REVIEW: Nets & Lies by Katie Ashley

Always awkward in her 5’10 frame, Melanie Reeves finds her saving grace through basketball. Not only is she the varsity team captain, she’s the pride of Coach Thompson, who holds the keys to a college scholarship. Melanie has also found 'courtly' love with Will, Coach T's handsome, ball-playing son. When Melanie is on the court, everything is perfect....until she is forced to face an opponent who doesn't play by the rules.

Jordan Solano's power lies in her beauty and sex appeal. Never afraid of breaking the rules, she engages in a scandalous flirtation with the school's married basketball coach. But the flirtation quickly turns into accusation, and Coach T's job and reputation are placed in jeopardy after Jordan charges him with rape. Jordan's own reputation has the school administration unwilling to believe her. That is, until she makes a startling claim - she's not the only victim.

Suddenly, all eyes are on Melanie, and it isn't for her amazing free-throws. A man's job, a girl's reputation, and her boyfriend's entire world now rest in Melanie's hands. She has to decide: keep her secrets and protect her future, or put an end to the lies...and lose everything.

Wow. This book. I was sucked in from the very first page. I had so many emotions through the entire thing!

I LOVED Will. I loved how he seemed to be so in tune with Melanie. He didn't let her nasty mood push him away. He was mature, but realistically so. Will made decisions that a normal teenage boy would make. I loved that about him! I can't imagine living with some of the things he had lived with. He was patient, sweet, caring, and just amazing.

Melanie. Oh my heart. It absolutely broke for her. She experienced what nobody should ever experience in their life. Her reaction to the situation seemed so true to real life. I cannot imagine the grief she felt after someone she trusted ripped everything away from her. On top of that, to have the fear that nobody would believe you would be debilitating. Ms. Ashley did an amazing job portraying this character.

Then there is Jordan. I hated her in the beginning. I really, really did. But as the story developed and her character started to grow up, my walls began to crumble. Her mother really did a number on her and you start to understand why she reacts in a particular way. I kind of was thankful for her coniving ways by the end of the story. She grew up and it was beautiful. Granted, she didn't do that on her own. She had Nick. And he sure did sound yummy! And amazing. And fabulous. He recognized something in Jordan that even she failed to see. He pushed her when she needed to push and held her when she needed to be held. What a great pair with those 2!

Ms Ashley took a very difficult and painful subject and did an amazing job. I respect the fact that she wasn't flippant about any of it. According to http://www.rainn.org/ 2/3 of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim & 38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance. This is serious stuff.

Thank you, Katie Ashley, for another amazing story. This is definitely an emotional read, but it was written very well! Read on!

{em}

Forever My Girl INTERVIEW (featuring Heidi McLaughlin, Liam, & Josie)

Alright seductresses, today we welcome Heidi McLaughlin, Liam, and Josie to our blog! They were all kind enough to stop by and hang out for a little bit. We had tons of fun chatting it up with these lovely people! If you haven’t had a chance to check out their story, we highly recommend it! Forever My Girl is a sweet story about reunited love & second chances!

D: So I'm interested in why you chose the theme of reunited love/second chances? Does this hit close to home for you? (it does for me, so i love these story lines)

Heidi: The storyline actually chose me. I saw a picture and this story just appeared. From the first moment, it was always a second chance story.

Em: Love that you said it chose you! Does that make it easier to write?

Heidi: It does because everything was there. I just had to put it down.

D: Is writing your main profession?

Heidi: I wish. Right now it's just a hobby.

D: So, if it's a hobby, when do you fit in time to write?

Heidi: At night, or on the weekends. I did just over 3400 today on a standalone that I'm working on.

D: wow! That's impressive :)

Heidi: Thanks. Not sure how I find the time at night. My daughters play basketball so each night is almost in a gym someplace.

D: What is your other job? (if you care to share)

Heidi: I work in land use, which in a nutshell, if you want to do something to your property you have to come see me

Em: When you were younger, what did you want to be? Was writing always something you were interested in?

Heidi: I've always wanted to be a writer, but thought I'd be a lawyer because I like to argue

Em: Interesting... I'm not sure I could hack it at that job. So, the liking to argue. Now I can see why Josie & Liam were so good at their "discussions"

Heidi: Haha... I may have picked a few fights with my hubs for some reactions

Em: Genius. I'm sure he definitely appreciated that 

Heidi: He did after he found out what it was for!

D: lol! good hubby

Em: How many books do you anticipate in the series? I'm super excited about the next one based on the clip at the end of this book!

Heidi: Definitely 3. I'd like to do a prequel and a novella with Liam and Josie.

Em: We can never have too much of those 2

Heidi: I agree. Never too much Liam!

Em: Will Nick be moving back to town after he finishes his year out of the country? Does Noah still talk to him?

Heidi: No, Nick isn't coming back at the end of his year and he hasn't had any contact with Noah

Em: I didn't love him. I can't decide if I'm glad he won't be back or still irritated with him!

Heidi: Well, let me just say, the moment he saw Liam he just knew

Em: I'm sure... I saw that letter he wrote. I tried to see things from his POV, but I didn't like how he let his temper drive him sometimes.

Heidi: He's a man scorned. They do crazy things

Em: Outside of the Beaumont series, you have mentioned a stand-alone novel. Will that be out soon?

Heidi: er because I like to arug this point.g to prompt or redirect JH, he would argue and refuse to comply. he to the classroomI hope so. My goal was March, but not sure I'll make it.

Rapid Fire Time!

D: Favorite Book

Heidi: Anything by Judy Blume

D: favorite season

Heidi: Summer

D: morning or night

Heidi: Night

D: flirty or dirty

Heidi: oooh.... flirty and dirty 

D: coffee or tea

Heidi: Neither, no caffeine for me. Sprite Zero

Dana: hot or cold

Heidi: hot

D: sweet or salty

Heidi: sweet

Em: ok. I think that's all for you! ...now we're ready for Josie & Liam if they're ready

Heidi: They are!

(Heidi and D step out for a bit while I get up close & personal with Liam & Josie – who are possibly the sweetest couple I’ve seen recently!)

Em: Hi guys! Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us! I’m sure you two are super busy with getting ready for the tour and the flower shop, so I will get right down to business! So... Liam. How did you know Noah was your son so quickly?

Liam: The moment he said he saw me kissing his mom on a DVD and said her name I looked at him, really looked and saw me staring back

Em: I'm sure that was a crazy revelation!

Liam: My heart was racing. It took everything in me not to take him from that museum.

Em: I'm sure that would've made the trip to the flower shop even more interesting.

Josie - You said you had some ideas about how you thought he figured it out. What were you thinking?

Josie: There are a few people who are town gossips. I thought Liam found out from one of them.

Em: Makes sense! I'm sure they would've loved to do that.

Josie: A few of them yes. Evil people when they have something like this hanging over your head

Em: Some people just love to get attention, no matter who it could hurt

Em: Liam. Are the ladies still eyeing you up and following you around? I'm sure they know you're tied down now, but I'm not sure that will stop some of them

Liam: They are. Most of them don't care that I'm taken. I think that encourages them more.

Em: Ah geez. Floozies.

(They responded at the same time for this one!)

Josie: We know someone like that! Liam: Or ex-managers

Em: :cough: Sam :cough:

Em: Josie. How do you not just kick the crap out of those girls? I'm pretty sure that if I had a guy looking like Liam, I wouldn't let him out of the bedroom. I mean my sight. Yes. I mean, I wouldn't let him out of my SIGHT. Or bedroom.

Josie: It's not anything new. He was like this in high school, maybe a bit more cocky now though. We are just about to go on tour, so I'm sure it will be hard, but I see the way he looks at me and looks at them and I know he sees nothing in them.

Em: :sigh: You guys are so sweet.

Josie: Easy to be sweet when you're in love

Em: Will the cat go on tour with you? And is he still adjusting well to not being in LA anymore?

Liam: The cat that hates me will not go on tour. Linda, my maid from LA, is now in Beaumont, he likes her. The cat does love Noah, so I'd say he's adjusted well.

Em: Glad to hear he hasn't had to pack his kitty bags just yet.

Liam: Oh he has his moments

Em: So... going on tour again soon? Does that mean the wedding will happen rather soon?

Josie: No, not until after the tour. Surprisingly, we aren't in a hurry

Em: :sigh: Will there be any more Liam & Josie babies?

Liam: Well... we practice a lot. You know, we have ten years to make up for and Noah wants one so we'll see.

Em: Ha! I'm sure you do. It'd be hard to resist Liam.

Josie: Oh I don't know about that. He does have his quirks

Em: He has to pack in as many quirky things as possible to make up for the lost time, too. Liam - are you gonna watch the Superbowl with Peyton?

Liam: I am. Her and I have a date in her basement. We'll watch the first half and see how things go before we decide to join the others

Em: Josie - has business picked up at the flower shop since your man has been back in your life? I'm sure people come in hoping to catch a glimpse

Josie: Business was crazy at first, but Liam Westbury and Liam Page are very different. Liam Page is around on Saturday nights when the band plays in the coffee shop

Em: Smart move!

Josie: It works well and the lines aren't crossed

Em: I loved when you told him on your date that you wanted to be with Liam Page on your date. :sigh:… So you guys ready for some “rapid fire” questions? You both have to answer them!

Em: Favorite color

Liam: Blue Josie: Blue

Em: Favorite Ice Cream

Liam: Chocolate Josie: Cookies and Creme

Em: Summer or Winter

Liam: Summer Josie: Summer

Em: Favorite book

Liam: Oh, The Places You'll Go  Josie: Where the Sidewalk Ends

Em: Morning or night

Liam: Night Josie: Morning

Em: Ravens or 49ers

Liam: Ravens  Josie: Ravens

Em: cats or dogs

Liam: Dog. I'd like a dog  Josie: We have a cat!

Em: Noah wants a dog, too... I think you're going to be outvoted on this one, Josie.

Josie: Probably, these boys give these puppy dog eyes and make me cave

Em: I'm sure. Maybe just tell them they will be in charge of cleaning up the mess in the backyard.

(Heidi & D came back just as I was wrapping up with the lovebirds!)

Em: Well, I think that's everything! Thank you all for coming!

D: thanks so much!!!

Heidi: You're very welcome!

Josie & Liam: Thank you!

To keep up to date on The Beaumont Series & other novels by Heidi, be sure to check out her Facebook Page! 
Check back later this week for our review!

REVIEW: Rock the Band by Michelle Valentine and GIVEAWAY

"After Noel Falcon professed his love to the one girl who truly holds his heart in the palm of her hand, he decides to try his damndest to keep Lane Vance in his life forever this time. There’s no way he’ll let her slip through his fingers again without a fight.

The instant they are together Noel begins to plot a way to ask his headstrong lady-love to be his wife, but every attempt to pop the question is foiled by a string of mishaps that prevents him from the perfect moment to get the job done before he goes back on tour with Black Falcon.

Distance is a bigger challenge than Noel expects, and the one-eyed beast of jealous raises its ugly head when Lane takes on a job working on an ad campaign for Embrace the Darkness. With Striker—a man that’s made it clear in the past he’s very interested in more then her business sense—lurking around her constantly, Noel wants to claim Lane now, more than ever.


ROCK THE BAND is a 27,000 word novella from the Black Falcon Series--Following book one, ROCK THE HEART."

So, first things first. Let's discuss where NOT to read this novella. I suggest not reading it while you are waiting in the pediatricians office. You try gaining your composure and reigning in your swooning when they finally come in the room & you have to explain what is wrong with your kid. It's not easy folks, it's not easy.

But, ahhhhh! I really enjoyed this sweet novella from the Black Falcon series! While we got introduced to everyone in the novel, we got a much deeper look in to Lanie & Noel. This one is from Noel's POV and I loved that! I loved seeing his perspective on things.

We got a glimpse in Rock the Heart of how caring Noel could be, but he takes it to a whole new level in this one! He was right there taking care of Lanie through so many different things. I loved watching his reactions to his attempts at proposing being interrupted several times. I loved how he thought through each aspect of it and what it would mean to Lanie. Even when there were situations that would make most guys run for the hills, Noel just stepped up to the plate even more ready than the time before. :sigh: He really is amazing. 

While this one was short (since it is a novella), it definitely was not lacking!

Another great thing we got to see was a glimpse in to Riff. There wasn't much, but it seems our bad boy rocker is falling for Miss Aubrey. I can't wait to see how that unfolds! 

Lots of changes coming to our boys of Black Falcon!

Rock on and read on, fans! This one did not disappoint!

{em}

Oh what's that? You think a giveaway sounds good? Well so do we!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: Rock the Heart by Michelle A. Valentine

"For the last four years, good girl Lane has regretted breaking up with Noel Falcon. She thought she was sensible when she told him his dreams of being a rock star would get him nowhere, but now that he's a rock god and her career is stagnant, she realizes just how wrong she was. When Noel hires the marketing company where Lane is an intern, she’s forced to see him again. If she wants to land her dream job as executive within the company, she has to win him over and secure his account. Too bad Noel is still pissed at her for breaking his heart.

When Lane’s company flies her to a Black Falcon concert to gain Noel’s attention, emotions run high the moment she sees him and realizes she’s far from over him. But Noel’s countless trysts with groupies and his cocky attitude make Lane believe he isn’t the same guy she once loved—now he seems to only want her body. Then after Lane discloses she needs him to procure a job, Noel proves he’s a changed man by forcing her to go on the road with him in order to get it.

After Lane reluctantly takes Noel up on his offer, she becomes willing to do whatever it takes to keep him satisfied, even if it means succumbing to his seductive ways. Lane soon finds deception is a dangerous game and she’s not the only one playing."

Ahhh! Where to start with this one? I really really really liked it! Before I got it, I hadn't heard much about this one. I'm not sure what rock I was living under because I look back and see that there were mentions about it all over the place. I'm so glad I took the chance on this book! I figured it was an all around win since it was about a tattooed rocker reconnecting with an old flame... all of which are usually winners in my mind! 

And then I started the book. Instantly I associated Noel with Adam Levine, so it was clearly love. (I may or may not have a slight obsession with that guy. And I may have informed my husband twice a week while The Voice was on that it was "date time" with my boyfriend... and if he showed up at our house, I'd really have to reconsider those vows. Don't judge me.). Noel is the typical rockstar. He loves the attention and what this life has offered to him. However, with what this lifestyle has given him, it also took the most amazing thing he had. Seeing an opportunity to revisit that part of his life, he jumps on it. I loved Noel's confidence, his passion, and his drive. He had this tender side to him and it's no wonder Lanie was in love with him. Obviously he isn't perfect and you really want to be angry with him, but his justification for his behavior makes that anger subside a little. Overall, I absolutely adored Noel. Ok, whatever. I loved him.

Lanie. Lanie, Lanie, Lanie. There were so many times I wanted to punch her in her teeth! She sounded like a beautiful, smart, and driven girl; but she showed so much of her insecurities! Sometimes it was as if she just wanted Noel to build her up. Overall, I loved her and I think a lot of her insecurity had to do with her age and lack of life experience. So frustrating as it was, it was a perfect part of the story. By the end of the story (despite the fact that it is a short period of time), I felt like she had grown in to herself a bit. She gained confidence in her abilities with her job as well as in herself. 

All of the supporting characters were awesome! The brought a new depth to the relationships and the storyline. Riff and his antics made me laugh... he and Aubrey are going to be a fabulous pair in book 2! Tyke and Trip always shocked me in what they would do or say next. I hope we get more of those crazy twins in the next ones!

So rock on, Michelle Valentine! This tattoo & rocker loving girl is ready for some more!
{em}

COVER REVEAL: Depths by Steph Campbell & Liz Reinhardt

It's COVER REVEAL TIME!!!

According to the authors this one is "set in the same town as LENGTHS and features a few run-in's with familiar characters. It's beachy, and sexy, and romantic, and FUN!" 

Date to be released: March 12, 2013

Cover design by: Okay Creations

Synopsis:

Cohen Rodriguez, Deo’s hilarious and loyal best friend in LENGTHS, has always been

über responsible. He’s kept a steady job, is a generally nice guy, and has had the

same steady girlfriend for years. But when she breaks up with him because he's 'not

impulsive enough,' Cohen's burned up.

But, just maybe, she’s more right than he wants to admit.

So he starts to date.

A lot.

And he meets some really fun, crazy, smart, weird girls. But no one really feels like

the one, and the more girls he dates, the more Cohen’s convinced she isn’t really out

there.

Luckily he has Maren— the girl with the sexy voice who always cracks the best jokes,

and who Cohen can talk to about anything, even all of his recent dating mishaps.

They've been talking daily for a year…on the phone. They talk about orders for work

at first, but eventually Cohen finds out that Maren loves baseball and Thai food and

she loves going to the beach in the winter and sketching. He looks forward to his talks

with Maren, because, like everything else in his life, they’re safe.

Then she asks him.

Do you want to meet?

It's one thing to chat for an hour or two every day. Meeting face to face could ruin the

one and only stable, fun woman in his life.

Or it could be the best thing that's ever happened to him.

Cohen has to decide if he's ready to let go of his comfortable fantasy and embrace the

girl who can change his luck in love.

Also! In anticipation of the release of DEPTHS, they've lowered the price of LENGTHS to $1.99 for a limited time in case you all want to catch up before this companion book is released! Just click on the title for the link to Amazon!

LENGTHS

REVIEW: Fight With Me by Kristen Proby



"Jules Montgomery is too busy and content with her life to worry about a man, especially one Nate McKenna. If growing up with four brothers has taught her anything, she knows to stay away from sexy men with tattoos and motorcycles. That goes double if he's your boss. During the one incredible night they shared, he violated the no fraternization policy...among other things, and it won't happen again. Jules won't risk her career for mind-blowing sex, no matter how much her body and her damn heart keep arguing with her.

Nate McKenna could give a shit about the no fraternizing policy. He wants Jules and he'll have her. The rules could bend around them, or be damned. He's not a man to be taken lightly, and Jules Montgomery is about to find out just how he responds to being pushed aside after the best night of sex he's ever had. She can fight all she wants, but he'll have her in his bed in the end."

 

FIGHT WITH ME is the second novel in the With Me In Seattle Series.

 

I enjoyed every minute of this story and did not want it to end! Let me start by saying that the With Me in Seattle series is so amazingly good! There will be 7 books total and that makes me so excited! I want to be these people, they all have fabulous lives, the men are smoking hot and the women wear to die for clothes and shoes!!! What's not to love! Ok, there's always a few set backs but that's how life is. I highlighted so much on my Kindle, there were 27 highlights and 4 bookmarks! That is a record for me! any book that starts out with a sex scene is right up my ally! While there were a lot of them, they never felt repetitive or overdone. Every single one of them was something different and hot!

So, Jules and Nate, ahhh. They both just exude confidence. I love them together and I love that the first time things didn't really pan out. I can't imagine how difficult and awkward those 8 months would have been! I love the sexy whispering and the way savor each other. The apa, OMG the apa. I have to admit, it has me very curious! Jules is such a badass! I love how's she is into kicking ass and taking names! ( Which she gets from her yummy brothers )  The scenes of Jules and Nate working out were fantastic!

Jules and Natalie are still one of my favorite BFF couples! They are tough on eachother and tell it like it is!  And now the new dynamic between them is super supportive and sweet. Another favorite part of mine was when they went for pedicures and the totally had baby Olivia's toenails done! I love moms that don't freak out over little things and just enjoy life. My favorite quote of the whole book came from Natalie, "God, Jules, if I swung that way and wasn't married to the hottest man in the free world, I'd so do you right now."

The Montgomery family is amazing! I love keeping up with them and having glimpses into their lives together and individually. They were so good to put Jules in her place when she needed it but they also gave her some time to get herself together.  I love the parts with her brothers in it and Issac and Stacey, I really like them from 1.5.  Getting to know Will a little bit at the end has me very impatient for the next novel to come out!  I can't say enough great things about this series! Each couple has so much to offer and is unique. I love how the stories build on one another and keep you updated. Jules and Nate might be my favorite of them all! Totally sexy, smart and hot!

xo, D

EEK! What a fabulous book! I'll admit... Natalie and Luke are more my 'style' and 'pace', but I couldn't help but fall in love with Jules & Nate. I love that Nate has tattoos and piercings. Holy hell, that is hot. I loved that it was completely unexpected from him, too. Lookin' all business on the outside, but totally different underneath the suit.

D pretty much summed up all of my thoughts on this. I mean, there isn't much more I can add that she hasn't said. Like her, I want to BE the characters. I found so many times that while I was reading I had to remind myself that this was not real life. This was not MY life. At some point (which came all too fast!), the story would conclude. So the fact that we get 8 total stories (7 books & 1 novella) makes my heart very happy.

I'd say my favorite scene in the book happens in the bar. It is hot. It is sexy. And it is crazy romantic. I love when a guy defends his girl and is in complete control of the situation. Nate was the perfect example of a guy who is in control without being controlling. He respected Jules in every situation and the bar scene was just one more example of that.

The glimpse we get of Will throughout the book has already made me fall in love with him. He seems to be sweet, caring, and all around a great guy.  I cannot WAIT to find out more about him and his new lady!

Write on, Kristen Proby. Write on. We are ready for more!

~ Em

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COVER REVEAL: The Game Changer (The Perfect Game #2) by J. Sterling

It's cover reveal  & teaser time! 

Check out this beautiful cover for the highly anticipated follow up to the USA Today Best Selling book, The Perfect Game by J. Sterling! 

The release date is soon to be announced, but I've heard it'll be this Spring!

Keep scrolling for some teasers!

Teaser #1:

And just like that she was gone. But not before saying the two fucking words that plague my nightmares. This girl is always asking me to "prove it." I deserve it after everything I’ve put her through. She doesn’t trust me anymore.

I wouldn’t trust me either.

It’s ironic though right? That I’m the one left standing all alone in a parking lot this time. I swear if my heart could leap out of my chest and into my hands, it would. I imagined that for a moment…the blood trickling through my fingertips, splashing onto the concrete below as I watched it slowly pound out its last beats before stopping altogether. 

Fuck.

My life does not make sense without this girl. And now she’s gone. 

Again. 

How is it that I’m always losing her? 

Teaser #2: 

I closed my eyes, drinking in his vow. Part of me cringed, acknowledging the vulnerability that coursed within me. I needed to be stronger than this. But as much as I wanted to believe that Jack's mistake with Chrystle was a one time major screw up, I’d be lying to myself if I said I wasn’t fearful.

I was.

And I wasn’t sure how not to be.

“Do you believe me?” he asked, his expression filled with worry.

I fought back the tears that formed in my eyes, “I want to.” I longed to bottle my anxiety up and put it on a shelf where it only came out for special occasions, but I didn’t know how. Right now it lived on the outside of my skin, like an extra layer of warmth I couldn’t shed no matter how hot I became. My emotions had taken full control over every other part of me. I’d become victim to my own insecurities.

“I’ll show you,” his forehead pressed against mine as he continued. “I’ll never lose you again.”

“What if I want to be lost?” I teased with a serious tone and watched as he pulled his head from mine.

“I won’t let you.”

“You won’t let me?” I mocked, secretly loving the way he wanted me.

Jesus Cassie, you’re a fucking nutcase right now. Pick an emotion. Pretend like you’re in charge here.

“No. I won’t let you. End of discussion,” his mouth remained stoic.

“That wasn’t really what one would consider a discussion.”

“Because there’s nothing to discuss. I’m not leaving you ever again. And you’re not leaving me. No matter how pissed off I make you, or how frustrated. I fucking love you and I’m not going anywhere.”

I attempted to fight back the smile that formed. “And I love you. But really, if you ever cheat on me again I’ll cut your nuts off and hang them from the Empire State Building.” 

In case you haven't read The Perfect Game here is where you can buy it on Amazon!