Sorcha O'Dowd's Blog, page 43

Book Review ~ ‘You Make Me’ by Erin McCarthy.

You Make Me by Erin McCarthy

Blurred Lines #1

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

The guy she wants…

Growing up on the coast of Maine with a revolving door of foster siblings, Caitlyn Michaud spent one intense and passionate year falling in love with her foster brother, Heath. Then he left without a word. The betrayal devastated Caitlyn and made her vow to forget the compelling bad boy. But forgetting his sensual touch and their deep all-consuming friendship is easier said than done.

Isn’t the guy she needs…

Determined to move on, in college Caitlyn has risen above her small town impoverished roots and has joined a sorority, reinvented her appearance, and landed the right boyfriend. Pre-law major and frat president, Ethan, is thoughtful and always laughing, and he makes her feel happy, calm. He also gives her the social acceptance she craves.

But the perfect world she tried so hard to attain is ripped apart when Heath appears one night out of nowhere. Caitlyn remembers all the reasons why she loves him, even if they don’t make sense to anyone but her. Out of the military, Heath is as brooding and intense as ever, and he is determined not only to win her back, but to exact revenge on everyone who kept him from her…

And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?

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Book Review ~ ‘You Make Me’ by Erin McCarthy ~ 5 Stars!

From the word go, I connected with this book on such a deep level that I was so engrossed in the story and so connected to the characters that my heart was aching and my mind whirring away. From the beginning I felt that this story was reminiscent of a modern day ‘Wuthering Heights’ with our heroine Caitlyn (or Cat) torn between two men, one her childhood love who consumes every part of her, and is the air she breathes, and the other the man she has grown to love through his stability, trust and devotion, and how he sees her as yearns to become.

So before I start this review I’m just going to quote this passage from my favourite book ‘Wuthering Heights’ as I really feel that this sums up the relationship between Cat, Heath and Ethan far better than I could, so I’ll let Emily Bronte do the work.

“If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it.—My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods: time will change it, I’m well aware, as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He’s always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being.”

So from this, I think it was fair to say that I was ‘Team Heath’ from the start. The way that the author started this book was just clever with how it sucked me in. If she had started the story set in the present day, I would not have felt the impact of Heath’s reappearance as strongly as I did having read the short prologue. It broke my heart, it had me aching in just a few short paragraphs, and had me so invested in finding out what went wrong between Cat and Heath that I just had to keep reading.

What I liked about this book is that I didn’t have any ill-feeling towards Ethan as I usually do towards the ‘other’ person in the love triangle, but in this sense it really didn’t feel like a traditional love triangle. I didn’t feel that Cat was being unfair to either man, and the only time I felt angry with Ethan was when he began to give her ultimatums despite her having reassured him without them that she was choosing him.

Heath was the brooding bad-boy that had me enraptured from the start. Although I liked Ethan, I just knew that Heath and Cat were meant to be, and that for all of Ethan’s virtues, he couldn’t reconcile himself with the real Cat that emerged after Heath reappeared. I really wanted Cat to be loved for the person she was, and not for the person that Ethan thought she was, so I really held out hope that Heath would fight for Cat.

Erin McCarthy had a beautiful writing style throughout this book which tore at me and really drew me into the story. I loved the connection to Cat’s home that was entwined beautifully throughout, and I also loved the emphasis on the development of Cat’s character, rather than on the development of her relationships with Heath and Ethan. The way that the strong family morals were included was just perfect and really brought home the beautiful relationship that Heath and Cat forged through their desire to have their own family who loved them.

If you love deep meaning, and beautifully written love stories that are wonderfully character-driven then this is definitely the book for you.

5 Stars!

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* Review copy was kindly provided by the author through Xpresso Book Tours Review Opportunities in exchange for an honest review*

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Book Review ~ ‘Within the Realm’ by Jillian Neal.

Within the Realm by Jillian Neal

The Gifted Realm #1

Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance.

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SYNOPSIS

The Gifted walk among us. They are unseen, but in plain sight. The Earth’s energies are as visible to them as the tangible world is to us and they can harness and bend these forces to their will. Atop the Pentagon resides the government of the Gifted Realm.

Rainer Lawson is set to join the ranks of Elite Officers in the Gifted Police force. With his fellow officers, they will work together, using their abilities, to try and end the most sinister criminal organization in existence. His parents fought and died to re-establish the Realm, and he won’t allow them to have sacrificed in vain.

The will to protect those he loves has always driven Rainer, but his desperation to protect Emily, the love of his life, consumes him. While passions ignite and vengeance is sought, Rainer may discover that all of his money, fame, and power, could cost him the only thing that has ever truly mattered.

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Book Review ~ ‘Within the Realm’ by Jillian Neal ~ 5 Stars!

Well, wow! This was one damn incredible start to what I’m sure will continue to be an amazing series. Throughout this book the writing style gave me the kind of vibe I get when re-reading Harry Potter, that kind of thrill when you are entering a magical world that exists side by side with our own world. With ‘Within the Realm’ I almost felt like I was reading a kind of ‘Harry Potter and the Auror years’, and I absolutely adored every second of it. The way that the ‘gifted’ use energy from the earth and their surroundings was really clever, and I loved the way that the magical aspects of this story entwined so beautifully with the main storyline throughout the book.

Rainer Lawson is one of the most lovable heroes I have encountered in a while. Everything about him was just so genuine that I rooted for him straight from the word go, the relationship he had with Emily was just so beautiful to witness, especially as the start of the story had seen them in a relationship since they were seven. It was a really unique way of introducing a couple in this kind of book as it is usually a new love interest who comes in, so I absolutely adored seeing the strong friendship and years of love and how the trials they’ve faced in the past have made their relationship that much stronger in the present. I adored all the romance in this book, and it was a really lovely accompaniment to the drama and suspense side to the story as neither side overwhelmed it and it was left with a perfect balance to the story. I also loved how well-rounded the secondary characters were, and it really made the characters and story seem very real to me as the author managed to evoke so much emotion in me through the trials of all of her characters.

The story is also not without humour. I laughed so much whilst reading this book, as the writing style was witty, but not overly so, and with brilliant characters such as Logan, and especially Mrs. Haydenshire who was the perfect mother figure for the orphaned Rainer. The interactions between her and her husband in regards to their daughter’s virtue was just hilarious. The over-protective father, yet more laid-back mother who tries to remind her husband that their daughter is no longer a baby and is going to have sex was just so funny that I spent a great portion of this book laughing at Rainer’s utter humiliation when it came to having ‘the talk’ with his girlfriend’s father.

The action and suspense in this story starts in earnest in the last third of this book, and I really connected with the story and found myself on the edge of my seat. Already my favourite character is Dan Vindico who has a trauma in his past which haunts him and which drives him in his mission to bring those using their powers for evil to justice. I can’t wait to see how his character develops in the rest of the series.

A brilliant start to the ‘Gifted Realm’ series. 5 Stars!

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Review copy was kindly given by the author through Xpresso Book Tours Review Opportunities in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review ~ ‘Stone of Destiny’ by Laura Howard.

Stone of Destiny by Laura Howard
(The Danaan Trilogy #2)
Genres: New Adult Paranormal Romance.

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SYNOPSIS

Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn’t entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress’s plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison’s parents apart forever.

Despite Allison’s efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she’s ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix.

Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan’ s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan?

 

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Book Review ~ ‘Stone of Destiny’ by Laura Howard ~ 5+ Stars!

I have eagerly been awaiting the release of ‘Stone of Destiny’ ever since I finished the last page of ‘The Forgotten Ones’ and it not only reached my expectations but surpassed them. I adored ‘The Forgotten Ones’ and didn’t think it was possible for Laura Howard to make me love the world she created more than I already did, but she did, and I just fell into the story with such ease and lost myself in the beautiful world of Tír na n’Óg that I felt bereft to leave it behind when I finished.

The first book was spectacularly written, but in ‘Stone of Destiny’ I really saw a beautiful development of Laura Howard’s writing style since book one, almost as though she had a new confidence that just shone through in her brilliant character and story development.

‘Stone of Destiny’ has us return right where we left off. I really saw the growth of Allison’s character in this book, and admired the strength of her devotion to keep her mother safe. Allison is the kind of character that I know a lot of girls will identify with and strive to be like, and I was no exception. I loved how human she was, despite how knowing of the Danaan has changed her perspective and hopes of life. Her very human feelings for Ethan were exceptionally written and my heart ached for her at the beginning of this book when we see Ethan acting cruelly to her. I was firmly on Team Allison until we find out that his behaviour is due to the meddling Danaan King, Deaghlan (Oh how I love to hate him, even when I’m kind of swooning over his arrogant bad-boy, but kind of charming demeanour).

The development of the other characters was also paced perfectly. It’s no secret that my favourite character in this series is Aodhan (seriously, I am so in love with this guy), and I loved seeing further into his complicated relationship with Danaan Princess Niamh, and getting to see Niamh in a different light. I am rooting for them so hard, that everytime I saw a development in their relationship I felt my heart ache from happiness. I know it will be a tough road, but that just makes it so satisfying to see the small changes in their relationship.

I loved the action in this book as well. We see the characters continuing their fight against Aoife, and there are many twists and turns in this story which makes you sit right on the edge of your seat, biting your lip as you await the outcome. Laura Howard did a fantastic job at teasing us with little snippets of information which then weigh on your mind throughout the book, making you less trusting of certain characters. Brilliantly done.

This was a fantastic sequel to one of my favourite books of 2013, and I know without a doubt that ‘Stone of Destiny’ will stay in my top favourites of 2014 as well.

Superb job Laura, and I CAN’T WAIT till Danaan #3!

5+ Stars!

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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~

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Laura Howard
Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known.

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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~

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Blog Tour ~ ‘RecruitZ’ by Karice Bolton.

RecruitZ by Karice Bolton

(Afterworld #1)

Publication date: December 27th 2013

Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic

 

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SYNOPSIS

Scientists are the new rock stars. The infection has been contained for nearly three months, and the world is celebrating. But humans are still dying. Rebekah Taylor has seen it firsthand. Her husband was killed right in front of her by the very creatures that humans were told they no longer had to fear.

Rebekah is determined to find out who is responsible for the death of her husband and the obvious cover-up. Fueled with revenge, she begins to find answers that lead to one frightening conclusion. The apocalypse might be over, but the battles are just beginning.

 

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Book Review ~ ‘RecruitZ’ by Karice Bolton ~ 5 Stars!

I’m fairly new to the Zombie scene, and this was only the second book I’ve read in this genre, The first one being ‘Undying’ by Valerie Grosjean which I adored, so I was a little nervous when I started this one in case I didn’t get the same ‘buzz’ for it.

I needn’t have worried because WOW! ‘RecruitZ’ was just spectacular in every way! I’ve had a few of Karice Bolton’s books on my Kindle for a while now and never gotten around to reading them, but as soon as I finished reading ‘RecruitZ’ I looked them up and added them to my immediate to-read list because the author had such a satisfying and stunning writing style that I flew through this book within a day, so engrossed in the story, the characters, the world, just everything!

I had chills as I read the first chapter where we see Rebekah’s husband die, and I could feel the emotions just seeping off the page. I was hooked from the start and had to know more.

Rebekah was an absolutely brilliant heroine, she was one of those characters I related to really strongly. I loved that she mourned her husband through her desperation for answers, and how trying to avenge the guilty parties involved in his death was how she coped and felt closer to him.

The mystery and suspense of this novel was just so intense there were moments I had to put the book down, look around and remind myself that I was not actually living in a Zombie Apocalypse. That was how much this story sucked me in, and how real it felt. Karice Bolton’s fantastic descriptions, and realistic settings were written to perfection.

OK, and my current book boyfriend? Definitely the lovely Preston. I loved him from the get go. But what was so refreshing about this book was that it was not overtly romantic. I am a huge romance fan but the subtle change in Rebekah and Preston’s relationship throughout the book was so beautiful and even more special in a way. They didn’t look at each other for romance, or promises of love, they connected on a deep level of desperation to seek revenge for their loved ones. It was so wonderful to see their friendship grow on a deeper level, and whilst not romantic (because honestly there was no suggestion of any strong romance between them in this part of their story), there was a deeper connection and understanding between them which made them the perfect partnership for their quest for the truth.

Everything about this story was so original and compelling. The way that the Zombies were no longer the bad-guys, but were being used to further their own power was chilling, and made the Zombies seem more human, more vulnerable, and most of all an enemy that has layers.

This was a stunning, compelling and all round brilliant start to the Afterworld Series and I can’t wait to see where Rebekah and Preston continue on their journey for the truth.

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Prize Open Internationally

*$50 Amazon card*

~ A Rafflecopter Giveaway ~

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Karice Bolton

Karice Bolton lives in the Pacific Northwest and is a writer of Young Adult and New Adult books. She loves to read anything and everything. She also enjoys baking, skiing, and spending time with her wonderful husband and two English bulldogs.

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Books currently available:

*Beyond Love Series: Beyond Control (Book 1) Beyond Doubt (Book 2) Beyond Reason (Book 3) – Feb. 28th

*Afterworld Series: RecruitZ (Book 1)

*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)

*Standalone: The Camp

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Karice would love if you stopped by her blog or FB page to find out the latest news on giveaways and upcoming releases, or you can just send her an email. She loves hearing from her readers and responds as soon as she can.

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~

 

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Blog Tour organised by Xpresso Book Tours.

Click the banner above to follow the ‘RecruitZ’ Blog Tour.

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New Release ~ ‘Stone of Destiny’ by Laura Howard.

Stone of Destiny by Laura Howard
(The Danaan Trilogy #2)
Genres: New Adult Paranormal Romance.




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SYNOPSIS

Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn’t entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress’s plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison’s parents apart forever.

Despite Allison’s efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she’s ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix.

Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan’ s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan?

 

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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~



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The Forgotten Ones

Book One in The Danaan Trilogy





SYNOPSIS

Allison O’Malley’s plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she’s been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison’s mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn’t trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother’s sanity.

~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~


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Laura Howard

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known.



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Book Blitz ~ ‘Written On Her Heart’ by Paige Rion.

 

Written On Her Heart by Paige Rion

(Callaway Cove #1)

Publication date: April 23rd 2014

Genres: New Adult, Romance

 

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SYNOPSIS

Andi Callaway has dreamed of becoming a published author her entire life.

Ford Delaney has always wanted nothing more than to escape his past.

An opportunity of a lifetime. This is what Andi finds when she returns home to Callaway Cove on summer break. A chance to work for her literary idol Ford Delaney is up for grabs, and she’s willing to risk everything—her boyfriend, her best friends, and her education—to get it.

She’s positive this will be the key to reaching her dreams. But the moment she begins working for the reclusive author, Andi realizes there’s more to him than just a name. As attraction builds between Andi and Ford, she begins to discover consequences must come hand-in-hand with something great—which could loosen control over her tightly wound life. And once romantic sparks fly, Andi’s other relationships start to crumble, Ford’s fame comes back to haunt him, and the heat they generate will either forge a powerful, enduring love or threaten everything she holds dear.

 

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PLAYLIST for WRITTEN ON HER HEART

What’s better than a good book? A good book with a soundtrack! Here’s a playlist for Written On Her Heart. Many of these I played on repeat while I wrote. I hope you enjoy them!

~ YouTube ~

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Interview With Romance Author Paige Rion

Tell us something about yourself…

Writing for me is cathartic. I’m not sure that I can live or function long without it. I get cranky when I’m writing a story and don’t have time to sit down and finish a scene. Otherwise, I’m just your average person. I’m a wife and mom to two young children, coffee and chocolate addict. I love wine and visiting new places. Fall is my favorite time of year, and the best thing in the world—other than my family—is finding that book that you just can’t put down. Better yet, reading it on the beach!

Tell us about your book…

Written On Her Heart is a new adult romance and the first in The Callaway Cove series. The books take place around three women—best friends. There will be three books and each will be from another one of the girls’ perspectives. Written On Her Heart focuses on Andi Callaway. She’s an aspiring writer who discovers her literary idol, Ford Delaney, has fled to her small hometown for the summer. And she’s given the chance to work for him. But it might come as a price. She’s soon risking her friendships, her boyfriend, and her education just for the chance. But what she doesn’t expect is to have a shot at love with the reclusive Ford Delaney.

Is it hard for you to come up with ideas for your novels?

No! I actually have dozens of ideas all lurking around in my head. Now I just time to write them!

If you had a party, what character from your book would you hope attends? Why? What character do you hope doesn’t attend? Why?

Ooooh. The sexy and illustrious Ford Delaney, for sure. He’s Andi’s (the main characters’) love interest in the book. He’s a famous author with a past that’s caught up to him. I definitely wouldn’t want Peter, Andi’s boyfriend at the start of the book, to attend. He’s too self-serving and a bore.

What was the last book you read?

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick – I have yet to review it, but it was a great read.

What’s your next big writing challenge?

I really want to get the second novel in the Callaway Cove series out by mid-July.

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Prizes – open to US only:

1) Paige Rion deluxe tote. Your choice of either Paige Rion/WOHH t-shirt or “Team Ford” t-shirt. WOHH mug with quote. A signed bookmark and a mini Paige Rion candy box!

2) WOHH t-shirt. WOHH mug with quote. A signed bookmark and mini Paige Rion candy box!

3) An exclusive WOHH iPhone 4 case. A white mug with genuine Paige Rion signature. Signed bookmark and mini Paige Rion candy box. (If winner does not have an iPhone 4, they will receive prize 4 and another winner will be drawn).

4) 10 more winners will receive a signed bookmark and a mini Paige Rion candy box!

~ A Rafflecopter Giveaway ~

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Paige Rion

Paige Rion is a contemporary romance author. She’s a mother, wife, blogger, hopeless chocoholic, coffee-addicted, wine-lover. Her debut, novel—a new adult romance—Written On Her Heart, is the first in the Callaway Cove series. The next in the series is to be released this summer. She loves connecting with readers on her blog and social media.

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 Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.

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Cover Reveal ~ ‘Indigo Instinct’ by Jacinda Buchmann.

Indigo Incite by Jacinda Buchmann

The Indigo Trilogy #2

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SYNOPSIS

They thought they were safe

Identical twins, Tyler and Toby, escaped the clutches of a covert government agency determined to exploit their extra-sensory powers. Before they regained their freedom, they acquired proof of the agency’s existence, proof that was guaranteed to secure immunity not only for themselves but for their friends as well.

They took more than they bargained for

When the brothers learn that they have unfinished business with the agency, they find themselves reunited with Indigo Children, Liliana, Grace, Eddie, and Rebecka and once again on the run.

They must rely on their instincts

While Grace and Eddie discover that love isn’t always easy, Sarah’s life is thrown into turmoil, and her guilty conscience leads to fear and distrust of her own heart.

Intuition doesn’t lie

There are new players in the game and it isn’t easy to know who to trust

Sometimes the right path isn’t always the easiest

Is there a way to give the agency what they want and still retain their freedom? Find out in Indigo Instinct, Book Two of The Indigo Trilogy.

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‘Indigo Incite’, the first book in the series is currently FREE! Grab it now!

~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~

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~ YouTube ~

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~ A Rafflecopter Giveaway ~

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Jacinda Buchmann

Jacinda Buchmann lives in Arizona with her husband and three children. She graduated from Carroll College, in Helena, Montana, with a B.A. in elementary education and later received a Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, in school counseling. After spending several years as a teacher and later a school counselor, she now spends her time writing, any free chance she can get, that is, when she’s not spending time with her family or creating a new concoction in the kitchen.

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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~

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Cover Reveal hosted by Book Addicts One Stop PR Shop.

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Blog Tour ~ ‘Pretending’ by Shanna Clayton.

Pretending by Shanna Clayton

Publication date: March 12 2014

Genres: New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

Four years.

That’s how long Wesley Kent has to live with the girl his dad shacked him up with, and then he can collect his inheritance and escape small town life. He gets through the prison sentence by pretending Dahlia Reynolds doesn’t exist. With three years down and one more to go, he doesn’t expect much to change. That is, until the girl that’s not supposed to exist sharpens into his reality, making it impossible to ignore her.

Three years.

That’s how long Dahlia Reynolds has been living with a total stranger. She’s convinced herself Wesley Kent is no more than illusion in the hallways. It’s easy to do, especially since that same illusion has never spoken more than two words to her. But one mistaken identity later, and she finds herself caught up in the mysterious world Wesley lives in. One by one, he begins knocking down the safe, comfortable walls she built, leaving her wondering what his motives are. Does he want to expose her—or free her?



Recommended for 17+ due to mature language and adult situations.

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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~

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Book Review ~ ‘Pretending’ by Shanna Clayton ~ 5 Stars!

This entire review will probably consist of me jumping up and down squealing ‘I LOVE THIS BOOK!’, because honestly, this book was amazing!

I fell in love with this book from the first page. The writing style was just so fresh and drew me into the story and it was one of those books that I couldn’t put down until I’d finished it. I just had to know how it ended. I loved both main characters Wesley and Dahlia, and seeing their different perspectives of their living situation was brilliant. There were times I wanted to whack Wesley around the head for being so close-minded, but he was just so loveable and kind-hearted beneath the hurt that I really couldn’t hold his anger against him. Whilst I as a reader knew the circumstances surrounding Dahlia’s future inheritance of half of Wesley’s fathers assets, I could see how the situation, if not explained, would be a point of contention between Wesley and Dahlia, so it was brilliant to see how this story played out, and how Wesley’s opinion of Dahlia changed before these revelations.

Dahlia was a character that I’m sure a lot of women will relate to. She likes to remain hidden, and attempts to do so by hiding behind thick pale makeup and baggy clothes. It was really heartbreaking to see how she was treated because of the way she dressed, and I first really warmed to Wesley as a character when he tried to keep her from being hurt by some petty frat girls at a party.

There is a case of mistaken identity at the beginning of Wesley and Dahlia’s relationship and it was really funny to witness the ‘kicked puppy’ Wesley when he didn’t understand why he’d been rejected. It also really drew home just how little Wesley knew of Dahlia when he made assumptions about her character. The fact that he didn’t recognise her speaks volumes and made for some relationship development when he learns of his mistakes.

The archaeological mystery of this story was entwined beautifully throughout. It was this that gave the story a real edge and made it so different to many other books in the same genre. I loved that the story was centred around the topic of archaeology, as it made the educational side of the story more realistic and exciting.

There are many twists and turns in this story, with people with false pretences, family drama, romance and the breaking apart of friendships over romantic jealousy. I can’t recommend this book enough.

5 Stars!

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~ A Rafflecopter Giveaway ~

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Shanna Clayton

I’m not sure if my mother predestined me to become a romance author when she named me after her favorite Kathleen Woodiwiss book, but that’s what happened. Now I live  and breathe all things books. When I’m not glued to my desk writing, I can be found eating too much chocolate, obsessing over Game of Thrones, and cyber stalking my favorite authors. Keep up with me on Facebook and Instagram. I love hearing from readers!

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~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Website ~

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Blog Tour organised by Xpresso Book Tours.

Click the banner above to follow the ‘Pretending’ Blog Tour.

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Book Blitz ~ ‘Escorted’ by Claire Kent.

Escorted by Claire Kent

(Escorted #1)

Publication date: December 15th 2012

Genres: Erotica, Romance

 

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SYNOPSIS

She hired him to take her virginity…but now she wants even more.



Lori might be a popular romance writer, but she’s never been anything but a flop with sex and love in her personal life. Still a virgin at twenty-six and increasingly frustrated by her inexperience, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She hires a talented, sexy male escort to take care of her inconvenient virginity.

She assumes one time with Ander will be enough, but she never dreams how much pleasure he can make her feel. Once isn’t nearly enough. Twice isn’t enough either. Soon, she becomes one of his regular clients.

Lori knows that nothing would be as foolish as falling in love with her paid escort, but she’s never been wise with her heart. And, despite his professionalism, he doesn’t seem entirely immune either.

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Ander looked over, his eyes automatically scanning her body in her cashmere tank and pajama pants. But his gaze didn’t linger. He handed Lori an unopened packet. “Dental dams,” he explained. “For oral sex. I don’t have unprotected sex of any kind.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t be using your services otherwise.” She’d never seen a dental dam before so she studied the packet with interest, glad for any sort of distraction from what would be coming next.

“These are the best quality I’ve been able to find. Very thin and the texture is good. It will still be very enjoyable for you.”

She swallowed hard. “Pretty smug about your skills, aren’t you?”

He made a brief choked sound, as if he’d smothered a surprised laugh. Pulling out a tube of lubricant, he carried it with two dam packets and a couple of condoms to the nightstand. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see whether I’m smug or simply realistic.”

His dry response made her giggle a little, and she walked over to join him next to the bed. When she looked from his slick, sexy good-looks to the large bed draped with a fluffy down comforter, her giggle changed to a nervous gurgle.

“You’re in control of this,” Ander said, holding her gaze with a cool expression. “We do whatever you want to do. I can act however you want me to act. Just tell me.”

“I don’t want you to pretend to be romantic or hot for me or anything. I want it to be…be real. I mean, don’t pretend we’re doing anything other than we are.”

“Understood. I can do that. Would you prefer me to stay in my clothes or take them off?” Ander replied smoothly, not appearing to notice her anxiety.

She thought for just a moment but knew the sight of his undoubtedly fine, naked body would be the end of her nerve. “Keep them on.”

“And you?”

She crossed her arms in front of her chest, suddenly conscious of the way her full breasts were outlined in the clinging tank she wore and that her nipples were visibly tight from her arousal. “I’ll keep them on for now,” she said, “Until …”

He nodded. “Lights?”

“Off.”

“Is there anything else you’d like? Questions or requests?”

“Um.”

He waited patiently, watching her with an oddly quiet look of scrutiny. When she couldn’t manage to get anything said, he asked softly, “What can I do to make you less nervous?”

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Claire Kent

Claire has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old. She has a PhD in British literature and, when she’s not writing, she teaches English at the university level.

She also writes contemporary romance under the penname Noelle Adams.

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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.

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Blog Tour ~ ‘Choosing You’ by Allie Everhart.

Choosing You by Allie Everhart

(The Jade Series #1)

Publication date: September 23rd 2013

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

When Jade is given a scholarship to an elite private college in Connecticut, she sees it as a chance to finally escape her painful past and get a fresh start. She’s determined to succeed and that means keeping her focus on school and not guys. But her plan falls apart her first day on campus when Garret, a rich prep school boy with swimmer abs and a perfect smile, offers to help her move in.

Jade tries to push him away, but she can’t deny her attraction to him and Garret won’t let her. Things quickly heat up between them, but then come to a sudden halt when reality hits and Jade realizes that a relationship with Garret may never be possible. He comes from a world of wealth where there are rules, including rules about who he can date. And not following those rules has consequences.

As the two of them try to overcome the obstacles working to keep them apart, Jade is confronted with another challenge. On her 19th birthday, she receives a letter that her now deceased mother wrote years ago. In it are revelations that explain her traumatic childhood but also make her question the past she’s been running from.

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The Jade Series is a New Adult Romance that follows the relationship of Jade and Garret in their first year of college. In Choosing You, (book 1), Jade and Garret meet on Jade’s first night at Moorhurst College and despite their strong attraction to each other, they’re not allowed to date because of the strict rules that control Garret’s life. In Knowing You, (book 2), Garret breaks the family rules and begins dating Jade. Their relationship grows deeper but issues from Jade’s past complicate matters. Loving You (book 3) shows Jade and Garret growing closer as a couple but also hints at the trouble that lies ahead in Promising You (book 4), in which a new challenge emerges for Garret that could interfere with the future he wants with Jade. Originally, book 4 was the end of the series, but fans wanted to read more about Jade and Garret, so Allie is now in the process of writing Forever You, an all-new, full-length follow-up book to The Jade Series releasing later this spring!

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Book Review ~ ‘Choosing You’ by Allie Everhart ~ 5 Stars!

Sometimes there is a book that you just connect to immediately, and not in the way you expect. It wasn’t just the characters that drew me in, but also the way that the author so brilliantly, and realistically depicted University life.

I love a good romance set at University storyline because my own University experience could better be described as the Years from Hell. So to have a character who genuinely struggles to fit in during her first few weeks at University was just so relatable to me. Because unfortunately it is not always ‘Meet room or flat mates, become the best of friends and have lots of fun’. In a lot of cases its ‘Are not accepted by flat-mates because you’d rather not party and drink, and are kept awake all night by parties in the hallways and music played at full volume at three in the morning.’

Jade was not what I expected from reading the blurb, and that made me love her even more. She was a real person who was trying to get through life to the best of her ability, not wanting any unnecessary attachments or distractions coming in the way of her goal. I admired her for her complete dedication to her school work, working tirelessly throughout high school and earning herself a scholarship, but also her desire to be at University not for the social experience (as so many students do today), but for an education that will better her chances in life. She was real, raw and had issues that made her appear blunt and rude, but was just doing so to protect her heart which had been damaged so much in the past.

Garret honestly made me giggle, but in a good way, like a ‘I have a crush on you and don’t know what to say so just giggle’ kind of thing. His tireless pursuing of Jade, even when she was really not interested, was just really sweet, yet underneath his confident facade, he hides dark secrets that he wishes he had no part of. The way that the author had Garret forced between choosing to spend more time with the first girl that he has really connected to, and feels like understands him, and the obligations he has to his family gave the story an almost Romeo + Juliet kind of feel to it, which made the suspense and mystery of the story all that more exciting.

The character and story development was paced brilliantly. I liked how the majority of this story was showing the growth of Garret and Jade’s feelings for each other. Even in the romantic moments, I really felt the strong friendship and bond that they had underneath the romance, which made me root for them even more. In particular I really hoped that Garret would be there for Jade to help her overcome her demons, as my heart ached for her when she believed that she had no chance at becoming a better person than her mother, and then when she discovers that her mother’s ill treatment of her was not as black or white as it seemed.

The tension in the mystery storyline was just amazing. I am on tenterhooks, desperate to know who it was that was trying to keep the truth from coming out and I can’t wait to read the next book.

This was a heart-warming, emotional, yet hopeful story and I can’t wait to continue the series and discover the answers that are plaguing Jade and Garret as they try to be in each others lives.

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*15$ Amazon Gift Card*

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Allie Everhart

Allie Everhart writes about dating, love, and romance. She’s also a freelance writer for magazines and websites. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, running, or binge-watching TV shows on DVD. Some of her favorites are Gilmore Girls, Mad Men, Veronica Mars, and Gossip Girl. When writing her novels, Allie likes to drink dark-roast coffee when writing suspense scenes and red wine when writing love scenes. And eating chocolate is good when writing any kind of scene.

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Blog Tour organised by Xpresso Book Tours.

Click the banner above to follow the ‘Choosing You’ Blog Tour.

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