Review: The Ever After of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

The day Ella has waited for is just around the corner. It's the day she'll marry Micha, the love of her life, the light that guided her out of the darkness. It looks like it will be the perfect Christmas-until an unexpected package arrives with a harsh reminder of Ella's past. Suddenly Ella doesn't feel as confident about her future. Can she really have a "happily-ever-after" if she's never even seen one?

Micha will stand by Ella no matter what she's going through-though he worries that she might leave him standing at the altar again. When he's offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tour with his favorite bands for three months, Micha knows he can't leave Ella behind. But can he ask her to uproot her life to join him on the road?

Now Ella and Micha must find a way to balance their fears, their dreams, and their love . . . if they ever want to hear wedding bells.

Maybe I am just over Ella and Micha, I’m not sure, but I never thought the day would come when I didn’t thoroughly enjoy a Jessica Sorensen book. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this book to a certain extent, but I don’t feel that it was needed. I think we could have had a novella and been through with it.

Ella and Micha helped me to fall deeper in love with the works of Sorensen, but after reading this book I think I am over my love with the couple. Ella kind of got on my nerves with her insecurities. I know she is insecure, I got that from the other books, but I really needed for her to get over it in this book. Micha almost became a pushover to her insecurities. He doesn’t care what she does as long as they are together. That gets a little old. Man up Micha!

Even though the characters annoyed me a bit, this book was still kinda needed. I am happy that we finally get the HEA that Ella and Micha deserve; I just think it could have been done with a novella and in the end of Lila and Ethan’s book. Take out the flash backs and only give us the present day moving toward the wedding and I think it would have been a lot better.

Don’t hate me Jessica…I still love you J

3.5 stars

Tour Stop: Perfect Lie by Teresa Mummert

Sometimes love burns so hot in your veins that it consumes all rational thought.
 
That's why Brock and I never had a chance. I had to start my life over. College was my chance to become someone new. I changed everything about myself to fit in, but one person saw through my facade.

The attraction between Abel and I was undeniable, but I still hadn't healed from the painful secret I carried around with me. Abel struggled to get me to face my past in order to move forward. In doing so, he revealed a secret of his own; one that changed everything I thought I knew.
A secret that would bring Brock back into my life and force me to face the truth of what really happened the day I lost him.

Purchase Links:
Amazon:http://bit.ly/PerfectLieAmazon

Barnes & Noble:http://bit.ly/PerfectLieBN

Kobo:http://bit.ly/PerfectLieKobo

Smashwords: will send when live

iTunes: will send when live

Review:
I have been a Teresa Mummert fan since I read her Undying Love Series and fell in love with her writing. With each book she continues to blow my mind. I have no words right now to describe the raw twisting emotion that this book evoked in me.

Lie (Delilah) is keeping a secret. She's living a lie. She's trying to be someone she's not to fit in, to escape her past, to hide from the demons that haunt her. She struggles daily trying to fit in, but not give too much away. She desperately wants to be that girl, the one that everybody likes, that grabs life by the balls and doesn't care what anyone else thinks.

Then she meets Abel and by the way I think he is my favorite of all the male characters running around in Teresa Mummerts head. He too puts on a good front. When he's around Lie, he lets the mask slip and she sees the real him, but in front of everyone else he is a cocky asshole. He knows how to push all of Lie's buttons and as hard as she fights the pull of their chemistry keeps bringing them back together.

Abel knows she has a secret and he will do anything to get her to own up to it, to let go of the pain in her eyes. 5 Stars, 5 fan freaking tastic stars for this soul shattering read. This book was so well written that I never new what to expect from page to page. Usually you can kind of tell what's going to happen, but with this one it was like I was on the edge of a cliff not knowing if I would sink or swim. I highly recommend this book as with all of her books, you will not be disappointed.


Author Bio:
"I was a Russian spy at the ripe age of thirteen, given my uncanny ability to tell if someone was lying ( I also read fortunes on the weekends). By sixteen I had become too much of a handful for the Lethal Intelligence Ensemble (L.I.E.). I was quickly exiled to the south of France where I worked with wayward elephants in the Circus of Roaming Animals and People (C.R.A.P.). I was able to make ends meet by selling my organs on the black market for pocket change and beer money. At the age of twenty three I decided to expand my horizons and become a blackjack dealer in Ireland. I loved the family atmosphere at Barney's Underground Liquor Lounge (B.U.L.L.). People couldn't resist the allure of Liquor up front and poker in the rear. Eventually I became tired of the rear and headed off to the United States to try my hand at tall tales. That is what brings us here today. If you have a moment I'd like to tell you a story.

(This bio is not to be taken seriously under any circumstance.)

Teresa Mummert is an army wife and mother whose passion in life is writing. She is the author of the New York Times and USA Todaybestselling novels White Trash Beautiful and Suicide Note. Born in Pennsylvania, she lived a small town life before following her husband's military career to Louisiana and Georgia. Check out her website for samples and updates! TeresaMummert.com"
 
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeresaMummert

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeresaMummert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5214793.Teresa_Mummert

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teresa-Mummert/e/B005ZSVJMA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1386381916&sr=8-2-ent

Giveaway:
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Tour Stop: Broken Dove (Fantasyland Series) by Kristen Ashley

Far too young, Apollo Ulfr lost Ilsa, his wife, the love of his life and the mother of his two children. The grief of her loss does not settle in his soul, it solders to it. But when he discovers there is a parallel universe where his wife may have a twin, he feels there's hope and sets about bringing her to his world so he can have her back.

But Ilsa Ulfr of our world is married to the parallel universe's twin, Pol, who is not a good man. Not in any way. She's on the run from him and the last thing she wants is to be transported to a fantastical world and be forced to take his side as his wife, even if he is not Pol. And Apollo finds the broken, bitter Ilsa nothing like his beloved and he further wants nothing to do with her.

But darkness is looming and evil is amassing. Apollo must protect his land and keep his family safe, including the new Ilsa.


Buy Links:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Fantasyland-Series-Kristen-Ashley-ebook/dp/B00HAOB9ZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387472806&sr=8-1&keywords=kristen+ashley+broken+dove

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/387782


Review:
I can't believe I've never read a book from this series before, I have truly been missing out! As soon as this review is written I'm diving in to read the rest of the series. This is truly a 5 Star read for me. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get into the story because of the fantasy realm, but let me tell you that was not a problem at all! I was like a kid in the candy store reading this book, I couldn't read it fast enough.

I love that Ilsa is strong and protects the ones she loves. She eases into the fantasy realm with an open mind and embraces everything. She doesn't give up when she makes up her mind about something or someone. Apollo is every woman's romantic fantasy. He is all alpha male and stubborn. When he says something he means it and yea like most men he speaks before he thinks so he ends up regretting a few things.

Ilsa is swept away by a man that looks like her husband and yet he doesn't. They have the same face but the new Pol is dressed funny and he is all muscle and the kindness in his eyes makes her heart skip a beat. She wakes up in a new land where she doesn't know anyone except the man that looks like the husband she is trying to escape. The new Pol promises to protect her and keep her safe, but Ilsa doesn't know if she can trust that face. Apollo soon realizes that this Ilsa is nothing like his late wife and suddenly he can't do it, he can't be around her, but being the good man he is, he promises to keep her safe. When dark forces join together and threaten everything, Apollo and Ilsa must depend on each other to stay alive.

Kristen Ashley Social Links:
Twitter: twitter.com/kristenashley68

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Ashley/83283039199

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2958084.Kristen_Ashley

Promo: Sempre Redemption by J.M. Darhower

 

Book Synopsis:

In this thrilling and sexy follow-up to Sempre, two young lovers struggle to keep their relationship intact after they become deeply enmeshed in the dangerous mafia-run crime ring they once tried to overthrow.

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco have been through a lot. Haven was taken in by Carmine’s father, and with his family’s help, she escaped a gruesome fate. However, saving Haven from the dark intentions of a mafia family cost Carmine a steep price: he was forced to swear loyalty to them.

Now, still passionately in love, Carmine and Haven must face the fall-out of Carmine’s forced service, as Haven discovers terrifying secrets about the family that enslaved both her and her mother—and why she matters so much in this intricate web of lies. 

About the Author:

JM Darhower is the author of countless stories and poems, most of which only she has ever read. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn't writing (or fangirling about books) she's usually ranting about those things.

 

Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can usually always find her there.  

 

Excerpt:

Carmine sat in his usual chair in the library, casually strumming his guitar. A sliver of light filtered in from the large window, illuminating his somber expression in the darkness. She called his name but he remained still, continuing to pluck at the strings almost as if he hadn’t heard her. She took a step toward him and was about to say his name again when he let out a long, deep sigh. “I had a dream.”

“Another nightmare?” she asked, walking over to him. He glanced up at her as his fingers stilled, the music stopping, but Haven barely noticed. She couldn’t focus on anything but the green eyes boring into her. Once so alive with passion, she saw nothing but deep sadness marring the bright color.

Carmine set the guitar aside and moved his legs to make room, motioning for her to join him. She climbed into his lap and he wrapped his arms around her.

“Not a nightmare this time,” he said. “It was a good dream.”

“What was it about?”

“You,” he said quietly. “You made a painting—some abstract shit, I don’t know—but it was so good they hung it in a museum and raved about how talented you were. It was like you were the next fucking Picasso, tesoro.”

She laughed. “I don’t even know how to paint, Carmine.”

“You could learn,” he said. “Would you want to?”

“Maybe, but I don’t know how good I’d be.”

“Oh, you’d be good,” he said confidently. “You shouldn’t doubt yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

“Except for play the piano,” she said playfully. “Or the guitar.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, for the sake of everyone’s ears, we ought to leave music to me, but the rest is all you. You can probably do all of that, you know. Draw, paint, sculpt shit into weird shapes and tell people it’s something it doesn’t look anything like. That takes talent.”

She smiled. “And you think I have that kind of talent?”

“Of course,” he said. “There’s gonna be no stopping you once you get started.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, a swell of emotion surging through her at his words. “It means a lot that you believe in me.”

“I’d be an idiot not to,” he said, kissing the top of her head.

 

Cover Reveal: Angel After Dark by Kahlen Aymes

 

Dr. Angeline Hemming is a beautiful, sassy, no-nonsense type of girl who has risen from a difficult past to become one of Chicago’s most successful and respected criminal profilers. In exchange for free commercials to promote her favorite charitable causes, Angel answers calls and gives relationship advice on a Friday night radio program.

Alexander Avery is a gorgeous and successful corporate genius who doesn’t believe in love. When his girlfriend-of-convenience calls into Angel’s program, he is furious with the show’s host who doles out (what he considers) blind advice, without knowing all the facts… and he decides to give her a piece of his mind, and his side of the story!

When Angel informs Alex he’s the one in need of a much-deserved lesson, all hell breaks loose as these two type-A personalities battle it out for control over minds and hearts, and yes, in bed. Not only are they fighting each other at every turn, but they are also struggling to uphold the convictions they each live by.

It’s unclear who is stronger, but both must discover that to get what they desperately want, they may have to give a little… or a lot.

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HCK1TZQ
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/389104

Giveaway:
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Review: Masquerade (Games Series # 3) by Nyrae Dawn

A biker. A tattoo artist. A love to last a lifetime.

Maddox Cross has always had to be tough. When his father went to jail for murder, the teenager took care of his sister and mother. Now on his own and working security at a night club, Maddox wants to become a tattoo artist-a dream that comes closer to reality when he falls for the hottest, most tatted woman he's ever seen. She's wild and beautiful, and Maddox will do anything to be with her.

Bee Malone came to town to open up her new tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Since being kidnapped as a young girl, Bee has had trouble getting close to anyone. But when she meets Maddox, she sees that under his hard biker's body is the sensitive soul of an artist. What starts out as a sizzling one-night stand soon becomes so much more.

Bee wants Maddox to join her tattoo business, but letting him into her life means revealing all her most intimate secrets. And as the past begins to intertwine with her present, Bee fears their love may not be as permanent as their ink . . .


Expected Release Date: January 7, 2014

Amazon Pre-Order
Barnes & Noble Pre-Order
Goodreads

Review:
I freaking LOVE this lady!! Nyrae Dawn is on the list of my all time favorite authors. I've read almost all of her books and have loved them all, she keeps me coming back for more because I know she will never disappoint. I've loved every book in this series and I can't even say which book I like the best because they each have their own tear jerking beautiful story. This series follows a group of friends and with each story they gain another member to their circle. This book is written in dual point of view, which I LOVE! Nobody can write a male point of view like she can.

I connected with Maddox Cross in a way that I've never connected with a male character before. I see a lot of my self in his characteristics. I understand his need to protect his little sister and take care of her even if she is old enough to take care of herself. I'm the oldest of six so I automatically get the "mom" role. Maddox lives with a lot of guilt about his past, how he let his sister Laney down, how he let his mom down and how he was selfish about what he wanted instead of putting them first. It's been a really long time since he did something for himself, it's been all about Laney these past few years. His only escape from the guilt is drawing, it's his dream to be a tattoo artist, to do something just for himself.

The same can be said for tattoo artist Bee, she's trying to figure out who she is and her place in the world. Her only escape is tattooing, it's what she loves, it's her passion. She doesn't know how to be the person she thinks her family wants her to be, heck she doesn't even know who she wants to be. She just shuts down and refuses to feel anything. Once Maddox walks into her tattoo shop asking for an apprenticeship she has a feeling that things will get complicated but against her better judgment she agrees.

 

The chemistry between Maddox and Bee is OFF THE CHARTS!!! They want to keep this professional, neither one of them has ever been in a relationship before and they don't do complicated. They more time they spend together the more the line they drew starts to get crossed and blurred.

I sat down last night to start reading this book and didn't put it down until the last page was turned, or should I say the last flick of my finger since I was on my kindle, lol. I give this a solid 5 Stars! This whole series is 5+++ Stars. If you've never read anything by this author well that is a shame she has a way with words that will captivate you and draw you into the story.

Check out the rest of the series:

Charade:
Amazon
B&N

Façade:
Amazon
B&N

Pieces For You (For You # 2) by Genna Rulon

"The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats.

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance.begin to plague Sam, it is Griffin she is forced to turn to.

• This story is appropriate for readers 18+
• Though Pieces For You is a part of the For You Series, the book can be read as a stand alone.

Review:
I have been waiting for this book for what feels like FOREVER! I read book one Only For You and fell in love with these characters, they felt like family from the very beginning and that same bond carries into book two, Pieces For You. This book picks up where Only For You left off except this time it's Sam's story, even though you still get a lot of Everleigh and Hunter a.k.a Huntleigh (I love the nickname).

Sam has to learn how to live again, to become a better stronger Sam than she was before. She had the unthinkable happen to her and when she needed them most her family left her high and dry. Her only family there to support her is Everleigh and Hunter, but there was only so much they could do. Being supportive and understanding as only best friends can be, Everleigh sets her up with a kick ass therapist who pushes her to try new things.

When Sam least expects it Griffin comes walking back into her life but this time she isn't looking at him through friendship eyes. This time she sees him as the sexy man candy that he is, but her head and her body are conflicted. Griffin helps Sam cope with these emotions and their friendship starts to grow into more.

 

As Sam prepares to testify against the man who took her life away she starts receiving threats, with Sams life in danger, Griffin will stop at nothing to keep her safe, no matter what the cost!! He will do anything to put a smile on her face, to hear her laugh and make her feel safe.

Overall I give this book a solid 4.5 stars! Genna took a really hard subject and turned it into an inspirational story. I'm sure it wasn't easy to write but she did a fantastic job. I can't wait to read more of this series, the friendships and family continue to grow with each book. We are introduced to Meg and in the third book, Temper For You (expected release March 2014) we will find out her story and I am on pins and needles for this book!! If you loved Only For You, then you need to read this, it just gets better and better.

Find it on Goodreads:
Only For You:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18458057-only-for-you

Pieces For You:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18460174-pieces-for-you

Temper For You:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19305363-temper-for-you

Tour Stop & Giveaway: Hard as it Gets by Laura Kaye

Title – Hard As It Gets (Hard Ink #1)
Author – Laura Kaye
Genre – Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Release Date – November 26, 2013 

Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...

Review:
In one word: Smokin'!!! This is a dangerously sexy read full of suspense and romance. I devoured this book, Nick Rixey is dark, dangerous and sexy. I love that the lead female character isn't a helpless, whiney twat. Becca Merritt is kind of a badass in her own way. She's strong and stands up for herself. After finding out that her only brother may have been kidnapped she turns to Nick Rixey for help.

Nick doesn't understand why his ex-commander's daughter is asking for his help. What does her brother's disappearance have to do with him? He turns her away but something in his gut tells him to keep and eye on her. After seeing the danger she's really in Nick decides to help and it's easy to see that this isn't some random disappearance, someone wants something from both Becca and her brother and they will stop at nothing to get it just like Nick will stop at nothing to keep her safe.

The more time they spend together the more they want each other. Nick tries to keep her at arms length, nothing good can come of something between them but the temptation is becoming too much. Becca can tell something haunts Nick and she wants to help ease his mind.

I can't wait for the next book in this series. I have a feeling it will be just as hot, dangerous and sexy as this one is.

Excerpt:
Tires screeched against pavement. Becca whirled toward the parking lot. Through the new spring leaves, she could just make out a dark SUV cutting diagonally across the mostly open spaces. Her heart leapt into her throat, but she kept her eyes straight ahead. It was critical she not do anything to give the impression she wasn’t alone.

God, how am I going to do this? Just breathe, Bec. This is too important to screw up.

Right. As long as her lungs kept operating, she’d be fine.

The truck whipped into the driveway about twenty feet in front of her, the drive that also led to the boat put-in and dock where Miguel and Shane were pretending to be Sunday fishermen. Score one for the good guys—getting her attacker in this space was one of the things they’d hoped for. It was why they’d chosen the pavilion as their rendezvous point.

She recognized the driver right away. Her would-be kidnapper. In her mind’s eye, she saw him crossing the staff break room. It was definitely the same man. And, thank God, he’d come alone. Eyes drilling into her, he got out of the idling truck and crossed the grass looking like the gangster he apparently was—baggy jeans, hoody, chains at his neck. But, geez, he’d been beaten to hell judging by the bruises and cuts on his face. Every moment of this situation was more surreal than the next.

“That’s close enough,” she said when he reached the edge of the sidewalk that ringed the pavilion. Becca retreated behind a picnic table, placing a barrier between them.

He glared but stopped on the sidewalk. “So we meet again.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say we’ve met, since you know who I am, but I don’t know you.” Her gaze dropped to his hand, but she couldn’t get a good look at the tattoos there from this angle.

His brown eyes narrowed. “All you need to know is I’m the one who can help get your brother back.”

It sounded too good to be true. The breeze blew strands of hair loose from her ponytail, and she swept them away from her eyes. “What is it you want?”

“To know how your bro put two and two together.” Becca nearly groaned and her hands fisted. She had no more patience for bullshit mystery. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Don’t play games with me.”

“Charlie found something that was supposed to be hidden, and we need to know what led him to it.”

“How am I supposed to find that out?” she asked, a chill running down her spine despite the nice morning. The hint of a smile played around the corners of his wide mouth. “I was thinking about that . . .”

A scuff. Rubber on concrete. Goose bumps erupted across her neck as she turned. Time slowed to a crawl, and everything happened at once.

Two guys stepped out of the trees and entered the far side of the pavilion. Both had guns.

Panic had barely welled up inside her as one screamed and fell to the ground for no apparent reason. The other bolted but, just as suddenly, crashed to the ground with a shout and a cry. Could Beckett’s silencer be the cause?

The punks writhed on the grass, but one of them returned fire, the gun’s report echoing loudly under the pavilion’s roof. Becca instinctively crouched down, hands cradling her head. Her gaze whipped to her attacker.

Expression absolutely livid, he stalked around the table with a gun pointed at her head. “Not getting away this time, bitch.”

She backtracked the opposite direction, her hand reaching for her gun.

His roiling gaze tracked the movement and he lunged.
Becca took off across the concrete, catching her shin on the blunt edge of a bench in a flash of pain. The stumble slowed her, and he grabbed her ponytail. Her head wrenched back, nearly taking her off her feet. Suddenly, her air was gone, his arm trapping her in a tight chokehold that had her clawing and gasping. Nearby, footsteps pounded on the earth. The team?

They’ll get to me, they’ll get to me, they’ll get to me in time.

Above her, the bright blue sky filled with little pinpoints of light as the guy’s arm compressed her windpipe. And her medical training meant she knew she had mere seconds before blacking out.

PURCHASE LINKS:
Amazon US Kindle - http://amzn.to/1jcUIbd
Amazon US Paperback - http://amzn.to/18EYZPL
Amazon UK Kindle - http://amzn.to/17cgBoI
Amazon UK Paperback - http://amzn.to/1gV6LNB
Barnes & Noble NOOKBOOK - http://bit.ly/180lt3h
Barnes & Noble Paperback - http://bit.ly/1jcVpkW

About Laura Kaye:
Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Release Day: The Ever After of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

 

The Ever After of Ella and Micha

December 3, 2013; Forever E-Book; $2.99; 978-1-4555-8267-9

The day Ella has waited for is just around the corner. It’s the day she’ll marry Micha, the love of her life. But an unexpected package with a harsh reminder of Ella’s past and a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Micha to tour with his favorite bands threaten to ruin their happily ever after. Now Ella and Micha must find a way to balance their fears, their dreams, and their love…if they ever want to hear wedding bells.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnesandnoble
BookishItunes

Author Bio:

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker

In this follow-up novel to the top-selling Ten Tiny Breaths, Livie Cleary faces a new set of challenges as she navigates freshman year at Princeton, wild parties, and the gorgeous rowing team captain who is everything she doesn’t want in a guy, or so she thinks…

“Make me proud.” These were the last words Livie’s father ever spoke to her. In the seven years since her parents’ tragic death, Livie has done her best to keep this promise through her every choice, word, and action, while looking after her sister with strength and maturity. But with college right around the corner, unexpected challenges will test her resilience—and her heart.

Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy to marry someday. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots; a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say “no” to; and Ashton, the arrogant—and extremely attractive—captain of the men’s rowing team who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton?

As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.

 

I was a huge fan of Ten Tiny Breaths. It was the first book I read by Tucker and I was hooked. One Tiny Lie is just as good. It can be read as a stand alone but I would suggest to read Ten Tiny Breaths anyway just so you can get good background on Livie.

 
Sweet, sweet Livie. That was what I most remembered about the ever so perfect sister from Ten Tiny Breaths. In this novel, Livie is forced to find herself. She is off to college and on he own. Who knew that sweet Livie would have to learn how to expect the unexpected. Livie was a wonderful character in book 1, but I couldn't decide if I would like to read more about her. I mean, she was innocent and almost too perfect. A book about a girl like that would be boring right.....WRONG!! That is what was so wonderful about this novel. Livie is finally breaking free and finding herself. There is raw emotion, escalating drama, mad sexual tension and of course the dreaded triangle. New friendships are formed and new characters are introduced. The main characters are full of inner turmoil, searching for freedom to live life the way they want to. It is exhilarating to see them break free and start to figure out who they are.

Tucker has a wonderful way of writing that will captivate the reader. With the being the 2nd work I have read I can say that each book has left me panting for more after flying through a brilliant novel. Perfect character flow in each one. I couldn't ask for more or for a better author.

 After finishing I was pleased to find out that just recently a 3rd book was released. I had no idea it was even in the making! That shows you where my new Mommy brain on overload has been. So, without further ado, I will be moving on to the 3rd book, Four Seconds to Lose. I can't wait!!

 

Review: Bold Tricks (The Artist Trilogy #3) by Karina Halle

The Faster They Live, the Harder They Fall . . .
Raised by con artists, Ellie Watt has a lot of crazy childhood memories-but none crazier than being scarred with acid by the demented crime boss Travis Raines. Now Ellie is a full-grown woman who lives for revenge, and Travis is a full-blown drug lord who kills for pleasure. The sadistic bastard has kidnapped her good friend Gus as well as her mother, whom he's been holding as prized possessions in his heavily guarded lair. And Ellie has only one chance in hell of getting them out alive-using two dangerous men who love her to death . . .

One is Camden McQueen, a talented tattoo artist who's made a permanent mark on Ellie's heart. The other is Javier Bernal, her fiery ex-lover who's busted more than a few heads in his time. From the crime-ridden streets of Mexico City to the predatory jungles of Honduras, this unlikely trio forms an uneasy alliance in the deadliest game of all-a gun-blazing battle to the finish that will pit enemy against enemy and lover against lover. And Ellie must choose the right man to trust . . . or die.

This is the first book I have read since I had the baby. That my friends, was NOT an easy task, lol. Normally this book would have taken a day to complete. It took me 3! Never the less, I finished something that I wanted to do and now I feel accomplished. Maybe I can still be a reader, reviewer and Mommy.

Karina Halle is my all time favorite author so it is hard for me to say that I didn't love this book. Don't get me wrong, I love the series and I liked the book it just wasn't my favorite of them all. I say, let's do another book with an alternate ending that way we can all be happy, lol.

As with the other books of the series this one is sure to get your blood pumping. It is action packed with many twists and turns along the way. There are happy moments, mad moments and even some sad moments. The ending, I KNOW, will have you on the edge of your seat regardless if you are for Javier or Camden. You won't know what to do with yourself. If you are a Halle fan, like myself, then you know that you have no idea what to expect when it comes to her plot twists and character relationships. This was the ending that some needed for this series, but not the ending that I needed, lol (if you know what team I am then you can probably guess why). No matter my feelings on the "choice" at the end it was still a great ending to a wonderful, bloody and brilliant series. If you have followed the Artist Trilogy this far, go ahead and take the plunge and read the final book. 4 stars.

Tour Stop & Giveaway: Lie to Me by Chloe Cox

Title – LIE TO ME, Redemption #1

Author – Chloe Cox

Genre – NA/Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date – November 7, 2013

 

Summary:
The man who saved her is also the man who destroyed her… or is he?

Seven years ago, I decided I wanted to be a fighter. Marcus Roma showed me how.

Six years ago, my parents died in a car accident. Marcus Roma picked me up off the ground and held me until I could stand on my own two feet.

Five years ago, I fell in love with him.

And then Marcus Roma disappeared. No warning. No explanation. Just gone.

Yesterday, he came back.

And now I have to decide who’s telling the truth, and who’s lying. Who wants something from me, and who wants…

Me.

If I guess wrong, I could lose everything. I need to think clearly. But Marcus makes that impossible. Marcus makes me weak. Marcus makes me want, in a way I’ve never felt before.

Marcus Roma will make me fall. The only question is—will he be there to catch me this time?

LIE TO ME is a new adult / adult contemporary romance novel about truth, lies, and redemption. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Review:
This is my first read by Author Chloe Cox and I was not disappointed. I will be recommending her to everyone I know, she is brilliant. I was head over heels in love with this book at about 4% and it just kept getting better. This is a dual POV between Harlow and Marcus and I've found that I love reading books from multiple POV's, it gives you a better understanding of the characters and their thoughts and feelings in each scenario.

I love that this is a story line I haven't read before. This was something new, a fresh look at a love story full of angst, heartbreak and every single emotion written in a way that makes you feel them right along with the characters. This is a definite page turner that will suck you in until the last page.

Harlow met Marcus when they were just kids and became close friends, that friendship turned into more. Marcus was Harlow's first love. He taught her how to be strong, how to pick her head up and keep going during a tragedy and then out of the blue he was just gone. No explanation, NOTHING! Then after 5 years he just shows up......

Marcus has thought of Harlow everyday for 5 years. He thought he was doing what was best, but now that he's seen her for the first time in a long time he knows he can't do it anymore, he has to make her understand. Harlow can't trust Marcus, he left her one time and who's to say he won't do it again. She is hurt, angry and confused, she wants nothing to do with him, but damn her traitorous body for wanting him, and damn her heart for still loving him.

This is a must read people!! I can't wait to read more from this series and I will definitely be reading more by Chloe Cox!

Excerpt:
I am so angry I can barely see, and I want him so badly it actually, physically hurts. Like the absence of him inside me aches.

I’m pulling at his shirt now, twisting it, and Marcus’s fingers are digging into my waist, pushing under the waistband of my shorts, almost like they have a mind of their own. They must, because Marcus himself is rock solid and rigid, his body riddled with tension, his muscles working with restraint.

“Lo,” he whispers, shaking his head.

“I don’t want to have to think about this anymore,” I say. “Please just help me to feel something else. Please.”

His thumb sweeps along the inside of my waistband, coming around the front, dipping low so that I shudder, even while the muscles in his shoulders pop and it looks like he’s struggling.

I want to scream.

I do.

I rip at his shirt; I go for the buttons on his jeans. I say, “I don’t want to be scared of being broken forever because you fucking broke me…”

I think he’s about to snap and finally take me when his hands move, lightning fast, and grab mine, pinning them to the table. Marcus is breathing heavy, his whole body hard and alive and pulsing between my legs as I sit on this stupid table, and when he looks at me, it’s with a fierce hunger.

“Not until you tell the truth,” he says. “Not until you say why.”

I know exactly what he means. He can still see through me.

“Because I hate that it’s you that does this to me,” I say. “Why does it have to be you? I hate that it’s you that makes me feel this. I hate you, Marcus, because I…”

Because I love him. But I can’t say it.

He’s leaning into me now, his head close to mine. He’s smelling me. I can feel his lips move along my jaw, my ear, my neck…

“Please don’t make me say the rest,” I say. “You already know the truth, you bastard.”

One hand moves to the back of my head, the other to my hip, and I can already feel the complete control he has over my body. Like he’s just deciding. Feeling it out, the way he does.

I hate him so much for making me love him.

“Marcus, I need you to—”

He doesn’t let me finish. With a growl, he threads his fingers through my hair and pulls my head back, his face hovering just above mine. For a beat his eyes pierce mine and I see what I feel echoed there: a wild need, a fierce, burning fever, the desperation of needing someone you can’t have.

And then when it happens, it happens all at once: his mouth crushing mine, his hand pushing into my shorts, beneath my underwear, his fingers sliding between my wet folds, and then his hand gripping me there. He stops for a moment, as though just wanting to establish ownership, and his tongue parts my lips savagely. I moan into his mouth and grapple at his shoulders, trying to get him to move, to just do it already, because I feel like I might burst, but he’s the one in control, and that drives me even higher. His other hand tightens its grip on my hair, and he takes what he wants, kissing me deeply until I yield to it, until I’m not thinking about anything at all.

About the Author:
I love to tell stories. I especially love romance, only with all the good and sexy parts left in, and sometimes with a little kink, too. I cry at the dumbest commercials, I hide behind the nearest person during scary movies (and then make them tell me what’s going on), and I spend way too much money sending my friends gag gifts. (Amazon Prime free shipping is a dangerous, dangerous thing.)

So aside from feeling compelled to sit at my computer and make stuff up all day, I’m an otherwise normal gal navigating life, family, love and the rest. I am also a voracious, omnivorous reader, a disastrous cook (recipes are at best just suggestions), and the human who belongs to two bat%amp;! insane cats

 

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Tour Stop & Giveaway: Dare to Love by Carly Phillips

In her newest sexy and emotional contemporary romance series, New York Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips introduces you to the Dare family… siblings shaped by a father’s secrets and betrayal.

Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. But after one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor, with her feminine curves and beguiling eyes and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her ... but does that include extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of pain he’d rather forget?

Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority, and she believes herself hardened to domineering men - until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses. Their affair heats up and they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither ever imagined. But Riley’s family includes a man Ian would rather live without ...

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Review:
When I was given the opportunity to be a part of this tour it was like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one. I have been a Carly Phillips fan ever since I started sneaking my moms books off of her bookshelf when I was in high school. And the icing on the cake was finding out she is also going indie!!!! We here at Smardy Pants Book Blog LOOOVVEEE indie authors!!

 

In Dare to Love we meet the Dare family and all of their DRAMA! This is book one in the Dare to Love Series about Ian Dare, the oldest brother in the family. Ian Dare is all alpha male. He is demanding, sexy, smart and he knows what he wants starting with Riley Taylor. The moment he lays eyes on her walking into the room he knows he has to have her and will stop at nothing to do it, until he learns she is there with his half brother. There is a family feud to top all family feuds going on and sibling rivalry over everything.

 

Riley Taylor is a smart independent woman who overcame her past with the help of her childhood best friend, Alex Dare. He has always been there for her no matter what. So when she meets Ian, Alex's half brother, she knows she shouldn't be attracted to him, that Alex will lose it if he knew that she wanted Ian, but their chemistry is out of this world, off the charts sizzling HOT!

 

I give this book 4.5 stars! I loved everything about it. The witty banter between the characters, the chemistry, the family drama and watching both Ian and Riley find themselves. I couldn't put the book down and to be honest I'm a little sad that it ended. I can't wait to read more about this family. I have a feeling that this is a series you won't want to miss out on!

About the Author:
New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips tossed away her legal briefs and a career as an attorney to become a stay at home mom. Within the year, she turned her love of reading into an obsession with writing. Over 30 published novels later, Carly writes sexy contemporary small town romances, striking a balance between entertainment, humor and the emotion her readers have come to expect and enjoy.

 

Carly is a New York Times bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller and as of 2012, a Romance Writer’s of America RITA Nominee. In 2002, Carly’s novel, The Bachelor, became Kelly Ripa’s “Reading with Ripa” pick on Live with Regis and Kelly, making it the first romance ever chosen on a nationally televised book club.

Carly received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and is a graduate of Boston University School of Law (J.D.). To date, Carly has over thirty novels to her credit, all available wherever books are sold.
When not writing or playing online, Carly loves to read, occasionally to knit, and to spend time with her family. She lives in Purchase, New York with her husband, two daughters and her dogs, a soft coated wheaten terrier and a Havanese. Her dogs are prominently featured on her website and Facebook page.

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