Thursday, January 30, 2014

Review of Finding Solace by Barbara Speak

Synopsis:

Sadie Warren is a walking contradiction. The confidence she wears on the outside is only to cover the scars that are imbedded on her soul. Coming out of an abusive relationship where she was stripped of her security and confidence, she chooses to bury it under every man she gives her body to. 
After one intoxicated night that she will never remember in its entirety, everything begins to change. Being seen more for her positive attributes and less for her faults, Sadie arises from the dark and into a place she feels safe. But with that comes a chain of events that blur the lines of everything she thought she needed and everything she's beginning to want. 


Will fear keep her from the one thing she believes she desires most or will fate take a turn unexpectedly and change everything? 


Leia's Review: 

There are so many books out there. Truly an inordinate amount of books that center around two specific people and their journey together. And while, on the whole, these are my kind of books – it’s truly refreshing to get something different. 

Yes, Finding Solace has love. But it’s not centered around a particular “couple”. Honestly, this story is about Sadie Warren. Period. This is Sadie’s journey. Her life. And it is absolutely awesome to read about so many of the things that we all experience.

Sadie is in college. She has a wonderful group of friends, a great family and overall a pretty great life. However, after an abusive relationship with her ex, she is (understandably) leery of trusting men. But, when she finds it in her to give someone a chance, it really is a beautiful thing. 

I don’t want to give too much of what happens away, because that would just spoil the book – and it is definitely something that you should experience for yourself. 

Suffice to say that Sadie is lucky enough to fall in love over and over. And you are right there to do it with her. I am not talking about jumping from guy to guy and a bunch of “insta-love” here. I am talking about all different kinds of love. 

You get to feel the slow building, everlasting love of finding a new best friend. 
You get to experience the kind of love that brings you from the person you were to the person you need to be – right when you need it the most. 
And you get to find the most beautiful love. A truly selfless, soul deep kind of love that only happens once in a lifetime. 

I know that everyone has experienced some type of love in their life, so I feel like everyone will be able to relate to this story. 
I will say – there are a few times I just wanted to SMACK Sadie. Shake her shoulders and say “WAKE UP WOMAN!!”. However, when I got to thinking about it, I realized – hindsight is 20/20. And if I was in her shoes, I would be doing a lot of things the same way. 

There is so much…..STORY here. And I know that my review is sparing on the details, but trust me when I say there is a reason for that. Just know that this book is full of life. 

Life isn’t always pretty, but it’s always beautiful in the end. And that’s the best way I can think to describe this book. 

Grab yourself a copy and settle in for lots of laughs, a few tears and a happy heart. 

4.5 Stars

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Cover Reveal and Giveaway for Crashed by K. Bromberg


Synopsis:

When life crashes down around us, how hard are we willing to fight for the one thing we can’t live without, each other?

Life is full of moments.
Big moments.
Little moments.
And none of them are inconsequential.
Every single moment prepares you for that one instance that defines your life. You must overcome all your fears, confront the demons that chase you, and cleanse the poison that clings to your soul or you risk the chance of losing everything.

Mine started the minute Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet. She made me feel. Made me whole when all I thought I could ever be was incomplete. Became the lifeline I never knew I needed. Hell yes, she’s worth the fight…but how do you fight for someone you know you don’t deserve?

Love is full of ups and downs.
Heart stopping highs.
Soul shattering lows.
And none of them are insignificant.
Love is a racecourse of unexpected twists and turns that must be negotiated. You have to break down walls, learn to trust, and heal from your past in order to win. But sometimes it’s the expected that’s the hardest to hold on to.

Colton has healed and completed me, stolen my heart, and made me realize our love’s not predictable nor perfect—it’s bent. And bent’s okay. But when outside factors put our relationship to the test, what lengths will I have to go to prove to him that he’s worth the fight?

Whoever said love is patient and love is kind, never met the two of us.  We know our love is worth it—have acknowledged that we were meant to be—but when our pasts crash into our future, will the repercussions make us stronger or break us apart?



Book 1
Rylee Thomas is used to being in control. But she’s about to meet the one man that just might make her enjoy losing it…

I am the exception to the rule.

In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?


Book 2
What happens when the one person you never expected suddenly happens to be the one you’ll fight the hardest to keep?

Colton stole my heart. He wasn't supposed to, and I sure as hell didn't want him to, but he crashed into my life, ignited feelings within me that I thought had died forever, and fueled a passion that I never knew could exist.

Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet and into my life. Now I don't think I'll ever be the same. She's seen glimpses of the darkness within me, and yet she's still here. Still fighting for me. She is without a doubt the saint, and I am most definitely the sinner.

How is it the one thing neither of us wanted—neither of us anticipated that fateful night—has us fighting so hard to keep?

He steals my breath, stops my heart, and brings me back to life again all in a split second of time. But how can I love a man who won't let me in? Who continually pushes me away to prevent me from seeing the damaged secrets in his past? My heart has fallen, but patience and forgiveness can only go so far.

How can I desire a woman who unnerves me, defies me, and forces me to see that in the deep, black abyss of my soul there's someone worthy of her love? A place and person I swore I'd never be again. Her selfless heart and sexy body deserve so much more than I'll ever be capable of giving her. I know I can't be what she needs, so why can't I just let her go?

We are driven by need and fueled with desire, but is that enough for us to crash into love?






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Release Day Blitz and Giveaway for Ryder by Jani Kay








Title: Scorpions MC Prequel: RYDER

Author: Jani Kay
Release Date:  January 28, 2014

All Jade ever wants is an intelligent, well-mannered, and highly educated man like her daddy. One who has stellar career prospects as he climbs the corporate ladder to success. A good provider who will give her a stable life and a gorgeous house in the right neighborhood. A charmed life. Everything orderly and well balanced. Her perfect match. Isn't that what every woman wants? What she doesn’t want is a smartass, cocky, rough-around-the-edges biker. One who has tattoos and piercings, and looks like a sex god. One who is demanding and controlling. The ultimate alpha male who storms into her life and shakes her to the core. Jade never saw it coming. Ryder is the one man she can’t resist. He shows her what she really needs. Him.

All Ryder wants is inner peace. Freedom from the hatred churning in his gut. Since his mother deserted him, his life has turned to sh*t. He’s killed a man, lost his brother and fought for his survival. All before turning twelve. Saved by Razor and Cobra, sons of the Scorpions, he owes his life and allegiance to them. The Scorpion MC is his only family. One he will serve and protect till his dying breath. What he doesn’t need in his life is a smart mouthed woman who thinks she’s better than him. One who pushes every one of his buttons. One who challenges him to want to be more than a drifter. One who makes him question everything he’s ever known. Ryder never saw it coming. He can’t get Jade out of his head. She shows him what he really wants. Her.
 









Jani has been married for a long time to a special man, and her two children and their partners are the sunshine in her life. She is a voracious reader and would spend her last dollar on a book - always fascinated that for the mere price of a book, she can escape her world for a while and see through someone else's eyes.

Besides reading, her favorite 'thing' is traveling - she has traveled the world, learning about the ways people live and has come to the realization that no matter where we live, we all ultimately want the same things. Her hobby - Scrapbooking - keeps her up till way after midnight and her usual subjects are her family and her travels.

Ever since she can remember, Jani wanted to write stories about people, about their lives and loves. Relationships and Happiness - arguably the most difficult things to master in life and yet exactly what everyone ultimately desires (in her humble opinion).


 


Release Day Blitz for More than Him by Jay McLean



18879990

Book title: More Than Him
Author: Jay McLean
Series: More #3
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Release date: January 28, 2014
Hosted by: Forever Me Romance


"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us." - Marianne Williamson

We live in a world of darkness and shadows,
where monsters hide and aim to ruin.
And they did.
They ruined us and turned our dreams into nightmares.
But now we're back.
And we're fighting.
Not just for us, or for each other, but for our light.






$.99 SPECIAL SALE

More Than This (Book 1)

18285151






More Than Her (Book 2)

19205875






More Than Him (Book 3)

18879990

INSERT PURCHASE LINKS!




 Author of Mature YA / New Adult contemporary novels, MORE THAN THIS, MORE THAN HER, and a soon to be released sequel, MORE THAN HIM. I enjoy reading and writing books that make people laugh, cry and swoon for dreamy book boyfriends. When not doing either of those, I can be found looking after my two little boys, and trying to avoid house work at all costs.




Monday, January 27, 2014

My Sneak Peak into Interview with a Master

His name is Jonah Noble.
This is his story - from his point of view.
His world. His way.
(coming in February 2014)




Ok so I'm very excited that I was able to read a sneak peek into 'Interview with a Master' let me start by saying that in the past I have not been able to read books written this way, a person being interviewed even if it had story has never really pulled me in..... Until I read this one. 
Jason Luke really captures your attention and makes you feel as though you are sitting there watching all of this play out. It's intriguing to say the least, to get into a masters mind. To see the male pov is captivating and sexy and just well....It's freaking erotic as hell. The way Jonah explains his life and how he became the Dominate man that he is, it's just a massive turn on. So ladies be prepared to squirm. I found myself so captivated that I didn't know I was at the end of my sneak peek and the pages were gone. I tried flipping and flipping and it was just over and I NEEDED more. I can honestly say that this book has serious 5 star potential written all over it. So keep your eyes open ladies for this page turning book that takes you inside the mind of a sexy Dominate man, I promise you will not regret it!


Sunday, January 26, 2014

Protective Love by B,J Belden Blog Tour Stop




Protective Love
By B.J Belden


Synopsis
**Due to sexual content, language and violence, this book is only suitable for ages 18 and up**

Everyone has secrets. How far would you go to keep them hidden? What would it take for you to rid yourself of the secret…. to move past it all?

Kayla Williams was stuck in a reoccurring nightmare. The problem was Kayla wasn't dreaming. This really was her life for the past sixteen years. No matter what, she knew she had to keep this secret, from everyone she knew and loved especially her ten brothers and sisters. It was a secret that would break the family apart. Kayla is the middle child of a large family. Kayla found it all too easy to blend into the background. When her twin sisters have a graduation party, Kayla decides to stop by only to tell them congratulations. She had tried to stay away from her family and her family home as much as she could. Kayla loved her family, but it was hard to face them, knowing the awful secret she was hiding. What Kayla didn't know was that going to this party would cause the first domino to fall and trigger the next.

Jason Gold, a dutiful son, was a loner all his life. To Jason, honesty and trust were only a figment of people’s imagination but something he believed in. Jason, a police detective is married to the job. When Jason’s sick mother asks him to attend a party on behalf of her, he meets the one girl that he could not ignore or forget.

Secrets are dangerous…. they can cause bonds to break and hearts to shatter…. Will Kayla survive her hidden secret or will it claim her forever? Will Jason come clean on his secrets or let them tear away the only woman he has cared enough about to pursue?

Review

Dream Cast





Giveaway

Excerpt (Kayla’s Flashback)
Kayla, your brothers are watching you while your dad and I attend this banquet dinner. Your sisters are at Aunt Lucy‟s for the weekend. Keep an eye on things, please. All the boys are together, you know how messy that can get. Jake and Carson should be calling to let us know when they will be home. Can you please write the message down and leave it on the fridge?” my mom said to me.
Jane Williams was a beautiful woman. Many say she could pass for a model even now. I could remember hearing several of my brothers‟ friends saying those words when they met our mom for the first time.
“Yes, ma‟am.” I said rolling my eyes. Nothing I hated more than being told how to do the obvious things. I knew how to answer the phone and take a message, as well as where to put it.
“You‟re sure you don‟t want to go to Aunt Lucy‟s? We could drop you off on our way.”
“Yes, mom. I would rather stay here. I have a project to work on anyway.”
I didn‟t like going to Aunt Lucy‟s. She was a little out there in an odd way, and I much preferred to stay at home when my sisters went over there. They did all the girlie things; I was happier just getting muddy and climbing trees.
“Okay, love you guys! Behave yourselves, boys, and keep an eye on your siste,r please,” Jane yelled as she headed out the door on my father‟s arm.
“Eli, do you have some time to help me with a school project?”
I loved all my siblings, but I had bonded most with Elijah and Jake. They were overprotective but I still loved them.
“Can we work on it tomorrow, Kay? We‟re going to have some friends over and play some pool.”
I forced a smile, trying hard to hide my disappointment at not being able to spend time with my brothers, who were home on break
“Sure,” I said. “I will stay in my room and out of the way.” He hugged me and I headed to my room.
My room was simple. I had a daybed up against one wall. Across from the bed was a built-in entertainment center with shelves for all my favorite books and movies. There was a built-in desk at the far end of my room, and a walk in closet that had more than enough room for all my clothes and shoes. I even had my own bathroom. It wasn‟t huge, but it was big enough for a bathtub/shower, a sink with vanity, and a toilet. I didn‟t have to share it with my brothers or sisters, and that was all I cared about. There was nothing about my room that screamed „girlie;‟ the walls were beige and the carpet was white. The linens were lilac, as were the curtains. I loved my room; it was peaceful, relaxing, and easy to stay focused on my studies. I sat down at my desk and started working on my homework assignment.
Music started playing loudly from downstairs. I slowly made my way to the top of the grand staircase. When I got to the banister, I saw a room full of people. My brothers were hamming it up big time for the girls there. I sighed heavily and shook my head at my brothers‟ actions. Judging by the amount of people and their laughter and music, I knew it was going to be loud for a while. So I made my way back to my room, turned on the radio, put my headphones on and went back to work on the project.
A few hours later, it was late and I was tired, so I decided to call it a night. The music was still going downstairs, so I knew the only way I was going to get any sleep was if I switched to my wireless headphones and wore them to bed. After changing for bed and brushing my teeth, I crawled in bed and fell asleep in no time.
Unsure of how long I was sleeping when my bedroom light came on. I sat up and tried to get my eyes to adjust to the light. Through the blur I thought I saw my brother in the doorway.
“Jeez, Nick! I was sleeping, you know?”
I rubbed my eyes, and when I looked back the door was being locked. It was not my brother after all. Instead it was a man about the height of my brother, with a buzzed head and average frame, though it was apparent that he worked out. He wore a tank top with a vest over it, revealing several tattoos lining his arms and neck. His jeans were baggy and sagged from his waist. He had three piercings - two silver hoops in his ears that that caught the light from my room when he walked, and the other in his lip. He moved closer to me, and I noticed that his eyes were dark - almost black. He walked with the confidence that he owned the world and had a smile on his face that sent chills down my spine.
“Umm, you need to leave my room,” I said, trying to keep the fear from my voice.
“My name is Alex. I am a friend of your brother, Carson. I take it he is not coming home tonight?” His voice was low and had a menacing tone as he spoke.....


Excerpt (Jason’s POV)
I was just walking up to the front of the house when I froze in my spot. Staring at the sight before me, I watched as a woman came running from the house. Her long, brown, curly hair was flying like silk in the wind behind her as she ran. It was like watching her in slow motion.
She was breathtaking. She had perfect opulent curves, not pencil thin like most women these days think they need to be. As she ran, her perfect size breasts were bouncing along. Just looking at her was making my cock stir in my pants. I watched as she made her way down the steps trying to get her shoes off. She was down on the walk, struggling with her other shoe when she started to fall. I ran in to catch her. Her hair fell into her face as I cradled her in my arms.
For the first time in a long time, as I held this woman in my arms, I had a feeling of peace come over me. Something about this woman called to me. She wasn‟t the normal type that I took to bed when I was frustrated. She was different. I can‟t put my finger on why, but I wanted to get to know her better; a lot better. She wiggled and her breasts rubbed against my chest and I had to bite back a groan. I knew it had been a while since I had been with a woman but this was ridiculous. No woman has ever affected me like this one. Instead of making me want to run away, I wanted to get closer.
Jeez, you fucking pervert!





About the Author
Hey Y'all! PJ here. You want to know a little about me. Well I live in Indiana with my husband of ten years, our three kids, and two dogs.  I love writing and reading in any spare time that I have.  I have been writing for as long back as I can remember, but I put it aside for a while. There are many reasons I did that but mostly it just wasn't time for me to really push it, I think. My oldest son is an inspiration. He is autistic and the view he has on life is astounding. He doesn't let the bullies or negative reaction to him slow him down. My daughter loves to read just like her mama and my youngest son is a complete copy of his father it's scary LOL. My family has gone from one extreme to another weather wise. We lived in Alaska to move to Georgia. Big weather difference. Each day I view as a blessing. Make your dreams come true today because none of us are promised tomorrow. Hugs to all and many blessings.

Twitter: @PJBelden



Saturday, January 25, 2014

Review of Sex in the Title by Zack Love

Sex in the Title
by
Zack Love


Synopsis:
New York City, May 2000. The Internet bubble has burst, and Evan's boss fires him with an email. The next day, his girlfriend dumps him, also via email. Afraid to check any more emails, Evan desperately seeks a rebound romance but the catastrophes that ensue go from bad to hilariously worse. Fortunately, Evan meets someone whose legendary disasters with females eclipse even his own.

To reverse their fortunes, they recruit their friends into a group of five guys who take on Manhattan in pursuit of dates, sex, and adventure. With musings about life, relationships, and human psychology, this quintessential New York story about the search for happiness follows five men on their comical paths to trouble, self-discovery, and love.
Review:
Okay, let me start by saying that this is not the kind of book I would normally read. It was recommended to me by several members of the Controlled group on facebook. With so many people recommending it, I just had to read it. Well, it was hard for me to get into Sex in the Title in the beginning.... actually I was almost 50% through it and was ready to give up. After asking advice on this (because I hate leaving a book unfinished, and all books deserve to be reviewed, and of course a book should be finished before being reviewed), and getting so many responses to keep going, I had to finish it. I am so glad that I did!!!! This book is funny and at times emotional. I can tell, after reading this book, that Zack Love is a highly intelligent author. I was stunned throughout the book with his usage of certain words. I'm not used to reading books based on men, especially five different men. There's Sammy aka Heeb who is the funniest, balding, Jew ever!!!! Then Carlos, the perfect hispanic man who refuses to settle for any less than perfect. Evan is the highly intelligent computer programmer who sometimes goes to the extremes to get a woman (e.g. his almost fatal "freebie"). Then we have Yi aka Narc who loves basketball, sex and drugs but instead of chasing his dreams, he lives for his family. Last but not least, we have Trevor who finds himself in a difficult situation and later lands himself in an ashram to cleanse himself. I love the characters and the fact that all these very different men ended up together helping each other on their quest to find "Mrs. Right". I give this book 4 sexy stars. Even though it was a struggle at the beginning, it was well worth it when I made it to the end. P.S. I would not recommend this to those who are looking for a book including a lot of sex, despite the title, this book is not filled with sexual encounters. However, it is a very good book and I'm hoping that Zack Love gets enough recognition for it so we can get a sequel!!!!!!
Review by ~TAB



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Fierce by Nina Levine Cover Reveal





Title: Fierce (Storm MC #2)
Author: Nina Levine
Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance
Release Date: 10th February, 2014
Cover Designed by Nina Levine and Louisa Maggio


Synopsis


She’s everything he’s never wanted. He’s everything she’s never known.

Scott Cole is a force to be reckoned with. As Vice President of the Storm Motorcycle Club he carries out his duties with a ruthless determination. He moves through life with a clear agenda - protect his club and his family at all costs.

He is intense.

He is loyal.

He is fierce.

He doesn’t give his love easily, but when he does, he loves fiercely. Settling down, however, has never been part of his plan. 

Harlow James is a country girl who has never met a biker in her life. She is also done with men. In her experience all they ever do is lie, cheat or steal. When she meets Scott Cole she knows he is heartbreak on legs. 

He is confident.

He is sexy.

He is bossy.

She knows she must fight her growing attraction to this complex man in order to guard her heart. When his world crashes into hers and danger comes calling, Scott’s fierce desire to protect kicks in and Harlow realises that she might just have found a man worth taking a risk on.




Excerpt

               I stepped into his space, backed him up against the counter, and leant real close so that only he and I could hear what I was about to say.  “Now would be the right time for you and your family to leave.  I don’t like any of the shit that’s just gone down, so unless you want trouble between the two of us, leave now,” I threatened.   When I saw him hesitate, I grabbed a handful of his shirt and snarled, “Did you not understand what I just said, motherfucker?”  We glared at each other for a couple of moments before I let him go, shoving him hard against the counter in the process.  Keeping my eyes trained on his, I slowly stepped back.  Planting my legs wide, I crossed my arms in front of my chest and scowled at him. 

                Harlow opened her mouth to say something but I caught the movement and flicked my gaze to her for a second, giving her a clear message to stay out of it.  She shut her mouth and glared back at me, her eyes widening in a ‘what the fuck’ type gesture.  That shocked the shit out of me, and my concentration was diverted from the asshole to her.  I’d never been given that look by a chick before; usually it was J or Nash who challenged me like that.  I raised my eyebrows at her, and fuck me if she didn’t raise hers right fucking back.  





Fierce is the second book in the Storm MC series by Nina Levine.

Book #1
Storm 


Synopsis

Life can be a bitch but love can get you through any storm.

Madison Cole’s family is the Storm Motorcycle Club. Her father is the President and her brother is the VP. She grew up surrounded by bikers, crime and violence. Two years ago she walked away from her family and the world they live in. Her soul was shattered, her heart was broken and she had an addiction she couldn't shake. She picked up the pieces and put herself back together. Now her family wants her back. The club is being threatened and they send a club member to return her home to safety; the one person that could destroy everything she has worked so hard to build.

Jason Reilly has sacrificed a lot for the motorcycle club he calls family. Two years ago he made the biggest sacrifice of all; he gave up the woman he loved for them. Now he is being sent to bring her back and he is conflicted. He thought he was over her but discovers their connection is as strong as ever. Their love was all-consuming, passionate and fiery. It was also their undoing and he doesn't know if either of them is strong enough to battle the demons that ripped them apart, to find love again. 

Madison and Jason are brought back together by a force out of their control; one that pushes them to a breaking point. Can they overcome their past and discover a love worth fighting for or will the harsh reality of their world finally and completely break them both?






About the Author

I am an Aussie writer who writes stories about hot, alpha men and the tough, independent women they love. 

A warning though - you will find hot, dirty sex, lots of swearing, occasional violent encounters and men and women who live fast and love hard in my books.

My debut book released in November 2013. It is based around the Storm Motorcycle Club and is the first book in an MC series.




All subscribers will receive exclusive content including a FREE serial that will be starting early in 2014.  This will be Roxie's and Liam's story.  The boys from Storm will also appear.


GIVEAWAY

Enter to win an ARC of Fierce.
Three winners will receive an ARC just prior to release.




a Rafflecopter giveaway