Friday, May 31, 2013

Real (Real, Raw & Ripped #1) by Katy Evans Book Review and Exciting News!

A fallen boxer.

A woman with a broken dream.

A competition… 

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

REAL – April 9 2013

Book #1 of The Real, Raw & Ripped Series

Mature New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up

Goodreads:

My Review

5 of 5 Remy and Brooke

Let me start by saying that I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It took me forever to read this book because I could relate to the book in more ways than one and I had so much emotions reading it that I would read some and put it down and go back and put it down. Lord I was a complete mess just reading this book. Tonight I finally finished it and yes people I cried like a lune!

How to start this review is so dam crazy because Remy is a torn and tortured soul. He is an underground boxer taking out all his pent up anger out on his opponents. He is living the high life having fun fighting and having any woman he wants. Until he goes to his fight in Seattle and he sees Brooke. She is sexy and smart looking and triggers something in Remy like no one's business and he has to have her. The only thing is Brook is not really interested. She has kept herself locked up tight and refuses to unleash that wall she has placed. But once Remy sets his sights on her she is weakened by his persistence and perusal of what he wants.

This is where the story of Brooke and Remy gets crazy because Brooke learns something about Remy and she must decide whether or not she is going to stand by him or walk away. If things couldn't get crazier Brooke finds out her sister is into some serious shit and she needs her help but won't take it. That is when Brooke decides she will do anything to save her little sister. But at what cost will she save her? 

Brooke and Remy's story is rough and raw and not a happy go lucky story and clean cut. I hope people do not get upset with me when I say this story is so close to real life that it is not even funny. You may not like it but a person with bipolar is so crazy and manic and they have these high and lows and this story is not pretty but it is Brooke's and Remy's story to tell and I am so glad Katy wrote it and I look forward to getting more of Remy and Brooke and the gang!

Want more from Katy Evans click on the link to get more:

Here is some exciting news from her website about her books:
May 28, 2013

Guys, so I have some exciting news to share! Gallery Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) has picked up Real and the entire Real Series, which means you will be able to see Real and the rest of the series in your nearest bookstores soon. Unfortunately, though, the process of allowing more people to meet Remington Tate (yoooour Riiiiptideeee!!), Brooke, and the cast means that the planned release dates for the books have changed a bit. I’m truly sorry about this, but I promise you that I am having an amazing time writing Mine and cannot, absolutely cannot, wait to share it with you. And the great news is that when Mine releases on its new date, it will be available in both ebook and paperback format, online and in a store near you, so this is great news!

The tentative release dates for the books are listed below—I’m sure you’ll be happy to see that although Mine has been pushed back a little bit, the books that follow will be releasing almost back to back. So there will be tons of Katy Evans to look forward to!

REAL Sept 3, 2013 (rerelease paperback)

MINE Oct 22, 2013

REMY Nov 25, 2013

RAW Dec 31, 2013

RIPPED March 18 2014

Also, I want to share Gallery’s new Real links below:



Barnes & Noble is still working on it…

And also, Mine, Remy and Raw (Melanie’s story) are already on preorder on Amazon and iBooks!! Click the links if you’d like to secure your ebook copy!

MINE – Amazon  iBooks

REMY – Amazon iBooks

RAW – Amazon iBooks

I am so very grateful to have this wonderful opportunity to work with Gallery Books and their amazing team, who I can tell you are as big fans of Real as we are! And also, I can’t even find words to thank my wonderful agent, Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, for making this wonderful match. But more than anything, I am truly, truly grateful to all of you—for each one of you who has spent your time with Real, opened your hearts to it like I did, and have been the most amazing supporters an author could ever hope for. Thank you for reading!

Katy

Trying Not To Love You (Love #1) by Megan Smith Book Review & Special Gi$$away From Megan

MacKenzie Cahill has dealt with overbearing and overprotective brothers her entire life, making it near impossible to enjoy her teenage years. Having a boyfriend was practically impossible until she met a guy that wasn't afraid to stand up to them - Dominic. He was sweet, thoughtful, and everything MacKenzie ever wanted in a man.

But when they go away to college at Old Dominion University, MacKenzie sees a whole new side of Dominic and begins to wonder if he really is different from every other guy.

Her world is turned upside down after a party, and her brothers' best friend Hunter is the one there to offer her a shoulder to cry on. The chemistry between them is electric, and feelings for each other that have been hidden for years are finally voiced.

Is Hunter willing to be disloyal to his best friends in order to be with the one girl he's always secretly wanted?

Goodreads: 

My Review

5 of 5 Mackenzie and Hunter

Trying Not To Love You is a MASTER PIECE yes you heard me right this book is a master piece. One I will read and re-read for years to come. When I am grey and old I will re-read this book because it was totally EPIC! Man I have never read a story that totally had me enthralled right from the start. Man I captivated right from page one and stayed glued to the book until I finished it. 

God I am going to try and do this review without giving any spoilers and lord that is going to be very hard but this is one of those books that you have to read it to get the full effect from it. Don't go by other reviews good, bad, or indifferent but pick this book up and go on an adventure of a lifetime. If you remember anything about your first crush and your first love and that first kiss this story brings it all back. I remember his name and where he lived and I even talk to him all the time because we have remained friends. 

Mackenzie AKA Kenzie is the only girl out of four children. She has three over bearing and protective brothers and her brothers best friend is another brother from a different mother. Lord all these boys around her every minute of the day makes her crazy but she deals because she has her best friend. But what is difficult is dating and Kenzie can't date because the boys run the guys off all except one Dominic AKA Dom. 

I loved Dom because he stood up to her brothers and showed no fear what so ever when it came to them. So she spend her senior year with Dom and is excited to be going to school with Dom and her brothers best friend Hunter and her best friend. They have all decided to go to the same college Dom and her best friend because they will be close to their families and secretly Kenzie wants to be near Hunter.

See she has had a crush on Hunter since he entered her house. She loves him and no matter what she does and says to Hunter he will never cross the friend rule. You know the rule bro's before ho's and all and he does not want to mess up the relationship he has with Kenzie's brother's. So off to college they go and Kenzie gets a dose of some bad medicine because Dom starts acting crazy and things have changed between them and when Kenzie finds out something about Dom she gets pissed off at him and decides she needs to get a break from him. But Dom is not having that and the more aggressive he gets with her the more he finds out that even though her brothers are not there to protect her Hunter is and Hunter is not having any of that. 

Soon Hunter and Kenzie find themselves in a position where the truth about how they feel about each other comes to light. The only problem is what ever happens between them could destroy lifetime friendships and no one wants that. What is Kenzie supposed to do? She loves Hunter but there is just no way they can be together. Or is there? Things will change and maybe for the best but Kenzie will come face to face with crazy jealous ex's and she will lay it all on the line to have Hunter.

Will Kenzie and Hunter be together? Or will Hunter stick by his bro's before ho's motto with her brothers? The ending was crazy as hell and I need book two right the hell now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where to buy Trying Not To Love You:
Amazon:

Barnes & Nobles:


Megan is having a great giveaway on her blog click the link to find out what she is giving away:

Faking It (Losing It #2) by Cora Carmack Early Review

Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

Goodreads: 

My Review

5 of 5 Cade and Max

Cora Carmack has done it again! I mean she blew me away with Losing It which is the story of Garrick and Bliss. Then I see she has written the story of Cade Winston and HOLY HELL I start jumping in my seat because Bliss broke Cade's heart but I loved him to pieces. So when I found out he was going to get his own story I was all for it and I have to say that Cora topped Losing It with Faking It! Man I buddy read it with my girl Kayleigh and we could not get enough of our man Cade Winston.

Cade let his heart hang all out and took a chance when he told his best friend Bliss that he was in love with her and wanted to be with her. Bliss of course is in love with her teacher Garrick and they can't get enough of each other. So she tells Cade that and his heart is broken and to make things worse he and Bliss and Garrick are going to the same town where he is going to grad school and Bliss and Garrick are going to act.

Holding on to the hope that Bliss and Garrick will break up Cade holds on to his hope that one day she will come to Cade. When that bubble is burst by something you have to read about Cade is determined to get over Bliss. Then he meets this gorgeous girl in the coffee shop and it changes his life forever. It gives him something he has needed since he left college and his heart.

Mackenzie "Max" Miller is coasting day by day and trying to live her own life. She wants to forget the past but she can't seem to get over it. Her parents are hell bent on ruining her life and her one dream of being a musician. Then if life was not cruel enough her parents are in town and want to see her but she can't let them meet her boyfriend because he is tattooed from head to toe and he has piercings. Seeing no other way she approaches Cade in the coffee shop and asks him to play along with her as if he is her boyfriend. Cade agrees because he is an actor after all but what happens to the both of them after that day in the coffee shop is the crux of the story and lord baby Jesus is it one story that I will read and re-read for years to come!

And if you missed the book that started it all Losing It Here is the link to read about it!

Virginity.

Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

My Review

5 of 5 Garrick and Bliss

Losing it is one of those stories where your like HUH... NO WAY... VIRGIN... WTH.....

Losing it was an amazing story about a girl named Bliss who is a senior in college and still has her virginity in tack. She wants to lose it but every time she tries she freezes up and she can't perform. She is in her last year at college and is so determined to lose her virginity because she wants to graduate knowing she lost the one thing that everyone around her has lost. It doesn't help that she has a best friend who bags and tags guys on a regular basis. 

Then Bliss and her friend decide to go to the club for some dancing and drinking and that is where Bliss meets this GORGEOUS guy with a British accent. They hit it off right away and she decides to go home with him but when they are in her apartment and are about to intimate she chickens out and can't do it. Leaving him there to figure out what the hell just happened she tries to gather her bearings. To make matters worse she goes to school the next day and her knew theater teacher is yes you guessed it none other than the gorgeous guy she left naked in her bed a few hours ago.

As Bliss freaks out she can only think of how much she wants him but she can't seem to get over her fears of being intimate. Her best friend thinks she has done it and she is in no hurry to tell her the truth. To add to the craziness is that Bliss's other friend Cade is in love with her and has been ever since they have become friends but he does not want things to get weird between them. But as life and college would have it it does get weird for them and Bliss has to make a decision as to who she wants to be with. The best friend or Garrick the British Babe!

This story was great and funny but it did have a serious undertone and that is that Virginity is something every girl should cherish and not rush to give away because once you do you can never ever get it back. Carmack did a great job with this one and I need a whole story of Cade the best guy friend a girl could have! 

Goodreads: 

About this author

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

You can reach Cora on her website: http://coracarmack.blogspot.com

Source Books Presents How I Lost You by Janet Gurtler Blog Tour

There are a few things Grace Anderson knows for sure. 

One is that nothing will ever come between her and her best friend, Kya Kessler. 

They have a pact. Buds Before Studs. Sisters Before Misters.

 But in the summer before senior year, life throws out challenges they never expected.

 And suddenly the person who's always been there starts to need the favor returned. 

Grace and Kya are forced to question how much a best friend can forgive.

 And the answer is not what they expected.

Goodreads:

My Review

5 of 5 Friends

How I Lost You is a story that has so many things in it that will surprise the reader. I love Janet's stories because she gives such a powerful message in the story that uplifts the reader and has teens looking at situations in a different light. This book is about friends and where friendships go and how they play out when on friend changes.

Grace and Kya are friends not only friends but best friends. They do everything together and they stick to the saying that friends come before anyone or anything. That is until the friendship hits a bump in the road and both Grace and Kya are looking at what their friendship is and where it is going.

This is such a powerful story about what a friend will do for another friend. What sacrifices a friend will do for the other friend and how selfish one friend can be towards the other. I recommend this book to all girls who have ever been wronged by a friend because this book will open their eyes to what happened and give them some insight on how not to make bad decisions in friendships.

What would you sacrifice for your friend?

Purchase How I Lost You
Amazon:

Barnes & Nobles:

Sneak Peak Chapter One:

Read an Excerpt

chapter one

The boys were watching us, trying to get us to make mistakes. I knew from the swear words they were flinging around that they'd underestimated us. Inexperienced players shouted a lot. Kya and I didn't.

A surge of excitement blasted though me, and I grinned behind my paintball mask. Playing paintball made me feel alive, like licking a lollipop of adrenaline and wanting to explode with the rush. With my best friend, Kya, at my side, I sensed what it might be like to be invincible. Our goal was simple: shoot them before they shot us. Especially since the game was being streamed on a webcast. The people watching could change our lives.

But we had work to do. They had three players left. So did we.

At first, the other team wanted to kick our butts because of the girl thing, but now they knew we were good. Actually, if I were inclined to brag, I'd have to say the two of us were pretty great. I don't. Brag, that is. But Kya's a different story. And based on the way they were shooting right now, the other team not only wanted to hit us, they wanted to make it hurt.

It's easier to rock at paintball when you know someone has your back. I had Kya's and she had mine. No question asked. It made us somewhat unstoppable. She lifted her hand and pointed. I nodded, understanding.

Kya gave me the thumbs up, so I took a deep breath, stood, and then ran as fast as my legs could move in my gear. She shot crossfire, and a flurry of paintballs popped around me. One ball whizzed past my head, but with her diversion, I managed to dive behind a bunker without getting splattered.

Another flurry of swear words ripped through the air and then Kya yelled to me.

"Grace, you're a PAINTBALL PRINCESS."

"Kya, you da QUEEN!" I yelled back. It was our version of trash talk. We knew to speak naturally and stay calm in the midst of huge adrenaline rushes. We only yelled to rattle. Paintball wasn't really life or death. It only felt like it sometimes.

I couldn't see Kya's grin under her paintball mask, but I imagined it. When she smiled, it lit up her already beautiful face. She didn't smile a lot-she'd seen bad, bad things at a young age. Too young.

"Would you two quit glorifying and tell me what to do," yelled James. He was the only other player left on our team-Kya's best friend since second grade, mine since Dad moved us to Tadita the summer before seventh grade.

"Don't get shot," Kya called to him.

James was crouched behind a bunker. Paintball doesn't flow naturally through James's veins the way it does for Kya and me. He tended to panic a little, even though we look after him. He'd only agreed to join our team because one of our players didn't show up and the Lady Grinders scout had requested footage from the game. The Lady Grinders was a National College Paintball Association team out of Seattle University, the college team Kya and I would give up unborn children to play on. A college with an all-female paintball team. It couldn't get much better. But first we had to prove ourselves.

I glanced around, checking out the other players' positions, strategizing how we could lure them into the open.

Kya looked at me and tapped the side of her mask. My heart thumped in my chest as I nodded back. I was in a bad position. There was another set of loud pops, and James raised his hand in the air, then walked out from behind his bunker.

"I'm hit!" he yelled. "Sorry, Grace," he added before he started toward the deadbox. He'd given himself away when he'd shouted to us. I didn't blame him for it. He tolerated the game; he didn't live and breathe it.

I waved to him, but a paintball whizzed by my arm, missing me by inches. A tall boy had stepped too far from his bunker and shot too fast. Kya took advantage and popped him, and then I caught his teammate running toward another bunker.

Two down. One to go.

Kya and I locked eyes and she tilted her head to the right. I blinked quickly and frowned, understanding her meaning but not wanting her to make the sacrifice for me. She ignored my signal. She flew out like Superman and ran hard to give me a chance to move to a better position.

Whack!

She took a hit in the shoulder, but as intended, she'd drawn out the last guy. I lifted my gun, aimed, and pulled the trigger.

Thwap!

I hit him right in the back of the head and the webcam caught it all. The Lady Grinders would be impressed. Kya had set me up to look like the hero.

Kya whooped and ran toward me. When she got close, she jumped at me for a midair bump. I jumped to meet her and we smashed bellies. Then she grabbed my hand and held it in the air as if I were a boxer declared winner of the round.

"And that, my friends, is how it is done," she yelled at the top of her lungs.

We put a hand around each other's hips and kicked our legs up like Vegas showgirls. Our version of the victory dance. My heart burst with love for my BFF. We ignored the angry callouts from the guys we'd beaten and let the game outcome speak for itself.

"I could not have made that shot without you," I said for the benefit of the webcam as well as my best friend. Plus, it was true. I would not be the player I was without her.

She pulled off the headband outside her mask, and shut off the webcam attached to it.

"That was freaking awesome!" I yelled, still pumped up by the high of the win. I pulled off my mask and scrunched up my face in a faux dirty look. "But you totally sacrificed yourself to make me look good."

She flipped her mask up and shrugged. "You're worth it. I know how much you want to make the Grinders."

"Yeah. And you do too." I punched her lightly on the shoulder and put my gun up on my shoulder as we walked toward the exit of the speedball arena.

"Consider it an early birthday gift," she said.

"My birthday isn't for a month," I reminded her.

"That's why I said early." She rolled her eyes at me.

"We have to make that team," I said for the millionth time that week. "I wish we could have gotten tickets for the Paintball Manifesto," I whined, also for the millionth time. "That party would have secured our spots for next year." VIP tickets for the first giant Paintball Tradeshow in Seattle sold out, and without them we had no way to get into the VIP Players Party. The Lady Grinders would be there. A perfect chance to get on their good side.

"I know, Skanklet," she said.

"Good game, girls," Dad called. He stood on the top bench of the bleachers, outside the ropes, waving down at us. I hadn't known he'd been watching the game, but it didn't surprise me.

Years back when he found out what happened to Kya, Dad drove both of us to Splatterfest, the paintball place he'd bought after retiring from the police force, and made us suit up. He didn't tell anyone to go easy on us. He said he wanted to toughen us up and build our confidence. He said we needed to learn to excel in a male-dominated world like paintball. That it would help us in "real life."

I think how much we both loved paintball surprised him. We were both playing in tournaments by our second season. He said he'd thought it would be a good place for Kya to feel like she was taking back control. It made me sad that she needed to. But she did. There was nothing we could do to change what happened. Except be her friend.

I loved her before I found out what happened. I loved her more fiercely after. I would do anything to protect her.

"Solid footage. They won't be able to turn either of you down, even without going to the VIP party." He took a lot of pride in our paintball skills. He'd obviously heard about the webcast we were making for the Grinders, even though I hadn't told him.

I waved at him, and Kya raised her hand and then turned back to me.

"Don't worry, my Skanklet. I have ways of making things happen."

"But-" I started to say.

"Butt," she interrupted, turned, and shook her butt at me as we headed out of the playing area.

I laughed. Kya grinned back and then placed her free hand on her belly. "God. I'm so bloated. I have a monster case of PMS." She shook her butt some more and someone wolf whistled. We both automatically lifted our middle fingers without even looking over. Dad yelled something at the boys as he clomped noisily to his office in the back.

"You too, right?" Kya said with a grin. "PMS?"

Yes. We were so close, even our cycles were in harmony.

"You mean, Pass My Shotgun?" I asked, unable to resist, and lifted my paintball gun in the air.

She giggled. "No. Pass Me Sugar. Or Psychotic Mood Shifts." She scrunched up her mouth and made a face. Then she giggle-snorted again. Kya had a ridiculous and contagious laugh that always made me lose it.

Another laugh spurted out of me and I covered my mouth. "Oh no." A giggle fest started building, the contagious laughter tickling and threatening to erupt. We'd played this round of acronyms before with scream-laughter developing.

"Perpetual Munching Spree." Kya blew up her cheeks again so they were puffy and round.

"Provide Me with Snacks," I answered with a snort.

"Pimples May Surface," she said, grinning and pointing at my forehead.

My amusement died. Panicking, I reached up to feel my skin. Kya broke out into another peal of wacky laughter.

"What?" I demanded, suddenly immune to her laugh.

She pointed at me. "You searching for zits. You're such a worrier, Grace. You're fine." She laughed aloud. "Look at your face...Priceless Mood Shift."

"Please Shut Mouth," I said, and stuck my tongue out at her.

"Seriously?" James said when we stepped out of the roped-off area. He was already at the back counter cleaning out the rental gun he'd borrowed from my dad's supply. Dad ran the most organized indoor paintball place in the world and the neatest one too. Since James, Kya, and I were all his employees as well as players, we took good care of his equipment.

There was a blast of sound from Dad's office. Deaf in one ear from an on-the-job accident years before, he did everything a little too loudly. It sounded like he was testing the new speakers Mom bought him for his birthday last week.

"You really have to talk about female reproductive issues here?" James gestured around him to the boys in paintball gear and the counter filled with ammo and guns. "Voices carry, you know."

"Like we care," Kya said. "And trust me. Periods have nothing to do with reproduction at this point in our lives."

"You better hope so," he mumbled.

"You guys." I glared at both of them.

Usually they didn't take their bad moods out on each other. I wanted them to quit fighting and make up already. James turned his back to put away the paintball gun he'd borrowed.

Kya's secret was lodged right in the middle of our three-way friendship. I wished she'd let me tell him. But she wouldn't. And because he didn't know, he was harder on her. He saw me taking her side. Sometimes he didn't understand my need to protect her from the world.

Dad says I'm a human sponge for anyone with a sad story. Me? I think everyone has a sad story if you look hard enough. Dad agrees, I know he does, but his years as a police officer hard-boiled him a little. Not all the way; he's still a tiny bit soft on the inside.

But he looks out for Kya. My mom too. They're the only other people who know what happened to her.

We guard her secret feverishly. And we guard Kya too.

About this author

Janet lives near the Canadian Rockies with her husband and son and a little dog named Bruce. She does not live in an Igloo or play hockey, but she does love maple syrup and says “eh” a lot. 

Janet only gives 5 stars to the books she reviews because she is an author herself and knows that no book can appeal to everyone, but like a child, it is very special to the creator.

I'M NOT HER was published by Sourcebooks Teen Fire in May 2011. 

IF I TELL released Oct 1, 2011 from Sourcebooks Teen Fire.

WHO I KISSED Sourcebooks Fire 2012.

Janet's work will also appear in the THE FIRST TIME anthology, DEAR TEEN ME anthology and WHO DONE IT anthology.

ATOMR Presents A Cover Reveal For Speak Easy By Melanie Harlow

 
Title: Speak Easy
Author: Melanie Harlow
Expected release date: July 22, 2013 Genre: Historical
Age Group: New Adult
Cover Designed by: Tom Barnes Design

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   July, 1923. The ‘20s are roaring, and twenty-year-old Tiny O’Mara is desperate for a little anything-goes excitement. 

But when her father is kidnapped by a mobster in Detroit's exploding organized crime scene, she’s shocked to find herself caught up in the bootlegging wars of Prohibition—and torn between two gorgeous gangsters on opposite sides. 

 To save her father’s life, she’ll have to choose between them.

 But deciding whom to trust isn’t easy in a world where everyone wants something—be it booze, money, power, or sex—and no one cares what it takes to get it.

 Temptation is everywhere.   

  photo MelanieHarlow_zpsb336e2d3.jpg 
About the Author
 Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. SPEAK EASY was inspired by her cocktail-culture obsession, her affection for good gin, and the view from the end of her street. She lifts her glass to NA readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.  


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Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Butterfly Migration (The Butterfly Chronicles #3) by Mia Castile Blog Tour Stop


Becoming a Butterfly (Book 1)

Sixteen year old Lacey was never the center of attention, unless she was tripping, stammering, or being deposited into a pool by the local popular kids. All she wanted was to fit in, until one night when everything changed. 

Jade and Tasha, her two best friends, helped her create an online personality that was everything she wanted to be– and it was only the beginning. In doing so, she attracted the attention of Henry, her lifelong crush and next door neighbor. Unfortunately, it was Farrah, her online personality and not herself, he was interested in. 

She also attracted Chase, the brooding, quiet, anti-social new kid of Brownsburg High School, who easily figured out her secret and blackmailed her. They forged a friendship that was both unique and complicated. 

Lacey must decide if revealing herself to Henry and her entire school as the cool, charming, and funny Farrah is worth possibly losing him forever. She finds herself needing to make an even harder decision than she ever thought possible. When did the lines between truth and lies get so blurred?

Becoming a Butterfly is a story about coming of age and finding yourself when you never knew you were lost.

Amazon purchase link:

Goodreads:

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Butterfly Kisses (Book 2)

Everything changed for the Baxter sisters last spring. Lacey blew it with Henry her lifelong crush, only to discover a blooming relationship with her best friend, Chase. While he picked her up and put her back together, they grew closer over the summer. Now that school has started, he’s found popularity thanks to his band Cate’s Ashes, and he’s hiding secret phone calls and text messages. Plus, did his ex-girlfriend just appear out of the blue at his show? Forcing Lacey to wonder if he’s over the feelings he pronounced for her at the beginning of summer. Add to the tension, a realization and secret of her own to keep about her worse enemy. Lacey vows to be the bigger person and keep Byron’s revelation, but what will it cost?

Meanwhile, as Lana tries to find herself again after her suicide attempt, she’s befriended by the school’s resident bad girl, Britt, and new chicano boy, Tomas, in the same week. Britt offers unconditional acceptance that Lana didn’t realize she craved, while Tomas brings out the best in her, and makes her feel alive again. Britt is dangerous and daring, while Tomas exudes security and safety. Vices come easily when you are already addicted to something you crave, and Lana muddles through figuring out who she wants to be.

With their parents constantly arguing, and their dad moving into the guest bedroom, the pressure on the girls may explode destroying them all. Is there a place for happiness when their world is crumbling around them?

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The Butterfly Migration is written by Mia Castile and released on May 21st, 2013 by Entwined Publishing.

The Butterfly Migration (Book 3)

The worst day of Lacey Baxter’s life was the day her parents announced their divorce and her boyfriend Chase Livingston went into a coma. Scratch that. The worst day of her life was two months later, when he woke up and didn’t recognize her. Now, as he pushes her away, she clings to the hope that each day will be the day he remembers how much they love each other. Turning to her new BFF Byron and his circle of friends, she does whatever she can to cope with the changes. She just wants to be numb and forget about everything.

The headaches, the panic attacks, the pressure to be this perfect boyfriend are incredibly hard for Chase to bear. He doesn’t love Lacey, or at least he doesn’t think he does. Still, he doesn’t understand this strong attraction to her, or the jealousy he feels over every guy that talks to her. Losing two years of his memory means strangers think they know him and he’s not sure where he fits in. Will his memories come back over time or all at once? Should he even wish for them?

Finding each other again could be harder than either of them thought, especially when everyone knows their business and has an opinion about it.

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My Review

5 of 5 Butterfly Migration

The Butterfly Migration is book three in the Butterfly Chronicles. Let me start by saying this is my favorite series of all time! I fell in love with these characters from the very first book and every time I read about them it is like I am right there with them. They are a bunch of teenagers dealing with lot's of issues from being bullied, to an eating disorder, depression and suicide. Mia has crafted and weaved a story that will leave you breathless and screaming for more.

In The Butterfly Migration we pick up right where Butterfly Kisses ends which had me crying hysterically. Chase and Bryon fought and Chase hit his head pretty bad and when he got home he fell again in his shower and was found unconscious. Chase stayed in a comma for two months and when he wakes up he has no memory of the last two years. He has no memories of Lacey and their relationship and he struggles with knowing what is going on. 

When Chase wakes up he is bombarded by his friends and family and Lacey but he does not know her and he distances himself away from her because he wants his ex-girlfriend back and he will do whatever it takes to get her back. Mean while Lacey is dealing with her own issues and with the hurt of having Chase not remember her. Lacey starts to drink and her drinking becomes a serious problem.

As Chase starts to get his memory back he realizes he made a huge mistake by letting Lacey go and wants to fix it only Lacey has moved on. When Chase sees that Lacey is seeing someone else he decides he has to do everything in his power to get his girl back but is it to late? Did he push her to hard? Was he so mean and calloused that Lacey has had enough? Will Lacey and Chase get back together? If they do can their relationship really be saved? Will Lacey stop drinking?

This is a MUST READ series for everyone! Come along on the greatest adventure with Lacey, Chase, and the gang!

Coming soon:

Cambridge Meadows (A novella)

Chasing Butterflies (Book 4 and final book)

About Mia Castile:
Mia Castile grew up in a small suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. She still lives near her childhood home with her husband and two children. She was passionate about writing long before she was passionate about reading, but has learned the two go hand in hand. 

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Giveaway:
One paperback copy of Becoming a Butterfly
One paperback copy of Butterfly Kisses
One paperback copy of The Butterfly Migration
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ATOMR Presents A Cover Reveal For Hugged By An Angel by Roberta Capizzi

 Title: Hugged By An Angel
Author: Roberta Capizzi
Expected release date: July 22, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance (with a little angelic theme)
Age Group: New Adult/Adult
Cover Designed by: Mooney Designs

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 How can you ever love again when tragedy has crushed your heart? Kathleen used to love life. She had plans, dreams, and faith in life; but that was before the accident that took it all away from her in an instant. 

Now that her beloved brother is dead and she's confined to a wheelchair, her future is but a dark cloud hovering above her head. How can she ever find the will to move on and keep living without him? Even the cares of the happy-go-lucky American physiotherapist who's helping her with her rehab therapies are all in vain.

 Life seems to have lost its meaning, until one night she receives an unexpected celestial visit… Colin has been working as a physiotherapist in Dublin for almost five years, but he’s never bonded so much with a patient like he is bonding with Kathleen; there's something about those sad blue eyes that makes him want to help her, to take away the pain that reminds him so much of his own.

 Having lost both his parents in a plane crash when he was only sixteen, Colin knows how it feels to have someone you love taken so abruptly away from you, and he makes it his mission to help Kathleen find her faith in life again.

 But something changes along the way… Sometimes love can work miracles. If you believe.   

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About the Author
 An avid reader since her childhood years and being an only child, Roberta always enjoyed the company of her fictional friends from the children’s books she loved reading, while she dreamed of writing her own stories one day. It was when she discovered novels by authors Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy in her teenage years that she realized it was time she put down in words the stories she had kept well hidden in her mind until then. What started as a hobby, soon turned into a real passion and a way of life, until she could no longer keep the stories to herself, and decided to get over her fears and share them with the world. Roberta lives in Italy, but her dream is to move out of her country and live either in a thatched cottage in the Irish countryside or in a country house with a swing on the back porch, somewhere in the United States, where she would love to spend her days writing novels as a full-time job, and maybe one day even get as far as writing a screenplay for a movie.


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A New Cover Reveal For BORN IN VENGEANCE (Dacian Legends, #1) by Camelia Miron Skiba

BORN IN VENGEANCE
DACIAN LEGENDS, #1

BLURB:
Legend has it … centuries after Spartacus another hero is born—Ilias, the bastard son of King Decebalus. Thirsty for revenge and eager to unshackle the Roman oppression, Ilias’ obsession to fulfill his oath has no bounds, even if that means kidnapping Nerva, the beloved daughter of Emperor Traianus. What he doesn’t know is his own heart threatens to betray his conscience. 

What will prevail: his mind or his heart?

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BORN IN SIN
DACIAN LEGENDS, # 2

BLURB:
Loathing the thought of his beloved Oriana in the arms of another man, fearless Zyraxes delivers death upon the Roman enemy. With only the rugged land as his bed and the sky as his blanket, trouble finds him often.

Summoned to aid Oriana’s father in the war against two powerful enemies—one of them Oriana's savage husband—Zyraxes proves himself worthy of more than just noble titles and coin. But he wants none of it. What he wants is her.

When Zyraxes discovers a broken and nearly dead Oriana, though forbidden, he disregards her father's orders to leave her to her death, and instead chooses to protect and conceal her. Will saving her be enough to win her heart? Will his part royal lineage make him worthy of her love?

Goodreads:

About this author

I write. I live. I love. I dream. I write.

I’m a dreamer
I’m a sinner
I love my books
I conjure hooks
And heroes with good looks

Romance is my guilty pleasure
Taking me to places with new decor
Come join me if you dare
I promise not to bore

If you like to read my stories
Pray my husband continues snorin’
For he’s the one who keeps me up at night
When I give my heroes wings and flight.

Please visit my web page at http://authorcameliamironskiba.com/

Cami is having an all-day Facebook Release Day Event on May 30th for Born In Sin. There will be games and prizes, so please feel free to stop by and invite your friends. https://www.facebook.com/events/493744140678896/

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

For Everly by Raine Thomas Blog Tour Stop


**Mature Content Warning**
 This is a New Adult novel recommended for ages 17+ due to language, sexual content, and mature subject matter.

Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.

Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.

In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.

When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.

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My Review

5 of 5 Everly and Cole Parker

First I have to say that I absolutely LOVED LOVED For Everly. Raine Thomas is an amazing author and she writes so flawlessly that you can't help but fall in love with her characters and their story. When I found out Raine was going to writing in the NA genre I dam neared died because she is totally awesome sauce in the YA genre. So when I started reading For Everly I was totally BLOWN AWAY by it! I mean I sat in my favorite reading chair and would not get up for nothing I mean nothing until I was done reading it.

For Everly her life is simple, stay focused on her schooling and work hard to pay for her grandfathers medical care. So she works as a waitress and volunteers and she studies hard so she can get her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Then her life is turned upside down when her favorite professor who also happens to be her mentor comes into the restaurant with Atlanta's Major League Pitcher. Lord Everly has a major crush on him and she is literally flipping out but she plays it cool.Then her mentor tells her that they are brothers and that he needs a favor from her. At first Everly is nervous because her mentor is asking her for a favor when she owes him everything because he helped her get the job she has and he helped her get into the Doctorate program.

As her mentor Wyatt tells her what he needs she is both shocked and angered by his proposal for her. At first she says no but then he crush Cole Parker sweet talks her and she agrees to do it because she needs the money to take care of her grandfather. But does Everly truly know what she is getting into? Will it be worth it in the end?Will Everly be able to juggle school, work and Cole?

Cole Parker is Atlanta's Major League Pitcher. He has hurt his arm and he is stressing out because contract year is here and if he is injured he could get traded or worse benched. So he spends his nights drinking the pain away until he gets into a car accident and his brother tells him enough. Wyatt tells him to get his shit together or else he will tell their parents what is going on. Of course Cole freaks out because he wants nothing more than to do what his heart desires most and that is to pitch in Atlanta his home town.

When Wyatt suggests he gets rehab he is totally against it unless it is off the radar because he does not want to be added to the injured list. Then Wyatt agrees and he tells Cole about Everly. When Cole meets Everly he is totally blown away by her but she is tough as nails and he knows he is going to have to work for her trust. As they work together Cole starts to develop feelings for Everly but she is not having it.She has kept her heart locked down and she refuses to budge but Cole is determined to make her his. Will Cole be able to change her mind? Will Cole win her heart? What happens when someone tries to come between them and tries to destroy what Cole is trying to build?

This story is so dam heart wrenching and so full of jealousies that it will have you on the edge of your seat screaming at the book like I did. This is a summer must read on the beach!

AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS:
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a bestselling series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and the Firstborn trilogy. Her latest book is a New Adult Contemporary Romance titled For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer's Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

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Literati Literature Lovers Presents A Cover Reveal For Beside Your Heart by Mary Whitney‏


Title: Beside Your Heart
Author: Mary Whitney
Genre: New Adult Romance
Publish Date: June 17, 2013

Event organized by: Literati Literature Lovers

Synopsis: 

Late one night Nicki Johnson plays with emotional fire and Googles her high school love, only to find his name splashed across the British gossip columns. Back in his native England, Adam Kincaid is successful and dating a woman from an aristocratic family like his own. With a career in politics, Nicki’s no slouch, but she knows Adam is living a world away from her life. Yet there was a time he was no farther than the next locker. Nicki will never forget their year together in high school—the year of her sister’s death, the year her mother checked out. Adam helped Nicki through suffocating grief, and she led him through a coming of age. Was it just high school, or was it something more?

Beside Your Heart Excerpt:

“No British literature. Isn’t this supposed to be an English class?” Adam asked.

“Uh.” My ancestors would’ve been proud of the jolt of American patriotism that hit me. “There was a revolution two hundred years ago. We write our own books now.”

He leaned back in his seat with a smile. “I think I heard about that.”

“We still share the same language.”

“Sometimes I’m not too sure.”

“I bet not.” I could imagine what he thought of a Texas accent. 

He picked up the list of books again. “What about Catcher in the Rye?”

“I read it a long time ago when I was, like, eleven.” I laughed a little as I remembered how I’d first come to read it.

“Is there something funny about that?”

“Yeah. My father had suggested I read it then. The book is the classic coming-of-age story. Clearly, he wasn’t really thinking about whether or not it was appropriate for an eleven-year-old.”

“Really? Why?”

“Well, for one thing, the main character is a guy who swears a lot.”

“I suppose I swear a lot.” He cracked a sly smile. “At least compared to you Yankees.”

“Yankees? You’re in the South.” I laughed.

“What else is inappropriate about the book? Now I’m interested. It can’t only be a few swear words.”

“No, it’s not just that. It’s…” I hesitated for a moment as I realized I was about to bring up the topic of sex with Adam Kincaid. What the hell, I thought. I should be matter-of-fact about it. He had a girlfriend and would never want anything with me. I could hide I thought he was hot, so I shrugged. “Holden, the main character…he’s a little sexually frustrated.”

His eyes twinkled, and it felt as if my words hung in the air. I wanted to squirm in my seat. ‘Sexually frustrated’—like me checking out Adam Kincaid.

His proper upbringing showed again as he sidestepped the issue, yet he smirked. “That sounds like an adventurous book to be on an American high school syllabus.”

“Like I said—it’s considered an American classic.” I laughed. “I guess some things are sacred.”

“But of course.” The gleam appeared in his eye again, and he turned toward me in his seat. “Teenage sexual frustration is sort of a rite of passage, if you will.”

There went the good-English-boy manners out the window. His tone, the look in his eye, his body language—was he flirting with or taunting me? I decided the former was impossible, and if the latter, I wasn’t going to back down. With two parents who were lawyers, debate was a family routine. 

“A rite of passage? More like a biological fact, isn’t it?” I asked, casually clicking my pen. I raised a brow. “Especially for guys.”

“You’re right about that,” he said with a grin. 

His eyes shifted downward, and I could feel him give me a once-over. I wondered what he thought. I was no Meredith, but I had enough self-confidence to know I wasn’t butt-ugly either—even with my scars. I couldn’t tell, but he’d distracted me so much, I jumped when I heard Mrs. Anderson ask, “Your name, dear?”

Author Bio: 
Even before she graduated from law school, Mary knew she wasn't cut out to be a real lawyer. Drawn to politics, she's spent her career as an organizer, lobbyist, and nonprofit executive. Nothing piques her interest more than a good political scandal or romance, and when she stumbled upon writing, she put the two together. A born Midwesterner, naturalized Texan, and transient resident of Washington, D.C., Mary now lives in Northern California with her two daughters and real lawyer husband.

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