Monday, March 31, 2014

cover reveal: The Spirit by D. Nichole King + GIVEAWAY!!


Coming April 2014...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20529381-the-spirit

addtogoodreads

SYNOPSIS

* Book #1 in the Spirit Series *

While seventeen year-old Carrie Reese’s parents were working out the details of their divorce, she headed to Villisca, Iowa to stay with her grandparents.

Villisca was home to the infamous Axe Murder House…

It’s known to be haunted by the ghosts of the victims and their killer. Carrie doesn’t believe in ghosts, but the moving curtains and red flashes of light in the windows of Lot 310 were starting to give her reason to watch her back.

Then in walked Lucas…

Within days, Carrie knew she was in love. But Lucas seemed strange: his hands were cool and hollow, he barely touched his food, and there was sadness behind his brilliant green eyes.

Lucas was falling for Carrie but knowing that loving her puts her in grave danger, he reluctantly slips out of her life….

He struggles between staying away and telling Carrie his darkest secret. Unable to stand being apart from her any longer, he decides she must know.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Born and raised in Iowa, d. Nichole King writes her stories close to home. There’s nothing like small-town Midwest scenery to create the perfect backdrop for an amazing tale.

She wrote her first book in junior high and loved every second of it. However, she couldn’t bring herself to share her passion with anyone. She packed it away until one day, with the encouragement of her husband, she sat down at the computer and began to type. Now she can’t stop.

When not writing, d. is usually curled up with a book, scrapbooking, or doing yet another load of laundry.

Along with her incredible husband, she lives in small-town Iowa with her four adorable children and their dog, Peaches.

CONNECT WITH D. NICHOLE KING




GIVEAWAY  

Saturday, March 29, 2014

review: My Sweetest Escape by Chelsea M. Cameron

My Sweetest Escape by Chelsea M. Cameron 



My rating:  4/5

Series: My Favorite Mistake #2

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review

Published: 1.28.14

Genre:  New Adult Contemporary Romance


Summary –

The past will always find you.

Jos Archer was the girl with the perfect life; until the night it all came crashing down around her. Now, nine months later, she still hasn't begun to pick up the pieces. Even transferring to a new college and living under the watchful eye of her older sister, Renee, isn't enough to help her feel normal again.

And then she meets Dusty Sharp. For reasons Jos can't begin to fathom, the newly reformed campus bad boy seems determined to draw her out of her shell. And if she's not careful, his knowing green eyes and wicked smile will make her feel things she's no longer sure she deserves.

But even as Dusty coaxes Jos to open up about the past, he's hiding secrets of his own. Secrets about the night her old life fell apart. When the truth is finally revealed, will it bring them closer together; or tear them apart for good? (Thanks to GoodReads.com for the summary)

My Thoughts –

My Sweetest Escape is a good follow-up to My Favorite Mistake.  This is a great story about self-forgiveness and letting someone in.  Jos and Dusty make a great couple, but they had a tough time getting there.

Jos is closed off and doesn’t want to open up to anyone, least of all Dusty.  She’s alienating herself on purpose and just wants to be left alone.  I do think her sister over does the looking after a bit too much.  Something happened to her, she grew up but her family doesn’t want to see or accept the fact that she’s not perfect or a kid anymore.  Dusty is a good guy.  He’s had a past but though times made him grow up and try to be a better man.  He sees something in Jos that she doesn’t and really wants to break through her walls.

The journey these two had to travel to get where they did was long, turbulent and windy.  I think their story was sweet and endearing…and wicked hot.  Their chemistry throughout the story was there and visible to everyone around them – especially after the snowball fight.

My Sweetest Escape is easy to read, fast paced and well written.  Again, a great addition to the series and I look forward to more by Chelsea M. Cameron!!

review: Working It by Kendall Ryan



Working It by Kendall Ryan


My rating:  4/5
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Published: 11.11.13
Genre:  New Adult Contemporary Romance, erotic

Summary –

Emmy Clarke is out of her depth in New York City’s fashion world, but when she lands a job as an assistant at a modeling agency it seems like the perfect mix of business and pleasure. Working under the notorious Fiona Stone is a nightmare, but there’s one distinct perk: ogling the ridiculously hot male models who parade through the office—particularly rising star Ben Shaw.

Ben is everything Emmy’s not: exquisitely gorgeous, highly paid, and well-traveled. He’s also got more issues than Vogue. Emmy looks after Ben on photo shoots, but she refuses to become another one of his lusting groupies. Ben finds Emmy’s refreshingly real attitude to be surprisingly attractive.

Against a backdrop of the most fashionable cities in the world, casual flirting turns into an illicit affair, but when Ben’s twisted past is revealed, and the bitter Fiona catches wind of their relationship, their careers and hearts are threatened.

Note: This book is intended for mature audiences. It contains sexual encounters and graphic language, including a m/f/m encounter. (Thanks to GoodReads.com for the summary)

My Thoughts –

Where does the story take place?
NYC
Is the title a good/bad choice for the story? 
Good – IT was definitely worked, if you know what I mean…
List the top 4 characters and 1 word to describe them each. 
Emmy – fresh, Ben – Whoa, Braydon – great, Fiona - B
Did you cry, laugh, sigh, cringe, fume or feel nothing? 
All of those and more!

Holy hell was this book smokin’ hot!!  I read it in one sitting and am sure my cheeks were flushed when I got done with it.  I think Ben and Emmy are a great pair and their chemistry was off the charts.

Emmy is your typical small town girl.  She falls for Ben, and falls for him hard.  She’s kind of oblivious to bigger things going on around her.  Ben is like whoa.  Seriously.  He’s the SHIT at the agency and he knows it.  He’s kind of arrogant but makes up for it during smexy time.  Braydon is a hoot – I can’t wait to read more about him.  Fiona is like the biggest B in the world. 

I think Working It is a great story.  Well-written, fast paced and easy to read.  I love the cover, it sure is hot – just like the story.  Great job to the author – I WANT MORE!!

cover reveal: The Billionaire and the Barfly by Adrianne James


Purchase on:  Amazon   |  Smashwords

Henry Maximus is a super-hero-loving geek and proud of it. He’s also a genius when it comes to business. It’s how he earned the title of CEO of Maximus Gaming … not to mention the billions of dollars in his bank account. Henry’s tried living the life of a bachelor, but a different girl every night has left him wanting more. Needing more.

Aubrey Vincent is in love with her job. She’ll love it even more if she lands the promotion that gets her out of her parent’s attic. She loves it so much that she has no time for relationships, not that she was ever very good at them to begin with. Aubrey is perfectly happy with the random, nameless men she picks up at the bar. After a brief encounter with Aubrey on a business trip, Henry packs his bags and moves back to the small town where he grew up. Aubrey’s town. Aubrey attempts to find her way into Henry’s bed, while he tries everything to get into her heart. Will Henry’s plan to break down the walls Aubrey has built around her heart work or will his unbelievable million dollar offer scare her away?



About Adrianne James
Growing up, Adrianne couldn’t get her hands on enough books to satisfy her need for the make believe. If she finished a novel and didn’t have a new one ready and waiting for her, she began to create her own tales of magic and wonder. Now, as an adult, books still make up majority of her free time, and now her tales get written down to be shared with the world. During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life’s stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family. As a young adult and new adult author, Adrianne James has plans to bring stories of growing characters, a little romance, and perhaps a little magic and mythology down the line for her readers to enjoy.
       

Friday, March 28, 2014

review: Soul Control by C. Elizabeth

Soul Control by C. Elizabeth
4 of 5 stars


Young Adult Paranormal Romance of love, loss and reconnection.

“Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil.”

Words of truth for seventeen-year-old Saydi Gardiner upon discovering her ancestry. But if she has doubts, further confirmation is forthcoming and it comes in the form of a wickedly gorgeous Nathanael Braxton, when he steals her heart and cuddles into her soul – the last place the boy should be.

Nineteen-year-old Nathanael’s unrelenting good looks aren’t the only thing that make him dangerous – and he knows it! However, his caring human self struggles with a loyalty – a loyalty that binds him to the hunt for the soul that will give his family the power they seek. There’s only one problem: When he finds her, Nathanael falls in love with his prey – Saydi. (Thanks to GoodReads.com for the summary)

My Thoughts -

I truly enjoyed Soul Control. I loved the originality of the story and enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the adventure. I liked the paranormal elements to the story with the legends and mystery. Saydi and Nathanael are great characters, along with His brother and her friends.

The story is well written and employs modern language, which is always a plus to me. It's written so you can easily visualize what going on and see the people it's written about. It's a great faced paced, quick read that'll be sure to leave you wanting more. Great job!!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

review: Heels of Love by Phoenix Rayne + EXCERPT




Book: Heels of Love

Author: Phoenix Rayne

Trilogy: From Love to Loathe, Book #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: G Street Chronicles


Synopsis:


When Cricket Hooper moves to Seattle she only has a couple of goals—find a job and an apartment near her friend Chelle, and basically to live a quiet, normal life. However, it isn't long before life becomes far from normal.


When a mysterious man helps get her car out of the mud after she makes a wrong turn, she finds herself in his thrall. He wines and dines her, quite literally, and before Cricket can stop it, things are steamy and serious…very serious.


Cricket is thrown aback when Jyme turns out to be more than a simple fisherman, but then she isn't telling all of her story either.






Purchase links:



Excerpt:


I woke to an alarm but it wasn't my alarm. I sat up, looked around, and realized it was the hotel's fire alarm going off. I jumped up, ran to Cinnamon’s room, and swung the door open. She was knocked out on her bed half dressed; I shook the shit out of her, and she started yelling.

“What the hell is that noise?”

I ran down to Sugar's room, and she was butt naked and so was her company. I screamed at the both of them to get up. They both jumped up disoriented. I ran back to my room. I put my stilettos I'd had on earlier in my big purse and slid into my house shoes. I ran back down the hall, passing Sugar and her company. I ran back into Cinnamon's room, and she was wide-awake at her safe in her closet getting money out. I had forgotten about my safe, so I ran back to my room. I put the code in and yanked the door open; I pulled out the small stack of money and reached in deeper. I got the plastic bag that was balled up in the corner and shoved everything in my purse. I reached deeper, found the last item in the safe, and slid it on my ring finger. I slammed the door and took off towards the living room. Cinnamon was waiting at the door; we clasped hands and ran for the stairs. The hotel was in an uproar. We made it down to the lobby, but it was so congested with customers trying to leave the casino.
 
“Basement,” I yelled to Cinnamon. We took the employee stairs and ran down the long concrete hall. There were about a dozen people in front of us, but we finally made it through the door. When we got outside, the back lawn was crammed with people rushing towards the front of the building. Cinnamon and I still held on to each other’s hands. We made it to the front of the building, and everyone was frantic. I pulled out my cell phone to call Sugar, but someone pushed me so hard I dropped the phone. I let go of Cinnamon's hand to retrieve my fallen phone. I found it and stood up straight; a man in all black with a white ski mask stood right in front of me. Before I could even prepare a good scream, someone covered my mouth with a wet bandana, and then I was out. I woke up to soft kisses all over my face, and then I stretched wide. I was sleeping well and I kept my eyes shut. Someone was happy to see me. I have had this dream so many times, and I enjoyed every single one of them.

“Hi there,” I breathed.

“Hi.”

“Where’ve you been?”

“Looking for you.”

“I’ve been right here the whole time.”

“What?”

“You used to come and see me all the time, and then you stopped.” I told him. I kissed his neck and pulled him closer.

“I’ve missed you so much.”

“Cricket?” He said my name in an odd way.

“What’s wrong? Do you have to go now? Please, Jyme, just stay a little longer.”

“Cricket,”

“Shh, just hold me real tight before you go.” There was a knock at the door, and I freaked.

“NO…PLEASE…JYME, DON’T LET HIM HURT ME. HE HITS ME SO HARD. PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME PLEASE.” I screamed at the top of lungs through tears.

Someone knocked again, louder this time.

“Wait a minute,” Jyme yelling. I clung to him and wrapped my arms around him tighter. I cried into his chest, and my eyes started stinging.

 “Cricket, I’m right here, and I won’t let anybody hurt you, I swear.”

 “But he’s at the door, and he’ll beat it down. He’s done it before,” I said frantically.

“Shh, Babe. Are you afraid of me?” he asked softly.

“No.”I assured him. “Then open your eyes and look at me” I slowly opened my eyes and blinked several times through piercing pain. Then, I saw him, and I slid my fingers through his jet-black hair.

“Oh it’s you!”

“It’s me,” he chuckled

“You know, you with hair; you’ve never come to see me.”

“Cricket, you're really here, and I’m really here with you. I’m not sure what you’re talking about right now. But I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you.”

“Huh” I asked him. I couldn’t help it but I pinched myself. I felt the pain but I didn’t wake up. There was another knock at the door, and Jyme got up from the bed. I really saw him this time. His hair was loose and shoulder length. He wore jeans and a t-shirt, and his feet were bare. I looked around and recognized everything. We were in our room, and nothing had changed. The bedding was the same, and so was the furniture. I looked out the window, and there were the boats all in the water.

Book Trailer:




About the author:
Phoenix Rayne



Phoenix Rayne was born in Federal Way Washington in a small community. Currently she resides in Nashville Tennessee where she is a student as well as a full time author… Phoenix is a published author that has several novels under her belt that she has penned with G-Street Chronicles. When not writing you can find her in a shoe store shopping or catching a good movie.

Social media links:



Tour organized by: HEA Book Tours, PR & More





 
My Thoughts -

3/5: Heels of Love is a intense, fast paced read.  I enjoyed all of the characters and the adventures they had in this story.  Cricket and Jyme are in intense pairing and can't seem to get enough of each other.  Cricket is a runner.  She runs from her problems and doesn't trust anyone enough to open up or be completely honest.  Jyme has been burned and really is just looking for someone to love him.  He's extremely dominant and into a few shady business dealings that might tear him and Cricket apart.  

I like the pair together, but when Cricket freaks overs the size of Jyme's junk - I wanted to slap her.  She's kind of rude and over exaggerates a lot.  I do envy the job she got when she arrived in Seattle - dream job anyone?  I did not like the Korean ending.  I know it's a trilogy, but I do wish there was some bit of HEA.  I do think some of the dialogue is a bit off and some of the wording of a bit stiff.  I think the name of every meal they had together was unneeded, but other that that - great story.  It's very fast paced, full of wicked hot lovin' and sure to make you want to find your own man on a reservation:)