Picking Up the Pieces Review

New Adult

Release Date: July 8, 2013

 Synopsis

After having her heart broken by the only man she’s ever loved everything seemed to go downhill for Emerson Grace. It has taken eight years but Emmy is finally starting to pick up the pieces of her damaged life. But the man who destroyed it has returned bringing with him the pain of the past. Can she let go of the pain Luke caused and accept him back into her life or will the memories be too much for her to overcome?

Running from Emmy was the only way Lucas Allen knew he could protect her from the demons he carried with him. After spending one perfect night together Luke takes off, certain that he can’t possibly give Emmy everything she deserves. Now he’s made the decision to return to Cloverleaf and make things right. But is he prepared to truly face all of the damaged he has caused?

Will Luke and Emmy finally get their chance at love or will the secrets of the past stop them before they even get to begin?

Tricia’s Review

I rated Picking Up The Pieces 3.5 leaves. I started it around one in the morning and finished near three. It was a quick, sweet read. I found the story line kind of predictable with the whole best friends who fall in love, he leaves for the Marines and she hates him, and then he comes back to try to win her back. I even anticipated the plot twists. That being said, it was still an enjoyable read. The tightly-knit group of friends that Em and Luke have are hysterical, and their familial loyalty is touching. The dialogue was entertaining and also utterly ridiculous at times. Jessica Prince showcases a highly emotional book, but for some reason it didn’t cut me deep enough. I tried to connect with the book; I really did, but it was still just a light read for me. I loved Prince’s choice to have the dual POVs, and she left enough loose ends in order for potential sequels. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a short story on second chances.

About the Author

 

Jessica Prince is a wife, mother and avid a lover of all types of books, but romances are her main favorites. Her husband likes to say reading is her obsession but she just says it's her passion... there's a difference. She decided to take the leap from just reading romance to writing it and her debut novel, Picking up the Pieces, will be released this summer.

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Change of Heart Book Blast + Giveaway

Persevere.

That's how I've gotten through nineteen years of life. It's what I do every single day—no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me.

Persevere, and survive.

Those are my two guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home. The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that's about as much as I could ask for.

Love? Hah. Don't talk to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped out my heart three years ago.

That's why love is the last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating stranger. Yet everything changes when I'm awakened in the middle of the night by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night threatens to become something much deeper.

All expectations are thrown to the wind as I'm tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I'm about to become his biggest one...

Together, we stumble toward the elevator. Rich breaks away for a second to hit the button. The light doesn’t come on.

“Damn,” he growls, “it’s busted again.”

I’m one step ahead of him. I’d spotted the stairs when we entered. I grab his hand and pull him after me with no hesitation. I start up the cement stairwell, determined to get to his room as fast as possible.

“Penny, wait.”

I look back, confused. “What?”

A devilish smile plays on his lips. “Only this.” Without warning his hands wrap around my waist, and I’m being lifted up as easily as if I were a doll. He turns to the side and presses my body against the wall, suspending me between him and the concrete.

His mouth crashes down on mine again. I curl my legs around his torso, locking my ankles together, and kiss him back with the passion reserved for a lover after ten long years apart. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m getting even more turned on. Rich’s hands move down to grasp the outside of my thighs, and I moan into his kiss as the muscles of my core clench in sinful fashion. I want him so badly. If we don’t get somewhere private soon, I won’t be wholly opposed to jumping him in public.

I gasp as he steps away, freeing me from the wall. I start to fall, but one of his hands darts down to catch me just beneath the knees. The other one cradles my shoulders. Before I know it, I’m slung across his arms like a bride on her wedding night.

“I’ve always wanted to carry a girl up these stairs,” Rich admits.

I laugh, and wrap my arm around his neck. “Oh, you are just the best type of romantic.”

Four flights of stairs later, Rich pushes open the fire door to a dimly-lit hallway. He carries me down the hall and stops in front of an entrance on the right. He sets me down, then fishes around in his jeans for the key. When the door creaks open, he sweeps a hand out in front of him. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

I walk in, curious about his apartment. I tend to side with the camp of people who believe that a person’s living arrangements can reveal a lot about his personality. But, I don’t find much to work with here.

The apartment is sparse and dark. Pale moonlight filters in through the balcony window, shining down on the only piece of furniture present: a queen size mattress lying on the floor of the living room. The red brick walls are totally empty—no girly posters or other things I might expect in a bachelor’s apartment. There are no lamps, no chairs, no couches.

After a moment, I notice a second piece of furniture: a small, old-school CRT TV camped in one corner of the studio apartment.

Rich switches on the light. “So?” he asks, “what do you think?”

I walk past the entrance. There’s one hall leading away from the room. It is filled with brown cardboard boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. “Did you just move in or something?”

Rich laughs behind me. “Yeah, something like that. You want a drink?”

“A drink?” I say. “No, I—”

The words catch in my throat as he grabs my hips and spins me around. I had no idea he’d come so close. He’d moved from the door to me without making a sound. His fingers lock together against my lower back, and he tugs me into him, pressing my belly to his waist. I feel his growing erection right away, and a diabolical excitement builds inside me.

Nothing happens.

For a long moment, Richard just holds me like that, staring into my eyes as I’m left dangling off his arms. His irises are the color of sea mist. I’m hypnotized by the deep intensity I see brewing just beneath the surface. I have no doubt that that type of intensity is mirrored in my eyes.

Then, moving slowly, as if restraining himself, Richard lowers his mouth to cover mine. This time, his kiss is sweet and gentle. Subtle and caring. He explores my upper lip first, then traces the line going to the corner of my mouth. His lips form a perfect mold over mine.

I was wrong before. This is the kiss reserved for a lover you haven’t seen in ten years.

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I'm Scarlett Edwards. I'm a full-time student (2nd year, undergrad) and part-time writer. I hope to switch those around soon!

I'm kind of old fashioned. I write all my stories using paper and ink. At the end of the day, I transcribe them on my laptop. It takes a bit longer, but writing in a notebook really focuses my thoughts.

I love vintage photography. I have an old-school film camera that was my mom's from before I was born. I use it to take pictures almost every day. Yours to Savor is the first full book I worked on. It went through six drafts, and took me ten months to complete. In the two months since getting it done, I finished two drafts of brand new stories. I'm getting faster!

I love hearing from my readers. I love getting feedback about my books. I'm just getting started, and plan on doing this writing gig for a long, long time. I take inspiration from all the indie romance authors. Addison Moore, Samantha Young, Colleen Hoover, Jessica Sorensen, and everyone else…. you girls rock!

Website † Facebook † GoodReads

I love hearing from readers! If you read my book and want to share your thoughts, good or bad, email me! Scarlett@ScarlettEdwards.com. I'll be sure to reply!!

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Beauty From Surrender Release + Giveaway

 



Title: Beauty from Surrender

(Beauty #2)

Author: Georgia Cates

Release date: May 30, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

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Synopsis

 

The story of Jack Henry and Laurelyn continues...

How do you move on when he’s every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?

 

Excerpt ~ Jack McLachlan's POV

 

Three. Long. Fucking. Months. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen Laurelyn. And I don’t think I can take another minute. I die a little more each day she isn’t in my life.

She’s been damn near impossible to find. Fate has worked against us every step of the way. The hoops Jim has jumped through for the smallest bit of information have been ridiculous. One step forward, two steps back—instead of the other way around. A criminal on the run would’ve been easier to find.

But I’ve finally found her. Laurelyn Paige Prescott—better known to the public by her stage name as Paige McLachlan—that’s the woman I’m here to see tonight.

I still smile when I think about her taking my name, but I can’t help but ponder why she’d need to use a stage name. She never mentioned using one before and it makes me wonder if something happened with the sperm donor. Or worse—maybe with Blake Phillips.

I enter the auditorium lobby and the thick crowd makes it difficult to push through. The Martin I’m carrying adds to my difficult navigation as I bump shoulders through the horde, so I have to apologize with each step.

I find my assigned seat. Because I’m a creature of habit, I’m happy when I see it’s in a dark corner. I sit and place the Martin by my feet. I’m nervous and adrenalized as evidenced by my rapidly beating heart. I’m about to see the woman I love walk out onto that stage.

I look at the time and see it’s only a minute until eight. My heart is pounding erratically, throbbing in my ears over the loud crowd. Finally, musicians begin filing onto the stage to take their places. That’s when I see her for the first time in three months. My Laurelyn. All the time and distance that separated us disappears upon finally seeing her face again.

She looks the same, yet different. Her hair is a little longer and darker. Her honey highlights are missing and she’s slimmer. She’s still beautiful as ever but doesn’t fit the image etched in my mind these last few months.

She’s wearing brown boots—the same ones she wore the first time I saw her—with stonewashed jeans and a strapless white top. Her bare shoulders make me desperate to touch her exposed skin. And kiss it. Her top is fitted below her breasts while the bottom flows loosely over her jeans. I picture them riding low on her hips so I have easy access to kiss her belly.

About the Author

 

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Despite the struggle, she has no regrets in her decision to try this crazy life. She can honestly say that she’s living the dream.

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Beside Your Heart Cover Reveal

Title: Beside Your Heart

Author:  Mary Whitney

Genre: New Adult Romance

Publish Date: June 17, 2013

Event organized by:

Literati Literature Lovers

 

 

 

 

 Synopsis

Late one night Nicki Johnson plays with emotional fire and Googles her high school love, only to find his name splashed across the British gossip columns. Back in his native England, Adam Kincaid is successful and dating a woman from an aristocratic family like his own. With a career in politics, Nicki’s no slouch, but she knows Adam is living a world away from her life. Yet there was a time he was no farther than the next locker. Nicki will never forget their year together in high school—the year of her sister’s death, the year her mother checked out. Adam helped Nicki through suffocating grief, and she led him through a coming of age. Was it just high school, or was it something more?

Excerpt

“No British literature. Isn’t this supposed to be an English class?” Adam asked.

“Uh.” My ancestors would’ve been proud of the jolt of American patriotism that hit me.  “There was a revolution two hundred years ago. We write our own books now.”

He leaned back in his seat with a smile. “I think I heard about that.”

“We still share the same language.”

“Sometimes I’m not too sure.”

“I bet not.” I could imagine what he thought of a Texas accent.

 He picked up the list of books again. “What about Catcher in the Rye?”

“I read it a long time ago when I was, like, eleven.” I laughed a little as I remembered how I’d first come to read it.

“Is there something funny about that?”

“Yeah. My father had suggested I read it then. The book is the classic coming-of-age story. Clearly, he wasn’t really thinking about whether or not it was appropriate for an eleven-year-old.”

“Really? Why?”

“Well, for one thing, the main character is a guy who swears a lot.”

“I suppose I swear a lot.” He cracked a sly smile. “At least compared to you Yankees.”

“Yankees? You’re in the South.” I laughed.

“What else is inappropriate about the book? Now I’m interested. It can’t only be a few swear words.”

“No, it’s not just that. It’s…” I hesitated for a moment as I realized I was about to bring up the topic of sex with Adam Kincaid. What the hell, I thought. I should be matter-of-fact about it. He had a girlfriend and would never want anything with me. I could hide I thought he was hot, so I shrugged. “Holden, the main character…he’s a little sexually frustrated.”

His eyes twinkled, and it felt as if my words hung in the air. I wanted to squirm in my seat. ‘Sexually frustrated’—like me checking out Adam Kincaid.

His proper upbringing showed again as he sidestepped the issue, yet he smirked. “That sounds like an adventurous book to be on an American high school syllabus.”

“Like I said—it’s considered an American classic.” I laughed. “I guess some things are sacred.”

“But of course.” The gleam appeared in his eye again, and he turned toward me in his seat. “Teenage sexual frustration is sort of a rite of passage, if you will.”

There went the good-English-boy manners out the window. His tone, the look in his eye, his body language—was he flirting with or taunting me? I decided the former was impossible, and if the latter, I wasn’t going to back down. With two parents who were lawyers, debate was a family routine.

“A rite of passage? More like a biological fact, isn’t it?” I asked, casually clicking my pen. I raised a brow. “Especially for guys.”

“You’re right about that,” he said with a grin.

His eyes shifted downward, and I could feel him give me a once-over. I wondered what he thought. I was no Meredith, but I had enough self-confidence to know I wasn’t butt-ugly either—even with my scars. I couldn’t tell, but he’d distracted me so much, I jumped when I heard Mrs. Anderson ask, “Your name, dear?” 

About the Author

 



Even before she graduated from law school, Mary knew she wasn't cut out to be a real lawyer. Drawn to politics, she's spent her career as an organizer, lobbyist, and nonprofit executive. Nothing piques her interest more than a good political scandal or romance, and when she stumbled upon writing, she put the two together. A born Midwesterner, naturalized Texan, and transient resident of Washington, D.C., Mary now lives in Northern California with her two daughters and real lawyer husband.



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Follow the Tour ~ June 17-23

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Dangerous to Know and Love‏ + Giveaway

~Synopsis~
 Silence is only skin deep.

Nineteen year old Daniel Colton is the guy all the girls want to date, and the man all the guys want to be. Moody, with an explosive temper, closed off and sullen, he’s also beautiful, tatted in delicious ways, with a pierced eyebrow and spiky black hair. It’s rumoured he has piercings in other places, too. Is he really mad, bad and dangerous to know?

Daniel lives with his older brother, Zef, and their home is party central. You want drugs, a good time, liquor, no questions asked? Colton’s is the place to go.

When Daniel and good girl Lisanne Maclaine have to work together on an assignment, Lisanne finds there’s a lot more to the college’s bad boy than his reputation. He’s intelligent and funny and good company. And then she discovers his secret, why he’s so closed off to everyone, and determined to keep people at arms’ length. But being his secret-keeper is harder than she ever dreamed.

Recommended for readers 18+ due to sexual references and sex scenes, some coarse language, drug references and drug use.

~Jodie Rae's Review~

I rate Dangerous to Know and Love Five Leaves! Let's talk about Jane Harvey-Berrick for a few seconds. She is probably one of my favorite authors. The first books I read by her were The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline. I loved those two books; they were just amazing. (check them out... NOW) I fell in love with Sebastian in a matter of minutes, but I think Daniel from Dangerous to Know and Love might have just beat out Sebastian.

There is a HUGE twist that deals with Daniel! This review is going to be very difficult for me to write without spilling the twist, but here we go folks! I could connect with Daniel for so many reasons.  I know and understand his anger and his angst in life. I felt this book was written from my point of view! I have never really had a huge connection with a book character, but this was an amazing experience. Lisanne cared and supported Daniel through his most troubling time. The story is told from third person POV centered on Daniel and Lisanne. I've said this time and time again. I love the first person POV, but Dangerous to Know and Love was meant to be told in third person.  Because of this writing technique, I felt so connected to both main characters.

Daniel has the bad boy exterior with the tattoos, piercings, and motorcycle, but deep down he is just misunderstood.  He hasn't been dealt with the best cards in life. He uses the superficial, societal, stereotype of the bad boy to form a tough exterior. Throughout life, we see and hear others stereotype individuals for acting a certain way or appearing different than the "norm". Lisanne is the sweet, virgin girl-next-door. As the reader, you will enjoy watching her transition from a young, naive girl to a strong, matured lady.

I have to mention how much I LOVED how long this book was! I crave for books that are more than 250 pages! I was so sad when the story ended; I wanted another 100 pages just for the heck of it!
Having read the epilogue, I am hoping there might be more to Daniel and Lisanne's story. 

Just a few more moments, Jane? ;-)

~Casting for Daniel & Lisanne ~

~About the Author~  

Jane Harvey-Berrick is a writer of adult and young adult novels.

Laughter, love, lust, thrillers, fantasy and romance – and her trademark humour.

For as long as she can remember, Jane Harvey-Berrick wanted to write. Perhaps it was growing up in Alderley Edge in England, well known for its mystery and folklore, which sparked her imagination as a young girl.

As a child, Jane’s talent did not go unnoticed by those around her, with her skill for writing first noted by her schoolteacher at the tender age of five. Jane went on to complete an English Literature degree from the University of Birmingham, later moving to London for work.

Initially unsure of the best avenue to channel her love of writing, it took a brush at journalism, teaching and copywriting for Jane to find her true calling in penning non-fiction novels for a variety of genres.

Inspired by the personal stories of those around her, it’s the everyday encounters that provide Jane with some of her greatest ideas. It’s often from a simple discussion overheard in the train, or in a café, that Jane can craft an engaging story and develop complex, relatable characters.

Jane has a soft English accent, and a subtlety to her voice that draws you in just as effectively as her novels. With such a sweet and engaging character, her sharp wit and subtle cheekiness can catch you by surprise.

Despite her warm nature, Jane doesn’t give too much away, choosing instead to reveal more about herself through her stories. Her passion for her novels is undeniable; Jane happily admits that she loses herself in her characters and is wholly absorbed in their world. Whether a thriller, fantasy or adult romance novel, it’s her ability to take the reader with her on these journeys that makes it impossible to put her books down.

Although well travelled, Jane is a true homebody. She relishes her morning coffee with her husband John, and often finds her greatest epiphanies occur during her daily walks on the beach with Pip, their Jack-Russell terrier.

 

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Unbreak Me Review

Title: Unbreak Me

Author: Lexi Ryan

Release date: May 27, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Publisher: Lexi Ryan/Ever After, LLC

 Synopsis

“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”

I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later and he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…

“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”

But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my facade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his. 

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

Ashton's Review

 

"You don't need fixing."
He gives a sad smile and wipes a tear away with his thumb.
"It's like your mosaics. The beauty is already there, you just find it. Let go sweetheart."

"I'm afraid I'll shatter."

He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses along the line of the stitches running down my palm.
"If you shatter, I'll find you."


I rate Unbreak Me with Four and a Half Leaves! Unbreak Me is about Maggie, a talented artist and college dropout, who disappeared for a year from her hometown after breaking off her engagement to William, a long-time family friend. Maggie returns to New Haven a year later to participate in Will's wedding to her sister. Yes. HER SISTER and only one year later... I know what you're thinking. Shady Lady.

Lexi Ryan did an excellent job capturing Maggie's essence of a broken girl who was mistakenly tagged in her teen years as the town floozy. She suffers criticism from her parents and community members, but she stays super strong. Very "sticks and stones" throughout the entire story, which I found extremely admirable. What I loved most about Maggie was that she wasn't just a victim. The happenings of her teen years and the ridicule she received affected her decisions as she transitioned from teenager to young adult. She also takes ownership of her mistakes from the very beginning. Reading her journey to breaking her walls down was an enjoyable one for me. She is a very relatable character. Now let's talk about the book's hotties...

Asher. William. Asher. William. ASHER! William is the good guy. Simple as that. If this was Twilight, William is Jacob and Asher is Edward. (Yes, I just Twi-referenced you.) If Asher never existed, William and Maggie would be together hands down. William adores Maggie, and claims throughout the entire story that he she is his addiction. Now, Asher is the used-to-be-bad-boy-rock-star-turned-halfway-decent-but-still-struggling guy. Who doesn't love all of that sexiness? Bad boy...check. Rock star...check. Troubled, wounded, and mysterious...check, check, check.

There is one thing that I have to point out, because I'm a stickler for details. After reading the first few chapters, I started to notice similarities between Unbreak Me and the movie, Runaway Bride. If you are a chick flick lover like me, you have definitely seen Runaway Bride about 20 times. Julia Roberts character's name was Maggie. She was an artist. The salon in town was also called Curl Up & Dye. All of these details are similar to those in Unbreak Me. Even the idea of a "runaway bride" somewhat matched since Maggie called off her engagement to William two days before their wedding. Of course the circumstances are all different, but I wondered if maybe those details were inspired by the movie. Just a thought...

 Everyone has a secret in Unbreak Me, which presents lots of twists and turns in the story's plot. These secrets will drive you crazy, but Lexi Ryan perfectly weaved them into the rhythm of the story, presenting each only at pivotal moments when the reader must know in order to continue.

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and currently holds the title of assistant professor of English at her local community college. Lexi is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

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