Cover Reveal: BREAKING THE RULES by L.K. Lewis

Breaking the Rules

Author: LK Lewis

Release date: September 17, 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover designed by: Cover It! Designs

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Book Description

Morgan Lane has just completed grad school, and has accepted a job at Baylor Industries with the help of her father, who just so happens to be golf buddies with Drake Baylor Sr., CEO.  Morgan has lived her 24 years of life under her parents thumbs, and is more than eager to start living life and carving successful career for herself.

Drake Baylor Jr. is being groomed to take over as CEO of Baylor Industries upon his father’s retirement.  Although he was raised in an affluent household, his formative years were rough, leading to a string of bad decisions, and hard lived years.  In order to take over as CEO, his father has given him a set of rules to live by for an indefinite period of time: No drugs, limited alcohol consumption, and absolutely no relationships whatsoever with women-his greatest weakness.  If Drake can abstain from those three things, work hard, and gain his father’s trust, he can have the keys to the Kingdome. 

Drake meets Morgan on her first day at Baylor Industries, and the phrase “love at first sight” doesn’t even come close to describing what is felt between them.  Their instant attraction is a magnetic pull that is stronger than either one of them can handle.  Now Drake and Morgan are faced with figuring out how to fight for their future together, hoping not to get caught “Breaking the Rules”.

About the Author

LK Lewis lives in Northern Michigan with her Husband and 2 year old son.

Born and raised in Michigan, LK spent her early twenties chasing the man of her dreams (now husband of 8 years) around the country, residing in both New York, and Portland, Oregon.  While living in Portland, LK attended East West College of the Healing Arts, and is now a Massage Therapist, Makeup Artist, and Spa Owner.

When LK isn’t working, writing, or chasing her son around, she enjoys boat days, playing in the sunshine, and giggling with her husband.  You may also find her on twitter most days, especially live tweeting when The Bachelor/Bachelorette or The Walking Dead is on.  Check her out, you may enjoy her colorful commentary!

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Cover Reveal: THE DARKEST JOY by Marata Erox

The Darkest Joy

Author: Marata Eros

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Expected release date: February 18, 2014

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

Age Group: New Adult

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Book Description:

A sexy and poignant new adult novel from New York Times bestseller Marata Eros, about two lost souls who find each other in the wake of tragedy, only to learn that love may not be enough to heal the wounds of a dark and tortured past...

Twenty year-old Brooke Starr has escaped the aftermath of a brutal tragedy by abandoning her music studies and moving north to take a summer position as a part-time deck hand on a deep-sea fishing boat. When her survivor’s guilt becomes unbearable, Brooke realizes there's only one thing she can do to finally erase the pain.

Deep sea fisherman, Chance Taylor, has just wrapped his guitar set at the local saloon when he sees the silhouette of a young woman in repose, the full moon highlighting her shadow as she plummets from a pier too high for diving... into water too cold to survive. Without thinking, he plunges in after her, saving Brooke from drowning.

As Chance works to save her from her own emotional fragility, Brooke finally begins to learn how to save herself. But when their chemistry begins to consume them, Brooke withdraws. She’s determined to be the master of her own destiny... until the past catches up with her in a cataclysmic plan so dark, so final... it threatens their love and their very lives.

About the Author

Marata Eros is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of dark, romantic new adult novels, including A Terrible Love and its companion novel A Brutal Tenderness. A passionate writer who loves interacting with her readers, Marata lives in South Dakota with her husband.

Author social media links

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Release Event! GIRL ON TOUR (Kylie Ryans #2) by Caisey Quinn

Caisey Quinn is celebrating the release of Girl on Tour, book #2 in the Kylie Ryans novels! Make sure to check out the excerpt below and enter the giveaway Caisey is offering!

Title: Girl on Tour: Kylie Ryans #2 

Author: Caisey Quinn 

Release date: August 27, 2013 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Age Group: New Adult   

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

An up and comer trying to make a name for herself... 

KYLIE never expected to be stuck on a tour bus with a pampered princess and her boyfriend’s ex. 

A troubled artist struggling to hold onto his career... 

TRACE thought he was finally getting to do things his way. Until the label added co-headliner Gretchen Gibson, the only person in country music with more issues than him, to his No Apologies tour. Surrounded by tabloid rumors and people they can't trust, Kylie and Trace need each other more than ever. But the choices they make will change everything.

Because chasing your dreams and following your heart don’t always lead you to the same place…

 

About the Author 

Caisey Quinn lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the author of several New Adult Romance novels featuring country girls finding love in unexpected places. She is currently working on Girl in Love, the third and final book in the Kylie Ryans series. You can find her online at www.caiseyquinnwrites.com. 

  

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Cover Reveal: WITHOUT YOU by Brooklyn Skye

Without You

by Brooklyn Skye

Release Date: 10/22/13

Summary from Goodreads:

*A novella to the best-selling New Adult novel STRIPPED*

I’m the knight on the white horse in her eyes, the one who broke down her defenses after her sister’s death until she realized she was capable of love. To her—aside from my name, Torrin Kingsley—I’m perfect.

But there’s a sliver of my past I’ve never shared with her. One that is now haunting me with every breath I take. One she is starting to raise her brow to.

I’m not certain how much longer I can keep it from her. To be honest, I don’t know that it would make a difference anyway, because it seems no matter which path I choose, they all lead to the same end point. A place without Quinn.

My demons run bone deep. I guess burying them forever wasn’t possible.

Read my review of Book One:

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About the Author

Brooklyn Skye grew up in a small town where she quickly realized writing was an escape from small town life. Really, she’s just your average awkward girl who’s obsessed with words. Her Best-Selling New Adult debut, STRIPPED, is out NOW! Represented by Bree Ogden of D4EO Literary Agency.

***Author Links***

  

Cover Reveal organized by:

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FAKING IT ~ By Cora Carmack

Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

Oh yay!! So Cade gets his story. I'm really happy about this. He was a heartbroken character from Cora Carmack's first book in the series, Losing It. (You can see my review for Losing It by clicking here). 

 

I had felt for Colt when he didn't get the girl he loved in Losing It. I could feel the ache in my heart each time he was around or thought of Bliss. Could Faking It, the second book in the Losing It series be his chance to have love reciprocated, or will it lead him down the pathway of a love life of doom?

 

"I was doomed to always be attracted to the girls I couldn't have." 

 

Cora's witty writing always puts a smile on my face. The sincere side of it is emotional. And the romance side is intense and passionate.

 

Max had me when Cade classified her with a pin-up girl style. It was so fun reading about her trying not to be attracted to someone so handsome and not her style. Cade's instant attraction and patience towards her was spot-on. And boy does Max have a deal for him. Question is, can Cade handle it, or will he find himself in the same situation he did with Bliss? One things for sure. He had no problem slipping into his role. Can he win the game?

 

Guys- O.M.G.- I didn't realize how much I was going to adore Cade!!! He's a total hot wing that'll make you lick them fingers... He be bonified!! Oh and he made me giggle and swoon. Broken, yet confident. Just how I like em'.

 

Max- an extrovert, a total rockstar, yes, love her. Despair was her worst enemy though. And Cade- an introvert, polite, patient, but lonely  had so much love to give. Opposites attract. Empathy and apathy. Two totally different personalities but they made their encounters flow right into a bay of desire. The attraction between them left me breathless and the way they comforted each other left me in awe. They were perfectly flawed in each their own way and were a perfect need for the other. Faking It- a love story full of breaking down the barriers of the past, to accept and move on.

 

CC's POVs between the characters flowed effortlessly. I love the curiosity, frustration and crave in the series. Like the first book, CC always leaves her readers wanting more of her swoony stories! She gives me lots of expression and emotion while I read and leaves me with a lasting impression on her books.

 

CC writes the best kissing scenes I've ever read. My hubs actually called me out on this embarrassing moment that's too funny not to share. I totally got busted for licking my lips during a kissy scene. I didn't even realize it until he blurted it out. I told him it wasn't as creepy as what it looked (I hoped not, anyways) and then I was like, "WTF are you doing looking at me while I'm reading. You're the creeper!" lol!!

 

Anyways, if you haven't graced yourself in reading the books in the Losing It series by Cora Cormack, I STRONGLY suggest you do so.

 

Find Faking It by Cora Carmack on Goodreads

 

Purchase Faking It by Cora Carmack at B&N, Amazon, Book Depository

 

Kimberly

REVIEW ~ The Selection by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 

Interesting competition we have here, in The Selection by Kiera Cass.

People were classified/ranked. America was invited to the Selection. Let's slightly compare it to Bachelorette meets Cinderella's prince match game. 

America had no desire to be classified as first or be of elite status. It was for Compensation. It was because she loved her family. It was for their survival.

 

But there was Aspen. The boy she was passionate about. The boy who was not the prince. The boy who wanted the best for her and do whatever he had to do. For her. But dude... Really?! You never let the girl go, doofus! <--- sorry I was giving Aspen a reality check *flicks his ear*  I mean, America wouldn't get chosen, right? The crave Aspen had to provide for her was sweet. The way she loved him for him, and nothing else had me an awe.

Shock can provoke fear. Events were unexpected, some painful, some glorious. The choices America had to make suffocated me. She could break the rules, go back to her lower status. But, do new feelings surface? Do old feelings die?

I found America to be sarcastic (in a non condescending way), brave and adapt well to the attention. I felt homesick for her. She was a bit intimidated at all of the lush. I loved that she remained faithful to her true self; kind and caring. The rules and most of the girls (hello cattiness!) were daunting, so I'd be biting my nails, and just for that I'd liable get kicked out! And hol-eeE cow--- Mer's got a game of her own! 

I was glad America remained hopeful, although she had a compelling prince at her side, which made it tough. Prince Maxon wasn't what America had imagined. He was guarded, yet funny, compassionate and admirable.  Charming thing, he was. I really enjoyed his composure and he was so genuine I could pinch his cheeks... Or his ass. 

America and Maxon's interaction was a joy. She was very supportive and he receptive. The way he focused on her gave me a drunken crush.

WWAC: Who will America Choose?  I'll find out hopefully when I read the next installment, The Elite.

Dystopias are always an exciting read for me. Makes me wonder if our country is really headed in that direction.

 

I really enjoyed Kiera Cass' writing. It was full of wit and desire. She's quite the adorable one and full of personality as well, which makes me admire her work even more (I'd met her at RT2013 when I had purchased The Selection.)

 

Find The Selection by Kiera Cass on Goodreads

 

Purchase The Selection by Kiera Cass at B&N, Amazon, Book Depository

 

Kimberly

RED CARD by Liz Crowe - BLOG TOUR + Giveaway

The Black Jack Gentlemen

The newest series by Liz Crowe

A city and a sport with something to prove—Meet the men who take that challenge.

The Black Jack Gentlemen—Detroit’s expansion soccer team.

They play hard. And live harder.

Title:   Red Card (Black Jack Gentlemen #2)

Author:  Liz Crowe

Genre: General Fiction, Adult

Publication Date:  August 14, 2013

Cover Design:   Mina Carter

Publisher:  Tri Destiny Publishing

Event organized by: Literati Author Services

Source: Digital ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.

Synopsis

Free will makes us human.

Choice makes us individuals.

Love makes us unique.

Metin Sevim has it all. At the pinnacle of international soccer playing success, he has managed to craft a perfect world for himself along the way.

When fate strips him of free will and the ability to choose his own path, he retreats from everyone and everything, destroying his hard-won career in the process.

Dragged back from the brink by his desperate family, Metin reluctantly agrees to coach the Black Jack Gentlemen Detroit soccer team but remains debilitated by memories and loss. When a surprising friendship emerges, it renews his passion for life, providing much needed solace… and extreme complications.

A saga of family dynamics and gender politics that cuts across cultures and circumstance, Red Card illustrates the human capacity for forgiveness through the life of one man as he attempts to rebuild his shattered existence.

Review

Wow! Liz has done it again! She's taken a love story, ripped my heart out, made me bawl like a baby, added some great sex, a lot of emotional , more sex, and crafted another epic book full of every emotion and flavor. It's basically a paper version of brand new craft beer. 

I always love how Liz tells a story from beginning to end. She doesn't just write one year in the scheme of a story, no, she tells the characters' entire story. We get to experience the entire journey. The before, the during, and the after, and I think that is one of the things that makes her books so special. Red Card is written just this way, and it's extremely powerful. Without experiencing Metin's past with him, the reader wouldn't be able to appreciate his pain and especially not where his story ends up. The journey is important, and the story would be incomplete without each step and stumble along the way.

Another thing I love about Liz's writing is that she always appeals to the readers emotions in a way that is both real and involving. You can't help but feel intense emotion for her characters, and Metin is no exception. Liz doesn't spare her characters pain or heartbreak. She doesn't write for the 100% happy ending. This book is messy emotionally, and the experience is realistic. Life doesn't come with a big red bow that ties up all of our experiences in a nice, neat package, and Red Card lives up to real life. There is struggle, lots and lots of struggle, and unhappiness, but again, it's real life. I could appreciate the story so much more after going through the complete journey and all the ups and downs right along with all the characters.

If you haven't read Book One: Man On, you can still read Red Card without being lost; however, I strongly recommend all of Liz's books. She's an amazing author, and you will enjoy every single journey you take with her. You'll find more information about the series, and Man On below. Red Card & Man On are out now! Go ahead and grab your copy of Red Card, this is one emotional trip you won't want to miss!

 

Not familiar with the BLACK JACK GENTLEMEN series? Here's the reading order for you. 

Book 1:  Man On (August 2013)

Book 2:  Red Card (August 2013)  

Book 3:  Shut Out (September 2013)

And Coming Soon…

Book 4:  Set Piece

Book 5:  Hat Trick 

Man On (Black Jack Gentlemen: Book One)

Bad boy of European football, Nicolas Garza is about to hit American shores with a vengeance. Signed by the Detroit Black Jack Gentlemen as lynch pin for their expansion club, Nicco only half believes he’s making the right move. But with a past full of ghosts and rotten behavior chasing him from his homeland, he has no real choice.

Parker Rollings is a college soccer superstar, but his parents’ plans for their only son do not include professional athletics. When the Black Jacks approach him to finalize their roster, Parker leaps at the chance to keep playing, leaving behind medical school, stability and his first and only college sweetheart.

Nicco and Parker face off as bitter rivals for a coveted starting spot at midfield and are forced to channel their negative energy into something positive for the sake of the group—and themselves.

All eyes are on the fledgling team in its debut season. It’s crucial that the Black Jacks prove all the doubters wrong. They must make a good showing in the league and with new fans. But player drama, club dynamics, and misplaced priorities may tear it apart before it even begins.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town.  She has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse. While working as a successful Realtor, Liz made the leap into writing novels about the same time she agreed to take on marketing and sales for the Wolverine State Brewing Company.   

Most days find her sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, unless she’s writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.  

Her early forays into the publishing world led to a groundbreaking fiction subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” which has gained thousands of fans and followers interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”).  More recently she is garnering even more fans across genres with her latest novels, which are more “character-driven fiction,” while remaining very much “real life.”

With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, in successful real estate offices and many times in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are unique and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, frustrate, and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, be sure and stop into the Wolverine State Brewing Co. Tap Room—but don’t ask her for anything “like” a Bud Light, or risk serious injury.

Social Media Links

Website / Beer Wench Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads /  Facebook Private Group / Jack Gordon Facebook Page

Giveaway (Open Internationally) 

One set of signed paperback copies (the first 3 books) for one winner to be given out after the release of the third book.

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Review ~ Legend by Marie Lu

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

I had a slap attack. "What?" you say.

A slap attack, where I literally slapped myself for not reading Legend sooner. I've had it for a while, guilty of buying it for it's flashy cover before even reading the exhilarating synopsis. 

Marie Lu whirls us through a future world where there's the poor, the plague, and the military. War is the norm.

This book had me gripping on every surface within reach. Legend was action packed and full of intensity. The author gave great detail to her tenacious characters personalities and their feelings. The settings brought these pages to reality. Lu gave great attention to the development of this story which kept my span rolling through those pages.

 

Children are tested. If they score high, they're sent to college for not education for their future, but for militant purposes. If the children score low, they are left with their poor families where the plague may consume them. Really low score... Means you have no purpose.

Day has it together. Day should be dead. Day is wanted. Day makes Spider-man look like a pussy. Day is incognito. He is a misfit, a humane criminal. His crime a purpose of survival. A pure vigilante. He's full of compassion; for his family, for his friends, for his people. He'll change this post apocalyptic world one Day at a time. He will be a LEGEND. Not before he makes a careless choice. Not before he's a target.

I really enjoyed his side-kick, Eden. She is a very optimistic, loyal friend. Someone Day is lucky to have. They were lucky to have each other.

...The tracking begins...

June is a genius, her score the highest. And she has reason to be revengeful. She's thorough and fearless; meticulous, curious, and brave. Her experience to blend in with the poor reeled in her prey. 

Turn of events bring June to realization. With the knowledge of Day and their discoveries, she realizes the Republic is cruelty at it's finest. Menacing towards their people. 

The introduction between Day and June had my stomach in a knot. I was waiting for the recognition to kick in and it had me biting my knuckles. 

Intelligence, observation, discovery and passion is a commonality of Day and June. Full of risk, they become warriors to save each other and their nation from their controlling government in this courageous and heroic read.

 

Prodigy, the second book in this exciting series is on it's way to me now. I can't wait to see where Day and June lead me next!

 

Find Legend by Marie Lu on Goodreads.

 

Purchase Legend by Marie Lu on B&N, Amazon, Book Depository

 

Kimberly

 

OFF COURSE (OFF series #4) by Sawyer Bennett REVIEW

Off Course (Off Series #4)

by Sawyer Bennett

Renner Caldwell has her life perfectly mapped out. She has the ideal relationship, the perfect job and all is right in her world. When a shameful turn of events happens, she boards the first plane bound for Ireland to lick her wounds and get her head back on straight.

Cillian O’Bradaigh is the sexy, front man to the Irish rock band, Over The Edge. His rising fame and sultry voice make him every woman’s fantasy come true. Not to mention his single-minded determination. To put it simply: what Cillian wants, Cillian always gets. And he wants Renner, because there’s just something about the flame-haired beauty he has to possess.

If their relationship was just about sex and rock n’ roll, it would be easy for them to get lost in their desires. Only their relationship is anything but a hook-up. Will lies, deceit and hidden tragedy get in the way, making the path to true love uncertain? Or will the girl whose been knocked Off Course, find her footing with the man who is teaching her it’s okay to lose control?

Review:

I adore this series, and OFF COURSE just made me love it even more! Renner and Cillian might be my favorite couple so far, but I’m pretty sure I say that with every OFF Series book I read. Something really different about this book is that not only is it set in Dublin, Ireland, but the characters from the other books play only a very small role in OFF COURSE. For the most part, these are all completely new characters, and they are fabulous if I do say so myself.

Renner and Cillian certainly face some challenges, the first being their history. That’s right, there’s some history in this one; and its got Renner pretty guarded. Not to mention her recent experience with love. But Cillian’s got his own issues to deal with, and well, they aren’t exactly simple.

Cillian’s a lover alright. I mean, he’s a rock star so of course he’s all about the sex. And he’s really good at the sex. *wink* Really good! I loved the tension not only between Renner and Cillian, but between each of them and the other characters in this book. Cillian is close with Renner’s cousin and her family, so it creates a lot of extra tension. And with all the OFF Series books, people screw up! Big time! But the conclusion for this one will make you smile, and have you on the edge of your seat waiting for the 5^th and final OFF book. Yep… there’s one more coming and OFF CHANCE is sure to be a fab conclusion for this amazing series that will have you drooling for these fabulous men!

About the Author 
Sawyer Bennett is the pen name for a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Author Social Media Links     

www.sawyerbennett.com

www.facebook.com/bennettbooks

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