Sorcha O'Dowd's Blog, page 44

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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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Published on April 13, 2014 04:06

Book Blitz ~ ‘Duty Bound’ by Noelle Adams and Samantha Chase.

Duty Bound by Noelle Adams, Samantha Chase

(The Protectors #1)

Publication date: April 10th 2014

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

I used to think I could be a hero, but one deadly night destroyed that delusion. So I’ve come home defeated. My military career, my best friend, my purpose—all of it is lost.

What I find is her.

She’s my best friend’s sister, and she’s everything I shouldn’t want. She’s on a hopeless quest for answers about her brother’s death, but those are secrets that can never come to light. She’s always been a fighter, and she desperately wants the truth.

I desperately want her.

Someone is trying to kill her now, and she won’t let me keep her safe. I have to do it anyway, even if she doesn’t trust me, even if she hates me for it. A man protects what’s precious to him, whether or not he can ever claim her for his own. So she becomes my purpose.

I’ll become a hero for her.

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On my way out of the building with Maria, the friend who’d given me a ride, I glanced down at my phone, on the off-chance that Levi had tried to call back.

I’m not sure what he would have said if he called. After all, I couldn’t imagine him meekly saying he was sorry for his bad behavior.

I couldn’t imagine him being meek—in any circumstance, ever.

“Oh my God, that guy is hot,” Maria murmured excitedly, grabbing my arm as we walked down the four steps from the front entrance of the rec center.

This wasn’t unusual behavior for Maria. She found guys hot all the time and was never loath to share her feelings with me.

I glanced over with only half-hearted interest and immediately stiffened when my eyes landed on a tall, well-built man with dark hair and worn jeans, who was listening to something on his phone and leaning against a car in the parking lot.

My car. The one I thought was still in the shop.

Levi. Naturally.

“Oh my God,” Maria said, her hand still gripping my arm. “He’s smiling at you. Do you know him?”

“Yes, I know him,” I gritted out through my teeth. He was indeed smiling, but it wasn’t a friendly, welcoming smile.

It was a superior smile of amusement, as if he was laughing at me.

I’d seen that look on his face before. I’d seen it for years and years, when we’d been growing up and he was hanging out with Gavin. My brother used to get annoyed when I pestered them, but Levi had always just laughed.

Nothing had changed. I might be an adult, a professional, and completely his equal, but he was still laughing at me.

I took a shaky breath and tried to control the wave of anger.

“Is that your car?” Maria asked.

“Yeah. He must have gotten it from the shop.”

“Ooh! Why didn’t you tell me there was a guy in your life?” Maria looked like she might jump up and down with excitement over news of potential romance for me.

“He’s not in—“

“No, don’t try to hide it. I can tell by the way he’s looking at you that he’s crazy about you. Plus, he got your car for you! You go on over, but you better call me first thing tomorrow and tell me all about him.”

I groaned and tried to object again, but she skittered off before I could. Rolling my eyes, I made my way over to Levi, who was still half-smiling with that superior amusement that I hated.

“Did you just tell me to take my overbearing, obnoxious meddling and shove it up my arrogant ass?” he asked, lowering the phone from his ear.

For no reason—for absolutely no good reason—I felt the urge to snicker, partly at his expression and partly at the way he’d repeated my words back to me in that dry tone. Snickering would hardly be an appropriate response, though, so I gave him what I hoped was a cool look of disinterest. “You should check your messages more frequently. I left that over two hours ago.”

His smile broadened into a grin, making him so attractive that I lost my breath. Seriously. I literally lost my breath, gazing up at him and his warm expression and his gorgeous dark eyes.

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~ YouTube ~

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Prizes – open INTL

*3x signed copy of Duty Bound*

*25$ Amazon/B&N gift card*

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Noelle Adams

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances. For more information, please check out her website: noelle-adams.com.

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~

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Samantha Chase

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40′s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, blogging, playing way too many games of Scrabble on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina. For more information visit her website at www.chasing-romance.com.

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~

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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.

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Published on April 13, 2014 01:00

Cover Reveal ~ ‘Wreck You’ by Jennifer Snyder.

Wreck You by Jennifer Snyder

(A Coldcreek Novel #3)

Publication date: June 3rd 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

Outspoken and flirtatious, Lauren Myers is more than most guys can handle. Even so, a disastrous trip to her boyfriend’s hometown in Greece leaves her reeling, forcing her to reevaluate her views on men and relationships all together.

Level-headed and reserved, Ian Mason is perfectly content with his life the way that it is—until a phone call from his mother flips his life upside down. Suddenly, everything changes and he’s forced to hold the weight of the family business all on his own.

After a chance meeting draws them together, the two will learn love often finds those who aren’t necessarily looking, and that there are moments in life that hold within them all the power to wreck you.

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Cover Reveal Giveaway!

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Jennifer Snyder

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing new adult and young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

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Find out more about her latest novel by visiting her blog:

http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com

Other ways to connect with Jennifer:

Email: Jennifersnyder04@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjennifersnyder

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennsnyder04

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Cover Reveal organised by Xpresso Book Tours.

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Published on April 13, 2014 01:00

Blog Tour ~ ‘Lost in Us’ by Layla Hagen.

Lost in Us by Layla Hagen

Publication date: February 17th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . .

The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.

Electrifying.

And best not repeated.

James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.

James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.

Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.

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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~

The Prequel ‘Lost’ is free to download on Amazon. Check it out!

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Book Review ~ ‘Lost in Us’ by Layla Hagen ~ 5 Stars!

‘Lost in Us’ is really a spectacular book. It’s one of those ones that I don’t even know how to review because there are so many things about it that I adored. Layla Hagen has created and emotional, heartbreaking and stunning literary debut with this story, and days after reading this book I am still caught up in the world, the characters and the storylines.

At first I was a little unsure of how to rate this book as I felt the first quarter of the story was very fast-paced, almost so quick that I was a little surprised at how serious and deep rooted James and Serena’s feelings for each other were. So with this at the forefront of my mind I continued reading a little dubious, only to be blown away by the incredible story that followed. When making my decision between 4 and 5 stars I just knew that I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so emotionally entwined with the storyline in a book. My heart ached so much whilst reading of Serena’s struggles with her feelings for James, and I honestly felt my heart break when they couldn’t be together, because I really admired Serena for putting her feelings first and not letting James walk all over her, but the pain that she felt when they were apart had me sobbing and holding my chest.

I couldn’t deny the impact this stunning writing had on me, so it just had to get five stars, so I say now to any potential readers, if you are a bit unsure of fast-paced starts, do try to get past that as the story that follows and the strength of the writing is just phenomenal.

I loved Serena as a character. She was just so human and so real to me. I loved her strength, yet admired how she let herself wallow in her pain for a time but didn’t let it win and have her crawling back to James. It always annoys me when young girls show no emotion, I think, we’re young, hormonal and we damn well need to cry. Serena did that and I admired her so much for it, for showing her emotions and not being ashamed to admit that she missed the man she loved.

James was one of those characters that had to grow on me. He had deep-rooted issues (which I love in characters) and had to overcome them. I liked how Serena didn’t fall to his feet everytime he apologised, and I liked how he had to understand that her feelings were just as important as his. His desperation to get her back was commendable, but I felt offended on Serena’s behalf when his friends said that it was her being selfish. What I liked was how James had to grow past his issues to understand the importance of Serena’s feelings and the way that their relationship plays out, whilst rocky, is beautiful and meaningful.

This was a beautiful story and I can’t begin to express how much I loved it. 5 Stars!

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Prize Open INTL

*$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash (Winner’s choice)*

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Layla Hagen

My name is Layla Hagen and I am a New Adult Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later.

I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world.

And I drink coffee. Lots of it, in case the photo didn’t make it obvious enough

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Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Click the banner above to follow the ‘Lost in Us’ Blog Tour.

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Published on April 12, 2014 01:00

Book Review ~ ‘All My Restless Life to Live’ by Dee DeTarsio.

All My Restless Life to Live by Dee DeTarsio.

Publication date: April 29th 2013

Genres: Adult, Romance.

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SYNOPSIS

Fans of Marian Keyes and Jennifer Weiner will delight in Dee DeTarsio’s sparkling prose and lively dialogue as she takes readers into the heart of women’s lives.

Life is a soap opera, especially for Elle Miller, who writes for one. (Ellen dropped the “n” in her name in hopes of finding a better ending for herself.) When her laptop crashes, she borrows her recently deceased dad’s computer and gets way more than she bargained for.

Elle unravels mysterious communications from his computer, while her mom decides to give Internet dating a try. As Elle tries to save her career at I’d Rather Be Loved with a storyline featuring a trip through Atlantis, she takes a trip to the Emmys, and finds herself in the middle of a romance between a real doctor and a hunk who just plays one on TV.

Friends, family, and clues from “the other side” all help Elle figure out the difference between living the good life and living a good life.

Filled with friendship, love, loss, betrayal, and challenges that force her characters to find their place in the universe, Dee’s novels give us that hopefully-ever-after we’re searching for.

Dee DeTarsio is a Winner of The 2013 San Diego Book Awards, Romance category, for Haole Wood, as well as a 2013 Next Generation Indie Awards Finalist.

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Book Review ~ ‘All My Restless Life to Live’ by Dee DeTarsio ~ 4 Stars!

I had read a few excerpts courtesy of a book blitz I participated in, and they had me laughing, and intrigued by the characters so I went for it, and boy am I glad I did.

‘All My Restless Life to Live’ is a story that I think all contemporary chick lit readers will love. There was so much relatable humour, characters and actions that I just connected with the story so easily. I loved that there was seriousness and challenges entwined throughout the witty prose, and that by the end of the story I was thinking of the characters as real people that I knew, wanting to talk to them about their problems and how to help them in situations they were afraid of (In my defence, it’s the Psychology graduate in me.)

What made this book really stand out to me was that at some points in the story, I really wanted to shake the characters. Why is it good I felt this, you may ask? Because it made the characters human who make mistakes, just like everybody in life. Whilst it was veiled in humour, it was still poignant to readers that there are problems in everybody’s life, and that everyone has issues to work through.

Elle was a really brilliant heroine to our story. She was gutsy, witty and her thoughts had me in fits of giggles more than once, although sometimes I felt her internal dialogue digressed a lot from her original point before she went back to it, leaving me a little behind and speeding to catch up with her.

I really felt for Elle when it came to trying to accept and move on after her father’s death, and the spiritual element of her believing her father was contacting her beyond the grave was really cleverly entwined throughout the story, not dominating the novel, but linking neatly with the various other complications that come up in Elle’s life.

I was so pleased that I liked both of Elle’s love interests. Unfortunately I am one of those people who sets their hopes on the heroine being with one guy over the other, and then I become stressed, emotional, devastated and heartbroken if they don’t end up together. Dee DeTarsio did a spectacular job of making both romantic interests suitable candidates, and both were genuinely nice men who respected her and didn’t try to force her to choose them. I liked how the story ended, and the man that she chose, but I felt relieved that Elle and the rejected suitor could still be friends, as I thought they had a friendship that would be sad to go.

This really was a clever, witty and poignant story, that made me laugh out loud, smile wistfully, and muse over long after I finished.

4 Stars!

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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~

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

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Published on April 11, 2014 14:47

Book Review ~ ‘One Broke Girl’ by Rhonda Helms.

‘One Broke Girl’ by Rhonda Helms.

(Edgewood Falls #1)

Publication date: April 7th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

Anna Parker’s life disintegrates with one phone call. Her dad’s selling their ritzy New York City condo because her Wall Street banker mom emptied their bank account and ran off with another man. Which means Anna has to drop out of her elite college and move with Dad back to their small Ohio hometown. Anna’s determined to reclaim her life ASAP, so she’ll use the next few months to save money, help Dad get back on his feet, and find and confront her mom.

But Anna doesn’t anticipate things going so wrong. The only job she can get is working as a lunch lady in an elementary school. Their money-pit duplex is falling apart around their feet. And her dad is depressed without her mom, who’s proving hard to find.

One bright spot in the chaos is Gavin Metcalf, a kindergarten teacher she dated when they were young teens. With his easy wit and sexy smiles, he makes her forget her stresses—and the fact that her boyfriend Steven back in New York doesn’t know the truth yet about her dire circumstances. When past and present collide, Anna has to decide where her future lies…

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Book Review ~ ‘One Broke Girl’ by Rhonda Helms ~ 5 Stars!

If you are looking for a fun, quick read but with meaning and emotion behind every word, then ‘One Broke Girl’ is the book for you.

As soon as I started this book, I connected immediately to the fun, and easy to read writing style, as well as the heroine who I just knew would soon have a very different view on life. Despite having little in common with Anna at the beginning of the book, I liked her immediately as she just seemed like one of those people who’d never experienced anything bad in her life, and was certain in her future. Close minded maybe, but it was a naivety that had me feeling sad for her, because I just knew that it wouldn’t last for long.

What I really loved about this story was the emotion behind it. It was a great fun read, and I laughed out loud at so many parts, as the author just had such a witty writing style that I adored, yet when it came to Anna’s money situation, I really felt for her, and admired the way that she did everything she could to help her dad, and didn’t once complain to him. I could feel her pain at her mother’s betrayal to both her and her father, and it made me really admire her as a character for taking charge and trying to make the best of her situation.

Even though this book is short, it was paced perfectly, and I really felt the character and story development grew at a natural, unhurried pace. Anna was a very real character, and I loved Gavin’s introduction to the story and how he was a huge part in helping Anna appreciate pleasure in the little things in life, and not in their expense. I liked the gradual progression of Anna’s realisation that she could be happy where she was, and I loved how honest she was with Gavin about having a boyfriend back home. I admired her for wanting to do the right thing, and it really was brilliant to see her become a better person throughout the course of the story.

This really was a lovely story and I can’t wait to read more in the Edgewood Falls Series.

5 Stars!

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~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~

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

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Published on April 11, 2014 12:54

Book Blitz ~ ‘Destroyed’ by Pepper Winters.

Destroyed by Pepper Winters

Publication date: March 7th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

She has a secret.

I’m complicated. Not broken or ruined or running from a past I can’t face. Just complicated.

I thought my life couldn’t get any more tangled in deceit and confusion. But I hadn’t met him. I hadn’t realized how far I could fall or what I’d do to get free.

He has a secret.

I’ve never pretended to be good or deserving. I chase who I want, do what I want, act how I want.

I didn’t have time to lust after a woman I had no right to lust after. I told myself to shut up and stay hidden. But then she tried to run. I’d tasted what she could offer me and damned if I would let her go.

One secret destroys them.

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It was the best kiss I’d ever received, but also the worst. It sparked lust and need in every inch of me. My lips wanted more, my tongue wanted savagery. My skin wanted to bruise because he needed to touch me so badly.

All my thoughts disappeared as I nipped at his bottom lip. He flinched, but a second later he copied, his sharp canines piercing my oversensitive flesh.

I moaned.

I couldn’t take it.

My hands flew up and gripped his shirt. Yanking him toward me, fireworks whizzed in my fingertips; my heart galloped toward exploding with lust. I’d never been so drunk on someone before.

Then I landed flat on my back.

The crack of my skull jangled my teeth. The thick carpet did little to cushion me. My eyes flared wide and I grunted in pain. Fear, hot and terrible, swamped my lust in a dampening wave.

“Top rule. Unbreakable rule. Don’t. Ever. Touch. Me.” Fox kneeled on one knee beside my head, breathing hard. His hand noosed my throat, pressing my spine into the carpet. His eyes were cold and lifeless, looking like a hunter intent on blood. –HAZEL

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He slammed to a knee, shaking his head.

“Hey! Don’t hurt him,” Clue screamed. I ignored her and advanced on Corkscrew. If anyone had any chance at delivering some pain it was this man.

He kept his head down, playing the victim. But I was prepared for his large hand swiping at my calf and taking my leg from under me.

I landed on my hip and didn’t have time to breathe before he landed on top of me and delivered a rain of fists.

It hurt. It fucking hurt. It was exactly what I needed.

Rolling together, I pinned him down and delivered a few swings myself. His nose gushed blood, looking dark against his black skin. “Where is she?”—ROAN

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Prizes: Open Internationally

*2 x ecopies of Destroyed*

*2 x swag signed packs with Destroyed bracelet*

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Pepper Winters

Pepper Winters is a NYT and USA International Bestseller. She wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

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Teaser from ‘Tears of Tess’

It had taken being kidnapped, and sold to a man who didn’t want me, to show how much my existence lacked. Q shattered my walls with his uncouth ways. How could I ever go back to a life where my senses lived in limbo? Where no one cared enough to kill for me?

Q stopped washing my hair, gathering me tighter to him. I crushed against his wet, suited chest, inhaling his unique scent.

He let me cry and didn’t reprimand or control. He offered comfort in silence. Lips pressed my forehead, whispering, “Je suis là,” over and over. I’m here. I’m here.

In his kindness, he broke me into the perfect slave. I didn’t need his anger to become devoted. I needed his softer moments—gentle love was my undoing, not demands or threats. I was pitiful with how I needed compassion, companionship.

Tears turned from depression to release. After twenty years of struggle, I finally belonged.

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Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

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Published on April 11, 2014 01:00

Blog Tour ~ ‘Waiting for Prince Harry’ by Aven Ellis.

Waiting For Prince Harry by Aven Ellis

Publication date: April 2nd 2014

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

Twenty-four-year-old Kylie Reed has always been a rule follower. Organized and cautious to a fault, her dreams for life are often filed away for future use—when she has a house, when she meets her future husband, when she has been at her visual display job at a chic Dallas boutique longer…Kylie always has a reason for living her life in the future, not in the present, and not living her life to the fullest and reaching her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

The only exception to rules, of course, would be running away with Prince Harry—Kylie’s ideal man. A hot, fun ginger boy would be worth breaking all the rules for, of course. And Kylie is sure Harry just needs the right, centering woman to settle him down. But living in Dallas and not knowing Prince Harry make this a non-option.

Or does it?

Because when Kylie accidentally falls into the lap of a gorgeous ginger boy—yes, even more gorgeous than the real Prince Harry—all bets are off. Could this stranger be the one to show Kylie how to take a chance, to face her fears, and live in the present? And could this stranger be the Prince Harry she has been waiting for? Kylie’s life takes some unexpected twists and turns thanks to this chance encounter, and she knows her life will never be the same because of it…

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Book Review ~ ‘Waiting for Prince Harry’ by Aven Ellis ~ 5 Stars!

I honestly feel so thankful that I was given the opportunity to be on this blog tour. Being the Brit and Prince Harry lover that I am, I was excited to read this, but I was just blown away when I started reading by how much I loved and connected to this story. Even now writing this review I keep thinking ‘When will I have time to re-read this book again’. That is how much I loved it.

Kylie is just the kind of main character I have been looking for in my recent contemporary romance reads, kind-hearted, cautious, and flawed in a way that many young girls will identify with. I loved that she was a rule-follower and had her whole life planned out in front of her. I identified with this so much because of how society was with me only a few years ago when my whole life had to be planned before I started applying for University. I admired Kylie for not being ashamed of who she was and the future she had planned for herself, and it was great to see how she gently eased herself into becoming a stronger and more confident individual, less afraid of taking the steps of her future and making them real in the present.

Harrison was a wonderful creation of a character. Everything about him had me swooning, and similarly to Kylie, I loved how they made each other better people who were more confident about taking steps to secure a different future to the ones they’d planned. There was a brilliant camaraderie between the two and I loved their transition from friends to lovers, as they complimented each other so well in all aspects of their relationship. Harrison’s kindness and devotion to Kylie had me swooning, and how this unleashed a more confident and flirty Kylie was brilliant to read.

This book didn’t need unnecessary drama to come between the main characters, it showed that all it needed was some realistic character and relationship development, where trust is given cautiously, and old habits have to be fought past to get to a happy ending. I loved how character driven this story was, and I adored how Kylie and Harrison both developed throughout the novel, becoming the best people they can be, not in the hope for love, but because of the love and strength they gave each other to make them want the best for themselves. I adored all the light-hearted moments in this book too. Their meeting was brilliantly written and had me hooked through their flirty exchange and sincerity with each other, and I laughed so much at all the references to Prince Harry. I mean come on? Who wouldn’t want their own Prince Harry?

For anyone who loves meaningful yet fun contemporary romances with realistic characters who drive a brilliant storyline then this is the book for you!

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Aven Ellis

Aven Ellis has been writing fiction since she was sixteen. She studied communications at a large Midwestern university, and after graduation, Aven worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, followed by a stint at a public relations agency.

But writing about city council meetings and restaurant franchises was not as much fun as writing for young women trying to figure out their careers and potential boyfriends. So Aven got herself a job in television that allowed her to write at night. Connectivity is Aven’s debut novel; Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (New Adult romantic comedy) will be published next year.

Aven lives in Dallas with her family. When she is not writing, Aven enjoys shopping, cooking, connecting with friends on social media, and watching any show that features Gordon Ramsay.

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Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Click the banner above to follow the ‘Waiting for Prince Harry’ Blog Tour.

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Published on April 09, 2014 01:00

Book Blitz ~ ‘Freedom’ by S.A. Wolfe.

Freedom by S.A. Wolfe

(Fearsome #2)

Publication date: April 7th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

*This is a stand-alone sequel to Fearsome. No cliffhanger!

Dylan Blackard is back in town and certain everyone knows his secrets.

Putting away his notorious reputation as the wild guy with a womanizing past, he’s now on a new path, wanting to be the good guy his brother can stop worrying over. As long as he gives up his old vices—including women—he can keep himself on the straight and narrow and finally live up to everyone’s expectations.

However, obsessing about his lack of self-control is making Dylan one humorless, cranky hermit. That all changes, though, when his brother hires a new employee, the stunning Emma Keller, who will be sharing an office with him and all of his tightly wound nerves.

Emma, a spunky young woman from New Jersey, isn’t about to feel sorry for Dylan and his situation. She is beyond distracting to him, and that is enough to turn his emotional balancing act upside down. Not only is she intelligent, and a smart aleck, she’s also very determined to pull the sexy Dylan Blackard out of his self-imposed isolation.

From the moment he meets her, he feels alive again, but Emma doesn’t come as a gift with a pretty bow; she comes with major baggage—a family embedded in its own tumultuous history.

Will Emma be the tipping point that causes Dylan to regress into his past destructive behaviors…or will he actually pursue her for keeps?

*Due to adult language and sexual content, this New Adult Contemporary Romance is intended for readers over the age of 18.

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“You’re living with her and you’re trying to keep it platonic?” Dr. Wang pauses his typing and squints at me.

“Am I screwing up?” I ask. “I really like Emma, but I don’t want this to go to crap. I don’t want to do what I did to Jess… I don’t want to get in deep and then find out I’m on another bender.”

Dr. Wang smiles at my term for going manic. “I’ve been seeing you for months and you’re doing well. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to Emma and dating her, if that’s what you’re suggesting, although living and working together so soon may be a challenge. However, if it’s comfortable for both of you, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Although, you seemed to have rushed right in to living with her, the circumstances are unique. Dylan, no one—not even your brother—expects you to never have a relationship with a woman again. This choice of celibacy was yours. Did you plan on living like that forever?”

“I’m not sure. I suppose I thought I could pull it off and keep it together.”

“Do you really think it’s realistic?” Dr. Wang leans back in his chair and looks at me. “You’re young, you’re healthy, and for the most part, you’ve got your depression under control. You sound indecisive about it. Tell me about that.”

“I’m indecisive about what to do with her. I don’t know what I’m allowed to do.” I get nervous just talking about Emma and my hands start fidgeting on the armrests.

“Allowed? You keep referring to these rules you think someone has established for you. Tell me more about what you’re feeling with Emma.”

“I like her a lot.”

“You’ve said that at least six times since you walked in the door.” He smiles. “From my perspective, I can see you’re different. You’re happier. Is that all because of Emma?”

“Yeah. When I’m around her, I think I actually feel my blood pumping, and I start feeling optimistic. It’s like every part of me has finally been woken up from a coma. It’s very vivid and that’s what’s scary.”

“So you’re in love?” Dr. Wang asks thoughtfully.

“No, I like her a lot, though.” I have to downplay my feelings for her. If I say that I think I’m falling in love with her, I really will sound like a nut job.

“That’s seven likes.” He smiles again. “Okay, I see where this is going. I’m going to ask you two questions, and I want you to give me the first thing that comes to your mind. A quick response without deliberating. Understand?”

I nod and think of Emma back at the office, probably wondering why I have been keeping my hands off her for the last two days since our hot and heavy, near-sex episode on the couch. We drive to work together and spend our days dealing with accounts, and then when we go home, I cook dinner and we watch TV while she knits. We’re like an old married couple that never has had sex, not even the consummation part. That’s my fault, of course. She is not shy about what she wants, and I would want it, too, if I knew that my crazy head couldn’t possibly put us on the road to ruin.

“Go ahead,” I say.

“Why do you like Emma?”

“She makes me feel fantastic.” I sound remorseful rather than thrilled.

“Why are you afraid of being with Emma?”

“Because she makes me feel fantastic… and I might turn into the old Dylan again. I might lose all this self-control I’ve been managing for months.”

“Okay, this is what I want you to hear. Fact, you like her a lot and she makes you feel fantastic. You worrying about losing control and turning into the old Dylan are speculation and fear, not fact. We have to work with facts. If you keep letting your fear dictate how you live, you will miss some very big things in life.”

His words provide some relief. It’s like my shrink is handing me a golden ticket.

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Freedom will be on sale for 99 cents for release week! Check it out now!

~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ B&N ~ Smashwords ~

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Prizes To Win!

*2 signed Paperback copies of Freedom (US only)*

*2 Amazon Gift Cards @ $50 each (INTL)*

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S.A. Wolfe

S. A. Wolfe lives with her very loud, opinionated children and husband. She is a voracious reader and passionate about writing, and when those two activities don’t keep her locked away in her room, she loves roaming the streets of New York City. Sometimes she even hikes mountains, but most of the time she finds excellent ways to procrastinate.

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Book Blitz hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

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Published on April 08, 2014 01:00

Book Blitz ~ ‘One Broke Girl’ by Rhonda Helms.

One Broke Girl by Rhonda Helms

(Edgewood Falls #1)

Publication date: April 7th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

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SYNOPSIS

Anna Parker’s life disintegrates with one phone call. Her dad’s selling their ritzy New York City condo because her Wall Street banker mom emptied their bank account and ran off with another man. Which means Anna has to drop out of her elite college and move with Dad back to their small Ohio hometown. Anna’s determined to reclaim her life ASAP, so she’ll use the next few months to save money, help Dad get back on his feet, and find and confront her mom.

But Anna doesn’t anticipate things going so wrong. The only job she can get is working as a lunch lady in an elementary school. Their money-pit duplex is falling apart around their feet. And her dad is depressed without her mom, who’s proving hard to find.

One bright spot in the chaos is Gavin Metcalf, a kindergarten teacher she dated when they were young teens. With his easy wit and sexy smiles, he makes her forget her stresses—and the fact that her boyfriend Steven back in New York doesn’t know the truth yet about her dire circumstances. When past and present collide, Anna has to decide where her future lies…

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“You work here? I thought…” Gavin cleared his throat, and his Adam’s apple bobbed right above the knot of his blue tie. “I figured there was some kind of certification or testing to be in food service at a school.”

Righteous anger flared in my belly, and I scooped carrots onto Michael’s plate. “I passed my background check and the exam, thank you very much. I’m perfectly qualified.”

That one damn brow quirked—apparently this was his signature look for me. It seemed he didn’t think I should be allowed anywhere near food. Or kids. “I see.”

My cheeks burned more. Like I wasn’t already feeling awkward enough about my life. I didn’t need this guy judging me. “I notice you don’t have a tray,” I noted in a haughty tone, “and my line is starting to back up. So if you don’t mind…”

“By all means,” he said as he backed away, hands in the air. “Please, continue.” But he didn’t leave the area. He just watched me in silence while I served the next kid.

“These potatoes are lumpy and look funny,” the girl said in a high-pitched whine.

It was so hard to keep the fake smile plastered on my face. “It’s homestyle. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.”

Gavin huffed a small laugh, but I refused to look at him.

I thrust my chin higher in the air and urged the kid along.

“I’ll see you later,” Gavin said to me softly. The almost verbal caress of his voice drew my attention to those potent green eyes.

The air caught in my throat, and I could feel my pulse flutter madly.

“Oh, and Anna?”

“Yeah?” I was a bit embarrassed by how breathy I sounded.

“You have mashed potatoes in your hairnet.” With that, he walked off.

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Mini Interview with Rhonda Helms.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for ONE BROKE GIRL?

A: I brainstormed the story in an online writing group, first looking for embarrassing/crazy/weird jobs to help me develop ideas. All I knew at that point was I wanted a heroine working a job she never thought she’d do. When someone mentioned “lunch lady,” the story started writing itself. I realized it was going to be a riches-to-rags story with potential for laughs and heartfelt moments.

Q: Who are your favorite New Adult authors?

A: Oh man, I go through big reading spells where I devour a ton of New Adult because I can’t quit it. I love the intimacy and immediacy of the narrative. Some of my fav authors are Erin McCarthy, Lexi Ryan, Caisey Quinn, Tammara Webber, Sophie Jordan, Marilyn Brant, Samantha Young, Colleen Hoover… I could go on and on, lol.

Q: What’s your writing routine like?

A: I’m an editor by day, so I typically write in the afternoons or early evenings after my work is done. I write 5-10 pages a day, 5 days a week when I’m in drafting mode. Because I plot out scene by scene beforehand, I can sit down and bang out the story pretty quickly.

Q: What’s next in the Edgewood Falls series?

A: Book 2 is Natalie’s story, coming out in June. I’m working on it now, yay. Book 3 will be Bianca’s story, coming out in August. And if readers love these books as much as I do, I’ll probably write more in the series. I’m loving these so much.

Q: What’s one random/weird fact about you?

A: Oh man, I have tons of quirks. Lol. Probably one of the biggest things is I carry at least 2-3 different lip balms on me at all times…in case I have a dry lip emergency or something, I guess. Hah. I can’t quit my lip balm.

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Prizes: Open INTL

*A $10 Amazon or BN gift card, plus a kindle or nook copy of ALL I EVER WANTED, a New Adult anthology with novellas by Rhonda Helms, Lexi Ryan, Caisey Quinn and Marilyn Brant*

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Rhonda Helms

Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago. She has a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and freelance edits.

When she isn’t writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.

Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.

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