Tamsyn Bester's Blog, page 14
September 12, 2013
*Cover Reveal: Four Seconds To Lose by K.A Tucker*
Hi Brats :)) I am one of the biggest fans of K.A Tucker and after falling in love with Livvie and Ashton in One Tiny Lie, I am anxiously awaiting K.A's next book :) In the mean time, you can check out the stunning cover :):) ~ Tam
ABOUT FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE:
Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.
Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.
Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.
FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE Goodreads Pre-order: Amazon Barnes and Noble Other Retailers ABOUT K.A. TUCKER:
Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.
Blog Website Author Facebook Twitter Author Goodreads
ABOUT FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE:
Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.
Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.
Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.
FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE Goodreads Pre-order: Amazon Barnes and Noble Other Retailers ABOUT K.A. TUCKER:
Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.
Blog Website Author Facebook Twitter Author Goodreads
September 11, 2013
*Blog Tour: Thirty And A Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank*
Hi Brats :) Today, the blog tour for Thirty And A Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank makes a stop at TheSecretBookBrat HQ :)
THIRTY AND A HALF EXCUSES Synopsis
Life in Henryetta, Arkansas is turned upside down with the arrival of a televangelist, but it’s the death of a little old lady on Rose’s street that catches her attention. The Henryetta police deem her death natural causes, but Rose suspects foul play and so does an unlikely supporter–-the president of the Busy Body Club, her eighty-two year old neighbor Mildred.But Rose is in the middle of opening her nursery with her sister Violet, who’s separated from her husband Mike, as well as stalling her boyfriend Joe’s family, rich socialites who are determined to meet her. Along with her multiple encounters with Fenton County’s new assistant DA, Mason Deveraux III, it’s just another day in the life of Rose Gardner–-chaos.
Excerpt
Mason came outside a few minutes later, walking down the steps and toward his car. He caught my eye and shifted his eyes to the side.
I handed the baby back to Heidi Joy and left my post to meet him at the driver-side door of his car.
He stopped in front of me, a soft smile raising his mouth. “Rose, you looked domestic with a baby on your hip.”
“Is that a good thing or a bad one?”
“Neither, just an observation.”
“What happened to Miss Dorothy?”
He looked back at the house before turning toward me. “I suspect natural causes.”
“You mean like Miss Laura?”
He frowned. “That’s why I’m here. But the damn paramedics had already moved her to the gurney by the time I showed up.”
“And that’s bad?”
“If she truly died of natural causes, no. But with all the bungling that’s gone on with the police department since I’ve come to town, I’ve requested that they notify me whenever there’s a death. That way I can investigate the potential crime scene too.”
“Oh.” I couldn’t help wondering if Mason would have presumed that I was guilty of my mother’s murder like the entire Henryetta police department had done. I’d like to think he would have been fair. “Do you really think Miss Dorothy and Miss Laura died of natural causes? Doesn’t it seem suspicious?”
“You know this is official business, and I’m really not supposed to be telling you. But after everything you’ve been through over the last few months, I suspect you need some peace of mind.” Glancing back at the house, he lowered his voice. “I think they both died of natural causes because I’ve got nothing to make me suspect that they didn’t. No break-ins. No sign of stolen belongings. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“What did they find in Miss Laura’s autopsy?”
“They didn’t do one. The county is strapped for cash, and it costs several thousands of dollars to ship the bodies to Little Rock and back and pay the pathologists. We don’t do autopsies if it looks like natural causes.”
“Oh.” I’d never considered that.
He leaned his hip against the side of his car. “Congrats again on the opening of your nursery.”
My eyebrows shot up. “So does this mean you’re officially through with ignoring me?”
He studied the ground, a sheepish grin spreading across his face, then looked me in the eyes. “That was quite unlike me. I don’t usually let other people dictate my behavior.”
“So why start with Joe?”
Mason paused. “We have history.” I expected him to continue, but he stared at the baby instead.
“So he said.”
His eyes widened as his gaze shifted to me. “He told you what happened?”
“No” was out of my mouth before I could stop it. I’d probably just blown any opportunity to get information out of Mason, but I wasn’t willing to give up yet. “Why don’t you tell me your side of the story?”
He reached for the handle. “Good try.”
I grabbed his hand and pulled it away from the door, surprised he didn’t resist. “Mason, if this involves me, I have a right to know.”
“With all due respect, Rose, it really doesn’t involve you. If Joe said the only reason he warned me to stay away from you was because of the history he and I have, he’s lying.”
My mouth dropped. “Warned you? As in physically threatened you?”
Mason’s mouth pursed.
“Why would he do that?”
His voice lowered. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“No. It’s not.”
He closed his eyes and inhaled before returning his gaze to me. “I’d rather keep that chapter of my life closed for good.” His face hardened. “But if I was in a serious relationship, I would share it with the woman in my life. She would have a right to know.” He started to say something, then swallowed and pinched his lips.
“What? What aren’t you telling me?”
“The question isn’t what I’m not telling you, it’s what’s Joe not telling you?”
Anger rose in my chest. “That’s not fair.”
“Isn’t it?”
“We’ve only…we’re…”
Mason leaned closer, lowering his voice again. “It’s obvious how you two feel about each other. Do you know I field at least two calls a week from your neighbor Mildred about your public displays of affection in your front yard?” His shoulders tensed. “But what do you know about Joe’s family? What do you know about his life in Little Rock before you two were together? The man I see with you isn’t the man I knew in Little Rock, but the reality is that he’s still the same guy.”
Before I could get my wits about me to ask about the Joe he knew, Mason had climbed into his car and driven away.
Buy on Amazon About Denise Grover Swank
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.
You can find out more about Denise and her other books at: www.denisegroverswank.com.
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September 9, 2013
*Cover Reveal: Always Enough by Stacy Borel*
HI Brats :) I absolutely fell in love with the first book in this series, Ever Enough, and if it's any indication of what to expect in the next book, we're in for one hell of a ride :) In the mean time, check out this gorgy cover for Always Enough :) 
Synopsis “There is nothing worse than pretending that you don’t care about something, when that is all you can think about.” Harper Graham wears a mask, and not the pamper kind. She conceals her pain with shoes, shots, and lots of sex. But while her life appears fantastic to most, Harper herself knows that the most important thing in life is not financial stability, but emotional. Having been let down by her absent father for most of her life, Harper chooses to keep the men in her life at arms length. Well, that was until Kyler Morgan.Kyler Morgan has been successful at nearly everything in his life … nearly. Traveling the country with the band Down Glory Road, Kyler has had time to reflect upon his life and in particular his relationship with feisty, drop-dead gorgeous realtor, Harper. Realizing that she is the woman of his dreams, Kyler resolves to win back Harper, and prove to her that she is, and always has been, enough.But the path to true love rarely runs smoothly, and when their journey takes a number of twists and turns, will Harper and Kyler manage to hold tight, or fall by the wayside?
Meet Stacy
Goodreads / Facebook
I'm a Coast Guard wife and currently a stay at home mom. I've always said 'I want to be a nurse when I "grow up' but those plans are currently on hold while I live out another dream. My incredibly handsome husband and I have been married for 10 years and I have 2 amazing children that keep life interesting. I am an obsessive reader. I go through 3-5 books a week on my Kindle and I whole-heartedly support my indie authors. After reading well over a couple hundred books last year, I decided I might give it a shot and write my own book. I dabbled with a few ideas and finally settled on one that I knew I could write, and write well. It was a very personal story to me. Ever Enough was released in early May and it only took a few weeks to hit the Amazon top 100, which I never anticipated, but I have been humbled by the success of the book. My second novel Always Enough will be released in mid September and it is a continuation of the first book. This one is about the two best friends, Harper and Kyler. In the meantime, I am writing my third novel which I'm very excited about. It is something completely different from the first two. I have a gorgeous cover model, and I'm crossing my fingers to have some other things in store for this book. This one is my pride and joy and I am expecting to release it the first week in December, so be on the look out.
Book Trailer Ever Enough (Never Enough #1)
Buy Ever Enough (Never Enough #1) NowAMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK
Synopsis “There is nothing worse than pretending that you don’t care about something, when that is all you can think about.” Harper Graham wears a mask, and not the pamper kind. She conceals her pain with shoes, shots, and lots of sex. But while her life appears fantastic to most, Harper herself knows that the most important thing in life is not financial stability, but emotional. Having been let down by her absent father for most of her life, Harper chooses to keep the men in her life at arms length. Well, that was until Kyler Morgan.Kyler Morgan has been successful at nearly everything in his life … nearly. Traveling the country with the band Down Glory Road, Kyler has had time to reflect upon his life and in particular his relationship with feisty, drop-dead gorgeous realtor, Harper. Realizing that she is the woman of his dreams, Kyler resolves to win back Harper, and prove to her that she is, and always has been, enough.But the path to true love rarely runs smoothly, and when their journey takes a number of twists and turns, will Harper and Kyler manage to hold tight, or fall by the wayside?
Meet Stacy
Goodreads / Facebook
I'm a Coast Guard wife and currently a stay at home mom. I've always said 'I want to be a nurse when I "grow up' but those plans are currently on hold while I live out another dream. My incredibly handsome husband and I have been married for 10 years and I have 2 amazing children that keep life interesting. I am an obsessive reader. I go through 3-5 books a week on my Kindle and I whole-heartedly support my indie authors. After reading well over a couple hundred books last year, I decided I might give it a shot and write my own book. I dabbled with a few ideas and finally settled on one that I knew I could write, and write well. It was a very personal story to me. Ever Enough was released in early May and it only took a few weeks to hit the Amazon top 100, which I never anticipated, but I have been humbled by the success of the book. My second novel Always Enough will be released in mid September and it is a continuation of the first book. This one is about the two best friends, Harper and Kyler. In the meantime, I am writing my third novel which I'm very excited about. It is something completely different from the first two. I have a gorgeous cover model, and I'm crossing my fingers to have some other things in store for this book. This one is my pride and joy and I am expecting to release it the first week in December, so be on the look out.
Book Trailer Ever Enough (Never Enough #1)
Buy Ever Enough (Never Enough #1) NowAMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK
*Cover Reveal: Who We Are by S.Q Williams*
HI Brats :):)
EEEEP!! I'm excited to share the cover for Who We Are - the much anticipated sequel to Shanora Williams' Who He Is :):)
Expected Release: September 24, 2013
Synopsis “I thought I had gone through something much worse. I thought the abuse and pain from my mom and step-dad was bad, but this? This heartache? This pain? This depression? This gut-wrenching, heartbreaking moment? This knotted up feeling in my gut, the tightness in my throat, the ache in my chest? It was slowly but surely killing me.” Eight months.That’s how long it’s been since Eliza last saw Gage and they both feel as if they don’t deserve one another’s forgiveness. He screwed up. She walked away without looking back. They’ll try and make up all the time they’ve lost with one another, that is until they’re facing the choices of either going their separate ways, or hanging on and fighting for dear life.The fights will be endless. They heartache will be real. The demons will return, and they won’t back down without a fight.There are some who will do anything to keep true love apart, and those same people will dig deep into their demonic ways until Eliza and Gage are literally no more.Can Eliza and Gage overcome it all? Will they be able to face the true demons that are seeking to destroy them? Or will they just forget about everything they’ve worked so hard for and go their separate ways?Sometimes you have to go through struggles in order to reach an ultimate point of peace… but will their struggle be worth it?
Teaser:As I chewed on the end of my pen, I looked up and Gage was standing with his back and the sole of his shoe pinned against the wall. “You okay?” I asked with slight humor. His silence was really getting to me now. It wasn’t normal. No matter how busy I may have seemed, Gage was the type to bother me just a little bit before leaving me alone.
“Yeah.” He smiled. “I’m all right. Just watching.” He pushed off the wall and made his way across the room to sit in the chair opposite me. “You really like this stuff, huh?” he asked, picking up one of the photos.
“I do.”
“You’ve been staring at it all night. You aren’t going to start drawing or painting or anything?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. I want the outcome to be perfect. I don’t wanna rush it.” I looked at him again, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip. “Actually, I know what’ll help.”
Gage’s eyes broadened. “Yeah? What?”
Standing, I pushed from the table and picked up my camera. “I’ll take pictures of you… for my project. We were told to find pictures online and turn them into something else, but I think it’d be best to start fresh.”
“So you’re gonna cheat?” he asked, laughing a little.
I giggled. “No, silly. This is not cheating. It’s being creative. Now, come on!” I said, grabbing his wrist and dragging him to the living room. Gage stepped in front of me and smiled.
“What do I do?” he asked, that smile still tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Just strike a pose… anything. Make it sexy… serious… cute. Whatever. You know what to do. You do this all the time.” I held my camera in front of my eye and angled it at him.
Laughing, Gage did a few poses. Some naughty. Some nice. And some just downright sexy. Each time the camera flashed, he’d switch it up, and each one was perfect. It was going to be hard choosing just three for my project. One picture I knew I was going to use. He sank his teeth into his bottom lip and licked it. His hazel eyes were narrowed right at the camera, his stance firm yet casual. After I snapped my last shot, I lowered my camera and grinned at him.
“You’re a pro at this, huh?”
Shrugging, he walked toward me. I told him to stop and held the camera in the air to take a photo of us together. Grabbing the camera out of my hands, Gage kissed my cheek and then took a step back. “My turn. Pose for me—and make it sexy! No bullshit.” He laughed out loud, those adorable chinks forming around his eyes as usual.
I swallowed a little as my nerves got the best of me, but as Gage stepped in front of me and placed a kiss on my forehead and then my cheek, I looked up at him and comfort snuck up on me. “Just have fun. It’s what I do. I used to hate it, but now… it’s pretty cool.”
“Right.” I blew out a breath and took the spot in front of the window where Gage stood. He placed the camera in front of his eyes, his lips hinting at a smile. I knew he was staring at me. My poses at first were silly and evidently corny, but as the flash of the camera happened more and more, I decided to get sexier for him. I’d bite my lip, smile at him beneath my eyelashes. Each flash from the camera took longer and longer until finally Gage pulled the camera away and looked directly at me. His eyes were hungry, his face hard. He was serious now, and I was confused, turned on, and a little excited by it.
In an instant, he marched for me, picking me up in his arms and crushing my lips with his. My chest pressed on his and my breath caught the more our tongues collided. He panted hard, almost greedy with his actions.
He pulled away a few inches and brought his hand up to brush his calloused thumb across my moist bottom lip. His other hand was still glued to my waist, pulling me closer. This wasn’t how the night was supposed to turn out at all, but I refused to fight it.
Meet Shanora:
Facebook / Twitter / Website / Goodreads Shanora Williams was born and raised in Matthews, North Carolina. She's the author of the New Adult series, OBTAINED and the Best Selling New Adult novel, Hard to Resist. Her upcoming mature New-Adult/Adult novel, Who He Is, will be released in July of 2013.When she's not writing, she's happily reading or watching cartoons like the big kid she is. She has a wonderful family that you will hear her brag and talk about all of the time. Whenever she just wants to get away from the words for a while, she'll spend some time with her loved ones, eat gummy bears, or drown in Coca-Cola and anything else caffeinated. 
Book Trailer (Who He Is - FireNine 1) by Shanora Williams
Buy Who He Is (FireNine 1) by Shanora Williams NOWAmazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble
EEEEP!! I'm excited to share the cover for Who We Are - the much anticipated sequel to Shanora Williams' Who He Is :):)
Expected Release: September 24, 2013
Synopsis “I thought I had gone through something much worse. I thought the abuse and pain from my mom and step-dad was bad, but this? This heartache? This pain? This depression? This gut-wrenching, heartbreaking moment? This knotted up feeling in my gut, the tightness in my throat, the ache in my chest? It was slowly but surely killing me.” Eight months.That’s how long it’s been since Eliza last saw Gage and they both feel as if they don’t deserve one another’s forgiveness. He screwed up. She walked away without looking back. They’ll try and make up all the time they’ve lost with one another, that is until they’re facing the choices of either going their separate ways, or hanging on and fighting for dear life.The fights will be endless. They heartache will be real. The demons will return, and they won’t back down without a fight.There are some who will do anything to keep true love apart, and those same people will dig deep into their demonic ways until Eliza and Gage are literally no more.Can Eliza and Gage overcome it all? Will they be able to face the true demons that are seeking to destroy them? Or will they just forget about everything they’ve worked so hard for and go their separate ways?Sometimes you have to go through struggles in order to reach an ultimate point of peace… but will their struggle be worth it?
Teaser:As I chewed on the end of my pen, I looked up and Gage was standing with his back and the sole of his shoe pinned against the wall. “You okay?” I asked with slight humor. His silence was really getting to me now. It wasn’t normal. No matter how busy I may have seemed, Gage was the type to bother me just a little bit before leaving me alone.
“Yeah.” He smiled. “I’m all right. Just watching.” He pushed off the wall and made his way across the room to sit in the chair opposite me. “You really like this stuff, huh?” he asked, picking up one of the photos.
“I do.”
“You’ve been staring at it all night. You aren’t going to start drawing or painting or anything?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. I want the outcome to be perfect. I don’t wanna rush it.” I looked at him again, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip. “Actually, I know what’ll help.”
Gage’s eyes broadened. “Yeah? What?”
Standing, I pushed from the table and picked up my camera. “I’ll take pictures of you… for my project. We were told to find pictures online and turn them into something else, but I think it’d be best to start fresh.”
“So you’re gonna cheat?” he asked, laughing a little.
I giggled. “No, silly. This is not cheating. It’s being creative. Now, come on!” I said, grabbing his wrist and dragging him to the living room. Gage stepped in front of me and smiled.
“What do I do?” he asked, that smile still tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Just strike a pose… anything. Make it sexy… serious… cute. Whatever. You know what to do. You do this all the time.” I held my camera in front of my eye and angled it at him.
Laughing, Gage did a few poses. Some naughty. Some nice. And some just downright sexy. Each time the camera flashed, he’d switch it up, and each one was perfect. It was going to be hard choosing just three for my project. One picture I knew I was going to use. He sank his teeth into his bottom lip and licked it. His hazel eyes were narrowed right at the camera, his stance firm yet casual. After I snapped my last shot, I lowered my camera and grinned at him.
“You’re a pro at this, huh?”
Shrugging, he walked toward me. I told him to stop and held the camera in the air to take a photo of us together. Grabbing the camera out of my hands, Gage kissed my cheek and then took a step back. “My turn. Pose for me—and make it sexy! No bullshit.” He laughed out loud, those adorable chinks forming around his eyes as usual.
I swallowed a little as my nerves got the best of me, but as Gage stepped in front of me and placed a kiss on my forehead and then my cheek, I looked up at him and comfort snuck up on me. “Just have fun. It’s what I do. I used to hate it, but now… it’s pretty cool.”
“Right.” I blew out a breath and took the spot in front of the window where Gage stood. He placed the camera in front of his eyes, his lips hinting at a smile. I knew he was staring at me. My poses at first were silly and evidently corny, but as the flash of the camera happened more and more, I decided to get sexier for him. I’d bite my lip, smile at him beneath my eyelashes. Each flash from the camera took longer and longer until finally Gage pulled the camera away and looked directly at me. His eyes were hungry, his face hard. He was serious now, and I was confused, turned on, and a little excited by it.
In an instant, he marched for me, picking me up in his arms and crushing my lips with his. My chest pressed on his and my breath caught the more our tongues collided. He panted hard, almost greedy with his actions.
He pulled away a few inches and brought his hand up to brush his calloused thumb across my moist bottom lip. His other hand was still glued to my waist, pulling me closer. This wasn’t how the night was supposed to turn out at all, but I refused to fight it.
Meet Shanora:
Facebook / Twitter / Website / Goodreads Shanora Williams was born and raised in Matthews, North Carolina. She's the author of the New Adult series, OBTAINED and the Best Selling New Adult novel, Hard to Resist. Her upcoming mature New-Adult/Adult novel, Who He Is, will be released in July of 2013.When she's not writing, she's happily reading or watching cartoons like the big kid she is. She has a wonderful family that you will hear her brag and talk about all of the time. Whenever she just wants to get away from the words for a while, she'll spend some time with her loved ones, eat gummy bears, or drown in Coca-Cola and anything else caffeinated. Book Trailer (Who He Is - FireNine 1) by Shanora Williams
Buy Who He Is (FireNine 1) by Shanora Williams NOWAmazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble
*Review: S. Walden*
Hi Brats :)
It's not very often that I come across a book that I will feel compelled to review, but this book? Well, it was just that damn good....
Cadence Miller is a good girl. She just happens to make one terrible mistake her junior year in high school which costs her ten months in juvenile detention. Now a senior, she’s lost everything: her best friend, the trust of her parents, driving privileges, Internet access. It’s a lonely existence.
But there is one bright spot: Mark Connelly, her very cute, very off-limits 28-year-old calculus teacher. She falls hard for him—a ridiculous schoolgirl crush headed nowhere. She can’t help it. He’s the only good thing at Crestview High. She doesn’t expect him to reciprocate her feelings. How inappropriate, right? But he does. And he shows her.
And that’s when her life goes from bad to good. My Review Let me start by mentioning the things that have compelled me to write this review - firstly, the topic is somewhat controversial/taboo. Secondly, the author, S. Walden, has received some demeaning reviews calling her a 'Sex Pervert' on platforms like Amazon and thirdly, S. Walden has refused to stop writing what SHE wants to write simply because readers don't like it. So lets begin... Good is the story about a seventeen year old girl, Cadence, who spends 10 months in Juvie after making a "big mistake." (Now I'd like to point out that this has nothing to do with the relationship with her teacher that develops a little later on...) “I was never allowed to make a mistake, and when I finally did, I paid the ultimate price.” When she returns home, her parents continue to punish her & and soon, she finds herself ostracised, shunned and bullied by other students, as well as the rest of her small community. It is at this point that her calculus teacher, Mr Connelly, starts showing an interest that starts out as 'concern' and becomes more... Cadence finds herself with conflicting feelings - on one hand she feels something for Mr Connelly, and on the other, she knows it's wrong to have 'romantic' feelings for a teacher. “I was perfectly content to harbor a secret crush on my teacher – one I knew would go absolutely nowhere. It was one thing to fantasize about an inappropriate relationship. It was quite another to actually pursue it. And he was pursuing me.” This begs the question: Is it wrong that she's a student who has feelings for her teacher OR is it the fact that she's 17 and he's 28?? Let's explore shall we? When you hear about couples with big age differences, it's often a non-issue, especially when it's only 10 years. But now we have a 17 year old student, who has very real, very romantic and very forbidden feelings for a 28 year old teacher who happens to reciprocate those feelings. In fact, HE is the one who pursues Cadence... This in itself raised a few more 'issues' - It was suggested that he was a predator, that he took advantage of a young, naïve, innocent girl. But one should consider the ability of a 17 year old to make her own decisions, especially after the "big mistake' that landed her in juvie. THAT was a decision SHE made, there was no coercion or manipulation in that situation that made her do it. She had the opportunity to end it when Mr Connelly started pursuing her, but she didn't... “What I’m doing is wrong… Being with you. Sneaking around. Lying. Letting you do things to me. It’s wrong, and I feel guilty.”
“Do you really think it’s wrong that we’re together? Or do you think it’s wrong because that’s what you’ve been taught?”
There's another factor that played an important role in the development of this story, and that is Religion. It was brought in throughout the story, but was taken out of context by many who read the book. It wasn't about Christianity as a whole, and whether or not it condoned this kind of relationship - it was about Cadence's religion on a personal level and how she dealt with how she felt versus what she was taught to believe. It was a personal conflict... The author explains this as follows...
"She’s grappling with her private faith, and the reader gets to hear that. I made her Christianity an important part of her personal identity on purpose. I wanted my story to be layered. I didn’t want Good to be all about “What if we get caught?!” That’s exciting, but that’s been done. A lot. I wanted a heroine who not only worries about getting caught, but worries about what a relationship like that will do to her soul. I wanted her to struggle with her faith, to question it, because that’s how readers can see her growth."
So yes, there are a few 'controversial' issues that come up in this book, but none of them were dealt with disrespectfully, or in a way that is intended to offend readers. But in all honesty, I loved that this book pushed my boundaries and forced me to think differently about this. One thing that stood out was Cadence's need to please her parents and get them to trust her again. The irony, however, was that when she started lying to them and sneaking around with Mr Connelly, they started trusting her, and ultimately started treating her the way they had before...
“I worked for an entire month since my release from juvie to get back into my parents’ good graves… The irony was that I didn’t need to show either of them I’d chanced because I hadn’t. I’d always been a good girl, even when I made that mistake. Yes, it was a really terrible mistake… but it didn’t alter who I was. I didn’t suddenly overnight become a drug addict or a career criminal. I made one bad choice that branded me for life, at least in my parent’s eyes.”
Do I think her parents were scared for their daughter? Yes. Do I think they played a role in some of the 'bad' decisions Cadence made? Maybe. I'm of the opinion that the more open a parent-child relationship is, the less likely it is that a child will feel the need to do something behind a parents back. We live in a day and age where children are exposed to so much 'more' than their parents, and this has required parents to be far more proactive with their parenting. Would I want my children having sex in their teens? HELL NO! Can I stop them? HELL NO! But can I prepare them? Can I educate them? YES. Do I want them to be too afraid of disappointing me to talk to me about these kinds of things? NO.
I loved how this book made me feel things I shouldn't, and had me rooting for these 2 people when 'what I've been taught to believe' had me saying "But it's wrong!"... But is it really??? Love is not black and white. Ever. We can't choose who we fall in love with, nor can we be 'manipulated' into loving someone. Sometimes it just happens.
I think S. Walden is a FANTASTIC author and her ability to stay true to herself is awe-inspiring. It took courage to write this and I don't think she could've done a better job. I am eagerly awaiting the 2nd book (There's a cliffy in this book but not a relationship cliffy.) and really hope that Summer will give Cadence and Mark the happy ending I feel they deserve - if I have ever wanted a couple to beat the odds, it's this one! <3 ~ Tam
*For more on the author's response to the critique of 'Good', visit her blog HERE *
*Buy GOOD on Amazon*
It's not very often that I come across a book that I will feel compelled to review, but this book? Well, it was just that damn good....
Cadence Miller is a good girl. She just happens to make one terrible mistake her junior year in high school which costs her ten months in juvenile detention. Now a senior, she’s lost everything: her best friend, the trust of her parents, driving privileges, Internet access. It’s a lonely existence.
But there is one bright spot: Mark Connelly, her very cute, very off-limits 28-year-old calculus teacher. She falls hard for him—a ridiculous schoolgirl crush headed nowhere. She can’t help it. He’s the only good thing at Crestview High. She doesn’t expect him to reciprocate her feelings. How inappropriate, right? But he does. And he shows her.
And that’s when her life goes from bad to good. My Review Let me start by mentioning the things that have compelled me to write this review - firstly, the topic is somewhat controversial/taboo. Secondly, the author, S. Walden, has received some demeaning reviews calling her a 'Sex Pervert' on platforms like Amazon and thirdly, S. Walden has refused to stop writing what SHE wants to write simply because readers don't like it. So lets begin... Good is the story about a seventeen year old girl, Cadence, who spends 10 months in Juvie after making a "big mistake." (Now I'd like to point out that this has nothing to do with the relationship with her teacher that develops a little later on...) “I was never allowed to make a mistake, and when I finally did, I paid the ultimate price.” When she returns home, her parents continue to punish her & and soon, she finds herself ostracised, shunned and bullied by other students, as well as the rest of her small community. It is at this point that her calculus teacher, Mr Connelly, starts showing an interest that starts out as 'concern' and becomes more... Cadence finds herself with conflicting feelings - on one hand she feels something for Mr Connelly, and on the other, she knows it's wrong to have 'romantic' feelings for a teacher. “I was perfectly content to harbor a secret crush on my teacher – one I knew would go absolutely nowhere. It was one thing to fantasize about an inappropriate relationship. It was quite another to actually pursue it. And he was pursuing me.” This begs the question: Is it wrong that she's a student who has feelings for her teacher OR is it the fact that she's 17 and he's 28?? Let's explore shall we? When you hear about couples with big age differences, it's often a non-issue, especially when it's only 10 years. But now we have a 17 year old student, who has very real, very romantic and very forbidden feelings for a 28 year old teacher who happens to reciprocate those feelings. In fact, HE is the one who pursues Cadence... This in itself raised a few more 'issues' - It was suggested that he was a predator, that he took advantage of a young, naïve, innocent girl. But one should consider the ability of a 17 year old to make her own decisions, especially after the "big mistake' that landed her in juvie. THAT was a decision SHE made, there was no coercion or manipulation in that situation that made her do it. She had the opportunity to end it when Mr Connelly started pursuing her, but she didn't... “What I’m doing is wrong… Being with you. Sneaking around. Lying. Letting you do things to me. It’s wrong, and I feel guilty.”
“Do you really think it’s wrong that we’re together? Or do you think it’s wrong because that’s what you’ve been taught?”
There's another factor that played an important role in the development of this story, and that is Religion. It was brought in throughout the story, but was taken out of context by many who read the book. It wasn't about Christianity as a whole, and whether or not it condoned this kind of relationship - it was about Cadence's religion on a personal level and how she dealt with how she felt versus what she was taught to believe. It was a personal conflict... The author explains this as follows...
"She’s grappling with her private faith, and the reader gets to hear that. I made her Christianity an important part of her personal identity on purpose. I wanted my story to be layered. I didn’t want Good to be all about “What if we get caught?!” That’s exciting, but that’s been done. A lot. I wanted a heroine who not only worries about getting caught, but worries about what a relationship like that will do to her soul. I wanted her to struggle with her faith, to question it, because that’s how readers can see her growth."
So yes, there are a few 'controversial' issues that come up in this book, but none of them were dealt with disrespectfully, or in a way that is intended to offend readers. But in all honesty, I loved that this book pushed my boundaries and forced me to think differently about this. One thing that stood out was Cadence's need to please her parents and get them to trust her again. The irony, however, was that when she started lying to them and sneaking around with Mr Connelly, they started trusting her, and ultimately started treating her the way they had before...
“I worked for an entire month since my release from juvie to get back into my parents’ good graves… The irony was that I didn’t need to show either of them I’d chanced because I hadn’t. I’d always been a good girl, even when I made that mistake. Yes, it was a really terrible mistake… but it didn’t alter who I was. I didn’t suddenly overnight become a drug addict or a career criminal. I made one bad choice that branded me for life, at least in my parent’s eyes.”
Do I think her parents were scared for their daughter? Yes. Do I think they played a role in some of the 'bad' decisions Cadence made? Maybe. I'm of the opinion that the more open a parent-child relationship is, the less likely it is that a child will feel the need to do something behind a parents back. We live in a day and age where children are exposed to so much 'more' than their parents, and this has required parents to be far more proactive with their parenting. Would I want my children having sex in their teens? HELL NO! Can I stop them? HELL NO! But can I prepare them? Can I educate them? YES. Do I want them to be too afraid of disappointing me to talk to me about these kinds of things? NO.
I loved how this book made me feel things I shouldn't, and had me rooting for these 2 people when 'what I've been taught to believe' had me saying "But it's wrong!"... But is it really??? Love is not black and white. Ever. We can't choose who we fall in love with, nor can we be 'manipulated' into loving someone. Sometimes it just happens.
I think S. Walden is a FANTASTIC author and her ability to stay true to herself is awe-inspiring. It took courage to write this and I don't think she could've done a better job. I am eagerly awaiting the 2nd book (There's a cliffy in this book but not a relationship cliffy.) and really hope that Summer will give Cadence and Mark the happy ending I feel they deserve - if I have ever wanted a couple to beat the odds, it's this one! <3 ~ Tam
*For more on the author's response to the critique of 'Good', visit her blog HERE *
*Buy GOOD on Amazon*
September 5, 2013
*Cover Reveal: No Turning Back by Casey Peeler*
Hi Brats :) I'm excited to be part of the cover reveal for blogger-turned-author Casey Peeler's debut novel, No Turning Back :)
ABOUT NO TURNING BACK (Full Circle #1):
After getting involved with Dylan, the bad boy of the Dixon High Swim team, Charley decides to stay close to home for college. It’s just safer that way. Until she realizes it’s a mistake… just like dating Dylan. She decides to put the past behind her and leave the small hick town of Grassy Pond. There is only one problem; she makes this decision 3 weeks before Fall Semester starts.
Charley packs up her Honda and heads to Southern College. On the morning she’s about to leave, Cash walks back into her life. He has been her best friend since they were 4 and is the only one that knows the REAL Charley. She leaves her farm in Grassy Pond with all kinds of “what ifs?”
Charley decides to live her college career to the fullest. She finds a great group of friends, joins the swim team, and meets a guy named Joe. He’s got eyes that make ya wanna melt!
There is only one problem…Charley has been away from home for only 48 hours before she breaks the 2 promises she made to herself. Will she be able to overcome her past? Find new love? What will happen with Cash now that he is back in her life? Will she find what she is wanting in Jack-a-lope Joe? How will her First semester end?… Joe, Cash, or alone?
Excerpt:
As we make our way to the door, Georgia slips on the gravel. She starts laughing and the rest of us do as well once we help her up.
“Y’all, I think the ground and curbs are out to get me. I mean they come out of nowhere. The next thing I know, I’m on my ass again!” Georgia is a hoot. She always makes light of situations.
Hank’s Tavern is not exactly what I pictured. It’s an old, worn down, wooden shed. There are five parking spaces in front of the restaurant section of the place. The rest of the parking lot is located across the road in a gravel lot. It’s gravel, no pavement anywhere. The bouncers are dressed in jeans and Hank’s Tavern t-shirts that fit just a little snug around their arms showing off their muscles. They ask for our IDs, take a brief glance, and in we go. I will have to say, the guys don’t get in quite as easy. They get patted down and driver’s license checked. Sometimes it pays to be a female.
We enter through another set of glass doors and immediately cigarette smoke and stale beer hit my nostrils. The room is open except for a few pool tables and the bar. It is dark, lights are flashing, and the music is bumping. We do exactly what any group of girls would do, walk straight to the bathroom. You have got to kidding me! No door really! There is no freakin’ door on the last stall. After taking a few minutes to get over the negative stall and freshen up, we walk out and head straight to the dance floor.
I have to say that this is exactly redneck meets ghetto fabulous. Whoever thought a place like this would play Mystikal, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, throw in a little "Downtown" by Lady A and Old Crow Medicine Show? We have the best time just dancing in a big group. I notice Crystal and Lucas on the floor; she smiles and waves before continuing to do things she should be embarrassed to be doing in public. I am so thankful that I don’t have to deal with that in my room. That is one benefit to her dating an Resident Assistant... he has his own room.
By midnight, Hank’s is packed. I decide to grab a bottle of water, and as I’m about to pay, I hear that oh so sexy voice.
“I got that.”
“It’s okay, Joe. I got it.”
“No, I insist. I was an ass earlier. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. It’s the least I could do.”
“Damn straight! I’m proud of who I am and where I’m from. I just hate when damn Yankees come down here and then try to make us look like hicks. You don’t like the way we live, then don’t cross the Mason-Dixon,” I say as playful as possible. It did tick me off earlier, but I don’t want him to think I’m a bitch.
“I swear I won’t do it again, and nobody is gonna pick on you eating squirrel but me,” he says with a smile.
“Okay, I’ll give ya that.”
“So Squirrel, you wanna dance?”
“Mr. Scaredy Cat, I’d love to.” He takes the water bottle from me and leads me to the dance floor.
Add No Turning Back (Full Circle #1) to your TRB on Goodreads
About Casey Peeler:
Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book.
After reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston her senior year of high school and multiple Nicholas Sparks novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading.
Casey has been an avid reader, blogger (Hardcover Therapy,) and now writer. No Turning Back(Full Circle #1) is her debut novel releasing this September 30th with Finding Charley (Full Circle #2) releasing Spring 2014.
Her goal is to one day be an author that is recognized nationwide like Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover, Tiffany King, and Amanda Bennett.
When Casey isn’t reading, you can find her listening to country music, spending the day at the lake, being a wife, dance mom, and spending time with friends and family.
Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ABOUT NO TURNING BACK (Full Circle #1):
After getting involved with Dylan, the bad boy of the Dixon High Swim team, Charley decides to stay close to home for college. It’s just safer that way. Until she realizes it’s a mistake… just like dating Dylan. She decides to put the past behind her and leave the small hick town of Grassy Pond. There is only one problem; she makes this decision 3 weeks before Fall Semester starts.
Charley packs up her Honda and heads to Southern College. On the morning she’s about to leave, Cash walks back into her life. He has been her best friend since they were 4 and is the only one that knows the REAL Charley. She leaves her farm in Grassy Pond with all kinds of “what ifs?”
Charley decides to live her college career to the fullest. She finds a great group of friends, joins the swim team, and meets a guy named Joe. He’s got eyes that make ya wanna melt!
There is only one problem…Charley has been away from home for only 48 hours before she breaks the 2 promises she made to herself. Will she be able to overcome her past? Find new love? What will happen with Cash now that he is back in her life? Will she find what she is wanting in Jack-a-lope Joe? How will her First semester end?… Joe, Cash, or alone?
Excerpt:
As we make our way to the door, Georgia slips on the gravel. She starts laughing and the rest of us do as well once we help her up.
“Y’all, I think the ground and curbs are out to get me. I mean they come out of nowhere. The next thing I know, I’m on my ass again!” Georgia is a hoot. She always makes light of situations.
Hank’s Tavern is not exactly what I pictured. It’s an old, worn down, wooden shed. There are five parking spaces in front of the restaurant section of the place. The rest of the parking lot is located across the road in a gravel lot. It’s gravel, no pavement anywhere. The bouncers are dressed in jeans and Hank’s Tavern t-shirts that fit just a little snug around their arms showing off their muscles. They ask for our IDs, take a brief glance, and in we go. I will have to say, the guys don’t get in quite as easy. They get patted down and driver’s license checked. Sometimes it pays to be a female.
We enter through another set of glass doors and immediately cigarette smoke and stale beer hit my nostrils. The room is open except for a few pool tables and the bar. It is dark, lights are flashing, and the music is bumping. We do exactly what any group of girls would do, walk straight to the bathroom. You have got to kidding me! No door really! There is no freakin’ door on the last stall. After taking a few minutes to get over the negative stall and freshen up, we walk out and head straight to the dance floor.
I have to say that this is exactly redneck meets ghetto fabulous. Whoever thought a place like this would play Mystikal, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, throw in a little "Downtown" by Lady A and Old Crow Medicine Show? We have the best time just dancing in a big group. I notice Crystal and Lucas on the floor; she smiles and waves before continuing to do things she should be embarrassed to be doing in public. I am so thankful that I don’t have to deal with that in my room. That is one benefit to her dating an Resident Assistant... he has his own room.
By midnight, Hank’s is packed. I decide to grab a bottle of water, and as I’m about to pay, I hear that oh so sexy voice.
“I got that.”
“It’s okay, Joe. I got it.”
“No, I insist. I was an ass earlier. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. It’s the least I could do.”
“Damn straight! I’m proud of who I am and where I’m from. I just hate when damn Yankees come down here and then try to make us look like hicks. You don’t like the way we live, then don’t cross the Mason-Dixon,” I say as playful as possible. It did tick me off earlier, but I don’t want him to think I’m a bitch.
“I swear I won’t do it again, and nobody is gonna pick on you eating squirrel but me,” he says with a smile.
“Okay, I’ll give ya that.”
“So Squirrel, you wanna dance?”
“Mr. Scaredy Cat, I’d love to.” He takes the water bottle from me and leads me to the dance floor.
Add No Turning Back (Full Circle #1) to your TRB on Goodreads
About Casey Peeler:
Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book.
After reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston her senior year of high school and multiple Nicholas Sparks novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading.
Casey has been an avid reader, blogger (Hardcover Therapy,) and now writer. No Turning Back(Full Circle #1) is her debut novel releasing this September 30th with Finding Charley (Full Circle #2) releasing Spring 2014.
Her goal is to one day be an author that is recognized nationwide like Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover, Tiffany King, and Amanda Bennett.
When Casey isn’t reading, you can find her listening to country music, spending the day at the lake, being a wife, dance mom, and spending time with friends and family.
Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 4, 2013
*Cover Reveal: Embrace by S.E Hall*
Hi Brats :)
Today is the cover reveal for S.E Halls' much anticipated novel 'Embrace' :) Her debut novel, Emerge, has also received a facelift ;) Embrace is the second book in the Evolve series and tells the story of Evan, the boy next door it was impossible not to fall in love with in Emerge :)
Add to Goodreads
SynopsisEmbrace, the second book in the Evolve Series by S.E. Hall, follows the characters from her debut NA romance, Emerge.Evan Allen is a handsome, athletic, southern gentleman...who now attends GSU, for no good reason.No friends, a year of ineligibility on the football team and no girl, Evan is starting over alone. But certain members of The Crew refuse to let him face things by himself, taking him under their wing, and it doesn't take the ladies long to notice him either.Sometimes life doesn't go as you had planned, it goes better.Embrace it.17+ readers recommended for this N/A Coming of Age romance due to sexual content situations and mature language.
TeaserTrash, toilet paper and a few smokers huddled together for warmth decorate the front lawn. A loud bass line thumps from inside and Sawyer’s head is bobbing to the music like a dashboard doll as we make our way up the walk to the frat house. Neither one of us are a Sig, but I’m thinking nobody tells Sawyer he can’t join the party, so I figure I’m golden.
All I want to do tonight is forget; erase from my mind all that is my new school, my forfeited jersey and my blonde no more. Seeing her in Algebra every week is gonna suck, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to treat her with cold indifference, it just doesn’t feel right. We were friends before we were anything else, for so long, but I’m not sure yet if we can get it back there. Not having her in my life at all is foreign, and hurts like hell, but I’m not sure I can pull it off.
Not wanting to do the mental debate thing for the hundredth time in days, I follow Sawyer into the party, vowing internally not to think of it, her, us, them, again tonight. We hit the keg straight away, then head over to a group of people Sawyer knows. Introductions are made and the only one I register is Josie, a short, really pretty brunette across from me. Yes- I still have eyes.
I give her a smile and hold her hand in mine longer than a normal “nice to meet you” shake, rubbing my thumb across her wrist on the release. I just want to connect with someone, anyone, even for a moment. I’ve always been one-half of a whole, always known the girl in the room who was “mine,” and now I’m lost.
Sawyer picks up on my interest in her and gives me a nod, turning his attention to her friend, guiding her away to dance. Very nice.
I’ve got one foot in the stirrup, ready to fling my leg over and get “back on the horse” when a pair of small hands cover my eyes from behind. “Guess who?” a sweet voice whispers in my ear.
Cover Re-reveal of Emerge (Evolve Series 1)
Add to Goodreads
SynopsisLaney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her, Evan having protected and coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same. Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own. A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.
Buy Emerge (Evolve Series 1) NowAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
*You can read Michelle's review of Emerge HERE*Meet S.E. Hall
Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
S.E.Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 17 years and 3 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading YA and NA romance.
Today is the cover reveal for S.E Halls' much anticipated novel 'Embrace' :) Her debut novel, Emerge, has also received a facelift ;) Embrace is the second book in the Evolve series and tells the story of Evan, the boy next door it was impossible not to fall in love with in Emerge :)
Add to Goodreads
SynopsisEmbrace, the second book in the Evolve Series by S.E. Hall, follows the characters from her debut NA romance, Emerge.Evan Allen is a handsome, athletic, southern gentleman...who now attends GSU, for no good reason.No friends, a year of ineligibility on the football team and no girl, Evan is starting over alone. But certain members of The Crew refuse to let him face things by himself, taking him under their wing, and it doesn't take the ladies long to notice him either.Sometimes life doesn't go as you had planned, it goes better.Embrace it.17+ readers recommended for this N/A Coming of Age romance due to sexual content situations and mature language.
TeaserTrash, toilet paper and a few smokers huddled together for warmth decorate the front lawn. A loud bass line thumps from inside and Sawyer’s head is bobbing to the music like a dashboard doll as we make our way up the walk to the frat house. Neither one of us are a Sig, but I’m thinking nobody tells Sawyer he can’t join the party, so I figure I’m golden.All I want to do tonight is forget; erase from my mind all that is my new school, my forfeited jersey and my blonde no more. Seeing her in Algebra every week is gonna suck, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to treat her with cold indifference, it just doesn’t feel right. We were friends before we were anything else, for so long, but I’m not sure yet if we can get it back there. Not having her in my life at all is foreign, and hurts like hell, but I’m not sure I can pull it off.
Not wanting to do the mental debate thing for the hundredth time in days, I follow Sawyer into the party, vowing internally not to think of it, her, us, them, again tonight. We hit the keg straight away, then head over to a group of people Sawyer knows. Introductions are made and the only one I register is Josie, a short, really pretty brunette across from me. Yes- I still have eyes.
I give her a smile and hold her hand in mine longer than a normal “nice to meet you” shake, rubbing my thumb across her wrist on the release. I just want to connect with someone, anyone, even for a moment. I’ve always been one-half of a whole, always known the girl in the room who was “mine,” and now I’m lost.
Sawyer picks up on my interest in her and gives me a nod, turning his attention to her friend, guiding her away to dance. Very nice.
I’ve got one foot in the stirrup, ready to fling my leg over and get “back on the horse” when a pair of small hands cover my eyes from behind. “Guess who?” a sweet voice whispers in my ear.
Cover Re-reveal of Emerge (Evolve Series 1)
Add to Goodreads
SynopsisLaney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her, Evan having protected and coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same. Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own. A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.Buy Emerge (Evolve Series 1) NowAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
*You can read Michelle's review of Emerge HERE*Meet S.E. Hall
Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
S.E.Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 17 years and 3 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading YA and NA romance.
September 3, 2013
*Review: Beneath Your Beautiful by Tamsyn Bester*
Hi Brats :) Michelle here! The blog tour for Tamsyn's debut novel, Beneath Your Beautiful, kicks off today, and while TheSecretBookBrat is not part of the tour, I wanted to post my review anyway :)
On the outside, Huntley Morgan is your typical girl-next-door, with her long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, and that’s exactly what she wants people to see. Her name exposes her to the demons of her past but remembering her reason for moving across the country to start over is what keeps her alive. For the first time since the brutal murder of her mother, Huntley allows herself to care about the people around her.
Grayson Carter has everything a 21yr old College Senior could wish for – he’s the star of Whitley University’s football team, he has a different girl willing to be in his bed every night and a supportive family. For years he has managed keep his family together and hide their dark secrets from the small town of Breckinridge, Alabama.
When Huntley and Grayson meet, a force so strong pulls them together in a hurricane of feelings neither of them could have ever anticipated. Huntley and Grayson try to stay away from each other, but when Huntley’s demons seek her out, their pasts become the biggest storm of all.
Will they learn to trust each other and build a new future together or will they simply do nothing to prevent history from repeating itself?
*Content Warning: Contains Language & Mature Situations. +17*
My Review
First thing I need to say is I LOVE THIS BOOK!! It is an AMAZING debut novel! I had the PLEASURE of beta reading BYB and I hounded poor Tamsyn daily for chapters. I barely let the poor girl sleep and I am surprised she didn’t defriend me and report me for “stalking” ;) I was SO invested in this story from beginning to end! Seriously, she could not send me these chapters quick enough!! I was like a crack whore jonesing for a fix...
Beneath Your Beautiful is the story of Huntley Morgan and Grayson Carter, two lost and broken souls who are fortunate enough to find each other.
Their story starts with Huntley moving to Breckinridge, Alabama to live near her Aunt and Uncle and to escape a life of pain and abuse. Her mother has died and she is running from an abusive ex-boyfriend. Alabama is her chance for a fresh start and is where she meets Grayson. Unfortunately, their love story is not an easy one. They are both damaged and living with a lot of pain and regret. Can these two heal each other and find their well deserved happily ever after?
From the moment Huntley and Grayson meet the sparks are flying! Grayson feels an instant connection with Huntley and she with him! However, Huntley is hesitant to give it a chance because of his playboy reputation. Grayson has been hurt by a former girlfriend, Haley, and doesn’t want to have his heart broken again. Luckily Huntley has an awesome friend, Demi, that tells her:
“Not everything is what you see on the outside, he’s good at hiding what he doesn’t want people to see.” They both try to fight the attraction but soon learn they can’t stay away from each other. It doesn’t take long until things start heating up and they are…
That first kiss was so hot I swear my Kindle screen was fogging up!! HOWEVER, they STILL try to fight it and Huntley agrees to go on a date with a HUGE creeper, Luke Bailey. This guy gave me the heeby jeebies from the get go! At this point we are also dealing with a nasty, mean girl, psycho bitch, Rebecca, who is trying to lay claim on Grayson…
Luckily, Grayson gets rid of her and before you know it they are in a locker room, there is a nipple ring and I am…
I am talking HOLY HAWTNESS!! But then Grayson says the wrong thing and screws it up...AGAIN...and I am like…
Meanwhile Huntley gets a call from her past and has a bit of a breakdown. Grayson comes in and saves the day…
“I want to fix her. Because deep down I know she’s going to fix me.”
Back to creeper Luke and the date...some stuff goes down...bad shiz…
Again, Grayson is there for Huntley and he FINALLY gives into his feelings! Of course this has me…
He takes her on the most romantic date...proving his swoonworthiness…
A short while later they are FINALLY getting it on!
And of course I have been waiting 44% for this so I am all…
Once they are together, they finally share their heart wrenching stories with each other. My heart was so broken for both of them...I physically and emotionally felt their pain! I just wanted these two to find some peace and get the happiness they deserved but NO...the wretched ex’s show up in town and things get U.G.L.Y.
I don’t do spoilers so this is where I leave you to find out what happens….do Huntley and Grayson get their happily ever after? I WILL tell you that there is no dreaded cliffy! I HIGHLY recommend this book and give it 5 giant stars!! Incredible book and I am PROUD to have been apart of the process of writing it! Way to go Tam! Love ya, girly!
Excerpt
“You’re not what I was expecting,” Huntley says shifting in her seat to face me. The comment is blunt and completely unexpected, pulling me straight out of my dippy thoughts.
“Oh yeah?” I quip sarcastically, “Why’s that?”
I’m dying to know what people have told her about me. Probably about what a play boy I am or how I party too much or maybe how I have a new girl on my arm every night. Stupid rumors piss me off so much I’ve never really wasted any time negating them. But I wish I had, just so that Huntley won’t have any reason to believe them.
“I’ve heard things,” she doesn’t look me in the eye and I hate it. Clearly she’s already made up her mind about me. I hate that too.
“I’m sure you have,” I growl, shaking my head. My tone is less kind than I intend but it makes me furious to know that someone has taken the time to deprecate Huntley’s opinion of me before she’s had the chance to even know me. I guess this is all part of keeping secrets and why I refuse to get attached to anyone.
I jump out my truck and slam my door, pulling my fingers through my hair while I take in the warm air. I hear the passenger door close but I don’t look back at Huntley, afraid I’ll snap at her for shit other people have said. I squelch the urge to yell and release my frustration the way a toddler would.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice is soft and tiny. I snap my head back and frown. Before she can look up, I walk the few steps between us and cage her in against my truck. She looks scared, like I might hurt her, but when her eyes find mine I see nothing but warmth and benevolence in their boundless sapphire-colored depths.
In that moment I feel naked, like she can see my soul stripped bare of its impurities and imperfections. I don’t like that it makes me feel vulnerable and completely exposed to the derision I know will follow when she sees the ugly secrets that keep me awake night after night.
I take the chance to inhale her scent. Leaning in a little closer, I drag my nose along her shoulder, getting as close as possible without touching her. The edges of my mouth turn up, forming a smile, when I find that I’m right. She does smell like strawberries. And vanilla. It’s a heady combination that I’m going to become addicted to very quickly.
“I won’t hurt you,” I whisper, “But I think it’s best if we stay away from each other.”
Hurt flickers across her features and it’s like a punch to the stomach. “What made you think I was interested Grayson?” she bites back. She has a fire inside her. I see it. I feel it. And it’s sexy.
“Oh, I know you are,” I know it’s arrogant but I’m hoping my cocky attitude will repulse her enough to make her stay away. A car pulls up to the curb, making us both shift apart. I cringe when my body immediately misses the heat that radiated off of her in waves.
Her back straightens and she squares her shoulders, pushing off my truck. “Goodbye Grayson.” Her back turns to me and I watch her get into Demi’s red Lexus and drive away. I should’ve kept my mouth shut until Demi got here. That would’ve been the smart thing to do.
*Amazon*
September 1, 2013
*Cover Reveal: Second Chance Summer by Emma Hart*
HI Brats :) **Happy Sunday** This is the cover reveal for Emma Hart's newest New Adult Contemporary Romance novel, Second Chance Summer... Personally, I'm biting my nails in anticipation of this book's arrival - Emma Hart's books are one of my many addictions & I'm eagerly awaiting my next fix!
Title: Second Chance Summer (Chance Series, #1) Release Date: Monday, September 23rd Cover Design by Emma Hart
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Love Game and Playing for Keeps is a story of hope and the beauty of getting a second chance at the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime…
“You don’t get a love like ours and get to leave it behind.”
Kia James was never meant to return to her hometown of Harlan Grove, Alabama… But she has. And Reese Pembleton was definitely not supposed to still be in love with her the way she is him… But he is.
Last summer was the summer to end all summers. It was the summer they both fell in too deep to get out, and try as she might, Kia can’t deny that whatever was there between them a year ago is still there. If she’s honest with herself, there’s so much more there than there ever was, but the way her dad walked out six years ago has shattered her belief of that fairytale love every girl craves.
Reese isn’t giving up so easily. His biggest mistake was not chasing after Kia the way he wanted to when she upped and left him without a word. Despite what she says, he knows her better than anyone, and he knows she still wants him the way he wants her. And this time, nothing will stop him from getting – and keeping – his girl.
But nothing is that easy. When Kia’s dad arrives back in town, family secrets come tumbling out she never realized existed. Everything her mom has ever told her about the reason he left is a lie – but how can she trust the man who, by his own admission, didn’t fight for her as hard as he could have?
With her past and present wants and needs colliding, Kia is thrown into the turmoil of the biggest decisions of her life. And she realizes, sometimes a second chance is all you need.
Add Second Chance Summer on Goodreads Excerpt:
Reese puts his arms out at the end of the truck. “Come on.” “I can climb down from a truck.” “I know that,” he replies and shakes his arms once. “But I’m just helping you. You know, being friendly.” I raise my eyebrows, letting him grip my waist anyway. I put my hands on his shoulders, and he lifts me down, lowering me slowly to the ground. His eyes are on mine, watching me intently, and a small smile plays on his lips. I lick my bottom lip without thinking, and his eyes flicker down. I swallow against the thumping of my heart and force my breath out slowly, resisting the urge to let my body take control. Reese’s hazel eyes are darker as they meet mine again, and I let my hands slide slowly down his chest. His fingers flex against my waist, like he’s fighting with himself whether to let me go or not. I breathe a little faster against my will and I see his chest heave once. My fingers graze his stomach and I step back, loosening his hold on me. His hands brush my hips as he drops them from my waist, and I have to stop myself from wrapping my arms around my waist to make up for the loss of him. “There’s nothin’ friendly about that, baby,” he says in a low voice. “Nothin’ at all.” I let out a shaky breath. “We’re never gonna be able to be friends, are we?” I whisper sadly. “We’ll never be able to get past whatever it is between us, will we?” He shakes his head. “I don’t wanna get past it, Kia. Not at all.” “I can’t have everything. I can’t. It’s always gonna be all or nothing for us, Reese. There’s no in between, there never will be.” “I’m not asking you fall back into my arms and let me sweep you off your feet,” he whispers, moving some hair from my face gently. “No matter how much I want to, I’m not asking that. I’m just askin’ you to let whatever will happen, happen. I don’t get what good it is with you fightin’ yourself every time.” “What’s meant to be will be, right?” I shake my head a little in disbelief. “It doesn’t-” “Work like that?” He raises his eyebrows, his thumb trailing down my cheek and neck. “How do you know if you keep fighting it?”
Note from the author:
SECOND CHANCE SUMMER is book 1 of the Chance series, and there is NO cliffhanger. There are loose ends that need tying up in both the second book and companion novels – to be announced – but I have tried my best to resolve the main story line in this book. About Emma
By day, New York Times and USA Todaybestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books. Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love. She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life. ((And she's only 20 years old!!)) Website Facebook Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Title: Second Chance Summer (Chance Series, #1) Release Date: Monday, September 23rd Cover Design by Emma Hart
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Love Game and Playing for Keeps is a story of hope and the beauty of getting a second chance at the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime…
“You don’t get a love like ours and get to leave it behind.”
Kia James was never meant to return to her hometown of Harlan Grove, Alabama… But she has. And Reese Pembleton was definitely not supposed to still be in love with her the way she is him… But he is.
Last summer was the summer to end all summers. It was the summer they both fell in too deep to get out, and try as she might, Kia can’t deny that whatever was there between them a year ago is still there. If she’s honest with herself, there’s so much more there than there ever was, but the way her dad walked out six years ago has shattered her belief of that fairytale love every girl craves.
Reese isn’t giving up so easily. His biggest mistake was not chasing after Kia the way he wanted to when she upped and left him without a word. Despite what she says, he knows her better than anyone, and he knows she still wants him the way he wants her. And this time, nothing will stop him from getting – and keeping – his girl.
But nothing is that easy. When Kia’s dad arrives back in town, family secrets come tumbling out she never realized existed. Everything her mom has ever told her about the reason he left is a lie – but how can she trust the man who, by his own admission, didn’t fight for her as hard as he could have?
With her past and present wants and needs colliding, Kia is thrown into the turmoil of the biggest decisions of her life. And she realizes, sometimes a second chance is all you need.
Add Second Chance Summer on Goodreads Excerpt:
Reese puts his arms out at the end of the truck. “Come on.” “I can climb down from a truck.” “I know that,” he replies and shakes his arms once. “But I’m just helping you. You know, being friendly.” I raise my eyebrows, letting him grip my waist anyway. I put my hands on his shoulders, and he lifts me down, lowering me slowly to the ground. His eyes are on mine, watching me intently, and a small smile plays on his lips. I lick my bottom lip without thinking, and his eyes flicker down. I swallow against the thumping of my heart and force my breath out slowly, resisting the urge to let my body take control. Reese’s hazel eyes are darker as they meet mine again, and I let my hands slide slowly down his chest. His fingers flex against my waist, like he’s fighting with himself whether to let me go or not. I breathe a little faster against my will and I see his chest heave once. My fingers graze his stomach and I step back, loosening his hold on me. His hands brush my hips as he drops them from my waist, and I have to stop myself from wrapping my arms around my waist to make up for the loss of him. “There’s nothin’ friendly about that, baby,” he says in a low voice. “Nothin’ at all.” I let out a shaky breath. “We’re never gonna be able to be friends, are we?” I whisper sadly. “We’ll never be able to get past whatever it is between us, will we?” He shakes his head. “I don’t wanna get past it, Kia. Not at all.” “I can’t have everything. I can’t. It’s always gonna be all or nothing for us, Reese. There’s no in between, there never will be.” “I’m not asking you fall back into my arms and let me sweep you off your feet,” he whispers, moving some hair from my face gently. “No matter how much I want to, I’m not asking that. I’m just askin’ you to let whatever will happen, happen. I don’t get what good it is with you fightin’ yourself every time.” “What’s meant to be will be, right?” I shake my head a little in disbelief. “It doesn’t-” “Work like that?” He raises his eyebrows, his thumb trailing down my cheek and neck. “How do you know if you keep fighting it?”
Note from the author:
SECOND CHANCE SUMMER is book 1 of the Chance series, and there is NO cliffhanger. There are loose ends that need tying up in both the second book and companion novels – to be announced – but I have tried my best to resolve the main story line in this book. About Emma
By day, New York Times and USA Todaybestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books. Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love. She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life. ((And she's only 20 years old!!)) Website Facebook Goodreads a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 29, 2013
*Cover Reveal: Faithless by Amanda Bennett*
HI Brats :):)
Everyone knows I'm Amanda's biggest fan (seriously, just ask her....) so when I heard about her newest book, Faithless, I jumped around like a 5 year old on a sugar high! :) If you're anything like me, you're finger is ready to '1 Click' this, so hurry your butt up Manda ;) After reading this synopsis, I'm excited to see that Faithless will be slightly different to any other book Amanda has written - can't wait to read it :) ~ Tam
Faithless, Amanda Bennett (Coming Sept/Oct 2013)
SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes in the darkness, we find the light. At least the fortunate ones do. For those who don't want to find the light are sometimes forced into it. What do you do when a stranger in the darkness ends up being your savior?
Riley Turner never expected or wanted to see her twenty-first birthday, and she planned not to. Feeling lost and alone her entire life with no one to love or support her, there was never a reason to exist. That was until the stranger who saves her, becomes the one person to show her what life is really about. Riley finds her world being turned upside down and for the first time ever, finds herself wanting to live.
Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes that reason doesn't always make sense, especially when life hasn't always been so kind. Will Riley be able to over come her fears and finally find a reason to live her life, or will she see just how cruel life really can be after believing and taking a chance?
*WARNING this book contains mature content, language and sensitive situations*
Teaser:
The crisp night air rustles my soft brown tendrils, making them tickle my cheeks. I glance down one last time as my bare toes dangle over the sandy edge. The sounds of cars passing below barely register in my mind, as I'm thinking of the things that I no longer have control over. Another gust of wind whips across my hyper sensitive skin, sending chills down my spine. A slight shiver has me crossing my arms across my chest to keep in the minimal amount of warmth still flowing through my body. The vast Pacific Ocean looks serene and unbelievably calm at this hour and I can't help but realize the draw people have to it's embrace.
Everyone knows I'm Amanda's biggest fan (seriously, just ask her....) so when I heard about her newest book, Faithless, I jumped around like a 5 year old on a sugar high! :) If you're anything like me, you're finger is ready to '1 Click' this, so hurry your butt up Manda ;) After reading this synopsis, I'm excited to see that Faithless will be slightly different to any other book Amanda has written - can't wait to read it :) ~ Tam
Faithless, Amanda Bennett (Coming Sept/Oct 2013)
SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes in the darkness, we find the light. At least the fortunate ones do. For those who don't want to find the light are sometimes forced into it. What do you do when a stranger in the darkness ends up being your savior?
Riley Turner never expected or wanted to see her twenty-first birthday, and she planned not to. Feeling lost and alone her entire life with no one to love or support her, there was never a reason to exist. That was until the stranger who saves her, becomes the one person to show her what life is really about. Riley finds her world being turned upside down and for the first time ever, finds herself wanting to live.
Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes that reason doesn't always make sense, especially when life hasn't always been so kind. Will Riley be able to over come her fears and finally find a reason to live her life, or will she see just how cruel life really can be after believing and taking a chance?
*WARNING this book contains mature content, language and sensitive situations*
Teaser:
The crisp night air rustles my soft brown tendrils, making them tickle my cheeks. I glance down one last time as my bare toes dangle over the sandy edge. The sounds of cars passing below barely register in my mind, as I'm thinking of the things that I no longer have control over. Another gust of wind whips across my hyper sensitive skin, sending chills down my spine. A slight shiver has me crossing my arms across my chest to keep in the minimal amount of warmth still flowing through my body. The vast Pacific Ocean looks serene and unbelievably calm at this hour and I can't help but realize the draw people have to it's embrace.
