Another Amazing Angsty Book! :D

Ok, ok I know the title makes things seem a little been there done that right? Here’s a New Adult Romance with some major angst and mature subject matter. But lemme tell you Another New Life… it’s different.

 

Very different, and most definitely refreshing.

Info on the Book:

Miranda Preston is determined to start a new life when she ventures off to college. She wants to experience new things, meet new people, survive her classes, but most importantly, she wants to leave her past where it belongs – in the past.

 

However, there’s nothing quite like walking into her first day of classes and discovering that her past may not be as far behind her as she thought.

 

The boy who catches her eye turns out to be someone she’s known her entire life, and with him comes memories that represent the best times of her life – but it’s also tainted by the worst. Determined to keep her secrets her own, she develops a relationship with Troy, but when they get closer and closer what will happen when this past and her secrets threatens to completely tear them apart?

 

Things Not Found in the Synopsis:

I’m so excited that I found a book for this song!

Like Real People Do

by Hozier

I’m actually really glad I ended saving this song, because I feel like it suits Miranda and Troy’s struggle perfectly. They are so desperately trying to be normal, but there’s so much going on around them that just threatens to break them apart.

Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars ****1/2

Alrighty, so I had the absolute pleasure of beta-reading Another New Life and I have to say I was so incredibly surprised by it! Those who know me, know I absolutely LOVE angst in my books. I NEED it. I thrive off it. So the subject matter touched on in this book completely drew me in right off the bat.

I was reading this story and racing to find out the secret and waiting to find out when everything was going to go south. It had me on the edge of my seat and I think I ripped through the book like race reader (is that even a thing?). Anyways, but what was so ‘surprising’ was just how incredibly real and touching and heart warming and infuriating these characters were. Usually these types of books have a specific recipe that they follow, but this one completely threw it out the window – and I LOVED IT!

This is the story of a girl haunted by her past and the journey of the boy who loved her. It was a story that had you pulling your hair because you couldn’t help but think “This isn’t how fictional Heroes’ are supposed to act! The Heroine shouldn’t be doing this! According to every other book out there this and this should be happening!” and yet it was. This story was gritty. It was messy. It was emotional and heartfelt. It pissed me off as much as it had me rooting for them. Sydney Aaliyah Michelle does an amazing job at creating characters who were flawed as much as they were good.

Anyways, highly recommended!

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

FIRST EVER TEASER! What do you guys think?

I am freaking the freak out! In case y’all didn’t know but I’ve been working on writing a book for the past year or so.

I cannot and I repeat CANNOT tell you what it means to me, when I have beta-readers who are so enthusiastic about the story that they’ve already started on teasers!!!!!

I’m so excited I just can’t help but get ahead of myself and share this absolutely stunning teaser!

 What do you guys think???

COVER REVEAL for “The Raven” by Sylvain Reynard

The Raven 

by Sylvain Reynard

 

Blurb: 

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…

Release Date:

Early 2015

About the Author

I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

You can find Sylvain at

         

 

REVIEW for A Summer Romance by Tracey Smith

Oh man, would you look at this. For some reason I’m on a major kick of romances with a southern flair and a hint of mystery/suspense.  What can I say: I just can’t seem to get enough of them!

ON SALE NOW!

For only 99 cents!

(until May 23, 2014)

On Amazon.com

Some Info on the Book:

Maggie had her entire life planned out since the age of twelve, looks like the joke was on her. As all of her carefully laid plans begin to fall apart she jumps at the opportunity to get away and spend a carefree summer down south.

When she arrives at Devereux Manor it all seems too good to be true. The home is beautiful, the town is inviting, and the sexy gardener promises to make this a summer she won’t soon forget.

However the more she learns about the elusive Ms. Devereaux she begins to realize that the conveniently placed ad in front of her dorm room may not have been the happy coincidence that it once seemed. Maggie isn’t the only one who Ms. Devereaux has lured to the plantation, and Ms. Devereaux isn’t the only one with secrets to hide.

A Summer Romance <—- Click to find on Goodreads

Things Not Found in the Book:

For this book I’m liking…

Broken

by Lifehouse

Well I chose this song because I think they lyrics suit both Maggie and Aaron’s situations, as well as their relationship. They’re both struggling with their pasts and they help each other heal and move on. Love it.

Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars ****1/2

I had the lovely opportunity to beta-read this book and let me tell you… I’m pretty sure I’ve read it like 3 times… and that was before it was even released! I’m so addicted to this book it’s not funny!

My Aaron (aka. the sweet, sexy gardener who has a few secrets that will break your heart):

Maggie:(Yep, I see her looking a little something like this adorable, lovely lady… just with lighter, longer hair :D)

Anywhoooo… Onto the review. Like I said I adored this book. I liked how I was instantly pulled into Maggie’s story from page one when she’s driving in a sh*t car to the unknown and talking to her pet fern, Fred. I liked the mystery surrounding the manor and how that mystery seemed to be woven into everything in the setting. Or maybe it was just me that found that LOL. I always find old plantation homes set in the south to have an air of “suspense” and like it’s holding secrets 😉

But mostly, I ADORED the relationship between Maggie & Aaron. I enjoyed the pace that it developed because it wasn’t painstakingly slow, but it kept me on my toes and wanting it to progress. Aaron’s back story was devastating and the way he’s been treated in this small town is heartbreaking – especially because he’s such a sweetheart.

Long story short, I’m so excited for the next book in the series to come out because I NEED to know more about the manor and the mysterious Ms. Devereaux! Pick up the book ladies (or gentlemen) because it’s such a romantic ride!

GIVEAWAY! 

Win yourself a copy of this book, by clicking the link!

Closes on May 23, 2014

Tracey Smith’s Author Bio:

I grew up in Southern California, but as a teenager moved with my family to a small town in Arkansas. It was there that I met my husband, who had also recently moved to the state. Fate brought us both to that same small town and into each other’s lives and it is where we remain today raising our two children and living out our happily ever after. As you can probably tell I’m a hopeless romantic.

I began my writing career in 2009 with the publication of my first novel Love’s Fate, which quickly grew into a romantic series. Since that first day that I sat down to write I haven’t been able to stop. Writing is my passion and has become a necessary part of my life. Sometimes there are stories that just beg to be told.

 

REVIEW & BLOG TOUR: Within Temptation by Tanya Holmes

Title: Within Temptation (Sons of Temptation #1)

Author: Tanya Holmes

Release Date: May 12, 2014

Category: Romantic Mystery/Romantic Suspense. This is not erotica or romantica. This is a romance centered around a murder mystery.

Heat Factor: 3 out of 5 — The sexual tension is high, and the burn is slow. Sex is character-driven, rather than plot-driven.

 

================================

Love, betrayal and murder in a small town….

Twelve years after her mother’s murder, Shannon Bradford fears she may have helped convict an innocent man. 

Even worse, her prominent family may have had something to do with it. 

Desperate for answers, she seeks help from the one person least likely to give it. Her best friend and childhood crush, Trace Dawson. 

The man she sent to prison.

Serving hard time for murder has left Trace angry and bitter. As far as he’s concerned, digging into the past won’t replace the years he’s lost or erase the hell he’s lived. Now that he’s free, Shannon Bradford tops his list of bad memories. But he never counted on falling in love.Set in a sleepy little town during the dead of winter, this award-winning romance novel is a tale of one woman’s quest for truth and a man’s struggle to forgive.

 “MEMORIES flooded my mind, of the quiet riot he was, of the secret crush I’d had on him, and the extraordinary friendship we’d shared so many years ago. As fast as those images came, others replaced them. I was thrust back to the crime scene, back to Mother’s corpse and the shirtless eighteen-year-old roaring obscenities while Sheriff Gray and a deputy dragged him away in handcuffs.” — Within Temptation

Things that aren’t found in the synopsis:

For this book I’m liking…

Dark Paradise

by Lana Del Ray

Gotta love, Lana, right? Anyways, I chose this song because I’m a huge fan of the lyrics and how they could correlate with the book. Also, for some reason this book, just seems to have a retro-ish, southern, glam vibe to me… which may be odd considering our sexy Hero is an ex-con and sooooo not glamorous LOL! However, I totally got the vibe from Shannon with her Queen Anne Victorian style homes and stuff.

Overall Rating: 5 Stars *****

My Shannon:

Like I said, for some reason I can’t stop picturing her with the blond vintage waves, red lipstick and classy attitude.

My Trace:

Can we say:

I know I can LOL. ‘

Give me a sexy, alpha male, emotionally guarded, somewhat douchebag, somewhat loving ex-con any day. Though preferably not with a nickname like “Butcher Boy”… that part would be slightly alarming…

Anywhoo, this book was just… WOW! The author is an award-winning novelist and after reading her work, I can definitely see why. Every single character in this book was incredibly well developed with each of their flaws shining through. I loved – and I mean LOVED – the tension between Trace & Shannon. Chemistry like that… it’s just wild! It was feral, primal, raw, sweet… forbidden… very very forbidden 😉 , but I mean who doesn’t love some candy they can’t have? Not to mention said candy is the convicted killer of your mother… can you say COMPLICATED! Yikes!

As mentioned above, the book is actually a romance centered around a mystery and I believe it’d be very hard to pull something like this off. I mean I’m no expert in the mystery department, but from what I’ve read either the mystery outshines the romance or vice versa. Within Temptation did not fall into either of these categories. This book was a crazy web that had you flipping pages almost faster than you could read them. The mystery kept pace with the romance beautifully and I found I wasn’t reading for just one of the two things, but for both of them. Just when I think I’d have things figured out… but turned out I didn’t know sh*t! My head was reeling, my heart was pounding and my brain’s synapses were firing (yes, they were actually firing! I was thinking! Holy mother of pearl! 😛 ). Everything from the language to the setting had me completely immersed in this story and it was so well written, the entire thing played out like a movie in my head.

Highly, HIGHLY recommended book! An absolutely amazing story and I must say… Y’all should go pick it up!

Excerpt

Trace ripped the front door open, flooding the porch with light. There he stood, an unsettling combination of heaven and hell poured into a tight black T-shirt and jeans that hung below his narrow hips in a way Auntie would’ve deemed vulgar.
We stared at each other for half an eternity as Ray Charles crooned, “You Don’t Know Me” from somewhere in the house.
“Take a wrong turn?” he asked, ice dancing in his eyes.
“I’m sorry.”

His jaw worked. “Four days, two hours, and twenty-three minutes of sorry. You get my messages?”

I nodded in shame. “I just…”

“Got scared.”

My breath escaped in a misty cloud. “I should’ve called.”
“You think?” He studied me in angry silence for a time. “Lose the hood.”
“What?”
“The hood.” He nudged his chin. “Take it off.”
He was testing me. His ‘you’re ashamed of me’ look was unmistakable. So I did as he asked. I tugged it down.
“Satisfied?”

Trace swung the door all the way open and his arm formed an arch. I studied the man-made entrance with caution, then ducked beneath it and went inside.

He kicked the door shut.

Unbuttoning my coat, I watched him lean against a wall, arms folded. It may have been my imagination, but he seemed to study me with the same lethal aloofness of a cat watching an unsuspecting mouse—right before the pounce.
To steady my frayed nerves, I concentrated on the beautiful living room. He was renovating. I smelled paint, and drop cloth draped the floor in the adjacent dining room, which he’d jammed with tools and supplies.

An ornate brass floor lamp stood attached to an extension cord that snaked down the hall to what I assumed was the kitchen. A cute tabletop Christmas tree, complete with tinsel, golden ornaments, and candy canes was propped on a twenty-five-inch TV. The pine floor had been polished to a high gloss. Beige paint with alabaster molding covered the walls. Stylish brass vent and outlet covers complemented the gilded vintage ceiling fan above them.
I gestured. “You’ve been busy.”
“Yeah. My shrink thought it’d be therapeutic.”
“You do good work.” I tore my eyes from his sullen face. “It’s beautiful.”
“But a far cry from the fancy digs you’re used to.”

It wasn’t said maliciously. In fact, there’d been a ring of humility in his tone that had almost bordered on apologetic.
“My tastes are simplistic,” I said. “I fell in love with a dilapidated Queen Anne Victorian, but I didn’t trust my instincts. I hesitated. Now it’s under contract.” I turned to him and sighed. “Speaking of which, I may have a job for you. The couple buying it needs a good carpenter. Can I give them your number?”
He hitched a shoulder. “Uh, yeah. Sure.”
“When do you think you’ll be finished here?”
“In a few months.” He lifted a brow. “Guess I’ll be needing a real estate agent.”
“Look no further.” I tried to smile, but it felt lame. What had happened at the club and my vanishing act screamed in his eyes. “So, do you have a place picked out or….”
“Naw.” He paused, then in a serious tone added, “I’m leaving Temptation the second my parole year is up. Sooner if I can get a transfer.”

My smile froze. He’s leaving? “Ah, th-that’s understandable. What, with everything that’s happened.”

“Exactly. There’s really nothin’ keeping me from going, is there?” He paused for a beat, tilted his head, and cocked a brow. “Cholly’s got his own life. Mama and Daddy are gone. Bev’s married, and if Cole ever gets out, I’ve got to find a way to help him—but not here. Not in this town.”
Fearing, dreading, I hesitated before asking, “Will you at least stay in West Virginia?” I cleared my suddenly dry throat. “Or will you move away?”
“What do you think?” He gave the room a fleeting glance. “Three tenants lived here over the past twelve months. When they heard about what happened, they hauled ass. So selling this shack won’t be easy. Either way, I figure I’ll check out the West Coast. Maybe Washington state.”
It felt like he’d reached across the room and punched me in the stomach.

 

Buy the Book

(US) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_21?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=within+temptation+tanya+holmes&sprefix=within+temptation+tan%2Caps%2C203

 

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(DE) http://www.amazon.de/Tanya-Holmes/e/B00HQFR51O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

 

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(BR) https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B00K91U118

 

(MX) https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B00K91U118

NOOK, KOBI, iTunes & Smashwords will be available at a later time. Once they are up I will email those out as well.

About the Author

Tanya Holmes is a former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist, a recipient of the Maggie Award, the MICA Award, as well as Overall Winner of the Sandy Haddad Award and a two-time finalist and one-time winner of The Emily (Best of the Best). She’s happily married with children and loves reading, writing and a good cup of coffee—but not necessarily in that order. Her debut novel, Within Temptation is due out on May 12, 2014.

 

 

Connect with the Tanya

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Amazon Author Page | Trace Dawson on Twitter

 

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“Breaking Kate” Review & Spotlight!

Info on the Book:

Michael Matthews has been in love with Katherine Moore since the second grade. In Michaels mind there is absolutely nothing that will ever be able to keep the two of them apart. The night Michael is set to propose to Katherine the evening is interrupted by an unexpected tragedy that tears the two of them apart for good. 

Three years have passed since that fateful night when Katherine, now known as Kate meets Daniel. After an awkward start sparks fly between them. Daniel and Kate fall hard and fast into the most passionate and intense love affair of their lives. In three years a lot can change, Michael knows he made the biggest mistake of his life when he left Katherine and he will do anything to get her back. Asking his best friend Daniel for help is his first step in righting the wrongs he made so many years ago. Unfortunately, neither of them realizes that Michaels long lost love Katherine is Daniel’s true love Kate.

While attending the engagement party of a mutual friend, all of their paths collide. How is Kate supposed to choose between the two men that mean the most to her in the world? Kate has to push past her heartache and put some serious thought into what comes next. One wrong choice and not only could she lose them both but Daniel and Michael may never recover their friendship.

 

Things Not Found in the Synopsis:

For this book, I’m thinking…

 

 Yellow

By Coldplay

Darling, Coldplay. Yes, I know this song is so OLD! Oh, well. What’s the saying? “Oldie but a Goodie”? Yeah, I think that’s what it is LOL. Anyways, onto the review..

I chose this song for Breaking Kate because I think it suited both Micheal and Daniel’s views on the gorgeous heroine, Kate. All romantic and everything 😉

Overall Rating: 3.75  Stars ***3/4

This book was super sweet. Daniel was such an amazing guy, and I totally found myself doing the whole googly eyes at him…

The chemistry between him and Kate was fun, flirty and sexy, and it kept me on my toes and wanting nothing but the best for them. The book was a tad too much insta-love for me – but that’s totally just a personal preference. Those who know me, know I like my slow build-ups and angst, and this was a tad too ‘perfect’ for me. Too much, too soon, I guess LOL.

Not going to lie, this book completely threw me!

I totally thought this was going to be one hell of a love triangle, but to my surprise it actually wasn’t. Instead, it was kind of refreshing in the sense, that it’s a story about two men and a woman trying to get past their struggles and overcome their issues. Kate and Daniels relationship was told in a way that was filled with sugar, spice and everything nice. It demonstrated the power of their attraction and the healing it provided to both of their broken hearts. I was surprised to find myself rooting for them, even though I was introduced to Michael first and I thought I’d developed an attachment to him.

Though, what’s the advice? Something about the best way to get over a guy is to shag his best friend… well …. I never thought I’d find myself actually agreeing LOL. But yet, here I am 😉

Anyways, overall, it was a really cute read. The dialogue was a tad too long at times for my taste, but I was still engaged and wanted to know the outcome of how everything would turn out! Though, let me tell you… that ending….ohhhhhh that ending. It’s a doozy.

That is all. LOL. That is all.

 

• Amazon
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We only talked a few days ago about the possibility of me putting myself out there again and he’s presumptuous enough to think he can fix me up on my first date in ages? Of course he is; he’s Connor fucking Houston. As pissed off as I am, I have to admit a bit of morbid curiosity as to who it might be.

Over the past year, I have heard all about his best friends Daniel, Jake, Mike, and April. I have yet to meet any of them in person, although I sort of feel like I already know them from Connor’s stories. Connor Houston is HOT! Scott Eastwood hot. Melt in your mouth hot. ‘Yes, you can fuck me right here, right now, in this room full of people just because you looked at me with come fuck me eyes and I don’t even know your name’ kind of hot. I can only begin to imagine what his friends look like.

Jess glares at me and I know I overstepped—she’s upset. “Kate, I’m going to try and ignore the fact that you basically just called me superficial because you and I both know that nothing could be further from the truth. I met the guy two seconds ago and he is HOT, and you, my friend, need to get laid. You haven’t had a relationship in over three years. I want to see you happy. I want to go on double dates. I want to swap sex stories with someone who is actually getting some, but most of all, I want to see that sparkle that has been missing from your gorgeous eyes for the last three years. I know how broken you’ve been, and you have every right to grieve your losses, but it’s time to move on. My god, Katie Grace, you met the man all of ten minutes ago and have already decided he’s a jerk. Maybe he’s nervous. If I were you, I would give it an open mind and see where it goes. If it’s awful, well, you wasted a night. But if he’s great? God, Kate, if he’s great maybe you can be happy again. Besides, I don’t think Connor would set you up with a jerk. He’s way too over protective of you to put you in that kind of situation. When they come back, I’m going to ask Connor to show me around and you need to play nice with Daniel, if for no other reason than to do me a favor. Can you please do that for me?”

His lips are almost brushing against mine, so close I can feel his breath caress my lips… it’s intoxicating. Daniel places one hand on the back of my head, pulling me forward to close the small gap between us as his perfect lips meet mine for a gentle, yet utterly heart-stopping kiss. This is the first kiss fairytales are spun from. My heartbeat is still rapid, my pulse is still racing, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why I have waited so long to find him. This man was obviously made just for me. Daniel stops kissing me, resting his forehead against mine.

I reach up and run my fingers through his hair, and I feel him suck in his breath as he slowly he moves his lips to mine. Gently kissing me, he parts my lips with his tongue, making his way into my mouth. When his tongue caresses mine I feel butterflies in my stomach. What the hell? The feeling is exceptional; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I’m lost in it and to it.

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER / WEBSITE / PINTEREST

I’m a wife, a mom and a dog lover. I’m also a taxi, problem fixer, extreme multi-tasker and my kids biggest fan in anything that they do. I love to write, so when my career suddenly derailed I turned back to my love of writing. I married my high school sweetheart… how cool is that? Margaritas and sarcasm make me happy. Chocolate makes that happiness grow exponentially. People who make me laugh are my favorite kind of people. I believe Karma is a bitch who slaps back hard and that mean people suck. I’m California born and raised, I love the beach but hate the sand. Breaking Kate is my first novel and is part of The Acceptance Series.

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Losing Hope? I Would Beg to Differ

Okay, okay. I know. Who hasn’t written a review for Colleen Hoover, right? Well folks, this girl right here.

Though rest assured, I’m about to pop the cherry. Yep, that’s right, it’s going to happen….right now…. with Losing Hope because what better way to pop the cherry than to do it with Holder. *WINK*

Some Info on the Book:

Losing Hope is Holder’s side of the heart wrenching, devastating story that we all read in Hopeless.

Returning home from living with his father, Holder finds himself simultaneously trying to deal with the suicide of his twin sister, Les, and coming face to face with a girl who looks a lot like someone he’d never see again.

What happens when everything he thought he knew, crumbles around him and he’s left rediscovering who he is, who he knows and what really happened to that girl across the street, Hope?

Losing Hope <—- Click to check it out on Goodreads

Things not Found in the Synopsis:

The song I think I’m gonna pick is…

Too Late

By M83

Ohhhh yeah.

 So I’m not gonna lie… I was totally torn between this song and: Like Real People Do by Hozier. If y’all prefer that one… I’m sorry…sort of LOL.

 Anyways, I’ve decided to go with this one because… well I’m LOVING the lyrics. Here they are in case you’re curious 🙂

I look into your eyes
Diving into the ocean
I look into your eyes
FallingLike a wall of stars
We are ripe to fallAnd if you are a ghost
I’ll call your name again
And if you are a ghost
I’ll call your name…You, always.

 

I mean look! They even have to do with stars and ghosts… I felt like I couldn’t really turn them down LOL. I also felt the overall “vibe” of the song suited the book better – for me anyways.

Overall Rating: 5 Stars *****

I know, I know. You’re all shocked, right? A 5 stars review from the wonder that is Mrs. Hoover?! Impossible… not really.

Well the books is pretty… AMAZING! I’ll be honest, I thought I loved Hopeless –truly, I did – but Losing Hope was a fantastic companion to it. I loved seeing inside Holder’s head ( though I’m generally a Hero sympathizer 😉 ). It just made his struggle to come to terms with Les’s death that much more real. Her character itself and her struggle became so much more tangible, through reading Holder’s perspective and she became a true ‘person’ to me, not just someone I heard/ read about.

I know there were a lot of aspects that were a replay of what happened in Hopeless, but I loved it. There was so much going on in that story, I didn’t mind the replay of information from another perspective. With the subject matter and the tolls that it would take a person, while I may have already known the outcomes, I was so immersed it didn’t matter.

The books themselves are extremely character driven and yes, if you aren’t a fan of reading books, where it’s more about the plot and you like being surprised, then reading both this and Hopeless may not be your cup of tea. However as a character driven book… it’s phenomenal! Right from the start, Colleen pulls you into Holder’s head and leaves no emotion spared, no thought unthought, and no heart intact. His actions become that much clearer, while his pain becomes it’s own living breathing thing to accompany the monster that is his guilt.

I’d highly recommend this book (me along with thousands of others) if you want something different from the classic alpha-male story where things manage to magically fall into place. This story is real. It’s flawed and incredibly human.

Go pick it up

 It’s a gooder!

Cheers,

X – XOXO – Acknowledgements

EEE! I’m so incredibly flattered to be acknowledged by this amazing author! Thanks Sydney!

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

THIS is my favorite part of the writing process.  Acknowledging all those who have contributed to making Another New Life happen.

First, I have to thank God for his grace and patience. It took me a while to find my gift and now that I have found it, I am forever thankful for His blessings.

To my family for putting up with my hair brain schemes, this one I actually finished. Mom, Dad, Kevin, Jimmy, Patrina – Love you!

Pk Hrezo, Tianna Doyle, Emily Robertson & Vanessa Aapiah. The most honest, supportive and enthusiastic beta readers I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  You all brought a unique perspective and made my story better.

A big thank you and your the best, to Jade at Black Firefly who answered all my questions and guided me through the whole production process. We created a beautiful book, don’t you think?

Huge thank…

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NEW ADULT ANTHOLOGY! You Won’t Want to Miss It!

 

A Collection of today’s bestselling authors

 

10 Full-Length Novels that are first in the series or a companion novel that can be read as a stand alone.

 

Brooke Cumberland – Spark

Erika Ashby – Moving Forward

J.S. Cooper – The Last Boyfriend

J.L. Berg – When You’re Ready

Mia Sheridan – Stinger

Harper Sloan – Axel

Adriane Leigh – Wild

Kasey Millstead – Cowboy Town

MJ Carnal – Taming the Bachelor

Kimberly Lauren – Beautiful Broken Rules

This anthology will only be available for 10 DAYS starting April 15, 2014! Make sure you one-click it before this exclusive, limited time offer goes away!

 

Synopsis

 

Jesika Reynolds’ heart was left broken one year ago when her husband died, leaving her and her son alone in this world. Slowly, she started putting the pieces back together of her life. Knowing that she may never open herself up to love again. That was until the day Derek came into the picture.

 

Why does this gorgeous stranger seem to care so much, so suddenly?

Derek Jordan’s charm drew her in with an instant connection, and familiarity that helps her feel at ease. Her heart is falling at his feet, but as their relationship grows, so does a secret from both of their pasts that neither saw coming. One by one, the threads slowly start to unravel.

Can their newly sought love stand up against the secrets that life is unlocking to their pasts? Or can they decide together that moving forward and forgetting the past is the only option for them to find true happiness?

**Intended for Mature Audiences**

 

About the Author

Being born an “Army Brat”, Erika Ashby has been residing in Oklahoma the last 10 years finally putting an end to the nomad tendencies she had grown accustomed to. She’s a happily married woman who has 5 kids between her and her husband. She has an insane passion for music and embraces her Inner Groupie any chance she has. It wasn’t until the age of 29 that she realized she also had a hidden passion for reading; before then she claimed to have hated it. Six months after unlocking that deep desire she never knew she held, she turned the key to another chapter of her life which has become the desire to write. And the rest is still history in the making.

 

 

Synopsis

Years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband, Ethan, which left her alone to raise their young daughter, Clare Murray still holds the last letter he wrote with the words “When You’re Ready” written in his familiar messy handwriting, unable to break its weathered seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare had accepted a life without him, without love. Until years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with a stormy-eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.

 

 

 

Son of a billionaire, Logan Matthews has spent his life trying to make his absentee father proud. Without a family to depend on, all he’s ever wanted is a place to call home. After a failed marriage, Logan believes he’s unworthy of love…until he meets a woman who awakens his spirit and transforms his entire life in an instant.

But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? Can his love mend the pieces of her grieving heart?

When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you are never truly ready until you’re ready to risk it all.

 

About the Author

I’m a California native, who lives in the South – Virginia to be exact. I still prefer sushi to fried chicken, avocados to okra, and I absolutely loathe humidity. I do love watching the seasons change though. My husband and I have been here for ten years, and I still get giddy like a school girl every time it snows.

I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We were married young, barely out of high school. Everyone told us we were crazy and stupid. We’ll be celebrating 12 years of marriage this year, and I love him more every single day. We’re living proof that true love knows no age limit.

We’ve been blessed with two beautiful daughters who continue to amaze and inspire me, and are probably making me go a bit insane. I’m obsessed with yoga and pilates and am a complete chocoholic. I apologize in advance for the amount of sweets in my book.

I’m absolutely obsessed with romance novels (duh) and probably could have built a vacation home with the amount of money I’ve invested in them over the years. Romance novels take you to another place, making your heart race, emotions swell, passion run free. After so many years of meeting hundreds of fictional characters and discovering their worlds, I found myself creating my own.

Synopsis

Ex marine and bad boy, Mark Moretti, made a pact with his childhood friends to live life to the fullest and never allow a woman to tie him down. After years of success and the world at his feet, he is determined to make that pact a reality. A move back to his beloved Los Angeles threatens to change the future he had written for himself when the shy and beautiful, Sophie Barringer, ends up being the Maid of Honor at his sister’s wedding.

 

 

 

Sophie has been burned at love. The last thing she needs is a self proclaimed bachelor to turn her head. But her heart may have other plans.

Forced to spend a week together in paradise, can they deny their steamy chemistry and stay away from each other or will they give in to lust and take the chance? Can Mark get over his player reputation to take a shot at love or will fate be cruel enough to deny them their happily ever after?

 

 

About the Author

 

MJ Carnal lives in Lexington, South Carolina with her husband, gorgeous daughter and two loving and super furry dogs. She spends her days in the world of neurosurgery but her nights in a world she creates on paper. When she isn’t writing, you can find her watching episodes of The Walking Dead with her hubby, having tea parties with Princess Caroline, Singing karaoke for anyone that will listen and reading just about anything she can get her hands on. The Moretti Novels are her first published works.

She loves to hear from fans, fellow writers and book lovers. Find her online at http://www.facebook.com/mjcarnalauthor or on Twitter @mjcarnalauthor.

Synopsis

Lucky Morgan has had her share of heartbreak. She is devastated when her boyfriend dumps her after sleeping with him and she vows to herself that she won’t be used again. She decides that the next guy she dates and sleeps with, will be her one true love.

Zane Beaumont is the mysterious and snooty guy that comes into her diner every Friday night with a different girl. He’s the type of guy she’s learned to avoid: carefree, fast, handsome, rich, and sarcastic. Unfortunately, she can’t stop thinking about the devilish gleam in his eyes.

When Lucky’s car breaks down one night after a party, it is Zane who comes to her rescue. As Zane attempts to sweep Lucky off of her feet, she soon realizes that nothing is as it seems and that Zane may very well be the guy for whom she changes the rules. That is until she meets Braydon.

 

About the Author

J. S. Cooper is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a true romantic that is in love with love. The J. S. stands for Jaimie Suzi. She just thought J. S. sounded cooler! J. S. was born in London, England and moved to the States at age 17. She studied history in college and then went to law school and then decided to follow her writing dreams. J. S. writes ‘New Adult’ contemporary romance books because that is what she also loves to read.

Available Books: The Last Boyfriend, The Last Husband, Before Lucky, The Other Side of Love, Zane & Lucky’s First Christmas, Crazy Beautiful Love, Scarred, and Healed.

Upcoming books: Finding My Prince Charming, If Only Once (The Martelli Brothers), Everlasting Sin, The Rebel Next Door and Hot Prof.

Please join J. S. Cooper on her facebook page if you enjoy her books here: https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor. If you wish to get in contact, please email her at Jscooperauthor@gmail.com.

 

Synopsis

When your past controls your future, how do you move forward?
Velaney Wills knows about that all too well.
Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?
Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes.Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls—despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.They have an undeniable spark—something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?

**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**

About the Author

 

Brooke Cumberland is a stay-at-home mom who writes full-time. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband and wild child. She’s the author of The Riverside Trilogy and The Spark Series. When she isn’t writing she’s reading or hanging out with her family.
You can find Brooke on Facebook, Twitter, and on her website.
www.brookecumberland.com
www.facebook.com/brookecumberlandauthor
Twitter @blcumberland

Synopsis

One thing Emerson Moore has come to terms with is that she is the school slut. She knows her way around a frat house and how to get what she wants. She doesn’t make any excuses for her actions and she doesn’t pretend to be anything different. She is who she is and with that she knows how to have a good time. She’s made rules to keep relationships at bay and avoid the demons of her past.

When her best friend, Cole has his two friends from back home move in with him she begins to think she has met her match with Jaxon Riley. Jax is the perfect mixture of tattooed muscle and a sweet-talking mouth. With “hand” written notes, a voice that exudes sex and knowing just how to get under her skin, Jaxon learns how to break all the rules. But will he just end up breaking her heart anyway?

New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance – recommended for ages 18 and up.

About the Author

I’m a wanderer, an adventurer, a traveler.

I want to see it all. I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list.

“She travels the world & home is always in her heart.”

Lately if I’m not traveling or chasing a toddler, I’m writing. Which is weird because I hated writing in college. Oh wait, that’s because that was boring. Who really wants to sit there and cite all your sources into APA format? Not this girl. Writing for yourself is enjoyable and cathartic. Please try it. Then tell me about because I love indie authors.

I’m a Texas girl living in Southern California, who misses living in Europe!

 

Synopsis

An independent woman, a controlling man, and one wild one-night stand…Kat Kennedy moved to the rugged coast of Maine to start a new life, but encountered much more than she bargained for in dark, dangerous, and seductive Lane Wild.Desire and temptation smolder before she succumbs to her darkest fantasies with the captivating stranger. She doesn’t expect to see him again after an explosive one-night stand leaves her breathless and craving more, but just like lightning in the darkness, he shows up in her life at the most unpredictable moments.

A sensual game of cat and mouse ensues before the attraction between them reaches a fever pitch—the magnetism combustible, the sexual tension nearly unbearable—and Kat finally abandons inhibition and explores the cunning, selfish, and sexual side of a world she’s never known.

They have the perfect non-relationship—passion-fueled nights with no strings attached—until life gets real and the past and present collide in a dangerous storm of lust and obsession.

About the Author

Adriane Leigh was born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and now lives among the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan lakeshore.She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer.

She is married to a tall, dark, and handsome guy, and plays mama to two sweet baby girls. She is a voracious reader and wishes she had more time to knit scarves to keep her warm during the arctic Michigan winters.

 

Synopsis

Ever since her parents passed away in a tragic car accident, Eden Cross has been living a quiet, stable and predictable life in inner Sydney – the total opposite of her carefree, relaxed, happy-go-lucky past. Her parents passing and the fact she’s an only child meant Eden was left with her best friend, Jules and Matt, her boyfriend of three years as her only family. That was until she discovered something about Matt that would turn her life upside down. Eden leaves Sydney in a hurry and begins an adventure that takes her across four Australian states before she lands in Pine Creek, Northern Territory.

Jackson Henley has lived in Pine Creek his entire life. He runs a massive cattle and cropping station with his twin brother, Jeremy, which they inherited when their parents retired. He’s had a bad experience with relationships courtesy of The Bitch – Dannika, so lately he’s preferred to play the field. That is, until he comes face to face with the stunning brunette beauty who’s behind the bar at the Cow and Calf. The problem is, she won’t tell him her name, she won’t give him the time of day, and she won’t give him a chance to prove himself.

What’s it going to take for Eden to give Jackson a chance? Does he have the patience to even bother fighting for her? How will he handle the competition?

In the end, will Jackson have what it takes to convince Eden to start living again, instead of just existing?

About the Author

Kasey Millstead is a wife and mother of four children. She lives in a picturesque location in country New South Wales, Australia.
Kasey is the author of the #1 bestselling Down Under Cowboy series. She is also the author of The Steele Investigations series, Fighting to Stay and Illicit Desire.
When she is not busy writing, racing around after her children and husband or trying to avoid doing housework, she enjoys nothing more than curling up with a good book and getting lost in the world of Happy Ever After.
You can contact Kasey on Facebook (www.facebook.com/authorkaseymillstead), on Twitter (@KaseyMillstead), via her website )www.kaseymillstead.com), or by email (kaseymillstead@gmail.com)

 

Synopsis

Grace Hamilton was the girl with a plan. She knew exactly where her life was going and prided herself on always achieving her goals. It was who she was, and how she lived her life. She never stepped outside the lines, and never considered what she might desire and whom she was actually trying so hard to please. Until him…Carson Stinger was a man who didn’t play by any rules except his own. Working in the adult entertainment industry, he didn’t care what others thought, and took each day as it came, no direction, no plan. He knew what women wanted from him and believed it was all he had to offer. Until her…When circumstances forced them to spend several hours together, they walked away changed. But for two people who never should have meshed, overcoming the reality of their vastly different lives wasn’t possible. At least not yet…

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY SCORPIO. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

 

About the Author

 

I’m Mia Sheridan. So nice to meet you! 🙂 I’m an avid reader, and now writer! of romance and erotic novels. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio with my husband who is a police officer and my biggest fan (not necessarily in that order). We have four children here on earth and one in heaven. When I’m not sitting on my couch with my head buried in my Kindle, I can be found writing or doing anything creative from building a patio, to sewing pillows. The wild hairs I get know no bounds. Leo is my debut novel, but my head is swimming with more…

Synopsis

Fate hasn’t always been friends with Isabelle West. In fact, fate has been a downright bitch. Isabelle has learned the hard way how hard life can be when fate isn’t by your side. It can hand you dreams on silver platters, but it can snatch them right back and hand you nightmares. One thing Isabelle knew for sure fate was consistent with was taking away everything she ever loved.

For the last two years Isabelle has been slowly clearing the clouds of her past. Happiness is finally on the horizon. She has a thriving business, great friends, and her life back. All she has to do is jump over the last hurdle…her ex-husband. When problems start causing her to fear her new life, and memories that are better left forgotten start rushing to the surface the last thing she needs is a ghost from her past to come knocking on her door.

Axel never thought he would look into the eyes of Isabelle West again, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to now. He’s carried his anger for so long he isn’t sure he can just turn it off, but when he is faced with protecting her and an unexpected desire to have her again, life gets a little more complicated.

How will Axel and Isabelle deal when all their cards are put on the table and everything they thought was true blows up in their faces?

About the Author

 

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero–the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

Buy Links

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JOZDSJC/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?qid=1397534916&sr=1-8&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exposed-anthology-brooke-cumberland/1119222125?ean=2940149170968

 

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The Race to Forever Begins…

Can we say PRETTY COVER!! Yes, yes I think we can.

I mean look at it. It’s just so romantic with the desaturated colors on the flower, the water, the white… elegant. Just elegant LOL.

Info on the Book:

Carson Bradley has been under the impression that his heart was decommissioned and torn apart when he lost his first love in a slow, agonizing battle of illness fifteen years ago.

When his plane crashes into the ocean and he finds himself washed up on a beach grasping the ankle of a young, beautiful medical resident, he realizes that maybe the possibility of finding love again, isn’t as far away as he thought.

Lillian Ly had one main concern in her life: becoming a doctor. It was her dream and nothing was going to hold her back, but when she finds herself taking care of a handsome businessman, she realizes that maybe things aren’t always supposed to be planned out & that she needs to let the reins go a bit, in order to find her true happiness and maybe even her Forever.

 Beginning with Forever <—- Click to check it out on Goodreads

What’s not found in the Synopsis:

Song selection time! For this book I have:

Au Revoir

by One Republic

Alrighty, why this song? I honestly just found this vibe to be awesome for this book. It’s a little soft, and a little elegant – just like the cover and the writing style. Also, frankly something about it just reminds me of Carson.

Overall Rating: 3.75 Stars ***3/4

 I loved Lan’s writing style and how she paints her characters.

Carson is so sophisticated – even when his lips are chapped, he’s dehydrated and covered in seaweed – that man still had style.

Casting for Carson: (Well I just can’t deny David Gandy is kind of awesome..)

AND (just in case you are truly truly offended that I selected a picture to represent a major CEO and he’s not in a suit – here’s something to satisfy. What can I say, I like to please my audience)

 He was also an incredibly refreshing CEO character. While still dominant, he wasn’t domineering. You could see from his actions that he truly cared about Lillian and that he would give anything and everything for her, if she just asked for it.

For Lillian my cast is: Stephanie Jacobsen 

I mean I feel like she can pull of anything from sexy to elegant to sweet… Look she can even do the scrubs 😀

Anyways, it’s an enjoyable book, but personally I just had a hard time getting truly invested in the characters. It started out great, but then I found myself weaning a bit just because I wanted more… “feels”. If that makes sense. I wanted more about his first love and I wanted to feel his pain for her more than I did. I wanted some struggle – but I LOVE angst – from him about her.

But overall, Lan has a lovely writing style. Her characters are poised, sweet, caring and while there some characters I wanted to beat upside the head and shake them, *ahem* Bianca/Richard – sorry did I say that aloud? Carson & Lillian had you rooting for them from the get go – their first meeting was just so original!

And frankly, check out this teaser:

Hey, hey. Nudge nudge.

You’re definitely in store for sexy times that’s for sure!

Cheers,