Laura McCarthy Benson's Blog, page 6
February 26, 2015
Cover Reveal: UNTAMED, S.C. Stephens
I am so excited for this book. Griffin is such a character in the THOUGHTLESS series that his getting his own story is simply amazing. This cover is EXACTLY how I pictured him too! Longish hair, medium build, and gorgeous in a wet t-shirt!
Book will be released
Nov. 3, 2015
About UNTAMED
Griffin Hancock is tired of being stuck behind Kellan Kyle's spotlight. He's the best, the main event, and everyone should know it. He has Anna, and his beautiful daughter Gibson, and to hell with the rest of them. A new venture presents itself, and Griffin decides this is his chance. When he tells the band about his new side gig, they are less than supportive. Undaunted by their criticism, Griffin decides to take matters into his own hands. Packing up his family, he leaves Seattle behind and returns to L.A. to break out on his own. But success isn't as easy as Griffin thought it would be, and he soon finds that the phrase 'You don't know what you've got until it's gone', is all too true.
About S.C. Stephens
S. C. Stephens is a #1 bestselling author who enjoys creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance. In addition to writing, she likes spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family. She and her two children reside in the Pacific Northwest.
Connect with S.C. online!
@SC_Stephens_
www.AuthorSCStephens.com/
http://facebook.com/SCStephensAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/SCStephens
Pre-order UNTAMED
Soon to be at retailers everywhere including Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, iTunes, Kobo, and IndieBound too!
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1vwDPV8
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GqhCZN
Book will be released
Nov. 3, 2015
About UNTAMED
Griffin Hancock is tired of being stuck behind Kellan Kyle's spotlight. He's the best, the main event, and everyone should know it. He has Anna, and his beautiful daughter Gibson, and to hell with the rest of them. A new venture presents itself, and Griffin decides this is his chance. When he tells the band about his new side gig, they are less than supportive. Undaunted by their criticism, Griffin decides to take matters into his own hands. Packing up his family, he leaves Seattle behind and returns to L.A. to break out on his own. But success isn't as easy as Griffin thought it would be, and he soon finds that the phrase 'You don't know what you've got until it's gone', is all too true.
About S.C. Stephens
S. C. Stephens is a #1 bestselling author who enjoys creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance. In addition to writing, she likes spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family. She and her two children reside in the Pacific Northwest.
Connect with S.C. online!
@SC_Stephens_
www.AuthorSCStephens.com/
http://facebook.com/SCStephensAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/SCStephens
Pre-order UNTAMED
Soon to be at retailers everywhere including Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, iTunes, Kobo, and IndieBound too!
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1vwDPV8
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GqhCZN
February 23, 2015
Blog Tour & Review, Excerpt and Rafflecopter Giveaway: THOUGHTFUL, SC Stephens
I originally wanted to interview Kiera Allen for my blog tour; unfortunately, she was too busy. I'm sorry guys, I thought it would've been a great interview to find out how she felt about Kellan writing his side of the story. But alas, it's not to be. However, her biographer S.C. Stephen graciously answered some stock answers (not mine) and here they are. Below will be my review of THOUGHTFUL. (Quotations are mine and mine alone)
1. Why set your books in Seattle?
I know the city, so I felt comfortable writing about it.
2. Were Kellan and the D-Bags inspired by a specific band?
Not one in particular. I was listening to a lot of OneRepublic, The Fray, and Linkin’ Park at the time, so they are sort of a mixture of all three bands. How did you come up with the name? It came about while I was writing it. I was doing the scene where Griffin is talking about the T-shirts, and once he said Douchebags, I knew that was it. (One Direction???)
3. Many readers say Kellan was the first/favorite book boyfriend. What do you think appeals to readers about him?
I think it’s a mixture of his job, his past, his looks, his pain, and the fact that he is so incredibly devoted to the people he cares about. (He seemed like a real character and not overly fake like some book boyfriends out there. How many billionaires do we need?)
4. Do you have any favorite book boyfriends of your own?
Edward Cullen will always be my favorite book boyfriend. Sigh. I love him. (Mr. Darcy, anyone?)
5. What are five books on your night stand?
Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. Love, in English by Karina Halle. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken. (All decent in their own right.)
Thoughtful Excerpt
Determined to stop thinking, to just go with whatever happened, I dipped my finger into my drink and wet the backs of our hands. Kiera watched every move I made as I shook some salt over our hands. When she made no move to drink her shot, I broke the ice and took mine so she’d feel more comfortable about doing this with me. My throat was numb from doing Jäger shots all night, so it didn’t even burn. It burned for Kiera though.
Her tongue came out to lick the salt off her hand, her mouth opened to receive her drink, and her lips curled around the lime, squeezing its juices. It was an erotic thing to watch. Then her face twisted into a grimace. I chuckled at her reaction, then poured us another round.
The second shot went down easier for her. The third was even easier. We didn’t talk, just drank. And the more alcohol she consumed, the hungrier her eyes became. She was staring at me as tenaciously as the women in the bar did. I did my best to ignore it, but it was difficult to do…I wanted her to look at me like that. I wanted to look at her like that. But I wasn’t about to make any assumptions on what was going to happen tonight. We were just two friends sharing a drink. Two single friends who had almost shared a lot more recently…
By the fourth shot, the alcohol was getting to me. I spilled the tequila trying to pour it in those tiny little glasses. I laughed as I almost dropped the lime from my mouth. I was way beyond buzzing now.
On the fifth shot, everything changed. Just as I was bending down to lick the salt from my skin, Kiera took my hand and ran her tongue over the back of it. She was soft, wet, warm, and felt amazing on my sensitive body. I wanted her to keep doing it, but she pulled back to drink her tequila shot. When she placed her wedge of lime between my lips, my heart sped up. Was she…?
She was. Her mouth reached up to connect with mine. Our lips pressed together as she sucked on the lime. All I could taste was lime and her. It was an intoxicating combination. But it wasn’t nearly satisfying enough. I needed more.
My breath felt strained when Kiera pulled away. Ragged. She teasingly removed the lime from her mouth and set it on the counter. When she seductively licked her fingers, my resolve evaporated. I suddenly didn’t give a shit what we’d been before, or who we’d been with. I didn’t care if she’d dated Denny—that seemed like a long-past memory at the moment. I didn’t care about Evan’s warnings, my regrettable experience with bedding roommates, my promise to Denny to stay away, or my own decision to not cross that uncrossable line. Kiera kissed me. She wanted me. And fuck, I wanted her too.
I took my shot of tequila straight, slammed the glass on the counter, then pulled her back to my mouth, where she belonged.
Our lips moving together felt better than I had imagined. There was so much eager, pent-up passion, I felt like we were both going to burst into flames. I couldn’t get enough of her. My hand on the back of her neck tightened, drawing her in even closer. My other hand found the small of her back. Perfection.
Rafflecopter Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Reading Level:Contemporary Romance/New Adult
Format:
Ebook (ARC)
Publisher:
Forever (Grand Central) 2/24/2015
Rating:
3
[image error]
Kellan Kyle decides to tell his side of the story. We know from Kiera's side in Thoughtless that many emotions were running rampant when she realized that she was falling in love with her roommate and boyfriend's best friend. Because said boyfriend decided to take a job in another state (Arizona) leaving Kiera with a manwhore, Kellan.
Kellan is complex and we see that in Thoughtful but it wasn't necessary. We didn't learn anything different and everything that we did learn, we knew from the first book. Yes, we got to see a bit of Kellan with his parents (horrible), but we knew that from his telling Kiera. We saw some interaction with the rest of the D-Bags. But I wanted more there! I know it was Kellan's story to tell us about his romance with Kiera, but we've been there, done that. THREE TIMES!!!
The thing with his side of the story is that we're not learning anything new. I'm done with them. Write something new and fresh. Yes, the readers hound and hound you to tell us what he was thinking during this scene, but you know what? You wrote the original book in the way you did for a reason.
Do I recommend the book? Sure, why not. People are gonna get it, read it, devour it and consider it the best book ever. It's mindless fun and yeah, it's Kellan. Oh yeah, the cover... Kick Ass!
Thoughtless review HERE
Effortless review HERE
Reckless review HERE
Interview with D-Bags HERE
1. Why set your books in Seattle?
I know the city, so I felt comfortable writing about it.
2. Were Kellan and the D-Bags inspired by a specific band?
Not one in particular. I was listening to a lot of OneRepublic, The Fray, and Linkin’ Park at the time, so they are sort of a mixture of all three bands. How did you come up with the name? It came about while I was writing it. I was doing the scene where Griffin is talking about the T-shirts, and once he said Douchebags, I knew that was it. (One Direction???)
3. Many readers say Kellan was the first/favorite book boyfriend. What do you think appeals to readers about him?
I think it’s a mixture of his job, his past, his looks, his pain, and the fact that he is so incredibly devoted to the people he cares about. (He seemed like a real character and not overly fake like some book boyfriends out there. How many billionaires do we need?)
4. Do you have any favorite book boyfriends of your own?
Edward Cullen will always be my favorite book boyfriend. Sigh. I love him. (Mr. Darcy, anyone?)
5. What are five books on your night stand?
Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. Love, in English by Karina Halle. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken. (All decent in their own right.)
Thoughtful Excerpt
Determined to stop thinking, to just go with whatever happened, I dipped my finger into my drink and wet the backs of our hands. Kiera watched every move I made as I shook some salt over our hands. When she made no move to drink her shot, I broke the ice and took mine so she’d feel more comfortable about doing this with me. My throat was numb from doing Jäger shots all night, so it didn’t even burn. It burned for Kiera though.
Her tongue came out to lick the salt off her hand, her mouth opened to receive her drink, and her lips curled around the lime, squeezing its juices. It was an erotic thing to watch. Then her face twisted into a grimace. I chuckled at her reaction, then poured us another round.
The second shot went down easier for her. The third was even easier. We didn’t talk, just drank. And the more alcohol she consumed, the hungrier her eyes became. She was staring at me as tenaciously as the women in the bar did. I did my best to ignore it, but it was difficult to do…I wanted her to look at me like that. I wanted to look at her like that. But I wasn’t about to make any assumptions on what was going to happen tonight. We were just two friends sharing a drink. Two single friends who had almost shared a lot more recently…
By the fourth shot, the alcohol was getting to me. I spilled the tequila trying to pour it in those tiny little glasses. I laughed as I almost dropped the lime from my mouth. I was way beyond buzzing now.
On the fifth shot, everything changed. Just as I was bending down to lick the salt from my skin, Kiera took my hand and ran her tongue over the back of it. She was soft, wet, warm, and felt amazing on my sensitive body. I wanted her to keep doing it, but she pulled back to drink her tequila shot. When she placed her wedge of lime between my lips, my heart sped up. Was she…?
She was. Her mouth reached up to connect with mine. Our lips pressed together as she sucked on the lime. All I could taste was lime and her. It was an intoxicating combination. But it wasn’t nearly satisfying enough. I needed more.
My breath felt strained when Kiera pulled away. Ragged. She teasingly removed the lime from her mouth and set it on the counter. When she seductively licked her fingers, my resolve evaporated. I suddenly didn’t give a shit what we’d been before, or who we’d been with. I didn’t care if she’d dated Denny—that seemed like a long-past memory at the moment. I didn’t care about Evan’s warnings, my regrettable experience with bedding roommates, my promise to Denny to stay away, or my own decision to not cross that uncrossable line. Kiera kissed me. She wanted me. And fuck, I wanted her too.
I took my shot of tequila straight, slammed the glass on the counter, then pulled her back to my mouth, where she belonged.
Our lips moving together felt better than I had imagined. There was so much eager, pent-up passion, I felt like we were both going to burst into flames. I couldn’t get enough of her. My hand on the back of her neck tightened, drawing her in even closer. My other hand found the small of her back. Perfection.
Rafflecopter Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Reading Level:Contemporary Romance/New Adult
Format:
Ebook (ARC)
Publisher:
Forever (Grand Central) 2/24/2015
Rating:
3
[image error]
Kellan Kyle decides to tell his side of the story. We know from Kiera's side in Thoughtless that many emotions were running rampant when she realized that she was falling in love with her roommate and boyfriend's best friend. Because said boyfriend decided to take a job in another state (Arizona) leaving Kiera with a manwhore, Kellan.
Kellan is complex and we see that in Thoughtful but it wasn't necessary. We didn't learn anything different and everything that we did learn, we knew from the first book. Yes, we got to see a bit of Kellan with his parents (horrible), but we knew that from his telling Kiera. We saw some interaction with the rest of the D-Bags. But I wanted more there! I know it was Kellan's story to tell us about his romance with Kiera, but we've been there, done that. THREE TIMES!!!
The thing with his side of the story is that we're not learning anything new. I'm done with them. Write something new and fresh. Yes, the readers hound and hound you to tell us what he was thinking during this scene, but you know what? You wrote the original book in the way you did for a reason.
Do I recommend the book? Sure, why not. People are gonna get it, read it, devour it and consider it the best book ever. It's mindless fun and yeah, it's Kellan. Oh yeah, the cover... Kick Ass!
Thoughtless review HERE
Effortless review HERE
Reckless review HERE
Interview with D-Bags HERE
Blog Tour & Review: THOUGHTFUL, SC Stephens
I originally wanted to interview Kiera Allen for my blog tour but unfortunately she was too busy. I'm sorry guys, I thought it would've been a great interview to find out how she felt about Kellan writing his side of the story. But alas, it's not to be. However, her biographer S.C. Stephen graciously answered some stock answers (not mine) and here they are. Below will be my review of THOUGHTFUL. (Quotations are mine and mine alone)
1. Why set your books in Seattle?
I know the city, so I felt comfortable writing about it.
2. Were Kellan and the D-Bags inspired by a specific band?
Not one in particular. I was listening to a lot of OneRepublic, The Fray, and Linkin’ Park at the time, so they are sort of a mixture of all three bands. How did you come up with the name? It came about while I was writing it. I was doing the scene where Griffin is talking about the T-shirts, and once he said Douchebags, I knew that was it. (One Direction???)
3. Many readers say Kellan was the first/favorite book boyfriend. What do you think appeals to readers about him?
I think it’s a mixture of his job, his past, his looks, his pain, and the fact that he is so incredibly devoted to the people he cares about. (He seemed like a real character and not overly fake like some book boyfriends out there. How many billionaires do we need?)
4. Do you have any favorite book boyfriends of your own?
Edward Cullen will always be my favorite book boyfriend. Sigh. I love him. (Mr. Darcy, anyone?)
5. What are five books on your night stand?
Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. Love, in English by Karina Halle. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken. (All decent in their own right.)
Reading Level:Contemporary Romance/New Adult
Format:
Ebook (ARC)
Publisher:
Forever (Grand Central) 2/24/2015
Rating:
3
[image error]
Kellan Kyle decides to tell his side of the story. We know from Kiera's side in Thoughtless that many emotions were running rampant when she realized that she was falling in love with her roommate and boyfriend's best friend. Because said boyfriend decided to take a job in another state (Arizona) leaving Kiera with a manwhore, Kellan.
Kellan is complex and we see that in Thoughtful but it wasn't necessary. We didn't learn anything different and everything that we did learn, we knew from the first book. Yes, we got to see a bit of Kellan with his parents (horrible), but we knew that from his telling Kiera. We saw some interaction with the rest of the D-Bags. But I wanted more there! I know it was Kellan's story to tell us about his romance with Kiera, but we've been there, done that. THREE TIMES!!!
The thing with his side of the story is that we're not learning anything new. I'm done with them. Write something new and fresh. Yes, the readers hound and hound you to tell us what he was thinking during this scene, but you know what? You wrote the original book in the way you did for a reason.
Do I recommend the book? Sure, why not. People are gonna get it, read it, devour it and consider it the best book ever. It's mindless fun and yeah, it's Kellan. Oh yeah, the cover... Kick Ass!
Thoughtless review HERE
Effortless review HERE
Reckless review HERE
Interview with D-Bags HERE
1. Why set your books in Seattle?
I know the city, so I felt comfortable writing about it.
2. Were Kellan and the D-Bags inspired by a specific band?
Not one in particular. I was listening to a lot of OneRepublic, The Fray, and Linkin’ Park at the time, so they are sort of a mixture of all three bands. How did you come up with the name? It came about while I was writing it. I was doing the scene where Griffin is talking about the T-shirts, and once he said Douchebags, I knew that was it. (One Direction???)
3. Many readers say Kellan was the first/favorite book boyfriend. What do you think appeals to readers about him?
I think it’s a mixture of his job, his past, his looks, his pain, and the fact that he is so incredibly devoted to the people he cares about. (He seemed like a real character and not overly fake like some book boyfriends out there. How many billionaires do we need?)
4. Do you have any favorite book boyfriends of your own?
Edward Cullen will always be my favorite book boyfriend. Sigh. I love him. (Mr. Darcy, anyone?)
5. What are five books on your night stand?
Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. Love, in English by Karina Halle. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black. The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken. (All decent in their own right.)
Reading Level:Contemporary Romance/New Adult
Format:
Ebook (ARC)
Publisher:
Forever (Grand Central) 2/24/2015
Rating:
3
[image error]
Kellan Kyle decides to tell his side of the story. We know from Kiera's side in Thoughtless that many emotions were running rampant when she realized that she was falling in love with her roommate and boyfriend's best friend. Because said boyfriend decided to take a job in another state (Arizona) leaving Kiera with a manwhore, Kellan.
Kellan is complex and we see that in Thoughtful but it wasn't necessary. We didn't learn anything different and everything that we did learn, we knew from the first book. Yes, we got to see a bit of Kellan with his parents (horrible), but we knew that from his telling Kiera. We saw some interaction with the rest of the D-Bags. But I wanted more there! I know it was Kellan's story to tell us about his romance with Kiera, but we've been there, done that. THREE TIMES!!!
The thing with his side of the story is that we're not learning anything new. I'm done with them. Write something new and fresh. Yes, the readers hound and hound you to tell us what he was thinking during this scene, but you know what? You wrote the original book in the way you did for a reason.
Do I recommend the book? Sure, why not. People are gonna get it, read it, devour it and consider it the best book ever. It's mindless fun and yeah, it's Kellan. Oh yeah, the cover... Kick Ass!
Thoughtless review HERE
Effortless review HERE
Reckless review HERE
Interview with D-Bags HERE
February 19, 2015
BookCon News!!!!
ReedPOP, the world's largest producer of pop culture events and the creators of BookCon, today announced that New York Times bestselling author of Landline and Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell will be appearing at this year's second annual BookCon on May 30 for a conversation discussing her forthcoming book, CARRY ON. Available this October, CARRY ON is an epic fantasy following the triumphs and heartaches of Simon and Baz from Rowell's beloved bestseller Fangirl.
Coming on the heels of the recent announcement that notable YA authors Tavi Gevinson, Sophia Rossi, Gayle Forman, Sarah Dessen, Marie Lu and Richelle Mead will be at BookCon, Rowell's addition brings another superstar name to the lineup, giving the YA genre a huge presence at this year’s event.
ABOUT BOOKCON:
ReedPOP's second annual BookCon will
be at the Javits Center May 30-31. As
an original consumer extension of BookExpo America (May 27-29 at the
Javits Center), BookCon has unprecedented access to the world's most
accomplished authors and most influential publishing houses. BookCon is
designed to appeal to the modern-day book lover
with an appreciation for broader pop-culture and where these worlds
intersect. BookCon will feature a vibrant Show Floor with the world's
most influential publishers including ABRAMS, Chronicle Books, Hachette
Book Group, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,
Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and
many more. In addition to over 250 exhibitors, the Show Floor will
house the Downtown Stage, home to innovative content like Q&As,
Trivia and Illustrator events.
February 18, 2015
Cover Reveal: TRYST, S.L. Jennings
TRYST by S.L. Jennings
On-sale 7/21/2014
Heidi DuCane is a tough-as-nails publicist with a passion for success and her husband Tucker. While they’re polar opposites, what they do have in common is a fierce love and commitment to each other. But their relationship-in and out of the bedroom-will be put to the ultimate test.
Rock superstar Ransom Reed is every woman’s fantasy, including Heidi’s. When she meets Ransom, she shares a wild night with him where Heidi gets to play-and Tucker watches, and enjoys, the pleasure Ransom gives Heidi. Though Tucker was a willing participant, Heidi still can’t help reeling with guilt. There’s no doubt that she loves her husband. While Tucker is the perfect lover-generous, attentive and gentle-she needs much more. He needs the mind-blowing ecstasy Ransom offers.
Tucker isn’t blind to the fact that Heidi has unconventional needs which he can’t satisfy. He loves his wife and will do anything to please her The night he watched her and Ransom was so scorching hot amnd Tucker can’t stop thinking about it. He decides he wants to join Ransom in pleasing Heidi. But as Tucker and Heidi soon realize, it’s not just the sex that is enticing. Heidi felt something within her awaken, and she felt so deliciously sated and loved by both men. Tucker felt it too, and he finds it impossible not to want that feeling again.
Ransom and Tucker satisfy a need within Heidi. And now that she’s had them, she can never go back to the way things were before.
Z
February 4, 2015
Look at this gorgeous cover!!!
One of my favorite authors is releasing a book just in time for my birthday!!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on this one. It's right up my alley and well with my team just winning the SUPER BOWL, I'm doubly excited.
So without further ado...
Below is the synopsis
“Professional athletes are the pillars of their respective communities. They heroes in the eyes of boys and girls and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents their community.”
The public loves a good scandal. Seeing someone fall from the pinnacle of success makes a great headline. No one knows better than I do. What started out as a promising career in college football, spiraled into scandal and shame.
But being a hero is easier said than done. Especially when there are those who expected see the great Brody Madden fail. I craved nothing except being the best—willing to do anything to prove them wrong. But I went too far, and I tried too hard and it broke me.
“At the time of going to print, Jordan Elliott was unavailable for comment.”
I met Brody Madden in my senior year of college. An Australian native on an international, I was the female soccer sensation with stars in her eyes and no room for a hotshot wide receiver with a chip on his shoulder.
But with a heart bursting with ambition and a driving fire to succeed isn’t made of stone. I became his strength, his obsession, and the greatest love of his life. Only I wasn’t there when he needed me most.
This is a story of about love and a game that takes everything. Where the path to glory is paved with sacrifice. Where pressure makes you, breaks you and triumph is born in the ashes of failure. Where two people’s end game will change everything.
So without further ado...
Below is the synopsis
“Professional athletes are the pillars of their respective communities. They heroes in the eyes of boys and girls and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents their community.”
The public loves a good scandal. Seeing someone fall from the pinnacle of success makes a great headline. No one knows better than I do. What started out as a promising career in college football, spiraled into scandal and shame.
But being a hero is easier said than done. Especially when there are those who expected see the great Brody Madden fail. I craved nothing except being the best—willing to do anything to prove them wrong. But I went too far, and I tried too hard and it broke me.
“At the time of going to print, Jordan Elliott was unavailable for comment.”
I met Brody Madden in my senior year of college. An Australian native on an international, I was the female soccer sensation with stars in her eyes and no room for a hotshot wide receiver with a chip on his shoulder.
But with a heart bursting with ambition and a driving fire to succeed isn’t made of stone. I became his strength, his obsession, and the greatest love of his life. Only I wasn’t there when he needed me most.
This is a story of about love and a game that takes everything. Where the path to glory is paved with sacrifice. Where pressure makes you, breaks you and triumph is born in the ashes of failure. Where two people’s end game will change everything.
January 14, 2015
Cover Reveal and Rafflecopter Giveaway!
Book Information
Title: Halfway Perfect
Authors: Julie Cross and Mark Perini
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult
Summary
Bestselling author Julie Cross teams up with Ford model Mark Perini to pen a poignant and gritty YA novel about love and the dark side of modeling and the fashion industry
Eve's time as a fashion model nearly destroyed her-now she's determined to build a career behind the camera lens. But landing a coveted photography internship brings her face to face with her dark past-and her ex.
While Eve is snapping pictures, up-and-coming male model Alex is launching his career-which, for him, involves maintaining a fake relationship with his (secretly) underage co-star, Elana.
But Alex is falling for Eve, and Eve won't let herself get hurt again. If Alex can pull off a fake love with Elana, can he convince Eve to risk a secret affair with him?
Pre-order Links
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1C2jtkR
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1wU2rC4
About the Authors
Julie Cross is the international bestselling author of the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy. Julie lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. Her knowledge of the modeling and fashion world comes from viewings of the movies The Devil Wears Prada, and Zoolander, and her unwavering devotion to the first three seasons of Ugly Betty. On a recent trip to NYC, she also took the time to walk past both the Gucci and Prada stores, spending at least 15 seconds viewing items through the windows.
Mark Perini is a New York City-based author debuting his first YA novel, Halfway Perfect. Additionally, Mark is a featured author in the NA anthology, Fifty First Times.
Mark began his career as an international fashion model ten years ago, while simultaneously obtaining a business degree from Seton Hall University. He has a passion for traveling the world, and he’s made a blood pact with friends to see all seven wonders of the ancient world before he's thirty. Four down, three to go.
Julie Cross’ Social Networking Links
Website: http://www.juliecrossbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FansOfJulieCross
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliecross1980
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3429117.Julie_Cross
Mark Perini’s Social Networking Links
Website: http://www.markperini.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marktperini
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marktperini
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5649611.Mark_Perini
Rafflecopter Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 17, 2014
Cover Reveal, Asa, Jay Crownover
We are so excited about the cover reveal for Jay Crownover's ASA! ASA is the sixth and final book in Jay's Marked Men Series, published by HarperCollins. Check out the hot cover and don't forget to pre-order your copy today!
Amazon US ** iBooks ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo
About ASA:
Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one stunning arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.
Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.
A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.
And don’t miss the previous books in The Marked Men Series!
RULE
JET
ROME
NASH
ROWDY
And don't miss Jay at 3pm EST over at the Between The Covers page on Facebook today! Come chat with her!
About Jay Crownover:
Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She also introduced the dark and sexy world of The Point that started with BETTER WHEN HE's BAD and is currently working on her newest series The Saint of Denver. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.
Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter ** ASA Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads
Amazon US ** iBooks ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo
About ASA:
Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one stunning arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.
Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.
A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.
And don’t miss the previous books in The Marked Men Series!
RULE
JET
ROME
NASH
ROWDY
And don't miss Jay at 3pm EST over at the Between The Covers page on Facebook today! Come chat with her!
About Jay Crownover:
Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She also introduced the dark and sexy world of The Point that started with BETTER WHEN HE's BAD and is currently working on her newest series The Saint of Denver. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.
Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter ** ASA Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads
December 7, 2014
Book Review: FRENCH KISS International School Book 3, Chanel Cleeton
Reading Level:Contemporary Romance/New Adult
Format:
Ebook (ARC)
Publisher:
Self Pubbed 12/1/14
Rating:
4
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"How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways"
I probably should've reviewed the first two books in the series (I SEE LONDON and LONDON CALLING aka International School series). As much as I loved the first two books, the third one, to me was amazing. I absolutely adored Fleur and Max.
When you first meet Fleur in the first two books, she's a bitch. However, she is one that grows on you, quickly. Yes, she's an entitled mess, just breaking up with a long-term boyfriend who basically screwed her over. When she starts dating the nice and shy, quiet George, well it's a surprise. Especially for George's American roommate, Max. Who for the past two years has pined away quietly for the beautiful, yet untouchable French girl.
Watching those two get together after a series of missteps is comical. Fleur hates Max because he gave her the nickname of Ice Queen and it's stuck-- for four years. But when fate intercepts in the guise of a project planning class, they are thrust together on a project. With Max's brains and Fleur's beauty, the project becomes a bit of a nightmare in the beginning. But once the Ice Queen thaws and Max starts to see the real Fleur, do pheromones start to flare.
I would suggest reading the first two book so you know all the background information that is mentioned in this book, and I highly recommend those two books. I devoured them this past summer and loved, loved, loved them.
This third book is the cream on top and a very satisfying one at that!
BOOK SUMMARY:
On the surface, Fleur Marceaux has it all.
If only the facade matched reality. With one year left at the International
School in London, Fleur’s struggling to graduate, her love life is a mess, and
she can’t stop thinking about Max, her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. But all that
pales compared to the blackmailer determined to destroy her.
There’s a social hierarchy at the
International School and Max Tucker is outside the velvet ropes. After watching
Fleur break his friend’s heart, Max knows to stay away from trouble, despite
the crush he’s had on her since freshman year. But when they’re partnered on a
project, Max learns there’s more to Fleur than meets the eye, and she just
might be worth the wild ride.
The more time they spend together, the further
Max falls. And when a kiss awakens a passion Fleur never imagined, she’s unable
to resist Max, who she had thought was all wrong for her but might be the only
thing that’s right. But will he stand by her when her secrets are revealed?
Don’t miss the final book in the
International School series. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers
17 and up.
BOOK
LINKS:
Goodreads link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22858376-french-kissed
FRENCH KISSED
(International School Book #3)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/ZH8BeL
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1vlkljJ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1x2UaLu
I SEE LONDON (International
School Book #1)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/MpM27V
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1ibPGgh
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ewcogY
LONDON FALLING
(International School Book #2):
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1n6rvo2
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/VxbiOd
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ziLXaq
AUTHOR
INFORMATION:
Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON
moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The
American International University in London and a master’s degree from the
London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with
London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean
cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now,
a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in Asia.
Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather
spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked
back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with
a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her fighter pilot
husband.
She is the author of I SEE LONDON and
LONDON FALLING, published by Harlequin HQN, the upcoming FRENCH KISSED, and
FLIRTING WITH SCANDAL, the first book in a new three-book series to be released
by Penguin/Berkley in 2015.
AUTHOR LINKS:
Website: www.chanelcleeton.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorchanelcleeton
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chanelcleeton
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/chanelcleeton
Newsletter: www.chanelcleeton.com/mailing-list/
November 26, 2014
Book Review: Work of Art, Ruth Clampett
Reading Level:Contemporary Romance
Format:Ebook
Publisher:
Self Published (Clampett Studio Collection)
Nov. 4. 2014
Rating:4
One thing most people don't know about me is my love of art. There's something magical going to a museum and seeing the masterpieces that were created hundreds of years ago. The colors, the light, the sheer artistry of it all. I'm lucky if I can draw stick figures and even then, I suck at it.
So when this story sorta fell into my lap, I had to read it. Art had a renaissance in the 70s, but I don't think we've seen one since then. I mean there's Banksy, but I really haven't heard a name that has inspired me quiet like Basquiat or even Warhol. Although I tend to prefer the Masters (Renoir, Monet, Caravaggio, Van Gogh, et al.) I can appreciate good art even in the 21st century.
Which brings us to this story. Maxfield Caswell is your traditional emo-bi-polar, narcissistic artist. He's young so he's volatile. He's difficult, but brilliant. Yet he manages to piss people off. He's a typical artiste. But things change when he meets Ava Jacobs at a gallery in NYC. Ava works for another gallery in LA and the connection is immediate. She's immediately warned against him, and he's warned to leave her alone. Rule number 1: Never tell two somewhat soul mates to stay away from each other. It never works that way.
When either a serendipitious or fortuitous opportunity arises for Ava, she jumps on it. Basically she's asked to write the text to Max's coffee table art book. Which means spending time with Max. Throughout the experience, she's made aware of all of Max's, well I'll call them, faults. He's a womanizer, he's depressed, and basically a mess. But the chemistry between them is palpable. She's in over her head and he's keeping her at arms length. She thinks he's not interested.
Throughout this story I was waiting for something, anything. I liked the story enough, but I felt like it could've gone a bit further in the relationship. There's a side story going on with Ava's publisher that is pushing to have a relationship with her, but she's keeping him at arms length. It's Max that has her heart. But he's too volatile, she retreats.
I enjoyed this a lot. I love stories where the main character is so fucked up you're not sure if he can be redeemed. I had a hard time getting a bead on Ava. She came across as wishy washy and her back story isn't very fleshed out. The secondary characters help make the story work. As a spoiler, it ends on a cliffhanger, but I believe the next book will be out fairly soon.
A good story and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
In a life driven by passion, famed artist Maxfield Caswell lives in a world of brilliant color and drama, pushing his art and affairs to his emotional edge. He’s stunning, charismatic and celebrated in the art world, but are the trappings of fame also destroying him?
For years intelligent and bright-eyed Ava Jacobs has worked diligently toward a career in the art world. Ava is swept off her feet when she meets the passionate artist. She soon realizes, however, that he’s on a destructive path—one she doesn’t intend to join him on.
In the decadent world of patrons, art groupies, and predators, feisty and beautiful Ava knocks Max off his pedestal. A stunned Max sees something special in Ava and offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse. As their lives and passions collide, will he realize that she alone has the power to heal him? Can their hearts come together to create their own work of art?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GUlq...
AMAZON US http://amzn.to/1wXiEaB
AMAZON UK http://amzn.to/10hea47
AMAZON CA http://amzn.to/1wVYMYX
BARNS AND NOBLE http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/work-of-art-book-1-the-inspiration-ruth-clampett/1120672807?ean=2940150694187
ITUNES https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director, Bob Clampett, has spent a lifetime surrounded by art and animation. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, her careers have included graphic design, photography, VP of Design for WB Stores and teaching photography at UCLA. She now runs her own studio as the fine art publisher for Warner Bros. where she’s had the opportunity to know and work with many of the greatest artists in the world of animation and comics.
The Work of Art Trilogy is Ruth’s third publishing endeavor, following Animate Me and Mr. 365. She lives in Los Angeles and is heavily supervised by her teenage daughter, lovingly referred to as Snarky, who loves art and visiting museums as much as her mom.
Author Links
Website ~ FaceBook~Twitter~Goodreads
Add Work of Art to Goodreads
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