Sunday, March 1, 2015

Spotlight #review: The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Series: Off Campus Book 1
Release Date: February 24th, 2015

Synopsis
She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it’s going to be oh so good.

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.


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Teasers

Review
I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. This is not a book with high angst or complicated plot, what this is is a book that is incredibly well written with the compelling story of two young adults who find themselves at a moment when they need each other the most.

Garrett Graham's life is hockey but if he doesn't pass a class he can kiss his hockey career goodbye. Hannah Wells is smart and pining over a a guy that doesn't even know she exists. After seeing that Hannah aced the test for the class he desperately needs to pass he makes Hannah a deal she can't refuse, make the guy jealous by being with him while Hanna tutors, great deal right? Wrong!
Hannah is not impressed with Garrett's deal and keeps turning him down, but he's persistent and finally Hannah agrees to it. They begin a unlikely friendship that one night moves into kissing territory. One kiss that becomes the catalyst for the change in their relationship.

Both Hannah and Garrett have issues they are carrying from the past, her story is heartbreaking but what I like most about Hannah is that she is strong and she's a fighter despite her history. Garrett is the son of a famous hockey player who belittled his son in the name of the sport, and used his fist as a way of communication, not only on him but also on his wife.
Garrett and Hannah are both likable, relatable characters, but they're also complex and beautifully written. The banter they carry through most of the book is just delightful to read, the author did an outstanding job crafting these two characters as well as the secondary ones.
This is a fantastic example that you don't have to drag your readers to hell and back through a world of angst in order to have an interesting, touching, and flawless story.

This is the kind of book you read very slowly because you don't want it to end. Absolute book hangover. One word ladies...Garrett ❤
Highly recommended!!! 

About the Author

A RITA-award nominated author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle currently publishes with Harlequin Romantic Suspense, Harlequin Blaze, Samhain Publishing, and NAL. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

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Release Day Blitz: The Design by R.S. Grey


Title: The Design
Author: R.S. Grey
Release Date: March 1, 2015
Find on
Goodreads

Five minutes until the interview begins.

Fresh on the heels of her college graduation, Cameron Heart has landed an interview at a prestigious architecture firm.

Four minutes until the interview. 
She knows she’s only there because the owner, Grayson Cole, is her older sister’s friend.
Three minutes. 
For the last seven years, Grayson has been the most intimidating man Cammie has ever had the pleasure, or displeasure, of being around.
Two Minutes. 
But the job opportunity is too good to pass up. So, Cammie will have to ignore the fact that Grayson is handsome enough to have his own national holiday. 
One. 
After all, she shouldn’t feel that way about her new boss. And, he will be her new boss.
…
“I’m not scared of you,” I said with a confident smile.
“Perhaps we should fix that, Ms. Heart. Close the door.”


I paused just outside of the front doors and took a deep breath, trying to get my bearings. I was twenty minutes early for my interview. My outfit was still wrinkle-free. My pad-folio was filled with extra copies of my resume and reference letters, and I’d rehearsed every possible question that Grayson Cole would ask:
Greatest weakness? My inability to settle for anything less than what I deserve. I’m stubborn and persistent.
The honest answer? My inability to overcome my schoolgirl crush on you even though you’re a self-righteous ass.
I would NOT be giving him the honest answer.

Review
 
Cameron Heart AKA Cammie, has always admired (more like being in lust/love) with her big sister's best friend, Grayson Cole, but she was always treated like the little sister, the tag along.
Now Cammie is a college graduate and ready to start her career as an architect, her first and only interview is at the architectural firm of the one and only, Mr. Cole.
Grayson has always been attracted to Cammie but due to their age difference he never acted on those feelings, but once she comes for her interview he lets her know what his feelings are, but he also tells her that nothing can happen between them. And so it begins a chasing game, where Cammie is definitely doing the chasing and Grayson is resisting her advances.
Cammie's dream has always been to go to Paris to enjoy the architectural part of the city so she considers her job at Cole Design just a temporary gig until she saves the money she needs for her trip. But sometimes the one thing you've been dreaming of might not be the ideal dream for you, in this case, Cammie's.
I loved the banter between Cammie and Grayson. The book is entertaining enough and it will keep you glued to the story. My problem was with the main characters, at some point Cammie seemed like she was so engrossed into her pursuit of Grayson that she lost a bit of touch with reality and started making nonsense decisions. When it came to Grayson, it felt like at times he didn't have a personality at all, he was more like a robot going through the motions. I would've loved to see a dual POV to clue me in into what was going through his mind, to get to know his character a little better.
All and all it was a very cute read and the epilogue was very sweet. I didn't read the first book of this series but it definitely didn't make a difference while reading this one, the main characters from the first book are mentioned here but this can definitely be read as a standalone.

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things... everyday.
I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I'm a comedy geek and love all things "funny". Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

Night Shift Anthology Cover Reveal #1: Wanting to Forget by Toni Aleo

Toni
Title: Wanting to Forget - A Jordie Thomas Tale
Author: Toni Aleo  
Release Date: March 17, 2015
 
Synopsis

Jordie Thomas is looking for something to take his mind off of the woman he let go—or rather, pushed away—and the terrifying prospect of what will happen if his broken leg doesn’t heal. He’s ready to get back to his family and fellow teammates on the Nashville Assassins and get back onto the ice. However, with his injured leg in the way and his mind clouded by a certain woman, he needs a break that’ll help clear his head and his heart. With New Orleans in his sights, can this player—on and off the ice—find a way to get back to the crazy and reckless life he used to live? Find out and follow along as author Toni Also takes readers on one wild journey in this Assassins novella.
Night Shift Anthology releases on March 17, 2015. 6 NEW novellas from Toni Aleo, Kindle Alexander, Sawyer Bennett, Chelle Bliss, Eden Butler, and Brenda Rothert. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund, PanCan.org, and the Nashville Predators Foundation. 
Click here to Pre-Order Night Shift
 
Night Shift FB

About this Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Assassins Series, Bullies Series, Whiskey Prince, Let it be Me, and the Spring Grove novels. She lives in Clarksville, TN with her husband, and two beautiful children. She enjoys taking pictures, writing, shopping and going to as many hockey games that she can!

Social Links
TSU: ToniAleo1
Instagram: ToniAleo1

assassins



Cover Reveal: Fueled Desire by Julie Morgan



Title: Fueled Desire
Author: Julie Morgan
Photo Credit: Jenn Le Blanc
Cover Design: Stella Price
Cover Reveal Date: March 1, 2015
Anticipated Release Date: March 31, 2015




SYNOPSIS
A chance encounter around the world led her to him…

Abby Masters knew it was time to move on and start her life on her own. No one was in her way, no one could stop her. Leaving her past behind was the best way to move forward.

Deciding to travel around the world, the intent was to clear her mind, to find herself and to start over. What she didn’t expect, what she didn’t see coming, was Clive.








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OTHER TITLES BY JULIE MORGAN

Release Day: Journey by Karina Sharp


Synopsis
“She’s feisty, she’s brash, and she’s all mine. I wouldn’t change a thing about my fiery, redheaded wildflower.”

Jack Croft and Journey become an annual spring break fling after a fateful encounter in paradise. Jack, a guarded and private man, finds instant chemistry with the free spirited Journey. Despite their attraction, he remains reluctant to share much about his personal life. Over the course of a few years, they each find themselves at a crossroads in life. Jack and Journey are forced to acknowledge their budding romance, but take paths leading away from one another. Years later, they are reunited by chance, or perhaps fate, with new priorities. While Jack and Journey attempt to seize their second chance at love, they learn that the only thing you can expect in life is unpredictability.

Due to the nature of some of the book's content, it is recommended for readers age 18+.


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Teasers

Meet the Author

Karina Sharp was born in Southeast Texas, but has lived all over the country. Karina obtained a Master’s of Education in Counseling Psychology from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. She has worked with a diverse set of clients- from convicted felons to the severely mentally ill to adolescents who have been placed in the care of the government.

Karina is a former Navy spouse and former Navy Family Ombudsman. Karina is passionate about creating stories about relationships with strong female characters who not only find romance, but also learn about themselves in the process. When she is not writing, Karina teaches aerobics and runs races. She has also danced burlesque.

Karina lives in Louisville, KY with her husband, their two children, two chocolate labs, and two turtles. 

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Pre-Release Blitz: Beautiful With You by Jen Andrews

PRE-RELEASE banner.jpg
Beautiful With You
by Jen Andrews

Pre-Release Blitz

Title:  Beautiful With You (Just Say Yes Series Book 3)
Genre:  Romance
Date:  March 1st - 9th

Synopsis
For Zoey James, life hadn’t always been easy. Until she met Andy Tate. Things changed the second she met him, and she finally had a reason for breaking down the walls she had built around herself.

The beginning of her relationship with Andy was rocky at best, but eventually they built a life together. A beautiful life.

The day Andy proposed to Zoey, she said yes.

That same night, Andy was completely blindsided by news from his past. He had lost yet another person to death. A person he didn’t even know existed.

Devastated by the news, Andy made a rash decision and moved home to New Zealand. Without Zoey.

But now, Zoey is given news that will change both of their lives forever. Instead of Zoey building the walls back up around her, she makes a choice to fight.

She is fighting for her happiness, fighting for Andy, and most of all, she is fighting for the life that they have created together.

And she has no intention of losing.

Excerpt
“Come on baby girl,” I said as I rested my palm against my belly. “Let’s go get your daddy and bring him home.”

Once I arrived in the waiting area to board the plane, it hit me that I was on my own until I reached New Zealand, and I had never been more scared in my life.
My friends and family were so supportive of me, but it was time for me to go to Andy, and support him. He was devastated by his loss, but I had all the answers he needed. I hoped it would be enough, and he would come home with me. I was willing to give up everything to be with him and our daughter. I would give up my store, my apartment, and my life in Sacramento if I had to. Before Andy, I never would’ve considered it, but he and our little girl meant more to me than any possession.

Wanting to be alone with my thoughts, I found a seat away from everyone. I pulled my iPod out of my purse, set it to shuffle and people watched while I waited for the call to board the plane.

I was too nervous to do anything else.

As I waited for the plane to take me to him, the perfect song came on, and it helped calm my nerves. “Set Fire to the Third Bar” had the exact lyrics I needed to get me in the right mindset for my trip. The lyrics talked about looking at a map and being only inches away from the one you loved, but being so far away physically. I was just inches away from him on a map, but over six thousand miles separated us.

I played it a few times in a row, and by the time I moved on to the next song, I was feeling more confident with my decisions. People began stirring around me, so I took my earbuds out and put my iPod away.

It was time to board the plane.


TEASERS
Auckland City skyline at night, North Island, New Zealand.

Fight.jpg
athletes fight for the ball in rugby game


Author Bio
I am a self-published author of the Just Say Yes series. There are three books in the series, The Reason, Just Say Yes, and Beautiful With You. All three books are about the same couple, Zoey and Andy.


I reside in Northern California with my husband, Jake, and all of our rescued pets. I was born and raised in a 'car family' so I've always been around old Chevy's.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd become a writer, even though it's in my blood. My grandfather was a self-published writer as well in the 50's and 60's, publishing four or five books before he passed away in the early 70's.

So far, I have four books written, and three more on the back burner that I will work on as my busy life allows. I work full time, and writing is a hobby, along with my other favorite hobby, photography.

In my "spare" time, aka vacation, I love to travel! My ultimate vacation has been to New Zealand, where we saw my favorite sports team, The All Blacks, play an amazing rugby match. We also visted Hobbiton where The Shire scenes from The Lord of the Rings was filmed. I plan to travel back to New Zealand as many times as I can!

So that is me. I am quirky, tattooed, music addicted, loyal, protective, and just me. :)


Social Links





Other Books in this Series

The Reason (Book One of the Just Say Yes Series)


Just Say Yes (Book Two of the Just Say Yes Series)


Beautiful With You Goodreads Link


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Release Day Blitz: Losing Her by Mariah Dietz


Title: Losing Her (His #2)
Author: Mariah Dietz
Release Date: March 1
Find on Goodreads


Synopsis
“I loved her and she left. Maybe I wasn’t enough. Maybe I’ll never be enough.” I’ve been thinking these words since before we even got together.
Everything is new. The old no longer has a place here. Physical items are easy to replace. I'm constantly battling the ones that aren't.
Every thought and memory I have is stained.
By you.
You weren't even there for half of them.
How is she still present even though she left?
I can do this. I’m going to survive losing her.
*** This is the second book of the His Series, and it DOES end with a cliffhanger. The final book of the His Series, Finding Me, will release June 1, 2015***

Buy Links


 Excerpt
“Dude, you’ve got to get up.” Jameson sighs as I pull the pillow back over my head. I don’t even know what day it is anymore. I don’t care.
What adds salt to my wounds is the fact that the world keeps turning. People continue waking up and going about their day. The sun rises and sets. I hear kids laugh and play, neighbors greet one another, and birds sing, and all the while I wonder how? How does the entire world appear to be surviving this nightmare of losing her? 
****
Hank comes to visit in June. I still haven’t heard from Ace, and yet I’m still staying at my mom’s. I can’t leave. I can’t go back to that house. I’d moved rooms shortly after she left, and now reside in the guest room on the main floor. It’s better this way. There aren’t any pictures of her in here or random memories, like the one of her sitting on my bean bag chair when I was sick last summer. I also don’t have to face the window that looks out onto hers.
Hank knows that I know mom sent for him, hoping that he’d be able to “help” me. She of all people should know that having Hank around isn’t going to help me. He’s fucking married to the love of his life; he doesn’t have a fucking clue about the shit that I’m going through.
Of all things, Hank wants to go camping. I’m sure he thinks that getting away will help. He doesn’t understand that moving rooms has helped me realize I could go to Antarctica, and things wouldn’t change; the distance isn’t going to make the pain any less.
When we get camp set up, Hank opens a cooler and passes me a beer with a giant, shit-eating grin, like we’ve just overcome a huge hurdle. Deciding that I shouldn’t rain on his little douchebag tea party quite yet, I accept the beer with merely a grimace before taking a long swig. Before long, that single swig becomes a chug, and then a guzzle as I consume more alcohol than what three people probably should.
I sit by the fire and close my eyes. My mind automatically reaches back into that locked and forbidden drawer to pull out the image of Ace, striving to recall the sound of her laugh, the feel of her touch. It brings me back to our camping trip last September, when Jameson announced that was what he wanted to do for his birthday.


Book Trailer
 

Other Books by this Author
Becoming His (#1) – Find on Goodreads
Sometimes life's unforeseen paths lead us to discovering sides of ourselves we never knew existed.
Ace Bosse has always found solace at home, but when she returns for the summer from college, she builds an unexpected relationship with the Reckless Max Miller.
Three years ago, Max left for Alaska to find what he thought he'd lost, but now realizes just how much he left behind.
Max teaches Ace that sometimes a little crazy is exactly what life needs while learning that some chances are worth taking, regardless of the risks.
But how do you know when you've met the right person? And will they be prepared to experience one of life's biggest obstacles?
Falling in love isn't easy--but holding on to it is where the real challenge lies.



About this Author
Mariah Dietz lives in Eastern Washington with her husband and two sons that are the axis of her crazy and wonderful world.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon, where she spent the majority of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her sons, good coffee, books, travel, and dark chocolate. She also has a deep passion for the stories she writes, and hopes readers enjoy the journeys she takes them on, as much as she loves creating them.