Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Book Blitz - 'X-Treme Boys' (Books 1-4) by Kay Manis *Giveaway*

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Title: X-Treme Boys: The Series (Books 1-4)
Author: Kay Manis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 16, 2015
goodreads

Synopsis
All four books of the X-Treme Boys series in one box set.

SKATER BOY, Book 1 
For 25 year old attorney, Hindley Hagen, life is all about staying one step ahead of the game. Avoiding surprises and keeping people at a distance is the only way she has to protect herself from the painful scars of her past. When she is offered a new position at her prestigious Austin law firm as sports agent for pro skateboarder, Rory Gregor, she’s ready for the new challenge, but completely unprepared for the man who captures her heart. Suddenly, Hindley is thrust into a world where protecting all their secrets could cost her everything—her family, her career, maybe even her life. Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. But after years of bad decisions and one-night-stands, he’s working hard for a comeback he never anticipated. Hiring a new agent may be what his team thinks he needs to rebuild his career, but what if it costs him his heart in the process? Just when he thinks he’s posed for success, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love. In a sport where trust means everything, this time it may not be enough. 

MY SKATER BOY, Book 2 
Hindley Hagen has worked hard to give X Games golden boy Rory Gregor the comeback he deserves. This time the skateboarding legend has won more than just a gold medal, he’s captured her heart. But now she’s trapped, caught in the snare of a man playing a deadly game. She must choose — protect the one man who’s made her come alive for the first time in her life, or risk losing everything she’s worked hard for, including him. To save them both, Hindley must do the unthinkable. But protecting him means her own demons may surface, and from that there is no recovery. Trust isn’t something that comes naturally to Rory Gregor. Even his own professional achievements as an X Games multi-gold medalist can’t wash away a childhood filled with abuse. But with Hindley Hagen by his side, he’s skating better than ever and finally feels worthy of the success he’s attained. As their need to protect one another grows to escalating heights with deadly consequences, will Hindley and Rory find the future together they deserve? Or will they discover that the one thing threatening to destroy them both is actually each other? 

MOTO BOY, Book 3 
Welcome back Dana Di Grazio. You fell in love with her in SKATER BOY. 
Now it’s time to tell her story. Dana is fearless and feisty, but struggling to find her purpose in life. Hiding behind a hardened exterior, she’s erected walls to protect herself from the devastating losses of her past. When thrust into the role of caretaker for pro motocross rider, Peter Fontenot, her fortitude is threatened and she fears he might be the one man to finally break down her walls. When an unexpected accident forces X Games champion, Peter Fontenot to rely on a foul-mouthed, Italian spitfire, he’s surprised to find himself drawn to someone so crass and ill-suited. Suddenly, Peter must rethink the expectations of his well-planned life. Dana is the one thing he doesn’t want, but she may be the only thing he can’t live without. 

MY MOTO BOY, Book 4 
Dana Di Grazio has overcome emotional and physical pain all her life. But when the man she’s finally given her heart to walks out of her life after learning all her secrets, she’s left feeling abandoned and alone, unworthy of love.

Buy The Book
Xtreme cover
About The Author
Kay
Kay Manis is a native of Austin, Texas—the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
When not writing or researching, you’ll find Kay reading a good book, eating out with friends or taking a quick nap.
Kay’s biggest goals in writing are to amuse, inspire and entertain. If she’s done that for you then she says she’ll always consider herself a success.
Please feel free to contact Kay at www.kaymanis.com

Giveaway
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Cover Reveal - 'Willow's Discovery' by Joanne Jaytanie


Saints and Sinners Book Promotion is proud to reveal the cover for the next book in the The Winter Sisters Series by Joanne Jaytanie... 

Willow's Discovery


Release Date: Coming Soon!!


Willow’s next discovery could get her killed.

Willow Winters has been safely ensconced in London managing the international division of the Winters Corporation. But the vicious Kaleidoscope Group is relentless in its pursuit of the Winters sisters and their scientific breakthroughs. They’ve planted a mole in the company ranks, making Willow’s paranormal abilities crucial in the search for the traitor. Unearthing this spy will expose Willow as a threat and put her squarely in the sights of the murderous Kaleidoscope Group.

Wyatt Farraday is a military liaison to the Winters Corporation. Consumed with keeping Victory and Payton Winters alive, he’s had no life of his own. Now the third triplet has returned home and his job just got exponentially harder. Willow outdoes her sisters in the hardheaded department. She’s independent and can take care of herself and she doesn’t need Wyatt to watch out for her. But Wyatt’s determined to watch her in every way he can.

Willow’s Discovery is book three in The Winters Sisters series. Begin your adventure with Book One: Chasing Victory and Book Two: Payton’s Pursuit.





Joanne was born and raised in Sherburne, New York, a quaint village surrounded by dairy farms and rolling hills. From the moment she could read she wanted to explore the world. During her college years she slowly crept across the country, stopping along the way in Oklahoma, California, and finally Washington State, which she now proudly calls home. She lives with her husband and Dobermans, in their home located on the Kitsap Peninsula with a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains.

Joanne writes paranormal, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance. She loves writing about the twists and turns of her character’s lives along with the trouble they find themselves involved in. She enjoys a wide variety of books including paranormal, suspense, thriller, and of course romance.

Joanne is a member of Romance Writers of America, and past President of Peninsula Romance Writers, which was Debbie Macomber’s home chapter.


Friday, June 26, 2015

Blog Tour - 'Dark Angel' by Samantha Jacobey *Giveaway*

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Book 2 in the Summer Spirit Series
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 23rd 

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Dark Angel - A Summer Spirit Novella… Can your Guardian Angel simply walk away?

Charlie and his girlfriend met last summer, after his awakening from a near death experience. Their love grew while his body healed, and after a few short months, he had come to believe she was the girl of his dreams. But Donna has a secret; one she had never intended to share with the love of her life.
While Charlie’s physical being had lain in a hospital, his spirit had traveled to another dimension - her world - where the forces of light and dark collide. When he had returned to the living side of consciousness, Clarisse stole Donna’s body, claiming it and giving herself a second chance at life and love. Of course, people who die are meant to stay dead, and there will be rough times ahead as Keeper, head of the angels, decides how to put things back in order...

Excerpt - 

Charlie stared down at their plates, guilt washing over him; “Damn.” He could tell she had put a great deal of effort into the meal, and he had blown it. “So much for overtime,” he muttered, turning to follow her to their bedroom. “Honey, I’m sorry,” he called more loudly.


Stepping into the room, he noted her hunched frame on the foot of the bed. Her face in her hands, her shoulders shook, signaling her silent sobs. Taking a knee before her, he sat back on his haunches while his fingers gently wound around her warm flesh, pulling on her arms to uncover her delicate beauty, “Hey.”

Allowing him to expose her tears, her face looked distorted, causing him to inhale sharply. “Don’t look at me Charlie,” she implored.

“Why?” he breathed the question. “Seriously, baby. What’s happening to you?”

Flicking her moist tongue over her lips, she whined, “You’ll call me crazy if I tell you. Just like you did Grandma Parker.”

“No, I won’t,” he pushed himself up onto his knees, his arms sliding around her waist, “Baby, I love you so much. We’re survivors, remember?” he alluded to their private joke. “There’s nothing you can’t tell me, an’ I promise; I would never call you crazy.”

She stared into his deep brown eyes, feeling as if they would swallow her whole at any moment. “My name isn’t Donna,” she stated flatly, “My name is Clarisse.”

Charlie’s lungs clamped down tight within his chest, as if she had knocked the wind out of him with a single punch. “Clarisse,” he coughed, squinting as he tried to make the connection. Finally, unable to do so, he stroked her long straight locks, “Honey, I’m not following.”

“That’s why she doesn’t know me,” she pulled herself up straight, “Because… I’m not me. And Grandma Parker can see it somehow.”

“I see,” he sank back down, heels to rear, “And how long has this feeling that you’re someone else been going on?”

“I told you!” she screamed, leaping to her feet, “Now you think I’m bat shit psycho!” she whirled around, moving to the window to peer outside, searching the darkness for some unseen enemy.

Watching her, he pushed himself up, standing slowly, “I never said that. I don’t understand. That’s all.”

“Of course not, you’re still you,” she quipped.

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Amazon AU:
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Anyone who knows me could tell you, I am a friendly kind of person, never met a stranger and take up conversations any where at any time. I work hard, and my mind never seems to shut down, as I wake up often in the middle of the night with ideas pouring out and demanding to be dealt with. Of course that means much of my books were written in the middle of the night.


I grew up and still live in the great state of Texas where everything is bigger, where we have warm weather and a central location. I love my state, my town, and my family, which includes my four sons, my significant other, and many friends as well.

I have thoroughly enjoyed writing the books that are currently available and hope you will enjoy reading them just as much. And of course, there will be many more stories to come.










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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Review - 'Jagged Addiction' by Lashell Collins

Book 3 in the Jagged Ivory series
Review 

Benji was awesome and Fae was even more awesome! 
Though it was hard to read about how Benji hit rock bottom, he dragged himself back up by the skin of his teeth and I couldn’t have been more proud of him. Getting clean in rehab was the easy part. Being out in the real world and surrounded by people who still used and wanted him back as their drug buddy would be hard. Benji wanted to break so many times and he often panicked. Luckily, his bandmates, his brothers, were there for him. The drug use and Benji’s emotions weren’t glossed over, his trouble was very real, so kudos to the author.
Part of recovery is not to start a new serious relationship and to be careful with the relationships you already have. Stress is a key factor for falling off the wagon. All throughout the book Benji was like ‘my recovery comes first’. Bravo!!! The band and Fae understood that and went out of their way to keep temptation away from Benji. The guys of Jagged Ivory were so sweet and understanding, determined to see their brother clean. Benji didn’t have any real family (he was orphaned at the age 5 and ran away from a horrible foster home at 15) and he loved his bandmates so much.
Fae is Benji’s new bass guitar tech and she has a huge crush on him. As they get closer, they become fast friends and their relationship is totally platonic. Fae had a similar upbringing as Benji’s but it wasn’t as bad. She has two surrogate parents (a wonderful gay couple who took her in after her mom OD’d) and she couldn’t have been luckier to find Wayne and Dave. Her tattoos are beautifully described and I love the story behind them.
She’s more wild looking from the other heroines in the previous books (Mercy and Donna) and I think she was my favorite. I related to her very well. I loved her and Benji’s interaction, friendship and the sweet romance that slowly bloomed.
This was a tearjerker of a story. My favorite of the series so far and the one I was most looking forward to reading. I didn’t want this story to end.
I noticed more typos in this book than with the previous two in the series -- little words were missing in a sentence, the wrong word was being used, misplaced commas, too many exclamation points when characters are whispering, etc. And of course the switching POV shifts irk me. Anyway, I still followed the book pretty well.
Normally, I would knock off a star for editing problems but I think this is the author’s style of writing (meaning the POV shifts), so I’m keeping it at 5 stars because this story is just wonderful and heartfelt. I’m so happy I got the chance to read it.
5 Stars. 

Disclaimer – Thank you, Lashell Collins (author) and Stephanie Biedlingmaier (book promoter) for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason. 

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Review - 'Jagged Dreams' by Lashell Collins


Book 2 in the Jagged Ivory series 
Review 

I was looking forward to reading Cory’s story since I’d met him in book 1. I love how Cory and Noah are best friends and closer to one another than Noah is with his blood brother Otis. Friendship and brotherhood play a huge part in the series. 
I liked how both Cory and Donna are celebrities in their right and Donna’s movie and TV career was interesting and entertaining. I expected more rock and roll and touring like in the first book but this one focused more on life outside the arena, which was good. It’s different.
The best part of this story for me was the father-son subplot. Cory finding his long lost dad was a great addition to the story and added more drama and depth to Cory’s character.
The Prologue starts with the guys coming back to the States after the European leg of the tour and Cory tells Noah he plans to ask Donna to marry him. 

Chapter One begins with Cory and Donna’s divorce three months later. 
Chapter Two to the end of the book was how and why the couple broke up. I felt ‘Why am I reading this?’ since I already know the couple is getting a divorce and, since it’s a romance, I know the couple will make up in the end. I didn’t like having the ‘divorce’ spoiler in Ch 1 and I probably would’ve enjoyed the story more had it been linear. 
The book was a little hard for me to get into and I couldn't connect well with Cory and Donna. The couple's problems stemmed from miscommunication and, though I teared up a few times, I thought Cory was selfish. I understand why Donna lied to him but, after the truth was out, he should’ve accepted her feelings and not made her feel guilty about it. But I understand he was heartbroken so he acted out like a child. It just didn't make sense to me that they would argue over the same things, again and again, when a good heartfelt conversation would take care of it. But neither of them really wanted to talk. They wanted to yell and place blame.
The writing flowed well and I noticed very few typos. As with the first book, however, there were multiple POV shifts within a chapter with both the main and side characters. I also don't understand why exclamation points are used so often, especially when a character is talking softly or whispering. 

For anyone who's experienced Cory's and Donna's problems would probably relate to this book very well. Even though it isn't my favorite book in the series, it's still a good story and the drama/pain/mistrust between the main characters is believable.
3.5 Stars.

Disclaimer – Thank you, Lashell Collins (author) and Stephanie Biedlingmaier (book promoter) for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Review - 'Jagged Hearts' by Lashell Collins


Book 1 in the Jagged Ivory series 
Review 

Wow. What to say? Really? 
Noah, the lead guitarist for Jagged Ivory, is sexy, brooding and a womanizing ass. At least that’s what Mercy thinks. They had a one night stand and then he dropped her like a bad habit four years ago before his band made it big. But she was a loyal fan because she loved the music and she continued to follow his career and the band’s stardom.
Mercy joins Jagged Ivory on tour because her dad is their manager (though Noah never knew this) but their relationship isn’t all rose petals and love ballads. Nope. Tension strikes in all shapes and forms: there’s Noah’s brother who wants Mercy, Noah’s alcohol dependency, other band members and their drug problems, the groupies, and just general mistrust and secrets between Noah and Mercy.
I was totally engrossed in the story but I was a little irritated that it took so long for Noah and Mercy to finally get together. I mean, they kissed for the first time at 60% of the ebook, had sex at around 71% and then they finally discussed the giant pink elephant in the room after they had sex. The frustration and sexual tension they felt toward each other through the first half or so of the book just lasted too long in my opinion and I was dying for them to finally talk. Once they did, however, everything just seemed to fall into place and a beautiful relationship blossomed.
We learned quite a bit about Otis, Noah’s big brother, and Noah’s best friend Cory but not so much about Buzzy and Benji, other than Benji’s heroin addiction. All the guys have indulged in drugs and wild sex with strangers (Cory seems the cleanest), and it’s easy to blame it on the rock and roll lifestyle, but choices are choices and the guys act like arrogant idiots sometimes. But it’s hard for the reader not to get pulled into their heads and see life as they see it. I understand why they are the way they are, and that’s good writing.
Speaking of the writing, the book flowed well and transitioned from chapter to chapter so fluidly that I had to keep reading. I couldn’t put it down. There were some typos, mostly missing commas, and the POV shifted all over the place, from the main characters to the side characters and back again all in the same chapter. It was a little hard to follow at times and to know who was talking or thinking. Even with these problems, I loved the book and the characters. You just can’t help but fall in love with the bad boys of Jagged Ivory.
I haven’t read many rock star romances and this is the first book I’ve read by the author, Lashell Collins. I have the other four books in the Jagged Ivory series waiting on my Kindle and I’ll be sure to get to those soon. (Stay tuned for the reviews.)
4 Stars.

Disclaimer – Thank you, Lashell Collins (author) and Stephanie Biedlingmaier (book promoter) for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Cover Reveal - 'Pistol Fanny’s – Hank & Delilah' by Annie Rose Welch

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Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: July 17th, 2015

BLURB:
Never fall in love with a bank robber.
Especially if she’s the one who robbed your bank, took you hostage, and dumped you unconscious at the local convenience store. And definitely not if you are the assistant district attorney of Tupelo, Mississippi.
This is the advice Hank Huckleberry Rivers would have given himself, back when he was a man who vowed to always walk on the right side of the law. The same law that had seemed sacrosanct ever since the day he and his friends watched as two men were murdered right below their tree house.
Falling in love with a dangerous criminal can have life-altering consequences, though. And when the past and the present meet head-on, Hank finds himself in more trouble than he ever bargained for. He must run to save his life, daring to find answers to the questions threatening his safety and his heart, as the killer below the tree house comes after Hank—and his pistol-wielding bank robber.
It’s a simple case of love in the first degree.

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Author Bio:
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Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn't stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.

When she's not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently (still) resides in the big shake (although her southern roots are calling her home) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent). 

For lagniappe (a little extra), a virtual cup of café au lait and beignets, please visit Annie's website: www.annierosewelch.com

She can also be found on Facebook & Twitter.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Cover Reveal - 'Enflame' by S. Layne

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Title: ENFLAME (The Affair, #3)
Author: Stacey Lynn writing as S. Layne
Release Date: July 13, 2015
Genre: Erotic Romance

goodreads 

Enflame Amazon
Blurb
Talia Merchant dropped the idea of a forever kind of love after the first guy she loved stole not only her heart, but he also took her virginity….and then he took off. 
Now, busy with caring for her father and trying to save her teen shelter, Talia doesn’t need the messy entanglements that come with real relationships she doesn’t have time for. 
But after a mysterious benefactor saves her free clinic and reveals himself…everything changes. 
Donovan Lore doesn’t just want in Talia’s bed, which is the only thing she offers —he wants inside her heart and he doesn’t care what type of fight Talia puts up. He’s determined to break through every one of her walls until she’s pliable and needy in his hands and writhing beneath him. 
And Donovan always gets what he wants. 

Book Three in The Affair Series, but can be read as a STAND ALONE.

PRE ORDER LINKS 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1ffqidv
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1BgCnZZ

ENFLAMETEASER3
  
  ENTICE (The Affair, #1) 
  
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When the most difficult decision of Laurie Baker’s life needed to be made, she took off for a weekend alone to weigh her pros and cons and consider all her options. What she didn’t expect was to run face first into one more complication her life didn’t need. Distracting, sexy, and British, Liam Parker offered Laurie exactly what she needed when she was desperate for attention. One night of pleasure. She wanted it. She craved it. She took it. And when the sunlight dawned and the lusty haze of one night of passion disappeared and reality revealed itself… Laurie returned home knowing that everything she had once believed, everything she had once loved and desired, was about to be tossed upside down and shaken in a way she could never imagine.   

EMBRACE (The Affair, #2)
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  Liam Parker crash landed into Laurie’s life when everything else was crumbling all around her. Her marriage and career were in pieces and her mind was left spinning. But one touch from Liam, and Laurie could forget everything else around her. She thought she had it all figured out. As Laurie lost herself in Liam’s warm caresses and his commanding blue eyes, her husband refused to go quietly into the night. While Laurie fought to move on, it was James who was working his way back into her life, fighting for the marriage they had once held dear. Forced to make choices she never imagined having to make, Laurie finally found herself on firm footing, knowing which way she was going to turn. But then life threw her another curveball. And when she once again began picking up the pieces, learning how to survive and rebuild after everything exploded, there was only one man still there, one man who remained by her side, showing her that sometimes life isn’t about learning how to survive… It’s about learning how to thrive.   
   
About S. Layne

S-LAYNE-AUTHOR Layne currently lives in Minnesota with her husband and four children. When she’s not conquering mountains of laundry and fighting a war against dust bunnies and cracker crumbs, you can find her playing with her children, curled up on the couch with a good book, or on the boat with her family enjoying Minnesota’s beautiful, yet too short, summer. She lives off her daily pot of coffee, can only write with a bowlful of Skittles nearby, and has been in love with romance novels since before she could drive herself to the library. 
  
Social Media Links
 
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Monday, June 15, 2015

Review - 'Bud's Christmas Wish' by Ashley Nemer


Review  
Ashley Nemer spins a sweet Irish tale set at Christmastime. Lucy loses her parents in a car accident and returns home to Ireland to take care of her ill grandfather. She meets Bud, a friend of her grandparents’, but it takes Bud a while to convince her to go on a date with him. Once she does, however, he shows her the time of her life and romance quickly blooms.
This short story clocks in at about 30 pages but there was enough emotion and back story for the main characters, plus the heroine’s grandmother, to not leave the reader wondering or wanting more info. The plot is great but this story could use a good edit to fix some grammar mistakes, mostly missing commas, and there were some POV shifts but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.
I look forward to reading book two, Bud’s Christmas Miracle. (Review to come soon.)
4 Stars.

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book for free on Amazon. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.