Saturday 30 November 2013

Review ~ Worth The Fight (Accidental​ly ON Purpose 3) By L.D Davis

Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 Stars

“We saved each other. We fought for each other and our lives together. We are worth the fight.”

This is the third and final book of the Accidentally on Purpose series and you must have read the others before reading Worth The Fight.

I have absolutely loved this series, when I saw that we were getting Luke’s POV I was super excited but then I was also super nervous. I was worried that it would be drawn out and it would be just a re-hash of book 1, but we got so much more in Worth The Fight, I also have to say that this is my favourite one of the series. Luke Kessler, who would have thought it!! Sexy, handsome, gorgeous, amazing father, attentive lover (eventually), alpha when needed, very well endowed, passionate, protective, provider but most of all extremely understanding! He was nigh on perfect!

We know what happened with Emmy and Luke and what they went through to be together. I must admit I was surprised in Accidentally on Purpose when Luke took her back, I thought to myself at the time, that he must have really loved her to forgive and forget…well, maybe not forget, but definitely forgive.

In Worth The Fight we get to see what actually happened when Emmy went back to Luke and let me tell you it was not pretty. It was at this point I could have actually throttled Luke, whilst I could understand his hurt and indifference to “the mother of his child” it was his idea for her to move in so that they could raise Lucas together, so I felt that he should have at least been civil, but alas no, he treated Emmy with disdain, basically ignoring her existence. For all intents and purposes though she was acting as his wife, his house was cleaned, his laundry and ironing were done, he had hot meals waiting for him when he got home, all Emmy got was disrespect and the cold shoulder and she always retreated into her room, alone and with his treatment she retreated further and further into her shell and her depression.

“…She. Didn’t. Fight. Back.”

I did actually feel sorry for Emmy at this point, something I never ever thought would happen. Luke does come to his senses though, thanks to his sister and we are treated to reading about them rediscovering love together all over again. I love second chance romances and this one did not disappoint. The little things he did just to bring the “old Emmy” back were beautiful. Once he finally came to the conclusion that he did actually love her and want her back, he goes all out to win her and he is good at wooing!!

You felt the chemistry between them when they were “on,” they were seriously hot together. Even when they were “off” you felt the crackle of sexual tension in the air, interspersed with the hate and loathing, they really had that strong connection.

“…you don’t have my heart because you are my heart, and you are my lungs. Without you I am dark and hollow inside. Without you I can’t breathe. Without you I don’t have a reason to breathe. You light up the darkness, Em, and you fill in the hollowness…”

I ran a gamut of emotions throughout this story and I was wrecked and happy by the end. For an author to make you love and hate characters in the same book is no mean feat and the emotions that I felt reading this book were intense. I felt Luke’s pain and apprehension every time Emmy went and met with Kyle, I also couldn’t believe the other side to the Iris situation. It is amazing how you get such a different perspective reading the same story through another characters eyes and this has made me want to read book 1 again.

“…I knew that Kyle was Emmy’s Achilles Heel. She was drawn to him in the way in which an addict is drawn to their dangerous, life threatening drug of choice. She would think she could have just one taste, but before she knew it she’d be completely lost to him and no one else or anything else would much matter. I knew this from my heart, and honestly, I understood it. Because Emmy…Emmy was my drug.”

Amazing job LD Davis, truly brilliant and I cannot wait to see what this author delivers next.

Friday 29 November 2013

Blog Tour ~ Review, Excerpt, Giveaway & More ~ True Bliss (Bliss 2) by BJ Harvey


Title: TRUE BLISS (Bliss # 2)
Author: BJ Harvey
Published: November 25th
Organized by: The Book Avenue


She watched her best friend find her superhero.

Now she wants her turn.
 
Despite a run of bad dates with Mr. Wrong, Mr. Boring, Mr. Bad Breath, Mr. Grabby Hands, and even Mr. Say I Love You After One Date To Get Into Your Pants, Kate McGuinness is more determined than ever to find the one.

Having tried everything else, she turns to the internet in a last ditch attempt to find her elusive prince.
But Kate doesn’t want an everyday, run of the mill love.
 
She wants the kind of love that makes your heart skip a beat. The kind of love that makes you dance in the rain and bottle up the sunset. The once in a lifetime kind of love that authors write about, musicians sing about, and lovers dream about.
 
Could a certain police officer in training, who has come to her rescue in the past, be the one to swoop in and save her heart? 
 
What if the love Kate desperately seeks has been in front of her the whole time?
 
She just needs to open her eyes to see it... 
 
*Disclaimer: This book contains a hot as hell stripper with a penchant for public sex and exhibitionism who may or may not succeed in bringing out the inner firecracker in all of us. Oh, and don't forget the batteries.*
 
Our Review
 
**ARC Received for honest review**
 
Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 Stars

I can’t wait to work my way through this band of merry men that BJ Harvey introduced us to in Mac and Daniel’s story. This is the turn of Zander “the stripper” and Kate, Mac’s best friend and flat mate!

Kate is a dreamer, she dreams of fairy castles, princesses, her prince and her knight in shining armour, whisking her away and giving her the perfect HEA that she always dreamt of.

“See, here’s the problem. I don’t just want a good love, one of those everyday loves that you hear about. I want the crazy kind of love that we’ve been warned about. The kind of love that makes your heart skip a beat. The kind of love that makes you want to dance in the rain and bottle up the sunset while screaming at the top of your lungs. The kind of love that authors write about, musicians sing about, and lovers dream about. I want true, total body mind and soul, bliss.”

See, she has low expectations…NOT!! No wonder she is still single!! She therefore decides to try her hand at online dating. After a chain of unsuccessful dates her hopes and dreams are being shattered…will she ever find True Bliss? She finally strikes up a conversation with “Nightdancer23” on Chicago singles and finally she can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

“P.S. No cock pictures or requests for naked photos from me. I’m sure you’re more than happy with your penis and are excited to show it around to strangers, but I’m looking for a person who doesn’t just think with their trouser snake, pork sword, or purple-headed womb ferret. Thanks all the same.”

Zander, who could forget Zander…he was one of Mac’s “friends with benefits” he was also the guy that helped Kate when she was drunk one night and spurned her advances because she was drunk. He didn’t want to be one of her regrets. Ever since that night though she is all he can think about. He is besotted, he is infatuated but he is scared to make a move. After all, don’t BFF’s have a “girl code” about “sloppy seconds?” even though he would never consider himself that way, it puts him off, he does not want to be rejected. He therefore needs to make her love him…maybe Nightdancer23 can help? Or will it all back fire?

We all know Kate’s 3 date rule, she made Mac adhere to it with Daniel. No below the waist action for the first 3 dates! Who knew that kissing could be so much fun or sooooo orgasmic!! Mac does try to play match maker here and this calls for some fun times, so when Zander’s flat mate burns down their apartment she tells Zander to take her room and she will begin her move in with Daniel! Will Mac pushing these two together into close proximity enable them to “get it on” or will they just end up hating each other?

“But first, I need to do this.” And then his lips met mine. And I’m done for. D.O.N.E. Contract signed, deal done.”

I loved the way that this book was so different from Mac and Daniel’s story, in this one we get the slow build, the slow burn, the learning about each other, friendship, courtship and then love, lust and hot steamy scenes. We also get the miscommunications, the bumps, the hiccups and all that goes with a new relationship, but it just makes it more relatable and believable.

“That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. If that happens just from us kissing, from us touching and kissing, imagine how hot it is going to be between us when we get to the good stuff.”

I loved that we continued with Mac and Daniels story throughout this book and they were both instrumental in getting these two finally together. The chapters we were treated to at the end, just made me smile as only Mac can make me do.

“He has the audacity to chuckle. I mean, I’m a health professional, I know all there is to know about bedside manners, and laughing at a lunatic pregnant woman is NOT the thing to do. It’s not cool, man. NOT. COOL.”

With every new release by BJ Harvey I can see her writing evolving and she is really carving a niche for her stories. They are extremely fun and sexy and are a really light read that will leave your heart full and your face with a smile from ear to ear. Totally loving this authors work and I can’t wait to read “the Doc’s” story next.
 
Buy Links:
 
All Amazon links (except for Australia): http://authl.it/wu
Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1jyF0Yc
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/qfpdz5u
 

Kate

“Girl’s night with Mac?” Nathan asks around a mouthful of his sandwich.

“Yep. Usually she’s at Daniel’s place or they’re at ours. We haven’t had a girls night in a long time.”

“Are handsome gay men with a love of rom coms and chocolate allowed at girls nights?”

“Maybe, depends what the handsome gay man is willing to bring to the table,” I say with a cheeky grin.

“Normally it would be two out of the three important c’s, cronuts and chardonnay, but lucky for you, it promises to be a very lucky night for me. I have a date with a six foot tall, hard as rock body, Puerto Rican man who has expressed an interest in all things Nate. So it looks like I might get a C of my own tonight.”

I clap my hands in glee like a barking seal at Sea World. “Nate, that’s great. That’s definitely a better offer than drinking with me while I gossip with my bestie.”

Nate is a man whore who seeks out fellow man whores. We bonded instantly over a love of hair and cronuts. Cronuts are the genius combination of a donut and a croissant filled with vanilla cream. Seriously, he introduced me to the glorious pastry and my ass has been cursing him ever since. Of course Nate says my ass has never looked so good, so I keep him around as my personal ass motivation coach. Every girl needs one of those.

“Yes well one can only live in hope that the promise of him is just as good as the reality. You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you?”




Indie Author hailing from the most beautiful country in the world, New Zealand.
 
Avid reader, television watcher, and facebooker. Having been writing off and on for a long time but started writing fiction in 2012. I love music too, like REALLY love music, if there isn't music playing, something is wrong. And it’s a wide range of music too, I might surprise you. 
 
I'm a wife to one husband, mother of two gorgeous girls, self-employed doing communications and business consulting as well as studying accounting full time.
 
Addicted to energy drinks, chocolate, cronuts, Vampire Diaries and pickles with mustard. 


 

OTHER WORKS OF BJ HARVEY

TEMPORARY BLISS (BLISS #1)
AMAZON | B&N

LOST IN DISTRACTION
AMAZON | B&N

LOST FOR YOU
AMAZON | B&N



Friday Frights ~ PNR review ~ Blood Ritual by Angelyn Moore

Reviewed by Shirley ~ 5 Stars

I have just finished reading a really amazing book by debut author Angelyn Moore. This being her first book, what can I say…but utterly amazing!!

This is a great story, a sexy erotic romantic read, everything us readers love!!

It is about Adrian a devastatingly handsome Ancient who is part angel/part vampire. He is 6ft 6in, powerfully built, has long dark hair that he ties back, he has dazzling glazier blue eyes, he is really quite the hunk!!

Lauren is a lawyer who Adrian’s number 2, Nicholas, had hired to stay on Adrian’s estate to help Adrian with the financials of his business. They were both shocked when the associates sent Lauren as she was obviously female, when Adrian only ever dealt with men, oh dear!

Their relationship starts on very shaky ground as Adrian had distanced himself from socialising with women for centuries. It was a bit of a shock for Adrian when he spotted this elegant woman with shoulder length blonde hair, blue green eyes, full breasts, round hips and long legs coming down the stairs in his home. The feelings that she managed to arouse in him just by shaking his hand had him bewildered. In fact for the very first time in his very long life he was extremely aroused.

Lauren couldn’t help but have a raw sexual attraction to Adrian, although this shamed her. These feelings she was having were totally alien to her too because of her violent past.

As Lauren slowly came down Adrian felt…

“Without warning a strong wave of sexual energy slammed into him. Unprepared, his fangs elongated and his member grew heavy. What the hell? He could smell her. Smell her female arousal. She was throwing it out in waves and his body was responding.”

But then he felt fear and shame which irrationally made him angry and then made him relax. Without wanting to give away too much about this brilliant book Adrian and Laurens romance does blossom and a very steamy coupling occurs with Lauren incoherent…

“Oh, God,” she murmured when Adrians mouth reached the throbbing place between her legs. He ran his tongue down into her core, probing inside her velvet depths… and much later

“Adrian,” she cried as her orgasm came in wave after wave.

 From Laurens enlightenment about Adrian’s true self and the really bestial Vampire Cronus also his partner in crime the Demon Dagon this book romps along giving the reader everything one could desire in a paranormal romance and more.

I could not put this book down until I got to the last page. Please Angelyn keep them coming!! This is a definite 5 star from me, I would give it more if I could, I cannot wait till the next one.

Thursday 28 November 2013

Blog Tour ~ Review, Excerpt & Giveaway ~ Night Moves (G-Man 3) by Andrea Smith


Book Description:

There's a new Alpha in town… and he's a Brit!

Darcy Nicole Sheridan, is 22 years-old, beautiful, single, spirited, sexy and - spoiled. She knows that about herself. Raised by wealthy (and doting) parents as an only child, Darcy pretty much coasts through life until her heart was inexplicably broken by her boyfriend, Darin.

To ease the pain, Darcy flies to Belize over the holidays fully intending to wallow in self-pity and distance herself from her ex. Her pity party is short-lived however, after observing a very handsome, very intriguing man on the beach. Darcy becomes the focus of the smokin' hot, wealthy and somewhat mysterious 'E.J.'

Soon she finds herself entangled with an alpha like no other… Her world is rocked by a series of events that will forever change the course of her life, showing her what love is all about; and forcing her to come to terms with hidden sexual pleasures only one man could fulfill…

This book is intended for mature audiences.



Our Review: 

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 Stars

**ARC received for honest review**

Well, if the cover hasn’t sold you, the story certainly will, all I can say is WOW what an amazing COVER!! Who wouldn’t want to read the contents!!

This story is about Darcy, you may remember her from Love Plus One as she was Lindsey’s roommate at college. Darcy was a bit of a spoilt brat, being an only “miracle” child, her parents catered to her every whim, her father owned his own company which Darcy was aiming to take over once she had finished college. Her life was therefore mapped out for her, the only thing missing was love and after seeing Lindsey and Taz, Darcy was a bit jealous. Darcy was in a relationship with another G-Man called Darin, however, one night she surprises him in more ways than one when she turns up unannounced and he is caught with his pants down, literally. She decides to get away from it all and goes on holiday to Belize, she just needs to forget her crappy life.


Whilst in Belize, Darcy spots EJ a.k.a Easton Matthews. He is 6ft 3, gorgeous, dark, sexy, handsome, but he loves himself, he comes across as cocky and arrogant but is this is all a facade. He is half American/English, talks with a British accent and is a very successful entrepreneur. He is very very sexy!!

“I want to f**k you in the worst way possible. What I don’t want is to be some revenge f**k of yours in order to get back at your cheating boyfriend who you’ll most likely get back with before you land in D.C. I’m not that guy, love. When I f**k you, there’ll be no doubt in your mind as to who you’re with and why you’re with me, understand?”

Yes Easton does take a lot of getting used to, he is in Belize with his personal assistant Lacee, who also turns out to be his f**k buddy, as Easton does not “do” relationships. Turns out he was burned very badly once before and once you hear his back story it all makes sense and you can finally begin to understand the whys.

Whilst in Belize, Darcy also meets Eli, who turns out to be an amazing friend, and an amazing gay BF, I think every girl needs one of these, they always turn out to be the best, the most reliable and dependable and the most honest, Eli turns out to be all of these and I adore him!!

“You’re my brotha from anotha.”

Turns out that Easton is obviously more taken with Darcy than he lets on in Belize and soon his stalkerish tendencies rise to the top and we see a whole different side to Easton. What will happen when Easton tries to not only invade Darcy’s personal life but also her business?


I loved the way that Darcy grew some in this book, it would have been easy for her to capitulate and pull a childish tantrum when things were not going her way with her father’s business, but the way she chose to rise to the top of her own merit said a lot about the woman that she was becoming. Her business ethic was great considering the stresses or “stress” that she was under (in more ways than one!)

“Dudes are just plain freakin’ from another planet; I wasn’t thinking Mars either, more like Ur-Anus!!”

Easton, my little Brit, I knew that he was hiding something and when it all comes out your heart breaks for him, he has had a tough life from the beginning. You would think that with his mothers social standing and wealth he would have had the perfect upbringing, but alas, no. His mother was too caught up in her own world to worry about her son, who she was using as an emotional pawn against his father. Then add malicious and spiteful super models and out pops “this” Easton, can Darcy be the one to tame him and show him that he can love and be loved?

This book does have some kink, not heavy and not gratuitous. As with all Andrea Smith books, you have some smoking hot scenes and I mean smoking!! With a bod like that…well lets just say he puts it to good use and he has piercings!!

I thoroughly enjoyed Easton’s story, I loved catching up with the usual suspects from books 1 and 2 and glad we still had glimpses of Slate and Taz. The title “Night Moves” is pure freakin genius, I love how and where this name originated.

In summary a fab read, Easton is a marmite character, you will either love him or hate him, but please give him the benefit of the doubt and spread him on your toast…make a meal out his story, hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

Excerpt: 

“He omitted the fact that I looked a lot like the last woman he may actually have truly cared for. I mean, yeah, he told me that I wasn’t anything like Lacee... but what about Bianca friggin’ Templeton? And then he just walks out of my life, expecting me to never have figured it out and call him out on that kind of bullshit? Yeah... fuck that and fuck him. It’s time a woman takes him down a few pegs.”

“Careful, sweetheart.” Eli replied, as he leaned up against my bedroom dresser, “You’re starting to sound like one of those ‘Hell hath no fury like a lover scorned’ girls who sit up in their attic, planning some poor schmuck’s demise.”

I considered that for a good second, looking down at the carpet. “This isn’t about that, Eli.” I finally said. “It’s about being lied to by someone who was clearly using me as a stand-in for...what? Prolong an ended relationship? To use me as some sort of fantasy in bed, so he can fuck ‘the one that got away’?” I looked back over at him.

He shrugged. “I don’t know. And maybe it’s better that we don’t know.” He walked over to me, putting his hands on my shoulders, “I don’t get it. One minute, I could swear you love the guy; the next minute you’ve got this “evil vixen” thing going that I can’t comprehend.”

I couldn’t say anything to that. I didn’t even fully understand why I was reacting the way I was.

Eli pulled away from me, crossing his arms. “A piece of advice, Darce? When it comes fucking someone over... Don’t fuck with someone who knows how to fuck you harder.”

Buy Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1bXEDFG

Play List: 

SONG TITLE:
ARTIST:
"Love of a Lifetime"
Firehouse
"The Search is Over"
Survivor
"You are so Beautiful"
Joe Cocker 
"Viva La Vida"
Coldplay
"Wrecking Ball" (Cover)
Madilyn Bailey
"Rolling in the Deep"
Adele
"Set Fire to the Rain"
Adele
"Where Does My Heart Beat Now"
Celine Dion
"Drive"
The Cars
"We've Got Tonight"
Bob Seger
"Night Moves"
Bob Seger
"Heartbreaker"
Rolling Stones
"All of Me"
John Legend
"Fuck Me Pumps"
Amy Winehouse
"Unbreak My Heart"
Toni Braxton

You can find it on Spotify here: 

About the Author: 

Andrea Smith is an Ohio native, currently residing in southern Ohio. Ms. Smith is the mother of two grown sons; grandmother of four. The 'Baby Series' trilogy is Ms. Smith's first self-published work. Having previously been employed as an executive for a global corporation, Ms. Smith decided to leave the corporate world and pursue her life-long dream of writing fiction.

Author Links: 


Tour Giveaway:




Wednesday 27 November 2013

Blog Tour ~ Review & Alternative POV ~ Songbird by Lisa Edward


Book Description: 

Every relationship changes you, some for the better, others can shatter your confidence and almost destroy you.

For the musically talented, twenty-four year old Tara O’Connell, her relationship with Stephen almost broke her, until Tara found the strength to leave.

Now she is on the road to discovering that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and follow your heart.

As Tara’s self-belief grows, she meets two men she is instantly drawn to who will change her life forever.

Corporal Riley Hammond is a soldier in the Australian Military Special Forces. With his smiling sapphire blue eyes, Tara falls for him instantly. He is thoughtful and caring, and gives her the support and love she needs.

While Cole Michaels is the overconfident singer in a popular local band. His charisma, emerald green eyes, tattoos and piercing, have girls falling at his feet. But while Cole pushes Tara’s buttons, he also pushes her to reach for the stars.

Both men couldn’t be more polar opposites, but both offer Tara different qualities that she needs to fulfil her destiny.

As Tara continues her journey, she will discover fate can offer you more than one path. Her fate is in her own hands, and the choices she makes, will shape her life forever.


Our Review

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 Stars

I love reading books from new authors and this book was recommended to me by a friend and she said “you have to read this” so I did…and I couldn’t put it down…and now I am torn…I love two men…I should only love one of them…I don’t like triangles or squares…but I love Riley and I love Cole…if I find it a hard choice…imagine how Tara feels!!

Tara starts this book in an abusive relationship…not physically as such…but mentally. Stephen is very OCD, everything has its place, including Tara. His life is like a series of pockets and if you put something in the wrong pocket all hell breaks loose. He undermines her constantly, demeans her constantly, over the 2 years they are together he totally changes her as a person and turns her into some Stepford Wife that is a good asset in the board room. Eventually Tara does see sense and gets out whilst Stephen is away on business and Tara moves in with her best friend Kelli.

“You were trying to share an opinion when you don’t have one. You looked like an ignorant idiot…you embarrassed me in front of my associates…”

“At least Genevieve knows how to sit there quietly and just look pretty. There’s no hope of you looking pretty though, is there.”

“You’re lucky I put up with you, no one else would give you a second glance.”

Her confidence and self-worth were decimated. It was up to Kelli to bring Tara back. Kelli takes Tara to her hairdresser for a makeover and Jason firmly becomes Tara’s new gay BF. Kelli and Tara then decide to join a gym and it is here they meet “Mr Hotbod.” Kelli is not interested but does window shop…she has her long term boyfriend Cooper, he is in the forces and is based in Sydney, but Tara has no partner and drools when she does her window shopping…he is hot and sexy and he knows it…there is an instant connection and attraction but Tara does not act on it…in fact she runs away and tries to stay away from him as much as possible, she is actually terrified, he is a player and she knows that she will only get hurt.

“Not for me, for Tara. She needs to get laid and she thought Mr Hotbod was a prime candidate.”

On a visit home, Cooper brings his best friend with him…meet the Irish charmer that is Riley, he too is in the forces, he is gorgeous, sexy, fit and also quite quiet. He has just recovered from coming out of a long-term relationship and finally feels that he is able to date again. They are instantly attracted to each other…what will happen? Riley is totally and utterly adorable…I love him to bits!

“Whether you’re lying here in my arms, or we’re a thousand miles apart, I will always love you. You will always be with me.”

As Riley is in the forces, Tara embarks on a long distance relationship, the same as Kelli has with Cooper. It is a struggle, she misses him so she tries to fill her time up with other stuff to keep her mind occupied. She ends up going to Jason’s friends bar called “Songbirds,” Tara is an accomplished musician and pianist and it does not take long before Tara has her own regular guest spot as a performer. Tara also gets one of her friends bands a regular gig at Songbirds, the lead singer turns out to be none other than “Mr Hotbod” a.k.a. Cole.

“Cole ticked every box in what I would ever want from a boyfriend, except for one thing. He was caring, thoughtful and attentive. He was funny and intelligent; he just couldn’t keep it in his pants.”

So that is the background, a lot happens, there are a lot of men vying for Tara’s affections, she must have some potent pheromones!! But as I said in the intro, I love two of these guys. It is not your typical love triangle, or square as the case maybe…Tara makes her choice, but I did want to bash her sometimes, she does have feelings for two of them, but if you love someone, you shouldn’t feel that way about somebody else and it was this that was quite conflicting. I could understand though, I am just as conflicted…I loved Riley and then I fell in love with “the real” Cole. It is rare that you fall for two contenders, that is the beauty of Lisa Edwards’ story telling, because you cannot help but love them both.

Whilst I absolutely adore Riley and I really want them to get their HEA, I do feel that there is something between Tara and Cole and I cannot believe I am saying this, but I really want to see these waters tested!! OMG!! Not only do Cole and Tara seem to connect on a physical and emotional level, but their mutual love of music only heightens this passion. I do however, not want Riley to be hurt in any way shape or form if there is some toe dipping (I do not want much do I? lol) I just can’t see how it could be done…maybe ménage but I don’t see that being Lisa’s style lol! That is the trouble with this book, it leaves you torn and conflicted, your emotions all over the place, I have never been in this position before and that is kudos to Lisa Edwards, I am really firmly on the fence and I cannot wait to see where this is going to go. I need book 2 NOW!

“Smile for me. When I turn around to wave goodbye for the final time, I want your beautiful smile to be the last thing I see.”

Alternative POV

Riley’s POV – When Riley met Tara 

Leaning back on the couch, I reached around behind the extremely loud and annoying girl beside me, and tapped my best mate Chook on the shoulder.

He ignored me and I knew why.

I tapped again a bit harder, there was still no response, so I slapped him up the back of the head. That made him turn around. He gave me the biggest grin, reading my WTF expression for what it was.

When he’d told me I could crash at his girlfriend Kelli’s place for a couple of days while we were in Melbourne, I had no idea that would mean also having to entertain this completely over the top friend of hers.

Seriously, he had to be kidding!

Chook knew I wasn’t interested in forming any sort of relationship with a girl, and I wasn’t into casual either. But even if I was, this was not the girl to be doing it with. She kept practically trying to climb onto my lap, instead of sitting her ass down beside me. In response, I was edging further and further over to the arm of the couch, but I was quickly running out of room.

Looking back over at Chook and Kelli, I smiled to myself. Now if I had a relationship like that it would be different, but the love of your life doesn’t just walk through the door, and I wasn’t in the type of career where I could foster a long term relationship. Being in the military and being away from home a lot, had taught me that it was all too hard, and in the end I’d decided that I was better off focusing on my career and forgetting about finding the one.

Chook must have been doing another impersonation because the girls were laughing, but I wasn’t paying attention. I really didn’t want to be here.

I heard a knock on the door that the others didn’t hear.

“Hey Kell, I think there’s someone at the door,” I told her over the din.

She grinned at me. “That’ll be Tara.”

As she stood, Tara knocked again.

“I’m coming,” Kelli called.

I rolled my eyes at Chook. If Tara was anything like this Jacqui girl sitting beside me, I was checking into a hotel.

But Chook just gave me a wink as he stood.

“Hey Fox, great to see you again.” He strode over to her and lifted her into a bear hug off the floor.

She squealed and laughed. “Great to see you too ya big lug, now put me down, I can’t breathe!”

Her voice was like music to my ears. Even though she was struggling to get free of Chook and laughing, I could tell she was refined and softly spoken.

Chook stood there with his arm around her shoulder while she glanced at Jacqui. She attempted to hide an eye roll at Jacqui’s presence, before looking over at Kelli.

I smiled to myself. If she wasn’t a fan of Jacqui’s then I liked this girl already.

Taking a moment while she was looking away, I cast my eye over the length of her body, and what a body it was. She had the longest, perfectly shaped legs I’d ever seen, which were highlighted by the fact she was wearing quite possibly the shortest shorts ever made. Somehow though, she didn’t look slutty, she just looked fucking hot!

I stepped around the couch and came closer to her, almost as if she was reeling me in. She turned back around to face me, her long, wavy hair cascading around her shoulders, and our eyes locked.

And I was hooked.

I felt like someone had just kicked me in the guts. She was breathtaking.

Keep it together I told myself, she’s just a girl. But I couldn’t speak, all I wanted to do was kiss those partially open, plump, moist lips.

Chook slapped me on the shoulder. “Have you forgotten your name mate? Fox, this is my army buddy Irish, Irish this delectable young lady who has you speechless is Fox.”

Chuckling, while secretly plotting my revenge on Chook, I looked over at him. “Thanks mate, good to see I can always count on you not to embarrass me or anything.”

I had to get this back on track, I had to get to know this girl.

Smiling, I held out my hand to her. “My name’s actually Riley, it’s a pleasure to meet you....Fox.”

I could feel my stomach rolling nervously as I said Fox, which was obviously a nickname Chook had given her. I took in every detail of her face, from her wise pale blue eyes, high cheek bones and those seductive lips.

She was perfect.

She took my hand and it felt like coming home. I didn’t want to let go, so like some desperate weirdo, instead of shaking it, I held it between mine.

“It’s Tara, and it’s a pleasure to meet you too,” she replied breathlessly.

I smiled at her a little relieved. So it wasn’t just me who could feel this connection, by the way she replied she was feeling it too.

The night was finally looking promising.

I started to lead her over to the couch still holding her hand, and offered her a drink, but she said she was only here to drop off some dresses.

“That’s a shame, do you have time for just one?” I asked hopefully.

She smiled and turned to Kelli. “Did you want to try them now or can I just leave them?”

I looked over at Kelli, willing her to say she’d try them later but she didn’t. She grabbed Tara’s hand and practically dragged her into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.

Jacqui was nearly laying on me again but I tried to ignore her. I could hear voices coming from the bedroom and strained desperately to hear what the girls were saying.

“Oh.My.GOD! Who is that guy? He’s GORGEOUS!” I heard through the thin wall.

Beaming, I looked over at Chook who was obviously also eavesdropping on the conversation in the other room.

We sat there still as statues, occasionally looking at each other and commenting on the girls’ conversation.

“She thinks you’re yummy,” Chook teased.

I tried to contain my smile, I thought she was pretty delicious too.

“So you think I’m a great guy?” I teased back at Chook.

I could hear Tara saying it would be hard for her to do long distance, but there was no reason why we couldn’t hang out and have some fun. I agreed with her, long distance was hard and in my experience, almost impossible.

Chook gave me a slap on the shoulder. “Do ya wanna have some fun with her?” he asked, twitching his eyebrows at me.

For some reason I felt overly protective of this girl I’d only just met, and frowned disapprovingly at Chook.

But of course I wanted to have some fun, I couldn’t stop thinking about those long legs and how they would feel wrapped around my hips, or how it would feel to kiss those amazing lips.

I felt a twitch in my pants and told myself to stop thinking about it. There was plenty of time later tonight once I’d gone to bed to think about her.

Besides, I needed to hear what she was saying. Chook was still laughing and I couldn’t help joining him, when clear as day she blurted out, “It’s been so long since I’ve had sex!”

I put my hand over my mouth to hide a smirk, strangely relieved by her outburst. It may have been a long time for her, but I bet it had been longer for me. So long in fact that I was nervous to get back out there again.

I was just about to call out that we could hear them, before she said anything else that Chook would use against her later on, when he called out instead.

“How long has it been Fox?”

Oh fuck! What was he doing?

Chook had that glint in his eye and I knew he would push this too far, as always.

“Longer than I care to remember Chook,” she called back.

“Well, if you’re really desperate I know a couple of guys...”

Hey, that wasn’t on. I reached past this chick who I swear to god was trying to give me a lap dance, and punched him as hard as I could in the arm.

“Ouch! Fuck Irish what was that for? I was just messing with her, she gives as good as she gets.”

I heard the girls laughing from the other room and just shrugged at Chook.

“Go in there and apologise to her.”

“Well, well, well,” Chook said, still rubbing his arm where I’d punched it, “looks like someone wants to unlock his chastity belt.”

“Fuck off dickhead.”

So maybe I was interested in this girl, and maybe she was the first girl I’d been even remotely interested in since Rebecca, but I didn’t need him jeopardising it before I’d had a chance.

Chook stood and headed to the bedroom.

“Hey!” I called to get his attention. “Find out if she’s free on Saturday night, I want to take her to the ball.”

Author links:

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Winners announced ~ 4000 FB Likes Giveaway

We want to say thank you again to all our followers for helping us reach 4000 Facebook likes. Our 4000 Likes Giveaway is now over and the winners have been picked by random.org. They are:

A photobook designed by TRC signed by all the authors taking part in the London Author Event ~  Dannica Alcantara


 
Doodles by Christina Prints, with Jasinda Wilder bookmark/doorhanger & Katie Ashley Post Card (signed) ~ Laurie Johnson


2 Swag Packs (including a London Author Event Poster & Cards signed by Laura Kaye & Katie Ashley) ~ Lorie Glowania & Mslovely Marcia


Katie Ashley Swag Pack including a signed card ~  Mick Murphy


A collection of cards & bookmarks (one signed by Katie Ashley) ~ Yvette Cervera

 
Congratulations to the winners! You have 48 hours to claim your prize by emailing theromancecover@gmail.com with your postal address.

Monday 25 November 2013

Spotlight with Excerpt ~ One to Hold by Tia Louise


Today we have a spotlight on Tia Louise's debut book, One to Hold
 
Book Description:

***WARNING: Mature themes, strong language and sexual content. Recommended for adult readers (18+) only!***

Derek Alexander is an ex-Marine, ex-cop, and the top investigator in his field. Melissa Jones is a small-town girl trying to escape her troubled past.

When the two intersect in a bar in Arizona, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. But what is revealed during their "one week stand" only complicates matters.

Because she'll do everything in her power to get away from the past, but he'll do everything he can to hold her.


"HOT! FUN! ENJOYABLE! 5 STARS!!! I highly recommend this story and can't wait to read more from Tia Louise!" --Aleatha Romig, NYT & USA Today bestselling author of the Consequences series

"One to Hold is One to buy!! Holy mother of god is Derek Alexander HOT!!!!" --Karrie, Panty Dropping Book Blog

Find it on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18306388-one-to-hold

Excerpt: 

Excerpt from One to Hold
by Tia Louise
© 2013, Tia Louise

I only had a moment to observe how very clean it was before he had me against the wall, pinned by his huge physique.

“You never came.” His voice was a low, husky whisper. “I waited all night.”

My hands rested on his chest, and heat flamed through me with every heartbeat. My eyes traveled up, up, up to his. They were darkened now, and I was certain he was thinking the same thing as me. He remembered how fantastically our bodies came together two nights ago. I barely registered him reaching out to lock the door.

“I’m sorry,” was all I could say.

“When you walked in the restaurant tonight… god, you’re so beautiful.” He spoke against my skin as his lips pressed into my brow, his beard roughing my closed eyelids. “Are you feeling bad?”

“No,” I managed to say despite the heat surging through me as his lips moved to my temple. “I… didn’t think I could eat.”

“Good,” he said in a thick voice before covering my mouth with his. Mine opened quickly, drawing him in. Our tongues entwined before his lips moved to my jaw then down my neck. “I thought about you all day.” His breath whispered across my skin, and I couldn’t stop a surge of desire low in my stomach. “Will you let me have you here?”

“Yes,” I barely spoke, and he dropped to his knees.

He gathered the thin fabric of my dress, shoving it up to my waist as he caught the side of my thong with his thumb.

Buy Links: 

 
About the Author: 

Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire ALL of her stories... *wink*)---turned wife, mommy, and novelist.

It's possible she has a slight truffle addiction. And she will never look at a family restroom the same way again.

ONE TO HOLD is her debut adult romance. 
 

Sunday 24 November 2013

Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway ~ Remy (Real 3) by Katy Evans


Book Description:

Underground fighter Remington Tate is a mystery, even to himself. His mind is dark and light, complex and enlightening. At times his actions and moods are carefully measured, and at others, they spin out of control.

Through it all, there's been one constant: wanting, needing, loving, and protecting Brooke Dumas. This is his story; from the first moment he laid eyes on her and knew, without a doubt, she would be the realest thing he's ever had to fight for.


Find it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17830559-remy?ac=1


Our Review:

**ARC Received for honest review**
 
Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 Stars

“I imagine stripping her, f**king her, then kissing and petting her all night until the sun appears. And then I imagine the look on her face when I tell her I’m bipolar”

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am Remy’s #1 Fan. Katy Evans really did a number on me when she brought him into my life. I felt an instant connection to this broken man, who was actually perfect to me. Yes he may have been Bipolar, but he never let it define him, he made a career for himself, turning his weaknesses into strengths, he made himself a better person and made the most of the shit hand that he was dealt. But he deprived himself of the one thing that he needed the most, and that was love. He was a man that was desperate to be loved, and not just the alter ego that he made for himself, he wanted to be loved for Remington Tate, the bi-polar sufferer, he wanted to be loved warts and all and that is what he found when he found Brooke Dumas.

I desperately wanted to get into Remy’s head and was so happy when Katy said that she was going to write a book from his POV. I was also worried, so many male POV’s have been written poorly and totally spoiled the character for me, so I did go into this a little bit apprehensive. However, Katy totally did Remy proud. He was exactly how I had imagined, the writing was full of emotion only making you connect to Remy even more if that was even possible. Yes there is scenting and licking which some like and some don’t but it is REMY, it is who he is, what he does, he was a lion looking for his mate.

You never really fully understood just how insecure Remy was in REAL, but you felt it in REMY. He didn’t want to put himself in the position of any vulnerability because he never knew how he would cope with the rejection. We find out, that when Remy gives himself, he gives himself completely and he needed to make sure that Brooke wasn’t going to reject him when he let his intentions be known. That rejection would have destroyed him. He may have been strong on the outside, he may have been a wall of muscle, well built and well defined, perfectly toned but his heart was a fragile muscle that could have easily been torn to shreds and he needed to protect it because once it was shredded, he was sure there would be no repair.

“You’ll leave me the second it gets too steep, and you’ll leave me with nothing – when I want you like I’ve never wanted anything in my life. You’re all I think about, dream about. I get high and low and it’s all about you now, it’s not even about me anymore. I can’t sleep, can’t think, can’t concentrate worth shit anymore, and it’s all because I want to be the f**king ‘one’ for you, and as soon as you realize what I am, all I’ll be is a f**king mistake.”

My heart broke several times in this book, usually when Brooke leaves him and you feel all the pain, hurt, confusion, emotion and total and utter devastation pouring out of Remy. This book covers REAL and MINE from Remy’s POV and a bit extra, so we know what happens in so far as story but it doesn’t get old. Even though I have read REAL literally dozens of times and I know the story like the back of my hand, this never felt old. It was refreshing to get his POV, it gave me a whole new understanding of REAL and enabled me to gain a whole new perspective, a more emotional perspective. It also made me get even angrier with Brooke…

I can ooze and gush about this until the cows come home but I will let the book speak for itself. It is brilliant, it is perfect, it is Remington “Riptide” Tate all over. High five to Katy Evans you did our guy proud. I am really sad now though as this is the end, I just hope that we can bribe Katy to keep writing, there must be some more goings on we can dream up for our Remy. I for one am not ready to let him go, he really has captured a place in my heart.




About Katy Evans

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!
Website: www.katyevans.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katy-Evans/521052267929550
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans
Email: authorkatyevans@gmail.com
 
Giveaway:
 

Saturday 23 November 2013

Ginger Voight's Birthday Bash Sale, New Release, Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway!

Make sure to check out all the Sales listed below - options for everyone!

BEST DEAL: Two Complete Series (6 books) = Sale $9.99 for a limited time!!

Join Ginger for her Birthday Scavenger Hunt - CLICK HERE - it is her birthday, but YOU get the prizes!

The COMPLETE Groupie Trilogy by Ginger Voight!

When Andy Foster met the sexy front man of an up-and-coming rock band, the most she could imagine was a steamy stolen night of passion. But her attraction to Giovanni Carnevale hit her like a bolt of lightning. Soon she was traipsing all over the country, an unintentional groupie, finding herself thrust into his path even when she knew it was a very bad idea. Over four years their romance would face indiscretions, crazed stalkers and the interloping paparazzi, keeping these star-crossed lovers circling around a happily ever after they could never quite catch.
 
In the beloved "Groupie" trilogy by Ginger Voight, three books tell the passionate and angst-driven tale of Andy and Vanni. Now, "Groupie," "Rock Star" and "Mogul" are available in one volume that tells their story from that first meeting in Philadelphia to an explosive conclusion on the opposite coast.
 
This is your backstage pass to find out why readers, reviewers and book bloggers have fallen for a love story that was never supposed to happen.
 

The Complete Groupie Trilogy (all 3 books) - $5.99

Groupie/Rock Star Bundle - $1.99

Groupie - Book #1 - $2.99

Rock Star - Book #2 - $2.99

Mogul - Book #3 - $3.49

NOW AVAILABLE (Release: Nov. 19th)

The COMPLETE Fierce Trilogy by Ginger Voight!

Fierce: The Complete Trilogy contains all three books in the series: Fierce, Unstoppable and Epic. These books are a spin-off of the best-selling GROUPIE trilogy by Ginger Voight. As such, many characters you already know and love come back to help Jordi tell her coming-of-age story, all against the exciting, glittering backdrop of fame and celebrity.
 
Eighteen-year-old Jordi Hemphill had a dream. It was much bigger than she was ever encouraged to have because it was much bigger than those around her thought she deserved. These perceived limitations were all directly tied to her double-digit figure. When she finally realizes she has reached a dead end in her small Iowa hometown, Jordi makes a break for the bright lights of Hollywood. And that's where the fun begins.
 
Her audition tape fortuitously lands in front of media mogul Graham Baxter. Jordi is cast on a new reality show called "Fierce." As a show billed to find talent outside of the picture-perfect pop idol machine, Jordi joins a cast of irregulars and nonconformists to vie for her opportunity to win over America and become the newest singing sensation.
 
It is the first of many instances where Jordi gets exactly what she thinks she wants, only to find it was nothing at all like she could have ever expected. Instead she finds herself on a two year saga to make all her big dreams a reality, fighting unexpected antagonists all along the way. Her true antagonist, however, is herself. The only thing bigger than Jordi's dream is her sneaking suspicion that everyone else is right... that she doesn't deserve to be happy, to be successful... to be loved. It takes a cast of colorful characters to show Jordi that ultimately the only key to success is self-acceptance, whoever you are, whatever you have and whomever you love.

Fierce - The Complete Trilogy (all 3 books) - $5.99

Fierce/Unstoppable Bundle - $1.99 (Sale of the Week)

Fierce - Book #1 - $2.99

Unstoppable - Book #2 - $3.99

Epic - Book #3 - $3.99

GIVEAWAY (provided by Brandee's Book Endings)

SIGNED Paperback - Winner's Choice of Groupie OR Fierce