Thursday, June 13, 2019

O'Connor Brothers by A.S. Kelly Release Kit and Giveaway


Ian
A.S. Kelly
(O’Connor Brothers, #1)
Publication date: February 15th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
A year ago, she begged me to stay.
A year later, it’s my turn to beg her not to go.
My obsession. My downfall.
I tried to resist, to keep her at a distance.
I tried to save myself.
But no one will be saved here, not even a selfish bastard like me.
My life has always been about sport and family, including my stupid brothers. Until that night, the night I made the worst decision of my life. And I’m still paying the price for it.
We both are.
But the time has come to take back control of the situation, to risk it all, to convince her to let me in, because she can’t be anything other than mine.

I am Ian O’Connor, and I’m about to accept this challenge: to try and hold on to the only woman I’ll ever be able to love.
And even if I already know how this badly written romance is going to end, I won’t back away. This time, I’m going all the way. Because I only want her.
And I have no intention of losing her.

I’m an O’Connor, and the O’Connors never lose.

--
Ryan
A.S. Kelly
(O’Connor Brothers, #2)
Publication date: May 20th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
I’ve gone back: back to the place where it all started, where somebody else had the final say.
I did it out of love for my family.
I’m trying to rebuild my life, to stay standing, even though my legs hurt like hell. I’m concentrating on myself, on my career.
I’m ready to tear everything apart to try and keep it all together. To hate without feeling guilty for it, because hating others is the only way I know how to keep myself - the person I am - going; and I was doing it.
I was strong. I was untouchable. I was invincible.
Actually, I was deluded.
I didn’t consider everything. I didn’t consider her: the only woman I really want to hate, but who gives me hope. A woman who turns your world upside-down, who entwines herself into your life even if she can only stay until tomorrow.
I’m not looking for tomorrow: I want a future. But I don’t believe in that anymore.
And I can’t turn back, not even for her.
My name is Ryan O’Connor, and I’m about to make a huge mistake. I’m about to let her believe in me, to take a chance. But she’d be betting on the wrong man. I’ve never been the right one. And she’ll be left accepting her bitter defeat.
—
IAN EXCERPT:

“Tell me that everything’s okay,” he says seriously. “Tell me that this time no one’s going to run away or regret this or lose their mind over it.”
I look at him and smile. “None of those things are going to happen.”
He exhales and caresses my face with his hand.
“Riley Murray, you’re breathtaking, you know that?”
My heart swells in my chest.
“You’re not so bad yourself.”
He laughs, rolling onto his back and bringing me with him. I lie down and stretch out alongside him, resting my head on his chest. I caress his pecs, his shoulders and his arms. I hear him sigh every time I change the movement.
“Do you want to know what I really like?”
He turns his head to look at me better. I raise my gaze and let myself be taken in by the warmth in his eyes.
“This. You and me.”
He exhales deeply as if he had been holding his breath this whole time.
“I’m begging you, please don’t leave me in the middle of the night.”
And in this moment, with his eyes as sweet and melancholy as I’ve ever seen, Ian O’Connor takes my heart and I know he’ll never give it back.



Author Bio:
A.S. Kelly was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, their two children and a cat named Oscar.
Bookworm, English Literature lover, music passionate, coffee drinker, she lives in a small village in the North of Dublin, where she looks for inspiration for her new stories.




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Thursday, June 6, 2019

Review: Kickin' It by Rachel Van Dyken

Rachel Van Dyken is my favorite author for contemporary romance! She's an auto buy author for me because every book that I've read from her has been absolutely amazing, she never disappoints no matter what genre she writes. I have a bunch of reviews here of her books! She has a style of writing that makes the story feel real, like a friend telling you a story or like you're in the story yourself. She makes you feel for the characters and it's like you're part of the world and that's how all of her books feel.
I am super excited to share this review!


Kickin' It (Red Card Book 2) by [Van Dyken, Rachel]

Title: Kicking It
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Red Card Book 2
Publishing Date: June 11, 2019
Genre: Contemporary, Sports Romance
My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blurb

Love breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance.
Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team. She’s also a hothead with a punchy past who floored her last coach on live TV. Despite his misgivings, Matt agrees to be both her agent and her coach. Professional common sense says she’s off-limits. But what can he say about the raw attraction between them?
Parker plays soccer with her heart and soul. But after the events of the last year, she’s shaken. She’s already seen what a powerful man can do to a female athlete’s career. And her beloved dream is in the hands of a sexy, gorgeous man with the uncanny ability to slip past her defenses…and into her heart.
Now Matt and Parker are about to learn that when it comes to love, the only way to win is by breaking every rule they know. And by playing nice. Real nice.


About The Author

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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. 
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and, adorable son. She loves to hear from readers!


Links: Facebook I Website I Email I Instagram I Twitter



Review



Warning!
*I want to point out that this book deals with a sensitive subject which is sexual assault, that is a trigger warning that I should let you know before anyone reads this book. 

I really enjoyed this book. As all of Rachel's books have the same feel, this one was no exception. As this book deals with a strong subject, I think it was done very well and respectful to the feelings of a person that was abused. As it was not the focus point of the story, I'm very grateful for the fact that there other aspects to the story. Parker is a soccer player in search for an agent, and her best friend's brother is the one that she wants. As her past seems to haunt and taunt her we see that Parker is a strong woman and doesn't let other people's actions define her. She had a horrible traumatic experience that changed her into a shell of a person that she was but she persevered through the dark times and chased her dreams not letting anything stop her. I admired her bravery for standing up for what she believed in, and even though she knew she would be judged she needed to be an example for others in hopes that what happened to her didn't happen to anyone else.

I really appreciate how the story was written, even though it was a serious subject that needs to be talked about, it wasn't something that defined Parker or her future. She was trying to forget her bad memories, instead she's trying to move on with her life in hopes of making her dreams come true. I loved her passion for soccer, how she trained until she was sore and couldn't feel her legs. I could tell she really loved the sport but her talent could only get her so far. Ever since Parker punched her coach on national television her career took a nosedive, she needs Matt's help as an agent to get her on the right team. And Matt did something he doesn't ever do, he coaches her, so if she can survive his torture (I mean coaching) she can ace any teams tryout. 

Another aspect that I love from Rachel is the way she writes humor in her books, it seems so natural and seamless. It always makes me laugh out loud. The story was fast paced and perfect length for me, straight to the point without any filler scenes. I was engaged in the story, I cared for the characters, and a bit of hilarity sprinkled in, it's the recipe for a great book. This is the first book I've read from this series and I loved the characters so I can't wait to read more about them. 





Release Day Blitz- Sweet Whispers by Jeanette Lewis


Title: Sweet Whispers
Author: Jeanette Lewis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Editor: Elidryn Productions
Cover Designer: Najla Qamber Design
Publication Date: June 6th, 2019
                           
Blurb:
As the executor of her grandfather’s estate, Melanie Bowers is returning to Indigo Bay for the first time in years. Her goal is to be in and out before anyone in town knows she’s there – especially Penn, the high school sweetheart who broke her heart by joining the military and leaving her alone, with no promise for their future together. Penn Westover was anxious to complete his tour of duty, then spend the rest of his life with Melanie. But his dream shattered when she married someone else. He reluctantly moved on with his life, but he never forgot. When Melanie and Penn reconnect in Indigo Bay and realize they’re both single again, their chemistry comes roaring back. The sparks are still there, but can they move beyond their painful memories and forgive, or are they better off leaving the past alone?
Buy Link:
Universal: Universal

Romance with Heart! Jeanette Lewis is a bestselling sweet romance author who specializes in writing character-driven stories with heart. Jeanette’s writing is known for her strong characters, depth, and detail, as well as plenty of sweet, swoony kissing scenes. Dreaming up stories has always been one of Jeanette’s favorite things. Other favorites include family, friends, crisp Autumn days, having adventures, and frozen gummy bears.

Author Links:
Buy Link:

Book Blitz, Excerpt, and Giveaway: Wickedly It Begins


Wickedly It Begins
Cathrina Constantine
Publication date: June 1st 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
One fateful night will change their lives forever.
Seeley is born a hunter. God’s warrior. She’s endowed with inexplicable gifts to slay creatures and demons threatening human’s. Alongside her guardian angel, Ezekiel, she will face unimaginable trials and tribulations.
Jack Chase was born an orphan. Kicked from foster home to foster home, he lands with a couple who worships Satan. He succumbs to their diabolical rituals, and learns he also has extraordinary talents. Wealthy, Asa Trebane, and leader of the Black Order of the Cult locates this teenager he’s heard much about. He takes Jack under his wing and into his home.
A mysterious pull leads Jack to Seeley. A pull neither of them can resist.
—
EXCERPT:
It was too beautiful of a day to die.
Nevertheless, as daylight eclipsed into an evening of skulking creatures, Seeley fortified her resolve. Her outlook hadn’t changed, it was simply another night of abolishing inhuman cretins.
Assessing the disfigured human, ice moved in her veins. Tattered clothes hung off his skeletal body, and its face, what remained of it, reminded her of moldy bread left in the sun to rot. She squeezed the razor-edged dagger in the palm of her hand. Refusing to let her insecurities get the best of her, she hardened her stance because this one looked despicable.
In distorted motion the humanlike creature came at her. It lunged, targeting her slender throat with its slobbering maw and sharp teeth. Seeley should’ve spun and feinted. Instead she stood her ground, feet planted.
She waited for that life-threatening moment. The moment its stinging breath touched her skin and she could strike, unhindered and compelled to kill. Pulling back her arm, she jammed the dagger into its chest. Not relinquishing the blade, she thrust deeper until her hand was painted in blood.



Author Bio:
Cathrina Constantine is the Best Selling author of Don't Forget To Breathe. Her book won Readers' Favorite International Book Award for 2015. New Apple Medalist for 2016. Literary Classics Gold Award. Literary Classics Seal of Approval. Her Paranormal Fantasy, Wickedly They Come has been awarded the 5 Star Seal from Reader's Favorite. Tallas from her dystopian series received Literary Classics Silver Award and Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Cathrina resides in Western New York. I am blessed with a loving family and forever friends. My world revolves around them.
I grew up in the small village of Lancaster, NY, where I married my sweetheart. I'm devoted to raising 5 cherished children, and now my grandchildren.
I love to immerse myself in great books of every kind of genre, which helps me to write purely for entertainment, and hopefully to inspire readers. When not stationed at my computer you can find me in the woods taking long walks with my dog.


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Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Release Blitz, Excerpt, Teasers, and Giveaway: About Last Night by Carter Ashby



Title: About Last Night (A Kentucky Cowboys Novel) 
Author: Carter Ashby 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Release Date: June 4, 2019 



Newly divorced Tessa Hunt is determined that last night’s bad decision is both the first and last of its kind. Unfortunately, that bad decision wears a cowboy hat, has a killer smile, and somehow managed to undo years of damage to her ego in just one night. She’s more than tempted to keep him in mind for future rendezvous, but in her heart, she knows better. After all, he’s just a playboy like her ex, and definitely no good for a serious relationship.
Cooper Dean’s night with Tessa is a wake-up call. Holding her had felt different. Not like a one-night stand at all. And while he wants to see more of her, he knows he has to get his life together first. That means coming to terms with his grief over the loss of his wife, and rising to the challenge of fatherhood. His first task as a single father is to take his son to the first day of Kindergarten. Seems simple enough, until he finds out that his son’s teacher is none other than the lovely Tessa Hunt.
Now, the two neighbors are finding common ground in their concern for Cooper's children and their attraction to each other. But can Tessa open herself to trust again? Can this cowboy widower let go of his past and embrace the future with a new love?

KINDLE UNLIMITED

AMAZON



He lowered his eyes, suddenly aware he was half-drunk and mostly naked at ten thirty in the morning. “Maybe I could take you to dinner.” She snorted. “Don’t do me any favors. Let’s just go back to the way things were and pretend we don’t know each other.” He looked back up. Was she serious? Last night was the best sex he’d had in ages. She’d been all over him like an animal; he could barely keep up. Maybe he’d failed to impress her. She was a little older than him. Maybe she had higher expectations than the college girls he usual landed in bed with. Still, he wasn’t one to beg. Not much, anyway. “Come on, Tess, what did I do wrong?” “Nothing. You did nothing wrong. I’m just…just embarrassed and ashamed, and I want you out of my sight so I can pretend like it didn’t happen.” With a sigh, he stepped backward toward the door. “Tell you what. I’m gonna get sober, get dressed, and then ask you out proper-like, okay?” “What is this?” she asked. “You feel sorry for me or something?” “No, not at all. It’s just—” “I don’t need you to fix this. Last night wasn’t your fault. You were just behaving according to your nature. I’m the one who did something stupid.” His confusion suddenly took a back seat to anger. “You keep talking about me like I’m too dumb to understand what you’re saying. I got feelings, too, you know.” She actually snorted before turning back to her coffee pot to fill the mug she’d been holding. “Sure you do, cowboy. You and your feelings need to get the hell out of my house.” “You know, some women are actually happy after a night with me.” “Well, then, maybe your time would be better spent finding one of them.” Fine. What was the point arguing with her when she was so all-fired determined to dislike him? “Maybe I will. I’ve got plenty of options. Plenty.” “I’m duly impressed,” she said blandly. “You should be. I’m talking tall, stacked, gorgeous young women.” She slammed her mug on the counter, coffee splashing out, and spun to face him, this time with tears welling in her eyes. “Then go! I cannot imagine why you’re standing here bothering me when you clearly have better things on the horizon. Just go!” “Fine! I’m going. And hey, keep that damn dog of yours on your side of the yard.” “Leave Clark out of it. He never did anything to you.” Cooper slammed the door behind him. He’d been living in companionable silence next door to that woman for nine months, now. They didn’t speak much, but sometimes he’d mow her lawn for her, or she’d pick up his mail for him and set it inside his screen door. It had been nice. Polite. But now, well, she could mow her own lawn and see how she liked dodging the piles of crap Clark left all over. He beelined for his fridge and grabbed another beer. So what if she thought he was a slob? So what if she thought he was the male version of a slut? So what if she was maybe a little bit right? He took his beer to his room, and before he fully realized what he was doing, he started unstacking the boxes in the corner until he came to the one marked, keepsakes written in his mother-in-law’s handwriting. He ripped the tape off and opened the box. He set his beer on the floor and began digging through the contents, a mishmash of items from jewelry to letters to photos. And then he pulled out a framed photo. He collapsed against the wall and held it in one hand while he reclaimed his beer. Kirsten had been his first everything. First kiss, first partner, first love. In the photo, she was smiling, several months pregnant. She was staring up at a handsome young man who had never slept with anyone but her, and who never got drunk to numb his feelings, and who couldn’t wait to take on the responsibilities of fatherhood—a young man who was gainfully employed and took pride in his work. A young man Cooper never saw anymore when he looked in the mirror. No, what he saw in the mirror was exactly what Tess saw…a bum. A young, irresponsible, drunken bum. The photo was beginning to blur as Cooper's eyes stung with unshed tears. “If I knew how to get back to that I would,” he murmured. He kissed the photo, crawled into bed, and fell asleep with the empty bottle in one hand and the photo in the other.
 



 






Carter Ashby lives in Missouri with her three kids and two dogs. When she’s not working, or raising children, she enjoys writing real, romantic, and slightly naughty stories.







Book Blitz, Excerpt, Giveaway: Coven's End by L.A. Boruff and Lia Davis



Coven’s End: Kane
L.A. Boruff & Lia Davis
(Coven’s End, #1)
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Bad boy. Alpha. Lethal.
Some say those are qualities of a good leader. Others disagree.
Heir to the Vampire throne and Lilith’s only son, I’m being forced to find a mate.
Unfortunately for my beloved mama, I found my fated mate already.
No one compares to her.
The problem?
She’s a Lycan princess— completely off limits. If that’s not bad enough, I’m not her only potential mate.
Can I ignore the pull of my fated mate to make my mother happy and take the throne?

The complete series: 

—
EXCERPT BOOK 1:
“You will choose a mate, and then take the throne.” Lilith’s voice resonated with a finality that made me cringe. I held in my irritation and scanned the great throne room. When she put her power into her words, no one—not even me—could disobey.
Fucking rules.
Lilith was my mother—and Lucifer knew I loved her—but I couldn’t rule the vampires while under her thumb and no more than her puppet. When I did become the High King of the vampires, there were going to be changes. The old ways didn’t work for us as they once did.
I fisted my hands over the arms of my throne. Why we were meeting in the great room to discuss my mating situation was beyond me. Mother was supposed to be gone already, but The Blood—the vampire council—demanded I find a mate first. They never gave their reasons, which made me suspicious.
“Mother, it isn’t that easy.” My chest tightened with an unfamiliar feeling. Longing and loneliness stirred within. I’d already met my mate, not that it would do me any good. I couldn’t claim my one true mate, ever.
It was several years ago. My guard had convinced me to go to a local bar owned by one of their own that catered to both vampires and lycans. Many of the lycans attended public schools with the humans, able to blend in all but one night a month when the moon was full. The younger lycans were notorious for bar-hopping, and vampires weren’t much different.
A vampire-owned bar wasn’t unusual. We owned the night, after all, and humans in bars made poor choices, leaving us open to feed without detection or having to use our telepathic abilities. Using telepathy to mask our feeding always drained us.
We’d entered a local bar that particular night, and I’d almost left when I smelled them. Lycans. A growl escaped me as I walked through the door, my guard flanking me. It was no secret that vampires and lycans had warred since the beginning of time. Well, maybe not that long, but there were times it felt that way.
Scanning every dark corner of the place, I spotted several of the wolves crammed into booths in near the back of the bar. The entire establishment reeked of them, so I slowed my breathing to minimize the overwhelming scent of dog.
Ignoring the lycans, my guard and I made our way to the bar where a small group of vampires close to my age gathered. They met my gaze briefly and nodded their heads once in a slight bow. I nodded back in greeting. One thing I hated about being the vampire prince was my people insisted on being at attention in my presence. It was annoying. My people weren’t fucking puppets.
They were people with lives. As long as they didn’t expose us to the humans, I didn’t care what they did.
It was one thing I was already starting to change—I only wanted them to address me formally when I was sitting on my throne.
Once seated, the bartender took our drink orders and left. My guard rested against the bar so he could watch the door and my back simultaneously. “You know there are large factions of younger vampires in favor of ending our centuries-long feud with the lycans.”
Yeah, I knew. However, I had little interest. “Nothing I can do about it at the moment.”
My time to rule would come soon enough—three to four years to be exact – and I didn’t want to waste my free years worrying about vampire-lycan politics.
The air conditioning kicked on, blowing cool air through the bar and mixing the scents of vampire and lycans. That was when her scent hit me full-force, nearly knocking me off my stool. Rose water and mint, mixed with an intoxicating earthy spice that called to my soul. My body heated and my heart pulsed, pumping blood straight to my dick. What the fuck?
My head whipped around, searching for the owner of that scent—the scent of my mate. When I spotted her, the noise from the bar around me seemed to disappear for a few moments. Her wavy chestnut hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and two thick strands of hair framed her oval face. She wore a pair of faded blue jeans with tears cut into the thighs and a black T-shirt that said, “I howl at the moon.”
She was a lycan. Fuck me.
“Who is she?” I nudged my guard. He came to the bar frequently and was more likely to know. I suspected he was one of the ones encouraging vampires to give lycans a chance.
My guard followed my line of sight and grunted. “Jillian,” he said. “She’s hot, but she’s too hot. Trouble. She’s the lycan princess, only heir to the High Alpha.”
Fuck me. She was my mate. I knew it as surely as I knew I could never be with her. An ache formed in my soul at that thought. Normally I didn’t have a problem with breaking the rules and taking what was mine. But this was different.
I had to take the vampire throne one day soon and choose a vampire mate. It was the law and my future. A future I’d have to live without my fated mate. I’d never be accepted if I had a lycan as my mate, much less the lycan princess.




Author Bio:
In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger's Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.
While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.
Lia's favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it's her home and she loves it! 
Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter 
L.A. Boruff lives in East Tennessee with her husband, three children, and an ever growing number of cats. She loves reading, watching TV, and procrastinating by browsing Facebook. L.A.'s passions include vampires, food, and listening to heavy metal music. She once won a Harry Potter trivia contest based on the books, and lost one based on the movies. She has two bands on her bucket list that she still hasn't seen: AC/DC and Alice Cooper. Feel free to send tickets.
Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


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Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Blog Tour Review: Drained by GK Curry


Title: Title: Drained
Author: G.K. Curry
Genre: Supernatural Crime Thriller
Publication Date: May 15, 2019
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Source: Ebook provided for review
My Rating: 3/5 Stars

Blurb:
Six gruesome murders.
Six crime scenes with no evidence.
And a killer who's more than your typical monster.
When detectives Shaun Hawthorne and Danny Viviani are called to the scene of a homicide, they realize it's the work of a serial killer. Just like the others, she's been stabbed in the neck and drained of brain fluid.
To solve the case, they'll have to peer into the mind of a murderer who is anything but human. As Shaun and Danny dive deeper into the mystery, they discover that there's a darker side to the world. A side full of magic and monsters.
And now they've become the prey.
Can Shaun and Danny survive long enough to catch the killer, or will they become the next victims?

You'll die over this paranormal crime mystery because of the non-stop action and the jaw dropping twists.





GK Curry is an actuary for health care benefits with his ASA. When he isn’t writing or working full-time, you can find him spending time with his wife, four daughters, and four pets.  He enjoys playing and coaching sports and watching crime dramas to spark his imagination. Drained is his first novel.



Review

I enjoyed this book, it is right up my alley and very familiar to what I'm used to. It is an entertaining suspenseful novel. I'm more used to watching crime shows and I'm getting more comfortable with this genre, this book was perfect for that. It wasn't too long or overly descriptive. The characters were interesting and I loved that there was no love story because it wasn't needed. It also felt real to me, like this could potentially happen except for the supernatural aspect of it. But for me when it's hard to get the feeling that the writing style of an author can actually capture me. What most felt real for me was that our main character Shaun was married and was working on a case and was separated from his wife and they would talk on the phone, it's so simple but I felt for their distance and it felt real to me.
This is a great debut novel in my opinion. I look forward to the author's next novel.   
  





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...