Title: A Little Too Much (A Little Too Far, #2)
Author: Lisa Desrochers
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse, (November 12th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out my review of: A Little Too Far

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

SPOILER AHEAD! If you haven't read A Little Too Far, DO NOT READ this synopsis. You WILL be spoiled!

Synopsis: There are ghosts in twenty-two-year-old Hilary McIntyre’s past that she’d just as soon forget. But life is finally starting to look up. She’s gotten herself straightened out and she’s daring to shoot for her childhood dream of becoming a Broadway actress. She’s got the voice, she’s got the looks, now all she needs is the in, and her boyfriend, who’s already scored a major support role, is going to be it. But unfortunately for Hilary, ghosts from your past don’t always stay dead.

When Alessandro Moretti shows up on her doorstep, she knows he could ruin everything, but he’s got ghosts of his own, and apparently, she’s one of them. She hasn't seen him since they were teenagers in the group home, but a week hasn't gone by in the eight years since that she hasn't thought of him or his brother. Even so, there’s no way she’s going to let his reappearance throw her off her game. And she sure as hell isn't going to tell him her secret—even though there’s something about him that makes her want to. When she finds herself falling for him all over again, she has a decision to make. Her future or her past?
The truth or the lie?

I can't wait!!! Since finished A Little Too Far I've been wanting to read this book... SO.BAD. I NEED to know what the heck is going to happen!!! As for the cover, I like it. I think I like the cover for A Little Too Far a bit better than this one, but I do like how they'll all fit together. Which will be nice when I get a chance to see them all on my shelves. 

About the author: 

Lisa Desrochers lives in central California with her husband and two very busy daughters. There is never a time that she can be found without a book in her hand, and she adores stories that take her to new places, and then take her by surprise.

Look for her New Adult novel, A LITTLE TOO FAR , courtesy of HarperCollins Sept 2013, and the first companion, A LITTLE TOO MUCH , in Nov 2013. Also in stores is her YA PERSONAL DEMONS trilogy (Macmillan).

Find Lisa Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Title: Love in the Time of the Dead
Author: Tera Shanley
Publisher: Omnific Publishing, (October 22nd, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
No order links are available at this time

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

Synopsis: Laney Landry has been fighting Deads alongside her brother and friends for three years. But she has a secret. She's immune to Dead bites and has to find the right people to trust with the information. Her team rallies around her to find a doctor who can extract a vaccine from Laney which could fight the virus that ended the world.

Sean Daniels leads a colony that provides her team with much needed shelter and supplies. He is obviously interested in Laney. The question is whether he's only intrigued by her as a source for the possible vaccine, or for something more. Tests for the cure might push her body beyond what it can endure, and just as she faces a ghost from her past, her longtime teammate Derek Mitchell hints at an interest in more than just her Dead slaying abilities.

Two honorable and alluring men - one colossal decision to make. Despite historically bad taste in men, can she rise above the chaos of the apocalypse and choose the one who deserves her heart? The right choice could mean the difference between surviving...and living.

About the author: 

Born and raised in small town Texas, Tera Shanley grew up in books. Her cousin gifted her a signed copy of Beauty by Bill Wallace when she was young and that was it for her. So smitten was she with getting lost in a story, that while other eleven year olds her age were groaning at the accelerated reader program in school, she was racking up the points just for fun.

Balancing chronic book-wormyness is her devotion to the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping - her soul is happiest out of doors. And lucky for Tera, her family feels the same. She grew up a wild child helping her grandma ranch cattle, and has a hundred memories out in the wilderness which tend to influence her books.

When she's not eating chocolate, slinging rifles, or soaking up some sun, she's lost in a book, but these days it's more often one she's writing. From historic western romance, to paranormal romance, to apocalyptic (zombie) romance, the genre doesn't matter quite as much to her as the love story.

She currently lives with her husband and two young children, and is owned by two crazy mini-cujos.

Find Tera Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

The apocalypse is here!!!

I'm so excited to be hosting Tera and her up and coming title LOVE IN THE TIME OF THE DEAD in a review only blog tour!!

Tera and Omnific are looking for 10-20 bloggers who would be willing to read and review. This IS an adult title so please make sure you are 17 or older. 

Please fill out the form below, which will be closing on October 7th, 2013. 

This is a quick turn around tour so please only sign up if you are able to read and review within in the tour time frame.

NOTE: Signing up does not guarantee a spot on the tour, however I'll do my best to accommodate everyone as best as possible. 

>>>CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS TOUR<<<

Any questions, please feel free to email me at:

alifeboundbybooks AT hotmail DOT com

Title: Out of Line
Author: Jen McLaughlin
Publisher: 250 Pages (September 4th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Order online here: Amazon & Barnes and Noble

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

Synopsis: Desperate to break free…

I've spent my entire life under my father’s thumb, but now I'm finally free to make my own choices. When my roommate dragged me to my first college party, I met Finn Coram and my life turned inside out. He knows how to break the rules and is everything I never knew I wanted. A Marine by day and surfer by night, he pushes me away even as our attraction brings us closer. Now I am finally free to do whatever I want. I know what I want. I choose Finn.

Trying to play by the rules...

I always follow orders. My job, my life, depends on it. I thought this job would be easy, all the rules were made crystal clear, but when I met Carrie Wallington, everything got muddy. She's a rule I know I shouldn't break, but damn if I don’t inch closer to the breaking point each time I see her. I’m ready to step out of line. And even worse? I’m living a lie. They say the truth will set you free, but in my case…

The truth will cost me everything.

Top Ten TV Males

I, like many other writers, often draw inspiration from heroes on TV and translate them into pages. Maybe it’s the way they smirk into the camera, like a certain vampire, or maybe it’s the way they deduce a crime scene like no other…but more often than not, a bit of these characters will pop into my own.
As such…here’s a Top 10 list of my favorite TV Male characters. You know, like the Emmy’s—but with no award.
    1. Benedict Cumberbatch on BBC Sherlock. He is by far my favorite, favorite man on television. A lot of people don’t get it until they hear/see him in action. And once you do? YOU GET IT.
    2. Aaron Paul on AMC’s Breaking Bad. I love watching his character, and he’s a brilliant actor. Seems like a great guy in real life, too.
    3. Aaron Tviet from USA/s Graceland. I loved him in Les Miserables, too, but he’s excellent on this show. Ironically enough, I also think he’d make the perfect Finn.
    4. George Blagden on History’s Vikings. He actually helped me with a book once, and he seems like an all around great guy! He was also on Les Miserables (are you sensing my weakness yet?) and now is gracing our TV’s on Sundays.
    5. Ian Somerhalder on CW’s Vampire Diaries. Yep, that smirk. That smolder. Those eyes. Need I say more?
    6. Paul Wesley on CW’s Vampire Diaries. He might not be as smoldery as his TV brother, but man I still like watching him!
    7. Alex O’Loughlin on CBS’s Hawaii 5-0. I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. I mean, look at him.
    8. Ashton Kutcher on CBS’s Two and a Half Men. Okay…I don’t watch this show that much anymore, but I do love me some Ashton. Pretty much strictly for his looks. ;)
    9. Richard Castle from ABC’s Castle. I love his quirky, silly, charming character.
    10. And last, but not least, Eric Christian Olson—who plays Deeks on CBS’s NCIS:LA. I love his California boy vibe—and he also makes an appearance in Finn’s character.

So, there you have it. My top ten favorite boys to watch every week! Who are some of your favorites? Do they match up with mine?

About the author: 

Jen McLaughlin writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, is due out September 2013. She also writes Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts. She is a multi-published, bestselling author and is represented by Louise Fury from the L. Perkins Agency. Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is too write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Find Jen Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions. We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Book Wars is a new feature for both of us which we hope to post every Monday, while we get it up and running this is subject to change as we participate in other features or tours we have committed to prior to setting up Book Wars.

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent is.... the UK Cover!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Delicate (Grounding Quinn 0.5)

Author: Steph Campbell

Publisher: US - Self Published, 186 Pages, (June 2012), UK - Simon & Schuster UK, 208 Pages, (May 9th 2013)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Sydney Pierce has just met the guy of her dreams…just don’t tell her psycho boyfriend, Trevor.

With a gorgeous boyfriend, a thriving gymnastics career and a stellar academic record, anyone would assume that Sydney has it all. That's precisely what the seventeen-year-old perfectionist wants you to believe, and she works hard to keep up the pretense. Especially now that there are cameras following her for a documentary on Olympic hopefuls.

When Grant, the charming new student, disrupts her carefully crafted routine, the cracks beneath her perfect façade begin to rise to the surface and despite Trevor's objections to their friendship, she can't stay away from him.

As her connection to Grant pulls her closer to him, the once lighthearted relationship with Trevor takes an intense and dark turn, forcing her into a position in which not only her happiness, but her safety is at stake. Can Sydney learn to let go of everything she is clinging to in order to gain everything she has ever wanted, or will she realize her breaking point too late?

About the author:

Steph Campbell grew up in Southern California, but now calls Southwest Louisiana home. She has one husband, four children and a serious nail polish obsession.

She blogs at stephcampbell.blogspot.com Stop by and say hello! facebook.com/authorstephcampbell Twitter: @stephcampbell_

Find Steph Online: Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Steph If I'm honest, I prefer the US version. I think the UK version looks a little young, and doesn't pop as well as the US version. I think seeing just the back of the cover model works so well, because Sydney, the main character was all about shying away from attention.

Lisa Hmmm, this week is such a hard choice for me. I've been thinking about it, looking at these two on and off for a few days and it's so hard to pick which one I like better. However, in all Book Wars there must be one winner so I think I'd have to go with the US cover. The US cover for me looks a bit more polished. If I was going to choose the story by cover alone I'd be sold on both so that's not an issue at all for me. Very hard choice this week, but the US cover just eeks out a win for me this round.

Michelle It's times like this that I really wish we didn't have to pick our favourite cover. I love them both for different reasons. I like how the USA cover makes the girls feel like she is alone and has no one.  But I also like the UK cover, it seems to fit better with the New Adult theme than the USA one in my own opinion.  I really am torn between the covers, so I am going to go with Shelf Appeal. If I saw both of these covers in a shop on a shelf I would be more likely to pick up the UK version over the USA version.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Delicate NOW!

survey service

Title: Far Too Tempting
Author: Lauren Blakely
Publisher: Entangled: Edge, (October 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK

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

Synopsis: Jane Black has written the break-up album of the century, earning her a Grammy, a huge legion of new fans, and the pressure to repeat her success. Sure, the heartbreak from her husband’s unconventional abandonment might have been her inspiration, but it hasn’t done her any favors in the dating department. So when Matthew Harrigan, the toughest music journalist out there, asks for an interview, Jane agrees—as long as her personal life is completely off-limits.

British, gorgeous, and way too tempting, Matthew’s the first guy Jane’s been attracted to since her husband. As she spends more time with him and their relationship heats up, though, so does her writer’s block. How can the queen of the break-up pen the perfect follow-up when she’s seriously in love?

About the Author:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Find Lauren Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Entangled Publishing

Title: Leap of Faith
Author: Jamie Blair
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BfYR, 240 Pages (September 3rd 2013)
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult/New Adult
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Note: This title fits in both Young Adult and "New Adult" categories/genres.

Synopsis: Can true love be built on lies? A teen on the run seeks relief and redemption in this gripping, romantic read.

Leah Kurtz has finally found a place to call home, a town where she and baby Addy can live in peace, far from the drug-infested place she grew up. Chris is one of the best parts of her new life, the only person who’s ever made her feel safe. And now that she’s found him, there’s no way she can tell the truth:

Her real name is Faith, not Leah. She’s seventeen, not nineteen. And the baby isn’t hers—Faith kidnapped her.

Faith’s history catches up with her when a cop starts asking questions and Chris’s aunt spots her picture in the newspaper. She knows it’s time to run again, but if Faith leaves, she’ll lose Chris. If Chris is in love with a lie, though, did Faith ever really have him in the first place?

Excerpt:

         Halfway to 356 Maple, a black pickup truck pulls into the driveway.  Music blares from the open windows.  Chris’s hair blows around in the breeze.
         My heart jumps to life.
         How have I become so hooked on a guy I met yesterday?  But watching him park his truck and hop out, I know how.  Nobody’s ever done half as much for me, and he doesn’t even know me.  He’s a good person, and I haven’t known many of those.
         On his way to the front door, he stops when he spots us.  “Hey!” His smile’s genuine, and fills his whole face.  He jogs across the yard to meet us.
         After seeing his room, I half-expect him to be wearing a superhero t-shirt, but there’s none today, just a plain white t-shirt covered in dirt.  He’s filthy.  “All moved in?” he asks.
         “Yeah.”  I watch his tall frame moving toward me, his jeans shifting with each stride, his shirt hugging his chest.  I stop the stroller as he reaches us.  “I love the paint color and the privacy wall.  Thanks.”
         He bends down, leaning his head in the stroller.  His fingers wrap around Addy’s arm. “You’re welcome.  Listen, I’m really sorry about what happened.  My dad can be…I don’t know what’s wrong with him sometimes.  Do you need help moving anything in?”
         I ignore the jab in the pit of my stomach at the mention of Chris’s dad.  “No, we’re good.  We don’t have much, so it wasn’t difficult.”
         He unbuckles Addy and lifts her out of the stroller. “Is it okay if I carry her in?”
         I cringe at the dirt on his shirt, but he’s already got her pressed against his chest.    “Sure.”  I can always give her a bath.
         She turns her head toward his neck and snuggles into a ball.  Somehow she feels what I do with him.
         Safe.
         Secure.
         Home.

I'm really excited to read this title! It sounds like one I'd LOVE! Can't wait!

Leap of Faith Playlist:

About the Author: 

Jamie Blair spent most of her teen years choreographing moves for her dance team routines, kissing boys on the couch after her mom went to bed, and pondering the mood enhancement qualities of Lemon Heads when consumed with Diet Coke. Writing under Kelli Maine, she’s the USA Today bestselling author of Taken. Leap of Faith is her debut New Adult novel.

Find Jamie Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!

Prizes (open US only):
10 winners:
--5 prize packages of a signed hardback, a t-shirt and a guitar pick,
--5 e-books with an autographed Leap of Faith notecard, a guitar pick and stickers

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Be My Downfall (Whitman University #3)
Author: Lyla Payne
Publisher: 310 Pages (September 20th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out my review for: Broken At Love (Whitman University #1)
Check out my review for: By Referral Only (Whitman University, #2)
Check out my review for: Be My Downfall (Whitman University, #3)

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

Synopsis: Toby Wright has always prided himself on being one of the most normal guys at Whitman University. He loves his parents, has a great job lined up after graduation, and with the exception of attempting to cross the unbalanced Sebastian Blair sophomore year, has kept his nose pretty clean.

But the rich never have empty closets, and memories long stashed away come spilling free when notorious party girl Kennedy Gilbert almost dies in his dorm room.

Nobody really knows how Kennedy manages to stay in good standing at Whitman–she never goes to class, doesn’t pretend to care about her future, and as far as people can tell, is never sober. This isn’t her first meeting with a stomach pump, but it is the first time she’s woken up to Toby’s concerned brown eyes. Despite the fact that she prefers life without friends, he gets under her skin with his insistence on playing her guardian angel.

No one knows better than Toby that people can only be saved if they want to be, but the realization that she has no one else draws him back into the shadows of Kennedy’s life–and eventually into her bed. But she long ago came to terms with a truth that Toby refuses to accept: she doesn’t want to be rescued, she only wants to forget.

Unwilling to give up on her, Toby’s dragged under by this broken girl and her dark, twisted Whitman University he never guessed existed. If he struggles to the surface, he’ll abandon someone he loves for the second time in his life. If he doesn’t, it won’t be long until they both drown.

Author Interview:

Hi Lyla! Welcome back to the blog! It’s always great to have you here. I’m so excited to talk with you today about the latest in your Whitman University Series – Be My Downfall.

First off I should mention that while I’m typing up these questions I’m in the middle of reading Be My Downfall and my heart is breaking part of the time, I’m stressing out some of the time and I’m swooning through both. What was the hardest part in writing Toby and Kennedy’s story?

Thanks for having me Lisa, and for the compliments! The hardest part was how fond I grew of Toby and Kennedy, and knowing their journey would be hard for both of them. I wanted to be real about the struggles of the friends and family who love people with addiction issues, though. I just adore these two characters.

What do you hope people will take away from their story after reading?

Hmm. Maybe that you really never know what someone is dealing with behind their façade. People saw a drunk or a stupid party girl when they met Kennedy, but she’s dealing with so much more than that. It’s hard to remember, but important, I think.

If you could wish three things for Toby and Kennedy what would you wish for them?

That they would continue to treat their relationship like something rare and special, and keep working hard to communicate and strengthen their connection. Of all the WU couples I've written so far, I would actually say these two are the closest to maybe getting married after graduation.

Of the Whitman University Series, is there one character above all that you've connected with most? Or that has a special place in your heart a bit more than the others? If so why?

Well, those are two different questions. Ruby is the character that I connected with the most, because she’s just such a real girl. She’s insecure but strong, mouthy but defensive, cynical but dying to believe. She’s a little bit of all of us, I think.

As far as a place in my heart…Toby. Man, I just fell so unexpectedly in love with him. He’s vulnerable, he’s open about what he wants, but he’s strong enough that he doesn't let people walk all over him. I guess maybe he’s the kind of guy I’m looking for.

Could you ask Toby and Kennedy to describe each other in 3 words?

Toby: Kennedy is…enigmatic, funny, and honest.
Kennedy: There are so many words! My top 3 would have to be affectionate, frank, and intuitive.

And lastly can you tell me us who’s up next for the Whitman University series? Who’s the boy we’ll all be swooning over next? Also.. since we’re talking about characters.. when is Sebastian getting a book? I mean I can’t stand the guy, but I’d love to see what happens when he meets his match! 

The couple in the next book is going to be Sam Bradford and Blair Paddington! You’re the first person I've told, so…that’s exciting! As far as Sebastian, he is going to get the 5th Whitman U book. I already know who his love interest is, and I’m excited to write it. Incidentally, you also know her already. wink

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule Lyla! I’m a huge fan and will be forever waiting for whatever you write next. Feel free to stop by anytime!

Thank you so much for reading!!! #GoOwls

Lyla Payne 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:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads

Title: Be My Downfall (Whitman University #3)
Author: Lyla Payne
Publisher: 310 Pages (September 20th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out my review for: Broken At Love (Whitman University #1)
Check out my review for: By Referral Only (Whitman University, #2)

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

Synopsis: Toby Wright has always prided himself on being one of the most normal guys at Whitman University. He loves his parents, has a great job lined up after graduation, and with the exception of attempting to cross the unbalanced Sebastian Blair sophomore year, has kept his nose pretty clean.

But the rich never have empty closets, and memories long stashed away come spilling free when notorious party girl Kennedy Gilbert almost dies in his dorm room.

Nobody really knows how Kennedy manages to stay in good standing at Whitman–she never goes to class, doesn’t pretend to care about her future, and as far as people can tell, is never sober. This isn’t her first meeting with a stomach pump, but it is the first time she’s woken up to Toby’s concerned brown eyes. Despite the fact that she prefers life without friends, he gets under her skin with his insistence on playing her guardian angel.

No one knows better than Toby that people can only be saved if they want to be, but the realization that she has no one else draws him back into the shadows of Kennedy’s life–and eventually into her bed. But she long ago came to terms with a truth that Toby refuses to accept: she doesn’t want to be rescued, she only wants to forget.

Unwilling to give up on her, Toby’s dragged under by this broken girl and her dark, twisted Whitman University he never guessed existed. If he struggles to the surface, he’ll abandon someone he loves for the second time in his life. If he doesn’t, it won’t be long until they both drown.

Review: 4 Stars - Author Lyla Payne has done it again with Be My Downfall, the third title in her Whitman University Series. Filled with ups and downs you can’t help but worry about the health and well being of both of our mail characters. My heart hurt one minute and swooned the next.

This time we get a chance to spend some quality time with Toby and Kennedy. Both are troubled and have had some pretty serious issues that all stem from their pasts. This title is emotional, so much so that I took a bit longer to read this than I normally would. Kennedy is in a constant downward spiral and if she could be happy about it she would. She uses alcohol to get by day after day and has some things she uses to help her feel anything that were upsetting and disturbing to me.

Toby see’s something in Kennedy and while she makes him remember a part of his past he feels somewhat responsible for he knows she has no one else to watch after her to take care of her. He makes it a mission of sorts to try to get to know Kennedy better and the two end up in a relationship of sorts.

Kennedy… gosh that girl. I’m not even sure what to say to her other than she made my heart ache. Mostly because of what she thought of herself and the situations she allows herself to get into or asks for. She’s incredible smart but doesn’t care. She hasn’t had anything to care about for a very long time or so she believes. Her past wasn’t easy. She’s been through some horrible things and it’s helped shape her mindset.

Toby comes from a political family so he knows how to stay out of trouble. He keeps his nose clean and doesn’t do relationships because he doesn’t want to deal with anymore heartbreak. He loves his parents and knows how important his father’s job is so being good and staying out of trouble is easy for him. He had a plan for after college and can’t wait. When he meets Kennedy things start to change for our sweet, loveable boy and this has to be the hardest part of reading for me. While Kennedy hurt my heart, Toby broke it. Then the two shattered it into a million pieces.

Their story has it’s sweet moments but there’s a darker side and I often felt like I was on a rollercoaster due to the emotions that ran through me and how quickly those emotions changed while reading I’m surprised I didn’t get whiplash!

Also, I loved how Emilie and Quinn were also a part of this title. Not as much as the last book, but still they had their moments of page time. We also had a chance to see Ruby and Cole! Not as much of Cole as this reader would have liked, but we can’t have everything.

All in all this was an extremely emotional read for me with characters that I was rooting for from the very beginning. It’s hard to love or even care about someone with an addiction. It’s hard to love or even care about someone who doesn’t want that. It’s also hard to love or care about someone when they are bound and determined to self destruct in the blink of an eye. Reading this title will show you both sides of the coin. I have to commend Payne for writing about such a serious topic and getting it pretty spot on to the real thing and it this alone that makes the story in all its dark twisty bits well written and gripping.

I highly recommend this title but as I’ve stated before in previous reviews for this series I believe that you should start at the beginning with Broken At Love. These titles can be read as standalone but each new book is written about a set of secondary characters’ that we’ve met in previous books. It’s a chance for readers to get to know future main characters earlier in the series. Plus the books are fabulous! So, be sure to pick up Broken At Love, By Referral Only and this title today! Happy Reading!

Title: By Referral Only (Whitman University #2)
Author: Lyla Payne
Publisher: 199 Pages (July 1st, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out my review of: Broken At Love (Whitman University, #1)

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

Synopsis: After being unceremoniously dumped freshman year because of her family’s “new money” status, Ruby Cotton has taken care not to put her heart on the line. No matter how enticing Emilie and Quinn make it look, relationships are scary and hard—while a string of flings is easy and fun. That’s what Ruby wants. Easy and fun. The only problem is, when it comes to satisfaction in the sack, most of the boys at Whitman are nothing but pretty window dressing and false advertising.

Ruby takes it upon herself to make campus life more fulfilling, creating a referral database that allows female students to rate their sexual experiences, thereby informing girls of what they’re getting into before agreeing to a date.

When her acting partner, Liam Greene, finally shows some interest, Ruby figures she won’t need to utilize the helpful gossip. He’s handsome, fun, and most importantly, not a guy she’d ever fall for hard enough to let him break her heart.

Not only that, but dating Liam gives Ruby the perfect excuse to say no to Cole Stuart.

As a star swimmer and heir to honest-to-God Scottish royalty, Cole sits at the top of Whitman’s A-list—but he’s also the lowest rated referral on Ruby’s website. The ratings make rejecting his repeated requests for a date a no-brainer, but her real reason for avoiding Cole runs deeper than a string of unsatisfied exes.

He’s gorgeous, he oozes sweetness and charm, and the electricity between them could power half of Whitman, but Ruby knows it will only last until his family or friends convince him she’s not good enough.

Before she knows it she’s falling anyway, waiting for the other shoe to drop but clinging to a tentative hope that Cole might be as different as he seems. When the secret behind his low ratings comes to light, that hope is torn apart, and Ruby wonders if she was right to give him her heart…and whether she has the strength to let him keep it.

Review: 4 Stars - Author Lyla Payne’s “New Adult” title By Referral Only is the second book in her Whitman University series that follows a new set of characters with each book. I loved the first title, Broken At Love and was highly anticipating the release of this one. It’s a fun series with some series issues that people of all ages can relate to all wrapped up with some fun moments, some laugh out loud moments and some moments that’ll leave you swooning or ready for a cold shower.

Our two main characters are Ruby and Cole. Ruby has had a few tough breaks when it comes to romantic relationships. She’s pretty much anti relationship and is only looking for something short term with no strings attached. Being at Whitman means coming from money and Ruby’s parents weren't born into their money so she sees herself as different then her peers around her. She feels judged and to a certain extent she is which makes her leery of looking for anything serious under after college.

It’s part in turn to Ruby’s own issues with the opposite sex and hearing stories from friends and dorm mates of failed dates, that she gets a hair brained idea to create a website where girls can go on and rate their dates. This will give other girls a chance to find out ahead of time to know an idea what they might experience in a guy if asked out.

This is where our male lead character comes in. Cole is mysterious. He’s charismatic and one of those guys that could pretty much have any girl he would want. Oh and I should mention he’s Scottish. Also, he gets some of the lowest of the low scores on Ruby’s site.

Now, Ruby… gosh I loved this girl. She’s smart, honest to a will tell you like it is point, and has some seriously funny moments throughout the book. She is a fanatic character to read and watch her try her hardest to stay away from the very attractive and very persistent Cole. The two have issues and secrets. It’s these things that keep them from opening up and seeing what’s right in front of them. However it’s these flaws that endear characters to my heart.

One thing I loved was that Payne made sure to include little scenes here and there with Emilie and Quinn which was extremely welcomed. Even the smallest amount of these two brought a huge smile.

All in all I loved By Referral Only. It’s lighter than Broken At Love on many levels. There’s so much to love in Payne’s characters and their friends that I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of this series! I recommend this title but do suggest starting with Broken At Love, however they can all be read as stand alone, I only suggest starting with the first title because each now book in this series will be centered around secondary characters from books past. I love this series and am looking forward to what I hope will be many, many more books to follow. Enjoy!

Title: Price of a Kiss
Author: Linda Kage
Publisher: 373 Pages (August 15th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK

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

Synopsis: *new adult romance*
**explicit scenes and language**

I don’t care what my cousin says; I am not the queen of impossible relationships. I mean, just because my last boyfriend tried to kill me and left a bit of a scar on my neck, then forced me to move across the country and legally change my name to Reese Randall to escape him, does not mean—

Oh, who am I kidding? For a freshman in college, I have to have the worst dating track record ever.

It’s no wonder love is the last thing on my mind when Mason Lowe enters my life. But the chemistry between us is like bam! Our connection defies logic. And he’s just so freaking hot. Being around him makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before. I even like bickering with him. He could be my soul mate...except for one teeny tiny glitch.

He's a gigolo.

Boy, do I know how to pick them.

Review: 5 Stars - Price of a Kiss by Linda Kage is without a doubt, hands down one of the best books I've read in 2013. It’s the writing, story, characters and relationships that make this novel memorable and one of my favorites.

Reece, the female lead of the story and college student is living in the apartment above the garage at her aunt and uncles house while trying to get her life back on track. She’s hiding from an ex who for lack of a better word is a psycho. After trying to kill her once her parents knew the best thing to do would be to send her away for school.

She’s smart yet scared and is pretty funny too. I like how she went against the grain and did her own thing when it came to her life, her friends and most of all Mason. When everyone else talked horribly about him, she saw him as a person and took a chance to be his friend even when it proved to be more than difficult at times.

Mason… oh this boy is so complicated. He only wants to take care of his mom and his sister who has some medical issues. His heart is in the right place and what a heart of gold it is. When he’s put in a position to help out financially he grudgingly takes it which in turn change his life and those around him for the better and the worst. I’d say mostly the worst. This part of things broke my heart. There’s a scene where we find out how he came to be a gigolo and it was horrible to say the least.

His sister… I loved her! She has an important part of the story for both Mason AND Reece and I didn't see that coming. Reece was amazing with her! I loved how she gave his sister what she needed most, a normal or as close to normal fun for a girl her age. Every scene with his sister, she stole.

When I say that I loved this book from start to finish that’s exactly how it was for me. I had moments that I cringed but there was a bigger picture to look at for these two. They struggle with different issues that you think couldn't get worse but yeah… my heart soared, my heart broke and I wanted to smack a few people throughout… and maybe on more than one occasion.

When I think back about the story, which I do often I still find myself smiling. I can remember certain scenes and my heart beats a little faster and at least once… okay, more like every other day I have to talk myself out of reading this one again! I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to do that, I’m sure there will be a reread coming up soon in my future.

While the overall story is about the relationship between two people who are dealing with situations they've found themselves in, you can’t help but root for these two in all aspects of their lives together and apart.

All in all, this title was extremely entertaining from beginning to end. It’s one of those books that you don’t want to put down, that you don’t want to end and that once you finish it you want to turn right back to the first page and start it all over again. The characters are ingrained in my heart and mind and I have a new found love for the author Kage and her writing. I can’t wait to see what she writes for us next! I’m excited to read anything that Kage writes. Those who are looking for a “New Adult” contemporary title with characters you will love, story with heart and then some, look no further! I highly recommend this title to anyone and everyone who will listen. You won’t be sorry… so, what are you waiting for? GO READ THIS ONE NOW! Enjoy!

Title: Ride (Bayonet Scars, #1)
Author: J.C. Emery
Publisher: Left Break Press (October 28th, 2013)
Designed by: Gonet Designs
Add to: Goodreads
***No order links to share at the time of posting***

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

Synopsis: Death comes in Armani. Salvation comes in leather.

Principessa to the Mancuso crime family, Alexandra knows a thing or two about living outside the bounds of the law. Suffocated by the life her father has laid out for her, she makes a choice she can't take back, changing the entire trajectory of her life.

Thrust into the dark and dangerous world of the Forsaken Motorcycle Club for her own protection, Alex finds herself faced with the last thing she needs right now: the man of her dreams. He’s sex in leather, the devil incarnate, and one hell of a kisser. But he’s also off-limits. Ryan Stone can be her friend, but he’s forbidden to be her lover.

Third-generation Forsaken, Ryan knows nothing other than life on two wheels, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys the many privileges that come with the patch, and the only laws he recognizes are the ones set-forth by his club. That is, until who he wants more than anything isn’t allowed on the back of his bike or in his bed. Balancing his desire for her body, and need to keep her safe, Ryan tries to keep Alex at a distance. Finally having made a choice for herself, she’s done hearing the word “no” and will push boundaries even Ryan himself doesn’t dare cross.

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

 “Princess wants to have fun,” he says, leading me toward the kitchen, and past Ryan and that stupid bitch who still hasn’t let go of his neck.

With every step that brings me closer to Ryan, my heart rate speeds up little by little. Brushing past them, a calloused finger reaches out, wrapping itself around my pinky. His touch sends waves of heat and bolts of anger through my entire body. I don’t want him touching me, but my body craves it. The more distance I put between us the farther our arms must stretch to keep the contact.

And we do for as long as possible.

A quick look back and I find Ryan’s arm reaching out, his index finger slipping from its grip on my pinky. We lose contact and suddenly I’m not nearly drunk enough for this shit. Turning my attention toward the kitchen, I bring the bottle of whiskey to my lips intent on making everything so blurry I won’t be able to remember what Ryan’s touch feels like.


Holy covers, holy synopsis, holy excerpt. I'm going to have to try to keep my grabby hands to myself. Oh how am I kidding? Not sure that's possible for this one. I wan't to read it!!!!! And the sooner the better!! *grabby hands*

About the author: 

As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor's degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can't imagine a climate more beautiful.

JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories-- and everything has at least a splash of romance.

Find JC Online:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Seven Day Fiancé (Love and Games #2)

by Rachel Harris 

Release Date: 10/14/13

Entangled Bliss

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

Synopsis: Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning Cane at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

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Excerpt:

Angelle stopped beside a folding table boasting boxes of fresh, crispy cracklins and selected a thick piece. Cane watched, mesmerized, as she puckered those gorgeous lips and blew on the sliver. With a flirtatious glint in her eyes, she held it up to his mouth, and he opened.

Holy crap.

He’d had cracklins before. Fried pork fat was a standard gas station treat, usually shrink-wrapped and stale as shit. But this, fresh from the pot and piping hot, was unbelievable. Cane widened his eyes, and it was possible he even moaned. It was thatgood. And as he swallowed, Angel rewarded him with a rich, throaty laugh.

“Ca c’est bon?” she asked, grinning when he grabbed another handful.

He touched her nose and popped a piece in his mouth. “Good would be an understatement.”

Grinning, she took a fried morsel for herself and sent the balding, overweight gentleman tending the table a wink. “Now that’s what we like to hear.” Then she closed her eyes as she savored the treat.

The sounds of Angel moaning, and watching her face soften in the throes of a foodgasm, had to be the sexiest damn thing Cane had ever seen. His pants tightened, embarrassingly so considering he knew the audience was still watching, but what pushed him over the edge was when her eyes opened. The pleasure in them was his undoing.

Feeling the weight of the crowd’s disapproving stares and not giving a damn, figuring now was as good a time as any to give the people the show they clearly wanted, he grasped her hip and tugged her forward, pausing only to inhale her gasp of surprise before brushing her mouth with his.

It was like setting off a damn forest fire.

Angelle, his shocking little hellcat, pounced. Forgetting all about their audience, or maybe not giving a damn either, she wound her arms around his neck, lifted onto her toes, and kissed him back with everything she had. Cane had intended to steal a quick taste, take the edge off his craving for her, and prove their point with the town’s people. But hell if he was gonna be the one to back down now. Tightening his grasp on her slim hips, he brushed his thumbs across the smooth, exposed skin near her waistband. He deepened the kiss, thrilling over her telltale shiver. Whimpering, she yanked on the hair at his nape and sucked his bottom lip into her mouth. Hot damn.

Okay, now he had to start backing down. With all her male relatives watching, not to mention the knives and axes still lying around from the butchering earlier, if Cane valued his life, he needed to wrangle control of the situation. He’d heard patience was a virtue. That was a line of bull—he’d always sucked at waiting for anything he wanted. But for Angel, he was willing to try.

Loosening his grip on her belt loops, Cane slowed the intensity of the kiss. He smoothed the hem of her shirt down, grazed her lips one last time, and, placing his forehead against hers, inhaled through his nose. Sunflowers mixed with cayenne may be his new favorite scent. Angelle released a heavy breath, a flush blooming on her cheeks. She darted a glance at the crowd, then looking into his eyes, grinned lazily. “My goodness. If anyone doubted we were a couple before, I guess that showed them.”

Okay... SOLD! WOW, I think I need a minute here..... 
I thought I wanted to read this before the excerpt, well it's a done deal now. Can't wait!

About the Author: 

I grew up in New Orleans, where I watched soap operas with my grandmother and stayed up late sneak reading my mama’s favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, I still stay up way too late reading my favorite romances, only now, I can do so openly. I firmly believe life’s problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations. 


When not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, I homeschool my two beautiful girls and watch reality television with my amazing husband.


I write YA, NA, and Adult Fun & Flirty Escapes. Taste The Heat is my adult romance debut, and I'm also the author of MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY and A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES, as well as a ton of other books to come. I love hearing from readers and dishing books!

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