*BOOK REVIEW* Rising from the Ashes – Jessica Prince

Book Title: Rising from the Ashes
Author: Jessica Prince
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 25, 2014

People make mistakes when they’re young, but how they choose to come back from those mistakes is what matters in the end.

Savannah Morgan found true love at a very early age, but one rash decision — one that she would regret for the rest of her life — was all it took to end her relationship with the love of her life.

For seven years, Jeremy Matthews has accepted being “”just friends”” with the only woman he’s ever loved. Finally deciding that enough is enough, Jeremy relentlessly pursues Savannah until he forces her to see just how right they are for each other.

When Savannah’s past mistake is revealed, threatening the future she so desperately wants, the fate of their relationship lies in Jeremy’s hands. Will he be able to forgive Savannah, or is the relationship truly over?

When struggles and obstacles threaten the foundation of Savannah and Jeremy’s relationship, will they choose to let each other go, or rise from the ashes of the past to claim their happiness?

Rising from the Ashes by Jessica Prince is a romantic tale of how love never dies and through time it never weakens. I loved this book and I absolutely couldn’t put it down. Savannah and Jeremy are so heartfelt and raw as they have been in love with each other since they were fourteen. I loved the aspect of having Jeremy in a relationship at the beginning, I find so many novels were it’s the female in the relationship and then she realises she is completely in love with her long time love, so this was refreshing. Savannah and Jeremy have been separated for seven years and only keeping things brief in the few months Jeremy has had a girlfriend.

I loved how supportive there friends were and how in the second book we still hear about the character’s from the first in the series. Through the journey that they take it isn’t easy. I loved how it was relatable to things people go through when they break up with someone who they have loved. Jealousy, Friends and secrets are all shared within the lines of the novel.

I hadn’t previously heard of Jessica Prince prior to reading Rising from the Ashes but I really enjoyed the read. It was unexpected gem of love and passion that I really enjoyed. I loved how Savannah was courageous and strong but also had a bit of a smart mouth. I loved Jeremy and Savannah’s story. It had its flaws and emotional turmoil throughout the novel but it was a good story with heart, humour and love. I rated it a 5 Lit-Love because it was a great read and hit the heart and soul of a love that is strong despite everything and all the time.

Jessica was born and raised in Texas—where she’ll stay because she claims the cost of living in Texas excuses the god-awful weather. She is first and foremost a wife and mother. Because of those two things, she’s also a self proclaimed wino and coffee addict.
She’s always been and avid lover of all types of books, but romances are her main favorites.
Jessica’s husband likes to say reading is her obsession, but she likes to call it her passion…there’s a difference.

*BLOG TOUR* Pretending – Shanna Clayton (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Pretending by Shanna Clayton 
Publication date: March 12 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Four years.

That’s how long Wesley Kent has to live with the girl his dad shacked him up with, and then he can collect his inheritance and escape small town life. He gets through the prison sentence by pretending Dahlia Reynolds doesn’t exist. With three years down and one more to go, he doesn’t expect much to change. That is, until the girl that’s not supposed to exist sharpens into his reality, making it impossible to ignore her.

Three years.

That’s how long Dahlia Reynolds has been living with a total stranger. She’s convinced herself Wesley Kent is no more than illusion in the hallways. It’s easy to do, especially since that same illusion has never spoken more than two words to her. But one mistaken identity later, and she finds herself caught up in the mysterious world Wesley lives in. One by one, he begins knocking down the safe, comfortable walls she built, leaving her wondering what his motives are. Does he want to expose her—or free her?

Recommended for 17+ due to mature language and adult situations.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20879074-pretending

Pretending by Shanna Clayton was an enlightenment of refreshing and sizzling romances brought with adventure. After living together for 3 years at the wishes of late Hartland Wesley and Doll are roommates, there is mostly no interaction. Wesley and Doll have a routine, they avoid each other at whatever costs. What I love about this story is it analysis and develops very relative issues to current times. The narrative discusses love, self-esteem, loss and adventure in a wild-wind of debut novels.

The connection that Shanna created between Wesley and Doll was unique and special. I believe that teenagers today sometimes feel like they need to wear makeup to put a mask over the pain and I think in Pretending we see how Dolly is relatable to so many other college students and new adults. The adventurous knowledge of archeology was something that I was very intrigued with. Both Doll and Wesley have so much in common without realizing it. The narrative is filled with heart and pain but it also filled with the moments of strength and passion. I loved how Shanna created Doll and as well Charlotte her best friend as strong females. I love seeing books that put women in power and give them strength to fight battles that not everyone see’s. The romance between Wesley and Doll is so sweet, he see’s beyond her makeup mask and you may say unmasks the true Doll, who although vulnerable and has gone through heartbreak is an amazing character.

Overall, I loved Pretending by Shanna Clayton because of a few reasons, one being that it didn’t just go and they lived happily ever after it stayed true to the narrative within but didn’t leave anything unsolved. It was powerful that Shanna was able to involve archeology and the forge of a relationship between Doll and Wesley and it being honest, real and passionate. My rating is a BEYOND rating, because it was just such a special romantic read that I loved.

–Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pretending-Shanna-Clayton/dp/1497318718/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396880837&sr=8-1&keywords=Shanna+Clayton

—-

I’m not sure if my mother predestined me to become a romance author when she named me after her favorite Kathleen Woodiwiss book, but that’s what happened. Now I live  and breathe all things books. When I’m not glued to my desk writing, I can be found eating too much chocolate, obsessing over Game of Thrones, and cyber stalking my favorite authors. Keep up with me on Facebook and Instagram. I love hearing from readers!

Author Links:

http://www.shannaclayton.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shanna-Clayton/150812255128856

https://twitter.com/shannaclayton

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7870980.Shanna_Clayton

*BOOK REVIEW* A Time for Hope (#3 Lexi Series) -T.Gephart

A Time for Hope by T Gephart

Synopsis:

Lexi Reed was unstoppable, or so she thought. As the PR manager of international rock band, Power Station and living in New York, she was a long way from her old life in Melbourne, Australia. Having captured the heart and married one of the sexiest men alive (Power Station’s guitarist, Alex Stone) Lexi was living beyond any fantasy she could have ever imagined. Having finally allowed the walls from her past to fall, Lexi had not only learnt to trust again but had given herself completely to Alex, her one true love.

Lexi happiness was short lived when heartache and trauma throw everything she knew into turmoil. Her world came crashing down around her, and now Lexi is struggling to regain her sense of self. Unable to regroup and heal under the scrutiny of the media and her well-intentioned loved ones, she can’t seem to find the road back to the old “Lexi.”

Alex is devastated. His beautiful, intelligent and once confident wife is now distant and guarded, the product of the brutality she has suffered. He feels powerless but is determined not to lose her.

With her gorgeous rock star husband by her side and her eclectic but devoted circle of friends, Lexi starts over. In order to find a way to reconcile the past and build a future, she must let go of all her safety nets and trust those around her.

In this final installment of the Lexi series, we join Lexi and Alex on their journey of rediscovery. Relationships are tested, terms are renegotiated and lives are irrevocably changed. With the hope that their love for each other is strong enough to carry them through, Lexi and Alex gamble everything in search of their happily ever after.

Review:

In the name of good and evil, reading A Time of Hope by T. Gephart was both torturous and heartwarming. After the events at the end of ‘A Leap of Faith’ I was all ready and prepared to enter into the mind of T and not all to well to accept that it was the final book in the Lexi Series.

I absolutely loved it from beginning to end, from start to finish it was just an amazing read. I have come to expect T to bring the characters of Lexi and Alex with so much passion and heart and she did not disappoint. In such an amazing book full with humour, pain, love and the band Power Station, it was a world-wind of fun to read. I have become addicted to Power Station (P.S I love Dan parts), Lexi and Alex and also the secondary characters like James and Hannah (so sweet). Like a good cup of coffee the novel was addictive and I couldn’t put it down.

In A Time for Hope we see Alex and Lexi rebuilding their relationship and connection from the events that have perspired and all I can say is, Lexi is one kick-ass chick. Her strength and ability to make me smile is what I have come to love. As far as female leads go she is one of the best, as she is determining, strong and full of love.

The sass, love and stamina within the book was beautiful. I love how it is upbeat and I never felt disconnected from the characters as Lexi and Alex’s novel came to an end I did get a bit teary but it was full of love because we have watched these guys grow from just strangers into something really special and raw. I rated A Time for Hope a fat BEYOND rating! It ticked all my boxes in what I love about romance, Power Station and the connection that T has created in her debut series.

Buy The Book:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J3XXLYC

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00J3XXLYC

Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00J3XXLYC

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1dHdCEx

About The Author

T Gephart is an indie author from Melbourne, Australia.

T’s approach to life has been somewhat unconventional. Rather than going to University, she jumped on a plane to Los Angeles, USA in search of adventure. While this first trip left her somewhat underwhelmed and largely depleted of funds it fueled her appetite for travel and life experience.

With a rather eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history, T struggled to find her niche in the world.

While on a subsequent trip the United States in 1999, T met and married her husband. Their whirlwind courtship and interesting impromptu convenience store wedding set the tone for their life together, which is anything but ordinary. They have lived in Louisiana, Guam and Australia and have travelled extensively throughout the US. T has two beautiful young children and one four legged child, Woodley the wonder dog.

An avid reader, T became increasingly frustrated by the lack of strong female characters in the books she was reading. She wanted to read about a woman she could identify with, someone strong, independent and confident who didn’t lack femininity. Out of this need, she decided to pen her first book, A Twist of Fate. She enjoyed the process so much that when it was over she couldn’t let it go.

T loves to travel, laugh and surround herself with colourful characters. This inevitably spills into her writing and makes for an interesting journey – she is well and truly enjoying the ride!

Based on her life experiences, T has plenty of material for her books and has a wealth of ideas to keep you all enthralled.

T self-published her first novel through Smashwords, is about to release her second novel on the same platform and is currently writing the third book in the Lexi Trilogy.

Author Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/T-Gephart/412456528830732

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinagephart

Website: http://tgephart.com/

 

*BOOK REVIEW* Only the Good Die Young- KK Hendin

The first year of college is supposed to be about parties, parties, and getting the hell out of Texas. Instead, Milcah Daniels is spending her eighteenth year in and out of Houston’s hospitals. Her hair is falling out, they’ve cut off her boobs, and if she makes it to nineteen, she’ll consider it a personal miracle.

Breast cancer really has a way of messing with a girl’s social calendar.

When Milcah’s temporarily discharged from the hospital, she’s determined to get a tattoo for every medical procedure she’s had. Her quest leads her to Skin Stories, a new tattoo parlor a block from her apartment. And to it’s infuriatingly sexy artist, Callum Scott.

Callum is everything Milcah wants, and everything she shouldn’t have now. A new relationship when the official prognosis is one to five years is a terrible idea. But Callum doesn’t know about the breast cancer, and Milcah’s not running to tell him.

But when the doctor says things are actually looking positive, her entire life turns upside down. How is she supposed to start living again when she’s finally learned to accept her death?

Only the Good Die Young by KK. Hendin hit close to home for me. The novel narrates a story about a young woman who is fighting breast cancer at just eighteen. It is something that is very close to my heart, so this was a very emotional read for me. The novel follows Milcah Daniels as she struggles through the stages of breast cancer. Being as I am only 19, and I volunteer at a hospital where I see cancer patients daily, I’m not going to lie when I say I understood the book more than most.

The exquisite journey that Hendin takes the reader on is one of pain, love, laughter and survival. Milcah has accepted her diagnosis and finds it hard to see the good in life anymore leaving what little she has up to fate. I believe within the novel, the portrayal of the emotion and story is true to what so many young teens going through, having prior knowledge of this definitely made me understand Milcah more.

“Everyone’s dying Milcah. Some people are just dying sooner than others.”

The narrative explores how Milcah is challenged when she meets the ever so charming Callum Scoot. I loved the relationship he formed with Milcah and it was more than the physical sort. It was about breaking down wall and showing that hey life should be lived to the fullest whilst you have the chance. It warms my heart the relationship that goes on between Milcah and Callum as they really are something special. I think the author should however of spent a little more time with Milcah and Callum because I wanted more of there relationship.

Although there is a very sorrowful and dismayed tone to the novel, I loved how the book progressed and how we got to know the characters and their emotions. Overall I gave it a 5- Lit Love because although I wanted to see a little more of Milcah and Callum it was such an emotional and amazing read for me that hit hard on some very relatable topics to teenagers and young adults that haven’t been discussed in-depth and to this manner really. At the end it’s the heart and soul of the fight, the relationship and the realization that fighting is worth it that I loved.

KK Hendin’s real life ambition is to become a pink fluffy unicorn who dances with rainbows. But the schooling for that is all sorts of complicated, so until that gets sorted out, she’ll just write. Preferably things with angst and love. And things that require chocolate. She’s the author of the NA contemporaries HEART BREATHS and ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG.

She spends way too much time on Twitter, where she can be found at @kkhendin, and rambles on occasion over at http://www.kkhendinwrites.blogspot.com.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Only the Good Die Young Goodreads

*RELEASE BLITZ* Summer Sky- Lisa Swallow

 

Book title: Summer Sky by Lisa Swallow

Series: Blue Phoenix #1

Genre: Contemporary romance

Release date: April 2014

Cover designed by:  Najla Qamber Designs

Hosted by: Forever Me Romance

 

SYNOPSIS

 

Sky changed her life for a man once, and she has no intention of doing it again – even if he is a six foot, tattooed rock god who makes a mean bacon sandwich.

 

Sky Davis is fed up of boyfriend Grant taking her for granted and when she comes home to find him wearing a girl, Sky suspects the relationship is over. She takes an unscheduled holiday and leaves the life (and guy) she hates behind. 

 

Rock star Dylan Morgan is struggling with fame and infamy, sick of his life being controlled by other people. Dylan cuts his hair and walks away from his role as lead singer of Blue Phoenix, leaving chaos and speculation behind.

 

Outside the English seaside town of Broadbeach their cars and worlds collide.

 

Sky decides Dylan is an arrogant guy with too many tattoos, and Dylan is amused by the smart-mouthed girl with no idea who he is. Dylan and Sky soon discover they’ve travelled to Broadbeach for the same reason – to escape from reality back to a place with happy childhood memories. 

 

Losing themselves in a world where they know nothing about each other, Sky and Dylan begin a summer romance that soon heats up their rainy English summer.

 

Fantasies can’t last forever and when reality crashes the party, Sky isn’t sure she wants to be more than his ‘summer Sky’ but Dylan doesn’t want to let her go.

 

Returning to the real world and public scrutiny isn’t their only problem. Blue Phoenix bass player, Jem Jones, has a reason for wanting Sky out of Dylan’s life, and is determined to come between them. Some things won’t stay hidden, even when they’re paid to ‘go away’.

 

Summer Sky is a quirky romance where occasionally more than the bacon sizzles. This is the first in the new ‘Blue Phoenix’ series of contemporary rock star romances.

 

Please note: this is a romance with a rock star hero, and not an erotic rock star book!

 

 

REVIEW

In a rendition of the heart, Summer Sky by Lisa Swallow was an emotional and romantic tale of a chance to find love in the most unconventional yet sweet way. Leaving Bristol behind and heading to Broadbeach all Sky wanted was some time alone to figure out what is important is life.

I loved Sky she has such a mentality to protect her heart and protect herself from getting hurt. Throughout the novel the relationship the forms between Dylan and Sky is unique and special. I loved how Lisa played the aspect of Sky not knowing who Dylan was and them developing a relationship purely on who they are without all the glitz, game and outside world.

I love a musician at the best of times so I absolutely adored Dylan and how charming he was. At times although, I wanted to smack his across his pretty face, but no it’s ok. I realised I was reading my ipad (totally joking here peps). Dylan’s got all the things in the world but something is missing love.

Overall, I absolutely adored the chemistry that Lisa created within the book. The two main characters of Dylan and Sky grow and develop in such a wonderful way. I loved how Sky was taken over by the “Dylan Effect.” With all his charm, and love this novel was such a lovely tale of how two people meet and fall in love, this however does have a cliffhanger so keep that in mind. My favourite quote was “Love isn’t something predictable, Sky, and doesn’t follow rules. You can’t decide who to fall in love with or when. Love and Logic don’t go together, but when I’m with you, everything make sense.” Swoon worthy. I rated this a 4- Lit Love because it was a great story, and I really loved the read. I can’t wait for Book 2 to come out in June. Xx

 

PURCHASE LINKS

 

http://amzn.to/1h5CoVl (US)

http://amzn.to/1fqS8jF (UK)

http://bit.ly/1fqSNSh (AU)

 

TEASERS

 

 

 

EXCERPT

 

“Sky! Waves!” 

 

I have my back to the ocean and a wave crashes against my legs, destabilising me. I regain my footing and attempt to move before the retreating water sucks my feet into the sand. At that moment a larger wave wipes me completely, dragging my body underwater. I panic at the confusion of being pushed and pulled out of my control, seawater swirling hair into my face and the bubbles rushing into my ears. The shell remains tightly gripped in my hand.

 

As water draws away, I push my head free. Dylan stands on the edge of the shore, water lapping his ankles, laughing. I spit out sea water and stagger to my feet. The weight of the damp hoodie threatens to pull me down again as I push hair from my eyes.

 

“That was fucking funny! You should see your face!” He wades towards me, arm outstretched to help.

 

Attempting to keep my footing, I lunge at him and slap his hard chest with both palms. “It was not! Screw you!” Dylan catches my arms as I make contact, and pulls me towards him.

 

Scrutinizing my face briefly, Dylan takes my cheeks in his broad palms and crushes his lips against mine. I gasp again, but it’s not the sea snatching my breath this time. A new wave sways us, and Dylan holds my face tightly, his own footing steady as his mouth claims mine. A small voice in my head asks what the hell I’m doing but I ignore it – Dylan overwhelms all common sense the moment I have any physical contact with him. Losing myself in his mint-flavoured kiss, in the slide of his cool tongue, I yield to the power he holds over me. Dylan curls his fingers into my wet hair and pulls me closer; I respond with a deep kiss, tracing fingers across his stubbled cheek.

 

Fierce or gentle, his kisses mould my soul to his as perfectly as his body shapes with mine, as if we’re in a place created by our coming together. Kissing Dylan last night pulled me into his orbit, and when I see stars again, I swear his kisses will always take me to the edge of his galaxy. If Dylan can remove me from reality with just this, god knows what anything else he’s skilful at would do to me. The thought of us skin on skin, united through more than a kiss, lights a fire deep inside that would take more than the cold Cornish sea to extinguish.

 

Dylan loosens his grip on my hair and slides his hands across my damp back. He closes the final gap between us as our bodies meet, and I wish the rain-soaked clothes weren’t in the way. “I have never met anyone so…” He grasps for a word then gives up and rests his forehead on mine. “I feel as if I’ve waited my whole life to meet you and then suddenly you’re here.”

 

For a moment I consider whether he’s teasing me again, but I guess I’m very different to the people in his real life. “I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone like you, Dylan Morgan.”

 

He wipes water from my cheek with cool, damp fingers. “No-one’s met Dylan Morgan apart from you. Not for a lot of years, anyway.”

 

I stare at the truth reflected in his pale blue eyes, unable to believe any of this is reality. His grip on my back loosens, and I step back. Rain drips down his face, soaking through his T-shirt and clinging to his body in a way that does nothing to help my mounting desire to get my hands on him.

 

A subject change is needed rapidly, before I begin drooling.

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark. In between running a business, looking after her family and writing, Lisa sometimes finds spare time to do other things. This often involves swapping her book worlds for gaming worlds. She even leaves the house occasionally. Lisa loves all things from the Whedonverse and preferred vampires before they sparkled. 

Lisa has four books published: the ‘Butterfly Days’ series, and two in her urban fantasy series Soul Ties. She is currently working on a new contemporary romance series Blue Phoenix and the first book, Summer Sky is due for release in April. Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001 and now lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.

 

AUTHOR LINKS

 

FB: http://www.facebook.com/lisaswallowbooks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisa_swallow_au

Website: http://www.lisaswallow.net/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091632.Lisa_Swallow

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*BOOK REVIEW* Deep Blue – Jules Barnard

When Cali Morgan kicks off her perfect post-college summer in Lake Tahoe, she has everything she ever wanted: acceptance into a top law program, a gorgeous boyfriend, and an incredible summer planned with her best friend.

Confident about her place in the world, Cali makes it her mission to be her friend’s wingwoman and help her meet guys. What Cali doesn’t count on is running into Jaeger Lang, one of her older brother’s high school friends, or the sparks that fly when she’s around him.

Jaeger has changed, and it’s not just the added height and muscle. There’s something about him that’s deep and a little scarred. In spite of the changes, Jaeger becomes a top pick for her friend—if Cali can keep her hands off him.

But when Cali’s boyfriend dumps her and her carefully laid plans begin to unravel, she finds herself questioning what it is she truly desires. In the midst of doubts about her future, one thing is very clear: she wants Jaeger for her own. The question is, has her friend already fallen for him?

In the cusp and real time world of turning 21 life can be daunting. I read ‘Deep Blue’ by Jules Barnard and I fell in love with the characters and the narrative especially Cali. I’m a huge fan on New Adult novels so I absolutely loved hearing about this book and couldn’t wait to read it. Sometimes I feel like a story can overlap and be the same thing but that was not the case with ‘Deep Blue.’ I found Deep Blue to be extremely relatable. It showed raw emotion with prior experiences helping the reader develop such an emotional bond with the characters.

In her debut novel, it was such a well-written book that explored issues that both surprised me and intrigued me within reading. Being at a crossroads or wondering what direction to go is never easy and I found showing Cali moving to Lake Tahoe for the summer to work at a Casino was great. I actually really loved the Casino and cross-road aspect although I’m not sure how realistic it is, because I haven’t heard of it before. I loved how Cali meets Jaegar (such a unique name), flames ignite, secrets are kept and it is all swoon worthy. (Being using that word a lot lately)The characters grow and although there are misunderstandings and growing into maturity the story never lost my interest.

Overall, I really loved the journey that Deep Blue took as a debut novel, it is well written and full of heart. With such adventure I loved how Barnard created characters that we could fall in love with and we did see an ending that satisfied with no cliffhangers. It wasn’t the sunset ridden the walk away but it left no loose ends and felt solid with adventure and fun. I rated it a 4- Lit Love because I really enjoyed the story and it was a great adventure. Cali was a fun feisty character. I can’t wait to read about Gen, Cali’s best friend and Lewis in the follow up to Deep Blue.

Jules Barnard is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. She attended UC Davis, whose college landscape often finds its way into her New Adult novels. She has a Master’s degree and spent many an hour running statistical analysis, until she realized her favorite part of the job was writing reports. She decided to cut out the math and add in some hot guys, and so began her career as a novelist.

Jules is a Northern California native living on the coast with her husband and two children. She has no impulse control around cupcakes and credits herself with the ability to read while running on the treadmill or burning dinner.

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Blue-Jules-Barnard-ebook/dp/B00IU69PTI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394389922&sr=1-1&keywords=deep+blue+jules+barnard

Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/deep-blue-new-adult-romance

Barns & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deep-blue-jules-barnard/1118886379?ean=2940149276615

Links:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Deep Blue Goodreads

*BOOK REVIEW* Between Us- Jen McLaughlin

BETWEEN US by Jen McLaughlin

March 4, 2014

New Adult Contemporary Romance

One of the “Sex on the Beach” Novellas

I’m just a girl…

I’m a famous country star who’s spent her life cultivating a good girl persona to avoid bad press, but I’ve reached my limit. I’m going away for spring break with my two best friends from college, and we’ve vowed to spend the vacation seeking out fun in the sun—along with some hot, no-strings-attached sex. The only thing I needed was the perfect guy, and then I met Austin Murphy. He might be totally wrong for me, but the tattooed bad boy is hard to resist. When I’m in his arms, everything just feels right.

And I’m just a guy…

I’m just a bartender who lives in Key West, stuck in an endless cycle of boredom. But then Mackenzie Forbes, America’s Sweetheart herself, comes up to me and looks at me with those bright green eyes…and everything changes. She acts like she’s just a normal girl and I’m just a normal guy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. My past isn’t pretty, you know. I did what I had to do to survive, and she’d run if she learned the truth about my darkness. But with her, I’m finally realizing what it’s like to be alive. To laugh, live, and be happy.

All good things must come to an end…

Goodreads link:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20369409-between-us

Fame can sometimes get the best of you, but if you find someone magical it can sometimes all be worth it. I absolutely loved Between Us by Jen. It was such an amazing read. It is a novella that follows Mackenzie one of the three best friends that are partying in Key West on Spring Break.

The narrative follows a girl who always is seen in the wrong light no matter what she does. I think the narrative allows the reader to understand the heart of what some one in the limelight goes through. Celebrities don’t always have it easy and the portrayal of Mackenzie and Austin the bartender/bad-boy made this a fun read. These novella’s where quick reads for me. They were light-hearted but yet still addressed some issues that are relative to teenagers and college students. I loved the flow of words and how the connection between Austin and Mackenzie grew through all the challenges they faced. What at first was going to be a one-night stand for me, drew so much passion into the written word of ignoring all the press and everything else and finding what is within your heart.

Overall, Mackenzie and Austin stole my heart, in this novella in the sex on the Beach series. The expectations were understood from the very start, having Austin being a local and Mackenzie a country star on spring break but through it all chemistry came alive. I rated it a 4 out of 5 because I so desperately wanted more. It was such a romantic and heartfelt novella.

Jen McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, came out September 2013. She also writes bestselling Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts.Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website: http://dianealberts.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6921962.Jen_McLaughlin

*COVER REVEAL* Oceans Apart- Emma Fitzgerald

Nobody ever cares for second place.

Talented public relations associate, Annie Scott, knows second place well. She has never been anyone’s priority and is sick of wallowing in self pity, sick of being an option. In a snap decision, she flees her hometown of Nashville for the unknown shores of Sydney, Australia. There she can be whoever she wants to be. Perhaps, the enforced solitude will give her back her identity and kickstart a new path in life.

Professional surfer, Cam Hart, is home on leave from the Pro Tour, and in desperate need of some rest, relaxation and maybe, a little female company. All extremely achievable at his home in Bronte, Sydney. There will be women willing and waiting for him, of that he has no doubt. He’s never been a relationships kind of guy, and after his embarrassing defeat for the recent World Title, the idea of losing himself in between the sheets for some no-strings fun, definitely has appeal.

Fate throws Cam and Annie in each other’s path. Their attraction to each other is immediate. Cam believes he has found the perfect girl to distract him for a few weeks, while Annie is ready to throw caution to the wind and dive into a holiday romance. The two drifting souls soon realise that their chemistry and passion is more than they bargained for.

Cam has never wanted to entrust his heart to anyone again. But, with Annie, he sees that he may indeed want a future, a change from his impulsive and wild ways. Could Cam actually be capable of such change? Should Annie consider Cam to be more than a summer fling, or will she be bound by her insecurities and not believe him worth the risk? Will she return to her hometown, the same as she left it: alone.

Author Links

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*BOOK REVIEW* Best Kind of Broken- Chelsea Fine

The one that got away is living across the hall…

Pixie and Levi haven’t spoken in nearly a year when they find themselves working-and living-at the same hotel in the middle of nowhere. Once upon a time, they were childhood friends. But that was before everything went to hell. And now things are… painful.

All they want to do is avoid each other, and their past, for as long as possible. But now that they’re forced to share a bathroom, and therefore a shower, keeping their distance from one another becomes less difficult than keeping their hands off each other. Because despite everything that happened before, this isn’t the kind of chemistry that it’s easy to resist. Welcome to the hallway of awkward tension and sexual frustration, folks. Get comfy. It’s going to be a long summer…

Finding a new author I haven’t heard of before is always fun. The excitement of new stories and new characters to emerge yourself in is what I love. The draw of the cover and synopsis from Best Kind of Broken by Chelsea Fine intrigued me and I was delighted to read it. During summer break we meet Pixie and Levi. Pixie, art student extraordinaire and Levi former best friend and handy man collide in a mash of love, lust and trust within the pages. I for some part felt like the story was a little disjointed but as the narrative developed I fell in love with the characters.

On Summer Break, Pixie visits her aunts inn and ends up sharing more than just the inn’s wing but also the bathroom. It was such a light and romantic story, the edge of will they or won’t they. Will feelings be shared or won’t they played out within the pages. Pixie and Levi’s relationship is interesting as they hadn’t spoken in a long time and the connection of past and present sends sexual tension through the roof which I really enjoyed.

I really did enjoy the book, it was light, and showed a form of creativity. It was down to earth with sweet romantic moments, deep narrative and a dual point of view that was so much fun to read. Overall, I liked it. The pace of the book is a little slow so if you like fast paced books this isn’t for you. The characters were easy to relate to and the charming atmosphere of the inn left my heart happy after reading. It’s not a steamy read. It is just sweet and pure. Like honey. It was an enjoyable read and would recommend it for NA and YA fans.

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Chelsea lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where she spends most of her time writing stories, painting murals, and avoiding housework at all costs. She’s ridiculously bad at doing dishes and claims to be allergic to laundry. Her obsessions include: superheroes, coffee, sleeping-in, and crazy socks. She lives with her husband and two children, who graciously tolerate her inability to resist teenage drama on TV and her complete 

lack of skill in the kitchen.

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*BLOG TOUR* Fall into Forever- Beth Hyland

TITLE: Fall Into Forever

AUTHOR: Beth Hyland

AGE GROUP: NA

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2014

HOSTED BY: Wordsmith Publicity

Some girls may find guys like Jon exciting and charming. Some are even naive enough to want to date them. But guys like him can harbor dark, dangerous secrets. Secrets you don’t want to know or be involved in. How do you think they got this way in the first place? It’s best to follow your head and stay as far away from them as possible. 

Trust me when I say this: Guys like Jon Priestly are nothing but trouble.

Ivy McAllister had it all. Perfect boyfriend. Perfect life. Perfect future. Or so they tell her. Because one night, on a dark country road, a fiery crash changed everything…and Ivy can’t remember what happened.

Now, two years later, at a new college far from home, she tries to regain control of her life, but her plans don’t include a tattooed, motorcycle-riding, indie music-obsessed guy with his own sorority girl fan club.

Jon Priestly is the hottest guy at Pacific State University. Just ask his groupies. But with a dark past he must keep hidden, he shuts himself off emotionally and trusts no one. That is…until he meets a broken girl with haunting green eyes and secrets of her own.

Ivy shouldn’t be attracted to Jon. They’re wrong for each other in every possible way. Yet as they spend time together, something about him—everything about him—feels so right.

But when threats from her past make her question what little she does remember, Ivy must decide whether to run again or trust the one person she can’t live without.

Book Review

Love can be giving into chance and falling for what might be dangerous but also pure and honest. Fall into Forever by Beth Hyland was such an amazing read. It dealt with some strong issues of hurt and pain but also of strength and happiness.

Two years after a horrible accident that left her with no recollection and a dead boyfriend Ivy has been through a lot, tainted by torture and pain she transfers schools.

With a lack of memories and shyness to devolve into anything in the past she brings so much heart to a heart-warming narrative. I loved the narrative because it was fun and a really well written piece. After Ivy was dragged to “The White House” frat party, she meets hunk Jon Priestly in a chance encounter. Drool. He sounds so swoon worthy and irresistible.

There is a draw between Ivy and Jon which I loved. Connection between the two main characters is important and I absolutely loved how although they have their own demons they bring out the best in each other coincidentally.

I loved this book, it was fun and romantic. I would like to have seen though more development in their relationship before skipping from friends to boyfriend/girlfriend. Narratives that do that are great, but I would have loved to see a little more interaction within.

Overall, I absolutely loved the narrative, it told a story about heart-felt love and moving forward with life. The romance scenes were really lovely and It was poetic to see characters grow and develop as Ivy and Jon did. I rated a 4-Lit Love, it was fitting to passion, love and overall an amazing read.

 

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About
the author

Beth Hyland is
the author of FALL INTO FOREVER, a contemporary New Adult romance coming out
March 10.

A friendly
Seattle girl who loves books, believes in happily ever after, and has a closet
addiction to YouTube makeup tutorial videos, she married her college sweetheart
and has two awesome kids.

She used to work in the tech field but prefers writing books. She also used to
sell wedding dresses and cigarettes, despite the fact that she wore her
mother’s dress when she got married and she’s never smoked.

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