Sunday, June 30, 2013

Review - Wilde Nights in Paradise


Wilde Nights in Paradise
By: Tonya Burrows

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blurb:
 
He’ll guard her body all night long.

Former Marine Jude Wilde’s motto has always been “burn bridges and never look back,” so nobody is more surprised when Wilde Security is hired to protect assistant district attorney Libby Pruitt, the woman he loved and left. Although she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with Jude, they’re forced to fake a relationship for her safety. He can’t ignore the heat still simmering between them, and when her stalker’s threats escalate to attempted murder, he’s left with no choice but to whisk her away to a friend’s safe house in Key West, FL.

Cooped up in paradise together, Jude begins to chip away at Libby’s resolve to hate him. But even as she gives in to his proximity and her body’s demands for his, she refuses to fall for his charms again. Maybe a torrid affair in the sun is exactly what she needs to get him out of her system. But when her stalker tracks them down, can they escape the steamy Key West night without anyone getting hurt? 

Review:

This was my second book by Ms Tonya Burrows, so I went in with high expectations, because I absolutely loved her book "Seal of Honor."  I was definitely not disappointed!  There was a little less suspense in this novel, but a lot more steam!  Overall, I feel that there was a great mix of suspense and romance, and surprisingly, neither of these aspects overtook the novel.  I'm so impressed by how well balanced this book was.
I also liked the aspect of HORNET being mentioned, as well as Seth.  Even though it's technically not in the same series as "Seal of Honor," the mention was endearing, and it made the book seem a little more integrated into reality for me.

I loved the story line!  I especially loved Jude.  He was such a sweet and honorable man, hidden behind his own angst.  I loved it when he finally let his guard down and allowed himself to love Libby the way they both deserved.
This is a fantastic author, and I can't wait to read more from both of her series!  I definitely think Seth needs a nice woman *hint hint*.

If you're into military men, READ THIS BOOK!  You won't be disappointed.

~~
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Tour and Giveaway - Savor Me




TOUR GIVEAWAY INFO:
Kailin is giving away a signed mini poster of Devour Me and Savor Me and a $10 Amazon gift Card at the end of her tour to one lucky winner.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT INFO:


SAVOR ME
Master Chefs, #2

Giving up her dreams in Paris and returning to New York, Taryn Cummings finds herself immersed in the running of her family's restaurant and her life as she knew it before her arrangement with celebrity Chef Errol King.  As she delve back into her old life, her heart is still in Paris...along with Chef Errol King.

Amazon Link:


About Kailin
Kailin Gow uses her author platform to bring awareness to issues affecting young adult and women. She has appeared on national radio as a regular guest and speaker on topics such as body image, self-esteem, dating and sexual relationships, bullying, and more; often brought up in her fiction books for young adults and women. She is a graduate of the Annenberg School for Communications Masters in Management program in journalism, marketing and publishing at the University of Southern California.
Kailin Gow is active in her community, and has donated her time and resources to organizations helping women and children.  She is also a member of the Independent Publisher’s Association, helping independent authors through education and networking.

Check out Kailin's Website for her complete backlist and you can also find her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads





SAVOR ME Blog Tour:  June 25 - JUly 1

6/25 - Kelly Powell's Blog

6/25 - Kristina's Books & More

6/26 - Smoldering Heat

6/26 - Saucy & Sinful Reviews

6/27 - KT Book Reviews

6/27 - Nocturne Reads

6/28 - Books-N-Kisses

6/28 - Book Monster Reviews

6/28 - Sandwich Making Book Bitches

6/29 - Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews

6/29 - Mama's Reading Break

6/30 - Book Lovin' Mamas

6/30 - The Boyfriend Bookmark

7/01 - Deal Sharing Aunt
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, June 28, 2013

Broken Prince Blog Tour


 

Title: Broken Prince (Book 2 of The Broken Ones)
Author: Jen Wylie
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy
Tour Host:Lady Amber's Tours



Synopsis:
Sometimes, when you're broken, you can heal on your own. Sometimes, you need the help of your friends, your family, and the people you love. Keeping those pieces together when the world seems intent on ripping you apart is the greatest challenge of all. Especially when the ones you love, the ones who hold you together, start falling apart themselves.
Arowyn and her family continue on their journey to return the Elven Prince, Shael, to his homeland before he fades and dies. A journey full of triumph and horror, love and sorrow, rips them apart with every fighting moment, and yet brings them together as a family. They don’t allow the prophecy to rule their lives. Some don’t believe, some don’t care.  Prophecies aren’t written in stone. Events can change. People can change. They are only words. From besieged cites, to the elusive Were and wild Fey, nothing quite prepares them to face their deadliest of enemies, one they didn't know existed.

Excerpt:
Damon knelt before them.
"Will she get better? Will she…" Prince’s voice trailed off.
Her eyes locked on Damon’s face as he regarded her thoughtfully. His hand came up and she flinched as it rested on the top of her head. No pain came. She felt…nothing. If he tried to speak to her, she couldn’t hear him.
"No," he said finally. "There has been damage to the brain. There is bleeding and swelling inside."
Prince’s cry startled her, almost as much as the sudden clutching of his arms around her. "Can you do anything," he choked out. "Please, I am responsible. I can not…I will pay–"
Damon chuckled. "It is not your life that needs saving." He stared at Prince for a long moment. "I see." He shook his head. "Perhaps I was wrong and she isn’t the one. I read so few pages of the book." He turned to Kei.
"No," the Fey said. "I don’t remember."
"Pity."
"Dragos, I beg of you," Prince began again.
"The Elven prince begs, and for a human. How very far you have fallen." He looked down at her again.
Blinking up at him, she tried to get her scattered thoughts to work. She’d barely comprehended what he’d said past the inference she was dying. The words sent an icy chill through her body. Terror crawled through her, speeding her heart. Sweat broke out on her forehead and all she could hear was her increasingly frantic breathing.
Kei startled her, leaning forward over her to press a kiss to her forehead. She tilted her head back, trying to see him.
"I’m with you."
Damon’s fingers brushes her cheek, drawing her attention back to him. "Do you wish to live, young Arowyn?"
Words refused to pass her lips. Somehow she managed to nod. She didn’t know what the cost would be, certainly there would be one. Right then, she didn’t care. Rot it all, she wanted to live!
"Very well." He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment. "Dragos rarely heal others. I do know the magic, but it is difficult. Your story has barely begun. I find I would actually attempt it, just to see what you might become and how it will unfold."
He sat back and gestured to the pile of furs next to him. "Lay her down. This will take some time and I’ll need no distractions."
Prince carefully set her amongst the furs, arranging her arms so her hands rested on her chest, tucking stray locks of hair behind her ears. Leaning forward, he rested his forehead for a moment against hers.
"Get well, Arowyn."
Bo appeared next, smoothing the hair back on the top of her head and squeezing one of her hands. "You can do this, pup."
Garen pressed his wet nose against her temple. If he spoke, she didn’t hear him.
Kei pushed the wolf aside and took her face in his hands. His eyes glowed with that strange orange inner light. Tears streaked down his cheeks. Despite the awkward position he leaned down and held her close for a moment. "Remember our promises," he whispered in her. "I’m always with you." He choked on a sob and squeezed her tightly again. "I love you," he whispered fiercely before quickly pulling away.
She wished she could speak. More than anything, she wanted to tell him she loved him, too. She wanted to tell all of them she did. Tears filled her eyes and slid down her face.
Damon knelt beside her and turned her head to look at him. "I will do what I can," he said. "However I can’t guarantee it will work. I have never tried to heal a human before. Understand?"
She managed a faint nod and pressed her quivering lips together.
He glanced up and gestured the others away. "Stand back and be silent." His eyes found hers again. "Don’t fight me this time, little one. Fall into my eyes…"
Blinking once more to clear the tears away, she tried to do as he asked. Damon’s eyes were strange enough she found it not difficult to stare. They had vertical slits and no whites at all. The iridescent color was a wash of blue-green with streaks of gold and red. The colors began to swirl, making her dizzy as she tried to watch them. A comforting thrum emanated from his chest, soothing her as his power wrapped around her. Her thoughts drifted into nothing.

Rating: 5/5 stars!!!

Review:
This was such an epic book. I have to say that when you read a book and are captivated from front to back with emotions, it cant be anything but spectacular. The characters were so well written and focused on that you could really feel what they were going through as if it were a movie. I loved seeing the journey they embarked on to get the Prince home. It was filled with lots of adventure to keep anyone interested but also a love story that will just make you crumble. 

I recommend this series to anyone who loves a good fantasy. (Which I am sucker for) I cant wait to see what is in store next. Jen has become one of my all time favorite authors with this series. I absolutely adore it!


Author Bio:
Jen Wylie resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her  two boys, Australian shepherd and a disagreeable amount of wildlife. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.
Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.
Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories.
Links:
My website: www.jenwylie.com
My blog: http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @jen_wylie
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4499919.Jen_Wylie
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Wylie/151266004895266
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Jen-Wylie/e/B004HQ9XD8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Buy Links:
Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Prince-Ones-ebook/dp/B00D3ULYPO

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Prince-Ones-ebook/dp/B00D3ULYPO
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17875919-broken-prince
Book One Broken Aro is on sale for 0.99
http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Aro-The-Ones-ebook/dp/B009B37VQS




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Tour and Giveaway - Suddenly Beautiful


Suddenly Beautiful
by Boone Brux

Synopsis

Being the son of Aphrodite isn’t a walk in the clouds. Rebelling against his demi-god status, billionaire make-up mogul Toraos Stephanos fights to separate his personal life and the immortal world by swearing off demi-god girlfriends forever. Too bad his newest employee can't take the hint.

Though Nikki secretly pines for her smoking hot boss, no way will she jeopardize her job and independence professing her love to a guy so clearly out of her league. Too bad that leaves her with only imagining him naked and thinking evil thoughts about the new girl.

After a single bottle of Ambrosia and one night of passion... Nikki finally thinks she has a chance with the man of her dreams. But the next morning, Tor pretends like nothing happened, leaving Nikki with an emerging drive for combat—after all, turns out she is the daughter of Ares and she's about to make her mama proud.

All is fair in love and war... and Nikki's not about to let anyone forget it.


Buy Links:

Goodreads
Barnes and Noble

Author Bio:

As a multi-published and an award winning author, Boone's writing drips with experiences from real life.

Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it's not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra.

Be warned, anyone and everything is fodder for one of Boone's novels.

My Review
Rating: 4/5 Stars
This book was completely adorable and exactly what I needed to get over a book hangover.  The author did a fantastic job mixing laugh out loud moments with her romance, causing me to devour this book almost as quickly as I was able to get it onto my kindle. 
When I first realized who Nikki's father is, I knew I was in for a great time.  When I'm reading a romance novel that I know includes Greek Gods, I assume there's going to be an over abundance of Aphrodite.  Although Aphrodite has her own role in this novel, Nikki's father just was an unexpected and hilarious surprise for me.  I loved her interactions with him!  I was hardly able to contain the laughter as I read their back-and-forth argumentative conversations.
Tor is a sweet, but stubborn man - absolutely perfect for Nikki.  They fought hard (and dirty, in Nikki's case) to have a chance for their love to flourish.
This is a very fun and quick read that should be on the bookshelves of anyone that enjoys a contemporary romance with a paranormal twist.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




Link To Find Boone Online:

Website
Twitter
Facebook




Blog Tour Schedule
June 17th, 2013 (Monday)
My Krazy Obsession       
 
June 18th, 2013 (Tuesday)         
Fade Into Fantasy           
 
June 18th, 2013 (Tuesday)         
Jeannie zelos book reviews         
 
June 19th, 2013 (Wednesday)   
Read-Love-Blog               
 
June 20th, 2013 (Thursday)       
Butterfly-o-Meter Books              
 
June 21st, 2013 (Friday)              
Kindle and Me  
June 24th, 2013 (Monday)          
RhiReading       
 
June 25th, 2013 (Tuesday)         
The Smutty Kitty
 
June 25th, 2013 (Tuesday)         
Books Glorious Books    
June 26th, 2013 (Wednesday)   
Mama's Reading Break
 
June 27th, 2013 (Thursday)       
In Shadows        
June 27th, 2013 (Thursday)       
Picked by Poison             
 
June 28th, 2013 (Friday)             
Random Musings of a Curious Mind
                                
July 1st, 2013 (Monday)
The Book Cellar
 
July 1st, 2013 (Monday)
Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews
 
July 1st, 2013 (Monday)
Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More
 
July 1st, 2013 (Monday)
Scorching Book Reviews
 
July 2nd, 2013 (Tuesday)
Flirting with Romance
 
July 3rd, 2013 (Wednesday)
Seeing Night Reviews    
 
July 4th, 2013 (Thursday)           
Manga Maniac Cafe        
 
July 5th, 2013 (Friday)
Romantic Reads and Such           

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review - Kiss Me In Paris

Kiss Me In Paris
By: Kimberly Kinrade

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blurb:

When the city of love brings two lost souls together, only their darkest secrets can tear them apart.

Winter Deveaux tried love once. It didn't end well. Unable to open herself up to another heartbreak, she hides in her romance novels as she struggles to write her own book. When she's given a chance to live her dream to study in Paris, only one thing stands in her way: her inability to write about a love she's never experienced.

Cade Savage is heir to the largest ranching family in Texas. Part cowboy, part architect, Cade has his feet forever in two different worlds. When he receives an acceptance letter from the school of his dreams, he must decide between family and destiny.

Will the magic of Paris pull these two lost souls together and toward their dreams? Or will the reality of their painful pasts destroy what could be a happily ever after?

**Book 1 in the Kiss Me Series. Travel with the Deveaux sisters as they find love, and trouble, in all the right places.**

Review:

I had the privilege to be a beta reader for this book, and I waited for weeks with baited breath to read this novel.  By the time I finally got the book, I was so worried that I had built it up so much in my head that I would be disappointed once I finally read the finished product.  I WAS WRONG.  Even with the highest expectations, I was completely blown away by this book.

Winter and Cade are an amazing couple!  Both characters are extremely well developed and well rounded.  By the end of the book, I felt like I truly knew them, they just seemed so real to me.  Both of them have a colorful past, but together they're able to work through the heartbreak of the past and move forward to a brighter and happier future.

These pasts are so heartbreaking.  Get tissues!  This book is actually the first book of the year that's made me cry.  The story is so touching, but has such heartbreaking moments.  Winter and Cade deserve one another, just based on how the horrors of their pasts building them into such strong and capable individuals.

This book is definitely on par with everything I've read from this amazing author, and I can't wait to read more about the other sisters and they're travels around the world finding love.

Definitely highly recommended.  One of the best contemporary romances I've ever read!!

~~

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Tour and Giveaway - Norse Jewel



Norse Jewel, a Viking romance

How much would you pay for love and surrender?

A stolen woman of rare qualities…
AD 1022…Helena wants her freedom. The Frankish maid wasn’t born a slave but marauding Danes have taken her. She’s desperate to escape their camp. Her savior comes as a fierce Norse chieftain, Hakan, who takes her to the far, icy north.

A powerful warrior who’s lived by the sword…
Hakan wants to lay down his sword and live a peaceful farmer’s life. Betrayal left him cold to other women, yet his heart thaws to clever Helena. Her tender ways lure him, weaving kindness into his hard life. But, happiness is short lived. Deceit and old loyalties vex the warrior, calling on his sword.

A clash of cultures amidst a kingdom in transition…
War erupts…a kingdom’s in the balance. Can Hakan defend his homeland and keep the woman he loves?



Buy Links:
On Amazon: http://amzn.to/11ig4OX
On B&N: http://bit.ly/176y4kk
On Kobo: http://bit.ly/18IG7V7
On iTunes: http://bit.ly/121Cksb

Gina’s Bio:

Growing up, Gina wanted to be an author. Fast forward past college, into the working world, marriage with two boys, and that’s when she discovered sleep’s a luxury. With shelves of history books and a fertile imagination, it didn’t take long for her to put the movies playing in her head on paper. Ever the introvert, she was thrilled to partner with her excellent agent, Sarah E. Younger of NYLiterary, because that’s when the fun really began.

When not exploring adventure and romance on the page, she enjoys life in southern California with her husband and two sons. She credits her mom with helping her love a good story, but her husband saw the light in her eyes when it came to writing romance. He gets extra credit for being a great kisser and uber supportive…plus he tolerates her wild hairs for organic gardening, visits to crumbling castles, and meanders through musty museums.

If you’re meandering the cyber world, Gina welcomes your visits: http://www.ginaconkle.com

My Review:

Rating: 5/5 Stars

On a rare occasion I enjoy a book so much that it invades my dreams.  This was one of those occasions.  Perhaps I was just able to relate to Helena so much since we share a name, but I absolutely loved this book and now am on a quest to find more books similar to it.

The story and imagery portrayed in this book are fantastic.  I loved the descriptions of the Norse land and homes.  Just from the descriptions, I craved to live in a more simple time!  The descriptions of the beautiful clothes that Helena made, as well as the clothes, really brought an authentic feel to this historical romance.

Hakan is a strong and worthy hero in this novel.  The fact that he’s untouchable and refuses to love adds to that appeal.  Although he appears to be gruff, it’s apparent he has a tender heart from the way he seeks out his ex-wife in order to gain custody of his son.  The interactions between Hakan and Erik are adorable, showing a tender and caring side of Hakan.

Helena is a great character!  She’s tender and crafty and although she doesn’t want to stay with Hakan, she does whatever she can to please him – whether it’s a backrub or a headache potion that she had learned from her apothecary father.  Perhaps I was a bit biased since she and I share a name, but I found Helena insanely easy to relate to.  No matter what life throws at her, all she wants is to be with her family and her fiancĂ©.

This book was a great read.  It kept me up half the night, I just had to finish it!  I’ve already started recommending it to friends, so come on folks!  Read this!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”