~REVIEW~ Taming Cross (Love Inc. #2) by Ella James

Title: Taming Cross (Love Inc. #2)

Author: Ella James

Genre: Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Purchase Links:

Synopsis:

 
For twenty-three years, Cross Carlson was a playboy. You know the type. Tall, dark, and wealthy. Blue-eyed. Charming. He seemed to have it all so easy. But Cross was harboring a terrible secret - one that helped ruin the life of an innocent girl and almost ended his own.

Finally out of the hospital, Cross is flailing, scarred in both body and mind and stifled by the weight of the secret he still keeps. The only way to absolution lies in a Mexican convent, and going there could cost him everything.

If there's anyone who knows what it's like to screw up big time, it's Meredith Kinsey. Just a few years ago, Merri was an ordinary girl with a job at her college newspaper and white picket fence kind of dreams. Now she's holed up in a Mexican convent, hiding from a drug lord who thinks he owns her.

What happens when the only way out of hell is with the son of the man who put you there? They say love conquers all, but does it really?

~MY REVIEW~

“Sometimes good people make mistakes. You know how you can tell if you're one of the good ones?” “No,” she whispers, tiny in the dark. “Because good people feel guilty afterward.”

(Thank you to Ella's Publicist, Rachel, for providing a copy to read and review!)

I have to say that I was excited to start Taming Cross since the moment I found out that Cross would have his own book! :D Although we didn't get much of him in Selling Scarlett I did love the parts he was in and was interested in knowing his story. And it was just as great as the first book in the Love Inc. series!

After suffering through a devastating accident and waking up from a coma Cross Carlson is left with much more scars than the physical. Months later Cross is struggling to accept his new situation and is pretty depressive. And there is the fact that he has been keeping his fathers secret for so long that the guilt is killing him. When he takes matters into his own hand he goes in search of Misty and is set on saving her. Even if he isn't 100% psychically able to. And when he finds "Misty" Cross finds much more than he might have bargained for. 

Meredith has been hiding from the Cartel and the man that she was sold to for a while. But when they discover where she is and start to attack the people she cares about Merri decides to go back. Her story isn't the one that everyone thinks it is. She has made decisions that ruined her life but Merri's heart is in the right place and all she wishes for is a better future where she isn't afraid all the time. Love, family and happiness is the one thing she think she can never have. Until Cross rescues her and shows her that she is worth saving. 

"He leans in close enough to steal the air out of my lungs and presses a kiss against my forehead. “And that’s why I can’t walk away, even though I know I should. My father might have found you first, but you were always mine.”

Along the way the two fight tooth and nail to escape the clutches of the cartel. But they also find in each other something they have never thought they deserved. A second chance at life. 

Pick up the second installment of Love Inc. and enjoy Cross's story!!

HAPPY READING!

~COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY~ What's left of Me by Amanda Maxlyn

Title: What's Left of Me
Author: Amanda Maxlyn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 13, 2013

Cover Designer: Mae I Design and Photography
Hosted By: Brandee's Book Endings

Synopsis
Life works in mysterious ways.
Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.
 I refuse to cry.
And I refuse to give in.
A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants. Me.
He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.
But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.
What if it changes everything?
Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.
Love found me when I was twenty-one.
My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey. 

~JOIN THE FUN~

Blog Tour Event on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/events/1387178484847986/

~About Amanda~

I am the mother of two little boys, married to the love of my life, and living in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota. When I’m not chasing or cleaning up after my boys (yes, all three), I can be found writing or snuggled up with my kindle, a glass of wine, and spending time with my fictional friends and family.

~Connect with Amanda~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

~Teaser~

I’m grateful when I reach the door to the ladies room that there isn’t anyone around. I reach for the handle when I hear from behind me, “Not going to use the men’s room again?” I know that sexy voice. It’s the same one as earlier this evening in this same area.

With my heart picking up pace, I turn around smiling sweetly, “No, I’m going to sit down and pee this time.” My smile spreads a little wider and I say a silent thanks to sweet baby Jesus for letting me find my voice this time.

He doesn’t respond. He just steps closer to me with the corner of his lips spreading upward.
I don’t breathe.
I can’t breathe. Not when he is this close.

God he smells amazing. Like a mixture of spice and mint. Maybe a hint of beer too. It's the type of scent that would awaken a primal desire within any female, and good God do I feel awakened.

“You ran off before I could thank you for the dance earlier.” No, thank you. His voice is a faint whisper and his face is now so close that our noses are almost touching. I glance down at his very attractive red lips just as the corners of his mouth move up into the most beautiful smile. Shit. He knows I’m looking at his lips.

I’m transfixed by him. In this very moment, I would do whatever he said or answer to any name he called; even if it was one of those fluffy names like baby or princess. All I can think about is the desire flowing through my body for those lips to be on mine. I would take him in this hallway. There I said it. Or, did I think it?

Do something.
Anything!
I look back at his lips.
I lick my own.

I can’t think about anything but wanting to feel his lips against mine. All thoughts go out the window of me not being able to pick up a man at a bar. I don’t care, but I will say any cheesy pick up line if it means I get to go home with him.

I know he’s watching me. He has to be thinking about my lips too because just then his tongue comes out licking his own. I try to think of something else to do, but nothing comes to mind. I feel him close the distance between us. He puts a finger under my chin for the second time tonight lifting my face so I’m looking right into his eyes. Without taking his eyes off mine he speaks in a quiet, low, raspy whisper, “I’m going to kiss you now.”

Without waiting for my permission, his lips crash down against mine. He takes my top lip into his mouth tugging ever so gently. I let out a soft moan as his tongue lightly traces my lips- tasting me. I can smell the fresh mint and beer off his breath and all I can think about is tasting it. I grab his neck brining him closer -opening my mouth- inviting him in. He groans as I wrap my arms around his neck running my hands through his hair.

Shit, if I die tomorrow, I can die a happy woman knowing this was my last kiss.

His tongue enters my mouth and I meet it with my own. He reaches down to lift me up and I let him. I wrap my legs around his waist just as he slams my back against the wall in the corner of the hallway. There’s a rush of pain that shoots down my legs causing me to cry out. He must take that as a cry of pleasure because he kisses me harder.

I feel my dress rise all the way to my waist exposing myself for anyone that walks by. My head falls back against the wall and he immediately starts kissing down my chin to my neck, then up to my earlobe bringing it into his mouth biting down. “Do you want to get out of here?” He whispers so softly into my ear I almost don’t think I hear him correctly. When he asks me again I just nod in agreement. Afraid if I were to say anything it wouldn’t be yes, and I really want it to be yes.
Setting me down, he runs his hands over my dress laying it back into place, then grabs my hand and starts speed walking away heading towards the red exit sign.

~GIVEAWAY~
#1 $40 Amazon Gift Card

#2 $15 Amazon Gift Card and 

#3 $5 Amazon gift card.

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~BOOK SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY~ The Mourning After by Adriane Leigh

Book Title: The Mourning After

Author: Adriane Leigh

Genre: New Adult

Purchase Link: AMAZON

Hosted By: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis:

Haunted by a painful past, Georgia Montgomery escapes the memories by buying a beach house on the North Carolina coast. She hopes a summer filled with sun, sand, margaritas and best friends will heal her, but when an unexpected visitor shows up, her past, present and future collide.

Georgia is instantly drawn to Tristan Howell, the bronze-skinned, golden-haired stranger with an easy smile and eyes the deepest shade of green she's ever seen. She tries to deny the depth of her feelings for him, but just like an addiction- one look, one touch, one taste is never enough. With Tristan she loses control of the lonely world she's constructed for herself and learns that moving forward isn't possible while she's still chained to the events of her past.

Before the summer is over friendships will be tested, hearts shattered and lives changed, and waiting for Georgia to find herself may destroy them all.

~About the Author~

Adriane Leigh is the bestselling author of Steel and Lace and The Mourning After. She was born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now lives amongst the sand dunes on the Lake Michigan lakeshore. She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer. Adriane is married to a tall, dark and handsome guy, and plays mama to two sweet baby girls.

~ Connect with Adriane~

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS AUTHOR | WEBSITE 

~GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY~ Mine to Tarnish (Mine .5) by Janeal Falor

Title: Mine to Tarnish (Mine .5)

Author: Janeal Falor

Release Date: 12/02/13
Hosted by: YA Bound Book Tours

Synopsis:

Katherine’s place is the same as any woman’s—on the shelf next to the dresses and bolts of cloth. When she’s sold to a warlock, life grows even bleaker. Her new owner is as old and rancid as he is cruel, driving her to do the unthinkable: run.


Nothing prepared her for being on her own. And she’s definitely unprepared for the warlocks hunting her down. But she must stay one step ahead because if caught, the best she can hope for is death.

ADD Book 1, You are Mine: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17406760-you-are-mine

BUY Book 1, You are Mine: AMAZON

~About the Author~

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

~Connect with Janeal~
   

~GIVEAWAY~

10 e-ARC copies of Mine To Tarnish (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Organized by:

~NEW RELEASE EVENT & GIVEAWAY~ Lily of the Valley by Sarah Daltry

Title: Lily of the Valley (A Flowering series #2)
Author: Sarah Daltry

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase links: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Synopsis

You met them in Forget Me Not. Now, hear Jack’s story.

Plagued by a dark past, Jack sees college as a way out. Desperate to escape the area where he grew up, the people who know his secrets, and his own family, he deals with his problems through alcohol and sex. 

When he first sees Lily, she’s the epitome of everything he hates. Yet something about her makes Jack rethink everything he knows and assumes about other people. Now, with the help of his best friend and lover, Jack has to decide if he wants to pursue something that he knows will only end badly.

Can Lily be one of the few people who can see Jack for who he really is – or will his darkness be too much for her to handle?

  Join us Wednesday September 25th, and Thursday September 26th for two days of awesomeness. Help Sarah Daltry launch Lily of the Valley with a bang! We have tons of fun games and oodles of prizes to be won. You don't want to miss out on this one!

~Connect with Sarah~

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ tumblr ~ Pinterest ~ Authorgraph

Enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win an awesome Flowering series prize pack!!

~GIVEAWAY~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Hope to see you all there!!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

~COVER REVEAL~ Love in the Time of the Dead by Tera Shanley

Title:  Love in the Time of the Dead
Author:  Tera Shanley
Genre:  Adult supernatural/zombie romance
Publication Date:  October 22, 2013
Event Organized by:  Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Laney Landry has been fighting Deads alongside her brother and friends for three years. But she has a secret. She's immune to Dead bites and has to find the right people to trust with the information. Her team rallies around her to find a doctor who can extract a vaccine from Laney which could fight the virus that ended the world.

Sean Daniels leads a colony that provides her team with much needed shelter and supplies. He is obviously interested in Laney. The question is whether he's only intrigued by her as a source for the possible vaccine, or for something more. Tests for the cure might push her body beyond what it can endure, and just as she faces a ghost from her past, her longtime teammate Derek Mitchell hints at an interest in more than just her Dead slaying abilities.

Two honorable and alluring men - one colossal decision to make. Despite historically bad taste in men, can she rise above the chaos of the apocalypse and choose the one who deserves her heart? The right choice could mean the difference between surviving...and living.

~About the Author~

Born and raised in small town Texas, Tera Shanley grew up in books. Her cousin gifted her a signed copy of Beauty by Bill Wallace when she was young and that was it for her. So smitten was she with getting lost in a story, that while other eleven year olds her age were groaning at the accelerated reader program in school, she was racking up the points just for fun.

Balancing chronic book-wormyness is her devotion to the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping - her soul is happiest out of doors. And lucky for Tera, her family feels the same. She grew up a wild child helping her grandma ranch cattle, and has a hundred memories out in the wilderness which tend to influence her books.

When she's not eating chocolate, slinging rifles, or soaking up some sun, she's lost in a book, but these days it's more often one she's writing. From historic western romance, to paranormal romance, to apocalyptic (zombie) romance, the genre doesn't matter quite as much to her as the love story.

She currently lives with her husband and two young children, and is owned by two crazy mini-cujos.

~Connect with Tera~

Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Website | Zombie Street Team Newsletter | Goodreads

~COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY~ Hearts By Fire by M.A. DeOlmos

Book: Hearts by Fire
Author: M.A. DeOlmos
Genre:  NA Paranormal Romance
Release Date: October 2013
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis:

Patricia Allenz was a somewhat typical girl. For the past few months, she’d been busy counting down the months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds until her first day of college at Port Townsend University, in Washington. Patricia’s life was a simple one as far as she knew. Most of her memories involved her family, which consisted of her younger brother Kellen, and her Abuela Viola. After her grandmother’s death on her sixteenth birthday, Patricia was convinced that day had been the worse day of her life.

Wishful thinking, on her part. On the night before her first day of college classes, her grandmother visits her in a dream. What starts out as a reunion between the two rapidly turns into a complete nightmare.

From that night, forward her path changes from a straight and narrow one to a totally different realm all together. It does not help that along the way the men that she’d loved at one time, or rather centuries ago, are so conflicted that she cannot decide who to trust. Her body craves them both, but her heart only sings to one of their souls.

Patricia is forced to face truths she cannot understand, betrayals from loved ones, and a love so powerful she would die to keep him safe. A new world of archangels, demons, and witches threatens to swallow her whole. She has the choice to run away from the unknown or live up to the title Archangel Princess of Alpheratz
forever.

Will Patricia stand up to her fate or will she crumble and fight against what is destined to come?

~About the Author~

My name is Melissa DeOlmos, a newbie to the world of indie writing. I live in sunny side Palm Bay, Florida with my two lovely crazies ages five and two, along with my Law Enforcement champ of a husband. I could say that writing novels has been a passion that I've always pursued, but I can't. Writing for me has always been my own secret escape into a land of wonders, opportunities, loves and so much trouble that I sometimes wonder if I need medication for the stories that pop into my head. I am now deciding to share my mystical mind and stories with the world, so that hopefully others may also find that little something extra they've been looking for. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy my books.

~Connect with Melissa~

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | PINTEREST | GOODREADS AUTHOR

~GIVEAWAY~

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~COVER REVEAL~ Never Let Go by Scarlett Edwards

Title:  Never Let Go

Author:  Scarlett Edwards

Genre:  New Adult Romance

Publication Date:  October 15, 2013

Event Organized by:  Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

The start of college heralds new beginnings and new friendships.  It gives every girl a chance to reinvent herself.

I go and screw mine up by meeting the most gorgeous guy I've laid eyes on in five years while talking to my cat outside my dorm.

But Andrew Crowner is far from judgmental.  After helping me move my things to my room, he has me smitten by his easy manners and kind smile.  And from the way his eyes linger on me before he leaves, I start to think that maybe I've caught his attention, too.

I let myself believe that luck might finally be on my side until I stumble upon my roommate... and her overnight guest.

Spencer Ashford.

Lean and tattooed, sexy as sin and dangerous, Spencer is exactly the type I want to avoid.  I would have no trouble with that... were it not for his swift and inexplicable interest in me.

In the span of a week, I go from a girl with next-to-no experience with boys to one caught in the cross hairs of two totally different men.  
Andrew's interest is wholesome and sweet.  Spencer's is edgy and raw.  The  choice should be easy.  But there are always complications, and sometimes, matters of the heart take the least expected turns.

~About the Author~

I’m Scarlett Edwards.  I wrote my first book as a college sophomore.  After six months of edits, it made its debut as Yours to Savor.

That was at the start of 2013.  I've written more books since then.  You can find them all here.

It's funny how quickly life changes.  I used to think I'd need a degree to get a "Real Job."  Then I wrote a few books, they got somewhat popular, and now I'm living the life as a full-time romance author.

Thanks to all my readers for making my dream come true.

~Connect with Scarlett~

Website | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

~COVER REVEAL~ WILD CHILD by M. Leighton

Title: WILD CHILD (A WILD ONES Novella)
Author: M. Leighton
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Hosted By: InkSlinger PR

Synopsis:

Jenna Theopolis has always known what she wanted.  Getting out of her small hometown of Greenfield was number one on her list of priorities.  Until she met Rusty Catron.

Rusty’s fun-loving personality was the perfect match for Jenna’s inner wild child.  But what started off as a summer fling quickly turns into something more.  At least it does for Jenna.

Rusty has lived with the ghost of his father’s abandonment since he was a child, but now he’s beginning to feel the crippling effects of his scars.  He wants to trust in Jenna, but deep down he doesn’t believe someone so wild and free can ever be tamed.

But tragedy strikes, pushing Jenna out of Greenfield and leaving Rusty with a choice to make—face his inner demons or lose the love of his life.  Forever.

BUY Book #1, The WILD ONES: AMAZON ~ B&N

 About the Author:

M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies.  She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to romantic settings with sexy Southern guys much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books.  When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.  

 ~Connect with M. Leighton~
WEBSITE/BLOG ~ TWITTER ~ FACEBOOK ~ GOODREADS ~ AMAZON 

~BOOK BLITZ~ NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY: Playing with Her Heart by Lauren Blakely

Title: Playing with Her Heart

Author: Lauren Blakely

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase Links: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLES | iBOOKS


Synopsis:

From the NYT & USA Today Bestselling romance author, a sizzling and addictive story of a woman with a broken past and the man who can't fight his attraction to her...

Twenty-three year old rising theater star Jill McCormick has built a life out of pretending. Pretending she's happy, pretending she's not haunted by the dark secret that shattered her world six years ago. But then she comes face to face with her new director - sexy, sophisticated, possessive, all-alpha Davis Milo. He tries to resist the actress he's cast, but the attraction between them is too powerful, and soon their private rehearsals spiral into new, forbidden territory. The passionate connection, the intense chemistry is undeniable, and it hits them anywhere, and everywhere - in the theater, on the piano, in the limo, in the restaurant...But the tragedy in Jill's past stands between them. Davis has walls too, so they can either face their fears together, or risk the deepest love and greatest passion either has ever felt...

~EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENE!!~

Explanation from Lauren: This deleted scene takes place in chapter 15 prior to the Jill and Davis’ second private rehearsal, which will be more familiar to readers as before the “piano scene.” I had originally written this scene where Jill rehearses with Patrick, and Davis’ reaction to it. But I then decided that I’d rather show Jill and Davis rehearsing. Plus, I felt readers already knew and understood the depths of Davis’ jealousy at this point and that the additional scene showing it wasn’t necessary. I also nixed it because I decided that Patrick was not falling in love with Jill, as Davis surmises from this scene. But, just for fun, here it is from the cutting room floor!!!

xoxo

Lauren

Thirty minutes later, I am coiled full of tension from watching Patrick run his hands through Jill’s hair, from the way she responds, leaning her head back into him, from how she breathily whispers one of the last lines in the scene, “it feels so good,” her microphone taking the words on a trip around the whole theater, up to the proscenium arch and two boxes and back.

“End scene,” Shannon calls out.

I run a hand across my chin roughly. Steel myself, then stand up, walk to the edge of the stage, place a palm against the floorboards as Jill and Patrick look at me expectantly.

“That’s a great start. Now, Patrick what I want you to work on next is really capturing the change in Paolo. This scene is the moment when he starts to soften around her. When he shifts from being the hard ass teacher and into the tender lover he will become. Look for those moments in between the words,” I say, giving him the full, honest truth of what his performance needs, even though if pains every bone in my body to instruct him like this.

He nods several times, taking it in. He’s a pro, and I know he’ll knock this scene out of the park as he always does. He doesn’t command his name on the marquee for nothing. The man can sell tickets for a reason.

Then I turn to Jill. She’s nibbling on her lower lip nervously. She stops when she meets my gaze. I do my best to give away nothing as I talk to her. “For Ava, I really see this moment as the one when it clicks for her. That she’s been confused and unsure for so long about Paolo. Is he just the professor? Is he merely a difficult teacher? Or is there something more? But then they are in the studio working and her hair is a mess and full of paint, and her hands are covered in it, and this is when she understands not only that he has feelings for her, but that she’s falling hard for him too.”

“Thank you. That makes sense,” she says, like a good student.

“Are we going okay on the blocking?” Patrick asks. “It’s a little unformed at this point.”

“You’re doing fine. We’ll get it finalized soon. For now, run it again,” I say, and I return to my seat, feeling absolutely spent from having to tell the two of them to show me more of them falling in love.

Another rounds later, they’re closer to nailing it, and I’m sure I’ll knock the punching bag from its chains the next time I’m at the gym. When Patrick asks to do the scene one final time, I’m about to explode with a resounding “No.” Instead, I keep it all inside, as I manage through gritted teeth, “Of course let’s get it right.”

I watch one final time, even though it’s fucking eating away at me to see him touch her. Before he even starts the scene, he looks at her with softness in his eyes, and and I know he’s starting to fall for her too. That he’s not merely acting. That he’s only playing a part. The two are starting to blend, and this is why actors all over the world fall for actors. This is why you hear stories of movie set romances, because they aren’t stories. They’re true. There is little, I imagine, more intoxicating than pretending to be in love with someone. After a while, reality and fiction bleed over, and you fall in love for real.

When the scene ends, the stage manager calls take five and Patrick tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear, flashing her that matinee idol smile of his that melts women. I swallow, close my eyes, clench my fists. Selfishly, I had hoped it would all be unrequited. I had hoped it was a one-way thing on her part. But that was stupid of me. I’m falling for her, and he is too.

~About the Author ~

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in PLAYING WITH HER HEART, she thinks life should be filled with love, passion, and dreams come true. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He's Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband.

~Connect with Lauren~

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS AUTHOR

~GIVEAWAY~

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