4 stars

Blog Tour: Give Me Strength by Katie McCarthy (review and giveaways)

Title: Give Me Strength (Give Me #2) 
Author: Kate McCarthy 
Genre: Romantic Suspense 18+ 
Publication Date: September 16, 2013 
Cover Designed By: Cover Design: Okay Creations

Quinn Salisbury doesn’t think she’s cut out for this whole living thing. Even as a young girl she struggled. Just when she thinks she’s found a way to leave her violent past behind her, the only thing that’s kept her going is ripped away, leaving her damaged and heartbroken. 
Four years later, she is slowly rebuilding her life and lands a job as an assistant band manager to Jamieson, the hot new Australian act climbing their way to the top of the charts. There she meets Travis Valentine, the charismatic older brother of her boss, Mac. 
From his commanding charm to his confidence and passion, Travis is everything Quinn believes is too good for her, and despite her apprehension, she finds their attraction undeniable and intense. 
When her past resurfaces, it complicates their relationship. Instead of reaching out for help, Quinn pushes Travis away, until a staggering secret is revealed that leaves her fighting for her very life. 
Torn between running and opening her heart to the man determined to have her, can Quinn find the strength within herself to fight for her future?

Superb! I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was getting four stories and 8 lives entwined in one and Kate McCarthy did a great job conveying everyone’s emotions.

Quinn was definitely emotionless in the beginning but her being emotionless and stern stems from her background and from all the tragic things that happened to her in the past. Losing the only person who had loved and accepted her; the only person who has showed her things in life that worth living; teaching her how to trust and love again, Quinn has little left that she cares about. Only until she met the one person who revives that kind of feeling, Travis.

“I was too damaged for someone like Travis–broken, missing pieces that would never be found, and put back together in a way that never quite fit properly.” 

Travis was made so deliciously that I could rip him from the pages of the book. His character brings a lot of energy and passion to the story, and his strong views in life and his heartfelt attempts to protect and do what’s right are endearing and contagious.

“Life is hard, Quinn, and the hardest part is being yourself in a world of people trying to make you someone you’re not.”

“I want to see you smile, and I want to touch you again and feel you burn brighter than the sun while I’m doing it.” 
 

These two characters get into what feels like authentic passion but Quinn keeps on running, because it’s the only way she knew she could protect her friends and loved ones from the impending danger caused by her past. She has this stubborn wall that was a bit hard to break down but Travis took matters into his hands and did a bit of chasing.

“But I can only fight for you for so long before you have to start fighting for yourself, and for us, and it hurts that you won’t even try. I know I said I’d be strong for you, and I always will be whether you want me to or not, but you have to be strong too because I need you just as much.”

Ms. McCarthy’s writing is sharp and to the point. At first it may seem like it’s just a light-hearted and “cotton candy” read, but not at all. It has deep meaning, morals, and at times will make you smile & laugh. I truly love how the story concluded because their love was almost a tearjerker. Loving someone regardless of what they bring to the table was nice to see. Travis and Quinn’s love story had a certain build up and certain parts that would make you feel frustrated because you are really routing for their love to prevail.

“You gave me everything that helped me find myself. Your support gave me confidence, your determination made me fight, and your strength helped me find my own.”

I always find it a plus point when I’m reading a story within a story. Mac, Evie, Henry, Cooper, Tim, Casey, Jared, Lucy and the rest of the supporting characters created a good chemistry and made the story even more interesting. A perfect way to weave in and out between the main characters. There’s just something about them that I absolutely love that readers will be quickly drawn and would want to learn more about these spunky characters.

Give Me Strength will not disappoint you. I fell in love with everyone and the meaning behind the story.

If you are after a story with fun, great characters with real emotions; something that is easy to relate to and easy to feel, then this impressive and incredible book is the right one for you.

4 HEARTWARMING STARS!!!
Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a
short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area. 
She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing. 
She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane. 
When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha. 
Connect with the Author: Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

BLOG TOUR: Sleepers, Awake by Eden Barber

Sleepers, Awake by Eden Barber
 
 


Overeducated and underemployed, Ivy League graduate Agnes Larch spends every day steeped in failure and sleeps every night without dreaming…that is, until the unexpected death of Ian Millbrook, the boy she’s silently loved her whole life. Grieving and forced to confront her long-buried feelings for Ian, Agnes undergoes an arduous physical and spiritual journey to unearth her past and untangle her future. She walks in two worlds, the waking and the dreaming, each world filled with secrets, mysteries, and maybe, if she believes enough, miracles.



“Logic will get you from A to Z;
imagination will get you everywhere.”
~Albert Einstein

What do you do when you fall in love? What do you do when you aren’t sure that love is real? You dream. That is what we do, that’s who we are. Those dreams become our hopes.. they become our desires. They become our reality? What if you could create you’re own reality If you let your mind go and checked your inhibitions at the door?  What path would your mind take you down?

This is an amazing story. A perfect blend of fantasy and dream. The writing style impeccable. The words chosen were perfect. You are taken on a journey. The characters completely relate-able. Who doesn’t want to be the princess of their own world?

This is a story of love and angst. A story of truth and fiction blended in an amazing way that will leave your heart touched. This story is one that you won’t shake. It’s a story of true love. It’s a story that your will find yourself wrapped up in.

Eden Barber is an amazing author and this could very well be a break out book for her. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her and us in regards to her I loved peeking into her imagination and hope she affords us the ability to do so in the future and take another road trip.
 
4 Stars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BLOG TOUR: The Marriage Merger (Marriage to a Billionaire) by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Merger (Marriage to a Billionaire)
Her sisters have found wedded bliss with their wealthy, wonderful dream men, but not Julietta Conte. She’s stayed on terra firma as top executive of the family’s corporation, La Dolce Famiglia bakery. Work is her passion, and her trendy Milanapartment her sanctuary . . . until Sawyer Wells, a masculine masterpiece in a suit, lures her out of hiding with an irresistible offer: an exclusive partnership with his international chain of boutique hotels.

Julietta’s been burned before—and trusting her brother-in-law’s friend, whose powerful gaze alone has her rethinking the best use of a conference room, is the riskiest proposition. But with a once-in-a- career chance to take the bakery global, will she mix stone-cold business with red-hot seduction?

I was waiting not so patiently for book four of the Marriage to a Billionaire series and I was not disappointed!  Jennifer Probst has created a fun and light series sure to keep anyone’s interest.  Book four finds the last sister, Julietta (LOVE the name), career strong and love soft.  She drinks the kool-aid and makes the list even though she thinks the whole thing is a joke.  Can Sawyer Wells be the man she needs?  We got a taste of the yummy Sawyer in book three.  I was so excited that he was taking the male lead in this book.  So beautifully damaged!  Sawyer deals with his own demons while pushing his personal life behind his career.  From the start both Julietta and Sawyer play a game of matched skills.  Both want control but only one can win it.  Sawyer begins to show Julietta that letting go of your power isn’t always a bad thing. 
“Beautiful things that are underused is a crime.”
When sex turns to love will Sawyer and Julietta be able to push pass the demons of the pass and forge a future together?
“I love you. Deal with it.”
“The moment we rationalize chemistry, we risk losing it forever.”
Jennifer Probst does and excellent job of creating a love story surround in love.  The family plays a huge roll in these books and Mama Conte is the Love Mob Master.  Every family has their matriarch and Mama Conte is the best you could have!  She is pushy, strong, and takes no prisoners!  When the Love Mob Master is on the war path stay away!  Mama Conte fights for her children and she will stop at nothing to leave a legacy worthy of the life she and her loving husband created.
“Your future can be changed by one decision. One good thing can offset a mountain of bad. But you need to choose.”
If you have yet to one click these sweet treats do yourself a HUGE favor and download the sweet romances of the Jennifer Probst!   The Conte family will keep you hungry for more.  MANGIA!
4.5 Stars!!!

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of The Marriage Bargain. She is published both erotic and sexy contemporary romance with Entangled, Decadent, Red Sage and TWRP. She has also written a children’s book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story, “A Life Worth Living.” Visit her website for more info!

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BLOG TOUR: Ambrosia by Erin Noelle (review)

Can you learn to love or is true love a feeling
that grows within your soul?

Can you learn to love or is true love a feeling that grows within you? 


After coming to terms with the tragedy that rocked her world, Scarlett MacGregor has returned to try to pick up the pieces of the broken relationships that she left behind. 
Ash and Mason were left devastated and heartbroken following Scarlett’s sudden, unannounced departure. They are both ready and willing to forgive her and welcome her back into their lives with open arms. However, a lot can happen in 8 months… 
Scarlett must learn to overcome the obstacles thrown in her path to prevent the past from repeating itself. Can she learn to fly with her own wings and discover the secret to eternal love?



Are you Team Mason or Team Ash? Let me tell you, I don’t think I have seen as much trash talk for two men since Edward and Jacob! I have been on the group pages and seen the posts! Take a side and stand your ground ladies because its war! I don’t even think Scarlett knows what side to fight for. Does she go with the man she left her soul with or does she go with the man who fought for her, loves and forgives her? Scarlett is back after walking away from everything. After the death of her best friend she is torn looking to find that piece of her soul that has gone missing. Scarlett is set on doing what is best even if that means losing her soul mate in the process. As a wise woman once told me “you don’t f@%k with soul mates.” Not sure if Scarlett got the memo? 


Mason:


“Do you love him?” Mason asked expressionless, never turning his head.
“Yes.” I admitted.

“Does he want you back?”
“He never had me.”
He snorted and took a long pull from his beer.
“What? What was that for?” I asked.
“He’s always had you, Scarlett. I just had you on loan.”

Ash:“We were made for each other, Butterfly. There is no doubt in my mind about that. I know that I have a lot to prove to you, and I plan to do that every day for the rest of my life. Whether you want to hear it or not, I am sorry for everything that happened. The very last thing in the world I want to do is cause you pain. And if you aren’t ready to accept this yet, the inevitably of us, I get that. But understand this Scarlett: it will never be goodbye not for you and me.”


Scarlett is searching and I’m not real sure she even knows what she is looking for. Although she is has grown over the last eight months she is still stunted by the love she holds for both Ash and Mason. To know and feel love is priceless but the cost of the pain it may cause is infinite. Conflicted Scarlet finds comfort with Max. Max and Scarlett share the same pain and are able to relate to each other (for better or worst?). Scarlett is falling deeper and deeper. Can she make a decision and go for what she desires or will she continue to lose herself in the process? 

“I owed my happiness to both of them. One taught me how to fly like an angel – to free my spirit, to accept forgiveness, and to love without restraint. The other had taught me to fly like a butterfly ~ to embrace change, to celebrate innocence and vulnerability, and to open up my soul. Together, they had both given me the courage and the strength to fly with my own wings”

I love Erin’s take on this series. We all fall in love with our book boyfriends and who doesn’t dream of checking off each one on their own “dream book boyfriend list”? After book one I was just as torn as Scarlett. Both Ash and Mason will make you swoon. With looks and hearts that will cause any woman to melt it is no wonder that this series is causing such stir. Erin has shown us that our hearts can rest with two completely different men but our souls…a different story entirely. I look forward to continuing Scarlett’s journey in book three.

Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. While earning her degree in History, she rediscovered her love for reading that was first instilled by her grandmother when she was a young child. A lover of happily-ever-afters, both historical and current, Erin is an avid reader of all romance novels. She has recently self-published her first novel, Metamorphosis, which hit both USA Today and Amazon best-selling lists, and is currently working on the sequel, Ambrosia, to be released later in 2013. Most nights you can find her cuddled up in bed with her husband, her Kindle in hand and a sporting event of some sorts on television.

Twitter @enoelleauthor
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Pushing the Limits

“If you’re scared, tell me. If you need to cry and scream, then do it. And you sure as hell don’t walk away from us because you think it would be better for me. Here’s the reality, Echo: I want to be by your side. If you want to go to the mall stark naked so you can show the world your scars, then let me hold your hand. If you want to see your mom, then tell me that too. I may not always understand, but damn, baby, I’ll try.” 
― Katie McGarry, Pushing the Limits

How can it be so wrong when it feels so right?

I’ve had this book for quite a while now but haven’t picked it up for I wasn’t so sure if I’d like the story line…but it turned out to be something very interesting that I’d stay up till midnight just to finish it!
Noah and Echo have been desperately wanting to live a normal life…again! With all those excess baggage they had in the past, living “normal” has been way too hard for them.

It dealt with deep issues of violence, death, mental health, peer pressure, family drama and the challenges faced by foster kids. Its was definitely a reality check for me.It was a nice combination of love, romance but also addressed some real life issues. Just the right amount of tension between the main characters and it was all good and satisfying.

I think we all have a part of Noah and Echo inside us. We often get blinded of the idea of a picture perfect life, that we tend to bust our ass, no matter what it takes to have it. But a happy life is not a perfect life! Surely there will be a lot of issues, a lot of struggles and moments of failure. Life itself is a continuous journey to know that everything happens for a reason. So what else to do than learn to go with the flow, look at the bigger picture of life and appreciate what’s working for you. Knowing life can’t be perfect, we must accept and embrace everything that comes with it…and knowing we can’t be perfect either, we have to settle to strive to being the best we could be!

Rating: 



watch out for Beth’s side of story,
expected release 2013

Seducing Cinderella

“Maybe the best way to teach you how to seduce, is to let you feel what it’s like to be seduced.” 
― Gina L. Maxwell, Seducing Cinderella

The Art of Seduction! 

Is there such a course? I would really love to be part of that especially when a hottie guy with exuding sex appeal named Reid Andrews will be your instructor! And if I were Cinderella, I would literally leave both my shoes, run all the way to Reid, and kiss him relentlessly. Because without any doubt, he is  my perfect prince charming!
A great debut novel! Gina Maxwell’s impeccable writing gives us readers more than enough to satiate our curiosity and hunger for passionate scenes. She is gifted with a vivid imagery and creative words that helped made the story line more entertaining and character driven!
“I know, but I won’t give it to you right now. And it has nothing to do with Vanessa in the next room, because believe me, if I wanted to I’d take you up against that wall and not give a damn if she watched while eating popcorn like it was one of your movie dates.”
“Then why?” Oh, God, was she actually whining?
He held the side of her face as he spoke, his intense eyes doing nothing to help cool her down. “Because when I make you come for the first time I don’t want you holding back. I want to hear every hitch of your breath.” He placed a kiss at her temple. “Every moan.” And another kiss on her cheek. “And I won’t be satisfied until you scream my name.”
“Since when has my heart been with you?” She nodded. He stepped closer and framed her face in his large hands. “Quite possibly from the first time I heard you snort.” He placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Very probably when you flirted with our waiter.” A warm kiss on the freckle by her eye. “Almost certainly the first time you fell asleep in my arms.” A small kiss on the opposite cheek. “And most definitely the night we made love.” Finally, a tender kiss on the lips.” 
 “Lucy Marie Maris…I am completely and utterly in love with you. And as god is my witness- no matter how long it takes- someday I will be worthy enough to be your husband, because I can’t bear the thought of living without you.” 
Can you see what I mean? There is absolutely no other way to end it…a perfect take to end Cinderella’s fairy tale!
Rating:



–watch out for the sequel , Nov. 20th!

Clash (Crash #2)

“When are you going to stop looking at all the reasons you shouldn’t be together and start focusing on the reasons you should be?” 
― Nicole Williams, Clash

Love will always find you in the end!
Just look at the cover! Can you resist that? Oh, I don’t think so! Nicole Williams did it again! Playing the story so easy yet so irresistible. She definitely knows how to move her readers and she just gets better everytime! She puts us in an emotional roller coaster and keeps us through out the ride. She really is one of my favorites!
If you loved Crash then you will definitely fall head over heels with Clash! There were a lot of parts in the book where it will just hits you with reality. A lot about love and how to fight and stand for it.

“Love isn’t only love, sweetheart. It’s hard work, and trust, and tears, with even a few glimpses of devastation. But at the end of each day, if you can still look at the person at your side and can’t imagine anyone else you’d rather have there, the pain and heartache and the ups and downs of love are worth it.”

“Love isn’t easy. Especially the really good kind. It’s difficult, and you’ll want to rip your hair out just as many days as you’ll feel the wind at your back. But it’s worth it. It’s worth fighting for. Don’t let what isn’t real blind you from what is. Life isn’t perfect, we sure as shit aren’t perfect, so why should we expect love to be?”

“If you say you’re going to trust your man, then trust your man. Don’t revoke that privilege when he needs it most.”

A sucker for a happy ending? It isn’t easy though for Jude and Luce with all the highs and lows, their personal insecurities, the conflict between families as they tried to work through their relationship. But love always prevails no matter how hard you try to fight it. Love can penetrate even the barriers of hatred from each other’s past.

“I know I’m one royal screw up, and God knows there’s nothing I could ever do to deserve you,” he began, taking my hand in his after sliding the ring free from the chain.

“But I want you, Lucy Larson. Bad. I want you forever. The kind of bad I have for you isn’t the kind that goes away.” His forehead lined, his eyes washing silver. “Ease my suffering. Make me the happiest, most tortured man in the world. Marry me?”

Perfectly said…but will Luce finally give in and say yes? mmmm….
Rating: 


— going gaga over Nicole’s books?
wait till you read Fissure and Fusion 

Crash

“You’ve got all my firsts,” he said.  
All the ones that matter.” 
― Nicole Williams, Crash

You can’t choose love, love chooses you!

I love Nicole Williams! Not just as an amazing author but I love how she reaches out to her readers. I remember one time sending her a private message over facebook and she would reply with the sweetest message ever! I just love her!

This is the first book I have read in Nicole’s collection and after this one, I have exclusively spent the whole week reading the rest of her books. Not to mention the book covers! Wow!!! Is that a movie poster or what? I think Nicole has developed some fetish over book covers. All of her books are such head turners when it comes to the cover. And I tell you, it does a lot to catch the reader’s attention and interest.

This is not your usual “love at first sight” story. No instant love at all.

“The thing was, if staying away from him made me unsmart, I never wanted to be smart again.” 
Lucy is someone who is very outspoken and a one tough lady! She is very entertaining, funny and couldn’t care less what other people say and think of her. She has been through a lot lately and would not dare to add more complications to her life up until he met one of the most popular names in the local boys home.

“The name’s Jude Ryder, since I know you’re all but salivating like a rabid dog to know, and I don’t do girlfriends, relationships, flowers or regular phone calls. If that works for you, I think we could work out something special.” 
So everything has been summed up in one line. A bad ass to many, but if you see right through him, he’s more of a delicate person who had a very tough life growing up, but who is willing to try to change his perspectives for love…for Luce!

“How does a guy like you promise someone forever at eighteen?” 

“Easy,” he said, pressing a soft kiss into the corner of my mouth. “He finds a girl like you.”
Happily ever after? Not too fast, baby! A lot had happened on this book and expect a whole lot more on the next! This is one book you wouldn’t want to miss reading!

Rating: 

— salivating over Jude Ryder???
follow through with  Clash  (Crash #32)