Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Darkness Before Dawn by Claire Contreras

Release date: May 31, 2013
There is No Light in Darkness on Goodreads

Darkness Before Dawn on Goodreads

 

Blurb

 Is love ever enough?

Faced with obstacles she could have never imagined, Blake is brought to darkness and back by forces in her past she never knew existed.
Desperate to stay connected to the only thing he loves, Cole is forced to revisit his past and align himself with the people who knew about Blake’s disappearance.
Separation has forced both Blake and Cole to learn how to live under the worst circumstances, each of them alone in their own hell.

When they reunite, can they be the same two people they were before darkness swept upon them?
Told in separate points of view, Darkness Before Dawn is the continuation of Blake and Cole’s fight to make it to the light

Meet Cole:

How hot is he?!?!

 

Teaser

“I didn’t know you were awake,” I reply turning my body toward him and caressing his arm.
He gives me a lopsided smile. “I just woke up. How can you be so pretty in the morning?” he muses as his eyes scan my face.
“I’m not,” I groan throwing my head back on to the hard mattress. “This bed sucks.”
He chuckles. “You are,” he replies as he covers my body with his, opening my thighs with his and settling his weight between my legs. “You’re the most beautiful creature ever made...and you’re right, this bed sucks ass.”
“You’re just saying that because you want to have sex,” I say with a laugh as I look at him, thinking the same about him.
He tilts his head as he regards me. “Nah, we’re going to have sex anyway, I don’t have to sweet talk you into doing that.”
My laughter is cut short when he grinds against me, the hardness in his boxers making me gasp and tilt my pelvis toward it.

*************
I am so freaking excited for this book. Y'all have NO idea! When I finished There Is No Light In Darkness, I was a MESS! A mess I tell you. I couldn't even write a review for it, I was in such grief. To this day, my Goodreads review says:

Claire Contreras is screwing with me. I swear it. This is some mass conspiracy to evoke 500 million emotions within myself, only to blow like a freaking volcano whose had billions of years of angsty gas crap piling up. I don't even know what to say. I want to scream. I need the sequel NOW. NOW. NOW. NOW.

I'll write a more....standard review once my mind has calmed down from this freaking mind fuck of a book.

 

And these were my status updates:

 10%- Hmmm I'm wondering if the two boys are the one and the same
65%- I knew it!!!
85%- This book is blowing my ever loving mind!!
90%- No..no..no! Noooo shit shit shit. Please no God that didn't just happen. Mother effing piece of freaking piece of crap!
90%- Cole's letter. Kill me now.
95%-

100%- Ummm. No. I refuse to believe that was the end. No. No way. My book is missing an ending. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. FUCK!

 

Basically, the first book was an incredible mindfuck of a read and I am DYING for Darkness Before Dawn's release. If you haven't read There is No Light in Darkness, you're seriously missing out!! Not to mention, Claire Contreras, is a kick ass author who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Columbus Author Event!



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Cover Reveal & Author Spotlight: The Power of Love by Ada Slowe!

Synopsis

“The honest truth is that I’m just in love with you now, Allie, that I was seven years ago.” 

 

Ian Anderson has everything he could ever want. He’s rich, he owns his own business, he lives in New York, and women everywhere are throwing themselves at him. But what does any of the fortune mean if you don’t enjoy it? What does it mean if you have to spend it without the person you loved most in this world? 

 Seven years ago, Ian was deeply in love with the only girl who’s ever captured his heart. Allison. They grew up together, best friends, turned into soul mates. Allison was Ian’s heart, his everything, the love of his life even. Even seven years later, Ian can’t seem to rid his thoughts of Allison, in his mind, she was the one that got away. And even seven years later, he’s still very much in love with her. The hardest decision Ian ever made was the decision to walk away from her. But what if the only reason you left the person you loved was so that you could protect them?  

Allison Montgomery is the type of person who wears her heart on her sleeve. She feels everything, and lets her feelings consume her. The moment Ian left she was a broken shadow of the girl she used to be. Now seven years later, she’s got a new life, and a new boyfriend, and she’s an editor at a publishing house.  

 When Ian and Allison run into each other again, will Ian be able to make things right with the woman he’s always loved, or did he lose his chance? Will love that was once so strong resurface and give him everything he hoped for through all these years?

Will they have a chance to start over or will the past be too painful for them to overcome?

 

Teasers

“Why do you continue to stay with him knowing you’re in love with me? “Ian asked Allison, as she sipped her wine and sat on the chair across from his table. She knew deep inside this was the last place she should be. Lucas was waiting for her, yet here she was having drinks with a man she loved years ago. What was she doing? 

“Don’t Ian, just don’t. I love Lucas.” She said with a sad smile. She wasn’t lying at all in her statement, Lucas was good to her, what wasn’t to love? 

“You know what? I believe you. “ Ian told her as he walked around the table and pulled her up. “I believe that you love him because I know who you are, your heart is made of pure gold. What I don’t believe though is that you’re in love with him.”  

“Ian, “ Allison began as Ian framed her face between his hands and locked his piercing blue eyes with her brown ones.  

“Stop, Allie. You can’t keep doing this, you have to make a choice, I love you, I’ve always loved you, I want you forever and always like I have since I was fourteen. I don’t share, you know that. “ Ian replied, as he leaned his face in closer to hers so they were now only inches away from kissing.
“I know that you’re afraid, I know I hurt you so badly, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am, but I want you back, and I’ll do anything, just give me a chance.”

 

Getting to know Ada

I’m not like any twenty year old I know, in fact I’m very different than most my age. While most people my age like to party, and go out, I like to stay in with my laptop and write. That’s not to say I don’t know how to have a good time, because even a writer needs a break sometimes. I’ve got amazing friends and such a great support system, and I don’t know where I’d be without it.
I grew up in a small town called Newfield, New York. At the age of fourteen, I moved to Florida, which is where I met my inspiration to become a writer. I’ve been writing since I was ten years old but It wasn’t until I met my former English teacher, Shay Kastanis, that I decided I had it in me to pursue it as a career. She’s supported me since the moment I told her I wanted to be a writer and I could never ask for more than that.

I discovered my talent and love of writing at a little shy of the age of ten. Young, right? I hear that a lot. In my opinion though, it doesn’t matter the age, it matters of how great the story is. And without writing, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. Writing isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s a passion, and it’s my reason for breathing. People say we’re all put in this world for a reason, and well writing is mine. It’s the one thing in my life that I can always count on to make me happy. I was introduced to writing because of events that were occurring in my life when I was a child, and I found it to be a great outlet. I started with poetry, but eventually progressed to novels and the honest truth is, now I just can’t stop writing books. I get told a lot by a good friend of mine that I’m a writing machine. I have an overactive mine and once I get an idea, I can’t stop. And more than that, I get too many ideas at the same time. While I’m writing though, I become obsessed with my own characters. They consume me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The first time I ever let anyone read my original work, was very nerve racking for me, and the truth is, I think that it’s always going to be that way for me. Sometimes I overthink and worry about things that I shouldn’t. I’m the type of person who wears my heart on my sleeve, and so I feel everything that gets thrown my way. Like any other writer, I do doubt myself at times, but overall, I’m pretty confident in myself and in my writing. And when I get told things like I’m a good writer that makes my day. Since starting my author page, I’ve even got people disappointed because my book isn’t published yet and that means more to me than my “fans”  will ever know. Still trying to get used to the word fans.

My biggest writing inspiration is Nicholas Sparks, I love his books and writing styles. I love how he doesn’t just have one style, he goes from first to third person. He’s a captivating writing and I can only hope to be as great as him someday.
I tend to write a bit darker though. I mean I’m all for reading romance, but my romances that I write always tend to have a lot of darkness in them, Maybe it’s just my twisted mind, but I just think it makes for a better story.

I’ve only ever written for myself, I think it’s important for any writer who wants to write to do that. If you start writing for fame, that’s when you lose yourself. It’s when your stories become less than your greatest work. If I ever find myself writing for other people, I think I’d give up writing. And the honest truth is, to me writing is not a competition, it’s something you do because you love it, because without it you wouldn’t know how to function and that’s how it is with me.

Find Ada at:
Wordpress: http://adamarieslowe.wordpress.com/about/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Ada-Slowe/444288812315695?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ada_marie18



Cover Reveal & Excerpt: First, I Love You Genevieve Dewey

About the Book
If Mario Puzo and Jane Austen crossed the time-space continuum and mated, FIRST, I LOVE YOU would be their literary baby.

Imagine being a detective with a mobster for a father, or a mobster with a straight arrow, good cop for a son. This is a relationship that is tricky on its best day. Add in some well-meaning meddling from a mob princess sister, an arrogant DEA agent, and gangsters running a human trafficking ring and you have a recipe for a book that refuses to follow the rules. Told from the perspective and point of view of each the six main characters this is the first novel in a trilogy about love, loyalty, revenge and redemption.

Omaha Detective Tommy Gates has kept his gangster father at arm’s length his whole life. Mickey Downey has spent the better part of the last two decades trying to find ways to get back the son he lost through Witness Protection. Now Tommy has taken an opportunity to work on a Federal Human Trafficking Joint Task Force in Chicago where his father lives. Tommy’s sister Kiki and his mother Mary see this as an opportunity to build a relationship between the two. Tommy’s new DEA partner James Hoffman sees it as an opportunity to gain leverage over Mickey Downey. Tommy’s other partner, FBI Agent Ginny Sommers wants to keep Tommy’s family as far from the case as possible. When Kiki and James join forces, sparks fly and it sets fire to a maelstrom of unexpected consequences for everyone involved.

One part Godfather, two parts Emma and a dash of Casablanca mixed together, FIRST, I LOVE YOU isn’t a detective novel, a gangster novel, a mystery, a romance or a family saga. It’s a little of all of the above.

FIRST, I LOVE YOU is available in print and digital format at all major eBook retailers.

 

Excerpt

“You don’t have much respect for me do you?” Kiki asked.

 

“On the contrary, if I ever need to know which shoes to wear to match my tie, you’d be the first person I call. If I had your number,” James said, trying to temper the sarcasm with a charming smile.

 

“I’m sure you already have it, along with all the other boring background check facts you recited earlier,” she rejoined, still making no move to retreat.

 

James admired her nerve. Maybe this princess had a bit of her father’s steel in her after all.

 

“That would defeat the purpose of you giving it to me,” he said.

 

“What purpose would that be? And you still haven’t answered my question,” she retorted.

 

“How about you answer one of mine first?” James asked then chuckled as she raised an eyebrow in a pretty good impression of her father. “Why would you invite your father’s old mistress to your party when she is not related to you, was no doubt the source of great pain and embarrassment for your own mother, and her presence, you had to know, would be unwelcome with at least a few of your guests?”

 

“I already explained my reasons to my brother. And his opinion is the only one I care about; certainly not a rude, presumptuous, party crashing boar like yourself. You don’t know a damn thing about me,” she answered, dark eyes glittering with anger.

 

“What I know is there’s a lot of big important grown up things going on and the last thing Tommy needs is his spoiled little sister playing games with his family, and distracting him from this case,” he said with perhaps a bit more heat than he meant but the smell of her hair and the glittering of her lip-gloss with the hall lights was distracting him and he was trying to keep his mind on the task at hand.

 

“How dare you? You’re the outsider here! It’s you who should butt the hell out of my family’s private issues! And you’ve the nerve to say we can be of use to each other? Why the fuck should I help you with anything?” Kiki ground out.

 

“Tisk, tisk, such language, little girl,” James said with a smirk. By God, she was beautiful, he couldn’t help but think. “How about we go back to your place and discuss this like rational adults,” he finished in a playful yet suggestive tone.

 

She let out a huff, clearly nonplussed by his forwardness. Then something flashed in her eyes, a sort of calculating, cynical and predatory look that had him feeling momentarily nonplussed himself.

 

“Alright. Let me say good bye to my guests. You obviously already know where I live. I’ll meet you there in a half hour,” Kiki said, cool and collected once more.

 

It was more like an hour when she arrived at her door, but who was counting? They said nothing to each other as she let him inside. James looked around her one bedroom apartment and thought it was nothing like he’d expected. He’d expected lots of pink or maybe something trendy with splashy colors. It was all cool metals, finished wood, and retro 50’s style furniture. Frank Lloyd Wright stills peppered the room and books lined the entirety of one wall. Her windows were left uncovered and the city lights cast interesting reflections in the room. She threw her shawl and little clutch purse on the butterfly chair by the bookshelves. Then she walked up to him and grabbed his holster. He stopped her hand.

 

“What are you doing?” James asked, his discomfort at having underestimated her twice in one evening making him irrationally angry.

 

“You should make yourself more comfortable,” Kiki said seductively.

 

“I thought we came here to talk?” he prevaricated, as he took his jacket, gun and badge off.

 

He could tell she was playing some sort of game and it spiked his irritation up a notch. His mood was all over the place, actually. There was frustration at the blocked opportunities by his partners and Downey to further the case tonight, mixed with his desire for her, the self-disgust that that brought, the irritation with her childish interference, the discomfort of knowing she was right that it wasn’t his business what went on between her and her family.

 

But now she had decided to take his sexual sparring and call his bluff. Except he wasn’t bluffing. Did she think he would be scared off from her family this way? Maybe that would work with her usual limp wristed boy toys or the gumbahs who were probably too afraid of her Daddy to actually make a move, but not with him.

 

James hooked an arm behind her back and yanked her towards him. She gasped and put her free hand on his chest, but she didn’t push him away. She kept looking at him, eyes still full of challenge and no fear. It was like something snapped in his brain and all he wanted was to wipe that look from her eyes, to make her realize lives weren’t to be played with, manipulated. To give her a taste of her own medicine.

 

He gripped the back of her neck with his other hand and crushed his mouth to hers. She met his kisses with equal fervor, pressing up against him. He let go of her waist and neck and began a rough exploration of her body, not bothering to be gentle. She sunk her hands into his hair and gripped painfully. Whether to give as good as she got or from passion he didn’t know. All he knew was his body was on fire for her and all he could think about was sinking into her.

 

Author Bio

Genevieve Dewey is the author of The Downey Trilogy (First, I Love You & Second of All) and the short stories Bird Day Battalion & V-Day Aversion. She is a wife, mother, sister, friend and Anthropologist. She was raised mostly in Nebraska, partly in Arizona. She has a Master’s in Anthropology and worked as an Applied Anthropologist for years (even ran her own research company for a while) before deciding to be a stay at home mom. She loves passionate (rational) debates, reading, and libraries… oh, and Chicago and high-heels and chocolate and target practice and gangster flicks and anything with the FBI in it and run-on sentences. She lives in Nebraska with her three brilliantly diabolical children and one incredibly funny husband.

You can find Gen online at:

www.GenevieveDewey.com

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GenevieveDewey

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6441991.Genevieve_Dewey

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Genevieve-Dewey/e/B00936QL2S/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/genevievedewey/

Cover Reveal: Empyreal Illusions by Jake Bonsignore

Title: Empyreal Illusions: Book One of The Inferno Unleashed Series

Author: Jake Bonsignore

Genre: YA Fantasy / Dystopian

Release: May 29, 2013 (e-book); July 2013 (paperback)

Book Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography

Empyreal Illusions on Goodreads 

 

Blurb
A Thin Line Separates Justice From Revenge….

 Fourteen-year-old Breena Taljain’s dreary existence in the slums of Purgaire comes to a sudden end when a chance encounter with a criminal mastermind known as the Patriarch goes horridly wrong. His assault on her for refusing to pay for her mother’s addiction leaves her comatose and teetering on the edge of life and death.

Galbrecht Atalir is a washed-up doctor struggling to overcome his inner demons through alcohol and aggression. He never quite recovered from the unsolved murder of his family seven years prior. When he discovers Breena as his newest patient, he knows at once that the Patriarch is the one who eluded him for almost a decade.

The medicine Galbrecht gives Breena draws her into a heavenly paradise. When it ebbs away, though, the recurring trauma plunges her into treacherous hinterlands. There, Breena must learn to find power in courage, hope, and love to overcome fiends of hatred bent on permanently ending her existence.

With justice burning in his heart, Galbrecht begins a race against time to seek out the Patriarch in the underworld before Breena loses her struggle against the ever-darkening terrors of her mind….

Review: In Flight by R.K. Lilley

In Flight by R.K. Lilley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Flight on Amazon

When reserved flight attendant Bianca gets one look at billionaire hotel owner James Cavendish, she loses all of her hard-won composure. For a girl who can easily juggle a tray of champagne flutes at 35,000 feet in three inch heels, she finds herself shockingly weak-kneed from their first encounter. The normally unruffled Bianca can't seem to look away from his electrifying turquoise gaze. They hold a challenge, and a promise, that she finds impossible to resist, and she is a girl who is used to saying no and meaning it.

Bianca is accustomed to dealing with supermodels and movie stars in her job as a first class flight attendant, but James Cavendish puts them all to shame in the looks department. If only it were just his looks that she found so irresistible about the intimidating man, Bianca could have ignored his attentions. But what tempts her like never before is the dominant pull he seems to have over her from the moment they meet, and the promise of pleasure, and pain, that she reads in his eyes.

My James:

How does one even simply begin to describe James Cavendish? Is it really even possible? Mr. Cavendish, as we call him in private, is the epitome of the sexy, down and dirty billionaire playboy. He’s jet-setting across the country when he spots Bianca, the gorgeous tall, blonde flight attendant the waits on him in first class. Mr. Cavendish wants Bianca all for himself, and what Mr. Cavendish wants, Mr. Cavendish gets.

Unfortunately, Bianca has no interest in dating; she never has. Bianca is a 23 year old virgin, living paycheck to paycheck next door to her best friend, Stephan, who is also the only person she has the even closely resembles family. As James continues to pursue Bianca, Stephan’s in the background gently trying to help budge the relationship along.

The times you don’t want to the most, are the times that you definitely should.

Even though she’s finally met a man who actually intrigues her, Bianca still tries to resist him, but James Cavendish is a man who know the art of pursuit, and eventually Bianca gives in to him. They agree to sexual, private, albeit exclusive relationship. It’s intense from the very first kiss. James, while respectful, doesn’t hold back with Bianca. He’s no selfish lover, either, as he always makes sure his woman feels good.

Can you honestly tell me that the thought of submitting to me in bed doesn’t make you wet?

As James leads Bianca down a path of seduction, sensuality, and submission, it becomes pretty clear to everyone but Bianca that James truly wants her for more than just her body, but she’s too damaged to believe it, or to give her heart away. She’s constantly holding back from him in order to protect her heart.

It was hard to remember that we weren’t supposed to feel anything for each other when he looked at me like I was more important than his next breath.

In her mind, they come from such different worlds that there is no possible way he’d ever want her for the long-term. She knows that no man will ever make her feel the way James does, but can their love and passion really overcome their differences?

A lot of people have been comparing this to Fifty Shades and The Crossfire Series, but I didn’t really see it. I loved both of those series, but I really didn’t think of either of them while reading this. Sure, the BDSM element is prevalent, Bianca was a virgin, and James was a billionaire, but that’s where the similarities ended for me. I appreciated that Bianca, even though determined in the beginning, didn’t go back and forth on her initial decision to be with James. She drove me nuts that she couldn’t see how much James really cared, but with her past, it’s understandable. And with James, he was much quicker than the other guys to get close to his girl, to truly want her for more. He was much more forthcoming, especially with his past. He wanted to get to know Bianca, and he was willing to tell her any truth to do that. He didn’t just want her in his bed, he wanted in her mind.

And lastly, this book was incredibly hot. The steamy bedroom/bathroom/kitchen/airplane scenes were to die for. If the art of seduction has one author, it’s definitely James Cavendish.

Make sure to have the sequel, Mile High, on tap. You’ll want to dive in right away!

View all my reviews

Three of Hearts by W. Ferraro

Three of Hearts on Goodreads
Three of Hearts on Amazon

Mae Turney is searching for the type of life and happiness she has never known but has only dreamed about. She's fortunate enough to find a great opportunity to live in an exterior apartment of a beautiful lake house in a small town in Vermont. When she realizes the apartment and scenery are not the only gorgeous appeal but the home owner, Seth Finn, is as well, she puts it all on the line for the chance at love. When she becomes comfortable and confident in her own skin and sexuality, Mae realizes that this place and this man is exactly what she came looking for. Knowing Seth and his three children are as special as they come, Mae bets the house, and prays she and her gamble are enough.

As first book in W. Ferraro's Hamden Series, Three of Hearts brings us the story of Seth Finn and Mae Turney. Seth runs a successful construction business with his best friend Dylan, while also caring for his three children, Connor, Aidan, and Megan. Seth's wife, Maggie, passed away over five years ago, shortly after Megan was born. Seth's been determined to stay away from meaningful relationships ever since.

Mae is an oncology nurse who's just left the big city of Boston to take a job at the hospital in Hamden. She ends up renting an apartment attached to Seth's lake house where he lives with his kids. Mae's a sweet, likeable female character whose body is full of curves, somewhat making her a self-conscious character around the tall, built, bald hunk that is Seth Finn.

Seth and Mae are instantly attracted to each other and quickly fall into a sweet relationship that has Mae falling in love with not only Seth, but his children as well. Seth's family and friends are all in favor of the relationship as Mae's the first woman to attract Seth since his wife's death. 

Will their chemistry be enough for Seth to truly move on, or will Mae be forced to say goodbye to the man, and the children, that she's come to love?

***

Three of Hearts was a sweet, light romance that showcased loss, love, and the importance of family. I fell in love with Seth and his family right along with Me. Her separate interactions with his children, specifically Megan, warmed my heart. Mae and Seth's journey to love happened a little too quickly for my taste, but it's acknowledged in the book, so I didn't really mind it as much as I normally do. 

Without trying to give anything away, there's one scene in this book that left me burning with anger, and I thought the resolution was somewhat lacking, but Seth definitely made up for it in the end. Overall, I enjoyed Seth & Mae's story and I'm really looking forward reading playboy Dylan's tale in Three of Spades. Go check out the Hamden men now!

Cover Reveal & Teaser: Choices by Sydney Lane

Choices is a Mature Young Adult contemporary romance, appropriate for audiences 17+. To be released Summer 2013. 

Choices 

Fate brought her here, but will her choices destroy her dreams?

Quincy Priest made all the right choices in her small town, black-and-white life. But being perfect is tiring. So. Very. Tiring. 

Wanting desperately to step out of her sister's shadow, Quincy jumps at the opportunity to attend college with her best friend. The quiet bookworm with family secrets comes out of her shell. But... when Quincy meets not one, but two perfect guys, she has to make a choice. In doing so, she might forfeit the relationship she secretly longed to find. 

Declan. Sweet, handsome, and perfect. He makes her feel cherished for the first time in her life.

Brody. Sexy, hot, and irresistible. He could tear down her carefully built walls.

Before she can become the woman she wants to be, Quincy will make mistakes. And suffer one unimaginable loss. 

About The Author

Sydney Lane lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and children. Growing up in Smalltown, USA, Sydney dreamed of being a writer. After spending an outrageous amount of money to go to college, Sydney finally decided to follow her heart. With her babies in bed and husband neglected, she worked by the light of her laptop and wrote Choices. Sydney is very active in charity work for anti-bullying and depression awareness groups.

The cover was designed by Storm Designs (Sarie Storm), and she also lives here in Nashville, TN.

Meet The Guys

Declan
Declan is everybody's friend. He's handsome and loyal. He's perfect. But sometimes, perfect isn't enough.

He reaches over to take my hand, and he reads my charm “If there’s one thing I know, Quincy, it’s that there is always a way back. It’s just like this says. It’s about the choices you make. If you hold on long enough, have enough faith, all things are possible.” His voice is so soothing and sincere, and looking into his dark brown eyes, I believe him.

Brody
Brody is hot. He's irresistible, and he's probably trouble. But who can resist?

“See? I know you feel it, too. Why are you running from it? Because you can’t. Believe me, I’ve tried.” He lowers his face, and I hold my breath. “Quince, you’re making me crazy. You are under my skin, but I don’t share. I can’t share you with him.”

Those words bring me crashing back to reality. “Why not, Brody? You expect me to watch you with your little groupies. I’m not just another one of your one night stands, Brody.” 

“Oh, I know that. Believe me when I say one night with you would never be enough.” I push past him and walk away with as much dignity as I can muster.

Teaser

When I turn to say goodbye, Brody is close to me. He puts his hands on my waist and walks me backward, pushing me against my car. His lips whisper across mine. “Quince, I meant what I said. I don’t share. I don’t know what’s going on with you and Declan, but when he looks at you, I can see his feelings written all over his face. Seeing him looking at you like that is driving me insane. If I didn’t love him so damn much, I would kick his ass.” His body is tense, and his eyes pierce right through me. “He’s my brother, Quince.” He takes a deep breath and backs away. 

Spotlight & Giveaway: The White Aura by Felicia Tatum

How do you live with the gut clenching truth that the one you love will die if you meet them? Twenty year old sorcerer Scott Tabors is learning how. After seeing seventeen year old Olivia Whitehead outside of a coffee shop, his heart will never be the same. He longs for her, he wants her, and he knows she will be his. They are heart mates. …but due to a curse on his family, he can’t meet her. Not yet. So for now, he visits her in her dreams. Her dreams where he can tell her everything but his name. 

Olivia Whitehead is a typical junior in high school. She and her best friend are having the time of their lives, but she can’t help but notice the changes happening to her. Especially the changes in her heart after she begins dreaming about a mysterious dark haired young man. But what will happen when the school heartthrob decides he wants Olivia? Will she realize the dream man is real or will she move on?

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Goodreads 

What Others Are Saying About The White Aura

“This debut novel takes readers on an amazing journey! Flawlessly written Felicia Tatum delivers an epic journey where you can watch as secrets are revealed and nothing is ever as it seems.”

               --HopeWasHere, 5 star review

“I love how Felicia wrote it from two characters perspective, it made me anticipate what was coming up more. I really love the whole story line and how she put it together. It was unique and thrilling.”

               --Ashley Dunning, 5 star review

“The White Aura by Felicia Tatum is a wonderful start to a new YA series. Felicia Tatum even used a side of paranormal rarely seen, Sorcerers! She successfully creates a love triangle, drama, and suspense, all while keeping an almost seamless flow with 2 POVS.”

               --Justine at Bex n Books, 4 star review

Tour wide giveaway, paperbacks and swag packs-Hosted by Author Felicia Tatum! 

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So Many Reasons Why by Missy Johnson Review & Giveaway!!

Twenty year old Emma hasn’t left the house since she was attacked as a child. Now, with the impending release of her attacker from prison, Emma knows it’s more important than ever for her to regain control of her life. From her unrelenting nightmares, to her strained relationships, to her crippling agoraphobia, Emma feels as though her life is spiraling out of control.

When her professor, Simon Anderson enters her life, Emma must deal with feelings she has never experienced before. 

Though both she and Simon know their relationship is bordering on inappropriate, neither of them are able to ignore the intense chemistry that is quickly developing between them.

What was supposed to keep her mind off the attack has left her more confused than ever. When there are so many reasons why you shouldn’t be together, is simply being in love really enough?

This is book one in a two book series.

So Many Reasons Why by Missy Johnson on Goodreads
So Many Reasons Why on Amazon

In So Many Reasons Why, we meet twenty year old Emma, a college student living on her own in New York. Emma's not your average college student. After being brutally attacked at age ten, she's not left the house in years. She developed agoraphobia and continues to have nightmares about her attacker. Her relationship with her parents is strained. She does have two best friends who create a fantastic support system for her, but sometimes it's just not enough. In the first few pages of the book, Emma receives devastating news. Her attacker is on track to be paroled and will soon be out of prison, sending her into even more of a panicked state.

After sending an email to gain clarification on an assignment, Emma quickly finds herself engaging in a playful back and forth email exchange with Professor Simon Anderson. They fall into an easy friendship, and eventually it's evident that they both have feelings for each other. As he's her professor, any form of relationship will be considered inappropriate, but they soon find that they can't help their undeniable attraction.

As their relationship progresses, Emma continues to deal with the knowledge that her attacker is now free. Will Simon's love be enough to release Emma from her own prison, or will she be stuck there forever?
****
The very first paragraph of this book had me hooked. This not your average Professor/Student novel. While there is an essential romantic element to the story, and Simon plays a huge role in Emma's development,this story is so much more than your average romance. To me, So Many Reasons Why is about finding your inner strength to overcome the worst of your fears. Ms. Johnson did a fantastic job of showcasing Emma's agoraphobia without making her a pitiful, weak character. Emma had a brilliant balance of strong will while still suffering from her anxiety. The e-mail exchanges between Emma and Simon were a wonderful addition to this book, and a great way for the relationship to develop realistically as Emma does not leave her home. Their chemistry was undeniable, regardless of the vast age difference. I truly enjoyed witnessing Emma find strength not only through Simon, but within herself to overcome her fears when it mattered the most. The main storyline in SMRY is wrapped up, but the ending does provide somewhat of a cliffhanger to set-up book 2. I'm anxiously looking forward to book 2 in this series.


***ARC kindly provided by Ms. Johnson in exchange for an honest review.

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If I Fall by Anna Cruise

If I Fall by Anna Cruise on Goodreads
If I Fall on Amazon

Meg Calloway is at the edge.

Reeling from her parents' sudden divorce, fifteen-year old Meg has never felt more alone. Her father is about to marry a woman she can't stand and her mother's only companion is an endless supply of alcohol. When Aidan Westwood, an older boy at school, shows interest in her, she grabs on and doesn't let go, thinking he's exactly what she needs to help stem her loneliness and despair. She quickly learns that Aidan lives a darker, more dangerous life than she does and the more isolated she feels from her family, the more willing she is to step into Aidan's world.

As Meg drifts further from her friends, she tries to find comfort with a boy who is opening her eyes up to new things, none of them good. Will she listen to those around her who are warning her that she's headed down a path of self-destruction?

Or will she fall too far...too fast...too deep?

I'd highly recommend that all teenage girls read this gritty portrayal of the dark sides of growing up. This is not a traditional YA love story. Look, we all love our fictional bad boys, but it's important that there are also stories out there that can show a bad boy for what he can be... a true loser. This isn't a story filled with romantic walks on the beach, while reforming the bad boy to be good enough for the good girl. This story is a dark, disturbing tale that moves in the opposite direction. Ms. Cruise describes just how easily the good girl can be brought down, and how difficult it is to rise against.

I'd fallen. Fallen hard. But not so far that I couldn't pick myself up.

Fifteen year old Meg Calloway's life has just been turned upside down. Her father's left the family for a younger woman. Her mother, in turn, has found solace only at the bottom of a bottle, falling into a depression so consuming that she can barely leave the house, let alone be any sort of mother to Meg.

After a night out with friends, Meg's not ready to return to the desolate place she once called home.

My thoughts drifted to what I knew waited for me at home. I thrived to think of something else but I couldn't. The memories sucked me back in. I couldn't go back there, to that suffocating place that reeked of misery, that threatened to swallowed me whole.

Instead, she strolls down the beach until she comes across a group of seniors from her high school. Amongst them is Aidan, a charming, attractive, charismatic older boy who's instantly taken by Meg. Aidan quickly becomes an easy escape from Meg's less than desirable home life. Unfortunately, sweet, charming Aidan is the very definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing. As he leads Meg down a dark rabbit hole of drugs, alcohol, and sex, she begins to lose not only her friends, but herself.

You're never smiling. It would be one thing if you looked happy when you are with him. But every time I see you? You don't look very happy.

Despite her friends warnings and concern, Meg can't help being pulled further into Aidan's world of lies and deceit. Those close to her no longer recognize her as they attempt to make her see Aidan for who he really is, but she's resistant to their efforts.

I think I just wanted some attention. I was tired of being alone and feeling hurt all the time. And, with him, I didn't hurt anymore.

How far will she have to fall before it's late, and who, if anyone, will be there to catch her?

If I Fall was a very compelling story that showcases the effects that divorce can have on young teenagers, and highlights the dark path of peer pressure that they can easily fall into by means of escape. Ms. Cruise wrote a chilling portrayal on how easily young, impressionable teen girls can fall in with the wrong crowd when it seems as if everyone else in your life has give up on you. At the same time, it's also a story about strength, and overcoming the loss and loneliness that life can bestow upon us. It's a story about not giving up on those close to you, no matter how damaged they may become. This is a story about falling...and finding a way to stand back up.

*ARC provided by Ms. Cruise in exchange for an honest review.

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Adventures in Winemaking: Part 3

Part 3 of this winemaking process is the Stabilising and Clearing stage. Before beginning, you need to clean and sanitize the hydrometer, test jar, wine thief, and the spoon. This step happens 10 days after part 2.

Sorry, Nick, no cats allowed. 

1.) The first thing to do is to check the specific gravity to ensure that it is at or below 0.996. Ours was at 0.992, so we were able to proceed to the next step.

2.) Once you've determined that the specific gravity is low enough to move on, you need to dissolve packet #3, metabisulphite, and package #4, sorbate, into a 1/2 cup of cool water.

 

 We like to use bottled water instead of tap. Don't have to, we just do. Water snobs.

 

3.) Once it is dissolved, add to the carboy and stir vigorously for two minutes. Make sure you stir up the yeast sediment on the bottom, and stir hard in order to degas the wine.

 

 

4.) Shake package #5, Chitosan, which is a clarifier. Carefully cut the corner of the package open and pour contents into the carboy. Again, stir vigorously for two minutes. This helps degas the wine in order to help it clear.

 

 5.) Once you're finished stirring, top the carboy with water until there are only two inches left between the wine and the bottom of the bung.

 6.) Attached the bung and the airlock, ensuring that the airlock is filled halfway with water.

 

7.) In fourteen days, it'll be time to bottle!!!

Girl With Guitar Cover Reveal & Release Day Sign Up. ARCs Included!

Hey y'all!! I had the absolute pleasure of reading (and loving!) Girl with Guitar, the debut novel by brand new indie author, Caisey Quinn. We'd like to invite you to participate in either a cover reveal, a release day bash, and we'd love it even more if you'd participate in both! The first 25 bloggers/reviewers who sign up will receive an ARC copy to review. Please post reviews no earlier than the cover reveal. Sign up below, and feel free to share with blogger/reviewer friends!

The Cover Reveal will be Wednesday, May 15.  Ms. Quinn will be providing a giveaway for ALL BLOGS that participate in the Cover Reveal. The information packet will be sent to bloggers a couple days before the cover reveal. Girl with Guitar Cover Reveal Invite 

The Releash Day Bash will be Wednesday, May 22. This is also Caisey's birthday, so let's make it extra special for her by spreading the word about her new book! Again, Ms. Quinn will providing ANOTHER giveaway for ALL BLOGS that participate in the Release Day Bash. The information packet will be sent to bloggers a couple days before the cover reveal.

Girl with Guitar by Caisey Quinn
New Adult. MA 17+ Content.
After Kylie's dad dies in a freak accident, he leaves her with nothing other than her crazy step-mother Darla, and the ability to play guitar. When Darla kicks Kylie out she loses her job all in the same day, she hops on a bus to Nashville, determined to make her late father's dreams come true. Waitressing and saving her pennies to record a demo, her big break comes when she's asked to join a tour going down the tubes with once platinum album-selling country music superstar, Trace Corbin. But touring with Trace is hardly a dream come true since he's pretty much drinking his career down the drain. If Kylie can't pull Trace out of his rut, he'll pull her and her dreams down with him.

Caisey Quinn's Website

Meet Kylie Ryans

Say Hello To Trace Corbin
Add Girl with Guitar to your GoodReads TBR!
Follow Caisey on Twitter

 

GIF Review of One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy AND Giveaway!!!

AT THE END OF THE REVIEW IS A RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY IN HONOR OF SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND'S RELEASE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9! ENTER NOW!

Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn’t give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.

But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is…

Me.

I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him.

Forever.

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'll do a full text review later, but for now you get my gif crazed self.

My Drew:

My Fable:

PRONTO. STAT. NOW.

Oh Hey Adele

Drew & Fable:

In the beginning, Drew & Fable both find themselves feeling this way... It kills me.

Eventually Fable gets to this point:

But Drew's has too much pain from his past...

And Fable understands...thinking he, like everyone else, doesn't want her.

But it's not Fable. It's the past. The pain. The heartache that's keeping them apart. Yet Fable believes they were brought together for a reason. To save themselves from the past.

And there are some fabulous intimate moments

And then it all goes to HELLLLLLLLLL.

This is what I'm telling myself. I can do this. I can make it. This will happen. I can make it to the sequel.

Please, please, please. I implore you to read this book! Monica Murphy's writing is so effortless. Her words flow and I could not put this book down. I am dying for the sequel. Go forth and READ READ READ! And someone send me some freaking marshmallows. Now!

AGAIN!!! PRONTO. STAT. NOW.

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