Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway: Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick

With one look, I’m his . . .

With one touch, he’s mine . . .

With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .

I’ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.

Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same—or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.

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Review

When I read the description of this one, I assumed it would be just another rockstar meets hometown boy/girl story. I was very pleasantly surprised. This story was so much more than that in a great way. It was about building friendships, realizing that family isn’t always blood, self-discovery, and romance.

I really enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted the entire story. I loved seeing the friendships grow as well as the relationship. It was interesting to watch Hailey grow into herself and realize that your past does not dictate your future. It was also nice to see how Caleb had to TRY to win her over. While their romance was definitely fast paced, it wasn’t rushed. They took time with each other as well as with their friendships.

I loved the dynamic between everyone! The friendships flowed with ease and that is due to the talent of this author. She really impressed me with her smooth style of writing. She evoked various emotions throughout the story and really made you feel as if you were part of this group. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the rest of this series and this group of friends!

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About the Author

Elyssa Patrick writes sexy, emotional contemporary romances and New Adult. She is currently working on her next novel.

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Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway: Heartstrings by Heather Gunter

Everyone thinks of me as this happy and upbeat person. What they don't know is that I carry a deep, dark secret. Something horrible happened to me a year ago, and I have kept it quiet all this time. I was fine for a while, but somehow it’s chosen this time to come back, and it's eating at me--like a cancer.

I need to tell someone about it, I just don't know how. I'm pushing everyone I love away, including my mom and my best friend Charlie.

Then there is Will. Handsome, sweet Will. We went out on a date a while back, but then the incident happened leaving me crushed and him confused.

 How do you tell someone you care about all of your secrets, and will they still want you when the truth comes out?

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Review

Right off the bat, I was excited for this story to come out. I knew the subject matter was going to be heavy. I knew that it was NOT going to be anything like Mav & Charlie’s story. Will & Tori are two totally different people and I’m glad their story was so different.

Heather Gunter did everything right in this story. From being sensitive, but bold in the entire subject, she nailed the emotions, the aftermath, and the rebuilding. I am so thankful that she had the characters handle the matter in a realistic way. I felt like it helped me to connect with them even if I could not directly understand the personal trauma that Tori had experienced. I loved that she utilized her family support as well as mental health support. There was no sugar coating the topic, but it was also not graphic and overdone.

It was evident that significant time and effort was put in to this story. It flowed with ease and was very easy to read. I was captivated from the first sentence and could not put it down! While it is technically a YA, it has a lot of emotion and I would say that I forgot many times that they were still in high school. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys NA & YA.

{em}

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About the Author

Heather is a devoted mother of three gorgeous boys.  She balances spending as much time with them as possible with writing, updating her Into the Night Reviews book blog and her day job.  Her love of animals sees her home in Canton, GA bursting with numerous dogs and ferrets.

Heather campaigns passionately for anti-bullying initiatives and has a strong conviction to reduce peoples suffering at the hands of bullies.

A talented singer, who once dreamed of pursuing a career in that field, she has put that goal aside in exchange for her writing.  A self proclaimed geek, whatever spare time she has is spent curled on the couch reading and listening to music.

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Release Day Blitz: Review & Giveaway: GOOD by S. Walden

Cadence Miller is a good girl. She just happens to make one terrible mistake her junior year in high school which costs her ten months in juvenile detention. Now a senior, she’s lost everything: her best friend, the trust of her parents, driving privileges, Internet access. It’s a lonely existence.

But there is one bright spot: Mark Connelly, her very cute, very off-limits 28-year-old calculus teacher. She falls hard for him—a ridiculous schoolgirl crush headed nowhere. She can’t help it. He’s the only good thing at Crestview High. She doesn’t expect him to reciprocate her feelings. How inappropriate, right? But he does. And he shows her.

And that’s when her life goes from bad to good.

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Review

WOW. If there was ever a book that toed the line, it’s this one. I admit that I was a bit skeptical about the subject prior to beginning it, but it was really ok. By ok, I mean, I was so sucked in to the story from the minute I started that I forgot how controversial it really was.

I hated Cadence’s parents. I really did. I think that helped me to overlook the issues I could’ve potentially had with the overall storyline. Her parents were judgmental, legalistic, and ridiculous. They held her to an unfair & impossible standard. That right there is a recipe for rebellion. But, I loved her brother. There were times I wanted to strangle him, but by the end, I really loved him.

Now the main characters. Cadence & Mark. What fabulous character development with these two! By the time their story started to unfold, you already felt connected to them and rooting for a “Good” outcome for those two. You wanted things to work out for them even when you feel like the socially acceptable thing is to tell them to back off for a while. I held my breath more times than I can count. I might have cried. And I definitely cheered a lot.

I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel to come out! S. Walden promised us that there isn’t a relationship cliffhanger in the story and she held true to that promise. There is, however, other cliffhangers that make the ending. But it’s ok. The story wrapped up where it needed to and the next will be just as amazing, I’m sure of it!

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About the Author

S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. Her dreams include raising chickens and owning and operating a beachside inn on the Gulf Coast (chickens included). When she's not writing, she's thinking about it.

She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her blog at http://swaldenauthor.blogspot.com where you can get up-to-date information on her current projects.

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Three days only on Amazon! S. Walden is dropping the price of ALL OF HER BOOKS (including GOOD) to only .99¢ on Amazon to help celebrate the release of Good during the Release Day Blitz from August 27 - 29!

Honeysuckle Love | Hoodie |Going Under

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Blog Tour: Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway: Mid Life Love by Whitney Gracia Williams

If you'd asked me what love was two years ago, I probably would've said, 'It's this amazing feeling that obsesses and possesses you; it's what me and my husband currently have.' If you ask me that same question today, I'll say, 'Please get the hell out of my face.’'

Claire Gracen's life is picture perfect. Her career as a marketing director is on the brink of being legendary, and her marriage to her high school sweetheart has never been stronger. No, wait. It has. It used to be amazing and fulfilling, but one day Claire realizes that she's been living a lie and her best friend and husband have committed the ultimate betrayal. 

Broken and depressed, Claire is in need of something new—new city, new job, new friends. 

When she happens to attract the interest of the sexiest man she's ever met, a man significantly younger than her, she immediately turns him down—only to later discover that this man is Jonathan Statham, self-made billionaire and CEO of Statham Industries. Her boss.

Jonathan Statham is unlike any man she's met before. He's used to getting whatever he wants—whenever he wants, and he isn't about to take no for an answer. 

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Review

If you are looking for a book that doesn't end just as it is starting, this is it. It definitely was notnlacking in length and did a great job keeping my attention. The beginning was a lot of the same - Claire struggling with the age difference and Jonathan convincing her that it was not an issue in his mind. As new characters were introduced, my attention was captured even more.

The character development throughout the story was excellent. I felt like we really got to know various characters beyond just the main ones. The style of writing made the story flow with ease. I would absolutely recommend this story to anyone looking for a new twist on romance!

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Excerpt

“How long have you been working here, Miss Gracen?” He placed subtle emphasis on the word ‘Miss’ and smiled.

“About four years.”

“Hmmm. I can’t believe I’m just now finding you.” He rubbed his chin. “Do you like it?”

There has to be a better word than “sexy” to describe you…

“Do I like what?”

“Your job, this company.”

“You want me to be completely honest?”

“That would be nice.”

“I absolutely hate it here, but the offices are decorated quite nicely. The interior designers did one hell of a job.”

“Good to know.” He laughed. “I take it that since you haven’t called, you’re not interested in going out with me?”

I nodded weakly. “Clearly.”

“May I ask why, Miss Gracen?”

He needs to stop saying my name like that…

“There are several reasons why.”

“Name the best ones.” He stepped in front of me and looked deep into my eyes. “But your age and the fact that you have kids aren’t good enough reasons for me.”

Poker face…Poker face… “Well, as I’m sure you already know, it’s against company policy.”

“I can have that rewritten by the end of the week.”

“It’s also completely immoral and highly inappropriate.”

“That’s…debatable.” He reached out and pushed a strand of hair away from my face. “Is that all?”

I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t say anything.

I was too busy getting lost in his incredible eyes. I realized that they weren’t entirely blue; his irises were outlined in a wispy cloud of charcoal gray and there were speckles of emerald green gleaming within them.

“Miss Gracen? Are there any other excuses?” He inched even closer to me, slightly rubbing his nose against mine.

Why am I so turned on right now? I shouldn’t be feeling this way…He’s way too young for me, way too young for me…

“I’m not attracted to you.”

He raised his eyebrow. “Oh really?”

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About the Author

A self-diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them.

She is the "imaginary bestselling" author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul.

When she's not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here: http://www.whitneygracia.com

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Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway: A Graceful Mess

Hiding behind the anguish from my past, my coyness seeps off of me like an aroma. I have felt like a stranger in my own skin, trying to claw my way out for far too long, allowing very few people to see past my façade…until my eyes met with his. I felt a sudden rush of energy all the way to my core. It jolted me in ways I never thought possible.

Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.

Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.

“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace

Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters.

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Review

Wow! I really enjoyed this one. It's real, honest,  and gritty. There is a lot of heavy material throughout the entire story, for sure. It was far from predictable, which I really enjoyed. It was also unique and fresh.  He writing flowed smoothly and effortlessly. Again, Nacole Stayton writes a story that is totally captivating and you find yourself cheering for the characters to overcome their situations.

Parker was totally swoon worthy. I wouldn't mind having my own Parker Porter, that is for sure! Grace. Gah. What can i say about her? My heart broke for her so often. I just wanted her to finally have something in her life end happily! She is a very strong character and I loved that.

I woukd happily recommend this story to anyone. But fair warning, very sensitive subjects are discussed that could be hard for some readers.

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About the Author

Christian “Nacole” Stayton is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass state. She spends her days working at a local hospital in the billing department and nights writing vigorously on her current novel. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle Fire. She is passionate about her faith, family and The Bachelor. Her hair color changes with the seasons and she has a weakness for tattoos, iced coffee, and happy endings.

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Blog Tour and Review: Home Sweet Home by Scarlett Metal

 

 

* COVER *

 



 

 

* SYNOPSIS *

 

Things for Lance and Samantha have been picture perfect since they reunited four years ago. They are happily married with a little girl and another baby on the way. Lance's career with the Forbidden Gods is stronger than ever. Samantha has some best selling books to her name and her writing career is taking off.

 In just a few short months, that perfect world starts to shatter. Lance has to go on tour without Sam. He has creative differences with management over the band's latest album that have left him frustrated. He suffers loss after loss, not knowing if he can take much more. He turns to alcohol to numb the pain just like he did all those years ago when Sam left him. 

Sam tries to be strong for her family when tragedy threatens to pull them apart but when Lance isn't there for her when she needs him the most, she questions everything she ever believed about them and their love.

 

Lance is lost and hanging by a thread. Can Sam save him? Or is it too late? Will Lance be able to find his way back home?

 

* REVIEW *

Home Sweet Home is the continuation of Lance and Sam's love story.  In the previous book, I Remember You, the two soul mates are reunited after many years of being apart and trying to forget about each other.  Their whirl wind romance brings us to this fast paced and sexy story!  Lance is a rock star on tour while trying to be a husband and dad.  Taking time on the road without his girls presents a struggle for Lance and he doesn't cope well with it.  Turning to old habits, Lance creates some problems for himself.  Thanks to a loyal friend and band mate, things don't get too out of control, however Lance is faced with some hard decisions.

 

I always enjoy reading Scarlett Metal's novellas.  They are fast paced, steaming hot and great story lines.  I read Home Sweet Home in one sitting and really connected with Lance and Sam.  Lance is a great guy and really wants to do right by Sam.  I felt bad for Sam and how much she had to contend with while Lance was off on tour.  As most strong women, she did it with confidence and grace.  I felt that the end was a tad rushed, but for me, I wanted more time with these two!  I highly recommend this read if you are looking for a quick love story with hot sex and a great rock star! 

 

 

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* ABOUT THE AUTHOR *

 

Scarlett lives in the Midwest with her family. When she’s not busy writing steamy stories, she can be found with her nose in a book, camping, or geocaching with her family. She loves Diet Coke, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and 80′s hair bands.

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* GIVEAWAY *

 

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* PLAYLIST *

 

“Home Sweet Home” - Motley Crue

“I Remember You” - Skid Row

“Faithfully” - Journey

“Here Without You” - 3 Doors Down

“Stay” - Rihanna

“All or Nothing” - Theory of a Deadman

“Good Morning Beautiful” - Luke McMaster

“Believe” - Staind

“Highway Don’t Care” - Tim McGraw

 

Review and Giveaway: The Dumont Diaries by Alessandra Torre

I (D) need to start this by admitting my slight obsession with everything that Alessandra Torre writes!  What can I say, it's my style.  I love the gritty, honesty she uses.  I love how scorching hot and dirty her sex scenes are.  I love the constant mindfuck that is her books.  Now that I got that off of my chest, and I have no shame, I begged her for the diaries!  The covers sucked me in the moment I saw them.  I love something different, they were sexy and contemporary and didn't look like any of the other books out there.  So, I got them and devoured them in less than 2 days.  (it took that long because my family and work needed me to do shit.  annoying, i know ;) )  To say I loved these is an understatement.  My only complaint is that I wanted them to go on and on.  However, the story was finished brilliantly and frankly surprised me!  Now, I need to tell everyone to get them because they will fill that reading void you might be having.

To Have is the ultra sexy, first book in the Dumont Diaries series. I was hooked by the first page. Candace leaves nothing to the imagination. She is real, a risk taker and a sex goddess. we finish this novella with an amazing offer that probably can't be refused. Will Candace take that leap? What does she have to lose!?
I have become a little obsessed with Alessandra Torre's writing. This is the second erotic thriller that I've read from her and she freaking delivers every time. Her sex scenes are scorchingly hot and her language even hotter!  buy it on Amazon

 Book 2 of the Dumont Diaries had me on edge the whole time. I can see why Candace took the chance that she did, but wow, the changes that were made were astonishing. There has to be more to this! I'm not getting the warm and fuzzies from Nathan. He made her do some horrible things and is so cold and calculating. But as Candace says, there is something in his eyes that leads her to believe more. (I'm not totally sold) I like that Drew appeared to befriend Candace and I felt that he was looking out for her. Or was he? Candace's "temper tantrum" was one of my favorite scenes from this book! At the end of To Hold we are left with so many questions, I was dying!!!
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 First I have to mention the covers of these novellas! SO hot and piqued my curiosity instantly with the different eye colors on the men. I was wondering about that second set of eyes. The beginning of this book is shocking. I didn't know what to think and was eager for the story to unfold. Candace is now in the thick of her arrangement/contract and having major reservations. The heat on Candace's sex life is turned way up, not gonna say why either! By the end of the novella we learn just how kick ass Candace really is! She is one smart female and works it perfectly!!!
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 Amazing conclusion to the Dumont Diaries. It was unexpected and smart! Alessandra Torre did a fabulous job with this series. The only downside is that I want more and I want Candace's story to continue. She is a fantastic character! I'm not going to say any more because I don't want to give anything away about the fourth novella, Do Us Part!!!
***available Friday August 31st!***

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xo, D

Blog Tour: Truth by Aleatha Romig

* COVER *

 

 

 

 

* SYNOPSIS *

 

"Claire Nichols endured the CONSEQUENCES of Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta.
When she first arrived to his home, her goal was survival. Through strength and compartmentalization Claire captivated her captor. Her resilience in the face of his rule threatened Anthony’s well developed plan. Domination became desire and power turned to love.
Their passion and adoration in a world of opulence appeared perfect. Yet, reality was a roller coaster of emotion. Claire’s world teetered on the edge of sanity as Antony monitored her every move. When given the opportunity to flee, Claire drove away. A fateful decision which set a well laid plan into motion.
However, unbeknownst to either of them, there were others who saw past the perfect facade of Anthony Rawlings. There were others who saw the TRUTH. Conspiracy and unfulfilled promises result in an early prison release for Claire. Not just a release – a pardon. According to the law, her crime never happened!
Will it be that easy? Faced with freedom from her past... can Claire seize it? Can she build a new life, mend her broken spirit, become the woman she once was, and seek her own revenge? Or is it all a game? And does the game master have different plans?
How does Sophia Burke fit into the puzzle that is Tony and Claire? Will her presence affect the future of this well esteemed man? Can he dominate twice? Is that his goal?
TRUTH continues the tumultuous saga of CONSEQUENCES, introduces new players, and uncovers more intrigue. Aleatha Romig skillfully weaves past transgressions through current deception to create a fervent world of obsessed desire. In this reality can an all-consuming relationship survive?
When buried sins are discovered they threaten not only Tony and Claire’s future -- but their very lives! Will the TRUTH be revealed in time?"

 

* REVIEW *

 

If you were like me, you were left with all sorts of emotions after finishing Consequences (book 1).  I felt robbed, cheated and even triumphant for Claire.  Truth picks up right where we left off.  Claire is in prison, serving her term.  In a change of events, Claire finds herself building a new life and trying to move on. 

In true Tony fashion, he obsessively tries to reconnect with Claire.  I was really surprised at Claire's reaction to him.  I don't want to give anything away.  But you will go on that same roller coaster ride!  I can't reign in my true feelings for Tony.  I was also pretty frustrated with Claire and how she left things. To say this relationship is complex, is an understatement!  I'd call it a Mindfuck!  

Overall Truth spoon feeds you all of the events, building up to the final scene.  Ms. Romig gives us so many beautiful details that Truth gets into your head and stays there.  Even the parts that make my stomach turn (Yes, Tony does that to me often) I want more of!  Well done!  Also the mind twisting stories keep me guessing.  I have no clue where book 3 will go but I cannot wait!!!

 

 

* PLAYLIST *

 

 



 

* GIVEAWAY *

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* ABOUT THE AUTHOR *

 

Aleatha Romig is a bestselling author, who has been voted #1 "New Author to Read" on Goodreads July 2012 - Present! She was also #9 most followed author on Goodreads - July / August 3013.

Aleatha has lived most of her life in Indiana growing-up in Mishawaka, graduating from Indiana University, and currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of twenty six years, they've raised three children. She works days as a dental hygienist but enjoys spending her nights writing. When not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include exercising, reading and creating heros/ anti-heros who haunt your dreams!

 

Aleatha enjoys traveling, especially when there is a beach involved. In 2011 she had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia to visit her daughter studying at the University of Wollongong. Her dream is to travel to places in her novels and around the world.

 

CONSEQUENCES, her first novel, was released August 2011 by Xlibris Publishing. October 2012 Ms. Romig rereleased CONSEQUENCES as an Indie author. TRUTH, the sequel, was released October 30, 2012 and CONVICTED, the final installment of the Consequences Series, is scheduled for release in October of 2013!

 

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