plead my case. Tell the scowling middle-aged woman with glasses perched on the tip of her nose that I really was a good kid. I just needed another chance.

Nope. Dad chucked me so far under the bus, I still have tire marks across my stomach. He told the judge I was a screwup, a failure, a disappointment, and that he was afraid for my future. He then promised her if she gave me community service, he’d make sure I did my time by working at my uncle’s summer camp under strict supervision.

She’d agreed.

And now here I am, going to camp and having to work with a bunch of asshole kids who’ll give me nothing but crap over the next two months. The only thing that was giving me hope? The possibility there would be plenty of pretty counselors with a bad-boy fetish. I’ll be willing to fulfill whatever fantasy they have, as long as we can do it on the down low. My uncle gets one whiff of me doing something wrong, and I’m a dead man. I’ll end up in juvenile hall or, worse, in freaking jail. My dad’ll make sure I pay for my mistakes.

“Fine,” I muttered, dropping my head so I didn’t have to look him in the eye. Seeing the disappointment there, all the anger and frustration, I couldn’t take it anymore. “I’ll go.”

His deep sigh of relief was loud, and hearing it didn’t make me feel any better. We sat in the living room, Dad in his recliner, me on the couch. I let my arms drop to my sides and took a deep breath, glancing around the room. It was small, narrow, no pictures on the wall, no homey touches. A total bachelor pad, Dad had told me when we moved in to the place, like that was going to appeal to fourteen-year-old me.

After Mom died, Dad sold our house—too full of memories, he’d said, his expression pained—and we rented this shitty little two-story condo. A temporary move, he’d reassured me. The place was old but centrally located in single-dom paradise. As in, there were plenty of divorced women who lived in this complex who were hot for my dad.

And it sucked. Mom’s dying had completely messed with my head. But Dad’s moving us away from the only home I’d ever known had pushed me over the edge. The more trouble I got into, the more attention I received. It didn’t matter if it was bad or good; at least someone was looking at me. Acknowledging me. Telling me I mattered.

Sort of.

“Spending the summer with your uncle Bob is just what you need,” Dad said, his expression softening, the anger slowly dissipating because I didn’t protest or get angry. Why fight it? At least at camp, I’d have some freedom.

I’d be working my ass off and under Uncle Bob’s thumb all the time, but what else could I do?

“Though just because you’re surrounded by a bunch of young girls doesn’t mean you should touch any of them.” The pointed look Dad sent my way almost made me want to laugh.

Almost.

“They’re off-limits. Forbidden. The campers, at least. You have to follow your uncle’s rules. The counselors, they’re your peers, but I wouldn’t recommend you messing around with any of them, either. You don’t need the distraction.” He paused. “You mess up once, and you’ll end up in juvie. Understand?”

I nodded. Whatever. I’d mess around with whoever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I’d freaking need the distraction so I wouldn’t lose my mind having to work for Uncle Bob all summer long.

“You’ll get out of here.” Away from my friends. “You’ll meet new people.” Who aren’t my friends. “You’ll earn a little money and save it up.” So I can buy my own cigarettes or weed or whatever I want and not have to ask for cash from you. “And you might learn a thing or two.”

Yeah, right.

But instead of saying any of that, I nodded like I agreed and stood, finally meeting his gaze. His eyes weren’t blazing with so much frustration anymore, and I felt like I’d jumped over the first hurdle. “I’d better go pack, then,” I told him, and left the room.

Never looked back once, either.


 

The Tour Schedule:

August 29th

Alice’s Book Vault – Promo Post

Just One More Chapter – Promo Post

August 30th

The Phantom Paragrapher – Review

The Book Beacon – Promo Post

August 31st

Bookish Escapes – Review

Roxy’s Book Reviews – Promo Post

September 1st

Daydreaming Books – Review

Read Love Blog – Review

September 2nd

Dana’s YA Bookpile – Guest Post

September 3rd

Beanie’s Book Blog – Review

September 4th

PBC – Promo Post

September 5th

The Cozy Little Book Nook – Review

September 6th

Never Too Many To Read – Review

September 7th

We Found Wonderland in Books – Author Interview

September 8th

A Leisure Moment – Review

YaReads – Guest Post

September 9th

RoloPoloBookBlog – Review

Swoony Boys Podcast – Character Interview

September 10th

The Bookish Introvert – Review

September 11th

Adventures in Writing – Review

Novel Knight – Promo Post

Long Shot by Kayti McGee…Blog Tour & Review

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Grab this HOT ROM-COM! NOW AVAILABLE!

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Blurb:

Meredith definitely drank too much last night. Why on earth else would she have woken up without her purse, and the distinct memory of giving her number to a stripper? So gross.

The good news is, she never has to see him again. Except to get her purse. And to discover she did another terrible, horrible, very bad thing while drunk- she accidentally became a professional penis photographer.

Rob wishes more people would believe him when he says he truly is stripping his way through journalism school. It’s the only way Millennials can afford school with no student loans. When Meredith quite literally stumbles across his path, he’s super smitten. Sadly, she is less so once she sobers up.

Can he trick her into dating him?
Can she trick her mother into thinking she has a respectable job?

And can anyone recover once the internet picks up their story? It’s a long shot for both of them.

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my-review

I have mixed feelings on this book.  There are parts that I really enjoyed and there are parts that I could have done without.

Kayti McGee does write some interesting characters.  However, I had a really hard time connecting to Meredith and Rob.  Honestly, I truly didn’t care for Meredith and til about the 60% mark, Rob came across as a total tool to me. After that, Rob did redeem himself and actually that’s where the book got it’s higher ranking of a 3 from me.

The beginning was just too cheesy for me.  While I did enjoy Meredith’s inner dialogue, she came across as too much of a snob and bitchy.  Now Meredith’s sister, Jane, I loved her.  She made me laugh – a lot! 

The interactions between the characters kept the antics going (sometimes a little over the top).  The banter between Meredith and Rob, while at times made me roll my eyes, definitely helped keep the heat between them. 

Did I love this book, not so much.  Will I read another of Kayti’s books, absolutely.  While this one may not have blown my socks off, it wasn’t enough to deter me away from others.

Read it for yourself and see what you think.

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Check out the entire series!

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About the Author:

Kayti McGee is a former Kansas Citian who now follows the Royals from Colorado. Besides writing, her hobbies include travel, cooking, and all thing Whovian. She also writes as the latter half of Laurelin McGee. Like her co-author Laurelin Paige, she joined Mensa for no other reason than to make her bio more interesting.

Author Links:

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Chasing Charlie by Aria Cole…Blog Tour Stop & Review

CHASING CHARLIE BOOK TOUR

Warning: If a panty-melting alpha male with an irresistible accent and an overwhelming desire to protect the woman he’s hellbent on having isn’t for you, keep on clicking! Like your book boyfriends devilishly charming with a side of dirty talk? Me too! Grab the batteries, turn off the lights, and enjoy Chasing Charlie.

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chasing charlie

Synopsis:

Charlie de Rossi has spent every summer of her life tending her dad’s bar. Raised to be one of the boys, she pulls no punches and takes no shit from any man. She’s had to learn the hard way that life isn’t about the wine or the roses, but when the new bartender turns out to be a handsome Irish import, everything she thought she knew about life and love is challenged in a single heartbeat.

Far from the only life he’s ever known, Liam Fitzpatrick knows he should ignore the wild, intoxicating need that pulses through his veins whenever the boss’s daughter is near, but the moment Liam first caught sight of Charlie he knew her sassy mouth and sexy curves were made to be wrapped around his body. After just one night of tending bar together, the magnetism proves too much for either of them to bear and in an uncharacteristic moment of weakness, Charlie breaks every law she has and finds her legs locked around Liam’s waist, his lips coaxing her into mouth-watering submission.

Scared to lose her heart again, Charlie tries to avoid the sexy, stubborn Irishman that’s hijacked her thoughts, but Liam makes himself damn hard to ignore. One taste of her won’t ever be enough to satisfy the hunger she’s awakened and he is determined to show her what she’s missing. She’s holding the key to his forever and he won’t ever give up on chasing Charlie.

Review:

Talk about opening with a BANG! This is the first book I have read of Aria Cole and wow was I sucked in right away. Chasing Charlie is of course about a young man, Liam, chasing the girl that gives him the first feeling of “love” he has ever experienced. It is his surprising feelings and raw passion that make this book worth reading.

I absolutely love the way Aria Cole has written her main female character, Charlie de Rossi. Charlie is not the sweet, unsure of herself girl that I often find in books. Charlie is just the opposite. She takes what she wants without shame or embarrassment, is sassy and quick witted and overall a really strong female. I found myself laughing out loud while I read some of her comments to Liam. It is always a joy to actually laugh while reading.

Oh and that Liam, affectionately known as Irish to Charlie, is a perfect book boyfriend. He is HOT, smart, possessive in just the right way and just a sweet guy. His affection for Charlie is something to swoon over!

These two together make a hot couple who are perfectly matched for each other. I love how they both know what they want in another person and go for it. Oh boy, when they go for it, do they ever go for it!

Chasing Charlie is a book that is fast paced and an instant love story. If you want a book that skips all the nonsense and chit chat and goes right into the hot sizzling scenes, this is the book for you! Liam (AKA- Irish) is the book boyfriend a lot of you ladies want and really want to read about. I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to reading more of Aria Cole!

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Three-and-a-Half Loves

Shannon

 

CHARLIE CHARLIE 2

Excerpt:

“I’m not sure how they raise men in your country, but here, you should look a woman in the eye when you speak to her.” Her eyes gleamed with some sort of flirty challenge.

“I apologize,” I growled, discarding the box of bottles at my feet and lunging across the small space between us.

Her hands were in my hair, her thigh hooked around my waist. Now she felt my cock, hard and pounding between us and pressed against the seam of her skirt, the very goddamn place it’d been itching to be all night.

“You’re an Irish bastard,” she said as her teeth nipped at my bottom lip.

My hands clawed at her arse before I hoisted her on my hips and pressed her against the metal shelves behind her.

“Looks like you’ve got a thing for bastards then.”

I nipped at the tender flesh beneath her ear before laving my tongue up the line of her throat. A low whimper fell from her lips and landed a sucker-punch to my balls. My hips worked against her body, my hands roaming her torso and teasing at the neckline of her top.

“Jesus, I want to taste you.” I trailed my tongue across the swell of one breast. Her fingers thrust in my hair as a tremor pulsed through her body. “I want to see what you’re wearing under this hot little skirt.”

I fisted at the tight skirt, desperate to shove my hand beneath her panties and coax that soft, wet pussy to an orgasm with my fingers. And then my tongue. God, how my tongue achedto taste every inch of that perfection. I was going mad with the thoughts of how she would taste.

My hand found its way beneath the elastic of her panties, my fingers soaked instantly by her silky juices. I nearly came in my pants from just a single touch. I slid another finger through her hot lips and circled her clit slowly with my thumb. Breaths shuddered out of her body, her nipples hardening even further. Without a second thought, I pulled the low neckline of her top down, the creamy round flesh of her breast spilling out of the cup of her bra. I tugged the lace out of my way with my teeth, and finally, my lips attached to the dusky pink bud. I drew out the delicate flesh in slow, torturous sucks.

Soft mewls fell past her perfect pink lips as I worked her soft body. I couldn’t wait to hear her come, my name biting past her lips as I pushed her to a mind-blowing orgasm.

“Christ, you feel this good in my hands. I can’t wait to taste this sweet pussy.”

“Irish,” she sighed, her eyes falling closed when I pressed my thumb to the bud of her clit, applying pressure until her nails cut into the skin at my shoulder and her head fell back against a box.

“Name’s Liam, beautiful, and I can’t wait to hear you scream it from the rooftops.”

 

chasing charlie teaser use 3

 

About the Author

aria coleAria Cole is a thirty-something housewife who once felt bad for reading dirty books late at night, until she decided to write her own. Possessive alpha men and the sassy heroines who love them are common, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily ever afters so sweet your teeth may ache.

Aria’s new release BLACK is the first in her modern fairy tale series. For a safe, off-the-charts HOT, and always HEA story that doesn’t take a lifetime to read, get lost in an Aria Cole book!

 

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