Thursday, April 30, 2015

Review: Hammer & Nails by Andria Large




Harley Jameson is not your typical woman. She’s a rough and tumble, beer drinking, hockey loving, smart mouthed, kind of woman. In fact, she owns her own contracting company. Most men just treat her as one of the guys; that is, until she meets her newest client… 

Nolan Hammerstein is most definitely not a guy’s guy. He’s rich, spoiled, well dressed, and oh yeah - rich. His father owns the NHL’s Boston Bruisers, and he’s worked for his father since graduating from Harvard. Needless to say, he lives the life of luxury. When he purchases a new home, Nolan calls Jameson Contractors to schedule a consult with a man that he thinks is the owner… 

Harley and Nolan’s first meeting does not go well, so you can imagine her surprise when he actually hires her to renovate his house. While snarky comments and arguments are simmering on the surface, sexual attraction and tension are brewing underneath. But will Nolan’s uptight father and a handsy hockey player get in between their already volatile relationship? Or will they learn to accept each other’s differences and bond tighter because of them? 

Note: This book is a standalone with a HEA. For mature audiences only, as there are hot, steamy, and explicit sex scenes throughout the book.


4 Star Review by Jen Skewes


Hammer & Nails is a sweet, fun, witty and quick read that I loved.  It had the perfect blend of humor, sexiness and sweetness.  If you are looking for a refreshing read without all of the drama then this book is for you.

Harley Jameson owns her own construction company.  Her mother died when she was born leaving her to be raised by her father and her four older brothers.  She is feisty and has a spunk to her that I loved.  Growing up with all men in her life and now owning her own construction company she isn’t exactly a girl girl.  She is beautiful and smart and good at her job but at times can come across as one of the guys.

Nolan Hammerstein is the son of the NHL Boston Bruisers owner.  He works for his father even though it has never been his dream to do so.  He had other plans that quickly changed when money was waved in his face.  He can come across as a rich spoiled pompous ass but a really cute one may I add.  His father basically molded him into the man he is today so he really knows no other way.  But meeting Harley Jameson changes his perspective on a lot of things and he starts to realize that he does not want to be just like his father.

When Harley and Nolan first met it was more of hate at first site.  Harley is hired to do the construction in Nolan’s new house.  He is not a big fan of Harley’s when they first meet but cannot deny that she does good work.  Harley has a way of getting under his skin like no woman ever has before.  There is no denying that underneath the tough exterior is a beautiful woman who he cannot stop thinking about.  But these two come from two different worlds.   Can they make it work?
 
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.  For one I loved Harley.  She didn’t hold back at all.  She said what was on her mind and at times she purposely pushed Nolan's buttons to get a reaction out of him.  But I think that is part of what made him fall for her.  She made him see life differently.  He smiled when he was with her and she helped him to follow his dreams.   Together they were a perfect fit. 


One of the things that I love about Andria’s writing is the humor and witt that she adds to her stories.    It's the back and forth banter between the two characters that had me smiling.  Nolan was such a great hero who I loved.  I loved watching him grow and realizing just how much he did not want to be his father.  He was a good guy who I think was a pompous ass at times because that is how he was raised to be.  But deep down that just wasn't him and I loved that we got to see the real side of him.  the guy who cared about others and loved Harley for who she was.  He would do anything for her.  The supporting characters in this book were such a wonderful addition.  They were Harley's brother and I really hope we get to see more of them.  If you are looking for a fun, witty, refreshing and quick read then this book is for you.  





Release Blitz: Adrenaline by Sunniva Dee




Adrenaline by Sunniva Dee 
Publication date: April 30th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

CAMERON
Life’s the shit!
Chicks squeal over how wild and yummy I am, play their silly games trying to tie me down. But I’m free as a bird, doing what makes life life: kicking extreme-sport-ass!
I base jump, snowboard, bungee jump. I do anything for the rush.
Then, Ingela blows into town for college—a cool Swedish blast of trouble. Foulmouthed and runway-gorgeous, the girl seeps in like poison and melts the freaking brain.
To Ingela I am what chicks were to me: pastime, leisure, entertainment, pleasure. She’s killing me, and I’m digging it. There’s a new rush in town!Yeah, I hunt down my highs, and now the chase is on. I’ll catch her soon enough, just, what’s the deal with her ex?
BO
With Ingela, sex is a dance. A slow tango where skin flows over skin. It is slick readiness, a quiet welcome. It’s smooth, warm, right, and all wrong.
On and off. On and off. Again, she’s wrecked with grief. It’s a reminder of how I destroy her, how crushed relationships shouldn’t be revived.
We’ve done this for years, now, but clearly we’re in for more.



Purchase:


EXCERPT 
BO
Sex is a dance with her. A slow tango where skin flows over skin. It is slick readiness, a quiet welcome. It’s smooth, warm, right, and all wrong.
There’s no move she makes I don’t preempt. When it’s new, I follow. When I’m different, she forms to me. She was the ground I walked on. The air I worshipped. The first years together she was my everything.
With Ingela, sex is love. It is guilt over not giving her what she’s worthy of.
This girl. She deserves so much. And I?
I don’t have it all.
The way she looks at me. It’s knives sharpened and twisting in my gut because the extent of her love is beyond my capacity. I tell her again, for the seventh time in five years, what the answer always must be:
“Ingela, I can’t. You are the best person I know. You deserve someone with the chops to love you hard and forever. I’m not that man.”
Again, I’ve reduced her to this; her body, the one I just took to the skies in ecstasy, wracks with grief. This is why tonight is the last time we break up. I hate myself. I have to accept that I can’t make her happy.
It’s time I quit chickening out, quit running back to her over a bleak fling and whenever I need solace. To me, she’s comfort and familiarity. I’ll never stop loving Inga.

But to her, I’m still everything.




AUTHOR BIO:
Originally from Norway, I moved to the United States twelve years ago. I hold a Master’s degree in languages and taught Spanish at college level before settling in at the Savannah College of Art and Design as an adviser.

I write New Adult fiction, sometimes with a paranormal twist—like in “Shattering Halos,” published by The Wild Rose Press in February 24th 2014 and in “Stargazer,” released November 2014. The first book I’ve self-published was the New Adult Contemporary novel “Pandora Wild Child,” which made me a proud indie author in October 28th 2014.

I specialize in impulsive heroines, bad-boys, and good-boys running amok. Then, there’s the intense love, physical and emotional attraction beyond reason—sensory overload for the reader as well as for the characters. Like in real life, I hope you’re unable to predict what comes next in my stories.

Yes, so I write what I love to read, and depending on the reader, you’ll find my books to be a fast-paced emotional rollercoaster—or disturbing because the struggles of love aren’t your thing. Here’s to hoping you have the same reading vice as me!

Website : http://www.sunnivadee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSunnivaDee
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/sunnivaD
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7191170.Sunniva_Dee
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sunnivadee/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sunnivadee



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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Review: Broken by J L Drake




My name is Savannah Miller.

My father is the mayor of New York. One day after my twenty-seventh birthday I was grabbed from behind. A cloth sack was quickly pulled over my head, and I was taken from everything I’d ever known.

I was beaten, starved, treated like an animal, and forced to live in a room with no windows. With no sense of time and no dignity left I finally gave up hope and made a promise to myself to end it all. 

Unfortunately, it was going to be a slow process.

Then one night an elite group of US Army soldiers came to my rescue. I was brought to a safe house and given two options:

One- Stay under their protection and follow their rules or…

Two- Leave and be guaranteed to be returned to the savages within a week.

I chose option one.

As I work with a therapist and begin processing my hellish ordeal things slowly begin to surface. With the help of new friends and a potential new love I fight to get my life back and make choices that will forever alter my future.

This is my story...

*Warning cliffhanger ending*



4 Holy Moly Guacamole Stars!

Review by Jen Hagen 

Just as the title suggest, I am broken.  After that ending I just want to ask the author “how could you do this to me??”  Forget the heroine and what she’s feeling…I’m talking about me.   I want the sequel  to begin with it all being a bad dream.  I want Bobby Ewing to wake up in his shower and everything will be as it should be with everybody happy and in love.  I need to accept this ending and move on, but I can’t!!

Savannah is 26 years old and has been in the custody of her kidnappers for 7 months.  She has been starved, beaten, and everything else unimaginable but she has never been raped (thank goodness!).  Who are her kidnappers and why was she kidnapped?  Savannah’s father is a prominent elected official so he should have the means and ways to get her released if they had made any ransom requests.  What is the hold up?

Before that answer is revealed, Savannah is rescued by the “Shadows” and taken to a safe house where she now resides in a home full of trained special ops.  Some are friendly to her and others see her as a distraction from their goal – to capture “The American” who was one of the kidnappers.  Savannah is given a choice – to stay in the safe house protected or to return back to her home in New York City where she will be a walking target for recapture.  

“Know that you can leave at any time but there’s no coming back – we will not protect you a second time.  Do you think you can handle all this, being under this much protection?  This many rules?  You will be totally isolated from your past life.” 

Cole is a multi-generational Shadow who is the boss of the house and the head of the special op team.  He is a brutal killer, which initially intimidates Savannah and she was hesitant to trust him.  Once she lets go of who he becomes outside the house, she is pleasantly surprised with the ease of spending time together.  Cole has never had a relationship and once this love bug bit him, he was bit hard.  Cole simply adores Savannah and will do anything in his power to keep her safe and to keep her his. 

Cole and Savannah have an unorthodox start to their relationship.  It isn’t long after their relationship is announced that orders come in for Cole to leave the safe house in pursuit of “The American.”  Savannah fears that he will not return.  This is new for Cole…he isn’t used to having to promise to return home and he’s scared he can’t live up to his promise.  .  

“Everything is going to work out.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because fate would not have brought you to me just to take you away.”  He smiles, kissing me on my lips once.  “And now that I have someone to come back to, I’ll have to be extra careful.”  He kisses me again.  

Will Cole capture the bad guys and bring peace to Savannah’s questions of her capture or will he unwrap a package made up of lies, deceit, and the most unlikely betrayal?   But the most important question is will he be able to return to Savannah?


Although this story isn’t layered with depth, I found it be a fulfilling read.  Most of the time my angst comes from bad romantic decisions, but this time the source was suspense.  A long, long time ago my favorite stories were those that held a question of “who done it?”  It’s always fun to go back and revisit your roots.   This is the first book in a trilogy and I have a feeling we will be in for a wild ride.  I was completely floored…astonished…stunned…speechless…and any other word you can think of when it came to that ending.  But the best words are the last words spoken at the end of this first installment that summarize it best"Holy f#*king shit!" My thoughts exactly…


Review: Dear Juliet by Trudy Stiles

NOW AVAILABLE

Along with Trudy Stiles, we are very excited to share with you the Release of "Dear Juliet", the 3rd book in The Forever Family Series! Don't miss the special Release Price of ONLY $.99 (2 days only)!

Make sure to check out the Book Trailer, add this series to your Goodreads, enter the Giveaway below and join the Facebook Release Party Event for more fun and giveaways!


Dear Juliet should not be read as a standalone. Reading Dear Emily and Dear Tabitha first is recommended.

The bestselling Forever Family Series concludes with this emotionally gripping story. Follow the lives of two incredible people as they battle their way through many years of heartache, loss and love. This story will take you on an epic journey that spans almost 20 years.

I've known her since the third grade.
I've loved her since our teen years.
But her heart belonged to my best friend. 

Juliet Oliver was adopted at birth and has always struggled with this fact. She's been emotionally detached from everyone in her entire life, except for one person. He's been the one source of support, love and encouragement. 

Seth Tyson has had his share of painful relationships. He's constantly battling with his own demons, led by issues at home. 

Blurb:
I lost her. 
I thought she was the love of my life.
She was everything I needed. Everything I wanted.
She made me forget about my past. My family.
She made me feel real.
How do I move on from her? 
Will I find someone like her?
It’s time to pick up the pieces.
But can I?
I’m Seth Tyson and this is my story. 
~~~
I deserve a happily ever after, don’t I?
Dear Juliet by Trudy Stiles
Book #3 in the Forever Family Series
Release price $.99 for TWO days only

4 Star Review by Jen Skewes

I could not wait for this book.  At the end of Dear Tabitha we see Seth getting the closure he needs and walking away in hopes of finding his own happily ever after.  I wanted to find out so much about this person that I grew to love.  Dear Juliet is a beautiful story about love and friendship.  It spans over twenty years as we see how Juliet and Seth became friends when they were younger, how they were there for each other through the years and how they come to be more.

Juliet and Seth met when they were little kids.  Juliet was adopted and never quite felt like she belonged.  She had two amazing parents who loved her completely but when she hears her parents talking about a letter from her birth mother she starts to wonder why her mother gave her up.  She lets this one letter that she has yet to read completely take over her mind and starts to play with her insecurities as well.  She never felt like she fit, but wondering why she was giving up in the first place just adds to those feelings.

Seth had his own troubles growing up.  He came from a tough childhood filled with addictions and a father who cared about himself more than his wife and children.  Juliet was his comfort.  They started out as pen pals in school and found through written communication they could open up to each other.  Seth wanted to be more than friends with Juliet but she was his best friend’s girl and knew that he could be nothing more than friends with her.  Juliet and Jeremy were his two best friends and wouldn’t risk their friendship because of his feelings.  But then something happens that completely shakes up their world and leaves them both lost. 

Between that life shattering moment, her feeling of being lost, and not fitting in Juliet soon finds herself getting lost in this downward spiral and not sure how to get out.  We see her deal with it all throughout the years. We see her go though all the emotions and at some point start to heal.  But through it all she always had Seth with her when she needed him.   Sometimes in life things happen for a reason and it takes a while to see what has always been right in front of you.   At what point will Seth and Juliet realize that everything they need and wanted has been right in front of them the whole time? 

I really enjoyed this book and the twists and turns that we were faced with.  There was a lot of emotion in this book but given this series I expected nothing less.  I loved that this book takes us back to when Seth and Juliet first meet and we get to see their friendship blossom and see how much they both grow.   You learn about Seth’s past and understand what happened to him.   I knew at some point these two would realize that they were meant to be it was just a matter of time and waiting.    It was a roller coaster ride of emotions for both of these characters and they went through so much pain and heartache.  And if anyone deserved a happily ever after it was them.    I really enjoyed this book but I wished I felt the connection between Seth and Juliet a bit more.  When it came to the two of them and their connection something was missing for me.  I loved the storyline itself and everything that happened in between but for me it lacked the romance and emotional connection I was hoping for between Juliet and Seth.  I felt the love as friends between two people but nothing more.  

But overall I really enjoyed it.  There were a few unexpected twists that I loved.   It certainly brought out my emotions and my heart broke for Juliet and Seth an all that they have been through.  But you get through the bad times and at the end of the tunnel is the light you have been looking for.  And for Juliet and Seth that light was each other.  This is a story of love, loss and friendship.  Great job by Trudy Stiles.  

I highly recommend that you read Dear Tabitha before reading this one.  It can technically be read as a stand alone but Tabitha’s story gives more insight to Seth and his relationship. 









Dear Emily - Book #1 in the Forever Family Series


This book is not suitable for young readers. It is intended for mature adults only (18+). It contains strong language, adult/sexual situations, non-consensual sex and some violence.

Dear Tabitha - Book #2 in the Forever Family Series


The Epic Fail series will begin this summer (2015)
This is a spinoff of the bestselling Forever Family series. These will all be standalone novels focusing on the various characters from the band Epic Fail that were introduced in Dear Emily.

Book 1 - expected Summer 2015

Trudy Stiles is a New Adult author, mom to two beautiful children, and married to the love of her life. She is the author of the Forever Family series including “Dear Emily” and “Dear Tabitha”. There will be many more stories from this series and you never know who may have a standalone or novella written for them. Stay tuned!
Trudy is a music junkie and you’ll know that she’s writing when you see her plugged into her laptop with her earbuds in. Her playlist is unique and is a must for her writing sprints.
When she’s not writing, she’s carting her children to their various activities while avoiding any kind of laundry or housework. She also loves to run along the boardwalk of the beautiful New Jersey shore.
She’s always been an avid reader and frequently escapes into the fictional worlds of the many characters that she has come to love. Well, now there are some fictional characters in her head dying to get out!
Her first story “Dear Emily” was released in December 2013. “Dear Tabitha” was released in March 2014. The Forever Family series will continue with several companion/stand alone novels.
Email: authortrudystiles@gmail.com
Website: http://trudystiles.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortrudystiles
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/trudy_stiles
Twitter: @trudystiles
Instagram: https://instagram.com/trudystiles/
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