Friday, May 31, 2013

Obsession by Jennifer L Armentrout ~ Review & tour stop


Available TODAY!



Obsession Blurb:

He’s arrogant, domineering, and… To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something…unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life…or is it Hunter?


My Thoughts:



5 stars - A sexy Arum with a bad attitude and very talented hands will have you flipping those pages at top speed!

I must start with Hunter.  He will be compared to Daemon but he isn't Daemon.  His attitude is much worse than Daemon's.   A hired killer of Luxen for the DOD, Hunter makes no excuses for what he does.  So when the DOD put him on babysitting duty, he's pissed off.  You really don't want to piss Hunter off.  When he's mad, he is one powerful Arum.  But here's the deal, Serena doesn't put up with his attitude despite the fact that he can or may kill her.  She mouths off to him and he loves it.  She's feisty.  Might just be the only weapon he can't defeat.

Hunter really appeals to me.  He has the all male "I can kick your ass" attitude down and in his case is very true.  He does what he wants but the death of his sister has caused him to adjust what he wants.  Now he may have found someone else that changes what he wants.  Oh and this guy knows sexy.  There is so much sexy in this book.  As good a fighter as he is, he's a better lover and damn that's saying something.

Serena is a strong, feisty women in a small package.  I love how she stands up to him, despite her total inability to take him on in ANY way.  Doesn't stop her.  That appeals to me and him.  They're cute together.  Her stomping her foot (not really but you get the idea) and him laughing at her useless efforts.  While there is nothing funny about the death and insanity that Serena's life has taken, I found myself laughing at these two together.  Jennifer's use of humor to develop her characters into real people is just one of the reasons she is my favorite author.

The story starts off quickly and never slows down.  I was very impressed with how well this story stood on it's own without any need to know anything from the Lux series.  I was also so impressed with how much of what I had believed about the Luxen world was turned on it's head in this book.  The Arum are bad, right? Yeah, they are killers of the Lux but maybe not for the reason I thought.  There certainly are two sides to every story and damn if this isn't a  brilliant addition to the puzzle.

I think this book is supposed to hold me over until August when Origin comes out but it only made me WANT that book more.  Little hints were left that have me desperate to get more of the story.  I love this alien world and all it's complexity.

Overall, I loved it.  Couldn't get enough of it.  Wanted more.  I'm wondering if there will be more of this adult Arum/Lux world.  I hope so.  I would so be down for that.

If you've read the Lux series, then this is a must read NOW.  If you prefer the adult paranormal world, then this is a must read NOW.  If you love hot guys that turn their attitude into protectiveness, then this is a must read NOW.  Yeah, I think you're getting the point.  Read it NOW.


About the author:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.


Change of Heart by S.E. Edwards ~ Excerpt & Giveaway



Persevere.

That's how I've gotten through nineteen years of life. It's what I do every single day—no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me.

Persevere, and survive.

Those are my two guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home. The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that's about as much as I could ask for.

Love? Hah. Don't talk to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped out my heart three years ago.

That's why love is the last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating stranger. Yet everything changes when I'm awakened in the middle of the night by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night threatens to become something much deeper.

All expectations are thrown to the wind as I'm tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I'm about to become his biggest one...







Together, we stumble toward the elevator. Rich breaks away for a second to hit the button. The light doesn’t come on.

“Damn,” he growls, “it’s busted again.”

I’m one step ahead of him. I’d spotted the stairs when we entered. I grab his hand and pull him after me with no hesitation. I start up the cement stairwell, determined to get to his room as fast as possible.

“Penny, wait.”

I look back, confused. “What?”

A devilish smile plays on his lips. “Only this.” Without warning his hands wrap around my waist, and I’m being lifted up as easily as if I were a doll. He turns to the side and presses my body against the wall, suspending me between him and the concrete.

His mouth crashes down on mine again. I curl my legs around his torso, locking my ankles together, and kiss him back with the passion reserved for a lover after ten long years apart. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m getting even more turned on. Rich’s hands move down to grasp the outside of my thighs, and I moan into his kiss as the muscles of my core clench in sinful fashion. I want him so badly. If we don’t get somewhere private soon, I won’t be wholly opposed to jumping him in public.

I gasp as he steps away, freeing me from the wall. I start to fall, but one of his hands darts down to catch me just beneath the knees. The other one cradles my shoulders. Before I know it, I’m slung across his arms like a bride on her wedding night.

“I’ve always wanted to carry a girl up these stairs,” Rich admits.

I laugh, and wrap my arm around his neck. “Oh, you are just the best type of romantic.”

Four flights of stairs later, Rich pushes open the fire door to a dimly-lit hallway. He carries me down the hall and stops in front of an entrance on the right. He sets me down, then fishes around in his jeans for the key. When the door creaks open, he sweeps a hand out in front of him. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

I walk in, curious about his apartment. I tend to side with the camp of people who believe that a person’s living arrangements can reveal a lot about his personality. But, I don’t find much to work with here.

The apartment is sparse and dark. Pale moonlight filters in through the balcony window, shining down on the only piece of furniture present: a queen size mattress lying on the floor of the living room. The red brick walls are totally empty—no girly posters or other things I might expect in a bachelor’s apartment. There are no lamps, no chairs, no couches.

After a moment, I notice a second piece of furniture: a small, old-school CRT TV camped in one corner of the studio apartment.

Rich switches on the light. “So?” he asks, “what do you think?”

I walk past the entrance. There’s one hall leading away from the room. It is filled with brown cardboard boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. “Did you just move in or something?”

Rich laughs behind me. “Yeah, something like that. You want a drink?”

“A drink?” I say. “No, I—”

The words catch in my throat as he grabs my hips and spins me around. I had no idea he’d come so close. He’d moved from the door to me without making a sound. His fingers lock together against my lower back, and he tugs me into him, pressing my belly to his waist. I feel his growing erection right away, and a diabolical excitement builds inside me.

Nothing happens.

For a long moment, Richard just holds me like that, staring into my eyes as I’m left dangling off his arms. His irises are the color of sea mist. I’m hypnotized by the deep intensity I see brewing just beneath the surface. I have no doubt that that type of intensity is mirrored in my eyes.

Then, moving slowly, as if restraining himself, Richard lowers his mouth to cover mine. This time, his kiss is sweet and gentle. Subtle and caring. He explores my upper lip first, then traces the line going to the corner of my mouth. His lips form a perfect mold over mine.

I was wrong before. This is the kiss reserved for a lover you haven’t seen in ten years.



Purchased your copy today







I'm Scarlett Edwards. I'm a full-time student (2nd year, undergrad) and part-time writer. I hope to switch those around soon!

I'm kind of old fashioned. I write all my stories using paper and ink. At the end of the day, I transcribe them on my laptop. It takes a bit longer, but writing in a notebook really focuses my thoughts.

I love vintage photography. I have an old-school film camera that was my mom's from before I was born. I use it to take pictures almost every day. Yours to Savor is the first full book I worked on. It went through six drafts, and took me ten months to complete. In the two months since getting it done, I finished two drafts of brand new stories. I'm getting faster!

I love hearing from my readers. I love getting feedback about my books. I'm just getting started, and plan on doing this writing gig for a long, long time. I take inspiration from all the indie romance authors. Addison Moore, Samantha Young, Colleen Hoover, Jessica Sorensen, and everyone else…. you girls rock!



I love hearing from readers! If you read my book and want to share your thoughts, good or bad, email me! Scarlett@ScarlettEdwards.com. I'll be sure to reply!!






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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Beauty From Surrender by Georgia Cates ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Now Available 

Title: Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2)
Author: Georgia Cates
Release date: May 30, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Book description:

The story of Jack Henry and Laurelyn continues...

How do you move on when he’s every song you sing?
After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?


Excerpt:

Jack McLachlan’s POV

Shit! Am I too late? Has she let this Charlie guy into her bed so she could forget me?

I am a selfish bastard, and undeniably a possessive one, when it comes to Laurelyn. I don’t want her happier with another man and I’m petrified that she is. I fear he’s giving her the things I didn’t. And telling her the words I should have but refused to say because I was too stubborn to see the truth.

I squeeze my eyes shut as I brace myself for her answer to the question I’m bloody terrified to ask. “Did you let him fuck you?”

Laurelyn won’t lie to me, but that’s only one of the reasons I’m scared to death. I stare into the blackness behind my lids. I won’t be able to bear it if she tells me she let him get inside her. I don’t know how to handle that.

I feel her hands on my face. “Look at me.” I don’t know if I can until I know she hasn’t been with another man. “Please, look at me.”

I’ve never been more frightened in my life, but I open my eyes because it’s what she’s asking me to do. Her face is so serious. I think she’s contemplating how to say the words, how to break my heart gently and kill me slowly.



 About the author:

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Despite the struggle, she has no regrets in her decision to try this crazy life. She can honestly say that she’s living the dream.


 







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I have an eBook copy of Beauty From Surrender gifted through Amazon or B&N.

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Swoon Thursday ~ 5/30/13



The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme.  Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the chicks at YABound!

SO loved this one! Had to have a swoon from it.


No Attachments by Tiffany King

"I'll pick you up at seven," I said, pulling her toward me.  I settled my lips against hers for a moment, devouring the sigh of surprise that left her mouth.  I pulled the lip that had been enticing me into my mouth and gave it a soft nip with my teeth.  It tasted faintly like a combination of cherry lip gloss and minty mouthwash, but it was the heat that beckoned me.  I could have made a feast of her lips and mouth.  I wanted to explore every inch of them.  After a moment, I forced myself to pull away and open my car door.  (Kindle location 713)



What ya think of Nathan? He's yummy! There's this other scene just as they're leaving for their date, up against a wall...um. Gonna have to read it to get that one. Hehe.

Have a swoon for me?  Leave me a comment.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer ~ Tour Stop & GIveaway






Book Description:

With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…






Author Interview:

Hey Brigid.  Thanks for hanging out with me today.

Thank you for having me!

Totally love the Elemental series.  I may be obsessed.  Just got Breathless today and I’m super excited to dive in.

Yay! That means a lot.

Tell me how you came up with the idea for this series.

When I was in high school, I wrote a story about four vampire brothers living in the suburbs. I actually landed an agent for that story, but it never went anywhere. I grew up a little, but couldn’t forget those four boys. So when I was in my mid-twenties, I rewrote the vampire story. New plot, same brothers. This time, I couldn’t land an agent with it. I went back to the drawing board and wrote something completely new (an adult para-rom about the son of Apollo running a music store in downtown Baltimore). That book landed me an agent – but then it never sold. I went back to the drawing board again, and those four boys just wouldn’t leave me alone. I knew vampires were dead (haha), so I tried to think of anything that would work well with the number four. Four horsemen, four leaf clovers, anything. The four classical elements seemed fun, and it wasn’t overdone. I put Chris and Becca on the page to see what would happen…and a whole novel came out.

I love all the brothers.  It’s cool how they have different elements and are all in the same family.  Did you plan for each brother to have their own book?

Actually, no. When I first started writing the series, it was going to be your traditional love triangle trilogy, written entirely from the point of view of the girl. Actually, when I first started writing Storm, my agent specifically said, “Make sure you have a love triangle.” But when I had about half of Storm on paper, I realized that I had this great family of boys who weren’t getting much screen time. When I finished Chris and Becca’s book, I knew I wanted to write from another brother’s point of view, and luckily my editor completely agreed.

What’s the best writing advice you ever received?

“Keep your eyes on your own paper.” (Meaning, don’t compare yourself to other writers. It’s so easy to get caught up in the competition, and really, that’s meaningless. What matters is how well I can write my story. I can’t control anything else.)
 

What’s the strangest place you have ever written?

My youngest son had terrible colic for his first three months of life. I was also under deadline. Sometimes the only way I could get him to sleep would be to take him for a drive. One night I got him to sleep, only to have him wake up when I brought the baby carrier into the house. I took him for another drive, and this time when he fell asleep, I parked in front of the house and asked my husband to bring the laptop out to me. I wrote in the car until he woke up.

If you could have one of your characters leave the pages and join you in your life, who would it be and why?

Michael, hands down. I think we’d be good friends. I understand him best, I think.

Tell us something about one of your characters that we don’t learn in the books.

Oh wow, this is a good question! I think Gabriel really regrets the things he said to Quinn in Spark. I wish I’d written a scene where he apologizes to her. I might have to do that in Nick’s book. *scribbles notes*

If you could make one of your books into a children’s picture book, what would you want the lesson to be?

Everyone faces challenges in life. We should celebrate each other’s strengths instead of criticizing our weaknesses.
 

Complete for me:

When I’m writing, I need COFFEE. And headphones.

When my newest book comes out I start the next one. I’m a workaholic. It makes my husband NUTS that I don’t celebrate.

My guilty pleasure is eating overly buttered popcorn at the movies. Sometimes I’ll go see a movie JUST to eat the popcorn.

To escape I head to Starbucks, but just to write.

Thanks for hanging out with me today.  I can’t wait to read more this series.

Thank you so much for having me!


About the author:

Brigid Kemmerer started writing in high school, and her first real “novel” was about four vampire brothers causing a ruckus in the suburbs. Those four brothers are the same boys living in the pages of The Elemental Series, so Brigid likes to say she’s had four teenage boys taking up space in her head for the last seventeen years!

Spirit, the latest book in the series, will be released in stores and online on May 28, 2013.

Connect with Brigid on her website, Twitter, Facebook, andGoodReads.



Poll



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Download Elemental (Elemental, #0.5) for FREE until May 31st

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.
As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn’t have much power. That’s okay—she knows what happens to kids who do.
Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy, dangerous, and completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.
But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn’t just want her to stay away from him.
They want him dead.
Praise for Brigid Kemmerer and The Elemental Series
“Magic, suspense, and enough twists to keep you reading until sunrise. An incredible start to the series!” —Award winning author Erica O’Rourke
“Overflowing with action, snappy dialog, and hot guys—The Elemental Series will take your breath away.” —Kim Harrington, author of Clarity
“Plenty of romance and non-stop action….Elemental is the new series to watch.” —Inara Scott, author ofThe Marked.


5/23  Hobbitsies
5/27  Saz101
5/29  Stuck in Books 
5/31  Cuddlebuggery


CuddlesByVal (WOW) ~ 5/29/13



This is my version of Waiting on Wednesday but with more cuddles, books I can't wait to cuddle for various reasons.

What am I waiting on this week?  THIS!



In this suspenseful teen thriller with a touch of the otherworldly, perfect for fans of Neal Shusterman, a boy goes over a waterfall and wakes up to find himself in a twisted version of the life he knew.

A shadowy figure. An intense roar. The sensation of falling—fast.

That’s all Callum Harris remembers from his tumble over the waterfall. But when he wakes up in a hospital bed and finds his best friend trying to kill him, Callum knows something is seriously wrong. Unfortunately for him, the mysteries are just getting started.

Why are his parents acting like he’s some big sports star all of a sudden? And why are all the buildings in town more run-down than Callum remembers? Worst of all...what happened to Callum’s brother? Either Callum has gone seriously crazy or something happened when he went over the falls. Something impossible. Callum needs answers, and now. Because in this twisted new version of the life Callum knew, his former best friend isn’t the only one who wants to see him dead.

Filled with mind-bending suspense and unsettling thrills, Undercurrent is a grippingly paced teen debut that will pull you under and never let go.


Available July 23rd from HarperTeen

Why am I waiting?  The premise really pulled me in.  I'm in the mood for something like this.  Hope I get to it this summer.

What are you waiting on?  Leave me a comment.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Tall, Dark and Divine by Jenna Bennett ~ Review

Source: Received an eBook from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.




Being the Greek god of love doesn’t mean you believe—or want—anything to do with that sappy emotion. Sure, Eros runs his matchmaking business, Made in Heaven, but finding his own love has never been part of the equation. When he spots the sweet baker who works across the street, he vows to match her with someone else before she stirs his sullen heart.

Annie Landon has given up on finding Mr. Right. What she needs is Mr. Right Here, Right Now, and this so-called “Greek God” she’s heard is on the rebound sounds like the perfect kind of distraction. But picking up the bitter workaholic is easier said than done… especially when he seems unreasonably determined to match her with someone else.

Can a woman looking for love—and the matchmaking god who wants her to find it with someone who isn’t him—have a shot at a happy ending? May the best god—or mortal—win.




My Thoughts:




3 1/2 stars - I could stare at that cover all day

So here's the deal, I love Greek Mythology stories.  And I'm especially drawn to Eros.  I've read different versions of his story so many times and I never seem to tire of them.  This one was super cute and I really enjoyed it.

Yeah, there as insta-love but how can you not have that when Eros is involved?  And since this isn't realistic fiction, I was okay with it.  I'm much more forgiving of that when it comes to mythology.

Oh course, it was Eros that made the book for me.  Is there any one out there that's surprised that Val likes the boy best in the book?  Shouldn't be.  He's so cute.  Well his actions are.  He, of course, is smokin' hot just like that cover demonstrates.  Blue eyes and dark hair are my VERY FAVORITE combination.  He does not disappoint.  Oh, he has his Greek God of Love ways and when he...um... yeah that...you don't forget too soon.  But what I really loved about him was his denial.  He's still pining over Psyche, who left him for some braided dude.  Her lose, seriously.  Anyway, he's been centuries not over her.  His God friends drag him out and he meets Annie.  The thing is, he falls fast but he doesn't know it - which I find hysterical, God of Love and all.  No, seriously, I think he did know but he still wanted what was best for Annie and being married to an immortal wouldn't be best.  So he does his best to fix her up with an accountant.  Yep, an accountant.  Loved watching him try and pull that off.

Annie is sweet and I liked her fine.  She's twenty-eight and wants a relationship and she's hoping that's with Eros, Ross.  His kisses excite her like no one else and I'm talking rip his closes off kinda excited.  The problem is the mixed signals he sends.  She doesn't mope though.  She's gonna move on and find a relationship.  I liked that about her.  I, also, liked her reaction to....well I can't tell you that part but I liked that about her.

Together, they are too cute.  I finished it in about a day.  It's an easy and fast read.  Just what I needed, a little Greek Gods with some Eros kinda loving.

If you like your romance on the mythological side, then you will want to pick this one up for sure.

Did you miss my Teaser Tuesday with the Greek God Check it out here!

Jenna Bennett | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | B&N

Teaser Tuesday ~ 5/28/13

This is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.


To participate you:
* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



Check out this swoon!



 Tall, Dark and Divine by Jenna Bennett

It wouldn't take much.  Just an inclination of his head, a few inches, and he could be kissing her.  Could feel the softness of those lips against his own.  She wanted it too, he could see it in her eyes.

He should step away, before it was too late.  But then it was already too late.  She grabbed him by the lapels and went up on her toes, and then she was kissing him, and at that point he couldn't have stepped back no matter how much he wanted to.  Not that he did.  (Kindle location 550)



Yeah, the Greek God of Love - I couldn't give him just two sentences.  No way.

I have a review for this book posting today.  Check it out here.

What you think of my teaser?  Have one for me?  Leave me a comment.

Monday, May 27, 2013

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy ~ Tour Stop & Giveaway


The Hazards of Skinny Dipping

This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.




 Author Interview

Hey Alyssa  Thanks for hanging out with me today.

Thanks for having me!

Tell me how you came up with the idea for THE HAZARDS OF SKINNY DIPPING?

Like most of my books, it started with the characters. In this case, I walked around with the idea for a “Juliet” book for a while when finally it all clicked. I kept thinking about what would happen if a girl who never took big risks went skinny dipping, and it turned out nothing like she planned.

What’s the best writing advice you ever received?

Write as much as possible and write what you love.

What’s the strangest place you have ever written?

At a gas station. I had a great book idea and typed it into the note function of my phone. I was only five minutes from home, but I just couldn’t wait.

If you could have one of your characters leave the pages and join you in your life, who would it be and why?

I couldn’t possibly choose only one from all of my books, so I’ll stick with Hazards.  I’d pick Reed. He’s the kind of guy we all need as a friend in our life. I wouldn’t mind if he brought Juliet with him. I’d love to spend time with her too.

Tell us something about one of your characters in THOSD that we don’t learn in the books.

Reed’s favorite part of Juliet is her smile. He claims she has a special one she uses only with him.

If you could make one of your books into a children’s picture book, what would you want the lesson to be?

I would turn Beckoning Light into the picture book, and the lesson would be the importance of believing in yourself and your own inner strength.

Complete for me:

When I’m writing, I need  Music and Coffee.

When my newest book comes out I have a glass of wine before getting back to work on another project.

My guilty pleasure is chocolate—especially dark.

To escape I head to the water.

Thanks for hanging out with me today.  I can’t wait to read this book!

Thanks so much!

About the author:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.


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For Everly by Raine Thomas ~ Excerpt & Giveaway

Available TODAY


Title: For Everly
Author: Raine Thomas
Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC
Release date: May 27, 2013
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Age Group:  New Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Book Description:

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.




Excerpt:

She folded her jeans and set them on the lounge chair. Taking one final deep breath, she pulled her top over her head, then set it neatly by her jeans.

Her gaze shifted to Cole, who was suddenly silent. She realized he was staring at her with a rather strange expression on his face. Had she somehow managed to shock the world-famous Cole Parker?

She didn’t speak, but walked over to the stairs. His eyes followed her every move. He had yet to meet her gaze. He was honed in on her body. Something about that was empowering.

Liberating.

Although she had no experience with playing the temptress, the situation felt right to give it a try. Dark, seductive lighting…clear, warm water…a hot, transfixed male. Yeah, she was pretty sure the circumstances were right. She just didn’t know if she had it in her.

She slowly descended the steps into the water. “So, Mr. Parker,” she said in a casual tone, “what shall we do in this magnificent pool of yours?”

“Um…”

He didn’t move as she walked from the shallow end to where he stood with the water lapping at his waist. She allowed her gaze to move over the hard muscles of his upper body as she approached.

Even as she fully appreciated his fine physique with a woman’s eye, she felt pride for helping him maintain it.

“The water feels wonderful,” she said.

She walked to his side until the water reached her belly button, then came to a stop less than a foot from him. His gaze finally moved to hers. For the first time, she read stark desire in a male’s gaze. Her pulse raced.

What in the world was she doing? Temptress? Yeah, right.

“Everly,” he said.

His voice was low. Ragged. He closed the distance between them. Her nerves shimmied.

Oh, God. Was he going to kiss her? What should she do?

He paused. His eyes swept over her face. Whatever he read there had him backing up. Once again, she felt both relieved and disappointed.

Why was she so awkward with guys? With intimacy?

“You’re not nearly wet enough,” he said then.

Her mouth fell open. Then he grabbed her and leaped with her into the deep end. When they surfaced, she laughed and splashed him for dunking her. She realized the pool was filled with saltwater instead of chlorine as she pushed her hair out of her eyes.

“I’m totally getting you back for that,” she said, fighting a smile.

The chase was on. He was a strong swimmer, but she was lighter and sleeker. When he would have powered his way across the pool to evade her, she zipped along beneath the surface and paced him. After several minutes of pursuing him, she cornered him near the waterfall that spilled in from a spa off the far side of the pool. They were both breathless and laughing like idiots.

“I think grabbing my swimsuit to drag me back was playing dirty,” he said as he caught his breath.

“Sure it was. Serves you right.”

“Remind me not to dunk you again unless I want to skinny dip.”

She laughed again. His back was turned to her, the position in which she’d finally caught him. Only then did she register that her arms were still around his waist.

The feel of his body pressed against hers…his taut skin beneath her fingertips…it was—

“Tell you what,” he said, turning around to face her. She didn’t want to move her hands, and since he didn’t try to escape her touch, she didn’t. “That was too easy. I’ll find you with my eyes closed.”

“Oh, yeah? Marco Polo style?”

“Something like that. And when I do, I want a reward.”

She could only echo him as she held his intent gaze. “A reward?”

“Yes, Ms. Wallace. I want a real kiss.”


About the author:

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, 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.



****GIVEAWAY****

The author is giving away 2 SIGNED Paperbacks of FOR EVERLY, a custom FOR EVERLY inspired bracelet worth $35 and a $10 Amazon Gift Card. 

US/Canada


a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Falling for the Backup by Tonie Aleo

Available June 24th




Falling for the Backup: An Assassins Series Novella
Toni Aleo
Loveswept – Random House | June 24, 2013 | $0.99



Toni Aleo’s sexy new eBook original novella featuring the Nashville Assassins will have you believing in the power of love at first sight . . . and second sight . . . and third.

After serving as a dutiful bridesmaid in the wedding from hell, Aynslee Shaw just wants to slink home to Nashville and forget the whole trip. That is until the hottest guy she’s ever seen is seated next to her on the flight and charms her with his easy laugh and killer smile. But just when she thinks things are getting good, he vanishes, leaving Aynslee wondering, was that guy the one? And did she just let him slip through her fingers?

Former superstar goalie Jordan Ryan is back on the ice—finally. After a crippling knee injury that had him wondering if he’d ever play pro hockey again, he’s got his full attention on rebuilding his career. So a pretty—okay, beautiful—girl on a plane shouldn’t be a distraction. But Jordan is very, very distracted. And when Aynslee crosses his path again, he’s not sure any job in the world is worth missing his second chance with a woman like her.




Pre-order Falling for the Backup


Connect with Toni


Pick up the first book in the series for $.99 for a limited time.


Elli Fisher has never thought she was good enough, let it be her job, her weight, her love life, nothing. That is until she meets Shea Adler. After doing a promotional shoot for the NHL team, the Assassins, she meets the hunky hockey player who shoots a puck, shattering her world.
Shea Adler was tired of the life he was living outside of the rink. The girls, the money blowing, the drinking, everything had to stop and it all did when he met Eleanor Fisher. He had never met anyone like her. She was feisty, witty, shy, and simply gorgeous. When he laid eyes on her, it was as if he was taking the hardest hit of his life into the boards, and he had to have her. Elli is a little skeptical of Shea, but he knows that they were meant to be together, and he needed her in his life.
Can Elli throw her insecurities out the window and love Shea with everything inside of her, or will she let a past relationship, and her family ruin any chance of her being happy.