Thursday, October 31, 2013


Here is a list of all the New Releases on my November Calendar... feel free to add any of yours not listed in the comments! It's going to be a good reading month!



11-4: Four Seconds To Lose by K.A. Tucker (Ten Tiny Breaths #3)
11-5: Mine by Katy Evans (Real, Raw & Ripped #2)
11-5: The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski (The Edge of Never #2)
11-5: Jagged by Kristen Ashely  (Colorado Mountain #5)
11-11: Working It by Kendall Ryan 
11-12: A Little Too Much by Lisa Derochers (A Little Too Far #2)
11-12: Try by Ella Frank 
11-12: Beautiful Broken Mess by Kimberly Lauren (Broken #2)
11-19: Fighting to Forgive by J.B. Salsbury (Fighting #2)
11-19: Pretending She's His by Kelsie Leverich (Hard Feelings #2.5)
11-22: False Start by Lila Felix (Love and Skate #5)
11-23: Adore Me by Jillian Dodd (The Keatyn Chronicles #4.5) 
11-26: Crash into You by Katie McGarry (Pushing the Limits #3) 

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

My Review for Ignite by Tessa Teevan (Released Today! 10-30-13)


Ignite (Explosive, #1)Ignite by Tessa Teevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars!!!


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A beautiful, explosive friends to lovers/second chance love story with a sexy and swoony military hero... seriously people, what is not to love? A debut novel that knocked it out of the park ;)

Alexa Sullivan and Jace McAllister are the best of friends all through high school. Jace is just a year older than Lexi, in the same class as her sister, Sierra. Lexi has it bad for Jace, but she has never told him how she felt. If he didn’t return the feelings, she would be crushed and she couldn't’ take losing his friendship. The night of Jace’s graduation, everything changes for this couple. Lexi isn’t the only one with romantic feelings. Jace has wanted Lexi since he first met her. The timing has never been right. Now, he is leaving for basic training in the morning. It’s now or never. He tells her how he feels and it leads to... more.

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The two friends go their separate ways after that one blissful night together.  Jace thinks about Lexi every minute of his basic training. Lexi misses Jace terribly. She holds on to the promise he will come back for her. When Jace comes home, he goes straight to Lexi, only to find out that her family has moved to Ohio. Her father got transferred. He has no way of getting ahold of her, and due to some crossed wires, he assumes she doesn’t want him to. They both move on the best they can from here...

Fast forward 10 years:
Alexa has spent the last seven years of her life married to Ty. She was happy, she loved him. A car accident took him away from her forever. She is now a 27 year old widow. Moving on is hard. She’s doing the best she can, but her family is worried about her. 
Jace has had a successful career in the Army defusing bombs. He’s had no serious relationships. Alexa will always be the one that got away for him. Jace’s 10 year high school reunion is coming up. He knows Lexi’s sister Sierra and husband Jeremy will be there, but he’s not sure about Alexa. Last he heard, she was married anyway.

After a year and a half of grieving, it’s time to move past it. Sierra talks Lexi into coming to the reunion to help with her daughter, Ava. Lexi agrees. Then she finds out Jace will be there. She is a nervous wreck. Thankfully, she has her best friend Brady (you will seriously love Brady) to help her prepare for the trip. When Jace and Alexa see each other for the first time in a decade, sparks fly.

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After a little uncomfortableness, it was like no time had passed at all. Jace and Lexi are able to pick up right where they left off. They spend three euphoric days together. That chemistry they had comes back in full force.
 
“Do you know how many times I’ve thought about doing this for the last ten years? Do you know how much it’s killed me not to have you? To know that someone else had his hands on you? I can’t hold it in much longer, Alexa. I need to touch you. I need to taste you. I need you, more than you could ever imagine.”



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Their time together comes to an end much too quickly. Jace has to go back to Afghanistan, Lexi has to go back to Ohio. They vow to keep in touch. As soon as Jace comes back to the states, he will see Lexi. Jace knows what it was like to lose her the first time, he won’t do it again. No one had ever held a candle to Lexi, and he’s not letting her go again...
 
“I will come back for you, Alexa. Nothing will keep me away this time. I promise.”




I loved Jace and Lexi’s relationship. They shared this special connection. The fact that they were such great friends first gave them this unbreakable bond. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts. Jace will make you melt! He is so sweet and patient with Lexi. He is understanding of her situation. Sexy, swoony, funny, pretty much the perfect guy! Then there is Lexi. I liked Lexi. There were a few times I got frustrated with her, but with all she had went through, she was coping the best she could. Trying to protect herself and protect her heart. Jace knows exactly what he wants...
 
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that when I think about it, all I see is you.”



Alexa knows her heart wants Jace, but her head keeps getting in the way. She already lost one man, she doesn’t think she could handle losing Jace. Will her fears hold them back, or will she finally be able to get past them and move on with her life?


Ignite was a wonderful debut novel. I love second chance romance stories! There is just something about them that makes my heart happy. I fell in love with Jace and Alexa. Their story of love, loss, friendship, and healing was beautiful. I also want to tell you to be prepared to laugh. I was so surprised with how funny this was. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments! Not only did I love Jace and Alexa, but there were some truly wonderful secondary characters... Brady, Sierra, Jeremy, Ava, and Knox (who is getting his own book- YAY!). This is a book that NA lovers won’t want to miss out on! I know I’m looking forward to continuing this series. A very enjoyable read!

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‘You're my past, my present, and I want you to be my future.’

 



***ARC kindly provided by author, Teesa Teevan, in exchange for an honest review***

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Monday, October 28, 2013

Seductive Shadows (Shadows, #1)Seductive Shadows by Marni Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 kept me on my toes stars!

I was contacted by the publisher on my blog asking if I could read and review Marni Mann's series. Even though I over-booked myself I accepted because the synopsis looked intriguing. And I'm so glad I did! I got more than I thought I would out of this story!

Charlie is living in the shadows, her mother Lily has always treated her horribly and now she is dying. She is her only family after her best friend Emma was killed in an accident.

While working the late shift she is contacted by a woman for a job offer. But this isn't a typical job offer, it's for a brothel at a mansion! After her mother took out credit cards in her name she had to figure out a way to repay the debt so she accepted the job.

Right about the time that she starts working at the mansion some good comes into her life. Charlie lets all the darkness out in her paintings, and her professor sees something in her and connects her with Cameron. Cameron was once also a dark and damaged person, so Charlie is drawn to him.

This leads to some pretty steamy non sex scenes. The buildup is intense and even I needed relief!! Cameron helps her with her painting, and her professor gets her set up at a gallery and she sells her paintings and has offers for more.

This is where the plot takes a twist and I'm literally sitting with my jaw on the floor. This was about 68% in the story, and it becomes an intense read from that point on. I couldn't stop reading because I HAD to know what was going to happen next.

This book is very well written, has hot sex scenes, as well as steamy non sex scenes. It is highly recommended by me! Now I'm off to start the next one Seductive Secrecy, that will be out on the 24th of October.



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Seductive Secrecy (Shadows, #2)Seductive Secrecy by Marni Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review to come

I really enjoyed Seductive Shadows(book 1), but I devoured this one! Marni really upped her game in book 2. There was some twists and turns that had me lifting my jaw off the floor. If an author can make my heart beat faster in anticipation and hurt when the characters hurt, that author is doing a fantastic job. That is exactly what happened with Seductive Secrecy.

The story picks up where Seductive Shadows leaves off, except without all the details from the trial, but to me that's a good thing. Marni gives us the details we need as the story progresses. I was all tangled up with my emotions while reading this book, I cried at some parts, poor Charlie and her past come creeping up on her and Cameron. And it's a hell of a twist let me tell ya! I DID NOT see that one coming at all.

"Where there is love, there is no darkness."

Something that intrigued me in the story was how much Cameron loved "eating" Charlie. I think this happens about 20 times in the story. He couldn't get enough from "down there". But she managed to keep it fresh and not repetitive. The sex is actually pretty damn hot!!

I give the highest rating possible for this story, and how well Marni let the story play out. 5 beautiful stars! Keep it coming Marni and I'll keep reading!

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Sunday, October 27, 2013

5 Star review: Making Faces by Amy Harmon


Making FacesMaking Faces by Amy Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

More than 5 Stars!


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Wow... just wow! This is one of those special books I wish I could give extra stars to- 5 stars, it just doesn’t seem adequate. When I read a story like this, it’s hard to put it into words how I feel. This book blew me away. One of the very best books I’ve read this year!

Fern Taylor and Ambrose Young...

Fern is that awkward girl. Red hair, freckles, glasses, braces. She loves to read, takes care of her best friend and cousin, Bailey, and remains closed off to most. Those who know her, those who she opens up to, know that she is one of the most beautiful people on the inside.

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Fern has been in love with Ambrose Young since they were children. Ambrose is the opposite of Fern. Even from a young age, he is beautiful, he is popular, he is kind. Everything about Ambrose is perfect to Fern, but like most people, he never really notices Fern.

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Could you belong to someone who didn’t want you? Fern decided it was possible because her heart was his, and whether or not he wanted it didn’t seem to make much difference.



Fern and Ambrose connect in highschool in an unexpected way. Through letters. Ambrose doesn’t know that Fern is replying to his letters. He opens up to her more than he ever has with anyone.
 

‘Nobody or Nowhere?’
Fern: ‘I’d rather be nobody at home than somebody somewhere else.’
Ambrose:‘I’d rather be nowhere. Being nobody when your expected to be somebody gets old.’
Fern: ‘How would you know? Have you been nobody?’
Ambrose: ‘Everybody who is somebody becomes a nobody the moment they fail.’


When Ambrose finds out it’s Fern, his feelings are conflicted. Although Ambrose appears to have it all, most popular guy in the school, star wrestler with a full scholarship to college, he feels all of that weighing on him much too heavily. After 9/11, Ambrose has felt he needed to do something. He wants to enlist. He talks to his four best friends, and they decide to go along with him. Five boys, from the same small town leaving for the Army. Fern stays in town after graduation. She works at the same store, continues reading and writing and hanging out with Bailey, but she always thinks of Ambrose.
Now that I’ve mentioned Bailey, let me talk about this very special character.

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As much as I loved Fern and Ambrose, Bailey was the very best part of this story. Bailey was so strong, so resolved to live his life to the very fullest. He was full of laughter, love and beauty. He was sweet, funny, and was exactly the person Fern needed in her life. I really agree with Fern’s mother and aunt. Fern and Bailey were brought into this world around the same time for each other.

I loved Bailey’s interactions with Fern:
 
   
“Do you think there’s any way someone like Ambrose could fall in love with someone like me?”

“Only if he’s lucky.”

 


He also had a special relationship with Ambrose.
 
   
“Fern doesn’t have a clue how pretty she is. That makes her priceless. Make sure you snatch her up before she clues into her good looks, Brosey.”

 


Ambrose comes back from the war a changed man. He is different on the inside and the out. He has went through things, seen things he just can’t get past.

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As Fern comes into her self, she wants to help Ambrose come back to himself. Fern is resilient. She has such strength. She is lovely, has a way with words and has this passion to help those she cares for. Ambrose is drowning in guilt and sorrow. He is not the same man he once was. Fern (and even Bailey at times) bring him back.
 
We all fit together to create this experience we call life. None of us can see the part we play or the way it all turns out. Maybe the miracles we see are just the tip of the iceburg. And maybe we just don’t recognize the blessings  that come as a result of terrible things.



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‘Victory is in the battle.’



I can’t tell you how many times I cried while reading this...
 
   
“I’ll add you to my list.”
(view spoiler)


 


But I also laughed, smiled and was just overwhelmed by the love I had for this story and these characters. One of my favorite parts towards the end...
 
‘When you get tired of looking at me, I promise I’ll sing.’




Making Faces was heartbreaking and heartwarming. Although there was sadness and loss, there was also much love, laughter and beauty. After reading A Different Blue by Amy Harmon, I knew when this came out I had to read it right away. What I didn’t know was how deeply it would effect me. This book moved me. Inspired me. Made me think, made me hope, made me feel.  The writing was phenomenal, the story- one of a kind. Amazing, beautiful, the best kind of book. A story I will never forget. And it had the best message- true beauty, the kind that lasts comes from the inside of a person. I’ll leave you with this thought- Don't wait... if you haven't read this one yet, drop everything and pick it up!!!

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Never Let Go by Scarlett Edwards Blog Tour Stop




Title:   Never Let Go
Author:  Scarlett Edwards
Genre: New Adult Romance
Publication Date:  October 17, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.



Synopsis

The first day of college gives every girl a chance to reinvent herself.

I go and screw mine up by meeting the most gorgeous guy I've seen in five years while talking to my cat.

But Andrew Crowner is far from judgmental. By the end of our interaction, he has me smitten by his easy manner and kind smile. And from the way his eyes linger on me before he leaves, I start to think that maybe I’ve caught his attention, too.

I let myself believe that luck may finally be on my side. That is, until I stumble on my roommate, and her overnight guest: Spencer Ashford.

Lean, tattooed, and sexy as sin, Spencer is exactly the type I need to avoid. I would have no trouble with that... were it not for his swift and inexplicable interest in me.

Suddenly, I go from a girl with next-to-no experience with boys to one caught in the crosshairs of two completely different men.

Andrew's interest is wholesome and sweet. Spencer's is edgy and raw. My choice should be easy. But there are always complications, and sometimes, matters of the heart take the least expected turns.


REVIEW:

I'm going to try to do this review with no spoilers, but some are inevitable. I really enjoyed this book, the characters can be annoying sometimes with their actions, but I guess that makes them more human. We meet Paige as she is starting her freshman year at college. She meets 2 guys on her first day and is infatuated with one, Andrew, and in lust with another, Spencer. Andrew is the book boyfriend material and Spencer is the gorgeous man whore. It's a no brainer for innocent Paige. She goes for Andrew. Only to have life step in the way of them being together.

Spencer seems different with Paige, her roommate Katy believes she can be the one to change his playboy ways. Paige disagrees completely, and wants to wait for Andrew to take care of his problems so they can be together. I, myself, feel that Andrew should have done better for Paige. Spencer seemed like he cared for Paige from the start and would do anything for her. Yes he messes up, but everybody makes mistakes, and he is truly sorry for what happened. 

Then Scarlett throws out some twists and turns that I didn't expect at all!  I love when I'm reading a book and it keeps me on my toes, and takes turns I had no idea would come. It doesn't really end with a cliffhanger, but it does leave you at a point where it was just getting to the good stuff! I will be waiting for book 2 to find out more about Paige and her love interest. <----See what I did there? Don't want to giveaway who she ends up with! ;)

Overall I give Never Let Go 4 stars. The story was well written, and it kept me interested throughout the entire book. I can't wait to read more from this author.

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About the Author




I’m Scarlett Edwards.  I wrote my first book as a college sophomore.  After six months of edits, it made its debut as Yours to Savor.
That was at the start of 2013.  I’ve written more books since then.  You can find them all HERE.
It’s funny how quickly life changes.  I used to think I’d need a degree to get a “Real Job.”  Then I wrote a few books, they got somewhat popular, and now I’m living the life as a full-time romance author.
Thanks to all my readers for making my dream come true.





Tour-Wide Giveaway 
20 eBook copies / 10 Audio copies /5 hard cover copies / 4 $50 GCs (prepaid Visa cards, redeemable anywhere) / 2 $100 GCs  / 1 Kindle Paperwhite (newest version)    
OPEN INTERNATIONALLY    ENDS NOVEMBER 1


BBU - Coming Soon