Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Book #Spotlight: Better When He's Bad ( Welcome To The Point #1)


So you’ve met Rule, Jet, Rome, and soon Nash! But there’s a new boy in town, along with a new series, by Jay Crownover. Better When He’s Bad (Welcome to the Point #1) is a new adult novel scheduled for publication on June 17, 2014, by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing. This is how Jay describes her new novel/series:
“It’s dark and dangerous and set in a fictitious underworld/bad part of town. The men in all of the books are way more along the line of being anti-heros than true leading men. I guess the easiest way to sum them up is by saying the books are all about the choices these characters have to make and the outcomes and results of those decisions. Bax’s book is all about having to make the hard choices and what becomes of him and his lady in doing so. They are super fun, very atmospheric and I think really what writing a bad boy should be like if you’re going to do it :)”
Look in the back of Nash’s book to find the first chapter of “Better When He’s Bad.”
Synopsis
Welcome to the Point There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who’s bad . . . meet Shane Baxter. Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too soft…and standing directly in his way. Dovie Pryce knows all about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced. Bax terrifies her, but it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize that some boys are just better when they’re bad.


I’m supposed to share interesting details about myself so that my readers get to know me so here we go in no particular order: I’m an natural redhead even though I haven’t seen my real hair color in years, I’m a big fan of tattoos and have a half sleeve on either arm and various other pieces all over the place, I’ve been in the bar industry since I was in college and it has always offered interesting insight into how men and women interact with each other, I have 3 dogs that are all crazy, I live in Colorado and love the snow, I love music and in all reality wish I could be a rock star not a writer or a bartender but I have zero talent so there is that. I love to write, love to read and all I’m interested in is a good story with interesting characters that make the reader feel something.
Connect with Jay: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

What I think: I haven't read this yet, but as you can see this week I have been fangirling all over Jay so I'm so down to read this I'm waiting on pins and needles for it. Jay is a great writer for those into the contemporary New Adult genre.  I can't wait to get it!! Hope you enjoy

Happy Reading

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Blog Tour Book #Review: Nash ( A Marked Men 4)

Book Title: Nash (A Marked Men 4)
Author: Jay Crownover  |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback
Cost: $13.99
Pages: 400
How I got it: Blog Tour eARC
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 4/29/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Saint Ford’s life is exactly how she likes it—calm, serene, and all about work. Since she was a little girl all she wanted was to be a nurse, a caregiver. Not on her agenda: doing a back and forth dance with the guy who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember it—or her for that matter—but he changed her life forever . . . and now he’s trying to change it again. Nothing in Nash’s life is what he thought it was. And after a deeply buried secret about his family hits him like a one-two sucker punch, he has a lot to sort out. He absolutely doesn’t have time to try to figure out the sizzle between him and the hottie he keeps bumping into, or why she seems so desperate to avoid him. But Saint is far too pretty to ignore and much too kind for him to give up on without a fight. And just when she becomes the one person who can help him out of his tangled mess, Nash learns he may have given up his right to her heart years ago . . .
Jay pulled no punches when writing this book, this go around she changed up the formula a little and really changed the way I looked at all the Marked Men.  In a lot of these books the woman is the seriously strong one who makes the man change for their love, but this go around??? It was a great change, one I hadn't been expecting because I make it a point not to read the synopsis's on these books. I like going in and having the story unfold for me like it is for the characters.  Normally I don't read the beginning stuff before the book,but I'm so glad I did in the instance. Jay picked some wonderful quotes to share and of course shared quite a bit about herself that made me really love the story even more * and add her to one now favorite list of authors and must buy lists*.

Once again we're back in the world of Denver where the smoking hot Marked Men are working hard at making their lives the best they can be.  Our favorite background character Nash got the world's harshest surprise in Rome and is struggling to keep his head above water with the double news he got and a run in with his past.  I mean at the end of Rome, she really kicked the world off it's axis for Nash and didn't give us any hint how it would be righted, but did give us a little hope.

I really loved Saint, and I could totally relate to her issues of dealing with the past, body issues, social anxiety, a low self esteem and pessimistic outlook on life and love.  It's like someone told Jay my life. Normally I would want to shake the female character and demand she grow up but reading Saint was so real and raw and I totally understood her plight of holding onto the past or embracing the unknown future.  Her struggle was real, plus she's a freaking nurse, she like ahead of everyone else in every book just because of ( Yeah if you don't know by now I'm a medical professional with an eye on midwifery, I love reading books with women or men in my field).  I loved how confident she was in her field but struggled with accepting that she was just as amazing out of her comfort zone. And of course there is her home life. Le Sigh man Le Sigh.

Our hero Nash is well, perhaps the calmest of the Marked Men, and one of the most damaged ones from a young age.  Reading his mother's explanation of why she was the way she was I wanted to knock her block off, like really?? All of that to make your life comfortable?? I'm sure she has some pent up background story but really I don't give a f*ck; you tried to ruin a good young man & you allowed your a**hole husband free rein at doing the same. I should kick you.  Nash even though he had every reason to struggle was actually doing amazing & it had to do with the confidence instilled in him by Uncle Phil, his real family maybe shyt, but the one he built for himself was amazing.  Nash had the strongest sense of self, even with brief moments of doubt that made him real instead of too perfect.

I enjoyed reading their coming together story. While personally this story was less intense than Rule. less raunchy than Rome (at least to me) it carried a greater emotional impact for me.  Their love making scenes were sweet, raw & ground breaking (for both of them) and of course once again sent me running to wiki to double check the newest thing in my sphere. (I'm no vanilla, but learning about these piercings are fascinating and hell I'll admit really new, plus wiki has pictures y'all, pictures, that's way better than imagining it).  I loved how Nash worked to make Saint comfortable with him instead of overwhelming her; how Saint left the staid comfortable world behind to embrace everything he has to give (even if she was waiting for the other shoe to drop).

The expansion of their worlds as they embraced each other was great to read. Saint's awakening and creating a fulfilled life, not just because of Nash but in all aspects was beautiful.  I loved that she had a good life before she embraced Nash, she had the great relationship with her sister, and a wonderful calling that became a career, while her love life might have been semi dormant, everything else was going good.  She has a few issues she was working on, and that made her so real to me.

As we progressed we realized that the story of the other characters were included in a way that helped each of our new lovers move forward.  Learning about Asa I'm not going to lie, his speech?? Yeah I might be looking forward to reading his book and seeing if the woman I think is going to kick his butt into gear is really the one he gets.  I loved catching up with Rule & Casper, Cora & Rome, and even Jet & Ayd; seeing these characters continue to develop & expand on their lives is a really good treat.  It's amazing how they interact with in the story & grow and develop.

With the new shop opening up, we have a new character coming to town and bringing another of our men to his knees (I just know it's going to be rockabilly awesome).  We have new characters being introduced from the house & soon one is supposed to blow into town via the bar ( I hear she's trouble). And of course we're going to have six new artist to add to the Marked Clan, of course there is Zeb & Wheeler got mentioned so I'm wondering if they are going to be joining the crew too.  It's going to be interesting and I don't see leaving Denver anytime soon.

That's ok, I'm here for the long haul anyway and while we wait... I'm going to check out the new town over and discover the difference between Bad boys...and boys that are just bad.

 ★★★★
I highly recommend the newest addition to the series, which is now available.
Happy Reading

Monday, April 28, 2014

Book #Review: Rome (A Marked Men Novel #3) .@JayCrownover


Book Title: Rome (A Marked Men Novel)
Author: Jay Crownover |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Romance/ New Adult
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback
Cost: $4.54
Pages: 387
How I got it: Purchased 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 1/7/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Sometimes the wrong choice can be just right . . . Fun and fearless, Cora Lewis knows how to keep her tattooed "bad boy" friends at the Marked in line. But beneath all that flash and sass is a broken heart. Cora won't let herself get burned again. She's waiting to fall in love with the perfect man—a baggage-free, drama-free guy ready for commitment. Then she meets Rome Archer. Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He's stubborn, rigid, and bossy. And he's returned from his final tour of duty more than a little broken. Rome's used to filling many roles: big brother, doting son, supersoldier—but none of those fit anymore. Now he's just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the dark demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer through it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes a blinding flash of color in a sea of gray.Perfect may not be in the cards, but perfectly imperfect could just last forever.
I cried.. I shed genuine tears while reading this book and when you read it you will see why.  I just... I can't wait to read Nash's story and about him and the mysterious nurse, but for now let's talk about my man Rome. The military guy who is struggling with his family grief and his secrets.

Rome is so wounded and just so in need of a shoulder and some serious love and non judgement and our girl Cara is here to apply for that position. I loved Rome, I liked Rule (I mean he's so badass how can you not) but I really loved Rome. I liked Jet just fine, but man oh man these moments between Cara and Rome really made me burn. They just burned up the sheets and the pages.

It's an amazing story and my words aren't doing it any justice, we catch up with all the Marked Men and their lives are all going great, we are introduced to a whole new slew of men, given a glimpse of love's redemptive power, shown what bitterness can cause, seen what real PTSD looks like and just generally given an amazing story.

I loved every moment of reading this story and stalled on finishing it because I just didn't want them to leave.  The characters are so emotive and fleshed out you can't help but to relate, understand and truly love them,  Cara has a lot of baggage and she's so kickass and hell bent on being strong that she almost destroys her own happiness.  Rome was struggling and didn't want anyone to know, but a kick ass biker took a chance on him ( the moment that made me tear up) and it gave him a sense of direction.

I loved how he and Cara worked at become 'normal'. how funny they were together, how hot they were for each other and just generally how much each character grew throuhgout the story.  I really loved the girls all being there for her and of course getting all in her business because that's what Cara would have done.

There are several moments that made me gasp because really I didn't see them coming, and I'm totally dying to know just exactly what did Cara's dad mean about knowing the whole story. What story and what does it have to do with my baby Nash??  Also that moment in the parking lot?? *sobs* Yeah don't ever do that to me again Jay, I can't take it, just don't scare me like that again.

But I will say I'm not sure if I'm ever going to be a fan of ASA, I'll read his story and see which poor girl gets stuck with him but I'm not sure if he even knows what being good looks like.  I'm not sure if I can forget all he did, nor am I sure I trust him, but Rome does and I trust Rome so I'm going to be nice and read it. Jay has done a wonderful job sharing her story with us and I loved every moment I got with Rome and Cara. Now where is Nash??
 ★★★★
Happy Reading


Sunday, April 27, 2014

Book #Review: Jet (A Marked Men Novel 2)


Book Title: Jet (Marked Men 2)
Author: Jay Crownover  |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook, paperback
Cost: $2.99
Pages: 416
How I got it: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 5/28/2013
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire. Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships. Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?
This one gets another five stars, loved the whole story even though there were moments I wanted to shake Ayd, I could see why she was doing what she was doing. Especially when we learn her whole back story. Jet is a pretty good character too, well written with depth and made me like him, he took a little longer than Rule but he worked for it and I love him now.  I loved that they had their moment in Rule and they struggled to move on from it. Either move forward separately or to move on together.

I loved that it's written from each characters perspective so you see both sides and get a whole story instead of inside just one person's head. Meanwhile the story got to advance while giving each character a chance to grow and develop.  Jet had some seriously deep legitimate fears and after meeting his dad, I so don't blame him.  He struggles with living within the tight boundaries he's setup for himself due to his personal home life and I can totally see why he struggles with the boundaries Ayd tries to put up.

Ayd had a pretty rough life, constantly doing all she could to keep her family from falling apart especially because of the town she lived in she had a narrow definition of what she was cut out for. The past came back hard for her and I don't blame her for being so controlling even though she was breaking her own heart in the process. She hadn't forgiven herself, nor did she think she was worthy of love and because of it she hurt herself and Jet.  I loved that Rule, got in Jet's face after his little move on Valentine's Day, yeah that was a bit of an a**hat move Jet.  There are a few moments in the book where I wanted to push Jet off the stage, because well he earned it. But like Rule, he drags himself back from the brink of ain't shytness and makes you love him allover again.

The dynamics of the relationships were great to read, to see even though their story was one book ago, that Rule & Shaw were still working out the kinks and setting a great example for their friends. Jet's reaction to Ayd was great and their love was beautiful to read.  I just couldn't get enough of either of them.

This is a great follow up to the breakout Rule and I loved reading the interwoven stories and seeing the other characters and how they interacted with Jet & Ayd as well as seeing their stories be continued.  The development of new stories was also done well and in a way that made you want to read the next story. Of course I already purchased the next one. *Don't.gimmie.those.looks*. It was awesome reading this one and I have no regrets.
 ★★★★
Get it Read it Love it!!
Happy Reading

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Book #Review: Rule ( A Marked Men Novel 1)


Book Title: Rule ( A Marked Men Novel)
Author: Jay Crownover |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: New Adult Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook
Cost: $1.99
Pages: 327
How I got it: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date:
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight--A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want--and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen. To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess-and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw-even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is. But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails, and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love . . . or each other.(less)
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I went to the bookstore, *hey hey don't gimmie those looks I was just here to browse ok, just to look* the other day and it was one of the first book covers I saw.  I was so drawn in because it was just so gorgeous, you can't help but pick it up. I took a picture to remember it by then came home and as i was scrolling through my books on my kindle I discovered a sampler of New Adult books and almost danced with joy to discover the first three chapters.  Yeah, after getting hooked I knew I had to have it; I went looking on amazon to learn about it and it was only 1.99 so yeah I have read 20 books so far this month so I get two books, I snagged it and totally enjoyed reading this, I did it in 1 day and I can't even begin to explain how awesome it is that the author is a tattoo fanatic too.

Rule is your 'typical' bad guy, who happens to be a tattoo artist, he has his issues and he's a bit of an a** when we first meet him and he doesn't change much. I liked that Shaw liked him as an a** and he didn't need to change completely and neither did she. It wasn't insta-love, and they didn't lose themselves completely but man oh man together they were awesome.

Rule has some interesting piercing, one called the "Jacobs Ladder" that even I didn't know about and had to Wiki (yes you can look them up on Wiki with pictures and everything...learn something new everyday).  With that visual I could totally see why Shaw loved the heck out of being with him, because hello stimulation!!  Rule as a boyfriend was amazing to read and I loved that he was doing so much for Shaw, Shaw's issues with knowing his history really put a damper on her being able to trust him (which I totally get, cause ole' boy was a hoebag). Yet when pushed, well no spoilers but it really made her look at her life and her moment in the Starbucks?? Had me cracking up!! Shaw is no joke and I'm glad she really made Rule work at being with her.

I really loved reading their story, and reading the other characters as well. I can't wait to read the others, but the character development, the flow of conversations, the interactions were all well done and I loved every second of it!!  I didn't like Rule's family especially not his mother 'cause damn really?? Who does that?? I really felt for them, both Rule, and his mom having to see a child who constantly reminded you of the one you lost has to hurt. She didn't have to take it that far though, no madam, I don't like you for that.

The added element of her being his twin brother's previous girlfriend or not girlfriend was a great little twist and I enjoyed reading them getting around that.  Their families were beyond batshyt crazy and poor Shaw has a really twisted mother like really out there; who ignores their daughter's boundaries like this??  And even when it came back on her she was still so damn deluded I wanted to bitch slap er a**. UGH some people I tell you.

I enjoyed all the side characters especially because I know they have their own books which I'm going to be purchasing as soon as I clean up this TBR a bit and have room for them (April 22nd where you at??)*I'm leaving this in, I bought, read & wrote the review for this in Feb*

I highly recommend this one.  She included a playlist and I will be making it to add to my Music playlist, from all the songs listed in the book. I keep discovering new bands all over the place.
 ★★★★☆
I really enjoyed their dynamic and their love and I can't wait to get the other stories
Happy Reading

Friday, April 25, 2014

#Review & #Giveaway: An Unexpected Sin (A Sins of Salem Novel 2) (CLOSED)

Book Title: An Unexpected Sin ( A Sins of Salem 2)
Author:  Sarah Ballance |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Entangled Scandalous
Genre: historical Romance
Series/Standalone: Series book 2
Format: ebook
Cost: $0.99 Introductory Price
Pages: 200
How I got it: Blog Tour/Publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 4/14/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Colonial Salem The moment the stranger's dark eyes meet hers, Anne Scudder's world is immediately overthrown by chaos. That single flare of desire is immediate, driving away all notions of propriety. Instead, Anne is consumed with sinful thoughts - ones that no unmarried girl should ever have for a man who isn't her husband... But Josiah Cromwell is no stranger. It's been six years since Josiah stole kisses from Anne, his best friend's younger sister. Six years since Josiah left after his best friend's death, burdened by the knowledge that he was responsible for destroying Anne's family. Now he's returned to claim the woman he can't live without. But even as their desire threatens to consume them both - body and soul - the dark workings of suspicion and witchcraft are afoot. Because in Salem, too much passion can lead a woman to ruin... and condemned to death.
OMG a book set up in Salem MA??!!! Where do i sign up?? This is my favorite city (next to NYC & Paris).  I go every fall for the month long Witch fest I have an amazing time every year.  Reading a romance set in that time was going to be pretty awesome.

The book unfortunately starts a little slow because the author is laying the foundation and bringing you into the world of Salem during the Witch Trials of 1692.  Only problem for me is, this is my stuff. I'm a pagan woman this is part of my history. I already know this stuff, Salem is one of the top destinations for wiccans and pagans (or some of them).  If you didn't know the history or any of the information then everything was essential for you to know because it lays the groundwork for you to understand the whys of the time period.

We are brought into the time of Salem during the beginning of the hysteria.  When neighbor after neighbor turned their backs on each other when they were accused. Even defending or aiding a friend who is accused will bring suspicion on you.  So many people tried to keep their heads down while their friends are hurt.  Anne has friends who are being accused and her heart is breaking, she's lost her brother, and her now several of her friends, she's even lost her childhood crush.  When she's visiting with friends she discovers a man who makes her feel something she hasn't felt in years.

Once the foundation is laid the story picks up pretty quickly.  Then we begin to learn Josiah's secrets (some of then anyway) & we get to know Anne really well.  It progresses really well and draws you in.  I waited to know just like Anne.  Josiah's part, I wanted to know how the Grandmother knew what she did & I waited to know more about Josiah. I loved learning more about them, and watching the story unfold, the drama that was there and just everything.that happened.

I liked the conclusion we were given, it went well with the story. Nothing for them came easy.  Anne wasn't completely lost to the impropriety of her situation and we got to see how she handled her burdens.  I really liked them together and was happy for their story because well ...you have to read to understand.

For the curious here's a little more about Salem's Past and the Salem October  monthly event.  Some of my posts from Salem with lots of pictures.

Don’t miss out on great books from Entangled Publishing – Check out their Steals and Deals!

Pump Up Your Book and Sarah are teaming up to give away a $50 Amazon/B&N Gift Card! Terms & Conditions: 

  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old. 
  • 1 winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes 
  • This giveaway begins April 14 and ends on April 25. Winners will be contacted via email on April 26, 2014. Winner has 48 hours to reply. Good luck everyone! 
ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 ★★★1/2☆
Welcome to Salem, keep your heads down and don't share your technology you might be accused.  Happy Reading

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

A Global Tour, A #Giveaway & #Review : A Shot Of Red (CLOSED)

Book Title: A Shot Of Red
Author: Tracy Marsh |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Entangled Edge
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: ebook
Cost: $0.99 Introductory Price
Pages: 400
How I got it: Tour/Publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: 4/21/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
After fleeing D.C. following a one-night stand that had her reeling, biotech company heiress Mia Moncure has thrived working with a humanitarian aid team administering vaccines in Haiti. When the United States is threatened with a flu epidemic, Mia’s grandmother demands her return to unveil a new flu vaccine for Moncure Therapeutics. She arrives to find that her ex-boyfriend, the company’s PR Director, has died in a suspicious accident in Switzerland that Mia soon suspects was murder. Determined to reveal a killer, Mia heads to Switzerland where she’s threatened as she discovers a plan to infiltrate the vaccine for nefarious purposes. Desperate for backup, she turns to sexy Gio Lorenzo, Communications Director for her mother, a high-ranking senator–and Mia’s one-night stand. While negotiating their rocky relationship, they race to uncover a deadly scheme that could ruin her family’s reputation. But millions of people are being vaccinated, and there’s more than her family’s legacy at stake. Mia and Gio struggle to discover the truth about the scheme and their feelings for each other, but it just might be too late.
Welcome Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts because today, instead of a "boring" review, we are going a global tour.   Let's start in the disaster torn areas of Haiti, where we have been giving aide to the people in need for the last few months along with our tour guide Mia.  For those who don't know they were hit by an earthquake in 2010 then a devastating hurricane right after.  You can see more information here.  Mia is here as part of relief efforts to stem the rising epidemic due to these disasters.
After a few months of avoiding her 'real life' it comes calling for her, and she must return home. There she is made aware of the problem about to explode all over the US and her familys' company is right in the center of it.  Before long we realize this is a true whodunit, as secrets Mia wasn't aware of started coming out.  She had run away from her feelings and her personal life, but just because she pushed pause didn't mean the rest of the world did, and someone important to her is now gone.  Mia is left reeling from their departure, but their death isn't as it seems and Mia is left with a few clues as to what was happening and of course all her own personal family drama, because her brother Matt is the worst twin ever!!

Before long our travels takes us away from, the Beltway into old New York, and from there into one of the oldest and sexiest (in my opinion ) places on Earth.  Welcome ladies and gents to Lucrene Switzerland.
Here is where the mystery really begins, let's depart for our hotel, take a walk down memory lane, stop at the bank, eat and head on over to the gorgeous Spreuer Bridge.
These paintings are very amazing. Of course this isn't the only thing about this bridge that should scare us. Make sure you watch your step.

According to Frommer's guide we have to check out the collection here in the Museum  (image via the  website) which is funny because our clues lead us there. Is anyone really a fan of Picasso or do they just say that to sound 'cultured' we learn even more information that we expected. Something to do with a Dragon, hmm this is getting better every page.

There is so much going on and poor Mia is at the epicenter of it, and she's way out of her depth.I loved reading the build up between Mia and Gio,   I loved the mystery of who had done what and why.  I was compelled to finish the story, I was intrigued and loved the heck out of everything that was being revealed. I hated who we were supposed to hate and just went along for the ride.  It's too awesome and I've already given you a few clues, the rest?? Well you're just going to have to read to find out now aren't you??
 ★★★★☆
Don’t miss out on great books from Entangled Publishing – Check out their Steals and Deals!
Pump Up Your Book and Tracy are teaming up to give away a $50 Amazon/B&N Gift Card! Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old. 
  • 1 winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes 
  • This giveaway begins April 28 and ends on May 9. Winners will be contacted via email on May 10, 2014. Winner has 48 hours to reply. 
Good luck everyone! ENTER TO WIN! 
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Make sure you got your shot or maybe not LOL. 
Happy Reading

Images are from bing,com search, and where they are labeled from.

#Review & #Giveaway: Undying Desire ( A Novel of the Enclave) (CLOSED)

Book Title: Undying Desire (A Novel of the Enclave)
Author: Jessica Lee|WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Entangled Edge
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: ebook
Cost: $0.99 Introductory Price
Pages: 233
How I got it:  Blog Tour/ Publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: 4/21/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Guerino Lombardi’s world just went to shit. Vampire and second in command of the Warriors of the Enclave, he's put everything on the line to save his best friend from what has to be the worst blow a man can take. Kenric, his friend and master of the Enclave, has a daughter, something believed impossible in the vampire world, and word has it she wants her father and his Enclave dead. Guerin is determined to protect Kenric, keeping the secret from him until he knows for sure if this daughter really exists and if she wants revenge. Eve Devonshire is a woman hiding in plain sight. Not completely human, but not quite a vampire, she’s accepted by neither race but is more powerful than either one. Her life has consisted of half-truths and disguises, never belonging or living in one place for any length of time. But now some have heard rumors of her existence and want nothing more than to trap her and dissect her like a lab rat. To stay alive, Eve can't trust anyone, including the alpha vampire with midnight eyes and a thirst for pain and submission. With her enemies nipping at her heels, Eve has Guerin cornered, and both are determined to get the answers they're looking for or die trying...if they can fight their desires long enough.
So...yeah there are other books...yes mam..wait on second while I click purchase on Amazon. Book buying ban broken Alright!!! Oh bite me *see what I did there..yeah let the corny jokes commence*, like you wouldn't do the same thing if you wee reading about these hot men.  (Oh by the way I'm only 17 pages in)  I'm a pretty prolific reader, I have been for many years way before I became a blogger, I know pretty early into a novel if the author's cadence is going to work for me or not, very rarely am I ever wrong about this.  So when I was 7 pages in and found myself on goodreads trying to find out more about the authors other works I just knew I had found a new go to author.  And I'm proud to say I wasn't wrong.

Reading this novel I just was wowed from the get go, we have this strong male character who we know isn't into certain things...or so we thought. Jessica took this novel slapped us up side the head and gave us a whole nother story. I was just so emotionally invested that I didn't even stop to do anything . I had to know what happened next. I started this book late Sunday night and was done early Monday morning. Sleep was a joke.

We meet Eve who is as complex and nuanced and so strong yet broken and I just... I so wanted to both coddle her and run from her at the same time. Guerin, well how do I explain the newest book boyfriend, oh yeah he's mine and you can't have him.. walk away now!! I just loved the building of a...well you will have to read to see where this one goes. I was both pleasantly surprised and really intrigued by the flip in power.

Guerin is an alpha with a twist and I loved reading his story. He was perfect for Eve, the two of them together were extremely raunchy, witty and just awesome to read.  Eve was raw, and real a bit jaded but totally reminded me of Rebecca from The Originals, what she had, what she knew, isn't all she wanted. She had become pretty bad ass just to survive and while it changed her it isn't who she wants to be all the time.

This is going down as one of my newest faves in the genre and I highly recommend that you take part in the series. The book is wonderfully written and just draws you into the story.  I enjoyed the world  and can't wait to jump into the rest of it. I liked meeting Kenric and Arran was funny, he helped to move the story along with his quick witted comments.  Of course the villain was written excellently  and old secrets come out and change the lives of those involved.   Now excuse me while I go meet the other two men in the Enclave and their various partners. It's a good series and will definitely be adding to the tbr pile. (pretty close to the top too)  See you when I see you, and don't forget to thank me!!

Don’t miss out on great books from Entangled Publishing – Check out their Steals and Deals!
 Pump Up Your Book and Jessica are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  •  1 winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes 
  • This giveaway begins April 21 and ends on May 2. Winners will be contacted via email on May 3, 2014. Winner has 48 hours to reply. Good luck everyone! 
ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 ★★★★☆
Happy Reading


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

#Review: Good Girl's Don't Date Rock Stars

Book Title: Good Girl's Don't Date Rock Stars
Author:  Codi Gray|WebsiteTwitterFacebook| Pinterest
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Book 2
Format: ebook
Cost: $1.99
Pages: 300
How I got it: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: 4/22/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Gemma Carlson didn’t plan on waking up married. She also didn’t count on running into her old flame—and her son’s father-turned-country-rock star—Travis Bowers, followed by a night of drunken dares. Apparently one of those involved a ring on her finger and a vow…neither of which she intends to keep. Now with a hangover from hell, this good-girl-gone-bad knows there’s just one thing to do: run. Travis has been all over the world, but Gemma has never been far from his thoughts. So when he had the chance to catch up over a few drinks, he didn’t hesitate. Of course he didn’t expect it would lead to marriage, or a runaway bride! Travis finally has a second chance and doesn’t plan on losing Gemma again—or the son he didn’t know he had. He proposes—albeit belatedly—a date. Or rather, a few. If they can make this marriage work by starting over, he stays. If not… Gemma’s not interested; she’s got a son to protect and a heart to heal. But having Travis around could make both a little easier. Still, good girls don’t date rock stars…right?
I liked it, I didn't love it. It started off good, the character of Gemma seemed like my kind of woman, she was a lover of books, she was a bookstore owner who went to Vegas for a romance convention (sounds legit!!).  Then we meet Travis and it all goes to shyt.  Gem lets us know why he was awesome but she's got a major secret.  One I'm not a fan of, NOPE!! I don't do those nor do I agree with this secret.  By page 48 I called her issue because she wouldn't shut the f**k up about it.  And it wasn't the BS she was trying to sell herself either.

She & Travis clicked well and they are well written characters.  Travis always wanted roots and thought he may have found it with Gemma until that night in Phoenix.  It's ten years later and as if by fate they meet again with a chance encounter in Vegas.  They begin to reminisce and after a big night of fun in the City of Sin,  they wake up well...married.  It's a night neither can remember properly.  I do love the pop culture references throughout the book ( "you had a Britney Spears wedding").

Travis was a good character to read. I kept thinking of Blake Shelton (IDK it just happened but I liked it LOL).  Never having a family has affected him and he wants Gemma more than he did before.  But will her secret break them apart??!!

Personally I loved the heat from the characters. When we got it. I'm a little disappointed because the cover sells "erotica". No?? But it's really more of a feel good romance not that there is anything wrong with that.  I was just expecting a bit more full on sexy times. there are a few in there, but there are also a lot of talking about it happening off 'screen' as it were. The story is well written and comes together well, the conversations flow and Gemma *even though she's not my favorite character* is still well written, and well rounded, she's relateable due to her issues, but I still can't get behind her lame excuses as to why she did what she did.  I mean it all worked out in the end, but no madam, that's not kosher at all.  In fact I kept wanting to scream at her my favorite quote from Practical Magic  " My darling girl, when are you going to realize being normal isn't necessarily a virtue?? It rather denotes a lack of courage"   I have never read a quote more perfect for her than this one.

I didn't like Gemma's secret, I don't like the lengths she was willing to go to keep said secret, I believe she took the cowards way out, instead of growing a pair and standing her ground.  I didn't like her childish reaction when things got out of control and seemed like they were going to take more work.    I was so here for the dressing down she got ( or talking to , whatever you want to call it, but she definitely had a few come to Jesus talks in this book)  from Gracie (her BFF), Michael (second BFF) and her Mama all gave her because she need to hear it.  She did grow as the book progressed, and she was forced to pay the piper, but I was still mad at her for her secret.  That's not a way to live woman, it's one thing if the guy isn't worth the salt off a camels' ass it's a whole other thing when it's your damage that made you make the decision you did.  I don't know why she never thought it wouldn't eventually out.  And yes I'm well aware that Travis could have picked up the phone or returned home at any point in time, however considering the events in Phoenix?? Yeah, I wouldn't have ever gone back there either.

The author did a good job laying the groundwork for future books, but when I looked them up they weren't the ones coming out right away, I want to know more about Gracie and her bartender, & Michael and the vet.  In the end it was a cute story, engaging, kept me glued because I just had to know how she was going to handle this new dynamic in her life.  It's not one of my favorites, but still sweet.  I will freely admit to talking   yelling at characters as I read along.
 ★★★☆

An obsessive bookworm, Codi Gary likes to write sexy small-town contemporary romances with humor, grand gestures, and blush-worthy moments. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading her favorite authors, squealing over her must-watch shows, and playing with her children. She lives in Idaho with her family.





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Monday, April 21, 2014

#Review & #Giveaway:Untamed Hearts ( A Highland Hearts Novella)

Book Title: Untamed Hearts (A Highland Hearts Novella)
Author: Heather McCollum |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Entangled Edge
Genre: Historical Romance
Series/Standalone: Series Novella
Format: ebook
Cost: $0.99 Introductory Price
Pages: 163
How I got it: Blog Tour 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Publication Date: 4/21/2014
Add To Goodreads
Synopsis:
Will Wyatt has always played the part of pirate, but now he’s a fish out of water in the Highlands of Scotland. With a bounty on his head, he’s laying low by helping his sister and a troop of abandoned children journey to a new home. He didn’t count on a spunky Highland lass stealing his breath after he steals a kiss. Jonet Montgomery has longed for a chivalrous knight her whole young life. Instead she found herself wed to a cheating scoundrel and left a widow. Giving up on love, Jonet turned to helping the orphaned children of her clan, but when a lusty, silver-tongued rogue opens a crack in Jonet’s routine life, she’s tempted by his offer to taste adventure of the most pleasurable kind. Will’s heart of gold shines through despite his infamous past, making Jonet risk her reputation once again. But can she possibly be enough woman to keep this sexy pirate from straying? With her past embarrassment haunting her, she risks more than just her reputation this time. She risks her heart.
Ladies and Gents, let me introduce you to the amazing Will Wyatt *I pictured him as Captain Hook from Once Upon a Time* who is a pirate who is landlocked due to some unfortunate circumstances.  Where does a pirate go to hide?? Why the Highlands of Scotland of course, and this is where he meets Jonet, a wild Highland lass who is doing her best to help the less fortunate of the clan.  As a widow, Jonet is left to try and make her way in the clan, and she decides to do so by being a surrogate mom to all the orphan children of the clan.

Can I explain how much I love Will & Jonet?? How much they made me laugh?? Will with his outlandish tales told to the young children, his willingness to help Jonet when it appeared like she was in need of help and instruction.  Jonet, a woman who is looking for a white knight, but isn't exactly as helpless as she appears. She's witty, and challenges Will when needed and makes him totally work to get a rise out of her.  Jonet has a bit of heartbreaking past, as her dead husband was a bit of an idiot.  And meeting Will makes her want to challenge that past, but she's still a little afraid of what others are going to say about her if Will lives up to her husband's past actions.

I loved the moments between them, I loved how funny Will was and how willing he was to do whatever would help Jonet and the children. he was brave when needed and great at being a comfort when needed.  I can't wait to see if there are going to more books from this clan, because Meg & her hubbie are too cute, I loved all of the friends we got to meet.  I can't wait to read Ann's story, & even see who tames Donald.  I know my heart hurt at the waterfall and I'm a little scared of Searc ( why do he eyes do that?? Is it why I think?? I don't know but I must read to find out!!)

This Clan with their magic and strong ties to the crown (even a stronger tie than the current King) made me intrigued to read.  I was saddened when it ended because I loved their tale so much.  This time is one of my favorite parts of British history and I loved the author's turn through the Highlands. I will definitely be reading more from her in the future.

Heather McCollum is an award winning, historical paranormal and YA romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology, much to her English professor’s dismay. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood of 2009 Golden Heart finalists. The ancient magic and lush beauty of Great Britain entrances Ms. McCollum’s heart and imagination every time she visits. The country’s history and landscape have been a backdrop for her writing ever since her first journey across the pond. When she is not creating vibrant characters & magical adventures on the page, she is roaring her own battle cry in the war against ovarian cancer. Ms. McCollum recently slayed the cancer beast and resides with her very own Highland hero, rescued golden retriever & 3 kids in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast. For more information about Ms. McCollum, please visit www.HeatherMcCollum.com.

Don’t miss out on great books from Entangled Publishing – Check out their Steals and Deals!

Pump Up Your Blog Tour, Heather & Misty are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card! 

Terms & Conditions:
  •  By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  •  1 winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes
  •  This giveaway begins April 21 and ends on May 2. 
  • Winners will be contacted via email on May 3, 2014. Winner has 48 hours to reply. Good luck everyone! 

ENTER TO WIN! a Rafflecopter giveaway
 ★★★★☆
It's a great little adventure through the Highlands, I recommend you get it *I mean it's only a $1.00 for a limited time*.  You won't want to miss this it!!
Happy Reading