5.27.2017

[Review] Into Your Arms by Chelsea M. Cameron

Into Your Arms
By Chelsea M. Cameron
Published: May 30th 2017

Freya has secrets she doesn’t intend to share. Not with her new friends on the cheerleading squad at Maine State University, and certainly not with sexy lumberjack-look-alike Rhett. Just because sparks flew between them at a bar one night doesn’t mean he gets to know why she transferred to MSU. When Freya dares Rhett to come to cheerleading practice, she never expects to see the dark-haired lumberjack again.

Except Rhett is the last person to turn down a dare, especially when it comes from a pixie-sized blonde. When Rhett wows the squad and becomes Freya’s stunt partner, his hands come far too close for comfort. But as Freya and Rhett’s hot post-practice sessions bring them closer, she risks her secrets being revealed. Can Freya chance exposing who she really is to the guy who wasn’t supposed to win her heart?

I recieved an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.
A book that doesn’t involve a common outsider or nerd heroine? colour me intrigued.

I’m quite conflicted about how I feel about this book. It was enjoyable for sure, but I just can’t help noticing a few annoying points here and there. Every time the author revealed a new fact about the Hero, you’ll find me rolling my eyes. I mean come on, Rhett is this lumbersexual hottie who prefers being in a relationship rather than sleeping around AND also works with children in the campus’ day care. Oh and not to mention he read classics and cooks too. I don’t know about you, but I think Rhett sounds like nothing but a figment of a female’s fantasy boyfriend. Too perfect to be true. (But if you are, call me ;))

Contrary to what most people think about the heroine, Freya (love the name by the way), I don’t mind her ’extra’-ness that much. What I minded a lot though, is that this so called ‘secret’ that she made a huge deal out of turns out to be nothing at all. That alone sheds a couple of stars out of my rating.

Overall, I guess the book was okay, I still enjoyed it at least. Despite my negative comments above, this book is not so bad.

Rating


5.20.2017

[Book Blitz] Lady of Sherwood by Molly Bilinski



Lady of Sherwood
Molly Bilinski

(Outlaws of Sherwood #1)
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: April 24th 2017
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
Robin of Lockesly was neither the son her father wanted, nor the daughter her mother expected. When she refuses an arranged marriage to a harsh and cruel knight, the deadly events that follow change her destiny forever.
After a night of tragedy, Robin and the few remaining survivors flee to Nottingham. With a newfound anonymity, they start to live different lives. There, she and her band make mischief, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. But charity isn’t the only thing she wants–she wants revenge.
As the sheriff draws his net closer, Robin’s choices begin to haunt her. She’ll have to choose between what’s lawful and what her conscience believes is right–all while staying one step ahead of the hangman.
Lady of Sherwood is a unique young adult retelling of the beloved Robin Hood legend. Filled with action and romance, this new series follows a teenage heroine through her fantastic, yet dangerous adventures.
EXCERPT:
Other girls—some of the youngest ones from the kitchen—came from the brush. Smoke clung to them like a shroud, and tears had run in rivers down soot-stained cheeks. Ginny, the youngest at six, ran to Jemma and attached herself like a limpet to the older girl’s legs.
“Where is everyone else?” Robin asked, glancing between them and then back at the flaming manor. “Where is—where’s—” Her face heated even as the rest of her body grew chilled, and she stuffed her first in her mouth to muffle her scream.
“We are the only ones.”
Robin looked up at Kitty, surprised to find herself on her knees in the damp grass. She curled her shaking fingers into fists, and then rested them on her thighs. “How—what happened?”
“That man,” the girl went on, absently twisting her skirt in her hands. “The one who’d been courting you… he came for you in the night. When he couldn’t find you, he gathered everyone in the great hall.”
“Except you lot?” Jemma inquired.
“He was hurting her.” Kitty’s eyes took on a glossy quality. “He had Maggie by the hair, and he was hurting her. She had Ginny behind her, protecting her. I—I hit him over the head with a candle stand.”
“We went through the old tunnel,” another voice piped up. Maggie slipped her hand into Kitty’s. “Me and Kitty and Ginny.”
“And my—my mother?” Robin took a deep, shuddering breath.
“She kept her secret. We heard ‘im, shouting. He wanted to know where you was.” Ginny, this time. She wandered away from Jemma, and Robin opened her arms for her to nestle into. She’d helped Jemma look after the younger servants on the sly for years. Whether they’d been orphaned at birth or left to the streets, Jemma had brought them each back to the manor, and she’d given them a home and a hope the rest of the world didn’t offer. “She didn’t tell, Robin. She didn’t tell him where you was.”
“I heard Charlotte say you were gone,” Maggie said quietly. “She’d gone to your mother’s chambers to tell her. Miss Jemma was gone, too, and so was your bow.” She shrugged, a delicate lift of her shoulders. “We all thought you had gone to the field.”
“And she said nothing?” Robin’s heart beat hard against her ribcage.
“Lady was very brave,” Ginny murmured.
“She was,” Robin agreed. “Like you are. You all.” She looked at each of the other girls, who stared back, clearly waiting.
It hit her then—they were waiting for her. With the only survivors of the manor in front of her, and her mother dead—God rest her soul, God hold them all in His hand—it occurred to her in that moment. She was the Lady of Lockesly.


Author Bio:
Molly is a 2013 graduate of William Smith College with a bachelors in chemistry. She puts her science powers to use by day and is a novelist by night (and weekend...and any five minutes she can find). When she's not writing or working, she's scoping out coffee shops, exploring her new city (Buffalo, NY), taking day trips to Canada, and putting together puzzles.

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5.19.2017

[Review] Merry Christmas Baby By Marie Cole

Merry Christmas Baby
By Marie Cole
Published: December 4th 2016

Will Her Big Surprise Make For A Merry Christmas, Or A Very Blue-Blue-Blue One?
He's a famous rock star, back home for the holidays…she's the girl he left behind, with a Christmas surprise that will rock his world. But will her long-kept secret help rekindle their youthful love, or freeze it in the past, forever?

When hotel event planner Carrie Abbott comes to the rescue and steps in to help at the front desk, the last person she expects to see is her high school sweetheart. Shawn Jeffries is now a famous rock star, and he's not alone. The woman on his arm is a star in her own right. Carrie knows he's out of her league, but that does't stop the memories of their youthful infatuation from melting her heart again.

But when Shawn shows an interest in rekindling their old flame, Carrie faces a tough decision. To keep him in her life, she must tell the truth. How will Shawn react when he finds out that she's been keeping a big secret for the past six years?

A short, sweet romance with just a hint of spice. Cuddle up on your couch with a cup of hot cocoa and this short, sweet romance laced with just a hint of spice.


Don't miss this holiday heart-warmer- -get your copy of Merry Christmas, Baby today!

I receive an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.

A greatly enjoyable and sweet story, Merry Christmas Baby would be perfect for those who are looking for a cute and short holiday romance to read.

Being past lovers the book basically revolves around how the main characters, Carrie and Shawn found each other again after Shawn left to pursue his dreams of being a rockstar, not knowing that Carrie is holding a secret of her own.

I do realise that sometimes writing short stories can be a challenge for authors to be able to fully develop their characters and their plots, but fortunately Marie Cole presents her protagonists quite well considering the length of this book. Although, I was a tad dissatisfied about the latter. At some point the plot had felt quite a bit rushed. I would definitely love to see more about how they got from awkward exes to actually being "together" again and how they got over their fear and worry about each other's careers getting in the way at the end. But otherwise, I would still recommend this book.

Rating


5.16.2017

[Book Blitz] Gage by Nana Malone



Gage
Nana Malone

(The Player, #6)
Publication date: May 16th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Sports
Money, power, prestige…Legacy. Gage Coulter is —The Player.
His whole life, all, basketball player, Gage Coulter, has heard is how he was meant to play basketball. Meant to be on the court. Meant to be elite. So what happens if he can’t even play on the damn team? With his father in and out of the hospital and more practice time than he’s used to, he’s struggling to hold up the ship and his grades are showing it. With his starting position in jeopardy, he needs help from the one girl on campus who can’t stand him. Too bad, she’s also the one girl he can’t get out of his head.
Becker Johnson has a plan for her life. And it doesn’t include doing some jock’s homework so he can toss a ball in the net or whatever. She’s getting the Collins Scholarship and moving to New York. See, all planned out. Until her adviser drops a bombshell. While her grades are excellent, she’ll need some work experience to be eligible for the scholarship. And lucky Becker, he’s got just the right student for her.
EXCERPT:
“Now comes the part of the night where I warn you I’m going to touch you.”
She swallowed hard. “Uh, okay. Just where are you going to touch me?”
He leaned close and whispered. “This is the part where you’ll just have to trust me.”
She couldn’t help but hold her breath. “You’re telling me you know how to dance?” she inquired.
“Well…my mother was a dancer before she married my father,” he told her. “All of us at least have a sense of rhythm. It can come in handy where coordination and learning intricate plays is concerned.”
He was right about having a sense of rhythm. Considering his height, he moved well to the music. He might not have had very fancy moves, but he was able to sway and keep time well for someone with such a tall frame. She might have expected him to look like some sort of disjointed marionette, but he was smooth as he pulled her in against his chest, curling around her so that his head hovered above hers and she could feel his warm breath near her ear.
She was hyperaware of his hands, his breath, his scent. She wanted him to touch her. Wanted his hands on her. Because you are a glutton for punishment. She turned in his arms, her ass gently brushing his thighs, his arm reaching around her and pressing her backwards so his chest would brush against her back, his arm inadvertently rubbing against her breasts.
The music switched from quick, pounding beats to something a little slower, but still so deep that it throbbed in her blood as she swayed and reached up behind her to get a hold of Gage, her hand sliding along his shoulder until she found his neck, gently tugging him to her.
He trailed his fingers up her side until he reached her elbow, then he curled his hand so his palm skimmed the flesh of her arms, leaving goose bumps behind.
Gage leaned down. “Becks?”
“Hmm?”
“I think we have an audience. Daniel’s got his eyes trained on you like a hawk right now. And we probably need to establish that we’re for sure a thing.”
Oh boy, he was talking about the kiss. Not the teasing ones he’d been giving her all night, the ones they’d been putting on for show. But the big one. “Uh, okay.”
Gage took her hand and led her through the crowd to the quieter hallway near the bathroom. At the end of the hallway, there was an alcove with a huge bay window that looked over the canyons of the backyard. It was the perfect spot. Just enough traffic so that everyone would report that they’d been all over each other, and private enough that it wasn’t just an outright show.
Gage studied her, paying close attention to her lips. “Hey, Becks,”
“Yeah?” she whispered.
“I’m going to kiss you now.”
Becker acted before her brain could think her out of doing the one thing she’d been dying to do. Tipping her head up, ever so slightly.
His chest rumbled with a low growl. For a second, he held her tighter, bringing her closer against his lean, hard frame.
A shiver stole up her back. “Uh, maybe we could go slow. I don’t think—”
“We’ll go as slow as you like.”
He was going to kiss her. Even as she braced herself, Becker knew she was in trouble. She’d been able to keep him at arm’s length for so long.
He dipped his head, and his lips hovered over hers for a moment. “Relax, this is supposed to be fun.” The first brush of his lips over hers was soft.
As soon as Becker relaxed into him, he wrapped his hand around her in an embrace so tight it could keep the world at bay. He shifted the angle of his head and deepened the kiss. She couldn’t help but respond to his insistent tongue as it probed and slid over hers. Teasing, tasting, testing to see if he could intensify the heat. The moment his hands went to her hips and pulled them against his, Becker was lost.
The heat that pooled in the center of her chest spread throughout her body, scorching the fine hairs on her skin from the inside out. His hands stayed at her waist, but his thumbs drew slow circles on her hip bones that promised hotter things to come.
For once, Becker didn’t overthink. For once, she didn’t overanalyze. For once, she didn’t let fear rule and she just felt. Hot. Tight. Itchy. Gage was her balm. She needed more. She wanted more. Becker moaned, and the sound bounced off the walls.
Gage kissed like an expert, demanding that she respond to him. This guy could give kissing lessons. And she’d be the first one in line. Every. Single. Time. Her nipples hardened to points with every movement of his chest against hers. He backed her against the wall of the deserted hallway and pressed his body into hers.
The cautious part of her brain tried to send up a flare. Tried to send out a warning. Tried to send out fear signals, but every instinct told her to feel, to enjoy, that she had nothing to fear here. All she had to do was feel.


Author Bio:
USA Today Best Seller, Nana Malone's love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin.
It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.
Want to know when the next book is coming? Hit up her Newsletter here. You'll only get updated when there is a new release or a special promotion for her Sexy, Sassy Readers. http://eepurl.com/2PeXb

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5.15.2017

[Cover Reveal] Slow Burn by Roxie Noir



Slow Burn
Roxie Noir

Publication date: May 24th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
I was hired to protect her, not make her scream my name.
Me and danger are old friends. From dodging bullets in Afghanistan to working for the Secret Service when I got out of the Marines, I know danger pretty well.
Or I thought I did. That was before my latest assignment came with a whole new kind of danger.
Her name? Ruby.
She’s the gorgeous-as-hell, opinionated, spitfire rebel daughter of Senator Burgess. Her family’s beyond strict, but for girl who’s so innocent, she’s anything but sweet.
Wicked green eyes, curves that beg me to touch them, and a smile that makes me think dirty, dirty thoughts.
Her father’s a nightmare – a totalitarian husband and father who rules his family with an iron fist. He decides what his clothes his daughters wear, what books they read, where they can go – hell, who they marry.
Ruby can pretend with them, but she can’t pretend with me. I can tell there’s more to her than the demure southern belle she’s supposed to be in public.
But I’m a professional, hired to be her bodyguard. I know better than to fall for someone I’ve been hired to protect, but with every glance, every accidental touch, every word she says to me, I just want her more.
I want to tear away the innocent good girl veneer, and make the real Ruby scream my name as she rakes her nails down my back.
It’s f*cking dangerous. If we get caught, there will be hell to pay — and it’ll be even worse for her.
But I don’t think I can stay away.


Author Bio:
I love writing sexy, alpha men and the headstrong women they fall for.
My weaknesses include: beards, whiskey, nice abs with treasure trails, sarcasm, cats, prowess in the kitchen, prowess in the bedroom, forearm tattoos, and gummi bears.
I live in California with my very own sexy, bearded, whiskey-loving husband and two hell-raising cats.
Get my romance novella Dirty Sweet FREE when you join my mailing list!

http://www.roxienoir.com/dirtysweetml

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5.14.2017

[Cover Reveal] Ever After by Aya Ling



Ever After
Aya Ling

(Unfinished Fairy Tale Series, #3)
Publication date: May 20th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Kat has survived. She returns to Athelia as herself, Katherine Wilson. Edward, elated at learning she is alive, vows to bring her back to the palace. The obstacles, however, seem impossible to overcome. Marriage between a royal and a commoner is not recognized, not to mention that he is already legally bound to Katriona Bradshaw, who will do anything to keep her position as princess.
And there’s even more to worry about. Due to an uncommonly harsh winter, the people of Athelia have been suffering from inflated food prices, and are getting irritated at supporting the small, elite group of aristocrats. An uprising in a neighboring country only adds fuel to the fire.
Can Kat and Edward finally get a happily-ever-after?
Previous books in the series:



Author Bio:
Aya is from Taiwan, where she struggles daily to contain her obsession with mouthwatering and unhealthy foods. Often she will devour a good book instead. Her favorite books include martial arts romances, fairy tale retellings, high fantasy, cozy mysteries, and manga.
She is currently working on Ever After, Book 3 in the Unfinished Fairy Tales series, to be released in 2017. For exclusive bonus scenes, giveaways, and new release info, visit ayaling.com

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5.13.2017

[Book Blitz] Looking for Trouble by Stacey Mosteller



Looking for Trouble
Stacey Mosteller

(Nashville U #1)
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: September 20th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance
She’s:

Uptight

Sheltered

Allergic to fun

He’s:

Cocky

Crude

Unapologetic
He’s all dirty jokes and curse words, while she’s quiet and shy. She blends into the background, while he is the center of everyone’s attention.
Clay Mitchell never expected to fall in love. Especially not with a girl he’s known all his life and one who’s always been off-limits.
Opposites might attract, but in this case of explosive chemistry, someone’s heart is bound to be shattered.
As enemies become friends and friends morph into more; Clay has definitely met his match.
On sale for 99¢ for a limited time only!
EXCERPT:
Kat
Before I can get my equilibrium, his mouth brushes mine, so light I almost think I imagined it. I gasp, my back arching and bringing our bodies closer together. The contact makes him gasp too, and our mouths touch once more. This time, his tongue darts out to trace along my bottom lip. My arms tighten further as he presses the top half of his body against mine.

Reality intrudes, and I wonder, should we be doing this? Is this what I want? Then, Clay’s tongue touches mine and every thought in my head evaporates. Unable to focus on anything but the sensation of his tongue exploring my mouth, tangling with my own before he retreats. I automatically follow him, tasting the inside of his for the first time. If someone had told me that the first Mitchell boy I would kiss would be Clay, I would have laughed in their face. But, here I am, Clay’s hands on the bed, on either side of my head, his arms taut as they hold him above me.

The kiss deepens, and Clay’s body moves as he toes off his shoes before climbing up on the bed to hover above me. My legs fall open, letting him move between them. His body lowers onto mine and now we’re touching from head to groin, his erection against the part of me that clenches at the feel of him pressing into me.

Clay’s mouth leaves mine, traveling along my jaw until he gets to my ear where he sucks the lobe into his mouth, biting down gently. My arms go lax at the exquisite feeling, sliding down the side of his neck until my hands find purchase on his shoulders. He tugs a final time on my ear before his mouth moves lower to press a kiss just behind it. My nails dig into his shirt and his body shudders above mine, prompting a delicious feeling between my legs.

Before I can register the motion, he rises up on his knees, grips the back of his t-shirt in one hand and pulls it over his head. He drops it over the side of the bed and pulls me up to a sitting position to grip mine by the hem. Pulling it slowly over my head, he drops it down as well, leaving me clad in only bra, jeans and panties. Clay’s eyes travel from the top of my head to my breasts, where they hesitate for only a few seconds before his hands slide along the sides of my face, tunneling through my hair to tip my head to the side. His mouth descends on mine, and he thrusts his tongue back inside my mouth, more forcefully than before.

This kiss is totally out of my control. His hands on my face move it from side to side until I’m in the position he wants me in. Clay’s mouth is greedy, and he presses it harder against mine until I’m lying back against his pillows. All I can feel is the sensation of his mouth on mine, his bare chest touching my almost bare one. It makes me long for more. I arch my back, struggling to undo the clasp of my bra awkwardly with one hand. Noticing what I’m doing, he takes one hand from my face and runs it down my arm and around to where I’m struggling with the clasp. It takes him less than a second to undo, and then he uses both hands to slide the straps down my arms.



Author Bio:
Stacey is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of Second Chances and Shadows of the Past (co-authored with H.M. Ward), the Nashville Nights, Two Sisters and Nashville U series (coming late 2015 from Swoon Romance).
She is also a wife, mother, writer and self-professed bookwhore – not necessarily in that order! As the mother of three growing boys, her Kindle has become her temporary escape from the insanity of boys, dogs and her husband. Stacey can usually be found curled up with her iPad when she’s supposed to be writing or creating endless Spotify playlists!

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5.09.2017

[Book Blitz] The Unseen by Jacob Devlin



The Unseen
Jacob Devlin

(Order of the Bell #2)
Published by: Blaze Publishing
Publication date: May 9th 2017
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
Crescenzo and his friends may have survived their confounding journey to the enchanted realms of Florindale, but now they find themselves fighting for their sanity and lives while stuck on the other side of the very mirror they set out to destroy.
With their families trapped by a former ally with a crippling fear of the queen, Enzo, Rosana, and Zack must play a deadly game in Wonderland, where shadows are on the move, kings are at war, and one of them wants Rosana dead.
As darkness hovers over the world, the friends must lean on each other and stop the King of Hearts from following through on Avoria’s orders: Break them.
Sequel to:

EXCERPT:
Zack wrinkled his brows. “Who are you? Why have I come to see you? I don’t even know you.”
“You wouldn’t know of Madame Esme. But she certainly knows of you. Lady Fortune keeps painting your name in the cosmos. It would appear there is an important role for you in the journeys of Pinocchio’s son.”
“Enzo,” Zack said quietly.
“Yes.” A chill rippled through the air, and Madame Esme cast a wary gaze around the tent. “Now, Madame Esme has very limited time to speak to you. Please listen carefully.” She lowered her voice, reached across the table, and then seized Zack’s elbow. “I have predicted the death of one of your own . . . the son of Pinocchio. Madame Esme cannot be sure of the circumstances, but it is to take place soon in the realm of wonder.”
Zack yanked his elbow out of Madame Esme’s grip. “What are you saying? Why would you tell me something like that, even if it were true? That’s . . . an evil thing to say.”
The woman edged forward, impossibly calm given the horrible news she delivered. “Madame Esme is never wrong, Son of Pan. Oh, how often she wishes she were! Avoria arrived seven days ago, and what a mess we have become! The lands of Roma are falling to ruins once more. The Grand Canyon crumbles to dust as we speak. Avoria seeks a territory in which to build her citadel, and nothing will ever be the same. But the son of Pinocchio is destined to lead us all to battle. Thus, we need you, Son of Pan. We need you all to dethrone Avoria and restore peace. But if The Carver dies, hope dies with him.”


Author Bio:
When Jacob Devlin was four years old, he would lounge around in Batman pajamas and make semi-autobiographical picture books about an adventurous python named Jake the Snake. Eventually, he traded his favorite blue crayon for a black pen, and he never put it down. When not reading or writing, Jacob loves practicing his Italian, watching stand-up comedy, going deaf at rock concerts, and geeking out at comic book conventions. He does most of these things in southern Arizona.

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5.07.2017

[Book Blitz] Who She Was by Stormy Smith



Who She Was
Stormy Smith

Publication date: May 4th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Trevor Adler loathes the music he used to love, but it’s the key to his full-ride scholarship and the ticket away from his dysfunctional parents. To kick off their freshman year, Trevor’s roommate drags him to a frat party, where he ends up face-to-face with his childhood best friend and finds himself entrenched in memories he’d rather forget.
Unable to let Charlie go again without understanding the truth of why she disappeared from his life and chose to become the type of person they always hated, Trevor is relentless in his pursuit of the girl he once knew.
Charlotte (Charlie) Logan is broken. Under her perfectly-crafted exterior are the shards of a shattered heart. A handful of angry words changed her life completely and Charlie’s never been able to forgive herself for the truth she’s hidden from everyone.
While Trevor pushes Charlie to remember the music that lit her soul and the laughter they shared, they find themselves reverting to a banter-filled rhythm that feels all too familiar, yet different now. When Trevor’s own secrets come to light, it becomes clear he and Charlie both must face their tragic pasts if they have any hope at a future together.
EXCERPT:
Chapter One

Charlie
August
“Are you guys ready for this?”
The overly-excited frat boy in charge yelled into the microphone and the backyard of the Sigma Alpha house hit deafening levels. Inside their dingy kitchen, I shared a wary look with a few of the Kappa pledges.
“As much fun as we’re already having tonight, it’s about to get real! The fifth annual dating auction is about to start. That means the only thing standing between you and a hot little sorority pledge is your parents’ money!”
A petite redhead who barely looked fifteen, let alone eighteen, drew back the curtain of the kitchen window to peek out as he continued and then giggled.
“I can’t believe rush week is finally here and tonight is the auction!” She actually clapped her hands together and I forced my eyes not to disappear into the back of my head. “I hope Austin bids on me,” she gushed. “He’s so hot.”
“And you will be yet another notch on his freshman bedpost,” I muttered before I could stop myself. The girl behind me in line stifled a chuckle, and I smiled knowing there was someone else who understood how absurd this was.
“Your mom was a Kappa, too?” She asked.
I nodded. The line of sorority pledges filed forward through the kitchen to the back door as the emcee announced the next piece of meat up for bid. I kept my eyes forward and not on the half-filled keg cups and ripped open chip bags.
“Can you believe we have to go through with this just to pledge?” The girl twisted a piece of her hair and I didn’t miss the fear that flashed in her eyes. “The worst part was when I told my mom, she was actually excited.”
We took another step forward as I shook my head in disbelief. I hadn’t bothered to even tell my mother since it wouldn’t have mattered. Getting in was all she was worried about and Katie was the only one who ever mattered to her.
Then, I was next. I swallowed down my own anxiety and pressed my sweating palms down my skirt. It was tight and high-waisted, and my heels were higher than I was comfortable with.

Katie would have loved me in it.
I missed my Chucks.

My name came over the crackling sound system and I felt warm fingers encircle my own.
“You’ll do great, Charlotte,” she encouraged. I hadn’t even bothered to ask her name and she’d been astute enough to pluck mine from the bio being read to the crowd. I gave her a tight-lipped smile and returned the gesture even though I wanted to yank my hand from hers and wipe it off again.
I pushed through the torn screen door and pulled the humid August air into my lungs as I straightened my posture and put one foot in front of the other. My smile was so automatic it didn’t matter that I didn’t feel it anywhere but the shift in my cheeks—not too much teeth to seem fake, just enough for no one to ever think anything was wrong.
The emcee’s voice was lost in the cat calls. I heard bids of anywhere from five dollars to twenty as they commented on my rack or how my long hair would come in handy. My fingers tapped out a familiar rhythm onto my hip, one that I refused to acknowledge, but it was the only way I could keep circling the rickety stage.
I had to get into this sorority. It was what she wanted. It wasn’t optional.
“Two hundred and fifty dollars.” His voice silenced the crowd.
My smile didn’t waver as I let out a longer exhale and thanked whoever he was while also praying he wasn’t a psycho.
A sweaty, drunk guy helped me off the stage, and I was thankful when my heels sunk slightly into the ground because it was over and all the attention shifted to the next piece of cattle. I followed the turning heads in the direction of my bidder, who was still lost in the crowd.
The crowd shifted as their attention focused back on the next pledge up for bid. The light from the porch found him and he stood facing me, clearly waiting. For a split second, time stopped.

He smirked, catching my pause. The baby-face Trevor had the last time I saw him was gone. Instead, angular features and questioning eyes stared back at me.
I wanted to spin on my heel and run the other direction. Trevor was the slip knot of my life. The carefully intertwined ropes I’d wrapped around the person I used to be — the one he alone had understood and yet still abandoned — could be unraveled with one tug. He could destroy me and everything I’d done to atone for my mistake.
No one knew what I’d done. How it was all my fault. I’d never told anyone so he couldn’t know. It was a secret I desperately wanted to share so I no longer had to bear it alone, but knew I couldn’t.
“Fancy meeting you here, Charlie,” Trevor said as he pushed his thick-rimmed glass up his nose, failing to convince me he was any more comfortable with our impromptu reunion than I was.
I didn’t need him anymore. He was the who’d disappeared and left me all alone. It didn’t matter that he was the one who knew the rhythm I tapped out to get through the worst of times. Or that in an instant I remembered what real laughter felt like and the feel of ivory under my fingertips. It couldn’t matter. Not anymore.
I charged forward, auto-smiled and played the part I’d cast for myself.
“Charlotte,” I stated. “My name is Charlotte.”
If you’re ready to spend 99 cents to find out what happens next, click here. I can’t wait to hear what you think!


Author Bio:
Stormy Smith calls Iowa’s capital home now, but was raised in a tiny town in the Southeast corner of the state. She grew to love books honestly, having a mom that read voraciously and instilled that same love in her.
When she isn’t working on, or thinking about, her books, Stormy’s favorite places include bar patios, live music shows, her yoga mat or anywhere she can relax with her husband, twin sons or girlfriends.

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[Cover Reveal] False Awakening by Cassandra Page



False Awakening
Cassandra Page

(Lucid Dreaming #2)
Publication date: August 2017
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Melaina, half-human dream therapist, just wants her life to return to normal. Yes, her Oneiroi father is in prison and, yes, the place she worked burned down, but she has a cute boyfriend and a new house. She beat the bad guy. She’s earned a break. Right?
Unfortunately for Melaina, people are still getting possessed by nightmare spirits; the police are investigating her past; and the bad guy’s brother, the Morpheus himself, is coming to town to demand answers. When a deranged ex-nurse checks himself out of hospital on the same day her cousin runs away from home, Melaina is dragged into a fight not just for her life but for her soul.
Sequel to:

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Request a review copy of book 1 – Lucid Dreamind – here!


Author Bio:
Cassandra Page is a mother, author, editor and geek. She lives in Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, with her son and two Cairn Terriers. She has a serious coffee addiction and a tattoo of a cat — despite being allergic to cats. She has loved to read since primary school, when the library was her refuge, and loves many genres — although urban fantasy is her favourite. When she’s not reading or writing, she engages in geekery, from Doctor Who to AD&D. Because who said you need to grow up?

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5.06.2017

[Cover Reveal] Mistake No.7 by Laura Avery


Mistake No.7
Laura Avery

Publication date: May 19th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance
I have a history of making mistakes with men – #married, #bad boy, #narcissist … you get the idea
In fact, mistake no.6 just dumped me, and boy, do I need a break from men. My best friend won’t have it though, she knows “the sweetest guy” for me… no thanks!
You see, I like my men with an edge, and sweet won’t cut it. Take my history professor Rick Carter for example, he’s not your typical professor. He’s smoking hot, and when I’m at his lectures… well, let’s just say English lit is the last thing on my mind, #squirming in seat.
Of course, he’s just a fantasy, a dirty little daydream, I mean I’m 21 and he’s at least 32 and we move in different circles, in fact, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even know I exist.
There’s no way he could ever turn out to be mistake no.7… is there?
SNEAK PEEK:
“This is ridiculous,” I muttered under my breath, setting the bucket of cleaning supplies on the porch while I waited for my client to answer the door. Mr. Evans had assured me that they would be there first thing in the morning to let me in before giving me a key.

Footsteps approached the front door. I found myself holding my breath in anticipation.
Please don’t be an old pervert, I willed.
The door opened and I felt a rush of warm air.
My body nearly shut down when I saw the person who opened the door. It was none other than my young English lit professor, Rick Carter. There he stood in nothing but a pair of red boxers, a sheen of perspiration on his tanned skin and his muscles bulging as if he’d been working out. My eyes took in his broad shoulders, his hard cut abs and, against my will, were drawn to his boxers, which covered what appeared to be a very sizeable bulge.
When I looked back up he was grinning.
My heart pounded in the base of my throat as he, in turn, gave me in my stupid, too tight uniform a once over. His gaze left hot trails on my skin.
He arched an eyebrow lecherously.
“So you’re my maid then?” he asked, without an ounce of recognition.
I felt my face burn with embarrassment and for the longest moment I couldn’t speak. I was struck dumb.
“Hello?”
“I-I-” I stumbled over my words like an idiot. “I’m sorry, Professor Carter. I didn’t realize that you were the one who-”
“Wait!” he said, sharply. “You know me?”
I suppose I couldn’t blame him for not recognizing me. After all, I had my hair pulled back tightly, and had let Tess do my makeup – not to mention the outfit I was wearing. In class I always dressed for comfort – jeans and sweaters were my go to.
“I’m in your class,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s me, Rebecca. Rebecca Black. We talked the other day? I’m in your advanced senior writing course.”
Recognition filled his eyes.
“Oh, Christ! Miss Black! Of course – the daydreamer. Wow!” He ran a hand through his messy brown hair with a small sheepish grin that sent my heart fluttering. “I didn’t recognize you all… I mean so h… you look different out of class.”
“The uniform is a job requirement,” I said, almost apologetically as I smoothed a hand over my hair. “And I don’t usually wear makeup.”
“Well you look… great,” he said, and pushed the door open as his eyes flicked over my body again. “I’m sorry. I should’ve recognized you. Well, come on in, you must be freezing.”
I wasn’t freezing. In fact, I felt feverish. And it only got worse as I squeezed past, bumping against his bare chest as he ushered me through the door…


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5.05.2017

[Book Blitz] The Together Series Boxset by Alla Kar



The Together Series Boxset
Alla Kar

Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: March 7th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Book 1 – WHERE YOU ARE by Alla Kar

Got boy problems? Call Laney Scott. She’s good for advice, a shoulder, or a swift kick where you need it. When her roommate Bethany gets her heart broken by Aiden, yet again, it’s Laney to the rescue. But Laney’s harboring a secret. She’s nursing her own broken heart. But, she and her friends come up with a plan to break Aiden, and set it into play. Laney wants Aiden to pay for what he’s done to Bethany. She will make him fall in love with her, so she can break his heart.
Laney’s ex-boyfriend Lachlan Hems is back in Florida, still Australian and sexy as hell. His best mate Lucas is getting married, and he is in town for the show. He just didn’t realize Laney would be there … in another guy’s arms, or that seeing her again would have such an effect on him. After the incident in high school, he vowed to never care for her again. But sometimes, fate has different plans.
When Laney’s resolve crumbles, Lachlan is the only one who can put her back together again.
Book 2 – HERE WITH ME by Alla Kar

Jaden Baker is stoked about college, making new friends, and erasing the memory of being bullied in high school. But moving on comes with a price. Her dad has made arrangements for her to move into her brother’s apartment so he can keep an eye on her. But there’s a glitch in her dad’s plans. There are also two other college boys living in the apartment too. Suddenly, living in an off-campus apartment with three college-aged boys seems like a bad idea — but not to Jaden. After all, Cade is pretty damn hot, making the whole forced living arrangement and brother-as-a-baby-sitter a little more tolerable.
Cade Jenkins grew up on the opposite side of the tracks from his best-friend and his privileged little sister. His dad bailed when he was a kid, and he can’t help but still care for his drug-addicted mother. This semester, things are looking up. He’s met someone. Too bad she’s his best-friend’s fresh out of high-school, inexperienced little sister. Awkward!
Just when it looks like things might be changing for the better, Jaden finds herself battling severe depression and a broken heart as old feelings re-emergence after that high school bully targets her again. Cade, who’d love to pick up the pieces and make her whole, must fight his own demons and brewing family trouble just to hold on.
If only they didn’t find themselves falling irrevocably in love.
Book 3 – THERE WE’LL BE by Alla Kar

Respect your elders. Stay off Sawyer property. And don’t even think about that Sawyer girl…
Boone Cross was raised with three simple rules, and falling for Josie Sawyer broke every one of them. That is, until a year ago, when he did the unthinkable and she moved away.
Josie Sawyer never thought she’d be on a plane, flying back to Arkansas for the summer, only a year after her heart was crushed into a thousand pieces by the boy her parents forbade her to love. But her father is dying, and being stubborn isn’t an option.
In a town this small, it’s only a matter of time before she runs into Boone Cross.

A lot’s changed since she last laid eyes on him, but some things have remained exactly the same. Boone’s got designs on her and he won’t give up until he gets what he wants.
But as they give in to the need to be together once more, secrets come to light revealing a history of a hatred between their families that runs so deep that even the strongest love may not be able to survive.
BONUS eBOOK – REDEMPTION by Alla Kar

REDEMPTION is the story of an ex-con with a second chance who falls for a girl who just might be too good to be true.
EXCERPT:
Laney
“And there will be a time, you’ll see.

With no more tears.

And love will not break your heart

but dismiss your fears.” – Mumford & Sons
Cold coffee.
Is there anything worse? Staring down into my owl coffee mug, the cool brown liquid gawks up at me in mock humor. The cord is lying on the counter beside the pot, not plugged into the wall where it was last night. Instead, Heather’s—my looks-obsessed roommate—straightener is plugged in. What’s the point of having a timed coffeepot if it’s unplugged every morning before you get a chance to use it? I grit my teeth and blow my bangs from my forehead.
I snatch the cord from the plug-in and toss the straightener on her bed. Hopefully, she’ll get the point. Instead of pouring the coffee down our sink, I sip on it. Hell shall freeze over before I go a morning without my coffee. Hell frozen-over would probably be hotter than my coffee right now. I grab my backpack, tie my blond hair into a messy bun, push up my thick, black-rim hipster glasses, and walk out of our dorm room.
I lock the door and head toward class, the aroma of perfumes swarming my nose. A few girls in towels race down the hall, screaming. Like clockwork, a tall muscular guy follows behind them, a huge I’m-going-to-get-some grin on his face. College is definitely a guy’s wet dream come true. Especially, in a co-ed dorm. He’ll have one of them pressed against their dorm room door tonight. They’re all so predictable.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly fine to date. But, doing it wisely is a completely different issue. Girls aren’t the smartest when it comes to dating. The three C’s that guys can’t stand are clinginess, crying, and clumsiness. I know it’s not possible to walk like a runway model twenty-four seven. And we all know girls tend to cry, especially around that time of the month. But it’s all about the game. You’ve got to play it right, so you can snag a great guy. It’s so easy to rope one in as long as you focus, and I don’t mean on his abs.
I’m almost clear of the hallway when I hear my name. I turn on my heel. Heather is frowning from the lounge doorway. Her long black hair is perfectly straightened. I hope she gets a medal for her hair today, because that would be the only reason I’d forgive her for unplugging my coffeepot.
She pouts her pink-coated lips and curls her finger for me to come closer. “She’s crying again.”
Damn it. I don’t have to ask. I know it’s Bethany and I know why she’s crying. It’s the same damn thing every week. Sighing, I walk into the lounge. A few girls surround her, patting her back and trying to calm her down. It’s not going to work, because she’ll be in the same position next week. She glances up over her long lashes and slender nose. Her strawberry blond hair is messy and hangs loosely down to her breasts. “I just—I just don’t know what I’m doing wrong. It’s like every time he sees me coming, he goes the opposite direction. What do I do—” she breaks off in a fit of sobs.
I’m thinking of a million different ways to escape when Heather claps her hands loudly. “I know. Laney—why don’t you help her? You helped me with Todd. You got him to ask me out in two days. You could help Bethany.”
Oh, the agony. I don’t know if I could stand two minutes in a room alone with her. I give her a small fake smile and shrug. She looks like the damn cat off of Shrek, with her wide eyes and trembling bottom lip. If I say no I’ll look like a major bitch. “Who is it this ti—?” I stop myself.
She wipes her nose and tries to straighten her hair. I want to tell her that’s not going to work, she needs a brush, but I keep my mouth shut.
“Aiden Sims.”
And the heavens opened up and released the hottest male specimen to come to Jacksonville University. Well, that’s what he thinks anyway. Aiden is the playboy of our small university and he plays his Abercrombie-model good looks to his advantage. I grumble under my breath and pull my strap up my shoulder to keep it from falling.
“Have you had sex with him?”
A few of the hovering girls gasp. Oh, get over it. Bethany shakes her head. “No, we haven’t.”
“Great. That means you still have a chance to get him.”
“Wait,” a redheaded girl says from the corner of the room. “You’re telling me that if we’ve had sex with a guy, and he hasn’t committed, we’re screwed?”
I nod. “Pretty much. You’ve never heard why buy the cow when the milk is free?”
The redhead scoffs. “How do you know so much about this stuff, and who made you queen?”
Rawr. Someone hasn’t had their panties down lately. Heather raises her index finger and rolls her neck; that’s how I know she’s going to tell someone off. “She knows exactly what to do when it comes to getting guys. I’ve been with Todd for five months.”
Red shakes her head. “But why don’t you have a boyfriend then, Laney?”
A long, hard pain starts to build in the depth of my stomach. My eyes feel funny and my heartbeat is heavy in my chest. I will not think about him. No, I refuse. “No one has interested me yet.” Which is almost true, no one at this college has been worth my time. But that’s not the real reason. Red grabs her coffee and sways out of the room. Please, bring me back that coffee!
A tall brunette sitting in the corner clears her throat and leans over the worn lobby chair. “What else. I mean—any other advice?”
Everyone turns to look at me. I should totally charge for this. I shrug. “You can’t show that you’re too interested. No waiting for his text. He needs to be waiting for yours.” I take a sip of my cold coffee. “Don’t throw yourselves at him. Don’t take fifty million pictures on the second date. Make him work for it.”
Most of the girls nod slowly at me, waiting for more advice. I glance at the wall clock. I’m going to be so late.
“Laney,” Bethany asks, drawing my attention back to her. “Can you help me? I don’t know what move to make. Please.”
Can I help you, or will I help you? It’s not like my small job at the writing center takes up that much time. Hell, I have tons of free time. That’s exactly why I have a TBR list on my Kindle a mile long. I tug at my ponytail, then give Heather a defeated look. “Okay, I can help. You want to meet me tonight? We’ll go over our strategy.”
Bethany smiles. I think it’s the first one I’ve seen on her face since she moved in last semester. “Well, I have plans to go out tonight. Aiden is going to be there, if you want to meet up?”
Oh, no. I don’t like where this is going. I’m not a big partier. I’m twenty-two and couldn’t care less about getting wasted. I do it sometimes, but only for celebration or if I’m really bored. “Where are you guys meeting?”
Bethany stands up, adjusting her boobs in her shirt. No wonder guys flock to her, and no wonder they leave. She leaves nothing to the imagination. “The Loft down on King Street.” She places her hands on her slender hips. “You coming? I really want to start now.”
The black lines of mascara running down her face makes me sad. She is really desperate. Crying in the third-floor lounge isn’t the fix-it problem she was looking for and I can’t blame her. All the girls surrounding her right now would advise her to do the absolute wrong thing.
I huff. It’s just one night. “Okay, I’ll meet you there at nine.”

Author Bio:
My name is Alla Kar. I live in the deep south with my fiancé and Chihuahua. I love to write about alpha males, southern gentlemen and swoon-worthy men! :)

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[Cover Reveal] InnocenceForSale.com/Amy by Ada Scott



InnocenceForSale.com/Amy
Ada Scott

Publication date: May 26th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Suspense
I want you to be my first, Daddy…
AMY

I sold my innocence for over a million dollars. Don’t judge me. You have no idea how far I’d go to save my Mom and our home.
This was the only thing I had that could bring in enough money in time, so yeah, I did it.
What kind of a guy purchases a girl’s virginity though? I had no idea what I’d be walking into when I arrived at the airport.
Kris Lane sure doesn’t look like he needs to pay for it. Tattoos, muscles, abs like a god, he must be tripping over panties wherever he goes. A girl could do worse for her first.
But why is he making me work so hard? Why doesn’t he just take what he paid for? By the time I stumble upon what he really wants, he’s wrapped me around his little finger…
KRIS

Buying Amy’s virginity was a dare, a high-stakes wager with my business partner. He knew I couldn’t resist the challenge.
The rules were simple. One week with Amy. I had to resist her every advance and send her home just as untouched as when she arrived.
Little did I know that the photos on the website didn’t do her beauty any justice. Her body speaks to mine in ways I didn’t know was possible.
But I never lose. I was winning this bet, too, until she whispered those magic words in my ear. No man could resist her, and it’s time I got my money’s worth.
All bets are off.
But what happens at the end of our week together?”
Warning: This book is a million out of ten on the spiciness scale. When these two get together… this book does *not* fade to black. Keep a fan handy.


Author Bio:
Join me here for free downloads, discounts and news:

http://adascott.com/free-bad-boy-romance-download/
A former office drone, a former nurse, I now spend every waking moment doing what I love, creating and publishing these steamy stories about bad boys from the mafia, motorcycle clubs, and mma that make me, and hopefully you, weak at the knees! Anywhere a bad boy can be found, I'll be there taking notes and making it even sexier :)

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