Thursday 31 October 2013

Feel Like Makin Love (Rock & Roll Trilogy 3) by Barbara S Stewart

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 Stars

“lessons learned are indeed, easily shared…”

What a fabulous ending to a brilliant series. This whole series has really touched me and I was super nervous about reading this book. I was scared, for two reasons, firstly, Andy was getting old in book 2, I knew my heart couldn’t have taken it if he died, secondly I didn’t think that I could cope if he found love again, again, my heart I didn’t think could take it.

This series though makes you think and reflect, it is thought provoking and inspiring, even though you have been put through the mill the love that this family has for each other just radiates from the page and you cannot help but get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside and aspire to being a family like Andy’s. Their bonds are strong, they are always there for each other, extremely supportive, loving and caring, just a beautiful family with an amazing story to tell. This though is testament to Barbara Stewart’s writing, because they all have become one of my family, it was like reading the life story of family friends, because they truly became a part of me. This story shows that through the good times and the bad, family will always be there for you, you are not alone, lean on them, let them carry some of the weight and the burden, lighten the load and deal with what has been thrown at you. When you love, you love completely and fiercely and that there is always someone in the world, worse off, grab what you have with both hands and make the most of it, but most of all, always be yourself.

In this book Carlee has trials and tribulations of her own to deal with. Life does not always play fair as we all know and Carlee now has her own journey to make. We all know Carlee is a strong woman, she is an incredible character, selfless, loving, thoughtful and caring but she will need all her strength and willpower to overcome the troubles in Feel Like Makin Love. As always her dad Andy is there by her side together with Carlee’s husband. Although not her biological dad, the connection that these two have is intense. As they say “any man can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad” and that is exactly what Carlee and Andy have. Although not bound by blood, their bonds are stronger, they are made with love and this book proves that statement completely.

Andy is also beginning a journey of his own. Now that Carlee is married and living in London, he is lonely. He feels that he cannot move on, he is betraying Bethy’s memory. Even though he knows that no-one will ever replace her, he needs guidance and a bit of a push to make a move. He needs a companion and it is Carlee that lets him know that it is OK, at the end of the day, Bethy would never have wanted him to be lonely. We see some links to the past severed in this book and although I thought I would be devastated, I was actually relieved. Andy and Carlee can finally move on and Barbara Stewart has now brought their story full circle and wrapped it up beautifully.

“I know this for certain – moving on doesn’t mean you’ll ever leave me. In your letter to me for the book you wrote, “the holder of my heart”…but Bethy, I believe it’s the other way around – you have mine and I know you always will.”

This has been one amazing trilogy and one that will stay with me for a long time. It will definitely be a re-read series. I have only given this book 4.5 stars, because my max is 5 and Rock and Roll Never Forgets was such an amazing book that it has set the bar for this series. All 3 books are seriously good and not to be missed. Although I am going to miss this family something fierce I cannot wait to see what Barbara has in store for us next. Once again Barbara, amazing job.

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Cover Re-reveal ~ It All Started with a Lima Bean (Interwined Hearts book 1) by Kimi Flores

Title: It All Started with a Lima Bean (Intertwined Hearts book 1)
Author: Kimi Flores
Published: August 8th, 2013
Cover Reveal Arranged By: The Book Avenue


SYNOPSIS

A past that haunts can be laid to rest through the act of forgiveness, even if the person you forgive is yourself. It must be gifted freely.

Abby Sullivan cherishes the life she is creating for herself in her hometown of Santa Barbara, California. She adores her best friend and supportive family. Her job as a kindergarten teacher offers her life hope and purpose. She is very talented at many things, especially hiding the pain of her past. That is until her world collides with Caleb Hunter’s, giving them both a lesson in forgiveness and love.

A life changing love is cruelly snatched by sickness and death. A person must be willing to give love, the greatest gift of all, to receive love.

A successful writer, Caleb is living life day-to-day. Giving refuge to his sad and lonely heart since his wife's sudden death from cervical cancer, his primary focus becomes honoring her memory by rearing their five-year-old daughter, Madison. Yet, when Madison Hunter walks into Miss Abby’s kindergarten class, everything changes for all three of them.

With a little nudge from a loving mother-in-law who has everyone’s best interest at heart, anything is possible, especially when forgiveness and love gift even more blessings than ever imaginable. 

EXCERPT

"Planting Seeds of Love"

“I think my bean was lonely, so I want to plant two of them together right here, in the ground. Grammy says that it’s portant that roots have lots of room to grow so that they’re strong and healthy. She also said that you have to watch for weeds and yank them out right away so that they don’t hurt the plants.” She made a quick jerking motion as if she were pulling at something.

The boots squeaked as Madison knelt down and dug a small hole. Sensing the importance of this moment, the adults looked on, and then at each other. “Now is the most portant part. Grammy said that nothing grows without love, so here Miss Abby, kiss these lima beans.” Abby looked at Madison then Caleb. She figured she might as well kiss the beans and get it over with. She watched Caleb’s eyes fixed on her pouty-lipped kiss. Once her lips left the seeds, Madison placed them into Caleb’s large palm. “Your turn Daddy.” He paused a moment, then gave them a quick peck. “My turn.” Madison picked the seeds up from Caleb’s hand with her delicate fingers, kissed them, and swayed back and forth, as though she was hugging the beans. She said a little prayer then placed them in the hole she’d dug. “Now I’m going to cover them so that they're nice and warm.” She smoothed her hand across the soil, pushing dirt over the gap. “I just know they’ll grow because they're happy, loved, and not lonely anymore.” While still kneeling, she poured some water on top of the small dirt mound.

Something in the air shifted as Abby and Caleb’s eyes met, knowing this statement was truer than the sweet little girl who'd said it would understand. “I think you're right sweetie. Everyone needs love and companionship to thrive.” Caleb continued his deep gaze into Abby’s eyes as she held her stare into his.

AUTHOR PROFILE
Kimi lives in So Ca with her high school sweetheart, prom date, and now husband of over 20 years as well as with her two boys that bring so much joy and laughter to her life. There is never a dull moment in Kimi's day with these three guys by her side. They are happily involved in volunteer work with several local non-profit organizations and believe that everyone needs to do their part, so a portion of her sales will always go to charity.

At an early age, Kimi discovered the magical world of imagination. Many stories were written as well as illustrated by her as a child. Not realizing at the time that she had dyslexia, schoolwork became extremely difficult, and her confidence as a reader and writer dwindled. Thanks to a high school teacher who took the time to invest in her, Kimi found a love for literary legends such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving and Jane Austen. This teacher helped Kimi create one of the happiest school memories she holds. Discovering in college that she had the learning disability was terribly discouraging since help was not readily available and her reading and writing confidence fell once again.

Needing to find a distraction when her husband unexpectedly ended up in the hospital for a week, Kimi explored the indie reading world. Jumping in with everything she had, Kimi pushed herself to read over 150 books last year. During that process, many characters reappeared in her imagination and insisted that their stories be told. Putting all self-doubt and barriers aside, she started writing the outlines and drafts for the four books in her Intertwined Hearts Series as well as bits and pieces of the three books in her next series, Down by the Bay.

Her message to you is similar to that of pop icon, will.i.am's:
~You can focus on your problems or you can focus on your dreams ~


AUTHOR LINKS
Amazon Author Page
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest
Twitter
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords


Tuesday 29 October 2013

Release Day Event ~ Excerpt & Giveaway ~ Greed (Seven Deadly 2) by Amelie Fisher

Fisher Amelie's GREED is being released TODAY and we are so excited to join in the release day launch for it. GREED is a mature young adult/new adult contemporary novel and is the second book in The Seven Deadly Series. Check out what we have for you today and then enter to win in the blog tour giveaway! You could win a signed copy of VAIN, Book 1 in the series, or a Kindle Fire!

Book description:

Gather ‘round, love, because I want you. I want what you have, I want what you don’t have, I want more of what I already have. I want. But if you so much as ask for something in return, go ahead and walk away. Know if you want to play in my world, it’s every man for themselves and the weak become mine. Leeches will be obliterated because I make it my job to destroy them. I protect what’s mine and I take what’s yours...because that’s what I do. I want.

My story will not endear me to you and, frankly, I could care less if it does because I’m in this for the money and nothing else. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a corrupt, money hungry, immoral asshole from Los Angeles. I’m every man’s worst nightmare and every girl’s fantasy.

I’m Spencer Blackwell...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most coveted guy to the guy no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Excerpt:

Prologue

Greed is a strange, strange sin.

All you want to do is acquire. Acquire money, acquire material, acquire time, acquire energy, acquire attention. The running mantra is “I want, I want, I want” but that quickly turns to “I need, I need, I need.”
Suddenly there just isn’t enough time for friends, for family, for anyone. Your goal is to acquire and to make sure what you acquire stays acquired. Your life depends on it. You don’t see truth because the truth is shadowed by enormous homes, incredibly fast cars, in lavish spending. Your life no longer belongs to you, but you are blind to it all because those around you are seeking the same.

So you shuffle along at an impossible rate, and you pass the real world around you.

But what you’ll come to realize, altogether too late, is that it’s never enough. It’s simply never enough.

Chapter One

“It’s confirmed. Peter Knight of Evergreen won’t approve the acquisition. You know what to do,” my snake of a father told me, not two steps into his front door.

“I just got off a seven-hour flight. You can’t let me settle in? Possibly say hello?”

He stood, watching me, a slight tick in his square jaw. He tucked his hands into his Italian silk pants. His six-foot frame followed the steps up to the foyer and stopped a few inches away from my own. We were face to face. Although I fell an inch shorter, he no longer intimidated me. I knew if I had to, I could kick his ass.

“Hello, Spencer,” he said, a serpent’s smile spread wide across his mouth before falling flat. “Get to work. I don’t pay you to sit around. I don’t care if it is your Christmas break.”


We stayed where we were, each waiting on the other to back down. The tension was palpable. In the end, his face relaxed and he began to chuckle, stepping aside andmaking way for me. I picked up my bags and headed for my room, giving myself plenty of space to pass him without touching him.
When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I changed my mind and threw my bags on the second to last step, intending to pick them up later. I stretched my muscles, loving the feel of my back popping, and started for the kitchen.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he asked, still standing in the foyer, watching my every move.

“If I don’t say hi to Mom and Bridge, they’ll think something’s up,” I told him and continued on.

He didn’t respond, but I felt his stare burning into the back of my head. 

About Fisher Amelie:

Fisher Amelie is the author of The Leaving Series, Callum& Harper and Thomas & January. She began her writing career as a copywriter for an internet marketing company wherein one of their client's said, 'Hey! You're funny. You should write books'. Which in turn she said, 'Hey, get out of here! This is the lady's restroom.' While washing her hands and the embarrassment from her face, she thought they may have had a valid point. So, she took the thousands of hours of writing stories growing up, tucked them into her pocket and began writing and writing and writing.

Cover Reveal ~ Teaser & Giveaway ~ Better (Too Good 2) by S Walden

Check out this cover for Better, book 2 in S Walden's Too Good series. 
Better is due for release on 19th November.


Book Description:

Their relationship has been exposed, and now their lives are changed forever.

For Cadence Miller, the fast track to adulthood proves intimidating and frustrating. She’s a little girl lost—abandoned by her parents and uncertain of her future. She doesn’t think she “fits” anywhere. She’s eighteen. She wants to be older. And the result is both comical and heartbreaking.

Mark Connelly will do anything to provide Cadence a stable, loving home—to be her protector. But he’s just as broken and lost, and his heart won’t let go of his past so easily. He knows he must share his secret with Cadence. And he hopes his revelation won't tear them apart. He hopes it will draw them closer, and make their love better.

Find it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18401154-better

Teaser:
She made sure to look as inconspicuous as possible for her first day of classes: jean shorts, tank top, flip flops. She kept her hair down but pulled it off her face with a headband. She wore a tad bit of makeup. Nothing showy, but she thought first day classes warranted mascara and lip gloss, at the least.

She slid into a seat in the row closest to the windows. She didn’t bother to look for Michael. Or save him a seat. She still wasn’t sure about that guy. She felt guilty for not telling Mark about Michael’s kissing comment. She wanted a friend, but she was unsure if he was a good one. She scanned the room for somebody better. She needed a girlfriend. And there was one sitting directly behind her.

“Hi,” Cadence said tentatively.

“Hi,” the girl replied.

Cadence wasn’t sure what else to say. Neither was the girl. That was until she recognized Cadence.

“You went to Crestview High.”

Cadence’s face fell. “Yeah.”

“My friend went there. She graduated with you.”

Cadence nodded.

The girl leaned in and whispered, “Did you really have an affair with your math teacher?”

Check out Book 1, Good, Now: 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17801215-good
Amazon: http://amzn.to/18jbbEU
Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1aOIK2X
Paperback: http://amzn.to/18NTMr4
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/151En2r
Kobo: http://bit.ly/19yBwPl
B&N: http://bit.ly/15lL4Qk

About the Author:

S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. Her dreams include raising chickens and owning and operating a beachside inn on the Gulf Coast (chickens included). When she's not writing, she's thinking about it.

She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her blog at http://swaldenauthor.blogspot.com where you can get up-to-date information on her current projects.

Website: http://www.swaldenauthor.com
Blog: http://swaldenauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/swaldenauthor
Twitter: @swaldenauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/swaldenauthor 

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By: Romance Addict Book Blog - http://www.romanceaddictbookblog.com/

Monday 28 October 2013

Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway ~ Running in Place (Mending Hearts 2) by L.B. Simmons

Hosted by: Brandee's Book Endings

Check out our review and be sure to read the Teaser & enter the GIVEAWAY below! Make sure to join us on the Facebook Blog Tour Event for more GIVEAWAY chances! Click Here


Book Description:

Tatum O’Connell:
Some call me a party girl. People see me as happy, full of life, with absolutely no cares in the world. They see what I want them to see. But no one knows me - really knows me. Not even Noah Reese. Mr. Perfect is always watching me, most likely judging every single imperfect thing I do. But, if Noah wants to keep an eye on me, that’s just fine. I definitely don’t mind. I just hope he doesn’t have any plans to save me from my new-found life of self-destruction because in order to save me, he will have to see me…
And I’m never going to let that happen.
 
Noah Reese:
Perfect. That’s me. That’s the only acceptable way to be, according to my father. Perfect grades.Perfect manners.Perfect athlete.Perfect SAT scores.Perfect college. And recently, I was accepted into the perfect med school. My future has already been mapped out for me and there’s nothing that can change that. Not even Tatum O’Connell. That girl is out of control, yet for some reason, I can’t seem to keep my distance from her. I watch her closely, hoping that one day she’ll let me in, but watching her lead her life down the dangerous path she’s on right now isn’t easy…
I have a feeling I’m about to find myself swept away by the hurricane that is Tatum O’Connell.
 
“Two fleeting souls,
Unknowingly tethered.
Too slowly drawn,
Impatient fate calls.
The jolting collide intertwines their lives
And splinters their walls.”
“Catalyst” – Noah Reese
Our Review: 
Reviewed by Donna ~  4 Stars

“Your soul provides the air, now all you have to do is jump. Soar, Tatum. I love you. Always. ~ Noah”

Having read the first book in this series Running On Empty I thought I knew what I would be getting, but this book is a totally different cookie. It is raw, emotionally powerful and very all consuming. The prologue pulls you in and you know that this is going to be one of those books that chews you up and spits you out at the other end.

In this book, it is not just one broken party, both parties are broken in their own way. This is a story of finding the strength and courage to deal with the past and also having the courage to move forward, even if it is extremely frightening and not what you had planned.

Tatum is extremely broken, after the death of her father her life was never the same again, in more ways than one. She learned to deal, but what were the side effects? Serious self-esteem issues, night mares, settling rather than taking but most of all feeling alone. No-one understood her, they just saw the fake smile and the fake bubbly personality and thought all was right in her life, but did anyone know the “real” Tatum.

“I would rather have one night with you, than to live the rest of my life with the possibility of never being able to experience loving another person the way that I love you.”

Tatum’s brother was a lot older, after his fathers death he had already left the family home and had left Tatum with their mother. He had a hard time dealing himself, but now that he was stronger in himself he wanted to build bridges with his little sister, but Tatum wouldn’t let him in. He therefore asked Noah to keep an eye on her for him. Noah, didn’t need to be asked, he had been studying her for ages. He was intrigued, enthralled, he wanted to know her better. She was the complete opposite of him, he was perfect, perfect life, perfect grades or was it? Did anyone really know Noah? What did Noah really want? He too was broken, his mother had died, he was brought up by his father who was more interested in public appearances than what was best for his son. Noah had to follow in his footsteps and that was the be all and end all. Would Noah ever have the courage to stand up to his father and be the man he wants to be rather than the son that his father wants?

“I have no right to challenge my father. I have no right to attempt to make a life of my own. I have no right to believe that who I want to be can even exist. But, most of all,” his tear filled eyes rise back to mine, “I have no right to love you as much as I do. But, goddamn Tate. I do. I love you so much that it hurts. My heart is deliberately being torn from my chest, leaving a void that on one will ever be able to fill, no matter how far away I am. You have to believe that. Please believe that.”

The lyrics in this book are heart breaking, at the beginning of each chapter you either have an entry from Tatum’s journal or Lyrics from Noah’s journal, these were emotional at times and after reading them you knew what laid in front of you in that chapter. They made the book for me.

These two are extremely good for each other, but we are swinging from a hate relationship to a like then love. It is a full circle for these two. But once they get to know one another it soon becomes apparent that they were made for each other. Two broken souls who need to learn to love themselves before loving each other. They are fiercely protective of one another, they can be themselves together, they are two halves of a whole but is it their time now? Can two broken people survive as one or do they need to wait until they are both healed?

Loved this story. Such a great journey for these two, beautifully written, extremely emotional but captivating. I couldn’t put it down. There is humour in here too, so you will laugh as much as you cry but it is a beautifully balanced book that will have you soul searching.

We also get glimpses of Blake and Alex and their children. Trace, Tatum’s big brother has a story to tell, I am sure! Harlow, was an amazing character in this book, she was strong and solid and was the sensible one. She was extremely motherly bless her.

I can’t wait to read more from this series, love the writing, love the characters just love this series. Fab job LB Simmons once again!

Excerpt
 
You’re a worthless excuse for a daughter. I wish I never had you.”
Frantically, my eyes dart around the room for her. She’s here. I know it. I can smell the stench of alcohol in the air. Whipping around, I search for any trace of her, my entire body shaking and the knot in my throat unbearable. Tears fill my eyes as they anxiously race around the kitchen, finally landing on the cabinet where she used to store her liquor.
Memories flood my mind, the immobilizing terror that I would feel every time she approached it. The prayers I would send to no one in particular, just hoping that she wouldn’t open that fucking cabinet for just one night. Prayers that fell on deaf ears.
Slowly I make my way to the white doors, crouching down in front of them.
“You killed him and I will make damn sure you spend the rest of your life paying for that. I’ll never again know true happiness because you fucking exist.”
Shaking my head to try to clear her voice from my mind, I set my trembling fingers on the silver knobs and yank the doors open. Nothing.
A sigh of relief escapes my lips as I close them. Rising, I turn to take a step towards the sink when another memory strikes.
“Mama, don’t please.” I cry out loud as she approaches me with the scissors.
“I have to, Tatum. Your beauty does not match the vile, revolting child that you really are on the inside. Everyone should see you for who you are.” I try to run, but she grabs my long dark hair as I pass by her, swiping the blades so close to my neck that I can feel the cool metal against my skin. Laughing she chunks my tresses into the sink. “You’re an ugly person, Tatum. Inside…and out, now.”
“God, Daddy. Please help me,” I say out loud, lifting my shaking hands to my forehead, threading sections of hair through my fingers. “Please, Daddy, I need you.” After a while, calmness spreads throughout my body. I’m no longer shaking, but the voices are still there.
Turning the faucet on, I splash water on my face repeatedly, trying to drown out them out along with the memories. After wiping my face dry with a dishtowel, I hear the crackling of gravel as Noah’s Jeep pulls up into the driveway.
Breathing in deeply, I try to regain my composure as I walk to the door, straightening my shirt and running my fingers through my hair before I reach for the knob. Hearing steps in front of the house, I barely crack the door and poke my head out to make sure it’s really him. With all the crazy shit going on in this house I can’t be too sure. But, much to my relief, there he is, standing on my porch in his classic white t-shirt, work jeans and boots, his fist raised about to knock.
And just like that, the voices are gone and my head is clear.
I release a comforted breath and feel the corners of my mouth slightly lift at the sight of him.
“What are you smiling at?” Noah asks, seemingly nervous. Opening the door wider, I gesture for him to enter my house of horrors. The sight of his disheveled hair makes me grin even more.
“Your hair, it’s nice to see it like that. I don’t know why, but it makes me smile.” I clear my throat. His nerves must be contagious, because suddenly I feel that hummingbird feeling in my chest.
With him now inside, I close the door and head towards the kitchen, checking over my shoulder to make sure he’s following me. “Want something to eat?”
Once I see he’s fallen into step, I turn back around and round the corner, making sure to avoid looking at the sink. The memory still lingering on the hinges of my mind, I try to push it as far away as I can. “I don’t have much, but I did manage to make it to the store over the weekend.”
“No, I’m good, Thanks, though.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks onto the balls of his feet.
Thinking about our last night together, I feel the frustration mounting within myself. I should kick my own ass for kissing him. Everything seems so edgy between us now and I hate it. Running my fingers through my hair, I twist it at the nape of my neck and bring it over my shoulder.
“Well, what’s up? What couldn’t wait until tonight?”
His eyes widen.“Tonight? What’s tonight?”
“I picked up Sadie’s shift.”
He grinds his teeth together as he leans against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “I told you to take the entire week off, Tate. You don’t need to work right now. You need to concentrate on healing.”
I know.
“No, I don’t. I’m sick and tired of being cooped up in this depressing house. I need to get out, to stay busy. I feel like I’m losing it, honestly.” My hands are still trembling and I’m not sure if it’s the sudden anxiety from being around Noah or the fact that I’m losing my mind. His eyes break from mine and land on them as they continue to shake like a leaf. Pressing himself off the wall, he takes a small, timid step towards me.
I want to tell him to stop. To stay where he is.To tell him to leave this house and forget about me. That I could ruin his perfect life by just being near him.
But I don’t.
I let him continue taking those steps until he’s right in front of me and even breathe out a sigh of contentment when he wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his frame. The tears fall as he lightly traces my back with his fingers, and with each touch, my uneasiness lessens. I know it’s selfish, but I would give anything to stay in this moment forever.
Circling my arms around his waist, I press my forehead against his chest and watch the droplets as they plummet from my face towards his boots, dark spots forming as they strike. After a couple of seconds, I replace my forehead with my chin, daring to look into his muddy brown eyes, full of their usual intensity as he studies me, peering into my soul. In them, I find complete solace and protection, and the sudden desire to share things with him that I swore I’d never share with another living person.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Noah. I feel like I’m going fucking crazy. Ever since Friday, I can’t stop them. The voices. My mother’s leading their charge to my insanity.” My throat closes almost completely shut. “I hate this house. I hate being here, alone. So many memories…” I trail off, my strength fading, no longer able to keep from bawling.
I close my eyes as the warm moisture cascades down my cheeks and runs down my neck. Unwrapping his arms, he moves his hands to my face, wiping the tears away, but it’s useless. They’re replaced instantly.
“Tate, open your eyes. Look at me, baby.” I keep them closed, not ready to face the wary expression in front of me.
“Let me in, Tate. Open your eyes.” The heartache in his tone and the tremble of his voice prompts me to open them immediately. As soon as our eyes catch, a breath hitches in my throat. His eyes shining, he gently wraps his fingers around my shoulders, pressing his thumbs softly into my flesh as he speaks.
“You’re not alone. I’m right here.” A slight smile of relief breaks through the tears on my face.
I watch his mouth tip up in response. “Now, tell the voices to shut the fuck up because it’s my turn.”
 

Buy Links

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1aAHKCV 
Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/191Zjv3

Running on Empty (Book #1)

Running On Empty (Mending Hearts, #1)

 
I had the perfect life.
Beautiful and loving husband.Three gorgeous little girls.
Successful career.
The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence.
Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse.
But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.
There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down.Absolutely no way.
The question is…
How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?
 

Recovery - a Novella (Book #1.5)


 
I have the perfect life.
I’ve finally found my happy ending.
I fought through the loss of one husband, lucky enough to be given a second chance at a lifetime of happiness. Settling into our new lives, however, may not be as easy as it seems.
What really happens after the fairytale ending? What happens after the prince rescues the princess? After he sweeps her off her feet and carries her off into the sunset? Do they truly live happily ever after?
Well…
This is our story.

About the Author

L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.
Connect with L.B.:
Website: http://www.lbsimmons.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lbsimmonsauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbsimmons33
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6580347.L_B_Simmons



Giveaway!


Sunday 27 October 2013

Review ~ Rock With Me (With Me in Seattle #4) by Kristen Proby

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 Stars

This would have been 5 stars but I felt it needed to be a bit longer…I needed more of Leo and Sam.

I have loved every book in this series…my front runner was Nate, yummy yummy but Leo is not far behind…I loved him in this book. In the last book he was not portrayed very well, Meg was initially in his band but he left her when he made it big..however, this was not exactly true and we find out more in this book. In fact, Meg had been receiving royalties for years for all the songs that they had written together amounting to millions that Meg had been giving away to charity as she felt she did not deserve them.

Sam was also misunderstood, in Come Away with Me she came across as a total and utter b***h, she was Luke’s sister and was not very nice to Natalie. During this book, we get to understand Sam and to some extent you can see why she was like that..although it does not excuse it you can understand why.

Sam does not do relationships, she was hurt in the past so now she just has “f**k buddies”. When she is introduced to Leo she cannot deny that there is this attraction, however knowing about his rep and the fact he is a famous rock star she vows to not even go there!

Leo is on a break from touring and is instantly intrigued by Sam, he calls her “sunshine”. He is a rocker, tattoo’s, piercings and everything inbetween…yummy!!! Is that just his stage persona though??? We know how he looked after Meg in foster care so there is that loveable side to him, he loves to help people and look after them and he feels that Sam needs rescuing..although it does not help that she is as hot as hell and he fancies the panties off her!

He starts running with her in the mornings and this is where he manages to break down the walls a bit and they become friends, eventually they succumb to the mutual attraction and a whole can of whoop ass sexiness is unleashed…and I mean, these scenes are seriously smoking!!! We all know that Kristen Proby can write a brilliant love scene and this book is no exception!

Some quotes to titillate you…

Smexy Leo - “I’ll take you hard, and soft, and every way in between” He grips my face in his hands and looks down at me, his nose touching mine. “I’m going to f**k the shit out of you” Oh God Yes!!!! “and I am going to make love to you until you’re shaking and don’t remember who you are” …..and sigh!

Protective Leo – Luke “You better protect her Nash or I’ll f**king kill you”

Leo “I wouldn’t have it any other way”


There are so many fabulous scenes in this book and the inner and outer dialogue just has you melting…as usual with Kristen Proby I seem to run out of words to describe how I love her books…I just really really do..she can do no wrong! With this series, each book wraps up a relationship from beginning till they are an item and this one is no exception. We still see all the characters that we love throughout this book and that is another thing that I love about this series. Apparently it is Caleb and Brynna up next and if this one is anything to go by it is only going to be hotter and better…I cannot wait!!

“I’ve never in my life felt like this” he murmurs and continues to make love to me. “You are everything I’ve ever wanted Sam. More than music. More than everything”

I love Leo Nash!!

Saturday 26 October 2013

Author Spotlight ~ Zoey Foster ~ Her Love Ran Crimson

Author Spotlight

Zoey Foster ~ Her Love Ran Crimson

Teaser & Book Trailer



 
Maddie has been through more tragedy than most people would ever see in their life. She has given up on living, and only living to breathe. With nobody on her side, she has been marked as the cause of her mother’s death and lives with this guilt every day. She is close to giving up until she sets her eyes on the one person who doesn’t look at her with disgust. Jase is the new guy in school, he was transferred to a new school after moving out of his father’s house into his mothers. But Jase knows about Maddie and knows about her past. He thinks he can keep this a secret. When the truth comes out will they be able to survive their worlds being turned upside down? Will their connection be strong enough to make it through?



BOOK TRAILER


Author Bio

Zoey Foster lives in Southern California with her Husband and 3 Sons. When she is not writing, you can find her on Swoon Worthy Books posting updates on books and Authors, and let’s not forget about the Man-candy and just having a bunch of fun. She is taking her passion for books and making it her reality in writing her debut novel Her Love Ran Crimson. She loves interacting with others talking about great Books and Book Boyfriends. You can find her at the links below always encouraging people to have a fun time and live in the moment. She has a weakness for Sour Patch Kids and has inappropriate fun when she is having her wine at night tweeting her thoughts. She also likes to make up words. The best word to describe her is Winetastic!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorzoeyfoster?ref=hl
Twitter: @AuthorZoeyF
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7102575.Zoey_Foster
Goodreads Book Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17970981-her-love-ran-crimson
Blog: http://zoeyfoster.blogspot.com/


Friday 25 October 2013

Friday Frights ~ PNR Review ~ Samson’s Lovely Mortal (Scanguards Vampire) by Tina Folsom

Reviewed by Shirley ~ 5 Stars

Oh, I so enjoyed this book, if you want a sexy, witty book, this is definitely the book for you. This is a great story, fast paced and easy to read in one sitting as you have got to know how it all ends up. It is also a superb love story about a human named Delilah, who is a self-employed Auditor and a self-made multi-millionaire Vampire called Samson.

Samson is a dark haired hunk of a man who at the beginning is having a few problems with his love life, until one night, the night of his birthday in fact, there is a pounding on his door and there stood a very wet and frightened Delilah.

Delilah had just left work and on her way home had been attacked and with the attacker still following her after she had managed to get away, she bangs on the door of the first house she sees begging to be let in for help. Due to a misunderstanding on Samson’s part these two didn’t have the best of starts. Delilah standing there with her long black hair and ample assets on show which would have won a wet t-shirt competition hands down. Samson got the totally wrong idea thinking she was the entertainment for his birthday which his friends tended to supply him with on every such occasion. He grabs her and starts to kiss her and snakes his hands all over her. Totally in shock, Delilah takes this onslaught and for a brief moment actually finds herself responding until her sanity returns.

 “No, let me go.”

Samson, thinking this was all in the game, said back…

“I’m sure Ricky paid you enough and if not, I’m going to tip you generously.”

While this was going on, his friends had let themselves in for the party and were flabbergasted at what they were witnessing.

“What are you doing?” his friend asks him.

“What do you think I am doing? I’m having fun with the stripper you got me for my birthday.”

“Stripper?” Delilah yelled. “I’m not a STRIPPER!”


As I said, not a good start. After it all calms down Samson finds Delilah clean dry clothes and after a chat sends her home by his chauffeur driven car.

The following day he invites her to the theatre as he cannot get Delilah out of his mind and Delilah remembering her responses to his kisses accepts and so it begins (?)

With a few unexpected developments along the way, life threatening in fact, Samson and Delilah get closer, real close in fact. With bedroom and shower scenes to die for …phew!

Samson inhaled her scent and then slowly pushed forward, plunging into her. She moaned loudly, joining his groan. “More” she begged. Samson thrust back into her, deeper than before, and again. Their bodies slamming together, hard, deep. (ooooh)

I have given this book a resounding 5 stars. Thanks Ms Folsom, I cannot wait to start reading all the books in this series, if they are all like this one I just might have to invest in a vibrator (ha ha ha).

Cover Reveal & Excerpt ~ True Bliss (Bliss 2) by BJ Harvey

Title: TRUE BLISS (Bliss # 2)Author: BJ Harvey
Expected Release: November 25th


Book Description:

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.*

  
Excerpt:

Having eaten our way through garlic bread, lasagna and
a delicious baked cheesecake for dessert, both Mac and I are laid up in the
living room. We’re recovering from our food comas, watching some crazy game
show on television where people are training to become ninjas.

“I could never be a ninja. My big belly would get in
the way,” Mac muses.

“I don’t want to be a ninja, although I’d be willing
to date a ninja. Can you imagine the positions that he could get into? Oh my
god! I just thought of one! The reverse saddle ninja.”

Mac sits up excitedly and faces me, bending one leg
under the other. “No, wait. What about a ninja doing downward facing doggie
style? They could probably hang upside down from the roof while fucking you.
That would be awesome,” she says with a laugh.

“I know! Instead of the vibrating V, it would be the
ninja nooner or the ninja nookie!” I say, struggling to talk though my
laughter.

Mac looks at her phone briefly before putting it down
and looking at me.

“Everything okay?” I ask, looking at her phone.

“Oh… yeah, great. Just checking the time. But right
now, we need to talk about you.” Mac sits up and rests her hands on her
stomach. I’m kind of envious of her right now, but I won’t admit that to her.

“Why’s that?” I say, intrigued. Definitely didn’t see
the conversation shifting from ninja sex to me. Although, if I were honest, if
I had ninja sex, I’d be a happy camper. Actually, sex of any kind would be
acceptable right now. Anything other than the one handed dialing of the ol’
pink telephone. I should be buying my batteries in bulk with the frequent use
my purple pearl vibrator has been getting this year.
 
 Author Bio:

I’m 31 years old and live in New Zealand, the most beautiful country in the world.

I love reading, and started writing my first novel, Lost in Distraction in December 2012. Before that I’d written business and website articles professionally but never fiction. I love the indie community, authors, bloggers and readers alike and have met so many awesome people that I now call dear friends.

I’m a huge music lover as well. I 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 with my eclectic tastes.

I'm also a wife, mother of two gorgeous girls and currently working for myself as well as studying full time to become an accountant of all things. I also have a Bachelor of Communications.

My author inspirations are: Michelle Leighton, Barbara Elsborg and Kristen Ashley.
 
Author Links:
GR Author Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6886702.B_J_Harvey
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bjharveyauthor
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BJ-Harvey/471226826268697
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/bjharveyauthor

 
Title: TEMPORARY BLISS (Bliss # 1)

Published: August 29th


 


Purchase Links:
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1bkzc1j
 

Thursday 24 October 2013

Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway ~ Still Human (Human 2) by Kerry Heavens


Book Description: 

Danny and Liv are back...

Danny loves Liv. He knows he loves her more than she loves him because she ran without a word when she saw their future mapped out before her. He knows he will never love anyone like he loved her and this time he doesn’t think he can move on.

Liv loves Danny. She knows she loves him more than he loves her because he broke her heart in the worst possible way, right when things were falling into place. She knows she will never love anyone like she loves him and this time she doesn’t think she can move on.

They needed a second chance because they just weren’t ready for their first, but when events changed everything between them, they discovered they were just human after all. Now Liv and Danny have to find a way to survive being hurt by each other.

They doubted, they underestimated and they did believe the worst, but only because they were too young the first time and too vulnerable the second time. But now they have changed and if they are not the same, surely things can only turn out differently?


Our Review: 

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 Stars

**ARC received for honest review**

“You told me once that you were afraid I would turn out to be just human and that I would hurt you. I told you then that I am just human and that I could be hurt just as easily. Well I’m still human…I’m still me and I know we could still destroy each other. But I don’t care, because a life without you isn’t worth living…I dare you.”

God, Kerry Heavens knows how to put you through the wringer! If any two characters, in any books deserve their heads banging together, it is these two!! Danny and Liv are the most frustrating couple I have ever come across yet you cannot help but love them. They are destined to be together, yet their own fears and insecurities continue to keep them apart. This book carries on from Just Human. Danny and Liv were once again apart and Danny was in the US and Liv was back in the UK.

Both of them are as stubborn as each other, neither wanting to make the first move, both wallowing in their own self pity, what will it take for either of them to realise that they have made a mistake? Danny believes Liv has just upped and left him and Liv believes that Danny has cheated on her and neither one of them are willing to hear the other one out. So once again, it comes down to meddling friends to make them see sense, but it is far from easy!!

Most of the quotes that I have highlighted while reading this book will give away too much of the story, so this is going to be a quote friendly review, but I will add that there are some serious heart stopping, swoon worthy moments in this book. If you thought Danny was perfect before, you are going to love Danny even more in this book. As they say, actions speak louder than words and Danny is just totally and utterly brilliant in this book. Apart from the obvious stubbornness etc once he gets his head out of the sand and begins his mission of winning Liv back, he goes all out, hopefully to get all in!

This is a brilliant conclusion to Danny and Liv’s story and I was totally engrossed. I have loved this couple so much. I love a second chance romance, or even thirds as this one seems to be, but as they say third time lucky! Kerry, you have done an amazing job bringing these characters to life and I must say, a part from the obvious person we are going to hate, every single character in this series brings something to the story and is totally and utterly loveable. They truly are one big happy family.

Love this series and for a debut author, once again a brilliant job. For a fun, frustrating, romantic read, this is just the series for you.

Buy Links: 

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1gYLBfR

Sale

Book 1, Just Human is on sale for only .99¢ to celebrate the release of Still Human!

About the Author:

Terrible wife
Mediocre mother
Appalling housewife
Fashion graduate
Wedding coordinator
Sex toy salesperson
Shop manager Designer
Font collector
Romance addict
Fancier of nice men
Ok, fancier of almost all men
Awesome cupcake baker
Incessant singer
Film buff
Friend
Writer 
Author Links:


Wednesday 23 October 2013

Review ~ Simple Perfection (Perfection 2) by Abbi Glines

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 Stars

"She is my perfection. She holds my heart in her hands. When she hurts it brings me to my knees.”

I love an Abbi Glines book, you know what you are going to get and you know that it is going to be good and as usual Abbi Glines delivers with Simple Perfection.

Woods, he is the epitome of a perfect gentleman and when he loves, he loves fierce! This comes through Abbi’s writing crystal clear, there is nothing that Woods wouldn’t do for Della. Woods was in a bad place at the end of Twisted Perfection as his father had just died. In Simple Perfection, he is dealing with the aftermath of his fathers death, his mothers unreasonable behaviour and his vile ex all while trying to keep the club running smoothly and while putting his own stamp on it. Despite everything that he is dealing with he still puts Della first, before everything. I must admit, sometimes he did come across as a bit “too much”, I was worried that this may cause Della to panic, but she seemed to be handling it all in her stride.

“You’re my all-in, Della. I’ll throw it all away for you. I just want you. I’m all in, baby. This life with you, I’m planning on us.”

Della, god I could have strangled her at times but she did grow in this book. She has a lot of internal demons to battle and she does struggle at times. She cannot really get a grip on the fact that Woods is unconditionally in love with her warts and all, she feels that she has become a burden to him, especially now that he is so busy and he is constantly looking out for her. I think that what she fails to realise at times is that they both need each other, they are good for each other and they are in fact soul mates. Will Woods manage to persuade her otherwise??

“That girl in the photo was scared. Of her past and her future. She was scared to love you. That’s not me. I’m not scared anymore. My past is what made me who I am. My future…as long as I get to spend it with you, then I can’t wait to live it. I’m going to be okay, Woods. I’m not going to…snap. I have a lot to tell you.”

There are a lot of surprises in this book and Abbi Glines “did go there” in this book. I was really surprised when that happened and I can see why she has done it but it didn’t make it any easier to read about. This event not only affected Della and Woods but the whole gang and it will be interesting to see where this goes in the future.

Della does learn a lot about her past in this book and what she does find out makes her future all the more rosy, perhaps these new snippets of information will give her the courage needed to get on with her life, rather than dwell on the possibilities that could have emanated from her past.

“Heaven. This is my heaven. All I f**king need to breathe,” he said as he shifted his hips, moving in and out of me.

Overall, this was a great read. I loved Simple Perfection and cannot wait to see where this series is going. Even though this one made me laugh and cry, I want to see their relationship develop even further, especially now that Della is more confident in herself and with the changes that Woods has made to his life, life for them can only get better.

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Blog Tour ~ Promo ~ Stories for Amanda

 
Check out this awesome book in support for the fight against bullying.
 
Book Description:

Amanda Todd was a young girl who dealt with bullying for three years. Lured into a bad decision by a cyber-stalker when she was only 12 years old, she was mercilessly targeted online and in real life over and over again, until it became more than she could deal with.

She wanted to help other kids by sharing her story and letting them know they should never be punished for who they are or for making a mistake. AmandaToddLegacy.org is an organization that reaches out to kids in need, educates about the harmful effects of bullying and provides resources that can make a real difference.

If you don't know Amanda's story, you can search her on YouTube and see a video she made 3 weeks prior to taking her own life (she tells her story) because of 3 years of vicious bullying.

When people try to bring you down, it’s because you’re above them.

You only need one person to believe in you… that person is YOU.

With love to Princess Snowflake and others in need…

100% of the proceeds from sale of this book will be donated toward that vision.

The authors are humbled and proud to offer our support to this very worthy cause.

Stories for Amanda is a collection of short stories from these 16 VERY talented authors:

Karen Avivi - Stand Alone story
Kahlen Aymes - Missing Scene from The Remembrance Trilogy (Ryan and Julia)
E.K. Blair - Missing scene from ROTTEN
J. L. Brooks - Stand Alone
Claire Contreras - Stand Alone but characters from upcoming release; Catch Me
Kelly Elliott - Stand Alone
Kailin Gow - A You & Me Trilogy Story for Book 1: Saving You Saving Me
Karina Halle - Stand Alone featuring characters from The Artists Trilogy
Nina Lane - A Spiral of Bliss short story
Raine Miller - A ROTHVALE LEGACY STORY
E. L. Montes – Stand Alone
Alexa Nazzaro - Stand Alone
Jessica Prince - Short story from Picking Up The Pieces Anthology
Madeline Sheehan - Stand Alone
Michelle Valentine - Black Falcon prequel to Rock the Heart
Nikki Worrell - Stand Alone

A MESSAGE FROM KAHLEN AYMES


I was approached by Flirty Dirty Book Blog after the RT Convention last May about this cause so I researched Amanda's story and like so many others, was moved to tears. I have a daughter that is just a year or two younger than Amanda was when she ended her life. I asked Denise Tung... "What if we put together a book where 100% of the proceeds went to help fund the anti-bullying effort?" She was thrilled with the idea and then I reached out to some of my author- friends. The response was overwhelming and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now it is 16 stories (some missing scenes from a popular series) and some brand new short stories, from 16 authors that reach across the Young Adult, New Adult and Romance genres. It is our hope that our readers will come together to support this very worthy cause and that we can help, in some small way, to keep even one more child from suffering from this horrific epidemic...

These are very generous women and I feel honored to share pages with them.