Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Borrowed by Delisa Lynn (Rafflecopter and Review)

*Review at bottom of post








Synopsis
Evan Martin was a country boy at heart with big dreams. He
grew up in a small town in Utah, playing football since middle school. He
thought his future with his girlfriend would be perfect, until she became
pregnant and ripped his heart out. Evan decided then he was never going to play
football again and he wanted as far away from Utah as possible.
Evan had always wanted to be a lawyer and decided to move to
New York City to attend NYU and pursue becoming a criminal lawyer. He never
wanted to look back at his past. The past that at one time was his future - his
everything.
Evan had plans to go through his college years being a
bachelor and playing the field. Little did he know that he would meet Lila
Carls and fall madly in love. The only problem was Lila was already in a
relationship.
Although Evan knew Lila was in love with another man, that
didn’t stop him from stealing her heart as well. He knew he could never have
all of her, but he wanted it all. After losing someone very close to him, he
decided to act on his feelings he had developed for an attached Lila. Even
though Lila had a boyfriend she acted on those feelings as well.
Once Lila breaks his heart after stringing him along and
borrowing his love, he thought he would never want or love anyone as much as he
did Lila. That was until a friend from his past Tatum Kelley walked back into
his life. He had known her all of his life and never once looked at her the way
he was now. Would she steal his heart and heal him again?
Years after Lila was married to another man and lived miles
away, she walked back into Evan’s life and that one night of love and lust
changes everything. Lila has a secret and it could ruin Evan’s future with
Tatum or only make it better.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18880531-borrowed-an-embracing-novellashe
just give up hope.



About The Author

Delisa Lynn grew up in Columbus Ohio and loves Buckeye
football. After working in retail photography for sixteen years, she wanted to
take a different path and attended college where she received a diploma in
Medical Assisting. She married her high school sweetheart, and moved to the
Midwest, missing the east coast they decided to move back and are now residing
in Western New York with their fur daughter Sophie. Delisa has always had a passion
for reading, and has wanted to write her own novel. Delisa loves the outdoors,
traveling, shopping and family time. When not writing, you can find her
snuggling up with her fur daughter and reading a good book or watching a good
movie. Delisa is currently writing Borrowed, a Novella from Evan Martin’s POV.
Also look for Embracing Us and Embracing Hearts, all releasing early 2014.





Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway







Review
(3.5 out of 5 stars)

Let me start off by saying I loved the characters in Borrowed. They had a depth to them that many other books seem to lack. Evan goes through hell and back, multiple times, and it's impossible not to feel for him.
With that said, I felt like the story was on "Fast Forward". There were times when I had to reread a page because the writing flow was a little bit confusing and I felt like it was missing pieces.
I wanted to give Borrowed more stars because I loved the characters so much but the "Flow" of the book was lacking, so for that reason, I dropped it down to 3.5 stars.
I would love to read more by Delisa Lynn. She develops her characters wonderfully and drama is in no way lacking in Borrowed.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Review- Better by Carey Heywood



5 out of 5 Stars!

*This book is a standalone novel and only recommended to those who are over 18.



This book brought out so many different emotions in me. By 5% I was crying. I don't know if I have EVER cried so early in a book. Especially a book that isn't part of a series and I am only beginning to know the characters. Although it starts off extremely sad it becomes more uplifting.



The story follows Aubrey on a Bucket List type of journey. At the beginning of the story she experiences tremendous heartache that ends up setting the wheels in motion for her world exploration. Her parents become worried about her traveling the world by herself so they arrange for Adam to accompany her. Although they start off hating each other it quickly blossoms into something they weren't expecting.



Carey writes such a beautiful heartfelt, at times heart breaking, story that it was impossible for me to put down. I was already a fan of hers going into this but after this amazing book, I'm obsessed. Anything she puts out, I am guaranteed to read.

This story starts off sad but it morphs into an eyeopening story about love, loss, independence, and a woman's journey to finding herself.


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Cover Re-reveal! Finding Home by Ann Vaughn

Finding Home Front Cover
Title: Finding Home
Author: Ann Vaughn
Release Date: November 4, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Synopsis
Former Army Ranger Colt Harris wasn't looking for love but one day during lunch, it found him. Her name was Sarah. As cliched as it was, time stood still and all he could see was her. Her laughter filled his senses and he was gone. He knew his life was about to change.

Sarah Sauter was used to being alone. She lost her parents when she was eighteen and after a bad experience with love, had given up on ever finding it again. Since then, her life had been all about surviving. Little did she know that when she went to lunch with her co-workers, she would meet a man who would literally turn her world upside down.

When Colt steps into Sarah's life, he finds that things with her aren't exactly as they appear to be. Deeply hidden secrets in her past begin to resurface, dropping Colt and Sarah in the middle if a nearly twenty-seven year old mystery. It will take all of Colt's strength, patience and resolve Finding Home for Sarah.
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Finding Home Full Cover
Buy Links
FH Teaser 3
Book Trailer
Interview with Stuart Reardon
Hi, Stu. First let me say, I am beyond thrilled that you agreed to be the face of my character, Colt Harris for the cover of Finding Home. As I've told you, I saw a picture of you a couple of years ago and the whole character of Colt sprang to life from that, which is something that I've never done before. I've always had the character in my head and then searched for someone who fit. I am beyond thrilled that the very man who inspired the character has agreed to represent him on my cover. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for that. Thank you. I'm very flattered I was always the character in your book. And thank you for choosing me for the cover, I really hope the book does great for you :) x

I know that you are first and foremost a rugby player and athlete. What made you decide to go into modeling? I sort of just fell into modeling. I think being in sports and in good shape fits really well with modeling, and fitness modeling in particular. Being in professional sports already had me in great shape, so stepping into fitness modeling was an easy transition.

What's the most unusual pose you've been asked to do? No really unusual poses to date that stick out in my mind. Some of the action shots are tough as it takes time to capture the right shot, so may have to do the same thing over and over again.

Another question I know everyone is always asking: is there any particular meaning behind your awesome tattoo? Do the symbols represent something, or was it just a design you said, Hey, that looks cool, I want that? I got my tattoo when I was recovering from a really tough Achilles tendon injury. I had a couple of operations to finally get it right, so it was during that time that I worked out the design with the tattooist and he did the magic. I have always been interested in Tribal designs and culture, so the tattoo reflects that, and it reminds me of that really tough 14 month period in my life: the really low points which made me strong and determined, and a high point when I finally got back fit to play super league again after 14 months of recovery and rehab.

I've heard tattoos are addictive. Will you get more or are you done? Yes, tattoos are very addictive, I think I may get some more in the future but I've not decided yet.

I know you come to the States for modeling jobs, where all have you been? Yes, I've been to a couple of places in the States, NYC, Miami and LA.

Where have you not gone but would like to? I would love to visit Vegas. America is a huge country so I'm sure there are loads of beautiful places to visit.

For me, because I'm a Native Texan, I have to ask: have you been to Texas? I have not but I would love to visit Texas :)

How does it feel to be a muse for a character in a book? I'm very flattered to be your muse for Finding Home. It's a pleasure to be liked :)

When I was looking through pictures of you on the Internet, I came across one where you were holding a guitar. I grew up a Band Geek and love music of all kinds and try to incorporate it in my books when I can. That picture inspired a whole scene in the book, where Colt is stressed about something and picks up his guitar and is idly playing while talking to his girlfriend, Sarah. Do you play? Yes, I play the guitar, not really well, though, I'm still learning. I'm a beginner so it's a working process.

Later in the scene, he sings to her. Do you sing? I try to sing but I'm not the best at that either. I need to practice more {Ann: I'm sure all the ladies are feeling what I am right now: *swoon*!!! Stu singing! *sigh* ;)}

OK, now let's get personal. Are you ready for this? I'll make it as painless as possible. Lightning round:

Are you right or left-handed? Right

What's your favorite food? Steak or chicken

Favorite drink (non-alcoholic) Sparkling water

Favorite drink (alcoholic) Corona

Favorite car? Land Rover Sport

Motorcycles? Harley Davidson

Favorite color? Black

Favorite movie? Anchorman

Favorite TV show? Walking Dead/Game of Thrones

Favorite actor? Gerard Butler

Favorite actress? Eva Mendes

Favorite type of music: rock, pop, techno, metal, country, rap, hip hop? A bit of everything

Favorite song? Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

Favorite band/group? Kings of Leon

Favorite singer? Ed Sheering

Snow in the mountains/sun on the beach? Sun on the beach everyday

Cats/dogs/neither? Neither; I don't have time for pets

Nike/UnderArmor/Other? Nike

Favorite sport OTHER than rugby? Boxing

Favorite team? North Wales Crusaders - My Team, ha

Favorite American sport? (if any) American football

Favorite American team? (if any) NY Jets

Boxing or MMA? Boxing, but I like both, as both are really tough sports

Watching TV, snuggle together or give you your space? Watching TV or movies: cuddles with Em

Walking with your girlfriend, hold her hand, your hand on her back, arm around her shoulders or waist, or don't touch at all? Holding hands or no touch at all

Would your girlfriend say you are a Pushover or Alpha male? It's 50/50 I guess. We have give and take or it wouldn't work. I'm an Alpha male but a pushover if she's upset

Boxers/briefs/commando? (lol, kidding! You don't have to answer that!) All 3, it depends on the situation :)

Thank you so much for taking time to indulge the silly writer! And thank you, again, for what I'm sure by now is the millionth time I've said it, but thank you for being so great with all this and for sharing your time and your picture with me and my readers! You're welcome anytime :) x
About the Author
Ann Vaughn Logo
Ann Vaughn is a Native Texan now living in Oklahoma. Writing has always been a comfort and a release for her, though she never expected to be published. It wasn't until a conversation with her husband about the rise of eBooks that she decided to try her hand at self-publishing. It was scary and exciting and ever since the release of her first book, Long Way Home on August 7, 2013. She now has three books available for purchase through Amazon, Long Way Home, Finding Home and A Home for Christmas, with the fourth and final book in the Home Series, Finally Home, releasing on March 10, 2014. In December 2013, Ann was named to Amazon's Romance Editor's List of Fan Picks for Top Debut Author.

When not at her desk, lost in the world of the Home Series, Ann can usually be found at the ballparks watching her son's high school baseball games, or her daughter's softball or soccer games...or chasing after her energetic Border Collie puppy!
FH Teaser 2
Purchase Her Other Books Today
LWH
AHFC Cover
On sale for only $.99!
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Book Reviews and Author Spotlight for Author J. Bailes

*My reviews for BOTH books are at the bottom of this post :-)



Synopsis:
***Mature Audience Only
18+***
Allie Anderson has
encountered more heartache than any one person deserves. She's lost her father
to cancer, her brother to war, and the love of her life –Wyatt - took her most
prized possession and vanished without a trace. She’s left crushed and
heart-broken.
Blake, Allie's best
friend, is everything she needs; he'd give her the moon if she asked for it,
but there's one problem - he wants Allie entirely. How can Allie give herself
to anyone when she's not sure there’s enough left of her heart to give away?
Allie's life begins to
fall into place. Her heart begins to heal. Being happy is no longer a foreign
emotion. That is until the man who broke her years ago returns, shattering her
fragile heart all over again.
Allie soon discovers that
hearts are like broken glass; you can put it back together again, but it will
never be the same.



Buy Links





Synopsis



After all of Allie’s loss, my thought was only on her and
her happiness. On her love and need for her big brother. I was replaceable,
Kyle wasn’t. I wouldn’t allow him to crush her heart with his death. I knew I
had to follow him. I would throw myself on top of bombs, in front of bullets,
whatever it took to get him home to her, alive. There are two sides to every
story, and you’ve only heard one. Don’t be so quick to judge; I hate myself for
what I’ve done. But all that I did, it was all for Allie.

Buy Link


 Meet J. Bailes
Born and raised in Nashville, TN. A mother of three, wife to one, and nursing student turned writer. Loves all things pink, glittery, and chocolate.




Review- Shattered and Shaken

5 out of 5 stars 

*This book is intended for ages 18+ 

Shattered and Shaken managed to bring out every single emotion. I cried, I laughed, I yelled, I even threw a pillow. It was an emotion packed roller coaster and I couldn't get enough!
My heart broke for Allie multiple times during this story. She still managed to get back up and dust herself off. Her spitfire personality is one that I enjoy and she made me laugh more than once.
Let's not forget the man candy Blake and Wyatt. I was rooting for Blake from the beginning. I wanted Allie to have a chance at happiness after all of the turmoil she had been through. She deserved to have joy in her life.... And then Wyatt comes back. I didn't want to like him because of what he put Allie through but, he grew on me. I became Team Wyatt. (I know there's just as many Team Blake's out there)
The hotness level in this book was sky high. Every emotion level was sky high but, the steamy scenes were H-O-T.
This book DOES have a cliff hanger. Julie is an evil genius who wrote the perfect cliffy. Seriously, read this book and find out. I was on the edge of my seat ready for more. If you don't like cliffhangers you might want to wait to read it until Shattered and Mended comes out in April.


Review- All For Allie

(5 out of 5 stars)

*This novel is part of the Shattered and Shaken series and I recommend reading Shattered and Shaken first.

Although this novella is a quick read it is just as jam packed with emotion as Shattered and Shaken. Especially the very end. Oh my goodness, I cried like a baby. Even though I knew exactly what was coming I still hoped it would change.
I was upset with Wyatt's reasoning for not telling Allie. But, the whole time I was thinking "this is such a guy thing to do". I'm not saying that every man would join the military without telling his girlfriend and just leave her high and dry. I'm talking about the decision making and feeling like his decision is what's best. That's a total guy thing
Overall, I loved this story! I can't wait for Shattered and Mended. Julie's writing is beautifully done and makes the world outside of her book fade away. Both books captured my attention from page one. Shattered and Mended can't come fast enough!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Review- The Lonely Girl by Gracie Wilson



4.5 out of 5 stars

Be prepared for this book to suck you right in!

The story starts off with Becca going through an extremely tragic event that lays out the basis for the rest of the story. She's a very loveable character and although she goes through something no one ever should she still strives to live her life.

I rather enjoyed reading as Becca grew into herself. She starts of a little closed off but as the story goes on she comes out of her shell a little more and those were my favorite moments. She's also quite the spitfire, there were moments when she did exactly what I hoped she would but what a lot of book characters tend to avoid. Such as confronting a certain female character.

Gracie did a beautiful job weaving this story together. I found myself forgetting where I was as I was reading it. That is how you know when you're reading a great book. That moment when you're reading gets interrupted and you have to shake your head and take a minute to realize you aren't actually in the book.

And let's not forget the man candy in this book! They deserve some recognition. Alec, Becca's brother, is the sweetest brother to her. They have a wonderful relationship and it makes me wish I had a big brother like him. Then, there is Keegan, I loved Keegan from the first moment he entered the book. He makes a few bad decisions but ultimately he's still an extremely lovable guy. Last but certainly not least, Jacob or as Becca says "Jakey" *Sigh* he was my favorite :-) I don't want to sway you in one direction or another before you read the book, I will let you decide for yourself. *coughcough*#teamjakey*coughcough*

Overall, I'd totally read this book again! I loved it and I'm highly anticipating the books to come in this series.

To like Author Gracie Wilson on Facebook click HERE.

*This book is not yet released. Its release date is on March 1st and as soon as it becomes available for purchase I will post the links.

Review- Raw by Belle Aurora



5 out of 5 Stars!


Before I get into my thoughts on this book too deeply let me just start off by "Venting" a little bit. Before I read any book I do read a few reviews first. In a lot of the reviews I noticed people were saying how twisted it was and talking down certain aspects of the book. It has an author note on Amazon before you even buy the book. It is not a love story, it is a story about love gone wrong. So, I'm not sure why they'd give it less stars when it clearly states that.

With that said, this book was beautifully written. It was train wreck after train wreck but Belle tied it all together wonderfully. I kept feeling like I shouldn't like twitch at all. I didn't want to. I actually really wanted to hate him but I just couldn't. To be completely honest he was a douche bag and also a sociopath but that made his sweet moments that much sweeter. I'm glad Belle wrote it in his perspective too, the first time I saw his name scrawled across the top of the page I was giddy. Not even kidding, I couldn't wait to see his thought process.

I loved Lexi! She was a very sweet, caring, passionate individual and it shined through with Belle's writing. I understand Lexi's reactions to some situations could be misconstrued as "weak" but I found it to be quite the opposite. People make dumb decisions in the name of love and Lexi is in no exception. She makes plenty of bad decisions in this book but what human being doesn't?

I try to do "nonspoiler" reviews so I won't try to go into too many details about the scenarios. This story is dark and twisted. If you want a happily-ever-after, this is NOT it. Through the entire book I kept wishing it was different but it's not. I'm not disappointed in anyway. Although, I would love it if there were another book in this series.

Overall I'd say, amazing read! I happen to love stories with a dark side, I understand that is not for everyone. I respect that but I LOVED it!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

1,500 Likes GIVEAWAY!!

THANK YOU! I cannot thank you all enough for liking my page! Below is the Rafflecopter, GOOD LUCK! <3



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 14, 2014

Cover Reveal and GIVEAWAY!

banner2

Velvet Reed EB

Title: The Rhythm of my Heart

Series: The Heart Series - Book 1

Author: Velvet Reed

Expected Release Date: Late May, 2014

Cover Designed By: Sprinkles on Top Studio

https://www.facebook.com/SprinklesOnTopStudios?fref=ts

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♥ Synopsis ♥

Grace Rivers is your everyday twenty-five year old. She could have the world at her feet, but instead chooses to help run the family business. After experiencing great loss early in her life, Grace values what's most important: her family and friends. But she aches to find that certain someone—that one great, passionate love who values family as much as she does.

Cole Tierney loves his life. He has a wonderful family, a loyal best friend and a successful career as an ER doctor. The only downside is he wants someone to share it with. After being used and left heartbroken, he wants to find someone who will love him for him and not his or his family's status.

"Every beat my heart makes is for you. Every time it beats faster it's because of you—because you're near me, because of your smile—because you take my breath away."

Their two hearts collide by chance and an undeniable connection is quickly made. But when others are plotting against their happiness, will their love flatline, or will the rhythm of their hearts continue to beat as one?

Velvet Reed FW

♥ Goodreads Link ♥

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20504580-the-rhythm-of-my-heart

Teaser2 (1)

♥ Author Bio ♥

Velvet Reed is the pen name of an avid book lover, reviewer and blogger who has turned writer.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia; she is a city girl at heart but loves the laid back lifestyle of living in country New South Wales. Married to her first and only love, she is a devoted mother of three who juggles her very active children and their many extracurricular activities, working in the middle of the night, running a blog, and writing.

Velvet's love of reading was realised only 3 short years ago after the death of her amazing father. She used the escape into the fictional world to help her through her grief and post natal depression, not releasing the great impact so many talented authors would have on her life.

The Rhythm of my Heart is her debut novel and book one in The Heart Series.

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♥ Social Media Contacts ♥

Facebook: www.facebook.com/VelvetReedAuthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/Velvetreed

Email: velvetreed@outlook.com

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♥ Giveaway ♥

$15 Amazon Gift Card

5x The Rhythm of my Heart swag packs

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZmQ1N2VmMWE1ODMxNGZlODA2MGQwOTMwNTMyM2FlOjEy/

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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Book Blitz- Love, Lies & The D.A.

                      



Author Bio-

Rebecca Rohman is a wife and designer currently living in the Northeastern United States. She was a Sales Manager for a tourist magazine, and for many years prior, she was involved in marketing for a jewelry company, and later for a fine wine distributor.
About fifteen years ago, she started writing her first romance novel, Uncorked, just to purely entertain herself. It was not until early in 2012 when she decided to complete it and share it with the world. The story was published in February of 2013. Love, Lies & The D.A. is her second novel.



Blurb-

Jada McLean is about to get married in nine days, when she walks in on her fiancĂ© in a little more than a compromising position. Days later, she’s on a trip that she intends to be relaxing and a prelude to her fresh start, when she runs into the rude, obnoxious, but gorgeous Jonathan Kole.
Jonathan Kole is San Francisco’s newest District Attorney. When he finds himself deeply attracted to a stunning beauty, he has no idea that she’s about to get into BIG trouble with the law—and he’ll be the one presiding over her trial. To make matters worse, his father is the lawyer representing her in the high-profile case.
When a series of events force them together over New Year’s weekend, Jonathan’s feelings and ethics will come into question, while Jada comes to terms with the fact that she is falling for the man that will be responsible for attempting to put her behind bars… Little do they know, they're both about to fall into a whirlwind so deep, it will send both their lives spiraling out of control.







Social Media Links for Rebecca Rohman-









Love, Lies, and the D.A. will be available for purchase at- Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Lulu.com, and Createspace. 
*When purchase links are available I will update this post.


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Life's a Cappella by Yessi Smith (Meet the Author and Review)

**Review at bottom of post

Meet Yessi Smith
Author




I’m a Hispanic living in South Florida with my redneck husband
from Texas and our “half breed” son, who is actually the reason I started
writing again after years of celibacy. My son loves stories, but not the kind
you can read in an existing book. No, he’d rather make up a story, complete
with our own illustrations. So, thank you, Son, for igniting a flame I had let
go out.

I also live with two dogs: a neurotic Border Collie we call
Nitro and a midget Rottweiler named Nisa.
I have always found my sanctuary at the beach and in music and
writing. I wish I could write rhymes so I could become a famous rapper, but
rhyming is completely lost on me.

I have a Bachelor’s
degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Human Resource Management. I
have held several jobs, from picking up dog crap to upper management positions.
And now I am hoping to leave the business world behind so I can live full time
in a world that does not exist until I place my fingers on.






Synopsis
I want to tell you how
great my life was. How I lived without regrets. With constant laughter. Without
any tears. I want to tell you how I lived each moment to the fullest. How each
breath I took was fresh and full of life. With eagerness. Without any fear.
I want to tell you all
of that, but then my story would be masked with lies and not worth telling.
My life didn’t start
until I left my past. And I left everything. My mother, my friends, my name.
My new name, the name
everyone knows me by is Erin Lewis.
Four years after finding
the courage to leave her hometown in Alabama, Erin is finally happy with where
her life has led her. Not only is she secure in her environment, but the
relationships she has formed center her, making her forget how damaged she once
was. Before she can fully settle into her new life, her past crashes into her
present, unraveling a set of events that destroy the very foundation she has
built her new life on.



Excerpts from Life’s A
Cappella















Reviews of Life’s A Cappella


















Connect with Yessi Smith


Add Life’s
A Cappella to your To Be Read List



My Review


(4.5 out of 5 Stars)


Oh my goodness. That's the first thing I think as I remember this book. Yessi Smith Delivers quite a story, and she does so wonderfully. I was immediately sucked into this story. I wanted to know everything there was to know about Erin and I was not disappointed.
When I review I try to do so without there being any spoilers but this one may be hard to express what I felt without telling you what exactly happened but I will show you a couple of the notes I took while reading...

~I'm only partially through the book but I needed to start writing what I feel while I feel it. A bomb was just dropped and it literally gave me chills. CHILLS! Holy hell, Yessi Smith, I did not see that coming AT ALL. You clever woman. I'm going to keep reading now because I have to see how this drama unfolds...

~Now I'm starting to get teary eyed... Even my heart is racing. OMG.

~No, she did not. no no no no. 

Those are only a few. The emotions this book brought out in me was unexpected. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying, good books always affect me on a deep emotional level but this one hit home.
There are very serious story lines in this book but there are also parts where I was left giggling like a little girl. When I read the part about "Chewie" I had to take a book break because I was laughing so hard. I became attached to these characters and I am very much looking forward to her next book which is only days away!
I highly recommend this read!