Books I'm Grateful I Read Blog Hop & Giveaway

Waves of Fiction is excited to join this recent Blog Hop hosted by the lovely Valerie from Stuck in Books.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this Blog Hop is meant to feature books we're grateful or thankful for reading because either they had an impact on us in some way or simply added to our growing list of great books we can easily recommend to other readers. 

Here at Waves of Fiction, I'd like to feature the following books that have (1) gotten me out of book slumps, (2) added to my list of favorite authors and (3) left an impact on me in some shape or form. 

Be sure to check out my YA picks at WinterHaven Books, which includes another giveaway. Don't miss out!

And in the spirit of sharing our love of books, we'd like to offer a giveaway for our Bloglovin' and GFC followers. Simply fill out the rafflecopter.

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Blog Hop & Giveaway: Get Wicked with Entangled

Waves of Fiction is excited about joining the Get Wicked with Entangled Blog Hop! 

For our stop, I wanted to share a few quotes from one of my favorite paranormal series and a fun giveaway for our GFC and Bloglovin' followers.

What comes to mind when you think of Halloween??? Well I'll tell you what I think of! I think… Vampires, Ghouls, Creepy Crawlies and did I mention Vampires???

One of my favorite vampire characters is from Jeaniene Frost's series Night Huntress. Yes, you guessed it BONES!  Well if you haven't met this gorgeous, broody, hunky, snarky character yet you're in for a Halloween treat. Let me share with you some of his famous quotes. 

"If I die, I will wait for you, do you understand? No matter how long. I will watch from beyond to make sure you live every year you have to its fullest, and then we’ll have so much to talk about when I see you again…"~Bones

"Ask me if I sparkle and I’ll kill you where you stand.” ~Bones

“Kitten, you need to make a decision. Either we stay here and behave or we leave now and I promise you”—his voice dipped lower and the words fell against my lips—“if we leave, I won’t behave.” ~Bones

“Is that a stake, Bones, or are you just happy with my new dress?” “In this case, it’s a stake. You could always feel around for something more, though. See what comes up.”

For our stop, we're giving away US$10 Gift card to Amazon or US$10 Shopping spree for The Book Depository. Simply follow us by GFC and Bloglovin' and don't forget to fill out the rafflecopter.

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Spotlight & Giveaway: Rocky Mountain Romance by Vivian Arend

Rocky Mountain Romancy (Six Pack Ranch #7) by Vivian Arend

Publication Date: October 21st 2014

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

Second chances are the sweetest—and the hottest.

It took a spectacularly embarrassing break-up to knock Steve Moonshine Coleman off his lazy butt. In the ten months since that night, he’s changed his ways, and now that Melody’s back in town, it’s time for this sweet-talking cowboy to convince her to get back in the saddle with him.

A return to her veterinary position in Rocky Mountain House was always in the cards for Melody Langley. Getting back together with Steve? Never part of the plan. He had lots of potential but zero ambition, and there’s no way she’ll accept anything less than a man who can keep up with her, in and out of bed.

But the new-and-improved cowboy is impossible to resist, so Melody issues a challenge. Three months to prove he’s reformed. Three months of Steve orchestrating one sexual indulgence after another—wicked distractions from the old boys’ club Melody faces at work and Steve’s growing responsibilities.

He’s got one shot to prove with more than words what’s in his heart and soul.

Excerpt:

Melody went with Steve willingly, around the side of the barn to where his truck and a horse trailer waited. He helped her into the driver side and she slid into the middle seat, checking her watch to make sure she didn’t get too far behind schedule. No way did she want another repeat of her hellish Monday.

“I’ve got thirty minutes tops, otherwise I need to phone the clinic and let them know I’ll be late.”

“You won’t be late,” he promised.

They rattled down a short side road but instead of turning toward the highway, Steve took them along a back trail that led through the trees into a clearing at the side of wide-open ranch land. Nothing lay before them but miles of low rolling hills. To the west, the Rocky Mountains rose above to the sky, the craggy peaks decorated with a tiny dusting of white in the highest cracks and crannies. The tree line broke off to expose granite greys and flashes of white quartz.

It was an amazing view, and she was glad it was something she got to see every day of her life.

She was still staring in admiration when Steve parked the truck and jerked open the door.

Melody followed him out, but couldn’t see any signs of an animal that needed attention.

“Do you want me to be a veterinary to the squirrels?” she teased.

He whirled, catching her under the hips and pulling her against his body so he could kiss her fiercely. Her back pressed against the cold metal of the horse trailer as his overheated body met hers.

“You’re driving me crazy,” he confessed when he finally let her breathe. “I’ve been aching to touch you since the weekend. I need to be inside you.”

Melody didn’t have the words to protest, especially not when he put his lips to her neck and sucked. A flash of heat went from his mouth through her entire system, and she clutched his shoulders.

She was in motion again, this time her feet on the ground as his hands scrambled at her belt buckle. “I want you right now,” he demanded.

The clock was ticking, but his hands were doing incredible things even as Melody tried to make the right decision.

“Oh, God. Here? You’re not serious, Steve, right out in the open—?”

He shoved her jeans down to her ankles. He stripped off his shirt, dropping it on top of the wheel guard of the trailer while she stood, pants around her ankles, admiring the broad bands of muscles on his torso.

Then she was on top of his shirt, her knees spread wide as he pulled her forward to his eager mouth. Her ankles were trapped together by her pants, but Steve didn’t seem to care.

Melody shoved her hands into his hair to catch her balance, but there was no catching her breath as he ate greedily. His tongue danced over her clit until she was gasping, the sound loud in contrast to the wind in the trees behind them. Everything that had to be done that day vanished as her world closed on this time, this place.

About the Author: 

Vivian Arend in one word: Adventurous. In a sentence: Willing to try just about anything once. That wide-eyed attitude has taken her around North America, through parts of Europe, and into Central and South America, often with no running water.

Her optimistic outlook meant when challenged to write a book, she gave it a shot, and discovered creating worlds to play in was nearly as addictive as traveling the real one. Now a New York Times and USA bestselling author of over 40 novels and short stories in both contemporary and paranormal genres, Vivian continues to explore, write and otherwise keep herself well entertained.

Connect with Vivian:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The author has graciously provided the entire Six Pack Ranch Series as a giveaway to one lucky winner! Just fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.  Good luck!

Upcoming Release: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

With much excitement but not very many details, we wanted to share the happy news that two of our favorite authors are currently writing a novel together. Yes! Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher have decided to join evil forces and deliver a novel in early 2015. Check it out!!

Never Never by Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher

Expected publication: January 31st 2015 by Hoover Ink

Best friends since they could walk. In love by the age of fourteen. Dating for over four years.
She’ll do everything she can to never forget.
He’ll do everything he can to never remember.
Too bad it’s not up to them.

Review & Movie Release: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

Published August 26th 2014 by Grand Central Publishing (first published September 14th 2010)

"Everyone wanted to believe that endless love was possible. She'd believed in it once, too, back when she was eighteen."

In the spring of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.

Now, twenty-five years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back to Oriental for the funeral of Tuck Hostetler, the mentor who once gave shelter to their high school romance. Neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever changed their lives. As Amanda and Dawson carry out the instructions Tuck left behind for them, they realize that everything they thought they knew -- about Tuck, about themselves, and about the dreams they held dear -- was not as it seemed. Forced to confront painful memories, the two former lovers will discover undeniable truths about the choices they have made. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?

My Thoughts

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Nicholas Sparks book, and I can always count on this author for two things. First, he’s definitely going to share an emotional story, full of angsty love, steady drama and like-able characters. And second, it’s inevitable that he’s going to either kill off a main character or end the story in a way that leaves you screaming “Are you kidding me?!?”

Well in The Best of Me, Sparks delivered as usual. I don’t think I’m being spoilery, but rather sparklery when I say that the love is angsty and the wrong character dies. I should have known... Yet I was still slightly surprised Sparks pulled the trigger. No pun intended. So why did I read it? Well I want to see the movie and in true nerd fashion, I can’t watch it without reading the book first.

In The Best of Me, we get to meet Amanda and Dawson when they fall in love their senior year of 1984. In a time and place where family dictates who and how to love, Amanda and Dawson share a true romance, but are forced to go separate ways because of family expectations and loving someone so much that it’s best you set them free. After over twenty years of no contact, they come together to bury their old friend Tuck and because of him, they spend a weekend rekindling the love they once shared. However, Amanda has a husband and family, and she can’t quite fathom doing the selfish thing and pursuing her true love at the expense of her family’s happiness.

First, I have to admit that I really liked the novel. It’s no doubt that Sparks is a good storyteller. He has an interesting way of weaving multiple storylines into a book without overwhelming the reader. As the story progressed, I felt the momentum speed up and the storylines quickly coming to a convergence, which was exciting.

As far as the characters go, despite never getting to know Amanda’s kids and husband until the final hours of the novel, I still appreciated her desire to put them first. She was a relatable and likeable character that was hard not to fall for. Dawson is your typical too-good-to-be-true handsome catch and I’m quite surprised at how his life unfolded over the years. This character sacrificed quite a bit for a love that never would come to fruition. I felt true sympathy for him and his lot in life.

Overall, there were elements of the story I would like to see change, as with any Sparks novel. I often wonder why he feels compelled to be trigger happy with some of the best characters he develops. However, despite his heartbreaking tendencies, I still enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to see this in film.

4 Suns

The Best of Me

IN THEATERS OCTOBER 17, 2014!

Starring Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, and Liana Liberator

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Promise Me This by Christina Lee

I'm excited to be part of the Blog Tour for Promise Me This by Christina Lee because I've adored this series!  As part of my tour stop I have my review and a giveaway of a Paperback copy of All of You and Before You Break the first two books in the series.  Be sure to scroll down to enter in the giveaway for a chance to win!

Promise Me This (Between Breaths #4) by Christina Lee

Publication Date: October 7th 2014 by InterMix

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

About the book: 

A new love will test the boundaries of passion between a privileged boy next door and the tattooed, blue-haired girl who helps him embrace his wild side...

Nate has developed quite a playboy reputation around campus. It's not that he doesn't respect or trust women; he doesn't trust himself. The men in Nate’s family are prone to abusive behavior—a dirty secret that Nate’s been running from his entire life—so Nate doesn't do relationships. But he can’t help himself around one girl…

Jessie is strong, independent, and works at a tattoo parlor. Nate can’t resist getting close to her, even if it’s strictly a friendship. But it doesn't take long for Nate to admit that what he wants with Jessie is more than just friendly.

With Jessie, he can be himself and explore what he’s always felt was a terrifying darkness inside him. Even when Nate begins to crave her in a way that both shocks and horrifies him, Jessie still wants to know every part of him. Testing their boundaries together will take a trust that could render them inseparable… or tear them apart.

My Thoughts:

Promise Me This was my favorite in the Between Breaths series.  Jessica and Nate’s friends-to-lovers romance was full of heart and fiery hot intensity!   Instead of being filled with angst and drama, Promise Me This was filled with realistic emotions and reactions, setting it apart from many New Adult reads out there.

Jess and Nate are friends, first and foremost, and that’s exactly the way Nate wants to keep it.  He’s afraid of getting close romantically with any girl because of witnessing the longtime abuse his dad has inflicted on his mother.  He’s terrified of becoming him.  Nate does hookups only; never with the same girl twice and never with any emotional connection.  But things are about to change when Nate and Jess suddenly see each other in a new light.  Going on a road trip for Jess’s photo project forces them into close quarters and in the process they each share emotionally while their physical attraction goes from simmering to blazing, and then to irresistible.  Soon Nate’s harmless attraction to Jess becomes a full on need to be with her, and he’s terrified.

Jess has never looked at Nate in a sexual way, he’s always seemed to straight laced and “Square” to her, but walking in on him while he’s pushed up against some girl shines a completely different light on him.  And she is intrigued!  Jess realizes Nate’s been hiding his true self under a calm, carefree façade, when really, there’s a powerful intensity to him.  Their road trip brings them closer than ever and Jess can understand why Nate has such issues, but can she ride the storm he’s going through while he confronts his demons?  He goes hot and cold struggling with his desire for her, giving in and then regretting it. 

I was worried when I read the synopsis that I’d be frustrated with Nate’s constant hot and cold feelings towards Jess, but it wasn’t that way at all. He didn’t completely shut Jess out when he struggled with his feelings, instead he confided in her, and took action by seeking professional help.  I love it when there’s reasonable actions and thinking in characters! I get very frustrated when a couple has issues because they shut each other out.  Not so here.

Jess is just as reasonable.  While some of the guilt and turmoil Nate experiences after being with Jess hurts her, she is patient and understanding.  She doesn’t stew over it or give ultimatums, but she’s not a doormat either.  Jess was firm without pressuring Nate, assuring him that she’d be there as his friend, but she wasn’t going to nag him to let go and let her in. 

Part of the struggle is that Nate wants to be dominant in the bedroom, likes to be in control, likes it a little rough, but then feels completely ashamed and worried those desires doom him to turn out like his farther if he gives into them.   Figuring out that what happens by mutual consent is completely different from the abuse his dad heaped on his mother is tough.

In spite of all these struggles, Nate and Jess’ romance was filled with sexual tension and steamy scenes!  I think this was the hottest book in the series! Very, very HOT!

I loved the realistic progression of this romance and the fact I could easily put myself in either Jess or Nate’s shoes.  Christina Lee’s talented writing shines through in Promise Me This and she did a fabulous job at creating multi-layered characters with true-to-life emotions and struggles. 

4.5 Suns

About the author:

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son--her two favorite guys. She's addicted to lip gloss, salted caramel everything, and believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Connect with Christina Lee:

Facebook | Twitter | Website 

Review & Giveaway: Keep Me Safe by Maya Banks

Keep Me Safe (Slow Burn #1) by Maya Banks

Publication Date: October 7th 2014 by William Morrow Paperbacks

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

About the book: 

A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find a wealthy man’s missing sister—the first novel in a sexy new romantic suspense series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks

When Caleb Devereaux's younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie's vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will risk everything to protect her—including his heart.

My Thoughts:
Ramie St. Clair has a special psychic gift or curse as Ramie sees it, to locate people. Unfortunately, when she uses her gift it costs her emotionally and physically because Ramie feels everything the victim does, as though it happened to her.

Caleb Devereaux is a desperate man.  His sister, Tori has been abducted by a madman and Ramie is his only hope of finding her in time.  When he finally locates Ramie, he forces his sister’s pain on her not knowing what her ability costs her, and he’s horrified by the realization. He can’t honestly say he’d do anything differently because it is his sister’s life on the line, but Caleb vows to help Ramie heal, make her whole again. The trouble is she disappears immediately after Caleb leaves to tend to his sister, and Ramie stays of the radar.

Caleb is determined to find Ramie, and has researched her fully since she took off. He feels a connection to her even just meeting her that one time.  Caleb is torn to bits over what he put her through.  So when Ramie finally materializes asking for his help and protection from a crazed serial killer, Caleb jumps at the chance to make things right and keep her safe.

I gravitate towards stories with an element of mystery and danger. Keep Me Safe was a combination of all of that with a steamy romance included! The story held an air suspense throughout and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what danger would come next.  Poor Ramie, she’d gone through countless horrifying situations after helping the police locate numerous victims. This is why she went off the grid before Caleb found her and then again after helping to locate his sister.  However, it seems her stalker has no problem finding her even with all the precautions she takes, and she just narrowly escapes him when she finally calls Caleb for help.

Caleb and Ramie’s romance was fast and intense, kind of insta-love/lust, but it didn’t bother me so much.  Caleb felt like he already knew Ramie somewhat because he researched into her life to the point of obsession, so he felt like he knew her even with only meeting once.  They have almost an uncanny connection when they’re reunited, and Caleb provides a warmth and protection that makes Ramie feel completely safe for once.  I was happy she got some normalcy and love after all she’d been through. 

There was a lot of action and danger in Keep Me Safe that had me anxiously biting my nails it some parts!  Caleb and Ramie are put through the ringer in this intense conclusion.  No worries, though, the story wraps Caleb and Ramie’s romance up nicely.   The next story focuses on Beau, Caleb’s brother, next: In His Keeping. Can’t wait!

4 Suns

Connect with Maya Banks:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

As part of this post we've been provided a Paperback copy of Keep Me Safe by Maya Banks to give away to one Waves of Fiction follower.  The giveaway is restricted to US Residents only. Simply fill in the rafflecopter for a change to win.

Review & Giveaway: Final Lap by Erin McCarthy

Final Lap (Fast Track #8) by Erin McCarthy

Publication Date: October 7th 2014 by Berkley

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Switching into high gear……

At a friend’s lavish wedding, Harley McLain and her twin sister, Charity, meet sexy stock-car driver Cooper Brickman. The more reserved Harley is immediately smitten—until he hits on her twin. But Harley has had enough of being the “nice” girl, and after trading dresses with Charity, she seduces Cooper for a night of wild sex.

……ready for a hot lap.

What was supposed to be a one-night fling gets complicated when Cooper needs a nanny to look after his kid sister—and is convinced sweet, dependable Harley would be perfect for the job. She can’t resist the money—or Cooper’s hot bod. But when her deception is revealed, will it destroy her dependable image—or will he finally realize how sexy sweet can be?

My Thoughts:

I’m a big fan of Erin McCarthy’s new adult series, True Believers, so I jumped at the chance to read one of her adult romances.  Ms. McCarthy doesn’t disappoint in Final Lap and all the things I love about her writing are present in this story as well.  It was heartfelt, realistic, fun and sexy!  

Harley McLain is the sensible, steady twin while her sister Charity is known as the saucy, seductive flirt of the two. Usually this doesn’t bother Harley much, but at a friend’s wedding she meets her racing idol Cooper Brickman and for once she’d like to be seen as the hot temptress.  Instead as soon as Cooper finds out Harley is a nanny, he talks her ear off about his pre-teen sister who is now living with him and all the troubles he’s having raising her.  He doesn’t seem to see her as an attractive woman, a fact that is underscored when he catches sight of Charity and immediately starts drooling. 

Seriously, Harley got him telling her about his concern over her sister’s impeding puberty, and Charity got flirty Cooper? What the hell was fair about that? They looked exactly the same. They were identical twins.

Charity is having her own romance drama, really exactly the opposite of Harley, so the two decide to do a switch of dresses and identities and Harley ends up sleeping with Cooper. She feels bad about the deception but she figures she’ll never see him again.  Never say never, lol!

It’s an awkward situation when circumstances force Harley to accept Cooper’s job as his sister’s nanny.  Now she must act like she never had Cooper’s body and lips all over hers!  Worse, she’s crushing and falling harder for him every day that goes by.

Cooper is confused when “Charity” runs after an awesome night of hot sex.  She doesn’t even leave her contact info giving him the ultimate brush-off.  When Cooper hires Harley, he feels like a real jerk, because he’s becoming more and more attracted to her, developing serious feelings even though he slept with her sister.  Harley is sweet, caring, and stands up to him.  She has a backbone he didn’t see when she patiently listened to all his woes the night he slept with “Charity”.

Identity swap romances are usually something I avoid, because I’m usually stressed out wondering when the secret will come out and ruin anything good established. Somehow it slipped my notice that Final Lap was one of those.  I needn’t have worried.  When Harley goes to live with Cooper it’s more about them getting to know each other, and Cooper waking up to see what an amazing, sexy woman Harley is.  As his respect for her grows, so does his attraction, and before they even lock lips with her as Harley, Cooper has already fallen hard.

I must say, even though I was a little miffed that Cooper didn’t see Harley that first night, he was an awesome guy. He was giving and thoughtful, and the fact that he was trying to do what was right for his sister won me over even more.  As for Harley, when she was in her element as a nanny her strengths came shining through, and I was happy she started to have more confidence to be more assertive with Cooper personally, as well.  She was the best thing to come into Cooper and his little sister’s life.

Erin McCarthy’s portrays characters with emotions and insecurities that feel very real to life, ones I have felt myself, so it’s really easy to immediately connect with them.  I was swept up and away with Harley and Cooper’s sweet, sensual and satisfying romance!  Now I want to backtrack and read the rest of the series!

4 Suns

Connect with Erin McCarthy:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

The publisher generously provided a Paperback copy of Final Lap by Erin McCarthy to one lucky Waves of Fiction follower.  The giveaway is restricted to US Residents only. Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win.

Book Blitz & Tour-wide Giveaway: Status (Social Media #4) by @JAHuss

STATUS (Social Media #4)  By @JAHuss
Publication Date: October 8, 2014
Novella (115ish pages)
Adult Contemporary Romance

Purchase Link for STATUS:  Amazon

Purchase Links for FOLLOW: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Synopsis:

MovieStar @VaughnAsher
@FilthyBlueBird #DirtyHeaven is mine tonight.

Grace @FilthyBlueBird
@VaughnAsher I own #DirtyHeaven, bitch. #VaughnAsherIsMyBitch

MovieStar @VaughnAsher
@FilthyBlueBird #FlashbackTime Get ready.

Grace @FilthyBlueBird
Come here and take off my lip gloss @VaughnAsher #OnMyKneesWaiting

MovieStar @VaughnAsher
@FilthyBlueBird #Flashback to last night. Oh, you weren’t wearing lip gloss. But you are now. #GetOnYourKneesAndWait

Grace @FilthyBlueBird
@VaughnAsher – Dabbing lips with a napkin. #ThatAllYouGot?

Finally… Grace sees me in a different light. The banter is flirty, the sex is fun, and the future looks fabulous.I just hope she feels the same way when she finds out what I did.

AUTHOR BIO

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label). 

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Social Media Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Be sure to enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win signed copies of Follow, Like, Block and Status. The giveaway is open internationally. Read the giveaway terms and conditions in rafflecopter for details.

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Review: Echoes of Scotland Street by Samantha Young

Echoes of Scotland Street (On Dublin Street #5) by Samantha Young

Publication Date: October 7th 2014 by NAL

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street comes a seductive story of forgiving the past and making up for lost time.…

Shannon MacLeod has always gone for the wrong type of man. After she drifted from one toxic relationship to the next, her last boyfriend gave her a wake-up call in the worst possible way. With her world shattered, she’s sworn off men—especially those of the bad-boy variety.

Cole Walker is exactly the sort that Shannon wants to avoid—gorgeous, tattooed, charming, and cocky. But his rough exterior hides a good man who’s ready to find “the one.” He’s determined to pull Shannon from her self-imposed solitude to win her heart.

As Shannon opens up in the face of Cole’s steady devotion, the passion between them ignites to blazing levels. But when Shannon’s past comes back to haunt her, her fears may destroy the trust Cole has built between them—and tear them apart for good.…

My Thoughts:

I’ve been a huge fan of Samantha Young’s On Dublin Street series and once again she amazes me with Echoes of Scotland Street, the fifth installment in this series. She captivates with multi-layered characters, sexual tension galore, and a satisfaction guaranteed romance!

Shannon has moved to Edinburgh to get away from a very bad breakup. One of a long list of shady boyfriends, but this last one takes the cake, abusive and then some! This boyfriend not only shatters her self-confidence, but he made Shannon question her judgment, because every man she’s picked has disappointed her or worse.  She doesn’t trust herself to pick a good one anymore, and Shannon now shuns anyone who even looks like a bad boy. She does not want to repeat her past mistakes.  Unfortunately, Cole Walker, her new boss, seems to fit that description to a tee.

If you’re familiar with the On Dublin Street series, you’ll remember Cole to be the young teenage brother of Jo, the one who suffered abuse by his own mother.  Well, this is nine years into future and with the help of Jo, her husband Cam, and the tribe of friends they have, he’s grown into a confident, smoking HOT man.  He may look like a bad boy, complete with tattoos, oodles of confidence and that sexy enough to capture a nun’s attention, but he’s a complete good guy underneath that, through and through.  Cole doesn’t do casual, he’s only into long term with the hopes of attaining what his sister and friends have: true love with respect and support.  He thinks Shannon is the girl for him.

Both Shannon and Cole have issues to work through but their chemistry and past make it so you hope they’ll find happiness together. They get off to a really bad start when Shannon is judgmental and completely cruel with her words.  I was at my limit of patience with her, but thankfully she wakes up and realizes Cole didn’t deserve her severe words.  There after their relationship took off.  Cole was just super sweet and patient, because he completely understands Shannon’s insecurities.  He knows what it’s like to be cut down constantly and made to feel like nothing, so he sets about to make Shannon feel safe and secure.  

Of course this wouldn’t be a Samantha Young romance if there wasn’t push and pull and some emotional punches, but that just makes the end result so much sweeter.  Echoes of Scotland Street was actually one of the least angsty stories of the series, IMO.  Ms. Young is also known for her deliciously spicy scenes and she does not disappoint here!

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” My pulse raced with that feeling of anticipation I’d had earlier. “Yes. But not like you think.”

I heard his sharp intake of breath and braced myself.

His lips were at my ear again. “Do you want me, Shannon?”

My legs began to tremble. “Yes.”

Catching up with the other couples so many years in the future was a complete treat.  It’s one riotous family, bonded by love regardless if related by blood.  Both Shannon and Cole needed that emotional support and I was so happy they drew on the strength provided by the brood.

This was an addictive read-in-one-sitting type of romance, and I can’t wait for the next one! Shannon’s brother is up next and he really deserves some love after all he went through for his sister.  

4.5 Suns

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Cover Reveal: Fall With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

It's time!!! Jennifer L. Armentrout's FALL WITH ME cover is here! And you are going to love it! This New Adult Contemporary Romance in Armentrout's With You Saga is the 4th book in the series, and is being published by Avon Romance, an imprint of HarperCollins. You should definitely add it to your Goodreads now.

FALL WITH ME Goodreads

  About FALL WITH ME: Eleven months ago, bartender and weird-shirt-wearing extraordinaire Roxy and Officer Reece Anders had a one night stand. Well, kind of. She’s been in love with him since she was fifteen, and he wishes that night they shared never happened. She’s sworn him off forever, but the past and future collide, forcing her to rely on the one man who broke her heart not once, but twice. Her best friend since birth has been in a long-term care facility since he became a victim of a hate crime years ago, and the person who put him in there is out of prison and wanting to make amends with him and Roxy. She’s not sure she has room for forgiveness in her and when she begins to receive frightening messages and is on the receiving end of escalating violence, she thinks she knows who is to blame. The man who already destroyed one life already. But Reece isn’t convinced. The threats are too personal, and even if Roxy doesn’t believe him, he’s not willing to let anyone hurt her. Including himself. He’s already messed up more than once when it comes to Roxy and he’s not going to let history repeat itself.

And here's the beautiful new cover!

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  About Jennifer L. Armentrout: # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.  

 

Connect with Jennifer L. Armentrout:

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Reaper's Stand by Joanna Wylde

I'm thrilled to be part of the Blog Tour for Reaper's Stand by Joanna Wylde the forth book in this addictive series. As part of my tour stop I have my review, an excerpt and a phenomenal giveaway: $100 Giftcard at winner's choice of book retailer! 

Reaper's Stand (Reaper's MC #4) by Joanna Wylde

Publication Date: October 7th 2014 by Berkley Trade

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

About the book:

As Reapers Motorcycle Club president, Reese “Picnic” Hayes has given his entire life to the club. After losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him. These days, Reese keeps his relationships free and easy—he definitely doesn’t want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady like London Armstrong.

Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.

Besides running her own business, London’s got her junkie cousin’s daughter to look after—a more reckless than average eighteen-year-old. Sure she’s attracted to the Reapers’ president, but she’s not stupid. Reese Hayes is a criminal and a thug. But when her young cousin gets caught up with a ruthless drug cartel, Reese might be the only man who can help her. Now London has to make the hardest decision of her life—how far will she go to save her family?

My Thoughts:

Reaper’s Stand is the forth installment in Joanna Wylde’s Reaper’s Motorcycle Club Series.  I’ve been anxious to get my hands on Reece’s story, the head of the Reaper’s MC, because he definitely needed a steady woman in his life!  Also, I LOVED the last two books, Reaper’s Legacy and Devil’s Game! I enjoyed Picnic/Reece’s overall story, just not as much as the rest of the series.  That’s not to say I don’t recommend this book, because I’m in the minority with my feelings, and I will continue to stalk and read anything Joanna Wylde writes!

Reece lost his wife six years ago to cancer, and since then hasn’t been interested in a serious relationship.  Throughout this series he’s hooked up with many, many girls, usually about the age of his daughters or younger!  He’s been a complete man-whore and hasn’t been ashamed of it at all!  The beginning scene (excerpt below) really ticked me off, but I can understand Reece being hung up after the loss of his wife. However, the owner of the club’s new cleaning service, London, has captured his attention and she’s been on his radar for some months now.  I was thrilled to find out London was actually in his age range, especially for his daughter’s sake, because no daughter wants to witness her father banging his way through her high school class! Gross! Poor Em is all I have to say!

London is a responsible, mature, hardworking woman. She has custody of her teenage cousin, and when Jessica gets herself into trouble, she looks to Reece for help. London wants nothing to do with him personally, she knows Reece’s reputation, but he does light her fires! Unfortunately, Jessica brings trouble of epic proportions and London is faced with terrible choices to get her out of danger. 

Reaper’s Stand may not have been my favorite in the series, but I do have to say it was an addictive read. I blew through it in one day because I HAD to know how it all turned out.  I think one of the reasons I had issues is because the way the story opens up cast a sense of dread over the whole story for me. I think I would’ve been better off not knowing what was coming.

I get the whole MC outlook on sex: free to partake with willing parties with no strings attached.  But I didn’t care for Reece basically shoving it in London’s face. Especially since he had his eye on her in the beginning and then because he was actively pursuing her.  He pulled some pretty dick moves early on. One really ticked me off, but then I warmed up to him. While Reece did infuriate me a few times, I actually liked Reece more than London by the end.

That’s not to say that I didn’t like London, I did.  London cared for her young cousin when she didn’t have to, and stood up for what was right. I actually liked the fact that London dished out some much needed retribution on the dirtbags who caused so much trouble! Guess I’m a little violent!  But she makes a decision that I just didn't understand, and IMO didn't fit with their relationship. I can see going to extremes when your child or loved one is threatened, but London had confided and relied on Reece at this point in the story.  She experienced his care and protection; London knew Reece.  So her decision just didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.  I think it would be super hard for Reece to forgive London or ever trust her again, and after that I had trouble buying into this couple's romance or chances for a future together. Even so, some of his treatment and what he was willing to do to her just turned me off. 

With all that said, I admire the way Joanna Wylde brings out a range of emotions: I’m angry, sad, hot and bothered, swooning and soaring by the end. I’m happy Reece got his steady lady, and I was pleased to get an epilogue several years in the future assuring me very good things.  Love Joanna’s epilogues! I’m totally looking forward to the next book in the series!

3 Suns

Excerpt:

“Are you gonna sit down or not?” he asked.

“I’m really uncomfortable with”—I gestured toward the woman—“this.” “That’s not exactly my problem,” he said, dropping a hand to rest on her head. “But if it’s an issue, you can take her place.”

“No,” I said quickly.

“Then sit the fuck down and tell me why you’re here.”

His voice tightened, and I realized he was running out of patience. Fair enough—he obviously had other things on his . . . ahem . . . mind. I carefully perched on the edge of the couch, facing the door. This was actually better, I realized. I didn’t have to look at him now. Although I could feel the woman’s movements through the furniture frame and that was very creepy.

“My cousin’s daughter is somewhere at this party,” I said quickly. “Her name is Jessica, and she has very poor judgment. I’d really like to get her out of here and home before she does something completely stupid.”

Like set the building on fire.

“You got shit timing.”

I didn’t respond, because what the hell would I say? So far as I knew, Hallmark didn’t make a “Sorry I Interrupted Your Oral Sex” card.

The Reaper's Motorcycle Club Series: 

(Click on title for Goodreads link)

Book 1

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book 2

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Book 3

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

About the author:

Joanna is a freelance writer living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She started writing fiction in 2002, then took a long hiatus to explore other writing opportunities. She returned to fiction in January 2013 with ‘Reaper’s Property’, the first book in the Reapers Motorcycle Club series.

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$100 Gift Card (Winner’s choice of book retailer)