Thursday, August 28, 2014

You Loved Me At My Darkest Release Day Blitz + Giveaway





~SYNOPSIS~

Lily
Ripped from Heaven, Burned in Hell.
Caught and caged in beauty.
Beauty comes at a cost.
One man holds the key to our survival, to our freedom.
Find out how I lived and lost the greatest thing on earth.
Love.

Jake
I didn't see her coming and that will be my downfall.
She will ruin me, take everything from me, and give me everything I can't have.
I can't help her. I won't.
She is innocence. She is strength.
She is my piece of heaven in hell.
I’m not letting her go.



~BUY LINKS~

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~


Evie Harper is an Aussie girl who has always been in love with reading. She decided to try her hand at writing and found it addictive and inspirational.
 
You Loved Me At My Darkest is Evie's debut novel. It is a stand-alone with two companion novels to follow:

You Loved Me At My Weakest
You Loved Me At My Ugliest


You Loved Me series are dark romance stories and are only recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.

~AUTHOR LINKS~
~GIVEAWAY~

Release Day Launch + Review + Giveaway: I want It That Way by Ann Aguirre

IWITW RDL Banner
 
I Want It That Way
~Synopsis~

Nadia Conrad has big dreams, and she’s determined to make them come true. But between maintaining her college scholarship and working at the local day care to support herself, dating’s the last thing on her mind. Then she moves into a new apartment and meets the taciturn yet irresistible guy in 1B…. Daniel Tyler has grown up too fast. Becoming a single dad at twenty turned his life upside down—and brought him heartache he can’t risk again. Now, as he raises his four-year-old son while balancing a full-time construction management job and night classes, the last thing he wants is noisy students living in the apartment upstairs. But one night, Nadia’s and Ty’s paths cross, and soon they can’t stay away from each other. The timing is all wrong—but love happens when it happens. And you can’t know what you truly need until you stand to lose it. "A tender, sweet, and sexy story about how life—and falling in love—can never be planned." —Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You

~Teaser~
  IWITW Teaser

~EXCERPT~

Read the First Chapter HERE!

Where are you from?” Ah, an actual question. That means I can ask one back. “Nebraska, toward the South Dakota and Wyoming side, if that helps.” “I’ve never met anyone from there.” Michigan was a long way from home. “I usually get ‘not in Nebraska anymore’ jokes, and then I have to decide if I’m going to remind them that’s Kansas or play along.” “What do you usually do?” “Play along.” “You don’t like conflict, huh?” He sounded normal tonight, as if talking to me wasn’t an unpleasant chore anymore. That was a relief since I’d come to look forward to these moments with him so much. More, maybe, than I’d like to admit.Right. Friends. I distracted myself by considering his question. “Not if it can be avoided. I’m not what you’d call pugnacious, no. But I like to think I don’t back off important issues. What about you?” “No.” His voice was bleak and quiet. “I don’t. Even when I should.” Wow, that took a dark turn. If I could’ve jumped onto his patio without breaking an ankle or waking Sam, I’d have been down there like a shot. The distance between us seemed intolerable, and from the knot in my throat, I didn’t see how I could live another second without touching him, finding out if his hair was as soft as it looked or what he smelled like. I wanted him in a way I never had before. In high school, I had a boyfriend who played basketball, and we broke up when I left the state. It was a rational decision, and I didn’t miss him that much once I was gone. My freshman year, I went out with a lot of different guys, one date here, two dates there, but I never clicked with anyone enough to focus on them. Sometimes there were hookups with no strings, no expectations. Classes, friends and work seemed a lot more important. The intensity of this attraction was foreign and frightening, if exhilarating. I might already be backing off if I had the faintest sense that Ty was jerking me around on purpose. Wish he didn’t make me feel this way. It’d be so much simpler if I could friend-zone him. I realized I still hadn’t touched his verbal grenade. “We all have things we’d do differently in hindsight.” “What is it about you?” he asked in a wondering tone. “Huh?” “You make me…better. Calmer.” “Like a sedative?” I snickered. It was the least sexy thing a guy had ever said to me, including a junior high squeeze who said my face wasn’t actually that bad. He laughed, too, a sheepish sound. “I didn’t mean it like that. Just…I’m worried pretty much all the time that I’m dropping the ball somewhere, about to face-plant, but when I come out here and hear your voice, everything backs off like ten steps. I can breathe again.”

~Review by Jodie Rae~
I rated I Want It That Way THREE AND HALF LEAVES!
 
 Not all love stories end happily. Sometimes they just end.

In I Want It That Way, we meet Ty, a twenty-four year old single father of an adorable four year old Sam.  Sam's mother wanted nothing to do with him, so Ty is struggling to balance work, school, and parenthood all by himself. Luckily, he has some helpful family when times get rough... but he doesn't have much time for dating. 

Nadia meets Ty when she is moving out of the dorms with her friends into two-story apartment complex and finds herself living above Ty.  Ty is drop dead handsome and Nadia qucikly becomes intrigued with him.  Ty is straight with her about not wanting anything serious, but they end up being unable to resist each other and quicky fall into an intense friends with benefits relationship.

The story is fairly straightforward about a single father and a hard working college student, who meet, and have an attraction, and they explore where it goes.  I will point out that I got a little bored with the story.  It kept me entertained but I was ready for the story to end.  Speaking of ending, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and it left me wanting more. All in all, I found the story to be such a sweet love story. The pages flew by, due to Ann Aguirre's easy going writing style. It was a nice way to spend a couple of hours!

~About the Author~
Author Photo

        Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author and RITA winner with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. Ann likes books, emo music, action movies, and she writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens, published with Harlequin, Macmillan, and Penguin, among others.      


~Social & Buy Links~

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~Giveaway~

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Review + Giveaway: A Beautiful Thought by Alicia Rae

Beautiful Thought
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Title: A Beautiful Thought  
Author: Alicia Rae  
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance  
Publish Date: July 14th 2014 

~Synopsis~
  As a physical sports therapist, Gail Bennett is accustomed to working with gorgeous athletes every day, but after falling for a few of these attractive men, she has been left heartbroken one too many times. When Gail’s hours at work are unexpectedly cut, she must find a way to continue helping her parents pay for her sister’s education. Reluctantly following her best friend’s advice, Gail takes on a roommate with the one man she has been avoiding since the first time she laid eyes on him. Damon Johnson loves a challenge, and he is not the type of man to back down when he wants something. From the first moment he meets Gail for dinner, he feels an inexplicable pull between the two of them. In his determination to have her, he finds himself helping her in any way he can. Can Damon break through all the barriers Gail has so carefully placed around her heart and prove that he’s different? Or will Gail’s reservations keep her from falling in love? One thought could change everything. 


  ~Teaser~

  ~Review by Lo~
I rated A Beautiful Thought with four leaves. This book is the 5th in a series and I couldn't tell at all being that I read it as a stand alone. I love the fact that this book can be read either way.

Gail, who is the main character, is a sports trainer that works crazy hours to support herself and also help support her family. When the office she works for has to cut back her hours, she looks for any options she can do to save money. This is where Damon comes in. Damon is a mutual friend of Gail's that she has met once before and thought was extremely attractive. When the opportunity presents itself, Damon wants to help out Gail and he moves in with her.

At this point in the story, there are two options... Gail and Damon will fall madly in love or end up hating each other because they are living together without knowing one another. This definitely kept me on my toes while I figured out which way they were going to go. With a few set backs, this story did not disappoint. I recommend checking this one out!

  ~About the Author~
Alicia Rae photo Authorpic_zpse012118d.jpg

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography. Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you. Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...

  ~Social & Buy Links~

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

~ Giveaway ~

Readers - Kindle Paperwhite
Signed paperback of A Beautiful Thought
   

Monday, August 25, 2014

Release Day Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Her Destiny by Monica Murphy



~Synopsis~


I knew from the moment I first saw him he was the one. The only boy I could ever want.
The only boy I could ever love.
They say he’s bad for me.
But I know he’s not.
Until the day he rejects me.
And breaks my heart.
Completely.
Everything changes in the blink of an eye. My entire life as I’ve known it is…gone. Secrets are revealed. Promises once made are irrevocably broken. There’s no way my family can get back to what we once were.
So when Nicholas Fairfield walks back into my life like he never left it, I’m furious. Thrilled. Irritated. Excited.
Conflicted.
Despite my confusion, I want to be with him. I love him. But danger lurks where we least expect it. Someone will do whatever it takes to tear us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.
Because Nick Fairfield? He’s mine.

~Excerpt~

“He probably hates that you’re staying the night, but he’ll get over it.” I take a step toward him and pat him on the shoulder, marveling at the solid feel of muscle beneath my palm, beneath the thick fabric of his sweatshirt. Has he gotten taller since the last time I saw him? Broader? He’s so big, standing next to him makes me feel small. “Do you need anything else?” I remove my hand from his shoulder, wishing I could touch him more.
“Nah. I’m gonna change, brush my teeth and go to sleep.” He smiles, looking cute, like a little boy and my heart flutters. When he reaches for the hem of his sweatshirt I step away, watch in silent fascination as he pulls the fabric over his head, taking the T-shirt he’s wearing beneath it upward so I catch a glimpse of his flat, perfect stomach, the little trail of dark hair that starts just under his navel.
I’m breathless, my skin is tingling and when he tosses the sweatshirt onto the couch, I start to walk backwards. “Okay well, good night.” I need to get away from him before I do something really stupid.
Like jump him.
“Night, Reverie,” he calls after me as I hurry to my bedroom. Glancing over my shoulder, I find him watching me with that penetrating, thoughtful gaze and I turn away, practically tripping over my feet in the hall. I rush into my room, shutting the door quietly before I slump against it, closing my eyes and pressing my forehead against the rough wood.
My feelings for him haven’t stopped. I still want him. I’m still in love with him. So why am I denying myself from being with him? Because I’ve changed and I’m worried he won’t accept me for who I really am? And because my life is so crazy the last thing I need is another complication to muck it all up?
Valid reasons, but why would I deprive myself from being with him? He’s the only one who understood me. Who listened to me. Who cared about me.
I think he still does.
Cracking open my eyes, I push away from the doorway and shut off the light before I crawl into bed. I lay there in the dark, listening to him move about inside the bathroom, which is right next to my bedroom. He finishes brushing his teeth before he exits the room and I swear I can feel him standing on the other side of my closed door, waiting. Listening for any sign of life coming from within.
I can’t move. I’m frozen, holding my breath, waiting for him to knock on the door, to turn the knob, anything to show that he wants to see me. I want him to both respect my brother’s wishes and defy them. I want him overcome with need yet cautious. I want…everything.
All of him.
Disappointment crashes through me when I realize he is definitely obeying Evan’s wishes. He doesn’t sneak into my room, doesn’t attempt to talk to me, nothing. I should be happy. Pleased that he doesn’t want to upset anyone.
Instead, I’m sad.
Rolling over on my side, I punch the pillow beneath my head and settle in for the night, willing myself to fall asleep. I get to spend pretty much the entire weekend with him. Maybe we can work it out then since we’ll have plenty of time. But for now I’ll have to settle for Nick visiting me…
Only in my dreams.

~Review by Vanessa~



I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book! Especially after the way the last one ended, I needed to know what was going to become of Reverie and Nick. So if you have read the last book you know that Nick and Reverie have had some trouble; her with her family and Nick with the law. Rev’s family was being investigated for stealing money from their church community and using it as their personal gain. He was a suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend who just happened to be blackmailing them. On the night she was supposed to meet him she ends up being found murdered in the front of her apartment and Nick is the number one suspect. Looks really bad right? However we as the readers know that Nick was with Reverie that night and she can be his alibi if only he wasn’t so afraid of keeping her out of trouble so he gets arrested and that was half the breaking point for the two. The other half was on Rev’s side because after all of the things going on with her family, they up and leave that next day to go back home away from their summer house, completely finishing these two off.  Flash forward a couple months and Rev and Nick have lost touch; Nick has tried to call and text but Rev has had to give her phone up to the feds and is now living with her brother to get away from her parents. Nick wants answers as to why she didn’t message him back or why she hasn’t reached out but he knows he messed up and just needs her back. Rev has had some serious life changes and is done being the little naïve girl she once was. Nick broke her heart not wanting to be seen while in jail and with her parents and what they did she’s feeling so much guilt she tries to transform herself into a bad girl; with her grades dropping and her new friends Rev just wants to be someone different. This doesn’t last long because her brother lets her know she needs to clean up her act and change so she gets a job as a waitress and that’s where Nick finds her. This is all I am going to say because you’ll need to read it for all the juicy details I left out but it’s a great read. I recommend this series. I hope she does a book about the brother that would be nice. 



 
~About the Author~
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.


~Social & Buy Links~

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo

  ~Giveaway~


 

Review + Release Day Blitz: Be My Hero by Linda Kage

Be My Hero
Forbidden Men #3
By: Linda Kage


~*SYNOPSIS*~
Junior in college. Star athlete. Constant attention from the opposite sex.

On this campus, I’m worshiped. While seven hundred miles away, back in my hometown, I’m still trailer park trash, child of the town tramp, and older sibling to three kids who are counting on me to keep my shit together so I can take them away from the same crappy life I grew up in.

These two opposing sides of myself never mix until one person gets a glimpse of the true me. I never expected to connect with anyone like this or want more beyond one night. This may be the real deal.

Problem is, Dr. Kavanagh’s my literature professor.

If I start anything with a teacher and we’re caught together, I might as well kiss my entire future goodbye, as well as my family’s, and especially Dr. Kavanagh’s. Except sometimes love is worth risking everything. Or at least, it damn well better be because I can only resist so much.


~*REVIEW BY JODIE RAE*~ 
  
I rated Be My Hero by Linda Kage FIVE LEAVES!!! 

Reading Be My Hero was an extra-ordinary, emotional roller-coaster ride. While reading this book you will feel love, anger, joy, pain, and heartache.  Linda Kage, you complete me... you had me at Pick. Just when I thought nothing could ever compare To Professor, With Love, you gave us Pick and Eva. 

The prolong starts with a fourteen year old Pick.  He has been bouncing around foster homes.  Even at fourteen you can see that he is a protector.  One of his foster friends, Tristy, who experienced horrible times living at foster house, she decides to visit a fortune teller to see if she will have a better life in the future.  Tristy is not happy with what the fortune teller said and Pick wanted to hurt the psychic.  When comforting the fortune teller, the unexpected happened.  Pick saw flashes of his future. The future shows that he will have his happily ever after, be married to his soulmate- Tinker Bell, and have children. 

Eva hasn't had the most perfect life.  She has had bad luck with men in her life. She believes that all men are monsters, until the day she meets Pick.  When Tinker Bell walks into his life he knows he will stop at nothing to be with her. Do you want to know why he is the 'Forbidden Man' in this story? YOU will need to read that for yourself!

There is plenty of heartache in the story along the way but never from Pick and Eva.   They stick with each other through everything and grow together. They never let go even when life keeps throwing rocks at them.  They want to protect each other as best as they can.  Let me gush over Pick, awww! He is the perfect guy; caring, funny, kind, understand, loveable, tatted up, and most importantly... very very sexy!!

I'm really looking forward to Quinn's book next and the plot sounds amazing!! 


~*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*~
Linda grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest as the youngest of eight children. Now she lives in Kansas with her husband, toddler daughter, and their nine cuckoo clocks. She works a day job in the acquisitions department of a university library and feels her life has been blessed with lots of people to learn from and love. Writing's always been a major part her world, and she's thrilled to finally share some of her stories with other romance lovers.

~*SOCIAL AND BUY LINKS*~

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