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February 28, 2014

✪☆✪ RELEASE DA BLITZ ✪☆✪ Majestic Pearls by Katija O



TITLE: Majestic Pearls 
AUTHOR: Katija O 
RELEASE DATE: 28th February 2014 

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Some believe in fate, others not so …

Who would think that a simple car accident could determine someone’s destiny?

But when Mia Tandy meets Nicholas Devlin their worlds are
Automatically changed.

Falling in love should be simple, should be natural and joyous, but,
As they are from different worlds, there are many obstacles thrown
In their way.

There is one thing though, that no one can control and that is
Undying love.  Fate has brought these two together, and class is keeping
Them apart.

What they don’t realize is they are connected, neither one
Of them knowing this.

One person holds the key to this secret.

A secret from yesteryear, this secret and this secret alone
Holds the answer to how their destiny will

Evolve.



















 Not to stray from the common Author cliché, I loved to read as a child – I actually excelled in reading from a young age.  This was definitely to my advantage.  In saying that I only enjoyed reading “happily ever after stories.”


As I grew older my pleasures turned to “teen romance stories” with the obvious transition being heavy love stories and of course Jackie Collins’ novels.

Then due to relationship and work commitments my reading all but ceased until my children were at an age where I could steal and hour or two (which then became and hour or four). 

A few years ago I discovered the Twilight Saga, this kept my thoroughly entertained for years as I read and re-read numerous times… Enter 50 Shades.

Whilst I was a little fearful to read this erotic tale, something tugged at my inner thoughts and I succumbed, like everyone around me falling for the likes of one Christian Grey. 

I continued from that moment reading many many stories and getting involved with Indie Authors from around the globe – something then happened to me.  I awoke one Saturday morning with a whole story fixed in my mind.  This had happened to me a lot over the years but this story was so clear and concise and I acted on in with the inspiration of the Indie Authors.

That’s when my first novel Majestic Pearls was born – it has grown from there and is a beautifully work in progress.  In the interim, I wrote my current story, a novella entitled Que Sera Sera.

When I'm not at my desk, I'm reading – beta reading, or just plain reading.  As a full time mother and wife my life is very full.  My other passion, other than writing and family is Music … music from yesteryear is my genre.








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February 27, 2014

RELEASE BLITZ, REVIEW, & GIVEAWAY ~ Hero by Leighton Del Mia



Title: Hero
Author: Leighton Del Mia
Release Date: February 27, 2014
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance Standalone
      

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Calvin Parish 
 They call me Hero. I defend. I protect. I ask for nothing in return, and that makes me good. Doesn’t it?
That which makes me the ultimate predator also feeds dark impulses I’ve learned to control—until I bring her too close. For years I’ve watched her from afar, but what started out as duty has become obsession.

Cataline Ford 
 I work hard. I play by the rules. I’m content. My scars are quiet and invisible, and that keeps me hidden. Doesn’t it?
One fateful walk home, I’m taken by someone I didn’t know I should fear. Captive and afraid, nobody will tell me why I’m confined to this hauntingly beautiful mansion. I’m given everything; I have nothing. He takes what he needs from me, and for that I hate him. But I might have loved him once.
And just because you’re reading this doesn’t mean I survive him.




4.5 “HERO” STARS

description

Whenever I see the words “dark themes,” “non-con,” “taken,” “captive” etc…it’s like music to my ears. Hey don’t judge! Besides this is for books only *wink* Anyways, I will be frank and say I was a beta reader for this book. Nowadays I rarely beta because instead of reading for my own pleasure, it becomes a job and sometimes a not-so-enjoyable one. Imagine my surprise and delight that instead of viewing this book as a duty, it quickly became a story I couldn’t put down, and one I finished from 1 to 5 AM.

This is my verdict: for a debut novel, I certainly hope it gets the recognition it deserves for it is one of the most unique and distinctive books I’ve read. I went into the book not knowing anything besides the synopsis and though there were twists that left me questioning what direction the story was going in, the end result left me satisfied and thinking “hey, now that’s something you don’t see everyday in an erotic/love-my-captor story.”

But first, here’s a book stat section for my fellow dark romance junkies:

Dark scale (1-10): 3
Mindfuck scale (1-10): 5
Definitely a love my captor story, but not as intense and gritty as say, the Dark Duet or Madeleine, Abducted. I would classify this story as a mix of erotica and romantic suspense with dark and sci-fi elements (the sci-fi part actually played an impressive role in the story and it was something I didn’t see coming at all).

**Keep in mind that I read a lot of dark romance so what may not be dark for me might be for you. These ratings probably resonate with me and my fellow dark cohorts the most.**

description

Cataline Ford is a shy and innocent female lead. She’s had a harsh childhood and as a result is a complete introvert who chooses to focus on the basic things in life. Her one vice is Calvin, the reclusive and brooding owner of the company where Cataline works at and believes he is completely inaccessible to her. On the night she meets a potential boyfriend, she is knocked out and kidnapped, thus kickstarting her days as a captive.

Calvin Parish has two lives: one as head owner of his company and another as Hero, the mysterious protector and vigilante of the city. I honestly can’t say more about him or it would be a dead giveaway to his role in the book and the impact he has on Cataline’s life. I will say though that this man is twisted. You can see and feel his frustration about being torn between duty and obsession. As for the erotica….I swear some of the sex scenes were both thrilling but kinky to the point of me cringing and going ouch. Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy reading about them ;)

description

So why not 5 stars then?

Now me being my picky self there are just some things I cannot get over no matter how integral it is to the story. For one, I personally don’t like fangirls, and though I completely understood where Cataline’s adoration for “Hero” came from, it doesn’t mean I like it. It’s really hard to explain and only a person who has read the book will get what I mean about Cataline “fangirling” over Hero: in a way it was her coping mechanism and what kept her from losing her shit entirely.

There is a minor revelation scene in the first 25% I didn’t really agree with how it was executed. As the reader, I would like to be shocked/mindfucked/aghast at the same time the character experiences the same emotions, not before. It makes me lose interest and wonder when the character figures it out. If you’re getting worried, don’t be; this isn’t the main point of the story and like I said, it’s the little things that bother me the most and this counted as one.

Though this is a complete standalone, I will never reject the idea of having another book or novella written about these characters. Their story is heartfelt, raw, and tumultuous, and though with their many faults, they are perfect in their imperfection. It’s rare for me to truly enjoy a beta read, 100%, and this book hit all those ‘oomph’ buttons. I will be on the lookout for more from Leighton Del Mia.

~Review by Feifei

Keep Me (A Hero Novella 1.5)


“I will disappoint you. I will hurt you. If I could be different, I would. But I don’t think I can.”
Declarations and sacrifices have been made. After three years, a better life is finally on the horizon. But when the past leaves marks that are both painful and permanent, is there ever such a thing as starting over? Can memories be replaced or forgotten—and should they be? Keep Me is a follow-up novella for Hero readers who want a glimpse of life after breakfast. It is only intended to be enjoyed after Hero and is not a standalone. It is entirely optional and not essential to the original plot.



4.5 STARS

Note: This is an optional novella to be read after Hero.

description

I’m naturally wary of novellas as their short length usually doesn’t provide enough of a story or details to make me feel engaged with the characters or plot, but I have to say here the author did a wonderful job of answering some lingering questions I had after finishing Hero.

While the first book explored Cataline and Calvin’s relationship dynamic when she was in captivity, this short novella is about the ups and downs of their lives after reconnecting with each other in the end of Hero. What I liked most about this short story is the author doesn’t shy away from the problems Cataline and Calvin face. They may be together, but that doesn’t take away the bad memories Cataline has from her time in captivity or Calvin’s primal and dark urges that threaten to break her. Their disagreements, their insecurity, and of course, their fierce protectiveness of one another is all detailed here and I love that the author stayed true to these character’s personalities. Despite giving up his role as “hero” of the city, Calvin will always have his dark proclivities and tastes that set him apart from any average male lead, and Cataline will be the heroine who has a willful, stubborn mind. And that’s ok.

Though Hero is a standalone, for some reason I wasn’t quite ready to let go of their story, but with this novella and ending I’m in that place where I can turn the page and close the Cataline and Calvin chapter ♥ ♥  
Oh and this quote, while taken out of context, gave my stomach flutters. If you've read Hero you'll get the meaning and it's every bookworm's dream:

"Wherever we go, you'll get your library."

♥ ♥ ♥

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

~Review by Feifei



HERO 






Leighton Del Mia lives behind large sunglasses and under massive headphones. She can usually be found behind and under these things at any Starbucks on the West Coast, which is where she writes twisty books between sips of black coffee.


 




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February 26, 2014

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY ~ Summer Sky by Lisa Swallow


Book title: Summer Sky by Lisa Swallow
Series: Blue Phoenix #1
Genre: Contemporary romance
Release date: April 2014
Cover designed by Najla Qamber Designs
Photo by Lindee Robinson Photography
Models: Madison Wayne & Chad Feyrer


Sky changed her life for a man once, and she has no intention of doing it again - even if he is a six foot, tattooed rock god who makes a mean bacon sandwich.

Sky Davis is fed up of boyfriend Grant taking her for granted and when she comes home to find him wearing a girl, Sky suspects the relationship is over. She takes an unscheduled holiday and leaves the life (and guy) she hates behind. 

Rock star Dylan Morgan is struggling with fame and infamy, sick of his life being controlled by other people. Dylan cuts his hair and walks away from his role as lead singer of Blue Phoenix, leaving chaos and speculation behind.

Outside the English seaside town of Broadbeach their cars and worlds collide.

Sky decides Dylan is an arrogant guy with too many tattoos, and Dylan is amused by the smart-mouthed girl with no idea who he is. Dylan and Sky soon discover they’ve travelled to Broadbeach for the same reason - to escape from reality back to a place with happy childhood memories. 

Losing themselves in a world where they know nothing about each other, Sky and Dylan begin a summer romance that soon heats up their rainy English summer.

Fantasies can’t last forever and when reality crashes the party, Sky isn’t sure she wants to be more than his ‘summer Sky’ but Dylan doesn’t want to let her go.

Returning to the real world and public scrutiny isn’t their only problem. Blue Phoenix bass player, Jem Jones, has a reason for wanting Sky out of Dylan’s life, and is determined to come between them. Some things won’t stay hidden, even when they’re paid to ‘go away’.

Summer Sky is a quirky romance where occasionally more than the bacon sizzles. This is the first in the new ‘Blue Phoenix’ series of contemporary rock star romances.

Please note: this is a romance with a rock star hero, and not an erotic rock star book!



"Sky! Waves!" 

I have my back to the ocean and a wave crashes against my legs, destabilising me. I regain my footing and attempt to move before the retreating water sucks my feet into the sand. At that moment a larger wave wipes me completely, dragging my body underwater. I panic at the confusion of being pushed and pulled out of my control, seawater swirling hair into my face and the bubbles rushing into my ears. The shell remains tightly gripped in my hand.

As water draws away, I push my head free. Dylan stands on the edge of the shore, water lapping his ankles, laughing. I spit out sea water and stagger to my feet. The weight of the damp hoodie threatens to pull me down again as I push hair from my eyes.

"That was fucking funny! You should see your face!" He wades towards me, arm outstretched to help.

Attempting to keep my footing, I lunge at him and slap his hard chest with both palms. "It was not! Screw you!” Dylan catches my arms as I make contact, and pulls me towards him.

Scrutinizing my face briefly, Dylan takes my cheeks in his broad palms and crushes his lips against mine. I gasp again, but it's not the sea snatching my breath this time. A new wave sways us, and Dylan holds my face tightly, his own footing steady as his mouth claims mine. A small voice in my head asks what the hell I’m doing but I ignore it - Dylan overwhelms all common sense the moment I have any physical contact with him. Losing myself in his mint-flavoured kiss, in the slide of his cool tongue, I yield to the power he holds over me. Dylan curls his fingers into my wet hair and pulls me closer; I respond with a deep kiss, tracing fingers across his stubbled cheek.

Fierce or gentle, his kisses mould my soul to his as perfectly as his body shapes with mine, as if we’re in a place created by our coming together. Kissing Dylan last night pulled me into his orbit, and when I see stars again, I swear his kisses will always take me to the edge of his galaxy. If Dylan can remove me from reality with just this, god knows what anything else he's skilful at would do to me. The thought of us skin on skin, united through more than a kiss, lights a fire deep inside that would take more than the cold Cornish sea to extinguish.

Dylan loosens his grip on my hair and slides his hands across my damp back. He closes the final gap between us as our bodies meet, and I wish the rain-soaked clothes weren’t in the way. “I have never met anyone so…” He grasps for a word then gives up and rests his forehead on mine. “I feel as if I’ve waited my whole life to meet you and then suddenly you’re here.”

For a moment I consider whether he’s teasing me again, but I guess I’m very different to the people in his real life. "I can honestly say I've never met anyone like you, Dylan Morgan."

He wipes water from my cheek with cool, damp fingers. "No-one’s met Dylan Morgan apart from you. Not for a lot of years, anyway.”

I stare at the truth reflected in his pale blue eyes, unable to believe any of this is reality. His grip on my back loosens, and I step back. Rain drips down his face, soaking through his T-shirt and clinging to his body in a way that does nothing to help my mounting desire to get my hands on him.

A subject change is needed rapidly, before I begin drooling.


Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark. In between running a business, looking after her family and writing, Lisa sometimes finds spare time to do other things. This often involves swapping her book worlds for gaming worlds. She even leaves the house occasionally. Lisa loves all things from the Whedonverse and preferred vampires before they sparkled. 
Lisa has four books published: the ‘Butterfly Days’ series, and two in her urban fantasy series Soul Ties. She is currently working on a new contemporary romance series Blue Phoenix and the first book, Summer Sky is due for release in April. Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001 and now lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.



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BLOG TOUR SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY ~ Tortured Soul by Kirsty Dallas


SYNOPSIS:


Emily Donovan didn't know love, she didn't know gentle and her future wasn't hers to own. Because HE owned her. There is only so much one soul can take before it is broken beyond repair and she had reached that milestone long ago.
Braiden Montgomery had secrets, secrets that would see a special place in hell reserved just for him. He was trying to make amends, trying to find his own form of redemption when a waif of a girl with jet black hair and pale blue eyes seized his heart. 
Emily's soul had been tortured by men like Braiden, so trusting the dark haired Dom would be one of the most difficult things she would ever do. For a man with skills like Braiden, keeping 'Em' safe would be a piece of cake. Bringing her frozen heart back to life might just prove impossible though.



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BLOG TOUR, REVIEW, & GIVEAWAY ~ Finding Us by Harper Bentley

Finding Us Cover

SYNOPSIS:

Jag Jensen and Ellen Love had been best friends their whole lives until he turned thirteen and started noticing girls his own age, but that didn’t mean he stopped watching out for eleven-year-old Ellen. By his senior year in high school, baseball had taken the front seat in his life, with a scholarship to college and a pro career looming on the horizon, when sophomore Ellen caught his attention and they struck up their friendship again. Although Ellen wanted more, Jag didn’t want to drag her into what he knew would be a crazy life, but love has a way of deciding one’s future, and eventually they became a couple. Ellen followed him to California as he began his pro career, but his wild and hectic lifestyle screwed everything up. </ strong>
Now Jag is lost, realizing he’s never been without his best friend in his life. Learning to live without Ellen doesn’t settle well with him, so while trying to remain at the top of his career, he also wants to get his girl back, which proves to be more difficult than he thought it’d be. Will Ellen give him another chance or does that sort of thing only happen in the sappy romance novels she always used to read? Jag hopes she’s willing to try again as he puts his heart on the line for the woman he knows will always be his forever and a day.

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PURCHASE LINKS:


AMAZON US / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK



I went into reading the True Love series pretty blindly. A lot of times I like not knowing what to expect so I didn’t even read the blurbs for Discovering Us and Finding Us. I was extremely fortunate though, to have waited to get Finding Us in my hands before starting Discovering Us because if I was forced to wait to find out what happened with this story after the blubbering, emotional wreck I was upon finishing Discovering Us I most likely would have really hurt someone. 

When I opened Finding Us I was very pleasantly surprised to find it is from Jagger’s point of view. If you know me at all, you know that I am a sucker for a strong male point of view. Jagger’s extremely realistic, exceedingly masculine perspective was fascinating, amusing, and enlightening. Often times I find that when a story is written from the male viewpoint it still seems very feminine and paints a little too perfect of a picture of the hero. Jagger messes up sometimes, he makes mistakes, he admits his faults, he doesn’t apologize for thinking and acting like a guy at times even when it’s something that El or the reader would not necessarily like to hear, and his thoughts and feelings are genuine and seem to be representative of his gender. Not to mention his personality is strong, confident, and very alpha male making his story positively captivating.

This continuation of El’s story was not only highly anticipated after the emotionally draining and consuming ending to the first book, but it also served as a balm to soothe any hurt feelings or hostility toward Jag we were left with after his surprising and disappointing actions left us reeling. His explanation was definitely needed and finally understanding where he was coming from helped to forgive his part in the dramatic and disastrous turn of events and to be able to move forward.

I read both Discovering Us and Finding Us within 24 hours. I absolutely could not get enough of this story and could not put it down. I, once again, was in love with the level of emotion I experienced during the course of this story. I was shocked and dismayed, disgusted and fed-up, and fulfilled and euphoric. Finding Us is another emotional rollercoaster that is simply irresistible and extremely addicting. I am left feeling much the same at the end of this second book as I was at the end of the first but this time I don’t have the third book to comfort me. I will be very impatiently awaiting the final installment of Jag and El’s tempestuous story while I suffer through and attempt to overcome my very serious case of book hangover.
“You don’t die from a broken heart. You just wish you did.”
5 FMR stars
Review by - Michelle T



TEASERS:


AUTHOR BIO:

Harper Bentley has taught high school English for 21 years. Although she’s managed to maintain her sanity regardless of her career choice, jumping into the world of publishing her own books goes to show that she might be closer to the ledge than was previously thought.
After traveling the nation in her younger years as a military brat, having lived in Alaska, Washington State and California, she now resides in Oklahoma with her teenage daughter, two dogs and one cat, happily writing stories that she hopes her readers will enjoy.

OTHER BOOKS BY HARPER BENTLEY:



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February 25, 2014

RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY ~ Hard as You Can by Laura Kaye

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It’s release day! And I’m so excited to share Hard As You Can, the second book in the Hard Ink series, with all of you here today! Hard As You Can follows the surviving members of a disgraced Army Special Forces team as they fight to regain their stolen honor, and finds their investigation crossing paths with a waitress willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive and protect her younger sister. For Shane McCallan, saving Crystal Dean is a mission he refuses to turn down.
Today, I’ve got a super sexy scene to share with you, one that was a total surprise to me as I was writing it! I hope you enjoy this peek at the first time Shane and Crystal find themselves alone with each other:



“Do you like to dance, Crystal?” Shane asked in a low voice.
“Uh, what? Why?”
His smile was crooked, playful. “ ’Cause dancing’s something people do when they’re getting to know each other.”
“Really?” Maybe where he was from. Then again, she worked in a strip club. Dancing was something people did to make money. So, okay, maybe her view of dancing was a bit jaded.
“Absolutely. Ask anybody.” The song faded away, followed by the announcement of a Southern rock station’s call sign. A new song started, and Shane turned to her with a smile. “Dance with me.”
Crystal peered up at him without the slightest idea how to respond. Because her body was saying hell, yes!, while her brain was screaming bad idea, really, really bad idea.
He stepped closer, arms raised, expression full of all kinds of invitation.
The next thing she knew, her right hand was in his and her left had slipped around his neck. Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod, ran over and over in her mind. What am I doing? But then he tucked her hand against his chest and tugged her against him with the hand that settled at her lower back. And the closeness stole her breath.
He moved them to the beat of the song, a slow, sexy, bluesy number she didn’t know but would never forget. Some songs carried memories like the images were imprinted upon the very lyrics themselves, and she had no doubt this would be one of them.
All of a sudden, the air in the room felt ten degrees warmer. As they swayed to the beat, Shane’s body pressed against hers from thighs to chest. With every step and move and turn, Crystal’s breasts rubbed against the hard plane of his chest. Strong hands held and guided her body, making her want to feel them explore her everywhere. Arousal rose like a waking dragon inside her. Cautious. Curious. Dangerous.
This was wrong and stupid on so many levels. But, scary as it was, it felt so freaking good that she couldn’t force herself to pull away. One song. It’s just a dance. Just a dance just a dance just a dance.
And, holy crap, she wasn’t the only one aroused.
Against her belly, Shane hardened.
Crystal sucked in a breath, and he pressed his lips close to her ear. “We’re just dancing here. That’s all. I promise,” he said. But the adrenaline was already in her blood, setting her to a trembling she couldn’t control. Part curious interest and part instinctive fear. 
“Sshh,” he almost cooed. “Just dancing.”
The echo of her own thoughts from a moment before allowed her to draw a breath that almost calmed. They turned and swayed to the music, moving closer, pressing tighter, Shane’s lips so close to her face that she could feel his breath shudder across her cheekbone.
He was a fire she had no business playing with. She knew that even as she leaned her face against his . . . and got exactly what she’d hoped for.
He kissed her.
Just a brush of his lips against her cheek, but a kiss all the same.
And as much as it made her head spin, it was the little catch of breath in the back of his throat that sent a jolt of electricity down her spine to settle low in her belly. Light as a feather, he caressed her cheek, her temple, her ear with his lips. With him, always such gentleness, so different from almost every other sexual experience she’d ever had. It made her feel safe to allow this to continue.
Between them, his erection was firm, long, totally unyielding.
She shivered, caught between interest and fear, desire a river moving faster and faster inside her. The whole experience was a revelation—that her body had the capacity to respond this way, that a person existed who could pull these reactions from her.
For a moment, she gave herself over to the dizzying sensations. In her mind’s eye, she saw them undressing, fumbling their way back the hall, falling naked and wanting on the bed. What would it be like, just once, to take something that she wanted without worrying about anyone else, without being afraid? Just one wild, secret night, all for her? What would Shane be like?

So that’s Shane and Crystal for you! Did you have a favorite line? Thanks for reading!

~Laura

About Hard As You Can:

Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he's shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister's sake, Crystal can't get too close. Until her job and Shane's mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed. 
Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. 
The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He's exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can--and never let go.

Buy Hard As You Can at:


About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.


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