Sunday, July 31, 2016

Best of the Bunch - July 2016



Today I'm going to talk to you about the best book that I read in July.  

I read 10 books in July.  Out of those books, my favorite one of the bunch was Right Place, Right Time by Jennifer L. Allen.  





Right Place, Right Time is book 2 in the Second Chances series, but can be read as a standalone.  Pick up your copy today or read it for free in Kindle Unlimited!  :)  


From Goodreads:
Kate Dumont is an achiever, completely focused on her future. Playing the role of brilliant pre-med student doesn’t leave her much time for anything else. But is she working towards the future she wants, or the future her elitist parents have planned out for her?

Jay Spencer grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. He’s made some mistakes, and one in particular will follow him around for the rest of his life. He spends most of his days keeping himself out of trouble by following his passion, riding and repairing motorcycles.

Two lost souls met on the side of a South Carolina highway three years ago, neither one knowing what they would eventually mean to each other. Reunited in California, Kate and Jay feel a pull towards one another they cannot explain…and they’re not even sure if they should try.

Will they help each other bring out the best in themselves? Or are their lives too different to even have a chance?

Friday, July 29, 2016

*Book Tour* Burn by Elisabeth Grace


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Are you ready for more Marco?
The conclusion to the Duplicity Duet is NOW LIVE!
ON SALE for $2.99 RELEASE WEEK!



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Blurb
One word.
Two letters.
But those two letters changed everything.
It was impossible to predict the impact I would have on the life of the only woman I'd ever truly loved. No way to know that I would result in her ruin.
I’d suffer for eternity with the knowledge that it was me who brought devastation to her doorstep.
Though I deserved the anguish I felt, to see her suffer was unacceptable.
I would fix this.
Somehow I would prove to her that I wasn't the monster she thought I was.
Even if it meant becoming a monster in order to make that happen.



My Review:

★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars

Some parts of this book were really difficult to read, but this was still an amazing conclusion to this duet. There were twists and turns, suspense, heartache, and hope. I'm going to keep this short so as to not give anything away. Just know, this is a MUST-READ duet!




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EXCERPT

Then the door swung open and there he was. For a brief moment I was taken by his handsome features—his olive skin and pronounced jaw, the sparkle in his dark eyes, his perfect, straight nose. More than anything, it was the pull that remained between us that surprised me. Like I was a planet still circling his sun.
There was a moment when we locked eyes that the gravity of all that had happened wasn’t weighing heavy between us, and it almost caused me to stumble back.
Then, after the moment of intimacy had passed, I was sure I saw dread slip over his expression. I wasn’t going to stay put and find out though.
I wouldn’t be standing on his doorstep begging for whatever scraps of information he deemed worthy of casting my way. No, I was here to demand what he, at the very least, owed me, and I wouldn’t leave until he gave it to me.
“We need to talk.” I pushed past him, careful not to make contact, and bolted down the hallway toward the living room.
“Emily, this isn’t a good time.” Marco’s footsteps followed quickly behind me.
“I don’t care. Put aside whatever it is you’re doing. I want answers.”
I came to an abrupt stop when I stepped into the living/dining area and found Alexa sprawled across the couch like she was a feast ready to be enjoyed.
Her blouse was half unbuttoned, her legs draped over the cushions, causing her skirt to ride up a bit on her thighs, and her lips slightly swollen. Her lipstick had been rubbed off her mouth and onto her skin. She wore a saccharine smile that I wanted to rip off her face.
I crossed my arms over my chest and turned back to Marco. “Oh, I see. Well, pardon me for interrupting.” There was no disguising the venom in my voice.
His tortured gazed darted from me to her and back a few times before he schooled his features and responded. “Can we have this conversation some other time?” he asked, his voice neutral.
“Marco, who’s this?” Alexa purred from behind me.
I spun to address her with a fake smile on my face. “I’m Emily. We met at the art show a few months ago when I was there with Marco. Back when we were still fucking. You can call me Brandi, though.” I turned to lock gazes with him before finishing. “Everyone who knows me intimately does.”
His fists clenched at his sides and his jaw tightened. Good. Some small part of me was pleased that I was still able to elicit a reaction like that from him.
I swung my attention back to the blonde on the couch. “I’m sorry to swing by unannounced like this and interrupt what was obviously going to be a good time for you both. I just need a few minutes with Marco, and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
Alexa’s eyes narrowed on me for a moment, and though she was playing nice with me—probably for Marco’s benefit—it was clear she wasn’t pleased with the interruption.
“Perhaps I should go,” she said.
“No!” Marco said, whip fast. “Emily should be the one to leave.”
Not going to lie.
That stung.
A lot.
No matter that everything between Marco and I had been based on lies, the fact that I was so easily tossed aside smarted.
“I’m not going anywhere until we speak.” I leveled him with a gaze that told him I was serious.
“Why don’t you use my bathroom to freshen up, Alexa? It’s that way through my bedroom.” He pointed toward the room that we’d spent many a night in. “I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”
A victorious smile crept across her face, and her gaze swung to me as she rose from the couch. She brushed her fingers across Marco’s chest as she passed him. “Don’t be too long.”
He nodded but didn’t spare her a glance as she passed, his gaze still fixed on me.
As soon as the bedroom door closed, I spoke. “Sorry to interrupt your play time, Marco, but you owe me some answers and I’m ready to collect.”


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Haven’t met Marco Valenti yet, Now is your chance!
Hook (Book One)


About the Author:
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USA Today Bestselling author, Elisabeth Grace, has a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a hot spot for alpha males! She currently lives outside Toronto, Canada with her hubby and two small children. Life is busy, but never to busy for a good story and to share her love of reading and writing with others.


GIVEAWAY
Win a Signed Paperback of Hook/Burn
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, July 27, 2016

*Cover Reveal* Life As We Know It by J.D Hollyfield



Life As We Know It by J.D. Hollyfield releases Fall 2016!
Add to your TBR here: http://bit.ly/2ald2nF

Life has not been easy for Penelope Summers. Specifically, the last month, when her high-profile boyfriend dumped her, her indecent exposure record surfaced, and her favorite thing in the world, tequila, failed her.
Good thing for Penelope, she has her best friend to pick her up, and take her on the vacation of a lifetime. A seven-day cruise that will change the direction of her downward spiral. But will that spiral shift in the direction Penelope needs? Or will it throw her into a bigger whirlwind of trouble?
With Reckless Abandon as her motto, tequila as her wingman, and a hot one-night stand as her much needed reward, will the tables finally turn for Penelope, or will life as she knows it continue to fail her?
Sometimes you just have to ride the wave of crazy to find out.



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About the Author
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Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part time supehero...

J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.

Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions to the Love not Included series, along with her charm, humor and HEA's.

STALK J.D.: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |  Goodreads

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

*Release Blitz + Review* Right Place, Right Time by Jennifer L. Allen


Right Place, Right Time

Book Two of the Second Chances Series
 by
 Jennifer L. Allen

Genre: Contemporary Romance



Kate Dumont is an achiever, completely focused on her future. Playing the role of brilliant pre-med student doesn't leave her much time for anything else. But is she working towards the future she wants, or the future her elitist parents have planned out for her?

Jay Spencer grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. He's made some mistakes, and one in particular will follow him around for the rest of his life. He spends most of his days keeping himself out of trouble by following his passion, riding and repairing motorcycles.


Two lost souls meet on the side of a South Carolina highway three years ago, neither one knowing what the other would eventually mean to them. Reunited in California, Kate and Jay feel a pull towards one another they cannot explain.

Will they help each other bring out the best in themselves? Or are their lives too different to even have a chance?


AMAZON
GOODREADS



My Review:
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars

I'll tell you one thing for absolute certain, this author knows how to tell you a story! You are gripped from the very first page all the way through to the ending. Jennifer is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors. Her characters are so real. I loved getting to read Kate's story. She is such a sweet, caring, non-judgemental person. She is the PERFECT person for Jay to teach him to love himself and to see himself as she does. I also really liked getting to see Kate's side of the events from Change of Heart. I enjoy reading a different perspective.



"Stupid, no good, piece of crap!" I wince as my sandaled foot comes into contact with the unforgiving tire of my hand-me-down Mercedes convertible. My scowl turns into a frown when I pull my foot back and see the black smudge across the white straps. This day just keeps getting worse!

I tip my head back, look up to the clouds, and pray for cell signal. When that doesn't work, I bargain. My first born ... my soul ... good behavior ... even better grades ...

No such luck.

I'm on a quiet stretch of the interstate, between Columbia and Greenville, where there have been too few passersby, not one of them kind enough to pull over and help the damsel in distress. And boy do I look the part of a damsel in distress in a white sundress and sandals with my long, dark blonde hair and big, doe-like brown eyes -- the picture of innocence.

If it weren't for the hot midday sun beating down on my shoulders, I'd probably be terrified. This whole situation has a classic serial killer vibe to it, add in darkness and I would not be standing outside my vehicle right now.

I lean back against the hot car and sigh. What a day. I drove all the way to Greenville to volunteer at a community clinic's event, just to be informed upon arrival that the event had been rescheduled. They'd posted a notice at the site, which is really helpful when you're one hundred miles away. I frown at my dirty sandal.

Stupid car. Yes, it's a Mercedes, but no, it's not brand new. It's a 1995 model passed down from my father. It has seen many, many better days in its lifetime. My dad has always taken very good care of his cars, hence the reason this fifteen-plus-year-old car is now mine. My parents may be mostly absent from my life, but my dad wouldn't have given me a beater for a car.

Truth is, I probably missed an oil change or something. Whatever. I don't know anything about cars. Ask me to recite all the bones in the human body and I'll do it. Ask me to name one part of a car and you'll get crickets I'm practically a genius, according to my latest IQ score administered by the director of the "gifted program" at my high school, so I'm sure the mechanics of a car wouldn't be too difficult for me to figure out and understand, but this is one of those instances where I'd rather succumb to the gender stereotypes and just play the clueless female role. There's enough information floating around in my brain without my choosing to add more, though part of me kind of wishes I at least knew how to pop my hood right about now.

Hearing the sound of a vehicle approaching behind me, I spin around to look. Smiling wide, I'm suddenly grateful for my vehicular ignorance and damsel in distress appearance. It's an older sedan, maybe not as old as my hand-me-down, but it doesn't appear to be as well kept. I can just make out that the driver is male through the dirty windshield.

Jeez. I hope he's not a serial killer or something! Seriously, Kate? You did not think this through at all.

I open my car door and busy myself looking for something that could be a potential weapon should this turn into Wrong Turn. Empty water bottle, a stack of flyers for another volunteer project I'm working on, a weathered copy of Gone with the Wind ... I eye the book. It's a hardback, it might be my best bet.

I hear a throat clear and pop my head up, narrowly missing bumping it on the roof of my car. I can only see his face over the roof of my car as he's standing on the passenger side, lower in the soft shoulder of the highway. My five foot two inch height doesn't help matters either. But wow, if his face is anything to go by, his body must be amazing. He has the most intense gray eyes, almost silver. His nose looks slightly crooked, like it's been broken once or twice, and he has a strong, squared jaw for subtle stubble. His hair is buzzed very short so I can't quite tell the color but it looks dirty blond, and he's hot--er--sweaty. Yeah, sweaty. His brow is glistening with it.

He's all man and my seventeen year old self doesn't quite know what to do with the attraction I feel. I have never felt so nervous around a guy before. Ever. I simply don't have time for this sort of thing. Not with my AP classes, studying, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and college applications. 

"Hey," I smoothly call out to him, if I do say so myself.

The corner of his mouth lifts in a slight smirk and butterflies take flight in my tummy He doesn't move to come around to my side of the car, which is just fine by me. If he were any closer, he'd see the slight trembling of my hands and he might actually hear the swarm of butterflies.

"Know anything about cars?"




 AUTHOR BIO


Jennifer lives in South Carolina with her husband and their four fur-kids She is in grad school, pursing a Masters in Psychology for Clinical Counseling. When she is not at work or taking classes, she is either reading or writing. Books have always been a passion. She also enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places, and music. She released her debut novel, Our Moon, in June 2015. 


 


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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

*Review* Ignite by Rebecca Yarros

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Synopsis:
In Legacy, Colorado, I buried my father alongside his elite Hotshot team. 
Ten years later, I’ve followed in his footsteps—fighting fires in the mountains of Alaska with my brother.
Amid the flames, nothing ignites me like Avery Claire.
She’s stubborn, strong, sexy as hell, and my best friend. 
She also has no idea that I’m in love with her.
But Colorado is calling me home, needing every Legacy-born firefighter to successfully rebuild our fathers’ team. 
One night will change everything between us, 
But she’s tied to Alaska and my future is in Colorado.
Now I’m torn between what my honor demands, 
And what my heart can’t live without.



My Review:
5 out of 5 stars 
★★★★★

For a novella, there was a lot that went on in this story. I haven't read Point of Origin yet, but it will be next on my list. I've got to learn more about these Legacy characters that have sucked me into their world. I fell in love with River and Avery as a couple. They are so wonderful together. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite kinds of books to read. <3 Y'all have got to check this story out. Another wonderful book by this author!

Monday, July 18, 2016

Mailbox Monday - July 18th

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Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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Here are the books that I received in the mail over the last week.
A Chili Death -  received in a book exchange group that I'm participating in
A Killer Column -  bought from someone in a book group on Facebook

I received both of these books as giveaway prizes from the authors.  They're both autographed.  <3 


Here are the books that I got on my Kindle over the last week.  They were all sent from the publisher through Netgalley. 


What books did you get in the mail or on your e-reader last week? 

*Release Blitz + Review* Moore to Love by Faith Andrews





Moore to Love by Faith Andrews
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs
Release Date: July 18, 2016


Synopsis
I used to imagine that life would be easier, more enjoyable, if I were tall, blond, and supermodel thin. But real life—like the average, every day woman—is full of curves and imperfections, and many opportunities to learn that it’s not the number on the scale that measures the capacity of your heart.


After years of struggling with poor self esteem and too many crash diets to count, I finally got wise—and hired a trainer. With an enthusiastic push from my brother’s fiancĂ© and more motivation than a Joel Osteen sermon, I, Madeline “Leni” Moore, am ready to ditch the oh-woe-is-me act.


That is, until I smack head-on into a tree and collide with him. Lane Sheffield is the guy you drool over from afar. One look at him the first day on the runner’s track, and my panties are up in flames. He’s out of my league. Slim, sleek, and athletic to my plump, dull, and unfit. Lane has no reason to like me, but to my utter shock . . . he does and this newfound attention from the opposite sex has me all sorts of baffled.


What starts out as a healthy journey to lose some of the extra me, turns into a quest to find my true self. Will the need to fit in and finally have someone to call my own lead me to my weight loss goal or my happiness goal? I've focused so long on being skinny, what will it take for me to learn the ultimate lesson—that beauty is only skin deep?







My Review
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars

This book really hit home with me. I'm one of those who has struggled with their weight almost their entire life, being ridiculed, made fun of, made to feel not good enough, and all those other ugly things that comes along with being overweight. I still struggle with it to this day. I've never learned to love myself. Thanks to Leni and watching her on her journey to self love, I'm going to really give it a shot. Leni is such a funny and outgoing person. She'd be a blast to hang out with. I really liked that she has such supportive friends also who accept her just the way she is. That's hard to come by. Lane was amazing also. <3




Giveaway
7" Kindle Fire w/ Special Offers 8GB & Signed Paperback of Moore to Love




a Rafflecopter giveaway








About the Author
Faith Andrews is living out her dream right outside the greatest city in the world, New York City. Happily married to her high school sweetheart, she is the mother of two beautiful and wild daughters, and a furry Yorkie son named Rocco Giovanni. When she's not tapping her toes to a Mumford & Sons tune or busy being a dance mom, her nose is stuck in a book or she's sitting behind the laptop, creating her next swoon worthy book boyfriend. Coffee addict, lover of wine and cheese, and sucker for concerts and Netflix, Faith believes in love at first sight and happily ever after.



Connect with Faith
Newsletter signup: http://eepurl.com/EK9_v
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/243M8Z9
Goodreads Fan Group: http://bit.ly/1rAaVCU
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1riCekN


 
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