Sunday, November 30, 2014
Jess's Review for Lost Until You by JR Grant
Lost Until You by J.R. GrantMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
BUT before I say anything else I just need to say...I was not expecting that at all!
Jazz and Brax are happily married; they have a daughter, a beautiful home, careers they love and enjoy, but mostly they have this fierce and amazing love for each other. Everything seems perfect, until it all goes to hell.
Jazz had a rough life before Brax came along. There was nothing good about her past, she never had a home or place in life.
“For the longest time, I was told no one would love someone as worthless as me.” Jazz
Until she met Brax, the one person she never saw herself lucky enough to have. He was her happily ever after, the one who made her dreams come true, the one who loved her just as much as she loved him.
“He completed me in every way imaginable.” Jazz
Brax had a normal life, brothers, cousin, family and friends. Something about Jazz grabbed him and didn’t let go. He has made it his mission to make sure that her every wish is granted because he loves her so much that anything less is not acceptable.
“She captured my soul, stole my heart, and somehow turned me into fucking mush.” Brax
“No matter how near or far you are, you will always own my heart. You’re it for me, baby. Always and forever.” Brax
So what happens when a completely unexpected turn of events shatters their world? Literally it was throws it into turmoil and makes them question everything?
“I didn’t understand how you could have everything one minute, and then in a blink of an eye, it would all be gone. But what I did know was that I couldn’t let my family be torn apart.”
I enjoyed how this was a dual POV book because you get to see what is happening to both Jazz and Brax after the ax is thrown into their marriage. But you also got to see how they really felt about each other, in their own words. You see how they both deal with their devastation. There are unexpected twists and turns you never see coming and you keep guessing until the end. The mystery is what I enjoyed the most about this book, that you couldn’t figure out what was going to happen or where it was going to go. I found myself re-reading things just to make sure I read it right.
There were some things that I did not enjoy as much, at times it became repetitive. Jazz became more dramatic while Brax became more explosive and at times their personalities were a little much. I also found myself getting impatient, I wanted answers and I wanted them sooner than they were given.
I do look forward to the next book though and can’t imagine where in the world Ms. Grant will go next.
View all my reviews
Jess's Review of Affliction
Affliction by River Savage
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book and I am thankful every day because it will always hold a special place in my heart.
This is Sy and Holly’s story.
In Incandescent you get a small taste of where this book starts, but you are in no way prepared for where this book is going to go. I had the full range of emotions reading this story, my heart broke, I laughed, I was intrigued, I fell in love and let’s not forget the extreme hotness that was mixed in between it all.
Sy aka Sunshine as Holly so aptly names him is not at all what I expected. Fully tattooed, stand-offish and completely rough around the edges. But underneath that hard exterior is a fiercely loyal, complex, amazing lover. His backstory broke me but explains why he is a man of little words and doesn't let anyone in. He is not looking for anything complicated in his life but there is something about Holly that calls to him.
“I will sit in the darkness waiting, waiting for her to come and guide me back out. And while I wait, hoping the light comes soon, I will thank God I’m not afraid of the dark.” Sy
Holly is a force to be reckoned with. She is full of life and doesn’t take crap from anyone. She knows that she is getting under Sy’s skin and makes the most of it. This is all until she is thrown into her own tragedy. The experience changes her and she hides away from everyone while she attempts to deal with her loss. There becomes a point where Sy just can’t handle the shell of a women she has become.
“I’m not sure if whatever it is that is happen will last, but in this moment right now, I’m happy. I’m going to take that happiness and try not to lose it.” Holly
Both Sy and Holly have issues that need to be resolved and through their pain they find that that they can move forward better when they are together. There is this sweetness about Sy and a vulnerability about Holly that just works. And when they do come together, it is explosive and heats up the pages.
“The emptiness of my heart is long forgotten as I balance on the edge of what this man can give me. It’s like he awakens something in me. My hands itch in anticipation of feeling his lips on mine, and my body hums each inch he moves closer. “Hurry,” the word slips from my mouth.” Holly
“I’m not going to quit it, Holly. I’m going to slowly bring you apart with my mouth and the fuck you so hard you won’t be walking easily tomorrow.” Sy
Besides the chemistry that this undeniable they have this relationship that just works. Sy is exactly what Holly needs as much as Holly is exactly what Sy needs. But in order to move forward they need to be honest with each other because the words that are not said can tear their fragile relationship apart. Will they choose to be honest or will their fear of the unknown destroy them?
I can’t say enough how much I loved this book. Mrs. Savage really found the perfect words to make me fall in love with both Holly and Sy. Their stories were moving in a way that you feel in your soul. Their loss becomes your loss, their love become your love and their secrets become your secrets.
Release Blitz for Strip Back
Title: Strip Back
Series: Naked Nights #0.5
Author: Ava Manello
Hosted by:Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Synopsis:
Strip Back brings you back to how the Naked Night's began. This is Eric's story. Back when life was a little less polished, and a whole lot harder.
Before there was Strip Teaser, there was Eric; manager and founder of the Naked Night’s male stripper troupe.
You wouldn’t think you’d be past it at 34, but that’s the position Eric found himself in, as well as newly single after finding his girlfriend in a compromising position.
Setting up the Naked Night’s wasn’t easy, it wasn’t fun, and it wasn’t without sleaze, but somehow he did it.
Strip Back is a humorous and steamy tale of one man’s journey to fulfill a dream. Not all male strippers are the same.
TEASERS
PLAYLIST
Purchase Links
OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Strip Teaser (Naked Nights #1)
About the Author
Passionate reader, blogger, publisher, and author. I love nothing more than helping other Indie authors publish their books be that reviewing, beta reading, formatting or proofreading,
I love erotic suspense that's well written and engages the reader, and I love promoting the heck out of it over on my book blog.
I'm a mother, but most of all I'm me!
Stalk Ava Manello
Saturday, November 29, 2014
SALE!!!
HOLIDAY SALE!!
#99c = #99pennies Have you been waiting to try out the Love Not Included Series? Here's your chance!
And if you can't get enough...
There is only one thing in life that professional pastry Chef Priscilla Westcott values more than baking and wine, and that’s honesty. A quality she soon learns that her marriage lacks when her husband runs off with their next door neighbor.
Divorced and alone, Priscilla is determined to make changes in her life. She decides to approach her new goals like one of her beloved recipes. Surely with a little time, a dash of patience, and measured planning she can whip herself—and her life—back into shape.
However, when a new—and utterly delicious—neighbor takes up residence in the house that ruined her marriage, Priscilla fears that her careful world will fold faster than a deflated soufflé.
Trent Walker knows what he wants and his sweet, sassy neighbor is at the top of the list. He’s certain that the chemistry between them would be explosive, but Priscilla fears that an affair with him, however hot, could be a recipe for disaster.
By My Side by Theresa Troutman Book Announcement
Title: By My Side
Author : Theresa Troutman
Release Date : Jan 10th 2015
Synopsis
“Maybe it’s not what you’re running from, but what you’re running toward.”
Alicia travels to an exotic land, with hopes to reinvent herself. She moves to Auckland, New Zealand, to heal and escape her unhappy past in America.
Hunter works in a bar to distract himself from the memory of a tragic past. Playing in a local band and resorting to one night stands are his only means for an escape from his reality.
Brought together by circumstance, an unexpected romance blossoms between these two tortured souls.
Can being by each other’s side bring them the happiness they are desperate to discover? Or will being together break their fragile trust and lead to more heartache?
About The Author
Theresa Troutman lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their crazy dog, Niko. She loves reading, theatre and traveling. Her books include: My Secret Summer, A Special Connection and the Love's Great Adventure Series: Life's What You Make It and Love This Life and London Loves. She is currently working on contemporary romance called, By My Side, which will be released in early 2015.
Get In Touch with Theresa
Mail Chimp newsletter: http://theresatroutman.wix.com/theresa-troutman#!form/c1zll
amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Theresa-Troutman/e/B00G80VRTO
Friday, November 28, 2014
Cover Reveal for Vis Major by T.A. Anderson
And now.....
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The cover for Vis Major by T.A. Anderson!
.JPG)
Release Date: To be announced...
Synopsis:
Death changes people.
It's a phrase Reeve was all too familiar with. His father uttered those words on a daily basis. Following his parents into the family business had meant being the glue for others who were falling apart after a death... and in this line of work, grief was inevitable.
When Reeve suffers real loss in the death of his best friend and soul mate, he’s left questioning if his entire life was a sham. Consumed by loss and doubt, he detaches himself from reality.
In an attempt to get his son back, his father abandons all he thought he knew about healing, and pleads with Reeve to take on a new case.
But, this wasn't just any case; it was Jessie Case, a woman more mysterious than the circumstances surrounding the death of his best friend.
When these two lives merge, they entice each other into a world of forgotten pain. What they discover is far more haunting than either of them could imagine.
Excerpt:
Her voice is thick with emotion as she pleads, "Show me."
Hesitant, I move toward her, holding her gaze in a way that seems to push her further back with each step I take.
My jacket falls to the floor, and I welcome the sharp bite of cold air against my flesh.
My jacket falls to the floor, and I welcome the sharp bite of cold air against my flesh.
She gasps, a mixture of fear and awe garbling the sound. Her eyes dip to take in all I've exposed to her. “Reeve, what have you done?" she whispers.
"It doesn't hurt," I explain, running my fingers along my angry, red skin.
Instinctively, she clasps her hands around her arms, as if to protect herself from me scaring her too.
Sweet Jessie. Don't you understand I would never hurt you?
I envision myself saying this out loud, but in this moment, I move closer to her, lips like a vault, securing all my thoughts around my tongue.
She backs herself into the corner, jaw slack, eyes wide. "How long did this take?" She points to my arms, covered with words.
The first time I'd pushed a needle into my skin was when Cadmium died. At first, the pain had pulled me out of my grief... made me feel something greater than the loss of her. But, I'd refused to be the guy labeled as a 'cutter'. No, I was purposeful with my pain, etching Cadmium's words into my skin. Each promise, fear, and every other word she had ever spoken was now a part of me.
Flesh of my flesh.
For a brief moment, I witnessed pity in Jessie's eyes. Pity was for people who asked for it. I didn't need it or want it.
I move closer so I can lean into her, exhale against her ear and answer, "Years. But forever wouldn't be long enough to finish what I started."
Goosebumps rise on her neck, her pale skin flushing from her heated blood. "You're a cutter? You do this to make yourself numb?"
She's psychoanalyzing me. It makes me angry. "Oh, the misconceptions," I laugh into her neck, then pull back to look in her eyes. "Carved, tattooed, branded; any of these would be more accurate, Jessie.”
Pity has fully disappeared from eyes, and now she’s staring at me like I could be Lucifer. I’m feeding off of her discomfort, so I taunt her. “You disappoint me. I thought you were a stone pillar with a solid foundation, rooted firmly in your own resolve." I place my finger against her shoulder and nudge her. "But look how easily you sway under the pressure. Your core is corroded."
"Why are you so hateful?" she asks, choking on her question as she shoves my hand away. Her eyes began to glisten, darting between me and the door.
It's then I realize she's a coward. Escape routes forming in her head, plan B always set "just in case". I thought she was different. She is, I remind myself. She just doesn’t know it yet. "You gonna run, Jessie?" I sneer, towering over her fear crippled stature.
Your move sweet girl.
She squares her shoulders, taking on a challenging stance. "I want to understand." Her voice is stern, but I hear her insecurities in every word. She wraps her hand around my forearm, looking up at me as if I might be the savior she's been in search of. "I don't know you, but I want to. The real you. I've never been more scared of someone in my life, and not because I think you will harm me. It’s your thoughts that breath life to my fear, Reeve."
About the Author:
I'm a sarcastic, Disney loving, procrastinator. I hope to write stories that speak to me first and foremost, then give readers an honest, non-cookie cutter world to get lost in. I always root for the underdog, so I try to inject one into each of my stories. I'm in desperate need of Starbucks, a shower, and sunlight on any given day. I'm certain Chewbacca is my soulmate. I hope you read my words and enjoy them. If you don't, I still dig you.
Hosted by:
Cover Reveal for One Addict by Alexandra North
Title: The One Addicted
Series: The One Trilogy #2
Author: Alexandra North
Expected Release: January 2015
Cover designed by: McCallum Creative
Hosted by: Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Synopsis
The sensational follow-up to Alexandra North’s debut novel, THE ONE AWAKENED
Book #2 of THE ONE TRILOGY
The sex is addictive, the love soul-wrenching…
Sebastian Silver had been Lucia Myers best friend for over a decade but one proposition changed everything between them…
Her time with him had been everything she’d dreamed of; sexy forbidden, liberating – friends becoming strangers to become lovers but with one huge glitch – she fell head over Louboutin heels in love with him. That had never been part of the plan, for either of them, nor had the arrival of Seb’s girlfriend.
Now Lu is faced with forging a new start without him in it; now she needs to fix her broken heart. She throws herself into work but their joint business collaborations soon find her back within his arms, as together they sizzle but apart they are broken.
Sebastian is an addiction she finds hard to shake and despite a desire to protect herself from the unknown, the sexual force between them is too great to ignore. After much persuasion she agrees to finish their month of passion together. He makes her feel like no other man has, her body craving his touch and her mind his unending friendship. Seb continues to take her to towering heights of pleasure but such desirable highs can come at a price.
Forces out of their control are out to wreak havoc and gain revenge with tragic consequences and all the while, Lucia has this feeling that she is being watched, by another…
...
THE ONE ADDICTED is the perfect read for lovers of the internationally renowned This Man series from Jodi Ellen Malpas & Sylvia Day's Crossfire series.
About the Author
ALEXANDRA NORTH...
... is an Indie author of romance and erotic romance. She lives in the rambling lush hills of Yorkshire, UK with her swoon-worthy husband, two children and two guinea pigs Barry & Boris. She admits quite openly to being 'a hopeless romantic with a dirty mind' and when not writing, works as a Graphic Designer & Illustrator, something she's done for the past 20 years.
Other 'broom up the bottom' jobs include; mum's taxi, cooking and cleaning, cake baking, family therapist and complaints letter writer, for all and sundry - she's the one who won't take no for an answer! In between everyday life's tasks, she tries to lose herself with her secret lover 'monsieur kindle'- sssh... don't tell Mr. North.
Writing was always a hobby and took a back seat to University, work, parenthood and unfortunately later, chronic long-term illness. One day she woke and thought 'life's too short - I'm going to finish that blummin book!'
She now devotes her time to writing love stories full of humour and naughtiness. When she isn't manically typing away or trying to be the model wife and mum, Alexandra can be found shoe shopping (shoes are her weakness), cosying up with back-to-back TV series and enjoying her very own Sebastian Silver.
Find her at Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Book One
The One Awakened
Synopsis 
It began a decade ago with a spilt drink and a missed opportunity amongst two people destined to be together. Now ten years on, sexually frustrated Lucia Myers is seeing her friend as though it were the first time…
Everything changed that Tuesday night when Lucia Myer’s millionaire best friend Sebastian Silver returned home after months working abroad. She took one look at his spine-tingling face and in that moment he stole her breath away, for the second time in a decade…
As a single-mother, her priorities have changed; the only man in he life is her 3year old son Finn. Encouraged by her girlfriends she’s begun to date, but now, staring at Seb with fresh eyes - his appearance suddenly unfamiliar to her and physique making her mouth water; Lu decides that he should be the one to encourage her inner wantonness. What were friends for - if not to help when one was in need?
She forms a plan… a proposition of sorts; one night of pleasure, I’m open to anything, with no ties - the text reads. It couldn’t have been simpler.
She wants to be awakened by someone she can truly trust; one with a skilled repertoire with the ladies and one who will never want more from her – cue Sebastian - the ultimate alpha player!
Sebastian accepts her offer, but only on his terms, introducing rules that she must adhere to. He decides where, when, and that one night would not be enough to truly take Lucia to new heights and show her how it should be really be done! One month it is then…
The heat between them is scorching; the constant fight for control undeniable, as they struggle between the blurred lines of the term ‘mates’. Together they sizzle, but apart they are broken. They must become strangers, and forget their friendship to become lovers, for Lucia to fulfill her desires and for Sebastian to awaken her in a way no other man has achieved.
Soon their time will come to an end; can they ever go back to just being friends?
Forces from their past and present try to destroy their future and all the while, Lucia has this feeling that she is being watched, by another…
The One awakened is romantic, seductive, witty, full of angst, and will make you wish you had your very own Sebastian Silver to proposition.
Purchase Links
Amazon UK
Amazon USA
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Blog Tour for December Rain
Title: December Rain
Author: A.L. Goulden
Release date: November 25th, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Book Description:
Monica and Alex Waters have spent that last few months working to repair a broken marriage and rekindle their passion. Just as they start finding their spark, Quinn Matthews and his escalating career resurfaces, but this time Alex makes the decision to let Monica go.
The devastation of losing her high school sweetheart, her home, and even her dog twists Monica down a destructive path that alienates her from her closest friends and lands her on Quinn’s couch. Despite her efforts to resist jumping into his arms again, the spark between them reignites and sweeps her away on a whirlwind holiday adventure. She finds that falling in love with Quinn’s family and lifestyle is as easy as falling for his ocean colored eyes. The problem is that it’s all too easy, and when she sees that Quinn’s reinvented life has completely shifted towards her dreams, she starts to question whether he’s too good to be true.
Quinn has a secret that was never meant to be kept this long, but will Monica be able to trust another man who’s lied? And now that Quinn’s got his happily ever after in sight, he’s not about to let her go or share her with another man.
Book Excerpt:
“How you feeling?” Quinn asks, turning to a dining area where he pulls out a chair and motions for her to sit. Two place settings wait at the square metal and glass table. He grabs a pitcher of orange juice when she starts to move and pours for both of them.
“Better than I deserve.” She sits with her head hung low, avoiding his face. There’s a full outdoor kitchen to the side of the stairs where Quinn reaches into a stainless warming drawer. Wow. “Was this deck already like this when you moved in?” Shit. I wasn’t gonna bring up the house.
“No. A friend of a friend designed it and fast-tracked the job for me. They just finished a couple weeks ago.” He sets a plate in front of her with a spinach and goat cheese scramble and rosemary potatoes.
Oh wow… What’s he trying to do? “You didn’t have to do all this?” she sighs.
“I was making it for me too. Not a big deal.”
He sets down a plate for himself along with a bowl of fruit to share and the memories of their breakfasts back in LA flood in. I’m really not ready for this. Oh my god, these potatoes smell so good. “This is amazing.” Amazing doesn’t really cover it. She looks around overwhelmed by the drastic change in his lifestyle in such a quick time. He’s gotta be blowing all of his money, and getting into some serious debt.
“I’m really happy with it,” he says. Just wish you were here with me every morning… Quinn shakes his thoughts and grabs the sourdough from the toaster. “So how much do you remember?” He settles into his chair and spreads butter as casually as he can manage.
Ugh. “Most of it, unfortunately. Definitely racking up the worst days of my life lately.”
Oh. He sighs. It doesn’t have to be. “I’m sorry to hear that.” His voice cracks a bit as he takes a bite.
They continue in silence for a few minutes as the tension builds.
How can this robe be too warm up here? It’s probably not even 55 degrees outside. She looks around and notices a red glow coming from various areas behind the horizontal slats. Heat? There’s a heat lamp built into the canopy over the kitchen as well. He has outdoor heat?
Quinn chews with frustration, his fork hitting the plate harder with each bite. Say something! Seriously. Why won’t she let us be happy? Gotta be the most frustrating woman on the planet… and I pick her. Typical! He drops his knife causing her to jump. “Sorry,” he says. I wish she’d take off those stupid sunglasses so I can see her.
Jeez. What’s his problem? He seems mad. Join the club and get in line! Monica starts scooping all the pineapple out of the fruit bowl.
Seriously? She’s only gonna eat the pineapple? Whatever. Always gotta be difficult. He shakes his head and waits to retrieve the strawberries and mango left in the bowl.
They continue eating without conversation, but the clamber of utensils and glasses slamming gets louder and louder.
“Can you call me a cab?” Monica starts to get up.
“Seriously? That’s it?” Staring at his reflection in her sunglasses only pisses him off more.
“What do you expect from me? I didn’t ask you to bring me here! In fact… I remember screaming that I didn’t want to leave with you!”
“Did you think we’d let you leave with Jack?”
“It’s not your business who I would have left with!”
“Why are you acting like I did something to you? You left me! You ended us. And I respected your decision and disappeared.”
“Really? Cause I could’ve sworn you were in Maui!”
“How was I supposed to know you’d be there? And come into my gallery? What, you got dibs on the whole island?”
“Yours? You own the gallery?” She shakes her head not caring for an answer. “That’s what made him finally decide to end it.”
Quinn stills remembering Alex’s pain filled face. “So you blame me for Alex leaving?”
About the Author:
I'm a designer, author, wife and dog-lover living in the South Pasadena area of California. I got my BFA in Film Production from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, but my love of a good story came way before college. I remember writing my first full story in fifth grade on a typewriter. I cut and pasted it into a book, complete with cardboard cover and taped binding. Things have changed a lot since then. With the magnificent digital age I can produce books and give them to the world without a sticky mess.
In college numerous instructors and peers praised my dialogue pushed me to hone my storytelling skills. Of course the need to cut and paste was still there, so I went into the world of Production Design and Art Direction for films and television. It gave me the ability to connect design to storytelling in a way that no other career can. The past 18 years have spun a unique perspective on visually emotional tales of relationships and the thread that ties all things together. Now I’m shifting focus on the driving force thatn brought me here… stories. I hope that I can share a unique perspective on life, love and the pursuit in all of the above.
Official Website: http://www.author-algoulden.com/
Giveaway
Prize: 5 USD Amazon Gift Card
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Tour Schedule
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Release Blitz for Snare
Title: SNARE (Delirious, #1)
Author: Clarissa Wild
Release Date: November 25, 2014
Genre: Dark Romance
Blurb
His secrets will destroy her. Taken. Humiliated. Used. With his smart mouth, dirty talking, and possessive behavior, Sebastian Brand has me hooked in the most shameless way. I’m obsessed with him. However, now that I’ve escaped the mental hospital, he seeks to control my every move. The overwhelming aloofness in his attitude and the darkness in his mind tells me there is more to this man than sheer dominance. Depravity is his playground and pain is a necessary evil. Keeping me away was his first instinct. Capturing me was his second. Claimed by a man with the exterior of an angel and the mind of a brute, I will do anything to unveil his secrets and face my own demons. A body in exchange for freedom. A heart in exchange for truth. Life is never a given. Only a certain death. This is Volume 1 in the Delirious Series, which contains 3 volumes and a prequel. This book is a full-length novel. These books should be read in order. WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, strong language, drugs and alcohol, dubious consent, and graphic violence. Contains a cliffhanger that will make your eyes pop.
SNARE (Delirious, #1)
AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY
SEEK (Delirious, #0.5) - FREE!
AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | KOBO | B&N | iBOOKS | GOOGLE PLAY
PRE ORDER SEIZE (Delirious, #2) for $2.99 (Will go up to $3.99 on Release Day)
AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY
About the Author
Twitter | Goodreads | Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Mailing List | Fan Club
Clarissa Wild is the USA Today Bestselling author of FIERCE, a college romance series, but she's best known for the dark Romance novel Mr. X. She is also a writer of erotic romance such as the Blissful Series, The Billionaire's Bet series, the Doing It Series and the Enflamed Series. She is an avid reader and writer of sexy stories about hot men and feisty women. Her other loves include her furry cat friend and learning about different cultures. In her free time she enjoys watching all sorts of movies, reading tons of books and cooking her favorite meals. Check out my sexy books: http://smarturl.it/clarissawildbooksGiveaway
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