Friday, April 29, 2016

Blog Tour: Layers of Her by Prescott Lane


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A Letter to my Readers

Rape. Just typing that word makes my gut tie up in knots. And that’s part of the problem.
Because it’s so uncomfortable, we don’t want to talk about it. So it gets buried at the bottom the newsfeed or forgotten altogether, like the backlog of untested rape kits.

Last March, I released Quiet Angel in which the heroine is a survivor of childhood sexual assault. A few weeks later, my husband became gravely ill, and we spent the rest of the year (5 long hospital stays and 4 long surgeries) fighting to regain his health. As I sat in the hospital chair next to his bed night after night, I got messages from women about how my book touched them. Some shared their reasons, and others didn’t.

I came to learn that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. How could I not know that? just released a book on the very topic. Yet I didn’t see one post about it on any of my social media accounts.

Early this year, I began writing Layers of Her with the intent to spread awareness and donate of April's profits to charity. I was nervous when I started, and I still am. I mean, how much the profits be? Will readers assume I’m a survivor or I know one? Will I do the topic justice?

Why am I doing this? It’s a whole lot easier to stay silent. But that’s the whole problem, isn’t I work in a field, in the genre of fiction, that is mostly comprised of women, where sexual assault is one of the most common tropes. And with each passing page, we pull for our broken heroes and heroines to heal, find love, forge a new path. That's all we want for them. We need to do same for the real life heroes and heroines, those brave souls who fight the real fight every single day. So join me this April in making some noise to raise awareness, not only for the survivors but for those who love them.

Prescott


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People always say it’s what’s on the inside that matters. If that’s the case, I’m screwed. On the outside, everything looks put together — blonde hair, blue eyes, tall and lean. By society’s standards, I’d be considered attractive. But f*ck society, I know what I am. I know what I’m made of. The recessive genes that reared their heads and created a decent looking package on the outside don’t make me who I am. What about all the evil lurking inside? What about all the other parts of me that aren’t so easy to see? Some of the most beautiful animals are also the deadliest. Take the polar bear, for example. Cute and cuddly on the outside, but it’s really a predator that will bite your f*cking head off. That’s a dangerous combination.

And that’s exactly like me, exactly who I am. Bad — and once you go bad, you can never go back.


WARNING: This book deals with the harsh reality of rape that could be upsetting for some readers.




4.5 Stars
Review by Jen Skewes

I loved this book so much.  When I first read the blurb I was intrigued.  I knew that this was going to deal with a very tough topic but maybe in way that is what I was drawn to.  This book deals with rape and the effects it has on not just one person but the families as well.  For me it's not about the dark moments its about the moments and years after. Its about how that four letter word can have a lasting affect on someone for many many years after.  There are so many struggles and obstacles, feelings and motions involved.  At times feeling depressed and not worth it.  But being able to be on that journey with the character, in this case Campbell,  and seeing  her finally be able to open up about everything and finally feel like she is worthy of love, being able to heal and leave the past where it belongs, is what makes this story so beautiful and amazing.  

Campbell and Stone have known each other for about a year now.  He is a retired MMA fighter who now owns his own gym.  A year ago Campbell walked into his gym with a fear and sadness in her eyes that he saw immediately.  For the past year she has been training there and for the past year Stone has admired her.  He doesn't have time for relationships so casual sex with his go to girl is usually how he gets his release. But Campbell is so different and he sees and wants so much more with her.  But when he takes that first step and crosses the line of friendship there is something holding Campbell back.  She too feels the connection and spark between them but out of fear and insecurities she pushes him away.  But these two are just so perfect together and no matter how hard he may try he cannot get her out of his mind.  After everything that Campbell has been through in her life will she finally take a chance on love and happiness and cross that line with Stone?

I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved this book.  But for me it was Stone that made this book.  Don't get me wrong I LOVED Campbell but Stone was everything that you want in a man.  He was sweet, caring, protective and just amazing in every way.  There is one relationship that he has with a very special person that will completely melt your heart.  The love that he has for this person was just so real and so special.  And when it came to Campbell, My God he was just so loving and caring,  and patient.  He knew there was something that she was keeping from him, the reason for the fear that he saw over a year ago.  But he was so patient with her and loved her unconditionally.  This man had so much love to give and he will capture your heart.

Campbell is such a strong woman and I loved her.  She had so many struggles in her life but I truly believed that in ways she stayed strong throughout them.  She loved Stone there was no doubt, but because of her past she never felt she was worth his love.  And maybe she didn't realize it but she too had so much love to give and you see that not only with Stone but with someone else in this book.  I know I am being vague but I really do not want to say anything that will ruin it.  Campbell and Stone just complimented each other so well.  They had such a wonderful connection, one that I felt. 

Again this book deals with rape.   But what I loved about this book is that it deals with it in a way that I think we don't see often.  We see how it affects more than just one person.  I loved how Ms. Lane dealt with this topic but also how she wrote the past.  The moments that we see in Campbell's point of view are from her past, which gave us a bit of suspense because you are left wondering what exactly happened that has left her so broken.  There is this build up to that moment that destroyed her and when it is time to reveal the truth not to only the reader but also Stone you can't help but feel her pain as well.  It was so real and so intense at times to see what this girl has been holding in for so long.  

Prescott Lane honestly blew me away with this book.  I devoured it in one sitting, because from the moment I started reading I did not want to let go.  This is one of those books that will give you a hangover and stay with you.  Especially Stone, oh how I loved that man.  Amazing job!!!


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“What made you come for me?” she asks.  I tell her my theory about men making decisions based on one of three body parts — head, heart, dick.  “So which led you to my house tonight?” she asks.

“Let’s just say two out of three ain’t bad.”

Her giggle fills up the room.  “Stone?”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t let me forget.”  

“Forget what?”

“How good I feel right now,” she says.

I know exactly what she’s feeling.  She doesn’t think she deserves to be happy.  It’s a constant waiting on the other shoe to drop so you can prove to yourself that all the bad shit you fill your head with is true.  That you’re bad, and that’s why bad things happen around you, or to those you love.  Dealt with that myself when Tate got her diagnosis.  Who am I kidding?  I still fight those demons, knowing she’s suffering because of my mistakes.  Self-blame is a bitch.  Self-hatred is even worse.  Guess I’ll just have to teach Campbell to love herself as much as I love her.

Yeah, yeah, it’s fast.  But how long does it really take to fall in love with someone?  A minute?  An hour?  A day?  A year?  For me, it took exactly one kiss.  The moment her lips touched mine in that hospital room, I was gone.  

Besides, what do you really have to know about a person to love them?  Not a damn thing other than how they make you feel when you close your eyes at the end of the day with them wrapped in your arms.










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Prescott Lane is the author of First Position, Perfectly Broken, and her new release, Quiet Angel. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Centenary College with a degree in sociology. She went on to receive her MSW from Tulane University, after which she worked with developmentally delayed and disabled children. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren't enough happily ever afters in real life.
Happily Ever Afters Guaranteed
Author links

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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Blog Tour: The Player and The Pixie by LH Cosway and Penny Reid

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The Player and the Pixie
by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid

Publication Date: April 12, 2016

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Sports, Humor



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How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehole. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him?

The Pixie and the Player is a full-length, romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the second book in the Rugby Series.

THE PIXIE
Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby.

As the little sister of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, Lucy can’t seem to escape the championship-sized shadow cast by her big brother, or her mother’s frequent attempts to micromanage her future. Her rainbow hair is as free-spirited as her quest for inner peace, yet overbearing expectations keep bringing her down. And when she’s down, her compulsive little problem lands her in seriously big trouble.

THE PLAYER
Sean Cassidy is a cold-hearted brute… or so he’s been told. Frequently. By everyone.

His blonde locks, baby blues, and rock hard bod make ladies the world over drool with desire. As the rugby world’s second most infamous player, he should be basking in his success. But Sean has never been content settling for second place, and his frequent confrontations with Lucy’s big brother leave him cold. And when he’s cold, his compulsive little problem lands him in the lap of Lucy Fitzpatrick.

THE PLAN
Sean has a problem only Lucy can solve. Lucy has a problem only Sean can fix. The solution seems obvious: you scratch my back, and I’ll bail you out of jail. But when their business arrangement unexpectedly leaves Sean scorching hot and Lucy on the precipice of inner peace, can they convince the world—and Lucy’s big brother in particular—that this is the real deal?

Either way, both the Player and the Pixie are about to teach each other some pretty monumental lessons about family, life, but most importantly, love.



4 Stars
Review by Jen Skewes

When I first found out about this book I couldn't have been more excited.  I loved The Hooker and the Hermit and couldn't wait for Lucy and Sean's story.  



Lucy is Ronan's brother who we met in book one.  Lucy and Sean have met before but one night Sean asks her to dinner.   And while she knows she shouldn't accept his offer she in a way has no choice. Lucy has a secret that Sean knows. But after spending some time with Sean she finds out one secret about him that completely shocks her.  So Lucy agrees to help him with his problem.  But what starts out as a friendship turns into so much more. But neither one of them are willing to admit their feelings.  And then there is the issue of Ronan Fitzpatrick.  There is no way he will accept his little sister dating his arch nemesis.  How long can they keep their relationship a secret and if it does come out will that be the end of it?


Lucy has rainbow colored hair and is a carefree and beautiful person.  She is such an amazing and good person.  She loves her brother and looks up to him.  But Lucy has her own issues that stem from her mothers constant criticism of her. I loved her and her sass and how much she loves her brother and Annie.  But I also loved how she was with Sean. I loved the flirting and the banter between them. 


Sean is a great rugby player but he is also the one player on the team that is considered the black sheep of the team.  He is cocky and arrogant and Ronan's worst enemy. To be honest I wasn't sure if I was going to like Sean either.  But you begin to see that there is so much more to him than what you see.  Yes he may still be an ass at times but you see that he really does care and he does have feelings and emotions. But you understand with the way he grew up why he is the man he is today.  And you also understand just why he has so many issues with Ronan.  I was wrong about how I would feel about him.  Because in the end I loved him and thought that they belonged together. 


Once again LH cosway and Penny Reid did an amazing job. They are an incredible writing team. This story was fun and witty and a bit unique in a way as well.  I found myself smiling often while reading this book.  I loved that we still got to see Ronan and Annie.  This book is full of laughs but also about two people really were perfect for each other. They just for so well.  I loved the ending and am definitely looking forward to the next book. 


L.H. Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Penny Reid

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.
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Release Blitz: Gripped by Joanne Schwehm

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Dane Prescott spends his days staring at perfect holes, and knows how to use his stiff shaft to get there. He’s as hot as he is good at the sport he loves more than breathing. 

Dane has one goal and one goal only, to be on the professional golf tour. It’s who he is and what he lives for. Women, although fun, aren't in his long-term plans. 

Beverly Whitfield didn’t start off as the confident woman she is today. Teased mercilessly as a child and always feeling second-best, she set out to change her future and is finally putting herself first. Never in her wildest imagination did she think she’d fall for a man with stunning good looks and sex seeping from his pores. And, oh yeah, he plays golf. 

To those who say golf is complicated and frustrating, Dane says, “No, that’s love.”

**Intended for readers over the age of 18**

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RELEASE PARTY!!!

Join Joanne on Release Day where she will be celebrating the Release of Gripped In her personal group, Joanne's Book Junkies!

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Family and friends are the most important things to Joanne. She enjoys meeting new people, traveling, reading, relaxing on a beach and shopping. She has an addiction to Coffee and Diet Coke; you may want to stand clear if she hasn't had her daily intake!

Writing has been something that has been private and not shared until the day she decided to publish Unexpected Chance. Waking up one morning to the voices of Alex Logan and Aubrey Ryan changed everything!!

She is an avid sports fan especially when it comes to the New York Yankees & Dallas Cowboys. She also enjoys playing and watching golf.




She firmly believes when that unexpected chance comes, take it. Don't let it pass you by. You never know what you could be missing.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Review: Claire (Hart University Book 2) by Abigail Strom




It's sophomore year, and Claire Stone has sworn off romance. She's just gone through a breakup and she wants some time to find out who she is on her own. The only flaw in her plan is her friend (and hot quarterback) Will McKenna, who's a walking temptation to forget all about her singlehood pledge.


Will has had a thing for Claire since freshman year. Now that they're both single, he wants more from her than friendship. But Claire doesn't want to be anyone's girlfriend right now, and with football season underway, Will's got issues of his own to deal with.


When an injury on the field changes everything, Will and Claire are driven apart. But when the two of them end up trapped together in a snowstorm, they're forced to deal with each other again. Can they confront their feelings without ruining their friendship? Or will their friendship turn into something more?



4 Stars!
Review by Trinette Dungee 

Claire Stone is a sophomore whose boyfriend of four years has just broken up with her. To prove to herself that she is significant on her own and not as someone’s significant other she decides for a minimum of one semester she’s going to concentrate her band, her studies and herself. She enlists the support of her friends to help stay on track and they readily agree to support her. This sounds like the perfect plan except for one thing, Will McKenna. Claire has been attracted to Will for the past year but she had a boyfriend and Will had a girlfriend, but Will’s been dumped too. Rather than pursue a romantic relationship with Will, Claire opts for a deeper friendship but the more time she spends with Will, the more attracted she becomes to him. Now Claire has to decide if pursuing Will is worth to ruining the special friendship they’ve developed.

Will Mckenna eats, sleeps and breathes football. It’s constantly on his mind. Something else, that’s constantly on his mind, Claire Stone. Will has wanted Claire since they met as freshman and now that they both are “free agents” so to speak Will is free to pursue Claire. Unfortunately for Will, Claire’s taking a break from relationships. Being a good friend he supports her in her decision but more time with Claire just convinces him that she’s the girl for him. When Will’s football dreams take a detour he’s suddenly insecure about who he is, he’s always been identified and associated with football; now that it’s gone he’s not sure who he is or if he has anything to offer Claire.

This is book number two in Strom’s Hart University series. I read book one, Rikki, and loved it. Claire did not disappoint. These two characters were easily likable and I had an instant connection with them.

All though Will is a “hot jock”, he’s not your typical “hot jock”. He’s not the most sexually experienced guy; he’s only been with one girl. He’s not a panty chaser, although he wants to be. Claire plans on being a doctor and she’s the lead singer in a band and while she appears to be very sure of herself, she’ far from it. What I really liked about these guys? They were real young adults. They’re no longer kids but not quite adults. Their insecurities and inexperience shows. They want to do the right thing, but they still need some parental guidance in doing it.

After their night together, they don’t turn into those clingy “oh, we are girlfriend and boyfriend” people. They still don’t quite know what to do with each other. I will say I was a little disappointed in the ending. You get your HEA but there was just something about that last scene that felt a little anticlimactic. Like my advice on “Rikki”, just read the book. There are additional books on the horizon and I’m anxious to get my hands on those as well. 








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