AfterMath - Review

Title: AFTER MATH (Off The Subject #1)

Author: Denise Grover Swank

Release date: March 12, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Links to find the book:

Goodreads / Amazon

 Blurb

Scarlett Goodwin’s world is divided into Before and After.

Before she agreed to tutor Tucker price, college junior Scarlett was introvert, struggling with her social anxiety disorder and determined to not end up living in a trailer park like her mother and her younger sister. A mathematics major, she goes to her classes, to her job in the tutoring lab, and then hides in the apartment she shares with her friend, Caroline.

After junior Tucker Price, Southern University’s star soccer player enters the equation, her carefully plotted life is thrown off its axis. Tucker’s failing his required College Algebra class. With his eligibility is at risk, the university chancellor dangles an expensive piece of computer software for the math department if Scarlett agrees to privately tutor him. Tucker’s bad boy, womanizer reputation makes Scarlett wary of any contact, let alone spending several hours a week in close proximity.

But from her first encounter, she realizes Tucker isn’t the person everyone else sees. He carries a mountain of secrets which she suspects hold the reason to his self-destructive behavior. But the deeper she delves into the cause of his pain, the deeper she gets sucked into his chaos. Will Scarlett find the happiness she’s looking for, or will she be caught in Tucker’s aftermath?

About the Author

Denise Grover Swank lives in Lee's Summit, Missouri. She’s a gypsy who can’t live in one place too long or stay in one genre. She writes contemporary romance, urban fantasies without vampires and werewolves, young adult science fiction, and romantic comedy mysteries set in the south. Denise has six children, three dogs, and an overactive imagination. She can be found dancing in her kitchen with her children, reading, or writing her next book. You will rarely find her cleaning.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com@DeniseMSwank

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseGroverSwank

Website: http://denisegroverswank.com/

Source: eARC for honest review

My Review...

I read the synopsis of the book and I thought that it would be a good one and ......it was. Some times in new YA there is one whiny heroine and a strong hero to save her but in this book they were both equally broken and saved each other.

Their brokenness is what drew them together but their hope is what kept them together.  It is true we all need a Tucker in our life to love us unconditionally.

There was something sweet and magical about this book and the evolution of Tucker and Scarlett

That my short time with him makes me want to live my life, not just watch it pass by. But my tongue refuses to respond except for three little words. "I like you."  His eyebrows lift, then he laughs softly. 

"I like you, too." Then his laugh fades and his eyes darken. "I think I more than like you."  "I more than like you, too."

 "Do you know why I'm here?" he asks, his voice husky.  I shake my head, unable to find the answer.  "Everything just feels so right when I'm with you, Scarlett. I can be me. But it's more than that. You give me something I haven't had in a long time, if ever. You give me peace.  It's like the jumbled mess in my head can settle down, and I can be still with you. Like none of the other stuff matters."

So often life leads us places by circumstance and by expectations of others and it is so hard to find what is true for yourself.  This is a process and a journey and both Tucker and Scarlett had to find out their own paths so it could bring them together as a stronger unit.

"I'm miserable without you. I need you. I understand if you don't trust me and you need me to earn back your trust....."Nothing makes sense without you. I love you, Scarlett. Please give me another chance."

 

I loved this sweet tale of healing and precious love. 

5 thumbs up

Lauren

 

Cover Reveal - His Risk to Take by Tessa Bailey

His Risk to Take (Line of Duty #2) 

by Tessa Bailey 

Release Date: May 13/13  

Synopsis:
The greater the risk, the hotter the reward?

Homicide cop Troy Bennett had a reputation on the Chicago PD for being fearless and in control?until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a raid. From that moment on, he swears he?ll never again be responsible for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler.

Reckless and stubbornly independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy?s avoiding, but when she walks into O?Hanlon?s Pub and blows his carefully laid plans to hell, Troy knows he has to have her?risks be damned. But there?s a connection between Ruby?s shadowed past and a case Troy?s working involving a notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs?

Giveaway - $50 Amazon GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pre-order buy links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Cover Reveal - Beauty of Surrender from Georgia Cates

 

Title: Beauty from Surrender (Beauty #2)

Author: Georgia Cates

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: Adult

Cover Designer: Georgia Cates

Expected release date: May 30, 2013

  

The story of Jack Henry and Laurelyn continues... How do you move on when he’s every song you sing? After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more? Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?

 About the Author Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Despite the struggle, she has no regrets in her decision to try this crazy life. She can honestly say that she’s living the dream.

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Unbreak Me by Lexi Ryan
Publication date:  May 27th, 2013
Genre: New Adult Romance

 

Synopsis:

“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”

I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…

“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”

But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

Goodreads: 

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AUTHOR BIO

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Ryan writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. Her books are described as fun, flirty, and wickedly sexy. A lover of learning, Lexi has been in the classroom all her life and currently holds the title of assistant professor of English at her local community college. Lexi is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband and two children.

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter 

 

Sign up to be part of the UNBREAK ME RELEASE DAY BLITZ on May 27/13

 

 

Book Boyfriend Monday - Beau Vincent

It has been a long time since I read The Vincent Boys and The Vincent Brothers but I think honoring Beau is long over due so this weeks book bf is....Beau Vincent from The Vincent Boys Series by the fabulous Abbi Glines

Why oh why I am smitten with Beau for not only his gorgeous looks and southern charm...

1. He was a misunderstood soul with a huge heart
2. He had a shit life but still had passion and love to be better
3. He has always loved his Ash before he even knew he was capable of loving and once he finally got the chance to express that love he never let go. 

 

Some of the reasons why *swoon* Beau has captured my heart and soul: 

"I was very aware that you were a girl Ash. I was just scared because the one person in the world who knew every secret I'd ever had also happened to be the most beautiful girl I'd ever known. My feelings for you were scary as Hell." The Vincent Boys

"From the moment I held her she became mine. I'm sorry I did this to you but you never really loved the real Ashton. I do." The Vincent Boys

"I'm not letting you go. You're mine Ash. I can't live without you." The Vincent Boys

All quotes and phrases are from the original kindle version of The Vincent Boys

The Vincent Boys: Extended and Uncut (The Vincent Boys #1)

by Abbi Glines (Goodreads Author)

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any hotter…Beau and Ash’s sinful romance now includes super scandalizing, never-before-published scenes in this special, eBook-only companion to the steamy printed original.

There was something wicked about Beau that drew me to him. What was wrong with me? Why did I want to sin so badly?

Ashton is getting tired of being good, of impressing her parents and playing ideal girlfriend to Sawyer Vincent. Sawyer is perfect, a regular Prince Charming, but when he leaves town for the summer, it’s his cousin Beau who catches Ashton’s eye. Beau is the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, and even though he’s dangerous, Ashton is drawn to him.

Beau loves his cousin like a brother, so the last thing he wants to do is make a move on Sawyer’s girl. Ashton is off-limits, absolutely. That’s why he does his best to keep his distance, even though he’s been in love with her forever. When Ashton wants to rekindle their childhood friendship in Sawyer’s absence, Beau knows he should say no.

Ashton and Beau don’t want to hurt Sawyer. But the more they try to stay away from each other, the more intense their urges become. It’s getting way too hard to resist... 

Purchase from Amazon

The Vincent Brothers: Extended and Uncut (The Vincent Boys #2)

by Abbi Glines (Goodreads Author)

4.2 of 5 stars 4.20  ·  rating details  ·  15,071 ratings  ·  1,142 reviews

Sawyer and Lana’s romance just got steamier in this exclusive eBook-only companion to the printed original that includes scandalous, heart-pounding scenes.

Getting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn’t easy. Especially when he’s been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember.

Lana has lived her life in her cousin’s shadow. Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looks model-perfect. And she’s always had Sawyer Vincent—the only boy Lana’s ever wanted—wrapped around her finger. But now things are different. Lana has a chance to make Sawyer see her, and she’s taking it. If only he’d get over Ashton—because Lana is sick of second-best.

Sawyer’s heart is broken. He’s lost his best girl to his best friend. And then Lana comes to town. Ashton’s cousin has always been sweet and soft-spoken, but now she’s drop-dead gorgeous as well. Sawyer doesn’t know if Lana can heal his broken heart, but spending time with her might at least make Ashton jealous.

What starts as a carefree fling becomes a lusty game of seduction. Sawyer and Lana may have different motives, but their scintillating hookups are the same kind of steamy. . . .

Purchase from Amazon

Cover Reveal - Until I Break by M. Leighton

Now I am a huge fan of M. Leighton and this cover and synopsis looks like another hit. *Squee*

Title: Until I Break (A Twisted Novel)

Author: M. Leighton

Publisher: M. Leighton

Release date: May 14, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: Adult

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

  

 Laura Drake is an author. She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts. She is sharp. She is confident. She is in control. And she doesn’t exist. Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists. She is shy. She is insecure. She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego. She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with. Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books. Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare. When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life. Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be. Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes. Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec. And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her. The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason. And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.    


About the Author

 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding wild horses, skiing the slopes of Aspen or scuba diving with a hot rock star, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

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A Terrible Love Blog Tour - Review & Giveaway

Title: A Terrible Love

Author: Marata Eros

Release date: February 11, 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Women's fiction, contemporary romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

Links to the book:

Goodreads- Amazon -Barnes and Noble 

Book Description:

Jessica Mackey is living a meticulously fabricated lie of necessity. She's left the secret tragedy of her past behind along with who she was and is forging ahead with a clean slate. Jess soon discovers that passion can't be left behind; her own and that of the one man that sees who she really is. Whose presence caresses her soul in a way that may breach the peaceful life Jess has made for herself.

Devin Castile sees a young woman that is the missing puzzle piece to his existence and who is also the victim to a heinous crime. Devin convinces himself that he can remain emotionally distant even while indulging his physical desire for her. When the lies that Jess has made crumble before their attraction and the truth is revealed, one of them might pay with their life... or their very being.

Tour Giveaway: If you would like to offer the tour giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter code below. You will need to copy/paste the html codes into the html tab when creating a post.

(5)  Print Copies of A Terrible Love – US Only

(5) eBook copies of A Terrible Love - International

US Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

International Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Marata Eros is a mixed-genre writer of dark erotica and fantasy with elements of romance and horror. She has completed her first contemporary romance, A TERRIBLE LOVE as her next new release. Marata is a passionate reader who loves interacting with her readers and is more grateful than she can express for their support.

Author Social Media Links:    Blog: Twitter: Facebook: Goodreads

My Review...

Ok, I did like this story and there were parts that I thought were awesome and other parts that I found it was trying to hard.  I liked the suspense and drama of the story line and I did like the chemistry between Cas and Jess/Jewel.
 
This love story was kind of portrayed as one of those unhealthy love bonds like Travis and Pigeon from Beautiful Disaster but just didn't quite make it there.  It was close but there was just something missing for me to really believe the wrongness yet rightness of their relationship.

 With Jess she was hiding from her past but couldn't let go of her dreams.  She was also hiding for so long but realized she was missing something....relationships, connection and love.  At times I was so frustrated with her indecisiveness. I thought the choice was easy but hey whom am I to judge. :)

 Two good looking guys were after attentions and even though she was drawn to both the safety of one and the wrongness of another.  In the end you can't go wrong with Devon Castile being sex on a bad ass stick.

I loved the concept of the twisted love story and was surprised and kept on my toes until the end.

One question that I was left hanging with was: What happened to Brad? He seemed like an intricate part of the story but he just vanished mid story :(

 In the end the story had depth, passion, suspense, angst, friendship and love.


3.5 Rocky Thumbs Up!
   . 5
Lauren

Flawless

Flawless (Irresistible Attraction #4)

M/M (transgender)
by Cat Grant (Goodreads Author)

Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.

Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.

One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Source: eARC from NetGalley for honest review

My Review...

So, normally I am a big fan of the m/m genre and this book looked intriguing from the synopsis but unfortunately I did not realize that it was book 4 in a series and I even though it could be read as a stand alone I think that I would have enjoyed the book better have a deeper connection with Steve.

So, since I didn't have the background I found Steve's character a bit shallow and superficial.  Where as I did like Gil's character more and  I felt his story line was much deeper than Steve's.  This is the first book that I have read that touches onto the transgender story line. I will admit that I don't really know a lot about that so I think Cat did a good job touching on it.  If I knew that was the story line I might not have read the story but I am glad that I did. 

I felt like it was well written but I just didn't connect. I don't know if I didn't connect to the story or the characters.  However, after reading this I would read the others in the series to get a better feel for the whole big story.

3 thumbs up! 


Lauren