Saturday 14 December 2013

Review - So Much It Hurts (#1) Debut Book By Melanie Dawn

Synopsis

Life is full of uncertainty, so what happens when a what-if from your past collides with your present?

Kaitlyn Thomas, a weary wife and mother, is taking a much needed getaway with her friends. All she wants to do is relax and rejuvenate on her weekend escape to the beach. Having a drink at the bar with the girls sounds like the perfect way to unwind. That is, until Kaitlyn hears a familiar voice from the stage that shakes her to her core. She grapples with her memory until Chris King, the lead singer of the band, walks up to her and eliminates the questions in her mind.

Chris King…the misunderstood bad boy who once saved her in ways that no one else could. 

Kaitlyn’s friends beg to know the story behind this mystery man. Forced to revisit a painful past from which she has spent years trying to heal, Kaitlyn's recollection of Chris awakens intense feelings that she has kept buried deep inside her heart. Has time changed him, or is he still the same person Kaitlyn fell in love with so many years ago? 

Marriage vows are sacred, but temptation is a powerful thing.

Seeing Chris again has caused a war between her head and her heart. In the end, which one will win the battle? Facing a difficult decision, Kaitlyn just wants to be sure of one thing when she walks away from this weekend—no regrets.


This is an emotionally gripping story of love, loss, redemption, and hope. This Contemporary Romance Novel coming in Sept 2013


This Book is out now. 

Purchase Links 
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17253760-so-much-it-hurts
Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/So-Much-Hurts-Melanie-Dawn/dp/1490962050/ref=la_B00EOXA04A_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387045577&sr=1-1
Amazon.co.uk http://www.amazon.co.uk/So-Much-Hurts-Melanie-Dawn-ebook/dp/B00EOGAK4C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387045692&sr=8-1&keywords=melanie+dawn
Barne & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/so-much-it-hurts-melanie-dawn/1116560990?ean=2940148361503

My Review

I received this Arc copy in exchange for a honest review. 

Wow, I cant tell you how much I absolutely Loved this book. From the beginning I was enthralled. It is the first time I have read a Melanie Dawn book. 

Kaitlyn Thomas is a bored and fed up housewife and mum of one. Her Husband ignores her, is always in work and when he is home hes not really there. After much discussing she goes on a girls weekend break. 

While she's there she bumps into an old friend, Chris King. This weekend turns out to be more than just a weekend break, its a weekend of discovery and storytelling about how she knows Chris King. 

Which path would you take? 

This pulled every emotion possible out of me, I cried, I empathised, i broke my heart, I routed for Kaitlyn. 

This is the most amazing story, I think so many partners either married or long term relationships can understand and relate to.  This book stayed with me long after I read it. I kept thinking what would you of done in Kaitlyn's position? 

This book is exceptionally stunning. Its one of my favourite books this year. 

Melanie Dawn is an amazing writer, with a talent for pulling you into the story. This book delivers a powerful message and its up to the reader to determine their own message. 

I would give this book 5/5 stars and 5/5 for movie moments.  

About The Author 

Melanie Dawn is a thinker, a dreamer, and a hopeless romantic. When her head isn't in the clouds, she spends her time as a jack of all trades to her family. Melanie resides in the hills of North Carolina with her husband, her three children, and her cat. She enjoys lazy summer afternoons cruising around the lake on the pontoon boat with her family. 

Melanie graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Psychology and earned her MA in School Counseling from Appalachian State University. She spent the first six years after graduate school as a middle school counselor. Those were years she deems as some of the best years of her life. That is, until she had children of her own. The last seven years have been spent as a stay-at-home mom. She has learned some tough life lessons, like what the inner absorbent pellets of a diaper look like scattered in the washing machine. She has also learned the strength of the willpower of a two year old lacking a nap. Through it all, Melanie has learned how to roll with the punches and appreciate the time she has been able to spend at home with her children. 

Now that her last child has started Kindergarten, Melanie is ready to add a new chapter in her life. That chapter begins with her debut novel—So Much It Hurts.

Author Links 

Website http://melaniedawnauthor.blogspot.com/

Book Tour - Surrender to Love By J C Valentine



Title: Surrender to Love (Night Call #3)
Author: JC Valentine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: November 10, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.



Synopsis

After finding herself out of luck and out of love, Patricia Jacobs has written off the male species. No one but her father has ever given her the love and devotion she knows she deserves, and she’s sick and tired of it. Until she collides, literally, with a man whose devastating smile and seductive charm that should be considered illegal, destroys her plans. He’s everything she’s ever dreamed of in a man: handsome, intelligent, successful, they share a love of cars and best of all; he looks at her like she’s his light in the dark. What more could a girl ask for?
Jonathon Bradshaw, destroyed by a past that has haunted his every waking moment for the last five years, isn’t looking for a serious relationship, until he meets Patricia. Sweet, saucy and as hot as the summer is long, Jon can’t deny the draw he has toward her. For the first time, he has hope. Determined to shake the ghosts of his past, Jon focuses on forging a future with Patti, but he’s always been a master at standing in his own way.
When Jon’s past refuses to be forgotten, will Patti be able to live with the truth about the man who’s stolen her heart?

Add to Goodreads
Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

My Review

I love this book and couldn't put it down. J.C Valentine first book Surrender To Fate, was amazing. 

This book contains some of the character from the first Book. 

Patricia Jacobs is a strong woman and has sworn off men after her ex boyfriend. When Jon Bradshaw goes in to the back of her spark fly literary. 

This book is Hot and it compels you from thee beginning. It's one of those amazing books that you have to read all the way through in one go. Ladies Jon is another one for the Book Boyfriend list. 

This Book is amazing written.  Believable characters. You just want to read this book again and again. 

I love everything about this story. Its amazing and Fantastic. 

J.C. Valentine thank you for this stunning book  About the Author

J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of erotic tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.
Brandi Salazar lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream to become an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms.
Connect with the Author: Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+


Giveaway
Tour-Wide Giveaway
Tour Schedule (link to the tour banner)
http://literatiauthorservices.com/2013/10/20/book-tour-sign-up-surrender-to-love-by-j-c-valentine-dec-10-16/

Friday 13 December 2013

Book Tour - On Solid Ground by Michelle Kemper Brownlow



On Solid Ground by Michelle Kemper Brownlow
(In Too Deep #2)
Publication date: December 3rd 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
Gracie survived an emotionally abusive relationship that wrecked her. Her ex, Noah, systematically chipped away at her self-esteem through intimidation, humiliation and infidelity which left Gracie unable to trust her own perception of his intentions. But after falling head over heels for Jake, her best friend and the man who stood by her through it all, she is ready to experience life in the way it was meant to be lived.  However, Gracie may find it impossible to simultaneously heal from the trauma of abuse while navigating a relationship with Jake. Can she put her heart on hold in order to heal her soul?The sequel to the five-star debut novel, In Too Deep, chronicles Gracie’s steps toward healing as she falls deeper in love, reaches out for help, stands on her own, steps out of her comfort zone, faces her biggest fears, and reconnects with a sensual, talented soul from her past all in hopes of finding herself on solid ground.


Purchase: 


In Too Deep by Michelle Kemper Brownlow
Publication date: June 6th 2013
by Sapphire Star Publishing
Genre: New Adult Romance

Synopsis:
Long- Gracie has just finished her freshman year of college in Memphis when she takes a job at a local pizza joint in her home town of McKenzie, Tennessee. She is the epitome of innocence when she meets Noah. Noah is unabashedly handsome, intriguingly reckless and just cocky enough to be sexy. Gracie’s instincts tell her to stay far away from him and based on the stories she hears from her co-workers he leaves broken hearts in his wake. But still, she can’t explain her fascination with him.

Noah puts aside his bad boy ways when what he thought was a summer crush has him unexpectedly falling in love. But soon after Gracie transfers to UT Knoxville to be with Noah, their unexpected love becomes riddled with anger, deceit and humiliation.

Jake, Noah’s former roommate and Gracie’s best friend, can no longer be a bystander. Gracie’s world falls out from beneath her and when she breaks she turns to Jake for strength. As Jake talks her through a decision she’s not yet strong enough to make, together they uncover a truth so ugly neither of them is prepared for its fallout. Will Jake pull her to the surface or is Gracie Jordan finally In Too Deep?

Purchase:

My Review 

Wow, This story is amazing. Both books are fantastic. 

This is a job for the cello tape. so what can i tell you..... You need to go and buy these books asap. 

In, In too Deep, Gracie meets and falls for Noah, but he's abusive. 
In, On solid ground this is Gracie's story of healing, and learning. That's as much as I am willing to tell you. 

This story pulled so many emotions from me. I could relate to Gracie and at times I wanted to hold my breath. This story is well written and flows beautifully. There was not any part were i lost interest.  In Too Deep was Michelle's Debut Book, and what a start to a debut book. 

These stories compelled me from the beginning, I felt like I held my breath while reading them. They are fantastic and a must read. 

Michelle is a Upcoming Author and one to watch out for. 
Michelle thank you so much for amazing stories. 

These books both get 5/5 stars and 3/5 for movie moments. 

About The Author

Michelle Kemper Brownlow has been a storyteller her entire life. Her debut was on the high school cheerleading bus granting requests to re-tell her most embarrassing moments for a gaggle of hysterical squadmates.

Earning her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in Art Education and then marrying her very own “Jake,” she moved to Binghamton, NY where she taught high school. After having two children she quit work and finished her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Binghamton University.

The Brownlow family of four moved to Michelle’s hometown of Morgantown, PA while the children were still quite young. A few years after moving, her family grew by one when they welcomed a baby into their home through the gift of adoption. The family still resides in PA, just miles from where that high school cheer bus was parked.

Michelle has been an artist for as long as she can remember, always choosing pencils and crayons over toys and puzzles. As a freelance illustrator, her simple characters play the starring roles in numerous emergent reader books published by Reading Reading Books.

“Writing is my way of making sense of the world. When I give my characters life on the pages I write, it frees up space in my mind to welcome in new stories that are begging to be told,” says Brownlow.

Links:
Grand prize giveaway
Prizes - Open to US and Canada:
-signed copies (signed by the whole cast of characters!) of both books along w some swag
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal - Awaken By Nina Lane

Title:  Awaken (Spiral of Bliss #3)
Author:  Nina Lane 
Genre:  Contemporary Romance 18+
Publication Date:  January 7, 2014

Synopsis
“I love that you love me, professor.”
“I love loving you, beauty.”

Since their intense, passionate beginning, Professor Dean West and his wife Olivia have fought dark secrets and betrayal in order to save their marriage. Now reeling in the aftermath of a personal tragedy, Liv and Dean are driven further apart by a vindictive threat to Dean’s career.

Struggling to stand on her own for the first time in years, Liv is determined to defend her husband and prove herself. Then an unexpected letter dredges up old insecurities and endangers Liv’s newfound independence. As Dean fights for his professional life, he is forced to confront his worst fear when he discovers that he can’t protect his beloved wife from her own painful past.


Follow the Awaken book tour from January 7 to January 17:  http://wp.me/p3EtUb-tI



About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances and spicy erotica. Originally from California, she loves traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Nina also spent many years in graduate school studying art history and library sciences.

Although she would go back for another degree if she could because she's that much of a bookworm, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer. Nina's novel The Erotic Dark hit #1 on Amazon's Erotica Bestseller list.

Connect with the Author:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Thursday 12 December 2013

Release Day Blitz - Storm Warning By E. Lee & C. Quinn

C. Quinn and E. Lee's amazing new novel in their Broken Heartland Series, STORM WARNING, is out today and we are excited to join in the release day launch for it. STORM WARNING is a thrilling Young Adult Contemporary you are not going to want to miss! Check out what we have for you today and then enter to win in the release day launch giveaway! There's also a fantastic excerpt for you. But be aware! The Storm Is Coming...



EXCERPT:


Hope’s Grove was small. Everyone knew about her parents, and she was already dreading facing them since the news of her dad’s affair had hit. But facing them without her brother and her best friend would be her worst nightmare.
After the girls had said their goodbyes and she’d watched her friend’s taillights fade down the drive, Ella Jane scuffed her boots along the winding dirt road that led her home.
She was about halfway there, watching the sun sink low in the evening sky, when the unmistakable rumble of a pickup truck came barreling down the road behind her. She stepped aside to let it pass without looking back. But it didn’t pass. It slowed practically to a stop right next her.
She turned, wondering what the heck the driver’s deal was. There was more than enough room for him to go around. But the smiling face beneath the backwards trucker hat sent the words on the tip of her tongue swirling away with the dust the truck had riled up.
She bit her lip and grinned. Warm brown eyes gleamed in her direction. “Hey there, Ellie May. Need a ride?”
She rolled her eyes. Why Brantley Cooper couldn’t call her by her actual name was beyond her. But as long as he was talking to her, she really didn’t care much what he called her. He can call me ‘flower’ if he wants to.
He was a year older than her and a year younger than her older brother, Kyle. Smack in the middle of their ages and grades in school and usually smack in the middle of their arguments. Coop kept the peace. Balanced them out perfectly.
The three of them had met at the same time as kids but Coop and Kyle had become like brothers instantly. She’d always tagged along wherever they went. Kyle had whined about it when they were younger but Coop always made her feel welcome. He held doors open for her so she didn’t get left behind, made sure to invite her despite her brother’s protests, and lately he’d even stopped by and hung out even when Kyle wasn’t home. And this year, she’d be a junior and Coop would be a senior. With her big brother away at college, she couldn’t help but fantasize about what might happen if she and Coop spent time together alone.
“Hey, Coop. Lynlee just left so I was just…” She glanced toward home. Kyle wasn’t back from football camp yet, and her mom was baking herself to death, trying to keep her mind off of everything.
“Yeah, I heard the Wicked Witch was moving west. You up for some fishing? I have to drop my bike off at the house but we could swing by the lake after.”
She should get home. She knew she should. Should order a pizza and convince her mom to take it easy for a night. Except…it was Coop. And in all her sixteen years, he was the one boy she’d never been able to say no to.
“Yeah. Yeah I’m up for it.”







ABOUT STORM WARNING (Book 1 in the Broken Heartland Series):

Sometimes you don’t see the storm coming until it’s too late...

Severe Storm Warning Tip #1:
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #2:
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #3:
They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

Situated just outside of Oklahoma City, Calumet County is divided into two drastically different communities: Hope’s Grove and Summit Bluffs. One is the small backward town where dirt roads lead the way to field parties and railroad tracks. And the other, a sprawling suburb where paved drives lead to the landscaped lawns of the wealthy and privileged.

For five teenagers smack in the middle of Tornado Alley, summer is heating up fast. The winds of change are blurring the invisible line that divides the rich and the rural.

One has a secret.
One has a crush.
One has been lying.
One will get caught.
And one might not make it out alive.

They’re from two different worlds…but one summer is about to change everything. 


My Review 

Ok, what can I say about this book expect Wow theirs a Storm coming. 

This story centres on 5 teenagers from different backgrounds. All going through the usual teenager angst, heartbreak and drama. I loved it. 

I'm not going to give my usual take on how I see the story, I think the synopsis says it all. 

There is so much i could say about this story but I wont I want you all to be affected by the storm. I cant even say who I liked the best, I liked them all, each had something different that i liked. 

I was worried by all of the different character and personalities, but it works. 

You need to read this story, its amazing, compelling and brilliantly written. 

This gets 4/5 stars 


About C. Quinn and E. Lee:


Whether you believe in destiny, divine intervention, or just plain ol' dumb luck, several things happened in 2013 that caused E. Lee and C. Quinn's paths to cross. It may have been that the stars aligned perfectly, or the fact anytime Luke Bryan was mentioned on a social media site both of them were tagged, or maybe it was just that their small town roots and country girl attitudes were magnetically drawn together—calling out to one another, “Y'all should write a book!” Despite geography keeping them apart—Lee in Illinois and Quinn in Alabama—they did. Thanks to three-hour phone calls, ridiculous amounts of online chats, and umpteen Google Docs—Storm Warning is the first book in their edgy new Young Adult series,  Broken Heartland.




Book Blitz - Being Kalli By Rebecca Berto




Being Kalli by Rebecca Berto
Publication date: December 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
Kalli Perkins makes it a habit of shutting her mouth, except to please a guy. She would say she goes off like a starved animal in bed, but Kalli doesn’t have sex in beds. She does it in hallways, in parks, in parties. She comes as a package deal.

Great sex. No strings attached. Never alone together; always in public.

One night at a party, Kalli makes a bet with her friend, Nate, that could change everything. But she didn’t count on him. Nate’s very capable of satisfying her, not only under her clothes, but in her heart, too.

She just doesn’t know it yet.




Purchase:

Excerpt


prologue



There are two things you should know about me:
One, I’m afraid of being alone with a guy.
Two, I’m certain I love my little brothers more than our mum does.


1


There are sweeping coloured lights patrolling the party, and a disco ball glittering over people swaying to the music, the pumping speakers, and the bar workers. It’s eleven on a Saturday and people are either drunk on alcohol or drunk from the wickedly mixed tracks, courtesy of the DJ. It’s a decent party, but it never matters. I’m with my pick for the night.
Donovan Xander.
He’s hot, and I can appreciate a hot guy. Army buzz cut, almond coloured eyes, and arms that can sweep a girl clean off her feet and into his. Lucky for both of us, I don’t get swept off my feet by the likes of him—the type I hooked up with last weekend, or the one I made out with in the dorm hallway mid-week when all the normal people were sleeping. There’s something about my disinterest at impressing a guy that interests them.
But Donovan, he’s just like the rest. This one pulled my thighs onto his and I bent my knees back, settling onto his crotch, which grew a groan from him. When he starts talking too much I tell him I get called Kalli and not Kallisto. He starts layering me with kisses along my mouth and down my neck instead.
“That’s real good,” he mumbles, nibbling on me.
I don’t know if he means my name or the sweet spot at my neck because he’s been sucking my skin between his lips for these last five minutes on and off. And, yes, it’s been five minutes, because I’ve counted.
“But why ‘Kalli’?” Donovan asks when he parts with my skin for air.
“Because she was high at the time,” I answer.
Leaning in, I taste him back and suck on a spot. Unfortunately for me, Donovan has chosen to drown this part, just under the protrusion of his jaw, with a full bottle of aftershave, but I have too much pride and even more secrets to continue with the conversation. So I suck his skin in and around my tongue and fight the urge to pull away.
“Your mother?”
I’m not stupid; I hear the incredulous tone to his voice. Everyone has it. You expect trash when my usual dress code is, a) skirt or shorts at least three inches above my knee, and b) at least my cleavage, arms or the bony bits of my hips exposed. But even slummers have standards and people expect a mother to stay away from a glass of wine, let alone illicit drugs, when pregnant.
Mine thought naming me after astrology was awesome.
“Am I fine to continue sucking on your body, or do you want a history lesson?”
To explain what I mean, I lick a trail from a spot under his ear to the V of the neckline of his T-shirt. He understands, clearly. Or at least his dick does. It springs up against his jeans, which pushes at my inner thigh. I shift, so if his jeans and my G-string weren’t there, he’d be cradled between me.
Donovan doesn’t reply this time. He wraps his arms around me, dropping his hands to the small of my back. There, he reaches the tip of my long hair, and he tugs slightly. Soon, his hands dip inside the strap of my G and he groans when he realises how very small the material is.
We make out for another few minutes and this time I do lose count. I usually count when I kiss guys. Scout’s the only girl I’ve ever kissed, but it’s always for fun when we are holding hands and stumbling around parties drunk, looking out for each other the whole night. I don’t count with her. It never usually goes long enough.
My G is sliding between Donovan and I, and I have to wonder if my wetness is on his pants. Probably. I couldn’t care less. I’ve seen Donovan around campus and parties; we frequent the same circles, no doubt, but I’ve never spoken more than a handful of words with him before tonight. Probably won’t again.
It’s now, as I begin to get into this make-out session on our couch, that Donovan shatters everything and replaces my excitement with a pounding sense of dread, one I’ve always felt since I was a kid and a guy asked to be alone with me: sex or no sex involved.
He breathes into my lips between kisses, “Come back to my room.”
“I can’t.” I say it firmly, forcing us apart with my hands against his chest. I catch my breath before I bite my lip and lick it, ready to pounce on him again.
“Kalli, don’t worry.” He places a hand on my shoulder, which instead of the calming gesture he intended, sends me jerking back to my feet and fixing my mini skirt straight. “Kalli, really. I can sneak you in, no worries about anyone finding out, if you’re uptight about that.”
I sigh. He’s worried about me getting caught, worsening my reputation, possibly even jeopardising my university life.
Thank God he didn’t sense my real fear.

My Review

Kalli is classed as easy, she is with a different guy all the time and only wants sex in public places. She never wants to be with a guy in a bedroom- It freaks her out. Kalli has her reason's. She has two friends Scout and Nate.
Kalli's mum is a waste of space and if it wasn't for her two little brothers she's be out of there. But how does a girl whose so broken and doesn't trust anyone, learn to love herself.

I Loved this book. It pulled at every emotion. Its the kind of book that shocks and makes you uncomfortable but you keep on reading. I loved kalli's story, it was so real. It happens to so many people, it breaks your heart.

Rebecca does a fantastic job in telling such a hard heartbreaking story and giving it that feel good factor. You just root for Kalli from the beginning. I love her friends Scout and Nate who are both on a journey of their own.

The story has a good flow, i didn't lose interest at any time. I love how strong she was.

Rebecca Berto does an amazing job with this story, its compelling, amazingly written.

I would give this 5/5 stars







About The Author


Rebecca Berto is the author or the dark contemporary/literary novella, PRECISE and the new adult contemporary romance novel, DROWNING IN YOU. She is also a freelance editor.


She writes stories that are a bit sexy, and straddle the line between Literary and Tear Your Heart Out. She gets a thrill when her readers are emotional reading her stories, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She's strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction.

Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their doggy.

Author Links:

 GIVEAWAYS
Grand prize giveaway

Prizes (open internationally):
-3 ebooks of Being Kalli
-One ebook of any Rebecca Berto novel
-$20 Amazon giftcard
a Rafflecopter giveaway