Blog Tour: Review of Rock It By Jennifer Chance

Rock It

Author: Jennifer Chance

Series: Rule Breakers 1

Expected Publication: March 4, 2014

Publisher: Loveswept

Source: eARC Through Netgalley

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Jennifer Chance unleashes her hot new series with the tale of a smoldering rocker and the fangirl who catches his eye—and finds herself living out her wildest dreams.
 
Lacey Dawes is a total pro at the talent agency where she works, and it doesn’t hurt that IMO Worldwide Media represents Dante Falcone. The rock god has starred in her fantasies since she was sixteen—and remains her secret crush to this day. So when Dante picks her to be the interim manager on his Dream It tour, Lacey can’t believe her luck. Handling Dante is sure to be the most exquisite, spine-tingling, nerve-wracking mix of business and pleasure ever.
 
Although Dante is grateful for the adoring fans who scream for one more of his full-throttle, soul-searing songs, being surrounded by a cadre of corporate types backstage is wearing thin. Then Lacey shows up. Yeah, she’s organized, smart, quick to get him what he wants before he knows he wants it—but Dante senses there’s something else going on with sweet, sexy Lacey. One kiss tells him what that “something” might be . . . and makes him hungry for more.

Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the new adult Rule Breakers series. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio.

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"I finally found someone I can love with my whole heart... and that's you, Lacey. I love you."

_______________________

Grinning with the knowledge that he was doing this to her, he was taking her places she hadn't expected to. And he wasn't done yet.

"I think you're still overdressed, honey." He said.

_______________________

She had started out kissing him like he was some sort of angel--something worthy of being put on a pedestal. But he wasn't that guy. He'd never be that guy.

She set him on fire. It wasn't like she realized what she was doing. Beneath all of that desire she probably didn't even know was inside her, she was sweet--hell even innocent.

_________________________

I really loved this story. Who wouldn't want to meet their idol, work with them, and have a relationship with them? I know I would! I mean I've had dreams about that. Haven't we all, that's normal right? Right.. Anyway.. this was a really good story with great writing, I forgot I was reading a book and got sucked right in. I felt like I was in a concert with the hottest guy ever singing to me, just to me, ignoring the thousands of other people in the audience. I love rock star books, there's something so unique about one person being adored by so many. It's also intense and scary because I hate public speaking for myself, no thank you. 

This story is every fan-girl's dream come true, except i would skip to getting married and then I'll work for him, then I'll be living the dream. 

Lacey tries so hard to keep her relationship between her and Dante (and that name, seriously hot) as professional as possible, but how can she seriously think that when she works for her own walking wet dreams. There were so many good parts in this book but there were also some weird ones. The fact that Lacey knew so much about Dante was weird; like random things that nobody else would know or care about. She also knew things about him before he was super famous. She was a little intense and took the words fan-girl to a whole other level. She even had a bunch of scrap books of him saying how much she loved him, she had their wedding planned out and everything. She was a hard core fan! By the time she was working for him, she wasn't so much into making scrap books anymore but her feelings for him were still there. 

The story is told in duel perspectives and they're struggling with each other in the sense that they think each other has different faces. What I mean is that Lacey sometimes day dreams about Dante at random times, so she's back to being & acting like she's 16 again and that Dante's her whole world, and he notices and wants to explore all the sides Lacey has to offer. He knows she goes off into space thinking God knows what, and he wants to know where she goes, he wants to know which the real Lacey is. And Lacey struggles with seeing him and all sides of him, she learns more and more about him everyday since she works closely to him. She knows his real passions in music and she wants to help him pursue that. She learn a whole other side she didn't know about. She's also torn between doing her job as best she could without her inner fan-girl showing up, which is difficult when you see the man of your dreams 24/7 and wants more from you than your professionalism, much more. How could anyone resist that? She also which Dante she really wants, the one in her fantasies or the one in front of her.  

When they take the time to get to know each other it is electric, mind-blowing, and perfect. Does the rock star live up to her fantasies about him? You betcha! & then some. The real thing is always better than the fantasy. So when Lacey's job is over and she goes back to the real world, where there are no cameras, no screaming fans, and no Dante (man of her dreams), she has job offers coming from everywhere but Dante has other ideas. Can he let her slip away from him or does he make an offer she can't refuse? Does she stay in her world where Dante had the staring role of her fantasies or does she live a life where all her dreams have already come true, with Dante?

This is a story all fan-girls should read! It is Lacey's and every other girl's dream come true and it was exciting, incredible, and awesome.

Review: Falling For You By Lisa Schoeder

Falling For You

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Source: Won Through a Goodreads Giveaway/Signed Copy

368 Pages

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Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her...and the less she wants to give. 

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous. 

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves. 

Hi! I'm the author of the young adult novel FALLING FOR YOU as well as the Oregon Book award finalist THE DAY BEFORE. My other YA novels include I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME, FAR FROM YOU and CHASING BROOKLYN, all published by Simon Pulse. If you've read one or more of them, thank you!

I'm also the author of three middle grade novels for 8-12 year olds: IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES, SPRINKLES AND SECRETS, and FROSTING AND FRIENDSHIP, all published by Aladdin.

In 2014, I'll have a new YA out called THE BRIDGE FROM ME TO YOU and a new middle grade series called CHARMED LIFE.

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Some of Lisa's other books

                     

I heart you,                                 The Day After           Chasing Brooklyn

You Haunt Me             

There is definitely darkness and light in this book. I liked Rae, she was so strong and resilient, it's admirable. I would have been a mess, my emotions would be all over the place. Instead she did positive things other than sulk in her misfortune. She liked to write poetry, she started publishing some for the school paper and people seemed to like them. It started to get a following so other people started publishing under 'Anonymous' as well. Then she started another little revolution by publishing under her own name and told her class about things she'd been hiding. Everyone joined in and it brought them together instead of pulling them apart for their confessions or differences. That was really inspiring to read, everyone sharing their experiences especially the hurtful ones and the embarrassing ones that would take a lot of guts to admit. 

The book went back and forth from Rae being in the hospital to a few months back when she started seeing Nathan. It gave the readers a sense of mystery and suspense. I hated it because i don't like feeling that way, I like to know what's going but I guess it draws in the readers to want to know what happened. 

Rae started dating Nathan and everything seemed to go good but he had a lot going on and needed her more than she needed him. I felt so bad for him. I think she should have given him another chance (IMO). I think he just needed someone to talk to and understand him, he was going crazy with everything that was happening to him and just needed advice, I know Rae had her own problems to  deal with but I think she shouldn't have shut him out, he looked like a sensitive guy and just had misplaced emotions. He had just moved into town and had a shocking experience, his world was changing and Rae didn't take the time to help him and it was so sad because he wasn't a bad guy he just wanted attention from his girlfriend. I liked Nathan up until Rae got really tired of him, like her last straw. I think he did take it too far by calling her names. The stalking I could deal with I mean Edward Cullen anyone? Lol. Anyway... I would have helped Nathan and he wouldn't have gone crazy like he did.

Starting off I hated her stepfather. I know it's a strong word, but he was a bad man. Taking her paychecks that she worked hard for, that was what really got me mad, I wanted to punch him in the face... repeatedly. Another thing, he mom was a really bad parent, always making her do chores and agreeing with whatever her step dad says. How irritating, sometimes I wanted to throw the book to the wall. But I also felt like the ending was nice and simple and Rae seemed to not let the bad experiences bring her down. She just kept on being light and cheerful. It goes to show that there's a rainbow after it rains, you just have to get through the rain to find it. 

*I want to thank Lisa, she was so wonderful and sweet to work with. She sent me the book signed and a bookmark signed, she really went an extra step and I was so happy about it.

Feature Follow # 12

Feature Follow is a weekly blog hop. For more information and to join go to Parajunkee'sblog or Alison Can Read's Blog This weekly feature is all about meeting new bloggers and making new friends. Post a comment on this post saying that you're a follower and I will follow back.

Question of the Week: Change the Plot. If you could, what book would you change the ending or a plot thread? Go ahead and do it...change it.

Taking Chances. I would have not made it a series and Harper should just have picked Chase to begin with and there wouldn't be a second book! What the hell?!?! What an awful freakin series. The writing is great, just that Harper picked the wrong guy, Chase should have had his happy ending. I hate this series.

My Review

Review: V is for Virgin By Kelly Oram

V is for Virgin

Author: Kelly Oram

Published: December 11, 2012

Publisher: Bluefields

Pages: 282
Source: Provided By Author For Review

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My Interview With Kyle
Kelly's Post About Kyle

When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation. 

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy. 

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.

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"Legs?" I scoffed. "Nice. Am I supposed to swoon?"

"You're swooning on the inside."

"In your dreams."

"You promise?"

"You better tell me your name," Kyle said. "Or Legs is going to stick permanently, and it won't be my fault."

"It's Valerie."

________________

The Top Ten Reasons Why Virgin Val Sucks 

10. She called me a one-hit-wonder. 

9. She doesn't appreciate the endearing nickname I gave her. 

8. She makes me write stupid blogs about her at four in the morning. 

7. She's encouraging people not to have sex.  

6. She blew me off when I asked her out.  

5. She has a crush on a douche bag. 

4. She won't answer any of my calls. 

3. She's such a tease with her look-but-don't-touch policy. 

2. I played a whole effing concert just for her and she didn't come even though she told me she would. (You're such a liar!) 

And the #1 reason why Virgin Val sucks? 

I still want her anyway.

______________________________

"I can't resist a good challenge."

"Well, I'm afraid you have a problem then, Kyle."

"What's that?"

"I never back down from a challenge either." I pointed to the jeans I was wearing. "This is one pair of pants you'll never get into."

"Ah, but you still have a whole closet full of others, and at least one very sexy skirt, don't you?"

"None of which you'll ever get your hands on either."

This book starts off with Valerie and her boyfriend breaking up and she has to tell off the girl that he immediately hooked up with after her. Of course the girl had it coming, I mean what kind of girl would do that? Along with telling off the girl, she professes that she plans on staying a virgin until she gets married and that is why her boyfriend broke up with her. So the video goes online and gets a lot of hits and suddenly she is known as Virgin Val. 

This book was so funny, the constant bickering between Val and Kyle was too hilarious. I was literally laughing out loud a lot. Kyle wanted in her pants because he thought it was 'problem', but it was something Val believed in. She started a revolution. She sold jewelry that she made with "V" for virgin so people wearing it would wait til marriage and "A" for abstinence. Val got famous and soon after couldn't handle everything that was thrown at her and lost another boyfriend in the process. Val's interactions with Kyle were always a spectacle, you'd have to call them that because you could barely call them conversations. There were so many moments that were hilarious, they were each other's challenge and wouldn't back down. They embarrassed each other and got away with a lot just to humiliate one another, it was hella fun to watch. He wanted her but couldn't promise her marriage and it wasn't enough for Val, it couldn't be she had a goal and he wouldn't give it to her, so she wouldn't give into him.  

This book was more about her journey of becoming a role model for girls and society. It was not a love story, but it was still a really great book to read. I hope this book teaching people out there that it's okay to be different and not do what everyone is doing just to be a follower. You can be yourself and people will like you for you, not who you hang out with, who your parents are or whatever else. Everyone is unique and if we all stood up for something the world would be a better place. I say this because I have kids and I want them to have a world better than the one I'm having. This was an inspirational read for me, there are so many lines to read between, so many things unsaid, I hope people can find them and make a difference in their own way.

Thanks to Kelly for letting me read her awesome book, it was a pleasure working with her.

Review: The Summer I Found You By Jolene Perry

The Summer I Found You

Author: Jolene Perry

Source: ARC From Netgalley

Expected Publication: March 1, 2014

Publisher: Albert Whitman Teen

Buy/Pre-order: Amazon Kindle Edition

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My Rating: 

All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction.

Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Aidan planned on being a lifer in the army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life. When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all?

About Jolene

I wear juvenile T-shirts, worn-out chucks, and eat too much chocolate. I write. A lot. I make up words, drink Shirley Temples, and suffocate a little without my iPod.

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I really liked this book, it was unique among the books I've read. I thought this was going to be a light read from the cover, but it was not. It was hard to read at times for me because I'm sensitive and feel for other people, fictional or not. I had a connection with Aidan, I understood him and I wanted him to come out of the pages and be a real person so that I can help him heal. He was my favorite character. This story is all about healing and dealing with what life has thrown at you and surviving it. Aidan lost his right arm in Afghanistan while doing a routine perimeter check with his best friend and Sergeant, it was a moment that he would take back in an instant just so his friend could survive it. So now he's dealing with PTSD, regret, and depression. He can't even face his friend's wife for the fear of the emotions being too much that it would split his heart in half. 

This story is way too close for comfort for me, my husband is in the military so Aidan's story was not very comforting for me, it could actually happen and that's scary. Aidan is now 19, has an impending list of things to do, doesn't know how to get started because of all the emotions he's dealing with, and all that on top of loosing a limb. Having to overcome all that and still come out on top is admirable and deserves respect in my opinion. It's a lot to deal with and the journey was not a pleasant one. 

Kate's story was different; she was diagnosed with diabetes a year earlier and still hadn't had a handle on it. She was awkward, and blunt. I didn't really like her because she said the stupidest things to Aidan when they met. I thought some of the things were rude and hurtful, she didn't mean them to be she was just curious about his arm, but I would have been offended. She didn't have a filter and it made her look younger than 17. She also would forget to deal with her disease, she wouldn't take her shots, which inevitably ended up with her in the hospital. I thought that was really stupid, it wasn't fair to her parents, how they were scared out of their minds because they could loose their daughter. But Kate didn't care, she thought ignoring the fact that she had a disease would miraculously make it go away. I thought she was selfish and uncaring for her parents feelings. She could have died and she didn't care. Not until Aidan yelled at her in the hospital did she snap out of it. He cared for her and wanted what was best for her but couldn't deal with her lies and mistrust. 

Kate and Aidan were dealing with a lot of emotional baggage for their age and somehow came out on top. I enjoyed this story, although not what I expected I still enjoyed getting to read this one. 

Review: What Goes On Tour By Claire Boston

Source: Netgalley For Review

Published: February 11, 2014

Publisher: Momentum Moonlight

282 Pages

Contemporary Romance

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What goes on tour, stays on tour … or does it?

Few people know that socially awkward Adrian Hart is actually rock god Kent Downer, and that's the way Adrian likes it. His privacy is essential, especially now that he has guardianship of his orphaned, ten-year-old niece, Kate. But when the nanny quits in the middle of his tour Adrian finds himself in a bind.

Until Libby Myles walks into his life.

Libby has only ever wanted to become a full-time author and prove to her parents that she can make it on her own. On the surface, the temporary job as the nanny for Kent Downer's niece looks perfect—the pay is fabulous, the hours are short and Kate is a big fan—it's the rock star that's the issue.

Arrogant and way too attractive for anyone's good, Kent Downer has enough swagger to power a small city. But when he's out of costume he's different—shy and uncertain. For Libby it's a far harder combination to resist. She needs to find a balance between work, writing and ignoring her attraction to the rock star, because if she falls for him, it could mean the end of her dream. 

But when a horrible scandal is unleashed—putting young Kate in danger—there's more heat between Libby and Adrian than just sexual attraction. Libby must figure out if Adrian ever cared for her, or if it was all just part of the show …

Claire Boston was a voracious reader as a child, devouring anything by Enid Blyton as well as series such as Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Baby-sitters Club and Sweet Valley High. Then one school holidays when she'd run out of books to read her mother handed her 'Hot Ice' by Nora Roberts and Claire instantly fell in love with romance novels.
The love of reading soon turned to a love of writing and she struggled to keep within the 1500 word limit set by her teachers for her creative writing assignments. When she finally decided to become serious about her stories she joined Romance Writers of Australia, found her wonderful critique group and hasn't looked back.
When Claire's not reading or writing she can be found in the garden attempting to grow vegetables, or racing around a vintage motocross track. If she can convince anyone to play with her, she also enjoys cards and board games.
Claire lives in Western Australia, just south of Perth with her husband, who loves even her most annoying quirks, and her two grubby, but adorable Australian bulldogs.

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"Didn't your mama ever teach you not to stare?"

These were the first words Kent asked Natasha & yeah she was staring, so would I if I had a rock star sitting in the same couch as me. 

"You don't need to worry," Kate told her uncle. "You're stuck with me forever. Someone has to take care of you."

"I'm so glad," Adrian said.

"Yep. We're gonna show them we're meant to be together."

______________________

His heart swelled and he relaxed further. Amazed him how much joy Kate brought into his life, just by being a kid. She made every moment exciting, made you see it from her perspective, and it included him in a childhood he'd never had.

______________________

As if on cue, Adrian's song came on the radio.

But he's wrong. He shouldn't be yearning to feel, to be hurt. The absence of felling was so much better than feeling too much. Loving people who didn't love you was the worse pain of all.

______________________

I really loved this story! I loved Adrian with his double persona, witty comments, rude at times but he's a Rock God so who cares it's expected. I loved him both as Adrian and as Kent. Adrian was so sweet, sensitive and hurt because of his childhood, so he looked at the world differently than everyone else. He was shy and quiet, so he decided to become Kent, as him he could come out of his shell, do and say things he wouldn't normally. I really enjoyed his relationship with Kate his niece; he wanted what was best for her and tried as best as he could to protect her from the craziness of his career but some things are inevitable. He was so caring and patient with her that you'd think it was his own daughter, he was always there for her when she needed comfort. 

I also loved the fact that Natasha was a writer, she had a few books out and was writing the whole span of the book. I got a peak at what going on from an author's point of view from deadlines to tours signings, it was all very interesting to me. I like knowing the process of how books are made and where ideas come from, it's something I always ask authors. Natasha and Adrian tried so hard to not get involved, and then to not have feelings for each other after they got involved, it was just ridiculous to me because I would have fallen in love with him. He cared so much for Kate that seeing that would make you fall for him so quick. He was a sensitive guy who was broken and insecure, who knew he would make a great father one day. It was so easy to fall for him. I knew it was only a matter of time for him to fall for her as well, how she was there for him when he needed her, how understanding she was, how encouraging she was towards him, and when he would second guess himself about decisions regarding Kate she was always supportive. Uh yep, they were meant to be together. 

I also liked George, Adrian's best friend/bodyguard/manager. He played many roles and always helped Adrian through everything. His family was such a blessing for Adrian, I'm so glad they were there, I just wish he didn't have the childhood he had, it was really sad to read and at times I would have to stop myself and debate on continuing to read. It was intense for me and hard to read. But it all turned out good, I got the happily ending I always look forward to in every book. Everything came together in the end really well. Claire's writing was smooth and calming, in a way that you forget that you're reading cause you're so deep in the story. It all flowed nicely to great ending. 

Review: For His Eyes Only By Liz Fielding

Source: Netgalley For Review

Will Publish: March 1, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance

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"It's your body that I want to draw, not your clothes."

Well, that's what she was afraid of! Hardworking estate agent Natasha Gordon finds her reputation in tatters when an ad she created gets bungled. She'll do anything to restore her good name—even beg seriously sexy artist Darius Hadley to give her another chance to sell his ancestral home. Only, he drives a hard bargain: Natasha must pose naked, for his eyes only?!

He's asking Natasha to take him on trust. But she's learned the hard way not to trust men—particularly those she's working with?and let alone men she's taking her clothes off for!

Darius's next outrageous statement? "I will, too—if it will make it easier for you.?" 

About Liz Fielding

Award winning author, Liz Fielding, was born with itchy feet. She took herself off to Africa at the age of 20, met her husband in Zambia, gave birth to her children on different continents and finally came to earth in a tiny village in West Wales. With more than 50 books in print she has been nominated for numerous awards including the Rita®, which she has won twice, and the Romantic Novelists' Association Romance Prize, which she won in 2005 with A Family of Her Own. In 2008 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Love & Laughter from Romantic Times. Recent titles include Secret Baby, Surprise Parents and Christmas Angel for the Billionaire.

My Review

"It's your body that I want to draw, not your clothes."

Darius's next outrageous statement? "I will, too—if it will make it easier for you.?" 

With quotes like these, you'd think this was going to be a really good book, you'd think it'd have at least some steam, and it does too bad it's all in the character's heads. Up until 42% where I stopped reading. By that point Natasha and Darius had two encounters and one was for about 5 minutes and the other about 15 minutes, so the entire rest of the dialogue is in each of their heads. This book is mostly talk and not much doing. So much about how they make each other feel, but don't even say it out loud. 

For his Eyes Only had such promise; a really great cover and blurb but for me it didn't deliver. In the beginnings it seemed promising, so much anticipation, by almost half the book I'm thinking 'Ok by this point more should have happened'. I was looking for a love story or a good romance, but it didn't happen.