Sorcha O'Dowd's Blog, page 36
July 11, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Wreck Me’ by Maria E. Monteiro.
Wreck Me by Maria E. Monteiro
Publication date: June 17th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
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SYNOPSIS
All Piper Walker wants is to feel normal again, and for the pain of losing the one person she truly loved to go away. But no matter what she does she feels like she keeps hitting a wall of hurt.
Chase Whitman has finally moved back to town after running away from his troubled home life. He’s trying to fill the emptiness in his heart with all the wrong women, making sure he doesn’t fall in love with any of them.
Now in her sophomore year of college, Piper is trying all she can to right all the wrongs she has done the past year. Which includes almost getting thrown out of school, becoming distant from her best friend, and moving way too quickly with her boyfriend.
After a night of heavy drinking Piper wakes up to find Chase in bed with her. She panics and runs off hoping never to see him again. Little does she know Chase will invade her life in every way possible and become the person she needs the most.
Will they be able to fill the void in each other? Or will their past wreck everything?
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1
The Morning After
The sun beams on my face forcing my brain to wake up from a deep sleep. I try to open my eyes but they seam to be glued shut. Struggling, I manage to open one and then the other. Rapidly I blink bringing some needed moister to them.
My head feels like it has ten pounds of lead in it. A scent of stale beer brings on a wave of nausea. Without moving an inch my eyes begin to bounce around the room.
A white popcorn ceiling with an unrecognizable lighting fixture.
Bare windows with the blinds raised all the way up allowing the sun to come in.
A chair near the window.
A dark wood dresser near the door.
A Yankees tapestry on the washed-out wall.
This is not my room. Where the hell am I?
Heavy breathing enters my ears. My throat closes as each one of my muscles turn hard. This can’t be happening! What did I do last night?
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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~
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1.What is your favorite word?
Piper: Dream, because we all have dreams and it’s up to us to make them come true.
Chase: Music. It sounds like a song as it comes out of your mouth.
2. What is your least favorite word?
Piper: Death. It’s just so final.
Chase: Loser. Nobody wants to be a loser.
3. What turns you on?
Piper: Breathing in my ear. And Chase’s blue eyes
Chase: Piper
4. What turns you off?
Piper: Lies.
Chase: People getting in my business.
5. What sound do you love?
Piper: The sound of water hitting the ceramic tub.
Chase: The strings on my Fender guitar.
6. What sound do you hate?
Piper: Lola’s voice when she’s mad at me.
Chase: Piper crying when I know I’m the reason.
7. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Piper: An English professor.
Chase: A doctor.
8. What profession would you not like to do?
Piper: Anything in politics.
Chase: Any job at my father’s company.
9. Tells us something no one knows about you?
Piper: I fell in love with Chase faster than I should have.
Chase: The minute I saw Piper, I knew she was going to change my life.
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Prizes: Open internationally
A Wreck Me Gift bag which includes a Wreck Me Tote bag, Maria’s other three paperbacks: Hold on Tight, Letting Go, and Because of You and a $50 Victoria Secret gift card.
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Maria E. Monteiro
Maria E Monteiro was born in Chile, but grew up in Sleepy Hollow NY. The Catskills is now the place she calls home, alongside her husband. She has been writing since she was a little girl. Her love for reading and writing led her to obtain a BA in English and a Masters in Literacy. Maria loves to write about the small moments that become huge when falling in love. Hold on Tight is Maria E. Monteiro’s debut YA novel. Her love of writing accompanies her love for music. When she is not writing, Maria can be found at a rock concert or dancing around her house.
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~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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July 9, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Carnival’ by K.B. Nelson.
Carnival by K.B. Nelson
Publication date: July 7th 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance
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SYNOPSIS
Charlie should be packing her bags for college, but the life ahead of her isn’t one she’s certain she wants. Maybe that’s what led her to sleep with a perfect stranger at the county fair. Finding out he was a carnie was like winning the bonus round of the world’s worst game.
Blue grew up in the carnival, never staying anywhere long enough to call home. He never thought of himself as the type to seduce a local, let alone fall in love with one, but his impulsiveness got the better of him this time. He should go where the carnival takes him, but for the first time he’s not sure if he wants to go.
When he makes the decision to stick around, Charlie eagerly follows him down the rabbit hole; into a world with no regard for consequences or regret. Most of all, he shows her that home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling they can create and share. For a price. Because the higher the roller coaster goes, the faster it all comes crashing down.
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He moves toward me like he’s about to embrace me or something. It’s not a conscious choice, but I lean back. He gets the hint and stops.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
I need a second to think about the answer. It’s right on the tip of my tongue, but it’s not ready to come out. I look everywhere but at him. “The world.”
“That’s mysterious,” he says with a nod, “but I get it.”
My eyes catch his. “Do you?”
“I figured it out about fifteen minutes after I woke up.”
“Sorry about that.”
“For leaving? Don’t be. Like I said, I get it.”
I begin playing with my hair. I’m sure it annoys everyone but me when I do it.
He gets closer and this time I don’t pull back. “You’re hurt. You’re scared. You’re kind of lost. The world’s spinning and you just wanna jump off?”
“Something like that.”
“Let me get off with you.”
A chuckle escapes my throat. Blue’s eyes squint and I can tell he’s a little frustrated. “That’s not what I meant.”
“I know,” I say and straighten my face out, back into serious mode. Those two words reminding me how terribly lost I’ve been.
“What I’m trying to say is that we all get lost sometimes. Just like you’re lost now, I was lost when I met you.” The rain rolls off the edge of his lips. “I think I’m still kind of lost, like I’m all the way out there on Venus or wherever the hell it is that you girls come from.”
“Blue,” I interject.
“No. I’m going to finish because I’m not going to take the chance that you’re going to say something stupid.”
“Stupid?” I ask, offended.
“Please, let me finish.”
My hand pats against my jeans. “Fine.”
“So I’m out there on Venus, but it’s you who always brings me back to Earth. Like you’re the Sun and I’m the Moon, and I know that we belong together because, hey, gravity.”
Strangely, I get his point. Even if he’s getting to said point in a rather contrived fashion. I wonder aloud, “One might think you’re on drugs or something with all this Plato-ing.”
“I want to say that your love is my drug, but I think I’m all cheesed out.” He smiles and it’s a relief.
“That’s probably a good thing.” I roll my tongue across my lip. “Now, can I say something stupid?”
“About that, I didn’t mean to—”
“Look, I love you and that’s not a question, it’s a fact. Some days, I wake up and know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Other days, it’s a neon blur. It’s like I don’t know who I am anymore.”
It’s quick and it’s gentle, but his palms grab me and hold me by the cheeks. “I know who you are. You’re Charlie. Sweet, beautiful, smart as fuck Charlie—the girl that I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. Everybody gets lost at some point, but I’m here to remind you exactly who you are.”
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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~
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Prizes:
*2x 10$ Amazon Gift Cards (INT)*
*2x Signed copies of Carnival (US only)*
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K.B. Nelson
I grew up on a farm in Ohio, but that’s not very interesting, is it? When I’m not writing you can find me doing one of two things; getting lost on highways or getting lost in the lives of fictional characters. If my heart had two feet, one foot would be in romance and the other solidly in geekdom. I hope you’ll all follow me on my journey through this carnival they call life. I promise there will be a happy ending.
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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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July 8, 2014
Blog Stop ~ ‘Just You’ by Jane Lark.
Just You by Jane Lark
(Starting Out #2)
Published by: Harper Impulse
Publication date: May 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
۞
SYNOPSIS
The morning after the New Year’s Eve before…
Waking up to a new year with a killer hangover and hazy memories of a seriously hot hook-up the night before leaves Portia in an awkward situation… Did I, or didn’t I? The only way she’s going to find out is by standing up to the guy in question.
With no regrets, Justin is willing to play the gentleman and save Portia her embarrassment. Only then he gets a text saying, come over… and he’s not gonna lie – this is friends with a lot of benefits!
But no matter how good the sex is, there’s one thing Justin’s not down with: being this shallow rich girl’s dirty little secret…
۞
~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~
۞
Book Review ~ ‘Just You’ by Jane Lark ~ 5 Stars!
I know I’m always in for a treat when I start a book by Jane Lark. I never have to worry that the writing will fall flat, or the characters will develop unrealistically, and in ‘Just You’ I was yet again swept into Portia and Justin’s story by Jane Lark’s beautifully poetic writing style and characters that I can not only relate to, but actually feel an affinity with.
‘Just You’ was the second stunning addition to the ‘Starting Out’ series. I didn’t think it was possible but Justin and Portia may have just beaten Rachel and Jason in terms of how amazing a couple they are, which is a high feat indeed considering how Rachel and Jason are pretty damn amazing too! Jane Lark again has created such wonderful three dimensional characters that I just connect to so deeply. Portia in particular was a character that I was so sure I would hate at the beginning of the story, but ended up being one of the most kind-hearted, well-meaning characters that I have met in a long time.
‘Just You’ brings in so many dimensions that make it such a realistic and heart-warming story. There was only a strong focus on the development of Justin and Portia’s relationship, which became stronger as Portia began to see the world with a different light, and which made her develop so much as a person, mostly thanks to Justin. There is the wonderful message throughout this story that everyone can change if there is someone who loves and cares enough about you to help you through it, and this was particularly beautiful to see Justin’s influence in helping Portia realise that she wanted to be somebody different to the person she was pretending to be her whole life.
There is also some beautiful scenes which show the importance of family, and the unconditional love that a parent and siblings can have for each other something that is a priority in a life of poverty and struggle, as well as some heartbreaking scenes where we see that money cannot buy parental affection or love. There was also the barrier of race that was brilliantly dealt with, and was shown two-sided, which is often ignored. We see Justin’s family shock that Justin is dating a white girl, and Portia’s family’s disappointment in Portia dating a black boy. This was written very truthfully and also showed how far Portia had come in becoming a better person that she refused to listen to her parents and society on a matter of love.
This was a beautifully written story which has stayed with me long after finishing it. Justin and Portia’s story is one that I know will be re-read many times in the future, as its message that love can overcome financial status, race and prejudice is a heart-warming one that rekindled my hope in humanity again.
5 Stars!
۞
Giveaway: Open internationally
*$50 or £40 Amazon voucher*
*I Found You Backpack*
*A signed copy of I Found You*
*and some fun stationary*
۞
Jane Lark
Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult romance and author of a No.1 bestselling Historical Novel,’The Illicit Love of a Courtesan, as well as a Kindle overall Top 25, bestselling author.
She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write.
Now Jane is writing a Regency series as well as contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations at last.
You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane’s favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was ‘Katherine’ a story crafted from reality.
Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses these to create more realistic plots.
‘Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it’s wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.’
Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life.
۞
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
۞
Blog Tour organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
Click the banner above to follow the ‘Just You’ Blog Tour.
۞
Blog Tour ~ ‘Just You’ by Jane Lark.
Just You by Jane Lark
(Starting Out #2)
Published by: Harper Impulse
Publication date: May 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
۞
SYNOPSIS
The morning after the New Year’s Eve before…
Waking up to a new year with a killer hangover and hazy memories of a seriously hot hook-up the night before leaves Portia in an awkward situation… Did I, or didn’t I? The only way she’s going to find out is by standing up to the guy in question.
With no regrets, Justin is willing to play the gentleman and save Portia her embarrassment. Only then he gets a text saying, come over… and he’s not gonna lie – this is friends with a lot of benefits!
But no matter how good the sex is, there’s one thing Justin’s not down with: being this shallow rich girl’s dirty little secret…
۞
~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~
۞
Book Review ~ ‘Just You’ by Jane Lark ~ 5 Stars!
I know I’m always in for a treat when I start a book by Jane Lark. I never have to worry that the writing will fall flat, or the characters will develop unrealistically, and in ‘Just You’ I was yet again swept into Portia and Justin’s story by Jane Lark’s beautifully poetic writing style and characters that I can not only relate to, but actually feel an affinity with.
‘Just You’ was the second stunning addition to the ‘Starting Out’ series. I didn’t think it was possible but Justin and Portia may have just beaten Rachel and Jason in terms of how amazing a couple they are, which is a high feat indeed considering how Rachel and Jason are pretty damn amazing too! Jane Lark again has created such wonderful three dimensional characters that I just connect to so deeply. Portia in particular was a character that I was so sure I would hate at the beginning of the story, but ended up being one of the most kind-hearted, well-meaning characters that I have met in a long time.
‘Just You’ brings in so many dimensions that make it such a realistic and heart-warming story. There was only a strong focus on the development of Justin and Portia’s relationship, which became stronger as Portia began to see the world with a different light, and which made her develop so much as a person, mostly thanks to Justin. There is the wonderful message throughout this story that everyone can change if there is someone who loves and cares enough about you to help you through it, and this was particularly beautiful to see Justin’s influence in helping Portia realise that she wanted to be somebody different to the person she was pretending to be her whole life.
There is also some beautiful scenes which show the importance of family, and the unconditional love that a parent and siblings can have for each other something that is a priority in a life of poverty and struggle, as well as some heartbreaking scenes where we see that money cannot buy parental affection or love. There was also the barrier of race that was brilliantly dealt with, and was shown two-sided, which is often ignored. We see Justin’s family shock that Justin is dating a white girl, and Portia’s family’s disappointment in Portia dating a black boy. This was written very truthfully and also showed how far Portia had come in becoming a better person that she refused to listen to her parents and society on a matter of love.
This was a beautifully written story which has stayed with me long after finishing it. Justin and Portia’s story is one that I know will be re-read many times in the future, as its message that love can overcome financial status, race and prejudice is a heart-warming one that rekindled my hope in humanity again.
5 Stars!
۞
Giveaway: Open internationally
*$50 or £40 Amazon voucher*
*I Found You Backpack*
*A signed copy of I Found You*
*and some fun stationary*
۞
Jane Lark
Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult romance and author of a No.1 bestselling Historical Novel,’The Illicit Love of a Courtesan, as well as a Kindle overall Top 25, bestselling author.
She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write.
Now Jane is writing a Regency series as well as contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations at last.
You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane’s favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was ‘Katherine’ a story crafted from reality.
Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses these to create more realistic plots.
‘Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it’s wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.’
Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life.
۞
~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
۞
Blog Tour organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
Click the banner above to follow the ‘Just You’ Blog Tour.
۞
July 4, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘The V Girl’ by Mya Robarts.
The V Girl
Mya Robarts
Publication date: July 1st 2014
Genres: Dystopia, New Adult
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SYNOPSIS
In post-apocalyptic North America, rape and sexual slavery are legal. Lila Velez, desperately wants to lose her virginity before the troops visit her town and can take it away by force. She makes plans to seduce her only friend, Rey, the most attractive man in her town. Lila does not love him but he is the only man who has shown her true affection, an affection she is willing to take as a substitute of love.
Lila’s coping mechanism to her mother’s rape and kidnapping is her secret. A secret that will bring her closer to Aleksey, a foreign, broody man. Lila does not trust him because his links to the troops and his rough, yet irresistible appearance. Aleksey offers Lila an alternative to her plans, a possibility that terrifies her…and tempts her in spite of herself.
All the while Lila will have to find a way to live in the constant company of death, slavery, starvation, sexual abuse and the danger of losing the people she loves the most.
This book is recommended for readers over the age of 18 due to strong language and sexual content.
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Year 21st of the civil war
Involved parts: Patriot army, Nationalist Army, United Sentinel army.
Number of Nationalist states casualties: 12,954,988.
Number of Patriot states casualties: 3,859,895
Number of United Sentinel casualties: 689,220
“Copulation without conversation does not constitute fraternization.”
Say among allied troops during WW2
Prologue
In the barely lit room, there are only some gym mattresses and a couple of mirrors. I’ve set the mirrors so I can watch myself losing the V of my nick name.
My “one-hour stand” climbs up the mattresses and touches my naked trembling body. His breathing becomes ragged, his eyes are dark.
I never imagined my first time like this. In my imagination, having my first time meant I would be in love.
I always thought I would only allow myself to be with someone in that way if I really, really, loved that person. He would also be unconditionally in love with me. He would be someone who would look at me as though I was his sun.
I wanted to lose my virginity to someone who adores me. Preferably someone who had said the five magic words: “Lila, will you marry me?” I wanted to have sex for the first time with someone I’d consider worthy enough to spend the rest of my life with. If I only had more time. Eighteen is too young in my book to have met the person to whom I want to commit my life.
I wish this occasion could have been a romantic spur of the moment situation. One thing leading to other in a natural manner and then…I wouldn’t be a V girl anymore.
That would have been an ideal situation. But I don’t live in an ideal world; I live in a world defined by a civil war.
My deflowering can’t be romantic or spontaneous. I’ve been preparing my first sexual encounter since I heard the troops were on their way to Starville.
I don’t love my sexual partner. He doesn’t love me either. But it has to be him or it is going to be a random guy from the troops…through force.
My “lover” hesitates for a moment. I feel his weight pressing me to the mattress. His body tenses. I wait for him to make the next move. But I’m afraid he has changed his mind.
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Open INTL – Ends July 14th
*3 x eBook copy of The V Girl + 20$ Amazon Gift Card*
*3 x T-Shirt + 20$ Amazon Gift Card*
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Mya Robarts
I am a bookaholic and regret nothing.
I spent years trying to become a contemporary dance choreographer. Eventually I realized that I enjoyed writing my stories rather than creating dances for them.
I am obsessed with books that present damaged characters, swoon worthy guys, controversial topics and happy endings.
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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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July 3, 2014
Blog Stop ~ ‘More Than Music’ by Elizabeth Briggs.
More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs
Chasing the Dream #1
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
۞
SYNOPSIS
Music major Maddie Taylor just finished her junior year of college and has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, yet every night she practices guitar and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don’t get to be rock stars. That is, until tattooed singer Jared Cross catches her playing guitar and invites her to join his band on The Sound, a reality TV show competition.
Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared than his flirty smile and bad boy reputation – and that he’s just as big a geek as she is. With each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, but when the show pressures them to stay single they’re forced to keep their relationship secret.
As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.
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The crowd’s cheering took on more of a screaming sound, and one girl even yelled, “Jared, I love you!” I rolled my eyes. Not that I blamed the girl. With dark hair that always stuck up like he’d just gotten out of bed, a perpetual five o’clock shadow, and blue eyes that could charm any girl into giving him his phone number, Jared was impossible to resist. I wanted to, believe me, but every time he opened his mouth and sang it was all over.
Jared gave the audience a wicked grin while he grabbed his guitar, a black Fender Stratocaster almost identical to my own except for the color. Like Kyle, he had tattoos running up and down his toned arms, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they continued under his shirt.
The entire club buzzed with excitement, every one of us poised on the edge, holding our breaths and waiting for the plunge. In this moment, right before the music started, it felt like anything could happen—and I was ready.
Hector yelled out, “One, two, three, four,” and the band launched into their first song. Jared’s hard guitar riffs filled the small club, matched with the deep pulse of the bass, the fierce beat of the drums, and the eerie moan from Kyle’s keyboard. The music ripped through me, touching the wild, dark part of my soul I kept locked away. My fingers itched to form the chords myself and play along, but I kept my hands in fists at my sides. Instead I nodded my head to the music, picking out each note Jared played and feeling it in a way only another musician could.
When Jared leaned into the mic and sang, his smooth voice washed over me like a soft caress. It was like the last, decadent bite of a chocolate-covered strawberry. The smoky burn of whiskey as it slipped down your throat. The final night of passion before your lover left forever. I sang along to the words, feeling each line strike me deep inside. I understood exactly what he was saying, like he’d written every word just for me, like somehow he understood me in a way no one else did. Of course, every other girl in the club probably felt the same way I did. And a few guys, too.
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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ The Book Depository ~ iTunes ~
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Book Review ~ ‘More Than Music’ by Elizabeth Briggs ~ 5 Stars!
To say I was excited at the prospect of reading ‘More than Music’ would be an understatement. The television show ‘The Voice’ had recently finished in the UK, and I was having serious withdrawal symptoms from having no decent music competitions on a Saturday night. ‘More Than Music’ more than fit the bill, and not only was it a brilliant escape from the real world, it was written in such a refreshingly honest way that I really connected with the characters, their hopes and desires in the music industry, and the price of pain and heartbreak that comes with having such big dreams.
Maddie was such a great heroine. Her dilemma of whether or not to sacrifice her dream for the opportunity to have a more stable occupation was something that I think many young readers will connect with. The way that her less than stellar relationship with her mother factored into this was really interesting to see, especially when their relationship developed slightly throughout the novel, and Maddie and her mother were able to see that there was more to life when you could take a risk. I really admired Maddie as a young girl for giving up something she’d worked for, not only to help her friends, but also to help her experience more of what life has to offer.
Jared was a character that I really empathised with. It was heartbreaking to see how much he was willing to give up to achieve his dream. I never felt angry with him, even when I probably should have, because it was always clear that Jared’s hopes for the future were one-directional, and that to succeed with his music, the strongest relationship he has with anything, was to show that he didn’t destroy everything he touched. It was a heartbreaking read to see how his drive and utmost focus on winning instead made him push away those closest to him.
The reality TV show aspect of the book was written to perfection. I felt every moment of fear, heart-palpitating nerves, celebration and loss as the bands battled for the win, and I loved reading about the inner workings with the mentors and how they differed in their approaches. It also highlighted the things that are hidden from the audiences eyes, such as how the contestants are treated, the favouritism, the vendettas and the masks that some of the famous mentors put on for the world, only to reveal a monster beneath when working behind the scenes.
This was a heart-pounding, romantic and rocking novel which just gripped me from start to finish. I will definitely be reading more in the ‘Chasing the Dream’ series.
5 Stars!
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Elizabeth Briggs
Elizabeth Briggs is a Young Adult and New Adult author who lives in Los Angeles with her British husband and a bunch of fluffy white rescue dogs. She’s a guitar-playing geek who loves books, rock music, and video games, goes to Comic Con every year, and is still hoping to be a Jedi when she grows up.
Elizabeth currently works with WriteGirl to mentor at-risk or pregnant teen girls in writing, to help them get through high school and into college. She also volunteers with Bichon FurKids to help rescued dogs find a new, loving home. She previously worked as an intern for literary agent Jill Corcoran of Jill Corcoran Literary Agency, an intern for Entangled Publishing, and an editor for Curiosity Quills Press.
Elizabeth is represented by Kate Schafer Testerman of KT Literary and is a member of SCBWI and RWA.
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~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Tumblr ~ Twitter ~ Website ~
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Blog Tour organised by Oops! I Read A Book Again.
Click the banner above to follow the ‘More Than Music’ Blog Tour.
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Blog Tour ~ ‘More Than Music’ by Elizabeth Briggs.
More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs
Chasing the Dream #1
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
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SYNOPSIS
Music major Maddie Taylor just finished her junior year of college and has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, yet every night she practices guitar and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don’t get to be rock stars. That is, until tattooed singer Jared Cross catches her playing guitar and invites her to join his band on The Sound, a reality TV show competition.
Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared than his flirty smile and bad boy reputation – and that he’s just as big a geek as she is. With each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, but when the show pressures them to stay single they’re forced to keep their relationship secret.
As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.
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The crowd’s cheering took on more of a screaming sound, and one girl even yelled, “Jared, I love you!” I rolled my eyes. Not that I blamed the girl. With dark hair that always stuck up like he’d just gotten out of bed, a perpetual five o’clock shadow, and blue eyes that could charm any girl into giving him his phone number, Jared was impossible to resist. I wanted to, believe me, but every time he opened his mouth and sang it was all over.
Jared gave the audience a wicked grin while he grabbed his guitar, a black Fender Stratocaster almost identical to my own except for the color. Like Kyle, he had tattoos running up and down his toned arms, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they continued under his shirt.
The entire club buzzed with excitement, every one of us poised on the edge, holding our breaths and waiting for the plunge. In this moment, right before the music started, it felt like anything could happen—and I was ready.
Hector yelled out, “One, two, three, four,” and the band launched into their first song. Jared’s hard guitar riffs filled the small club, matched with the deep pulse of the bass, the fierce beat of the drums, and the eerie moan from Kyle’s keyboard. The music ripped through me, touching the wild, dark part of my soul I kept locked away. My fingers itched to form the chords myself and play along, but I kept my hands in fists at my sides. Instead I nodded my head to the music, picking out each note Jared played and feeling it in a way only another musician could.
When Jared leaned into the mic and sang, his smooth voice washed over me like a soft caress. It was like the last, decadent bite of a chocolate-covered strawberry. The smoky burn of whiskey as it slipped down your throat. The final night of passion before your lover left forever. I sang along to the words, feeling each line strike me deep inside. I understood exactly what he was saying, like he’d written every word just for me, like somehow he understood me in a way no one else did. Of course, every other girl in the club probably felt the same way I did. And a few guys, too.
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Book Review ~ ‘More Than Music’ by Elizabeth Briggs ~ 5 Stars!
To say I was excited at the prospect of reading ‘More than Music’ would be an understatement. The television show ‘The Voice’ had recently finished in the UK, and I was having serious withdrawal symptoms from having no decent music competitions on a Saturday night. ‘More Than Music’ more than fit the bill, and not only was it a brilliant escape from the real world, it was written in such a refreshingly honest way that I really connected with the characters, their hopes and desires in the music industry, and the price of pain and heartbreak that comes with having such big dreams.
Maddie was such a great heroine. Her dilemma of whether or not to sacrifice her dream for the opportunity to have a more stable occupation was something that I think many young readers will connect with. The way that her less than stellar relationship with her mother factored into this was really interesting to see, especially when their relationship developed slightly throughout the novel, and Maddie and her mother were able to see that there was more to life when you could take a risk. I really admired Maddie as a young girl for giving up something she’d worked for, not only to help her friends, but also to help her experience more of what life has to offer.
Jared was a character that I really empathised with. It was heartbreaking to see how much he was willing to give up to achieve his dream. I never felt angry with him, even when I probably should have, because it was always clear that Jared’s hopes for the future were one-directional, and that to succeed with his music, the strongest relationship he has with anything, was to show that he didn’t destroy everything he touched. It was a heartbreaking read to see how his drive and utmost focus on winning instead made him push away those closest to him.
The reality TV show aspect of the book was written to perfection. I felt every moment of fear, heart-palpitating nerves, celebration and loss as the bands battled for the win, and I loved reading about the inner workings with the mentors and how they differed in their approaches. It also highlighted the things that are hidden from the audiences eyes, such as how the contestants are treated, the favouritism, the vendettas and the masks that some of the famous mentors put on for the world, only to reveal a monster beneath when working behind the scenes.
This was a heart-pounding, romantic and rocking novel which just gripped me from start to finish. I will definitely be reading more in the ‘Chasing the Dream’ series.
5 Stars!
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Elizabeth Briggs
Elizabeth Briggs is a Young Adult and New Adult author who lives in Los Angeles with her British husband and a bunch of fluffy white rescue dogs. She’s a guitar-playing geek who loves books, rock music, and video games, goes to Comic Con every year, and is still hoping to be a Jedi when she grows up.
Elizabeth currently works with WriteGirl to mentor at-risk or pregnant teen girls in writing, to help them get through high school and into college. She also volunteers with Bichon FurKids to help rescued dogs find a new, loving home. She previously worked as an intern for literary agent Jill Corcoran of Jill Corcoran Literary Agency, an intern for Entangled Publishing, and an editor for Curiosity Quills Press.
Elizabeth is represented by Kate Schafer Testerman of KT Literary and is a member of SCBWI and RWA.
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Blog Tour organised by Oops! I Read A Book Again.
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July 2, 2014
Blog Tour ~ ‘Breaking Fences’ by Juliana Haygert.
Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert
(The Breaking Series)
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
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SYNOPSIS
All Beatriz “Bia” Fernandes wants is to prove herself—to her family and friends—though it’s hard to prove anything with an overbearing father and three famous polo-playing older brothers. After her acceptance into college results in a heated family argument, the Brazilian girl leaves everything behind to find her own American dream.
College life away from home is perfect until the people she believes to be her friends turn on her. With lies and rumors threatening to suffocate her, Bia turns to her only freedom. Riding.
But one thing gets in the way of her escape. Garrett Blackwell and his bad cowboy attitude. Working at the ranch is his obligation, bugging Bia is his newfound hobby. His thick skin and easy grin don’t hide what Bia already knows—this misunderstood and lonely cowboy fights his own demons. Brushing horses’ coats and mucking out stalls shouldn’t be this sexy, and it isn’t long before he becomes a part of her distraction.
However, escaping won’t solve her problems, and it’s up to Bia to break down the fences around her and prove her strength—not to her family and friends, but to herself … and for Garrett. Because standing on her own doesn’t have to mean standing alone.
** Companion novel of Breaking the Reins. Can be read out of order.**
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Book Review ~ ‘Breaking Fences’ by Juliana Haygert ~ 5 Stars!
Within the first few minutes of starting ‘Breaking Fences’ I felt the tension just run out of my shoulders and I felt such relief I could have started celebrating. Finally, a new adult book where college isn’t depicted as the best time of someone’s life. I loved the different take that Juliana Haygert used when it came to Bia’s college life, the struggles she faced, the problems with friends, the need to escape, the feeling of being misunderstood and judged because of being different. This was a story about a girl at college that I could really relate to. My own University experience was in some ways the worst three years of my life, so having a heroine, a nice girl who is passionate, kind and dedicated, who didn’t just fly through University was just so refreshing to read, and helped make this one of the top books I’ve read this year.
I loved Bia’s character, and I feel there are many girls out there who will relate to her and her struggles. I loved that whilst she came from money, it didn’t change her, or make her treat anybody as though they were inferior. The chapters where we see Bia with the horses at the ranch was written so fluidly and was described in such a beautiful way that I felt as though I was there too, and had found my own sanctuary to hide away in when things to too tough in the real world. It is the sign of a really talented author to make a reader feel this, and I commend Juliana Haygert for a job beautifully done.
Now moving on to Garrett. *sigh* Garrett was my kind of man. I loved the slight rugged broodiness he exhibited, and the dedication he showed to the horses at the ranch, and also to a family who didn’t deserve the devotion he bestowed upon them. I loved the mystery behind Garrett and where he came from, as well as the reasons why he drew Bia in only to distance himself again quickly. The author created a stunning character, whose development was timed perfectly, and when his secret is revealed at the end, his demeanour throughout the whole novel is explained and you both want to forgive him immediately, and also slap him around the head as a member of Team Bia.
There are a lot of messages linked nicely throughout this story, with the meaningful relationship that a human can create with an animal if they treat it in a way that it deserves, as well as the cruelty of prejudice, and how it can ruin somebody’s life as there is no way to defend themselves.
Juliana Haygert has created a beautiful story which both broke my heart and warmed it as we see the good nature of some people cancel out the cruelty in others.
5 Stars and a definite recommended read.
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Prizes:
*Signed copy of Breaking the Reins (US only)*
*2x eBook copy of Breaking the Reins (INT)*
*2x 10$ Kindle/Nook gift card (INT)*
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Juliana Haygert
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.
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Blog Tour organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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June 29, 2014
Book Review ~ ‘Go With Me’ by Elyssa Patrick.
Go With Me by Elyssa Patrick
(With Me #2)
Publication date: July 1st 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
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SYNOPSIS
New Adult/Contemporary Romance – Recommended for readers 17 and older
I, Daphne Fox, have a few things to confess:
1. I hate Nick Brady. Loathe. Abhor. Can’t stand him 95% of the time.
2. That other 5%? I’m not talking about that at all.
3. People think I’m lucky for surviving the car crash. I disagree.
4. Nick is the only guy who makes my nightmares go away.
5. I won’t love him, though. Love is not worth the pain.
I, Nick Brady, have a few confessions of my own:
1. I don’t hate Daphne Fox. At all.
2. I find her scar sexy. Just like the rest of her.
3. I may be her older brother’s best friend, but that’s not going to stop me.
4. I love her.
5. And I’m going to do everything I can to have her
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Book Review ~ ‘Go With Me’ by Elyssa Patrick ~ 5 Stars!
I was excited to read ‘Go With Me’ ever since I learned that Daphne would be getting her story told, and I knew that if Elyssa Patrick drew me in as she did during ‘Stay With Me’ I would be a very happy reader. Needless to say, I finished ‘Go With Me’ with a huge, content smile on my face, very much sure that I have found another favourite author to add to my must-read list.
Daphne’s character intrigued me throughout ‘Stay With Me’, and in this novel, we see a whole other side to her than what she showed Haley in book one. There was a deep sadness and pain within her, and the psychological aspects of her past and how these were still weighing heavily on her were written to perfection. This story didn’t need lots of action to make it exciting, as the most rewarding part of this story was seeing how both Daphne and Nick developed not only as a couple, but as young people who were struggling to make the most of their present.
Daphne always provided some light relief in book one, so it was brilliant to see the added humour in this book as well. Daphne’s wit and the verbal sparring that her and Nick engage in had me in stitches, especially when their relationship becomes more sexual and they fire innuendos at each other left right and centre. It was also great to see how Daphne originally used humour to deflect her true feelings, but as the story went on, she felt more comfortable being honest about her pain to her brother’s and friends, making the moments of humour more meaningful as they showed the extent of her recovery from her past trauma.
Getting to see Nick more closely was so great, and he is firmly on my list of top book boyfriends. I loved the devotion and passion he had for Daphne and how he had to make personal changes to protect Daphne in a way that she could accept and didn’t find overbearing. I loved that Nick was the first to admit his feelings and that the author didn’t rush Daphne’s response, instead allowing her the time to reach those feelings herself, without feeling pressured to respond immediately, to spare Nick’s feelings.
This was a fantastic, funny, at times emotional, and overall heart-warming read which has stayed with me long after finishing it.
5 Stars!
*Review copy was provided by the author through Xpresso Book Tours review opportunities, in exchange for an honest review.*
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Elyssa Patrick
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Book Blitz ~ ‘One, Two, Three…’ by Elodie Nowodazkij.
One, Two, Three… by Elodie Nowodazkij
Publication date: June 26th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
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SYNOPSIS
When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.
Last year, Natalya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.
But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.
At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present, and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell.
But when upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.
Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?
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The shortcut to the lake from our home is a dirt road that isn’t well lit, but I know the way by heart. I hurry down the path, tuning my iPod to Chopin’s happier music. But I can’t drown out Mama’s voice. It resonates in my head. It’s my fault! I know she’s wrong because she’s not the one who killed him. I did. If only I didn’t get into an argument with him in the car. If only I had warned him about the truck. I bite back a sob and rip off my knee brace to walk even faster. At first, my knee is stiff, but at least I can extend my leg much better now.
Seeing the lake calms me down, soothes me. This place is always crowded in the summer, but on this crisp September night, there’s no one. The lights surrounding the area flicker, the tall trees leave interesting shadows on the ground, and a discarded pink umbrella stands next to the bench by the grilling area. I turn up the volume of my iPod even more, settle on the bench, and search through my backpack. My pointes show the wear and tear of the last years, and no matter how much I scrub, there’s one smudge that doesn’t want to go away.
Memories flash back when I slip them on: my father handing me a bouquet of lilies after each of my recitals, the crew from the School of Performing Arts sneaking out to get ice cream, the summers I spent on the raft at the lake with Becca and my babushka, the hours at the barre.
Everything’s gone.
Dancing’s always been my escape from reality: from the fights my parents had more and more often, from my babushka passing away all alone at the hospital because no one told me she was sick, from my fears of letting anyone get really close.
Dancing’s always been my future.
Dancing’s always been who I am. So even if I can’t dance like I used to, even if I can’t put too much pressure on my knee, I’m convinced I’ll train my way back to the top, that I’ll show Dr. Gibson and the rest of them that they got it wrong, when they said it was very unlikely I would ever go back on stage. Juilliard postponed my audition and the director of the School of Performing Arts said he was holding a spot for me if I wanted to come back. If I could come back.
I use the bench as my own personal barre, slowly bend my knees, keeping them over my toes. Grounding my heels on the ground, I stretch down as much as I can, but I don’t make it past a demi-plié. I warm up for ten minutes, losing myself in the familiar movements. The stars reflect on the water; it could be the perfect backdrop for a production of Swan Lake. I wish I could position myself for a grand jeté, feel the wind surround me as I fly into the air, but I know better than to jeopardize the progress I’ve made. The last time I tried, my kneecap almost snapped again. Both my knees were smashed in the car crash, but my pivot leg suffered the most.
I angle my feet for some small pas de bourrée. I go faster and faster, until I bump into a rock. Fear steals my breath away. I avoid landing on my leg and instead fall on my ass.
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Little facts about One, Two, Three & Elodie Nowodazkij
Little fact: I wrote this book (mostly in the train) in 6 months back in 2012. And it has gone through several revisions since.
Little fact: Like Natalya, I love pelmeni – but my favorite Russian dish is stuffed blinchiki (mostly with mushroom and mashed potatoes) yum!
Little fact: I got the inspiration of my main character’s name – Natalya – from my mother-in-law
Little fact: Like Natalya’s father, my favorite composer is Chopin.
Little fact: My book is officially coming out on June 26th 2014 because it’s my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary
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*Open to US/CAN – Ends July 8th*
*1 signed copy + $50 to either Amazon or B&N + $25 donation to the literacy project of their choice in donor.org*
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Elodie Nowodazkij
Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she’d never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master’s degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives in Germany with her husband and their cat (who doesn’t seem to realize he’s not human), and uses her commuting time to write the stories swirling in her head. She’s also a serial smiley user.
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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