Laura McCarthy Benson's Blog, page 11

I'm in ARIZONA!

I'm finally in my new home! Sorry I've been offline, but the ride across the country was nuts and fun and scary and everything else, I can I think of.



One bit of sad news, my dog, Blossom passed away on June 16 and I was inconsolable for... well I still am. I miss her so much. My heart breaks every time I think of her.



You'll noticed I posted a cover re-reveal yesterday. I cannot WAIT for this book it sounds STEAMY!!!



While on my trek, I listened to the audiobooks of THOUGHTLESS, EFFORTLESS and part of RECKLESS. Very good audios if that's your thing.



Thank you for those who kept visiting my site while I've been absent. I'll be posting some contests soon!



Laura

Cover RE-Reveal-- A Little Too Far, Lisa DeRochers

SYNOPSIS:





Have you ever gone just a little too far?




Lexie Banks has.






Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother.In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for better part of the last few years…and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to Confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt…and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy on the eyes deacon…only eight months away from becoming a priest. As Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.



A LITTLE TOO FAR COMES OUT SEPTEMBER 17TH



SCRIBD:




Sneak Peek of A LITTLE TOO FAR by Lisa Desrochers




GIVEAWAY:



a Rafflecopter giveaway









Countdown




ONLINE COUNTDOWNS

Sabbatical, Vacation, Blog Recess, Leave of absence... MOVING ACROSS THE COUNTRY!!!!

MY HOUSE THAT IS




WE'RE MOVING TO ARIZONA!!!!









THANKFULLY THIS IS NOT MY HOUSE!!!












WELL NOT YET, BUT I WON'T BE BLOGGING FOR A FEW WEEKS




MOVING ACROSS THE COUNTRY IS STRESSFUL ENOUGH, TRYING TO BLOG AND REVIEW AND WHAT NOT WOULD CAUSE ME TO DRINK... MORE THAN I DO!!! :)




On a sad note, my dog Blossom is not doing well and will not be making the trip to AZ with us

I'm struggling with this decision every day, but as I watch her get worse and worse, I know the decision I make will be the right one.

Cover Reveal: A Little Too Far, Lisa DeRochers

SYNOPSIS:

Have you ever gone just a little too far?




Lexie Banks has.






Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother. In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for better part of the last few years…and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to Confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt…and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy on the eyes deacon…only eight months away from becoming a priest. As Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.


HTML:
















GIVEAWAY:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: The Do Over, A.L. Zaun

Reading Level:Contemporary Romance/New Adult


Format:

Ebook (ARC)


Publisher:

Self Pubbed 5/20/2013


Rating:

5









THE DO OVER is a contemporary romance by debut author A.L.Zaun. Dani is a 28 year old nurse who hasn't been particularly lucky in love. The one guy she was living with decides that he's had enough and in probably the most cold way possible, breaks up with her.



Flash Forward two years later, Dani is single, miserable and addicted to her Kindle and her 'book' boyfriends (been there, done that with WINE!).



THE DO OVER is told in three different point of views. Dani's, Liam's and Rick's. Every voice is different and fresh. I loved the story line because it wasn't your typical triangle. Rick is the one who dumps Dani. However, when Dani meets Liam (a firefighter), they are combustible.



The love story between Dani and Liam is sweet, exciting, hot and romantic. Although sometimes, I think Rick tries to steal the story away. Ana's secondary characters are well written and defined, there is not one thing missing. From Dani's friends, Liam's friends and of course, Rick's conniving ways. I may secretly love Rick. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love, love, love Liam... He's the perfect guy. But Rick is so full of himself and thinks he's God's gift to women, you either hate him or love him. I tend to go both ways with him. Read book, and you'll understand.



Ana has written a brilliant story of finding love, moving on and finding exactly who you are after a dark period in our life. I was enthralled with the writing which is luscious and gorgeous. Every word is carefully thought out. Her characters shine.



In a world where books are getting smaller, this is 492 pages of quiet brilliance. I very rarely give five stars, the book has to blow me away for me to do so. The quiet intensity and the reaching crescendo of the ending pushed me over the edge. I wonderful love story. A small mystery and many hours of smiles await you when you read THE DO OVER.



Remember, this is not a triangle. It's a love story where one person whose time has passed tries to ingratiate himself into said love story. But we have fun watching him try at every turn.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





Book Description




Life doesn't look like it's supposed to for Daniela, aka Dani. After a painful break-up with Rick, Dani decides she doesn't want to deal with the hassles of relationship.



After almost two years, Dani's friends stage an intervention, forcing her out of her holding pattern and back into the real world of dating.



Liam, a down to earth firefighter, may be just the person to show her she’s still worth something. Their chemistry is instant and electric. But will Dani be able to trust her patched-up heart with him?



And what will happen when Rick decides he’ll go to any lengths to get her back?



Giveaway!





(1)   Print
copy of The Do Over – US/Canada

(1) eBook Copy of The
Do Over - International



(1)   $5
Gift Card – International



a Rafflecopter giveaway






About the Author







A.L. Zaun graduated from Florida International University with a degree in English Literature a long time ago.  A degree she didn’t use at all in her professional endeavors.  She loves to read, write and take pictures.  She walks around with her camera, and most importantly she has her e-reader available at all times.  Healthcare Management by day, Mommy in the evening and most nights, you can find her sitting in front of her laptop with a bottle of Diet Pepsi, bringing the voices in her head to life on the pages of her debut novel, The Do Over.  




Author
Social Media Links: 




Facebook: https://facebook.com/alzaun01
 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anaz01




Link to Tour Schedule:




http://wp.me/p20ttU-1tz 

Cover Reveal: CRAVE, Monica Murphy (8/6/13)

CRAVE


by Monica Murphy

New York Times bestselling
author Monica Murphy launches her sexy Billionaire Bachelors Club
series with the story of Archer and Ivy: a lavish bet, a night
of carnal desires, and a forever they never thought possible…




Ivy

“What
is this?” I take the wadded up fabric from his hand, our fingers
accidentally brushing and heat rushes through me at first contact.

“One
of my T-shirts.” He shrugs those broad shoulders, which are still
encased in fine white cotton. “I know you didn’t have anything to wear
to…bed. Thought I could offer you this.”

His
eyes darkened at the word bed and my knees wobble. Good lord, what this
man is doing to me is so completely foreign, I’m not quite sure how
to react.

“Um,
thanks. I appreciate it.” The T-shirt is soft, the fabric thin, as if
it’s been worn plenty of times, and I have the sudden urge to hold
it to my nose and inhale. See if I can somehow smell his scent
lingering in the fabric.

The man is clearly turning me into a freak of epic proportions.

“You’re
welcome.” He leans his tall body against the doorframe, looking sleepy
and rumpled and way too sexy for words. I want to grab his hand
and yank him into my room.

Wait, no I don’t. That’s a bad, terrible idea.

Liar.

“Is
that all then?” I ask because we don’t need to be standing here having
this conversation. First, my brother could find us and start in again
on what a mistake we are. Second, I’m growing increasingly
uncomfortable with the fact that I’m completely naked beneath the robe.
Third, I’m still contemplating shedding the robe and showing Archer just
how naked I am.

“Yeah. Guess so.” His voice is rough and he pushes away from the doorframe. “Well. Good night.”

“Good night,” I whisper but I don’t shut the door. I don’t move.

Neither does he.

“Ivy…”
His voice trails off and he clears his throat, looking uncomfortable.
Which is hot. Oh my God, everything he does is hot and I decide
to give in to my impulses because screw it.

I want him.




Archer




Like
an idiot, I can’t come up with anything to say. It’s like my throat is
clogged and I can hardly force a sound out, what with Ivy standing
before me, her long, wavy dark hair tumbling past her shoulders, her
slender body engulfed in the thick white robe I keep for guests. The
very same type of robe we provide at Hush.

But then she does something so surprising, so amazingly awesome I’m momentarily dumbfounded by the sight.

Her
slender hands go for the belt of the robe and she undoes it quickly,
the fabric parting, revealing bare skin. Completely bare skin.

Holy
shit. She’s naked. And she just dumped the robe onto the ground so
she’s standing in front of me. Again, I must stress, naked.

My
mouth drops open, a rough sound coming from low in my throat. Damn,
she’s gorgeous. All long legs and curvy waist and hips and full breasts
topped with pretty pink nipples. I’m completely entranced for a long,
agonizing moment. All I can do is gape at her.

“Well,
are you just going to stand there and wait for my brother to come back
out and find us like this or are you going to come inside my room?”

--------------------------------------------------------

Find out more on
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17852029-crave) and on
avonromance.com (http://www.avonromance.com/book/hush)



I am so looking forward to this one! I love Monica Murphy! This releases on August 6, 2013!!!!

Guess What is on Sale today and Tomorrow??? SWEET THING, Renee Carlino!

Sweet Thing  is only $0.99 and

check out the reviews so far. . .




http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Thing-ebook/dp/B00BSY916G




  





I just read this a few days ago and I fell in love with it. Such a great story and for the bargain price of $0.99, it can be yours!!!! 




This is what I wrote on Goodreads:




I love quiet books that take you by surprise. This is definitely one of those books that grab you by the heartstrings and refuses to let go. 

Mia is heading to NYC a month after her father's untimely passing. on the plane she needed an enigmatic musician, Will Ryan. He's petrified to fly and keeps her occupied by talking her ear off.

Will becomes Mia's roommate, but she needs lines to be drawn. They are both highly attracted to each other and she can't mess up a great friendship.

Will knows what he wants. he's easygoing, loves everyone. Watching these two navigate stormy waters of figuring themselves out is magical, frustrating and amazing. 

A quiet book that reaches a very loud crescendo.

LOVE! 

READ!







SWEET THING is also available on




iTunes 

Barnes&Noble 

Kobo

Blog Tour: Fierce, Ginger Voight

Reading Level:Contemporary Romance/New Adult


Format:

Ebook (ARC)


Publisher:

Self Pubbed 6/4/2013


Rating:

4










Okay, I need to start by saying that I adore Ginger Voight's writing. I adored the GROUPIE trilogy and I absolutely adored this book.




We saw a bit of Jordie Hemphill in MOGUL, but this book is her story. She is an overweight teenager in nowhere, OH. She's got the hot football player using her for sex and a mom who has checked out after her father passed away.




On Jordie's 18th birthday, tired of being used, and being considered second best, she leaves. Just up and goes; to LA. There she makes a life for herself and her gays. She can be what she wants. She colors her hair, has tattoos and is not a size 4.




When a chance of a lifetime comes along she auditions for FIERCE. A new reality show that features people who normally wouldn't be considered for a show. When she proves that she has the chops and the drive to compete, with the help of the very famous Vanni Carnevale, she is accepted as a contestant on the show.




She meets a myriad of 'rejects' and forms a bond that can not shatter. However, her mom and her 'so-called' boyfriend come to town to ruin things for her.




Ginger's writing is so tight and solid that I absolutely adored this book. I LOVE Jordie and seeing Vanni again is a great treat. He adores Jordie, but she doesn't understand why. Until she meet's Andy. Vanni looks past dress size and sees talent where there is talent. 




However, the one-legged soldier is the one who just might steal her heart. 




Such a heartwarming love story; although these are normal humans with the same range of emotions as anyone else, they become close and lovers. That is until 'Eddie' her shag friend from Ohio insinuates himself and ruins the happiness she could have.




I cannot wait for the next book. I'm literally jumping at the bit! I want to know what happens! 




Please, when this book is out, definitely buy it. It's so worth it. A great read.




*IF YOU'RE AT BEA MAY 30 THRU JUNE 1, I WILL BE GIVING AWAY COPIES OF THE GROUPIE TRILOGY (THREE BOOKS IN ONE GIANT BOOK), TO RANDOM PEOPLE. I WILL ALSO HAVE A STICKER ON ME THAT SAYS "ARE YOU A GROUPIE?" IF YOU SEE ME, ASK FOR A BOOK!








https://www.facebook.com/events/30127...



http://www.brandeesbookendings.com/fi...



a Rafflecopter giveaway











Ginger Voight is prolific author, freelance writer and optioned screenwriter. Her fiction is diverse, with novels like the edgy, coming-of-age drama DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, and the fun family adventure for kids of all ages, COMIC SQUAD.



Having grown up reading different authors like Danielle Steel and Stephen King, Ginger has always been drawn more to story than to genre. This shows up in her various stories. Titles such as MY IMMORTAL and TASTE OF BLOOD are a delicious, heady mix of horror, suspense, and romance.



Genre romance, however, has held a special place in her heart, ever since she read her first Harlequin novel when she was only eleven. As a result, Ginger is making a name for herself writing romances of her own, starring women who look more like the average American woman rather than those traditionally represented in the size-biased American media. Her Rubenesque romances were created especially for those heroines with fuller figures, who can still get the man of their dreams if only they believe they can. Such titles include UNDER TEXAS SKIES, LOVE PLUS ONE, GROUPIE and PICTURE POSTCARDS.



Ginger was included in the best-selling book by Smith Magazine NOT QUITE WHAT I WAS PLANNING, featuring her six-word memoir.



Website | Blog| Facebook | Fierce Facebook Page | Amazon | Twitter



Book Title: Fierce (Book #1 in a Spinoff of The Groupie Trilogy – can be read as a standalone)

Author: Ginger Voight

Expected Release date: June 4, 2013

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...





Book Summary:



In the first book in a spin-off series to her best-selling and highly rated 'GROUPIE' trilogy, author Ginger Voight introduces us to a new character named Jordi Hemphill.

All her life, Jordi Hemphill was told that she needed to change to fit in and be accepted. She talked too much, laughed too loud, and most definitely, indisputably and inexcusably weighed too much. In fact, she wore her size-20+ clothes without so much as an apology. She didn’t care to fit in. She didn’t want to be beautiful. Instead, she wanted to wear her hair in funky colors, she itched for tattoos and piercings, and dreamed of a life much bigger than working at the local Burger Palace for minimum wage. She had been born with the voice of a superstar, and something inside her told her it was OK to dream big, even if she had to do it in secret.



On her eighteenth birthday, she takes every last cent she has and buys a one-way ticket for Los Angeles. She is sure her talent will get her noticed by those more open-minded to see it. Then and only then will she show all the naysayers in her hometown that she was a somebody no matter what they say.



Unfortunately Los Angeles wasn't any more welcoming. Jordi didn't fit into their pop machine no matter how well she sang. Other pop princess had the "full package," whereas Jordi still needed to change if she wanted her dreams to come true. It took a plus-size TV producer to take a chance on her, casting her for a reality talent show called "Fierce," which put attitude and talent far above the traditional pop star image.



Thanks to Giovanni Carnevale, the lead singer of "Dreaming in Blue" and “Fierce’s” rock star judge, Jordi gets a chance to fight for her place on a national stage.



But will America embrace this alternative diva? Or will they too expect her to conform in order to be accepted... to be loved? Despite the acceptance of new friends and supporters, old ghosts continue to haunt Jordi on her new journey. It will take handsome fellow contestant, Jace Riga, to finally help expose and exorcise the demons that drive her self-destruction.



"Fierce" continues the story introduced in the Ginger Voight novel, "Mogul," where Jordi joins a hodge-podge of other contestants to battle for the championship that dares every single hopeful to live large, to be FIERCE.



Ginger Voight, the author of the best-selling "Groupie" series, brings fame once again to the forefront with her new adult series, beginning with the novel, "Fierce." The characters you grew to love in the "Groupie" trilogy and "Love Plus One" are back to help the incomparable Jordi Hemphill carve a place for her as a pop princess despite the odds in this coming-of-age Rubenesque romance.

The Do Over, A.L. Zaun

I am so pimping out this book. For $2.99 you can buy this book on B&N and Amazon. I'll post the links below for both. I'll be doing the blog tour for this one and my review will go up then. But I'm going to tell you, I've read this story multiple times; once for me and the next time to proof it. I adored this story.



There is NO cliffhanger.



The writing is fresh and current. The characters are fully realized. This is a 400 page book for $2.99!



Let's get Ana to #1 on Amazon or B&N. I guarantee you will love this summer read!



Barnes & Noble Link



Amazon Link

The Low Notes, Kate Roth

Is on SALE right now!!!!









So for 99 pennies this book can be yours! Honestly, you want a great story, this is it!!!



I want you to meet Nina and Kevin and James!!!!



CLICK on the RED SALE to get to the amazon page!