30 April 2013

Title: No Attachments
Author: Tiffany King
Publisher: A.T. Publishing LLC, 302 Pages (April 30th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: ** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations, language and mature subject matter **

Ashton Garrison walked away from a privileged life in order to hide from the one thing she's not willing to face. She knows she left behind a trail of pain, but in the long run, her betrayal will hurt less than the truth. She now has one goal: Live life to the fullest with no regrets and no attachments. She has high hopes that a move to new surroundings will provide the escape she desires, but what Ashton doesn't count on is how fate always seems to find a way to screw up any good plan. Sometimes, when love comes knocking, the pull is too strong not to answer. Suddenly, what she thought she wanted to escape from is what Ashton now wants more than anything.

Nathan Lockton has one mission: find his target and complete the task he was hired to do—no attachments and no emotion necessary. He's done it over and over again. What he thought was a typical lost-and-found job has turned into a life examining moment as Nathan is forced to deal with something he has always ignored--his feelings. Now faced with a decision, Nathan must choose to either follow his heart or complete the job.

Love can come when you least expect it. The question is: If the odds are stacked against you, how far are you willing to go for the one you love?

Review: 4 Stars - Author Tiffany King’s latest title, No Attachments is another welcomed contemporary in the ever exciting “New Adult” category. Two characters with secrets, hiding from their pasts meet and form a mutual beneficial relationship with often hilarious, laugh out loud results.

Ashton doesn't want to face some of the uglier sides of her life so she packs up some things and leaves. Wanting nothing more but to vanish for awhile and live her life without fear. She is determined and secretive and with the friendship of two girls in the small town she’s moved to is looking for a one night stand. She doesn't want love or attachments but she’s never had a one night stand. That’s when the perfect stranger walks into the bar.

Nathan is just as mysterious as Ashton and the banter between the two on that first meeting was laugh out loud funny. Often throughout the book I caught myself laughing uncontrollably and I have to say, it was a pleasant surprise! Anyone who can make me laugh like I did deserves props, *bows down* to King for writing some amazing one liners & conversations.

I loved Nathan. I loved Ashton and Nathan together. They were both dealing with their pasts and unknowingly changed the other. Nathan might be there to do a job, but he’s finding out that his past rules aren't always as easy to follow as they used to be. Ashton makes him question these rules and his feelings on attachments. Nathan might just be the guy to crack through Ashtons’ tough armor and vise versa.

One part of the book that I loved – besides the characters and the writing and how funny it was, was the whole play on words when it comes to “Riding a Bike”. Every time the two characters talked about this subject I was giddy.  I also liked how perfectly un-perfect King made her characters. Neither was someone I couldn't relate to and I loved how personable and real they were. There was nothing over the top about any part of this story and that was a pleasure to read.

The twist to the story I didn't see coming until it was pretty much upon us. I was just so wrapped up in the story that I didn't even bother to try to guess. Once I figured out what was going on and saw more of both of their pasts it didn't faze me one bit that I figured it out.

All in all, I loved this book! When I finished the book, I wasn't ready for the ending. I wanted to keep reading and to stay in the world that King had created for Ashton and Nathan. I wanted to be that fly on the wall to see what was next for the two. I’m thrilled that I read this novel. I could see myself rereading in the near further. This might be my first title by King but it won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future, I can’t wait! Anyone who loves a great contemporary should check out this title, you’ll laugh, you’ll swoon and you’ll love these two characters just like I have. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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29 April 2013

Cover Reveal: Until I Break By: M. Leighton

Title: Until I Break
Author: M. Leighton
Publisher: M. Leighton Books, (May 2013)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: In love, sometimes what you fear most is exactly what you need.

Laura Drake is an author. She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts. She is sharp. She is confident. She is in control.

And she doesn’t exist.

Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists. She is shy. She is insecure. She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego. She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with.

Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books. Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare.

When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life. Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be.

Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes. Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec. And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her.

The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason. And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.

OMGOSH! I can't wait to read this book!!! Love Michelle's stories and characters so I'm always extremely excited to read more new and exciting things from my friend! Love the cover and I can't wait to meet Samantha & Alec!



About Michelle:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

Find Michelle Online:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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28 April 2013

Title: All My Life
Author: Rucy Ban
Publisher: 155 Pages (May 7th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+


Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Kari meets Neil Mars. “Neil as in Armstrong and Mars…as in Bruno.” A boy who beats every vampire, werewolf, highlander fantasy Kari has ever had. But she knows she can’t get close to him. Not ever. Because that would mean telling him everything. Coming clean. And Kari can’t bear the idea of changing the way Neil looks at her. Like she’s the only girl in the world. His reverence is something too precious to lose. Perhaps even at the cost of losing him.

But Kari doesn't know why Neil calls her his ‘Angel’ and when she finds out, she realizes what love is all about. Boundless joy, unending longing and a fuckload of heartache.

Excerpts: 

“I can take care of myself,” I tell him.
His lips twitch in response. “Oh, I’m sure you can, little shrub.”
“You are warned!” I take my voice down a notch and point my ring at him, “I’ll tunnel your leathery knighthood right out of this galaxy!”
Neil suddenly halts in his tracks and pins me down with his eyes. “Batman vs. Green Lantern? Batman wins. Every. Single. Time.”
“Ohmygod! So not true. In the…”
He cuts me. “One word…yellow.” I stare at him with my mouth half-open.
“‘Nuff said,” he says smugly and then tugs on my hand.

******

Maybe I’ll forget this feeling someday. Maybe it’ll just be reduced to a memory made up of a flickering gas heater, the salty dew of his skin and the love in his dark, inky eyes. This feeling of pure unadulterated joy. Of reaching a high so potent that your spirit feels like it’s soaring across the universe…and falling from that glorious peak only to find yourself enveloped in someone’s warm caring hands. When you feel like you’ve just died or been born, right at the same time.

It could be that I’ll forget this feeling someday. But I’m sure it won’t be anytime soon. Maybe when I’m a hundred and looking forward to my lunch of mashed bread. Not one single day before.


Author Profile:

Rucy Ban was born in 1978 and still continues to thrive. Ever since she first met Francine (the protagonist of her favorite novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn), Rucy fell in love with the written word. Rucy has a B-school degree in Marketing which she now puts to good use teaching lovable rowdy rogues and negotiating with her equally belligerent adolescent. In her previous avatar, she handled corporate communications for companies. At present, Rucy lives in Sao Paulo, travels often, speaks decent, if not quite fluent, Portuguese and really hates talking about herself in third person.

Find Rucy Online:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


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27 April 2013


Title: The Space Between (Space, #1)
Author: Victoria H. Smith
Publisher: 324 Pages (March 2, 2013)
From: the Author & Purchased from Amazon
Format: eBook
Age Group:  New Adult Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: When Drake started the night at his father’s campaign fundraiser, he never imagined he’d end it being conned into buying drugs on the West Side. Losing high-stakes poker has its consequences, but he’d repeatedly face them just to hear Lacey Douglas sing. Drake sees Lacey light up the stage, and he has to have her. But his intentions for being on her side of town turn out to be the reason he can’t.

Chicago native Lacey has dreams of the opera, but life has its obstacles. Lacey has come to know her hardships as part of living in the real world and accepts them fully. When Lacey meets the intense and invigorating Drake, a fire is lit inside her, unleashing those dreams again.

Two paths that should have never crossed prove to create the exact pairing the other needs. But when their worlds take time to catch up, everything they have is tested. Finding the space between the two sides that challenge them will be hard, but it’s the only place that will keep them together.

The Space Between is a new adult contemporary romance.

Review: 3 Stars - The Space Between by author Victoria H. Smith is a contemporary “New Adult” title that tells the tale of when two people from different sides of town meet and the relationship that follows.

Drake and Lacey are so different from one another. Where they were born, raised and their lives that surround them. Drake comes from a privileged life and Lacey from the rougher side of town. When the two meet it’s as if there was a magnetic pull for the pair and that fate had brought them together. However, things quickly spin out of control and they are forced to take some huge steps back to assess things apart instead of together.

However when fate is involved it’s never that easy. And when I finished this novel I believed that fate was what brought these two together.

Both Drake and Lacey were hard for me to relate to. It wasn't often that I felt connected to them and they were two characters that I had a hard time getting a clear picture of in my head. I did like how strong they were and how they both affected each other’s lives. One thing I loved about Drake is that he knew what he wanted and fought for it and he rarely backed down. One thing I loved about Lacey was that she cared for her ailing mother and found a way to take what she wanted out of her life and went after it. The two have issues throughout the story, being from two different sides of the tracks, their relationship was bound to be an uphill battle.

While the book itself was well written and I liked the overall story, it wasn't what I was expecting. Being that it was hard for me to relate to the characters and visualize them in my head was a real bummer. I must give Smith props for the strong emotions I had for a few secondary characters and any author who can bring out such frustration and anger like I held for three of them I applaud.

I did enjoy the relationship Drake had with his younger sister Adele. She was someone who loved him unconditionally and he needed that in his family. She was sweet and somewhat naive but I believe Lacey helped her grow up while she was in her life.

All in all, I enjoyed this title and am looking forward to seeing what happens next for Drake and Lacey. I was excited to hear that there will be more to their story. I’ll be interested to see where they both end up and will be on the lookout for it in the future. Being that this is my first title from Smith, I’ll also be looking forward to reading more of her other works as well. I would recommend this title to those who enjoy a good contemporary “New Adult” title.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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Title: The Space Between (Space, #1)
Author: Victoria H. Smith
Publisher: 324 Pages (March 2, 2013)
Age Group:  New Adult Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: When Drake started the night at his father’s campaign fundraiser, he never imagined he’d end it being conned into buying drugs on the West Side. Losing high-stakes poker has its consequences, but he’d repeatedly face them just to hear Lacey Douglas sing. Drake sees Lacey light up the stage, and he has to have her. But his intentions for being on her side of town turn out to be the reason he can’t.

Chicago native Lacey has dreams of the opera, but life has its obstacles. Lacey has come to know her hardships as part of living in the real world and accepts them fully. When Lacey meets the intense and invigorating Drake, a fire is lit inside her, unleashing those dreams again.

Two paths that should have never crossed prove to create the exact pairing the other needs. But when their worlds take time to catch up, everything they have is tested. Finding the space between the two sides that challenge them will be hard, but it’s the only place that will keep them together.

The Space Between is a new adult contemporary romance.

Book Trailer:

 




About the Author: 

Victoria H. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She puts it to good use writing romance all day. She resides in the Midwest with her Macbook on her lap and a cornfield to her right. She often draws inspiration for her stories from her own life experiences, and the twenty-something characters she writes give her an earful about it.

In her free time, she enjoys extreme couponing, blogging, reading, and sending off a few tweets on Twitter when she can. She writes new adult fiction romance in the sub-genres of science fiction, urban fantasy, and contemporary, but really, anywhere her pen takes her she goes.

Find Victoria Online:

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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26 April 2013


Title: The Space Between (The Book of Phoenix #1)
Author: Kristie Cook
Publisher: Ang'dora Productions, LLC, 393 Pages (April 5th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

After a month-long dance tour through Italy, 20-year-old Leni Drago returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, the home they shared empty and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that’s left is a journal she can’t open.

Jeric Winters has been searching for a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia. When an urgent and magnetic pull draws him out of his hotel room, he comes face-to-face with the beautiful dancer who’s been haunting his dreams day and night.

Jeric’s one to stay away from—a bad-boy, hit-it-and-quit-it type—but Leni can’t escape the fervent feelings between them. As their own existences begin to crumble around them and shadowy forms that are more monsters than men attack, they realize there’s more to the connection between them than physical fascination.

To solve the riddle their lives have become, they must embark on a journey that requires them to face their pasts and release their true souls. And they must do it fast—dark ones from another world are closing in, intent on killing them. Permanently.

Review: 5 Stars - The Space Between, the first title in the new and exciting The Book of the Phoenix Series by author Kristie Cook is in a word – STELLER! Cooks first title in the ever popular “New Adult” category tells a story within a story. The plot, characters, twists and turns and the romance left this reader instantly begging for more.

It’s not often when I find a book that I’d like to give 5+ stars too after just the first few pages. When this tends to happen my feelings for the book usually change by the time I’ve finished reading. Not this time! Cook has done it by leaps and bounds with this one. From the start I was so curious and wrapped up in the story that I often found myself holding my breath. There was no guessing what was about to happen next to the characters, or where Cook would lead readers to from page to page adding to the magic in this story.

I’ve been a HUGE fan of Cook’s previous works – The Soul Savers Series and I couldn’t wait to see what else she had been creating outside of those characters that feel more like family to me with every novel. This didn’t even come close to letting me down!

Okay, I need to calm myself a bit and talk about the characters. We have Leni and Jeric, strangers who have a chance meeting that leads them into other chance meetings. You need to read this story to understand more about how these two come together! Leni is talented and caring and loves her uncle who she lives with and takes care of and Jeric is a bad boy from head to toe and everything in between. Both couldn’t be different from one another yet they have things in common, like issues from their pasts that they must deal with if they are to figure out things that are quickly changing in their lives.

I LOVE these two characters!!! Jeric… I’m calling dibs!

I could go on and on about how amazing and beautiful this book is for days. The characters have a spot in my heart where they’ll stay for a nice long while. I’m telling you all, Cook knows how to write some layered characters and stories that have so much to offer the reader.

This one is also written in Multi POV’s and you get the feeling of such a well rounded story because of it. How the story plays out on the page and the chapters is very satisfying and I could say more about this but the surprise I had, I will leave for you….

The book is filled with twists and turns and some epic battles of good vs. evil and… If you could see me right now I’d have just been flailing my arms around - because The Space Between is JUST.THAT.GOOD.AND.THEN.SOME.

I hate when I love a book so much that I’m unable to properly express my feelings other than to say.. READ THIS BOOK! You will love it like I do. I highly recommend this title to anyone and everyone who is looking for something that’ll stick with you from beginning to end. With characters that’ll leave you breathless, writing and words that flow right off the page just, Enjoy!

Kristie, you have out did yourself again and I am so excited to have had the pleasure of reading another one of your novels. Those who haven’t found you yet don’t know what they’re missing. Now, gimmie the next book! LOL

This is a “New Adult” title so if you are 17 years or older, give it a try and thank me later…

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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Title: The Space Between (The Book of Phoenix #1)
Author: Kristie Cook
Publisher: (April 5th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

After a month-long dance tour through Italy, 20-year-old Leni Drago returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, the home they shared empty and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that’s left is a journal she can’t open.

Jeric Winters has been searching for a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia. When an urgent and magnetic pull draws him out of his hotel room, he comes face-to-face with the beautiful dancer who’s been haunting his dreams day and night.

Jeric’s one to stay away from—a bad-boy, hit-it-and-quit-it type—but Leni can’t escape the fervent feelings between them. As their own existences begin to crumble around them and shadowy forms that are more monsters than men attack, they realize there’s more to the connection between them than physical fascination.

To solve the riddle their lives have become, they must embark on a journey that requires them to face their pasts and release their true souls. And they must do it fast—dark ones from another world are closing in, intent on killing them. Permanently.

Interview:

Kristie!!! My friend, I've missed you TONS!! I’m bloody ecstatic to have you here on my blog. It feels like it’s been forever and it probably has. Thanks for stopping for a chat about your latest and greatest – The Space Between, the first book in The Book of Phoenix series! (Review to post soon)

Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to be here. I've missed you loads, too!

So, you have quite a few books under your belt now with the Soul Savers series – that I LOVELOVELOVE!

*blush* Thank you!

Can you talk about where the idea for The Space Between came from and the differences between writing the two series’?

The idea for TSB came from a dream my husband had when we were on a motorcycle trip in 2011. He didn't remember the details or the “why” about what was going on, but I took notes about his dream and my imagination ran with it. This new series, The Book of Phoenix, has a few similarities with Soul Savers – soul mate kind of love, good versus evil – but it’s also very different. In The Space Between, we have multiple viewpoints and two time periods (present day and 1989). Writing those pushed me out of my comfort zone of the single POV in Soul Savers (although Genesis gave me a taste of two narrators and writing from a guy’s POV, it was nothing like this). I’d done so many false starts with this book since 2011 that once I started writing it “for real” in November 2012, it just poured from me. The book wanted to be written.

Is it at all difficult to switch gears between the two stories and characters? And if not, what was the most difficult part in writing this novel?

My biggest fear was not being able to pull it off. I've read books with multiple POVs and stories, and it’s easy for the reader to become disoriented. Some authors do it very well, but many times, the books are confusing and difficult to read. So this was definitely a challenge for me. I couldn't come up with any better way to tell the story, though, so I had lots of beta readers to make sure I didn't lose the reader. The feedback has been wonderful, so I guess I pulled it off successfully. *grin* The other difficult part was writing from Jeric’s POV – he’s a guy, a potty-mouthed player, and to make it really interesting, deaf. I worked a lot on his part of the story to make him as real as possible (with some help from my 17-20 year old sons and their friends).

Can you tell us a bit about what we can look forward to in The Space Between and also a bit about Leni and Jeric?

Most common phrase so far: “Mind blown.” Or “Blown away.” The Space Between is really different than most books out there with all kinds of twists and a unique plot. I guarantee you won’t know where the title comes from until you get there. Leni gives the impression of being laid back and carefree, but she doesn't take crap from anyone and you’ll discover more under her surface as the story moves along. Jeric, on the other hand, is a “what you see is what you get” character and what you see is quotes like, “I don’t do girlfriends, unless they’re somebody else’s.” However, he does hide some heart-wrenching secrets. But part of the twisty plot is the story of another couple – Jacey and Micah, a fiery redhead punk girl and an ex-Marine with heartbreaking pasts, too. I really love this story – there is so much to it that all I can really say is “Please check it out.”

How about sharing a favorite line or two?

“Who goes out of their way to catch a falling object and then can’t even say ‘you’re welcome’?” I asked absent-mindedly as I stared after the retreating body that rivaled Alberto’s. No, scratch that. It totally beat out Alberto’s even on his best day.
“What an ass,” Alberto muttered.
“Rude, yes, but I don’t know if I’d go that far.”
“No, I mean what an ass that man has.” He let out a low whistle.

What are three things we don’t know or won’t know about both Leni and Jeric after reading?

Leni – She’d planned to attend Emory University in Atlanta but still hadn't decided whether to open a dance studio or go into medicine; her favorite colors are gold and blue; and Ghost is her first pet.

Jeric – He used to be able to play almost any song on nearly any instrument by ear; he loves snowboarding; and he likes to read (though he’d never admit to it).

For this new series, The Book of Phoenix, where do you see your characters over the next few years?

Oh, they have lots in store for them. New people to meet, souls to help and missions to accomplish, all while trying to keep their own bond intact.

And lastly, with the release of The Space Between, what are you working on next? And, when can I read it???

Haha – you know! Soul Savers Book 5! I do have a title, but I’m not allowed to release it yet. It’s due out on June 21st. Not long!

Thanks for hanging out Kristie. I promise to not be a stranger and I hope things going amazingly well on your UK Tour! Still so bummed out that I’ll miss seeing you in Liverpool by 2 weeks!! How that happened, I have no idea. Love ya tons!!!

I know, it’s such a shame we missed each other! The UK tour was fabulous. I hope you have a good time in Liverpool. Thank you for hosting me (again). And thank you to everyone for giving The Space Between a go!



About Kristie Cook: 

Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion and Power available now and the next book coming in June 2013. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 200,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category.

The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix.

Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle.


She can be found at:

Author's Website & Blog | UK Fan Site | The Book of the Phoenix | Sour Savers Series | Twitter | Facebook

Order The Space Between Online:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Barnes and Noble | iTunes/Apple Books | Kobo Books


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GIVEAWAY #2!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristie is giving away a $200 gift card and a bag full of swag & other goodies!!! Enter below!

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UNTOUCHED by Melody Grace
Publication date: May 14th
Emerson Ray is trouble. Juliet knows it the minute she lays eyes on Cedar Cove’s resident bad boy. Forced to spend her summer before college in the sleepy beach town, she never expected to crash into the most devastating guy she’s ever met—or for Emerson’s blue eyes to strip through her dark secrets, and make her feel a desire she’s never known. Their connection is undeniable, but Juliet is torn. She knows, once she gives him everything, there’ll be no turning back.

Juliet McKenzie is dangerous. Emerson can tell from the way she blows through all his defences, laying bare the demons he’s carried alone all his life. He’s left a trail of broken hearts and empty beds in his wake, but Juliet is different. Her innocence is intoxicating—and the passion she keeps hidden, just below the surface. He wants to be the only one to set it free, but with every kiss, he’s closer to losing control and doing the one thing he swore he never would: fall in love.

One summer. Two damaged hearts. Their story is only just beginning…

UNTOUCHED is a prequel novella to the USA Today Bestselling UNBROKEN. It also can be read as a stand-alone story.


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24 April 2013

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


Title: In the After
Author: Demitria Lunetta
Publisher: HarperTeen, 400 Pages (June 25th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: They hear the most silent of footsteps.

They are faster than anything you've ever seen.

And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.

Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.

After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.

Rebellious, courageous, and tender, this unforgettable duo will have you on the edge of your seat as you tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta.


Title: Thousand Words
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers (May 21st, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Ashleigh's boyfriend, Kaleb, is about to leave for college, and Ashleigh is worried that he'll forget about her while he's away. So at a legendary end-of-summer pool party, Ashleigh's friends suggest she text him a picture of herself -- sans swimsuit -- to take with him. Before she can talk herself out of it, Ashleigh strides off to the bathroom, snaps a photo in the full-length mirror, and hits "send."

But when Kaleb and Ashleigh go through a bad breakup, Kaleb takes revenge by forwarding the text to his baseball team. Soon the photo has gone viral, attracting the attention of the school board, the local police, and the media. As her friends and family try to distance themselves from the scandal, Ashleigh feels completely alone -- until she meets Mack while serving her court-ordered community service. Not only does Mack offer a fresh chance at friendship, but he's the one person in town who received the text of Ashleigh's photo -- and didn't look.

Acclaimed author Jennifer Brown brings readers a gripping novel about honesty and betrayal, redemption and friendship, attraction and integrity, as Ashleigh finds that while a picture may be worth a thousand words . . . it doesn't always tell the whole story.

Two books this week. Two books that sound more than amazing! A creepy story In the After. Yeah, I can't wait! And then an emotional contemporary with Thousand Words.
I'll say it again.. I can't wait!!!

*covers are always subject to change.

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23 April 2013


Title: Suddenly Royal
Author: Nichole Chase
Publisher: 464 Pages, (April 23rd, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.

While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

Review: 4 Stars - Suddenly Royal is the latest title from author Nichole Chase. It’s a contemporary modern day fairy tale for one American graduate student who finds herself the inherited duchess of a far away country.

Sam loves birds. She’s spent her whole collegiate life studying them and is looking forward to finishing her graduate course on her passion. With her mom gone and her father sick she could have never guessed who or what was about to walk into her life or the path she was about to find herself walking down. She’s a great character, just your everyday normal college girl who’s trying to pay the bills, take care of her father and complete her graduate course. Stepping into the Royal shoes had to have been tough and Chase does a great job conveying that to the reader.

I really loved reading all about Sam and watching how her life changes. It felt like I was watching a movie and the scenes were all happening right before my eyes. That’s the good and the bad about this book. The good because of how well it was written, that I was able to visualize the characters  and their story so clearly; the bad, because I felt like it had a similar plot along the lines of The Prince and Me or even slightly like The Princess Diaries. While I do like those two movies, I was pleasantly surprised to see how Chase had infused enough of her own spin into the story that made things have a fresh take. The characters for one and the way she takes care in making sure you truly know them and the other main differences would be the birds and falconry and the country – Lilaria – and its politics.

The romance between Sam and Alex, the prince of Lilaria was simmering right under the surface. That part of their relationship was bubbling waiting to break free. I liked the teases we had from their first meeting and couldn’t wait to see how their relationship would change throughout the story. Alex was one character I wish I had a chance to learn more about. While Chase had taken such care with all of her characters I felt he was slightly lacking because of his Royal status and his past. He has some baggage that was only touched upon. I wanted to see him have a real conversation with Sam about what he’s been through not just Sam learning about it from second hand or newspaper articles.

Had the story been slightly more original and there was a bit more information about Alex and his past I could see myself giving this title 5 stars. Since I really loved reading everything else about the book and how Chase built the rest of her characters I’ve given it a bright and shiny 4 stars! Would I read more from this author? Yep! I know this is only the beginning for me in reading more from Chase in the future. I hope we get a chance to read more about Sam and Alex in future books in this “New Adult” series in the future. I recommend this title to anyone who loves a wonderful contemporary. Please know that this is a “New Adult” title and is intended for readers 18 and older. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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22 April 2013


Title: Suddenly Royal
Author: Nichole Chase
Publisher: 464 Pages, (April 23rd, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order online: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, Smashwords
Synopsis: Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.

While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

Guest Post: A Day in the Life of Nichole Chase

As a full time author and the mother of a three year old, my days are never the same. Sometimes I think I would love to have a fixed schedule, but I’ve adapted to the chaos over the last few years. Mornings are always the slowest part of my day. Well, I move the slowest in the mornings. I’m admitting it right here—I’m not a morning person. So, we take it one step at a time. That means feeding the munchkin, my tortoise, Rochester, and our super-hero dog (you’ll have to ask my munchkin about that), Stormy. Oh, and myself—which usually includes a massive dose of caffeine.

From there, I try to work on answering emails, messages, and tweets. All of that is done in between chasing the munchkin around the house, answering a thousand “why” questions, and taking care of regular house stuff. By the time I finally wake up good, it’s time for the munchkin to nap. Once she’s up, we run errands. The post office employees recognize us when come in. They get their media mail stamps ready and wave at my daughter. While in the car, we jam out to whatever music is inspiring me at the time and play rhyming games. Driving is usually when I work out any problems that I’m having with a story or character.

Once the errands are finished and I have any energy left, I will do Pilates or go outside and play with the munchkin. If the weather is nasty we will do something in the house, sometimes curl up and watch a movie. My daughter starts Pre-K in August, so I’m soaking up as much time with her as I can right now. I like to craft, which is a nice way for me to recharge my creative batteries, so will make a lot of my own book swag.

Eventually it’s time for dinner and bedtime. Well, bedtime for everyone else! Once the munchkin is tucked in and my husband has called it a night, I start working for real. (You might be thinking that this is why I’m not a morning person, and you might be right, except even when I call it an early night, I’m a grump in the morning too.) This is the time that I zone into my work and the rest of the world disappears. I don’t have to worry about anything else and let myself become completely immersed in the story. I will write until I can’t hold my eyes open any longer, or until the story lets me go. Sometimes that’s hours and hours. Other times I’ll write for one or two hours and then work on research. Either way, I’m in that story.

Of course, all of this is subject to change. The munchkin could have a nightmare, my super hero dog could get sick, or I might *gasp* have to be up early for something else. Another time, I might get to run away to go write. That means I could be sitting in a corner at a coffee shop (so cliché, I know) but I can get lost with my characters for hours and really knock out word count goals. I’ve been known to hit 16,000 words in a day when I can get away. So, if you see me sitting and staring at my computer, with my headphones on, and I look up at you with a glazed expression, it’s because I’m in that in-between place, where I’m present in physical form, but the rest of me is somewhere else entirely. Don’t take it personally if I ask you ‘what?’ a few minutes after we stopped talking. It just means that our conversation is finally catching up with my brain. (Don’t be surprised if I laugh to myself or mutter while all alone either. No wonder some people move away from me with a worried expression.)

The truth is that my days vary all the time. I just do my best to fit writing in where I can. Yes, it’s my job, but it’s also my passion. When I don’t have time to write I feel stifled and frustrated. I’m lucky that it’s something I can do from home and still enjoy time with my family.

Thank you for being part of the Suddenly Royal blog tour!



Author Bio: 

Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule. For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs.

Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Ms. Chase is the author of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy, Flukes, and Suddenly Royal (including several short stories).

Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, dog, tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.


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Title: The Only Exception
Author: Magan Vernon
Publisher: Beautifully Broken Books, 272 Pages (April 9th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: **Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

Review: 4 Stars - The Only Exception is a wonderful addition to the “New Adult” category from author, Magan Vernon. With two characters that are polar opposites, the romance slowly smolders and builds until it’s a roaring flame for Monica and Trey.

Monica is liberal and Tray is conservative… and also the governor’s son. Monica has bright red hair and a lip ring, Trey dresses in khaki pants and button up dress shirts. The two are extreme opposites in every sense of the word and with politics such an important part of their lives the two take pleasure in sparring about what’s important when it comes to the issues and their personal beliefs of right and wrong within their state.

I’m not someone who’s wrapped up in politics. I have things that I worry about and are important to me but I’m far from how far these two characters are involved so I was slightly worried how this would read to me. I was pleasantly surprised with how Vernon took on this tough and sometimes touchy subject. The banter between Monica and Trey made this title and the importance behind what Monica was going through very entertaining. Which is weird for me to say because what happened to Monica isn’t entertaining or fun at all. It was heartbreaking and the things that happened between her and Trey… just…. You have to read this story!

It was hard for me to picture both of these characters physically, which happens from time to time while reading. I tried from beginning to end to get an idea of what these two looked like and it just never happened. Vernon’s writing flowed easily and so did the story. I think it was just because this was so different from what I’ve been reading lately.

There’s one part of the book I want to talk about but it’ll give too much away. So, I’ll just say it was a refreshing twist on the normal proceedings in relationship development.

I loved Trey more and more as the story went on. He’s unique, a gentleman and helps to empower Monica beyond most of what I’ve read in the past. The story and these characters are more than just about politics. The politics is an added layer to the characters especially for Trey with his background and both aspire to have political futures. Again, in my honest opinion I believe that Vernon did a great job in writing this story.

All in all, I grabbed on to The Only Exception with both hands and dove into the deep end. With high hopes that were met and welcomed I enjoyed this title from beginning to end. Vernon continues to impress me with her writing and characters that I have no problem saying that I’ll continue to look for more from this author in the future. I recommend this title for fans of Contemporary “New Adult” titles or just looking for a great place to start in this exciting new category.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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Title: The Only Exception
Author: Magan Vernon
Publisher: Beautifully Broken Books, 272 Pages (April 9th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Order Online: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
Read my Review: The Only Exception

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: **Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

Character Profile:

Name: Trey Reagan Chapman
Age: 19
Birthday: May 22nd
Favorite Color: Blue
Childhood Ambition: To be president or Captain America
Favorite Food: Duck a L’orange
What Actor would you cast to play in a movie about your life: I'm not really good at knowing which actor plays who, but Monica said she thinks Colton Haynes could possibly fill my Oxford shirts. 
How would you spend your ideal Saturday night?
Sitting on the couch, watching the nightly news and eating leftover chinese with my girlfriend. Exciting? Probably not, but it doesn't cause problems and that's how I like it.
Favorite Movie: All The President's Men
Favorite Song: Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
How many tattoos do you have?
None. Don't mistake that as me saying that I am against them, I just personally chose not to have them.
One thing no one else knows about you:
If I told you, then wouldn't it be known? That's the thing about being thrust in the spotlight, if you don't let the world know your baggage, they are going to find it anyway. It's better to be an open book then to have it exposed on the nightly news.
Quote: “When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat."- Ronald Reagan

And a little teaser to get to know Trey Chapman and his appearance

            He kept his big grin on his face. "The one."
            I should have recognized him right off the bat. He and his brothers were like a constant shadow during the governor’s campaign. All three Chapman boys stood behind him with their sandy brown hair and tight-lipped smiles while the future governor discussed his plans for a new Illinois. One that included a new contraception bill, his pride and joy, that changed the usual liberal, Chicago politics of Illinois and had women’s leagues up in arms. It didn't mean he stopped his precious bill and just said it was “what was best for his state.”
            Of course I only got a brief glimpse of Trey Chapman when he was on TV, but I didn't remember him being this attractive. Or having so many freckles. I had to shake that thought out of my head. I couldn't let one guy with a dimpled smile phase me. He was the governor’s son for God’s sake.

Author Bio:

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien,
disguised as a southern gentleman.


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19 April 2013


Title: Broken at Love (Whitman University #1)
Author: Lyla Payne
Publisher: 338 Pages (March 12th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Order online: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: When a knee injury ends twenty-year-old Quinn Rowland’s pro tennis career, he’s not only dumped by his hot Russian girlfriend but ordered to attend college by his disinterested billionaire father. A rich kid who’s not used to being disappointed by life, Quinn and his sociopathic half-brother Sebastian create a frat house game intended to treat girls how they see them—as simple game pieces to be manipulated for their pleasure.

College sophomore Emilie Swanson knows Quinn’s reputation—after all, he did send one of her sorority sisters into therapy earlier in the semester—but the game and his charm bring them closer together and soon she starts to believe there’s more to Quinn than people think.

But what if the more is something darker than a game of toying with emotions and breaking hearts?

Quinn and Emilie might be falling for each other, but there are secrets he’s not ready to tell—and lifestyle changes he’s reluctant to make. She willingly stepped on the court, but if Emilie finds out she started out as nothing as a pawn in Quinn and Sebastian’s twisted game, she might never forgive him.

To his surprise, Quinn finds that he might finally care about someone more than he cares about himself…even if that means letting Emilie walk away for good.
NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
***Spoilers ahead! This guest post also has some mature content to please be aware of this before reading any further.

Guest Post - Emilie and Quinn:

“Hello?”
“What are you wearing?”
I grinned in spite of his ridiculousness. “I’m in your bathroom. I know you just heard the shower turn off, horn dog.”
“I know. I want to hear you say it.”
Despite the months together, the slight growl in his voice spread gooseflesh across my bare skin. “Nothing. I am wearing nothing.”
“I’m coming in there.”
“No you don’t, Quinn. We have dinner with my parents and it’s not clothing optional.”
“I wouldn’t mind if it was just you and your mom…”
“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.”
“How about you come out here right now and let me lick you dry.”
Hot desire pooled in my center and spread downward. After months of having Quinn whenever I wanted, he could still turn me on with a few words. My breathing gave me away and I could hear him smile on the other end of the phone. “It wouldn’t stop there and you know it. We’d end up rolling around in bed until tomorrow.
It had happened enough times. We’d both been making it to class and managing to feed ourselves, but that was pretty much it.
“Fine.” He heaved a sigh. “I hate Parents Weekend.”
My heart squeezed at his tone. Quinn’s father wasn’t coming down—no surprise—and even though my parents were not exactly going to be winning any awards any time soon, they were spending the weekend and Whitman. It couldn’t be easy to watch everyone’s families arrive while his father refused to even pretend interest.
Quinn’s company was really starting to take off. It wouldn’t be long until his father came around, business-wise, but I was starting to have my suspicions about any potential for affection even if the two of them ended up working together. Teddy Rowland and I had run into one another a few times now, and the man didn’t seem capable of emotion, period.
“I promise if you behave yourself at dinner I’ll wear that little outfit you like tonight.”
“The glasses, too?” The immediate intrigue in his voice said he’d forgotten his sadness over Teddy, and my lips stretched into a smile.
“Mmmhmm. And if you’re bad…”
“Good Lord, beautiful girl, I am coming in there if you don’t stop.”
“You’re not coming anywhere until you play the dutiful boyfriend for a few hours.”
“Oh, I’m not playing at that. I am your dutiful boyfriend, and someday I’ll be your dutiful fiancé and your dutiful husband, and the dutiful guy who wipes your drool and changes your diapers.”
“That’s hot.” I giggled to hide the way my heart pounded and my mouth went dry at the casual way he always spoke of his future with me in it, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
“I know. I’m a real catch.”
It was true. No one would have believed it a year ago, least of all Quinn. “You’re totally going downhill before me, dirty boy. I’ll be changing your diapers.”
“As long as it means you still play with my penis, I’m down with that.”
“No more sexy talk…what is that noise?” Music played in the background and I set my phone on the sink to pull on a silky pair of pink underwear and a matching, see-through bra I’d bought the other day—Quinn hadn’t seen it yet.
“You know we’ve been talking about how we need a song because you’re all superstitious that couples who don’t have a good song aren’t going to last?”
“Yeah…” I pulled on my dress next, a clingy black number with spaghetti straps that showed off a good portion of my back and a little more cleavage than I’d normally go for with the parents, but imagining the look on Quinn’s face made it irresistible.
“And you suggested that sappy eighties crap?”
“Hey! I suggested it because it was the song playing that night at the theme party, when we danced and you whispered deliciously naughty things in my ear, and—”
“Then you melted in my hands and practically begged me to do you in an elevator?” He teased.
My face heated, but not at embarrassment. Memories of that night made me want to renege on our dinner plans. “Yes, exactly that. And Firehouse is not crap! Love of a Lifetime is a classic power ballad.”
“I went with something nineties, and totally more us. Listen.”
I needed to dry my hair, but went for my makeup next instead so I could hear. A moment later, a song that I’d never heard outside of several movies flowed both from my phone and under the closed bathroom door. It made me grin so hard, made my heart swell in my chest, and I flung open the door to find Quinn standing in the middle of the room, looking drop dead gorgeous in a tuxedo.
“I’ll Make Love to You? Really?”
He held out a hand and I stepped into his arms. Quinn pulled me tight against him and took the lead, a strong hand at my waist and the other wrapped around one of mine, spinning me around the room while Boyz II Men crooned from the speakers.
“I thought a song about our favorite pastime might be good,” he breathed into my ear.
I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him as the final bars faded, sliding my tongue along his bottom lip to taste his particular salty sweetness, like whiskey and seawater, that I loved so much. “Nice try, lover boy. I’m going to go dry my hair, and we’re going to find a song not about sex. And maybe from this decade.”
He slapped my ass before I could escape, making me squeal and lock myself in his ginormous bathroom to finish getting ready. It was hard to finish my makeup with the huge smile on my lips that I was starting to think might be as permanent as Quinn and me.

Gosh, I love these two! Lyla, Emilie and Quinn, thanks for the guest post!


Author Bio:

I've long had a love of stories. A few years ago decided to put them down on the page, and even though I have a degree in film and television, novels were the creative outlet where I found a home. I've published Young Adult under a different name, but when I got the idea for Broken at Love (my first New Adult title), I couldn't wait to try something new – and I’m hooked.  In my spare time I watch a ton of tennis (no surprise, there), play a ton of tennis, and dedicate a good portion of brain power to dreaming up the next fictitious bad boy we’d all love to meet in real life.

Find Lyla Online:

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Title: Broken at Love (Whitman University #1)
Author: Lyla Payne
Publisher: 338 Pages (March 12th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads


NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: When a knee injury ends twenty-year-old Quinn Rowland’s pro tennis career, he’s not only dumped by his hot Russian girlfriend but ordered to attend college by his disinterested billionaire father. A rich kid who’s not used to being disappointed by life, Quinn and his sociopathic half-brother Sebastian create a frat house game intended to treat girls how they see them—as simple game pieces to be manipulated for their pleasure.

College sophomore Emilie Swanson knows Quinn’s reputation—after all, he did send one of her sorority sisters into therapy earlier in the semester—but the game and his charm bring them closer together and soon she starts to believe there’s more to Quinn than people think.

But what if the more is something darker than a game of toying with emotions and breaking hearts?

Quinn and Emilie might be falling for each other, but there are secrets he’s not ready to tell—and lifestyle changes he’s reluctant to make. She willingly stepped on the court, but if Emilie finds out she started out as nothing as a pawn in Quinn and Sebastian’s twisted game, she might never forgive him.

To his surprise, Quinn finds that he might finally care about someone more than he cares about himself…even if that means letting Emilie walk away for good.

Review: 4.5 Stars - Broken at Love by author Lyla Payne is the first in her amazing “New Adult” series. Set in Florida with the rich and the beautiful it’s told in alternating points of view, which allows the reader to fall deeper and deeper into the minds of two characters. One broken by the past and what he believes he deserves for his future. The other character being a girl who comes into his life by surprise turning it up-side-down. Payne takes her readers on an emotional ride from beginning to end in this fantastic contemporary title.

Quinn’s wounds are deep and dark and he’s grown up knowing nothing but these wounds his whole life. Finding his way through tennis he quickly became a star as he made his way throughout the tennis world. An accident takes the life that he loves and knows out from under him and sends him off to college.

He’s far from happy at his situation. While reading I often wondered if he had ever been happy during any point he wasn't on a tennis court. His family is the root of pretty much all of his issues and his attitude doesn't help matters. His step brother was creepy and for lack of a better word an ASS. I couldn't stand Sebastian and was hoping from the first time that we met him that someone, anyone.. and I hoped it would be Quinn would take him down a notch.

Sebastian thinks he knows what Quinn needs to make him feel better. They set up a game and Quinn doesn't mind playing. It’s horrible. I cringed and couldn't believe what went on with these guys and just how deep rooted their troubles were to have them go down this road.

The road is where we meet Emilie. She’s the newest pawn to be played in their evil game. The thing is, neither guys knows what’s about to hit them. I loved Emilie. She’s smart, knows what she wants and is creative. She’s a painter and even goes against her family’s wishes to continue on with a career she wants more than anything. What I loved even more is that she could see past Quinn’s good looks and money and wasn't about to be played. Right there I knew I’d love this female lead and she proved over and over again that I was right with my instincts with her.

With the brothers “game” at stake Quinn is forced to step up his game to win, even when he starts to question what he thinks. And this is exactly why I love alternating points of view. Being able to learn who Quinn was, what was his drive and why he did and said the things he did was critical to this story.

All in all this is one of those titles that I knew I’d love and Payne didn't let me down. Her story was wonderfully written and her characters were emotional and in turn I couldn't help but feel emotional for them. I wish that the story was longer, however isn't that the problem most of the time when you’re reading a book that you enjoy? You feel that the ending comes along all too soon and you aren't ready to let go? That’s how I felt at the end of Broken at Love. I wanted to continue that peek I was given into Emilie and Quinn’s lives. Which brings me to the next book in the Whitman University series and that I can’t wait to read it and see who’s story we’re told about next. (While I am NOT a fan of Sebastian I have to wonder if there is anyone who could put his evil butt in line.) Who knows! Payne, I’m a fan, can’t wait for more and if you are looking for a great contemporary title and or want to take a dive into the “New Adult” category Broken at Love would be perfect for you!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I have not received any monetary gain for any information posted within the pages of this website/blog. Any and all information has been provided by the publisher, author and or publicist for free. Content is also based on purchases made by myself or of my guest reviewer(s). Any and all opinions expressed within the pages of this website/blog are solely my own or those of the authors of any and all guest reviewers(s) or guest bloggers.



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About Me

Hi, I’m Lisa and I'm a proud bibliophile.

I enjoy reading and reviewing a variety of different books within the Young Adult, "New Adult" & Adult genres/categories. If you have any questions or if you are an author or publisher and would be interested in promoting a book, please feel free email. You can find my email under the "mail" button or under the contact link at the top of the page.

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When I review I rate from 1 to 5 stars, 5 being the highest rating. I review based on many different things from the writing, to the story - to the characters and how I can relate to them or how they are developed. I also review based on if an author has worked their magic and was able to draw me into a story so deeply that I don't want to put the book down. If you would like me to review a book, please contact me or view my Contact Information and Review Policy for further details.

5 Stars - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
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