Sorcha O'Dowd's Blog, page 32
September 5, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Constructing Us’ by C.J. Lake.
Constructing Us by C.J. Lake
Publication date: July 18th 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
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SYNOPSIS
*Contains explicit/steamy scenes that are intended for mature readers.
When Andy takes over the lease on her friend Ethan’s apartment, he warns her about his roommate, Tragan. According to Ethan, Tragan Barrett is self-centered and often inconsiderate, caring more about hanging out with his friends and hitting the local casino than straightening the living room or keeping up with his laundry. Andy isn’t too concerned, though, because she isn’t moving in to make a friend.
Intended as a short-term living arrangement, the apartment is close to the hospital where Andy is participating in a drug study for a rare disorder she was diagnosed with when she was twenty. Now, fresh out of college, she is trying to figure out her life–and also how to live with the uncertainty of her condition. Figuring she’ll go one way and he’ll go another, Andy is surprised to learn that Tragan is not exactly the way Ethan painted him. In fact, there’s a whole other side to the darkly sexy construction worker…especially when it comes to Andy.
Can an unlikely friendship turn into something much more?
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Tragan was watching baseball the following evening when he was surprised by a knock at the door. Andy had been in her room with the door closed since he’d gotten home from work. When she didn’t emerge, he muted the game and rose to answer it.
A blonde guy stood on the other side, wearing a v-neck sweater with a stiff-collared shirt underneath. He’d been in the middle of scrolling on his phone when Tragan swung the door open.
“Yeah?” Tragan said.
Obviously finishing a text, the blonde guy finally glanced up. “Hi,” he said, offering a brief smile. “I’m here to see Andy.”
Tragan stepped back, opening the door wider so he could enter. Was this her boyfriend? Maybe he was just a friend, like Ethan. For some reason Tragan hoped that was the case, but didn’t really believe it. This guy was tall, probably around 6’2”, and looked kind of like a mannequin. His face was almost too smooth, his expression blank. Was this what Andy went for? This pretty boy?
Just then Tragan heard Andy’s door open. When he saw her step out, he felt an instant pull of attraction and couldn’t help staring for a moment. She looked especially pretty tonight. Her hair was almost shiny and looked like soft gold, hanging loosely past her shoulders. She wore a light blue stretchy top that curved around her breasts and lit up her eyes in the sexiest way. God, what’s with me? Tragan thought, irritated, trying to ignore his reaction to her.
Except…
Her black pants were form-fitting enough that for an instant he flashed an erotic image of those lean, shapely legs wrapping around him.
Now her face beamed into a smile–a smile for Brad.
“Hi! I’m ready,” she told him breezily.
“Hi, gorgeous,” Brad said, leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. “I was just meeting your roommate here.”
“Right, hi. Tragan,” Tragan said, introducing himself.
The blonde guy shook his hand. “Dr. Brad Trewell. Nice to meet you. So, Tragan, Andy says you’ve been very easy to live with. I have to thank you for that.” He spoke affably enough so Tragan didn’t want to dislike him. Still, he found himself sort of bothered by the guy. Maybe it pissed him off that he felt the need to introduce himself as “Dr. Brad.” That seemed pretentious as hell. Or maybe–more likely–Tragan felt a stab of envy. Everyone knew doctors were rich and beating off the ladies with their stethoscopes. And this one got Andy.
For some reason, Brad felt the need to add, “I’m a resident at St. Catherine’s Hospital–vascular surgery. What do you do?”
Andy interrupted. “Brad, I told you, Tragan works in construction. He builds things, right?” she said, smiling warmly at Tragan.
“Oh, that’s right,” Brad said, touching his forehead with reproach, then giving a smooth smile. “I must have forgotten.”
Bullshit he forgot. Tragan figured that Brad just wanted to call the cards on the table, right here, right now. To lay it out in front of Andy how the two men measured up. Asking about Tragan’s job was certainly a subtler way to go about it than asking what kind of car he drove or how much he banked last year.
Brad’s phone chimed; he held up a finger. “Just a second.” He read, scrolled and typed–then read, scrolled and typed. Finally he slid the phone back into his pocket. “Sorry about that. Well, Andy we should get going. I have eight o’clock reservations at La Vie En Rose.” Amiably he asked Tragan, “Ever been?”
“No.”
“Oh, it’s terrific. On Newbury Street. The duck is phenomenal.”
“Great,” Tragan replied flatly.
“Okay, we should go,” Andy spoke up.
Brad nodded, taking her hand. “And the movie starts at ten.”
As Brad led her to the door, Andy glanced back at Tragan, gave a short wave. “See you later. Have a good night.”
“I’ll get the door.” He followed close behind and caught a trace of her scent as she reached up for her coat. Her perfume was so enticing and feminine, it almost made him hard.
Just great, Tragan thought, shaking his head as he turned the lock and went back around to the couch. Now he was getting horny over his female roommate who already had a boyfriend. Just effing great. He shook the feeling off, picked up the remote and un-muted the game. ~
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*50$ Amazon Gift Card (US only – will be mailed out physically)*
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C.J. Lake
C.J. Lake is a storyteller who is passionate about art, surfing, and skiing/snowboarding. Residing near the coast of Massachusetts, C.J. is working on a new book that will feature Tragan Barrett’s friend, Matt Winter. Readers can get in touch via email (writercjlake@gmail.com), or follow C.J. on Twitter @brightbluesurf.
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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September 3, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘The Boys Next Door’ by Rosalie Lario .
The Boys Next Door by Rosalie Lario
Publication date: September 1st 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
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SYNOPSIS
Life just got a bit more complicated…
After a heartbreaking betrayal, Lexi Ferrell is determined to get far away from her small hometown. So when she scores a scholarship to a prestigious law school in Miami, she jumps at the chance to live right on South Beach. Sun, sand, and an endless stream of beautiful people: who could resist? But her apartment complex provides far more than she asked for…in the form of two yummy new neighbors.
Matt Eisler and Ben Santos are best friends. Nothing could tear them apart…or so they thought. But when Lexi enters their life, neither one can resist wanting to make her his own.
Torn between the hot surfer boy and his exotic Latino roommate, Lexi vows to stay away from them both. But as she soon discovers, Matt and Ben are impossible to resist. And they’ll take her any way they can get her…even if it’s together. Could the three of them ever make it work? Because now that she’s experienced one night of unforgettable passion, the last thing she could ever do is choose between the boys next door.
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A startled burst of laughter tumbles from my lips. I cover my mouth and turn to the small group who’s stopped right in front of us. Two pretty girls with string bikinis, a brunette and a bottle redhead, surround a guy with honey-toned skin and the most spectacular abs I’ve ever seen. My eyes get stuck there for a moment, memorizing the lines and angles of his ripped muscles. Then I notice his gray and white patterned board shorts, and it hits me where I’ve seen them before. My gaze shoots higher, and my heart gives a sickening lurch.
Dark hair, full lips, molten chocolate-brown eyes and a too-beautiful-to-be-real face.
It’s the guy from earlier, from outside my window.
His gaze on Cora, he says, “Cora,” in the same tone she used. Then his eyes move to me, leisurely looking me up and down, and he gives me a slow grin. “Shower Girl.”
Mortification sets in as I realize, not only is he acknowledging that horrible, embarrassing situation, but also he’s seen my naked boobs. I stifle a groan.
Jeez, kill me now.
Cora gives a baffled look from Ben to me, but I’m frozen in place, eyes locked on him as if he’s cast a spell over me. Not even the woefully obvious jealous glares of the two girls flanking him can tear my gaze away. There’s something about him, something arrogant yet mesmerizing.
Finally, I recover enough to snap at him about his rude address. “A nice guy wouldn’t mention something like that.”
One of his thick, straight brows lifts. “Good thing I’m not a nice guy.”
He reaches his hand out for a shake and, like a mindless idiot, I take it. The moment our hands clasp, a bolt of electricity slides through my body, coalescing right between my thighs. I take a shallow, uneven breath. My body doesn’t care that this man isn’t a nice guy. It doesn’t care what he is.
Uh oh.
I didn’t come here looking for trouble, but it looks like it’s found me anyway.
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Rosalie Lario
Rosalie Lario is the award-winning, paranormal romance author of the Demons of Infernum and the Fallen Warriors series. Rosalie double majored in Anthropology and Classics as an undergraduate student, and briefly considered becoming an archaeologist before realizing they don’t actually live the life of Indiana Jones. So what was a classical geek armed with a lot of useless knowledge to do? Become a lawyer, of course!
After attending law school in Florida, she practiced real estate law for several years before finally admitting to herself that negotiating contracts wasn’t nearly as fun as dreaming up stories. She never imagined all the mythology she studied would one day make the perfect fodder for the paranormal romance stories she now dreams up!
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family in their home state of Florida
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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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September 2, 2014
Release Day Blast ~ ‘One More Chance’ by Abbi Glines.
Title: One More Chance
(Rosemary Beach #8)
Author: Abbi Glines
Publisher: Atria Books (September 2, 2014)
Print Length: 272 pages
ASIN: B00GEEB4EM
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The wait is over! ONE MORE CHANCE is here!
SYNOPSIS
Grant Carter did everything in his power to convince Harlow Manning that he was a good guy. More than a smooth-talker and someone she could trust. He had to overcome his reputation as a playboy, and his history with Harlow’s half-sister, Nan, a woman with a reputation of her own.
Harlow had taken the chance, falling hard and fast for the guy who thrilled her with his all-consuming desire. After a lifetime of avoiding bad boys like Grant, she had opened herself to the possibilities of love…
But a life-changing secret has torn them apart, and now Grant and Harlow must decide if they have enough fight to make it work – or if the pain of betrayal has permanently destroyed their future.
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Kiro
Why couldn’t it have been my motherfucking heart? Why did it have to be my baby girls? I had been asking this question since the day they told me and Emmy that there was an issue with Harlow’s heart. I would have moved heaven and earth to take that from her. But just like I couldn’t save my Emmy. I couldn’t save our daughter.
She was stubborn and she was so fucking brave. That damn hard head of hers had been something I admired. Until she decided she was gonna have a baby. I knew she’d never abort it. Wasn’t in her nature. She had been trying to save the world since she was three years old. She always put others before herself. She preferred the people she loved over her wants and needs.
It was one of the things that made her so damn beautiful. Just like my Emmy. And she was all I had of my Emmy. The light in Emmy’s eyes had been gone for so long. Every day I visited her I hoped to see her eyes light up with understanding and she would come back to me but that never happened. Not once.
The only way I could see that light was to look at our Harlow. Our little miracle. And now, she was lying back there on some goddamn hospital bed with tubes in her and barely hanging onto life.
All I could think about on the flight here was how I was going to wrap my hands around Grant Carter’s neck for doing this to her. He hadn’t thought about her safety he had thought with his fucking dick. And my sweet Harlow loved the man. She wanted his kid. And he let her do it.
Rush had tried to talk to me and calm me down before Grant got back out here from seeing the baby that could have very likely just killed my baby. He said Grant was a wreck. That he had been standing there like a man possessed watching the door for a sign of Harlow. For any word.
He was scared. Good. Motherfucking GOOD! He should be. Maybe death was too good for him. A life empty and void because the woman who owns you is gone is hell on earth. That was what he deserved. I’d lived it and I knew what it was like. Death would be too easy for him.
I glanced back at Dean who was sitting with Blaire talking, then found where the rest of the band had found places to sit. When I’d gotten the call they had all shown up at the airport with me. They loved my girl too. She was their family. There was a good chance they’d kill Grant.
“Kiro,” Grant said and I jerked my head back around to see the man responsible for this. He was wearing a pair of blue scrubs which meant he’d probably been back to see that baby that took my Harlow from me. The dark circles under his eyes and the pale color of his face didn’t make me feel any better.
“You killed my, baby,” I snarled unable to not take out my pain on someone.
Grant tensed and Rush was there in between us immediately. He looked fierce and ready to take me on.
“She’s alive. She’s fighting because that is what she does. I don’t give a damn who you are I will have your ass removed from this hospital if you can’t keep it together. I’m sorry you’re hurting. I know you’ve got to be scared as shit. But so is he,” Rush said pointing at Grant. “He’s fucking terrified. Losing her would destroy him. He’s already breaking apart. So don’t come in here throwing shit around and accusing him of anything. He stood by the woman he loves when she was determined to have this baby. He couldn’t force her to do something she’d never get over.”
Dean came up beside his son and put a hand on Rush’s shoulder as if to make sure I knew I wasn’t going to be able to attack Rush either.
“The boy looks like he’s been through hell. Harlow wouldn’t want this. She would want you to be here for each other. You know that, Kiro.” Dean said in a stern tone.
They were all on the boy’s side. He could have stopped this. My baby wanted to give him a baby. She loved that baby because it was his. So hell yes I blamed him. He should have used a mother fucking condom.
“He didn’t protect her. He could have saved us all this with something as simple as a damn condom.”
Grant closed his eyes and I saw him tremble. Apparently he knew that too. He was taking the blame. Good. He needed to know if we lost her he killed her. Him. He didn’t take care of her. She trusted him and this was what happened.
“He didn’t know about her heart until the day she left him. She was pregnant before she left. She just didn’t know it,” Rush explained.
I already knew that. I didn’t care. He still should’ve used a condom. Respect a girl like Harlow and protect her from your dick. It’s fucking courtesy.
“Where the fuck is Mase? His ass should be here,” I said, angry that the brother she adored wasn’t here. Waiting.
“I’m right here asshole.”
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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ Books-a-Million ~ IndieBound ~ Apple iBooks ~ Blio ~ Google ebookstore ~
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Abbi Glines
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of TWISTED PERFECTION, FALLEN TOO FAR, NEVER TOO FAR, JUST FOR NOW, WHILE IT LASTS, BECAUSE OF LOW, BREATHE, THE VINCENT BOYS, THE VINCENT BROTHERS, THE EXISTENCE TRILOGY.
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~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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August 31, 2014
Book Review ~ ‘The Second Time I Saw You’ by Pippa Croft.
The Second Time I Saw You by Pippa Croft
Oxford Blue #2
Genres: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary
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SYNOPSIS
Lauren and Alexander’s journey continues in the second novel in Pippa Croft’s Oxford Blue romance series.
It’s the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle – and now she’s determined to keep her distance.
Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep – he’s been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander’s arms.
Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she’s ever known . . .
Fans of E L James, Tammara Webber and Beth Kery won’t be able to get enough of Pippa Croft’s Oxford Blue romance series. The First Time We Met and The Second Time I Saw You are the first two novels in the series, followed by Third Time Lucky, which is also available to pre-order from Penguin.
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Book Review ~ ‘The Second Time I Saw You’ by Pippa Croft ~ 5+ Stars!
After finishing ‘The First Time We Met’, I knew that the ‘Oxford Blue’ series was going to be a very special one, and this feeling has only intensified throughout reading ‘The Second Time I Saw You’, as I was drawn back into Lauren and Alexander’s turbulent yet stunning relationship. It feels almost like I have an addiction to these characters, and their story, of which I just can’t get enough!
‘The Second Time I Saw You’ picks up after the Christmas break in which Lauren has returned to Oxford determined to not let the memory of Alexander and their devastating break-up stop her from putting everything into her work and new start for the next semester. Only she doesn’t expect to see Alexander quite so soon after arriving.
Seeing Alexander again made me jump for joy, as I was worried that their road to each other would be a bit bumpier than it was, but I loved that the outside strains on their relationship hadn’t changed. I loved that whilst Lauren did everything she could to be there for Alexander in this book, she still held part of herself back from him, even though her feelings for him were constantly growing stronger. I loved the pacing of this book, as the author took a really interesting road in developing them as a couple. Whereas normally we’d see the hero have to win the heroine back, sometimes taking a half to a whole of a book to get there, we instead see Lauren and Alexander take up where they left off, with all the old grievances, fears and insecurities they had in the previous book unchallenged, therefore lingering in the backs of their minds and festering into another devastating crescendo of deceit, uncertainty and jealousy.
I loved to hate the return of Alexander’s ex-fiancé Valentina, as she really got me fired up and grinding my teeth, Pippa Croft did an excellent job of making me hate the woman so much, and side with Lauren when it came to her worry over Alexander’s continued correspondence with her. I can’t wait to see how Valentina’s lies and her hold over Alexander will affect the couple’s relationship in the next book and I look forward to seeing whether he will finally see the true, vindictive side of the nasty woman.
The introduction of Alexander’s sister Emma. After hearing so much about her in the first book it was wonderful to see the infamous sister for myself. Pippa Croft absolutely nailed the rebellious teenager, and made her a very relatable character for other young girls who are going through similar stresses in their life. It was heartbreaking to see the pain her father had put her through, yet the guilt she felt for retaliating by causing him problems. I loved the bond she formed with Lauren, even though at times I felt so bad for Lauren for the guilt she felt for keeping Emma’s secrets from Alexander.
This story is one that will stay with you long after finishing it, the ending of this book had me desperately tapping my kindle for the next non-existent page! What an ending! I’m in a complete state waiting for the next book, as I still feel my heart pounding in my chest when I think about it!
Another fantastic addition to the ‘Oxford Blue’ series, with the perfect blend of romance, angst, deception, and the strength of love and family.
5+ stars!
* Review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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Book Blitz ~ ‘Docked’ & ‘Anchored’ by Rachael Wade
Docked & Anchored
Rachael Wade
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
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Docked by Rachael Wade
Docked #1
SYNOPSIS
A new, sensual Adult Contemporary Romance from author of the Amazon bestselling PRESERVATION SERIES, THE REPLACEMENT, and LOVE AND RELATIVITY. Coming to e-readers everywhere May 26, 2014.
It’s not water that paralyzes Anya Banks—it’s the ocean. Tumultuous and powerful, sleek and unpredictable, it’s just like Tanner Christensen, owner of Trident Voyager, the cruise ship she’s been talked into boarding by her vivacious, foodie fanatic best friend and co-worker, Lana. Tanner exudes confidence, and his raw masculinity is hard to resist. But Anya came aboard to work, face her demons, and then get the hell back to dry land.
Until Tanner convinces her to take the plunge.
She quickly dives into a fun, carefree arrangement with him and embraces her goal to be brave, no matter how loudly her shaky knees tell her to abandon ship. For twelve days, Tanner’s all hers. For twelve days, she’s his goddess. Once the cruise is over and the ship docks, she won’t be the same. But being brave always costs something, and this time, it might cost her heart.
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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~
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Anchored by Rachael Wade
Docked #2
Release Date: September
SYNOPSIS
Tanner and Anya’s story continues…
Choosing to put aside her reservations about spending more time with Tanner Christensen, Anya said to hell with her instinct and agreed to another cruise. She agreed to take the risk. But now she’s stuck.
Stuck on Trident Voyager.
Stuck with Tanner Christensen, and the woman hell bent on making her pay.
What was supposed to be a fun, careless fling turned out to be something else entirely. Something she wasn’t prepared for and something she certainly can’t take back. The damage is done, and this time, Lana and Brie aren’t by her side to help her weather the storm. There are no escape routes, only ship decks, miles of white sand, and one very self-assured, dominant cruise ship owner determined to get her attention and set things straight.
Lana might still be her partner in crime, but it’s Anya who must fight for—and protect—her heart when all is said and done.
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Teaser from the Upcoming ‘Anchored’
My body sags as he crashes against me and we collapse, falling face forward onto the cool sheets.
“Tanner,” I mumble into the comforter.
He grunts.
“Tanner!”
“Hhhmm?”
“I can’t breathe,” I laugh. My hair’s in my mouth, choking me. “Move, Mr. Christensen.”
“Don’t want to.”
“Tough.”
He grunts again and rolls onto his side, pulling me against him in a spooning position. “Feel good, baby?”
“No,” I pant. “No bueno.”
“You sounded satisfied to me, Miss Banks.”
“Not good. Chocolate is good. Massages are good. The beach is good.”
He chuckles deeply and adjusts my hair, brushing it from my neck to drop a kiss beneath my ear. “If you have a better adjective to describe what just happened, I’d love to hear it.”
“Boom,” I sigh. “Just…boom.”
“Boom?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Wait. Isn’t that a…verb, or something?”
“It can be used as an adjective. In this case, it’s definitely an adjective.”
Tanner smoothes his hand down my hip and squeezes my ass.
“Ouch!”
“Quit being a baby.”
“That hurt!”
“It feels good. You just want me to do it again.”
“I dare you to do it again.”
Pressure clamps down on my cheek and I spring onto my back, reaching for his side, ready to retaliate.
“Oh no, you don’t,” he laughs, dodging me. His hands fly out and capture my wrists, and he body-smacks me back down onto the mattress, crawling on top to straddle me, pinning me with his thighs. “Only I get to pinch.”
“How is that fair?”
“Haven’t you learned anything in Tanner Christensen 101, Anya? I don’t play fair.”
“Tanner, let me go.”
“What you’re really saying is, make me come again.”
“God, you really need a leash for that ego of yours. It’s out of control!” I bite his bicep and he doesn’t flinch. Just watches and laughs, his lashes drawing down as he eyes my mouth, that crooked smirk wreaking havoc on my libido. This man pulls me in. Continuously. I cannot get enough of him. And right now, while we’re wrapped up in his sheets, in this beach house in the middle of the Bahamas, all I can think about is escaping with him.
But a certain faux fiancée is waiting in the wings, ready to pounce at the perfect moment and snatch him away from me. An uncomfortable tingle, something possessive and foreign tickles behind my ribcage. I’m not sure what to make of it, I only know that we have a mess to sort before I can even begin to examine its meaning.
“What’s going on in there?” Tanner asks, kissing my forehead.
“Nothing.” I stretch and yawn, then sit up to wrap my arms around him, curling my body into him, latching on like he’s my own personal pillow. His face is buried in my hair while he sandwiches me between his hard body and the mattress.
“Anya.”
“Hhhmmm.”
“I can’t please you if you don’t tell me what you’re thinking.”
“You pleased me plenty just a few minutes ago.”
“Talk to me.”
“I want to play with you.”
He pulls back and arches a brow, grinning down at me.
“Switch positions.”
“Do you mind telling me where you’re getting this bossy streak from all of a sudden?”
It’s me who arches the brow this time.
“Ohhh, fresh.” He cups my breast and thumbs my nipple. “Careful, Miss Banks, or I’ll have my way with you again.”
“There would be worse things in the world, Mr. Christensen.”
“You have me there.”
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Prize Open Internationally
*10$ Amazon gift card*
Ends Sept 8th
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Rachael Wade
Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The Preservation Series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, The Keepers Trilogy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. Visit her at www.RachaelWade.com and www.LightsOnOutreach.com, or come chat with her on Twitter via @RachaelWade
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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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August 29, 2014
Book Blitz + Sale Alert ~ ‘Dark Prophet’ by K.N. Lee.
Dark Prophet by K.N. Lee
The Chronicles of Koa #2
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal
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SYNOPSIS
Book Two of the Best-Selling Novel, The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld
Not all vampires are created equal…
Koa is a half-blood vampire with not only the ability to fly, but survive in the sun’s light. She will do anything to protect her mother, and break her curse. The demon, Bund, wants more than her mother’s life. He wants something from Koa, a power that she doesn’t even know she has, and will rip through as many humans as he can to get her to surrender.
Agent Koa Ryeo-won, and her boss, Halston, formed a crew of supernatural agents to stop Bund. But is a prophet, a temptress, a War-Breeder, a half-blood with an enchanted sword, and a few angels enough to stop what Bund has planned?
In the midst of a war between the humans of the mortal world, and the creatures of the Netherworld, Koa discovers the truth of her past. She finds herself torn between two men, and in the center of everything. Faced with all of her returned memories, Koa also finds herself more powerful than ever. Being a half-blood is hard enough, but what exactly is Koa’s other half?
The truth can save…or destroy everything.
Will the Netherworld Division stand behind Koa once they learn her secret?
**Bonus Material**
Chapter 1 of K.N. Lee’s young adult fantasy, Academia of the Beast!
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Dark Prophet is FREE for a limited time!
Vampires, and angels, and demons…oh my! Download the international bestseller by award-winning author, K.N. Lee for free today. And don’t keep this fantastic event a secret. Share it with your friends!
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Exclusive Excerpt:
Koa frowned down at her body. A red dress. Koa hated red, but she did not have a choice. Like the blood that Koa had spilled the night before when she had been cut with a glowing dagger, the dress was dark and rich.
Ceremonies such as this were normal in the Netherworld. The wound on her white wrist healed before her eyes. Within minutes, the ceremony was complete, the tests were run, and it was confirmed that she was indeed the daughter of Alsand Vangelis, the vampire king of Elyan.
Only hours ago, Koa was awakened by a team of violet-eyed women tugging at her limbs. They washed her in scalding hot water, scrubbed her raw with oils, and slathered creams onto her snow-white skin. They straightened her thick black hair and painted her face with colors that Koa only thought older women were allowed to wear. Then, she had been dressed.
In a gaudy red wedding gown… at the age of twelve.
Koa wanted to run from the black temple that she and her father had slept in. On the side of a mountain, the temple faced the back of the dark kingdom that was meant to be her prison for an eternity. She wanted to break free from the parade of attendants sent to accompany her and fly home.
The human world seemed so far away.
No one understood just how much she did not want to do this. This wasn’t to be a human wedding, but a Netherworld wedding… a vampire wedding.
Koa scrunched up her nose as she looked down at the billowing gown, littered with sparkling crystals and black taffeta. She looked like a gothic spin on a Disney princess.
Vampire Barbie, she thought to herself.
Even at such a young age, Koa knew she did not fit the role of such a character. She was not a doll or a character from the books she read. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her nerves.
Like boiling acid, anxious feelings churned within her stomach, making her feel like she might faint, or worse… vomit at any moment.
How embarrassing that would be, Koa thought as she chewed her lip. She grimaced. Her lips tasted horrible, like tar. She’d almost forgotten that she was covered in makeup like a clown. Her small hands shook and she wanted to cry. It took all of her strength to keep the tears from escaping and causing an even bigger scene. With hot cheeks she held her breath, and prayed for an escape.
Koa was afraid of this dark place, where neither the sun nor moon existed. The entire population was composed of millions of creatures that would have given normal girls nightmares. “Nephilim” is what her father called them. The spawn of fallen angels. King Alsand was a nephilim. Koa was as well.
She was glad that her father was by her side. He never let go of her hand. With her free hand, Koa tugged at the high collar of her gown. She groaned. The black lace made the skin on her throat itch.
Koa looked up at her father. She was small, and her father always looked like such a giant to her. King Alsand walked regally by her side. He commanded such attention. With his head held high, his face depicted an air of authority. Together, they walked at the head of the procession through the wide streets of Lyrinia, while the citizens watched in uneasy silence.
Netherworld vamps, War-Breeders, Jems, Syths, and even ghouls came out of their hiding spots to catch a glimpse of the mysterious half-blood princess.
Koa tried not to stare back at the horrific creatures all around. The sound of metal and robotic buzzing noises caught her attention as a quad of Scayors entered the crowd. Everyone stepped aside to let them through to the front. Like metallic giants, slim, and sleek, the Scayors patrolled the event like silent police. Their eyes cast a dim green glow over what they scanned.
She shuddered when their gaze lingered on her. She feared that they were reading her thoughts and knew that she was afraid of them. That was one thing that Koa hated, the admission of fear. Even the monk-like Syths scared her. They were big, pale, creatures with bald heads and faces covered in tattoos.
Lightning broke out and everyone looked up to the sky. Koa clutched her father’s arm and paused.
He smiled down at her. “Don’t worry, Koa. It’s not a real sky, my love. That is simply the ground of another Netherworld level. I believe they are having a battle up there.”
Koa’s eyes narrowed as she looked at the dismal black sky. Lightning struck again, but it wasn’t the kind of lighting that she was used to. It was green and took the shape of various symbols as it faded into the dark. To think that they were only on one of the many levels of the Netherworld, and that entire civilizations and kingdoms were going about their business with little to no care about what an important day this was for Lyrinia was too much for young Koa to grasp.
When she looked back down, she saw that everyone had returned their attention to her. Vampire women and men stared at her. They were the only creatures that she wasn’t fearful of. Father had various vampires over at the manor from time to time, but none of them looked as picturesque as these Netherworld vamps.
Painted faces stared at her. The vampire women were the most beautiful women that Koa had ever seen, and yet none compared to her mother’s simple and natural beauty. These women were like painted dolls who she imagined tipping over and watching crack into pieces of porcelain.
Koa noticed how they seemed to be separated into groups. The red lipsticks on the left and the black lipsticks on the right. Koa didn’t know if it was simply a fashion trend or something more, but all of the women wore the most elaborate gowns and jeweled arrangements on their perfectly sculptured hairdos.
They watched her, unblinking, unsmiling. She could see the judgment in their eyes.
“Father,” Koa breathed. She looked away from their violet eyes and clutched her father’s arm.
King Alsand looked down at her. His green eyes were serious today. “What is it, darling?”
Koa looked ahead at the sparkling golden palace before them. The golden plates along the palaces walls shimmered and reflected all of the light from the Disc Moon, the artificial moon of the Netherworld. Her voice was caught in her throat. Something felt odd and yet she felt drawn to the palace. It stood out like a candle in the dark and pulled her in, as if by magic, like a moth to a porch light.
Koa’s face paled. This was the place that would be her new home. King Greggan’s teenage son, Prince Jax, would be her new husband.
Koa stopped. The guards that were leading them looked back and seemed ready to seize her and force her forward.
King Alsand leaned down to her ear. “What’s wrong?”
“I want to go home.”
Her father patted her hand and when one of the Syth guards stepped forward, he whipped out the Lyrinian sword with lightning speed. Everyone drew in a breath and stepped back as they beheld its power. The ring of steel rang throughout the air. It pulsed, audibly, and visibly as the red glow made the air heat and crackle.
Even Koa held her breath as her eyes shot to the Lyrinian blade.
King Alsand’s raptor-like glare burned into the guards, warning them to keep their distance. He didn’t have to say a word. The red glow of the black blade was enough to make the large brutish creatures rethink their actions.
King Alsand waited a moment longer, making sure that they knew how serious he was. Koa had only trained with that sword once. The power was too great for her now, but one day it would be hers.
She flinched when her father’s glare landed on her. “Koa, this is your home.”
Koa shook her head, but avoided his eyes. She looked around. The air was stale, not like the fresh, fragrant air of France. The sky was dark, lit only by the Disc Moon that cast different colors across the land whenever the hour changed.
She missed the moon of Earth. She missed the sun, the trees, and the flowers. The Netherworld felt like a nightmare from which she would never awaken. No matter what color the day was in the Netherworld, it was always too dark for her. Koa’s father didn’t understand her love for daylight, for he had never seen real daylight.
The sun’s rays would kill him just as surely as it would kill any vampire, Netherworld or New World. Koa was the only exception and she wished that he would at least try to understand.
“You are half Netherworld vamp, Koa,” her father gave her hand a squeeze. “This is where you belong, amongst your people.”
“I am also half human.”
King Alsand looked down at her and pursed his lips. His eyes hid something from her.
Koa tried to soften her voice and sound as sweet as possible. “Bring mother here, and maybe I won’t feel so homesick,” Koa reasoned, her green eyes hopeful.
King Alsand shook his head, but his features softened for her. “My darling girl. You will see that this is the place for you. You belong here with your people. The treaty has already been signed.” He leaned closer to her ear and whispered. “Your mother cannot come here Koa. She is safe in the mortal world. If we do not fulfill our side of the treaty, she will be in danger. Now, is that what you want?”
Her lips trembled. She shook her head quickly. Just the thought of someone harming her mother made her feel sick. She didn’t know what she would do if she lost that sweet, loving, woman.
She looked into her father’s eyes.
“Do you understand what I am telling you?”
Koa nodded. She understood, but she still didn’t agree with what was happening.
Alsand smiled and stroked her pale white cheek.
“But I don’t want to do this,” Koa whispered.
Alsand’s smile faded, but his eyes didn’t turn cold on her as she expected. He knelt down to her level and cupped her cheek.
“I know, my dear girl, but sometimes we have to do things that we don’t want to… to protect those that we love.”
“May I?” Faun asked of Alsand.
Alsand nodded and Faun gathered her white skirts in one hand and scampered over to fix Koa’s long black hair. Koa didn’t take her eyes from her father’s. She hoped that he would see how miserable she was.
Koa ignored Faun as she examined her face with violet eyes. She was adamant about making sure that Koa’s part was perfectly straight and that her hair fell in long ringlets.
“Smile,” she said.
Koa twisted her mouth. “I don’t want to.”
Faun put her hands on her bony hips. She scrunched up the space between her thin brows as she narrowed her eyes at Koa. “Just do it. It’s only for a second.”
Koa rolled her eyes and faked a quick smile.
“That wasn’t so hard, now was it?” Snickering, she gathered her skirts in her hand. “You have red lipstick on your teeth,” she said and returned to her place in the procession behind Koa and her father.
Frustrated, Koa rubbed her teeth with her finger. She knew just how ridiculous she looked. Black liner, red lips, and rosy cheeks.
Alsand locked arms with Koa. He leaned close and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He lowered his voice into a whisper. “Remember, never mention that you can walk in the sun. Never.”
Koa swallowed and squeezed her eyes shut. “I know, father. You don’t have to keep reminding me.”
“Good,” he stood back to his full height. His eyes widened and he leaned down again. “Or that you can fly.”
Koa nodded, her head down. “Yes, I know.”
He pinched her cheek. “Good. Shall we continue, darling?”
“I don’t know, father.” Koa couldn’t bring herself to look at her father again. “Is there anything else that you want to remind me not to say or do?” Her eyes were burning from the tears that threatened to gush forth.
Alsand noticed and simply shook his head. He patted her hand.
She hung her head. Once again, they were walking down the black stone walkway that led to the gate and stone doors of the Lyrinian palace.
Koa’s heart pattered against her ribcage. She felt like she might have an anxiety attack. So many eyes staring. So much anticipation in the air.
Those golden gates that she’d been staring at for the past hour, as they walked through the entire kingdom, were held open for them and heavily guarded.
When Koa stepped through the gates and entered a massive courtyard of stone. Their path was lit for them. On either side of the carpet were artificial trees of stone and black clay. They weren’t real, but they were beautiful. Art.
Even Koa could appreciate the mastery. She examined the sculptures as she followed her escort through the courtyard and to the stone doors that led into the palace. Once inside, light seemed to fill every dark space. Chandeliers, torches, candles, mirrors reflecting the light, and light discs were positioned all over the wide corridor.
It was then that Koa contemplated flying away. She’d thought of it often. It would be her last chance. She took a peek over her shoulder. She could still see the door. She’d just promised her father that she would keep her abilities a secret. She wasn’t sure why such things were so important.
She could simply lift herself into the air, and head for the Gate, but visions of her mother being harmed kept her firmly planted to the purple carpeted floor.
Koa felt numb, like she was walking to her prison cell.
Each corridor led to another corridor of a different theme. From one of light and mirrors they stepped through grand archers to a corridor of dim candles and artificial flowers in vases painted with paint that seemed to have a light of its own. There was a corridor with walls filled with paintings and soft music played by a small creature that resembled the one at the Gate. Tunes was what her father called him, but all Koa remembered was how creepy he was. She shuddered as she recalled Tunes’ bulbous eyes.
Koa watched it buzz around with short black wings as it blew eerie melodies out of its flute. She tapped her chin and furrowed her brows as she tried to remember what kind of creature it was.
With bat-like wings and rubbery, yellowish skin, she was sure she’d seen that creature in a book from her father’s study. Koa spent hours in there, reading anything that she could get her hand on. The Netherworld tomes always intrigued her. Now she was faced with the creatures she’d studied.
“An imp!” Koa shouted triumphantly. She covered her mouth with her hand and looked around in horror. She hadn’t meant to say that aloud. Everyone glanced at her with disapproval, but the imp continued playing its flute until they went into the next corridor.
Koa was relieved to find that the maze of corridors had finally ended, and that they were finally in the main ballroom where the prince and the royal family awaited them.
She stepped into the room, from carpet to shiny granite floors and a flood of light and decorations overwhelmed her senses. She didn’t want to admit how beautiful it was, but her eyes widened at the spectacle. Hundreds of chairs draped with gold silk lined either side of the alleyway that led to the dais where the thrones stood.
Her heart thumped. She felt something she hadn’t expected. Koa’s face flooded with blood as her eyes met those of the prince.
No one else mattered. Nothing else existed as Koa’s eyes cut through the crowd and down to the set of five thrones as Koa and her father stopped before the platform.
“Princess Evina, 1st Queen Katya, 2nd Queen Lera, your highness, King Greggan, and Prince Jax, behold King Alsand of Elyan and Princess Koa.”
Koa heard the introductions but something odd was happening. She stared at Prince Jax with her mouth agape.
He was the most attractive person she had ever seen in her life: piercing dark blue eyes, dark blood-red hair, and a perfectly sculpted chin and nose. Koa felt her face flush as he looked her up and down. Then, he did something that made her grin, despite her previous fears and doubts.
Prince Jax winked at her.
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5 out of 5 stars
Amazon verified editorial review
The Best Sequel Novel I’ve Ever Read–Period
“When I finished reading K.N. Lee’s “The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld,” I remember the anticipation which began to build from that moment for the story I knew was coming.
Well, “Dark Prophet: Book Two of the Chronicles of Koa” certainly did not disappoint. Koa and Halston are back, better than ever. It sets a precedent for me to finish reading fictional works the very same day I start them, but that’s EXACTLY what happened this afternoon. An original, detailed plot–unique characters a reader finds themselves investing in readily–true hang-on-for-dear-life action–this book has it ALL. Lee writes in such a way she engages her audience from the opening sentence. I’m thrilled to say I’ve seen it happen twice now.
At this point, allow me to make something crystal clear: I’m not the type of reader who simply decides to review written material with the coveted 5-Star Rating just because others have before me. That’s just not “how I roll”. But, as I mentioned above, I’d already seen Lee’s talent with her first Koa publication; Dark Prophet validates my anticipation. Five stars? By all rights, there SHOULD be a 5-Star PLUS designation specifically for K.N. Lee.
There’s already a legion of fans out there who share my opinion.
Join us, and get this book, folks.
It’s that simple.”
Michael Holman, the author of Resolve and Retribution
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K.N. Lee
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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August 27, 2014
Book Review ~ ‘Trial by Fire’ by Josephine Angelini
Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini
The Worldwalker Trilogy #1
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: 28th August 2014.
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SYNOPSIS
The exhilaratingly seductive new series from the author of the bestselling Starcrossed series
Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.
This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted…which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily’s life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.
Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem – one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily’s identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.
Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn’t understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can’t hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.
But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?
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Book Review ~ ‘Trial by Fire’ by Josephine Angelini ~ 5+ Stars!
Well Wow, Wow and WOW!
I’m not ashamed to admit that what drew me to this book was originally the cover, because honestly the cover is so gorgeous it deserves all the credit it gets, but I also connected straight away to the synopsis. I’ve had a bit of a lull with books in the fantasy genre recently, finding a lot of them to be predictable and all too often just the same story written in different words. I can’t even express how ecstatic I was when I started reading this book, because I knew straight away that this story was going to be very different.
Josephine Angelini has created a stunning and incredibly moving story which has taken a special place in my heart. I couldn’t even write this review immediately after finishing it because I just couldn’t find the words to express what it was about this book that I loved so much. There was so much about it that spoke to me, and it has a message running throughout that is so powerful and poignant.
One of the things that made this book such a winner for me, was the absolutely fantastic characters. They didn’t feel like fictional beings at all to me, as the author did such an incredible job at giving them so many layers and dimensions that you could see the hopes, fears, good and bad in all of them which made them so real to me as a reader. It made me connect so much to the story that when I put my kindle down, it would take a minute for me to return to reality. In my opinion this is the sign of a really powerful author. Lily was also such a unique heroine, and I loved her for her strength, but also her despair, as it reminded me that before she was anything else, she was human with human emotions which can easily overwhelm you. Her slow-burning relationship with Rowan was something that I was so invested in, and I was so in tune with them that I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how their story would progress.
Even Lillian, the nemesis of this book is more than just that. Even after all the things she had done I still felt for her, and really could understand where she was coming from when it came to her persecution of scientists. She was conflicted, was a real emotional being and really did believe that what she was doing was the only way to save those she loved, and I have no doubt of the love she had for her sister, Rowan and even in some ways, Lily.
The world that Josephine Angelini created in ‘Trial by Fire’ was so clever. It constantly went around in my mind the differences between reality and the new Salem that Lily was trapped in. In some ways it was almost a poignant message that things could have so easily been different in our world’s history. Where Witches were persecuted in history due to fear of their powers and science has taken over our world, it was so exciting to read of a world where scientists were persecuted by witches because of the fear of what Science can do to the world. Absolutely brilliant.
I don’t want to spoil any of the story for potential readers because it really is something that you have to experience yourself, but this is by far one of the best books I have read this year in this genre, and after that cliffhanger I am already goodreads stalking the author in the hope of any teasers for the next book in the series!
5+ Stars!
*Review copy was provided by the Publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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Available to Pre-Order
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Josephine Angelini
~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Book Review ~ ‘A Gifted Curse’ by K.N. Lee.
A Gifted Curse by K.N. Lee
Tales of Darkness
Genre: Fantasy, Short Stories.
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SYNOPSIS
Two tales of fantasy, darkness, and magic by award-winning paranormal fantasy author, K.N. Lee
The Last of the Jinn
Pregnant and enslaved by her own husband, Malah must find a way to steal her powers back and escape.
The Ticking Ring
Ella is an American woman that has found true love in Ireland. She never knew that the man of her dreams had a secret, or that his secret could remove her from the mortal world…
Bonus Material
Chapter One of Netherworld: The Chronicles of Koa Book One.
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Book Review ~ ‘A Gifted Curse’ by K.N. Lee ~ 5 Stars!
Once again K.N. Lee has managed to astound me with her raw talent for creating such well developed fantasy worlds in such short word count. Having adored the first two books in the ongoing ‘Chronicles of Koa’ series, I knew that K.N. Lee has a incredible way with words, and these two stories showed the same fluidity of character speech and development.
It’s always difficult in short stories to bring the same level of depth to characters as you would in a full length novel, but K.N. Lee makes it look so easy. In ‘The Last of the Jinn’ I connected so deeply to heroine Malah, and really felt as though I knew her, despite only seeing a small part of her life and journey. I mournedd with Malah for the loss of her children, and I too felt the utter betrayal as he husband enslaves her to benefit from her powers. This story had my mind whirring long after I finished it, and I kept thinking back to Malah and her incredible strength.
‘The Ticking Ring’ was an absolute gem of a short story and I loved the take the author used on this well-known character, giving the story a twist that you wouldn’t initially expect from a story showing the strength of love. It was heartwrenching but still beautiful to see desperately Ella wanted to accept the man she loved, but how real life and the responsibilities she had to her family and life in America ended up enroaching in her dreams of happiness. This was a poignant and beautifully written story that will have tears in your eyes.
K.N. Lee is a fantastic author who is at the top of my to-read list with every new release.
5 Stars!
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K.N. Lee
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Cover Reveal ~ ‘AlibiZ’ by Karice Bolton.
AlibiZ by Karice Bolton
(Afterworld #2)
Publication date: October 2014
Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic
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SYNOPSIS
Rebekah vows to expose the truth behind the RecruitZ that are killing the innocents. These creatures must be stopped, but so should the people controlling them. When Rebekah uncovers who is behind the uprisings, her own life becomes in danger.
Rebekah knows that she is not alone in this fight but vengeance alone won’t help her and the others to victory. Forced to build a battalion with the very creatures she needs to destroy, it is up to her to uncover the truth for the public before the world is turned over to an elite few.
Regardless of what may happen to her, she knows it’s a race against time to destroy these creatures and the monsters controlling them before there is no one left worth saving.
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Karice Bolton
Karice received an MFA in Creative Writing from the U of W. She has written fifteen novels and has several exciting projects in the works. Karice lives with her husband and two English Bulldogs in rainy Washington.
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Books currently available:
Luke Fletcher Series: Hidden Sins (Book 1), Buried Sins (Book 2) – coming soon
Beyond Love Series: Beyond Control (Book 1) Beyond Doubt (Book 2) Beyond Reason (Book 3) Beyond Intent (Book 4) Beyond Chance, Beyond Promise, and Beyond the Mistletoe coming soon
Afterworld Series: RecruitZ (Book 1) AlibiZ (Book 2) – October 2014
The Witch Avenue Series: Lonely Souls (Book 1), Altered Souls (Book 2), Released Souls (Book 3) Shattered Souls (Book 4)
The Watchers Trilogy: Awakening (Book 1), Legions (Book 2), Cataclysm (Book 3), Taken Novella (Watchers Prequel)
The Camp
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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Cover Reveal organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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August 24, 2014
Book Review ~ ‘I’ll Be Watching You’ by Beverly Barton.
I’ll Be Watching You by Beverly Barton
Genres: Adult, Crime, Thriller, Mystery
Pubisher: Avon
Publication Date: Kindle ~ 28th August 2014
Paperback ~ 9th October 2014
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SYNOPSIS
Ella, sweet Ella, you were meant to be mine. You can’t begin to imagine all the things I want to do to you. When the time is right, I will come for you . . .
A series of hand-delivered letters leaves Ella scared for her life.
Someone is watching her. Wanting her. Someone promising revenge.
Desperate for the nightmare to end, Ella will do anything to discover the truth.
Even join forces with a man who comes with his own danger warning . .
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Book Review ~ ‘I’ll Be Watching You’ by Beverly Barton ~ 5 Stars!
There’s nothing better than getting lost in a really good thriller, and that is what ‘I’ll Be Watching You’ is, a really good thriller. Beverly Barton interwove the romance, crime, mystery and suspense of this story to perfection and made me feel like I was reading a real life account, not just a story. It is the sign of a very good author that you forget whilst reading that the story is purely fictional, and with the brilliant development of both the main and secondary characters and the slow building storyline, ‘I’ll Be Watching You’ felt very real to me, making me feel the suspense even more than I would have reading any old thriller.
I loved the development of the characters in this book, especially the way that Barton was able to write a romantic storyline between two characters who could not have been more different. I loved the personality clashes between Reed and Ella, which made me root for them even more, as both of them were so stubborn that when they were together, they began to see the world in a different way. The way that there storyline entwined with the suspense that was woven throughout the story was fantastic, and there were moments when I felt my head doubting Reed’s innocence, even though I knew in my heart that he was telling the truth. Having the hero of this story being an ex-convict who’d been imprisoned for 15 years for a murder he stoutly denies having any involvement in was a clever move as we were able to see how prison affected an innocent person as he started his life again outside. It was also wonderful to see the strong family network Reed had with his mother and sister, which was beautifully contrasted with the loving relationship Ella had with her Father, and she also believes with her mother.
Any good thriller has to have the reader on the edge of their seat, and I was definitely on the edge of mine when I was reading ‘I’ll Be Watching You’. So much so that when at 70% through the book at 1AM, I stayed awake to finish it as I just had to know what would happen to the characters that I had come to care about so deeply. What made this book even better was the tiny clues we were given throughout the novel as to who the true killer of Reed’s stepfather was. It was brilliant because the clues, whilst giving away so much information, also gave away so little, as my mind jumped constantly from one suspect to another, making a case against all of the main and secondary characters before finding out in the next chapter that my case was flawed. It was exceptionally well written and I loved feeling that as well as a reader, I was also an investigator of the crime.
What really made this novel stand out for me was the wonderful development of the secondary characters. They felt just as real to me as the main characters, and it made me so happy to see how their storylines unfolded alongside Reed and Ella’s. It was great to see how it was not just Reed who had been so badly affected by his mother’s relationship with their stepfather, as his sister was still badly scarred from her trauma, something that hadn’t lessened in the fifteen years her brother was in prison. Seeing her blossom into a more confident woman was so beautiful and I loved her relationship with Mark that I had at one time worried was one-sided.
This was a superbly written book, with perfect pacing, character development and a suspense that will have you shivering.
5 Stars!
*Review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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Available for Pre-Order.
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