Emily Minton's Blog, page 9

July 19, 2013

Stormy Surrender (New Hope #1) by Nicole Andrews Moore Review and Giveaway

17567077 Stormy Surrender (New Hope #1) by Nicole Andrews Moore
Sometimes the life you planned isn’t the one you get to live. Sometimes the pain of the past overshadows the future. And sometimes to start over you have to go back to where it all began. That’s how it was for Joe Masters. That’s how he ended up back in New Hope. And that’s why he was in his thirties and had nothing to show for his life. He needed a complete overhaul, just like his father’s old house. Instead of a fast track, he had slowed down and was on a ten year plan. These days that was more his speed. And as much as he tried to fight the inevitable, he was learning to accept and surrender.

Martha had weathered her fair share of storms in Vermont, was accustomed to the cold, both the chill in the air and the cold shoulder in her marriage, but after the miscarriage she felt like she would never get warm again. So she did the research from the laptop while sitting in front of the fireplace. She knew what she needed when she Googled ‘hope,’ she just never imagined that it would bring her to New Hope, South Carolina. She never imagined that her husband would trick her into leaving and never follow. She never imagined that a southern storm with all its force and fury could be so destructive. But after the storm, the land is washed clean. It’s perfect for a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new love.

Some would say Story Surrender is the story of Joe and Martha, but I disagree.  I think Stormy Surrender is the story of Martha's second chance at life.  Yes, Joe plays a large role in the second chance.  But, it is still Martha's story. 

Martha has been through a lot in her life.  She has no family, a cheating asshat of a husband (How did she not see this?), and just lost a baby.  On top of all that, her husband decides it time for their marriage to end. 

Martha finds herself in New Hope.  She makes friends of her own, for the first time in her adult life.  She also meets a man.  Joe is the complete opposite of her soon to be ex-husband.  He is a hard man, with a ton of baggage.  Can she get over the pain of the past and have a future in New Hope with Joe.  More importantly, can Joe dump his baggage and accept his feelings for Martha.  To find out, you will have to read the book. 

I liked Martha, but she was kind of hard to understand.  It was like she had a ton of different personalities.  She could be strong, and she could be funny; she was always sweet.  Most of the time, she was a doormat.  With that being said, I did enjoy reading her thoughts. 

Joe would never find himself in my book boyfriend hall of hotness.  I was never sure why Martha liked him.  It seemed as if he enjoyed pointing out her flaws.  He did not like her old fashioned hair.  So, he took her for a makeover.  He did not like her dowdy clothes.  So, he sent her to get more.  He didn't even like her name.  So, he gave her a nickname.  (That was kind of cute though.)  I just can not see myself being attracted to someone that disliked everything about me. 

This book does end on a cliffhanger.  I saw coming, but I did not expect it to happen the way it did.  The author sure through me for a loop, without confusing me.  I did like the ending, and I can not wait for book two. 

Story Surrender was well written.  I never found myself bored.  I enjoyed all of it, especially all the little details like what they were eating for lunch.  Usually I find these small things tedious, but this author added them in a way they kept me interested. 

Would I recommend this book?  Yes


AMAZON   -   BARNES&NOBLE   -   GOODREADS   Nicole Andrews Moore Author BioNicole lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, a teenage son and daughter, and Kenna. Every day is new and sparkly...which is why she chronicles them on her blog, Suddenly *Not So* Single Journey. It is a way for her to spread her brand of hope, happiness, and love.Previously, Nicole has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers. In 2010, she joined the Yahoo! Mother Board, became a Shine Parenting Guru, and has become an award winning dating and relationships expert for Shine.After a few bad sailing experiences, the Moores decided they were safer on land. Their boating adventures will be limited to cruise ships. And those cruises are centered around their travel goal of visiting ever Margaritaville. Two down, eleven to go! FACEBOOK   -   TWITTER   -   GOODREADS   -   WEBSITE   GOODREADS   -   AMAZON   -   BARNES&NOBLE        Nicole Andrews Moore

Author BioNicole lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, a teenage son and daughter, and Kenna. Every day is new and sparkly...which is why she chronicles them on her blog, Suddenly *Not So* Single Journey. It is a way for her to spread her brand of hope, happiness, and love.Previously, Nicole has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers. In 2010, she joined the Yahoo! Mother Board, became a Shine Parenting Guru, and has become an award winning dating and relationships expert for Shine.After a few bad sailing experiences, the Moores decided they were safer on land. Their boating adventures will be limited to cruise ships. And those cruises are centered around their travel goal of visiting ever Margaritaville. Two down, eleven to go!

FACEBOOK   -   TWITTER   -   GOODREADS   -   WEBSITE  

 

 


 

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Published on July 19, 2013 06:00

July 18, 2013

Curves and the Cowboy (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 1) by Jenn Roseton Review and Giveaway

 Curves and the Cowboy (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 1)Curves and the Cowboy (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 1)
by Jenn RosetonWhen curvy Sarah Grant comes home to Coldwater Springs after spending six years in the city, the last person she expects to bump into is sexy Chase McCord.  After having a teenage crush on him for years, she thought she was finally over him.  After all, why keep fantasizing about someone you can never have?  But when Chase makes it clear he’s ready to claim her for his own, Sarah finds it hard to believe him.  Can he convince her they were made for each other?
Curves and The Cowboy is a sweet read.  It is also on the hot side.  I am really wanting my own Chase McCord now. 

Chase and Sarah have known each other for years.  Both have been secretly infatuated with the other, but Sarah moved away before they could share their feelings.  Now that Sarah's back, Chase is determined to make Sarah his girl. 

I did enjoy it, but I wish it was longer.  I did not feel that it had enough time for the story to develop.  If it had been a little longer, I think it would have been an awesome read.  The author has a refreshing writing style.  I am looking forward to reading more from this author. 
 AMAZON   -   GOODREADS    Author Bio:Jenn Roseton believes that romance and hot sex go together. When she's not writing erotic romance, she indulges in delicious gourmet chocolate. Her books include the Hot and Sexy series, the Seduced by the Boss series and BBW Needs Hot Sex.  Find out about her latest news, promotions and new releases at www.JennRoseton.com Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads Author

 

 5 winners: eBook Copy of Curves and the Cowboy The complete series of Seduced by the Boss.

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Published on July 18, 2013 07:00

Embracing the Flames By Candace Knoebel Blog Tour and Giveaway




Embracing the Flames Series-Born in Flames Book #2 By Candace Knoebel
The Stone of Immortality has always been kept under the watch of the Draconta. That is, until the betrayal of a Fate. Now everything is about to change.

Aurora Megalos accepted her destiny without blinking-even if it meant succumbing to her dragon side. Deemed the Progeny, she left the ordinary life she knew and has done everything in her power to learn the ways of her new realm and what it means to be part dragon. But when her mentor, Astral, suddenly disappears, she is forced to take the reins.

With war on the brink, she sets out on an epic journey to not only find her mentor, but to stop her Arch Enemy, Zordon, from obtaining the Stone of Immortality. But what she discovers about him along the way is far worse than she could’ve ever imagined. She will be tested and pushed to the limit. Lives will be lost, love will be questioned, and a battle will begin.


Goodreads - Amazon Kindle    - Nook





About the Author-Candace Knoebel had dreamed of being a dancer ever since she could remember. With a love of all things art, she saw herself moving to New York and pursuing her passion as an artist. But all that changed on October 10th, 2002 when she met the love of her life. Her dreams diverged and after marrying her high school sweetheart and having two beautiful children, she realized she missed her creative side.

Growing up alongside the Harry Potter series, Candace found herself missing the epicosity of a story that pulls you in and won’t let you go. In 2009, she began dreaming up characters that would mold her first novel. Through lunch breaks and late nights, after putting her kids to bed, she built a world where she could escape the ever-pressing days of an eight to five Purgatory. She found her calling in life and knew this was more than dancing could’ve ever meant to her.

Once complete in 2010, she began the grueling process of finding a publisher. With relentless determination, she was finally able to realize her dream in December of 2011 when 48fourteen offered her a publishing contract. With a HUGE yes and a happy dance, she  continues her Trilogy.

Author Links-Goodreads-Twitter-Website-Facebook-Pinterest-


Facebook Event for Embracing the Flames Tour



Giveaway Info-1 Ebook Copy of ‘Born in Flames’ & ‘Embracing the Flames’ four bookmarks a necklace a keychain






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Published on July 18, 2013 05:19

Forgiven By: Rebecca Brooke Cover Reveal

ForgivenBy: Rebecca Brooke
What happens when one moment changes the course of your entire life? Do you sit back and accept it, or fight to live the life you choose? Caleb Jacobs has a past that has haunted him for two years. Knowing he can never forgive himself for the events that led to his departure, Caleb chooses to live a quiet life—concentrating on school, sports, and shots. But when he is paired with Angie for a history project he realizes that no matter how much you try to hide from your past, one way or another it will find you.
Angelina Powers knows what she wants from life. Growing up with only an alcoholic father for company, Angie learned early on in life that you can only count on yourself. But that doesn’t stop her wishing for her white knight. She’s confident, happy and focused…until she meets Caleb. So how will she feel when her potential white knight turns out to be more of a black shadow?





Author Bio

Rebecca Brooke grew up in the shore towns of South Jersey. She loves to hit the beach, but always with her kindle on hand. She is married to the most wonderful man, who puts up with all of her craziness. Together they have two beautiful children who keep her on her toes. When she isn’t writing or reading (which is very rarely) she loves to bake and watch episodes of Shameless and True Blood.


Follow Rebecca
WebsiteFacebookTwitter: @RebeccaBrooke6Goodreads


Cover Designer - Mae I DesignWebsite
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Published on July 18, 2013 05:10

July 17, 2013

Lifeless by J.M. La Rocca Blog Tour Giveaway

17829280
Lifeless
by J.M. La Rocca


After graduating from the University of South Alabama, Scarlett Moore discovers her boyfriend of five months is actually married with a child on the way. Feeling used and heartbroken, she decides it’s time to take her best friend Jules’ advice to move to Atlanta and live with her. There, Jules helps her get a job at Entertainment Atlanta, where she works as an entertainment insurance agent. It’s not Scarlett’s dream job, but it’s better than not having a job at all, and who wouldn’t mind working with famous people, right?

Then she gets assigned to EA’s newest client, Kade Evans, rock star turned actor. Not only is he a drug addict, he’s also known for never dating the same girl twice. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, has an amazing voice, and good acting skills, but he’s also arrogant and intense.

At their first meeting, the chemistry between them is undeniable.

The love that comes later is unexpected.

But Kade’s life is full of secrets. His past has now intruded on his present and when Scarlett finds out what his secrets are, the real deception begins.


Lifeless is a fast paced story, filled with everything a romance reader could want.  We have our hot Alpha male hero, with a tortured past.  There's the heroine with a broken heart, that only the hero can mend.  Bad guys, a sassy best friend, a slutty co-worker, family secrets, and tons of action make Lifeless an awesome read.  

Scarlett is an awesome heroine.  She is one of those "stand by your man" kind of girls.  She knows that Kade is bad for her, but she thinks she can fix him.  We all know how that will end.  Or, do we?

Kade is freaking hot!  I loved him.  I adored everything about this guy.  The sex, drugs, the rock n' roll life style... All of it had me squirming in my seat!  I would be willing to fix Kade any day!

My only issue with this book is length.  I wanted more.  It ended with the dreaded cliffhanger.  (Have I ever mentioned just how much I hate freaking cliffhangers???)  So, I know we will be getting more but I still wish more time had been spent getting to know the characters in this book. 

I loved the side characters.  Her best friend was hilarious!  Not in an over the top kind of way.  More in a way that tells me her book is going to rock.  The bad guy  (or is he a bad guy?) is also interesting.  I can't wait to find out more about him.  The slutty co-worker, she was the perfect addition to the book.  I can see her popping up and causing trouble in the next book, and I am looking forward to it!

Would I recommend this book?  YES!



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J.M. LaRocca
 
Author BioAuthor LinksFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/jmlarocca1Goodreads -http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7056502.J_M_LaRocca 



 
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Published on July 17, 2013 11:24

Vixen in Vegas By Emma Nichols Cover Reveal


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Blurb:
It was supposed to be a week of simply being, of living in the moment, and enjoying every minute while it lasted. Of course, that kind of intoxication can have lingering effects. For Sin, she found herself wanting to break all the rules, to extend her time with the stranger who stole her heart. Vegas was just the right kind of place to take such a gamble. Meeting up with BE at the gondolas was a risk. Love went against everything they had promised, but the best things in life can’t be planned.

Soon Alysin will be tested. 

After guarding her heart for so long, she finally let a man in and discovered that the worst things in life happened when she least expected them. When she walked in on BE with another woman and overheard their heated conversation, she suddenly remembered there was a reason she made these rules. 

Will broken rules lead to broken hearts or will she realize that though love was a gamble, she was all in?

Author LinksFacebook * Twitter * Goodreads
Bio:
What made her decide to be an erotica author?

Simple.

How else was she going to parlay her two favorite past times into a career?

Emma is single and loving it. Like her first character, Alysin, Sin for short, she doesn't believe in settling or in settling down. She loves to indulge in her passions whenever the mood strikes and enjoys keeping all of life's cliche moments spicy.

Known for her sense of humor, Emma surrounds herself with friends whose antics often become the source of book fodder. Her ideal situation would be to explore the Caribbean while writing. She pursues that dream daily.
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Published on July 17, 2013 10:10