Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Review: Shredded Tracy Wolff


Shredded (Extreme Risk, #1)

Shredded By Tracy Wolff
Series: Extreme Risk # 1
Source: eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
Published: February 4, 2014
Buy: Amazon
My Rating



In this intense and exhilarating New Adult series debut, a hotshot snowboarder and a vulnerable rebel with a cause try to let go of the past—and find a future in each other.

Twenty-one-year-old professional snowboarder Z Michaels is the bad boy of Park City, Utah. He’s always had his pick of any girl in town—and on the competition circuit. But underneath his cool exterior is a young man in turmoil, trying to take the edge off tragedy by overindulging in sex and shredding the slopes. In fact, Z’s reckless behavior is a thinly veiled attempt to blunt his emotional suffering with physical pain.

Ophelia Richardson isn’t like any girl Z has ever met. Though she’s from New Orleans high society, she’s no Southern belle—and she’s not shy about being miserable in frozen, godforsaken Park City. But laying low is her only option after her ex, a rich boy who couldn’t take no for an answer, nearly killed her in a jealous rage. Following that terrifying encounter, the last thing Ophelia needs is a boyfriend—especially one as rich and arrogant as Z. But Ophelia soon discovers that he isn’t what he seems. If anything, Z may be even more damaged than she is.

Tormented by their pasts and feeling alone in the world, Z and Ophelia find a connection unlike any they’ve ever known. But with Ophelia hiding the details of her life in Louisiana and Z’s death wish reaching terrifying new heights, their relationship seems to be going downhill before it even begins—unless they can find the strength in each other to trust, grow, and love again.


Tracy Wolff

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.



And for all of those who want the unedited version:

Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible. Tracy Wolff also writes as Tessa Adams



Links:





You're a pain in the ass, is what you are. Too arrogant. Too talented. Too used to getting your own way. Too impulsive. Too handsome. Too protective. Too kind. Who the hell knows what I see in you." -Ophelia

*****

I can barely breathe, barely think, through the need, the joy, the absolute terror that comes with loving her like this. 
For a second I think about looking away, but she won't let me. -Z
"I've got you, too, Z. I promise. I've got you, too.



I really liked this book. I liked the characters, the writing, and the plot. I think it was well organized. I liked the snowboarding aspect of this book, it's the first book I've read about it and I liked it. I loved Z and Ophelia, I thought they were good together. I think their first meeting was so funny, Z was flirting with Ophelia and she wasn't impressed, in fact she dumped a cold drink on his pants because she thought he needed to cool down. He just laughed, he was amused, girls threw themselves at him all the time and he wasn't used to not getting his way. He thought Ophelia was interesting and he wanted to know more about her. When they got together, it was hot! I loved the way he protective over her, worried about her, more like over-protective but he cared about her and he was learning how to be in a relationship so he was just trying to protect what was his. I'm so happy Z found Ophelia, I think they were really good together and I also loved their little group, all the other characters were awesome. There was definitely drama in the circle of friends and they all had their secrets, but I loved how they had each others backs and were always so encouraging towards each other.  

The only thing that I didn't like was that Z felt so guilty because of his past, he tortured himself by putting himself in danger regularly. He took unnecessary risks, he loved the adrenaline he got from snowboarding but it was more than that, he needed to escape his memories and his guilt. What actually surprised me the most was that his father wasn't around because of what happened in the past. I hated that for Z, he was so talented, mostly because he did what nobody else would because it was so dangerous, but other than that, he had real talent. I hated that he was wasting it but when he got his act together, he was better than ever.

I really can't put into words how much I loved this book. It happens to me all the time, when I read a really good book I'm somehow speechless. That's kinda bad for someone that writes a blog, but there you go, lol. I just know that this book is really good, go read it. It's includes snowboarding, it pumps your adrenaline, keeps you on your toes, keeps you guessing, and leaves you wanting more. And I'm not just talking about the sport.
The writing was also really good, the plot, and the characters. What really hooked me where the characters, I love how they were so tight and such a family. Yes I repeated myself but it needed to be said. And can we please talk about this cover, OMG that's freakin' fantastic! You all know I'm a cover snob, lets not even hide that cause it's true. The cover looks just like Z is described; hot, hot, hot. Need I say more? I don't think so :)

I also read the next book Shattered and it was equally as good. It's about Ash, one of Zs best friends, when something unexpected happens he has to deal with it for the rest of his life. I also have more books by Tracy that I can't wait to read and review.


Release Day Launch: Girl Lost By Nazarea Andrews


Girl Lost

Girl Lost By Nazarea Andrews
Published: May 1, 2014
Review to come on May 13



Northern was supposed to be a fresh start—a place where people didn’t know who I was or how I had spent years in and out of mental institutes. People didn't know about my parents death or the island no one heard of. But when Peter sits next to me in lit class, I can’t stop the memories, and I don’t want to. He looks too much like the boy from the island, and despite my best intentions, coaxes my secrets from me.


He’s gorgeous, irresistible, a little mad, and completely lost—we are a pair of broken cogs in a world neither of us truly fits into. He is somehow gentle and fierce, heartbreaking in his devotion and savage in his defense.



When Belle, his best friend, shows up, pale and lovely and sick, Peter pulls away from me, a startling withdrawal. It’s a relationship that scares and confuses me. She is at times warm and friendly, and other times is violent and unpredictable.



Peter says that he wants me, but refuses to let himself get close. And there are secrets, surrounding both of us, that border on nightmares. As the memories close in, as Belle gets sicker and more violent, I’m torn between what is true and what I believe, and what this magical boy knows about my mysterious past.





Amazon's Nazarea Andrews Page

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.
You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Nazarea Andrews is agented, and all inquiries about rights should be directed to Michelle Johsnon of Inklings Literary.

Links:



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Out Of Mind By Jen McLaighlin







Reaching for sunlight...
Finn survived the ambush and came home to me, but in his head, the battle is still raging. He’s falling apart and I’m trying my best to pick up the pieces of him, to find the us we used to be. I love him as much as I ever did, but love isn’t enough to fix this. I thought telling my father about our relationship would be the hardest thing we’d ever have to face. I was wrong.
Lost in shadows...
All I wanted was to be worthy of Carrie. One mission, just one, and I’d be able to give her the future she deserved. Then everything went wrong, leaving me tainted and broken. Carrie wants me to be who I was, but all that’s left is what they made of me. I’m no good for her. No good for anyone like this. I have to figure out how to move forward. Alone.
Sometimes love isn’t enough…   

Buy Links

OUT OF LINE (Book #1) Amazon / B & N

OUT OF TIME (Book #2) Amazon / B & N







Jen McLaughlin

Jen McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, came out September 2013. She also writes bestselling Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts.Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Excerpt: Unforgettable Hearts By Emily A. Lawrence


Unforgettable Hearts (Soul's Desire #2)

Unforgettable Hearts
By Emily A. Lawrence
Series: Soul's Desire # 2
Published: March 27, 2014
Publisher: Beau Coup
Buy: Amazon


Continuing the Soul’s Desire Series with book 2 Unforgettable Hearts
Ellie Benton lost all contact with her childhood friend, Tyler Stuart, when she moved with her family to New York. For seven years she’d mourned the loss of the copper-haired boy whom she’d secretly admired her entire life. Saddened by the thought that he’d forgotten her, Ellie carried on with her life, but nothing could fill the void he’d left in her heart. When an unexpected trip reunited them after such a long time, Ellie found herself unable to resist the strong pull she felt toward him, nor control the feelings she’d fought so hard to keep at bay. Tyler’s initial coldness at the sight of her made her question if he’d ever cared about her, but soon she discovered things she’d never even dared dream of, secrets that turned her soul inside out and brought her more joy than she’d ever experienced. Tyler proved to be the man of her dreams, exactly how she’d imagined him. But, as they embarked on a passionate relationship—just when she thought she’d finally found her happiness—demons from their past and present threatened to separate them. Will their love overcome all the obstacles they have to face?



I saw Tyler’s fingers tighten around the glass, squeezing it so hard I feared it might shatter in his hand. It only took seconds. First there was a crack, then his eyes became slits, and before I could react, the crystal glass broke, slicing his palm open.
“Tyler!” Caitlyn jumped, a look of horror on her face. 
“Dammit!” Tyler growled and grabbed a towel, pressing it against his bleeding wound. I felt my stomach lurch and my heart beat a hundred miles per hour. 
“Son, what did you do? Let me see that!” Alfred was by his side, but Tyler got up from his seat and stormed out of the dining room, causing several heads to turn. 
“I’ll go,” I said and rushed after him. 
“Tyler, wait up! Tyler!” I managed to catch up with him when he stopped to open his door.
 “Go back, Ellie. I’m fine,” he said through gritted teeth. 
“No, you’re not. You’re bleeding!” I followed him into the bathroom and watched him turn on the cold water, getting his blood all over the faucet. He put his hand under the clear water and grunted when it poured over his wound. He rinsed off as quickly as he could, but it didn’t stop the bleeding. 
“You might need some stitches—”
 “No, it’s not that deep.”
 I opened the medical cabinet on the wall. “At least let me put some alcohol on it. You don’t want it to get infected, do you?” After opening the bottle I grabbed his wrist to hold him in place and poured a bit on the bleeding wound.
Tyler growled, then mumbled all kinds of despicable things, half of which I couldn’t understand. He thrust his hand under the stream of water again and waited until it ran clean from his wound. The pain seemed to be subsiding since his body relaxed.
He examined the wound closely. “It’s not as severe as I thought it was. It still burns, though.”
“Sit down and let me bandage you,” I said, taking what I needed from the cabinet. He sat down on the edge of the tub, but stuck his hand behind his back when he saw me grab the bottle. 
“Oh, no. No more alcohol.” 
“Don’t be such a baby. Come on. The faster I finish this, the sooner I’ll leave you alone.” Saying those words hurt, but it was the painful truth. Whatever pain he was feeling, mine was multiplied by thousands of times at the thought that he didn’t want me around him. 
His jaw clenched, and said nothing in return. I had half expected him to tell me I was mistaken, but he didn’t. Giving me his hand, he let me clean and bandage his wound. The proximity was killing me slowly, and it took all I had to keep from wrapping myself around him and settling into his arms.
I ached to hear that he’d missed me and have the harrowing weight lifted off of my heart, but his lips remained sealed and not one word came out as I attended him. Saddened, I reflected deeply on our past relationship and how much it had meant to me, feeling the poignancy of everything we’d shared in good times and bad. I wondered if perhaps this was the beginning of the saddest time of all, as the pain I felt in all the years we’d been apart was nothing compared to the way I felt now. Holding my breath to avoid inhaling his masculine scent, I tried to swallow the raw pain scraping its way toward my mouth as a scream demanded its exit. 
“There...you’ll be okay, but maybe you should let your dad have a look at it—”
 “Stay away from that man,” he said and grabbed my wrist unexpectedly. 
My heart jumped into my throat, blocking my windpipe. My throat contracted around the emotions which threatened to leap up and out of my lips, my stomach tensed and my insides felt like they were tied into a knot.
 “What?” I barely whispered, glaring at him perplexed. 
“You heard me. Stay away from that Andrew whatever.” Tyler was dead serious, his voice dry as bones. Was that what had caused his anger? Him seeing me with the other man? There was a small flutter of hope in my tummy, but I wasn’t sure what to think anymore.

The Guardian Of My Soul (Soul's Desire, #1)
Guardian of my Soul - Book 1
Buy: Amazon


Emily A. Lawrence


Emily A. Lawrence lives in Transylvania with her family, hence her love for vampires and paranormal books. She is extremely passionate about fiction and has been writing stories, mostly fan fiction, for years now, but only began thinking seriously about publishing approximately a year ago. Having her family's support, and encouraged by friends and fellow authors, she pursued her dream of becoming a published author.

Emily loves creating new characters with whom readers can identify themselves, and losing herself in their worlds. Usually, she writes contemporary romance in three heat levels: sweet, sensual and erotic. However, she would like to try her hand at other genres one day, such as paranormal or mystery.

When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, new sceneries, food and meeting new people, or simply reading a good book.

Links: Blog / Website / Facebook


Sunday, April 27, 2014

Cover Reveal: Shattering The Damned By Princess Racena McConell


 Title: Shattering The Damned
Series: Secrets of the Mystic: Book 2
Author: Princess Racena McConell
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Expected Released:  Mid Summer
Presented by: As You Wish Tours

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22010484-shattering-the-damned

 BLURB

With their lives forever changed, where will Rachel and Derek go from here? After uncovering many of the secrets from their pasts and learning about the lineage that linked them together long ago, the mystical lovers will face unimaginable challenges.

An ancient evil—driven to destroy the miracle their love has created—will use everything and anyone it deems viable to help carry out the task. Shortly after their honeymoon, the two lovers set out to find others of their kind who are appointed to help them further discover exactly who—and what—they are, and to uncover the powers that lie within. Will the two have no choice but to leave their old lives behind in order to protect what they hold dear, or will all that they love be sacrificed in the battle between what once was and what will come to be?

AUTHOR BIO
Princess Racena McConnell (who has never and will never go by her first name) was born in Kings Mountain NC and now resides in the busy little town of Summerville SC with her husband of 32 years. She is the mother of 3 and grandmother to 4 with a 5th one on the way! "Promises In The Dark"; her debut novel—is part 1 of a story that has been in her mind for many years, and finally had to be told! She enjoys spending time with her family, and is so thankful they all live within 20 minutes! She also enjoys reading, writing and anything horror related. Her dream is to someday see her books splashed across silver screen!


Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/RacenaMcconnellhttps://twitter.com/PrmTjm1981http://princessmcc.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7538673.Princess_Racena_McConnellhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Princess%20Racena%20McConnell&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerankhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/mrs-princess-racena-mcconnellhttps://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Princess48

Promises In The Dark 
Secrets of the Mystic: Book 1
Book Links
http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Secrets-Mystic-Princess-McConnell-ebook/dp/B00H6Q1UG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1392075264&sr=1-1http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promises-in-the-dark-princess-mcconnell/1117649739?ean=9781494393625https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19378183-promises-in-the-darkhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/392994

Presented by
http://www.asyouwishtours.com/


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Cover Reveal: Finding Haven By T.A. Foster

FindingHaven Amazon Smashwords Goodreads-1

FINDING HAVEN by T.A. Foster

Releasing May 15th, 2014

New Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Blurb:

Power. Money. Control. Love.
He has all but one.
When movie star, Evan Carlson, discovers his girlfriend’s picture with another man splashed on the cover of gossip magazines, he decides he’s had enough of his fishbowl life and attempts to outrun the media frenzy his relationships have become. Driving until the road stops, he ends up on the remote and quaint Perry Island, where a heartthrob can blend in like the locals and be a beach bum as long as he wants. All that changes when Evan meets Haven Owen, aspiring songwriter and the girl he just can’t get enough of. A summer romance turns into something much deeper and Evan gets tangled in his own web of lies to keep Haven in his life. But when his ex tracks him down, Evan learns there are some things you just can’t outrun.
Is the cost of love, losing all control? 

   FH_Teaser2

FH_Teaser3

GIVEAWAY

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


headshot

AUTHOR BIO: T.A. Foster once spent a monthlong spring break on South Padre Island, where she soaked in the Texas sun, beach, and learned what real Texas country music is. Sometimes fiction does spring from reality. She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children, and two canine kiddos. T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing, or planning her next beach trip.

  Author Links: Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads


Review: Beasts Of The Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell

Title: Beasts Of The Frozen Sun Author: Jill Criswell Series: Frozen Sun Saga #1 Genre: YA Fantasy Publishing Date: August 6, 2...