Series Spotlight: BLISS SERIES BY BJ HARVEY

#1 Temporary Bliss

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*Disclaimer – There is absolutely no cheating in this book. However, this book does contain descriptive and super hot sex scenes that will make you blush and leave you hot and bothered. Make sure you have you husband, partner, boyfriend or significant other nearby when reading, or else batteries. Lots and lots of batteries*
Makenna Lewis cringes at any mention of the word commitment. She doesn’t want or need a relationship, but she does like sex (who doesn’t). 
That explains Noah, Sean, and Zander, her three ‘friends with benefits’. 
They know the score, they know they’re not the only one, and each of them provide her with a different physical need that she craves and enjoys. 
Until a late night encounter with the delicious Daniel Winters turns her preconceived notion of no-commitment completely on its head. 
Soon she finds herself feeling things she vowed never to feel again, and when Daniel pushes for more than she’s willing to give, she falters. 
What do you do when something that you’ve known to be so wrong in the past feels so damn right?
If you’re Mac, you run and hide. 
But is Daniel the type of man who takes no for an answer?
#2 True Bliss
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She watched her best friend find her superhero. 
Now she wants her turn.
Despite a run of bad dates with Mr. Wrong, Mr. Boring, Mr. Bad Breath, Mr. Grabby Hands, and even Mr. Say I Love You After One Date To Get Into Your Pants, Kate McGuinness is more determined than ever to find the one.
Having tried everything else, she turns to the internet in a last ditch attempt to find her elusive prince. 
But Kate doesn’t want an everyday, run of the mill love. 
She wants the kind of love that makes your heart skip a beat. The kind of love that makes you dance in the rain and bottle up the sunset. The once in a lifetime kind of love that authors write about, musicians sing about, and lovers dream about.
Could a certain police officer in training, who has come to her rescue in the past, be the one to swoop in and save her heart? 
What if the love Kate desperately seeks has been in front of her the whole time?
She just needs to open her eyes to see it…
*Disclaimer: This book contains a hot as hell stripper with a penchant for public sex and exhibitionism who may or may not succeed in bringing out the inner firecracker in all of us. Oh, and don’t forget the batteries.*
#3 Blissful Surrender
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This is a story of Sean Miller, a dom that will have your panties diving for cover with an eyebrow quirk. That will have even the strongest woman dropping to their knees in submission with a piercing stare, and Samantha Richards, a female cop who’s tough, seemingly impenetrable shell is strong enough to resist everyone except the one man it was build up to protect her against. 
**Disclaimer – If you thought the first two Bliss books were hot, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Creative use of handcuffs, batons, a club scene you have to read to believe, and a tough as nails dominant who is blindsided when the one woman strong enough to disarm him threatens his resolve not to let his past dictate his future.**

COMING IN AUGUST
#3.5 Permanent Bliss
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Makenna Lewis never thought she would be the one walking down the aisle to marry her superhero. But then again, she hadn’t expected Daniel Winters to crash into her life and tilt her world off its axis two years earlier. As they celebrate their last days of singledom, they find themselves battling over the guest list, managing the in-laws, and dealing with last minute disasters that threaten to disrupt their special day. 
In true Bliss fashion, we’ll see freak-outs, awkward situations, hilarity, drama, and cringe-worthy moments as Mac and Daniel prepare for one of the most important days of their lives. Join the Bliss gang as they watch two of their own walk down the aisle and conclude their happily ever after. 
This companion novella follows on from the end of True Bliss and will lead into Finding Bliss – Noah ‘Walking Dildo’ Taylor’s story.
***Disclaimer – Hot sex, drunken texts, horny phone calls, and a wedding anticipated by all but one. And, of course, a few freak outs along the way (but NOT the kind you’re used to) because that’s how Mac rolls ***

All books in the series will be 99c each July 17-18

Author of the Lost and Bliss romance series. 
Indie Author hailing from the most beautiful country in the world, New Zealand. 
Avid reader, television watcher, and facebooker. Having been writing off and on for a long time but started writing fiction in 2012. I love music too, like REALLY love music, if there isn’t music playing, something is wrong. And it’s a wide range of music too, I might surprise you. 
I’m a wife to one husband, mother of two gorgeous girls, self-employed doing communications and business consulting as well as studying accounting full time. 
Addicted to energy drinks, chocolate, cronuts, Vampire Diaries and pickles with mustard.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie Mcguire @@AtriaBooks @JamieMcGuire



TITLE: BEAUTIFUL OBLIVION
AUTHOR: JAMIE MCGUIRE
RELEASE DATE: JULY 1ST, 2014
Rating: ★★★★★

The Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster phenomenon continues in the first heart-pounding new adult romance in The Maddox Brothers series.

Fiercely independent Camille “Cami” Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.
Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt. 
Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red. 
As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.
In the first installment of the Maddox Brothers books, readers can experience the rush of reading Beautiful Disaster for the first time, all over again.
Maddox lover for life! I will take them anyway I can. So far we have the fighter and now the tattooed

dream boat! Ok, dream boat sounds like something my mother would say but it’s totally legit. Jamie has pulled together a story that rivals Beautiful Disaster. OMG did I just say that?? Yep! Upon finish, I messaged a friend that also read Beautiful Oblivion and let’s just say that there may be some kind of underground tattoo/MMA fighter training camp that we A) run and B) hope to one day supply the world with a Mini Maddox Army. Perfect world right! Nothing beats a ball busting alpha male. 

Both Trenton and Cami lead a life of Beautiful Oblivion. Coasting through life, existing not living, accepting the norm. The persistent Trenton causes Cami to reexamine her present situation. In his one man journey Trenton is forced to deal with his own issues. 

“I was just thinking now was as good a time as any to acknowledge that you’re perfect and it wouldn’t suck if you fell madly in love with me anytime soon.” 

Cami can only fight for so long. As her walls come crumbling down some obstacles may prove to be too much. Will she find the happy ending every girl dreams of? 

“I’ve had a lifetime of wrong. You’re the only thing that’s right.”

Here is what you need to know…if you loved Beautiful Disaster you will love Beautiful Oblivion. As with Beautiful Disaster, this story has a little something for everyone. Love, angst, struggle, misunderstanding, and at the core beauty. Timed side by side with Travis and Abby’s story, Cami and Trenton offer a different view on already know events while spinning a new story that will keep you guessing till the end. Jamie has created solid characters, a touching story, and proof that when it comes to Maddox one is never enough. Grab a snack and snuggle up for this one because for the next five or so hours you will be booked.

Jamie McGuire is the New York Times bestselling author of Red Hill, Walking Disaster, Beautiful Disaster,and The Providence trilogy. She and her husband, Jeff, live with their children just outside Enid, Oklahoma, with three dogs, six horses, and a cat named Rooster. Please visit JamieMcGuire.com
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PROMO BLITZ: RYKER BY JOANNE SCHWEHM

Title: RYKER
Author: Joanne Schwehm
Release Date: July 8, 2014
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DUE TO SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE 18+ RECOMMENDED.

Sex, drums, and denial; three things that Ryker Jeffries excels at.

Ryker buries himself in music and insignificant women, all part of his plan to keep the woman who owns his heart free from his tainted past and his darkest secret. But pretending not to want her has never been easy.
Loyalty, honesty, and desire for Ryker; three things that Faith Bishop excels at.
Excited about her future, Faith looks forward to finally living life on her terms. Intelligent and realistic, she knows the women who steal Ryker’s attention are all of the things she will never be. But wanting him has never been a choice.
Will he be able to resist her, or will he finally cave to his desires? Will she be able to handle his past, or will it shatter her?

~ RYKER ~
“For the record, you didn’t tell me anything I haven’t heard before. I’ve been told my whole life that I’m not good enough. It is what it is, and I am who I am.” I opened the door. 
“Did you ever think that I need her more than she needs me, and that scares the shit out of me? Has the thought crossed your mind that I don’t have anyone, and loving someone isn’t an option for me? Have you thought about me at all?”
Family and friends are the most important things to Joanne. She enjoys meeting new people, traveling, reading, relaxing on a beach and shopping. She has an addiction to Coffee and Diet Coke; you may want to stand clear if she hasn’t had her daily intake!
Writing has been something that has been private and not shared until the day she decided to publish Unexpected Chance. Waking up one morning to the voices of Alex Logan and Aubrey Ryan changed everything!!
She is an avid sports fan especially when it comes to the New York Yankees. She also enjoys playing and watching golf.
She firmly believes when that unexpected chance comes, take it. Don’t let it pass you by. You never know what you could be missing.

Book Blast: Very Wicked Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Very Wicked Things (A stand alone Briarcrest Academy novel) 
is on sale for a limited time for .99 cents!!



Ballerina Dovey Beckham is a scholarship student at Briarcrest Academy, determined to prove she’s more than just a girl with the wrong pedigree. She does whatever it takes to succeed in her endgame, even if it means surrendering her body but never her heart. 
Until the day she meets him, and he rips apart all her well-laid plans. Suddenly, the girl everyone thought unbreakable might just shatter.
Cuba “Hollywood” Hudson is rich, spoiled, and a star football player. With his fast cars and superficial girlfriends, he lives the high-life, hiding his secrets from the world.
Until the day he meets her, and she offers him something he’s never tasted…love.
But once in a lifetime kind of love doesn’t come easy…especially when dirty money, past sins, and old flames threaten the very fabric of their lives.
Welcome to Briarcrest Academy, where sometimes, only the wicked survive.
WARNING: This new adult romance is dark and edgy with mature content. Over 18 please. 
THIS IS NOT YOUNG ADULT.
I got out of the shower and dressed hurriedly, anxious to get back to Cuba.
The door opened, and like he did it every single day, he stepped inside the steamy bathroom. 
“Think I need a shower, too,” he said, his fingers easing off his football practice shirt. 
What? Now?
Trying to play it cool and failing miserably, I moved my eyes off his naked chest and checked out his track pants and the obvious bulge he sported. 
Oh. Did his lower body match the rest of him? Was it all sinewy muscle and big? 
Just, yeah. That thought got stuck in my head and went round and round.
“You staying?” he asked, a grin working his face. Pleased at my open admiration, probably.
“No,” I said, but made no move to go. ‘Cause I had no shame when it came to catching a glimpse of his muscular body.
“Good,” he said, his smile broadening.
He pivoted to turn on the shower, and my eyes betrayed me again, admiring the muscles in his back, checking out how they twitched and rippled when he moved. Football and rowing had been good to him. My fingers itched to know how they’d feel underneath my hands. Which was stupid because we had nothing in common. Not a rich Highland Park boy and a poor girl from Ratcliffe. 
And most importantly, he was a player, not to be trusted.
He hooked his thumbs into his pants, paused a moment—maybe waiting to see if I’d run from the room?—but when I didn’t budge, he slid them and his underwear off. My mouth opened. Cuba Hudson, the most popular guy at Briarcrest was standing right in front of me, naked and beautiful. And like the cocky bastard he was, he posed for me, his big-ass biceps and chiseled abs making me vibrate all over. Need for him slammed into me.
Did I say he was hot? 
Well, I was wrong. 
He was off-the-charts, no-holds-barred, freaking going make-me-lose-my-mind-right-there delicious. The ultimate man-candy, the kind I knew to stay away from, yet here I was, ogling him.
“Still leaving?” he asked huskily.
“Any minute,” I said in a weak voice, backing up to the wall and propping myself up. “Just chillin’. Shower wore me out. I might need to hold this wall up for a sec.”
“I want you to stay,” he said, eyes at half-mast, glowing with heat.
“Why?” I said, aching to touch him. But that was crazy. I was a virgin, and I didn’t know jack about touching a guy’s you-know-what. 
“Look at me, Dovey.”
I tore my eyes from his manhood, blushing.
His eyes burned. “There’s a sense of urgency in my head. Like our time is limited.”
I nodded. Yeah, same here.
“And, I’ll be honest, I don’t want to rush you, but I’m dying to sink into you. I want to set you on fire with need for me.” He ghosted his hands over the steel rod between his legs. Once, twice, and—holy shizzle, he didn’t stop. 
My chest rose faster and faster, and I tried to chill-out, but I couldn’t.
He lowered his voice. “Kiss me again, Dovey.”
Oh. “That’s a terrible idea, Cuba. Cause you’re naked, and I’m turned on because you’re naked. And you’re touching yourself. And you’re naked.” I sucked in a sharp breath. “Not a good combo. Odds are we’ll end up in that shower together or back in your bed doing the double-backed monster.”
“Then join me in the shower. I’ll be good. For you.” He arched his back, his hands still doing that back and forth that was driving me insane.
Liar, liar, pants on fire, I thought. No way he would he be good. 
Because he was the Heartbreaker of Briarcrest Academy.
And one wicked boy.
Although each book in the series is a standalone, here is the series reading order:
Very Bad Things:
Very Wicked Beginnings: FREE 
Very Wicked Things: ON SALE
Author praise for Very Wicked Things:
“Cuba is hot, delicious, and intoxicating…the perfect book boyfriend. Be prepared for a heartbreaking and addictive read.” ~Tijan, New York Times Bestselling Author 
“Angst, dark secrets, and off the charts sexiness abound in this twisty installment of the Briarcrest Academy Series. First love never sounded so hot and good. Ilsa never disappoints!” ~Shanora Williams, New York Times Bestselling Author 
“Ilsa Madden-Mills slayed my heart in the best kind of way. Cuba’s pain was like my very own. Absolutely gut-wrenching.” ~Crystal Spears, International Bestselling Author 
“Ilsa does it again with Very Wicked Things. You’ll be holding on to your seat through a few wicked twists so buckle up and enjoy the ride. ~ Megan Smith, USA Today Bestselling Author 


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap. She spends her days with two small kids, a neurotic cat, and her Viking husband. She collects magnets and rarely cooks except to bake her own pretzels. When she’s not typing away at a story, you can find her drinking too much Diet Coke, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash. She loves to hear from fans and fellow authors. 

SERIES SPOTLIGHT: THE LOVE SERIES BY MEGAN SMITH

TRYING NOT TO LOVE YOU (Book #1)
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MacKenzie Cahill has dealt with overbearing and overprotective brothers her entire life, making it near impossible to enjoy her teenage years. Having a boyfriend was practically impossible until she met a guy that wasn’t afraid to stand up to them – Dominic. He was sweet, thoughtful, and everything MacKenzie ever wanted in a man.
But when they go away to college at Old Dominion University, MacKenzie sees a whole new side of Dominic and begins to wonder if he really is different from every other guy.
Her world is turned upside down after a party, and her brothers’ best friend Hunter is the one there to offer her a shoulder to cry on. The chemistry between them is electric, and feelings for each other that have been hidden for years are finally voiced.
Is Hunter willing to be disloyal to his best friends in order to be with the one girl he’s always secretly wanted?
EASY TO LOVE YOU (Book #2)
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Hunter finally has MacKenzie Cahill, the girl of his dreams. A horrible accident finds those dreams threatened. As their lives change, secrets begin to surface. These revelations could prove to be either the downfall of Hunter and MacKenzie or the catalyst that strengthens their bond.
Hunter has painful choices to make. Will he realize what he has before it’s gone? He knows what he must do to save his future, but will he be leaving everyone else in his past?
Will the bond between the two families be strong enough to keep them together?
HARD TO LOVE YOU (Book #3)
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What do you do when the one you’ve always wanted becomes too Hard to Love? 
Hailey Taylor’s heart has always belonged to Mason Cahill, but one secret has changed everything.
Things on the baseball field come easy for Mason Cahill. Why can’t the rest of his life be simple? Mason’s finally admitted he wants the one girl he can be himself around, but one secret destroyed that.
Their love isn’t sweet and simple. It’s hot, loud, and messy. But now, when he’s finally all in, she’s folded. Sparks fly. Tempers flare. Hearts shatter. One thing is certain… everything has changed.
Who will be too Hard to Love?
LET ME LOVE YOU (Book #4)
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To be released on July 21st
Jaylinn McCormick is determined to forget that one terrifying night which left her feeling broken and tainted. There is one person who can make her whole again… but he is hell bent on keeping her at arm’s length. She has loved him her entire life but can she wait for him to step up to the plate?
Cooper Cahill has loved Jaylinn for years. He wants nothing more than to put all her pieces back together but he deems himself unworthy. Choosing between his baseball career and Jaylinn has him feeling lost. Does he have what it takes to put Jaylinn’s heart back together again?
When their paths cross will they intersect or blindly pass each other by?
Will their lives take them in different directions?
USA TODAY bestselling author Megan Smith is a New Jersey native managing purchasing for an award-winning business IT and software development firm – and by night creating the memorable characters her fans have grown to adore. Smith’s The Love Series introduces readers to MacKenzie Cahill – a hopeful young woman who experiences adversity, challenges and the bittersweet triumph of true, authentic love.
Smith is a wife and mother, who makes time for her family, professional life and the creation of the Cahill’s world. Fans of The Love Series – Trying Not To Love You, Easy To Love You, Hard To Love You – are captivated by relationships, special bonds and family ties pervasive in Smith’s emotional, energized and engaging work. Smith is also the author of the 2014 releases, Let Me Love You – continuations of The Love Series, Finding Us (Finding Series) and a few top secret projects.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE BY KELLY ELLIOTT


Title: Unconditional Love

Author: Kelly Elliott
Rating: ★★★★ 

Lark Williams leads a fast-paced life, always on the edge of danger. Running from his past and fighting to keep his present life a secret, he keeps his heart out of reach from love. The walls he built around himself come crumbling down when he meets Azurdee Emerson.

Azurdee lives a peaceful life in the small town of Wimberley, Texas. Her tame world quickly becomes heated as she begins to fall in love with Lark. He’s everything she has vowed to stay away from—dark and mysterious, and not to mention, sexy as hell and full of secrets.

Just as Lark and Azurdee give in to their feelings of love, Lark’s present life threatens the safety of the one person he would sacrifice his own happiness for. When Lark finds history repeating itself, he makes a decision that will forever change both of their lives, leaving one heartbroken and lost and the other fighting to survive.

“Guardia mi corazon siempre…Guard my heart always.”

The pain behind these words is heartbreaking. As we learn the story of our mysterious man, Lark, we find that behind the pretty face is a painfully damaged soul. Fighting with his past Lark uses women, holding them at bay. After meeting Azurdee he finds that she has gotten under his skin, staking claim on this lost boy. 
Once again Kelly intertwines a cast of favorites into a story that is funny, hot, sweet and heartwarming. The Kelly sass I come to love is front and center. I have been waiting for this story and found that both Lark and Azurdee balance each other out, helping each other to see that love has the power to heal. For Lark the hardest mission is a personal one, and when the mission becomes more than he bargained for, Lark learns how far he is willing to go for love. For any Kelly Elliott fan this is a must add for the collection.
Kelly is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason…he claims it’s because he loves her!
She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.
In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.
One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus….her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.
BLOG TOUR HOSTED BY:
BOOK PLUG PROMOTIONS

Book Review: Crossing Stars by Nicole Williams


Title: Crossing Stars
Author: Nicole Williams 
Released: May 6th, 2014
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Rating: ★★★★
The Story: While the city of Chicago sleeps, a war wages in the streets between two powerful families. While the public assumes organized crime is nothing more than a chapter torn out of America’s history, the Costa and Moran families battle for territory and domination.
Caught up in the middle of this sinister world is Josette, the only child of Salvatore Costa, the ringleader and notorious godfather of Chicago’s Italian mafia. After the Irish Morans attempted to assassinate her when she was a child, Josette’s parents hid her behind the walls of their sprawling estate and kept her contact with outsiders to a minimum. But now Josette’s eighteen, and she’s questioning if a long life behind walls is worth trading for a potentially short one filled with excitement and adventure and all the things she’s only lived in her dreams.
On the night she decides to risk becoming just an anonymous face in the crowd, Josette realizes that death isn’t only a possibility—it’s a certainty. Yet when a young man comes to her rescue, the turbulent waters between life and death are further muddied.

The mere mention of (modern day) Romeo and Juliet with its own flair plus Nicole Williams had me sold. There’s so much I’d like to say about this book, but I’m having to choose my words with extra care. The element of the plot that most appealed to me was how it kept twisting in unexpected directions, and the last thing I want is to give too much away.

Crossing Stars is an incredibly powerful story about love, friendship, and the potentially destructive nature of secrets.

The romantical element was brilliant and refreshing. I have always loved forbidden romance type stories but they really need to have some real depth in them and consequences I can feel. This isn’t some predictable kind of love story but this forbidden slow dance that just leaves you breathless and your heart pounding especially at the end. It’s not simple or easy or even really a “romance” but more of these forbidden feelings that are just starting to really be explored before the SHIT HITS THE FAN.

Josette, our heroine is the only child of Salvatore Costa, the ringleader and notorious godfather of Chicago’s Italian mafia and one of the most powerful organized crime leaders. Because of the danger that lurks within their community, her family has tried to keep her out of the eyes of both the public and the other reigning mob family in Chicago, the Heat.

But the sheltered life she has known for 18 years turned 360 degrees the night she met Rylan.

Rylan let her feel emotions she wasn’t used to experiencing. He made her feel nervous and excited. Scared and strong. Apprehensive and eager. Love. That is! They barely know each other but the sensation they feel is strong enough to defy their families. And because fate is not on their side, they make secret plan to run away.

Everything in this story is written so brilliantly. And while, initially it took me about 20 pages to really get into it, the way the story is told it’s just so hard not to be absorbed into this new world and its political structure, the character and the romance. And the plot just moved along at a great pace that kept me engaged and at times on the edge of my seat. Nicole Williams knows how to tell a good story!

Josette is a fantastic heroine that really stood out to me. She is very smart, determined and strong-minded. There was something about Rylan that she sensed and she wanted to know. I think it’s because they both had this rebellious sort of kindred spirit thing going on but I equally loved Josette and Rylan and who they were and what they fought for.

The story starts a bit slow but like a good chess game the pieces are being moved in a subtle manner until SHIT HAPPENS and oh does it happen. I was gasping for breath when I realized what was going on and what it meant for our heroine and the story and then the action just kept coming at me and was relentless until the very emotional ending. The story just kept beating the hell out of me as all my emotions and FEELS (anger, sadness, shock, betrayal, triumph) exploded out. So HOLD ON TO YOUR PANTS! This action got quite intense.

Nicole Williams kept me guessing about the ending right up until the last page, and I came away feeling rather tearful, but immensely satisfied. Though not your typical romance novel, this book has enough of the crucial components—heartache, suspense, sexual tension—to entice many fans of this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I’m the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the LOST & FOUND series, the CRASH series, and a handful of others. Basically, I get to do what I love. Every single day. I write romance because I’m a sucker for a good love story, and I write happy endings because there are too few of them in real life.

Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaways: IRIS by R.K. LILLEY @authorrklilley

Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaways: IRIS by R.K. LILLEY @authorrklilley

Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaways: IRIS by R.K. LILLEY @authorrklilleyIris Series: The Wild Side
on June 27, 2014
Genres: Erotica, Romance
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ARE YOU READY FOR A TWIST?

Who is Iris? Where did she come from? Where has she gone?

Alasdair Masters has more questions than answers about his new, too young obsession, and when he finds out she’s been lying to him, from their first meeting to their last one, he’s more confused than ever about her feelings, her intentions.

And what’s just as confusing are his own feelings. Has he turned something purely physical into something emotional in his own head? Is any of it mutual?

The only thing he doesn’t question is whether he’ll keep going back for more.

DAIR
Me, I was simple. I was order. A very neat, efficient machine that ran on nothing but air.

Me plus anyone else, well, that was another matter. And me plus Iris, that was a monster of a machine, with all gears going at different speeds, some spinning off their hinges, just going mad, but it was a wonderful madness, at full throttle, misfiring in all directions.

It felt wonderful and dreadful.
I was breaking down, and it felt amazing.
And terrifying.

This book is intended for readers 18 and up.

(more…)

Book Review and Giveaways: Come To Me Softly by A.L. Jackson

Title: Come To Me Softly
Author: A.L. Jackson
 Release Date: June 24, 2014
Genre: New Adult Romance
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Me Quietly comesa scorching new adult romance in the Closer to You series.

A second chance at life…

A second chance at love…

Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed? To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process.

“I always knew his destination would lead him back to me.”

I’m pretty sure if it were possible A.L. Jackson’s books would burst into flames if they could. They are that HOT! Like blush worthy to the infinity power and beyond. But the best part is underneath all the scorching bedroom scenes, she can craft a good story for both sides of the romance, too. I really loved what she did here; letting go of the past to create a new future. 
We have seen in book one, Come To Me Quietly how Aly and Jared fought for their love. Jared never had an easy life growing up. He made mistakes in the past that caused him to be the way he is now. Self-destruction. Self-denial. He feels that there is something fundamentally bad within his life, within his very soul, and that this part of his existence needs to be kept under strict control, hidden from everyday life at all costs. It just took all of that to come to a screeching halt, to get to the point of having nothing. 

“I’d lost the right to be loved.
Leaving me to rot.
I’d accepted it because that’s what I deserved.
My life as a penance.
A due.”

But Aly’s love for him is so powerful that she refused to give up on him. Constantly reminding him that he, too deserves to be happy, to be loved, to be needed. 

“Jared is a good man.
I’d always seen it.
Without him, our live would never be so full.
He was important.
Needed.”

And now that they are back in each other’s arms, their life will change in an exciting and surprising way, adjusting to new responsibilities and expectations as a couple, as future parents. 
Will Jared finally break his walls and let Aly in completely?
Will Aly have enough time to make Jared realize his true worth before he goes to his usual ways of self-damaging?

“This isn’t going to be easy.
Promise me you won’t run when it gets ugly, Jared. Because life always does, and I can’t bear the thought of living without you in mine.”

“Won’t ever let you go, Aly. I promise, I won’t ever let you go.”

I totally adore this story about the true meaning of love, and the ultimate message that it is for sure a cure to all emotional wounds and voids. Love is not a magic stick, but it is not anything less than that even. If you just let love wash over you, it will heal you, brings you genuine happiness and makes you whole again.
Everything about Jared and Aly’s transition from friendship to relationship felt natural. Jared needed a dose of Aly’s responsibility and, in turn, Aly benefited from Jared’s sense of adventure. But they both have a lot of work to do to accomplish their happy ending.
I truly admire A.L. Jackson, definitely as a person, but she constantly blows me away with her writing. I have read all of her books and each book I think, there’s no way she can meet or exceed the previous one. But each time, she does, and I think I need to stop wondering how she does it. I have certain authors that no matter what they write, I always enjoy their work and Amy is one of those authors. Her writing is sharp, I love her dialogue, and even the other situations she folds in fit in so naturally. Words are so beautifully written, so carefully chosen, I really had a hard time putting it down. 
Come To Me Softly is about a lot more than two people coming together…it’s about finding the strength in yourself to make appropriate and necessary changes in your life. Amy also does a great job of slipping in family issues and solid friendships; for such a compact book, I had a great grasp on Jared and Aly’s separate lives and each subplot was given an appropriate amount of attention and detail. I really appreciate that kind of attention in a romance novel. I haven’t found it super often and I love that Amy never fails to give me those. I was so invested I actually wouldn’t have minded if the story was a little longer, and certain situations were explored more deeply. It’s that addicting!
If you’re looking for a touching read that will tear at your heartstrings then you should give this book a go. It made me cry before putting a smile on my face but that’s the way I like it and I loved the confirmation of what I believe to be right as much as A.L. Jackson does in this story. 5 beautiful stars.

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Pulled, When We Collide, If Forever Comes, and Come to Me Quietly.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.

Look for Come to Me Softly and When We Met: Behind Her Eyes coming soon. 


Other books in the series:

Come to Me Quietly  (Book #1)

Aleena Moore is content with her life. She has goals and dreams and an easy smile. She also has a secret she holds locked inside. Jared Holt believes he doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. He destroys everything he touches. Haunted by the mistake that shattered his life, he’s fled from the memory of that pain. Jared doesn’t know why he’s compelled to return, but finds himself drawn back to the place where it all began. The exact place where it ended. When he runs into his childhood best friend, Aleena’s older brother Christopher, he agrees to share Christopher and Aleena’s apartment while he looks for a place of his own. Aleena is no longer the little girl Jared remembers from his past and evokes feelings in him he never wanted to feel again. Terrified of destroying her, he fights to keep her away. But her touch is something he can’t resist—the touch that sealed his fate. Their pasts are intertwined and their futures uncertain. The only truths they know are the secrets they whisper in the night. 

Be sure to join us for the Come to Me Softly Read Along Party! 
We’re kicking off the celebration on June 24th with a ton of prizes, then the read along begins. 
Daily prizes all the way up to grand prize on July 2nd!
Grand Prize: Coach Bag stuff with A.L. Jackson Goodies!
Come to Me Softly Release Celebration Giveaway!
Grand Prize: Coach Bag, Kindle Paperwhite, and A.L. Jackson Swag
Second Prize: Come to Me Quietly Custom Charm Necklace

Third Prize: A.L. Jackson Swag Pack