Intensity by C.C Koen Review + Giveaway

~*SYNOPSIS*~

What would you do to improve your life?

Twenty-one-year-old Serena Thomas is faced with a tough decision. Unable to get ahead of debt and loneliness since her grandmother’s death she finds a new job, placing the sheltered virgin in an underground escort business. She tells herself it’s just a temporary life choice, but destiny has a different plan. She meets a mysterious and gorgeous man, who happens to be her new boss. Will Serena fit in or will she be left all alone again?

Lincoln (aka: Linc) Jefferson has an unusual life. He established The Lounge, an exclusive escort club for very personal reasons. A place where the women say who, when, and what type of sex they’re willing to have. The escorts possess all the power and the money. It’s a business Linc guards at all costs. Trying to maintain the secrecy is a constant challenge and one that’s tested when he enters into a relationship with Serena. She tempts him unlike any woman, even though he’s surrounded by beauty on a daily basis. The more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets. Will Serena stand by his side or will she abandon him?

Sparks and passion fly, taking these two on a journey neither could have expected.

~*EXCERPT*~

As soon as I sat down, my hands coasted across the soft leather. Just like I’d imagined a cloud would feel. When I looked up, Linc stood in the same place. The blackness of his suit reminded me of a panther’s coat, and the man—observing his meal.

He crossed the room and sat next to me, the cushion sinking with his weight and tilting me closer to him. His left leg lined with mine, thigh to heel. He extended an arm along the top of the couch and laid his fingertips along the crease of my neck, brushing them up and down.

Millions of tingles raced over my spine.

His other warm hand took possession of my upper thigh, and he skimmed his thumb back and forth across my clenched legs, creeping upward.

As my dress moved higher and into no man’s land, I gripped his wrist and squeezed hard. His fingers stilled at the edge of my panties, making me clench, and the movement on my neck ceased mid-stroke.

“W-what are you doing?”

~*TEASER*~

~*REVIEW BY JODIE RAE*~

Serena Thomas is a twenty-year old virgin. Feeling backed into a corner, Serena finds herself working at an escort business.  Serena is already working two jobs just to get ahead of thousands of dollars in debt.  Serena's grandma has lost her battle with cancer leaving behind a long list of medical bills for treatments and her other needs.  She also had to quit college to get these jobs, because she was getting so far behind in payments.  When Serena's friend Mylaynee offers her a job it will literally turn her life upside and down.  

When Mylaynee tells Serena about being an escort she has no clue what she is getting herself into. At the first day on the job she meets Linc the owner. Right off the bat he told her that she will be exclusive to him and only him. The last thing that Serena expected was to be attracted to the man who is in charge of the business, yet alone be exclusive to him. As time goes by she starts develop feelings for Linc. Serena is a strong selfless heroine.  She had put her life on hold to be with her grandma through her dying days.  And we have Linc who is a sexy, mysterious, and a little broken from his past.  The two of them have a bond from an instant connection.  I really thought the first night they were together he was going to take her virginity and it wasn't. When they finally did it, it was perfect. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable story and was a super fast read for me.  Since the story was about an escort business I was expecting the story to have a little more steam to the story. Even though it didn't, the story was still great and I would rate it FOUR LEAVES! I enjoyed the secondary characters as well and looking for the next installment in this series. 

~*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*~

C.C. Koen writes contemporary romance with a twist. An avid reader who enjoys mystery and suspense, her stories will never be what you expect. Determined to find adventure in her dreams and life, she enjoys skydiving, sailing and any activity that challenges her. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination that comes to life in her writing. Intensity is her debut novel.

~*SOCIAL & BUY LINKS*~

Website I Facebook I Twitter I Goodreads

Amazon I B&N I Kobo I Smashwords

~*GIVEAWAY*~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All Broke Down by Cora Carmack Release Day Launch + Giveaway

.

~*SYNOPSIS*~

In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love. Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one. Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause. Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help. Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

 

~*BUY LINKS*~

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

 

~*EXCERPT*~

 



I think I get it then. That decision I saw in her eyes back in the kitchen. That’s what this, what I’m about for her, too. I’m just another part of whatever rebellion she started earlier today. About doing what she wants, not what’s expected of her. “We’re not talking about me, though,” she says. “So you went to meet your friend, and then what happened?” She keeps her eyes down as she picks up the gauze and begins winding it snugly around the knuckles of one hand, and then the other. “He said the wrong thing.” “Which was?” “Dylan.” Now it’s her that’s pushing too hard. I didn’t want to talk about things with my friends, and I won’t talk about them with her, either, no matter how gorgeous she is. “I’ll guess. You were mad about what he did, and he wasn’t sorry.” “This isn’t middle school, Pickle. He didn’t hurt my feelings. He said some shit he had no business saying, and it pissed me off. The end.” “But you don’t think some of that anger stems from what you feel is a betrayal of your friendship?” She finishes taping down the last of the gauze, but doesn’t let go of my hand. “I think you’re analyzing me again. Making things more complicated than they are.” “And I think you’re just a guy who doesn’t like to admit he has feelings.” She drags out the word, teasing me with some goofy smile on her face. I turn my hand over so I can clutch her wrist. I curlmy other bandaged hand around her waist and pull her closer. “I feel plenty of things.” The teasing stops. She swallows. “I wasn’t talking about that kind of feeling.” With her standing and me sitting, I’m eye level with her chest. I see the sharp rise and fall as she sucks in a breath. I want her in my lap again, straddling me this time. “Doesn’t mean we can’t talk about that kind of feeling. Or experiment with it.” “Is that Stella girl an ex?” I cough, surprised. My throat twists uncomfortably, and it takes me a couple of solid breaths to get a hold on myself. “Ah, no. Stella and I have never dated.” “Have you—” “Do you ever run out of questions?” “Not ever.” She turns playful again, and I’m done doing this the careful way. If she wants a rebellion, I’ll be the one to give it to her. I want her against me, and I’m tired of waiting. I pull her forward, insinuating my knees between hers, and her body naturally follows, settling across my thighs. Her lips part, but she catches herself before she gasps this time. I keep her steady with my hands at her waist and say, “I’ll make you a deal. A question for a kiss.” Tentatively, she lays her palms against my shoulders. They rest there, her grip light and casual. She ponders my offer for a moment, and it drives me mad that she can do that while our hips are inches away from alignment. “Okay then. Are you—” I cut her off. “Not so fast, Dylan Brenner. I’ve already answered one question. We’ve got to settle up first.” I wrap her braid around my hand like I’ve been waiting to do all night, and I use it to pull her head back just enough that I can crush my mouth against hers.

 

And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!

~*BUY LINKS*~

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes

 

~*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*~

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.      

 

~*AUTHOR LINKS*~

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Author Goodreads ** ALL BROKE DOWN Goodreads

~*GIVEAWAY*~

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

The Collectors' Society by Heather Lyons Release Day Launch + Giveaway

  ~*SYNOPSIS*~

From the author of the Fate series and The Deep End of the Sea comes a fantastical romantic adventure that has Alice tumbling down the strangest rabbit hole yet. After years in Wonderland, Alice has returned to England as an adult, desperate to reclaim sanity and control over her life. An enigmatic gentleman with an intriguing job offer too tempting to resist changes her plans for a calm existence, though. Soon, she’s whisked to New York and initiated into the Collectors’ Society, a secret organization whose members confirm that famous stories are anything but straightforward and that what she knows about the world is only a fraction of the truth. It’s there she discovers villains are afoot—ones who want to shelve the lives of countless beings. Assigned to work with the mysterious and alluring Finn, Alice and the rest of the Collectors’ Society race against a doomsday clock in order to prevent further destruction . . . but will they make it before all their endings are erased?   

~*BUY LINKS*~

Amazon **  Kobo ** iTunes

 

~*EXCERPT*~

 “Do you find my ability to converse lacking, Doctor?” He chuckles softly, no doubt remembering how I wasn’t chatty with anyone, himself included, for the first month of my stay. To be fair, it is difficult to carry on an invigorating discussion when one is shaking so hard from withdrawals they fear they might shatter into thousands of painful pieces before a single word can be uttered. Plus, there was the whole bit of how once I did open up, I raved liked a lunatic about things no normal person could imagine being true. “Certainly not,” he says to me. “But as I must stay at the Pleasance and you must go forth into the world, it will do you good to practice on somebody new.” “Then send in one of the orderlies. Or one of the nurses. I’ll happily chat with a staff member.” One of his bushy, out-of-control eyebrows lifts high into his forehead. “There are people out there who are quite content being solitary,” I point out. “Who do not need to converse with anybody but themselves and their dogs.” He sets his pen down. “What about cats?” Rigor mortis sets in ever so briefly at this question. “You father said you were quite fond of cats growing up. There was one in particular that you favored. Dinah, was it not?” “I’m—” I have to clear my throat. “Lately, I wonder if perhaps I’m more of a dog person after all.” 

  

~*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*~

  Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.    

~*SOCIAL LINKS*~

Website ** Author Goodreads ** Twitter ** Facebook ** THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY Goodreads

 ~*GIVEAWAY*~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hourglass Squared by K.S. Smith & Megan C. Smith Review + Giveaway

 

Title: Hourglass Squared  

Authors: K.S. Smith & Megan C. Smith 

Genre: Contemporary Romance  

Publisher: Blue Tulip Publishing

      

~*SYNOPSIS*~

After recovering from being scorned by the same man, best friends Brooke and Savannah have not only mended their friendship, but also their hearts. With both girls finally married to the Worthington twins, these women have found it all and are living in pure marital bliss. But not all honeymoons last forever. When Brooke and Josh announce they have a baby on the way, Savannah realizes this is all a bit more than she signed up for. With pressure coming from Jake to start a family, tempers flare and relationships are pushed to the breaking point; driving her to the brink of insanity as she is propelled toward the house in suburbia with the white picket fence. Brooke tries to stand by Savannah, and be the best friend she has always been, but soon the tables turn and Brooke will need everyone's support as her world comes crumbling down atop of her. Join Brooke and Savannah in Hourglass Squared as they fight any obstacle that comes their way, together. Relationships will be tested, friendships strained, causing the course of their lives to be changed, forever.  

   

~*EXCERPT*~

Unable to take it much longer, I needed to clear my head. I rushed off, passing the restroom in the waiting room and darted into it. I locked the deadbolt behind me, thankful it was a single person restroom. I leaned back against the cold tile wall, and it was as if the walls of the Hoover Dam had come crumbling down. Tears rushed down my cheeks, soaking my face. My body was so heavy that I could hardly stand. I began to slide down the wall until I was sitting on the floor, my arms using every ounce of their might to keep my legs pulled up as they pressed against my huge belly. My body rocked back and forth, each sob ripping through harder than the last. My cell phone began to ring in my purse, but I had no energy to answer it. It continued ringing, but my cries soon drowned out the sound. After what must have been minutes, although it seemed like an eternity, a pounding started on the door of the restroom. 

~*TEASER*~

~*REVIEW BY JODIE RAE*~

I rated Hourglass Squared FIVE LEAVES!!

After reading Hourglass I was so excited to hear that Brooke & Savannah's stories continue! A little background, Brooke and Savannah have been best friends forever. They had a few battles to fight because they were dating the same guy.  Luke was very aware of what he was doing and that he had both of the girls go against each other.  Brooke and Savannah become a power duo to take down Luke.  Having recovered from Luke, they are now with the twins:  the most eligible bachelors in Denver.  Two best friends marrying twin brothers and the girls becoming sisters. The girls get married within a month from each other. Everything is going to way they have planned, until a baby comes in the picture!   

In the first part of the book we find out that Brooke and Josh are pregnant! When they tell Savannah and Jake, Josh's twin brother, Jake is ready for him and Savannah to start on having babies.  Knowing that both girls are the complete opposite of each other. Brooke is the sweet one, wanting the love of being a mother. Then we have Savannah who is feisty and doesn't want to be a mother yet. She is wanting to continue having fun with her new husband and having a successful career. Brooke and Savannah compliment each other very nicely and is what every girl wants in her best friend.  They are made for each other; they are protective of each other and will always have each other's backs. As the girls face many battles thrown at them they will have a bond that will never shatter. I also need to mention their sexy husbands more! I love getting to know Josh and Jake throughout the book.  They are absolutely head over heels in love with their wives and will do anything to make their wives happy. 

Of course, sleazeball Luke has to weezle himself in this story. Ugh! I will have admit, when I heard there was going to be a second book I was very curious as to see what ever happened to Luke. Had he changed his ways or is he still the same?

This is one of the best author collaborations I have ever read and I can't wait to read more from these lovely ladies! This series is probably on my top 5 reads of 2014.  Just like book one, I was hooked from the first page to the last page and was left with my heart pounding. I felt so many emotions reading this book. Each page drew me in and made me read on until I reached the end in one setting.

 
~*ABOUT THE AUTHORS*~

K.S. Smith

 

K.S. Smith is an aspiring new contemporary romance author. When she is not writing you will most likely find her tanning on the beautiful Florida beaches, spending time with her family and friends or dedicating her time to the military through her favorite non-profit organization. K.S. Smith was born and raised in Tampa, FL and continues to build her life there in her new home with her boyfriend of ten years who will hopefully one day put all book boyfriends to shame with an out of this world proposal.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON

Megan C. Smith

 

Megan Smith was born and raised in beautiful Tampa, Florida where she spent her days falling in love with fictional characters from a very young age. After marrying her best friend she relocated to North Carolina to support her husband’s career as a U.S. Marine. During her time in North Carolina Megan was blessed with 3 beautiful children who have kept her constantly busy chasing after them and enjoying the daily routine of motherhood. Most recently Megan and her family have relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida where she has spent the past few months achieving her lifelong dream of publishing her very first novel; as well as continuing to submerge herself in some of her favorite books while appreciating a glass of wine and her favorite, salted pretzel Milanos.  

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS | AMAZON

 
~*BUY LINKS*~

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

Hourglass:

Amazon B&N iBooks Smashwords Kobo

~*GIVEAWAY*~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*HOSTED BY*~