Friday, February 28, 2014

Craving Redemption - Nicole Jacquelyn






Craving Redemption (Aces #2)
by Nicole Jacquelyn
Release Day: February 21, 2014

Blurb:

Asa and Callie had nothing in common. He was an Ace, raised in the club and loyal to it above all else. She was a high school student with braces on her teeth and a narrow view of the world.
They should have never crossed paths.

But when Callie decides to defy her parents, and Asa goes on an errand for the club, their lives collide. He saves her, and she mesmerizes him.

They part believing they’ll never see each other again.
Neither could have predicted the chain of events they’d put in motion.

Now the two have to navigate the dark waters of a relationship built on tragedy and need without drowning in guilt for things outside their control.

How do you love someone when the worst decision of your life was the reason you met them?
 


 
Nicole Jacquelyn bio
Nicole Jacquelyn is the mom of two little girls and a full time college student. She hasn’t watched television in well over a year, she still does things that drive her mother crazy, and she loves to read. At eight years old, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told people she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve her answer changed-to author. By the time she was eighteen, when people asked her what she wanted to do with her life, she told them she really wanted to be a writer- but the odds of that happening were so slim that she’d get her business degree “just to be safe”. Her dreams stayed constant. First she became a mom, then she went to college, and during her senior year- with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool, she sat down and wrote a story.
Connect with Nicole
 
Dawn's 4.5 Bookmark Review
 
I went absolutely crazy with I read Craving Constellations. It was a book that snared me from the beginning and carried me regretfully to the end. When I started Craving Redemption I was eager to find out what in the heck caused Callie to react so dramatically to Asa when she went to see her brother and saw him instead. What was their history?
 
So perhaps this isn't fair but when I read a book I prefer to stay in the present. I'm not the kind of reader that likes starting in the present, flashes to the past and then comes back to the present. I realize this is how the author was building Asa and Callies story but still, this is a peeve of mine.
 
Asa and Callie....oh how the two started! Asa became a reluctant knight in shining armor when Callie finds herself in a compromising position at a party her friend leaves her solo at. He rescues her and takes her to her grandmothers house (I love Grandma, she rocks) and programs his number into her phone. Over the next few years they start a relationship. These two are great together. Their chemistry and background make them perfect for each other. Callies screwed up friend and Asa's loyalty to the club are huge obstacles that eventually tear them apart.
 
Flash forward to the ending, which is also the beginning, and we discover where these two wind up. The one thing I wished for was more of the present day with these two. I felt that it was a tad too rushed. I wanted more of how they were going to settle their differences. Regardless, this book still sucked me in. Definitely pick it up and give it a read, you won't be disappointed.


 
 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Promo: Past Imperfect by Alison G. Bailey



Series: Perfect #2
Release Date: February 20, 2014
Cover Designer: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design
Photography by Abigail Marie, NON`PA*REIL photography
Scheduled to release: February 2014


Book Description:

In Present Perfect, Brad Johnson was sexy, cocky, rich and a complete Smurff**ker. He could afford anything he wanted and could charm any girl he set his eyes on. Everything was laid out in front of him, all for the taking except the one thing he craved and needed. A tragic event forces him to reevaluate his life. When he tries to change, will the people in his life let him move on from his past or will they constantly hold him to the life altering mistakes he’s made?

Mabry Darnell is intelligent, ambitious, beautiful, and sassy. Secrets from her past haunt the present causing her to question her actions in order to shield her heart and protect her life.

From the moment Brad and Mabry met, their connection was strong, intense, and electrifying. Both knew they had found the one person who could satisfy what the other ached for. When their pasts collide with their present, will it prevent them from having a future together or will love be strong enough to conquer their demons?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18405372-past-imperfect









GIVEAWAY


 
About the author
Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. As a child she would create (write) additional scenes to TV shows and movies that she watched. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school she began writing one act plays which she later produced. Throughout the years she continued writing and producing several one act plays, but then life got in the way and she hung up her pen for a while. At the end of 2012 a very talented author friend convinced Alison to go back to writing and see what happens. So she did and fell back in love with it. Present Perfect will be Alison's first self-published book. A few personal facts, Alison loves anything sweet, especially frosting, and is addicted to Diet Pepsi. Alison's philosophy: Don't let your obstacles define you. At times life can get pretty overwhelming, but with a great support system and a lot of humor you can get through them. If you have humor in your life your spirit stays strong and you can tackle anything.







Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Double Threat Series by Julis Prestsater

Double Threat Spotlight Banner  
So I'm A Double Threat
Synopsis
In this fun-filled, fast-moving young adult novel, sassy fourteen-year-old Megan Miller, and her close-knit friends, begin their four year high school journey. Expectations and hopes are high for their Freshman year. Meggie wants nothing more than to experience all high school has to offer – growing freedom, hot boys, parties, make-out sessions, and did I mention hot boys? Enter Alex Aguilar. At seventeen, he is Carver High’s sports superstar and dreamy superstud. Yet, despite the hype, Alex is undeniably sweet, and Meggie is beyond smitten. But, of course, he is a SENIOR. So, ought to be completely off limits for a ninth grader, right? Age doesn’t always dictate whom you will love, though. So I’m A Double Threat is the start of their journey. Will young love survive the challenges presented them or is friendship all they can only really hope for? Backs will be stabbed, hearts will be broken, tears will be shed. But, despite this, Meggie’s strong-willed determination, loyalty, and zest for fun, will ensure the ride is a memorable one. (This book has mature content intended for older young adult audiences.)
Double Threat My Beep Cover
Synopsis
Meggie begins her sophomore year with one less best friend, and a boyfriend who is over four hundred miles away. Things couldn't be worse, right? Wrong! Crappy grades, a teacher who is out to get her, and being grounded more times than she can count, double threat her bleep. With Alex being gone, Meggie relies on her girls to keep her busy with parties, movie nights, and trips to Denny's. Joining the crew this year is Travis, who is patiently waiting for Meggie to ditch her college boyfriend. While annoying at times, Travis is funny and cute, and may just provide the temptation that Meg can't resist. Confronted with gorgeous college-aged girls in his dorm, distance and typical teenage boy desires, Alex's commitment to his young high school girl is threatened. He is forced to make a decision he doesn't want to make. Can Meg and Alex survive the long distance and temptations? Should they even try? (This book has mature content intended for older young adult audiences.)
Double Time Cover
Synopsis
Megan Miller has done the crush thing, had her heart broken and flirted with a close friend to the point of an almost relationship. She is over the drama of her Freshman and Sophomore years and is ready to be single and to mingle. With Keesha and Steph by her side the girls are ready to rock the single hood in their Junior year. Playing the field, meeting new people, doing different things sounds like the life. But is it? What happens when you are out their working the dating scene but your heart is somewhere else, or better yet with someone else? Can you be tied down and still manage to enjoy not being attached? Meg is about to find out. Sometimes being single takes double time.
Double Threats Forever Cover
Synopsis
High school eventually comes to its end. After three years of broken hearts, parties, exams and fights, Megan Miller and her crew, have finally made it to their senior year. If they can manage to keep drama out of their personal lives, they are ready to rule Carver High, and show what the true meaning of being a double threat is. But, life is never that simple is it? What should have been the year of prom, good memories and more is turning out to be one of unexpected struggles. Meggie starts to crumble under the pressure of deciding what path her future should take. Her life has revolved around her friends for so long. Can she endure her final year and make wise choices that allow her to become independent and secure her hopes for forever with Alex? Are the two possible? Will she be able to choose? (This book contains mature content that is intended for older young adult audiences.)
Goodreads Graphic
So I'm A Double Threat (Double Threat #1)
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Double Threat My Bleep (Double Threat #2)
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Double Time (Double Threat #3)
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Double Threats Forever (Double Threat #4)
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Buy Now
So I'm A Double Threat (Double Threat #1)
Double Threat My Bleep (Double Threat #2)
Double Time (Double Threat #3)
Double Threats Forever (Double Threat #4)
MeetTheAuthor
Julie Author Photo
Julie is a high school teacher by day, and a writer by night. She writes both young adult and adult romances. When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her family, reading, and watching football. As a reading intervention teacher, she prides herself on matching her students with great books to encourage them to become life-long readers.
Julie has written five young adult books which are all available now:
The Double Threat Series
-So I'm A Double Threat
-Double Threat My Bleep
-Double Time
-Double Threats Forever
You Act So White
Julie has also written six adult romance novels:
Without You
More Than A Friend Request
Against The Wall
-Between The Sheets (Against The Wall #2)
-Straddling The Edge (Against The Wall #3)
-Playing Chase (Against The Wall #4)
Giveaway
Givewaway Graphic

Hosted by:
EJ Button
 
 
Maranda's 5+ bookmarks
 
DOUBLE THREAT SERIES

 
What I loved about this series…

 
1. It deals with real life high school situations: drugs, alcohol, boys, friends and relationships.

 
2. You get to know each character a little more with each book as well as the relations Meghan has with them. Yes, her romantic relationships as well.

 
3. Meghan and Alex’s relationship grows from book one all the way to the last.

 
4. Meghan’s mom and her friends moms are obsessed with NKOTB (New Kids on the Block). I related to this a lot because growing up, I was obsessed with them as well. Ok, I still am. ;)

 
Do I recommend this book to an age specific group? NO. I’m almost 30 and LOVED this series!

 
READ IT!

 
I rate this SERIES 5+ Book Marks

 


Friday, February 21, 2014

Vote for Keatyn

Sweetheart Smackdown Finals

Thank you so much for getting Keatyn to the last round of the Sweetheart Smackdown.

We have decided to take a different spin with this post. As you know, many books are based on the words of the author and how each individual reader imagines the scene. This is not untrue for the Keatyn Chronicles. However, we take this one step further. The readers (and lovers of Keatyn) CRAVE more in the way of details. Details like for example what, exactly, did the outfit look like that Keatyn wore to Homecoming. Jillian Dodd has created numerous Polyvore fashion boards to showcase Keatyn's style.

This post we will share with you our favorite Polyvore boards from the series.

Venus of the Smackdown team chose: AM14

This scene was my favorite from Adore Me. In this scene, Keatyn realizes that her hottie god has the perfect form. What happens next? No spoilers here…

Aimee of the Smackdown team chose:AM2

I love this scene because it's the beginning of where I finally fell in love with one of the boys. Who? You'll have to read it to know…

Ashlei from the Smackdown team chose:

AM25
I love this scene because one of her best friends shows up in St. Croix while she is vacationing. I adore their friendship and love how he is always there for her when she needs him.

Pernille from the Smackdown Team chose:

sm17  
I chose this scene because Keatyn gets a kiss on the ferriswheel that made her lose her mind - her solution; kiss him again to get it back!!

Shannon from the Smackdown Team chose:

 
km25
I love this scene, because just when the evil queen bee has been mean to Keatyn, the room is filled with music, and her boyfriend and his friends is dancing around. One after one they rip off their shirts revealing their hot bodies with painted letters, spelling homecoming?
What a way to get revenge -haha I got hot boys you didn´t!

Thank you for going on a tour with us through the wonderful world of The Keatyn Chronicles Polyvore closet. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we do.

Keatyn is our favorite heroine, and we hope that you will vote for her again.

Please vote and share the competition with your friends and family.

If you’re just meeting Keatyn, we appreciate your consideration of her Sweetheart qualities and your vote.
(And did you know the first book, Stalk Me, is FREE right now?)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Sweetheart of the Smackdown IS Keatyn Douglas Monroe.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Sweetheart smack down - Keatyn

Vote Keatyn – Sweetheart Smackdown.

Final Four

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VOTING FOR KEATYN!

Keatyn is now in the final four in the Sweetheart Smackdown, and the KC Addicts are going crazy! WE ARE SO HAPPY! This time we are going to share some of our favorite moments and quotes from the Keatyn Chronicles. Enjoy!
SS!
Keatyn has just started at a new school, and like any other person, she´s actually really nervous. We think this is the first time Keatyn shows a weakness. She's getting to know a couple guys from orientation and making friends at her new school, but when they walk past a group of guys playing soccer, she runs down the hill, steals the ball, and kicks it straight into the goal. Everyone is shocked. Along with Keatyn, we hold our breath – maybe this wasn´t the best idea. Is it too late to change schools? She didn't need to worry though, people thought it was really cool. We love this scene, because when she ran towards the ball (in a dress and cowboy boots, no less) it showed that she no longer cares what people think of her. She's grown up a little. And she taught us that taking chances is sometimes the best decision ever.  
SS!!
We love this quote because it sums up the series, which is Keatyn's journey. Keatyn is growing throughout the books - from the first book where she wishes she could be someone else, but really just needs to learn to be herself to discovering what true love is, to ultimately learning to love herself. Even though we sometimes want to strangle her for the choices she makes, we understand that she's learning and growing through these choices and this journey helps her get to her final destination. With every step, she shows growth. She finally understands - that's our favorite moment, because we know she's heading in the right direction. "It's not where you've been that matters, but where you end up that does."

Keatyn is our favorite heroine, and we hope that you will vote for her again.

Please vote and share the competition with your friends and family. If you’re just meeting Keatyn, we appreciate your consideration of her Sweetheart qualities and your vote. (And did you know the first book, The Keatyn Chronicles: Stalk Me, is FREE right now?) Below is the raffle copter link. a Rafflecopter giveaway     The Sweetheart of the Smackdown IS Keatyn Douglas Monroe.  

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Release Week: UNRAVEL by Calia Read








Synopsis

Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine.
One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward.
Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind.
Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help.
A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past.
And now...everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he's real, and I know he needs me.
Do you believe me?



Trailer: 





Excerpt: 





Dream Cast: 







Calia Read lives in Germany with her husband and their four kids. She's currently working on the third book in the Sloan Brothers Series, Ruin You Completely.





Social Media Links


Giveaway: 


Monday, February 17, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Past Imperfect by Alison G. Bailey




Title: Past Imperfect (Perfect 2) by Alison G. Bailey
Age group: NA/Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover designer: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design
Photography by Abigail Marie, NON`PA*REIL photography
Scheduled to release: February 2014
Tour organized by: WordSmith Publicity 


Book Description:

In Present Perfect, Brad Johnson was sexy, cocky, rich and a complete Smurff**ker. He could afford anything he wanted and could charm any girl he set his eyes on. Everything was laid out in front of him, all for the taking except the one thing he craved and needed. A tragic event forces him to reevaluate his life. When he tries to change, will the people in his life let him move on from his past or will they constantly hold him to the life altering mistakes he’s made?


Mabry Darnell is intelligent, ambitious, beautiful, and sassy. Secrets from her past haunt the present causing her to question her actions in order to shield her heart and protect her life. 


From the moment Brad and Mabry met, their connection was strong, intense, and electrifying. Both knew they had found the one person who could satisfy what the other ached for. When their pasts collide with their present, will it prevent them from having a future together or will love be strong enough to conquer their demons?


Christine's Review: 

So if you've read Present Perfect you know that Brad is, well was a smurff**ker and if you haven't read it...why the hell not? Past Imperfect could be read as a stand alone however I don't recommend that. 
Present Perfect is currently on sale, so go pick it up! 

Okay, well I absolutely fell in love with Present Perfect so I couldn't wait for this novel when Alison announced it. Although Brad was a total a$s, I knew he could be redeemed and Alison did not disappoint. I love the author's style with the dual points of view and alternating from past to present which really helped connect you to the characters. Seeing Brad's past gutted me and I seriously wanted to throat punch his parents. It really made you understand and sympathize for Brad. A tragic event did cause Brad to reevaluate and change but thankfully he didn't lose that hot cockiness about himself. It didn't take me long to fall in love with Brad. 

Brad and Mabry's story is funny, sweet, gut-wrenching, tragic, heart warming and beyond sexy. So basically you will be sent on an emotional roller coaster but it's everything you look for and need in a book. Alison touches on some sensitive subjects which she tackles beautifully. 

I am a sucker for epilogues and I will say that this book has to have the BEST one that I've EVER read! Once I finished, I went back and read it again it was that ah-mazing!! I didn't want it to end. 
This is a must read!! I give Past Imperfect - 4.5 wamfu bookmarks. 









Purchase links: 



About the Author:


Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. As a child she would create (write) additional scenes to TV shows and movies that she watched. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school she began writing one act plays which she later produced. Throughout the years she continued writing and producing several one act plays, but then life got in the way and she hung up her pen for a while. At the end of 2012 a very talented author friend convinced Alison to go back to writing and see what happens. So she did and fell back in love with it. Present Perfect will be Alison's first self-published book. A few personal facts, Alison loves anything sweet, especially frosting, and is addicted to Diet Pepsi. Alison's philosophy: Don't let your obstacles define you. At times life can get pretty overwhelming, but with a great support system and a lot of humor you can get through them. If you have humor in your life your spirit stays strong and you can tackle anything.



GIVEAWAY: 


To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here or the tour button below.


Release Blitz: Angels in Leather by Bella Jewel

Angels In Leather Banner
Angels In Leather Cover
Title: Angles in Leather (Rebels On Bikes #1)
Author: Bella Jewel
Release Date: February 13, 2014
Genre: MC Romance
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Synopsis
A girl on the run.
Her father gave her one task before he died. To deliver a package. Now she has the baddest biker in the state after her. He wants what she's got. Secrets in both the past and the present threaten to destroy what she is working so hard for. He threatens to ruin her heart. Two worlds will collide to make something explosive. 


Excerpt
“Fight me, don’t you stop,” Axel breathes into my ear. “I won’t hurt you, Cricket,” he murmurs, running his finger down the side of my face. “But I need you to fight.”
So, that’s what I do.
I start by squirming, trying to twist my body around. He presses his body against mine, and reaches up, tangling his fingers into the fence. He thrusts his hips, ramming both out bodies harder into the wire. I groan, and throw my head back, hitting him in the face. He snarls, and takes my hands, quickly uncuffing me before pulling them harshly behind my back and jerking my body back into his.
I hear the cuffs drop onto the ground.
I guess he’s letting me play this fairly.
“Stop that,” he rasps into my ear. “I’ll make it hurt if you do that again.”
“Maybe I want it to hurt,” I hiss, fisting my hands together and shoving them backwards into his stomach.
He stumbles off me with a grunt, and I spin around, ducking to the left and attempting to run. I don’t get two steps before Axel lashes out, taking my ankle and pulling me so hard I go down into the dirt. My face just misses being smashed into it by mere centimeters. Axel flattens his body over mine, and takes my head in his hands, jerking my head back by my hair and breathing down on me. “You’re being a bad girl,” he husks, running a finger down the side of my face.
“You’re not letting me play fair,” I whisper. “I was cuffed before, it wasn’t a fair chase.”
I feel his weight lift off me, and he jerks me up, pulling me into a standing position.
“Run, then. I’ll give you five seconds, and if I catch you again, Meadow, I’m going to f**k you,” he murmurs, then his eyes grow lusty. “Hard.” I turn without answering, and I run into the trees at the back of the lot. I hear Axel counting loudly, and my body shivers. I am sweating now, and my breathing is hard and ragged, but the chase is so worth that. I hear Axel take off after me, and I squeal with delight as I weave through the trees. It’s dark, but I can see enough because of the lights surrounding the club house.
“The minute I get hold of you,” Axel yells. “I’m goin’ to rip your panties down and put my d**k so deep inside you, you’re goin’ to scream.” I shiver, and swallow. I make my way to the fence line again, and I press myself against it for a second, letting my eyes scan the trees. “Then I’m goin’ to kiss you so hard your lips will bleed.”
Oh my.
I take off, using the fence line as a guide to get back to the other end of the lot. I can hear Axel to my left, and I know he’s gaining on me, but if I run, it’ll make a lot of noise and he’ll figure out where I am.
“Come out come out wherever you are,” he sings. “You know I’ll make you come so much your legs will give way.”
I feel a smile on my face as I keep moving along the fence, keeping my body plastered against it. I can feel my own arousal dampening my panties, and now I’m eager for him to get his hands on me. I want to know what he’s got to give.
“You can run, Cricket, but you can’t hide.






Dawn's Review - 4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks
Let me start off by saying I am a lover of MC books. A hot alpha male biker who is bossy and hot...holy heck forget about it. Axel fits that mold quite well. Let me say this story was twisted. Like everytime you thought you knew what was going on Bella decided 'oh the reader might guess that let's do this instead.'
I love Axel and Cricket. I was hooked from the very beginning because I HAD to know why Axel shot and killed her father. I mean this was his friend, someone he knew and liked and trusted so why would he do that? So when her father is lying there dying he gives his daughter a travel drive making her promise to take it to a man named Raide.  Intriguing no? I mean we caught a quick glimpse of Meadow (cricket) and Axel and through Meadow's inner dialogue we know that prior to him killing her father they were close. But then her father and Axel had a falling out and Axel disappeared. Where did he go? Why did they have a falling out? And what in the hell was on that travel drive?
So I'm hooked and I keep reading because I have to know the answers to these questions. What is the deal!! Axel catches up with Meadow and stops her from giving the USB to Raide. What happens next is some of the hottest chemistry between two characters ever. Bella is not scared to touch on hot steamy sex scenes. If you like the sex hot and raw this is the book for you.
In order not to give away any potential spoilers that would ruin the many twists Bella throws in there I will end with this....I loved the story but I felt the end was rushed. I had some unanswered questions. What did make me happy though was seeing the glimpse of Cobra and Jax's book. Are they the same book or separate? I don't know and I don't care. I love this series so far! 

 
Buy the Book
 
About the Author
Bella Jewel

Bella Jewel is an Aussie girl through and through. She spent her life in Western Australia, growing up in many different areas of the state. She now currently lives in Perth with her husband, children and mass amounts of pets. She's crazy, fun, outgoing and friendly. Writing is her passion, she started at the young age of 18 but finally got the courage up to publish, and her first novel Hell's Knights was released in August 2013.




Angels in Leather Jacket