Sunday, June 30, 2013

1,000 Likes Giveaway


Hey y'all! I'm so overwhelmed with the support I've received from all of you since I started by blog! I had no idea that so many people would take any interest in what I had to say, and it's been so much fun doing this. The amazing number of readers, authors, and bloggers that I've connected with since starting Tessa's Take has been nothing short of incredible.



Due to the high level of review requests and blog tours, I am merging with two other amazing girls/bloggers to bring you a brand new blog. We're country girls who love reading about hot men & kick ass chicks, so we've aptly named ourselves the Gutter Girls. It started off as a fun joke to call ourselves on Twitter as we stalked our favorite authors, and when we decided to start the blog it just made sense!

Tessa's Take is going to evolve into a joint blog for my husband and myself to share recipes, how-tos, and DIY kind of stuff. He's really looking forward to it! I'll still link all the review to the new website, as well.

To celebrate reaching over 1,000 likes and the start of a new blog, I've got a great giveaway! Over 20 Kindle books and a $25 Amazon Giftcard! Please enter and feel free to share with your reading pals! I'll try to match up requests as much as possible!

Thanks again so much for all of the support. I couldn't do this without y'all! And go check out the new page at www.guttergirlsbookreviews.com!





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Spotlight: Coming Home by B.L. Mooney


Synopsis
Rebecca Shultz has always known she was adopted. She couldn’t have chosen better parents than the ones that chose her. They’ve always made her feel loved and she’s never wanted for anything—except knowing why she was given up in the first place. Until she finds those answers, Rebecca feels as though she’s stuck in her past.

In the hopes of finding those answers, she accepts a job hundreds of miles away from the only home she’s ever known. However, not everyone is happy about her arrival. Someone wants her to give up the search and go back to her small town.

What Rebecca didn’t expect to find was Ryan Thomas. No one understands the attractive ad executive the way Rebecca does. He would rather spend his free time playing baseball with the kids in the same group home where he once lived than spend it with anyone that wants to take him away from there. Rebecca understands that these kids deserve a chance. Will Ryan be able to convince her to take one with him?

With Ryan distracting Rebecca with feelings she’s never felt before, roadblocks popping up that keep her from the answers to her past, and someone desperately trying to get her to leave, will she give up before her questions are answered? Will she stay and fight to find the truth?

Or will she find that she already has everything she ever needed and that home can be anywhere you want it to be?

Book Links


About the Author:
B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.
B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.

Follow BL:





Blog Tour Stop and Giveaway: Love, Exactly by Cassandra Giovanni


Blurb
Emma Walker was a writer who'd lost herself to someone else's anger--who had given up on ever feeling like herself again.

Evan Levesque was a rock-god--the one all the woman wanted, but he'd never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life.

With just one cup of coffee they'll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan's fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma's checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words...they'll destroy my soul--Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she's become because of it? 

My Take
Love, Exactly is not your average rock star romance. It's a very sweet romance that is different than most famous/non-famous relationship type stories as it wasn't all about the drama, the paparazzi, or cheating. It was about two people, regardless of their status, connecting in the most beautiful way possible. It was rather refreshing to see such a realistic take on a relationship of this nature, and I quickly fell in love with Evan, and at times even forget that he was a famous, sexy rock star. Both characters were great and were exactly what the other one needed, and I just loved this story. 

You all know how I love my steam, but this book was not about that, and strangely, I really enjoyed  how everything unfolded. Cassandra Giovanni did an amazing job developing the relationship between Evan and Emma in a very natural, heartwarming way. Emma has some underlying issues that Evan amazingly handles as he pushes her to forget her past and to pursue her dreams. 

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend this quick read to my friends. I loved the ending, but definitely would love to see more of where Evan and Emma are in the future.

Links

E-BOOK only $1.99



Paperback $12.99

About the Author
Cassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since than Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. In 2012 she became a published Young Adult author, releasing In Between Seasons (The Fall, #1) and Walking in the Shadows. In 2013 she branched out by using her artistic illustrating talents to publish her first Children's novel, The Adventures of Skippy Von Flippy: Tales of Friendship (Skippy Tales, #1). Cassandra will also release her first New Adult novel, Love, Exactly , in the Spring of 2013.

Cassandra is a freelance professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is the owner of Gio Design Studios, a photography and publication marketing company that designs covers and marketing materials for authors utilizing the company's photography. She is currently studying to receive her associates degree in Marketing. Cassandra is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with the other loves of her life their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

Links


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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

New Release: Choices by Sydney Lane


Choices is a Mature Young Adult contemporary romance, appropriate for audiences 17+. 

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. 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: The Fab Life by Mercy Amare




It’s the life I was born to live: billionaire’s daughters, living amongst the rich & famous. But my mom kept me a secret from my dad. Until now.

I am so out of my league. Fancy parties, expensive cars, and a private school for the elite… It sounds like a dream. But everything is not as perfect as it seems on the outside. Here, the secrets are dirty, and the lies comes easy.

Welcome to my fab life.

Author Bio
 I am a YA/ NA author, with an addiction to NOS & Red Bull energy drinks. My guilty pleasure is the TV series The Lying Game and The Vampire Diaries. I'm 23 years old. I currently live in St Louis, with my husband of 2 years.

Stalk Links



Giveaway


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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Blog Tour Stop: Fading by E.K. Blair




Synopsis
Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered. 

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens. 

At what point do secrets become lies?

(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.

My Take
Fading is the story of Candace Parker, a college dance major who's entering her last year of college. She dreams of winning a coveted solo performance in the spring show, so that she can then pursue her dream of dancing professionally. Her relationship with her parents is strained, at best, as they continue to refuse to support her career choice. Fortunately, Candace has two incredible best friends in her roommate Kimber and her number one confidant, Jase, and she can't wait to spend her last year at the University of Washington with them. 

Candace's world comes crashing down late one night when she's attacked, assaulted, and violently raped after a fraternity party. She's taken to the hospital, and will only allow the nurse to call Jase, no one else. She holes up at his place for a while, effectively shutting everyone else out of her life as she can't bear them to find out what happened to her. She spends all of her time with Jase and his boyfriend, Mark. She is withdrawn, and refuses to let anyone else in. 

It's not long before she's introduced to Ryan Campbell, a friend of Jase's and Mark's. Ryan is immediately drawn to Candace, and she hesitantly returns the interest. It's been so long since she's really allowed herself to feel, and she's terrified to let Ryan all the way in. 

Will Ryan be able to break through her defenses and show her that she's worthy of love, or will the attack continue to haunt her, not allowing her to trust or to love?
****
Fading was a very difficult, emotional read that I know will be on my mind for days. Reading the graphic details of Candace's attack devastated me and ripped my heart out. I was a sobbing mess, and E.K. Blair wrote it in such a way that I felt like I was there, like some sick voyeur on the sidelines desperate to break through and save her, but I couldn't get past the invisible wall that was holding me back. 

Watching Candace deal with her PTSD as she shut everyone out was equally as hard. In any other case, her actions could be seen as frustrating, but it's written in a way that you can empathize with Candace even if you wish she'd make different choices. No one knows how they'd deal with a situation like this, so we really can't judge. All I know is that this girl had me in tears over and over again. 

Ryan was incredible. His patience, love, and understanding with Candace were breathtaking. He was her savior, just as much as she was his. I loved their relationship, but I would've liked to have seen a little more relationship development rather than having Candace recall things that they did. I would have liked to have seen those scenes. Regardless, I connected with these two completely and I can't wait to see where they go in the future. 

Jase and Mark were amazing side characters. I could read a whole book just about them. They're played in integral role in Candace's healing, and they also added some much needed light-hearted humor in what was a very emotional, highly charged book.  

For a debut novel, I am very impressed with E.K. Blair's writing and storytelling. I will definitely continue to read more of her work. I cannot wait for the second book to come out. Ryan's POV may just break my heart even more. 

Cast

Side Cast

Book Trailer

Fading by E.K. Blair book trailer from Novel Idea Inc. on Vimeo.

Author Social Media Links
            Twitter: @EK_Blair_Author


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Saturday, June 22, 2013

Review & Giveaway: A Beautiful Lie by T.E. Sivec

A Beautiful Lie (Playing With Fire, #1)A Beautiful Lie by T.E. Sivec
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, this book...

description

Garrett McCarthy, Annabelle Parker, and Milo Roberts were as close as friends could get. They shared in each other's joy during graduations, promotions, and engagements. They consoled one another through heartache and loss.

Something goes terribly wrong and Milo ends up dead while on mission as a Navy Seal. It becomes apparent that Milo's death was not an accident, and circumstances lead to Garrett and Anna heading to the Dominican Republic with a Seal Team to uncover what really happened to Milo.

Tara Sivec blew my mind with this story. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, I was proven wrong. Up was down, down was up. If I thought we were turning left, we'd make an abrupt right turn. I was constantly on edge wondering what was going to happen next. The twists and turns in this story gave me whiplash, but I loved every minute of it.

description

Garrett and Anna were ON FIRE. Their encounters left my toes curling. They should be in the Guinness Book of World Records for 'Most Incredible Foreplay.' I was dying for them to succumb to their attraction and finally do the deed, but the wait was well worth it! I felt like one of those weirdos standing outside the King's chambers in the Middle Ages waiting for the royal couple to consummate their marriage. I was that into it! (Yes, I can be slightly creepy)

Will you be able to touch me like you've done a thousand times before, pretend that you know the spot on my neck that makes me sigh and where to graze your fingertips to make me moan?

description

I loved this book. There was suspense, romance, mind blowing sexual scenes, and even a bit of humor.

I can't wait for Brady's story. I loved him as a supporting character in this book and can only imagine how awesome he'll be as the leading man. Especially since he knocked sense into Garrett when he needed it! You have got to be the dumbest fuck in the entire world.
:D

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Friday, June 21, 2013

Blog Tour Stop and Giveaway: Consequences by Aleatha Romig





Book Synopsis 
Besieged by memories of a brutal abduction, Claire Nichols wakes in an unfamiliar bedroom, within a luxurious mansion. Her recollections have one common denominator, the man she just met, Anthony Rawlings. 

Unbeknownst to Claire, for a very long time, she has been within Anthony’s sights. Many of the pivotal events in her life occurred, due to his sinister manipulation. Every action has a consequence, and his actions result in their chance meeting.

More than a psychological thriller, Consequences is a vivid story of one woman’s struggle to survive incomprehensible circumstances. Every aspect of her being suddenly depends upon the tall, wealthy, dark haired, dark eyed businessman. Anthony Rawlings is known to the world as prosperous, benevolent, and kind. Claire quickly learns that he can also be a menacing controlling captor.

With few options but concession, Claire attempts to earn her freedom, while enduring a hellish existence that truly appears perfect. Persevering tests and trials, she struggles to retain her pure Midwest values and beliefs. Encouraged by memories of a loving upbringing, she gains strength in the simplest of joys: solitude in nature and good in the face of evil.

His goal in sight, Anthony’s calculated agenda encounters an unforeseen detour. He becomes captivated by Claire’s beauty, resilience, and determination. The interaction of these two compelling characters instigates strong emotions: fear, anger, love, and lust. Claire and Anthony’s tumultuous journey flows into uncharted waters of intrigue and passion.

Utilizing vivid detail, this 167,000-word novel unfolds like a movie, before the eyes of its readers. From the opening criminal abduction, through twists and turns, to the unlikely romantic thrills, the suspense climaxes as Anthony’s motivation becomes evident.

Anthony and Claire must decide if they will stay true to one another, or allow preceding actions to result in justifiable Consequences.

My Take
Note to Self: Never sign a cocktail napkin. Ever. 

This story begins in your face with a beaten Claire Nichols waking up in a strange room in the home of a strange man. How did she get there?

Claire, an out of work meteorologist, pays her bills by bartending at a local restaurant. One night she meets a handsome, mysterious man who coaxes her into having a drink with him. 
As Claire is forced to stay with Anthony until her debt is paid, their relationship continues to evolve and change constantly, in such ways that pull the reader in such conflicting directions that you can't possibly know which way to go.
*****
This book took me on one crazy rollercoaster of a ride. I found myself feeling a myriad of emotions ranging from horror, absolute anger, frustration, shock, and disgust, to hesitant pleasure and utter confliction about the happiness I was feeling.

It's seriously hard to form the words to actually say that I liked this book, but in all reality, I absolutely loved it. Ms. Romig does an incredible job weaving a twisted tale that keeps the readers of their toes while questioning everything. I went from a broken heart, to my heart being fully healed only for it to be broken, torn out, and stomped on again. I was an emotional mess reading this!

Claire- My heart utterly broke for her as she endured the emotional and physical abuses that Anthony inflicted upon her. Her strength and determination not to be broken made her an admirable character. At the same time, her ranging emotions for Tony became frustrating, but I can't blame her because I was feeling the same things!

I cannot put into words how I feel about Anthony Rawlings at the end of Consequences. One one hand I feel intense loathing for him, but on the other hand, I truly believe he cares for Claire and has a dark, hidden past that has made him this way. He's as cold, calculating, and cruel as he is caring, charming, and loving. This makes the mindgame so much harder because Claire, and the reader, never knows which Tony she's going to get.

This book was dark, twisted, and it blew me away. It was psychologically gripping, thrilling, and I cannot wait to see how this series plays out!




DreamCast

Playlist




Author Bio
 Aleatha Romig voted #1 "New Author to Read" on Goodreads, July 2012 through now! She is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writer's of America.
She has lived most of her life in Indiana, growing-up in Mishawaka, graduating from Indiana University, and currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her husband of twenty six years, they've raised three children. She works days as a dental hygienist and enjoys spending her nights writing. She also likes to spend time with her family, friends and patients. Her pastimes include exercising, reading and writing. 

Aleatha enjoys traveling, especially when there is a beach involved. In 2011 she had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia to visit her daughter studying at the University of Wollongong. Her dream is to travel to places in her novels and around the world. CONSEQUENCES, her first novel was released in August 2011 and has sold over 20,000 copies. TRUTH, the sequel was released October 2012 and has surpassed 10,000 copies in less than 3 months!



Aleatha originally published through self publisher Xlibris a subsidiarity of Author's Solution/ Penguin Publishing. In October of 2012 she re-published on her own, a true Indie Author. Later that month she published Truth through Romig Works. Aleatha is happy to be represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.


Author Links 



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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Cover Reveal: Escaping Me by Elizabeth Lee

I am sooooo excited for this cover reveal. I was a very lucky girl to have been able to beta read this book! It's AMAZING, incredible, sexy, and I just loved every bit of it! Without further ado, here's the cover!


Synopsis
All she wanted to do was forget. Forget the memory of walking in on her boyfriend in the middle of, well, another girl. Forget how she had her entire life planned out. And, forget about being perfect all the time. Unfortunately, she was Whitney Vandaveer and despite the fact that she moved to the middle of nowhere—she couldn't.

He always knew he would never be more than nothing. No job, no money, no future. Cole Pritchett had accepted the fact that he would always be the screw up and he was okay with it. Until he met her.

Here's the thing they quickly found out—sometimes we all need a little help escaping who we think we are.

The Lovely Elizabeth Lee

When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand. Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination! Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!




Links




Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Blog Tour Stop: Beside Your Heart by Mary Whitney


Title: Beside Your Heart
Author: Mary Whitney
Genre: New Adult Romance
Publish Date: June 17, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Literature Lovers


Synopsis
Late one night Nicki Johnson plays with emotional fire and Googles her high school love, only to find his name splashed across the British gossip columns. Back in his native England, Adam Kincaid is successful and dating a woman from an aristocratic family like his own. With a career in politics, Nicki’s no slouch, but she knows Adam is living a world away from her life. Yet there was a time he was no farther than the next locker. Nicki will never forget their year together in high school—the year of her sister’s death, the year her mother checked out. Adam helped Nicki through suffocating grief, and she led him through a coming of age. Was it just high school, or was it something more? 

Teaser

My Take
We begin Beside Your Heart with Nicki Johnson being reminded of her first love when she comes across someone with his same name on the Illinois voters list. She decides to Google him to see where he is in the world. That coupled with her best friend Lisa's story of running into him sends her back to the past, back to the place where she and Adam fell in love, and to the place where she lost her first love.

We flash back five years where Nicki is mourning the loss of her younger sister, Lauren. She's also crushing on sexy, swoon-worthy Adam Kincaid, the British soccer star who just so happens to  be her locker neighbor. Left with scars from the car accident that stole her sister from her, Nicki's broken and lost. Adam is immediately drawn to her, and over time pries his way into her heart. Although Nicki is initially hesitant to start anything with him, he quickly wears her down, and they fall into an easy, playful, sexy relationship. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking, as Adam's family is moving back to England at the end of the school year, and neither of them know what this means for them
****
Beside Your Heart took me by surprise as I did not realize that it was going to be a series. The majority of this book is placed in the past, giving us the full story of the first chapter in Nicki and Adam's story. I was expecting more of them in the future, but looking back, I think it was important for us to get the whole picture  of their falling in love, and this book definitely delivered.

This book had a good mix of sweet romance, angst, and steam. I definitely felt both of their emotions and may have teared up a few times (I won't admit it!). I loved both Adam and Nicki, and I was rooting for them the entire time. At first, I felt like their love came a little too quickly, but I remember being 17 and falling in love for the first time. When you're a teenager, it really doesn't take long. So, in retrospect, I'm okay with the progression of their relationship. I cannot wait for the second book to come out so that I can read the continuation of their story. I need to know what happens and where they end up. 

Playlist



Author Bio 

Even before she graduated from law school, Mary knew she wasn't cut out to be a real lawyer. Drawn to politics, she's spent her career as an organizer, lobbyist, and nonprofit executive. Nothing piques her interest more than a good political scandal or romance, and when she stumbled upon writing, she put the two together. A born Midwesterner, naturalized Texan, and transient resident of Washington, D.C., Mary now lives in Northern California with her two daughters and real lawyer husband. 



Social Media 
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Monday, June 17, 2013

Blog Tour Stop: Before Now by Cheryl McIntyre




*This is a New Adult novel. Recommended for 17+ due to sexual situations, harsh language, and drug and alcohol use.


Blurb
Park Reed is a bastard in every sense of the word. He hasn't always been this way. But after his heart was broken by the only girl he ever loved, being heartless gets him through the day and allows him to fill his nights with the nameless girls he has no intentions of seeing again. He now lives his life following his ever-growing list of “life lessons.”

Lucy Braden is everything Park is not. She’s sweet, caring, and an all-around nice person. She tries to follow Lucy's Rules to Live By every day.

When Park moves in with Jessie, which happens to be the floor below Lucy, Jessie's one stipulation: Lucy is off limits to Park. The problem with that is Lucy is determined to be a good friend to Park and see past the drinking and random girls to find the man beneath it all. The other problem: Park follows his own rules. 

Before Now is a companion novel to Sometimes Never, and many of its characters are in Park’s story. However, it can be read as a stand-alone book.


My Take

I want to preface this review by saying that I have not read Sometimes Never, therefore I was meeting Park & the gang with completely fresh eyes. I also apologize in advance for this review. It's going to be all over the place because I am having a hard time putting into words how much I love this book.

Before Now is the story of Park & Lucy, and is told in dual POV (if you know me, you know I LOVE dual  POV).



Park Reed is the ultimate, sexy, bad boy rocker. He's tall, dark, and devastatingly hot with tattoos. He's also broken, on a self-destructive path as he tries to escape his path, using booze and one night stands to forget the pain. He sets up "Life Lessons" which he intends to use to keep from ever having his heart broken, and from ever allowing anyone to get close. 

Life Lesson #4: Do not-under any circumstances-fall in love. 

Lucy Braden is the blonde girl next door optimist who grew up in foster care and was eventually adopted by a great family. Although she's also had her share of pain in the past, she overcomes it and has a positive, beautiful outlook on life. Lucy has her own set of rules, very different than Park's. 

Life Lesson #4: Love whole-heartedly. 

When Park moves into an apartment with his friend Jessie, he's greeting by a playful Lucy accidentally shooting him in the face with a water gun, intended for Jessie. Their attraction is instant, as is Jessie's warning for Park to stay away from her. 

Lucy immediately sees that Park needs a friend, someone to be there, but he's extremely resistant to her advances. Unfortunately for Park, Lucy's pretty damn persistent. He tries and tries to fight their undeniable chemistry and attraction, but it's not long before he can give in. 



Park's past then shows up, causing him to go back to his self-destructing ways, hurting Lucy and himself in the process. 
*****
I'm going to try to hold back from breaking into the ultimate gushfest, but I have to tell you--I 100% abso-freaking-lutely loved this book! Park and Lucy are one of my new favorite couples. When I finished the last page, I had a huge, goofy grin on my face and I could not stop smiling. Seriously, in love with this book.


Park... you just couldn't help but love Park. He's damaged, sexy, and a bad boy who's hiding a kind heart. He's ranking very, very high on my book boyfriend list. 

Lucy was exactly what Park needed, and vice versa. She does not change Park, she has no intention to. She simply helps draw out his amazing qualities while helping heal the damage that his past created. Their relationship had me laughing, crying, and wanting to throw my Kindle. 

Okay, I'm going to stop gushing now. Go read this book and love it! Ms. McIntyre, you have a new fangirl for life. I hope it doesn't freak out out when I say


Favorite Quotes

You're all puppy paws and kitten whiskers. You're too damn good and I don't know what to do with that.


I don't know what it is about him that draws me in. He's an ass. He's arrogant. He's a slut. He's also breathtakingly gorgeous and the way he looks at me makes my body react without permission or apology.

I can't give up on you. I don't know how and that gives you all the power over me. The power to hurt me again and again.

You and me, Lucy, we're like a fire: Hot and unpredictable, scary and mesmerizing all at once. We started with a spark and before I knew it, I was consumed. I love the way you burn me up from the inside out." 

We merge like two flames, fast and out of control. Because sometime that's just how love works. we may smoulder, we may blaze, we may rage without reason. But it's always beautiful.

*****

Cheryl’s Goodreads Author Page:
Cheryl’s Website:
Cheryl’s Facebook page:
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Blog Tour Stop & Giveaway: Luck of Love by Ashley Poch and Tiffany Aleman





Synopsis
Blake Riley thought she could leave her traumatic past behind when she left for college. Starting a new life and moving forward never sounded so good. Living carefree with her best friend in Ocean City New Jersey gave her the freedom she had always hoped for. 

But sometimes life isn’t so carefree.

When Blake finds herself torn between the affections of two men, emotions that have been buried for years will be exposed. Derrick, a powerful CEO of a popular casino resort, instantly captivates her. Being drawn into his domineering passion, she bares herself to him in a way she least expected. With Landon, a successful attorney, she can be someone new; someone free from her haunting past. Each man evokes a different side of Blake. As both relationships grow stronger, walls will slowly begin to crack.

What will happen when the past slowly creeps its way into the present?

With two worlds filled with secrets and lies, it’s only a matter of time before they crash and truths are revealed.

My Take

I'm going to keep this short & simple because my mind is still reeling from that cliffhanger! FYI, my review could be slightly spoilery, so proceed with caution. 
***************
Luck of Love, while frustrating at times, was quite an enjoyable book. While this book is set-up to be a love triangle, I had a hard time buying it. Derrick and Blake have a true
connection, and amazing chemistry. I loved them together, and for over half of the book Derrick's the main 
player. The relationship with Landon and Blake didn't develop enough for me to believe that there could be 
a true triangle, nor did I really buy Landon's feelings. My heart was 100% with Derrick the whole time, and Blake's actions just did not make sense to me, and to be honest, it made me pretty angry. However, the authors did a great job with the resolution to what she did- one that made me very happy. And thinking back on it, Blake has little to no relationship experience, so she was pretty overwhelmed by the two guys. In restrospect, I can be sympathetic, but I still wanted to shake the girl!

There is a crazy cliffhanger ending that nearly broke my heart. I'm dying for Luck and Faith, and will be 
reading it as soon as it comes out.


Dream Cast


Excerpt
Answering her the only way I know how, I slam my mouth to hers.  Within seconds, one of my hands threads through her hair as the other pulls her into me.  Grabbing my shirt and balling it into fists, she pulls me down the hallway.

Shoving me up against the wall, my hands leave her hair grabbing her ass and lifting her up.  Her legs wrap around me as I spin, crushing her to the wall.  Pressing against her and lifting her higher, a low growl escapes me when her hands tug on my hair.  Nipping at her bottom lip, I pull back with hooded eyes and panting I say, “I want you—now. Room?”  Pointing in the direction of her room, my tongue plunges in her mouth, her arms bind around my neck as I carry her to her room.

Turning the knob and shoving the door open, we walk through, and I kick it closed behind me.  Laying her down on the bed and hovering above her while bearing my weight on my forearms, Blake’s fingers snake up in my hair pulling and tugging.  Our tongues dance together in a wild passionate tango.  Pulling back my arm, my hand glides down her thigh lifting her leg and hitching it around my waist.  Raising my head, I pin her with my gaze—watching her lose control.  With a slow, powerful and controlled thrust, I rub the bulge in my pants across her core showing her just how much I want her.  Blake’s head drops back as her back arches, pushing her breasts up.  A deep growl escapes me as I thrust again.  Leaning my head down meeting the hollow in her neck, I draw a straight line with the tip of my tongue reaching her ear, moaning low in her throat she says breathlessly, “Ahh…Landon…oh…my…God,”


Sucking her lobe into my mouth biting it gently, I whisper, “I know you want me Blake.  Your body trembling beneath me proves it.  How much do you want me?” I ask, thrusting faster, gliding my covered dick against her.  Crying out loudly this time, I ask her, “Have you been waiting, wanting to see what I’d feel like pressed up against you, with my dick against your clit like this?  I can read your body Blake, and how it cries out for me.  God baby, I want you.” I can feel the throbbing of her core through her pants as I grind my dick against her in a swirling motion.  I make my way down her neck kissing, licking, nipping and sucking all the way down to her collarbone. 

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About Tiffany
I am 27 years old, with a wonderful family. My husband is in the Army, and we have two wonderful children. Ashley and I have been best of friends since we were 13. I recently graduated from South University with my Associate's Degree as a Paralegal. I enjoy listening to music, playing with my kids, and going to the beach, and anything that has to do with the outdoors pretty much.
I’ve always liked to write, but never really had an interest in reading until the summer of 2012. I am so excited to be taking my writing journey with Ashley, and we cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on Luck of Love, which is the first installment in the Luck Series. I have many authors that I consider my favorite so I’ll just name a few: E.L. James, SC Stephens, Molly McAdams, Rebecca Donovan, K.A Linde, Marie Coulson, and S.H. Kolee. 

About Ashley
Ashley grew up in Texas but now has joined her husband to reside in North Dakota. She is a military wife and mother to two adorable children. She’s always wanted to travel having grown up in a small town. Her interest in reading sparked last summer and now she’s a lost cause without her e-reader. Since she loves to travel, the places she gets to go in her fictional books are what any girl could ask for. 

When Ashley isn’t glued to her computer you can find her outdoors either playing with her children or relaxing and enjoying the sun reading a good romance novel.

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