Friday, March 29, 2013

Blog Tour: Angel by Laura Lee


Literary Fiction
Date Published: September 2011

Since the loss of his lively, charming wife to cancer six years ago, minister Paul Tobit has been operating on autopilot, performing his church duties by rote. Everything changes the day he enters the church lobby and encounters a radiant, luminous being lit from behind, breathtakingly beautiful and glowing with life. An angel. For a moment Paul is so taken by his vision that he is tempted to fall on his knees and pray.

Even after he regains his focus and realizes that he has only seen a flesh-and-blood young man, Paul cannot shake his sense of awe and wonder. He feels an instant and overwhelming attraction to the young man, which puzzles him even as it fills his thoughts and fires his feelings. Paul has no doubt that God has spoken to him through the vision and he must figure out what God is asking him to do.

Thus begins a journey that will inspire Paul's ministry, but will put him at odds with the church he loves as he is forced to examine his deeply held beliefs about himself, his community and the nature of love.


My Review:
This book deals with quite the controversial topic in the fact that it has to do with Christianity and Homosexuality. But the real kicker is that the main character is a minister who was previously married to a woman. The message is quite clear and powerful, but I think it even goes deeper than that and its something that upon beginning to read this story, you wont expect. 

I think that the actual romance in the story is very understated and sweet. It is not a huge highlight, it leaves room for the bigger picture. At times the theme seems to overshadow the characters a bit and I wish I would have gotten a bit more from them, but overall it was a very touching and thought-provoking story. 



BUY LINKS


I am the author of 14 books, best known for my non-fiction titles including Blame it on the Rain (Harper Collins), The Pocket Encyclopedia of Aggravation (Black Dog and Leventhal), Broke is Beautiful (Running Press), and the forthcoming Don't Screw It Up! (Reader's Digest).  Angel is my first novel.  I divide my time between writing and producing educational ballet tours. 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

PROMO Blitz: Undressed by Avery Aster

Undressed
Avery Aster 
Erotic Romance


Synopsis:

(78,000 words, Erotic Contemporary Romance, M/F, HEA, Ages 18+ due to sexual situations and mature content)

Milan's notorious playboy, Massimo Tittoni, seems to have everything--Lamborghinis, exotic women, palaces throughout Europe and business success. Ramping up his fabric company to go global with a new apparel brand, he ruthlessly stops supplying fabrics to the American client who inspired the collection. But once they meet, what's he willing to give to get her in his bed?

Upper East Side designer Lex Easton will be damned if she'll let an Italian stud muffin knock her down. So what if she named her favorite vibrator after him. With Fashion Week approaching, she'll do whatever it takes to secure the fabrics she needs to become the next Diane von Furstenburg-- even sleep with her rival. Lex's Louboutins stilettos are dug in deep to win this war.

Avery Aster's super-glossy debut novel is loaded with passionate escapism, pitting American ambition against Italian tradition. Erotic romance fans who appreciate extended sex scenes, witty banter and glamour mustn't miss Undressed

Inside Scoop: Though the hero and heroine remain monogamous, their Prada-wearing friends indulge in a ménage a trois and other fashionable sexual fun and games.

The Manhattanites is a series of full length novels focusing on relationships. Each book may be read as a stand alone. If you've enjoyed TV shows like Girls (HBO), Dirty Sexy Money (ABC), and The Bold & the Beautiful (CBS) then you'll love this series. Avery's characters are over the top. They have raunchy sex, speak their minds and the plots are twisted. (In a good way!) Manhattanites celebrate lust, ambition, and true devotion.

Read the first chapter of Undressed:
Read a dirty love scene from Undressed:
Watch the Undressed video:
Midwest Book Review on Undressed:
Learn what inspired The Manhattanites series from Avery Aster in USA Today:
25 New Yorker Insights Revealed After Reading Undressed by Avery Aster
Sex 
§  Your vajayjay can take a guy’s cock 'n' balls…at the same time.
§  Always name your butt plug after Anderson Cooper.
§  Pre-ejaculation while jetting a plane over Italy causes turbulence.
§  Never let a dog sleep in your bed, especially three dogs. It’ll ruin your sex life.
§  If he’s as hung as an Evian bottle, it’s best to look away
Money 
§  Always retain the legal services of female lawyers, particularly ones named; Sarah Goldbaum and Hannah Goldstein.
§  Never allow your mother to spend your line of credit on a psychic from the Caribbean.
§  Sexual frustration leads to good business practices, enough to earn three hundred million dollars.
§  If Bergdorf’s, Barney’s and Saks Fifth Avenue reject your upcoming fashion collections try selling it to JCPenny’s or Kmart.
§  Use your American Express reward points wisely. You never know when you'll need to jet.
Life 
§  Bellini cocktail consumption will induce foot fetishes.
§  Swedish Fish, Now & Later, and Gummy Bears from Dylan’s Candy Bar are perfect for your fuck-it bucket.
§  Everyone should be so lucky to have a best friend like Taddy Brill.
§  Never drive a Ford Thunderbird off a cliff thinking you’re Thelma & Louise.
§  Stay away from any woman named Scilla or Ottavia.
Fashion 
§  Wearing Tory Burch ballet flats while racing a sports car may cause ones clitoris to hum.
§  Think twice before sitting Lady Gaga and Madonna next to one another at your fashion show.
§  Prada and a condom, when worn together, are known to make bisexual men go bonkbuster cra-cra.
§  Altering a vintage Valentino dress, formerly worn by socialite Nati Abascal, may land you on the red carpet.
§  We should all get "f'd" in Fendi.
Love 
§  When in love, you can have as many orgasms as you like…in one day!
§  Slow dancing to Giuseppe Verdi enhances one’s emotional state.
§  Don't argue with your lover in public, above all—never in front of Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, or Karl Lagerfeld.
§  Playing Simon Says, in bed, may lead one to reveal their true feelings. So will strip dancing in front of him to the song Girls, Girls, Girls by Mötley Crüe.
§  And finally, he must always say, “I love you,” first.

Avery Aster

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Blog Tour: Jagged Little Edges by Lorelie Rozzano



Edgy Addiction Fiction
Date Published: 1/15/13


British Columbia author Lorelie Rozzano has taken her own life experience shackled by the chains of addiction and is turning it into a series of fictional novels that weave first-hand experience into compelling stories. The book takes you on a ten year journey, through the depths of despair, as Lyndsey, a darkly fascinating protagonist, looks for her happily ever after. This story will move and inspire you. It will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more. The first in the series – Jagged Little Edges is now available.




My Review:
This book seemed so real and the fact that the author has taken true life experiences to create a fictional novel that shows the severity of drug addiction.

This novel was amazing to read and to get an inside view on what happens to someone who gets sucked down that path of self-destruction.

It's so easy to say from the outside, you can't imagine what would cause someone to do that to themselves, but Lorelie Rozzano has created a main character who is so engaging that I felt like I understood her motivation. 

BUY LINKS

Book Review: Broken by Christa Cervone


New Adult Romance
According to Webster’s Dictionary the definition of the word Broken is violently separated into parts. SHATTERED.

Yup, that pretty much sums me up. How do I handle things? I find my answers at the bottom of a bottle of Tequila and sleep with random men. 

How did I get this way? Well, four years ago I made a decision that cost me the love of my life. I can't undo what I did to drive Garrett out of my life. I haven't seen or heard from him in four long years. But he still haunts me in my dreams or should I call them nightmares at this point? No matter how much booze I drink and how many men I sleep with, nothing fills the void. I feel like I am existing but I’m not really living.

I’m trying to get my life back on track. Well that was until. . . . Garrett walked back into my life. His reappearance threw me into another tailspin. 
How do I put the pieces of our broken hearts back together? All before he walks out of my life again... this time for good. Or am I simply destined to just be Broken?

My Review:

This story was a bit backwards, but I actually found that nice. Most of the time, characters meet, they fall in love, then something happens to break them up, and finally they reunite for their HEA. In this one the major breakup has already happened and get to witness their journey to HEA. It is a little frustrating at the beginning not knowing the details of what happened and not knowing how to feel about Leila. She is not very likable at all in the beginning which make it difficult as a reader to get invested in a book. But alas, she does have redeeming qualities that begin to shine through and for me it is all about the redemption. I love a truly screwed up personality that works to change themselves for the better. 

And Garrett, oh my, I think I was in love with him from the start. I truly worthy male lead with such a heart wrenching story. Definitely worth the read! 

Monday, March 25, 2013

Blog Tour: The Kings of Charleston by Kat H. Clayton


YA Romantic Suspense

Casper Whitley is forced to move to Charleston, South Carolina where she’ll be the new kid her senior year of high school. Casper’s upset about the move until she meets the Roman family’s gorgeous son, Cal, but there’s a problem. A mystery surrounds him which can be summed up in one word…Kythera. Never heard of it? Neither has Casper until she finds the word tattooed on cars, paintings and all her new friends.

After Casper’s life is threatened, someone is forced to tell the truth about her parents, the Romans and Kythera’s motives for her being in Charleston. Once the truth is revealed, she must decide whether to protect her family and Kythera’s secrets or walk away from everything she has ever known.


My Review:
First of all, what crappy parents does poor Casper have? Not only are you uprooted from your life your senior year of high school, but then you are thrust into a world of danger without any say in the matter. Casper was very easy to become connected to. I felt her confusion in the beginning, anger in the middle, lust throughout, and even fear. Kat H. Clayton has managed to create a mysterious new world of "superior" people who pretty much run everything around them. 

I really loved Cal! Oh my swoon! Even when I was completely confused right along with Casper, I still thought he was pretty much amazing. 

This being the first in the series it takes a bit to get into the actually action and suspense because of all of the back story that needs to be covered. However, the ending is very powerful and sets up the next in the series perfectly. I really really hope I get to be a part of the tour for that book as well! 

Great start to a new Young Adult Suspense series! 



PURCHASE: 



Kat has been a writer her entire life, but never pursued a writing career until the characters from a short story she wrote in high school refused to go away. Finally, she sat down and wrote their story which would became The Kings of Charleston series.




Kat has been an avid reader her entire life. She enjoys all genres, but particularly Mystery and Young Adult. Mary Higgins Clark is one of her favorite authors who inspired her love of mysteries. 



When she isn't writing, Kat loves to travel, try out new recipes and hang out with her husband. She is originally from Kentucky, but currently resides in South Georgia with her husband, a cat named Frank and a dog named Lil.







Book Review: Wait For You by Jennifer L. Armentrout



Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…


My Review:
I'm not a fan of the love at first sight or three chapters in relationship books, so this one was definitely a welcome change because the characters actually fall in love over time, realistically. Avery had a difficult past and is not ready for a relationship of any kind and no matter how much Cam tries and asks, she always says no. Of course she has not idea how serious he really is. After a while, she plays it off like a running joke between them. No matter how much those around her and Cam himself for that matter try to open her eyes to the realness of his feelings, she shuts him out romantically. One thing that is great is their friendship. They really do build a strong foundation as friends and even when they are just friends, it is amazing to see how their chemistry shines through. 

Jennifer L. Armentrout has really shown an amazing talent for writing in this one. The witty banter both in person and via text is perfect. There are so many one-liners and conversations that stick out. Their flirting even when it was innocent, was hott. 

And Cam, how patient he was even when it was the last thing he wanted to be. He was beyond swoon worthy! Wonderful, wonderful book! 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Book Review: Rush Me by Allison Parr



Contemporary Romance - Sports

When post-grad Rachael Hamilton accidentally gate-crashes a pro-athlete party, she ends up face-to-face with Ryan Carter, the NFL's most beloved quarterback.
While most girls would be thrilled to meet the attractive young millionaire, Rachael would rather spend time with books than at sporting events, and she has more important things to worry about than romance. Like her parents pressuring her to leave her unpaid publishing internship for law school.
But when Ryan's rookie teammate attaches himself to Rachael, she ends up cohosting Friday-night dinners for half a dozen football players.
Over pancake brunches, charity galas and Alexander the Great, Rachael realizes all the judgments she'd made about Ryan are wrong. But how can a Midwestern Irish-Catholic jock with commitment problems and an artsy, gun-shy Jewish New Englander ever forge a partnership? Rachael must let down her barriers if she wants real love—even if that opens her up to pain that could send her back into her emotional shell forever.
89,000 words
My Review:
I'm not going to lie, Rachel got on my nerves a bit in the beginning. She was really uptight and judgemental. I understand how some of it was warranted, but even when people would prove her wrong, she continued to have the same thoughts about them. Ryan was a difficult lead to get behind for a while too. He is very in your face and was upstaged by the other guys in the beginning. I really did not understand how these two were going to make it work and let me tell you there are definitely plenty of ups and downs in their friendship/relationship. 
That being said, there was something endeering about everything they overcame and the differences in their lives but the amount they actually had in common. I really enjoyed most of their banter.
The secondary characters in this story stole my heart! I absolutely adored Abe! And I loved the fact that Malcom and Brie's drama bled through to this novel as well. I really hope we get to see more from these characters in the future. 

Date to be Published: April 8, 2013
Review Copy Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Book Review: Russian Dolls by Cristelle Comby


New Adult / Mystery and Detective

Alexandra Neve is a student at University College London whose world suddenly falls apart. When her best friend jumps from the university’s rooftop, she can’t stop herself from asking, ‘Why?’ The police rule her friend’s death a suicide and for them the case is closed — so whom can she turn to for help?

Sometimes the person you need the most is the one you least expect to find, and in this case it’s none other than Ashford Egan, a blind middle-aged history professor, who’s more willing than most to listen to what she has to say. 

Neve and Egan are as different as they come. She’s restless, careless at times, and fearless when the need arises, while he’s almost the complete opposite: a deep thinker with an analytical mind, a highly rational and collected individual.

As they enter the violent world of the Russian mafia, they must overcome their differences and learn to work together. It’s their only chance if they want to survive.


My Review:

First of all, I wish the cover drew readers into the greatness of this world that Cristelle Comby has created. 

Believeable and Relatable characters really help to captivate the reader and get them invested in the happenings of this story. I loved Alexandra Neve from the very start. I loved that she had a personal tie to the mystery and it shows how she gets involved in the world. 

There are some grittier topics such as Human Trafficking, but it is not extremely detailed in a way that would be off-putting. 

I liked that the characters were very much the odd-couple but they definitely worked together.

I think this is a great start to the series! Can't wait to read more! 

Blog Tour: Succubus Rising by BR Kingsolver


Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Date Published: February ??, 2013

Book 3 of the Telepathic Clans Saga, Succubus Rising

The Goddess has plans for Brenna and Rebecca. And the Goddess has a wicked sense of humor.
Rebecca Healy is a true wilder, growing up with no contact or knowledge of other telepaths. Discovered by a Clan member on the streets of San Francisco, she felt like she’d hit the jackpot. Finally, she knew what she was, or at least she thought she did.
When Brenna O’Donnell, long-lost heir of the O’Donnell Clan, and the strongest telepath in history, is returned to her family, she and Rebecca form a tight bond. Brenna has it all, looks, money, power, and men falling all over her. 
Rebecca isn’t jealous, but it would be nice to find someone who would really love her and stick around in the morning. She’s intrigued by a handsome South American general, but of course, he has his sights set on Brenna. Carlos de Vargas wants more than love. His Clan has its back to the wall, and they hope for an alliance with O’Donnell. An alliance that would lead to war.
The story began in The Succubus Gift and continued in Succubus Unleashed. In Succubus Rising, questions are answered and new mysteries are revealed.

My Review:
This is the 3rd in a series. Be sure to pick up the first 2 books first! 

I loved the way this addition to the series really managed to go deeper into the dark aspects of a succubus's life. There has been quite a bit of changes in the girls characters since book #1 and this story definitely highlights that. Also, there are some big surprises and twists in this one that threw me for a loop. Sometimes when you are far into a series, its hard for the author to keep things fresh, but BR Kingsolver has definitely managed to do that here! Rebecca definitely seems to be more of the star of this book, but I was completely okay with that! I really enjoyed most of what she went through. Some was definitely not so great and I did shed a tear or two. 



Buy Links 
 Book #1
Book #2

Book #3 


BR Kingsolver


I made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.


I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school and I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff in Canada.

I have a very significant other, two cats and two Basset Hounds. I’m currently living in Baltimore, nine blocks from the harbor, but still own a home in New Mexico that I see too infrequently.
 Website: http://brkingsolver.com
Twitter: @BRKINGSOLVER


Book Review: Stealing Home by Jennifer Seasons



Contemporary Romance - Sports

Love may be just a game, but the baseball players in Jennifer Seasons' sexy Diamonds and Dugouts series—they're playing for keeps!
Mark Cutter has it all: a lucrative baseball career, fast cars, and faster women—and all thanks to his priceless good luck charm. At least, that's what he thinks before Lorelei Littleton shows up. Next thing he knows, he's waking up alone, the sexy brunette has vanished, and his good luck charm is gone. More than a little curious about the wicked-hot cat burglar and determined to get his property back, Mark's going to track down the thief and make her pay—big time.
Maybe Lorelei feels a tiny bit guilty for stealing Mark's good luck charm, but when it's worth $100,000 and the money could save her niece's life? She's not losing sleep over it … but him? Lorelei can't get the ballplayer with the bad attitude out of her head. And now he's come after her with more than just revenge in his eyes. Lorelei has a choice: turn over the charm and lose the money, or keep it and risk losing everything … including her heart. 

My Review:
What a unique way for the two main characters to meet. I really did think that this author showed a lot of imagination in writing this story. I loved the fact that Lorelei had a darn good reason for doing what she did, even if it was a not so great decision on her part. I understood both her motivation and justification for doing what she did.

She was so not expecting the Mark Cutter she met and he was definitely not expecting to be so drawn to her after what she pulled over on him. I liked that the author drew out the story enough for us to really get to know the secondary characters as well. Mark's sister was one of my favorites, but I could not stand her use of the word Y'all's.... I live in Texas and use the word Y'all often. I have never heard anyone add n "s" to it and especially not when talking to only one person. That really irritated me. Y'all is already plural! 

Date published: March 13, 2013
Copy provided by: Avon Books via Edelweiss

Friday, March 22, 2013

Blog Tour: Russian Dolls by Cristelle Comby (Interview)


New Adult - Mystery&Detective
Date Published:3/13/2013

Alexandra Neve is a student at University College London whose world suddenly falls apart. When her best friend jumps from the university’s rooftop, she can’t stop herself from asking, ‘Why?’ The police rule her friend’s death a suicide and for them the case is closed — so whom can she turn to for help?

Sometimes the person you need the most is the one you least expect to find, and in this case it’s none other than Ashford Egan, a blind middle-aged history professor, who’s more willing than most to listen to what she has to say. 

Neve and Egan are as different as they come. She’s restless, careless at times, and fearless when the need arises, while he’s almost the complete opposite: a deep thinker with an analytical mind, a highly rational and collected individual.

As they enter the violent world of the Russian mafia, they must overcome their differences and learn to work together. It’s their only chance if they want to survive.


Cristelle Comby was born and raised in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, somewhere between Geneva and Lausanne, where she still resides.
 Thanks to her insatiable thirst for American and British action films and television dramas, her English is fluent.
 She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
 Russian Dolls is her first new-adult novel, and she’s hard at work on the next titles in the series.
 www.cristelle-comby.com
twitter:            @Cristelle
facebook:        /cristelle.comby


Author Interview 

Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?

One of the main protagonist is blind, and, throughout this book, he discovers that he can be a good private detective nonetheless. This is a really important topic for me -- I wanted to show that even if Egan is blind, he has other strengths that more than make up for his blindness. Everyone has the potential to become extraordinary.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The first thing was the first-person POV seeing as it was a first for me. I’d always written in third-person before, but, after a little while, it comes to you very naturally. The other and major difficult point was Egan’s blindness. I tried hard to portray him in a realistic, respectful way. I knew from the get-go that it would be difficult -- it’s something that kept me on my toes all along.

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
Russian Dolls is my first published novel. I have an epic post-apocalyptic fantasy novel stored in one of my desk’s drawer. It’s not quite finished yet, and I doubt it will ever see the light of day. So, unquestionably, Russian Dolls is my best work -- I have very strong feelings for my characters, and there are moments where I still can’t quite believe I’m the one who created them.

If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who
would you pick and why?

That would be a really difficult thing to do. They have faces in my head, and seeing them being portrayed by someone else would be very strange. I guess I wouldn’t mind having Jennifer Lawrence play Neve: she’s pretty much the right age and she has the right kind of look and attitude. Egan would be much more difficult to cast... I don’t know, maybe Mark Gatiss or Tony Curran?

When did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid. Stories and essay at school, then more serious stuff when I became an adult.

How long did it take to complete your first book?

The core of the writing -- getting a full-fledge completed draft -- took me about 4 months. Editing the manuscript took me the same time, and then some more. This is the one true lesson that writing my first novel taught me: editing is more difficult than writing.

Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?

Not really. It was a mix of all the things I’ve read in my life. And this unstoppable need to bring my characters to life.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

The actual writing. When I’m alone at home, that everything is quiet and I just type, and see the story come to life in front of my eyes -- it’s magical.

Describe your latest book in 4 words.

Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your
writing?

I’m working on book #2 of the ‘Neve & Egan cases’ right now. Ruby Heart picks up a few months after the end of Russian Dolls, and, in this one, Neve and Egan are looking for a stolen necklace. The first draft is complete and I’m soon going to start with revisions and edits. If everything goes well, it will be published before the end of 2013.


I will have a REVIEW later today!