Friday, March 2, 2018

Avalanche by Cambria Hebert ~ Cover Reveal & Excerpt


Title: Avalance (BearPaw Resort #1)
Author: Cambria Hebert
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: March 26, 2018


Don’t get caught in the surge.
Through a bullet hole in a wall, I watch a man bleed to death.
Those responsible think their crime died with the victim, until I identify them.
What’s a girl to do when she’s being hunted by murderers
witness protection can’t even stop?
Run.
My only refuge is a place I vowed to never go again.
When it’s do or die, an eight-year-old heartache suddenly seems trivial.
Besides, he won’t be there anyway.
But he is.
Turns out my old pain feels brand new the second his eyes meet mine.
I can’t leave. I can’t stay.
This snowy town that’s supposed to be my shelter
suddenly exposes me more than before.
With no one else to lean on, Liam becomes my lifeline.
Now we’re both running for our lives,
trying not to get swept away.


Excerpt from Avalanche:
I got up and went to the bed, yanking down the blankets in one move.
“What are you doing?” She was cautious.
“In you go.” I pointed.
“I’ll walk you out.” She glanced between me and the door.
I laughed. “Subtle. I’m not leaving.”
“Well, you aren’t sleeping with me!” She planted her fisted hands on her hips.
I tried real hard not to smile. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
A little bit of hurt flashed in her eyes, and I was a bastard because I was glad for it. I wanted her to want me—even just a fraction of the way I wanted her.
I cleared my throat and added, “At least not tonight.”
Her eyes whipped up to mine.
This time I smiled, letting some of the desire and possessiveness I felt shine through.
She ran for the bed and jumped in, pulling the covers nearly over her head. “You can see yourself out!”
I threw my head back and laughed.
Then I returned to my chair.
Making a noise, Bellamy sat up, pushing down some of the covers to glare. “What are you doing?”
“Staying ‘til you fall asleep.”
Her mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. “But why?”
“Because you want me to.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“You didn’t disagree.”
She fell back on the bed with a groan.
I grinned and settled my hands over my middle. “Go to sleep, Bells. I’ll watch over you.”

AUTHOR BIO:
Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Misadventures of a College Girl by Lauren Rowe ~ Spotlight


Misadventures of a College Girl, an all-new standalone romance by Lauren Rowe is NOW AVAILABLE!!

Title: Misadventures of a College Girl
Author: Lauren Rowe
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Length: 280 pages
Publisher: Waterhouse Press

***MISADVENTURES ARE STANDALONE ROMANCES THAT CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER***

Straitlaced freshman Zooey Cartwright has arrived at UCLA determined to have a heck of a lot more fun in college than she did in high school. What’s the first item on Zooey’s agenda before classes start in two days? Losing her pesky V card. She’s definitely not looking for a boyfriend, so where can Zooey find the right guy to do the deed and move along without a backward glance? At a party thrown by a bunch of football players, of course. Enter Tyler Caldwell. A beast on the field and off, cocky as heck, and often wearing T-shirts with sayings like “God’s Gift to Womankind,” Tyler is most definitely not boyfriend material. After a make-out session with Tyler leaves Zooey entirely unsatisfied, she is determined never to see him again. But her schedule lands her in not one but two of his classes, and it doesn’t take long before Tyler and Zooey have reached an arrangement for Tyler to teach Zooey exactly what she wants to know―and a whole lot more she never bargained for. Can Zooey surrender her body to this bad boy without giving him her heart, too?


About Lauren Rowe: 
USA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, takes embarrassing snapshots of her ever-patient Boston terrier, Buster, spends time with her family, and narrates audiobooks. Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com. Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook by searching for @laurenrowebooks.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward ~ Review

Title: Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8)
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 528 pages
Publisher: NAL
Release Date: April 27, 2010
Source: Purchased (Audiobook)

Reviewed by: Jasmyn

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.

Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

**********
John Mattew is quite an intriguing character to me. His mysterious background, his strange link to Darius, and the bond he has with Bella all made him really stand out among the strong characters in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Since then, he's grown into quite the vampire and fighter, but not quite fully finding his place yet.

Xhex is one of the physically strongest females we've seen in the series and I love how she just doesn't take any crap from anyone. One of my biggest overall complaints about the series is the lack of recurring female characters. Yes, the shellens pop up from time to time, but I thought Xhex had real potential to be part of the team and give the series a female character that is more than just a utility. We see a lot of her potential and strength showcased during her ordeal and recovery from Lash.

Tons of things happening in the background including a bombshell with Payne. Blay and Qhuinn continue to tip-toe around each other, but with the addition of Saxon and Layla to the scene things might just be reaching their tipping point. 

The fight with the Lessers continues and on one hand, I really enjoy the continuity this brings to the series, but I'm also sort of hoping that a new "bad guy" will pop up and really add some twists and turns. 


Friday, February 16, 2018

A Life of Shadows by Kristen Banet ~ Spotlight



Title: A Life of Shadows (The Redemption Saga #1)
Author: Kristen Baney
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Thriller
Length: 354 pages
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: February 15, 2018

Sawyer Matthews knows how to put one foot in front of the other, to keep moving while the nightmares haunt her, and her own failures taunt her. She’s become a master at doing awful things with good intentions, terrible things for the sake of those who need her. She’s long given up on being the hero, trying to find peace in no longer being the villain.

When her past comes back and she finds herself caught by the International Magi Police Organization, she’ll have to revisit her own personal hells and finally confront the very monster that made her what she is. The very monster that has already killed her once before.

Will the “dead” Magi assassin Shadow finally come out of the dark to begin a fight for a redemption she doesn’t believe she deserves? Or will her nightmares drag her back into the shadows that have defined her life?
*This is an Urban Fantasy reverse harem series of full length novels where the leading lady doesn’t have to choose from her romantic interests. This series will have M/M content.

These books are rated for mature audiences, 18+ due to violence, language, and sexual themes.

This series deals with several triggering topics including, but not limited to, suicide, child abuse, rape, and PTSD.*



AUTHOR BIO:
Kristen Banet has a Diet Coke problem and smokes too much. She curses like a sailor (though, she used to be one, so she uses that as an excuse) and finds that many people don’t know how to handle that. She loves to read, and before finally sitting to try her hand at writing, she had your normal kind of work history. From tattoo parlors, to the U.S. Navy, and freelance illustration, she’s stumbled through her adult years and somehow, is still kicking.
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one  in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.

Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Alive? by Melissa Woods ~ Cover Reveal


Title: Alive? (The Alive? Series #1)
Author: Melissa Woods
Genre: Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing
Release Date: October 30, 2018


Everyone knows the first rule of the zombie apocalypse: Don’t. Get. Bitten.

Too bad Violet has never been great at following the rules. Walking home after a night of partying, she manages to let one of the Dead take a chunk out of her only hours after they’ve begun walking again. Fortunately for Violet, she doesn’t die. Unfortunately for Violet—she’s not exactly alive, either.

Violet’s body is undergoing changes, and suddenly the taste of human flesh is not as revolting as it once sounded. Controlling her new urges will be hard. Living with survivors who have no idea will be even harder. And the real zombies? They still want to eat her, too…

Surviving the zompocalypse is tricky when you play for both teams.

New from author Melissa Woods, Alive? is a heart-pounding adventure with suspenseful plot twists, complex characters, and a dash of dark humor. Gritty and raw, Alive? is sure to keep you guessing, and will delight zombie apocalypse fans everywhere.


AUTHOR BIO:
Melissa is a Primary School teacher by day and a writer by night. She grew up in a small town in the UK, and spent of her time with her nose in a book. Her childhood was filled with R.L Stein, Jacqueline Wilson, and J.K Rowling, and they inspired her to begin creating her own worlds. Melissa has always been fascinated with stories about living through an apocalyptic event, and with characters who feel so real that they become part of the reader long after the book was put away. She wrote the first draft of Alive? at sixteen, and has been hooked on writing ever since.

When she's not writing, Melissa enjoys reading, playing video games, crocheting, and spending time with her two dogs (and occasionally her husband).

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman

Title: Esmerelda and the Second-Hand Suitor (Snowbirds #2)
Author: Hebby Roman
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 189 pages
Publisher: Estrella Publishing
Release Date: March 12, 2016

Reviewed by: Jasmyn

What’s a forty-year-old virgin doing in a predicament like this? Looking for a husband because her late father’s will decrees she must marry or forfeit her orchard, her only means of support. Hank McCall, as a perspective husband, leaves a great deal to be desired—he’s twice divorced and older than Esmeralda. Scarred by their pasts and challenged by the gap in their ages, Esmeralda and Hank struggle with their new-found relationship. But when Hank is faced with losing Esmeralda or surrendering to her yearning to have a real family, their fates hang in the balance. 


**********
Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor was a cute story. At times a little unbelievable, but other times incredibly down to earth. It was also quite refreshing to see an older couple portrayed as....asn older couple. I know, crazy right? Esmeralda and Hank are both over 40 and living real life with real life problems. Divorce, paying bills, meeting people, family drama, and wondering if it's even worth looking anymore.

Esmeralda was a bit on the unbelievable side for me. A little too much of her character seemed to be determined by what would help the story work better. She's a virgin - which I know can still happen - but let's be honest. It isn't very likely anymore. She can only have her inheritance if she's married - because her father is a chauvanistic jerk - which I am more inclined to believe, but it still seems far-fetched. Especially to have all these things fall on one person's shoulders.

Hank is a divorced, fighting to keep enough from his recent ex so that he can retire in peace, and is really and truly going through what seems to be a mid-life crisis. Flying south to spend some time away from it all, he meets Esmerelda, and they are both faced with some serious adult-like problems (such a refreshing prospect).

This book dealt with real-life people facing real-life issues that would (mostly) affect any one of us that is no longer hovering in that 20-something age group. I really enjoyed seeing an older couple than I usually see in a romance with experiences and personalities that fit them well. 

Scenes from the Hallway by Penny Reid ~ Spotlight

Scenes from the Hallway, an all new novella from USA Today bestselling author Penny Reid, is LIVE and as a special Valentine’s Day gift from Penny it’s FREE!

Title: Scenes from the Hallway (Knitting in the City #6.5)
Author: Penny Reid
Genre: Adult, Romantic Comedy
Length: 102 pages
Publisher: Cipher-Naught
Release Date: February 12, 2018

You know who I am.
I swear too much, I crack too many jokes, and I got a thing for Kat Tanner; a messy thing, a distracting thing, a getting-in-the-way-of-everything thing; a thing that makes being in the same room with the woman torture. Sometimes it's the good kind. Mostly, it's not.
What you don't know is how it all started. You don't know how we met, you might not know what happened in Vegas (or the morning after), and you definitely don't know what happened after that.
You want to know the story before the story? Well . . . here you go.
But be careful what you ask for. As I've discovered the hard way, you might not like it.

'Scenes from the Hallway' is a companion short prequel/short story (11k words) for the upcoming book, 'Marriage of Inconvenience,' and includes the first 3 chapters of the soon to be released novel! ('Marriage of Inconvenience' releases March 6, 2018.)

WARNING This short story contains a lot of cussing. Do not download or read if you dislike curse words in novels. WARNING


Read Today for FREE!


Meet Penny Reid:

Penny Reid is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, three kids, and an inordinate amount of yarn. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes books.