Cover Reveal: Give Me Strength by Kate McCarthy

Title:  Give Me Strength (Give Me #2)

Author:  Kate McCarthy

Genre:  Romantic Suspense 18+

Publication Date:  September 16, 2013

Cover Design:  Okay Creations

Event Organized by:  Literati Author Services

Synopsis

Quinn Salisbury doesn't think she's cut out for this whole living thing. Even as a young girl she struggled. Just when she thinks she's found a way to leave her violent past behind her, the only thing that's kept her going is ripped away, leaving her damaged and heartbroken.

Four years later, she is slowly rebuilding her life and lands a job as an assistant band manager to Jamieson, the hot new Australian act climbing their way to the top of the charts. There she meets Travis Valentine, the charismatic older brother of her boss, Mac.

From his commanding charm to his confidence and passion, Travis is everything Quinn believes is too good for her, and despite her apprehension, she finds their attraction undeniable and intense.

When her past resurfaces, it complicates their relationship. Instead of reaching out for help, Quinn pushes Travis away, until a staggering secret is revealed that leaves her fighting for her very life.

Torn between running and opening her heart to the man determined to have her, can Quinn find the strength within herself to fight for her future?

Add to Goodreads

Book Trailer

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsw6KX7kAjs

About the Author:

Kate McCarthy grew up in a small town outside of Port Macquarie, Australia. Raised in a house just a short walk to the beach, Kate enjoyed the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and friendships that come from being raised in a friendly, small town area.

She now resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the state of Queensland where she works as an accountant, along with a sideline wedding cake business and her writing.

She is married with two children, has two dogs and house in the suburbs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the country that help keep her sane.

When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, crunching numbers, piping buttercream and writing books, you can find her curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites. Her favourite books are the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward in which she longs to eventually join the brotherhood and change her name to Phierce Mutha.

Connect with the Author:  Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

Blog Tour: Love in Darkness by E.M. Tippetts

Title: Love in Darkness (Shattered Castles, #2) 

Author: E.M. Tippetts

Release date: May 21, 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

Love in Darkness

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Castles on the Sand (Shattered Castles, #1)

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Book Descriptions: 

Love in Darkness (Book #2)

Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn't go away. After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave.

Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can't fight fate. He is what he is. Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more. When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in. 

Castles on the Sand (Book #1)

If there’s one thing Madison Lukas understands, it’s pain. The pain she feels when her mother ignores her completely. The pain her best friend endures as her parents starve her as punishment. The pain of a dangerous boy whose mother has to be carried away by law enforcement on a regular basis.

She gets it. She feels the pain of others as if it were her own.

But when a mysterious man claiming to be her long lost brother appears with promises of relieving her suffering, trusting him could reveal more truths than Madison is ready for. Because the truth can hurt, too.

About the Author
Emily Mah Tippetts writes romance under the name E.M. Tippetts and science fiction and fantasy under the name Emily Mah. Originally from New Mexico, she now lives in London with her family. Before she was a published author, she was an attorney who specialized in real estate, contracts, and estate planning, especially literary estate planning.

You can contact the author by:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

FIVE FACTS ABOUT LOVE IN DARKNESS PART 2

By: E.M. Tippetts

· The love of Alex’s life is Madison Lukas, one of the prettiest and most popular girls at their high school. He’s convinced that she’d never settle for a life with a mentally ill man, and feels he’s doing her a favor by letting her go.

· While I was writing this book, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) changed the ages that its members can serve missions. I had to rewrite the beginning accordingly.

· Kailie Beale was the character everyone loved to hate in Castles on the Sand, but in this book, she’s one of the heroes. Most people grow up eventually, and she’s no exception.

· This book, and every book I write, features an Evol Burrito somewhere in its pages. Evol Foods is owned in part by my sister and brother-in-law (and they’re fantastic burritos. I have a freezer full of them, and no, I don’t get them for free ;-)

· I’ve never deep fried an Evol Burrito like my characters do in these Shattered Castles books. Author Caisey Quinn says she may or may not have, and has warned me not to try it. Apparently they really are addictive. (Even a deep fryer is beyond my very limited cooking skills, though. Just rolling a burrito is about my limit.)

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Stacking the Shelves (17)

Welcome to this week's Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews. It is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual.

Bought from Amazon:

Afterburn by Sylvia Day

I have been extremely busy this week. I was the maid of honor for my friend's wedding and there were a lot activities I had to attend. It was a beautiful traditional wedding and it was blast. But now that it is done, I have a lot more time now. This week I only bought 1 book. When I heard the Sylvia Day was coming out with another series, I just had to have it. 

I would love to hear from you!

Raquel

xoxo

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

You can follow the tour to see reviews, guest posts, and excerpts by clicking the button below.

Tour Schedule

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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August New Release Giveaway Hop

Hosted by: Book Twirps & Refracted Light Reviews

I am giving away any book being released in August 2013 to a maximum of $15. This giveaway is international. I am only giving away a book from The Book Depository, if it does not have the book you want I am sorry :( The Book Depository will be shipping the book. I am not responsible for any damaged packages. Open to anyone 13 and over. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.
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Waiting on Wednesday (22)

Teardrop by Lauren Kate

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I have not read anything by Lauren Kate but I definitely want to read this book. The cover is beautiful and the synopsis seems very interesting and unique.

Expected Publication Date: October 22, 2013

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

Never, ever cry. . . . Eureka Boudreaux's mother drilled that rule into her daughter years ago. But now her mother is gone, and everywhere Eureka goes he is there: Ander, the tall, pale blond boy who seems to know things he shouldn't, who tells Eureka she is in grave danger, who comes closer to making her cry than anyone has before.

But Ander doesn't know Eureka's darkest secret: ever since her mother drowned in a freak accident, Eureka wishes she were dead, too. She has little left that she cares about, just her oldest friend, Brooks, and a strange inheritance—a locket, a letter, a mysterious stone, and an ancient book no one understands. The book contains a haunting tale about a girl who got her heart broken and cried an entire continent into the sea. Eureka is about to discover that the ancient tale is more than a story, that Ander might be telling the truth . . . and that her life has far darker undercurrents than she ever imagined. From Lauren Kate comes an epic saga of heart-stopping romance, devastating secrets, and dark magic . . . a world where everything you love can be washed away.

Goodreads

I would love to hear from you!

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Tangled by Emma Chase

Title: Tangled (Tangled #1)
Author: Emma Chase
Release Date: May 20, 2013
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Pages: 240
Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

Goodreads

Synopsis:
Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without.

My Thoughts:

I was hooked from the very first page of reading this book. This was the first time I read a book from a male’s POV and it was absolutely hilarious. I was laughing so much that people on the bus probably thought I was crazy. I don’t know where this guy comes up with the stuff he says but it is priceless.

Drew Evans is a handsome and extremely confident guy. He gets women by just looking at them and of course his handsome smile. When Drew meets Katherine or Kate Brooks at his work, he first recognizes her by her butt (which is so wrong on so many levels, lol); he realizes that he might not be able to abide by his rule of keeping his workplace professional. Drew and Kate are extremely competitive, always trying to beat the other in work projects. After awhile, their attraction to one another grew undeniable.

I really like the heroine of this story, Kate. She is smart, sassy, and extremely determined. She does not take crap from anyone especially Drew and puts him in his place if need be. She is in a man’s world when it comes to her job and is very successful doing it.

This book was a delight to read. It is the kind of book where you can’t really read to many reviews, you just have to dive in. It is a feel good book. I honestly could not stop thinking about the book days after I finished. Even now, I want to read it again. The author did an excellent job portraying a man in her writing. I was so excited to learn that there will be 2 more books coming out in the series. Twisted, which is the second book coming out in March 2014 and Tamed, out May 2014.

My Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Cover Reveal: Freeing by E.K. Blair

Title: Freeing (Fading #1.5)

Author: E.K. Blair

Release Date: September 13, 2013

Genre: Coming of Age, New Adult

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Knowing who you are and accepting who you are come at different prices.

Jase Kinrick grew up in your typical, all-American household. But after the death of his sister, his parents shut down, forcing him to deal with everything life throws his way alone. Terrified of the person he’s discovering himself to be, Jase has his way with every willing girl to try and rid himself of what he fears he is—gay.

Escaping California and moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, Jase frees himself to the reality that he likes men. Never staying with any guy long enough to get to know them, he doesn’t realize that he’s still hiding from who he is until he meets Mark. Scared of having real feelings for another guy stirs up the questions and fears he’s fought hard to bury.

To strip away the barriers to the heart of what is real, and to be okay with what lies underneath, will be Jase’s moment of truth. But he’ll need Mark to lead him there.

Goodreads

Video Trailer:

FREEING by E.K. Blair book trailer from Novel Idea Inc. on Vimeo.

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 248
Source: Bought from Amazon/Kindle

Goodreads

Synopsis:

"You can't touch me," I whisper.
I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.
He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.
But things happen when people touch me.
Strange things.
Bad things.No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans on her own.

After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

My Thoughts:

Shatter Me is such a unique novel. It is something that I will not forget.

The writing in this book is INSANE. It is the most beautiful writing I have ever read in my life. The author makes insignificant, small things that we don’t really think about and writes them like they have a purpose, she makes them significant.
For Example:
“I always wonder about raindrops. I wonder about how they’re always falling down, tripping over their own feet, breaking their legs and forgetting their parachutes as they tumble right out of the sky toward an uncertain end. It’s like someone is emptying their pockets over the earth and doesn’t seem to care where the contents fall, doesn’t seem to care that the raindrops burst when they hit the ground, that they shatter when they fall to the floor, that people curse the days the drops dare to tap on their doors. I am a raindrop.” This is one of my favourite quotes; I get chills every time I read it.

Juliette is such a strong character. I love the character development in her. In the beginning, she appears to be this weak, frightened girl but in time she turns out to be a powerful woman. I find it very interesting that she is able to touch a few people but can’t touch others. I am very excited to find out more about how her powers work.

I liked Adam. I thought he was sweet when he admitted he was always in love with Juliette. Although I found him to be a little boring but I liked him all the same. On the other hand, I also liked Warner. He is such a controversial character for me. There is something about him that didn’t make me outright hate him but there were other times when I did. My feelings are all over the place when it comes to him. Maybe in the next book they will become clearer.

I really liked the concept of the story and the setting. If you think about it, the same could happen to this world. I really want to find out why certain people have powers. To tell you the truth, that aspect of the story through me for a loop, I really wasn't expecting it but it was a great twist all the same.

I am really looking forward to reading Destroy Me and Unravel Me but I am afraid Unravel Me will end in a cliffhanger and the third book won’t come out until 2014. Either way it will be a long wait.

My Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Raquel

xoxo

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I have read the first 4 Iron Fey books and fell in love with Ash, Meghan and Puck. I have not gotten a chance to read the first Call of the Forgotten book which is about Meghan's brother, Ethan, but I am extremely excited to read this book which includes their son Keirran. Julie Kagawa is such a great author. There is always something exciting happening in her books that makes you not want to stop reading. I have yet to read her Blood of Eden series but I`m sure it is the same.

Expected Publication Date: October 29, 2013

Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads)

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

Add to Goodreads

I would love to hear from you!

Raquel 

xoxo

Stacking the Shelves (16)

Welcome to this week's Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews. It is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual.

Bought from Chapters/Indigo:

Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) by Jessica Spotswood

Chapters had a sale so I decided to buy this book. I have been reading Born Wicked for over a week now, and I am loving it. I have not had time to read much. This past week I had to plan and decorate 2 different celebrations for work. It has been a crazy week! I am also hooked on Candy Crush so that lessens the time I have to read. I am determined to fit everything in :)

Bought from Amazon:

Catching Liam by Sophia Bleu

This book was on sale on Amazon for $0.95 so I decided to try it and see how it is. I've heard mixed reviews so I am hoping I like it.

Received for Review:

Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick

I am a part of this blog tour which drops by on this blog on August 31. I am looking forward to it.

I would love to hear from you!

Raquel

xoxo

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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Stacking the Shelves (15)

Welcome to this week's Stacking the Shelves by Tynga`s Reviews. It is about adding books to my shelves I received during the past week whether it is physical or virtual.

Bought from Amazon:

Frigid by J. Lynn

Received for Review:

Witchling by Ari Harper

Unteachable by Leah Raeder

Spring Training by Parker Kincade

I hope everyone has a good week :)

Raquel

xoxo

Review: Selling Scarlett by Ella James

Title: Selling Scarlett
Author: Ella James
Release Date: April 14, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 269
Source: Received for review from author

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Elizabeth DeVille doesn't belong at a party like this—one where the gowns cost more than her Camry and cigars run higher than her grad school utility bills. Dragged out of seclusion by her best friend Suri, Elizabeth is merely playing dress-up, rubbing elbows with a crowd that banished her troubled family years ago.

Hunter West is tired. Tired of parties, tired of pretending, and tired of trying to right a wrong that haunts him every day. Bourbon heir and professional poker player by day, by night Hunter is gambling with his life in a high-stakes game of crime and blackmail.

When Elizabeth stumbles into Hunter's den of vices, she's a light in the darkness, a flame in the void. And, just like everything he touches, Hunter mars her in a record time. To rectify the damage done, Elizabeth needs money she doesn't have, and she's come up with a foolproof way to get it.

Follow Elizabeth—code-named Scarlett—to the lush Nevada brothel where she'll auction her virginity and risk the only thing that's not for sale: her heart. The highest bidder is a familiar face, with wicked hands and the devil's mouth. And a secret so dark that it could cost her life.

***RECOMMENDED FOR READERS 17+ DUE TO SEXUALITY AND MATURE LANGUAGE.***

My Thoughts:

In Selling Scarlett, we meet Elizabeth Deville who is a 23 year old virgin. She has known Hunter almost her entire life but has never really talked to him. Lizzy (Libby, Liz or Scarlett) has a major crush on him and sees the good in him. At one of his parties, Lizzy’s best friend Cross, admits he has feelings for her. After they have a fight, Cross ends up in a major accident and in a coma. Cross is not able to pay for his treatment and Lizzy comes up with a plan on how to pay so that he can get the best treatment. She decides to sell her virginity to the highest bidder.

I was really looking forward to this book but it fell short of my expectations unfortunately. The beginning of the story was a little confusing, I didn’t know what was going on or if the same person was being talked about. After that got figured out, the story picked up but after awhile I predicted what was going to happen.

I find this book a little hard to review. There were some parts I really liked and thought was interesting like Lizzy going to a brothel to get training lessons on smut. The story was definitely unique, someone actually selling their v-card to make money; this was extremely new to me. Who knew men would pay such a price for a woman’s virginity. I mean $10,000,000…wowser.

I really didn’t like Hunter. I find he was always 5 maybe even 10 steps behind Priscilla and her partners. I think this is what bugged and irritated me the most about this book. Overall, the book was ok for me. This book is so much more than ‘Selling Scarlett’, it has a lot of mystery behind it as well.

My Rating:

2 stars out of 5 

Raquel

xoxo