Character Interview & Giveaway- Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick

Book Title: Stay With Me (With Me #1)

Author: Elyssa Patrick

Release Date: August 30th, 2013

Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance

Book Description 

With one look, I’m his . . .

With one touch, he’s mine . . .

With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .

I’ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.

Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same—or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.


Character Interview:

Raquel: Thank you both Hailey and Caleb for interviewing with me today. I really appreciate it!

Hailey: No problem 

Caleb: It's our pleasure

Raquel: For my readers, please state your full name: 

Hailey: Hailey Bloom 

Caleb: Caleb Fox

Raquel: What is your backgrounds? 

Hailey: Former rock star, actress—I was raised in Hollywood and was famous since I was a baby. My mother, Lorraine, was my manager and controlled everything. 

Caleb: I had a pretty typical background—I grew up where I was born (Burlington), went to school, my parents are still married, and I have four younger sisters.

Raquel: What is your place of birth?

Hailey: Little Hope, Kentucky (town is a made up name on author end) 

Caleb: Burlington, Vermont

Raquel: Do you have any siblings?

Hailey: None 

Caleb: I have four younger sisters: Daphne (18), Phoebe (15), Rhea (12), and Persephone “Percy” (8).

Raquel: What are your views on dating or marriage?

Haliey and Caleb: We both would like to get married someday.

Raquel: What do you most admire about the other? 

Hailey: His eyes. Loyalty. Kindness. And his big heart. 

Caleb: Her eyes, her smile, her strength, and courage. 

Raquel: What, if anything, would you like to change about the other? 

Hailey: Nothing

Caleb: Nothing

Raquel: Good answer!

Raquel: What are your greatest fears? 

Hailey: That I won’t be happy, or accepted or loved for who I am. 

Caleb: That I’ll end up alone.

Raquel: I totally understand that.

Raquel: What drew you to the other? 

Hailey: there was just something about him. I can’t even describe it. There felt like we were meant to be together on that deck that night. 

Caleb: Totally what she said. I just felt sparks when she stepped onto the deck that night.

Raquel: What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you? 

Hailey: um, I’m sure you’ve heard or read all that by now. 

Caleb: no comment.

Raquel: That's true, Hailey, my bad.

Raquel: You are the kind of person who: 

Hailey: I will go after something, no matter how scared I am. 

Caleb: will always be there for someone I love.

Raquel: Awwww, Caleb

Raquel: If you could do one thing and succeed at it, what would it be: 

Hailey: to have a really happy life full of love.

Caleb: Same as what Hailey said 

Raquel: (To Hailey and Caleb) I hope to see you both back here soon!

Raquel: (To readers): Make sure and buy your copy of Stay With Me to learn more about Hailey and Caleb.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Nook ~ iTunes ~ ARE ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords

Author Bio:

Elyssa Patrick writes sexy, emotional contemporary romances and New Adult. She is currently working on her next novel.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

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Book Trailer:

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Blog Tour: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard 

(The Danaan Trilogy #1) 

Publication date: April 30th 2013 

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

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.

Author Bio:

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. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

My Review:

The Forgotten Ones is a light and entertaining read about a girl named Allison. Her mother is schizophrenic and her ultimate plan is to take care of her so that her grandparents won’t have to. Allison blames herself for her mother being schizophrenic because she was normal before her mother gave birth to her. Allison starts noticing strange things and all of a sudden her father comes and informs her that he will do anything he can to cure her mother.

The first part of the book was more a contemporary romance. We learn that Allison has always been in love with Ethan since they were children. Ethan also has feelings for Allison, but she has been keeping him at arm’s length, like everyone else in her life. I still don’t really understand why Allison kept pushing him away before she found out about her Fae heritage. I think the excuse was a poor one.

I thought Allison had some great qualities about her. She was brave in wanting to take care of her mother and trying to save her and the ones she loved. She did what she had to do in order to make sure everyone was ok. I also liked Ethan. I felt bad for him every time Allison blew him off. I liked the way he handled himself, he kind of made it into a game so that Allison would go out with him. But I have to say my favourite character would be Aodhan. He seems badass and I sensed he has some feelings for Allison and that’s one of the reasons he helped her. I liked how he doesn’t conform to anyone, especially not the king and queen of the Fae. He will do what he wants on his own terms. There is also this rare intensity about him. I hope we see him more in the second book.

The second half of the book is faster paced. Allison has to go the Tir Na Nog. The Fae she meets are definitely interesting to say the least. I would like to learn more about the history of some of the characters and how they got to be the way they are now. I would also like to learn more about the Fae customs and mentality. I thought the book was a little short and I found just when I was getting hooked, it ended abruptly for me. When meeting the fae, the names were hard to remember and I couldn’t remember who was who. I found I had to skip over most of the names.

The Forgotten Ones is an adventurous read with some romance. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves fantasy novels.

My Rating:

3 out of 5 stars

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Blog Tour: Witchling by Ari Harper- Interview and Giveaway

Series: Curse of Kin #1

Released: November 29th 2012

Publisher: Lycaon/Breathless Press

Purchase: Amazon

Goodreads ~ Amazon 

BLURB:

Nera is a normal teenage girl living in Ireland-or so she thought. Her world is forever changed when she discovers that she is descended from a long line of witches. To her horror she finds she is the one that is supposed to stop the curse that has taken the life of every girl before her. As if that isn't enough, she must learn to use magic and her trainer is a man named Bones. He is the son of Mari, Queen of the Witches, and a god. It is Bones that has been entrusted to teach her the skills she needs to stay alive, which wouldn't be so bad if he didn't have an uncanny knack for pushing her buttons. Can Nera learn what she needs while staying immune to the charms of the man that gets under her skin at every opportunity?

About the Author

Ari Harper never wanted to grow up.

To offset the limitations of aging ungracefully, she created her own set of unique worlds where she can be and do whatever she wants.

Gods, witches and demons surround Ari while she spins her magic, doing mainly what they tell her to do. Given a chance, she prefers to work amongst chaos, which is good because she is constantly surrounded by children, all clamoring for attention. Some of them end up in her stories, some of them even get to die grisly deaths or be cast away to another realm.

www.ariharper.com

What inspired you to write Witchling?

The story or should I say the bare bones of it ran around in my head for months before I started writing. Never having written a book before, I had no idea how to start. I tried to ignore the scenes assaulting me on a daily basis before finally giving in and I wrote the first three books in quick succession.

What books have influenced your life most?

I couldn't pick out any one book because I have read since I could hold a book. One series does stand out for me though. Walt Disney put out a series when I was a small child, two stories to each book. They had pride of place on my bookshelf when I was growing up, always with a book in reach.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

With any book I find the middle the hardest. I don't plan my stories, they just happen. I generally get an idea that starts me writing and sometimes I know what the ending is but the middle, that is usually as much a surprise to me as it is to the reader.

Are you reading anything now?

I'm a big fan of Abbi Glines. I've just finished Twisted Perfection and can't wait for the next book.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If it is truly what you want to do, don't give up, ever. Follow other writers, ask questions and learn. Don't go into this thinking your writing is perfect and always be open to suggestions.

Who is your favorite character from Witchling and why?

Jasper, what can I say? I love the Irish accent and he is one dish of a man.

Final Hint #9:

Who was the first casualty in the battle?

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Blog Tour: No Reverse by Marion Croslydon

Title: No Reverse 

Author: Marion Croslydon

Age Group and Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Expected release date: August 12, 2013

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Book Description:

A girl who needs to undo the past.

A boy who wants to forget it.

In love, there’s no way back.

At high school in Steep Hill, Kansas, Cassie O’Malley and Josh MacBride were the poster couple for quarterback/cheerleader romance until they starred in their own tale of teen pregnancy. No need to say: their shotgun wedding was low-key. But when there was no baby anymore, they went their separate ways.

Five years later, Josh has breezed through Georgetown and is about to finish his post-grad degree at Oxford University. He is set to join a lobbying group on Capitol Hill, owned by his new fiancée’s father. For Josh, the sky is now the limit… only he must first take care of a tiny legal matter: technically, he’s still married to the girl who broke his heart.

Meanwhile, Cassie has been waiting tables in Steep Hill to pay for her sick grandmother’s care. On the day of the old lady’s funeral, Cassie is served with two sets of papers. Josh is asking for a divorce. Her heart squeezes, but, well, he moved on a long time ago. But the second envelope shakes Cassie to the core. So, for the first time, she leaves Kansas and heads to good ol’ England.

There, Cassie finds that Josh has not just “moved on,” he’s freakin’ engaged to some blue-blooded heiress. The feelings Cassie had buried deep rush back to her. But no matter if he keeps thrusting the divorce papers under her nose, she needs him to save the only person she loves more than Josh, more than life itself…

About the Author

Marion’s parents are terribly disappointed with her… 

They wanted her to have a serious job, providing financial stability and social standing. For years, she really tried to make them happy; she studied hard, got into top schools, graduated with honors and found a high-achieving job.

But deep down, Marion was miserable. She never wanted to be a top executive, brokering deals in New York, London or Tokyo. Marion wanted to be… a ROMANCE WRITER. She wanted to spend her days in that good ol’ tracksuit of hers, in front of her laptop, popping down Oreos like there was no tomorrow. She wanted to fall in love with a different man each time she wrote the first line of a new book (while being happily married to the most handsome man in Great Britain).

That’s exactly what Marion does these days, and it makes her incredibly happy. She loves to share these happy vibes, talk book crush, fictional boyfriends and sexual chemistry with like-minded people. And because she spends most of her days on her own deep inside her writing cave, you are welcome to come and say “hello” from time to time. Just to make sure she doesn’t sink into insanity.

Her friends, family and arch-enemies (there are quite a few) will be forever grateful for your help.

Author’s social media:

www.marioncroslydon.com

www.twitter.com/mcroslydon

www.facebook.com/marioncroslydon

www.youtube.com/user/marioncroslydon

My Thoughts:

I have been waiting a long time to read No Reverse. I came to know about the book because I did a cover reveal for it previously and when I read the synopsis I loved what I read. Also I loved the cover so that was a bonus. This book was every bit as good as I thought it was going to be.

No Reverse is a story about a girl and a boy, best friends turned lovers that ends in teen pregnancy. One lie forced them to go their separate ways. Five years later, the girl enters the boy’s life again because she needs his help trying to save the only family she has alive. I really liked the concept of the story. I stayed up late many nights reading. Even at times when I shouldn't be reading, I was doing it because I needed to know how everything was going to play out.

I was invested in the characters of the book. I wanted everyone to get their happy ending. I really liked how the author didn't make Eleanor the villain. She was heartbroken that she may not be able to have the life she dreamed of. I also really liked Cassie. She is the most selfless person. She ruined her whole life so that Josh could have a future. She is alone in the world due to her grandmother`s death ad continued giving because she wanted to make everyone happy and do the right thing. At times, I found it to be a little irritating because she never considered herself and her hopes, her dreams and what she wanted. I never thought I would say this but I thought Cassie was a little too selfless.

What can I say about Josh? He is a decent guy. I felt for him. After everything he has been through with Cassie, I really can`t imagine how I would react in the same situation.

I was really unsatisfied with the ending but I read that there is going to be a second book. I really need to know what happens next. It can`t be soon enough for me!

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

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Blog Tour: Unteachable by Leah Raeder

Title: Unteachable

Author: Leah Raeder

Release date: August 1st 2013
Publisher: Velvet Pony Press
Purchase: Amazon

BLURB:
I met him at a carnival, of all corny places. The summer I turned eighteen, in that chaos of neon lights and cheap thrills, I met a man so sweet, so beautiful, he seemed to come from another world. We had one night: intense, scary, real. Then I ran, like I always do. Because I didn’t want to be abandoned again.

But I couldn’t run far enough.

I knew him as Evan that night. When I walked into his classroom, he became Mr. Wilke.
My teacher.

I don’t know if what we’re doing is wrong. The law says one thing; my heart says screw the law. I can’t let him lose his job. And I can’t lose him.

In the movies, this would have a happy ending. I grow up. I love, I lose, I learn. And I move on. But this is life, and there’s no script. You make it up as you go along.

And you don’t pray for a happy ending. You pray for it to never end.

Goodreads

About the Author:
Writes pretentiously lyrical YA and adult fiction of various genres. Loves zombies, velociraptors, and other world-ending things. Copies her bio from Twitter because she's lazy.

Twitter

My Thoughts:

Unteachable is a truly captivating story about a tale so unique, I couldn’t get enough of it.

I love how the author wrote this story. There is something so honest about how the heroine felt that I related to her in so many ways. I love how there were so many layers to Maise and the more you read the more you pull back and see the real Maise. Evan was sweet and in my mind, very hot. Together, Maise and Evan had this incredibly strong connection to each other. It left you wondering if the connection was real or is the connection there because of the forbidden aspect to the relationship. At the same time, there is something so addictive in her writing that makes you want to stay up late and see what happens. I really liked how the author chose to write this novel almost like a movie; Maise telling us what happened, how it started, the stolen moments that happened. I have never read anything a story like it. I have read some student/teacher relationships in novels but never to this extent where the heroine knew he was a teacher almost in the beginning.

To tell you the truth I was rooting for the relationship even with the age difference. When you removed all of the titles, they were perfect for each other. Sometimes age is just a number and not a defining fact in a relationship. For love, you have to take chances and they definitely did.

In my opinion, what made the book? I did not see the big twist coming at all. Sometimes in other books, I know something is going to happen but I was shocked to find some interesting info about Evan, it through me for a loop. I’m happy Maise and Evan got their HEA. It shows you that you can find love in any place even when you shouldn’t because it is not right. I found I was left hanging a little bit at the end of the story, I would have liked for it to have an epilogue. I would have liked to have seen where things went or even a year or two from now.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Excerpt:

We both started. It must have broken the trance, because then his arms were around me and I was on my knees, kissing him, pressing his back to the window. I tasted glassy rain and my own wet hair tangling across my face. He didn’t stop me to fix the shot. He wanted me as I was, raw, unedited. His hand ran up the back of my bare leg, his fingers stroking the inside of my thigh. I gasped against his mouth. Lost a sandal. Rubbed my face against his jaw, hard, feeling the grit. Mark me, I thought. Give me something to take away with me. Something I can touch when I’m alone, remembering this. 

When we stopped to breathe he took my face between his hands. “You don’t know what you do to me. I can’t look at you in that classroom.” 

“You look at me all the time.”

 “And do horrible things to you in my head.” 

My blood was wildfire. I felt my swollen mouth, my sharp teeth digging into my lip, my dreamy half-shut eyes, and knew what I looked like to him. “Do them to me,” I said.

“Take me somewhere.” 

He gave a long, long sigh. His lips were bright red from my attentions. “I want to. You have no idea how much I want to.” Two fingers on my chin, pinching gently. “This is moving very fast. We should think it through. Think about how to be less conspicuous.”

 My face lit up with dark glee. “I can be discreet. I can be Harriet the fucking Spy.”

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Blog Tour: Fixed On You by Laurelin Paige

Title: Fixed on You

Author: Laurelin Paige

Release date: June 2013

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Book Description:

Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Pierce’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out – move up at the nightclub she works at and marry the manager, David. He’s perfect for her because, although he’s attractive, he doesn’t get her all turned inside out and upside down like some other men have. It’s a safe plan, one that assures she’ll remain in control of her obsessive love disorder.

But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous – the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of his plans to seduce her. Avoiding him becomes impossible after he offers a business proposition Alayna can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull.

Soon Alayna’s charmed by Hudson in every way possible and the control over her old behaviors slip. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.


About the Author

Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author social media links:

Website: www.laurelinpaige.com,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurelinpaige,
Twitter: @laurelinpaige,
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/laurelinpaige

My Thoughts:

The first thing I need to say, I LOVE this book! It is definitely one of my favorites the year! This book made me laugh, tear up a little bit and not to mention it was very hot. All elements I love in an adult romance novel.

Both Alayna and Hudson have issues: Alayna becomes crazy obsessive with boyfriends to a point where she becomes a stalker. Hudson uses women, he makes them fall in love with him and dump them all for the fun of it. He has been known to be a sociopath. While entering a relationship (whether it is working relationship or personal one), both Alayna and Hudson have to work hard to continue to not follow their impulses and become better people. Alayna and Hudson understand each other more than anyone else could understand them and know what the other has to go through to stay healthy and sane. They make a great couple.

Alayna is a great character. She is smart, personable, caring, and knows how to handle herself when the time comes. 
Below is one of my favorite quotes of Alayna defending Hudson to his own mother:

“I spun to face her. “ No, because of how he seems to love you.” I spit the words like venom. “When there’s no reason he should. When you’ve alienated him and betrayed him and destroyed him and made him the confused man he is by your lack of affection and support and faith. If he can continue to care about a piece of shit like you, after all you’ve done to him, then I have no doubt of his capability of love.”

This paragraph I read over and over again because it is so powerful and you can see how much Alayna understands him.

What can I say about Hudson? First of all, he has a very hot name but more importantly he is protective, possessive, the ultimate alpha male. He also knows how to have fun and let loose once in a while. Hudson’s mother is definitely a character I love to hate. She is a piece of work! She really doesn’t like Alayna and will do anything she can to get rid of her.

Days after I finished this book I could not stop thinking about it. It was always on my mind one way or another. I would definitely like to meet my own Hudson Pierce, definitely my kind of guyJ. I am dying to find out what happens next in the story. October 2013 really can’t come fast enough, that is when the second book, Found in You will be released. Fans of the Crossfire series will love this book.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

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Blog Tour-Blurb, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Corollaria by Courtney Lyn Batten

Release date: February 2nd 2013

Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Emily has always felt like there was more to her parents' mysterious death, more to her being sent to live with the Lyall’s when she was fifteen. And definitely more to her inexplicable infatuation with Luke, the Lyall’s youngest son.

Luke can’t help but be drawn to Emily. She has these perfect blue eyes, unlike any he’s ever seen. And he feels a fierce need to protect her. Suddenly, one night, changes everything. He feels conflicted about his feelings and his destiny, as he and Emily are suddenly plunged into a strange new world. 

Fast paced and action packed, a romance between Emily and Luke begins to take shape just as they are thrust into an ancient war, caught in the crossfire of bloodlust, revenge and love.

About the Author

Courtney grew up in Texas where she still lives with her husband, their two kids, and two dogs. She was studying to become a teacher and has graduated in May 2013.
Courtney loves to read and write love stories. She has an obsession with books, and owns far far too many.

courtneylynbatten.blogspot.com

Blurb: 
The excerpt I picked below is kinda steamy and gives you a glimpse of how much Luke's wolf wants Emily and their need to be together. I hope you enjoy :)

Excerpt:

Emily’s breathing was ragged. Her body trembled with longing and anticipation. Her left arm draped over his shoulder, her right hand gently and tentatively caressed up the hard muscles of his chest, and then over his scruffy neck, and into his hair, her fingers gliding easily through the shaggy brown strands.

Luke’s eyes never left hers. He was waiting. Waiting for her or waiting for himself to fight against this, he wasn’t sure. Emily wiggled herself forward, her soft breasts brushed against him, and he had to bite back a groan.

“Kiss me,” she implored impatiently. Her breathy whisper was so husky and sexy Luke could no longer resist. He crushed his lips to hers, desperate and hungry. Emily’s lips were unbelievably soft. When she parted them, he slid his tongue inside the warmth of her mouth, and moaned at the taste of her tongue against his, sweet and delicate.

Luke’s hand on her hip slid over the curve, his thumb brushed the bare skin there and she shivered. A new and intense heat surged through her, collecting between her thighs. His hand gripped her firmly, pulling her body hard against his. Emily swung her leg over his hip as his hand continued to caress her, moving in slow circles over her back.

His lips left hers, kissing along her jaw and down the smooth slope of her neck. Luke’s nose brushed along her skin, inhaling the deep rich heady scent of her. He buried his face in her neck and groaned.

“You’re killing me, honey,” he murmured into her skin. His muscles were twitching and quivering, barely restrained passion burned in his veins. He had a fleeting thought to pull back, but then she whimpered and dug her nails into his shoulder. Whatever semblance of control he had vanished.

Luke kissed his way across her collarbone, and then back up to her jaw. His scruffy chin scratched her smooth skin, as he reclaimed her lips once again. Their mouths melded together with a fevered intensity. Emily was swept away. Luke hands under her thin cotton shirt skimmed along her ribcage, roving over her soft satiny skin.

All Emily could think about was how good his hands felt against her bare skin, his tongue as it probed and explored her mouth.

Luke was completely lost. Overcome by the intensity of his emotions and the way her body was reacting to his touch. He kissed her until she was breathless, panting, her eyes heavy and a deep dark midnight blue with desire. He slowly slid his hand the rest of the way up her torso, feeling her softness beneath his hands.

Emily gasped. Luke stilled. His breath was ragged. He suddenly worried he shouldn’t be doing this. Was he taking advantage of her? Shit.

“Luke?” Emily asked softly. He rested his head on her shoulder for a moment, trying to convince himself that he had to do the right thing. He had to stop. This was too much too fast.

“I’m sorry, Em. I think—” Luke cleared his throat, part of him kicking himself, part of him so full of desire for her he could barely breathe. He took another deep breath and forced the words through his throat, “— we should, um, we should slow down.”

“Oh,” she responded. “ Okay.”

Emily couldn’t help but feel rejected. It pricked her skin and twisted in her gut. Luke felt it too. He quickly pulled her against him, an instinctual desperation to comfort her roared inside him. Emily hid her face in his neck, breathing in the familiar smell. Her breathing slowed as he rubbed slow circles on her back and pressed his nose against her ear.

Luke hugged her to him tightly. Mine. He was startled by the thought. Mine. This moment, this feeling felt real and pure. And it had nothing to do with the wolf or destiny or some ancient magic.

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Blog Tour: Trust by L. Chapman

Trust by L. Chapman

Cover designed by Indie Pixel Studios

Synopsis:

Lovely Megan Madden has lost her faith in men. But this has not kept her from the joy of her best friend's up coming wedding. While in London shopping for the big event, Megan's life takes a surprising turn when a quick drink brings changes to her life she never saw coming. Join in the roller coaster of emotions Megan must endure as she attempts to regain her TRUST.

Who knew a quiet drink could change your life?

Goodreads ~ Website 

About the Author:

L. Chapman was born in and continues to live in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. She has spent most of her life helping others as a health care assistant, and was, at one time, a DJ for a special needs club. Blending her love of helping others and her love of children, L dreams to one day own and operate a childcare nursery that will help mainstream special needs children with others.
In the rare times that L. is not working to help others or maniacally writing, she enjoys making a mess of things while creating beautifully detailed greeting cards. She spends time relaxing with family, friends, and good books. L. loves to travel and has been to many places in the United Kingdom; her favorite places all involve the ocean. She hopes to one day share a kiss with her happily-ever-after in the romantic shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Should she ever get over her fear of flying, those kisses may be shared in the shadows of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Ever the fussy eater, L. has never once tasted peanut butter, and she despises coffee. If you should feel the need to bribe her, it is suggested that you bring chocolate, as that is one of her know weaknesses.

Facebook ~ Twitter

Excerpt:

Dirty Little Secret Blog Tour: Review and Favourite Quotes

Synopsis via Goodreads:

From the author of the “real page-turner” (Seventeen) Such a Rush comes an unforgettable new drama that follows friends-turned-lovers as they navigate the passions, heartbreaks, and intrigue of country music fame.

Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again…

Release date: July 16th 2013

Publisher: MTV Books

Purchase: Amazon

About the Author

Jennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.

www.jennifer-echols.com

 

My Thoughts:

Dirty Little Secret is unlike any other book I have read. We learn about the nitty, gritty aspects of the music business and what some bands have to go through. This is my first Jennifer Echols book and I am so happy I started with this one.

We start off with Bailey employed in the mall, playing her fiddle, impersonating deceased country stars. She has been in music festivals with her younger sister, Julie but Julie is the only one who gets signed with a record deal. Therefore, Bailey is left betrayed and sent to live with her grandfather. When Bailey meets Sam, there is an instant attraction. They are opposites of one another but both broken, so they understand each other really well.

 I really liked Bailey. I thought she was strong in the way she handled herself especially with her family. I mean, personally, if I lived, eat and breathed music growing up, I definitely would want to have a career in it no matter what. Bailey is also fiercely loyal to her sister. She will do anything for her, even though she may feel hurt or jealous in the process. Sam, on the other hand, will do anything to get a record deal, anything; he has this persona about him that makes everyone like him, even with his ‘52 girlfriends’.

For me, the beginning of this book was a little hard to get into but once I did, I really enjoyed it.  Dirty Little Secret is a must read for anyone who likes to read contemporary romance based on the music industry. I look forward to my next read by Jennifer Echols. I am not sure why I waited so long.

My Rating: 

4 out of 5 stars

Favourite Quotes:

"If I expected nothing, I was never disappointed. But as he moved toward me, there was a point when our eyes locked. He looked so sincere that in that moment, I believed him. I believed in him. I believed anything he wanted to tell me."

""Let me kiss you just this once," he said. Just this once was a refrain with him. He was the devil in disguise, the handsome but low-down, no-good sneaky guy from a thousand country songstresses' revenge plots."

"You wear your heart on your sleeve."

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