Thursday, January 31, 2013

Fools for Luv Giveaway Blog Hop

 http://foolsforluv.blogspot.com


Today, Waves of Fiction is excited to join Steph at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust and Dana at Readaholics Anonymous as they host the Fools for Luv Giveaway Hop.

As part of this Giveaway Hop, we are offering one lucky Waves of Fiction follower a paperback copy of these two books:
Crash by Nicole Williams
Clash by Nicole Williams

Simply fill out the rafflecopter and be sure to follow Waves of Fiction via GFC.

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For more chances to win some great prizes, be sure to visit the other participating blogs, here:

Review: Stuck on You by HeatherThurmeier

Stuck on You
Stuck on You by Heather Thurmeier
Published on February 11, 2013 by Crimson Romance
Purchase: Amazon
About the book
If being forced to team up with reality TV’s favorite bad girl wasn’t enough, falling for her brother might just make this reality show a real nightmare.

Paige Anderson agrees to be on a new reality show called Treasure Trekkers, a show where contestants use handheld GPS units to find hidden caches filled with prizes, with her good friend Cassidy. But when Cassidy is unable to compete, Chip Cormack, the show’s producer, steps in with a last-minute replacement to be Paige’s partner—Zoe Oliver, reality TV’s favorite bad girl.

Jack Miles (aka Miles) is a mountain climber with the body to prove it. Miles convinced his climbing partner Ben to come on the show with him for one reason—to prove to Ben that they can still hike together, regardless of the fact that Ben lost his foot in a tragic accident. Miles isn’t about to let anything get in his way of winning—not even beautiful Paige.

But when Miles and Paige are thrown into an alliance with their teammates, working closely together leads to more than just good strategy. Can Paige steal Miles’ heart while surviving Zoe long enough to win the game?
My Thoughts:
Heather Thurmier definitely knows how to write amazing characters. Stuck on You is another hit in my opinion and it is one of the funniest books I have ever read.

When Paige was dumped on the reality show The One by Brad the bachelor she wasn’t sure what would be next for her. When the producers calls her with a tempting offer to join her best friend in a new adventure reality show she decides with a little hesitation that she will join in. Things take a turn when Cassidy her best friend can’t compete and her new partner ends up being the infamous mean girl Zoe from The One. It is not easy having Zoe for a partner and add to that the hunky mountain man in the competing team and her focus is all over the place. Filled with awesome humor, sizzling romance, and lots of adventure Stuck on You delivers a fun story.

I am quickly becoming addicted to these stories. I have to admit that I do watch a little bit of reality TV and reading about them is even more fun. Paige was such a fun character. I liked her in the first book Falling for You and it was so great to see her as the star in this one. She deserved a happy ever after. It wasn’t all roses though. I did get a little bit ticked at her when she blew up at Miles for something that she should have understood. I really thought she should have understood why he did what he did especially after he spilled his guts to her. I was so disappointed in her. I’m glad that things did eventually work out for her, but I thought that was a very poor moment for her. Miles was great and I was so glad he stuck to his guns time and time again. I was right there with him when he said she needed to loose the heels. Who hikes in spiked heels?! Beyond all that though their love story was so cute and very funny. I have so many passages bookmarked that just made me giggle and I enjoyed this new show that the author created.

I truly loved Miles and Paige even with her bad moment at the end but the shining star for me was Zoe. After reading Falling for You I was sure I hated her, but much to my surprise she is one of my favorite characters. I know the next book will be hers and I can’t wait to read it. I have a feeling it will be one of the best of the series. Zoe is hiding so much and I can’t wait to see it all spilled.

3.5 Suns


Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Thunder by Taryn Kincaid

Today Waves of Fiction is excited to be part of the blog tour for Thunder by Taryn Kincade. Special thanks to FMB Author Promotions for including us in the fun! 

Thunder

Thunder by Taryn Kincade (Sleepy Hollow #2/ 1Night Stand series)
Published on October 26, 2012 by Decadent Publishing
Genre: paranormal, erotic romance, urban fantasy
Purchase eBook (36 pages): Decadent Publishing / Amazon
About the book
Lonely young witch, Veronica Hardwicke, has struggled to get on with her life after the death of the elderly husband who’d left her a fortune and a sprawling estate in mystical Sleepy Hollow. When frightening things go bump in the night on a stormy Fourth of July, who better to call than the sexy developer and contractor, Sean Jones, who's been renovating her mansion for months?

Sean may grace the tabloid pages with a different supermodel on his arm every night, but it's Veronica who drives him nuts. Ignoring his instinct to stay away, he answers her summons.

Will the thundering passion of their 1Night Stand tear down the barriers between them?
My Thoughts:
Thunder is a quick wham bam thank you mam type of book. The passion is quick, the characters willing and ready, and the steaminess hot enough to fog up your glasses. I enjoyed this short story for what it was. I would love to see a full book detailing Veronica’s and Sean’s story. They seemed to have a chemistry that was off the charts and I think it would be a fun story to read about from start to finish. As it is though this little glimpse into their lives was fun and steamy. We get to see in Thunder that Sean has been secretly lusting after his client Veronica and in turn she has been feeling the same. Sean is tired of living the bachelor life and when Veronica calls him in the middle of the night he goes without question thinking she probably has work related demands. She isn’t known to be easy to work with. When he shows up at her house though all bets are off and these dive in head first. If you are looking for a quick steamy read then you will not want to miss out on this one. I am really enjoying these 1Night Stand novellas and I will definitely be on the look out for more.
3 Suns

Sneak peak!! 
Veronica paced back and forth in the grand entry foyer of the Belmont mansion, the kitten heels of her Prada mules clacking on the marble floors.
The rest of the place might not be finished, but she’d insisted on having a few rooms completed, so at least she felt like she was living in a home, rather than a massive, never-ending construction project. Well, her contractor had insisted, even though working around the main entrance and central hallway created more work for him and his crew. But she was forced to admit he was right.
Her cell phone chimed on top of the antique credenza shoved flush against one wall. She leaped for it. Probably Geneviève, to regale her with all the fun she was having inParis. Or Sean, to advise her he couldn’t make it after all. She sighed and read the text message on the small screen.
Congratulations, Veronica 1Night Stand has found your date. Have a good time. 
With both anxiety and mounting excitement, she stared at the screen and waited. No other info. Outside in the night, thunder boomed. She jumped then laughed at herself.
Ghosts are one thing, but freaking out at the weather now? Cripes, you really do need this date! 
She let her imagination run wild, then texted back for more details:
When? Where? Who?
An insistent pounding at the front door jarred her out of her fantasy. She swung the door open on another explosive crack of thunder.
Sean stood on her doorstep, his soaked T-shirt molding sculpted pecs and abs, his drenched hair flattened over his brow. Rain poured down as he fiddled with his iPhone, a bemused expression on his face. Behind him, jagged arrows of lightning tore the dark sky. He glared at the screen, glanced at her in confusion, then back at the screen.
Veronica’s own phone pinged again. Thunder roared. She read the message in disbelief.
You’re looking at him. 

About the Author: 
TARYN KINCAID is a multi-published author of sensual romance. Her 1Night Stand series stories, LIGHTNING and THUNDER are available from Decadent Publishing and wherever eBooks are sold. Her Regency romance, HEALING HEARTS, for Carina Press; her erotic paranormal, SLEEPY HOLLOW DREAMS, for The Wild Rose Press, are also available wherever eBooks are sold.
Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Author Page / Amazon Author Page 

 We are happy to share with you this amazing tour wide giveaway hosted by FMB Author Promotions!
Giveaway: 1 Ebook copy of Lightning or Thrunder by Taryn Kincaid + swag Ends Feb. 6th

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Monday, January 28, 2013

Blog Tour: Falling For Her Fiance by Cindi Madsen


Today Waves of Fiction is excited to be part of the book tour for Falling For Her Fiance by Cinid Madsen.  Special thanks to Entangled Publishing for including us in the fun!
Falling For Her Fiance
Falling For Her Fiance by Cindi Madsen
Published January 14, 2013 by Entangled Publishing (Bliss)
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
About the book
Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. Adrenaline-junkie Wes can prove to both his ex and his family that he’s well and truly moved on, and serious-minded Dani can prove to her boss that she’s worthy of the promotion he seems to only want to give to a family-oriented employee.

But amid the fake swoons, fake kisses, and forced proximity, neither expects the very real feelings that develop. There’s nothing more dangerous than falling for your best friend…but what if the landing is worth the fall?
Rachel's Thoughts:
Falling for Her Fiancé features one of my favorite types of romances: best friends who turn into more. This was super sweet, but it really tugged on my heartstrings. I felt the achy longing of the characters intensely.

Dani and Wes have been best friends since college. They are super close and know just about everything about each other, a fact that usually bothers anyone who dates them. I know if I had a boyfriend with a super close best-girl-friend, it would bug me. I’d be worried, because often if you’re close on an emotional and mental level with someone of the opposite sex, it turns into more than “just friends.” And that’s exactly the case for Dani and Wes even if they don’t recognize it for themselves….yet.

Circumstances present that make it “necessary” to fake an engagement. Dani has a company retreat and Wes has a family wedding. Dani has lived in a different state for some time, so they’re both shocked when they find they’re so affected by each other’s presence, when they meet again. Dani is reminded how gorgeous and magnetic Wes is, and Wes is equally stunned by Dani. Here’s one of Dani’s reactions:

His bed. All those muscles. Heat rose to her cheeks and she could feel her pulse steadily climbing. She couldn’t seem to look away from the tattoo on his side. The thick black ink formed a tribal sun that morphed into a swirled shape with hints of a beak and wings, like a bird soaring away from the sun. She’d seen it before—she’d even been with him for one of the two sessions it’d taken to get it—yet her pulse was still climbing as she took in the way it cut off right where the V of his obliques led to his low- slung jeans.

Gotta love those low-slung jeans! ;)

So you know the song and dance. They each steal glances and breathe each other in, secretly admiring one another. Yet, neither wants to spoil their friendship by admitting how they feel. *bangs head* The longing they feel and won’t admit really got to me! It was achingly bittersweet, and I just wanted to yell at them: “Just tell him/her, why don’t you?!!” The chemistry and tension just rolled off the pages.

Cindi Madsen brilliantly crafted a story full of longing romance, and sizzling attraction. It’s sure to satisfy the romance cravings of any junky. I can’t wait to see what Cindi comes up with next!
4 Suns

Crystal's Thoughts:
Ahhhh…that is how I feel after reading this book. Just relaxed and completely happy. Falling for Her Fiance is a wonderful romance that will you with a grin on your face and a hope that the author has more in the works.

Dani and Wes have been best friends since college. They have only ever been friends knowing that one step in the wrong direction could ruin everything and they love being just friends. With her company retreat coming up Dani is desperate to be promoted and she knows the only way for this to happen is if she beings a boyfriend. With no prospects in site she asks Wes and they agree to help each other out. Dani will go to his sisters wedding as his fiancé to let his family know he has moved on from his recent break up and Wes will go to Dani retreat as her fiancé to win her the promotion. Things take a huge turn when Dani steps off the plane and she starts looking at Wes as more than just a friend. What do you do when your best friend turns hot?? You will have to read to find out!

This book is filled with hilarious snark, back and forth feelings, miscommunication, and lots and lots of hope. I loved Wes and Dani together. They had something special that I hope every couple has. I won’t say it was easy for them to get there, I know I screamed at this book at least 100 times. Wes and Dani both question their feelings throughout the whole book and when they finally realize their own feelings they questions the others feelings. It was heartbreaking to see them back off from one another when you knew they were meant for each other. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen in the last pages. I knew what I wanted to happen but I wasn’t sure if these two would throw everything on the line to. Cindi Madsen is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Falling For Her Fiancé is a book that I will sign over for a long time and I will never forget Dani and Wes.
4 Suns

About the Author:
Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. 
                     Twitter / Website / Facebook / Blog / Goodreads

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Waves of Sunday #14


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:
Addicted
Addicted by Charlotte Stein
Published January 24, 2013
About the book
Kit Connor has always led a safe, cautious life. But when her friend points out that her erotic writing lacks something, she decides to attend a Sexual Healing group to improve her knowledge.

Kit expects to find the gritty underbelly of sex, and instead finds louche, laidback, sex-loving Dillon Holt.

He makes a suggestion to her: that he will tell tales of his sexual excess, and help her book get the realism it needs. She agrees, but hasn't the least idea of what she's getting into.

Dillon doesn't have simple advice in mind … he has lessons to teach her. Lessons on everything she's never dared to experience, from kink to real passion.

Now Kit is never sure: is Dillon the addict, or is she just addicted to him?
Brandie's Thoughts:
Whew, after reading that synopsis - I want to get my hands on this book ASAP! This sounds really good and different. Not like anything I've read before and I'm intrigued! Sounds pretty hot!

Crystal's Thoughts:
As you all know I am a sucker for covers and this one is hawt!  I had to see what this was all about after it caught my eye and the synopsis has me very intrigued.  I foresee lots of steamy scenes and honestly I always wondered how erotica authors did research for their books and if there is any truth to what this book is promising then umm I might have to find a new profession ha!   I am definitely going to pick this one the minute I have a chance!



Saturday, January 26, 2013

Review: Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard, #1)

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Expected publication: February 12th 2013 by Gallery Books
Received ARC from Netgalley 


About the book:

An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling. Discover the story that garnered more than two million reads online.

Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.

As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other. Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release
.


My Thoughts:

Oh, Bennett. You rival the likes of Christian and Gideon and I adore you. This book was exactly the type of book I needed for my Fifty/Crossfire fix. It was hot, romantic, and witty. It consumed me and I couldn't put it down.

After spending years in France, Bennett Ryan returns to the states to work for his family's media firm, with his father and brother. While he had been in France - his assistant & intern, Chloe, had started working for the firm. Chloe is extremely hard working and determined to earn respect in the field, while finishing school. Bennetts family has come to adore Chloe and wants nothing more then for her to succeed and continue working for them after she graduates.

And when Bennett returns and meets his intern for the first time - he realizes life as he knows it is going to change. He's attracted to Chloe and he hates it. This connection he feels to her only fuels his anger and makes him act like the bastard he is, because he hates not being in control of his feelings.

But Chloe isn't going to sit back and take his shit. She gives as much as he does and it's AWESOME. I loved Chloe and the fact that she knew how to handle bossy and sarcastic Mr. Ryan. She refused to let him get in the way of her success and just found ways to do her job well and deal with him. But even she couldn't deny her true feelings for him no matter how hard she tried. I loved the heat between these two. When they thought it was just lust - it grew into so much more and their walls started crumbling.

The witty banter back and forth between these two was hilarious. I love that Chloe never backed down. I loved how they started to slowly realize they wanted each other more then just for sex (and there was a lot of it). Bennett, despite being an asshole, completely won my heart. He was bossy and alpha - and I loved every second of it! The chemistry between these two was HOT and I was completely in love with them both.

At that moment, hearing those words, I didn't care about anything else: where we were, who we were, or how we felt about each other. Never in my life had I felt such raw chemistry with anyone. When we were together like this, nothing else mattered.
- Bennett

Nobody had ever made me feel that way, as if my body were made to fit his.
- Chloe

I know there is a lot of hate on Goodreads about this being FanFiction and ripping off other authors and I don't get into that stuff. I don't really understand it because I don't read FanFic, and I didn't see any similarities to Twilight or anything that I don't see in every other erotic/romance novel I read. Basically it all starts to blend together to me, and if it keeps my attention and makes me swoon - then I like it! The more books like Twilight, Fifty Shades, Crossfire - THE BETTER!! So, I'm thankful these ladies came together to publish this book because I think it'll be one of my favorites for the year.

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. I couldn't have been more thrilled to have had the chance to read this book.
5 Suns



Friday, January 25, 2013

Review: Rule by Jay Crownover

Rule (Rule #1)

Rule by Jay Crownover
Kindle Edition
Published December 30th 2012
 
About the book:
I had loved Rule Archer since the first moment I ever laid eyes on him. He was everything I shouldn't want and the only person I went out of my way to not try and please. He only saw me as a brat, and an entitled, stuck up princess but worse than that all he saw when he looked at me was his deceased twin's girl. It broke my heart because as much as I had loved Remy Archer there was never anything romantic between us and no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that loving Rule was a terrible idea, my poor heart just wouldn't listen. We tolerated each other, barely and had forged an uneasy alliance until one night I had too much to drink and changed the way we were forever. Suddenly life long secrets were no longer hidden and the one thing I always wanted for myself seemed obtainable as long as I was willing to go through hell to hold onto it.

Shaw Landon was a class act and I had no idea what to do with her. She was tied to my family, tied to the person that was my other half so I tolerated her and her haughty attitude when I didn't have any other choice. What I didn't know was that a short skirt and too many cocktails on her birthday was going to change my outlook on her for the rest of my life. Some people thought I hid behind all my tattoos and piercings, that I tried to distance myself from my dead twin, Shaw saw through it all and wasn't scared of what was underneath. We weren't supposed to be together, weren't supposed to be anything but uncomfortable acquaintances but that all changed in the blink of an eye. Now I had to figure out just how a girl like her and a guy like me were supposed to be in love without destroying each other. Add in her custom made ex and two disapproving sets of parents and the whole situation sounded like it was more trouble then it was worth.

Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content, language and drinking.
 
My Thoughts:
 
'Opposites don't just attract, they freaking catch on fire and burn the entire city down.'

I was seeing this book all over Goodreads and after reading the synopsis, I bumped it up to the top of my list. I'm a sucker for bad boys with tattoos and piercings. And this book did not disappoint! I absolutely loved it!

Shaw grew up in a wealthy family with parents who were more concerned with their social status then being parents. At the age of 13, Remy Archer brought Shaw home to his family and took her under his wing. They became best friends, and the Archer family treated her like the daughter they never had. When everyone thought she and Remy were an item, the truth was that she was harboring feelings for his wild twin brother, Rule, who didn't give her the time of day.

After graduation, they all move to the big city to start their lives - Rule working in a very successful tattoo shop, Remy working as an event coordinator, and Shaw working and going to school to be a doctor. A tragic accident takes Remy from them and essentially drives a wedge between the Archer family. Shaw, being the peacekeeper and wanting to stay close to the only real family she's ever known and loved, she shows up every Sunday to drag Rule to his parents for dinner, even though she finds him in bed with a different girl every weekend.

Rule lives his life as he wants, answering to no one. Covered in tattoos and piercings, his parents have a hard time accepting him for who he is underneath all of that. But Shaw has always seen the real him and loved him regardless. And Rule is about to finally notice Shaw for the first time and realize he can't get her out of his head. His biggest obstacle is whether someone like him can actually be with one girl and give her everything she deserves.

Once these two finally give in to each other, it is so sweet and SO HOT. Of course, they aren't without their drama and trust issues that cause angst and worry throughout the book. But seeing them finally realize what they have is worth every single second of it.

'You have me Shaw, anyway you need me, anyway you want me, you have me.'

'Here's my heart, Shaw. You have it in your hands and I promise you're the first and last person to ever touch it. You need to be careful with it because it's far more fragile than I ever thought and if you try and give it back, I'm not taking it.'


SWOON

I adored both of them - Shaw was strong, independent, and determined to be something without the help of her overbearing parents. She knew she was deserving of real love and wouldn't settle for anything less. And underneath all of his tattoos and bad attitude, Rule was sexy, protective, sweet, extremely successful and had a band of friends who'd do anything for him. He proved he was a great guy who just needed the right girl - and all along she was right under his nose.

A fantastic stand-alone book with a wonderful supporting cast. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series about Jet & Ayden! I highly recommend this one!
 
4.5 Suns

 

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Review: Dirty Red by Tarryn Fisher

Dirty Red by Tarryn Fisher
Published December 21st 2012
Purchase: Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble
About the book
Dear Opportunist,


You thought you could take him from me, but you lost. Now, that he's mine I'll do anything to keep him. Do you doubt me? I have everything that was supposed to be yours. In case you were wondering; he doesn't ever think about you anymore. I won't let him go....ever.


Dirty Red

My Thoughts
I want to ball up into fetal position and cry for a week...

"My father gave me a pretentious job at his company to prove how little he thought of me. My boyfriend gave me smiles that didn’t reach his eyes. My mother gave me love so thin it felt more like sugarcoated contempt. If someone had cared enough to say: Leah, it’s all in your head… all I would have to do was refer them to the three people in my life who didn’t really want me there."

Wow, was this book ever amazing!! I have no clue how Tarryn Fisher managed to have me fall for the biggest villain in this series, but I did! I really did!! Again, I ask… was that suppose to happen? I think my moral compass just got skewed in the wrong direction because here I was rooting for the most wicked, self destructive, completely psychotic, horrific excuse for a person I’ve come across in fictional literature! This book was seriously insane… oh and I loved every minute of it too!

In Dirty Red, we meet Olivia’s nemesis Leah, AKA Dirty Red, who landed the coveted Caleb and is willing and able to pull out all of the stops to keep him despite leaving a hurricane of destruction in her wake. However, after giving birth to their daughter and refusing to come to terms that she’s falling off the deep end, this crazy monster mom and psycho bitch begins to come apart at the seams and let me tell you… it’s not pretty. She did some pretty crazy and horrific things, but there were also some moments that truly revealed her vulnerability. Frozen peas anyone? The way she’d talk to her baby had me shaking my head in disgust while looking at this fictional character with tons of pity. I was all sorts of conflicted with Leah and I can only imagine how bad it’s going to get. O.O

I was sucked into this book like a mad vortex gone out of control and despite some of the crazy shit this woman pulled I was stilling hoping she’d find some sort of happiness in this book. Yes, I know… the moral compass is in for repairs… From beginning to end, I felt I was riding along side this unbalanced creature acting as her co-pilot. Thank god that ride is over, it was emotional has hell!

This book was intense, insane and bloody hell I want more! I can’t wait for the next book to see how this all comes to a heated end. That last scene was heartbreaking and truly revealing that the only innocent person in this book might not see a happy ending. Amazing writing, characters you want to hate but just can’t and all around awesome story-telling. Loved it!! Give me Caleb now please!
5 Suns

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Review: Vain by Fisher Amelie


Vain by Fisher Amelie
Published December 24th 2012
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.


My Thoughts
“You see, I’m one of the beautiful people. That truly sounds so odd to have to explain, but it’s the truth nonetheless. I’m beautiful, and it’s not because I have a healthy dose of self-esteem, though I have plenty of that. It’s obvious in the way I look in the mirror, yes, but even more obvious in the way everyone treats me. I rule this roost because I’m the most wanted by all the guys, and all the girls want to be my friend because of it.”

And that my friends is the lovely Sophie Price!! With such an honest introduction as that, what’s not to love about her? No.no.no… don’t be fooled by her self assessment, she’s a character you’ll definitely come to care for because as with all beautiful and shiny things that are put on a pedestal - the fall is heartbreaking and surreal, which is exactly what happened here.

Vain is a journey of self discovery for Sophie Price who has lived a life of luxury, abandon and continual disregard for others. All of that comes to a crashing halt the night she’s caught with drugs for the second time. This socialite is arrested, and as a probationary penance is sentenced to six months of volunteer service at an orphanage. Throw in a couple of influential parents that are tired of their daughter’s blatant infringements, and that service takes her to Masego, Africa to serve out her term. While in Africa, she witnesses a whole new world where influence and material luxuries are superfluous to the basic needs of survival. Sophie is catapulted into a life where safety, food and warmth become primary needs over anything she’s ever had to worry about.

Overall, it was the high ratings for this book that caught my attention, but it was the story itself that made me a fan of Vain. I truly appreciated Sophie’s journey as she grows into her own person and comes to realize how shallow her life was before her service at the orphanage. Through her experiences, we discover that her high society life was made up of smoke and mirrors and we witness her transformation.

“My heart was in a perpetual state of sadness and the only relief I could find were in those cathartic cries. I lived a fragile existence. I knew it even then but feigning I didn’t was easier than embracing something so altogether daunting. If I faced what I truly created for myself, a life of debauchery and seedy fulfillment, I knew I couldn’t have lived another day and self preservation was much still alive in me.”

I appreciated how she embraced her situation and came to the realization of what her life was versus what she could make of it moving forward. Her self-discovery comes quickly upon landing in this new world she’s forced to embrace, and her discovery is heartbreaking.

“I was as bare as I could make myself, no makeup with wet, stringy hair. I hated to look at myself in this state. I didn’t feel real. I felt too exposed and that made me exceedingly nervous, but I made myself look that morning. I memorized that girl. That girl was the real me. Frightened. Worthless. A terrible friend. Terrible daughter. Well educated but so limited in ideas worth having. Beautiful yet repulsive.”

Despite the journey feeling rushed and somewhat off pace, I truly appreciated the messaging behind the novel. We see from a very shallow girl’s perspective a place and time that can balance beauty and pain with such intricate handling. Sophie represented it perfectly when she described the orphanage as:

“It is beautiful. It is horrifying.”


Sophie witnesses some pretty horrific situations and to see this girl have no escape or reprieve, I couldn’t help but feel compassion for her. I appreciated how she embraced her situation and eventually fell head over heels for the children. Her bond with Mandisa especially, gave me hope for that little girl's future. From these children, Sophie learned to embrace life from a different perspective. From them she learned:

“They choose to be happy though the obviously easier choice would be to be frightened or sad and they have a real reason to be those things as well. But they have life and faith and hope and love and they choose those things. Their innocence is addicting, their hope is catching and I’m happy to be surrounded by them.”

I can’t count how many times I expelled a deep sigh over the emotional moments in this novel. I also smiled quite a bit at the relationships that Sophie fostered, especially with Ian, Karina and Charles. There was tragedy in this novel, but most importantly there was vision for a better future for the lives that Sophie touched. The love story, which was amazing, took a back seat to the message this story symbolized, which was that beauty… the most important kind at least - is earned through your actions. And when that is realized, it’s the most fulfilling kind of beauty one can achieve.

“I’d been called beautiful so many times. It gratified me, validated me, but it was all empty, a façade. This was the first time someone had called me beautiful and it actually meant something to me. The praise slammed into my skin and permeated my body, leaving me flushed and overwhelmed.”

Absolutely gorgeous story, with so much depth and substance that I can’t give it enough justice. There were so many poetic and meaningful passages in this book that I only captured a fraction of them. I can’t wait to read more novels by this author. Extremely well done!

4.5 Suns

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Winners!!



We have a few winners to announce today!


Congrats ladies!! Please check your inboxes and confirm your email addies so we can pass the information on to our hosting publishers.


Thanks everyone for entering! 

We still have our Kindle Fire eBook giveaway, Nora Robert's Dream Trilogy and A Table for Three open for entries. Good luck and thank you for visiting Waves of Fiction.

Nora Roberts Part 2!

I am continuing my lurve of Nora Roberts by spotlighting her Dream Trilogy.  This series holds a special place in my heart because it was the first one I ever read from Ms. Roberts.  I was about 24 I believe and my best friend told me I just had to read this series.  I was like "eh" because at the time I was more Stephen King than romance, but boy oh boy was I glad she made me read these!  

The first book in the series Daring to Dream is my favorite.  Josh was just the guy to show me that Nora Roberts is beyond talented and I fell in lurve with this man.  I learned how I wished my husband would act (HA!) and I learned that every girl no matter her taste in books should always have a little Nora in her world!

The rest of the series is just as good as the first and I loved every relationship and character.  Nora Roberts knows how to write and I can guarantee that you will be begging for more after you finish this series.  I remember looking at every website I could find in the hopes that was one more book planned, but sadly the series ends with three.  This was okay though since it led me to other amazing books by Ms.Roberts =)

So my favorite little seashells, this means that I am going to giveaway the set Daring to Dream, Holding the Dream, and Finding the Dream to one lucky follower!  Good luck!  The covers may change since I am not sure which copies are available =)  Also if you click on the cover it will take you to Goodreads.

Daring to Dream: The Dream Trilogy #1 Holding the Dream: The Dream Trilogy #2 Finding the Dream: The Dream Trilogy #3
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Monday, January 21, 2013

Review: The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden (The Coincidence, #1)

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorenson
Published December 13th 2012

About the book:
There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.
My Thoughts:
I had the intentions of holding off on reading this book until the sequel was released, because I was worried I would love it and be upset that it ends on a cliffhanger.
Well, I DID absolutely love it, and although it does end on a cliffhanger - the author graciously posted a snippet of the beginning of the next book on her blog that gave me enough closure to keep me happy.  Until the next book is released - which I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT!
I devoured this book in one day because it was absolutely beautiful.  It was my first book of 2013 and it was a hell of a way to start off the year.
Kayden - the all-star quarterback with the bimbo girlfriend may have his popularity, but beneath all of that he's hiding serious emotional issues and suffering.
Callie went through a very traumatic experience at the age of 12.  Because of it, she keeps to herself by making sure she never stands out and goes unnoticed most of her life - while everyone thinks she's a freak.  She can't wait to leave for college to start her life over.
Coincidentally she is forced to look for her brother at a graduation party where she ends up stepping in and saving Kayden who's in a horrible situation.  When anyone else would have turned the other way - Callie saved him.
Kayden can't forget what she did for him, and when this unlikely pair end up at the same college, he's determined to let her know how much that moment meant to him.  They build a friendship that becomes so much more once they realize their deep connection with one another.  But not without dealing with trust issues as well as other seriously heavy issues. 
This book is raw and emotional - but absolutely one of the best books I've ever read.  PLEASE don't let the cliffhanger deter you from reading it.  You can go to the authors blog to get enough closure to make it totally worthwhile!
5 Suns

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Waves of Sunday #13


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
Collide
Collide by Gail McHugh
Expected Publication Date January 21, 2013
About the book
A missed first encounter…

Colliding with a second chance…

On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York City for a fresh start.

While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man.

Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over.

This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life.
Brandie's Thoughts
The first time I saw this cover and title, I was instantly intrigued!  The synopsis sounds awesome - I love books with secrets and bad boys.  I'm pretty much a sucker for ALL bad boys...and Gavin Blake sounds like my kinda guy.  I'm anxiously waiting to get my hands on this one!

Crystal's Thoughts
This sounds epic in more ways than one.  I am a huge fan of title love and Collide definitely caught my attention and after reading the description I know I am in for a very emotionally draining afternoon and honestly I can't wait!  I want to meet Gavin and Dillon to see where my loyalties will lie.  Normally I am a bad boy type of girl but I have a feeling I will fall hard for Dillon, but his secret scares me so I guess I will see.  This book sounds right up my alley and I can't wait to dive in! 

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Review: Falling for You by Heather Thurmeier

Falling for You
Falling for You by Heather Thurmeier
Published on August 20, 2012 by Crimson Romance
Purchase: Amazon
About the book
Newly single Cassidy Quinn is thrilled to be a contestant on the new reality dating show The One. But her excitement turns to horror when the gorgeous bachelor turns out to be her ex-boyfriend. Seeing Brad again makes Cassidy realize she might not be as "over him" as she thought-and then she meets hunky cameraman Evan Burke. After watching his brother lose his wife in a tragic accident, Evan vows never to fall in love. But following Cassidy around as her personal cameraman makes him question his decision, and resisting her gets harder with every sunbathing, bikini-wearing day. Cassidy and Evan begin a forbidden affair while her ex-boyfriend tries to win her heart back one groping, awkward moment at a time. If Cassidy can manage to stop falling off horses (literally), stop falling onto her ex-boyfriend, the bachelor (yes, literally), and stop falling in love with backstage playboy Evan, she might still make it through the show without becoming a tabloid sensation. But soon Cassidy must choose between the ex who broke her heart and the cameraman who might never love her back. For Cassidy, this reality show just got real.
My Thoughts:
Falling for You was such a fun book.  It captured my attention from the first page and I was on the edge of my seat gripped with panic that everything I hoped for would come crumbling down for one my favorite characters!  Thrown in with my panic were laugh out loud moments and some very yummy eyebrow raises that I wish were coming my way.

Cassidy needs some fun in her life so her sister signs her up for a reality dating show.  Even though Cassidy isn't fond of the idea she decides to go along with the whole idea thinking that she might find love, but the overall experience might be a lot of fun.  That is until she meets the bachelor, who just so happens to be her ex who dumped her six months ago on the sidewalk.  Cassidy has no choice but to go through with the competition since she signed several contracts and fears what will happen if she drops out.  What she doesn't count on is falling head over heels literally for the hunky cameraman assigned to follow her around.  This throws a huge wrench in the game for both of them since they both have legal problems staring down at them if their secret is found out not to mention that the bachelor has decided her wants Cassidy back.

Like I said this book was a lot of fun and totally hilarious.  I loved that Cassidy was klutsy, it made her more down to Earth and very likeable.  She was definitely one of the funnest characters I have ever read before and I loved that she didn't take anything from anybody.  Evan oh my Evan, he was awesome.  I loved how he was with Cassidy and his inner comments whole filming were hilarious!  I laughed so hard at so many of his comments that I think I even snorted.  He had a few obstacles to overcome as well and those obstacles totally tore at my heart.  I cheered when he revealed his true feelings!  These two together were awesome and I totally rooted for them throughout the book.  I did get a little frustrated at times especially the times when Brad, her ex, was in the picture.  I kept screaming at Cassidy to run and to kick him!  I can understand that she had lingering feelings but I still didn't like their moments. Evan was my man and I totally stuck by his side!

I think the author did a wonderful job at capturing the whole reality show world. She showed the fun side and the cast of characters that we all know belong to these shows.  We had the mean girl, the sweet friend, the crazy producer, and a host who over does everything.  I was really impressed with how she created the show and I am chomping at the bit to see what she has in store with the sequel Stuck on You!

3.5 Suns





Friday, January 18, 2013

Review: Once a Marine by Cat Grant


Once a Marine by Cat Grant
Published October 30th 2011 by Riptide Publishing (first published October 27th 2011)
About the book

Discharged under Don t Ask Don t Tell, former Marine major Cole Hammond is struggling to find a new identity. But PTSD casts a pall on everything, and his hard-nosed, homophobic father can t even bear to look him in the eye. To top it all off, he 's pretty sure he 's flunking out of law school.

Marc Sullivan is a kind, sensitive romance author-slash-waiter with a thing for men in uniform. Cole 's not wearing his anymore, but there 's no mistaking the warrior Marc meets in the diner one rainy afternoon. Cole 's sexy smile and Carolina drawl prove irresistible, but Marc 's played this game before, and he always loses. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and if there 's one thing Marc knows about such men, it 's that they all leave him in the end. It doesn’t t help that Cole 's practically closeted in public, or that he refuses to seek treatment for his PTSD.

But like any good Marine, Cole 's willing to fight for what matters. And like the characters in Marc 's stories, he 's certain that if they try just hard enough, together they can find their own happily ever after.


My Thoughts
Let’s skip all my hubbub and get right to Cole Hammond—shall we?  The beautiful, hot, sexy, gentle souled man that will star in my highlight reel of sexy daydreams for a loooong time! :)

“But when Cole started to yank his t-shirt over his head, I grabbed hold of his wrists to stop him. Not so fast, marine.  I’ve been fantasizing about that gorgeous bod of yours for the past week and a half.  The least you can do is stand there and let me unwrap it.”

Yes, yes please!  Unwrap this--Blond, broad, blue-eyes, 6’3 drop dead gorgeous ex-Marine with lush lips that smile, seduce, suc…oh-so much more all topped off with a “slow-as-honey” Carolina drawl and a big, sweet, thumping heart that shows with every move, look, and touch. 

After a 12-year service as a Marine, Cole is forced into civilian life to start over in school and love.  A new life without the structure, duty, and career he worked, fought, and strived for his whole life.  But can he start over, change, and leave his old life behind?  My biggest Cole surprise was his sweetness.  Cole’s manners, fierce loyalty, trust, willingness to change, and share his heart were inspiring and heartwarming.  What can I say—the man had me drooling and “awwing” as soon as he walked on the page!

Marc, on the other hand, I had to warm up to.  We had some eye rolling moments here and there, but not enough to derail my love for this story.  He just made way too many references to past boyfriends for my taste—Rob did that too, or you remind me of my ex, or…Ugh!  I understand pain of the heart, but the way he brought it up, constantly comparing Cole to any and all Marines in his life got on my nerves.  Not all men are alike and not all Marines are alike.  Now back to the love….

 The magic of this story was the pure, simple moments of life and love captured between Marc and Cole as they moved around their new relationship with all its highs & lows, bumps, and joys.  They reminded me how special the warm everyday moments in life can be—sharing a meal, dropping by work just to say “Hi”, or even the quiet, soothing sounds of the man you love moving in the next room.  Just the sound of him being there stirs your heart and makes you smile. 

Both of these men are battling their pasts and pains of the mind and heart.  Cole has been suffering in silence with PTSD—not able or willing to seek help yet.  For the record, this is where Marc really shined for me.  Marc urges and supports Cole through it all.  But Marc is also suffering with scars of lost loves that left him guarded and hesitant to trust and love again.  Always in fear of being left behind.  Can Marc and Cole help each other heal and forge a life together?

With honest, straight forward words and actions, Ms. Grant gets right to the heart of the matter with love and warmth.  I adored being a part of Marc and Cole’s life for a bit.  The simplicity of sharing time over a cup of coffee, celebrating accomplishments, and urging more of each other in life and love touched my heart.  Once a Marine captures true, pure, intimate emotion in such a quiet powerful voice.

I look forward to hearing more of Cat Grant’s beautiful voice.
4 Suns


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Review: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Hopeless

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
Published December 19th 2012


About the book:
Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.
 
My Thoughts:

My expectations were high after reading and loving Slammed and Point of Retreat. I wasn't expecting this book to be so amazing it blew my mind. Holy freaking wow - this is Colleen Hoover's best work and a must read!

There are so many tiny elements and surprises that made this book incredible that it's hard to write a review without spoilers or giving away important plot information.  I will try my best.

Amazing and emotional - it will stop your heart multiple times. The intense connection between Sky and Holder is so deep and passionate, I couldn't get enough of them. Both of them have experienced their share of trials only to come together for their biggest one ever. The events surrounding them test their feelings, trust, and strength and it's beautiful watching them survive it. It was a book I couldn't put down and that stayed with me days after I finished.

This is a heavy book with serious issues, not for the faint at heart. You have to trust me when I say it's worth reading! Absolutely superb writing.

I have to mention some of my favorite quotes from the book.  SPOILER warning!


"Sky, I'm not kissing you tonight but believe me when I tell you, I've never wanted to kiss a
girl more. I need to know for sure that you're feeling every single thing that I'm feeling the
moment my lips touch yours. Because I want your first kiss to be the best first kiss in the
history of first kisses."

"Fuck all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers."

"In a way, he makes me feel necessary. Like my existence alone is necessary for his
survival."

There were so many powerful moments and things said that blew me away while reading
this book. I can't stress enough how much everyone should READ THIS BOOK.

5 Suns