Thursday, June 18, 2015

Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey Excerpt Rev

Excerpt

Connor broke away, allowing them both to suck in oxygen. “Stay. I’m sorry. Stay.” He bent his knees to bring them eye to eye. His spoke of torture, but he was trying to hide it. “Look at me. I can handle this. I want you here. Don’t leave.” “I don’t know if I can handle it,” she whispered. His heavy breaths ceased. “What do you mean?” She drew out a lighter from her back pocket and ignited the flame. It cleared her head a little, allowing her to search for the right words. Words that wouldn’t sound crazy. “I like touching you. It makes me feel really…good. And there isn’t a whole lot that makes me feel good, you know?” Her throat closed up. “I wish you could touch me, too. I don’t think I can stay here knowing I’m hurting you by making myself feel good…and I don’t think I can stop touching you. It feels like a must.” A flare of panic flashed across his face. “I shouldn’t have said what I did earlier. You just caught me off guard.” He massaged his forehead with four fingers. “Did I scare you? Is that why you’re really leaving?” “No.” She shook her head. “No.” “Okay. Jesus. Okay.” He was silent a moment, but gears were turning behind his eyes. “You need to touch me and I need you to stay. Let’s give each other what we need. All right?” Why was this so damn confusing? She’d only met this man yesterday and they were already tangled up [Edc1] in her web of fucked-up [Edc2] issues. He should want to be clear of her, shouldn’t he? No one else had ever bothered with her this long before. “Why? Why do you need me to stay? I—” “I won’t rest,” he growled. “I’ll think about you somewhere, scared like you were last night, and I’ll go fucking crazy.” Her heart lurched, dislodging her pride. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. If the only reason you want me here is to play nursemaid to the crazy girl, that’s not going to work for me.” “You know there’s more to it. You know.” He visibly centered himself with a deep breath, appearing to debate with himself. “I’ve got my own skeletons, Erin. They don’t rattle so much when you’re around. Your touching me…it makes me hot. But it soothes elsewhere.” She knew her expression was pathetically hopeful, but couldn’t find a single shit to give. “Yeah?” “Yeah,” he repeated. “I’m not going to lie, Erin. Yes, I want to sleep with you like hell. But only if it’s healthy. Would you trust me enough to go slow? A little at a time?” Her pulse hammered out of control. “You touching me?” Connor watched her closely. “When you’re ready. Not before. Never before.” This is where she should climb down the fire escape and vamoose toward the street. A weight pressed down on her rib cage, making it difficult to draw a breath. It felt like the point of no return. But Connor’s eyes grounded her. Safe. He’s safe. “Okay, baby. Slow.” His body drained of tension. “Thank you.” He leaned in and brushed their lips together, gently, reverently. “First, we talk.”

Meet Ex- Navy Seal Connor in this unconventional romance!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1ekFIx9

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1S4D4JZ

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1LeB123

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1LeBbGA

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Cbw70v

Blurb:

Never start a fire you can't control... Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor's notorious iron control slips. Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And... Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the "right" side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed...

About the Author:

Thank you for your interest in my books! I'm Tessa and I live in the crazy, loud, overcrowded borough of Brooklyn, New York. I love it here. This city is a constant source of inspiration, which is why I've decided to set my most recent books in the Line of Duty Series here. I moved to New York when I was eighteen, the day after I graduated high school. Threw my suitcase in the back of a Chevrolet Cavalier and drove across the country to find my adventure. I'm still finding it, little by little.Thank you for being a part of it.

Stalk Tessa: Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Rock Star Author Page

Thank you!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Somewhere with You by Britney King!

Title: Somewhere With You

Author: Britney King

Book Blitz: May 27-29

Hosted by: SBB Promotions

This is the tale of first and last loves. And those that come in between…

Jack Harrison is a relentless overachiever who leaves little in the way of compromise. A businessman to the core—he’s hell-bent on being at the top of the food chain. After all, no one can trip you up if you’re on top, as he likes to say. The problem for Jack is there’s only one thing that continually trips him up—and that’s her.

Amelie Rose, with a name like poetry and a heart of gold, as her father always said, is a free-spirited photographer who has managed to land a job at one of the top travel magazines in the world. This is both a blessing and a curse since Amelie never stays in one place for long and has refused to commit to anything—ever.

It might seem to the casual observer that these two have almost nothing in common. But fate would disagree. The story chronicles Jack and Amelie’s lives from childhood into adulthood, beginning when they meet as then eight- and ten-year-olds at summer camp specifically designed for children who’ve lost too much.

As fate steps in, and that first summer seals the deal, they come to depend on each other in ways neither of them expected, with each summer bringing them closer than the last. As they come to terms with life and loss, with hanging on and letting go, they’ll teach each other that some bonds are meant to last. Together, they will travel the world, meeting in various places where they’ll come together, and fall apart, all the while struggling to discern if the other could possibly be the one.

This unlikely love story takes us on an adventure where two people come of age, fall in and out of love, and question the role timing plays in it all.

Their story is proof that neither time nor distance—perhaps not even death—can destroy what love creates.

So it seems the only question left to ask is whether love is enough?

My Dearest Jack,

If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably just had your heartbroken for the first time. Or at least it feels that way, anyway. But I want you to remember, son, that this isn’t the first time (nor will it likely be the last) that you’ve felt this way. You’ve been through so much already, and if you’re reading my letter, then obviously, you’ve survived thus far. And while it may not feel like it just now, you’ll survive this, too.

There are so many things I want to tell you about love, Jack. Oh, how I wish I were there to tell you this in person, to hug you, and hold your hand. Though,I’m guessing at this age, you might not like hand holding so much anymore. I try to picture you, what you look like now, where you are as you’re reading this, and it brings me so much joy to think of you all grown up. I looked in on you tonight as I’ve done every night since the day you were born, and as I watched you sleep, I pictured the man you’ll become. It’s hard not to feel a little bit bitter knowing I won’t be there to see it all. Oddly enough, though, it is with that sentiment that I want to tell you about love. If you are reading this and your heart is broken, you are lucky, Jack. I want you to pause a moment and let that really sink in. You are so damned lucky. Feeling this way, it means that you are living and more importantly—that you are loving. You cannot know how lucky you are to love until you’ve felt the immense pain of having to let that love go. It is a part of life. And as I am learning, it is also a part of death. Do not waste it. Do not play small. Lick your wounds, but then get back out there. Love harder next time. Most people don’t do that, you see. They get hurt once, and they hide behind it. They use it to excuse themselves into living guarded lives, never quite feeling the passion, the love that they are capable of. But not you, son. Don’t make that mistake. And I hope that if you consider taking that route, you’ll think of me and you’ll feel my love and know that even though I may have lost my battle, that I didn’t go down without a fight.

Neither will you, my love.

Neither will you.

I love you always,

Mom

P.S. Tips for healing a broken heart: time, above all else (don’t worry, you won’t feel this way forever), ice cream, and meaningful work. Now is the time to start a new project, Jack. Try something new, throw yourself into it, and let yourself get lost in it. You’ll come out all right in the end. You always have.

For those of you who prefer it straight up, no chaser: Mama to five. Writer. Juggler extraordinaire. That just about covers it...

The extended version and in third person no less ;): Britney is married to a man she adores (when he isn't driving her crazy) and is the mother of FIVE pretty amazing kids, who (surprise!) also have a habit of driving her crazy. Her best guess is that it's genetic. She is the author of two novels, Bedrock and Breaking Bedrock, with plans to release a third and fourth in 2014. In addition, she founded a local network for women in 2012, which has grown to over 1200 members. Currently, she occupies a job she enjoys--serving and running Austin Women's Network. To further prove that she may in fact be certifiably insane, she decided to pursue her dreams and published her debut novel in May of 2013. Then and only then, could she consider her training to be an expert (life) juggler complete.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Sunshine & Whiskey by RL Griffin Review!

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Title: Sunshine & Whiskey

Author: R.L. Griffin

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Cover Designer: Silver Plum Creations

Release Date: April 21st, 2015

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Sometimes the best things in life come from the unexpected. So if you lower your expectations, then you’ll never be disappointed. Sound cheesy? It is, but it's also true. Clichés come from a grain of truth…like a man with a Porsche is compensating for something, or once a cheater always a cheater—you get the idea. Sorry, I digress. I'm supposed to be telling you what this book is about. I'm Megan Walker, a lawyer at one of the hottest boutique law firms in Atlanta. I'm on the fast track to making partner and have my entire life planned out...or I did. We all know how that goes, right? Best laid plans and all that. Life just threw me a couple curveballs, so I've set out to take things into my own hands. By throwing caution to the wind and getting out of my A-type personality bubble, I'm learning more about myself than I have in my twenty-seven years. Sound like a chick flick, doesn't it? It’s not.

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ADD LINKS WHEN THEY GO LIVE PLEASE

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So, I've got to say two things first and foremost.... Are you ready?

#1) Thank you to the fabulous author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, I am happy to provide that and am so looking forward to your next story!

#2) this book review is being written while I'm listening to Pandora's 90s R&B station... It really is as wonderful as Mrs. Griffin makes it sound! Currently playing is some Boyz II Men! Not gonna lie- each time an artist was mentioned in this book, whether I knew the artist or not, I put a pause on the reading and went to youtube. ;)

.... Oh, no. Now Pony by Ginuwine is playing. How apt. Mmmmm, Magic!

So, let me go ahead and put this out there. I've read just about everything this author has published. It may be safe to say, I'm a big fan. I also have a serious girl crush because she lives in Atlanta, which is not even an hour from me, and I think about how freaking awesome it would be to sit down and drink a few glasses of wine (or whiskey) with her. I mean, I know after reading this book especially, I'd be around a likeminded friend!

Ok, enough of that for now-- let's focus!

If you've read Razorblade Kisses and loved it, that's fantastic...but it's nothing like this book. Please don't take that wrong or think that I disliked RBK OR Sunshine & Whiskey. I loved both. I loved that they were so vastly different, but you can totally tell the same author has written both. R.L. has this way of writing that feels like your best friend is telling you this epic story. It's always so relatable, so personable, so real. Not filled with filler words and synonyms stolen from a thesaurus to make it sound super fancy. I love that. This book is... light. Sure, it has aspects of hardship, sadness, and hurt but we don't live there when we read this book. This book has a way of touching on many different emotions, but without making you feel like you need to sob uncontrollably or hurl. I love, love, LOVE a good angsty book! However, every once in a while, I need a break. I need a book that will make me feel it, buy into the story, but fill me with more light than dark. This book definitely does that.

Following Megan and Laura's journey is so fun. I'm stupid jealous of fictional characters, but I guess that's not really that new of a feeling, haha. In this instance, I'm jealous of the adventure. I'm jealous of the traveling cross-country. I'm jealous of the traveling and having serious quality best friend time like that. I love that Megan really finds who she is now. Not the girl she was in high school, not law school or in a relationship. She finds herself on her own, then she finds someone who truly loves the person she is. Ah, Magic. And Meat. Both sound...delicious. Can't wait until there's more to read for all of the characters in this story.

This is a blissfully short review because I don't want there to be spoilers. However, I will say...Laura needs to get herself together and REALIZE! Sounds like she's got something really great and I hope she doesn't let it get away...

Also...currently listening to Let's Get Married by Jagged Edge ;)

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R.L. Griffin published her first book in 2004. After that she focused on practicing law. A few years ago she began writing the By A Thread series, which is out now. Her goal is to keep readers on their toes, whether it's the plot twist or the book itself, her books are outside any box. There is a little bit of grit in most of her books and a ton of cussing. Most books are enjoyed better with a glass of wine, or whiskey, whatever your poison may be. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, kid and dogs. She loves to travel and meet readers.