Monday, February 3, 2014

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY ~ GRAVITY ~ SHAYNE MCCLENDON


Gravity by Shayne McClendon


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Synopsis

Life should keep you grounded...it should never keep you down. 

JoEllen Astor grew up poor in one of the worst trailer parks in Oklahoma. A childhood spent taking care of her mother and working hard has made her world weary already.



One night, she meets Holden Mayes, a man who thinks she's far too young for a man like him but can't help but want her. He makes a mistake that almost derails their relationship before it ever starts and is determined to make it right...no matter how long it takes. 




Their accidental friendship is the only thing that keeps her together when tragedy strikes that shakes the very foundation of Jo's world. 




When a man is slow, steady, and determined in his pursuit...how long can you fight your feelings for him? 




Start reading about overcoming anything and everything life throws at you so you can have your own happily ever after. Another hot, emotional read from Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.





Excerpt
http://alwaysthegoodgirl.com/free-excerpt-of-gravity-by-shayne-mcclendon/



Playlist


https://play.spotify.com/user/1227348581/playlist/2cO05AnIOpT0AGlwCRBiaj




Review



Whole people can come from broken parents. JoEllen is a shining example of the type of person who can grow up in a broken home yet not grow up broken herself. She's stable. She's well-educated and self-made-woman in spite of her years. Her life -growing up in a trailer park with only a mother who turns tricks for fair trade- has been such that she's had little time for dreams or acting her age. 

Someone had to be the adult in her life. There was no time for childhood when she was too busy playing mother to her mother. 

Hell comes for Jo before she finds her Heaven and it's amazing to watch her come out of the darkness and into the light as she adapts to being happy. There is such innocence in her as a character in spite of the painful way she's lived. It is a joy to get to see her find out how even the simplest things like waking up to sunlight through a window or being given a gift by someone who loves her can feel. Her gratitude for everything is palpable, humbling, and beautiful to experience. 

She is beautiful and that has nothing to do with her body and everything to do with her character. Jo is just such a good person. I fell apart a little watching her life getting better one good moment at a time, watching her store up one good memory after another, and I found myself hoping like Holden -Jo's HEA hero- did that maybe those memories would make up for all the others that Jo had from the time before he entered her life. He takes a photo of the closet where Jo slept to remind himself of where she came from and it's a poignant moment because everyone comes from somewhere and it does no one any good to go forgetting that place. 

We can't rise above our lowest points if we don't remember how low we had gotten. 

This wouldn't be a Shayne McClendon story without talking about the sex and yes, yes there's sex. It's erotic, funny, and touching all at the same time. I found myself swept away with Jo as she figures out how to love Holden; I remembered what it was like to be in that perpetual honeymoon stage where sex is all that's on the mind any time one's lover comes into view. It was magical and memorable and moving. 

I can honestly say that the ending surprised me. I was prepared for her to get a happy ending, but this one? It made me smile all the way down to the marrow of my bones. It's that good. 

I hope if you're reading this wondering whether or not you should get this story, that you decide to take a chance because it brought me a great deal of happiness. As a person who comes from broken people, I can tell you honestly that it's hard to stay whole when your entire world around seems to be made up of the pieces of other people's shattered dreams, but I did it and Jo does it and sometimes we whole children of broken parents do get happy-ever-afters and I think everyone should get to bask in the glow of that for at least a little while.  


About the Author

Shayne McClendon is an indie author who has received rave reviews for her premiere novel "The Barter System." Other projects recently released are "In the Service of Women," "Yes to Everything," "Damaged," "Being Delightful," "The Hermit," "Hudson" - the second book set in "The Barter System" world, and many more.


Writer, mom, and hermit...Shayne listens to the voices in her head because their ideas are awesome. Those around her have learned not to question the crazy. Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
She currently lives in Oklahoma wrangling teenagers, opening doors for her pets, and running her content writing company. She dreams of peace, quiet, travel, and always having a viable internet connection.

You can contact her by email at shayne@alwaysthegoodgirl.com, stop by her Facebook page, or visit her website and subscribe for your free story!

Shayne McClendon's work is available at all major e-book retailers. Print editions of her work are available on her website.



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Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ The Promise ~ SL Jayne


The Promise by SL Jayne
Release Date: December 19, 2013
Book One in The Faith & Friendship Series


How far would you go to help your best friend? 


Do you remember when you were young, and made pinky promises with your best friend about living together, dating movie stars, being famous and double weddings? 


Ava and Rylee had the same plans. Knowing the home life Rylee had, Ava knew that all of those dreams of fun and freedom would always be just that. Dreams. That was until one night, Rylee asked Ava to pinky promise they would move away as soon as they were old enough and able to. 

Ava's advice to Rylee is to have fun and have faith, but most of all believe in herself and learn to trust that not all guys can't be trusted... But can Ava learn to take herself own advice when it comes to her own heart? 

This book is intended for age 17+ due to sexual content, violence and strong language.

Meet The Author:





Book Buy Links: 




EXCERPT:


I didn’t think too much into it as I stood and walked around the chair to where he was standing, without saying another word to me, Ryder grabbed my hand and pulled me through the doors leading me down the hallway and around the corner; it was so dark in this part of the club I could barely see. He stopped, pushing me against the wall bringing his hands up to cage me in. 

“I want you to feel me, I have drove myself crazy in there with my own thoughts.” He said in a low tone that sent a shiver through me from head to toe.
My breathing was getting shorter and my heart beat got faster; even in the dark I could tell his eyes were boring into mine. I could feel the lust radiating from us both, all coherent thoughts had left my mind the moment he grabbed my hand back in the room. 
Bringing his face down to mine he whispered “Don’t think too much, baby. Just feel.” 
I nodded, it was all I could do. He lowered one arm and snaked it around my waist pulling me into him, I reached up and hooked my arms around his neck. Before I could think too much about who could walk past and see us his mouth crashed against mine, I traced his bottom lip with my tongue giving him access to my mouth and I heard him groan. Fuck, that’s a sexy sound. Pushing my hand on the back of his neck to deepen the kiss he consumed my mouth, kissing me back with all he had. I was already aching for him. 
He brought his hands down between my legs. “You feel ready for me, sexy.” I could sense his smirk. 
Bringing his hands around, he grabbed my ass and lifted me, I wrapped my legs around his waist and could feel his arousal pressing against me. I dropped my hand down needing to touch him, with one hand I undid the button on his jeans and lowered the zipper. I heard his breath catch as my fingers touched him, I smiled knowing the effect I was having on him. 
I brought my mouth to his ear. “Ryder, please.”



TOUR SCHEDULE:



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Sunday, February 2, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ Falling Into Place ~ Brandy L Rivers





Synopsis
18+ Adult themes 

Robert would have done anything for Liz, even let her go when she claimed she needed to be alone. With his life in shambles, he dove into his work as a Silver Council enforcer.

Liz never fit in, but to protect her first love, she walked away when a wild burst of magic nearly killed him. Tremaine found her, and helped her put her life back together.

The man who tore her world apart awakes from a 21 year slumber with revenge on his mind. Nothing will stop James from tearing the power from Liz’s body.

After learning James is alive, Robert rushes to Liz and bands together with Tremaine to keep her safe. Facing her worst fears Liz realizes she can only fall apart or fall into place.

** Spoiler/Fair Warning **
The romance winds up in a permanent threesome

Buy Links

Falling Into Place

Amazon http://myBook.to/FallingIntoPlace
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1l1GY3R
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Diesel Ebooks http://bit.ly/1lRpmuM 



Others of Edenton - Box Set -
First 4 titles in one book for $5.99

Diesel Ebooks http://bit.ly/1ahW14E 





If you're just looking for one title, you can find them here.

New Beginnings is currently Free. Download it now.

Amazon http://myBook.to/New_Beginnings
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In Too Deep

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Available in paperback at Amazon http://amzn.to/18BdF6y

Shadows Fall
It's a novelette and just 99 cents.

Amazon http://myBook.to/Shadows_Fall
Nook http://bit.ly/IfsCAX
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Diesel Ebook http://bit.ly/1exp8EU
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Shadows of the Past

Amazon http://myBook.to/Shadows_Of_The_Past
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1c6UZvK
Nook http://bit.ly/1bu9zev
Sony http://bit.ly/HoaF2K
Diesel ebook http://bit.ly/1bu9zev
iTunes http://bit.ly/1iPp8mC


About the Author
I've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.


I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.




Giveaway

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Review of HER by Felicia Johnson


Synopsis
In many ways, Kristen Elliott is a normal, seventeen-year-old girl. Kristen loves her family. She works hard academically, and tries to please her mother. She takes on the additional responsibility of caring for her twin siblings, Nick and Alison. She idealizes her best friend, Lexus, who not only seems to lead the perfect life, but also catches the attention of John, the boy Kristen secretly loves. However, as is the case with many teenagers, Kristen feels frustrated, isolated, and confused. In other ways, Kristen is not like other kids her age. She knows something is wrong with her. Kristen feels like an utter failure. She is unable to please her abrasive mother, and scared to confront Jack, her abusive stepfather. She is also unable to protect Nick from Jack, making her feel all the more helpless. Adding to her problems, she knows she will never be as beautiful as her best friend Lexus. Kristen finds solace in self-injury, and the company of Mr. Sharp, her imaginary friend who encourages her feelings of self-loathing. After a failed suicide attempt, Kristen is placed in the Bent Creek mental hospital, where she is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. While in the hospital, she meets a group of peers suffering with their own mental illnesses, and a compassionate staff of doctors and counselors. From there, Kristen begins her journey to survival. She discovers the circumstances that brought her to this breaking point, struggles to understand her mental illness, and fights to be a survivor against her own worst enemy: her self-blame. Kristen’s tale of endurance illustrates the complex illness of Borderline Personality Disorder. Readers – including those suffering from BPD and their friends and family – can glean insight into BPD from Kristen’s humanity. Her story is an example of how, if we try to push the past away, we are either doomed to repeat it or let it haunt us to our graves.

Review

Review of HER by Felicia Johnson
4 STARS
Poignantly Deep

I had a really hard time reading this book – but not for the reasons you automatically think.  Felicia Johnson tells HER story from an intensely perceptive, emotional perspective that draws you in, makes you hope against hope, feel the pain and suffering, and sometimes leaves you with as many questions as you have answers.  If you’ve ever had a loved one suffer with psychological disorders, you know that having more questions than answers is “normal,” and frustrating, and heartbreaking.  If you’ve never experienced this first hand, you will in this book.

HER is about 17 year old Kristen, who witnessed something so deeply disturbing in her young life that she was unable to cope with it, had an inadequate support system and saw no way out of her predicament.  After a failed suicide attempt, she is placed in a mental institution with other kids her age.  She learns what her true diagnosis is, what prompts her to self-mutilate and have negative feelings about herself, and how she can better deal with these issues.

Ms. Johnson demonstrates HER strength and weakness, her love and anger, her forgiveness and rage, and her hope and despair.  You will be outraged with her, you will want to reach in the book and help her – and shake her – and you will have a better understanding of mental illness as a whole.  You will see how it’s not something you should be ashamed of but wear your survival badge with honor. 

There were a couple of plot points that felt like the writer was building up to expand upon, and were important to the storyline overall, but were felt a little incomplete to me.  There were also a couple of dream-type sequences that were hard to follow until well into the passage, but this was not distracting enough to take away from the story.  
Overall, this was a very well-written book about the various circles of hell that someone with a mental illness suffers, often silently and alone.  I would definitely recommend this book to others and I'm very glad I had a chance to read and review it.




Saturday, February 1, 2014

Release Blitz ~ More WIth You ~ Kaylee Ryan

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More With You Cover
Title: More With You (With You #2)
Author: Kaylee Ryan
Release Date: February 1st
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis
More With You is book two of the With You Series. This is Aiden and Hailey's story.
Hailey MacCoy has had a crush on Aiden since the day she met him. Over time that crush has intensified. Hailey feels she has to keep her feelings hidden due to his friendship with her brother. She struggles with the fact that Aiden only sees her as his best friends little sister.
Aiden Emerson is lusting after his best friends little sister. Hailey is all of a sudden grown up and Aiden can’t stop thinking about her. She has become an important part of his life over the last year. The thought of losing her is just not an option for him.
They find themselves thrown together and surrounded by wedding planning and events. Filling the roles of Maid of Honor and Best Man for their siblings. Hailey and Aiden are battling their hearts desire. Fighting against what they think they can’t have.
Can Aiden and Hailey resist temptation? Can they open their hearts for more?
Kaylee has had a passion for reading since she was a little girl. That passion has slowly led to spinning romantic tales, and a one-click addiction. When she doesn’t have her nose stuck in her kindle or fingers glued to the keyboard, you can find Kaylee hanging out with friends and family. She loves all genres of music and enjoys scrapbooking. She lives in Ohio with her husband (her real life happily ever after) and their rambunctious little boy.

Website:
Facebook:
Goodreads :
Twitter:
@author_k_ryan
Other Books by Kaylee Ryan
Anywhere With You – August 2013

Book Trailer

Excerpt
Hailey’s POV
  • Allison decides she wants to take a nap, so she and Liam go to their room. I am too comfortable to move. I am curled up on the couch. It’s a rainy day, so there is not much else to do. Once I’m awake, it’s hard for me to go back to sleep no matter how tired I am. I’m weird like that.
Aiden comes into the living room and I automatically lift my legs, inviting him to sit with me on the couch. I keep reminding myself that we are friends and we have done this exact thing a thousand times. He takes a seat on the opposite end of the couch and I rest my legs on his lap.
“We watching a movie?” he asks me.
“Yeah, but you can pick,” I tell him, tossing him the remote. Aiden grins and starts flipping through the channels. My head is turned towards the television, but my eyes are trained on Aiden. He is gorgeous. His brown hair is messy. I can tell he just ran his fingers through it after his shower this morning. I love his thick locks. My fingers itch to touch him. To run my fingers through his hair.
Aiden settles on the Lifetime Movie Network. I smile. He knows me so well.
“For me?” I ask and bat my eyelashes.
Aiden just smiles and winks. He picks up my left foot and begins to massage it. This is new; he’s never done this before. Friends can give friends a foot massage, right?
I lie there with his hands on my feet, working their magic. I’m trying to concentrate on the movie, but I can’t. I close my eyes to try to calm my racing heart. I focus on taking in deep even breaths. I feel my body relax and I start to drift off to sleep.
I slowly wake up and open my eyes. I see that the television is muted and the house is quiet. I lift my head and I see that Aiden is still at his end of the couch. He’s awake and he’s watching me.
“Hey. Sorry I fell asleep on you,” I say my voice raspy. I could really use something to drink.
As if he can read my mind, Aiden leans over, plucks a bottle of water from the coffee table, and hands it to me.
“Thanks,” I say, taking it from him and chugging half of it. Much better.
“How was the movie?” I ask, my voice now back to normal.
Aiden shrugs his shoulders. “I’m not sure, I didn’t finish it,” he says.
“I glance at the television and see that it is, indeed, still on.” I look back at Aiden and raise my eyebrows in question.
“You looked so peaceful, I didn’t want it to wake you up.” He shrugs. “I know you didn’t get a lot of sleep last night and needed to rest.”
“So…uh…what did you do?” I ask. I’m not sure how to take his last statement. Do friends just do that? Do they go out of their way to make sure the other gets rested after a drunken night? He’s in the same spot as when I fell asleep. Did he…did he watch me?
Aiden’s face flushes slightly. “I watched you,” he says softly.
He watched me! I open my mouth to respond, and no words will come out. I’m stunned speechless. I open and close my mouth again, still nothing. I know I look like a damn fish right now, which is totally embarrassing, but… Holy Shit! Aiden watched me sleep for, what, like an hour?
“You could have moved. I probably wouldn’t have woken up,” I tell him.
“Yeah, that really wasn’t an option for me. Why would I want to move, when I can be close to my angel when she’s sleeping?” he asks.
.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ The Sandy Cove ~ M.R. Joseph

Giving In 
(The Sandy Cover Series Book 1)
by M.R. Joseph
Releases end February



Raphael Cruz doesn't do it. He just doesn't. Cruz doesn't fall in love. He's a "get in and get out" kind of guy. Ladies love him and fall all over him for his swoon worthy good looks and overwhelming sex appeal. He knows how to talk to them and tells them exactly what they want to hear. When he's done making them scream his name, he shows them straight to the door. The meaning of the word love doesn't exist in his world. But that could all change with a wink of a girl's eye... And one hot-as-hell romp in a bar bathroom.
Harlow Hannum is your typical girl-next-door. She has the brains, the beauty, and the money. What she doesn't have is the luxury of being someone's first choice in the game of love. She always comes in a distant second place, leaving her guarded with her feelings. Lies, betrayal, and secrets of her past follow her wherever she goes, no matter how hard she tries to hide them.  That is until she's reunited with the one guy who can ignite the spark in her heart that's been extinguished for so long.
With sunny days, heated nights, and love lingering in the air in the beach town of Sandy Cove anything can happen. Especially when fate steps in for Harlow and Cruz. Will their blossoming friendship turn into unexpected love or will the collision of their opposing worlds be the end of what could have been?
I'm a book enthusiast, turned author, who loves all things "Happily Ever After". 
My first book, 'Reunion' debuted in November, 2012. Meant only to be a Christmas gift to my family and closest friends, word got out, and here I am. The second in the series, 'You Belong With Me', released in March, 2013, and the final installment in the series, 'Letters to Luca', released August 2013.
Mom and wife by day, writer of contemporary romance by night, I believe in soul mates, true love, and all that mushy stuff.
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Friday, January 31, 2014

Release Blitz ~ Banded Together ~ Hilary Storm




Synopsis

You've asked for them, some have even begged for more of the Walker twins. 'Banded Together' is a continuation of the Rebel Walking Series that will give you insight on Talon and Eaven's wedding as well as the rest of the characters in the series. Taron and Ivy are not left out of this one and you'll quickly see the banter between them remains.

The previous books in the Rebel Walking Series should be read before this one for the best experience and optimal character development. 





Excerpt

"Hey, baby, I can't wait ‘til you're officially Mrs. Walker." His deep whisper pulls me out of my almost asleep state. I roll over to face him and even though it's dark, I watch his face. Nose to Nose. "I'm already yours. You know this." So much has happened since he proposed. We were going to wait another year, but Talon is ready to make it official. I love his urgency—I'm ready, too—but I don’t want to rush it with everything that’s going on with the band and the trial. Rebel Walking lost their spot on the tour when Taron was arrested. We've spent the last five months, either in court or in limbo, waiting for something to happen. A few months ago Taron was released from all charges, but the Walker's haven't rested while the trial for Dylan has been on going. Luckily, this morning he was found guilty on multiple counts of attempted rape, attempted murder and countless other offenses. He will be spending many years in prison, which is where he belongs. The instant relief when the verdict was read was so peaceful. We should be celebrating, but everyone is too exhausted to do anything today. 

"I know, but I want the world to know."

 "They do. Are you kidding me? We're always together."

 "We could just do something small at the lake house. We could walk down to the beach and get married next to the water—just have our family and the crew there to share it with us. Avery can be the flower girl. I’d have Taron, Holden, and Luke on my side and of course you’d have Ivy, Lilly, and Macy on yours." 

  "You have this all planned out, don't you?" I sit up in bed and begin to think of all the stuff I'll need to do to pull this off. 

"All of the important stuff, I do." He rolls onto his back, pulling my hands toward him. "Come here, baby." 

I work my way into a straddle on top of the man who holds my whole heart. "We're not going to stress over this. Let's just keep it simple." I let his words soak in. I can't wait to be Mrs. Talon Walker and it really isn't my style to have a huge wedding, anyway. I figured he would've wanted one, but I'm relieved he doesn't. "Simple. I like it." His hands begin to roam over my body and I take the opportunity to rotate my hips just right so that he feels my warmth. Sleeping naked has its benefits. 

"You wicked, wicked woman. Don't you dare tease me." His fingers pinch my nipples as he thrusts upward, reminding me what he's packing. His erection moves right where I want it to. "Oh, I'm not teasing." My breathy voice amuses him. "What's so funny?" This time it's my impatience that's obvious. "You're always so ready for me. You never disappoint." 

"Damn straight. Have you ever seen yourself?" I lower my mouth to his chest and begin nibbling over his chest and neck. His hands continue to roam over my body, sending chills in every direction. My hair falls over my face and he uses his hand to swipe it to one side. I feel his hand leave me and his body stretch toward the nightstand right before he flicks on the light. He loves to watch me during sex. It strikes me to the depths of my soul when he does this. His stare pierces straight through my body the entire time. It's raw and so real, but I love it. 

I lift my torso back up and watch him tuck his arms beside his head. My fingers run over and through the ridges of his defined stomach. He works hard to stay sculpted and I never miss the opportunity to truly appreciate his efforts. 

My fingers follow the muscles straight to where our hips meet. I slowly lift my hips and enjoy that his shaft lifts to the exact spot I need it to be. Sliding down onto him, I close my eyes and love the feeling of him filling me completely. With my hands splayed across his abs, I begin to move slowly. 

My focus on how he feels is consuming me. I open my eyes to watch him, not surprised when I find him staring deep into my eyes. Keeping my eyes locked with his, I continue my motions. He allows me to move completely on my own; I love when he gives me control. 

~Eaven in 'Banded Together' (Rebel Walking #2.5)



Buy Links



The Rebel Walking Series


In a Heartbeat

Eaven Bennett is a college student with a passion for photography. She has high hopes of completing college and starting a new life as she moves away from her hometown with her best friend, Ivy Adams. Her last boyfriend ruined any chance of her trusting ever again.

Talon Walker is the dark and intriguing drummer for the up and coming band ‘Rebel Walking’. A tragedy in his past has left him empty with no desire for a relationship. That is until he meets Eaven.

One minute your heart is filled with love, the next your entire life comes crashing down. Everything can change in a heartbeat. Can Eaven and Talon overcome the obstacles in their way and find love?


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Heaven Sent

The Rebel Walking Series continues with Taron and Ivy's story, Heaven Sent. The explosive chemistry that these two share ignites a relationship of epic proportions.

He has been dubbed 'the panty stealer', but Taron Walker has his eyes set on the beautiful, full of life, Ivy Adams. Ivy doesn't usually put up with the player type, yet there is something about Taron that has her intrigued. Taron must leave to go on tour with Rebel Walking and Ivy will be left to face serious struggles on her own. Will she reach out to Taron for help, or will she push him away? Can these two find happiness in each other's arms, or will they tear each other's world apart?



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About the Author

Hilary Storm lives with her high school sweetheart and three children in Enid, Oklahoma. She drives her husband crazy talking about book characters everyday like they are real people. She graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with an MBA in Accounting and has a full time job as an accountant. Her passions include being a mom, writing, reading, photography, music, mocha coffee, and spending time with friends and family. She is the author of the International Best Selling 'Rebel Walking' series. Book one: 'In a Heartbeat' was released June 2013, Book two: 'Heaven Sent' was released in September 2013. Book 2.5: 'Banded Together' released Jan 2014.



https://www.goodreads.com/hilarystormwrites