Saturday, August 31, 2013

When You're Ready- J.L. Berg





                             
                                                When You're Ready

                               By J.L. Berg



                         Review and Giveaway
                                
5 Stars!!!



Synopsis:
Can his love mend the pieces of her grieving heart?

Years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband, Ethan, which left her alone to raise their young daughter, Clare Murray still holds the last letter he wrote with the words “When You’re Ready” written in his familiar messy handwriting, unable to break its weathered seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare had accepted a life without him, without love. Until years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with a stormy-eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.

Logan Matthews is the son of a billionaire who has spent his entire life trying to make his absent father proud. Years of living up to a man who was more ghost than father, and a publicly failed marriage has left Logan cold and emotionless until he walks into an exam room and discovers a woman who can stop his heart, make his body burn with desire and leave his entire world altered.

But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you never know if you are truly ready until you’re ready to risk it all.



My Thoughts:


I LOVED this book so much! Jennifer sent me an email asking if I would be willing to read her book for a fair review. After looking at the blurb and the high reviews I couldn't say no. You always start a book with high hopes that what you are about to read will be great and be different than what you have been reading. This book exceeded my expectations. 
 
  Clare was lucky enough to find love once and have a beautiful little girl but, fate stepped in and changed the whole direction her life was going. Not fully able to move on from her grief, she has mourned the loss of her husband Ethan for three years. Would she ever be lucky enough to find that kind of love again? She didn't think so and she was prepared to continue on single for the remainder of her life. Clare was still young and when Maddie gets sick and Hottie Mc. Hotterson, Dr. Matthews, walks into the room to take care of Maddie, feelings awaken in Clare that she hasn't felt in quite a while.


   Logan Matthews, son of a billionaire, and a mother that gave him up and pretty much forgot about him thinks he doesn't deserve love. He doesn't think he is capable of giving or receiving what he clearly needs. To cover up his loneliness he fills the void with meaningless one night stands. That is until he meets Clare Murray. Logan isn't sure what it is about her and her precious daughter but he is drawn to them and feels an overwhelming urge to protect them both. They embark on a passionate love affair that changes both of their lives for the better. 
 
  I fell in love with Logan the most when I read the way he was with Maddie. I think every single mother hopes that any man she lets into her life will love her children as much as she does. And, he does for sure! Swoon!

   When their love is tested will they be able to get through it, or will they both end up lonely and brokenhearted? This book took me through all the emotions one could feel while reading. I laughed, sobbed, yelled, and repeat. 

I would definitely recommend When You're Ready by J.L. Berg. You will not be disappointed. 


P.S. I was so hoping half way through that Clare's friend Leah would get her story told and it turns out that she will next! I am a fan of J.L. Berg's writing and cannot wait for more!


About the Author
I’m a California native, who lives in the South – Virginia to be exact. I still prefer sushi to fried chicken, avocados to okra, and I absolutely loathe humidity. I do love watching the seasons change though. My husband and I have been here for ten years, and I still get giddy like a school girl every time it snows.

I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We were married young, barely out of high school. Everyone told us we were crazy and stupid. We’ll be celebrating 12 years of marriage this year, and I love him more every single day. We’re living proof that true love knows no age limit.

We’ve been blessed with two beautiful daughters who continue to amaze and inspire me, and are probably making me go a bit insane. I’m obsessed with yoga and pilates and am a complete chocoholic. I apologize in advance for the amount of sweets in my book.

I’m absolutely obsessed with romance novels (duh) and probably could have built a vacation home with the amount of money I’ve invested in them over the years. Romance novels take you to another place, making your heart race, emotions swell, passion run free. After so many years of meeting hundreds of fictional characters and discovering their worlds, I found myself creating my own.

My debut novel, When You’re Ready, a novel about about finding love after loss, will be released August 1st!





Book Links:


Amazon         BN          Goodreads






Author Links:


Facebook        Blog         Goodreads





                          **Giveaway**


Friday, August 30, 2013

Something Great- M. Clarke




                                     

                                                    Something Great

                             By M. Clarke

     
    Blog Tour- Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway


3 1/2 Stars



Blurb:
She didn’t know what she was missing…until he found her.

Maxwell Knight was positively trouble, dangerously good-looking, and seductively charming. He was everything Jeanella didn’t need in her life. Only Maxwell didn’t see it that way. His pursuit was relentless, making her even more determined to push him away.

Fresh out of college, life was simple and plain for Jeanella Mefferd. Every part of her life was smooth sailing; her friends, her job, and even the guy she’d started dating. Then one night, while at dinner, she spotted someone who made her feel things she’d never felt before—dangerous, heart pounding and breathless heat. Thinking she would never see him again, she brushed it off, but when she started to run into him unexpectedly, all she could think of was how he made her feel with his sweet flirtations. Everything about Maxwell Knight screamed trouble, especially when she found out he was her new boss’s son. Now, heading to a New York fashion show, would she be able to focus on her career instead of Maxwell, who had been scheduled to attend with her? As much as she tried to forget their encounters, his good looks, smooth words and determination to win her over gravitated her toward him. The next thing she knew, her mind was utterly consumed by him. Would she be willing to ignore all the dangerous signs and jump into his arms? Or would she miss out on the chance of finding something great?

LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/15bS6FY
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/mzo67sv
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/something-great-something-great-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17998741-something-great


                              My Review:

   This was a cute story about a girl Jeanella, who guards her heart because she has been hurt in the past. She goes for the safe guy that doesn't make her feel anything special. That is until she meets Maxwell Knight. 

     Fate seems to intervene, and they happen to run into each other quite often before they even speak. His flirtations and gentleman ways catch her attention. She can't deny the chemistry she feels towards him. But what happens when she realizes who he really is? Follow their courtship and see if Jeanella will free her heart or end up a lonely lady.


   I liked this book, however some of the wording seemed off. Perhaps a little over descriptive as well, but overall a safe light read.


                                   
                                       EXCERPT:

Suddenly, Max placed his hand under my elbow. With a slight tug, I was somewhat in his hold. With a light gasp and a wave of heat flushing through me again, I was lost in his eyes. He leaned in. “I had a wonderful time,” he whispered. “Thanks for being my lunch buddy.” Then he handed me the brown bag. “Lunch buddies share their feelings, stories, and even goodies.”
I radiated a huge shy smile and walked away. Needing that Rice Krispies Treat right that moment, I reached inside the bag. What I saw stunned me, and even tugged at my heart. He hadn’t broken it in half as I had expected. Instead, he had molded it into the shape of a heart.

After that, I knew…unwillingly…I was making a space for him in my heart. Thinking he would be devouring his sandwich, I looked over my shoulder just as I pushed the door to exit. His eyes were set on me intently, and I got a glimpse of his wink that made me want to dive into his arms. I liked the feeling way too much!




                              About the Author:


Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed


Website: http://www.authormaryting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMClarke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryTing
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CrossroadsBook
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7181038.M_Clarke
Blog: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/

Twitter @MaryTing https://twitter.com/MaryTing


                 BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY 
(Giveaway will run from 8/16 12am EST to 9/1 12am EST)
Prizes are: 3 signed books, 1 T-shirt, 1-cap, 1 necklace, 1 earrings, 1 $20 Amazon gift card.   International




Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Innocent- Kailin Gow

Title:   The Innocent (The Protégé #2)
Author:  Kailin Gow
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica 18+
Publication Date:  August 25, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services





                                             The Innocent (The Protege 2)

                                   By Kailin Gow


                     Blog Tour Review and Giveaway


4 Dominant Stars!


Synopsis:
What started out as revenge has turned into passion.  Serena Singleton, the innocent music grad student must now deal with a past that is consuming her future. She deals with it in the only way she knows how by falling heads first into the web of power and deception.  Has she cast Sebastian Sorensen, her handsome and brilliant professor aside for the powerful and controlling billionaire Price Turnsby or has she found a way to keep them both?  Sebastian Sorensen wants Serena more than ever, and he's willing to fight for it, even against a powerful foe like Price. But no matter how much he fights, is Serena lost to Price's charms and sexy ways more than she appears?  Follow book two of the sexy Protégé Series where nothing is as it seems.   


Add to 


Purchase Links:  Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA


My Review:

    Holy dominance! Price Turnsby sure does know how to wield his power over Serena Singleton. But is that really the kind of life she wants? What about Sebastian Sorensen? 

     The Innocent starts off right where book one, The Protege, left off.  Serena is trying to deal with a past the only way she knows how and falls into Price's web. Price is a crazy jealous, controlling, dominant man and Serena is his submissive. She wants to make him happy and will do anything to show him including some things that were quite shocking. I think I actually gasped a few times. Not my cup of tea but who am I to judge. 


Serena wants to be a music composer and needs an advisor so she seeks out Professor Sebastian Sorensen. You can feel the attraction right from the start. Sebastian agree's to be Serena's advisor if she will go with him to a family function. 


    Sebastian wants Serena to be his and he will not give up trying to show her how much. When Serena and Sebastian go away for a few weeks, Serena learns things about Sebastian that brings them closer. But, is their two weeks enough to show her that she should choose to be with him? 

What will happen when Price finds them? Read, The Innocent, and watch the two men fight over Serena and try to convince her that she belongs with him. 

This is a book with serious make your mouth drop open D/s scenes. 


I know who I think she should end up with, read The Innocent and decide for yourself.


About the Author

A Texan at heart, she currently lives in California and Nevada, but spent part of her young adult and new adult years in England. Kailin Gow is a full-time author, a mother of an active little girl, and the founder of the social site, the Saving You Saving Me Project. She has worked with other women such as singer Caitlin Crosby and actress Kristin Kreuk (Beauty and the Beast, Smallville on the CW and ABC Television)in helping women and girls develop self-esteem. Kailin Gow has over 100 fiction books published with a handful of non-fiction books and is busy working on her next novel. She'd love to hear from her readers and invite them to contact her at kailingowbooks (at)aol (dot)com or friend her on Facebook, where she is a Facebook junkie.


Social Media Links

For up to the minute information on new releases, contests, appearances, and news, sign up for her newsletter Kailingown.com and her adult blog, authorkailingow.blogspot.com.





Tour-Wide Giveaway

2 Winners: Signed paperback of  Book 1 ~ The Protégé (USA Residents Only)
$25 Amazon Gift


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Feel the Rush- Kelsie Leverich





                                       
                                                            Feel the Rush

                             By Kelsie Leverich


      Blog Tour- Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway


4 STARS!



Synopsis:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Valentine’s Arrangement continues her sizzling series with a new novel of a plan that goes awry—in the arms of a soldier…

Picking the wrong men is a talent Meagan Mitchell has perfected. She’s sweet, confident, beautiful—and single. With her thirtieth birthday sneaking up on her, she needs a new plan. No more Mr. Wrongs or Mr. Bads, it’s time to find Mr. Safe…

Army Captain, Reed Porter, lives for the thrill—he’s an Airborne Jumpmaster with a rush addiction. He’s sexy and playful, and he quickly tempts Meagan with his rich Southern drawl and sinful looks. But slowing down and settling down are not in his agenda, making him exactly the type of man Meagan wants to avoid…

As their undeniable attraction heats up, Meagan has to decide if she’s willing to risk everything on a chance at love with a reckless charmer. Is she brave enough to bet her future—and her heart—on Mr. Thrill? Or will Reed finally learn that the feeling of a safe landing is just as addicting as the rush of the fall?
Release date 8/20/2013

Feel The Rush on Goodreads:

Buy Links:



  My Review:

  This was a sweet story about Meagan, a girl looking for the right kind of man. The marrying kind. Safe, successful, someone who wants the house, picket fence, and 2.5 kids. Reed Porter is an adrenaline junkie who likes to have fun and doesn't seem to take much seriously. He just kind of goes with the flow and he isn't in a hurry to get serious with anyone. He doesn't think that kind of life is in the cards for him.
When Meagan and Reeds paths cross, there is an interesting connection. One Meagan recognizes instantly. However, Reed isn't the type of guy Meagan needs in her life, in fact, he is everything but. Reed can't help the intense attraction he feels towards Meagan and he can't seem to get his mind off of her. No girl has ever affected him this way. But he isn't the marrying kind so Meagan decides they should just be friends even though she also feels an overwhelming desire to be with Reed.
If you are looking for a sweet, lighthearted love story, then read Feel the Rush and see how their journey goes.

Excerpt:

“Hey, whatcha doin’ out here all by yourself?” he asked as he sat down on the oversize patio chair that was next to her. Tiny clumsily made his way to Reed and lowered his head onto his lap.
“Just enjoying the last of the lingering fireworks.”
Reed took up the hypnotic task of rubbing the top of the dog’s head. “Yeah, have you had a good birthday?”
“I have. Thank you for making the dreadful three-oh not so dreadful.”
“Anything for you, sugar.” His voice had that soft, sleepy, sexy rasp to it, and paired with the Southern drawl that really seemed to make an appearance when he was tired, Meagan was done for—that voice sent a shiver through her body, prickling goose bumps all over her legs—the good kind. “Where’s Eva?”
“Up in our room, more than likely getting her hair pulled.”
Reed narrowed his eyes in confusion. “Luke’s with her,” Meagan explained, and Reed cracked an approving grin as he gave an understanding nod. She returned her own form of an approving smile, hell, she was happy for Eva. “I’ve offered to take the couch tonight.”
Reed’s jaw set tight, his strong eyes boring into hers. “You’re not sleeping on the couch,” he declared his tone not leaving much room for argument.
“Yes, I am,” she protested. “It’s fine. I’m a hard sleeper, I can pretty much crash anywhere.”
Reed lifted his hand from Tiny and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his bare chest. “Okay, then you can crash in my bed with me.”
She sucked in a sharp breath between her teeth. “I don’t think so, Reed.”
He leaned forward again, resting his forearms on the tops of his thighs. The thick muscles of his shoulder flexed, causing Meagan to gawk like a hormone-crazed teenager. Great.
Reed smiled, apparently privy to her little drunken, gaping eyes. Damn wine . . .
“Look, it’s late. Come to bed. I will be a complete gentleman.” He lifted his fingers in the air. “Scout’s honor.”
Meagan debated her options as she finished the last of her third glass of wine. She toyed with the idea of her body curled next to him. It was tempting, and the thought was very appealing. She had slept in the same bed as Trevor many times—but she was afraid it wouldn’t be the same when she was lying next to Reed. Trevor could curl up behind her and wrap her up in his arms and she would feel nothing but content—no flutter of excitement, no wanton desire to feel more of him. But what if she did with Reed? Actually, she already knew the answer to that question—she would feel those things with Reed, she didn’t need to be in his arms to feel them either. But ultimately, her body’s cravings won out against her pesky internal need to weigh the repercussions. She wanted that contact, even if it was just lying in the same space as him, sleeping.
“Fine,” she said. “But I’m warning you, I’m a kicker. And I sometimes talk in my sleep too.”
Reed stood up and reached out for her hand. “That’s okay, I snore.”
“Well, good thing I’m a hard sleeper then,” she said, placing her hand in his, allowing him to help her up. Her legs swayed under her, causing Reed to move his grip from her hand to her elbow as he steadied her.
“How much wine did you have, birthday girl?”
“A glass or two . . . or three . . .”
Reed chuckled and shook his head. “Come on.”

*GIVEAWAY*


About the Author:

Kelsie Leverich lives in Indiana with her husband and two adorable monsters that are better known as her kids. Her life revolves around her family (to include two dogs and a cat) and most of the time, actually all of the time, it’s a crazy mess—but that’s the way she loves it! When Kelsie’s not writing, you can usually find her on the lake with friends and family or snuggling on the couch with her kids and a good book. Kelsie is not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil. You can find Kelsie on Twitter and Facebook, or visit her website at www.kelsieleverich.com

Kelsie Leverich Goodreads Author Page:
Like Kelsie on Facebook:
Follow Kelsie on Twitter:

Saturday, August 24, 2013

A Graceful Mess- Nacole Stayton

Title:   A Graceful Mess
Author:  Nacole Stayton
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Publication Date:  August 27, 2013
Photographer: Toski
Cover Designed By:  Perfect Pear Creative
Event organized by: Literati Author Services



                                     A Graceful Mess
                           
                         By Nacole Stayton

              Blog Tour Review and Giveaway



                    
5 STARS!!!


Synopsis:Hiding behind the anguish from my past, my coyness seeps off of me like an aroma. I have felt like a stranger in my own skin, trying to claw my way out for far too long, allowing very few people to see past my façade…until my eyes met with his. I felt a sudden rush of energy all the way to my core. It jolted me in ways I never thought possible.

Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.

Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.

“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace

Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters.


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My Review:


    "They say be careful of the quiet ones. A statement I never really understood to be honest. What is wrong with being quiet or a little on the shy side? It's a demeanor I use as a mask to hide myself from a world I don't feel like I fit into."


        I just finished, A Graceful Mess, and I'm kind of at a loss for words. What can I say that will convey how much I loved and adored this book? I just hope I can do it justice. 
     There are some books that you read that are good but you breeze through them and can put them down and come back and it's no big deal. But, then there are books like A Graceful Mess. A book that kept my attention from the beginning. A book that created such deep emotions in me that I laughed and yelled and cried, I mean ugly cried. Yep. It's that good.


      Grace Clearwater goes through life feeling vulnerable. She is shy and quiet and doesn't like to be in large crowds or out of her comfort zone. She keeps a small number of people by her side and she doesn't deviate from that. Grace hasn't had it easy. In high school, her boyfriend, Brody, seemed normal at first, but then the beast within came out and damaged Grace beyond belief. Brody was sentenced for 10 years in jail. 


       Parker Porter...holy hell...this man can come into my bed anytime! Parker is taking over the family private investigator business from his father when what he really wants to do is open a gym. His first assignment is to follow Grace Clearwater around so that she doesn't cause trouble for aspiring mayor Mark Jacobs.
    Parker's father and Mark Jacobs warn Parker to not get too close to Grace but Parker can't help the connection he feels when he meets her.  

     "My eyes watch Grace, step by step. My throat feels dry, so I take a swig of my drink and allow an ice cube to rest on my tongue and then I suck on it. The coolness of the small square cube in my warm mouth does nothing to quench my thirst."


   Parker tries to stay away from Grace. He knows he's lying to her and that can only end badly. She is just supposed to be an assignment, nothing more. However, the closer they get, the more he doesn't care about his assignment, and only cares about his love for Grace. They have a chemistry that cannot be denied. And, let me tell you, Nacole Stayton knows how to write one hell of a love scene! I had to turn on the fan a few times! 

    A series of events unfold that I won't giveaway but you must read the book so that you can experience the same emotions I did. Find out what happens when Grace learns things about her past she had forgotten and the heartbreak that ensues. My mouth dropped open a few times and my hand covered over it in shock at what was happening. This book does have an ending and you won't have to wait for another book to find out what it is!

I loved The Upside of Letting Go, Nacole's first book, but with this book, I believe she has grown even more as an author and I know readers will love it as much as I did. 





About the Author:


Christian “Nacole” Stayton is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass state. She spends her days working at a local hospital in the billing department and nights writing vigorously on her current novel. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle Fire. She is passionate about her faith, family and The Bachelor. Her hair color changes with the seasons and she has a weakness for tattoos, iced coffee, and happy endings.



Social Media Links



             *** TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY ***

2 ~ signed paperbacks of A Graceful Mess
1 ~ A Graceful Mess Tumbler
5  ~ ebooks of A Graceful Mess (gifted from Amazon)
10 ~ bracelets w/postcards




                 
Follow the Tour: