Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Tour and Giveaway - The Fab Life

Blurb
It’s the life I was born to live: billionaire’s daughters, living amongst the rich & famous. But my mom kept me a secret from my dad. Until now.


I am so out of my league. Fancy parties, expensive cars, and a private school for the elite… It sounds like a dream. But everything is not as perfect as it seems on the outside. Here, the secrets are dirty, and the lies comes easy.


Welcome to my fab life.


The Fab Life Links

My Rating: 4/5 Cogs

My Review:

This is such a cute book!  The author did a fantastic job tapping into her inner teenage girl, and I was blown away by just how into it I was.  Much like the heroine, I'm not really a girly girl, and I could really see how being thrown into a situation such as living in a billionaire's mansion would be a difficult transition.

Kihanna is a great leading lady, and I loved how she would take a stand for her own independence and individuality with her new stepmother, although her chosen method (the first time) may have been a bit extreme, I couldn't stop my laughter.

The added suspense was really the icing on the cake.  Someone's out to get Kihanna, but why?  And WHO?!   That extra bit is really what made me, as the reader, crave the next book.

The characters are very likeable and well written.  I was astounded that I ended up falling in love with Kihanna's new pervy step-brother.  The family dynamic is dismal, but it's interesting to read about everyone's story.  What made them this way?  It's nice to know that just because you're rich, life isn't perfect!

If you're into fun and quick YA, this is definitely a book to pick up. 


Author Bio
I am a YA/ NA author, with an addiction to NOS & Red Bull energy drinks. My guilty pleasure is the TV series The Lying Game and The Vampire Diaries. I'm 23 years old. I currently live in St Louis, with my husband of 2 years.


Stalk Links

Excerpt
My palms are sweating, and my heart literally feels like it’s going to beat it’s way out of my chest. I decide that I may vomit before the night is over, but hopefully it won’t be on myself or Ty. I run my hand over the bannister was I walk down the stairs. I keep in there incase I trip, which is very possible. I try to focus on the steps and not on the fact that I’m about to go out of my first date.
Gah. I hate that word. Date. It’s too gray. I like black and white. Nothing about this night is black or white.
I count the steps as I walk down. There are exactly 32 steps from the top floor to the bottom floor. When I get to the bottom, I am forced to look up at Ty. He looks good. Really good. Dammit. He doesn’t look nervous at all. In fact he looks completely cool. Of course he’s cool. He’s probably been out on like a million dates before. Why should he be nervous?
I am relieved to see that he’s wearing jeans and a concert shirt. I didn’t underdress or overdress, and I’m glad I decided to wear jeans. I’m going to ask Toby’s advice more often.
“You look beautiful,” he says, and then hands me a bouquet of purple flowers.
Flowers = date, right?
Ugh, why does this suddenly feel awkward?
I take them from him. I have no idea what kind of flowers they are. I feel like I should know, but it’s not like I frequently get flowers from guys. “Thank you. They are beautiful.”
What am I supposed to do with the flowers? Am I supposed to take them with us? Or am I supposed to leave them here? There should a Dating for Dummies book that covers this. Maybe there is. Memo to self - look it up. I will be more prepared next time.
Next time? Calm down, Kihanna, I tell myself. Let’s get through tonight before we start thinking about a second date.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Rumors

Rumors
By:  Louise Allen


Rating: 4/5 Cogs

Blurb:

What does it matter if society spurns me? Following a disastrous incident at a house party, Lady Isobel Jervis is exiled to the country to avoid further scandal. At the imposing Wimpole Hall, she meets architect Giles Harker. He is as eye-catching as the elegant house, but shockingly arrogant—and infuriatingly dismissive.

Despite himself, Giles is strangely drawn to the haughty Isobel, and stuns her with a secret kiss in the gardens. As the illegitimate son of an infamous scarlet woman, he knows love can be dangerous. Their growing attraction could come at the cost of both their reputations.

Review:


This is a completely cute historical romance of strength and deception.  Isobel is a defiant and strong female lead that doesn't seem to conform to society's norm expectations of women.  I'm so pleased that in the past few days I've read two different historical romances with completely strong and independent female leads.  Thank you Harlequin!!  It's so refreshing to not have a meek and shy little girl being saved by some rake.  It's a refreshing chance for some strong historical women!

Isobel and Giles have a love that's unique to them, but, due to society, they're not a suitable match.  Giles has a questionable heritage, and Isobel is the daughter of an Earl.  I was taken aback by how Giles held his love from Isobel in order to protect her and make their separation easier.  It showed the full extent of his strength of character and his great moral compass - regardless of his birthright.

Isobel's secret is shocking and the end will take you for a spin, but the story is well written with a fabulous cast.  Another book for historical readers everywhere! 


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.”

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Tour and Giveaway - Matchpoint

SERIES SPOTLIGHT:

An Affair to Dismember
Book One of the Matchmaker Series

Three months has been Gladie Burger's limit when it comes to staying in one place: She's always been a temp agency kind of girl, ever ready to move on. That's why Gladie is more than a little skeptical when her eccentric Grandma Zelda recruits her to the family business in the quaint small town of Cannes, California. Gladie is also highly unqualified: Her beloved grandmother's business is matchmaking, and Gladie has a terrible track record with romance. Still, despite evidence to the contrary, Zelda is convinced that her granddaughter has "the gift." But when the going gets tough, Gladie wonders if this gift has a return policy.

When Zelda's neighbor drops dead in his kitchen, Gladie is swept into his bizarre family's drama. Despite warnings from the (distractingly gorgeous) chief of police to steer clear of his investigation, Gladie is out to prove that her neighbor's death was murder. It's not too long before she's in way over her head—with the hunky police chief, a dysfunctional family full of possible killers, and yet another mysterious and handsome man, whose attentions she's unable to ignore. Gladie is clearly being pursued—either by true love or by a murderer. Who will catch her first?

AVAILABLE AT:  Amazon | B&N | Indie Bound | BAM | iTunes


Matchpoint
Book Two of the Matchmaker Series

Lovably troublesome Gladie Burger runs into sizzling danger and a fiery love triangle in the second installment of Elise Sax's hilarious and sexy Matchmaker romance series.
Since joining the family matchmaking business run by her eccentric Grandma Zelda, Gladie is always looking for love. But when an unbearable toothache knocks her out of commission and into the dentist's chair, she prays only for relief. No such luck. Emerging from an anesthetic haze, Gladie awakes to find that not only is her tooth still throbbing, but her dentist is dead—and the lead suspect in the murder, office receptionist Belinda, just so happens to be Gladie's first real client. Now it's up to Gladie to find Belinda a manand keep her from being locked up behind bars.
As if that weren't enough distraction, two gorgeous men are vying for Gladie's attention: Spencer, the playboy chief of police, and Holden, Gladie's secretive, gorgeously muscled neighbor. Still, Gladie's not complaining about having a helping hand or two when the case leads her to a dangerously bizarre cult. She may have met her match—and if she's not careful, it could be her last.

AVAILABLE AT:  Amazon | B&N | Indie Bound | BAM | iTunes

Check out the MATCHPOINT trailer:  http://youtu.be/HIO1MTit7Ww



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elise Sax worked as a journalist for fifteen years, mostly in Paris, France. She took a detour from journalism and became a private investigator before trying her hand at writing fiction. She lives in Southern California with her two sons. An Affair to Dismember is her first novel.

Connect with Elise:










TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Elise is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:
GRAND PRIZE:  $50.00 Amazon gift card
2nd Prize:  $10.00 Amazon gift card
3rd Prize:  $10.00 Amazon gift card
Elise Sax MATCHPOINT Blog Tour Schedule - July 28 - August 31



7/28- Romance Junkies

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - 7/30
Book Monster Reviews

Book Lovin' Mamas

Cocktails and Books

Mama's Reading Break

Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews

Why I Can't Stop Reading

Literal Addiction

KT Book Reviews

A Tiffy-Fit Reading Corner

7/31- Sassy Book Lovers

8/01- Babbling About Books

8/02- Romancing the Book

8/03- Let's Get Romantical

8/05- Bookin' it Reviews

8/06- Wicked Reading by Tawania

8/08- Offbeat Vagabond

8/11-Mad Hatter Reads

8/12- Hesperia Loves Books

8/15- United by Books


8/16- A Tiffy-Fit's Reading Corner

8/19- Underworld Love Addiction

8/20- You Gotta Read Reviews

8/21- Book Monster Reviews

8/24- Kelly P's Blog

8/27- Why I Can't Stop Reading

8/28- Snarkology

8/29- Literal Addiction

8/30- Salacious Reads

8/31- Queen of All She Reads


Review: Defiant in the Viking's Bed

Defiant in the Viking's Bed
By: Joanna Fulford


Rating: 4/5 Cogs

Blurb:

Consumed by revenge—and desire! Captured by his enemy and chained like a dog, Leif Egilsson has one thought in his mind: revenge. He'll no longer be beguiled by the treacherous beauty of Lady Astrid, and her innocence, which he so craved, will finally be his.

On his escape, this fierce, proud Viking is bent on making her pay the price of her betrayal—in his bed! Only, Astrid has the heart of a warrior, and she will not be tamed as easily as he believes….

Victorious Vikings

No man could defeat them. Three women would defy them!

Review:

I'm a complete sucker for a Viking, so I snagged this book immediately when I saw it available for review - and I am so pleased that I did!  This historical gem is well written and easy to fall in love with.  Leif and Astrid are a fantastic couple and I had a great time joining in on their adventure.

I found Astrid a great leading lady.  So often in historical romances, the women are demure and shy, but this hellion of a woman gave her Viking a run for his money.  She is strong and even-headed, which amazes me with the intense situations that occur in this story.  I loved the fact that Astrid wouldn't bow down to Leif, she fought back with everything she had, which gave her the ultimate prize - the respect and love from what seemed like a cold Viking heart.

The characters are so well developed and the scenery is amazing.  At times I felt like I was there with them, which is one of my favourite aspects of historical romance.  There were times where I was cheering for Astrid, then others where I wanted to bop Leif in the head.  It is unbelievably difficult to not get involved with this two headstrong characters.

This is a book for all historical fans, I highly recommend you read it!


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.”

Review: Escaping Reality

Escaping Reality
By:  Lisa Renee Jones


Rating: 4/5 Cogs

Blurb:

Infinite possibilities….
Infinite passion…..
Infinite danger….

His touch spirals through me, warm and sweet, wicked and hot. I shouldn’t trust him. I shouldn’t tell him my secrets. But how do I not when he is the reason I breathe? He is what I need.


At the young age of eighteen, tragedy and a dark secret force Lara to flee all she has known and loves to start a new life. Now years later, with a new identity as Amy, she’s finally dared to believe she is forgotten–even if she cannot forget. But just when she lets down her guard, the ghosts of her past are quick to punish her, forcing her back on the run.

On a plane, struggling to face the devastation of losing everything again and starting over, Amy meets Liam Stone, a darkly entrancing recluse billionaire, who is also a brilliant, and famous, prodigy architect. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And what he wants is Amy. Refusing to take “no” as an answer, he sweeps her into a passionate affair, pushing her to her erotic limits. He wants to possess her. He makes her want to be possessed. Liam demands everything from her, accepting nothing less. But what if she is too devastated by tragedy to know when he wants more than she should give? And what if there is more to Liam than meets the eyes?

Review:


Wow!  This book catches you in quickly and doesn't let you go.  Liam and Amy are an electric couple, and sparks fly once they meet on the airplane taking Amy to her new life.  There are so many secrets in this book that it's amazing these two breathe, let alone spend any time together.  I felt like a fly on the wall, learning about these two shrouded characters.

The characters were realistic and well developed.  It's difficult to review without spoilers, due to it's crazy ending, but I was amazed by the level of shock that was inflicted upon me when I find out these two have even more secrets that they're hiding from one another.  There's so much left in this story that I just want to know!  None of the characters in this book are what they seem, but I can't quite put my finger on what exactly is going on quite yet. 

I had so much fun with this story, and it's definitely a great start to a new series.  Trust me when I say, the ending will leave you wanting so much more!  I can't wait to read the next installment!


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.”

Monday, July 29, 2013

Tour and Giveaway - Moonlight

About Moonlight, book 1 in The Moon Series

Rancher Adam Sloan is more than meets the eye. As the heir to his Pack, the sexy werewolf's biggest challenge is keeping his kin's true nature under wraps. But a group of jaguar shifters threatens to reveal the pack, blasting into town killing humans in plain sight. And when he smells one at the local diner, his standing orders are to take her out.

Lana Turpin doesn't realize she's a moving target. Raised in the foster system, she only knows that she blacks out during the new moon and wakes up without remembering a thing. But now she's being tracked by some strange organization that wants her back--even though she's never stepped foot inside their compound. And the stranger across the diner is watching her like an enemy.

It should be a simple mission for Adam, but when he touches the frustratingly beautiful Lana, his inner wolf howls...mate. Now, the two must find and stop the people who hunt her...and Adam must keep his own family from killing the only woman he will ever love.

"A fabulous read. Lisa Kessler is an up and coming author to remember!"
Sherrilyn Kenyon #1 NYT Bestselling Author of the Dark-Hunter Series






About the Author

Lisa Kessler is an award-winning author of dark paranormal fiction. Her debut novel, Night Walker, won a San Diego Book Award for best Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror, and many other awards. Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award. Lisa lives in southern California with her husband and two amazing kids. Visit her at:


My Rating: 5/5 Cogs

My Review:

Wow, what a ride!  From the first moment the author drags you into a volatile world of wolf and jaguar shifters that are in an all out war with one another, but adds a romance not unlike that of Romeo and Juliet - just a little more paranormal and a lot more happily ever after.  I absolutely devoured this book in just a few short hours.  I wasn't able to put it down.  The forbidden love between Adam and Lana is intoxicating, and I readily admit I was quickly drunk with the sweetness of their misunderstood love.

This book has a little of everything.  There were moments where I laughed, a time that I cried, and many circumstances where I was sitting at the edge of my seat with my kindle in my face, completely lost in this paranormal romance. 

The characters were solid and extremely well developed.  Even the villain was well developed, and oddly, likeable.  I actually wouldn't mind to read a little bit more about the problems between Sasha and Sabastian!  Perhaps in one of the later books in the series - I hope!

The author started this series out with a bang, and I am sure that it'll only get better from here!  Highly recommended for paranormal lovers all over!

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.”






Giveaway

To celebrate the Moonlight launch, Lisa's giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, a bullet necklace that's just like Adam's, a Moonlight cover necklace, and the Night series in ebook format.