Thursday, April 24, 2014

HOT NEW RELEASE ~ Because of Kian by Sibylla Matilde

Because of Kian by Sibylla Matilde
 
This is an adult contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
 (Four and a half Bondage Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
I know I’m twisted. Growing up in a perfectly well-adjusted home, I don’t really have an excuse. But no matter… I realize how messed up I am. And therapy can only do so much.

I pushed my boyfriend to violence, a violence he couldn't control. Sickly, I almost liked it. So I pushed him more. Before long, the pain outweighed the pleasure and the loss I sustained shattered me. So I ran. I’m now a bit shell-shocked harboring a lot of guilt. My boyfriend is now my ex and wants revenge. He wants me to pay for turning him into the monster he’s become. And I still have a deviant yearning that I don’t understand. My own monster inside… my own demon to battle.

I can’t get close to anyone. I can’t give in and scratch that itch. I can’t wreck someone else.

And now there is Kian… my rescuer on a dark, painful night. He sees through my pretense. He tries to pull me from my frightened isolation, to keep me from becoming a victim. He forces me to face my warped desires and shows me that pain doesn’t really have to truly hurt.

He wants to show me a way to serenity. But I am afraid… Will I ruin a good man?


***** Mature Content, Abuse, Sexual Situations, Adult Situations, Strong Language *****
  
 
My Review
 
No one lives a charmed life. Hell, tons of books are written about the rich and famous who aren’t happy in their current lives. Fiction, as we all knows, stems from bits of truths.
What this author brings to the table are stories about real people. Not the top one percent. We get the gritty lives of people who could be your next door neighbor. I really like that. I also love that the heroes of the stories are strong yet not invincible. They aren’t billionaires but they can certain take care of a woman financially, emotionally, and physically.
This particular story is at the core a story of abuse and how to overcome the shame of it. It isn’t the same scenario we’ve seen before either. Its got a twist that makes it that much more interesting.
If you like contemporary romance with a bit of grit, pick this one up.
My book boyfriend is Kian.



View all my reviews

*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The Burning Star by Jessie Lane

If you love fantasy, the paranormal, romance and twisty-turny stories featuring two young women in the fight of their lives then we have the book for you! Pick up Jessie Lane’s THE BURNING STAR, available now, and we have a special excerpt from the book to whet your appetite! Learn more below and be sure to enter the author’s amazing giveaway while you’re at it!


The Burning Star by Jessie Lane Re-Release Date: March 23, 2014 Original Publication: May 23, 2012 Links: Website | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page Hosted by: Author's Taproom
*This book is a re-release and revision from the original book. Please be aware that some things have been added, deleted or changed.*
Kay’s journey of a lifetime started in the woods outside of Asheville, North Carolina. It was there that the 17 year old met a beautiful man along with a monster. The chance encounter led her to an unbelievable world that shouldn’t exist; a place where myths and fairy tales were real, and in some cases, deadly. Kay knew she would have to brave this new world if she hoped to find a cure for her terminal cancer.

With a strange yet beautiful cast of characters that she would meet along the way, Kay uncovered truths that would change her life forever. However, before it was all over, it would become clear that Kay wasn’t the only one with problems.
Yet another 17 year old young woman was fighting for her freedom and her life.Kira had lived in a magical world that Kay had only dreamt of. Despite this, her life had not been filled with many good things. As a matter of fact, she considered her empty, emotional solitude the only positive aspect of her life. She fought daily battles to escape abuse and torture.
Trained to be an expert assassin, she was charged with kidnapping Kay and delivering her to Kira’s master, Lord Donovan.
As the two young women set forth in their journeys, their paths would cross in unimaginable ways. The only question that would remain was who would come out alive and whole in the end?

WARNING: This is a upper ya/young adult/new adult fictional story that includes some explicit language, graphic violence, and mild sexual situations. Recommended for ages sixteen and up.




I stood there frozen, knowing that I would probably die because of this wretched creature, when all of a sudden I saw the quick movement of an arm bringing down the point of the knife, slicing towards the large creature’s skull. The animal’s enraged screams ripped through the woods surrounding us. My brain tried to analyze what was happening before me as I stood still as a statue and watched as the monster started to crumble away like something that had been burnt from the inside out and then fell apart. This can’t be real. I looked up from the ashes into the face of an angel. He’s not an angel; he’s just a guy. Right? He was staring at me as if he had just seen me sprout a second head. I was staring back at him like he was somehow related to those alien birds outside my window. My mouth flapped open to scream again, but before a sound could escape, the world faded to black, and I fainted. At least I didn’t scream again. When I opened my eyes, two ethereal blue eyes were staring back at me. My head was throbbing like a bass drum in a marching band, and it felt like my head might split in two from the pounding headache. “Are you okay?” he asked me, his voice strong but sweet. Before I could stop my mouth from saying anything ridiculous, I replied, “Are you an angel? Did I finally die and go to Heaven?” He bellowed a laugh while I blushed a shade that was more than likely lobster red. I smacked myself in the forehead and tried to hide my face behind my hand. What a brilliant way to make a first impression on an extremely hot guy. That’s when it hit me. The past few moments of events flooded my brain again and I started to panic. “Wait a minute! What was that thing and how in the world did it just, just—” “The dog? I had to cut it with my knife to scare it away. It wasn’t a mortal wound though. He took off through the woods to escape. Sorry if you’re one of those animal lovers, but I was afraid it might kill one of us.” I shook my head to try to clear it. “No, no, no, no. That was no dog. Well, it was at first, but then it became something else. It was black and huge and had those red eyes…” Before I finished my sentence, I looked up at him to see complete shock and amazement on his face. I had never seen anyone look so bewildered. “Don’t look at me like that! I know what I saw! Now what was that thing and what happened to it? It didn’t run off; I saw you kill it. And I would point to the body to prove it, but it, well, it fell apart or something.” In a split second, the shock had disappeared from his handsome face, replaced by something more masked and calculating. “I’m sorry, but you’re quite mistaken. I didn’t kill it. I only wounded it. And it was a dog. Are you sure you didn’t hit your head or something? I’m afraid you might be having some kind of hallucination.” Somehow, when he said it, it didn’t seem as scary or grotesque as it did when I played what I saw back in my head.



Crystal and Melissa often live half their lives with their heads in the clouds dreaming of alpha military hunks, werewolves and kick ass heroines crazy enough to chase after creatures that they unquestionably should know better than to chase. Their first YA novel, The Burning Star, was released in May 2012. Big Bad Bite is their second novel, but their first adult paranormal romance. They are now working on their next two novels, Walk On The Striped Side and Secret Maneuvers. With these projects underway, they are looking forward to showing the rest of the world their crazy stories, heroes and heroines that often plague their minds until written, and hope you will join them on their journey!


Blog Tour Giveaway: (USA Only Giveaway due to shipping!)

  1. 1 Signed Paperback of The Burning Star by Jessie Lane
  2. 17 Signed Paperbacks:
  • Shelly Crane: Significance, Accordance, Defiance, Reverence, Independence
  • Helen Boswell: Mythology, Mythology Wicked
  • Quinn Loftis: Elfin, Prince of Wolves
  • Heather Hildenbrand: Dirty Blood, Cold Blood
  • Alivia Anders: Illumine
  • Carrie Butler: Strength, Courage
  • Alyssa Rose Ivy: Flight
  • Erica Stevens: Kindred, Ashes


Tour Schedule:
April 1:
Rather barefoot than bookless - Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 2:
April 3:
Reading Between the Wines - Author Interview
April 4:
Turn the Page – Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 6:
I Read Indie - Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 7:
Reading in Pajamas – Character Interview
Renee Entress's Blog - Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 8:
Little Read Riding Hood – Author Guest Post
April 9:
Belle's Book Bag – Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 10: 
Fictional Candy – Playlist
April 11: 
The Romanceaholic – Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 12:
Rustys Reading – Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 13:
Paulette's Papers - Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 14:
Wicked Readings by Tawania – Spotlight w/Excerpt
We Stole Your Book Boyfriend - Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 15:
RhiReading – Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 16: 
April 17:
The Book Harlots - http://www.thebookharlots.blogspot.com – Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 18:
Kats Read – Author Guest Post
Confessions of 2 Book Lovers - Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 19:
Romancebookworm's Reviews – Spotlight w/Excerpt
April 20:
April 21:
A Novel Review - Dreamcast
April 22:
random jendsmit – Spotlight w/Excerpt
Twinsie Talk Book Reviews - Spotlight w/Excerpt





Thursday, April 17, 2014

Grace Street ~ Sizzling Hot ~ by Ella Dominguez

 
Book Blurb...
 
Warning: This is neither a conventional romance nor a traditional love story. There are no hearts and flowers on the pages of this book. The heroine doesn't always make wise choices and though I've tried to make her strong, she's often times weak in the face of the fierce hero. The hero is not a knight in a shining armor. He's broken and frequently cruel, and what every woman in the real world should avoid. What's contained in this book isn't real - it's fiction; dark, depraved and decadent make-believe. Contains erotic elements including voyeurism, oral, anal, and uncomfortable situations. If you're down with that, then by all means... read on.

Obsession, possession, resilience, insanity...

Seeking solitude and reprieve from her past failed relationships, Elsa begins her life anew in Richmond, hoping to find the change that she so desperately needs. Things are looking up for her, a new job, new friends... a fresh start.

But Victor has different plans for her. From the moment he heard her voice and set his eyes on Elsa, she became next on his to-do list; his Chapter 8. A well-known and respected criminal profiler, his mind is as dark as the people he hunts down. It takes one to know one, after all. Under the guise of making his subjects stronger, he intends to break Elsa down using everything in his arsenal, including pleasure, pain, humiliation, and things unspeakable. Everyone is fair game in his book and he discriminates against no one when he chooses his test subjects.

Lonely, still on the mend from a bad break-up and longing for sexual attention, Elsa consents to an odd proposition, unaware of Victor's plans. However, she can't be broken so easily and what he puts her through only fuels the fire burning within her, a flame that begins to blaze out of control as she becomes obsessed with everything about Victor and peeling back his cruel layers in search of the real man hiding beneath his heartless facade.

In Victor's world, there is no such thing as happily ever after and Chapter 8 proves to be an infuriating challenger when she flips the tables on his selfish and twisted game, a game they both may end up losing their hearts and minds over.
 





 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

I'm a full-time mom, wifey, healthcare worker, and wanna be switch. I was born and raised in a sexually repressed, strict Christian household in the bible belt of the USA. This upbringing and repression contributed to my wicked imagination and writing has been my only outlet for my sexual fantasies. Finally at the ripe and sexually primed age of 40, I mustered up enough courage to share my naughty thoughts and put pen to paper. I sincerely hope to find my niche in writing erotica in all forms, be it romance or paranormal. 

I don't consider myself an author. I consider myself an avid reader above all else, and someone who simply writes the stories that the characters in my head tell me to.
Author Links:
Twitter: @ella_dominguez
 
 
 Sponsored by Author/Publisher

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Review: Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Night Road
by Kristin Hannah


For a mother, life comes down to a series of choices.
To hold on…
To let go..
To forget…
To forgive…
Which road will you take?


For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows--her twins, Mia and Zach, are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.

Jude does everything to keep her kids safe and on track for college. It has always been easy--until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.

On a hot summer’s night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.

NIGHT ROAD is vivid, emotionally complex novel that raises profound questions about motherhood, identity, love, and forgiveness. It is a luminous, heartbreaking novel that captures both the exquisite pain of loss and the stunning power of hope. This is Kristin Hannah at her very best, telling an unforgettable story about the longing for family, the resilience of the human heart, and the courage it takes to forgive the people we love.

 
Hardcover, 385 pages
Published March 22nd 2011 by St. Martin's Press (first published January 1st 2011)



My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Night RoadEvery once in a while you will find a book that touches you so deeply that it feels like it has become part of you. For me, Night Road was one of those books. I finished reading (listening) yesterday, and have not been able to stop thinking about it since. I thought maybe if I wrote my thoughts down I would be able to put it behind me and move on with my life. Here's hoping.

First off, this was my first Kristin Hannah book. If all of her books are like Night Road, I am going to be reading them all. The writing was amazing; the story was compelling but heartbreaking. One of my favorite things about the story was Lexi and Zach's relationship. It was a sweet, slow building love that simmered for years before finally bursting into flames. It is the kind of love that little girls dream of and mothers hope for their children someday. Throughout the entire book I was rooting for them, even though it seemed hopeless. Their love for each other was strong, but life and bad choices – even if they were for the right reasons – got in their way.

As for the characters:
Lexi – She had an amazing heart. From the very first page I knew I would love her. She had a rough life with a drug addicted mother and foster home after foster home. All she wanted out of life was for someone to love her and someplace to belong. Throughout the story she always tried to do the right thing, but it seemed like no matter what she did someone always got hurt. My heart really hurt for her as she struggled with her choices, conscious, and emotions. Lexi did make mistakes – a lot of them – but she was young and naive, and she believed that good would always win out in the end. She saw the world as black and white, right and wrong, and always did what she knew was right in her heart.

Mia – She was so much fun. She was such a great friend to Lexi and loved unconditionally. She saw the good in people and the good in life. Awkward and shy, anyone who gave Mia a chance would have no choice but to fall in love with her.

Zach – I had a love/hate relationship with Zach. Like Lexi, he was young and made mistakes. His biggest mistake was letting his mother run his life. He loved her and wanted to make her happy, but his own happiness that suffered because of it. Many, many times in this book I wanted to just YELL at him to stop being such a coward and stand up for what he wanted – for what he KNEW was right!! He let his mother hurt Lexi over and over because he was afraid to stand up to her and fight for his love. I hated him for that. But I loved him for the way he loved Lexi.

Jude – I had a love/hate relationship with Jude as well. She tried to be the perfect mother, but her drive for perfection, to give her children everything she had not had growing up, drove her to be overbearing and nearsighted. Her children loved her and would do anything to make her happy. Anything. That was her downfall – not listening to them and letting them live their own lives. As a mother, I completely understood her feelings and reasonings throughout the story, both the good and the bad. But she made bad choices as well, all in the name of love.

Just a warning, you will cry when reading this story – and when I saw cry I mean bawl like a baby. If you don't, you must be heartless. So, with that in mind, don't read in public (or anyplace people are going to be asking you over and over if you are okay), wear waterproof mascara, and have a box of tissues (or two) close at hand. There is so much emotion infused into this story, it's amazing to me the way the author used her words to weave this story so perfectly together. Part of me wishes this book was part of a series and we could see these characters in the future, but the other part of me is glad the story ended where it did and left the future to my imagination. It ended well and left a lasting impression.

Audio Review: The narrator of this book did an excellent job. She was the perfect Lexi. She had voice infections and emotions down perfectly. I'm not sure this story would have had quite the impact it did had I been reading it instead of listening to it. In my mind I could picture Lexi speaking, and it really helped bring the story to life. She also used a variety of vocal intonations for different characters, not necessarily trying to be the character but enough to show a different speaking style. It was enjoyable to listen to.


View all my reviews




 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Not a conventional romance ~ DIRTY NIGHTS by Emerson St. Clair aka A.M. Hargrove

 
Book Blurb...
 
This is a Part One of a three part contemporary erotic romance novella series. Part two will be released on April 15.

If you like your romances light and sweet, this is NOT for you. If you DON'T like your romances tough, gritty, this is NOT for you. Just sayin...
Skylina...
Her story is not pretty. Discarded like trash by her father. Forced into prostitution by her mother. Used and abused, she learns to cope. And survives. Because she has to. What other choice is there?

Ryder...
His story is every bit as ugly. Beaten and left for dead. A star whose light was extinguished long before it should have been. Now a he’s drug addict, wrestling with the demons that try to destroy him.

Their paths should never have crossed. But they did. Will they be able to keep their dark and shameful secrets hidden from each other?
 
Amazon
B&N 
Smashwords
 
 
 
Book Blurb...
 

Dirty Nights Part Two will be released on April 15.
 

This is the second installment of a three part erotic romance novella series. Part Three will be released April 22. 

Two broken people... Extraordinary circumstances... Pasts that could tear them apart.
Ryder…
There’s only one thing I want now. Skylina. She’s under my skin. In all of my thoughts. And she’s a hooker. What the hell am I supposed to do with that?
Skylina...
He’s everything I could ever want in a man.  I’m everything he doesn’t need in a woman. If he ever finds out the truth, he’ll run. And I won’t chase him. I can’t. And he can never know why.
Will Ryder accept Skylina the way she is and will Skylina take the steps to get her get her life in order so she can move forward with Ryder? Or will her life as a prostitute shatter her chance at happiness with him? 

**Warning—explicit sexual content**


 
 
 
Book Blurb....
 

Dirty Nights Part Three will be released April 22
 

This is the final installment of a three part series. If you read the first two, you should know that this series is not a lighthearted romance. It is tough and gritty, filled with difficult subject matter. 
 

Secrets. Lies. Truths that wouldn’t stay buried. 
 

Ryder...
 

She came clean with me. I chose to stay. But I never trusted her with my own past. There are still lies between us. And she’ll hate me if she ever finds out. 

 
Skylina...
 

He loves me despite my ugly past. But will that love be crushed under the weight of his family’s rejection? Was fate really doom in disguise? 
 

**Warning—explicit sexual content**

 

 
 
More about the author
 
Emerson St. Clair ... A Little Dark, A Little Erotic, A Lot Sexy

I am a lover of all things fiction, particularly dark erotic romance. I find all forms of art to be quite intriguing, but dance and music have always been an inspiration to my writing. I believe there is a hidden talent within each of us, but it takes courage to uncover and explore that talent, whatever it may be. Failure only happens when one stops trying.



 

Thursday, April 03, 2014

YAY! So Excited for Secrets Unveiled (Secrets #2) by Jill Patten

Secrets Unveiled  (Secrets #2) by Jill Patten
 
This is a New Adult contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Fantastic Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
In the second and final installment, Jaxon and Courtney are forced into a world of more secrets. Some have been harbored from within, some are unknown, and some are just forming.

When the truth finally does come out, will their fragile love for one another be strong enough to hold, or will the weight of deceit break the string that tethers their hearts together?
 
 
My Review
 
This is not a pretty story of love. THIS IS REAL. I love that about this book. I’m not into all hearts and flowers kind of stories because they aren’t realistic. (I won't lie. I do love when a guy gives me hearts and flowers, lol)
We have a messed up situation between two people who truly care for each other. And that’s not a spoiler if you read the first book. The question is will this relationship will blossom or self destruct.
The characters are well developed in a way that they come to life off the page. There are times when they make mistakes and I want to yell at them to make different choices. But ultimately, I’m rooting for them to work.
The best thing about this story is all your questions will be answered and resolved. This is an emotional roller coaster. Get ready for the ride.
My book boyfriend Jaxon. (ignore that he's not bald, this is pre-shaved head Jaxon)

 
 
 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Sneak Peek for All Lined Up ~ by Cora Carmack +Excerpt!

OK... FANGIRL MOMENT!!!

I absolutely LOVE Cora Carmack, and her books.  She rocks my world, and therefore I must share the awesomeness of her newest book coming out this year!


Title: All Lined Up (Rusk University, #1)
Author: Cora Carmack
Expected publication: May 13, 2014
Age group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both. 

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.  But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.  Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.  Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.  And neither of them knows how to walk away from the attraction they feel. 

“Laughter + heartache + hot sexual tension = the perfect Cora Carmack book.” - Monica Murphy





Pre-Order Links: 

Amazon , B&N , iTunes

 Add All Lined Up to Your GoodReads Shelf!




About the author:
Photo by Matt Tolbert


Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. 

Connect with Cora Carmack:


EXCERPT!