Tuesday 28 April 2015

Since Drew by J. Nathan ~ #bookreview

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U647WMO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00U647WMO&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=PCEVC2TN52QLJSMR
Since Drew

by

All Andi Parker has ever wanted, all she’s ever dreamed of, is a spot on the Olympic track team. But when an accident leaves her hospitalized with serious injuries and shattered dreams, she’s not only uncertain what her future holds but also completely alone.

Drew Slater is a wanted man. Professional football teams want him for his arm. Women want him for his good looks and magnetic personality. But the well-crafted disguise he wears, the one that helps him score on and off the field, hides secrets. Conceals lies. Threatens the happiness of everyone around him.

One chance encounter brings Andi and Drew together, changing their worlds in ways they never thought possible. Unfortunately, what they thought they knew about themselves—and about each other—might just be the biggest lie of all.






Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy from Author
Genre: NA Contemporary
Part 2 in a series but is a standalone

My Since Drew Review ...

After reading J Nathan's debut book Until Alex (which I really liked) getting the chance to read Since Drew I jumped at the chance to review it.  In Since Drew it's based on two totally new characters, Andi Parker and Drew Slater.

Andi Parker has had one dream and that's to run in the Olympics.

Drew Slater has had everything come easier to him but it hasn't always been what he truly wanted.

One moment in both of their lives drastically changes everything.

After Andi finds herself in the hospital broken physically and mentally with her dreams shattered she befriends a fellow hospital mate named Drew.  The two quickly become close and help push each other to heal and move forward.


When things seem to be moving in the right direction all of a sudden a mind twist happens and makes us doubt everything that has already happened.  I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen and why (which I was correct in guessing)  but it didn't change my experience in reading it.

Andi's now confused and heartbroken.

Drew's now for the first time feeling something that he has never felt before.... hope.

Two wrongs don't make a right but for these two it sure does.  I loved Drew even when he was being an ass.  I fell for him right from the get go.  Andi was strong and resilient and together they pushed each other, that they couldn't have done without the other.

Thank you J Nathan for something refreshing and new in this very formulaic genre.  The story was great.  The twist was refreshing.  The angst was heartfelt.  The bond between the two was solid and strong.  The whole thing was great from start to finish.

4 I love Drew Thumbs up!
thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up 
Lauren









Sunday 26 April 2015

Release Day Event~ Sweet by Tammara Webber


Join us in celebrating the release of SWEET by Tammara Webber! Check out the excerpt and teasers below!


SWEET (Contours of the Heart #3) by Tammara Webber
NA Contemporary Romance

Blurb:
He’s the love of her life, but he doesn’t know it.
She’s his one moment of sacrifice in a lifetime of survival.

He was damaged and wild, but resilient.
She’s always been obedient. Now she’s restless.

Home for the summer between college and med school, Pearl Torres Frank knows two things: Boyce Wynn is the embodiment of everything she should run from, and everything she wants to run to. Rebellious and loud. Unconcerned with society’s opinion of him. Passionate. Strong. Dangerous.

And one more trait he hides from everyone but her:

Sweet.

Excerpt:
Boyce watched me, a lit cigarette in one hand and a koozied beer in the other. We hadn’t spoken since that kiss, other than his usual juvenile quips during biology—the ones that drove Mel and Mr. Quinn insane and made Landon smirk and shake his head and had me biting the inside of my cheek to suppress my smile.

At first, I’d been confused, then disappointed, and then angry. I’d worked my way to acceptance, like when I’d known I was drowning and there was nothing I could do. He’d merely gone back to being Boyce Wynn, who did what he wanted and who he wanted. And I’d gone back to being Pearl Frank—star student, social royalty, good girl.


But I couldn’t forget that kiss. The fixed glint of his eyes across the fire said that neither could he.









About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of EASY and BREAKABLE (Contours of the Heart series - NA), as well BETWEEN THE LINES, WHERE YOU ARE, GOOD FOR YOU and HERE WITHOUT YOU (Between the Lines series - YA/NA).

I'm a hopeful romantic who adores novels with happy endings, because there are enough sad endings in real life. Before writing full-time, I was an undergraduate academic advisor, economics tutor, planetarium office manager, radiology call center rep, and the palest person to ever work at a tanning salon. I married my high school sweetheart, and I'm Mom to three adult kids and four very immature cats.

website:
tammarawebber.com
Facebook

Saturday 25 April 2015

Cover Reveal ~ Reaper's Fall by Joanna Wylde


Reaper's Fall is the newest standalone in the Reaper's MC Series.
Painter & Melanie's story will be available on November 10th and 
is currently up for Pre-order!

Pre-order available at the following retailers:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1DsDyRt 

Blurb

He never meant to hurt her.

Levi “Painter” Brooks was nothing before he joined the Reapers motorcycle club. The day he patched in, they became his brothers and his life. All they asked in return was a strong arm and unconditional loyalty—a loyalty that’s tested when he’s caught and sentenced to prison for a crime committed on their behalf.

Melanie Tucker may have had a rough start, but along the way she’s learned to fight for her future. She’s escaped from hell and started a new life, yet every night she dreams of a biker whose touch she can’t forget. It all started out so innocently—just a series of letters to a lonely man in prison. Friendly. Harmless. Safe.

Now Painter Brooks is coming home… and Melanie’s about to learn that there’s no room for innocence in the Reapers MC. 








The Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott ~ #bookreview. #Lick, #PLay. #Lead. #Deep


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GL3XJFS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00GL3XJFS&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=RCYAB3QX36C6KZLU
Lick (Stage Dive #1)


by


Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas's plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man in her room, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is certain, being married to one of the hottest rock stars on the planet is sure to be a wild ride.











Source: Kindle
Genre: Adult Contemporary/Celebrity fiction 
Part 1 in a new series

My Lick Review...

Okay what is not to love about a sexy successful tattooed rock god?  Yep ! that's right nothing.


I was hooked from the first few pages with Evelyn's inner dilemma of a major hang over only to find out that she is married. Oops!

"You've exceeded all of my expectations. I wanted you to let your hair down a little. Get a life and give mankind another chance. But this is a whole new level of crazy you've ascended to. Do you really have a tattoo?" - Lauren  "Yes." - Ev

Of course things couldn't be rainbows and lollipops.  David married Ev for a reason unbeknownst to Ev but since he's hurt and rejected he is quick to get the marriage annulled but Ev is not going to get pushed around from this world.


With the interference of Mal, he forces Ev and David to explore the chance of what if.

"Seriously, I fucking love your wife, man. She's awesome. Can I have her?" - Mal

During this weekend of exploring the what if. They fall for each other.

"Yes," he said simply. "I like you the way you are, blurting out whatever shit crosses your mind. Not trying to play me, or use me. You're just...being with me. I like you." - David

"You asked me this morning in the car if I thought you were scary. The answer is yes. You scare me shitless. I don't know what I'm doing here. But I hate the thought of leaving you." - David

That should be the end of the HEA but of course since David is a celebrity it is not a shock to hear about his past relationship which burnt him and it also left him with lies and secrets which we all know come back and kick you in the ass.  But with everyone wanting a piece of David life gets even harder for Ev.
"Yes, we've got a fake blonde with a bad tan giving us trouble, officer. I'm pretty certain I saw her at a frat party doing some serious underage drinking last week. I don't want to say what happened after that but the footage is available on YouTube for your viewing pleasure if you're over eighteen." - Amanda

With a bit of shock and a big case of miscommunication, manipulation of others and a lot of groveling what if's can become reality.

"I don't even know what you're talking about. Davie said to shut up," shouted Mal above the pair's raucous laughter. "Have some respect for his touching moment with Evelyn, you assholes." - Mal
I loved the relationship of David and Ev from the banter to the passion.


I can NOT wait to find out more from this series. Loved it!!!!!!

4.5 Rock God loving thumps up!
thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up . 5
Lauren


  

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H0V069M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00H0V069M&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=4ZADGEQD7HQEN2DC
Play (Stage Dive #2)


by


Kylie Scott returns with the highly anticipated follow-up to international bestseller Lick.

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast--at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn't plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn't count on finding the one right girl.

Anne Rollins never thought she'd ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls--especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn't end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?






Source: Kindle
Genre: Adult Contemporary/Celebrity fiction 
Part 2 in an ongoing series
My Play Review ...

I knew KNEW after reading Lick that I was going to LOVE MAL.  And love him I did.  Mal Erickson has a bit of a maniac energy about him.  Mal has always been on but finally something has shaken Mal but the band doesn't know what it is or how to reach Mal as he keeps pulling away. 

Anne Rollins is a loyal woman.  To her friends and her family.  She learned quickly to be a bleeding heart since she was basically forced to raise her little sister when her mom checked out.  Anne's so loyal that everyone takes advantage of her generous heart.  For the last few years she has had a unrequited on her best friend and boss Reece but he too is one who takes advantage. 

After the latest friend hurts Anne, her neighbor Lauren (Ev's best friend) forces her to come to a party at Ev's house where she runs into the one and only Mal Erickson.  The one man who she has crushed on since a teenager.  Growing up she has always loved the band Stage Dive and especially the gorgeous drummer, Mal.  Now that she meets him in person she's a bit star struck. 



Mal sees a sadness in Anne that he connects with and he wants to get to know her more.  Plus what Anne doesn't know is he also needs her.  So what a better way then moving in with her after meeting her for about 20 mins.

"You're a friend of Ev's and Lauren's. We talked. I tackled you.  We rolled around on the floor together.  It was a real bonding experience."

Mal literally moves in with Anne and she can't deny him as he's Mal Erickson and all.  Since she always takes care of everyone what is one more?  Even though Mal convinces her to be her fake girlfriend he also wants to help Anne aka Pumpkin out.

"Whatever you want is great."  
"That is so the correct answer.  We are going to be the best fake couple ever, pumpkin."

The friends only agreement between these two doesn't last long and soon after they are bumping uglies with one another.  What they didn't expect was to have feelings involved in this sex only encounter.  


With Mal nothing is sacred.  You just have to go with it where he is concerned.  If you don't there is no way then you could be with him.  That is probably why he has remained single for so long.

"Too much sex talk in front of friends?"  I nodded.  "Sorry,"  said Mal.  "Real sorry. My bad."

The more they get involved the more Anne gets immersed into Mal's life.  She starts to see a side that most don't get to see but this vulnerable side of him is also a loose canon.

"It's fate, Anne.  Written in the stars.  Leave it the fuck alone."

When Mal's reason for his sadness comes to light you feel his heartache.  You want nothing but to wrap him up and love him.  Anne's trying to wade through this mine field with Mal but she has some rough patches.  Pumpkin isn't used to a loving supportive family so meeting Mal's and seeing their heartbreak is a new and hard place for Anne.

"I really like your son, "  I said.  Because I had to say something.  So, of course it was woefully inadequate as per the ordinary when it came to feelings."
"I know you do, sweetie.  I've seen the way you look at him?"
"Crazy eyes?"
"Yes."  She laughed softly. "Crazy eyes."

Once Anne starts to really have feelings for Mal her unrequited crush finally takes notice causing some more bumps for these two, but when Anne makes a choice she sticks to it even though not all can see her intentions. Mal's a bit crazy but you can't help but love him.  Anne's the perfect combination to balance and ground Mal for better or worse. 


I LOVED this book! I loved MAL and I love this series.  It's such a great combination of heart and humor.  Love it!!! And so recommend it. 

5 Mal loving Thumbs up!
thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up 
Lauren


 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ILYTJS6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00ILYTJS6&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=5W6NNMRYT7CFBRTE
Lead (Stage Dive #3)


by


Stay up all night with the sexy rockers in Stage Dive, the epic New Adult series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, author of Lick and Play.

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it's booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble.

Lena's not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and Lena leaves, he realizes that he may just have lost the best thing that ever happened to him.






Source: Kindle
Genre: Adult Contemporary/Celebrity fiction 
Part 3 in an ongoing series

My Lead Review... 


Finally Jimmy's story.  Jimmy has always intrigued me.  I have never been sure what's behind that complex man.  Now finally we get to see the layers beneath him, to find such a warm heart but hidden under armor so he doesn't get hurt again.

Jimmy has had a bit of a shit life.  He has shit parents.  But thankfully he has his brother and the band.  Sadly though for Jimmy to cope he turned to drugs and alcohol.  To the point that his addiction was going to break up the band.  With the band being the only thing he needs and wants he gets clean. Unfortunately he has burnt enough bridges that the management and label don't believe that he will stay out of trouble.


Enter Lena.  After the band stumbles across Lena they feel she's the best solution to babysit Jimmy.  After just being fired and her not wanting to be around her family she jumps at the chance for this new gig even though she's under qualified.

Lena moves in with Jimmy and becomes immersed in his life but still is a stranger to him.  That doesn't mean she hasn't developed feelings for him though.  It's not until Jimmy is on the verge when the bands suffers a huge loss does the bridge get open between these two.

"You can't affect what people think, Lena.  They wanna think the worst, they will. I'm not wasting energy trying to make everyone happy.  I have enough on my hands just keeping my own shit together."

Now that Lena realizes that she has feelings for Jimmy she tries to step back and find a replacement for her.  But Jimmy's having nothing to do with this plan as he wants Lena there and he doesn't deal with change well.  Finally getting the truth out of Lena, Jimmy comes up with a plan for her to get over her feelings.  His plan is for her to go out on dates and meet people. To have her own life.  He even sets her up on dates, but he can't seem to let her go.


Poor Jimmy is so broken he doesn't even recognize good feelings.  Jimmy fights these new emotions and tries to manipulate to get what he wants but it back fires on him.  Not until his nasty piece of work, good for nothing mother resurfaces does the damn break between these two.

The band knows what Jimmy needs and what Jimmy wants, even though Jimmy hasn't truly realized it.  Now they just have to convince Lena to tough it out until Jimmy gets his head out of his ass. But that's way harder than it looks.

"Are you insane?  He'll lead me straight to hell."
"Perhaps. But he likes you, so I'm guessing he'll bring you back out safe and sound."

Finally Jimmy relents and has his way with Lena.

"We meed a rule about no funny shit or fighting during sex."

Then his douche self resurfaces causing Lens's final straw to break.  He breaks her so much she's forced to deal with her past when that is the last place she wants to be.

"Don't hate me, Lena,"  he whispered. "You want to be mad at me when I do dumb things, that's fine.  But don't ever hate me.  I couldn't take that, not from you."

Now that Jimmy has realized how badly he fucked up he has major groveling to win his heart back.

"I can't stand not having you there, not knowing what you're thinking, what you're doing, not being able to tell you things and share them with you.  It's just ... nothing's the same. I hate waking up without you and I worry constantly that you're okay, that you've got everything you need.  Look, the truth is, I'm all about you, Lena. You're my best friend.  You're my girl."

Gah! I loved Jimmy and all his broken ways.  Jimmy may be the front man but looks can be deceiving.  Thankfully Lena is able to break through and teach Jimmy some good in life that he gets to a place to accept love and happiness.  Lena and Jimmy make the perfect couple.  I effing LOVE this series and all the characters.  Kylie Scott has hit pay dirt with this series.  Worth the read for sure.

4.5 Jimmy Loving Thumbs up! 
thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up . 5
Lauren


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JCX1RJE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JCX1RJE&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=V5RQMTMLQS4WR2KS
Deep (Stage Dive #4)


by


Don't miss a beat with the fourth and final novel in the USA Today bestselling Stage Dive series from Kylie Scott. 

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins' ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben's the only man she's ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn't looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She's his best friend's little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he's not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he's always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible...but will it lead to a connection of the heart?







Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of SMP and TRSOR Promotions
Genre: NA/Adult Contemporary
Part 4 in a series

My Deep Review...  

I love this series, but I have to admit that this one is my least favorite of the bunch.  I still quite adored it but I didn't connect with Lizzie and Ben as much as I did with the others. 

Lizzie is the younger naive sister to Anne who also happens to be Mal's partner.  The moment Lizzie laid eyes on Ben she wanted more.  Since they really didn't interact in their first meeting she inquires his phone number and the two of them spark up a texting relationship.  

The more they text the more they connect but Ben is set in his ways and doesn't want to settle down.  The more his band mates settle the more he wants free.  But that doesn't stop him from being attracted to the very young Lizzie.  One night changes everything. After this night Lizzie wants more but she's quickly slapped with reality and what Ben is really like.  For Ben he may want more but his freedom means more than a girlfriend.  Sadly one night can be enough.

That one night may have set sparks but it also created life.  Now Ben has to deal with the ultimate link to reality and the farthest thing from freedom.  But this reality was not an easy pill for him to swallow.   

"She's the girl you put a baby in, asshole.  And if she's been going through half the shit Lena's been dealing with, then you are just about the lowest cunt I've come across in a long time for making her do it alone."
"None of us planned this.  But you need to drop out of the running for dickhead of the year and get yourself sorted before it's too late."

Even though Lizzie is young of age she's more mature and able to deal with her new reality with the help of Ben or not.   After been reamed out by his band mates and realizing what he has to lose he finally gives in to all that is Lizzie. 

"Cocks don't think.  We went over that."
"We were wrong."
"huh. So I have a pet penis.  Okay, keep talking." Curiosity had definitely gotten the better of me.  "What more?"

Kylie Scott is fantastic and has such a gift for being able to capture and blend the duo of angst and humor. 

"You got my dick on a leash.  Might as well have the rest of me."

Giving in was hard for Ben but once he committed he went all out. 

"Sweetheart, you didn't steal the money.  You stole me.  The money comes with me. Okay?"
 I love this series and this book was truly great but for me since most of their beginning was via text and not necessary through direct dialogue and interaction that their deep  connection was a bit lost on me.   Then how Ben handled this big oops was hard to swallow but finally he pulled his shit together and won me back as well as Lizzie.  

Great Series! Good book! I can't wait to read more from Kylie Scott. 

3.5 Deep Thumbs up!

thumbs upthumbs upthumbs up . 5

Lauren

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