Friday, June 28, 2013

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Emma Hart BOOK BLITZ




Playing For Keeps (The Game #2)
By Emma Hart
Source: ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review.

Blurb:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Emma Hart, comes the second book in The Game series, and the story everyone wanted after The Love Game…

She's in love with him.
He's trying not to love her.
One night changes everything.

Aston Banks never meant to get close to Megan Harper – not even for that one night. Haunted by a childhood he refuses to face, he knew she could break through every wall he’d ever built and tear them down without even realising she was doing it.

Betraying Braden by starting a relationship with Aston wasn’t on Megan’s to-do list, but the second she sees a glimpse of someone other than the arrogant ass she’s come to know, she can’t walk away.

Aston’s childhood is worse than Megan ever guessed, but as he tries and fails to push her away, it’s clear her love is stronger than the demons that cling to him every day. And now, because of it, he finally has to deal with what he’s buried deep down.

What he doesn’t want to face. What he’s fought against for so long.

And they have to do it all without Braden finding out.

Keeping a relationship secret has never been harder.

**This book can be read as a standalone novel, but reading The Love Game (The Game, #1) beforehand is advised.**



Review:
Ok, so I loved Braden and Maddie, but I completely adore Aston and Megan. Their relationship is just so different from Braden and Maddie’s, and I loved how even though they were playing a “game” it wasn’t a game between the two of them. The stakes were much higher for Megan and Aston. In addition to Braden going “caveman” on Aston for even looking at Megan, Aston has some pretty big secrets.

I have a giant soft spot of broken and damaged men, poor Aston is pretty broken behind his tough, have-no-care façade. The way things develop and the way Aston evolves as a character is captivating and I finished this book even faster than I finished The Love Game.

There was more sex involved for this couple, and the sex was very well written. It is one thing Emma Hart does really well in addition to the character development. Megan and Aston are very strong characters and I love their relationship, but I think my favorite relationship is that between Megan and Braden. We get a much more in depth look at their relationship and just how protective Braden really is of her.

If you loved The Love Game, you will be head over heels in love with Playing for Keeps. If you haven’t read The Love Game it isn’t required to understand the events in Playing for Keeps, but I strongly recommend it!


Want a little taste of Aston and Megan? Check out this wonderful little glimpse into Playing for Keeps.

Excerpt:
ASTON:
“You okay?”
I shake my head. “No. Every time. Every fucking time he brings her up. I thought he wouldn’t in front of you, but he did.”
“He has his own pain,” she says softly. “It doesn’t excuse it, but he does. He feels guilty for what happened to you – that he couldn’t stop it.”
My mind reels for a second and I look down at her. “He told you that?”
She nods, letting her hand drop from my back and standing in front of me. I stop.
“You’ve never let him tell you.” She reaches up and cups my face. “He hurts, too, Aston. You both hurt. It’s not something that will go away, but you can’t let it rule your lives. If you let pain rule you you’ll get lost in it.”
“What if I’m already lost?”
“You’re not lost. You’re hiding, but you’re not lost. I won’t let you get lost.”
I let my hands come up and rest on her back, pulling her into me. “What if there’s no map?”
“Then I’ll get lost with you,” she whispers. “I won’t let you let them win, Aston. I won’t let you get sucked in by those demons. I won’t let that happen. I care too much.”
And she does. I can hear it in her voice.
She wraps her arms around my neck, and I hold her to me tighter, our foreheads resting against each other.
“I’ll try, Megs,” I promise. “I can’t say I won’t, but as long as you’re here, I think I’ll be okay.”
“And you’ll talk to your Gramps? Just once?”
“I’ll think about it. How about we just focus on stopping me from getting lost for a bit?”
“You just need a place to aim for, that’s all. You need a place to go to.”
“Go on then.” I smile. “Give me a place.”
“Okay.” She pauses for a second, closing her eyes and chewing her lip.
“I’m waiting…” I tease her.
Her blue eyes open, shocking me with their vitality. “Aim for the moon, because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
“I don’t need to aim for the sky. The only star I’ll ever need is standing right in front of me.” I brush my lips over hers. “Maybe the place I need to aim for is nowhere other than where I am right now.”
“Maybe I’d go with you wherever you ended up.”
“Maybe I’d never ask that of you.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t need to ask. Maybe you’ll never need to ask me for anything, because I’ll always be here.”



BUY PLAYING FOR KEEPS 
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PLAYING FOR KEEPS PLAYLIST


Check out The Love Game, book #1 in THE GAME series. You’ll absolutely love Braden and Maddie! You can read my review of The Love Game here.

THE LOVE GAME PURCHASE LINKS
About the Author:
By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

Find Emma online at:
Blog: http://www.emmahartbooks.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmmaHartBooks
Twitter: @EmmaHartAuthor





SNEAK PEEK: This Time Around by Ellie Grace


Title: This Time Around 
Author: Ellie Grace 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Age Group: New Adult 
Expected release date: July 15, 2013   

Synopsis
Nora Montgomery left home and heartbreak behind in South Carolina when she moved to New York City after her high school graduation. Now, four years later, she returns home and is forced to confront the past she left behind and the reckless boy who broke her heart. It’s not long before the pieces of her past begin to blur with the present and she realizes that the feelings she had for her first love never really went away. As old dreams resurface and new truths come to light, she begins to question the future she's always planned on. Jake Harris has spent four years regretting the night he let her get away. When she finally reappears in his life, he is determined to win her back and prove how much he’s changed. She might never forgive him for that night, but if he tells her the truth about what really happened it will shatter the world she thought she knew. If he doesn’t, he might not get a second chance. He’s already lost her once and he won’t lose her again. They come from two different worlds that are threatening to tear them apart…can they make it this time around?
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Sneak Peek Excerpt
A drop of water landed on my cheek, waking me up and interrupting my moment of tranquility. I opened my eyes and saw that the blue sky had turned grey and mean with the promise of a summer storm. This was a common occurrence around here. Short summer storms would come through on even the most beautiful of days.
“Jake, wake up!” I nudged his arm and started packing up the last remnants of our picnic before everything got soaked. He opened his eyes groggily, jumping into motion when he saw the clouds overhead threatening to dump rain all over us.
We moved quickly across the water, thanks to his speedy rowing, and were only a few yards away from the dock when the sky opened up and rain started hammering down on us. I shrieked and made a pathetic attempt to cover myself with the cardigan I was holding, while Jake just looked at me and laughed.
When we edged up against the dock I practically leapt out of the boat and carried my guitar and the picnic basket back to the shelter of the cabin. I was about to go inside to get away from the storm, but when I looked for Jake I saw that he was still out on the dock. He was leisurely pulling the rowboat up onto the dock and flipping it over, clearly in no hurry despite the buckets of rain coming down over his head.
“What’s taking so long?” I said, rushing to the end of the dock where he was still standing, “In case you didn’t notice, we’re getting drenched!”
Jake just smiled. “Since when do you care about getting a little wet? The Nora I remember used to love running around in rainstorms.” He strode over to me and ran his hands up my arms. “It’s kinda nice, isn’t it?”
I nodded, stepping closer and looking up at him through the sheets of rain. He was gorgeous… especially when he was dripping wet. I reached up and traced his jawline, trailing my finger through the droplets of rain and watched as his eyes turned dark with desire.
Within a half a second his mouth was on mine and his hands were at my hips drawing me closer. His kiss started off slow but when his tongue met mine it became needy and impassioned. I slowly ran my hands up his hard chest and over his shoulders, pulling myself closer to him. His grip around me tightened and he moved his hands down, grabbing my bottom and lifting me up. I wrapped my legs around him and held onto him firmly.

“I want you,” he grumbled against my lips, “I can’t wait any longer.”

About the Author
 photo EllieGraceBioPhoto_zps2d92f99d.jpg
Ellie Grace is an avid reader, chocolate lover and caffeine addict. When a story popped into her head that she couldn’t seem to shake, she decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a writer. When she’s not writing, she’s usually curled up with a book by one of her many, many favorite authors.  
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RELEASE EVENT: MID-LIFE LOVE by Whitney G. + Giveaway

Release Date: June 28th
Author: Whitney G.


Synopsis:
If you'd asked me what love was two years ago, I probably would've said, 'It's this amazing feeling that obsesses and possesses you; it's what me and my husband currently have.' If you ask me that same question today, I'll say, 'Please get the hell out of my face.’'
Claire Gracen's life is picture perfect. Her career as a marketing director is on the brink of being legendary, and her marriage to her high school sweetheart has never been stronger. No, wait. It has. It used to be amazing and fulfilling, but one day Claire realizes that she's been living a lie and her best friend and husband have committed the ultimate betrayal. 
Broken and depressed, Claire is in need of something new—new city, new job, new friends
When she happens to attract the interest of the sexiest man she's ever met, a man significantly younger than her, she immediately turns him down—only to later discover that this man is Jonathan Statham, self-made billionaire and CEO of Statham Industries. Her boss.
Jonathan Statham is unlike any man she's met before. He's used to getting whatever he wants—whenever he wants, and he isn't about to take no for an answer. 
Sexy, unpredictable, and charmingly clever, Mid Life Love is a story that will captivate you, entertain you, and force you to fall deeply in love with the characters.



Snippet of Jonathan and Claire’s first encounter:

“Need some help?” A deep voice said from behind.
“Sure.” I didn’t look up. I kept stacking the red boxes in between the yellow ones, making sure each box was perfectly aligned into the tacky half diamond formation.
As I stacked the last cereal box atop the display, I turned to look at the man who’d helped me out.
OH. MY. GOD…
He had one of those faces that belonged in a Ralph Lauren ad—stark blue eyes that gleamed with the faintest hint of light, a perfectly chiseled jaw line with a light sexy stubble, and full, well defined lips that looked inviting enough to kiss all day.
He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a black sweat shirt with “San Fran” in white letters. And for some odd reason, he was smiling at me.
He’s probably a student at the law school down the street….If only I could go back in time…Oh well…
“Umm…Thank you for your help.” I turned away and went back to my basket.
“Wait a minute,” he said as he walked over. “I didn’t catch your name.”
How cute…“Claire.”
“Nice to meet you, Claire. I’m Jonathan.” He reached out to shake my hand. “I know this may seem forward, but I can’t leave the store without knowing if I can I take you out tonight.”
What? Did he just ask me out? For tonight?
“Umm…”
“You can pick the place.” He smiled a perfect white smile and ran a hand through his jet black hair. “And we can meet there if you don’t want me to pick you up.”
Stop looking at his smile and avert your gaze somewhere lower…Not that lower!
“I would but…” I literally couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was the sexiest man I’d ever seen and I could feel this strange rush of warmth coursing through my veins. “I can’t.”
“Is it because you’re seeing someone else?” His eyes veered to my bare left hand. “Are you married?”
He has to be kidding me…“No. I’m not married or seeing anyone else. I’m—”
“So would eight o’ clock be fine? And where exactly do you want to meet?” He looked directly into my eyes and I almost collapsed onto the floor.
The look he was giving me should’ve been reserved for a seductive scene in a romance movie and his dreamy smile was lethal.
“Look, I’m completely flattered but you look kind of young.”
He furrowed his eyebrow. “That’s very nice of you to say, but that doesn’t answer my question. Where do you want to—”
“How old are you, Jonathan?”
“Twenty eight.” His beautiful eyes lit up.
Twenty eight?! Why am I still standing here entertaining him? He’s eleven years younger than me! No thanks…
“Well, that’s way too young for me. I have a little cousin that’s more in your age range. She’s currently studying law, but if you want I can call and ask her if—”
“You don’t want to go out with me?”
No. I’m way too old for you, and I’m not a cougar or a cradle robber. I have two daughters and I would feel some type of way if they dated someone who had our age difference.”
“Our age difference?”
“Yes. I’m thirty nine, which means that when you were eight years old and learning how to build fires with the Boy Scouts, I was nineteen and in college. It means that when you were nineteen and trying to figure out what major you wanted to pick, I was thirty trying to build a career in marketing. And just in case you don’t realize how many years there are that separate us, there are eleven. Do you not see the problem with that?
“Not really.” He grinned. “But I can’t force someone to go out with me, can I?

Author Bio
A self-diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them.
She is the "imaginary bestselling" author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul.
When she's not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here: http://www.whitneygracia.com
She also loves getting emails from her readers, so if you want to tell her how much you loved (or hated) her stories, email her at whitgracia@gmail.com
Social Media Links:

GIVEAWAY
2 signed paperbacks of Mid Life Love (US only)
3 winners:
Claire's necklace from Jonathan (US only)
5 ebooks (open internationally)

$10.00 amazon giftcard (open internationally)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Review: BIRTHDAY WISHES (The List book 1) by Braxton Cole

Birthday Wishes (The List, Book 1)
By: Braxton Cole
Published: March 3, 2013
Genre: Erotic Romance - Novella
Source: Copy provided by the author in exchange for honest review.

Mari meets Luca on an adult website. She’s still smarting from a divorce and only looking to explore her desires. They create wish lists of their sexual fantasies and agree to work through them together. No strings, no attachments, nothing but pleasure, and Mari anticipates their first meeting with impatience. But through a miscommunication involving a private text message and Mari’s nosy brother, Luca ends up at her 30th birthday party, before their planned rendezvous. Much to her surprise, they seem to connect better than she expected, and in ways she hadn’t expected. He’s strong, commanding, but also gentle and respectful and he makes her ache in ways she never thought possible.
But when Luca later expresses a desire for something more than just casual sex, Mari's impulse is to run the other way. After all, her failed marriage is evidence that she really shouldn’t go much deeper. Can Luca convince Mari otherwise? Can he help her see that he's her ultimate birthday wish come true?

Birthday Wishes is Book 1 in The List Series is intended for an adult audience only and contains mature themes, including graphic and explicit sex.
Review:

Whew, this is one steamy novella! No confusion here… there is A LOT of sex, and a lot of sexy Luca. Yum! If you’re looking for a quite sexy read that will capture your attention Birthday Wishes is it. It definitely left me wanting more, which is good, since book 2 comes out July 1st.


Mari and Luca’s story is unconventional at best, but the connect between the two is undeniable and Braxton Cole works wonders with words, while Luca works wonders, I tell you WONDERS, in the bedroom. He certainly knows his way around a woman’s body and he will leave you panting for more, more, more. Pick this one up quick so that you’ll be all ready to dive into book 2, All Wrapped Up.



Connect with Braxton Cole



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Cover Reveal: BREAKING THE RULES by H.B. Heinzer


Cover Reveal for Breaking The Rules! 


Release date: August 1st
Author: H.B. Heinzer

Synopsis:

Growing up in small town Wisconsin, Carly Turner couldn't wait to escape when she graduated high school. Now, she's living the life in New York City, even if she isn't seeing her name in lights like she used to dream about at night. She's living paycheck-to-paycheck, working behind the scenes in small theaters off Broadway. When there's an equipment malfunction the week before opening night, Carly makes a call that winds up changing everything.

Life in the city isn't all it's cracked up to be. While she feels like she's getting closer to making the move from behind the scenes to center stage, she misses being surrounded by people who understand the quirks that come from living in a town of five thousand people. That, and the fact that he's sexy as sin, make Adam everything she feels like she's missing.

The only problem? He's her best friend's kid brother...

Adam Sanders wants to settle down, find a good woman and start a family like he sees so many of his friends doing. But how is he supposed to meet Ms. Right when he's constantly on the road for work? When he's sent to New York to handle a repair that would typically be contracted out as a favor to his boss, he's just about to his breaking point.

Everything changes when the stagehand sent to open the theater for him is none other than his big sister's childhood friend. The same girl he lusted after as a teenager. Could this be fate's way of showing him that he was looking in the wrong place for love?

As Adam and Carly's friendship develops, lines will be crossed and rules will be broken. Will they be able to come out the other side without destroying everything they had back in Brooklyn?


Teaser:
"Hello?" A deep voice resonated from backstage. The way the timbre of the man’s voice echoed off the acoustic panels in the empty theater sent a shiver down Carly’s spine. She was surrounded daily by men whose voices could melt butter, but there was something about this particular voice that heightened her senses.

"Out here," she shouted, still wrestling to pull the set piece out of the curtain without causing any damage Dax would make her fix later. She blew a stray hair away from her eyes as the lighting contractor rounded the corner.

When she looked up, she did a double-take. The broad shoulders and angled jaw were all new but there was no mistaking the icy blue eyes looking down at her.  They were the same eyes she had seen nearly every day of her childhood. "Adam?"       
   
"Carly Turner? What are the odds..."

When she had moved away from home, Adam Sanders had been a bit gangly and not nearly this tall. She figured he would have grown up to be the man a woman grew to love for his heart despite his awkward appearance. The fact that it looked like he wasn’t opposed to spending time in the gym and he had lost the child-like face did nothing to settle her nerves. Carly shook the thoughts out of her head. This was Adam, the boy who had been the little brother Carly never had. Even if she had never felt that familial bond with him, there was definitely a rule about drooling over your best friend's little brother.

"Well, I think they're probably long enough that there's no point in buying a lottery ticket tonight," Oh god, did I just compare seeing Adam to winning the lottery?

 *****
Click on the picture to get BENT for FREE! For a limited time only!

About the Author:
With the exception of three years spent in the middle of Nebraska, H.B. Heinzer has called southern Wisconsin home. During that time in Nebraska, she imagined one of her favorite authors living on the far western edge of the county, just south of the highway. At the time, becoming a novelist was a distant dream for her. Now, she is the author living in that location. Ironically, she later found out that same favorite author lives just outside the town HB lived in for the first eighteen years of her life.
Now, HB lives in the middle of nowhere but still close enough to the city to not feel isolated. It's the perfect place to let her two kids run and explore their huge yard, teach them about the food chain as they prepare their first-ever garden and debate building a chicken coop. It's one of those dreams that is only possible thanks to the amazing opportunities that have come through writing.


Connect with H.B. Heinzer: