Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Blog Tour - The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard | Spreading the Word & Giveaway

Title : "The Forgotten Ones"

Author : Laura Howard

Genre : New Adult Fantasy

Series : The Danaan Trilogy #1

Published : April 28, 2013


Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.



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Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Made the Grade: Wicked Shores Series, Book 1

Format: eBook | File Size: 1.5 MB | Release Date: December 24, 2013 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Samhain Publishing | Originally Found Out About @ Jodi Redford's Facebook Page

"Three Ways to Wicked" [Wicked Shores Series, Book 1] by Jodi Redford

Author's Book Description : Three ingredients for a hot summer: sun, sand, and sizzling sex.

Following a nasty breakup with her ex, Kayla English is eager to get her erotic writing mojo back on track. Except progress on her current book has flatlined, right along with her belief in happily-ever-after.

Solution? Two weeks of solitude in the Florida sun thanks to some friends' generous offer to house-sit their place on the beach. She didn't count on having roommates--or on getting the sexiest peepshow of her life.

Seven years after an intimate encounter rocked their worlds, business partners Tyler Bishop and Gibb Masters have kept things strictly in the friend zone. A recent storm has left them homeless, though. They figure moving into Ty’s parents’ place is preferable to roughing it elsewhere, even if it means resisting the temptation to slip between the sheets with Kayla…and each other.

As the days heat up, so does their three-way attraction. But when emotions run deeper than any of them expect, three wary hearts must decide if it’s worth the risk to write their own HEA.

Warning: This book brings the dirty. We're talking dirty sex in an outdoor shower, on a boat, and on the kitchen counter with a dirty-mouthed Casanova. In other words, all the good stuff with a side of glow-in-the-dark body paint.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this sweet erotic romance is about three long-time friends coming to terms with their feelings for one another, and when they do, it'll change all their lives for the better! Together the dreams they've always craved will come true!

Tyler (Ty), Kayla (Kay), & Gibb are good friends but even better lovers. They allow each other the opportunity to be who they are supposed to be, while getting over past hurts in their lives. Kay gets the best of both worlds with Ty being the "dirty-mouthed Casanova" and Gibb being the protective/sweet-type. Together the three of them fall in love while providing a lot of interesting sexual exploits for you to enjoy!

My only wish is that the plot flowed a bit better, as it seemed to go a little to slow in some parts while a bit to fast in others. Nevertheless, I loved the characters and can't wait to see where this series will take us!

I recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys erotic three-way romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author or the Author's Characters : November 2011 | February 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : That Voodoo You Do | The Naughty List | Maximum Witch | Getting Familiar With Your Demon | Cat Scratch Fever | Breaking Bad

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Jess' Update :: September 20th 2011 | Winter Themed Books To Warm You Up During the 2011 Holiday Season | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2012 | Teaser Tuesdays: Breaking Bad | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Welcome to Small Business Saturday/Week

Author's Novel Extras : Three Ways to Wicked Reviewer ARCs!

Book Teaser(s) :
They pulled into the driveway directly behind Kayla. Not a moment too soon, considering Gibb was sporting the bluest balls known to mankind. He killed the Bronco’s engine and pocketed the keys before hopping outside. Looking to hide his anxiousness, he deliberately kept his posture loose and casual as he approached Kay. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Ty reveling in a knowing smirk. Asshole was thoroughly enjoying testing Gibb’s threshold for sexual torment.
Kay clicked her car door shut and turned toward them with a readied smile. Something in Gibb’s expression must have ratted out his state of mind because her eyes widened several fractions. So much for his bullshit attempt at pretending he wasn’t frothing at the mouth to get intimately acquainted with her pussy again. Her lips parted, but before any words could slip free, the solitary thread comprising his frayed control unraveled, and he nudged her against the Camry’s doorframe. ~ within Chapter 10
She couldn’t imagine not waking up every day in their arms, just content in knowing her world was a wonderful place because they resided within it.
But that’s precisely what she had to look forward to after this week. Endless days without Ty and Gibb.
Throat tight with emotion, she settled her purse on the floor and went to inspect the paints. Dropping onto her haunches, she unscrewed the cap of the closest jar and eyed its bright blue contents. “Ooh, I get to make you guys into Smurfs!”
Ty groaned. “You didn’t just say that.”
“Okay, how about that dude from Avatar?”
“Better.”
Before she could tease Ty any further, Gibb shut off the lights, sealing them in an expansive dark wonderland backdropped by a glowing neon rainforest. Her delighted gasp sneaking loose, she lifted to her feet and gaped at the intricate pattern of foliage decorating the opposite wall. The effect was so realistic she swore the fern fronds would rustle beneath her fingertips. ~ within Chapter 14
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Jodi, then please check out her website.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Made the Grade: The Reckless Brides Series, Book 3.5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1147 KB | Expected Release Date: October 8, 2013 | Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Scandal Before Christmas" [The Reckless Brides Series, Book 3.5] by Elizabeth Essex

Author's Book Description : Lieutenant Ian Worth needs a wife by Christmas, and he can’t afford to be choosy. He has to find her, woo her, and wed her before he goes back to sea—all within a matter of days. Anne Lesley is a shy spinster with no prospects, and nothing and no one to recommend her but her own self. She accepts the lieutenant’s hasty offer only for the comfort and security it will bring. But when a midwinter storm snows her and Ian in, they both find they got much more than they bargained for—laughter, light, and a Christmas filled with honest to goodness true love...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this is a sweet historical romance that keeps entertained while allowing you to enjoy catching up with favorite past characters.

Ian and Anne's story is charming in the way that they become friends, to confidants, to lovers. Plus it helped that they have similar interests.

All in all, I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the series and to those who enjoy historical (slightly erotic) romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Almost a Scandal | Feasted On: Eloisa's Fairy Tales Series, Book 4 | The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2012 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : The Scandal Before Christmas - Overview & Excerpt | Pinterest: The Scandal Before Christmas

Author's Series Extras : Almost A Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | A Breath of Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | Scandal in the Night - Overview & Excerpt | After the Scandal - Overview & Excerpt | Pinterest: Almost a Scandal | Pinterest: A Breath of Scandal | Pinterest: Scandal in the Night | Pinterest: After the Scandal

Book Teaser(s) :
"Well, you have your marching orders, Miss Lesley," he said for her ears alone as he ushered her out the door of the dining room. "You are hereby required to contribute more than two words as you inspect the premises. Or perhaps you might defer them until some later time. Perhaps in the morning, on another walk, when we march resolutely toward the village of St. Helens."
His teasing had goaded her into looking at him then, giving him a glimpse of heat firing in the depths of her eye. "As you wish, lieutenant."
The words were quiet, but hot.
"Four already. But I shan't let you off that lightly. And you did promise not to call me lieutenant."
"I never did."
She was so resolutely battened down, he could feel his own sail shaking loose to run before the wind. "Ian," he insisted, just as determined as she. But he was determined to find out what made the quiet, serious Miss Lesley tick. So far, her pleasure was limited to walking.
"Sir---"
"Ian. Give it a try." He gave her his best, most winning smile---the one that made barmaids forget to charge him for his beer, and offer up other delights instead.
And it was working. She was having trouble keeping her determined look in order---she had to keep pursing her lips. "I---"
"Almost. Almost. But you didn't say 'sir,' so I shan't object any more this evening. This way." ~ within Chapter 5
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Elizabeth, then please check out her website.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Made the Grade: Ashes by Sarah Gilman

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 200 KB | Expected Release Date: December 30, 2013 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Covet | Obtained: NetGalley

"Ashes" by Sarah Gilman

Author's Book Description : Accidents happen for a reason...

Journalist Ambrosia Pellerin accepts an assignment involving the legendary phoenix, expecting, if nothing else, a little entertainment. Instead, she winds up pregnant—by a surprisingly human-looking firebird, Reece Bennu.

As the Phoenix prince, Reece is next in line to the throne and expected to marry a purebred royal. A common human such as Ambrosia is not in the cards. He swears, though, he’ll never be an absentee father.

As Ambrosia’s due date grows closer, so do the soon-to-be parents. But will their tentative love survive the prejudice of Reece’s grandmother, who will stop at nothing to tear the two apart?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, two people unite in an unexpected and unpredictable way, and then they try to navigate around the multitude of complications that arise from the fallout...

At first, I wasn't sure about the way Ambrosia and Reece's lives get together, as it is out of the ordinary in ways that make you second-guess what you're reading in the novel. In addition, you will probably only enjoy this novel if you just go with the flow and have an open mind, as I did. Nevertheless, it was fun falling into Ms. Gilman's "firebird world" and maneuvering through the nuances of it all.

I did like Ambrosia and Reece as a couple. Yet, I wasn't completely happy with the way that the plot flowed. I mean this novel went from one worry (an obsessed person trying to find out more about firebirds) straight to another (Ambrosia getting involved into Reece's world and all that implies) without, really, any resolutions for the first worry, I mean what happened with that guy.

Overall though, I did enjoy how this novel wraps up, it was very sweet.

I recommend this novel to anyone who has an open mind and enjoys paranormal romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Book Teaser(s) :
A large gathering of civilians knelt nearby—not their typical behavior at the sacred sight. Usually, they prayed alone or in small groups at the Tree’s roots and offered gifts, such as herbs and flowers and hair clippings and wine, and left. What on earth was going on?
Ambrosia, Celeste, and William stood closer to the Tree, beneath a low branch covered in pale green, fresh leaves and white flowers.
He froze and gooseflesh covered his arms.
Join us, a ghostly voice, the perfect blend of masculine and feminine, whispered into Reece’s mind. The Tree.
He shook his head and murmured, “Why have you done this?”
Why not? The Tree sounded hurt.
“I’ve just met this woman, for one thing.”
And you’ve done nothing but think about her since the moment you first saw her—not just the pregnancy, but her hair and the little mole on her earlobe and the feisty way she never backs down—
“Make your point.”
You know what your problem is? You don’t care that she’s human, but all you think about is that you can’t have her, that you need to hold out for a phoeness. Now, even a pureblooded phoeness will kneel before Ambrosia. You should be thanking me. Ingrate.
“Almighty weed.” Reece sighed. “Infatuation doesn’t necessarily grow to become more.”
You’ve been infatuated a hundred times. This is vastly different.
“Of course it is. She’s carrying my child.”
It’s more than that. You’ll see in time.
Reece crossed the clearing and wrapped an arm around Ambrosia. After a nod to William and Celeste, they backed off and disappeared down the path toward the house. The kneeling citizens got to their feet and also retreated, leaving Reece and Ambrosia alone. Well, as alone as it got beneath the limbs of a Tree that fancied itself a matchmaker. ~ within Chapter 14
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Sarah, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Feasted On: Shaken Dirty Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1186 KB | Expected Release Date: October 14, 2013 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Brazen | Obtained: NetGalley

"Crash into Me" [Shaken Dirty Series, Book 1] by Tracy Wolff (aka Tracy Deebs, Tessa Adams, & Ivy Adams)

Author's Book Description : Jamison Matthews has lusted after Ryder Montgomery since she was a preteen. But now that Ryder and her brother's band, Shaken Dirty, has made it huge, she's just one of many pining for the brooding lead singer. Too bad Ryder still sees her as a little sister. Not that it matters. Her brother would never allow it, and the last thing Jamison wants is to be another notch on a rock star's bed post. Even if it's Ryder's.

Ryder doesn't deserve happiness. After his fame destroyed his last girlfriend, he swore he'd never fall in love again. So when Jamison, the girl he's been in danger of loving for years, joins the band on the road, he'll do anything to deny the sparks between them--even after one hot night together. But Jamison is determined to show Ryder that he's worthy of love--her love--and that she's all grown up and ready to play.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Attraction brews between two long-time friends while they deal with staying within close proximity to each other and try to stay apart, which--of course--doesn't work out but makes for one HOT read!

Jamison & Ryder are a combustible duo in regards to their ever-growing relationship. They couldn't get enough of each other, no matter what they said, and it makes for a steamy novel which you wish wouldn't end!

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of this novel and the great build-up that ensues for this series! Ryder's band mates are an eclectic mix of characters that, by the end of the book, it'll keep you wondering as to what is going to happen next for them. Yet, even as I say that, I'll admit that I'm in a love/hate relationship with the novel's epilogue because even though it gives you a good insight as to where this series is going and what will happen, it also leaves you with too many unanswered questions. On the plus side, though for series' reader lovers, it means that fans of this novel should definitely be planning on sticking around for the "long haul" when it comes to wanting to read each book in this series!

Therefore, on that note, I'll just say that I DO recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys HOT rock star romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Can't Believe It's Almost Time ... | My Coming Release Dates | Release Day for Crash into Me is Finally Here! | A Fun New Drink!!! | Here's What Reviewers are Saying about Crash Into Me ... and a New Exclusive Excerpt! | News, a Giveaway and other Stuff

Book Teaser(s) :
"You're really not going to do anything?" he again demanded of Jared, who seemed more interested in his drink than he was in keeping Jamison safe.
"And get my ass handed to me?" Jared asked with a smirk. "You know how she gets if I interfere too much. Besides, Wyatt and Quinn are out there. They've got her back."
Ryder turned around, scanned the crowd near where Jamison was dancing. Sure enough, his drummer and keyboardist had ditched the women they'd been hanging with and had started dancing with Jamison instead. It should have made him feel better--did make him feel better. At least until the music changed to a slow song, and she threw her arms around Quinn's neck and whispered in his ear.
Quinn laughed at whatever she told him, then settled his hands on her waist and pulled her close. Too close, in Ryder's opinion, but a glance at Jared--who was totally relaxed as he nursed a beer--told him he might be overreacting a little. The knowledge did nothing to cool his blood, or the sudden urge he had to break his bandmate's fingers. Who cared if they were at the beginning of a worldwide tour? The guy didn't actually need his fingers to play the keyboard, did he? ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Tracy, then please check out her website.
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