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Saturday, May 10, 2014

Strings of the Heart



Book Trailer




Strings of the Heart (Runaway Train #3)
by Katie Ashley 

Twenty year old, Allison Slater has been in love with her brother’s bandmate, Rhys McGowan, since she was fifteen years old. But to him, she’ll always be Jake’s little sister and off limits. Now a college sophomore and licking her wounds from a bad breakup, she sets her sights on making Rhys see her as someone he could date…maybe even love. Her opportunity comes when Rhys visits his parents in Savannah where she is attending college. But the night she’s dreamed of turns to heart-break, and she realizes she’ll never be the one for Rhys.

For Rhys McGowan, his nightmare began when he woke up, naked and hung-over, next to his bandmate’s little sister. Unable to remember a thing from the previous night, he only makes matters worse by lying to Allison about not being interested in her. The truth is he’s spent the last year to ignore his body’s reaction whenever Allison is around. His resolve is tested when Allison comes on tour with Runaway Train, as both Jake and Abby’s nanny and to fulfill her fashion design internship. The more time he spends with her in the close quarters of the bus, the harder it is for him to resist.

Will Rhys realize that having a relationship with Allison is worth fighting for even if it means that he has to fight his best friend for a chance?

Tangled (Tangled #1) by Emma Chase

Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed? 

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating. 

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life? 

Can Drew Evans win at love? 

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without.


Overall Rating:   5 Rockin’ ★★

What do you do when you finally meet your match, that one woman that hits all the right buttons?  As any red blooded American male will tell you, you deny it, right! You have the flu, that’s all that is wrong with you. I don’t whine, cry or sulk because of a woman.  When my sister comes by to pull me out of my self-inflected funk, I know that I can’t avoid this any longer.
 
“It finally happened.”  “What happened?”  “What you’ve been wishing on me all these years,” I whisper.  “I fell in love.”
 
I had always said that would never happen to me, so how did it happen and why doesn’t she want me?
 
“Oh-you want to know how?  You want to hear my sob story?  Okay, then.  It all started a few months ago, on a normal Saturday night.  Well, normal for me anyway.
 
That was the beginning of my down fall.  I meet a woman in a bar that hits me right where it hurts…Engaged and not interested.  Can you believe that, I gave her all my best moves and she walked away?  I did find out that she just graduated with her MBA and was starting a new job on Monday.  Little did I know that Monday would be the beginning of the end for me and my wild ways!
 
I feel my mouth open and close, but no words come out.  The shock of seeing her again-here of all places-must have momentarily frozen the part of my brain that controls speech.  As the synapses start to function once more, I hear my father saying, “…Brooks.  Katherine Brooks.  She’s going places, Son, and with your help she’ll be taking us with her.”
 
Yes you got it right, she is the new girl at the office and my father believes she is the best thing that’s happened since sliced bread and I am supposed to work with her.  The problem is she is off limits to me because she is engaged and also works with me and I do not mix pleasure with work.  I know that she really wants me and I want her so what’s a guy to do?
 
“I see something I want, and I go after it.  I’m used to getting what I want.” 
 
I finally convince Kate to give me a chance and we are so explosive together, I feel like I will never get enough of her.  I realize that I really am in love this time and that I want Kate with me.  Only problem is her ex wants her back.  Will she choose me? Or will she choose him?  So what do I do?  I pretend she means nothing to me and that I have someone else.  That’s when I came down with the flu. I couldn’t go to the office and face the possibility that Kate chose someone else.
 
“…You’re not like anyone I’ve ever known.  I want to be with you…really be with you.  Only you.  I’ve never felt this way about anyone…”
 

Hero –Drew Evans: 5 stars
Heroine –Katherine Brooks: 5 stars
Steam: 5 stars 
Plot: 5 stars 
Cliffhanger: Yes

Would I recommend this book: Yes! This is a must read!  I laughed, I cried and then I laughed some more. The way she tells the story from the characters perspective is hilarious.

Would I read other books by this author: Yes! Ms. Chase is an unbelievable author that makes you want to read everything that she writes.


Friday, May 9, 2014

Stock up for Summer Sale

Ten new adult/contemporary romance authors have gotten together to drop the price of one of their books to 99 cents for three days this weekend - May 9th, 10th, and 11th! They want to help you get load up your e-reader and get ready for an awesome summer of reading!



The Books
#1: TORN by Eleanor Green

“Be care how you look at me sweetheart, you’re putting some wicked thoughts in my mind.”

When Katie Harrington becomes engaged to Branson Stone she believes her life is right on track for all her dreams to come true.

However, flashes of a life she never lived haunt her—leading her to discover a past that has been purposely erased from her memory in order to protect her from horrible truths.

The look on her fiancĂ©’s face as she retells everything she remembers will forever be etched in her mind. Instead of catching and comforting her, he lets her go.

Retreating to the family’s cottage on the Outer Banks for the summer, Katie’s heart begins to heal. She succumbs to the allure of a dangerously handsome local, Aidan Romero. But as soon as Katie begins to let go and move on with Aidan . . . Branson finds her.

Now Katie is torn between two lives—facing her painful past with Branson, or moving on with Aidan and keeping the secrets safely buried forever.




#2: COLLABORATION by Nevaeh Lee and Michelle Lynn

“Now that little Southern Belle I just met…well, that’s a totally different story. I could feel the innocence just pouring off that one, and damn if I didn’t want to be the man to make a woman out of her.”

This is not your typical rock star romance. For one, the “rock star” is a rapper. And not just any rapper. Trace is the hottest ticket in the music industry right now, regardless of which definition of ‘hot’ you choose.

Taryn Starr is not the girl-next-door who unknowingly meets a celebrity. Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” the reigning country music princess and world-renowned superstar knows exactly who Trace is…or does she?

Their worlds collide when the musicians whose paths were never destined to cross are forced by their joint record label to collaborate on a song. The sparks fly and ignite a fire that blazes hotter with every minute they spend together—for better or worse. One thing’s for certain, the two media magnets can’t deny their explosive chemistry, but will life in the spotlight ultimately bring Trace and Taryn together or force them apart?




#3: EVERSEA by Natasha Boyd

“It’s amazing,” he repeated, “that you seem to have no idea how fucking beautiful you are.”

When his co-star and real-life girlfriend is caught cheating on him by the tabloids, A-list hottie, Jack Eversea, finds himself in sleepy Butler Cove, South Carolina. Jack hopes the sultry southern heat in this tiny coastal Lowcountry town will hide him not only from the tabloids and his cheating girlfriend, but his increasingly vapid life and the people who run it. He doesn’t count on meeting Keri Ann Butler.

Keri Ann has relied on herself so long, dealing with her family’s death and the responsibilities of keeping up her family’s historic mansion, that boys and certainly the meager offering of eligible boys in Butler Cove, have never figured into her equation. But fate has other plans. Suddenly face to face with the man who played the movie role of her favorite fictional character, Jack has Keri Ann yearning for everything she has previously avoided … and Jack must decide whether this funny, sassy girl is worth changing his life for, before his mistakes catch up to him.




#4: HE BELONGS WITH ME by Sarah Darlington

“I like you. I more than like you. As hard as I try, I can’t seem to stop and I sure as hell don’t want to try anymore.”

Two girls. One Leo.

Identical twins, Maggie and Clara Ryder, both grew up with Leo Maddox, billionaire playboy, apparent alcoholic, and heir to his grandfather’s world-famous Maddox hotel empire. Their roles were cemented long ago: Maggie, as his best friend and Clara as his childhood nemesis.

But when a simple twist of fate changes everything and both girls start to fall for the lean, mean, ridiculously sexy and seemingly spoiled Leo… which girl will win his heart?

Throw in a little mischief, drama, and one smoking-hot bartender and lines are sure to blur. But one thing’s for certain, neither good-girl Maggie nor rebellious Clara will be satisfied until they each figure out where they belong.




#5: RUMOR HAS IT by Elisabeth Grace

“Rumor Has It is quite possibly one of the best New Adult debuts I’ve read–ever. I loved every hip-hop minute of it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series! I devoured it, from laugh out loud funny moments to hot Mason scenes, I was begging for more by the time I finished reading.”–Rachel Van Dyken, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.

But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.

There’s only one little problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight. The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason’s celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for?

After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…




#6: AT ANY PRICE by Brenna Aubrey

“Everything was spinning around me and I-I was spinning too, delirious with want. Like a woman drowning in the middle of a stormy sea, in desperate need of a life raft. That sea was Adam Drake and he was pulling me adrift, stranding me in some strange and forgotten land.”



Achievement Unlocked: Geek Virgin
When Mia Strong, proud geek-girl and popular gaming blogger, auctions off her virginity online, she knows she’ll make waves. But what she will not be making is a love connection. Her rules are set in stone: One night. No further contact.

It’s a desperate step, but it’s the only way she can go to medical school and pay her mother’s mounting hospital bills.

Difficulty Level: Millionaire CEO
Adam Drake, the enigmatic auction winner, is a software prodigy who made his first million at seventeen. Now, in his mid-twenties, he’s sexy, driven and–as CEO of his own gaming company–he’s used to making the rules. Before Mia knows what’s happening, he’s found the loophole in the rules of her auction. Every stipulation she’s made to protect her heart gets tossed by the wayside.

She can’t tell if he’s playing her…or if he’s playing for keeps.




#7: BACK TO LIFE by Danielle Allen

“Before you, I just existed. I didn’t really live. I didn’t really feel. I was going through the motions. And then I met you…” I stroked his face and gazed up at him. “And you brought me back to life.”

Sahara Lee has spent the last ten years living with the guilt of a tragic accident and its aftermath. That night irrevocably changed the outgoing, fun-loving college freshman into an introverted, workaholic with no social life. Sahara isolates herself from everyone and everything that reminds her of home in an effort to forget what happened. Using art as a substitute for love, Sahara throws herself into music and art as a way to feel something other than the guilt that haunts her. She accepts her lonely existence as penance for the role she played in the accident. That is, until she meets Tyree Barker, the good looking entrepreneur with baggage of his own.

Blindsided by a legal loophole, Sahara is suddenly forced to confront the past she’s been running from. Juggling the guilty feelings of her past and the unexpected feelings of her present, Sahara’s future becomes complicated as she heads down a path of forgiveness, love, and heartbreak…and not in that particular order.

Back to Life reminds you that living and existing are two completely different ways to go through life. Grief will break you but guilt, guilt will destroy you. And once that happens, what can bring you back to life?




#8: THE HIDDEN by Kelley R. Martin

“She was like quick-sand–the more I struggled to get out, the more I sank. So I’d decided to give up and embrace the sink down.”

On her first day of college, Emily meets a walking, talking god. With a gorgeous face, killer blue eyes, and a body to die for, it’s easy to see why Thomas Paige is the envy of every guy at Potomac Ridge University and why every girl within a fifty mile radius wants to get a piece of him.

Sounds great, right? Well, it would be if Emily didn’t think he was such an ass.

Since she’s not interested in becoming another notch on his bedpost, she tells him to shove it, and convinces herself that her novel use of the word “no” is what’s got him hounding her all over campus. But there are two sides to every story, and Thomas is determined to make Emily hear his. Even if it does sound crazy and impossible.




#9: DON’T LET GO by Michelle Lynn

“I won’t give up. If you’re not going to fight for this…I’ll do it for the both of us.”

Sadie Miller is attempting to change her ways and hide somewhere no one knows her former self. She only wants to finish her final year of college, obtain her degree, and get out from the hold of her affluent parents. Then she meets Brady Carsen, the lead singer of The Invisibles, a popular local band in the college town. She tries to stay away but quickly realizes that, although he might not be what she’s used to, he’s exactly what she needs and more importantly, everything she could possibly want.

Unfortunately, Sadie’s troubled past left her with insecurities that make her question Brady’s true intentions. And while Brady is convinced that Sadie is the one for him, he has his own secrets that he fears will be their undoing. If they want to be together, they will have to stand united and fight the outside influences that are threatening to tear them apart. Can they put their pasts behind them for good in order to secure their future?




#10: THE PERFECT EMOTION (Book 2 of the Perfect Series) by Melissa Rolka

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he whispers.

“I never asked you to,” I say with little conviction.

“And yet, here I am.” I slowly turn myself into him and bury my face in his chest. Even through his coat I can smell that familiar pine and masculine scent.

The story of Kate, Kyle and Reed continues in this second novel of The Perfect Series.

Kate (Katherine) Monroe is finally coming to heads with the decisions she’s made in the past to keep herself distracted at any cost. Learning to move on and forward with the conflicts in her life is harder than she expects though. With Kyle continuing to attempt reconciliation and Kate’s mom back at home, avoiding and running are no longer an option.

All along Kate’s mind and heart are consumed with Reed, but she fights to push her feelings and desires to the side. Despite the obvious pull and connection she has with Reed she finds it difficult to let him in… and trust in herself. However, Reed’s perseverance and patience never wavers and eventually he uses the one thing that had always brought them together… tennis.

As Reed and Kate begin to embark on a new relationship they face the past and the present head on. Along the way, new challenges and emotions arise testing the direction of their future together.

Can Kate forgive herself and trust Reed in order to latch onto the one emotion she needs most… love?


HAPPENSTANCE is finally here! Help us celebrate and spread the word! Be sure to check out the giveaway!






TitleHappenstance

Author: Jamie McGuire

Publisher: Jamie McGuire LLC (May 9, 2014)

Print Length: 100 pages

ASIN: B00JOPR0ZK



PURCHASE LINKS:











#1 New York Times Bestseller Jamie McGuire returns to self-publishing with this page-turning YA account of Erin Easter, one of three Erins in the small senior class of rural Blackwell High School who not only share a first name, but also their birthday. Easter, raised by a neglectful single mom, keeps to herself and admires Weston Gates from afar. The other Erins, Erin "Alder" Alderman and Erin "Sonny" Masterson are the darlings of the community: daughters of the two wealthiest families in town, best friends, cheerleaders, and everything Easter isn't--and they never let her forget it. Alder has even claimed Weston since the 8th grade.


Weston is a well-liked star athlete, and the son of two prominent attorneys. He struggles daily with the pressures of living up to his family name and secretly empathizes with Easter's feeling that she belongs somewhere else; in a different life. Not until he begins sneaking nights out with Easter does he gain the courage to buck expectations and acknowledge his feelings ... both for his future, and for her.

A shocking tragedy rocks the tiny town, and Easter's life is turned upside down in the best way possible. But when the truth is revealed and everything she thinks she wanted falls into her lap, life only becomes more complicated.


















About the Author:




New York Times best selling author Jamie McGuire has penned the Providence series and contemporary romance Beautiful Disaster. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children. She is an RT(R), a graduate of Autry and Oklahoma Northern College, and a full time writer.
















*** Sale ***

jlberg



J.L. Berg's NEVER BEEN READY and WHEN YOU'RE READY are on sale for 0.99 for this week only!

NEVER BEEN READY

WHEN YOU'RE READY

About NEVER BEEN READY
Years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband, Ethan, which left her alone to raise their young daughter, Clare Murray still holds the last letter he wrote with the words "When You're Ready" written in his familiar messy handwriting, unable to break its weathered seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare had accepted a life without him, without love. Until years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with a stormy-eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.

Son of a billionaire, Logan Matthews has spent his life trying to make his absentee father proud. Without a family to depend on, all he's ever wanted is a place to call home. After a failed marriage, Logan believes he's unworthy of love...until he meets a woman who awakens his spirit and transforms his entire life in an instant.

But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? Can his love mend the pieces of her grieving heart?

When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you are never truly ready until you're ready to risk it all.



About NEVER BEEN READY
Leah Morgan was done with men. After barely surviving a horrendous childhood, and a boyfriend who bailed when things got rough, Leah had given up on love. Then she met him, Hollywood’s new golden boy who suddenly had eyes only for her. She tried to convince herself that one night couldn’t hurt, but after six months, the memories of his mesmerizing gaze and searing touch still invaded her every thought.

Declan James had just one rule when it came to women. Keep it simple, and never linger. That all changed the moment he met Leah. Even across a crowded bar, he could tell she was different. Sweet, with just the right amount of sass, she made him break his golden rule and now he couldn’t walk away.

When casual becomes anything but, and emotions run deep, will Leah and Declan fight their fears, or let old insecurities tear them apart? When Declan’s past comes roaring back in a way neither of them could have expected, will they stand united or be torn apart by the challenges that lie ahead?

It was only supposed to be one night, but only forever will do.

Spotlight on Author Brandy L. Rivers


Excerpt: Nights Embrace

She slipped past him, and onto the wings of the stage. Her gaze fell on Mr. Voice who was tall, dark and smokin’ hot.

Holy shit, I want to lick him.

Scuffed combat boots were laced up over black leather pants that clung to muscular thighs, and his black shirt molded to the most impressive set of abs she had ever seen. Roxy wanted to trace the ridges with her fingertips.

He turned, his voice dropping low as his eyes locked on hers. His words enveloped her. “… you’re the only one.”

Her heart paused a beat before slamming into her chest at a rapid pace. His full mouth lifted into a grin that spoke of confidence as he held her full attention. Entranced, she fell deep into his eyes and the world stopped.

Until a drumstick hit him in the head. He looked over his shoulder and shrugged sheepishly at his drummer before turning back to launch into the next verse.

Mikey gently shook her shoulder. “Hey, Rox, come on. We have to warm up.”

Her head bobbed in a nod at her brother, but she didn’t look over. She muttered, “Yeah, give me a minute,” or longer.


As if he heard, Mr. Voice glanced over and winked at her before the next song started. “Blinded by beauty, falling at first sight, head over heels…” There was raw passion in his voice, and she couldn’t help wishing he was singing about her.



Character Bios
Nights Embrace Character Bios

Roxana Nights, also goes by Roxy
Age 24
Nationality: American
Description: Black hair, blue eyes, curvy, tattoos, 5’10”
Occupation: Paranormal Author. Sings in local rock band Nights Embrace
Personality: Generally rolls with the flow. She can be blunt. She tells it like it is. People person, who likes everyone until she has a reason not to.

Trevor Malone
Age 147
Nationality: Irish
Description: Dark brown hair, Green eyes, muscular build, 6’0”
Occupation: Lead singer for Lunar Storm, which is a rock band.
Personality: Easy going but tends to worry. Prefers to keep the company of close friends.

Michael Nights, also goes by Mike. Or Mikey but only for Roxy.
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Short dark hair, blue eyes, sturdy, 6’3”
Occupation: Graphic designer, guitar player for Nights Embrace.
Personality: Protective of his sister. Generally friendly, but doesn’t go out of his way to make new friends.

Jordan Long
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Blond, blue eyes, Tattoos, Lean, 6’1
Occupation: Works in a music store. Also the drummer for Nights Embrace
Personality: Abrasive, self-involved.

Joseph Mullens, also goes by Joey
Age 156
Nationality: Irish
Description: Short dark hair, brown eyes, big and strong, 6’5”
Occupation: Drummer for Lunar Storm
Personality: Finds humor in everything. Loves people.

Sorcha Mullens
Age: 36
Nationality: Irish
Description: Chin length bright red hair, blue eyes, 5’7”
Occupation: Waitress

Personality: Spunky, humorous.

SOUNDTRACK
1 – “Like Nobody Else” by My Darkest Days
2 – “Breathe Today” by Flyleaf
3 – “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mud
4 – “Move  Like You Stole It” by ZZ Ward
5 – “Not Myself Tonight” by Christina Aguilera
6 – “Lollipop” Framing Hanley Version
7 – “Come Undone” My Darkest Days version
8 – “Still Rainin’” By Jonny Lang
9 – “Secrets” by OneRepublic
10 – “Trouble” by P!nk
11 – “What’s Your Name” by Theory of a Deadman
12 – “Give Me Love” By Ed Sheeran
13 – “Tell Me ‘Bout it” by Joss Stone


Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews 
4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆