Blog Tour and Review: Tie Me by Olivia Cunning

*~* SYNOPSIS *~*

His heart is tied to his past…
When Sole Regret’s rhythm guitarist, Kellen Jamison, vowed to be faithful to his fiancée and love her forever, he meant it. He never expected to lose her to cancer so early in life. He’s certain he’ll never love again, but destiny has another plan for him.

Her heart is tied to her work…
Grammy-winning classical composer and piano virtuoso, Dawn O’Reilly, is overwhelmed with music-writing deadlines, a fickle muse, and high-expectations. She doesn’t have time to find love, but chance seeks to interfere with her carefully devised plans.

They’re bound to become entangled...
From the instant Kellen hears Dawn’s latest musical composition, his spirits rise. The stirring melody and the remarkable woman responsible for its creation are impossible to resist. His attraction is undeniable; her passion unquenchable. Kellen teaches Dawn there’s freedom in bondage, while her sensuality drives him to unleash his tightly controlled self-restraint. Will the ropes Kellen uses to secure Dawn’s body be the force that binds them together or ultimately sever all ties between them?

*~* REVIEW *~*

Tie Me by Olivia Cunning is a tension filled, hot read.  The sexual tension between Kellan and Dawn is palpable.  Neither of them jump easily into relationships, or sex for that matter but they can't resist the pull between them.  I felt that Kellan was such a sensitive guy and was surprised that he was keeping a promise he made to a woman that died five years ago.  He knew that it really held him back but was pretty much punishing himself with it. 

From Kellan's stories, I was not a fan of Sara and wished for him to just move on.  Even in death, she selfishly held him back.  I felt awful for Dawn who really wanted a piece of his heart but knew that would be hard.

Dawn was fantastic in the way she never gave up.  She is a confident and sensual woman, not afraid to get what she wants.  She put Kellan in his place more than once. 

If you are looking for a fast paced, smoking hot read, Tie Me is for you! 

xo, D

*~* ABOUT THE AUTHOR *~*

Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock 'n roll, USA Today Best-Selling Author Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians.

Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own.

Olivia's first book in her Sinner's Tour Series, Backstage Pass, was published in 2010 by Sourcebooks. Book two in the series, Rock Hard, was published in 2011 and the third book, Double Time just released November 2012. The last two books in the series are expected to be out in 2013. Aside from the Sinners Tour that launched her career, Olivia has been hard at work on a few other series and stand alones . . . of course with the music turned up.

AWARDS RECEIVED

~ In November 2012, Double Time made the USA Today Best-Seller List

~ Backstage Pass won the Reader's Crown in 2011 for both Best First Book and Best Long Erotic Romance

~ Backstage Pass won More than Magic in 2011 for Best Erotic Romance

*~* BUY IT *~*

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*~* STALK HER *~*

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TEASER: My Unexpected Forever by Heidi McLaughlin

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My Unexpected Forever

By Heidi McLaughlin

Release Date: September 2^nd

*Naught Mafia Attendees* You can pre-buy HERE! For the first 100 that pre-order it will receive bonus swag!

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Teaser

(Harrison)

“When did you and Mason start dating?”

Katelyn pulls back a little and looks at me. Her head moves from side to side. She pulls her lip in between her teeth. I reach out and pull it out with my thumb and place a kiss where she was biting it.

“You don’t have to answer.”

“It’s not that. Do you really want to know?”

I take this opportunity to pull her into my arms. “He’s a part of your life and he’s part of the girls’ life. I’ll never ask you not to talk about him when I’m around. I’ll never ask you to stop loving him. If he was here, I’d hate him.” I shake my head because that’s not true. “No, I probably wouldn’t know you if he was here and for that I’m both thankful and remorseful because his girls are the best, most beautiful that I’ve ever encountered and I want to do right by not only them, but him too.”

Tears begin to roll down her face. I wipe them away before she has a chance to. She stares at me with wet eyes that are breaking my heart. I didn’t mean to make her cry, but it’s the only way I can get across with how I feel.

“We started dating the summer after freshman year. He was so popular and cute. My mother said he only wanted me for my swimming pool, but that wasn’t the case. We all grew up that summer.”

“Liam told me a lot about him. Sometimes I feel like I know him, especially when I’m with you and the girls.”

Katelyn smiles and curls up in my arms. “Everyone loved him. He was the high school football star who returned to coach the team. He was supposed to go to school with Liam, but changed his mind and gave up a scholarship to the University of Texas to go to the state school with me. I wonder now, had he went with Liam, if things would be different.”

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Destined to Succeed by Lisa Harley

 

*~* SYNOPSIS *~*

"What would you do if what you worked your entire life to build was suddenly destroyed?

Cade Walker is a cowboy Casanova. He’s cocky and he doesn’t care who knows it. He was raised on Walker Ranch and was destined to one day take it over. What he didn’t know was how soon that would happen. After his parents are killed in a car accident he is thrust into becoming a responsible adult. Well, sort of. Cade is always responsible when it comes to business, but pleasure, now that’s a whole other story.

Suzanna Mallory is a red-headed spitfire, who also happens to be Cade’s best friend. She has loved Cade since they met when they were nine years old, but Cade just isn’t the type to get married and settle down. Suzanna finds herself in an abusive marriage and the only thing that keeps her sane is her daughter, Isabella, and working with Cade at Walker Ranch.

 When a fire threatens to destroy the future of Walker Ranch, Cade and Suzanna have to work together to save it.

 What will this mean for her marriage or to the feelings that she has for Cade?

 And now that Cade thought he found love with Loralei Harper, only to realize she didn’t feel the same way, is he ready to settle down?

 Is Cade Walker Destined to Succeed?"

 

*~* COVER *~*

 

 

*~* REVIEW *~*

 

If you like cowboys then this book is for you!  Destined to Succeed is the story of Cade Walker and his ranch.  Cade is the hottest guy in town and he loves his ranch, his family and women!  This story starts out in the present but quickly takes you back to when Cade was just a small boy and met his best friend Suzanna.  The two were inseperable until one misunderstanding that drove them into some really hurtful behavior. 

 

I didn't expect that this book was going to have such serious topics in it like abuse and mental illness.  I was shocked and sad at the life Suzanna ended up living.  I wanted Cade to come and rescue her so bad, so many times.  I felt like he really missed his mark as a best friend and that made me sad because I really thought Cade was a great guy. 

 

"Damn it.  I was cryin'.  I don't do that shit.  I'm a damn cowboy.  Cowboys don't cry."

 

Things quickly changed in this story and it was beautifully romantic and suspensful.  Cade and Suzanna were great for eachother and were finally able to find happiness.  Cade was destined for success in more ways than one.  Working hard was natural for any of the Walker boys.  In the end all that was important was Walker Ranch and his family. 

 

I had to get used to all the cowboy talk and lingo in this book.  But this Northern city girl caught on quickly!  The Walker boys are hot and so is the sex!  They pretty much take their women whenever and wherever they please.  The Wranglers and Stetson are a must too ;)

xo, D

 

*~* PLAYLIST *~*

 

*~* AUTHOR BIO *~*

 

I grew up in a really small town in Missouri. Very similar to the fictional town I wrote about in my novel. I moved to the big city right after I graduated. I work full-time and I am mom to a beautiful little girl. I started writing in October when a group I am in had a prologue contest. I didn't win the contest, but everyone who read my prologue asked for more of my story. I decided I had to finish it and get these characters that were in my head out on paper. During the writing process it became clear that this was going to be more than one novel. It had to be a series. I have at least 2 more novels planned for the Destined Series. I also have an idea for a YA novel that stems from one of the characters in Destined to Change...hint, hint. When I was asked to write this bio I explained that I am really boring and it would be really short...so, that's about all there is to know about me. I love music and honestly couldn't have written this book without my Spotify playlist. I am kinda obsessed with frogs (not real ones) and office supplies are my downfall! I could spend my whole paycheck at the stationery store...boring, didn't I already say that? lol Also, I am slightly addicted to Facebook and Voxer. Please message me on either one...I would love to hear from all of you

 

*~* STALK HER *~*

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Blog Tour: Review, Interview, Giveaway: Recovery by L.B. Simmons

I have the perfect life.

I’ve finally found my happy ending. 

I fought through the loss of one husband, lucky enough to be given a second chance at a lifetime of happiness.  Settling into our new lives, however, may not be as easy as it seems. 

What really happens after the fairytale ending?  What happens after the prince rescues the princess?  After he sweeps her off her feet and carries her off into the sunset? Do they truly live happily ever after?

Well…

This is our story.

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Review

You all know that we are huge fans of this series and this author. I went in to reading this novella with high hopes for it. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Due to it being a novella, it is short, however it is not lacking AT ALL in content. It is absolutely perfect for Alex, Blake, and their family.

Alex. GAH! I want to shake her sometimes. She is still Alex and still having a hard time relying on others. It gets her in some precarious situations, for sure. And then admitting defeat? Yea, she had a hard time with that, too. But she grows. She gets there. She is still the stubborn, strong girl that we met in Running on Empty.

Blake. Oh my heavens. He is still amazing. Though, throughout this little story, he shows that while he is amazing, he isn’t perfect either. He makes choices throughout the story the story that you hold your breath and pray that Alex doesn’t kill him for. And sometimes I wanted to smack him upside his head and ask him if he was using his brain for that decision.

Overall, another amazing story. Alex & Blake are so perfectly imperfect. We already know and love them and that feeling only grows with this short story. I laughed, a lot. I cried, just a bit. And I even held my breath a bit. There was the right amount of angst mixed in with all of the fun. The writing flowed effortlessly and I may have read it in one evening. Fab job, L.B.!

{em}

I loved the conclusion to Alex and Blake's story. It was loving, raw and heartbreaking. I do love this series but at times it is too real life for me (relationship struggles, crazy kids, feeling like you are never getting ahead) and I like to 'escape' when I read. I even dreamed about parts of this the night I finished it. However, L.B. Simmons does a great job of connecting the reader to the characters. Alex's girls are a handful and most times comic relief! Blake is a blessing to their family. I love the 'butterfly' theme and how Blake never wants to replace Derek and keep his memory alive! Harlow is still so much fun and I'd love to be besties with her. I'm excited to see what will happen in book 3 with Tatum.

xo, {D}

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Interview

So, the last time we had you guys here, we asked about babies... seems that decision was made for you guys?

Alex:  Yes, it was. And it was by far the best decision that has ever been made for me.

(Alex looks over at Blake and smiles. He puts his hand on her leg, giving it an affectionate squeeze.)

Blake:  (He turns to me and begins to laugh.) Yeah, Alex usually makes ALL the decisions, well, I let her think she does anyway. (He gives me a wink, while Alex sighs out loud.)

Alex, we saw throughout Recovery how hard it was for you to adjust from being a single mom to co-parenting again. Are things getting better in that area?

Yes, I’m definitely more relaxed now. It was definitely an adjustment at first, but I think we’ve gotten over that obstacle relatively well.  Right Blake?  I mean, really well. (She giggles at Blake.)

Blake:  Yes, I think that situation has been, er…handled?  (They both burst into laughter.  After a few seconds, they regain their composure.)

Blake, you took a pretty big leap by getting the girls that surprise! Did you imagine Alex's response would be as strong as it was?

(He pauses as though carefully choosing his words) Well, I knew she wasn’t going to be happy with it. But, it was something I felt strongly about, regarding the girls.  And, of course, I ended up being right. (Alex eyes widen and she gives him a sideways glare.  The corners of Blake’s mouth lift into an ornery smile.)

You 2 have been through a LOT together in such a short amount of time! On top of that, the girls have been through a lot. How are they adjusting?

Alex:  They are doing really well actually.  With Blake, they love him and he loves them.  He just stepped right in and stole all of our hearts, although they were definitely more well-adjusted in that situation than I was.  (She laughs)  It was easy for them to move right into this phase of our lives, together, as a family. It was a natural progression for them I think.

Blake: (Smiles at Alex) Don’t get us wrong, there are still things we are getting used to.  Well, that I am getting used to.  Like constant chaos for one. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’ve never wanted anything else. (Alex sighs and covers Blake’s hand on her leg with hers.)

Alex: He has this uncanny ability to constantly take my breath away.

So now some fun questions for the both of you!

What are 3 items each of you can't leave home without?

Alex:  Phone, elastic band to pull my hair back, and diaper bag

Blake:  Keys (He laughs), phone, and a smile on my face

Alex:  See? No air.

First thing you do when you wake up? How about the last thing you do before bed?

Alex:  First - Hug Rylie, because she is always up before me and insists on being my personal alarm clock. Last – Read.

Blake – First – Hug Rylie, because she also acts as my personal alarm clock. Last – Kiss Alex on the forehead.

Alex: What?  I never knew that!

Blake:  Every night.

Alex: (Smiles) You are so getting lucky tonight.

Blake: (Chuckles) I don’t think they want to know that, babe.

Favorite show to watch together?

Alex and Blake: Pawn Stars!

Dream vacation as a couple? Dream family vacation?

Alex:  As a couple, I would say anywhere that has a beach. Costa Rica, the Keyes, Bahamas.  I love the water.

Blake: Anywhere that has fishing.  And where Alex will be sportin’ a bikini.

Alex:  (Rolls her eyes) And as a family… (she looks at Blake)

Alex and Blake: Disneyworld!

3 things on each of your bucket lists

Alex:  Go to Europe, skydive, become a published author

Blake:   Make the perfect omelet, sing Karoke, get Alex to go to Vegas

Alex:  Sing Karoke? Let’s go!  We’ll mark that one off right now!

Well there ya have it, folks! They were just as much fun as the last time we got to hang out with them!

~*~

About the Author

L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science.  She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years.  She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets. 

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Follow the Tour

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Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway: Pretty Little Lies by Jennifer Miller

A little lie can change the course of everything. . .

Like every other eighteen-year-old in love, Olivia has dreams of spending forever with the love of her life. Luke is all she’s ever wanted – until she overhears something she was never meant to. In a matter of seconds, Olivia’s heart is shattered. Olivia handles it the only way she knows how - she runs- leaving behind her family, friends and the boy she loves. 

Seeking comfort and an escape, Olivia finds it in resident bad boy Deacon. He’s everything Luke isn’t – and that’s fine with Olivia.

Now, seven years later, Olivia is older, wiser and headed back to Chicago looking forward to a fresh start and reconnecting with her best friend Pyper. What she doesn’t expect, is to come face to face with the boy she left behind and discover that even though she may have left, her feelings for him didn’t. 

Can Olivia put aside the pain in her heart and trust Luke? Will the ties to her past ever let her go, or will she continue to let her life be affected by pretty little lies?

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Review

Where do I start with this one? Ever since I read the first chapter at the end of Heidi McLaughlin’s book, I’ve been wanting to read this! I’m so glad I got the chance! It was exactly what I had hoped for!

Throughout the story, the characters are very unique and very interesting. They all had aspects that I felt like I could relate to and understand. Don’t get me wrong, I REALLY wanted to shake Olivia at times. Heck, for that matter, I wanted to shake Luke at times, too!

I really enjoyed seeing how Luke fought for Olivia and he didn’t just give up when she tried pushing her away. At times I felt as if he was a bit overbearing and forceful, but it worked. The more I got to know Luke’s personality, the more I understood his intentions. He’s a great guy and just wanted his girl back. I received a text from a friend when she finished reading PLL that said, "And could I get me some Luke???" <--- pretty much.

At times Olivia REALLY frustrated me. I wanted to just knock some sense in to her and tell her to just give it up and give Luke a chance. Although, I also am glad that she pushed through in finding herself and establishing herself as a person. She needed that. She needed to have a sense of independence. She’s a great girl and has an amazing support system around her. Her relationship with Pyper as well as all of her “dates” had me seriously laughing out loud on more than one occasion!

I will say that I had a couple of difficulties with it. The story was fabulous, but sometimes there were too many details. I like having an idea of what is going on, but I don’t need every little detail. That’s not necessarily a flaw of the book because some folks really like that, it’s just a personal preference of mine!

Oh and there’s a cliffhanger. A huge one. So now I am sucked in and I cannot WAIT until the next one so that I can find out how this is going to pan out for Olivia, Luke, Pyper, & Deacon!

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Follow the Tour
http://mundiemomsblogtours.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-tour-pretty-little-lies-by.html

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About the Author

Author Jennifer Miller was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but now calls Arizona home. Jennifer’s love of reading began when she was a small child, and only continued to grow as she entered adulthood. Ever since winning a writing contest at the young age of nine, when she wrote a book about a girl with a pet unicorn, she’s dreamed of writing a book of her own. Quickly learning that dreams don’t just fall into your lap, she knew she had to chase them herself and not be afraid to dream a little bigger. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother, and is very lucky to have a family that loves and supports her in all things. She also has an unhealthy addiction to handbags and chocolate covered strawberries, neither of which she cares to change. For more information about Jennifer and her books please visit www.jennifermillerwrites.com

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