Waves of Sunday #23

Welcome to our weekly edition of Waves of Sunday where each Sunday we spotlight a book that has been making waves in the book scene or has simply caught our attention causing a riptide on our TBR. 

Today we are Spotlighting:

Wounded by Jasinda Wilder

Published on December 16, 2012

About the book

War has taken everything from me. My family. My home. My innocence. In a country blasted by war and wracked by economic hardship, a young orphan girl like me has very few options when it comes to survival. Thus, I do what I must to live, to eat, and I try very hard to not consider the cost to my soul. My heart is empty, and my existence brutal.

The one impossibility in my life is love.

And then I meet HIM.

War is hell. It takes a chunk out of a man's very soul to do the kinds of things war demands of you. You live with fear, you live with guilt, and you live with nightmares. If you haven't been through it, there's no understanding it. War leaves no room for love, no room for tenderness or softness. You gotta be hard, closed off, and ready to fight every moment of every day. Lose focus for a split second, and you're dead.

Now the only thing that can save me is HER.

Crystal's Thoughts:

OMG I can feel the tension already!!  This sounds like a whole lot of suspense, heart pounding, need tissues at the ready goodness!  I honestly already feel hooked and I haven't even opened the first page yet.  I want to know who HE is and who SHE is and well I just want to read it now!    

Rachel's Thoughts:

Oh wow, that cover! I've been reading reviews for this one and it sounds like they don't speak the same language when they meet. I guess the "language of love" overcomes that, lol! I know cheesy.  Seriously though, it sounds like these two have endured so much.  I hope finding each other heals some of that.

Arlene's Thoughts: 
I can't agree with you more Crystal! This book has hooked me on the description alone. I, too, have seen some pretty high ratings on this book and I can't wait to see if I feel the same way. I actually have this on my eReader ready to go. Excited!!

Review: Wait For You by J. Lynn

Wait For You by J. Lynn

Published February 26th 2013 by J. Lynn

Purchased: Amazon

About the book:

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

My Thoughts:

Avery has had a really rough life. She decides moving away for college is a good way to start over and forget about her past. She makes a few friends immediately (Jacob & Brit), but her walls are always up. Until she literally runs into Cameron Hamilton on the way to her first class.

“I’m used to having girls throw themselves at me. Trying to jump on my back is new, though. Kind of liked it.”

Cam is one of the best guys I have ever read in this genre. Sweet, sexy, romantic, patient, considerate, hilarious. He is the definition of swoon-worthy. And he turns out to be Avery's neighbor and astronomy class partner.

They slowly become friends, having to work together for class, and then Cam starts finding ways into her life. He's persistant and although she refuses to 'go out with him', he is determined to break down her walls and convince her to give him a shot. He wants more from her and she's starting to see that he is different and may be worth it...

“Go out with me,”
“No,”
“There’s always tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow’s not going to change anything.”
“We’ll see.”
“There’s nothing to see. You’re wasting your time.”
“When it concerns you, it’s never a waste of my time.”

Oh..Cam...swoon...

“I’m serious about you, Avery. If you want me for real, you have me.”

“I want you for real.”

But they are both holding on to secrets that have the potential to tear them apart. There is no shortage of drama and angst in this book - just let me warn you. Avery's determination to keep her secret and distance became really frustrating but it was worth it to see how she evolved and became a better person. And Cam was a SAINT. Although he had his limits too, he was always there for her and knew deep down there was something keeping her from totally trusting in him. Yet despite whatever it was - he refused to give up on her. It was that love and determination that helped Avery to open her eyes to what she was doing.

Romantic, steamy, funny, gut-wrenching (my stomach was in knots for a good portion of this book!)...the build up of their friendship-turned-romance was perfect. I adored every single minute of this book!

5 Suns

Blog Tour Review: Private Practice by Samanthe Beck

Today Waves of Fiction is participating in the blog tour for Private Practice by Samanthe Beck  hosted by Entangled Publishing (Brazen).

 

Private Practice by Samanthe Beck
Published on February 23, 2013 by Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

About the book
He’ll teach her how to bring a man to his knees…

Dr. Ellie Swan has a plan: open her practice in tiny Bluelick, Kentucky, so she can keep an eye on her diabetic father, and make hometown golden-boy Roger Reynolds fall in love with her. But Ellie has a problem. Roger seeks a skilled, sexually adventurous partner, and bookish Ellie doesn’t qualify.

Tyler Longfoot only cares about three things: shaking his bad boy image, qualifying for the loan his company needs to rehab a piece of Bluelick’s history, and convincing Ellie to keep quiet about the “incident” that lands him on her doorstep at two a.m. with a bullet in his behind.

The adorable Dr. Swan drives a mean bargain, though. If sex-on-a-stick Tyler will teach Ellie how to bring a man to his knees, she’ll forget about the bullet. Armed with The Wild Woman’s Guide to Sex and Tyler’s lessons, Ellie is confident she can become what Roger needs…if she doesn’t fall for Tyler first.

My thoughts:
I simply adore this book.  Private Practice is beyond delicious and just what any romance reader could want all wrapped up in a nicely written package.

Ellie is the new doctor in town and when she learns that her old high school crush is back on the market she sets her sights on him and refuses to let anything stand in her way.  Not even the fact that this man is rumored to have an insatiable sex drive will deter her from her mission so she does the only thing logical, she asks the town playboy to teach her how to drive a man to his knees.  Well as you can guess many many things happen between these um lessons and Ellie is thrown for quite a loop when her plans start turning to something she never expected.

This book is hilarious!  I have never laughed so hard in my life while reading a book and it all started within the first few pages when Tyler, the playboy, shows up at Ellie's doorstep at 2 in the morning with a bullet in his booty.  Yes you read that right and that scene was one of the funniest ever!  I loved Tyler and Ellie together.  They are without a doubt one of my favorite couples and I could really relate to Ellie.  I mean we are all readers and no not everyone one of us was a "nerd" in high school but I definitely was and if were a nerd then you know what it would mean to go back home and claim the Mr.Popular as our own.  I knew what she felt and even though I couldn't have done what she did I know I would have worked every angle I could to try and win his heart so this book hit a button with me.  Not to mention the fact that Ellie was incredibly likeable and her obsession with researching um methods for her new class was absolutely laugh out loud funny and definitely something I would have done.  When she is going through her textbook of sexual knowledge with Tyler I again had to LOL!  Everything about these two was either downright hotter than a Texas summer day or sweet as southern ice tea.  I mean really what more could a girl ask for??

I am definitely a fan of Samantha Beck.  Her writing is flawless and she has a wonderful way of capturing a readers heart with just a few sentences.  I am a fan for life!

5 Suns

 Read an Excerpt click HERE

About the Author:

Sam was transfixed from an early age with any tale featuring a handsome prince, a great dress, and, of course, the all-important kiss, and eventually aspired to write her own happily-ever-afters. Naturally, she became a lawyer. The legal world heaved a sigh of relief a few years ago when Samanthe retired from law to take the plunge as a writer.  When not living the glamorous life of a romance author (i.e., chained to her
computer), Samanthe keeps busy with the care and feeding of her extremely patient prince-charming of a husband, a not-so-patient ball of energy known as their son, a furry ninja named Kitty, and Bebe, the trash talkin’ Chihuahua. Their love, support, and willingness to eat Pizza Hut three or more times a week enables Samanthe to pursue her literary dreams.

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Review: Sins and Needles by Karina Halle

Sins & Needles by Karina Halle
Published on January 25, 2013 by Metal Blonde Books
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

My thoughts:
I have seen some pretty stellar reviews of this book so the whole time I was reading I kept checking the cover because there is no way that I just read the same book.  I am completely disappointed and I feel like the kid who is left out from playing with the cool kids.  I am going to apologize in advance for my review.  I have a bit to vent about but I am going to try and stick to what didn't work for me so hopefully if there is anybody out there in the world that feels the dame they will know they aren't alone.

First thing I didn't like Ellie AT.ALL.  Her voice even from the beginning was bothersome to me.  I don't mind strong female characters and I love a girl who can kickass, but Ellie just came off as bitchy.  The more that I saw if her the more I despised her.  I hated feeling this way but well there it is.  I came to find out throughout the story that she is a dog with no bite.  I expected to see some pretty messed up scams since she is a con artist but I got was a few strange email scams and a lover scorned fit.  I was so disappointed when I learned her biggest scam ever!  It was so lame what actually happened.  I had hope that when her storyline was revealed it would make everything better but it only made it worse.  She didn't scam anybody she took off!  I have never been more disappointed with a character in my life.

The romance if you can call it that was way off.  After seeing everything that Ellie put Camden through I just can't imagine any guy going back for more.  Camden was a goth in high school and Ellie makes it very clear she has no romantic feelings for whatsoever, but when she sees him nine years later and he is hot she decided okay now that you aren't weird I think I want you.  Umm yeah that is not okay in my book.  I was so happy when Camden caught her and showed that he wasn't falling for her crap but then he turned soft and well that was that.  I liked him for about a page =(  Like I said their romance was just strange and when their pasts start coming clearer I have to say that I ended up hating Camden just as much as Ellie.

As for the story it was all a little blah to be honest.  I expected a lot more action and yes they are on the run and there are some baddies nothing really happens outside of a few phone calls and a car chase.  The story is mostly about Ellie coming to terms with her past and problems and owning up to the fact that if you screw someone over then they will come back and bite you in the ass.  Ellie has the oh poor pitiful me act down pat and I will give her a little bit of credit for finally acting like a grown up at the end but whether or not she stays this way I won't find out since I have no intention of reading the sequel.

I know I am in the minority with my feelings toward this book.  I really wish I could have liked it but I can't help the way I feel.  I really hope that if you decide to read this one that you like it.  Like I said I have seen so many awesome reviews for it so please don't just take my word for it.

 1 Sun

Review: The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Published September 8th 2009 by William Morrow Paperbacks

About the book
The golden skies, the translucent twilight, the white nights, all hold the promise of youth, of love, of eternal renewal. The war has not yet touched this city of fallen grandeur, or the lives of two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha Metanova, who share a single room in a cramped apartment with their brother and parents. Their world is turned upside down when Hitler's armies attack Russia and begin their unstoppable blitz to Leningrad.

Yet there is light in the darkness. Tatiana meets Alexander, a brave young officer in the Red Army. Strong and self-confident, yet guarding a mysterious and troubled past, he is drawn to Tatiana--and she to him. Starvation, desperation, and fear soon grip their city during the terrible winter of the merciless German siege. Tatiana and Alexander's impossible love threatens to tear the Metanova family apart and expose the dangerous secret Alexander so carefully protects--a secret as devastating as the war itself--as the lovers are swept up in the brutal tides that will change the world and their lives forever.

My Thoughts

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons is such a beautiful story of two people who fall in love in the midst of a country at war. I loved the two main characters, and their devotion and self-sacrifice for each other was beauteous! The author did a splendid job of mixing a good amount of history with a perfect balance of struggle, family, love, devotion, deceit, and all the things that become important when a country is in crisis and two people are fighting to hold on to the one thing that gives them the strength and will to survive.

The story takes place in 1941 in Leningrad, Russia, when the country is at war with Germany. Two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha, fall in love with the same man, a Red Army officer named Alexander or "Shura." Tatiana struggles to do what is right by her family while hiding the love and devotion she feels for Shura. Her story unfolds as the war progresses and her family falls victim to the perils of a nation at war. Shura and Tatiana share a love that stands the test of devotion to one's family and country.

The size of the book is daunting, but don't let that stop you. At first I thought, no way will I finish this book anytime soon, it's longer than War & Peace! No not really. :) I was wrong, though, I finished it in about 5 days because I could not put it down. It stayed on my mind the whole time, and all I could think of was when I could get back to Shura and Tatiana's story. Such a great read! Absolute perfection!

5 Suns

Release Day Launch & Review: Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas

Picture Perfect by Alessandra Thomas

Published: March 26th 2013

ARC provided by publisher

About the book:

Fashion design major Cat Mitchell has a closet full of gorgeous clothes - and not a single thing fits. After two years of runway modeling for easy cash, an accident shattered her lower leg bone and her self-esteem in just one swift fall. Ten months of no exercise, prescription steroids, comfort eating and yoga pants meant returning to campus as a size twelve instead of her former size two.

When her gorgeous long-time friend with benefits sees her for the first time after her accident and snubs her in front of all her friends, Cat’s self-image hits rock bottom. Her sorority sisters all insist that she looks gorgeous, but all Cat sees is the roll of her stomach when she sits down, or the dimpling at the back of her thighs that wasn't there last year. Cat’s therapist prescribes something radical to stop the downward spiral - nude modeling for a nearby college's human form drawing classes.

When Cat faces her fears and bares it all for the class, she realizes that she's posing naked in front the most gorgeous, buffest guy she's ever seen in her life. He asks her out after the class, and after one steamy night together, Cat's absolutely smitten.

Nate’s pretty close to perfect – he takes Cat rock climbing when he discovers that it makes her feel strong and becomes a great chef after he learns that the perfect pesto sauce makes her swoon. Cat starts to feel like her old self again - confident and beautiful - as long as Nate's around. Even when he discourages her from entering the Real Woman Project, a design competition for plus-sized apparel, she reasons that he's just trying to prevent old body image wounds from splitting wide open again.

But when Cat goes home with Nate for Thanksgiving, she discovers something shocking from his recent past that proves that he hasn’t always been so encouraging of women of all shapes and sizes. Cat has no idea what to think, but she does know one thing - this might destroy their relationship before it's even had a chance to get off the ground.

Before Cat can figure out whether the real Nate is the sensitive, adoring guy she fell in love with, or an undercover asshole, she'll have to finally feel comfortable in her own skin - even if it means leaving him forever.

(This book contains sex and adult language.)

My Thoughts:

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Cat is a model who, after suffering an unfortunate horse-riding accident, has to go through extensive surgeries and therapy, resulting in her gaining 60 lbs. When modeling and fashion is the only thing she knew (and that paid the bills) she returns to college uneasy and insecure about her body. Add her sort-of boyfriend humiliating her in front of everyone to the mix - Cat realizes she needs to seek help in order to deal with her depression and insecurities.

She sees a counselor on campus who suggests that she pose nude for an art class in a neighboring college. What she never expected was that Nate, an incredibly gorgeous guy, that she met once before, would be a student in the class. She manages to do the pose for most of the session before rushing out embarrassed. Then Nate follows her and asks her out.

Being a fat kid growing up and dealing with his own insecurities for years, Nate moved away from that life to start over. He sees Cat as the beautiful woman that she is and sweeps her off her feet. But something from his past will make waves in their relationship and cause Cat to second-guess his true feelings for her.

I was able to relate to Cat so much throughout this story, and that's why I devoured the book in two days. I could put myself in her shoes, having dealt with body issues and insecurities my whole life. The important lesson this story teaches is that you have to learn to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin - not relying on someone else to make you feel beautiful. I think every woman deserves a man who makes them feel beautiful and sexy. But I also know that it's important to have self-confidence and be accepting of yourself, because you can never truly be happy without that. It's not healthy to rely on others to make you feel good. And that's the struggle Cat and Nate had to deal with throughout this book. Learning that she can be happy in her skin, but also be loved and desired by an incredible man like Nate.

Nate was a sweetheart. I loved how romantic and wonderful he was to Cat.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel that a lot of women will be able to relate to Cat. Her and Nate had a beautiful romance that was great to see unfold throughout the book, but it was her self-transformation that was the real beauty of the story.

3.5 Suns



Author Bio:

Alessandra Thomas is a New Adult writer who swears she was in her twenties yesterday. Since she's not, she spends her time looking back on her college years fondly, and writing sexy stories about guys and
girls falling in love and really living life for the first time. When she's not writing, you can find her with a spoonful of ice cream in one hand and the newest New Adult release in the other.

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Enter to win 2 signed copies and 2 eBook copies of Picture Perfect!

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Qhuay Release Day!!!

Okay everyone today is THE.DAY!  Arlene and I have been waiting for Lover at Last and if you listen you will be able to hear us squeeing because it is FINALLY here!!  I am bouncing with excitement and from all the comments on our BDB recaps I know many of our followers are too!  

I also have the name of our Lover at Last winner!!  

Congratulations June M! 

Thanks everyone for entering and celebrating the release of our most anticipated book of the year. Now if you will excuse me I must get back to Qhuay and all 590 pages of their awesomeness!

Blog Tour: Interview & Giveaway: Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne

Hello readers! Today I'm excited to be part of the Blog Tour for Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne hosted by Entangled Publishing.  Be sure to scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Playing the Maestro and a necklace provided by Aubrie herself!



Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne
Published: February 11th 2013 by Entangled Publishing Bliss
Purchase:  Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Kobo | Books on Board | iBookstore

About the book: Melody Mires has sworn off dating musicians, but when the sexy European conductor Wolf Braun takes over her struggling symphony, her hesitation almost flies out the window with the notes of her flute—until he opens his mouth. Wolf is arrogant, haughty, and seems to have a personal vendetta against Melody. Oh, and he’s her boss. If she wants to keep her job as principal flutist, she’ll have to impress Wolf while simultaneously keeping her undeniable attraction to herself.

Wolf came to America to get as far away from his past as possible, and to recover some of the swagger he had as one of the world’s best maestros. He never imagined being forced to reassess the entire orchestra’s talent—and potentially fire anyone who doesn’t make his cut. Dating the attractive flutist is out of the question, but as their feelings reach a fever pitch, can they risk both their careers for a chance at love?

My Thoughts:
Playing the Maestro was a sweet tug-at-your-heartstrings type of romance that will leave you with a smile on your face. 

Melody’s life revolves around her music.  She’s a flutist in an orchestra, but to make ends meet she also gives flute lessons and plays the odd wedding here and there.  Nowhere in her life is their room for a romance, or so she thinks.  Trouble is the men she has access to are musicians and for the most part, in her experience, they’re “self-centered, arrogant, egotistical.”  Sounds like real winners to me.*not*  Understandably Melody is concerned when a new fancy and incredibly sexy conductor, Wolf Braun is hired to shape up her orchestra.   She doesn’t want someone who isn’t familiar their dynamic to change and deconstruct the orchestra that she’s become attached to.  She also worries about her own job when their first encounter goes less than well, and Wolf seems just as arrogant as she thought he would be. 

Wolf has been hired to overhaul a struggling orchestra, and make cuts where he sees fit.  He’s happy to be in America, eager to get away from his past after a bad breakup.  Wolf has no desire to start anything romantic, especially with a performer in the orchestra he’s been hired to assess, but the feisty flutist Melody captures his attention immediately. 

These two get started off on the wrong foot but the sparks are flying between them.  Melody was a sweet and strong woman with a passion for her music and a love for her sister and niece as the center of her life.  She wasn’t looking to fall for someone but Wolf gets under her skin. 

Wolf, even though he comes off a bit arrogant at first, is anything but.  This story is told in third person but bounces back and forth between Melody’s and Wolf’s perspective so we get Wolf’s thoughts and he’s a sweetie.  His charity work really touched Melody’s heart and broke down some of her reservations when she saw another side to him.  As I said before these two cause sparks to fly:

Wolf’s gaze smoldered, taking in each inch of her face, then the curve of her lips.  He touched the bandage on her forehead, then ran his finger down her cheek and underneath her chin, trailing warmth. He leaned in and kissed her before she could take in another breath.

This romance is more on the sweet rather than spicy side, but I enjoyed it even so.  It’s one that warmed my heart.

This is the first time I’ve read a story about a musician in an orchestra and I found it very interesting to get a peek into their world.  I recently attended a ballet and I found myself watching the orchestra performing and thinking about this story wondering if there were any Melody and Wolfs down in the box, lol!
 

4 Suns

 

 

 

 

 

Author Interview

 

 

I'm excited that Aubrie Dionne stopped by to answer some of my questions about her lovely book and writing!

 

Q: What inspired you to write this romance?
 

This is my first contemporary romance! So, I wanted to write about something I knew a lot about. I’m a professional flutist, so the orchestra world was my best bet.

 

Q: I read from your bio that you are a flutist who plays in an orchestra like our heroine, Melody.  Are any of the events in the story inspired by real life events or personal experiences?
 

Yes, her memory of watching the great Jean Pierre Rampal in Symphony Hall is actually a real, cherished memory of mine. I can still see how his fingers never left the keys of his golden flute! At the end of the concert I got to meet him, and I said “Bravo!” Being French, he responded with, “Merci!”

Q: Is it frowned upon for the conductor to have a romantic relationship with a musician in his orchestra?

I’m not sure. I think it depends on the orchestra. I definitely played up that issue to heighten the drama in this story. It is fiction, after all.

Q: Is it a challenge to get by as a musician like it was for Melody?

Oh yes. A freelance musical career is very difficult, especially in today’s economy. You have to really love it and really want it to make it happen. A lot of musicians have multiple jobs and piece together their incomes from many sources. I’ve had 3-5 jobs at any one time my entire life.

Q: Your husband is also a musician.  How did you meet, and are you the real-life Melody and Wolf? (Lol!)

LOL! We met in an orchestra, actually. He was composing music at the time, and the orchestra was playing his composition. The first time I saw him, he was sitting at the piano in the back of the orchestra. Pretty funny, eh?

Q: How did you get into writing?

I always enjoyed making up stories to go with the music I played. My flute students started telling me I had to write them down and I finally took their advice!

Q: What are you working on now?

I’m almost finished with the sequel to Playing the Maestro! This features Melody’s friend, Carly, and the orchestra on an Italian tour!

Q: I also read in your bio that you play at weddings.  Any crazy story you’d like to share?

Just the crazy pieces they request! We’ve played Zelda, Lord of the Rings, and the theme from the Godfather. People can be really creative!

Thanks for a great interview!

 

Thank you Dionne for stopping by! I can't wait to read about Carly and the orchestra in Italy!  Sounds like a perfect place to set a romance and hopefully we'll get to catch up with Melody and Wolf, too!

 

 

 

 About the Author:

Author and flutist in New England. I teach flute at a university and a community music school. Represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Writes for Entangled Publishing, Inkspell Publishing, Spencer Hill, Lyrical Press, and GSP. My short stories have been featured in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Aurora Wolf, A Fly in Amer, Moon Drenched Fables and various anthologies.

 

 Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter

 

 

 

We have two giveaways to enter.  The first is for one e-copy of Playing the Maestro and the second one is for a necklace graciously provided by Aubrie Dionne.  Just fill out the rafflecopters below for a chance to win.  Good luck!

 

Cover Reveal: Death and Mr.Right by Kendra L. Saunders

Today, Waves of Fiction is excited to participate in the cover reveal for Death and Mr.Right by Kendra Saunders!! 

Death and Mr.Right by Kendra L. Saunders

Published by Spence City on October 1, 2013

About the book

It is March 32nd, the day that doesn't exist, and Death, the agent of nightmares, has been demoted and exiled to live among mortals for the rest of his unnaturally long life. Everyone knows They don't look lightly on important items getting lost or an agent falling in love.

Can the diva-like Death navigate the modern world, recover what was stolen from him (the names of the damned ooops!) and get his job back? Or will he fall in love with Lola, the pretty thief who got him into all this trouble in the first place?

About the Author:

Kendra L. Saunders is the author of the magic realism novel Inanimate Objects and the dark comedy Death and Mr. Right. She has been published in Snakeskin Magazine, Premier Bride Magazine and has conducted interviews for Steampunk Magazine, The New England Horror Writers and ipmnation.com. She reports regularly for Pure Textuality and writes helpful writing articles for NerdCaliber's Pages of Note.

She is the creator of the popular "Five Headed Muse" panel, which features fun and witty wisdom from the five aspects of a writer's life: character building, inspiration, writing habits, publishing and marketing, as well as the "What We Can Learn from Fan Fiction" panel which takes a detailed look at the upsides to reading and writing fanfiction. Kendra was also featured as a guest on other panels throughout 2012 and has been noted for her energy and enthusiastic approach to writing education.

She also has a lifelong passion for black and white photography and shares photographs from her travels and adventures through her website, facebook, tumblr and twitter.

Kendra is host of the quirky literary podcast, 13 1/2 Minutes and has been a featured guest and co-host on various radio and podcast shows.In her spare time Kendra likes to daydream about (foreign) boys with dark hair, drink too much tea, read fashion magazines, listen to records on vinyl, plan her dream trip to England and attempt to travel back in time to the Jazz Age

Website / Tumblr / Twitter

 

Waves of Sunday #22

Welcome to our weekly edition of Waves of Sunday where each Sunday we spotlight a book that has been making waves in the book scene or has simply caught our attention causing a riptide on our TBR.

 

Today we are Spotlightling:

 

 

 

 

Picture Perfect by Ella Fox

Release Date: March 10th 2013 by Smashwords

About the book: Book One of the Renegade Saints Series

Flynn Rand spent the last decade as the lead singer of one of the world’s most famous bands. Although he's got a reputation as a player, he’s decided that it’s time to find something real.

One look at a photo of Tessa Hamilton had him hooked.

Tessa’s teenage celebrity crush was Flynn Rand. Now he was offering her the professional opportunity of a lifetime, a job as the official photographer for the Renegade Saints farewell tour. Assuring herself that her teenage attraction to Flynn wouldn’t hold up when she met him in person, Tessa took the job.

The chemistry between them is immediate and powerful, but Tessa is hesitant to explore their connection.

Flynn has no intention of giving up, and he intends to prove to her that they are meant to be together.

Can Flynn convince Tessa that their attraction to each other is the real thing?
 

Brandie's Thoughts:
I like rocker bad boy stories and this one sounds like a good one! I'm seeing a lot of reviews with 'alpha male' and 'possessive man' references and I'm a sucker for a book like that!

Rachel's Thoughts:
What is it about these bad-boy rockers that completely fascinate us?!! I guess part of it is the passion they express while performing.  We can’t help to translate into other *ahem* areas!  Whatever it is, every time I see a story about a rocker changing his ways and falling for one woman, I perk up.  Who hasn’t fantasized about their teen idol miraculously taking notice of you and being the one he wants? Well I guess the lucky girl is Tessa.  I can’t wait to see how this turns out. 

On a side note, I love this cover! This is the couple from the Easy shoot. I could stare at his chest for hours….. *wipes the drool* ;)


Blog Tour, Interview, & Giveaway: Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

 

Today Waves of Fiction is excited to be part of the Blog Tour for Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker sponsored by InkSlinger.

 

Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Published February 12th 2013 by Atria Books

Purchase Links: Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo

About the book:

Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them.

Four years ago Kacey Cleary’s life imploded when her car was hit by a drunk driver, killing her parents, boyfriend and best friend. Still haunted by memories of being trapped inside, holding her boyfriend’s lifeless hand and listening to her mother take her last breath, Kacey wants to leave her past behind. Armed with two bus tickets, twenty year old Kacey and her fifteen year old sister Livie escape Grand Rapids, Michigan to start over in Miami. Struggling to make ends meet, Kacey needs to figure out how to get by. But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle anything—anything but her mysterious neighbor in apartment 1D.

Trent Emerson has smoldering blue eyes, deep dimples, and perfectly skates that irresistible line between nice guy and bad boy. Hardened by her tragic past, Kacey is determined to keep everyone at a distance, but their mutual attraction is undeniable and Trent is determined to find a way into Kacey’s guarded heart—even if it means that an explosive secret could shatter both their worlds.

 

My Thoughts:

After having read several fantastic books recently - I was struggling to find something to read that would live up to my expectations. Then I saw this gem floating around on Goodreads and decided to give it a go. Once I started it, I was unable to put it down. A great blend of suspense, romance, steam, & wit - with a phenomenal cast of supporting characters.

Kacey is a snarky bad-ass who I immediately related to. She had some lines that had me chuckling out loud.

"Good money is good money and as long as I don't have to strip, I can handle standing in the middle of a vagina circus."

But although there was humor in this book - it was extremely emotional with some deep issues. Kacey and her sister have suffered a terrible loss and are trying to start their lives over in a new city. Kacey is determined to give her sister a good life, but without letting her guard down.

Until Trent.

Sparks fly when these two encounter each other for the first time and it leaves Kacey literally breathless. But she doesn't want to get close to anyone and will fight it for a little while (thankfully not too long that it became annoying). These two have an instant connection that can't be denied. Trent is swoon-worthy with how he treats Kacey and wants to help her.

Trent's touch is full of life.

"I want to make you smile. For real. Always. We're going to go for dinners, and see movies, and walk on the beach. We'll go hang-gliding, or bungee jumping, or whatever you want to do. Whatever makes you smile and laugh more. Let me make you smile."

"Give me your heart, Kacey. I'll take everything that comes with it."

This book was extremely emotional and captivated me. Without giving up much of the plot or twist - I will just say that this book is suspenseful with a twist that will have you absolutely reeling.  I definitely highly recommend this book!

4.5 Suns

Author Interview

Waves of Fiction had the pleasure of interviewing K.A. Tucker! Check out what she had to say about her writing and other interests.

How would you describe Ten Tiny Breaths in five words or less?

Tragic loss, love, and forgiveness

Do you have a favorite scene or line from the book?

My favorite line is really the mantra of the book, “Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them.”

What do you hope your readers will come to appreciate about your main characters Kacey and Trent?

Kacey and Trent are like two broken pieces that need to be put back together in order for things to be made right.

What influenced you to start writing and publishing your novels?

I started writing as a way to escape. I was at home with two small children—a difficult newborn and a child that we now know is autistic (presents its own set of challenges) so writing was very much something for my sanity. When I finished my first novel, I felt like I had something that I wanted to share. I’m not the type of person to write a book and then let it sit somewhere and collect dust. I will take a risk when I believe in something. I figured I had nothing to lose but my pride if people hated it. So I did a lot of research and then I jumped with two feet into the world of self-publishing.

What is it about the contemporary romance genre that attracts you the most?  Would you ever consider writing in a different genre?

I currently write two genres.  I have three books out in the YA paranormal fantasy series (Casual Enchantment), with the fourth and final one still to go.  I am loving the new adult spin on the contemporary romance genre.  The dark, gritty feel makes every day love stories so much more interesting.  I am a dark writer by default and I like edgy topics.  Combining that with angsty but mature romance is exciting. 

When you're not writing, what do you like to spend your time doing?

I love doing simple things like reading or puttering around the house and yard. In the summer, I try to get out to a cottage as much as possible. If I’m sitting on a dock with a glass of wine in my hand and my kids are happily playing in the water, then I’m in heaven.

What are you excited to read next?

I just downloaded Reckless by S.C.Stephens. Now that I have submitted One Tiny Lie to the editor, I’m going to devour this third book. (I heart Kellan Kyle… big time).

Do you have a favorite book that you recommend to people or friends?

I tell everyone and their dog to read George R.R. Martin’s The Song of Ice and Fire (or for the HBO junkies out here, The Game of Thrones). I read that series about eight years ago and I still use it as the bar for superb character development.

Thank you so much for hosting me today! xoxo

About the Author:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Website | Blog | Author Facebook | Novel Facebook 

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As part of the Blog Tour, Inkslinger is giving away 3 signed galleys of TEN TINY BREATHS.  Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win.  Good luck!



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Blog Tour & Review: His Reluctant Rancher by Roxanne Snopek

 

Today I'm delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for His Reluctant Rancher hosted by Entangled Publishing. 

 

 

 

His Reluctant Rancher (A Three River Ranch Novel) by Roxanne Snopek

Release Date: February 12th, 2013

Purchase: Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Kobo    Books on Board    iBookstore

 

About the Book:

The last place city girl Desiree Burke expected to find herself was living at and working on a ranch, much less butting heads with the ranch’s sexy cowboy owner, Zach Gamble. But that’s exactly where she ends up after an incident at work leads her to her best friend Rory’s doorstep. Desiree is a gifted physical therapist, and Rory knows exactly where her brand of tough love is needed the most.

Zach’s been through hell and back. A devastating car crash left his brother gone, his father paralyzed, and him with mental scars a mile wide. His survivor guilt alone makes him sure he doesn’t deserve to find love. But as Des works her way into his ranch, his family, and his life, suddenly the last person who belonged there is the only one he believes belongs…with him.

My Thoughts:
This was a very sweet contemporary romance with a lot of heart.  It was a story of love amongst tragedy and family made by more than just blood.  His Reluctant Rancher is the second in the Three River Ranch series set in rural Montana on Ranches and let me tell you, I love me some HOT cowboys! 

Zach is a HOT cowboy but a bit of a broken one.  He’s lived through a tragic car accident that killed his younger brother and seriously injured his father.  He’s coping with survivor’s guilt as well as trying to run a ranch on his own. He’s in danger of losing vital financial backing and desperately needs help getting his father functioning again before the investors see any weakness. This is where Desiree comes in.

Desiree has her own problems.  She’s a physical therapist but she’s still smarting over the complaint unjustly lodged against her buy a fussy, self-centered crone who didn’t respond well to her tough-love approach to rehabilitation.  Desiree’s  approach may be a little unconventional but she gets results. While she awaits the board’s decision, she takes Rory up on her invite to come and help Zach’s family who is running out of time and hope. Zach’s father hasn’t made any progress since the accident, and Desiree is their last hope before an important investor meeting. 

 

When I heard there was a second book in the Three River Ranch series I was quite excited because I really enjoyed the first one.  His Reluctant Rancher focuses on Zach and Desiree, the best friends of Carson and Rory from the first book.  In the last novel we witnessed the beginning of attraction between Zach and Desiree.  But the fact that she was a city girl addicted to her designer wear and fancy lattes, and Zach was a down home cowboy through and through; it didn’t seem likely that anything would work out between these two.  Plus, Desiree has a past that makes her keep everyone at arm’s length.  However, once she moves into Zach’s home on the ranch her walls slowly start to crumble.  She can’t help but become addicted to the clear love and warmth shared in this family and shown to her. 

I must confess I love the thought of life on a ranch.  Wide open spaces, riding horses and caring for animals sounds wonderful!  Throw in some swoon-worthy cowboys and I am so there! Zach and Desiree have a lot on their plate but that doesn’t stop the heart from wanting what it wants, and there’s an undeniable chemistry between these two:

The instant they touched, she felt a quake run through him and pass into her. A tsunami of sensations roared over her, his lips, cold from the outdoor air, then warm, then hot.  His tongue, sending sparks up, down, and sideways. His arms, so strong, his embrace wide enough to hold even a girl who’d never let herself be caught.

As I said before, I read and enjoyed the first in this series: Three River Ranch.  I enjoyed this one as well but maybe just a smidge less and that boils down to: Desiree.  She was really annoying to me for at least the first 40% of the story.  She didn’t listen to Zach and his family on Ranch dealings and she was sort of a know-it-all.  On the other hand, I loved Zach. He’s gone through so much but doesn’t want to stress his mother out so he carries so much worry on his own shoulders. I adored Zach’s mother as well.  She was in so much emotional pain, facing the possibility her husband would never get better to possibly losing the ranch.  She never let that affect her manners and didn’t hold back from showing kindness whenever she could.  I fell in love with this family (except for Celia, that is) right along with Desiree. 

We get to see Rory, Carson and baby Lulu, also we have appearances from “Blight” and “Blister” the two mother-hen sisters!  They were there ready to take charge and solve any problem. 

His Reluctant Rancher was another win for me with a lovely mix of romance, (some spicy and some sweet), and down home country appeal.  I hope Roxanne decides to write another Three River Ranch Romance.  Maybe Celia (Zach’s bratty sister) will get some love and actually become likable.  *fingers crossed*

3.5 Suns

 

 



 

About the Author:

Roxanne Willems Snopek is an award-winning freelance writer of everything from corporate newsletters to personal essays. Author of the Amazing Stories series of true life animal adventures, she now focuses on fiction. Snopek grew up in Saskatchewan and now lives in British Columbia.

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