Friday, January 31, 2014

January Update at Thoughts


I've decided to do monthly updates instead of weekly updates here at Thoughts. So here's a racap of the month of January for you.


~*Reviews*~

TOTAL: 7

Entwine by Rebecca Berto
The Almost Girl by Amalie Howard
Layers Deep by Lacey Silks
Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert
Wicked Heat by Nicola Marsh
Sweet Victory by Ember Casey
Allegiant by Veronica Roth

~*Books Finished*~


TOTAL: 6

Only In Vegas by Lindsey Brookes
Addicted for Now (Addicted, #2) by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Asking for Trouble (Line of Duty, #4) by Tessa Bailey
Love the One You're With (Sex, Love & Stiletto #2) by Lauren Layne
Sleepless in Las Vegas by Colleen Collins

As You Turn Away (The Walker Boys #1) by Molli Moran

~*Tours/Blasts/Reveals*~

Cover Reveal: As You Turn Away by Molli Moran
Book Blitz: Where Life Takes You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Cover Reveal: Almost Broken Up by A.O. Peart
Book Blitz: Forever Loved by Deanna Roy  
Book Blitz: Layers Peeled by Lacey Silks
Book Blitz: All I Ever Wanted: An Abbott Springs Anthology
Cover Reveal: Ringer C.J. Duggan
Cover Reveal: Here All Along by Lilly Avalon
Waiting On Wednesday (17): Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

~*Otherwise*~

Life starts now.
Stacking The Shelves #21: December Edition

~*As for me...*~

Well, not too much to report. I spend most of January INDOORS for two reasons: #1. The weather has been absolutely horrible in Ohio, and #2. I was sick for two weeks. Which, the weather did not assist in me getting better faster. The cold I can handle as long as I can be indoors most of the time and be well stocked on food and necessities. It's when I have to DRIVE on the icy roads that it is a problem. We had, I think, three days under a Level 3 Snow Emergency. Unfortunately, since I work in the medical field, I can't just say, "Sorry, not allowed to be on the road." I am expected to show up. Le sigh. But, what was nice is that two of my coworkers with better vehicles than mine were able to pick me up and take me home that week. I don't know what I would have done without them!

I've been making more of an effort to write since the new year started. I try to write at least a little bit every day, and I think I have been able to do that. Maybe not "sit down and write" kind of write, but I'm always thinking about my stories and coming up with new ideas to actually "sit down and write" out in their entirety later. So, I'd say it's been a good month when it comes to writing. ^_^


Hopefully everyone has had a great January and here's to a great February!!

Jessica

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Title: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Published: October 22nd 2013
Source: Purchased
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

My Thoughts:

Okay, you guys, here goes nothing. *deep breath* After devouring Insurgent when it was released, I couldn't wait to see how it was all going to end. I was super stoked, like SUPER stoked, because I loved how the Divergent series was. It's the one that had me the most captivated of all the series I've gotten into. When the final book came out, I had to get it. Even though so many people were giving mixed reviews (mostly negative), I crossed my fingers that I wouldn't want to throw the book out the window.

Unfortunately, crossing my fingers didn't prevent this.

*heavy sigh* Anyone who has read the book will know all the reasons why it fell short of being amazing. I won't get all spoiler-y, because I don't like to when I'm able to. The bottom line, for me, is that the story just wasn't well-developed, it was sloppy, and nothing seemed to lead to anywhere definitive. The world was a hot mess, and the relationship between Tris and Tobias was a downhill battle with very few positive plateaus. It was nice to read from both of their POVs, but I would start reading a new chapter and sometimes have to check to see whether it was Tris or Tobias. And the very end? Yep. Book. Out. Window.

I gave Allegiant two stars (on Goodreads) because it didn't suck entirely. If it didn't end the way it did, I may have given it three, but even THAT is iffy. I get why Veronica Roth ended it the way she did, I really do; it fits personality profiles and whatnot, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. It would have just been nice to have a decent ending to a trilogy and not have it end poorly for once.

My Rating:

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (17): Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we get to let everyone know about what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. WoW is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine.


This week I'm waiting on...


Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Back in November of 2012, Marie and I hosted a read-along for Scarlet, which was AWESOME. Our lovely reward for it was finding out it was going to be a trilogy. TRILOGY! Woohoo! So I am certainly excited for this. I let my RL friend Rebecca borrow Scarlet from me (she loves Robin Hood everything) and she loved it as much as I did. Now the two of us are anxiously awaiting Lady Thief so we can both read it ASAP because we must know what happens next.

Lady Thief will be released on February 11th.

What are YOU waiting on?

Jessica

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Review: Sweet Victory by Ember Casey

Title: Sweet Victory
Author: Ember Casey
Published: November 19th 2013
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

One night. One game. One wicked experience they’ll never forget…

It’s Lily and Calder’s first night in their new apartment—and Calder proposes a steamy showdown that’s certain to leave both of them breathless. In a challenge like this, things are sure to get heated—but neither of them can be prepared for the surprises that await them as their ultimate game unfolds…

My Thoughts:

Ah! More of Lily and Calder? Oh yes! I loved seeing them in this novella, it was a shorter story, but still just as good as the rest of the series.

Seeing them interact in one night, playing their little games again--I just can't get enough of Lily and Calder so everything was perfect. I was able to guess what was going to happen, but it didn't take away from the story for me in the slightest. I was pleased as punch to see the way it all came together in the end.

Sweet Victory was definitely a sweet victory for Ember Casey. She knew how to keep their story going just a little bit longer, enough so we didn't have to say goodbye yet, and not too much so as to frustrate us with unnecessary plotlines. So, it was awesome. The only thing I'm sad about is it's the last book of this series, but at least there will be more by Ember!

My Rating:

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Review: Wicked Heat by Nicola Marsh

Title: Wicked Heat
Author: Nicola Marsh
Published: September 2nd 2013
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
Competitors by day, lovers by night…

Allegra Wilks has had the worst month of her personal and professional life. To save her company, she must go on her would-be honeymoon and land the luxury eco-island resort’s lucrative advertising account. But when a lingerie mishap leads her into the arms of a wickedly distracting Australian, Allegra’s tempted to skip the trip and explore the most sensual kiss she’s ever experienced. Too bad their chance encounter at the airport is just that.

Having recently lost his company to his former best friend’s shady business tactics, Jett Alcott is headed to a South Pacific resort to secure an advertising account that will resurrect his reputation and career. Realizing the tantalizing Allegra Wilks is on his flight, Jett envisions a week filled with business and pleasure. But Jett doesn’t know Allegra’s fighting for the same account, or that there’s more at stake than his heart.

My Thoughts:

Another one of my random Nook purchases that I just can't help but get. When you see a book cover everywhere, sometimes it takes a lot of willpower to resist the temptation... not unlike the temptation Allegra faces when she meets Jett.

The story starts off quite amusing when they meet in the airport. Their banter, his teasing and kindness, and their first kiss. Well then. It's going to be very interesting when they find out the connection they have, isn't it? When Allegra discovers this, she doesn't say a word. This was supposed to be her honeymoon, she should be allowed to have fun, even if it is with the guy who's trying to steal away the business she needs. But will what they have just be fun when Jett finds out the truth?

Let me tell ya, Wicked Heat was very worth it. The back and forth, the battle for the account, the secrets, the romance? All so perfectly put together. I got my Nook out to write this review and I almost got so caught up rereading scenes I didn't finish the review! If this is how Nicola Marsh writes all her books, please sign me up for more.

My Rating:

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Cover Reveal: Here All Along by Lilly Avalon


Welcome to the cover reveal for Here All Along by Lilly Avalon!

~*~


Title: Here All Along
Author: Lilly Avalon
Publication: February 14th, 2014
Category: New Adult
Cover designed by: Marie Landry

Every time Hazel Bell goes on a date, she returns home unhappy and disenchanted about love. At least her best friend Adrian Williams is always there for her, even more so now that they're roommates. After both of them have a bad night out, they decide to just relax and forget the world for awhile. It's been a long time since they've been alone together. They certainly weren't counting on the close quarters bringing out hidden desires. Now it appears their platonic friendship is being put to the test—one that neither can resist. By the end of the night, will it be the end for Hazel and Adrian—or a new beginning?

Goodreads: 

~*~


~*~

About the author...
My name is Lilly Avalon and I write new adult and erotic romances. I’m in my twenties and live in a cute little apartment in a small city. I love reading romantic stories as much as I love writing them. My favorite things include dancing, watching scandalous television dramas, and autumn. Lilly Avalon is a pseudonym.

~*~

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Cover reveal organized by Grapevine Book Tours~

Jessica

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Review: Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert

Title: Wrong Bed, Right Guy
Author: Katee Robert
Published: July 20th 2012
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
Seducing Mr. Wrong has never felt so right...

Prim and proper art gallery coordinator Elle Walser is no good at seducing men. Heck, she’s been throwing hints at her boss for months, but he’s completely clueless. Desperate to escape her mother’s matchmaking efforts, she comes up with a plan—buy some lingerie and climb into her boss’s bed. The plan goes brilliantly…until she accidentally seduces a sexy stranger instead.

Bad boy nightclub mogul Gabe Schultz just had the best almost-sex of his life. Too bad the smoking hot blonde thought he was his brother and bolted before he could finish what they started. Though her holier-than-thou attitude puts a serious damper on his mood, Gabe’s never been one to give up on something he wants. And he wants Elle. But does a man who lives on the dark side really have a chance with a proper lady?

My Thoughts:

A case of mistaken identity and two people who are highly unlikely to fall in love? Yes, please! It started off with a bang, and I couldn't have asked for anything more hilarious and steamy. What was great is that there was a lovely story in addition to it.

Elle and Gabe are seemingly opposites, at least from Elle's point of view. She was a little full of herself, mostly due to her mother's attitude. As she got to know Gabe, she began to realize there was more to him than tattoos. It was a nice change for her sake, she learned how to make her own choices and I like to see characters break out of what they were told to do and make educated decisions themselves. Their romance was nicely developed, even if it took Elle awhile to grow up and give in to what she really wanted.

Wrong Bed, Right Guy is more than just a love story. There's a whole other aspect to it of growing as an adult and I really enjoyed that. Katee Robert can certainly write a very hot and realistic story. I am super excited to pick up another one of her novels very soon.

My Rating:


Monday, January 20, 2014

Cover Reveal: Ringer C.J. Duggan


Welcome to the cover reveal for Ringer by C.J. Duggan!

~*~


Ringer by C.J. Duggan
(Summer #3.5)
Publication date: April 2nd 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

“They say it’s the quiet ones you have to worry about, and she was quiet, very quiet—when she wasn’t busy despising me with a burning passion.”

Ringo ‘Ringer’ James has a no-strings-attached policy.

Love them, leave them, and remain the eternal bachelor.

After a summer in which every one of his mates has succumbed to settling down, or so it seemed, Ringer is on the lookout for a quick exit. Having had enough of the stomach-turning love fest witnessed over the past three months, Ringer jumps at the opportunity to help out his mate, Max, by heading to Max’s dad’s property for a working holiday.

It’s just what he’s looking for. A remote, dusty homestead in Ballan, with only hard work, a cold beer and a comfy bed to worry about – no women.

Until Miranda Henry.

The privately educated daughter of his boss has returned home from overseas and things are about to get very complicated, very fast. As summer draws to its end, Ringer is about to learn that sometimes attraction defies all logic, and that there really is such a thing as ‘enemies with benefits.’
Goodreads: 

~*~

About the author...
C.J Duggan is an Australian author who lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales, Australia.

The Boys of Summer is Book One in her Mature Young Adult Romance Series.

For more on C.J and ‘The Summer Series’, visit www.cjdugganbooks.com


~*~


Jessica

Friday, January 17, 2014

Book Blitz: All I Ever Wanted: An Abbott Springs Anthology


Welcome to the All I Ever Wanted Book Blitz!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


ALL I EVER WANTED, a new adult winter anthology

Winterfest is heating up in Abbott Springs...

As the town’s yearly festival kicks off, cold days turn into steamy nights, new flames will be ignited, and old romances will be rekindled.

All About Us by Marilyn Brant—All Sami Abbott ever wanted was permission to be herself. At home, she aims to be the perfect daughter but never measures up. At college, she’s the bold girl who had a one-night stand with sexy musician, Alex Hamilton. When he arrives unexpectedly in Abbott Springs, her worlds collide and she must reconcile the girl she tries to be with the person she really is.

All I Need by Caisey Quinn—All pink-haired rocker chick Everly Abbott thought she wanted was acceptance in her straight-laced hometown. But her best friend and bandmate Justin Cohen is about to show her that what she thinks she wants isn’t necessarily what she needs.

All for Love by Rhonda Helms—All Maya Monterey ever wanted was to belong. Happiest with the Abbott family, Maya’s been secretly in love with sexy pastry chef Oliver Abbott for years. With a flirty new look, she’ll pull out all the stops to get him to notice her. And if her plan fails, she’ll walk away from the only home she’s ever known—and Oliver—for good.

All or Nothing by Lexi Ryan—After years of placing the wrong bets, all Aubree Baxter wanted was someone to take a chance on her. Golden boy Kennedy Hale plays it safe in life and love, but to keep Bree in Abbott Springs, he’ll have to go all in.

**Limited time release week sale price of 99 cents!**

Print at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/All-Ever-Wanted-Springs-Anthology/dp/1494946068/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/All-Ever-Wanted-Rhonda-Helms-ebook/dp/B00HSNUBIS/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Ever-Wanted-Rhonda-Helms-ebook/dp/B00HSNUBISB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-i-ever-wanted-rhonda-helms/1118030951?ean=2940148313823
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/all-i-ever-wanted-12

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About the Authors:

Marilyn Brant is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of eight novels to date, writing in the genres of contemporary women's fiction, romantic comedy, and new adult/mystery. Recently, the Illinois Association of Teachers of English selected her as their 2013 Author of the Year. As a former teacher, library staff member, freelance magazine writer, and national book reviewer, Marilyn has spent much of her life lost in literature. Her books have been featured by the Doubleday Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, Literary Guild, BOMC2, and Rhapsody Book Club, and they've won awards such as the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart, the Booksellers' Best, and the Aspen Gold Reader's Choice. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her family, reads a lot of Jane Austen, and loves chocolate, old movies, and road trips with music blaring and the windows rolled down. Please visit her online at www.marilynbrant.com or find her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/marilyn.brant and Twitter @marilynbrant 
Caisey Quinn lives in a suburb outside of Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She wears cowgirl boots most of the time, even to church. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series and writes New and Young Adult books about country girls finding love in unexpected places. She can be found online at www.caiseyquinnwrites.com or on Twitter as @CaiseyQuinn where she spends entirely too much time chatting with readers, writers, and anyone who’s willing.
Rhonda Helms started writing novels several years ago and loves teen and New Adult romance. She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also freelance edits (visit rhondaedits.com to learn more about her services). When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat way too much cheese. Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family, dog, and a very loud cat. Visit her at rhondahelmsbooks.com for details about her and her books. You can also find her on twitter @rhelmsbooks or Facebook at facebook.com/rhondahelmsbooks.
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author, Lexi Ryan considers herself the luckiest chick she knows. Her books have been described as intense, emotional, and wickedly sexy. When not writing, she enjoys watching football, perfecting her chocolate martini, and reading her way to the title of Biggest Romance Fangirl Evah. A former college professor, her biggest fears include faculty meetings and large stacks of ungraded freshman composition papers. She now writes full-time from her home in Indiana, where she lives with her husband and two children and their neurotic dog. You can visit Lexi at her website www.lexiryan.com or find her on Twitter @writerlexiryan or Facebook at facebook.com/lexiryanauthor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Interview:

ALL I EVER WANTED is a winter anthology, complete with sledding races, spiked hot cocoa, and ice skating. Are you a winter lover?

Marilyn: I grew up in Wisconsin and now live in Illinois, so I’ve had to make peace with shoveling snow and scraping ice away every winter, LOL, but I can’t say I love the cold temps. I am very, very fond of hot cocoa (both spiked and unspiked), however, and I’ve always enjoyed ice skating and watching the Winter Olympics when they’re on.

Caisey: I love winter clothes, but the actual cold part, not so much!

Rhonda: For the most part, yes! But usually when I’m inside, sitting by a deliciously roaring fire. lol. I hate being super cold, but I do enjoy making snowmen, sled racing, and ice skating. I also like taking outdoor pictures.

Lexi: Maybe I’d say yes if it were a sweltering Indiana summer out my door right now, but instead it’s twelve inches of snow and negative windchills and I’m feeling like I really, really don’t like winter. But I sure don’t mind writing about it.

This anthology is really unique in that all the stories are connected and scenes from one story might appear in another. What was your favorite part about working on this anthology?

Marilyn: I loved the experience of getting to see a scene told in multiple viewpoints by our differing main characters. And it was fascinating to work so closely on a writing project with three authors whose stories I admire so much.

Caisey: Getting to see the many differences and similarities in each of our writing processes.

Rhonda: There was a community created by working so closely together that I’ve never experienced before. It really made me connected to my story and to the others. We were all vested in each other’s novellas, which I loved.

Lexi: We spent a weekend in Louisville to really nail down some of the continuity issues on the anthology. We worked a lot, but we also laughed more than I think I’ve ever laughed in my life. We writers spend an awful lot of time in solitude. It was wonderful to laugh with people who “get” the business like you do..

What was the most difficult part about putting it together?

Rhonda: Oh, all those nitpicky touches, the back-and-forth exchanges of scenes, then going over and over and over it all to make sure we didn’t mess up the timeline. FUN. lol

Marilyn: Yeah, Rhonda nailed it. There were a lot of details!

Caisey: What Rhonda said!

Lexi: To echo what Rhonda said...When we were in Louisville, we sat down at about 10am to start nailing down some of the details. We went page by page through each of our stories. “Oh, here your character says this.” “No, he wouldn’t change it quite like that. Change it
to this.” “What’s Maya wearing that night?” “How would Kennedy be acting at the opening address?” Yes! Tons of details! But it was worth it to create what I think is a really unique product.

Obviously, a love of new adult romance brought you four together for this anthology. Name two of your favorite NA reads.

Marilyn: Aside from Lexi’s, Caisey’s, and Rhonda’s stories, which are awesome, I’ve also really enjoyed The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski and Violet Duke’s Resisting the Bad Boy.

Caisey: Oh gosh. There are so many good ones it’s hard to pick just two! My two faves of 2013 were probably Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee and Break It Up by E.M. Tippetts.

Rhonda: Well, I love all of my fellow anthology authors’ works, lol. Seriously, they’re brilliant--make sure to check them out. But if we go beyond those, I also adored EASY by Tammara Webber and TANGLED by Emma Chase. So good!

Lexi: Oh, yes, I echo what everyone else said. Read them first! Obviously we enjoy each other’s work and that’s why we decided to do this together. After them, definitely EASY by Tammara Webber and ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND (well, the whole series) by Monica Murphy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giveaway:

(Open internationally):
--4 Amazon/B&N $10 gift cards


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Jessica

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Book Blitz: Layers Peeled by Lacey Silks



Welcome to the Layers Peeled Book Blitz!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Layers Peeled by Lacey Silks
(Layers Trilogy #2)
Publication date: January 13th, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Adult, Romance

Allie is about to knock the wind out of Tristan with the biggest news of her life.

Tristan has a few surprises for Allie as well.

While the couple tries to deal with their predicament, ghosts from Allie’s past haunt her, slowly calculating the timing of their return.

Can Allie and Tristan peel away their protective layers? Fate has stacked a threat against them and if they don’t work together, trusting and sharing information, it may be too late.


Purchase:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About the Author:
Lacey is an Author of Erotic Romance. Her stories come from her life, dreams and fantasies. She’s a happily married wife with two kids. Lacey likes to make her readers blush and experience the story as if they were the characters. Drawing on the reader’s most sensitive emotions through realistic stories satisfies her more than… …ok not really, but you get the point;) She likes a pinkish shade on a woman’s cheeks, men with large feet and sexy lingerie-especially when it’s torn off the body. Her favorite piece of clothing is a ‘birthday suit’.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giveaway:

(Open internationally):
-- $25 Amazon gift card and an ecopy of Lacey's 3 volumes of short stories (that's 11 short stories) and Dazzled by Silver (prequel to the Layers Trilogy)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Jessica

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Review: Layers Deep by Lacey Silks

Title: Layers Deep
Author: Lacey Silks
Published: December 4th 2013
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
He needs her to save a friend.
She needs him to plan her revenge.
Their pasts scar them Layers Deep.
Their passion distracts them...
...and distractions can be fatal.

Tristan Cross is battling emotional demons from the past. He lives in a world where trust is earned, loyalties are tested, and love is impossible. That is, until he meets Allie Green. She’s the only woman who can help him find a kidnapped friend and to top it off, she captivates him. All he has to do now is persuade her to work for Cross Enterprises, his top investigations firm.

Allie Green is a rookie cop seeking revenge and she’s willing to sell her soul to get it. With an opportunity to use Tristan Cross's resources Allie calculates her time for payback. As vengeance boils her blood she can’t keep her mind off her new boss and Allie finds it difficult to keep her employment professional. With the mouth watering Tristan Cross distracting her, she struggles to prioritize an undercover job she’s been assigned and her hunger for revenge.

And when you’re ready to give up your life to save someone else, distractions can be fatal.

My Thoughts:

As I started this one, I just expected another romantic tale of intrigue. However in just the first part of the story, so much is revealed about the characters and their secrets. Then the emotions start--getting attached to Allie and Tristan. It just happens and before you know it, you're fully involved.

Now let's talk about the romance. Talk about a slow build full of sexual tension! It's impossible to not keep reading to see what happens next for Allie and Tristan. Aside from the spark and heat, there was more to their relationship--a mutual caring. And it didn't feel put on or happen after they jumped into anything. There was a mutual attraction that was immediate, but Tristan went the extra mile before anything further happened. Outside of them, they're facing their own demons--her with someone from the past who wronged her mother, and him with someone from his past that's in danger.

All I know is Lacey Silks created a very intricate story--one of romance and passion along with mystery and suspense. Layers Deep was beautifully played, and not only kept me on the edge of my seat, but also left me hanging and WISHING I had the next book Layers Peeled. Be prepared, because if you read the first book, you WILL want the second book immediately. I highly recommend this one.

My Rating:

Monday, January 13, 2014

Book Blitz: Forever Loved by Deanna Roy


Welcome to the Forever Loved book blitz!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Forever Loved by Deanna Roy
(The Forever Series #2)
Publication date: January 10th, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
The much-anticipated sequel to the bestselling new adult romance Forever Innocent.

When Gavin saves Corabelle from her plunge into the frigid waters of the Pacific, he knows her recovery from pneumonia is only the beginning of their journey. They share a difficult history — a teen pregnancy, a seven-day-old baby who died of a heart condition, and his decision four years ago to leave Corabelle behind and not look back.

But there are no secrets between them now. As Gavin and Corabelle build a new future together, they learn to trust each other again, falling back on that love they have shared since they were children.

But their past has one last shocking surprise, a revelation that will shake their tender bond and pierce the heart of Corabelle, who has just begun to believe that she truly is Gavin’s only forever love.

Forever Loved is the heart-wrenching conclusion to Corabelle and Gavin’s passionate story.


Purchase:
Book One -- Forever Innocent
On sale for 99 cents Jan. 12-24
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00FGHY0YO
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-innocent-deanna-roy/1116968528?ean=9781938150180

Book Two -- Forever Loved
Release Date, Jan. 10
On sale for $2.99 through January 31
(Buy links will go up Jan. 10)
http://www.amazon.com/Deanna-Roy/e/B005IXVMOM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About the Author:

Deanna Roy is a passionate advocate for women who have miscarried. She founded the web site www.pregnancyloss.info in 1998 after the loss of her first baby and continues to run both online and in-person support groups for women who have endured this impossible loss. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.

Learn more about the author at www.deannaroy.com. Join her mailing list for new releases and freebies at Deanna’s List.
Author links:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Guest Post:

On Writing Tear Jerkers
By Deanna Roy Author of The Forever Series

For my first 27 years, I was considered something of a Pollyanna — one of those bubbly ultra-optimistic people who spout platitudes about silver linings.

The first chink in my happy-armor becomes evident in the pictures from Christmas 1997. My then-husband and I had been trying to get pregnant since April, and I had envisioned that holiday as very different with a baby’s imminent arrival. But I had not made any progress at all, only a pile of negative home tests collecting in the bin.

I don’t even fake a smile. I’m just sort of there, my hair all twisted up in a knot, standing by a tree I felt forced to decorate.

I didn’t know that in this picture, I am actually a few days pregnant, and that I had no idea — really, no clue — what sorrow really was.

In the next five years I would see three babies die in various stages of pregnancy. I would also give birth to two daughters, both under stressful conditions that were a far cry from the happy moon-belly experiences we are sold in maternity magazines.

I was a writer long before I was a mother, and it was a natural fit to chronicle my experiences. As I became more involved in the baby loss community, I heard many more stories, and so often I would think — I could not have survived that.

But survive we do, and I think when choosing a tear-jerker book, it’s that same catharsis at the end. If you have endured a lot in your life, you can think to yourself — I understand what this character went through. You feel camaraderie, a connection with a fellow traveler. If the book takes you someplace darker than you’ve ever been, you can feel as though you have been lucky, that life has smiled on you. Either way, you leave the book feeling a little differently about your own existence.

I knew that the first book in my series, Forever Innocent, was going to wreck people. It’s hard to imagine how it feels to disconnect the ventilator from a seven-day-old baby, but this book takes you right there.

With the second book, Forever Loved, I hope to step a little bit away from the tragedy and focus on the healing. Early readers say you cry just as much, but for a different reason. Watching two people take a bad situation and turn it around is a different form of emotional release.

I am so grateful to have had so many companions on my journey. If you are a baby loss mom, you can meet them at A Place for Our Angels. Book fans can chatter at the Facebook Page for the series or on Goodreads. If you want to read excerpts as I write my books, join the mailing list.

I know now all our lives will include some sorrow. I hope that yours finds joy in equal measure.

Deanna

Forever Innocent, the first book of the series, is 99 cents through Jan. 24. The conclusion to the heart-wrenching story, Forever Loved, just arrived Jan. 10.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giveaway:

(Open internationally):
--A $50 gift card and a butterfly box full of books and swag.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Jessica

Friday, January 10, 2014

Cover Reveal: Almost Broken Up by A.O. Peart


Welcome to the cover reveal for Almost Broken Up by A.O. Peart!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Almost Broken Up by A.O. Peart
(Almost Bad Boys #2)
Publication date: January 13th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, New Adult

The terrors of Colin’s past are revealed and accepted by Natalie. Her doubts about letting him into her life are finally disbanded and replaced by a sense of security and commitment. But Natalie doesn’t know that Colin’s past hides more dark secrets unknown even to him.

When a delusional psychopath threatens Colin’s life, things quickly become complicated. Natalie’s stubborn character and desire to kick ass won’t let her step aside and allow the authorities to handle the danger. She gets herself tangled up with street hoodlums, befriends a Russian mobster’s high-maintenance girlfriend, and becomes expert at picking locks and hiding evidence.

Disclaimer: This contemporary romantic comedy/mystery blends humor and sensuality with enough thriller elements to make you clutch the pages with terror. The offbeat characters and witty dialogue from Almost Matched are here to stay.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About the Author:

Angela Orlowski-Peart is the author of the Young Adult and New Adult fiction novels, including YA paranormal/urban fantasy romantic thriller series, Forged. Angela writes in multiple YA and NA genres, including paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy, contemporary, sci-fi, and short stories.
She was born and raised in Poland. She now lives in the Seattle area with her family and a chronically curious cat.
Angela describes herself as European born, American by choice.

Find Angela here:
https://www.angelapeart.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAngelaOrlowskiPeart
https://twitter.com/#!/Angela_Peart
https://plus.google.com/u/0/up/search#104353393440599372773/posts
http://pinterest.com/angelapeart/

Buy her books here:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Jessica

Book Blitz: Where Life Takes You by Claudia Y. Burgoa


Welcome to the Where Life Takes You book blitz!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Where Life Takes You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Publication date: July 31st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Becca Trent lived her childhood next to a cruel woman—her mom—who lived to torment and neglect her. During her high school years, her mother married; bringing home not only a new husband, but a step sister her same age. The latter took over her Mom’s role—making Becca’s life miserable. Including stealing Ian—Becca’s best friend and boyfriend—Lisa treated her worse than her mother had for the previous fifteen years. A couple of years later, things ended up in tragedy.

Becca buried that part of her life in the deep corners of her psyche, but that only work during the days when the nightmares didn’t come back to haunt her. Her best friend, Dan gives her that family love she always lacked. Everything was close to perfect, until everything and everyone from her past came back. Now, she’s trying to figure out how to survive and keep that bond which seems now to be held together by a thread.

Note: This is the first part of a two book novel.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

About the author:

Claudia lives in Colorado with her family and three dogs. Two beagles who believe they are human, and a bichon who thinks she’s a beagle. While managing life, she works as a CFO at a small IT Company. She’s a dreamer who enjoys music, laughter and a good story.
Author Links:

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt:

The shiny doors opened to our floor, and I spotted his tall, well-built figure at once. He leaned against the door frame. His gray eyes smiled at me. His damp hair meant he hadn’t arrived long ago, and he wore a pair of worn-out jeans and a black t-shirt—his lazy day uniform. In another world, I would’ve pulled on a pair of sweats and joined him for the rest of the week. “Hi, Dan.” Smiling at the sight, i walked into his open arms. The soapy fresh smell, combined with his musky natural scent, welcomed me. “You came back early.” He nodded, and kissed the top of my head.

Dan pushed the front door open, and we walked into his penthouse. I took my heels off and left them inside the foyer closet, next to his fancy loafers. He linked our fingers together and pulled me to the kitchen, where a few Chinese cartons sat on the counter. He’d ordered my favorite—shrimp with cashew nuts. Dan snagged Mongolian beef for himself, and a cold bottle of water for me from the sub-Zero.

I loved his kitchen. We spent hours here, talking about every- thing, and nothing—never a dull moment with us. Life was better, easier, when we shared our time and hid inside our little bubble. For him, it was being away from work, and the press, and everyone who wanted a piece of Daniel E. Brightmore—or his money. For me… the bubble was tranquility, safety. Reality stayed far away from us.

Dan talked business. The Belgium purchase, which helped with the European expansion of the Brightmore Empire’s food division. Before he continued the conversation, he stood up,

walked towards the fridge, and pulled out a box. “For my princess.” He handed me a box full of Belgium chocolates. I stood up and jumped into his arms.

“I adore you.” I kissed his cheek before he placed me back into the floor.

“I know.” He answered cockily. Then, while we continued eating our dinner, Dan talked about Brightmore Limited and the merges he planned.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Giveaway:

(Open internationally) --Kindle HD 7”
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



Jessica

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Review: The Almost Girl by Amalie Howard

Title: The Almost Girl
Author: Amalie Howard
Published: January 7th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers
Seventeen-year-old Riven is as tough as they come. Coming from a world ravaged by a devastating android war, she has to be. There’s no room for softness, no room for emotion, no room for mistakes. A Legion General, she is the right hand of the young Prince of Neospes, a parallel universe to Earth. In Neospes, she has everything: rank, responsibility and respect. But when Prince Cale sends her away to find his long-lost brother, Caden, who has been spirited back to modern day Earth, Riven finds herself in uncharted territory.

Thrown out of her comfort zone but with the mindset of a soldier, Riven has to learn how to be a girl in a realm that is the opposite of what she knows. Riven isn’t prepared for the beauty of a world that is unlike her own in so many ways. Nor is she prepared to feel something more than indifference for the very target she seeks. Caden is nothing like Cale, but he makes something in her come alive, igniting a spark deep down that goes against every cell in her body. For the first time in her life, Riven isn’t sure about her purpose, about her calling. Torn between duty and desire, she must decide whether Caden is simply a target or whether he is something more.

Faced with hideous reanimated Vector soldiers from her own world with agendas of their own, as well as an unexpected reunion with a sister who despises her, it is a race against time to bring Caden back to Neospes. But things aren’t always as they seem, and Riven will have to search for truth. Family betrayals and royal coups are only the tip of the iceberg. Will Riven be able to find the strength to defy her very nature? Or will she become the monstrous soldier she was designed to be?

My Thoughts:

It's been awhile since I've been interested in a new dystopian YA novel. I don't even know what it was that attracted me to this one. Maybe it was in the synopsis, or the loveliness of the cover. Either way, it was a nice change of pace for me, and it reminded me of when I first started to love YA.

Riven was my kind of girl: very strong, not just in action but also on the inside. While there was romance, which I'll get to in a second, there was a lot more when it comes to the world and the characters that kept the story together. The depth of the world was difficult for me to follow, but written well. It had me wanting to punch people, but that always happens in dystopias, right? But, let's talk about Caden. Sweet Caden. It's funny, I always have to have some sort of romantic element to keep me tied into books like this. Otherwise I get bored. I like feeling the romantic tension between the characters, and that was definitely there between Riven and Caden. Oh man... the kiss. THE KISS. Wow.

The Almost Girl was a pretty good read. Riven is someone you want to be, and Caden is someone you want to love. Amalie Howard has written a very intriguing dystopian tale. It's nice to get back to my YA roots and I'm glad I picked this one up.

My Rating:

Monday, January 6, 2014

Review: Entwine by Rebecca Berto

Title: Entwine
Author: Rebeca Berto
Published: November 25th 2013
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Sarah Langham’s life was the epitome of normal until her dad slept with another woman when she was sixteen. It ripped her family apart.

Twenty-two-year-old Sarah has it together, though.

Waiting at the train station to go home from her first day of her first proper job out of university, she spots a man.

He is an enigma to her. She’s drawn to him, with his square jaw; buzz of hair; and his tall, solid frame, seen under the contours of his business suit. And he’s been looking at her, too. Fate pulls them together that night on a whirlwind date, exceeding anything Sarah’s experienced before. He’s even more into her than she’s into him. Finally, she wants to trust a guy for the first time since she was sixteen.

But then they discover something.

Something that meant they were never two strangers at a train station.

And it threatens to tear their future apart before it, really, ever begins.

My Thoughts:

The mysteriousness of this one led me to requesting it. It seemed like it would be one of those easy to read yet deeper kind of novels. And it was a lot like that.

When Sarah and Malik meet, you can feel the same pull they do. So as things develop for them, you're invested in their relationship despite how fast it happens. You find out early on what connects them, and when it's discovered, that's when it gets interesting. It wasn't what I was expecting before picking it up, but as I was reading, I had a feeling this was where it was leading. It does really add to the intensity of the story, although there were times I wasn't feeling it, especially when some of the discovery leads to certain events happening. While I did get a little frustrated, I was still very interested in finding out what happens next for Sarah and Malik, and everyone else.

Entwine turned out to be as intriguing as the synopsis made it sound. The romance between Sarah and Malik sizzles, and you're rooting for them to press on through the troubles. Rebecca Berto is very good at creating a story line that catches you and doesn't let go. I look forward to checking out other novels of hers!

My Rating: