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Showing posts with label Contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemporary. Show all posts

Cyrus, Men of Steel by MJ Fields | Author Interview & Giveaway


Title: Cyrus (Men of Steel #2)
Author: MJ Fields
Buy Links:


Synopsis:
~Cyrus~ 
Truth 
I know who I am. I’m Cyrus Steel, son, brother, uncle, friend to people I choose to bring into my life. 
Truth 
I could fuck up anyone I want. 
Truth 
I know the devastation I can and have caused. 
Truth 
I can’t change the past, but I have chosen how to live now. 
Truth 
I like to fuck, and I will do a chick better than she’s ever been done. Hard and wild. No more than three hook ups. No expectations, no one gets hurt. As long as she agrees …it’s on. 
One of my favorite tattoo’s bridges the V, and it says Truth. 
A constant reminder of who I was and who I am now. 

~Tara~ 
I wasn’t sure I knew how or even if I should tell him there was no one who loved me. Tony was the last person to say those words to me and he hadn’t meant it. He just wanted to use me. 
That’s what this beautiful man underneath me, showed me today. He hadn’t used me, he didn’t even know me. But he thought I was beautiful, and he was nice to me. Tony was wrong about him, and even though I never want to see him again, I wish I could tell him just how wrong he was.

Can truth be altered? Can truth be seen when walls are built for protection, for self preservation? Will self doubt and years of pain cloud two hearts from finding their truth?


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Author Interview:

First off, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a mother to the coolest ten year old in the whole world. She loves to read and be read too. I’ve been married for sixteen years to my first love. I have four siblings and honestly we all look alike and have a crazy close relationship. I talk to my parents all the time. I have no living grandparents but still everyday wish I could ask for their advice, listen to their stories, and hug them.
I love animals, even though at times they drive me nuts.

Can you tell us something that not a lot of people know about you?

My pen name is similar to my given name. I was raised Baptist and taught Sunday school. I have a deep relationship with God and blind faith. I can’t fall asleep until I’ve said my childhood prayer.
I’m an optimist who trusts a hundred percent (which I’ve been told is foolish). I don’t judge anyone, even when they’ve hurt me. However I have a temper, foot stomping cursing, all that stuff. Of course at first I throw a little, “I wanna kick a butt,” fit when I’m angry, but then I breathe. We all have to live with our own choices. It took me a very long time to get to the place I am. I’m so glad I’m here and I won’t go back.

Where did the idea for Men of Steel come from?

The song Why Cant I ? by Liz Phair started the idea. The spring weather and the need for a break from my other three series that have truly turned into one…Love, Wrapped, and Burning Souls characters cross over from the first through the tenth book. They’re very heavy and highly emotional. I needed fun and hot, so I just started writing about Jase.

How is Cyrus similar and/or different compared to other heroes in romance books?

Cyrus is truly like no other that I’ve read (Which isn’t a lot lately, lol.) His view on sex is no more than three hook ups, so that no hearts get broken, (including his, he just needs to figure it out). He doesn’t care about money.

Tell us a little about your writing process. Any pre-writing rituals or routines?

I write the R parts of my books during the day and the X starting after bedtime.
So I guess reading to my daughter or talking about the girl drama at school is my pre-writing ritual.
I don’t where sock when I write at night
There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not writing.

When you create your characters do you ever put bits of either your personality or bits of personalities from people close to you?

  Ha! Yeah, I do. Lots of my personality goes into my characters. My sense of humor is sort of twisted. My frustrations come out on paper.

What are some good books you've read lately?
 It would be easier to give you my TBR list, which is a mile long. I’ve written fourteen books in seventeen months so there isn’t a lot of time to read. I did read Katy Evan Real, Mine, and Remy. I now get what all the hype behind the book. I want a Remy.

If you could collaborate with another author in writing a book, who would it be?

Tough question. I’m not sure how to answer that because I honestly write all the time. I can’t wait until I get all the characters out of my head and onto paper so that I can dive into my TBR and find the answer to that honestly. I do have a couple people I am considering working with but they’re not published or writer per say.


MJ Fields:
I am a very new self published writer. I will tell you I have always had a very vivid imagination. Starting at age 3 (as it states in my Baby Book).

Sigma was my very first love (imaginary boyfriend). He lived about fifteen miles from my childhood home, (a farm). I took him chicken noodle soup every night on one of our families snowmobiles, (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring). Apparently he was very ill and "Thank God" I was able to take care of him.

Next was my very first self publishing gig. At eight my cousins and I (and yes I was the president) wrote a newsletter and sold it to our family members.

Years later I decided to put it back into print to entertain my cousin as she was on an aircraft carrier on 9/11 (Kick ass cousin BTW) and very far away from home during a very scary time for our country, (protecting our butts).

Fast forward to 2012. I read 50 shades and thought, I can do that, (meaning writing). I have two complete series The Love Series, and Wrapped. I have two new series Burning Souls and Men of Steel. Ten books in 13 months. CrAzY and wonderful.

I love love! ( I would love to reference Pinks new song here, however I am not sure if that would cause copyright issues.)I also tend to enjoy watching people grow and change with self realization and moments of clarity that just sneak up behind you and smack you in the head. I love people and have always been able to see both sides of a story. Each person that comes into our life leaves us with something it is what we choose to do with it that helps us grow.

I live in central New York in the middle of nowhere and am surrounded by family and friend most the time. I run a small business out of my home and spend time reading and doing the typical Mommy things. Our house is full of pets and friends and noise ninety percent of the time, and I would have it no other way.
I love people,music, laughter, hugs, and books.


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Let Love Heal by Melissa Collins

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Book Blurb:
Perfection. We all strive for it, but what happens when the desire to be perfect consumes you? What happens when the need to bury your mistakes blinds you? Melanie Crane has always been the perfect daughter, friend, student – she’s been perfect at everything, in fact. But when she lets her insecurities, the ones that she keeps hidden from everyone, get the best of her, she falters in her pursuit of perfection. Melanie crumples under the pressure and buries her pain. Numbed by sadness and guilt, she is determined never to let anyone find out how broken she really is. Bryan Mahoney may appear to have everything in order. He’s charming, witty and completely swoon-worthy. In short, Bryan has life all figured out, but appearances can be deceiving. When the landscape of Bryan’s family changes in an instant, he’s left to pick up the pieces. Not all bruises leave a mark. Now, weary and afraid, Melanie and Bryan must find a way to let love heal their broken and jaded hearts.

Book Review:
Okay, can we first discuss this cover? It is sick. It is dope. It is amazing! I cannot wait to order my signed copy from Melissa (you can on her blog) because this book is so beautiful, literally, inside and out.
So, let's get to the story. Finally. Finally we have a normal sized woman and a hot guy together. Finally, something we can connect with, but still fantasize with during those few sexy times.
In Let Love Heal, all women can connect with Melanie on some level. She is a girl coming into her own, an insecure girl trying to find herself like all girls her age. She has the same insecurities about her weight, her body, her attitude, you know, stuff all women deal with. The constant comparison. I bonded with this book
What I loved most about this book is that Melanie found herself, but if she hadn't met Brian, and experienced the things that she did, she would never be the woman she is today. She may have never found her true calling. 
Another thing that I loved about this book is the fierce friendships that and formed. Some girls just can't have more than one friend, or feel left out. Let Love Heal really shows you what being a loving, caring, accepting friend is all about.
Let Love Heal has it all. First love, longing, lust, angst, growing, changing, anger, protection, loyalty, acceptance, friendship and love. It runs the gamete and I'm so thankful I got to read this book.
4.75 Stars!
About the Author:
  Melissa Collins 2I’ve always been an avid reader. Majoring in English Literature was a no brainer. Becoming a teacher and instilling my love for reading into my students was also a no brainer. I’ve spent the last ten years teaching and I’ve loved (mostly) every minute of it. When I was home on maternity leave for my third son, I discovered a new genre that sparked my creativity. My passion for writing sprang from my love of reading and once I knew I had a story to tell, I couldn’t wait to get it out there. I only hope that my readers enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Connect with the Author:
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Her by Carey Heywood | Book Review

Her by Carey Heywood, Him by Carey Heywood, Her 
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Book Blurb:
You know her side of the story, now learn his. "It was useless. I felt branded beneath my skin by a girl who left without even saying goodbye." When Will Price was assigned a partner for a sixth grade class project he had no idea she would become his best friend. After years of friendship, she eventually became so much more. Then, one day she left with no explanation. Will’s life shattered right before his eyes and he was left alone to pick up the pieces. Floundering without her, Will must figure out a way to carry on, to find a way to exist without her. Seven years later, a chance encounter leaves him desperate to get her back. He has one week to make her his again. Not everyone gets a second chance with the love of their life and Will is determined to never lose her again.

Book Review:
Once again Carey hit it out of the park. I absolutely loved Her. This is Will's point of view and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I really thought there couldn't be more to the story, but in Her, Carey takes us past where Him ended and gave us a wonderful happily-ever-after.
There were so many questions that I had after reading Him and I just couldn't fathom why that 7 years happened, but Her addresses that. It also shows the growing relationship between Brian, Sarah's brother, and Sarah's family. 
My most favorite moment is when Will calls Sawyer for a sneaky scene and the thought behind the detail in that scene was so brilliant. I don't want to say what it is because it would spoil it, but it was such a thoughtful touch that really adds to Will & Sarah's relationship.
Also in this book, we have a little bit of Sawyer, Sarah's best friend for the last 7 years, but she doesn't play a dominant role in the story. I really can't wait until we hear her story because from the foreshadowing in these two stories, it's going to be a doosey. I absolutely love the way she treats Will's Mom and hope that is included in her story as well. 
Her is a completely sweet and satisfying story that helps me come to terms and closure on Will and Sarah's story. A wonderful read that I highly suggest. 4.5 stars.

Casting:


About the Author:
updated carey heywood pic
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. I make up stuff and write it down. Here are some things that make up who I am, in no particular order; Books, Swedish Fish, Rivers, Kids (I have some), Husband (I have 1), Dog, Wuss, Reader, Elephants, Mermaid Shows, Belgian Chocolate, Plastic Rings, Fizzy Water, Abs (I don't have them...well yes, I have them but they're nothing to look at I meant Abs that I like to look at), Twitter (@careylolo), Making up Words, Chair Dancing, Old Movies, Cartoons, Belgian Waffles, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, People, Kayaks, Screen Porches, Laughing, Colored Paperclips, Junky Green Laptop, Golden Rule, Falling in Love, Jumping in Puddles, Spellcheck, Windy Days.

Connect with the Author:


Buy the book:
Her by Carey Heywood, Him by Carey Heywood, Her

Her by Carey Heywood, Him by Carey Heywood, Her

Giveaway:
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Wild Child by M. Leighton | New Release


Are you ready for M. Leighton's new novella WILD CHILD? A part of the Wild Ones Series, this contemporary romance novella is hot and steamy! 

And you can get it today!!

You aren't going to want to miss getting your hands on this novella! See below for all of the information on WILD CHILD and M. Leighton, as well as where to find her. Then make sure to enter the amazing giveaway!  



ABOUT WILD CHILD:

Jenna Theopolis has always known what she wanted.  Getting out of her small hometown of Greenfield was number one on her list of priorities.  Until she met Rusty Catron.

Rusty’s fun-loving personality was the perfect match for Jenna’s inner wild child.  But what started off as a summer fling quickly turns into something more.  At least it does for Jenna.

Rusty has lived with the ghost of his father’s abandonment since he was a child, but now he’s beginning to feel the crippling effects of his scars.  He wants to trust in Jenna, but deep down he doesn’t believe someone so wild and free can ever be tamed. 

But tragedy strikes, pushing Jenna out of Greenfield and leaving Rusty with a choice to make—face his inner demons or lose the love of his life.  Forever.

About M. Leighton:

M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies.  She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to 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.  
For more about M. Leighton, visit her website at www.MLeightonBooks.blogspot.com or follow her on Twitter@mleightonbooks.

Links:



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Take My Hand | Book Review | 4 Stars


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Book Blurb:
Twenty-four year old Dexter Michaels has arrived in the UK for a fresh start - leaving everything and everyone he knows behind in the states. Determined to put right some of the wrongs he’ll never be able to forgive himself for making and make his Aunt Sarah – the only person left who still believes in him - proud, he lands in London with the intention of working hard, getting his degree and keeping himself to himself. He can’t destroy anybody else that way…
His heart and his body have other ideas however when he finds himself sitting next to nineteen year old Emily Barton in his Psychology class. Moving down south to find her own New Life, Emily is shy, smart and beautiful – everything Dexter knows he should stay away from… everything he knows would be too easy for him to break. But she makes him feel things he’d forgotten even existed. She makes him laugh, smile, care… forget. Without her trying, and without him realizing, Emily has wound her way into the one place he swore to keep locked away forever – his heart. But can she stay there when she discovers the dark past he’s so determined to keep hidden from her? Or will he destroy her too, just like he always expected? (Not recommended for younger readers due to language, drug/alcohol abuse and sexual content)

Book Review:
So, from the book blurb you would think that the book was written from Dexter's perspective, however, Take My Hand is written from both Dexter and Emily's perspective. I'm really starting to like this trend in books. 
Emily has a super controlling Mother and needs some freedom, so she and her BFF, Snickers, head to London for college. Okay, so Snickers isn't her BFF's real name, it is Rachel, and I absolutely adore her.
Rachel may the character that stole the story a bit for me. She is a paraplegic, tattooed, foul-mouthed awesome character that I believe should have her own book. Hear that Nicola, I hope Rachel gets her own book, because it will be hilarious!
Okay, back to the main story. I really liked this book. I was feeling this book. It was a book that I wanted to read. It was a book I couldn't wait to get back to. It was a book that sucked me in. I didn't feel bored. I didn't feel like I would rather be doing one of my other hobbies. It was a good story. 
Yes, it was a typical case of boy-doesn't-want-a-relationship-but-finds-himself-in-one-anyways-and-can't-see-himself-without-the-girl-and-pushes-her-away story. But it was also a bit suspenseful because you know he's hiding something, but you just don't know what. Don't those just piss you off sometimes? Ack.....
So, I'm reading right along hoping and thinking that I have figured it out, but I didn't have it all straight and then, BAM! out of nowhere, the ending happens. I would totally say it's a cliffhanger, but not one that pisses you off since the next book isn't ready. I mean, yes, you want to know what happens, but you can totally live until the next book is out. So, I would totally read this one instead of waiting for the next because emotionally, you'll be okay.
So, read Take My Hand. Read about Marshmellow's, Snickers, Tootsie Pops, all those people. Yep, people. Oh, we can't forget the M&M's. those are the tricky ones.....
4 Stars

About the Author:
nicola hakenI live in Rochdale, England with my wonderful family. I have two novels under my belt (Inevitable and Saving Amy) and have just finished writing Take My Hand - book 1 in a 3 part series - which will be released in October.
When I'm not playing with my imaginary friends I can usually be found looking after my four adorable (sometimes!) children (five if you include the dog, six if you include the hubby!) or studying towards my English Literature degree. All in all I'm just an ordinary mum with an addiction to reading about hot book guys, writing about hot book guys and Pepsi Max!

Connect with the Author:

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Buy the book:
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Release Day: October 7th, 2013
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Beat of the Heart by Katie Ashley | Review

Available Now
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BLURB:

Beat of the Heart (Runaway Train #2)
by Katie Ashley 
After years of bad relationships and a cheating ex-fiancé, twenty-eight-year-old Mia Martinelli prefers healing her patients’ hearts on the Cardiac Care floor rather than risking having her heart broken again. But that all comes to a screeching halt when caring for the head roadie for Runaway Train puts her into the orbit of drummer and Latin Lover, AJ Resendiz. After a scorching weekend of steamy passion, Mia’s intention of getting out with her heart unscathed is challenged by the stud with the wicked sense of humor, especially when he wants to continue seeing her. But when the harsh reality of AJ’s hoard of female admirers sends her insecurities into overdrive, Mia bails, leaving him handcuffed to his bathroom shower.


AJ never imagined that after two weeks of the best sex and female companionship he’d ever experienced, he would need rescued by his band mates from his shower prison. Although he tries to forget the sensual brunette whose curves made his mouth water, AJ can’t get her out of his mind…or his heart. Months later when he finally seeks Mia for answers as to why she left, nothing could prepare him for their life-altering reunion.


Can AJ prove to Mia that regardless of the women after his body, his heart belongs only to her?


Character Casting:





My Review:
AJ and Mia did get swept up in a gust of love. From backsploshing (yep, I'm using it) the orange drink on AJ's lap to Mia mocking how much he can't control himself, much less  his release, the two were a match made from destiny.
I really liked Beat of the Heart. A solid 4 star read. It does have a couple of scenes where you could see them coming or the foreshadowing was blatantly obvious, but it was a really fun, well-written read for me.
There were some yummy, down and dirty sex scenes that will get your heart pumping, but there are some deliciously sweet scenes that will make you swoon. 
I didn't find that Beat of the Heart had angst just for the sake of it. What is involved is well deserved and the appropriate response of the character. The story flows nicely and finishes the story up in a nice way. I didn't feel like the plot was rushed, it kept it's steady rhythm, just like AJ would to the beat of his drum.


I seen some comments from some fellow blogging friends and the conscientious it that you like reviews to be short and sweet, don't give anything away, and just state a general feeling or tone for the book. With that said, there are a large number of you would like to know if it is is a series (what series, book 3,etc,) is it a standalone, does it have an HEA or does it have a cliffhanger
To me, myself and I, I personally don't care about any of the above unless it is a cliffhanger. With the last huge batch of book that I have read, less than 1% had a unhappy ending and that seems to be a general flow in the romance genre. Maybe it would be best to say, Wait, this isn't the perfect HEA, it's something else and leave it at that.
What do you all think?



AUTHOR PROFILE:


Katie Ashley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of The Proposition. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her two very spoiled dogs and one outnumbered cat. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Harry Potter, Shakespeare,

Supernatural, Designing Women, and Scooby-Doo.

She spent 11 1/2 years educating the Youth of America aka teaching MS and HS English until she left to write full time in December 2012.

She also writes Young Adult fiction under the name Krista Ashe.



AUTHOR LINKS:


GR LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17693329-beat-of-the-heart?from_search=true

Connect more with AJ and Katie:
we invited Katie to have a chat with everyone as AJ on Moday, Oct 21st at 8pm/ES at the Beat of the Heart FB event
Giveaway: 1 signed copy of Music of the heart and Beat of the Heart and 5 ebook copies of Beat of the Heart


Giveaway Code:
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The Diary of Brad DeLuca | Review


4 Stars
Book: Diary of Brad De Luca
Author: Alessandra Torre
Genre: Erotic Romance


Book Blurb:
I was happy with my life. And who wouldn’t be? Beautiful women, money, a job that I could sleep through and still make bank. But I was bored. And I never could walk away from a challenge.

This challenge turned out to be brunette. Feisty. Just the way I like them. But innocent. Too innocent for me. Too innocent to do anything other than sample and toss back.  Anything more would be too risky, too much work.

I was unprepared for Julia Campbell. I should have done my homework, should have looked before diving into unfamiliar waters. Ditching her proved to be problematic, my sexual needs greater than my common sense.

She was different. She became more than a challenge.

She may just bring my world crashing down.

*This novella is a companion piece to Blindfolded Innocence, a #1 Erotica Bestseller.*

Book Review:
I will start with I haven't read Blindfolded Innocence, the first book in the series... can I say that since this is technically a novella? Anyways, The Diary of Brad DeLuca doesn't read like a typical book. It was choppy and was meant to give the reader insight to what Brad was feeling/thinking during Blindfolded Innocence. Had I realized that, I would have read BI first, and it would have made a ton more sense! So, definitely read it first. Just from reading this novella, it seems like BI would be a great book, but reading the novella spoils BI. I know what happens and now I feel a bit jaded.  
So, overall, read Blindfolded Innocence first because I really think I would like it, this read the novella. I'm going to save the novella is 4 stars just by itself. I like the originality of the style of writing. One thing that I dislike about a lot of other novellas is they seem more of a retelling, while doing it in the style of a diary hits on the high points where it really matters and leaves the "lower" (cringe lack-of-a-better-word) points out. Don't expect it to read like a short story because it doesn't. It is a diary. 

Author Bio:

Alessandra Torre is a new author who focuses on contemporary erotica. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was published in July 2012, and was an Erotica #1 Bestseller for two weeks. Alessandra has since published an erotic thriller (The Girl in 6E) and an erotic miniseries (The Dumont Diaries). The sequel to Blindfolded, Masked Innocence, will be released in early 2014.

Alessandra lives in a Florida beach town and is married, with one young child. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. Her favorite authors include Lisa Gardner, Gillian Flynn, and Jennifer Crusie.

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Diary of Brad DeLuca:
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