Thursday 29 November 2012

Get your Groove on Thursday - Faithfully

This week's Get your Groove song on was inspired from Rock The Heart by Michelle Valentine

Faithfully by Journey

From iTunes Canada:
Faithfully - Journey: Greatest Hits

From iTunes USA:
Faithfully - Journey: Greatest Hits

He brings the mic up to his lips. "This song goes out to the girl who is my everything.  I'm not an easy man to love, and music is about the best way I know how to express my feelings to her. This is called Faithfully."  Riff plays out a few notes on his guitar, and I instantly recognize the melody made famous by Journey.





Rock the Heart (Black Falcon #1)

by
For the last four years, good girl Lane has regretted breaking up with Noel Falcon. She thought she was sensible when she told him his dreams of being a rock star would get him nowhere, but now that he's a rock god and her career is stagnant, she realizes just how wrong she was. When Noel hires the marketing company where Lane is an intern, she’s forced to see him again. If she wants to land her dream job as executive within the company, she has to win him over and secure his account. Too bad Noel is still pissed at her for breaking his heart.

When Lane’s company flies her to a Black Falcon concert to gain Noel’s attention, emotions run high the moment she sees him and realizes she’s far from over him. But Noel’s countless trysts with groupies and his cocky attitude make Lane believe he isn’t the same guy she once loved—now he seems to only want her body. Then after Lane discloses she needs him to procure a job, Noel proves he’s a changed man by forcing her to go on the road with him in order to get it.

After Lane reluctantly takes Noel up on his offer, she becomes willing to do whatever it takes to keep him satisfied, even if it means succumbing to his seductive ways. Lane soon finds deception is a dangerous game and she’s not the only one playing.


From Goodreads

The Inn at Rose Harbor


The Inn at Rose Harbor (Rose Harbor Inn #1)

Adult Romance
Source: Kindle
by
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes a heartwarming new series based in the Pacific Northwest town of Cedar Cove, where a charming cast of characters finds love, forgiveness, and renewal behind the doors of the cozy Rose Harbor Inn.

Jo Marie Rose first arrives in Cedar Cove seeking a sense of peace and a fresh start. Coping with the death of her husband, she purchases a local bed-and-breakfast—the newly christened Rose Harbor Inn—ready to begin her life anew. Yet the inn holds more surprises than Jo Marie can imagine.

Her first guest is Joshua Weaver, who has come home to care for his ailing stepfather. The two have never seen eye to eye, and Joshua has little hope that they can reconcile their differences. But a long-lost acquaintance from Joshua’s high school days proves to him that forgiveness is never out of reach and love can bloom even where it’s least expected.  

The other guest is Abby Kincaid, who has returned to Cedar Cove to attend her brother’s wedding. Back for the first time in twenty years, she almost wishes she hadn’t come, the picturesque town harboring painful memories from her past. And while Abby reconnects with family and old friends, she realizes she can only move on if she truly allows herself to let go.

A touching novel of life’s grand possibilities and the heart’s ability to heal, The Inn at Rose Harbor is a welcome introduction to an unforgettable set of friends


From Goodreads
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RF's Review...

I loved this story! The main character of Jo Marie is a strong women who isn't afriad to take chances and make hard decisions. She goes after what she wants.  While she is getting over the death of her husband she helps other get over their issues. I love the way she subtly helps her guests through their problems without them realizing it. 

I also like the pairing of Josh & Michelle.  What a patience and loving women she is.  I love how she guides Josh into reconcilling with his step-father and makes him think that it is his idea! Richard, the step father was quite a grouch but she got through to him with her constant love and no nosense attitude.  Such a smart women.  I was so happy when Josh decided to give the relationship with Michelle a chance instead of going back to his ways of throwing himself into his work.

Abby, Abby, Abby. She let fear over run her life and that has caused her to be stuck mentally in the past.  Thank goodness for good friends! I was worried that when she went to her lunch meeting with her friends that they would still hold a grudge against her but the accepted her with open arms. Her friends were so fun! I think there is a lesson in there for all of us, that we make the past out to be way more then it is, where others have moved on we keep ourselves stuff in the past. 

I would have like to see the relationship between Jo Marie and Mark be develope a little more.  Jo Marie has a way of getting under Mark's skin and brings a caring aspect out in him that I don't think he knows how to deal with. 

This was an overall good, wholesome book to read.  It kept me interested but at the same time didn't really have any twists or turns to throw you off.

4 out of 5 stars thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up

RF 

To buy on Amazon: The Inn at Rose Harbor: A Novel

Second Chances Blog Tour - Guest Post L.J. Harris

Second Chances Blog Tour Guest Post - L.J. Harris


WHY DO WOMEN READ AND WRITE M/M ROMANCE?  By L. J. Harris
According to the Romance Writers of America, women make up ninety-one percent of romance book buyers. Considering that fact, and that the writers across all romance genres are predominantly straight women, it’s of little surprise that hot, bare-chested studs are just as popular, if not more, than the bodice-ripped heroines on the covers of the more traditional romance novels. 
After all, why should men be the only ones able to fantasise about two members of the opposite sex getting down and dirty?
The moment I read my first male/male story, I knew I was hooked, but not just because I loved reading about hard, lean bodies and broad shoulders, perfect abs and handsome faces. I’ve also come to discover that I find it fascinating to read about the unique set of challenges that are often faced by two same sex characters.
From the emotions that go along with realising one’s sexuality, to dealing with how relationships can change once a character comes out to family and friends, to facing discrimination both in one’s personal and/or working life, or even dealing with acts of violence just because of who one chooses to be with, all add a dimension to the story that you simply can’t find in male/female romance.
There’s also something refreshing about getting inside the male psyche…seeing a relationship develop from the male perspective. Though some would argue that because of the high number of male/male romance stories are written by women, predominantly for women, we aren’t getting inside men’s heads at all and are in fact getting a woman’s fantasy of how a man should think, I’d prefer to think of it in a different way.
When reading a story, no matter the genre, we all want to leave our everyday lives behind for just a moment, and immerse ourselves in a world filled with characters we can easily relate to and ultimately fall in love with.
It is, after all, the reason why we read romance in the first place, isn’t it?

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

L. J. Harris’s short story, “Heart of Glass” features in the Second Chances male/male anthology published by Bottom Drawer Publications in August 2012.
L. J. Harris was born in Sydney, Australia and now lives in the nation's capital with her husband and twin teenage sons. She has only discovered her passion for writing in the past three years. Shy by nature, she discovered that after her father fell ill, writing down whatever she felt not only helped her deal with the situation but express herself in a way she couldn't before.
Working part-time afforded her the opportunity to explore her sudden drive to write, originally via fan fiction. With her husband's encouragement, she penned a dream sequence around which her novel-in-progress is built.
She loves building the sexual tension between characters and developing interesting plots twists, as well as leaving readers wanting more.

Summary:
When Zack Doherty comes to Australia on a working holiday, he is uncharacteristically forward in pushing Heath Connors, a man he barely knows, for a date. Heath, who has only recently begun to live life his way, wonders if Zack will be the one to mend his heart of glass.

Excerpt:
Zack Doherty
IT WAS EARLY on Friday morning, and I was beat. Ever since I’d touched down in Sydney on Tuesday, I’d been sleeping during the day and lying awake at night, having not quite adjusted to the time difference. Although the jet lag was literally killing me, I needed to start the newest phase of my life, and my first plan of action was to get the hell out of bed and look for a job.
I already missed the life I’d built back in San Francisco—my family and friends, even my crappy job at a local bar I’d taken after cutbacks forced me to leave the job I loved.  But after suffering a bad break-up with Trent Forster, the man I thought I’d one day marry until I found him in bed with his ex-boyfriend, I had needed a little time and a lot of space to rethink the direction my life was headed.
It had been more than six months since that day, yet I still hadn’t managed to move on. Everywhere I’d looked, Trent had been there; our social circles colliding so often that his and his lover’s presence had worn me down. Eventually deciding enough was enough, I’d packed my bags, my tail tucked firmly between my legs, and departed for Australia for a working holiday, leaving behind the only life I’d ever known.
My father had returned here to Canberra, south-west of Sydney, the place he was born, when I’d moved out of the house to finish college, a year or so after he and Mom divorced. I was looking forward to not only making a fresh start but also reconnecting with him, having only managed to visit a mere handful of times since he’d returned here ten long years ago. I was giving myself six months to find a job, and if I liked it, I’d probably end up extending my stay and finding a place of my own.
Dad had returned to the job he loved since coming home. It was the very same job he’d had when he first met Mom—working in public affairs for the US Embassy—and it kept him extremely busy. So busy, in fact, that he rarely had the opportunity to take his beloved Mustang out for a spin, especially since the Embassy provided him with a car for work purposes. I’d only been in the house for a few minutes when he handed me the keys to the Candy Apple Red ’67 Fastback, telling me it needed to be driven around town from time to time to keep it in running order.
After a quick reviving shower and shave, I grabbed the car keys from the dish on the sideboard, happy that I finally had the chance to oblige him.
It had been five years since I’d sat behind the wheel of this particular vehicle. No matter how many times I opened the door and jumped in, the familiar smell of tobacco, mint, and leather never failed to invoke many happy memories ... so many, in fact, that I had a hard time keeping a smile off my face whenever I slipped into the driver’s seat and turned the key.
But when I decided to go for a drive and check out Dad’s place of work, stopping off at the store on the way to buy a newspaper so I could check out the local job market, I thanked the gods for their gift, because if not for my father’s generosity, I’d never have encountered ... him.
He was washing car windows at the traffic lights. He was tall, tanned, and lean, with broad shoulders. I could tell his hair was long, thick, and wavy by the wisps of light brown hair that peeked out every which way from underneath his black, woollen hat. A smattering of stubble across his jaw and his long, narrow nose enhanced his features perfectly, and when I caught sight of his bright blue eyes as he moved closer, the most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen, roving over the entire car before they met with mine, I was hooked in an instant.
I had to suppress a laugh when I noticed he was wearing one of those god-awful green glow-in-the-dark vests, and as he stood there, holding a squeegee in his hand and looking at me like I was something to eat, a strange but exhilarating combination of embarrassment and elation flowed through my every cell. Even as the light turned green and the traffic began to move, I continued to devour every inch of him. Shooting him a nervous wink for good measure, I watched as he turned and walked away, his ass swaying hypnotically with every step he took. It was in that moment as I sat there, ogling the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on, that I felt as though I’d been struck by lightning.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞



For A Chance to Win a Second Chances eBook or discount vouchers at the BDP bookstore please enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Second Chances Blog Tour Info



Second Chances Anthology

Blog Tour
November 20 – December 20, 2012

Promotion Package

Book Cover:




Book Blurb:

We all know what it’s like to lose out in love … but what if you get a second chance at happiness? Will you grab it, or run?


Book Details:

A collection of five male/male contemporary romance short stories, ranging from 10,500 to 16,000 words. Total length:  70,000 words

Non-Negotiable by T. D. Green

Jacob Kerns, the advertising director for a small national greeting card company, is due for a promotion. His ambitions for advancement are jeopardized when he learns his next big contract will be handled by none other than Alexander Cory, his ex-lover from college. Seeing Alex again opens the old wounds of that long ago betrayal, but Jake endeavors to put personal feelings aside to do his job. If only Alex would let him! When Jake's boss falls ill, secrets come out. Will Jake find love again or is the whole thing non-negotiable?






Heart of Glass By L. J. Harris

Days after arriving in Australia for a working holiday, Zack Doherty is blindsided by the connection he instantly feels to Heath Connors, but circumstances don’t work in their favour.  Zack is uncharacteristically forward in pushing Heath to accept a date when fate gives him a second opportunity.

Heath has only recently had the courage to admit his true self, walking away from his marriage and a good job when he could no longer lie to himself. The attraction he feels for a stranger that fleetingly crossed his path confirms he made the right choice.

Will Zack be the one to mend Heath’s heart of glass?

Better Together By DaNay Smith

Greyson Welles moved to Baltimore so that his long-time partner, Dominic Nash, could fulfill his dream of an internship at John Hopkins Hospital. It’s been four years though, and Greyson is becoming increasingly unhappy. He never gets to see Dominic and his own promising art career is on hold, instead he paints family portraits for a living.

Dominic can see that Greyson is unhappy with the long hours he puts in, but when his solution is to propose to the love of his life, he is surprised that not only does Greyson turn him down but leaves to pursue his own career dreams in New York.

Five years later Greyson can only think of one man able to sooth his wounded pride when there’s a less than stellar response to his latest collection—what will he do?

Dirty Martini By Bette Browne

Daniel Fletcher knocks back his third vodka of the night after running into his ex out with the same lover he had found him with in their bed two months before. He’d ended their relationship that night but coming face to face with them still together makes the pain of the breakup still very real.

Nathan Smith has seen more men than he can count drowning their sorrows in a bottle at his bar. He understands—he’s been there himself. One night a handsome brunette with sad blue eyes makes Nate want to assure him that everything will be okay. The connection he feels from a fleeting touch, as he walks the man out of the bar, shakes and stirs him in ways that he never expected.

What starts out as a means to forget might just be what they both need.

Notice to Appear By C. C. Lorenz

Josh Campbell has had the date from hell—the food was mediocre, as was the company, and to top it all off, he finds himself in strife with the law. When he thought the situation couldn’t get any worse, he comes face to face in the courtroom with his schoolboy crush, Carter Sullivan. Now, not only has he got to pay a hefty fine, he has been humiliated in front of the one man he’s never forgotten.

Could the date from hell suddenly turn into the start of something new with Carter, now that their age difference is not the issue it was back in high school?




Buying Details:

The list price for the book is $6.99, however the book will be discounted for the duration of the blog tour.

To celebrate the start of the tour, the book will be free on our website for 1 day only on November 20. For the remainder of the tour the book will be $4.19 (a discount of 40%)



Author Profiles:

T. D. Green, the author of Fragile Bones, is as passionate about supporting the arts as she is about creating art. When she’s not wrangling words across the white space, she’s deeply immersed in painting. A proud Hoosier, T.D. currently resides in her beautiful home state of Indiana with her husband, three children, and a clutter of curiously devoted felines.




DaNay Smith lives in a small suburb in Michigan with her family. She began writing her stories when she left grade school, eventually trying her hand at poetry as well. She attended Roosevelt University, majoring in English, and concentrated in creative writing. It was at university that her love for male/male novels was born. The school’s history and values are deeply rooted in activism and the fight for civil rights. She learned to see the similarities between the struggles all minorities go through, especially the LGBT community where the fight has just begun. She wanted to write books that were about gay men, not just have them included as side characters or used as tokens like most types of pop culture. DaNay spends most of her days working in data entry but uses her free time to continue doing what she loves: writing.




L. J. Harris was born in Sydney, Australia and now lives in the nation's capital with her husband and twin teenage sons. She has only discovered her passion for writing in the past three years. Shy by nature, she discovered that after her father fell ill, writing down whatever she felt not only helped her deal with the situation but express herself in a way she couldn't before.

Working part-time afforded her the opportunity to explore her sudden drive to write, originally via fan fiction. With her husband's encouragement, she penned a dream sequence around which her novel-in-progress is built.

She loves building the sexual tension between characters and developing interesting plots twists, as well as leaving readers wanting more.




Bette Browne is wife to an extremely understanding husband and mother to two very tolerant children. In her mind they are the most accepting family in the world, allowing her the freedom to indulge her passion for fiction, whether it is reading or writing it.

She enjoys traditional male/female romances, but male/male is her passion. In her mind nothing is more erotic than two (or more) beautiful men finding love together.

For Bette, the fight for tolerance in all its guises is an important one, and hopefully her contribution, even if it is only in the form of the occasional love story, is one she will continue to happily find the time for.




C. C. Lorenz grew up in Southern California and currently resides in Los Angeles where she works in the finance industry. Searching for a distraction from the daily stresses of her job, she stumbled upon the world of male/male romance and fell in love with the genre. Intrigued to explore the unique challenges of gay relationships, C. C. put pen to paper (figuratively) for the first time since her college days and began to write.

When not immersed in the world of M/M romance, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, drinking wine, and driving her husband crazy by acting like a teenager.

Facebook Link (no dedicated website yet): http://www.facebook.com/pages/CC-Lorenz/127079980770976


Further contact details for all our authors, including Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, blogs, etc., can be found on our website:



Something about the publisher:

Bottom Drawer Publications is a new publishing house that specialises in romantic and erotic romance fiction across a range of genres, with both het and gay characters. Our genres include: Contemporary, Historical, Literary/Drama, Alternative Lifestyles, Paranormal/Sci-fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Thriller and Steampunk.

Our books are available for sale on our website as well as over 8 booksellers, including: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBookstore, All Romance, Rainbow eBooks, and a range of others. All reading devices are catered for with a comprehensive range of formats.

We are always on the lookout for fresh and interesting manuscripts within these genres, and from time to time will put out calls for anthology submissions.

Visit our website: http://www.bottomdrawerpublications.net for our new release information and our writing submission guidelines.

What the Heart Needs (soulmates #2)


What the Heart Needs (Soulmate #2)

Adult
Source: Kindle
 
by

Overview:
Bound by destiny, can their love survive those that would tear them apart?

Dylan thought he had it all after Heaven agreed to marry him. But the secrets surrounding them continue to build.

His best friend's keeping something from him. As are his parents. And someone wants Heaven dead.

Can he protect his soulmate and solve the mystery before it's too late?
Synopsis from Amazon

My Review...
So. I do like this series but my major beef is the same I found in the first book because it is in a multiple POV story it can get very confusing on whose POV it is and sometime you have to re-read to realize who it is. I wish it was better stated which would create a better flow.
But really that is my only real issue. The story and suspense is good and Kelli keeps you hanging on and waiting for more. I can't wait to find out how the story continues in the third book. 
In this book you are left with a few questions or I guess you could say dangling carrots of what is in store to come.I am so curious to find out what Dylan's dad and Heaven's sister are up to. 

Dylan and Heaven's relationship is enticing and strong. The chemistry is steamy and their soul bond is beautiful.
In this story you find out way more history and the truth about how soul mates are meant to be. I truly do love the story of Dylan and Heaven. 

4 thumbs up! thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up 

Lauren

To buy the Series at Amazon:
 

Leave me Breathless (Ross Siblings #3)


Leave Me Breathless (Ross Siblings #3)

Adult/Erotica
Source: Kindle

by
Leather and lace don't strike sparks. Or do they?

It's Valentine's Day, but Macy Rodgers isn't feeling the love. Aside from a torrid, one-night fling in a backseat a few months back, her love life has been sorely lacking, but fortunately she has devious friends who feel like playing Cupid. Wouldn't they be shocked to learn that the match they've made for her is the same one that steamed up the back of that '69 GTO...

Seth "Ghost" Warren has just returned to town after an extended absence. Between his grandmother's failing health, his job as a tattoo artist, his band's gigs, and a crazy ex that won't leave him alone, he's stretched thin. Cautious cowgirl Macy is the last thing he needs thrown into the mix.

She's all country, he's all heavy metal—and Macy knows that if anyone can propel her out of her rut, it's Seth. But when their worlds collide, it's anyone guess if they'll survive with their hearts intact.

Warning: Contains explicit sex, graphic language, road trips, troublemaking exes, emotional baggage, and an unconventional but exceptionally hot hero tatted and pierced for your pleasure..


From Goodreads
Goodreads-badge-add-plus  

My Review...

I love this series so I was so looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed. I started to love Ghost in Brian's book but was never a fan of Macy and her judgmental ways but in this book you start to love Macy and you get to understand why she was the way she was. 

Ghost/Seth starts to bring the best out of Macy and vice versa. They are both are so scared about getting hurt that they put up tons of walls to protect themselves but by doing this they end up hurting themselves in the process. 

Your heart goes to Seth when you learn what his wanker brother does to him and are so thankful that he can get past that with Macy. And lets talk about Raina holy Shit what a psycho! I wanted so badly to punch her in the face. Thank goodness Macy took care of it for me.

I also like the fact that Seth and Macy are so different from each other but still compliment each other and have explosive chemistry.  The also never compromise who they are as individuals to be together so many times you see people who give up a part of themselves to be part of a couple but with Macy and Seth them being together does nothing but strengthens them as individuals. 

Loved it!  As a stand alone book and also love the whole series: 
4 Thumbs up! thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up

Lauren

To buy the Series at Amazon:

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Second Chances

 

M/M
Source: eARC

Summary:
Non-Negotiable by T. D. Green
Jacob Kerns is due a promotion, but his ambitions are at risk when he learns his next contract will be handled by Alexander Corey, his ex. Jake tries to put personal feelings aside to do his job, but Alex won't let him. Will they find love again or is the whole thing non-negotiable?

Heart of Glass by L. J. Harris
When Zack Doherty comes to Australia on a working holiday, he is uncharacteristically forward in pushing Heath Connors, a man he barely knows, for a date. Heath, who has only recently begun to live life his way, wonders if Zack will be the one to mend his heart of glass.

Better Together by DaNay Smith
Greyson Welles followed Dominic Nash to Baltimore for his dream job, putting his own on hold. Dominic can see that Greyson's unhappy, but never expects him to turn down his proposal and return to New York. Will Greyson be gone forever or will he decide they're better together?

Dirty Martini by Bette Browne
When Daniel Fletcher runs into his ex with the man he caught him in bed with, vodka seems like the answer. Nathan Smith is used to men drowning their sorrows at the bar he tends, so the connection he feels to one is unusual.  Will a means to forget turn into something more?

Notice to Appear by C. C. Lorenz
Josh Campbell is handed a notice to appear in court for a traffic offence, but his humiliation is complete when he comes face to face with his schoolboy crush, Carter Sullivan, in the court room. Could this be the start of something with Carter now that age is not an issue.


From Bottom Drawer Publications 
http://www.bottomdrawerpublications.net/#!book-detail-pages/vstc3=second-chances

My Review...

So I am usually hit or miss with Anthologies but with this one I feel like it was a hit if you are ok with the gay/lesbian genre. 

There are 5 short stories about second chances and I loved all of them. I think Notice to Appear might have been my fav but it is a real toss up. 

They are charming love stories. Some of them have a little more sex than others but definitely not to racey or anything. So they are more story than smut. hypnotized 

The bonus to anthologies are sometimes you want to read something but you don't have time for a whole book so anthologies are the perfect solution with their individual short stories. 

I really liked all the stories and I am huge fan of second chances in life and in this book. 4 thumbs up! thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up

Lauren

To buy on Amazon: Second Chances

The Secret of Ella and Micha


The Secret of Ella and Micha (The Secret #1)

New Adult
Source: Kindle
 
by
Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes.

(New Adult Contemporary)
*Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language


From Goodreads
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My Review...

I liked this story but unfortunately I had just a read a similar story the day previous which was just bad timing. If that was not the case I know I would have liked the story more as it would have felt fresher to me. 

Now saying that I am a big fans of the idea of childhood best friends falling in love and this is a story of that.  

Of course Ella and Micha have their baggage and live on the wrong side of the tracks where it is not rainbows and unicorns. But somehow these two find a way to find roses out of garbage.  Their love is sweet and consuming but can it last. We will find out in The Forever of Ella and Micha which is coming out pretty soon I think.

Oh Micha he loves Ella so fiercely: 

Micha pulls back and smoothes my wet hair out of my eyes.  "Don't you ever do that to me again. I can't do this without you,"  
Oh Micha. Such a sweeheart. 

In the end and take away bad timing it was a sweet story 4 thumbs up!
thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up 

Lauren

Monday 26 November 2012

Book Boyfriend Monday - Blake Hartt

Ok This weekend I read Poughkeepsie and I have to honor Blake by putting him as this weeks boyfriend.

Oh Blake Hartt what a beautiful, beautiful man inside and out.

Some of the reasons why I love Blake:
1) His manners and morals are inspiring
2) His ability to see beauty in anything and to see the best in people is breathtaking
3) His all encompassing love for Livia is mind blowing

Here are some examples of why Blake is truly beautiful

Livia talking about Chris -
"You know the best compliment he's ever given me? 'You're pretty enough to get by.' He's said it so many times."  Blake waited until she set her deep gray eyes on him.  "He has no idea the beauty in front of him. He's a fool."

"Livia, you make the rest of the beautiful things in the world cry for even trying at all.  You make it hard for me to breathe."  Blake looked reluctant to move.

When his eyes found hers, he placed a hand over his heart, as if it might stop again.  "You are so lovely," he said.

He finally stopped long enough to thank her.  "Every time I think I couldn't love you a bit more, you stretch my heart again."

"I love you so much, I think there are burn marks on my heart." Blake touched his chest.

Oh Blake be still my heart.

All phrases and quotes from Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia



Poughkeepsie (Poughkeepsie #1)

by
He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once


From Goodreads

With Everything I Am (The Three Series)


With Everything I Am (The Three #2)

Adult
Source: Kindle
by
One night, Callum is driven into the woods by instinct, an instinct to protect… what, he does not know. Until he, in the form of wolf, meets a young, human child who he is instantly drawn to in a fierce way he doesn’t quite understand.

But in the end, she protects him. Then he finds this human child is his destined mate.

Sonia Arlington has lived a lonely life. She has certain abilities that make her strange and she has a rare disease that, if untreated, could kill her. Her mother and father are assassinated but before, her father makes her vow that she will never let others discover her abilities. This forces Sonia to stay distant from others, no family, no close friends and always guarding against exposure.

Then the intelligence leaks that Sonia is Callum’s human mate. He is now King of the Werewolves and therefore she becomes targeted by the wolves who have aligned with other immortals to enslave the human race. Callum has war on his hands and is forced to claim his mate and quickly integrate Sonia into a world that is strange and frightening to her.

As Sonia attempts to adjust, not entirely successfully, Callum attempts to cope with the knowledge that his mate is mortal. He will have her beauty and gentleness only the length of a mortal life and as werewolves only have one mate their entire lives, their union for him is unbearably bitter as well as unbelievably sweet.

Then he finds that due to her illness, her human life will be even shorter and he is forced to endure the increased bitter while doing everything he can to make Sonia’s short life incredibly sweet.


From Goodreads
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My Review...

It is no secret that I am a HUGE Kristen Ashley fan and that I love all her books and with this book she did NOT let me down. It was great! I effing loved this book and Callum. I wish I could get me some cuddling werewolf. 

Now this book was long but I am sooo Ok with that and I get lost in KA's stories and her alpha men. I like this whole series and can't wait for the third book to see how it ends. A hybrid hmmmmm. Sounds Yummy if he is anything like Lucien or Callum I am already sold.

I loved Sonia and Callum. There connection was great. It would not be a true KA story without some miscommunication and drama with a pile of hot sex.  Even though you had an idea of what was coming in the story it still left you guessing and I was on a rollercoaster at the end on waiting for the outcome. I loved the outcome of Sonia and Callum and I am sure we will see more in the next one like we saw Lucien and Leah in this one.  

Callum's love for Sonia is lovely. All the characters of this book were great. 5 effing Thumbs Up!

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Lauren

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